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Zur Rose GroupGas supply for south-east Australia
2019 Annual Report
Cooper Energy
We find, develop and commercialise oil and gas.
We do this with care and strive to provide attractive
returns for our shareholders and good commercial
outcomes for our customers.
Cooper Energy Limited
ABN 93 096 170 295
Cover: Construction and installation of a 64 kilometre pipeline connecting the
Sole gas field with the Orbost Gas Plant was one of the major development
activities for 2019. Cover picture shows 1.5 kilometre pipeline stalks laid out at
Crib Point in preparation for spooling on to the pipelay vessel.
Information on descriptions of the company and years, abbreviations
and industry terms.
The terms “the company” and “Cooper Energy” are used in the report to refer to
Cooper Energy Limited and/or its subsidiaries. The terms “2019”, “FY19” and the
“2019 financial year” refer to the 12 months ended 30 June 2019 unless otherwise
stated. Likewise references to 2020, FY20 or other years refer to the 12 months
ended 30 June of that year.
This Report uses terms and abbreviations relevant to the Group, its accounts and
the petroleum industry. Information on abbreviations and terms, rounding and
reserves and resources reporting is provided on page 120.
Our values and what they mean.
We have chosen to be a values-driven business.
We strive to think, decide and act at all times in accordance with our
7 core values:
Care: prioritising safety, health, the environment and community
Integrity: striving to be consistent; staying true to our values and
being accountable for our actions
Fairness and Respect: valuing diversity and difference; acting without
prejudice; and communicating with courtesy
Transparency: being honest; addressing problems; and being clear
with our communications
Collaboration: sharing ideas and knowledge; encouraging cooperation;
listening to our stakeholders; and building long term relationships
Awareness: taking account of all identified key issues in our decisions
and considering future impacts
Commitment: staying focused on core objectives; making pragmatic,
quality technical and commercial decisions; and being decisive with
the courage of our convictions
Our business
We generate revenue from the discovery,
commercialisation and sale of gas to
south-east Australia and from low cost
Cooper Basin oil production.
We have purpose-built our portfolio to provide attractive returns for our
shareholders and good commercial outcomes for our customers by selecting
assets that:
• possess superior competitiveness for the supply of gas to market;
• are in production or expected to be ready for development decision within
5 years; and
• are value accretive.
Production
2019: 1.31 million boe
Proved and Probable Reserves
52.7 million boe at 30 June 2019
Contingent Resources
26.9 million boe at 30 June 2019
0.24
1.8
10.9
0.6
3.0
1.07
40.0
23.3
Cooper Basin oil
Otway Basin gas and gas liquids
Gippsland Basin gas
Other key statistics:
As at 30 June 2019
Market capitalisation:
Net debt:
Issued shares:
Shareholders:
$876 million
$54 million
1,621.6 million
6,758
Employees and contractors:
97.3 full time equivalent
2
Offshore Otway Basin:
Gas production and exploration
Gippsland Basin:
Offshore gas development and exploration
• Casino Henry gas production and development
• Sole Gas Project
• Annie gas field
• Minerva Gas Plant
• Gas exploration
• Manta gas and liquids resource
• Exploration permits
Darwin
Perth Office
Brisbane
Adelaide
Office
Sydney
Melbourne
Onshore Otway Basin:
Gas exploration
• Gas exploration
Hobart
Cooper Basin:
Onshore oil production
• Western flank oil production and exploration
3
Key results
Financial
• Sales revenue up 12% due to higher revenue from gas sales
• Statutory loss after tax of $12.1 million after significant items of $(25.4) million
• Underlying profit after tax up 36% to $13.3 million
• Net debt of $53.9 million as debt drawn down to fund Sole gas project
Sales revenue
$ million
Statutory net profit after tax
$ million
Underlying net profit after tax
$ million
75.5
67.5
27.0
-12.3
-12.1
-1.3
-2.8
39.1
39.1
27.4
-34.8
-63.5
13.3
9.8
-8.7
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Net cash from operating activities
$ million
Net cash/(debt)
$ million
Total equity
$ million
22.2
20.5
147.4
111.0
49.8
39.4
443.9
433.7
285.0
7.9
4.1
2.0
103.9
91.6
-53.9
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
4
Operations and reserves
• Zero lost time injuries
• Production of 1.31 million boe, down 12%
• Proved and Probable reserves up 0.3 million boe to 52.7 million boe
• Sole offshore project completed
Safety
Lost time injury frequency rate
Production
million boe
Proved and probable reserves
million boe
1.0
1.49
1.31
0.96
52.4
52.7
0.48
0.46
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
11.7
3.1
3.0
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Equity
Share price
cents at 30 June
Basic earnings per share
cents
Market capitalisation
$ million at 30 June
54.0
38.0
38.5
1.8
-1.8
-0.7
24.5
21.5
-10.1
876
616
433
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
-19.2
81
94
5
Overview of operations 2019
Gas supply
New contracts for retail
and industrial users.
Increased gas reserves.
Oil production
High margin oil production.
Gas
Sales PJ
Revenue $ million
Reserves Proved and Probable PJ
2019
2018
Crude oil and condensate
6.6
52.3
311
7.0
40.9
309
Production million barrels
Revenue $ million
Proved and Probable reserves million barrels
1.8
2019
0.24
23.2
2018
0.27
26.6
1.8
• 5 new gas agreements negotiated for supply
to AGL Energy, Origin Energy, O-I and Visy*
from Casino Henry and Sole
• Sole term contract capacity committed to 2025
• 2P reserves maintained at 1.8 million barrels
• Reprocessing then interpretation of merged 3D
seismic data
• Commitment to escalated drilling program
• Installation of web-based customer nomination
in 2020
platform for Sole gas
Gas contract book by term
PJ
Gas contract book by
buyer type
PJ
17
25
100
100
194
186
Contracted 1 year or less
Contracted >3 years
Uncontracted
Industrial
Utilities
Uncontracted
* July 2019
6
Exploration and
Development
Sole gas field developed
and ready to supply gas.
Health, Safety,
Environment
and Community
Targets met.
2019
2018
Capital expenditure $ million
200.0
124.4
Hours worked
Reserve replacement ratio
-206% 2,380%
Recordable incidents
Wells drilled
0
4
Lost time injuries
2019
2018
505,300
491,100
0
0
2
0
• Sole offshore project completed within budget
• Zero lost time injuries
• Casino Henry umbilical upgrade completed
• Zero recordable injury frequency rate
• Completion of offshore Otway Basin subsurface
analysis, well design and commitment to 2019
drilling program
• Planning for further development of Henry gas
field and for Manta appraisal well
• Zero reportable environmental incidents
• Launch of Cooper Energy Legacy
Foundation
2019 Capital expenditure
by activity $ million
2019 Capital expenditure by
region $ million
12
23
1
188
176
Exploration
Development
Cooper Basin
Gippsland Basin
Otway Basin
7
From the Chairman
John Conde AO
The status of these ‘soft’ assets cannot be ascertained fully from an
annual report. However, I can assure shareholders Cooper Energy
has made a considerable investment over the past three years in
resources and capabilities for management of its operations and of
its health, safety and environmental impacts.
The company has good relationships with its financiers, which
are blue-chip Australian and international banks. Cooper Energy
is well supported by its shareholders and the broader investment
community. Financial institutions account for approximately three-
quarters of the company’s issued capital and it is the subject
of research coverage by a growing number of international and
domestic stockbrokers.
The continual development of the company’s human resources
is necessary to support growth. The calibre, and number, of well-
experienced professionals attracted to Cooper Energy is very
encouraging; not only for our existing business but also for the future
the company can create.
2019 has seen heightened recognition of the role of corporate
culture in company decision-making and its implications for corporate
reputation and trust. Shareholders know that Cooper Energy has long
been a values-driven organisation. We seek to deliver sustainable
growth in total shareholder return, bounded always by the Cooper
Energy Values of care, integrity, fairness and respect, collaboration,
awareness, transparency and commitment.
Of course, articulation of values is no guarantee of their recognition
or adherence to them. It is heartening to recall the results of the
independently conducted and benchmarked employee perception
study conducted during the year and noted in the previous annual
report. The report confirmed high levels of engagement and
awareness across the company’s workforce.
The best illustrations of the significance of the company’s
performance in 2019 are its plans and prospects for 2020. Cooper
Energy is now positioned to record new benchmarks on a number
of fronts in the coming twelve months. Production and revenue
are forecast to undergo an upwards step change. The company will
conduct its largest drilling program. Gas supply is set to increase
with first sales into new contracts.
Your board and management have embraced keenly the task
of translating our plans and prospects for 2020 into value
for shareholders.
On behalf of all shareholders I thank my fellow board members
and our Managing Director David Maxwell, and his team, for their
contribution to this successful year for our company.
John Conde AO
Chairman
Offshore Victoria, the Seven Oceans laying the 64 kilometre
pipeline connecting the Sole gas field to the Orbost Gas Plant
I am pleased to present this annual report to shareholders. The
twelve months to 30 June 2019 have been a successful year for
our company, which has grown in size, significance and value.
Cooper Energy has operated safely, managed costs and expenditure
well and increased reserves during the year. Development projects
have been completed and we have secured new gas contracts that
are expected to generate growth in the coming twelve months.
Revenue of $75.5 million was the highest yet recorded by the
company. While restoration expense resulted in a statutory loss
of $12.1 million, underlying results show a company which has
increased its earnings capacity as its gas business grows.
The progress made has translated into shareholder value with
the company’s shares appreciating by 40% over the financial year.
As detailed in the Remuneration Report, this result exceeded all,
bar one, of the comparator companies within our peer group. The
company’s development as a publicly traded oil and gas company
was recognised with admission to the S&P ASX 200 index. Cooper
Energy is one of only five exploration and production companies
included in the index.
The key element in these results has been the Sole Gas Project.
Development of the offshore Sole gas field, begun in July 2017, has
been completed free of lost-time-injuries and within the $355 million
budget. This will stand as a company-making triumph when gas
supply from Sole commences.
Behind these ‘headline’ outcomes there has also been a deeper
transformation which is ongoing. Growth in revenue, cash flow,
earnings and share price can only be sustained where the requisite
systems, resources of talent and capital, and support of stakeholders,
are present.
8
9
Managing Director’s Report
After a successful year, a stocktake
on our 6 ingredients for future success.
David Maxwell
In this report, I discuss our current position, plans and expectations
for 6 ingredients critical to your company’s capacity to create and
generate wealth:
1) our ability to act safely, responsibly, and with care, for the
environments and communities in which we operate;
2) access to competitive reserves of gas (and oil);
3) operating and technical excellence;
4) mutually beneficial customer relationships;
5) our team and the quality of the staff engagement; and
6) financial strength.
There are, of course, other requirements for success; such as the
support of shareholders and financiers and constructive, well-informed
relationships with regulators. However, it is our belief excellence
in each of the 6 core ingredients is foundational to success in other
aspects of our business and to our performance.
1) Health, safety, environment and community
Operating with care is the first Cooper Energy Value and this governs
our day-to-day operations and decision-making. A report of the
company’s performance, and targets for 2020, is provided in the
company’s Sustainability Report that is available from our website.
I noted in my opening comments that the company completed
the year safely. Zero lost-time-injuries occurred in the company’s
operations. There were also zero recordable injuries. As an injury-
free performance is the only acceptable safety standard, these
12-month results should, ideally, be ‘business as usual’. However,
I know the safety results were the most pleasing aspect of the year’s
performance for both the board and management of our company.
It is noteworthy these results occurred in the context of an increase
in the working hours and exposure to hazards brought by a wider-
ranging work program, involving more employees, more contractors
and more, and more varied, risks to manage.
Ultimately, the safety performance recorded in any given year will
be determined by the vigilance of employees and contractors in
their day-to-day work over 365 days. I commend them for their
commitment to safety in 2019.
Care for, and involvement in, the communities in which the company
operates has assumed greater significance with the expansion of
our activities. Our engagement with communities occurs at many
levels, ranging from dialogue with elected representatives and
officers, meetings and briefings with individuals and groups who
have an interest in our operations to financial support for selected
local causes promoting the health, well being and education of
community members.
The commencement of the Cooper Energy Legacy Foundation during
the year was a milestone in the company’s strategy of care within
the communities within which it operates. Through the foundation,
Cooper Energy is seeking to contribute a beneficial legacy to its
communities with a particular focus on the themes of: Education,
Fellow shareholders,
I am pleased to report your company has completed the financial year
safely, without reportable environmental incidents and is now ready
to supply gas from its flagship project, the Sole gas field. Since year-
end we have also made significant progress in growing our Otway
Basin business.
With the field development complete, Sole is set to commence
production when the Orbost Gas Plant comes on-line, an event the
company has been advised will occur in the December quarter 2019.
This is later than anticipated in the previous annual report as the
onshore plant upgrade has taken longer than forecast by APA Group.
The offshore element of the Sole Gas Project managed by Cooper
Energy was completed after year-end and is ready to commence
supply.
The impact of the Sole project start-up will be transformational.
Gas production, at plant design rates, is expected to increase nearly
5 times, with flow-on to revenue and cash flow.
It will also see the establishment of the multi-basin production
portfolio that lies at the heart of the company’s gas strategy. With
production in eastern Victoria from the Gippsland Basin, and in the
state’s west from the Otway Basin, Cooper Energy is positioned
to optimise gas supply to its customers from the 2 most competitive
local sources of production.
An imminent milestone of this scale and significance for the company
can be expected to draw attention. However, the primary purpose
of this document is to report on the company’s position at 30 June
2019 and its performance in the preceding 12 months.
The company’s financial results, position and operating results
are reported in detail in the Financial Report from page 37 of
this document.
10
Pre-job safety meeting in
the ’doghouse’ of the
Ocean Monarch during drilling
particularly indigenous education; Health, in particular mental health
and children; and Sustainability, in particular the marine environment.
Further details on the work of the Foundation is contained in the
Sustainability Report.
2) Competitive reserves and resources
Our principal business is the supply of gas to south-east Australia.
Our gas reserves and resources are located in south-east Australia
and rank among the most competitive sources of gas supply to
the region. We hold acreage in proven gas-producing provinces
assessed as being prospective for new discoveries of gas and which,
by virtue of existing pipelines and processing infrastructure, can be
developed rapidly.
Those who have followed our development will appreciate this
position owes little to serendipity. Rather, it is the product of a
disciplined research, analysis and acquisition process which screened
opportunities to consider only those assets which:
1) occupied superior positions on ‘the cost curve’ i.e. assets which
ranked in the best quartile for the cost of delivered gas to our
chosen markets;
2) were either currently in production, or where a development
decision was considered likely within 5 years; and
3) would be value accretive.
These attributes are reflected in the company’s portfolio of reserves,
resources and exploration acreage.
Cooper Energy’s gas reserves and resources are capable of taking
annual gas production from 2019’s 6.5 PJ to more than 50 PJ in 6
years’ time. Potential for additional growth exists in the company’s
exploration portfolio as evidenced by the Annie gas discovery in
the Otway Basin subsequent to year-end.
At 30 June 2019 the company’s Proved and Probable Reserves
were assessed to be 311 petajoules of sales gas and 1.8 million
barrels of oil. Collectively, these reserves represent 40 years’
production at 2019 levels and approximately 10 years’ production
at levels anticipated when Sole is producing at plant design rates.
Contingent Resources (2C) of 26.9 million barrels of oil equivalent at
30 June 2019 are 98% accounted-for by our undeveloped gas fields
in the Otway and Gippsland basins. The location of these fields,
in proximity to gas pipelines and gas processing infrastructure at the
Orbost and Minerva gas plants, support expeditious and attractive
development.
In addition, geotechnical analysis has identified gas prospects
and leads in our Otway and Gippsland basin acreage considered
potentially commercial.
3) Technical and operating capability
Offshore Victoria is the largest, and lowest cost, source of gas supply
for south-east Australia. Cooper Energy is one of a few operators
of offshore exploration and production activities in the region and the
only company operating activities in both the Otway and Gippsland
basins. As I noted in the company’s 2018 annual report, this confers
positional advantage in the speed, ease and cost with which we
can address gas exploration and development opportunities.
Of course, incumbency as an established operator will not deliver
the best value for shareholders if poor operating performance
erodes returns, or if technical capability is poor at recognising
potential. Like safety, this is a challenge the company must rise to
each day, knowing its capabilities will be measured on its most
recent performance.
11
Managing Director’s Report
David Maxwell
The company’s achievements in 2019 illustrate its capability in
offshore exploration and production operations. During the year
Cooper Energy:
Since 1 July 2018 the company has secured new agreements with
Origin Energy, O-I, AGL and Visy (the latter being executed and
announced in July 2019).
- successfully operated its first offshore drilling campaign, completing
the Sole-3 and Sole-4 wells in a 108-day program, just over budget.
The performance of the completed wells during testing confirmed
the capability for Sole to produce in excess of plant design rates.
- completed the construction of the offshore infrastructure for the
Sole Gas Project. The offshore project was formally completed
after year-end and within budget and schedule. Performance of the
project involved work at plant, marine and sub-surface environments
and the involvement of numerous contractors. Workstreams
completed ranged from the delivery and integration of the pipelines,
shore crossings, fabrication installation and testing of gas pipeline
and umbilical controls, well-head design construction and integration
and the drilling and completion of production wells.
- completed repair and maintenance of the offshore umbilical
control systems in the Casino Henry gas project within budget
and schedule.
- completed geotechnical analysis of Otway Basin acreage, identified
lead prospects Annie and Elanora and released a Prospective
Resource assessment for both targets. Drilling of Annie was
conducted subsequent to year-end. Annie-1 proved successful
and recorded the first new gas discovery by an offshore well in the
Otway Basin in 11 years.
These highlights have deeper significance than their demonstration
of operational or technical capability.
In each instance, the quality of the company’s performance has had
favourable implications for shareholder value, either through careful
custodianship of capital, the reinforcement of investor and financier
confidence in Cooper Energy’s execution capability or by encouraging
upgraded valuations of our portfolio by the investment community.
4) Mutually beneficial customer relationships and
our gas contract portfolio
Cooper Energy’s contract portfolio currently includes a total of 9 term
gas sales agreements with south-east Australia’s principal gas utilities
and industrial customers. This portfolio has been established within
4 years.
The customer contract portfolio has been built around an underlying
philosophy that mutually beneficial agreements will, in the long
term, prove the most value-accretive. This sounds self-evident. But
it has not generally been the underlying philosophy of the Australian
domestic gas industry, where a focus on contractual terms rather than
customer needs has been evidenced by a history of contract disputes,
arbitration and litigation.
Over the past 5 years we sought to build an understanding of
gas buyers’ needs and sensitivities and identify the sectors where
mutually beneficial agreements were most likely to be struck.
Our philosophy was not about finding where the highest price
could be extracted, but finding where, and how, competitively priced
gas could secure long-term demand loads with the stability and
terms that make for the most efficient production. The objective
has been to build a contract portfolio complementing the portfolio
of production assets, permitting optimisation of supply sources and
stability of cash flow whilst retaining some exposure to short term
opportunities. As outlined below, we have delivered on our objective.
12
Approximately 68% of the company’s Proved and Probable Reserves
of gas at 30 June are contracted or subject to extension options. This
is consistent with our prioritisation of long-term cash flow assurance.
All the gas available for term gas contract from Sole has been
committed until 2025 and the company is continuing discussions
with potential buyers for volumes expected to become available.
Gas from Casino Henry, which is contracted on a shorter-term basis,
is contracted to 31 December 2020.
The company will retain optionality in respect of the small volumes
of gas either uncontracted, or expected to become available where
customer nominations are less than the contracted maximum
daily quantity.
The development and installation of a gas trading platform and
accreditation as an authorised market participant during the year
means Cooper Energy is positioned to now participate in short-term
trading opportunities.
5) Our team and the quality of the staff
engagement
The development of the company has required growth in the size and
capability of our team of employees and contractors. At 30 June 2019
this team numbered 97.3 full time equivalent (FTE) persons, nearly
4 times the 24.7 FTE of 3 years’ previous.
The company’s success in attracting, engaging and retaining talent
has been germane to the results. Over the past 3 years the company
has evolved from a mainly non-operating onshore oil producer
to be an established offshore operator in south-east Australia, with
a track record and competitive advantage in subsea installation,
operation and maintenance and in gas marketing.
The team, like the company, will be judged on its results. The
results achieved, and expected, from a team are not simply a matter
of capability but will be influenced by intangible factors. Values,
engagement and alignment are 3 factors which, by design, feature,
and are measured and tested, within Cooper Energy.
Values
Cooper Energy has chosen to be a values-driven organisation.
The Cooper Energy Values are not ornamental, but expected to be
exercised every day at every Cooper Energy workplace. Pleasingly,
this is not a ‘top-down’ process but something team members
initiate and maintain.
Engagement
Our engagement with team members is not taken for granted.
A program of independently conducted, bi-annual, surveys of staff
engagement has been initiated. The results from the survey are
benchmarked against scores from the international oil and gas
industry, global general industry norms and the norms of companies
that qualify as high-performing globally.
Cooper Energy’s first survey, conducted in July 2018, attracted
an 80% response rate. The survey analysed responses from the
company’s employees to 83 questions and found overall employee
engagement within Cooper Energy to be comparable with norms
recorded for global high-performing companies and superior to norms
recorded for the oil and gas industry and general industry.
Diamond Offshore Ocean Monarch drilling the successful
Annie-1 offshore Peterborough, Otway Basin. Preparation for
the offshore Otway drilling campaign was a major workstream
for the company in 2019. Annie-1 recorded the first new gas
field discovery in the region in 11 years by an offshore well.
13
Managing Director’s Report
David Maxwell
Alignment
Our team performance and remuneration is aligned with shareholder
interests through direct share ownership and short-term and long-
term incentive plans. Under these plans, all employees are exposed
to equity-linked incentives through the company’s short- and long-
term incentive plans. Employees with 3 months or more service are
eligible, subject to performance for rights to Cooper Energy shares.
The effectiveness of the company’s efforts to communicate and
encourage the Cooper Energy Values, to align and engage our staff
has underwritten its results. We are expecting further growth in
the size of the company’s team and are mindful our effectiveness
in values leadership, engagement and alignment is critical to our
ongoing success.
6) Financial strength
The 2019 financial statements are the first annual accounts where
Cooper Energy has reported a net debt, rather than net cash,
position. The company’s indebtedness arises from drawing down of
senior bank project finance facilities to fund the offshore construction
element of the Sole Gas Project.
There are 3 aspects of the year-end position I want to highlight.
a) The year-end position of gross debt of $218.2 million is a superior
position to the conservative forecasts of the Sole project finance
package. Completion of the offshore project within the mid-case
budget estimate of $355 million has reduced debt required to
complete the project and enabled the release of cash previously
required to be reserved by financiers. The release of these
funds enabled Cooper Energy to contract the Ocean Monarch to
conduct the successful 2019 drilling campaign.
b) Cash flows anticipated from the Sole gas field are forecast to be
more than sufficient to fund repayment of debt and support capital
expenditure for new growth projects.
c) Cooper Energy is conservatively financed, expects milestone-
related improvements in financial terms and will seek to
optimise its finances whilst maintaining a conservative gearing
position. Commencement of firm supply from Sole will enable
the commencement of finance-related performance tests for
qualification for the lower borrowing margin and improved terms
that accrue from the transition from the construction phase to the
operations phase. The company expects cash flows generated
from its projects will enable further optimisation of its finances.
Resources and capital expenditure planning has shifted to new
growth projects such as offshore Otway Basin gas exploration and
development and development of the Manta gas resource. The
company can assess these opportunities with confidence because
of its financial position at year-end, its projected cash flows and the
support and interest it receives from senior banks.
Strategy and concluding comments
Over the past 2 years I have been frequently asked “What does the
company do next after Sole starts?”
This question reflects the project’s significance as the culmination of
the gas strategy initiated in 2012. Identifying the latent value of a field
considered uneconomic, Cooper Energy catalysed the support and
commitments from gas buyers, equity investors, financiers and APA
Group that enabled development of Sole as the first new local gas
project at a time when south-east Australia needed new supply.
14
The last 2 years have seen progressive recognition by equity markets
of the value created in this project as construction of the offshore
project advanced to completion. As an indication, Cooper Energy’s
market capitalisation has risen from $246 million in February 2017
(when APA Group joined the company in the project) to $876 million
at 30 June 2019.
The coming months are expected to see the potential of Sole fully
realised as the field commences production and the company realises
a transformative uplift in production and cash flow.
So, in this context, the question of “what happens after Sole?” is
pertinent. The answer to the question is clear in our current position
and plans for FY20.
Cooper Energy has established itself as a low-cost, competitive and
competent operator of offshore exploration and production in south-
east Australia and a growing gas supplier to the region’s energy users.
Our portfolio contains undeveloped reserves and resources, such
as at Manta in the Gippsland Basin and Annie and Henry in the
Otway Basin. In FY20 we will be performing the necessary planning,
analysis and assurance for drilling these fields with a view to further
increasing production.
In August we resumed gas exploration in the offshore Otway Basin
where, due mainly to low gas prices, there had been no wildcat
drilling in 7 years, despite a high success rate and the region’s
standing as being among the most competitive sources of gas
supply for south-east Australia. I have noted the discovery at Annie-1.
Production from this field could commence within the second half
of the 2021 calendar year, subject to development decision, joint
venture approval and rig availability.
In this event, it is expected gas from Annie, as well as from our
existing gas production operations at Casino Henry, will be processed
at the Minerva Gas Plant. The cessation of production from Minerva
in September 2019 has triggered the agreement for acquisition of
the plant by the Casino Henry Joint Venture in which the company
has a 50% interest.
Our analysis indicates the Otway and Gippsland opportunities can
provide the next wave of growth for Cooper Energy. Our plans
for FY20 are devoted to testing and realising that potential as value
for shareholders.
In closing, I record my appreciation for the support of our
shareholders and the efforts of our employees and contractors who
have made the year’s results, and our promising outlook, possible.
David Maxwell
2019 saw the launch of the Cooper Energy Legacy Foundation.
Ngathoo Wampa Tyama-Ki Teen, a resource of the Portland District
Heath Education and Learning Centre, was among the regional and
community causes to which the foundation provided financial support
during the year. The centre is a valuable resource for the provision of
regional training in nursing and healthcare in the Victorian South West.
15
6 questions for the Managing Director:
Sole, gas market and strategy
1. What are your expectations for production
from Sole? Near term and longer term?
The time when firm supply commences from Sole will be
determined by the readiness of APA’s gas plant at Orbost to,
firstly, receive gas and then complete the commissioning process.
This aspect of the project is running later than originally expected
but is, nonetheless, approaching.
Once commissioning and plant production testing is completed,
the way should be clear for the field to supply gas at the plant
design capacity of 68 TJ/day. This equates to an annual rate of just
under 24 PJ per year. Being a conventional gas development, one
would expect the ramp-up to these rates to be relatively short.
Longer term, we know there is potential for higher production
rates. It is typical for gas developments to graduate to higher
production rates than nameplate capacity and that is our
expectation for Sole.
Both Sole-3 and Sole-4 have demonstrated capability to produce
in excess of the plant design rate. I would expect that, once the
Orbost Gas Plant has established base line production to contract
rates, we and APA will be collaborating on accelerating production
from the field through debottlenecking activities.
We will not know just how much potential exists until we go
through the process, but there is a strong shared financial interest
in accelerating production where we can.
2. Commentary about south-east Australian
gas supply and prices intensified in 2019.
How do you see the market outlook?
Our analysis is gas supply will continue to be tight, but that
is no surprise. It has been a widely discussed expectation for at
least 6 to 7 years and it is what we based our strategy around.
While supply will be tight, we are not expecting a material change
in prices from the range the ACCC has published in its research
of just under $9 a gigajoule to just under $11 a gigajoule.
At these prices, gas is flowing south from Queensland to meet
southern market needs not met by local production. In addition,
Cooper Energy and other southern gas producers are spending
money on exploration and development to bring new gas to
market. There is also Santos’ Narrabri project and LNG import
terminal proposals.
Therefore it is our view that whilst gas supply will be tight, gas
demand can, and will be, met at current prices.
16
3. How does your gas contracting strategy
fit with this expectation? If you are expecting
tight gas supply why have you locked up
Sole’s term contract capacity to 2025?
Our objective is to deliver the best sustainable return for our
shareholders. Our objective is not to extract the highest possible
gas price; because that, certainly, will not give the best long term
return for shareholders.
We will get the best from our gas fields, fixed assets, cash flow and
capital management and our customer relationships by being able
to maintain production at steady, high utilisation rates. The contracts
we have in place have us set to do just that, while still preserving
scope for marginal sales where higher prices are available.
It means we, our financiers, and our investors have good line-of-
sight to long term stable cash flows. That alone has immediate
benefits for our cost of finance and the value of the company.
Long term stable cash flow is also important as we are in a
business which requires long term planning and commitments
for growth. To illustrate, at the moment we are preparing for a
drilling campaign in FY21 which will require a significant financial
commitment beforehand in well design, analysis and assurance,
long lead items and pre-payments to secure the rig prior to the
actual cost of the campaign.
4. Are you concerned about calls for government
intervention given the recent political
commentary on gas? Is that a threat to your
business model and returns from Sole and
your other gas opportunities?
I am not aware of any firm plans for government intervention,
so this is essentially a “hypothetical”. Nevertheless, it is a
hypothetical that I have been asked more frequently of late so
it is important to address.
The short answer is “no”. We do not foresee a threat to our
business model as the model is based around acquiring and
developing gas that ranks among the most competitive source
of supply for south-east Australia. Our own, and independent
analysis, confirms our gas reserves and resources in the Otway
and Gippsland basins are firmly positioned at the sharpest end
of the cost curve for supply to our markets.
So our gas is part of the solution, if you like, not part of the
problem. Perhaps the most telling indication is the keenness of
industrial and utility gas buyers to contract with us.
However, energy security and prices do become a matter for
concern where there is uncertainty. This is clearly the situation
in Australia at the moment. If we want to address the issue
we need to be sure we focus our considerations on measures
to improve the situation by encouraging supply from the most
competitive sources.
5. After 3 years with a simple focus on Sole,
the way forward seems less clear-cut.
‘Growth after Sole’ seems to involve a lot of
moving parts at different stages of maturity:
Manta appraisal and exploration, Henry
development, Annie development and
exploration for more gas in the offshore
Otway and Gippsland basins.
What is the strategy here and what will be the
company’s approach in sorting through the
opportunities?
The strategy is consistent with that which we set out to execute
7 years ago: build a multi-basin portfolio of gas assets with
superior competitiveness in gas delivery to south-east Australia
and then optimise development and supply for the best outcomes
for shareholders and customers.
The portfolio is in place and we have a number of opportunities
to bring gas to a market keen for new supply. The opportunities
are of different maturities: ranging from development of reserves,
appraisal of contingent resources for translation into reserves
and addressing potential in proven gas provinces. In all cases the
opportunities are close to existing gas processing and pipeline
infrastructure.
There are 2 particular strengths to this portfolio. First we are
not dependent on any one single element for success. Sole will
deliver growth and we have a number of other options which can
provide what we call the next wave of growth. Second, we are
able to consider these projects in the favourable development
economic context conferred by the location and market strengths
embedded in our asset portfolio.
Chairman John Conde AO and Managing Director David Maxwell
inspecting pipespooling operations at Crib Point during the year.
This doesn’t mean we will ‘have a swing at everything’. It is about
doing the work to assess what offers the best returns, not just
on a standalone basis but ultimately for shareholders. That could
involve changes in the sequencing of, or nature of, development
as we optimise our programs and plans.
The acceleration of the Otway drilling campaign this year is an
example of that. When our cost management on the Sole gas
project enabled a finance facility redetermination, we acted on an
opportunity to bring forward the drilling and capture a favourable
rig contract. We now have a new gas field development
opportunity at Annie in our portfolio that could present a
compelling case for rapid development.
6. Where does capital management fit within
this? Cash flow is expected from Sole, debt
repayment obligations commence and
shareholders also have been patiently waiting
to share in the returns from the project.
Capital management is front and centre in all of this. Yes, the
commencement of gas sales from Sole will usher in a big step-up
in our cash flows and the start of our debt repayment schedule.
Once Sole is in full production the company is in a different place
from a financing perspective. Consistent with this we are reviewing
our finance facilities. This will be conducted with regard to the
capital commitments and optimising value for our shareholders.
Our forecasts indicate there will be surplus cash flow after debt
repayment. The strength of our portfolio, business position
and markets is such that we expect there to be a range of value-
accretive options available for the deployment of surplus cash.
The approach we will take will be the same as we have used
all the way along: shareholder value wins. We will do the work,
understand what will give our shareholders the best sustainable
return and optimise for that.
17
Reserves and Resources
Reserves
Cooper Energy’s 2P Reserves at 30 June 2019 are assessed to be 52.7 million barrels of oil equivalent. This is a 0.3 million boe year-on-year
increase from 30 June 2018. The key factors contributing to the revision are FY19 production of 1.3 million boe, reserves growth in the Cooper
and Otway basins and Sole gas field revision following 2019 drilling.
Reserves at 30 June 2019
Category
Unit
1P (Proved)
2P (Proved and probable)
3P (Proved, Probable and Possible)
Developed Undeveloped Total
Developed Undeveloped Total
Developed Undeveloped Total
Sales Gas
PJ
Oil + Cond million bbl
Total 1
million boe
15
1.1
3.6
210
0.2
34.5
225
1.3
38.1
24
1.5
5.4
288
0.3
47.3
311
1.8
52.7
36
1.8
7.6
398
0.7
65.7
433
2.5
73.3
1 Totals may not reflect arithmetic addition due to rounding. The method of aggregation is by arithmetic sum by category. As a result, the 1P estimate
may be conservative and the 3P estimate may be optimistic due to the effects of arithmetic summation.
Reserves by basin allocated between oil and gas
Category
Unit
1P (Proved)
2P (Proved and Probable)
3P (Proved, Probable and Possible)
Cooper Otway Gippsland Total1 Cooper Otway Gippsland Total1 Cooper Otway Gippsland Total1
Developed
Sales Gas
PJ
Oil + Cond
million bbl
0.0
1.1
15
0.01
Sub-total1
million boe2
1.1
2.4
Undeveloped
Sales Gas
PJ
Oil + Cond
million bbl
0.0
0.2
Sub-total1
million boe2
0.2
Total 1
million boe
1.3
29
0.01
4.8
7.2
0.0
0.0
0.0
181
0.0
29.6
29.6
15
1.1
3.6
210
0.2
34.5
38.1
0.0
1.5
1.5
0.0
0.3
0.3
1.8
24
0.01
3.9
43
0.01
7.0
10.9
0.0
0.0
0.0
245
0.0
40.0
40.0
24
1.5
5.4
288
0.3
47.3
52.7
0.0
1.8
1.8
0.0
0.7
0.7
2.5
36
0.01
5.8
69
0.02
11.3
17.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
329
0.0
53.7
53.7
36
1.8
7.6
398
0.7
65.7
73.3
1 Totals may not reflect arithmetic addition due to rounding. The method of aggregation is by arithmetic sum by category. As a result, the 1P estimate may
be conservative and the 3P estimate may be optimistic due to the effects of arithmetic summation.
Year-on-year movement in Reserves (million boe)
Category
Proved (1P)
Proved and Probable (2P)
Proved, Probable and Possible (3P)
Reserves at 30 June 2018 1
FY18 Production 2
Revisions
Reserves at 30 June 2019 3
42.1
(1.3)
(2.7)
38.1
1 As announced to the ASX on 13 August 2018.
52.4
(1.3)
1.6
52.7
66.4
(1.3)
8.2
73.3
2 Otway and Cooper basin production from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019 (inclusive). The Reserves exclude Cooper Energy’s share of future fuel usage.
3 Totals may not reflect arithmetic addition due to rounding. The method of aggregation is by arithmetic sum by category. As a result, the 1P estimate
may be conservative and the 3P estimate may be optimistic due to the effects of arithmetic summation.
18
Contingent Resources
Cooper Energy’s 2C Contingent Resources at 30 June 2019 have increased since 30 June 2018 by 3.3 million boe to 26.9 million boe.
The key factors contributing to the revision are:
• Upgrade of the resource assessment of the Manta gas resources in the Gippsland Basin; and
• Inclusion of the contingent development programs in the ex-PEL 92 PPLs in the Cooper Basin.
Contingent Resources at 30 June 2019
Category
Basin
Gippsland
Otway
Cooper
Total 1
1C
2C
3C
Gas
PJ
Oil/Cond
million bbl
Total
million boe
78
17
0
95
2.2
0.0
0.3
2.5
14.9
2.8
0.3
18.0
Gas
PJ
121
18
0
140
Oil/Cond
million bbl
Total
million boe
3.4
0.0
0.6
4.1
23.3
3.0
0.6
26.9
Gas
PJ
190
24
0
214
Oil/Cond
million bbl
Total
million boe
5.4
0.0
1.1
6.5
36.5
3.9
1.1
41.5
1 Totals may not reflect arithmetic addition due to rounding. The method of aggregation is by arithmetic sum by category. As a result, the 1C estimate
may be conservative and the 3C estimate may be optimistic due to the effects of arithmetic summation.
Year-on-year movement in Contingent Resources (million boe)
Category
Contingent Resources at 30 June 2018 1, 2
Revisions
Contingent Resources at 30 June 2019 1, 2
1C
14.8
3.2
18.0
2C
23.6
3.3
26.9
3C
36.8
4.7
41.5
1 As announced to the ASX on 13 August 2018.
2 Totals may not reflect arithmetic addition due to rounding. The method of aggregation is by arithmetic sum by category. As a result, the 1C estimate
may be conservative and the 3C estimate may be optimistic due to the effects of arithmetic summation.
19
Reserves and Resources
Notes on calculation of reserves and resources
Contingent Resources
Cooper Energy has completed its own estimation of Reserves
and Contingent Resources for its operated Gippsland and Otway
Under the SPE PRMS 2018, “Contingent Resources are those quantities
of petroleum estimated, as of a given date, to be potentially recoverable
Basin assets, and elsewhere based on information provided by the
from known accumulations by application of development projects,
permit Operators (Beach Energy Ltd for PEL 92, Senex Ltd for
but which are not currently considered to be commercially recoverable
Worrior Field, and BHP Billiton Petroleum (Vic) P/L for Minerva Field)
owing to one or more contingencies”.
in accordance with the definitions and guidelines in the Society of
Petroleum Engineers (SPE) 2018 Petroleum Resources Management
System (PRMS).
The Contingent Resources assessment includes resources in the
Gippsland, Otway and Cooper Basins. The Contingent Resources
assessment at Manta gas field in VIC/RL13, VIC/RL14 and VIC/RL15
All Reserves and Contingent Resources figures in this document are
(formerly VIC/L26, 27 and 28) reported on 16 July 2015 has been
net to Cooper Energy. Reserves exclude Cooper Energy’s share of
upgraded at 13 August 2019. The change is a result of a new technical
future fuel usage.
Petroleum Reserves and Contingent Resources are prepared using
deterministic and probabilistic methods. The reserves and resources
estimate methodologies incorporate a range of uncertainty relating to
each of the key reservoir input parameters to predict the likely range
of outcomes. Project and field totals are aggregated by arithmetic
summation by category. Aggregated 1P and 1C estimates may be
conservative, and aggregated 3P and 3C estimates may be optimistic
due to the effects of arithmetic summation. Totals may not exactly
reflect arithmetic addition due to rounding.
The conversion factor of 1 PJ = 0.163 million boe has been used to
convert from Sales Gas (PJ) to Oil Equivalent (million boe).
Reserves
study of the resource. No new data or information was used in the
assessment. The update has results in an immaterial increase to
Manta 2C gas resources from 106 PJ to 121 PJ and oil and condensate
resources from 3.2 million barrels to 3.4 million barrels.
The assessment used deterministic simulation modelling and
probabilistic resource estimation for the Intra-Latrobe and Golden Beach
Sub-Group in the Manta Field. This methodology incorporates a range
of uncertainty relating to each of the key reservoir input parameters
to predict the likely range of outcomes. This approach is consistent with
the definitions and guidelines in the Society of Petroleum Engineers
(SPE) 2007 Petroleum Resources Management System (PRMS).
Qualified Petroleum Reserves and Resources
Evaluator Statement
Under the SPE PRMS 2018, “Reserves are those quantities of
The information contained in this report regarding the Cooper Energy
petroleum anticipated to be commercially recoverable by application
Reserves and Contingent Resources is based on, and fairly represents,
of development projects to known accumulations from a given date
information and supporting documentation reviewed by Mr Andrew
forward under defined conditions”.
The Otway Basin totals comprise the arithmetically aggregated project
fields (Casino-Henry-Netherby and Minerva). The Cooper Basin totals
comprise the arithmetically aggregated PEL 92 project fields and the
arithmetic summation of the Worrior project Reserves. The Gippsland
Basin total comprises Reserves in Sole field only. All Reserves exclude
Cooper Energy’s share of future fuel usage.
The Reserves for the Sole gas field located in VIC/L32 reported on
24 February 2017 are updated at 13 August 2019. It incorporates
drilling outcomes from Sole-3 and Sole-4 and a change to deterministic
Reserves, as is used on the company’s other developed field. The
update results in an immaterial decrease to Sole 2P Reserves from 249
PJ to 245 PJ and wider range of low (1P) and high (3P) case outcomes.
Thomas who is a full-time employee of Cooper Energy Limited holding
the position of General Manager – Exploration and Subsurface, holds
a Bachelor of Science (Hons), is a member of the American Association
of Petroleum Geologists and the Society of Petroleum Engineers,
is qualified in accordance with ASX listing rule 5.41, and has consented
to the inclusion of this information in the form and context in which
it appears.
20
Drilling operations, Otway Basin
21
Review of Operations
Production
Cooper Energy’s oil and
gas production for the year
totalled 1.31 million boe
compared with 1.49 million boe
in the previous year.
The movement is due to lower
gas production from the Otway
Basin and lower oil production
from the Cooper Basin.
Production: 12 months to 30 June
2019
2018
Gas
PJ
Oil and condensate
‘000 barrels
Total
million boe
Gas
PJ
Oil and condensate
‘000 barrels
Total
million boe
Otway Basin
6.6
Cooper Basin
-
4.6
238
1.07
0.24
7.0
-
6.0
275
1.22
0.27
Production by region million boe
0.68
0.03
0.25
0.08
0.4
0.14
0.32
1.22
1.07
0.27
0.24
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Otway Basin, Australia
South Sumatra, Indonesia
Cooper Basin, Australia
Safety metrics year ended 30 June
2019
2018
Hours worked
Recordable incidents
Lost time injuries
Lost time injury frequency rate
Total recordable injury frequency rate (TRIFR)1
Industry TRIFR2
505,300
491,100
0
0
0.0
0.0
3.48
2
0
0.0
4.0
4.07
1 TRIFR – Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate all recordable incident data (Medical Treatment
Injuries + Restricted Work/Transfer Case + Lost Time Injuries + fatalities) multiplied by 1,000,000
then divided by total hours worked
2 Industry TRIFR is NOPSEMA benchmark for offshore Australian operations
Safety
A detailed report, and
discussion of the company’s
safety management and
performance is provided in the
2019 Sustainability Report.
The report, which has been
released contemporaneously
with the annual report can
be viewed and downloaded
from the company’s website
www.cooperenergy.com.au.
Safety performance statistics
are provided on the right.
22
Sole gas pipeline construction.
The 64 kilometre pipeline required 5,269 welds.
23
Review of Operations
Offshore Otway Basin
Offshore Otway Basin Production
Casino Henry
By project year
ended 30 June
Casino Henry
2019
2018
• Gas PJ
5.52
• Condensate kbbl
1.7
Minerva
• Gas PJ
1.03
• Condensate kbbl
2.9
5.73
2.9
1.31
3.1
Offshore Otway Basin 2P Reserves
As at 30 June
2019
2018
Developed
• Gas PJ
Undeveloped
• Gas PJ
Total
• Gas PJ
24
43
67
26
35
61
The Casino Henry gas operations produce
gas and condensate from the Casino
field in VIC/L24, and the Henry and
Netherby fields in VIC/L30. The fields are
located 17 kilometres to 25 kilometres
offshore Victoria in water depth ranging from
65 metres to 71 metres.
The licences are covered entirely by
high-quality 3D seismic surveys acquired
between 2001 and 2007. The hydrocarbon
reservoirs discovered and produced to date
are in the Cretaceous Waarre Formation.
The depth of the top Waarre Formation
at the discovered fields ranges between
approximately 1,500 metres to 2,000 metres.
Casino Henry consists of a subsea
development comprising 4 producing
wells (Casino-4, Casino-5, Henry-2
and Netherby-1), with production from a
maximum of 3 wells at any one time.
Gas produced from Casino Henry is
transported by a 12-inch subsea pipeline
to the processing facility at Iona owned
by Lochard Energy. Casino was brought
online in January 2006 and the Henry and
Netherby fields in February 2010. Cooper
Energy’s share of gas from Casino Henry is
currently sold to Origin Energy and O-I under
a 12 month contract to 31 December 2019.
The company’s share of gas production
for the subsequent calendar year has been
contracted to AGL Energy.
Gross field production from Casino Henry
for the year averaged 30.2 TJ/day compared
to 31.4 TJ/day. Total production from
the field was affected by interruptions for
scheduled maintenance at the Iona Gas
Plant and the upgrade of the Casino Henry
umbilical system.
The company’s interests in the
offshore Otway Basin include:
- a 50% interest in, and
Operatorship of, the producing
Casino Henry Netherby (“Casino
Henry”) Joint Venture production
licences (VIC/L24 and VIC/L30);
- a 50% interest in, and
Operatorship of, production
licence VIC/L33 and VIC/L34
which were formerly the
retention leases VIC/RL11
and VIC/RL12 and which contain
part of the undeveloped Black
Watch gas field;
- a 50% interest in, and
Operatorship of, the VIC/P44
exploration permit; and
- a 10% interest in the Minerva
gas project comprising offshore
production licence VIC/L22
and the Minerva Gas Plant,
onshore Victoria. The field
reached end of life subsequent
to the end of the year.
The Minerva Gas Plant is
subject to an agreement signed
by the Casino Henry Joint
Venture participants and BHP
Billiton Petroleum (Victoria)
Pty Ltd for the acquisition of
the plant by the Joint Venture
participants on cessation
of its current operations
processing gas from Minerva.
The transaction is also subject
to completion of regulatory
approvals and assignments.
24
Adelaide
Warrnambool
PEP 168 (50%)
VIC/L34 (50%)
VIC/L33 (50%)
Halladale
Black Watch
Cooper Energy
tenement
Gas field
Gas pipeline
Gas well
Proposed well
VICTORIA
Melbourne
Iona Gas Plant
VIC/P44 (50%)
Martha
Minerva Gas Plant (10%*)
VIC/P44 (50%)
VIC/L30 (50%)
Henry
Netherby
Annie-1
Minerva
Elanora-1
Casino
VIC/L24 (50%)
VIC/L22 (10%)
VIC/P44 (50%)
0
10
kilometres
Exploration
The 2019 financial year saw the culmination
of preceding year’s technical studies with
the selection of the Annie and Elanora
prospects as the lead targets for drilling.
Annie-1 was drilled after the end of the
financial year and resulted in a new gas
field discovery. Drilling of Elanora-1 is to be
considered for a future campaign.
Otway 116AR19
The cessation of production from Minerva
has triggered the agreement for acquisition
of the Minerva Gas Plant by the Casino
Henry Joint Venture participants. The
acquisition is expected to be completed,
subject to regulatory approvals and
assignments, late in the 2019 calendar year.
The joint venture intends to connect the
plant to Casino, Henry and Netherby gas
fields to realise economies in gas processing
and better field productivity enabled by
the plant’s lower inlet pressure. It is also
intended the Minerva Gas Plant be used
for processing of gas from other offshore
Otway Basin gas fields that may
be developed such as Annie.
The Minerva Gas Plant is located
approximately 5 kilometres north-west
of Port Campbell. The plant, which was
commissioned in January 2005, has gas
processing capacity of approximately
150 TJ/day and hydrocarbon liquids
processing facilities. The Minerva Gas Plant
is connected directly to the SEAGas Port
Campbell to Adelaide Pipeline and to the
South West Pipeline, owned by APA Group.
Development
Maintenance and upgrade of the Casino
Henry umbilical control system was
completed during the year. The operation
restored communication to the Netherby-1
well, enabled production from the field to
resume and introduced capacity for ready
extension of the control system to include
new field developments in the region. The
operation was completed within time and
budget, with the interruption to production
being accommodated within field shut-
downs scheduled for Iona Gas Plant
maintenance.
Potential for further production exists
through development of undeveloped
reserves in the Henry gas field. The
joint venture progressed planning for a
development well for this purpose with
a view to finalisation of Final Investment
Decision for the well in 2020, after
assessment of results from the 2019
drilling campaign.
Production and processing cost benefits
are forecast from the connection of the
Casino Henry fields to the Minerva Gas
Plant, which the Joint Venture is contracted
to acquire. Preparations for this event were
commenced, including front-end work
activity planning, receipt and consideration
of front-end engineering proposals and the
assembly of a project team.
Minerva
The Minerva gas field is located in
production licence VIC/L22, 9 kilometres
offshore Victoria in a water depth of
approximately 60 metres. The field was
discovered by the current operator,
BHP Billiton, in 2002.
Gross total field production from Minerva
during the year averaged 28.2 TJ/day
compared to 35.9 TJ/day in the previous
year. The decline in production during the
year was consistent with expectations the
field was approaching end-of-life. Production
from Minerva ceased on 3 September, 2019.
25
Review of Operations
Gippsland Basin
Cooper Energy’s interests in
the Gippsland Basin comprise:
- a 100% interest in the Patricia
Baleen to Orbost Pipeline; and
- a 100% interest, and
- a 100% interest in and
Operatorship of, VIC/L32 which
contains the Sole gas field;
- a 100% interest and
Operatorship of VIC/RL13,
VIC/RL14 and VIC/RL15,
which contain the Manta gas
and liquids resource;
- a 100% interest, and
Operatorship of, VIC/L21,
which contains the produced
Patricia-Baleen gas field;
Operatorship of the exploration
permits VIC/P72 and VIC/P75
located in the Gippsland Basin.
Gippsland Basin 2P reserves
2019
2018
Undeveloped
• Gas PJ
245
249
Sole Gas Project
The Sole Gas Project involves the
development of the Sole gas field and
upgrade of APA Group’s Orbost Gas Plant
to supply approximately 24 PJ per annum
from 2019.
Cooper Energy conducted the upstream
component to develop and connect the gas
field through drilling and completion of
2 production wells (both spudded in the
previous financial year), installation of
subsea wellheads and connection of the
subsea pipeline and umbilical controls to the
plant via 2 shore crossings. The upstream
project was completed after year-end and
the Sole gas field is ready to commence gas
supply on the completion of the Orbost Gas
Plant upgrade being undertaken by APA.
VICTORIA
Orbost
E A
S T E R N GAS P IP E LIN E
Sydney
Melbourne
Bainsdale
Lakes Entrance
Orbost Gas Plant
VIC/L21 (100%)
VIC/P72 (100%)
Patricia-Baleen
VIC/L32 (100%)
Snapper
Longtom
Tuna
Kipper
Barracoota
Marlin
Flounder
Sole
Sole
Manta
Manta
Basker
Chimaera
Gummy
VIC/RL15 (100%)
VIC/P75 (100%)
Fortescue
VIC/RL13 (100%)
%)
VIC/RL14 (100%)
Bream
Gippsland_115AR19
26
Kingfish
Blackback
0
20
kilometres
Cooper Energy tenement
Gas field
Oil field
Gas pipeline
Oil pipeline
Pipeline options
Prospect
VIC/P75
VIC/P75 is an exploration permit located
in the central area of the Gippsland Basin
awarded to the company subsequent to
year-end. The permit is surrounded by
major oil and gas fields including the Marlin,
Snapper and Barracouta gas fields to the
north and the Kingfish and Fortescue oil
fields in the south and east respectively.
Three-dimensional seismic data is available
covering most of the permit area.
The permit has a 6-year term, of which the
first 3 years is a guaranteed work program
consisting of seismic reprocessing and
geological\geophysical studies. Cooper
Energy has 100% equity in VIC/P75 and
will assess the involvement of joint venture
partners according to value and risk
management considerations.
1 Contingent Resource for the Manta gas and
liquids resource was announced to ASX on
12 August 2019. Prospective Resource for
the field was announced to the ASX on 4 May
2016. Cooper Energy confirms that it is not
aware of any new information or data that
materially affects the information included in
the announcements of 12 August 2019 or 4
May 2016 and that all the material assumptions
and technical parameters underpinning the
estimates in the announcements continue to
apply and have not materially changed.
APA have advised the plant is expected to
be ready to commence gas supply in the
December quarter 2019.
The Sole gas field is assessed to hold
Proved and Probable Reserves of 245 PJ at
30 June 2019. This assessment incorporates
marginal revisions to 2P estimates arising
from analysis of the results of Sole-3 and
Sole-4.
Manta
The Manta gas field is located in retention
licences VIC/RL13, VIC/RL14 and VIC/RL15,
35 kilometres from Sole and 58 kilometres
from the Orbost Gas Plant. The field is
assessed to contain 2C Contingent
Resources1 of 121 PJ of gas and 3.4 million
boe of condensate. Prospective Resources1
are also present at the Manta Deep
prospect, with a Best Estimate unrisked
prospective resources comprising 526 PJ
of gas, 12.9 million barrels of condensate
and 1.5 million barrels of oil.
The estimated quantities of petroleum
that may be potentially recovered by the
application of future development project(s)
relate to undiscovered accumulations.
These estimates have both an associated
risk of discovery and a risk of development.
Further exploration, appraisal and evaluation
is required to determine the existence of a
significant quantity of potentially moveable
hydrocarbons.
Manta is being considered as a follow-on
development to Sole, with the capability to
produce approximately 18 PJ per annum plus
associated condensate. The field’s proximity
to Sole and the Orbost Gas Plant enhances
its prospects for development. Analysis
has identified significant synergies and cost
savings if Manta is developed and operated
in coordination with Sole in areas including
control umbilicals, plant, redundancies and
maintenance. Provision for Manta gas to
access the Orbost Gas Plant for processing
has been incorporated in the agreements
executed by APA and Cooper Energy.
An appraisal well is required prior to
a development decision on the field’s
Contingent Resources, which would
also present the opportunity to test the
Prospective Resource assessed in deeper
reservoirs. Planning for this well, Manta-3,
has progressed and it is expected to
be drilled as part of the offshore drilling
campaign targeted for 2021 subject to
rig availability.
Patricia Baleen
Patricia Baleen is a produced offshore gas
field located in production licence VIC/L21
which is in suspension and under care and
maintenance after being shut-in in 2008.
The field is connected to the Orbost Gas
Plant by a 24 kilometre pipeline, also owned
by Cooper Energy.
VIC/P72
In May 2018 the company was awarded
100% equity in offshore exploration permit
VIC/P72 for an initial 6-year term. The permit
adjoins the company’s VIC/L21 production
licence which holds the depleted Patricia
Baleen gas field and its associated subsea
production infrastructure connected to the
Orbost Gas Plant.
VIC/P72 lies in proximity to several Esso-
operated gas and oil fields including
Snapper, Marlin, Sunfish and Sweetlips and
the Longtom gas field operated by SGH
Energy. Prospect analogues similar to the
offset fields are identified in VIC/P72.
The first 3 years’ guaranteed work program
consists of 260 square kilometres of 3D
seismic reprocessing and studies and the
drilling of one exploration well.
Interpretation of reprocessed 3D seismic
and quantitative interpretation volumes
acquired during the year is underway with
a view to identifying candidate prospects
for drilling in 2021.
27
Review of Operations
Onshore
Cooper Basin
Cooper Energy holds interests
in 34 retention licences and 11
production licences in the South
Australian Cooper Basin. The
company’s activities are primarily
focused on tenements held by the
PEL 92 Joint Venture (‘PEL 92‘)
on the western flank of the basin,
which provided approximately
17% of Cooper Energy’s total
production and 96% of its oil
production for 2019. The Worrior
Field (PPL 207) supplied 1% of
Cooper Energy’s total production
for the year.
Cooper Basin 2P reserves
million barrels
as at 30 June
Developed
• Crude oil
Undeveloped
2019
2018
1.5
1.4
• Crude oil
0.3
0.4
Total
• Crude oil
1.8
1.8
Cooper Basin production
million barrels
as at 30 June
2019
2018
Crude oil
0.24
0.27
Joint venture and tenement
interests comprise:
- a 25% interest in the PEL 92
Joint Venture which holds
PRL’s 85 to 104, including the
producing Butlers, Callawonga,
Christies, Elliston, Germain,
Parsons, Perlubie, Rincon,
Rincon North, Sellicks, Silver
Sands and Windmill oil fields;
- a 30% interest in PEL 93
and PPL 207 which holds the
producing Worrior oil field;
- a 19.17% interest in the PRL’s
207-209 (ex PEL-100), and
- a 20% interest in the PRL’s
183 -190 (ex PEL-110).
The company’s primary focus in the onshore
Otway Basin is exploration of gas plays
associated with the Casterton, Sawpit and
Pretty Hill formations, primarily within the
Penola Trough. Analysis of data from Jolly-1
ST1 and Bungaloo-1 drilled in 2014 assisted
identification of a number of opportunities
for future evaluation of the deep plays in
the Penola Trough. The potential of this play
was proven during the year by the gas field
discovery in the Haselgrove-3 sidetrack well
drilled by Beach Energy in PPL 62 in 2017,
a licence surrounded by PEL 494.
An exploration well, Dombey-1, is to be
drilled by the PEL 494 Joint Venture to test
the Pretty Hill sandstone and the deeper
Sawpit sandstone where gas was discovered
at Haselgrove. The well, which is part funded
by a $6.89 million PACE Gas Round 2 grant
by the South Australian Government was
spudded in September 2019.
Activity in the Victorian permits has been
suspended pursuant to the moratorium
imposed by the state government on onshore
petroleum exploration and production until
30 June 2020.
Onshore Otway Basin
Cooper Energy holds interests
in 4 exploration licences and
1 retention licence in the onshore
Otway Basin:
- a 30% interest in PEL 494
and PRL 32, Penola Trough,
South Australia;
- a 50% interest in PEP 150 and
PEP 168, Victoria, and;
- a 75% interest1 in PEP 171,
Penola Trough, Victoria which
may reduce by up to a further
25% on fulfillment of farm-in
arrangements executed with
Vintage Energy Ltd.
1 Title transfer of interest to Vintage Energy still
awaiting regulatory approval and registration.
28
-27°
-28°
139°3
139°
140°
Plan area
PRLs 183-190 (20%)
(former PEL 110)
-27°2
-27°
TAS
Cooper Energy tenement
Other companies’ tenement
Oil field
Gas field
Oil pipeline
Gas pipeline
PRLs 207-209 (19.165%)
(former PEL 100)
e r m ia n edge
C oop
er C
r
P
Rincon
North
Rincon
PRLs 85 to 104 (25%)
(former PEL 92)
W
A
H
P A T C
Callawonga
Elliston
Windmill
Christies
Sellicks
Silver Sands
-28°
Parsons
Perlubie
Germein
Butlers
Lycium Hub
PRL 231 (30%)
(former PEL 93)
PRL 232 (30%)
(former PEL 93)
PRL 233 (30%)
(former PEL 93)
Worrior
PPL 207
PRL 237 (20%)
(former PEL 93)
0
20
40
Cooper Basin
139°
kilometres
an
i
edge
m
r
e
P
140°
Kingston SE
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Naracoorte
PEL 494 (30%)
PRL 32 (30%)
ROBE TROUGH
Robe
ST CLAIR TROUGH
PENOLA
Beachport
Dombey-1
Millicent
Penola
Katnook
Nangwarry
T
R
O
U
G
O U G H
R
e
e
k
R
R
A
A T
E
G
G MI RI D
R I T
R
E
M
A P P A
N
H
G
U
O
R
H
G
U
O
MOOMBA
R
A T
G
N
U
L L
A
H
G
U
O
R
A T
R
E
P
P
A
N
E
T
Cooper 86AR19
Cooper Energy tenement
Gas field
Gas pipeline
Depositional trough
Proposed well
PEP 171 (100%*)
VICTORIA
M
Mount Gambier
H
ARDONACHIE T
R
O
U
G
H
Hamilton
PEP 150 (50%)
PEP 168 (50%)
Cobden
Portland
Warrnambool
Plan area
0
20
40
TAS
kilometres
SHIPWRECK
TROUGH
Onshore
Otway Basin
Otway 115AR19
Otway 115AR19
29
Portfolio
Cooper Energy Exploration and Production Tenements
Region: Australia
Cooper Basin
State
Tenement
Interest
Location
Area (km2)
Operator
Activities
South Australia
PPL 204 (Sellicks)
25%
Onshore
PPL 205 (Christies /
Silver Sands)
PPL 207 (Worrior)
PPL 220 (Callawonga)
PPL 224 (Parsons)
PPL 245 (Butlers)
PPL 246 (Germein)
PPL 247
(Perlubie/Perlubie South)
PPL 248
(Rincon/Rincon North)
PPL 249 (Elliston)
PPL 250 (Windmill)
PRLs 85-104
25%
30%
25%
25%
25%
25%
25%
Onshore
Onshore
Onshore
Onshore
Onshore
Onshore
Onshore
25%
Onshore
Onshore
Onshore
25%
25%
25%
2.0
4.3
6.4
5.5
1.8
2.1
0.1
1.5
2.0
0.8
0.6
Beach Energy
Production
Beach Energy
Production
Senex Energy
Production
Beach Energy
Production
Beach Energy
Production
Beach Energy
Production
Beach Energy
Production
Beach Energy
Production
Beach Energy
Production
Beach Energy
Production
Beach Energy
Production
Onshore
1889.3
Beach Energy
Exploration
PRLs 207-209
19.17%
Onshore
PRLs 231-233 and 237 1
PRLs 183-190
30%
20%
Onshore
Onshore
296.5
621.8
727.5
Senex Energy
Exploration
Senex Energy
Exploration
Senex Energy
Exploration
1 PRL 237 is subject to a Farm-in Agreement which could reduce Cooper Energy’s interest to 20%.
Gippsland Basin
State
Victoria
Tenement
VIC/L21
VIC/RL13
VIC/RL14
VIC/RL15
VIC/L32
Interest
Location
Area (km2)
Operator
Activities
100%
Offshore
134.0
Cooper Energy
Production
(suspended)
100%
100%
100%
100%
Offshore
Offshore
Offshore
Offshore
67.0
67.0
67.0
Cooper Energy
Retention
Cooper Energy
Retention
Cooper Energy
Retention
201.0
Cooper Energy
Development
(for Sole Gas
Project)
VIC/P72
100%
Offshore
269.0
Cooper Energy
Exploration
30
Rob Schenberg Drilling Engineer
and Zacc Paparella, Geologist.
Otway Basin
State
Tenement
Interest
Location
Area (km2)
Operator
Activities
South Australia
PEL 494
Victoria
PRL 32
VIC/L22
VIC/L24
VIC/L30
VIC/L33
VIC/L34
VIC/P44
PEP 150
PEP 168
PEP 171
30%
30%
10%
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
Onshore
2,488.8
Beach Energy
Exploration
Onshore
Offshore
Offshore
Offshore
Offshore
Offshore
Offshore
36.9
58.0
Beach Energy
Exploration
BHP
Production
199.0
Cooper Energy
Production
200.0
Cooper Energy
Production
127.0
Cooper Energy
Development
6.0
Cooper Energy
Development
599.0
Cooper Energy
Exploration
Onshore
3,212.0
Bridgeport
Exploration
Onshore
795.0
Beach Energy
Exploration
75%1
Onshore
1,974.0
Vintage Energy*
Exploration
1 Subject to Heads of Agreement for a farm-in which could reduce Cooper Energy’s interest by up to a further 25%.
* Joint Operating Agreement prescribing Vintage Energy as operator pending regulatory approval
31
Board of Directors
Chairman
Mr John C. Conde AO
B.Sc. B.E(Hons), MBA
Independent Non-Executive Director
Appointed 25 February 2013
Managing Director
Mr David P. Maxwell M.Tech, FAICD
Appointed 12 October 2011
Independent
Non-Executive Director
Ms Elizabeth A. Donaghey B.Sc., M.Sc.
Appointed 25 June 2018
Experience and expertise
Experience and expertise
Experience and expertise
Mr Conde has extensive experience in
business and commerce and in chairing high
profile business, arts and sporting
organisations.
Previous positions include Non-executive
Director of BHP Billiton, Chairman of Pacific
Power (the Electricity Commission of NSW),
Chairman of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra,
Director of AFC Asian Cup, Chairman of
Events NSW, President of the National Heart
Foundation and Chairman of the Pymble
Ladies’ College Council.
Current and other directorships in the last
3 years
Mr Conde is Chairman of The McGrath
Foundation (since 2013 and Director since
2012). He is President of the Commonwealth
Remuneration Tribunal (since 2003) and a
Director of Dexus Property Group ASX:
DXS (since 2009). He is Deputy Chairman of
Whitehaven Coal Limited ASX: WHC (since
2007). Mr Conde is a former Chairman of
Bupa Australia (2008 – 2018).
Special responsibilities
Mr Conde is Chairman of the Board of
Directors. He is also a member of the People
and Remuneration Committee and Chairman
of the Nomination Committee.
32
Ms Donaghey brings over 30 years’
experience in the energy sector including
technical, commercial and executive roles
in EnergyAustralia, Woodside Energy and
BHP Petroleum.
Ms Donaghey’s experience includes
Non-executive director roles at Imdex Ltd,
an ASX-listed provider of drilling fluids and
downhole instrumentation: St Barbara Ltd,
a gold explorer and producer and the
Australian Renewable Energy Agency. She
has performed extensive committee roles
in these appointments, serving on audit
and compliance, risk and audit, technical and
regulatory, remuneration and health and
safety committees.
Current and other directorships in the last
3 years
Ms Donaghey is a Non-executive Director
of Australian Energy Market Operator
(AEMO) (since 2017). Ms Donaghey is a
former Director of Imdex Ltd (2009 - 2016).
Special responsibilities
Ms Donaghey is a member of the Audit
Committee, Risk and Sustainability
Committee, People and Remuneration
Committee and Nomination Committee.
Ms Donaghey was a member of the
Remuneration and Nomination Committee
until 19 June 2019.
Mr Maxwell is a leading oil and gas industry
executive with more than 25 years in senior
executive roles with companies such as
BG Group, Woodside Petroleum Limited and
Santos Limited. Mr Maxwell has very
successfully led many large commercial,
marketing and business development projects.
Prior to joining Cooper Energy Mr Maxwell
worked with the BG Group, where he was
responsible for all commercial, exploration,
business development, strategy and
marketing activities in Australia and led
BG Group’s entry into Australia and Asia
including a number of material acquisitions.
Mr Maxwell has served on a number of
industry association boards, government
advisory groups and public company boards.
In September 2019, he was award the 2019
John Doran Lifetime Achievement Award for
out-standing long term achievement in the
Australian oil and gas industry.
Current and other directorships in the last
3 years
Mr Maxwell is a Director of wholly owned
subsidiaries of Cooper Energy Ltd. He is also
on the Board of the Australian Petroleum
Production and Exploration Association and
the Minerals and Energy Advisory Council.
Special responsibilities
Mr Maxwell is Managing Director and is
responsible for the day to day leadership
of Cooper Energy. He is the leader of
the Management Team. Mr Maxwell is
also chairman of the HSEC Committee
(a management committee, not a Board
committee).
Non-Executive Director
Mr Hector M. Gordon B.Sc. (Hons). FAICD
Independent
Non-Executive Director
Appointed 24 June 2017
Executive Director
26 June 2012 – 23 June 2017
Mr Jeffrey W. Schneider B.Com
Appointed 12 October 2011
Independent
Non-Executive Director
Ms Alice J. M. Williams
B.Com FAICD, FCPA, CFA
Appointed 28 August 2013
Experience and expertise
Experience and expertise
Experience and expertise
Mr Schneider has over 30 years of experience
in senior management roles in the oil and gas
industry, including 24 years with Woodside
Petroleum Limited. He has extensive
corporate governance and board experience
as both a non-executive director and chairman
in resources companies.
Current and other directorships in the last
3 years
Mr Schneider does not currently hold any
other directorships.
Special responsibilities
Mr Schneider is Chairman of the People and
Remuneration Committee and a member
of the Nomination Committee. Mr Schneider
is also a member of the Audit Committee. He
was a member of the Risk and Sustainability
Committee until 19 June 2019.
Mr Gordon is a very successful geologist
with over 35 years of experience in the
petroleum industry. Mr Gordon was previously
Managing Director of Somerton Energy until
it was acquired by Cooper Energy in 2012.
Previously he was an Executive Director
with Beach Energy Limited where he was
employed for more than 16 years. In this
time Beach Energy experienced significant
growth and Mr Gordon held a number of
roles including Exploration Manager,
Chief Operating Officer and, ultimately,
Chief Executive Officer. Mr Gordon’s previous
employers also include Santos Limited, AGL
Petroleum, TMOC Resources, Esso Australia
and Delhi Petroleum Pty Ltd.
Current and other directorships in the last
3 years
Mr Gordon is a Director of Bass Oil Limited
ASX: BAS (since 2014) and during the
reporting period was a director of various
wholly owned subsidiaries of Cooper Energy
Limited (until 10 April 2019).
Special responsibilities
Mr Gordon is the Chairman of the Risk and
Sustainability Committee and a member of
the Audit Committee and the Nomination
Committee.
Ms Williams has over 30 years of senior
management and Board level experience in
corporate, investment banking and
Government sectors.
Ms Williams has been a consultant to major
Australian and international corporations
as a corporate advisor on strategic and
financial assignments. Ms Williams has also
been engaged by Federal and State based
Government organisations to undertake
reviews of competition policy and regulation.
Prior appointments include Director of
Airservices Australia, Guild Group, Port of
Melbourne Corporation, Telstra Sale Company,
V/Line Passenger Corporation, State Trustees,
Western Health and the Australian Accounting
Standards Board. Ms Williams is also a
former council member of the Cancer Council
of Victoria.
Current and other directorships in the last
3 years
Ms Williams is a Non-executive Director of
Equity Trustees Ltd ASX: EQT (since 2007),
Djerriwarrh Investments Ltd, Victorian Funds
Management Corporation (since 2008),
the Foreign Investment Review Board (since
2015), Defence Health (since 2010) and not
for profit Tobacco Free Portfolios (since 2018).
Special responsibilities
Ms Williams is the Chairman of the Audit
Committee and a member of both the
Risk and Sustainability Committee and the
Nomination Committee. Ms Williams was a
member of the Remuneration and Nomination
Committee until 19 June 2019.
33
Executive Management Team
Managing Director
David Maxwell
M. Tech FAICD
General Manager,
Development
Duncan Clegg
PhD – Soil Mechanics, BSc Engineering
Company Secretary
and General Counsel
Amelia Jalleh
LL.M, LL.B, LegalPrac (Hons), BA
General Manager,
Commercial and
Business Development
Eddy Glavas B.Acc CPA, MBA
Ms Jalleh joined Cooper Energy
in August 2019 with more than
18 years’ experience in the
international oil and gas industry,
including senior corporate,
commercial and legal roles in
Australia, the Middle East, North
America and South-East Asia for
Talisman Energy, King & Spalding
LLP and Santos. Prior to joining
Cooper Energy, Ms Jalleh was
Director, Business Development
Asia-Pacific for Repsol, based in
Singapore.
Ms Jalleh holds a Masters of
Laws (University of Melbourne) a
Bachelor of Laws and Legal
Practice (Hons) (Flinders
University of South Australia) and
a Bachelor of Arts (Flinders
University of South Australia).
Mr Glavas joined Cooper Energy
in August 2014 and has more
than 20 years’ experience in
business development, finance,
commercial, portfolio
management and strategy,
including 17 years in the oil and
gas sector.
Prior to joining Cooper Energy,
he was employed by Santos as
Manager Corporate Development
with responsibility for managing
multi-disciplinary teams tasked
with mergers, acquisitions,
partnerships and divestitures.
Prior roles within Santos included:
Finance Manager WA and NT,
where Mr Glavas was a member
of the leadership team that
managed a large asset portfolio;
corporate roles in strategy and
planning; and operational,
commercial and finance roles for
Santos’ Cooper Basin assets.
Mr Maxwell is a leading oil and
gas industry executive with more
than 25 years in senior executive
roles with companies such as
BG Group, Woodside Petroleum
Limited and Santos Limited.
Mr Maxwell has led many large
very successful commercial,
marketing, business development
and acquisition projects and led
multi-function oil and gas teams.
Mr Maxwell was previously
director of gas and marketing
with Woodside in Perth and a
member of Woodside’s executive
committee. He has served on a
number of industry association
boards, government advisory
groups and public company
boards, including the Australian
Petroleum Production and
Exploration Association –
Mr Maxwell is a recipient of the
Australian Gas Association Silver
Flame Award for his contribution
to the gas industry. In September
2019, he was named the recipient
of the 2019 John Doran Lifetime
Achievement Award for out-
standing long term achievement
in the Australian oil and gas
industry.
Mr Clegg has extensive
experience in upstream and
midstream oil and gas
development acquired over
35 years, including senior
management positions at Shell
and Woodside. His experience
features leadership roles in the
North Sea, Africa and Malaysia,
the management of gas receiving
facilities and LNG plant
expansions at Bintulu (Malaysia)
and the North West Shelf
and FPSO, subsea and fixed
platforms developments.
Mr Clegg held several senior
executive positions at Woodside
including Director of the Australia
Business Unit, Director of the
Africa Business Unit and CEO of
the North West Shelf Venture.
Prior to joining Cooper Energy he
managed the development and
projects group at Coogee
Resources and worked as an
independent consultant on a
range of offshore oil and gas
project developments including
FLNG with Höegh LNG. Mr Clegg
was a board member of Verve
Energy from 2011 to 2013 and of
Matrix Composites Limited from
2014 to 2017.
34
General Manager,
Projects
Michael Jacobsen
B. Eng (Hons)
Mr Jacobsen has 28 years
experience in upstream
and midstream oil and gas
development projects.
He has held various positions
at Santos, Woodside and BHPB
Petroleum. Mr Jacobsen’s
experience includes managing
major capital works projects
with multi-discipline teams in
the North Sea, Asia, and
Australia. He has overseen
the management of subsea
and FPSO developments, fixed
platforms and LNG plants.
Prior to joining Cooper Energy
Mr Jacobsen worked for Santos
as part of the leadership team
of the WA/NT business unit.
Mr Jacobsen has extensive
experience with oil field services
company Halliburton managing
subsea construction projects
throughout Asia and Australia.
General Manager,
Operations
Iain MacDougall BSc (Hons)
Chief Financial Officer
Virginia Suttell
B.Com ACA GAICD, FGIA, FCIS
Ms Suttell joined Cooper Energy
in January 2017, bringing more
than 25 years’ experience
in finance and accounting and
secretarial roles, including 20
years in publicly listed entities,
principally in group finance and
secretarial roles in the resources
and media sectors. This has
included the role of Chief
Financial Officer and Company
Secretary for Monax Mining
Limited and Marmota Energy
Limited from 2007 to 2016, and
2007 to 2015 respectively.
Other previous appointments
include 9 years at Austereo
Group Limited, culminating in
performance of the role of Group
Financial Controller from 2003 to
2006. A chartered accountant,
Ms Suttell’s other previous
employers include KPMG and
Price Waterhouse.
Mr MacDougall’s career in the
upstream petroleum exploration
and production business spans
more than 30 years, prior to
which he worked in the nuclear
power industry and in automotive
powertrain research and
development.
Mr MacDougall has extensive
experience with international
oilfield services company
Schlumberger, with operational
and management assignments in
Australia, Asia, the UK North Sea,
Europe, West Africa and the
Middle East.
Since 2001, he has been
based in Australia, initially with
independent Operator Stuart
Petroleum as Production and
Engineering Manager and
subsequently as acting CEO
prior to the takeover of Stuart
Petroleum by Senex Energy.
Mr MacDougall is an alumnus of
Manchester University in the
UK and of the INSEAD Business
School in France. He is a member
of the Society of Petroleum
Engineers and also serves on the
Advisory Board of the Australian
School of Petroleum at Adelaide
University.
General Manager,
Exploration
and Subsurface
Andrew Thomas BSc (Hons)
Mr Thomas is a successful and
experienced geoscientist who
has been involved with Australian
and International oil and gas
exploration and development
projects for over 29 years. He has
experience in a wide range of
onshore and offshore basins in
Australia, Asia and Africa.
Prior to joining Cooper Energy
Mr Thomas was employed
by Newfield Exploration in the
roles of SE Asia New Ventures
Manager and Exploration Manager
for offshore Sarawak and was a
key person in the team that
successfully negotiated
Newfield’s entry into Malaysia in
2004. Through the efforts of the
teams he led, Newfield built a
substantial portfolio of permits in
Malaysia and made several
significant oil and gas discoveries
before being divested to
SapuraKencana in 2014.
Mr Thomas’s previous employers
also include Santos Limited, Gulf
Canada and Geoscience Australia.
He is a member of the American
Association of Petroleum
Geologists and a member of the
Society of Petroleum Engineers.
35
Key Performance Indicators
Operational
Production
Financial
Sales revenue
Other income
EBITDA
Profit before tax
12 months
to 30 June
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
million boe
0.41
0.52
0.49
Proved and probable reserves million boe
2.47
1.88
2.16
Wells drilled
number
Exploration wells spudded
number
12
6
10
6
13
8
0.59
2.01
11
5
0.48
0.46
3.08
3.00
9
4
1
-
0.96
11.7
9
1
1.49
52.4
4
2
1.31
52.7
0
0
Reserve replacement ratio1
percent
134% (113)%
98%
71%
333%
18%
768% 2,380% (206)%
$ million
39.1
59.6
53.4
72.3
39.1
27.4
39.1
67.5
75.5
$ million
$ million
$ million
5.1
(6.0)
(5.5)
Profit after tax / (loss)
$ million
(10.3)
Cash and term deposits
$ million
72.4
Other financial assets
$ million
-
Working capital
$ million
79.5
53.4
51.7
Accumulated profit
$ million
Cumulative franking credits
$ million
14.1
31.4
22.5
37.0
23.8
39.0
4.7
9.1
21.0
8.4
61.5
13.2
2.3
22.3
18.3
2.8
1.9
0.9
36.9
(58.4)
(37.4)
1.6
1.9
4.9
49.9
4.2
7.5
31.2
(18.8)
(26.0)
(7.0)
31.0
(13.2)
1.3
22.0
(63.5)
(34.8)
(12.3)
27.0
(12.1)
47.9
20.2
49.1
26.0
41.2
39.4
49.8
147.5
236.9
164.3
1.9
1.0
0.7
42.6
21.7
43.0
44.2
84.0
154.0
131.8
45.7
(17.7)
(52.6)
(64.9)
(37.9)
(49.9)
38.7
43.7
42.9
42.9
42.9
42.9
Total equity
$ million
114.9
136.9
137.2
167.8
103.9
91.6
285.0
443.9
433.7
Earnings per share
cents
(3.5)
2.8
0.4
6.4
(19.2)
(10.1)
(1.8)
1.8
(0.7)
Return on shareholders funds
percent
(8.6)%
6.7%
0.9% 14.4% (46.7)% (38.0)% (6.5)%
7.4% (2.6%)
Total shareholder return
percent
(2.7)% 25.0% (16.7)% 34.7% (51.5)% (12.2)%
72.7
6.0%
40.3%
Average oil price
A$/bbl
95.42
114.63
112.31
124.08
85.48
60.75
61.89
99.61
106.19
Capital as at 30 June
Share price
$ per share
0.36
0.45
0.375
0.505
0.245
0.215
0.38
0.385
0.54
Issued shares
million
292.6
327.3
329.1
329.2
331.9
435.2
1,140.2
1,601.1
1,621.6
Market capitalisation
$ million
105.3
147.3
123.4
166.3
81.4
93.6
433.3
616.4
875.5
Shareholders
number
5,573
5,485
5,284
5,122
5,103
4,931
6,292
6,622
6,758
1 Reserve replacement ratio calculated by net IP reserve addition/production.
36
Cooper Energy Limited and its controlled entities
Financial Report
For the year ended 30 June 2019
Operating and Financial Review
Directors’ Statutory Report
Remuneration Report
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Group Performance
1. Segment reporting
2. Revenues and expenses
3.
Income tax
4. Earnings per share
Working Capital
5. Cash and cash equivalents and term deposits
6. Trade and other receivables
7. Prepayments
8.
Inventory
9. Trade and other payables
Capital Employed
10. Property, plant and equipment
11. Intangible assets
12. Exploration and evaluation assets
13. Oil and gas assets
14. Impairment
15. Provisions
16. Government grants
Funding and Risk Management
17. Interest bearing loans and borrowings
18. Net finance costs
19. Contributed equity and reserves
20. Financial risk management
21. Hedge accounting
Group Structure
22. Interests in joint arrangements
23. Investments in controlled entities
24. Parent entity information
Other Information
25. Commitments and contingencies
26. Share based payments
27. Related party disclosures
28. Remuneration of Auditors
29. Events after the reporting period
Directors’ Declaration
Independent Auditor’s Report to the
Members of Cooper Energy Limited
Auditor’s Independence Declaration to the
Directors of Cooper Energy Limited
Securities Exchange and Shareholder Information
Shareholder Information
Information on AGM, annual report and
abbreviations and terms
38
48
50
68
69
70
71
72
76
77
78
83
84
85
85
85
85
86
86
87
88
89
90
92
92
93
93
95
99
100
101
102
103
103
106
106
106
107
108
116
117
118
120
3737
Operating and Financial Review
For the year ended 30 June 2019
Operations
Cooper Energy Limited (the “Company”) generates revenue from the supply of gas to South-East Australia and oil production in the Cooper
Basin. The Group’s current operations and interests include:
• offshore gas and gas liquids production in the Otway Basin, Victoria, from the Casino, Henry, Netherby (“Casino Henry”) and Minerva gas
fields;
• non-operated onshore oil production and exploration from the western flank of the Cooper Basin;
• the Sole gas field development in the offshore Gippsland Basin;
• the Manta gas and liquids field in the offshore Gippsland Basin;
• gas exploration in the offshore and onshore Otway Basin; and
• gas exploration in the offshore Gippsland Basin.
The Company is the Operator of all of its offshore gas production, exploration and development activities with the exception of the Minerva
gas field.
Reserves and Contingent Resources
Proved and Probable Reserves (2P) as at 30 June 2019 are estimated at 52.7 million boe (barrels of oil equivalent) compared with 52.4 million
boe at 30 June 2018. Contingent Resources (2C) as at 30 June 2019 are estimated at 26.9 million boe compared with 23.6 million boe at
30 June 2018.
As at 30 June 20191
Gippsland Basin
Otway Basin
Cooper Basin
Total Cooper Energy
2P Proved and Probable Reserves
2C Contingent Resource
Gas
PJ
Oil & condensate
MMbbl
Total
MMboe
Gas
PJ
Oil & condensate
MMbbl
Total
MMboe
244.7
66.6
-
311.3
-
-
1.8
1.8
40.0
10.9
1.8
52.7
121.4
18.2
-
139.6
3.4
-
0.6
4.1
23.3
3.0
0.6
26.9
1 As announced to the ASX on 12 August 2019. Totals may not reflect arithmetic addition due to rounding. The method of aggregation is by
arithmetic sum by category.
Workforce
At 30 June 2019 the Company had 53.5 full time equivalent (FTE) employees and 43.8 FTE contractors compared with 38.9 FTE employees and
62.1 FTE contractors at 30 June 2018. The increase in employee numbers is attributable to resourcing of roles and functions for the growth of
the Group’s operations. Contractor numbers have fluctuated in line with the progress of the Sole Gas Project and requirements for the 2019
drilling program.
Health Safety Environment and Community
Zero lost time injuries or reportable environmental incidents occurred within the Company’s operations during the 12 months to 30 June 2019
and previous 12 months to 30 June 2018.
Production
Total production for the year was 1.31 million boe compared with 1.49 million boe in the previous year, with the decline being attributable to
lower gas and oil output.
Gas production for the year was 6.6 PJ compared with 7.0 PJ in 2018. Natural field decline, the impact of interruption to Casino Henry output
brought by scheduled maintenance at the Iona Gas Plant and the repair and upgrade to the Casino Henry control umbilical contributed to lower
gas production in 2019.
Liquids production for the year consisted of 242.6 kbbl compared with 281.0 kbbl in the previous year. Approximately 98% of the 2019 liquids
production was sourced from the Cooper Basin, where no drilling was conducted and production rates declined. As noted under ‘Outlook’
following, drilling in the Company’s Cooper Basin acreage is planned to resume in 2020.
38
Operating and Financial Review
For the year ended 30 June 2019
Operations continued
Commercial
The company’s strategy for creating shareholder value involves the establishment and operation of a portfolio style gas business to address
supply opportunities in South-East Australia.
Fundamental to this strategy is identifying, developing and contracting gas reserves that rank among the most competitive supply available to
the region. The Company considers the gas supply with the lowest delivered cost to market is the gas supply best able to optimise price for
customers and value for shareholders.
Commercial focus in 2019 was on securing gas sales agreements for uncontracted gas supply for the near to medium term. Customer
engagement and negotiations initiated in 2019 resulted in the announcement of gas sales agreements with AGL Energy, Origin Energy and
Visy which was announced subsequent to year-end. These new agreements provide for a total supply of approximately 30 PJ net from Cooper
Energy from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2025.
Uncontracted proved and probable gas reserves are approximately 86 PJ, representing 28% of gas reserves at 30 June 2019. Almost all of this
uncontracted gas is deliverable from the 2021 financial year.
Exploration and Development
Offshore Otway Basin
The Company’s interest in the offshore Otway Basin comprise:
a)
50% interest in and Operatorship of:
- production licences VIC/L24 and VIC/L30 containing the Casino, Henry and Netherby gas fields;
- retention licences VIC/RL11 and VIC/RL12 and;
- exploration permit VIC/P44.
These interests are held in joint ventures with Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Ltd and Peedamullah Petroleum Pty Ltd (the “Casino Henry
Joint Venture”).
b) 10% interest in:
- the production licence VIC/L22 which holds the Minerva gas field; and
- the Minerva Gas Plant, onshore Victoria.
These interests are held in a joint venture (the “Minerva Joint Venture”) with the Operator and remaining interest-holder, BHP Petroleum.
The participants in the Casino Henry Joint Venture have agreed to acquire the Minerva Gas Plant from the Minerva Joint Venture on the
cessation of production from the Minerva gas field. This is expected to occur in 2020.
Offshore Otway exploration
The offshore Otway permits are highly attractive for gas exploration, being located in a proven gas province possessing pipeline infrastructure
and access to processing and market (via the Minerva Gas Plant after its acquisition).
Since acquiring these interests in 2017, the company has conducted a re-evaluation of prospectivity, including reprocessing and interpretation
of 3D seismic volume, which was integrated with other exploration studies. These studies resulted in two high-graded prospects, Annie and
Elanora, being selected for drilling.
A two-well drilling campaign to test these prospects commenced subsequent to year-end with the spudding of Annie-1 on 2 August 2019, to
be followed by Elanora-1. It is expected that any commercial gas discoveries resulting from the campaign may be developed using production
wells drilled as part of a broader drilling campaign being planned for 2021.
Offshore Otway development
Development projects in the offshore Otway Basin (including the associated onshore gas processing facilities) and their status, are as follows:
• upgrade and replacement of the Casino Henry umbilical control system. This project was completed during the year to undertake routine
maintenance, restore control system communication for the re-opening of Netherby-1 and upgrade capacity for accommodation of additional
production wells such as may be required in the event of exploration success.
• connection of the Casino Henry gas operations to the Minerva Gas Plant. This project is to be initiated on acquisition of the plant by the
Casino Henry Joint Venture.
• Henry development well. A development well is planned for the Henry gas field to access undeveloped reserves and increase production.
The Henry development well is being considered for inclusion in the drilling campaign planned for 2021.
The Company has applied for conversion of the VIC/RL11 and VIC/RL12 retention leases into production licences for the purpose of developing
the portion of the Black Watch gas field that lies within these permits.
39
Operating and Financial Review
For the year ended 30 June 2019
Operations continued
Onshore Otway Basin
The Company’s interests in the onshore Otway Basin include licences in South Australia and permits in Victoria. Activities in the latter are
currently suspended until June 2020 pursuant to the moratorium on onshore gas exploration imposed by the Victorian State Government.
The onshore Otway Basin interests comprise:
a) 30% interests in PEL 494 and PRL 32, South Australia
The remaining interest in the PEL 494 and PRL 32 joint ventures is held by the Operator, Beach Energy Limited.
b) 50% interests in PEP 150 and PEP 168 in Victoria
The remaining interests in the PEP 150 and PEP 168 joint ventures are held respectively by the Operators, Bridgeport Energy Limited and
Beach Energy Limited.
c) 75% interest in PEP 171 in Victoria, which may reduce to 50% on fulfilment of farm-in arrangements executed with Vintage Energy Ltd who
hold 25% of the permit.
In South Australia, the PEL 494 Joint Venture prepared for the drilling of the Dombey-1 exploration well, which is expected to commence in late
August 2019. Dombey-1 is located 20 kilometres north-west of the Katnook Gas Plant and will be part-funded through a $6.89 million PACE Gas
Round 2 grant by the South Australian Government.
Gippsland Basin
The Company’s major development project and the majority of its Reserves and Resources, are located in the Gippsland Basin, offshore
Victoria, Australia.
Interests in the region comprise:
a) 100% interest in VIC/L32 which contains the Sole gas field;
b) 100% interest in VIC/RL13, VIC/RL14 and VIC/RL15, which contain the Manta gas and liquids field. The retention leases also hold legacy
infrastructure associated with the BMG oil project;
c) 100% interest in VIC/L21 which contains the largely depleted and shut-in Patricia-Baleen gas field, and infrastructure offering connection to
the Orbost Gas Plant; and
d) 100% interest in exploration permit VIC/P72.
The Company is pursuing a phased development program of its Gippsland gas reserves and resources through development of Sole and a
subsequent development of Manta.
Sole Gas Project
The Sole Gas Project is being undertaken to develop the Sole gas field, offshore Victoria. Production from Sole is expected to add 24 PJ per
annum to Cooper Energy’s gas sales.
The Sole gas field is being developed through separate offshore and onshore projects. APA Group is undertaking the onshore project to upgrade
its existing Orbost Gas Plant to process gas from the Sole gas field.
The Company completed works relating to offshore construction of the Sole Gas Project during the year and the Sole gas field is ready
to supply gas to the Orbost Gas Plant. First gas flow from the field to the Orbost Gas Plant will occur during the second phase of plant
commissioning. APA have advised the plant is expected to commence commissioning in September 2019 and commence firm sales gas supply
during the December quarter 2019.
The offshore construction was completed with zero lost time injuries and zero reportable environmental incidents after performance of 561,362
work hours at offshore sites, marine and subsea workplaces.
Capital expenditure incurred on the offshore project to 30 June 2019 totalled $339 million. The final cost for the project will be subject to
expenditure for planned support of commissioning activities and commercial close-out of key supplier contracts, which may include rebates,
credits and variations. Forecast final cost remains within budget for the offshore project cost of $355 million.
Manta
Development of the Manta gas and liquids field is being pursued as the next phase of the Gippsland Gas Project, utilising economies available
through coordination with the Sole gas field development.
A business case undertaken in 2015 found commercialisation of the gas field could be feasible. Appraisal of the field’s Contingent Resources
is considered necessary for confirmation of the assessed resource. An appraisal/exploration well, Manta-3, will also test the potential of a
prospective resource in deeper reservoirs and inform a development decision on the field and the final firm development plan. The drilling of
Manta-3 is being considered in the planning of the offshore drilling campaign for 2021.
The 2021 drilling campaign may also include drilling an exploration prospect in VIC/P72.
40
Operating and Financial Review
For the year ended 30 June 2019
Operations continued
Cooper Basin
The Cooper Basin interests comprise:
a) 25% interest in PRLs 85-104 (the “PEL 92 Joint Venture”) with the remaining interest held by the Operator, Beach Energy Limited.
b) 30% interest in PRLs 231-233 (the “PEL 93 Joint Venture”), with the remaining interest in the joint venture held by the Operator,
Senex Energy Limited;
c) 20% interest in PRL 237, with the remaining interests in the joint venture held by Metgasco Limited and the Operator, Senex
Energy Limited;
d) 19.165% interest in PRLs 207-209 (formerly PEL 100), with the remaining interests in the joint venture held by Santos QNT Pty Ltd
and the Operator, Senex Energy Limited; and
e) 20% interest in PRLs 183-190 (formerly PEL 110), with the remaining interest in the joint venture held by the Operator, Senex
Energy Limited.
The PEL 92 FY20 drilling of up to 19 exploration, appraisal and development wells commenced on 30 July 2019 at Parsons-6. Reprocessing
and merging of the PEL 92 3D seismic surveys was conducted and interpretation of the data sets commenced. The results of this activity
will assist future definition of exploration prospectivity.
In PRLs 231, 232 and 233 (formerly PEL 93) acquisition of the Westeros 3D seismic survey was completed. This seismic survey covered
278 km2 within the Company’s acreage to address the highly prospective Namur Sandstone exploration play and support testing a southern
extension of the western flank oil play. The seismic data is now being processed, with prospects to be identified in 2020.
Financial Performance
Cooper Energy Limited recorded a statutory loss after tax of $12.1 million for the financial year which compares with the profit after tax of
$27.0 million recorded in the 2018 financial year. The 2019 financial year statutory loss included a number of items which affected the result
by a total of $25.4 million. These items comprise:
• a non-cash restoration expense of $26.2 million resulting from a reassessment of the Patricia Baleen field rehabilitation provision; and
• gain on exit provision of $0.8 million in respect of the Company’s settlement of a payment relating to the exit of the Hammamet permit
(Tunisia), which had been previously provided for.
The prior period result included a gain on sale of the Orbost Gas Plant of $21.9 million.
Calculation of underlying net profit after tax by adjusting for items unrelated to the underlying operating performance is considered to provide
a meaningful comparison of results between periods. Underlying net profit after tax and underlying EBITDA are not defined measures under
International Financial Reporting Standards and are not audited. Reconciliations of net (loss)/profit after tax, underlying net profit after tax,
underlying EBITDA and other measures included in this report to the Financial Statements are included at the end of this review.
The underlying profit after tax (exclusive of the items noted above) was $13.3 million, compared with an underlying profit after tax of $9.8
million in the 2018 financial year. The factors which contributed to the movement between the periods were:
• higher oil and gas sales revenue of $8.0 million;
• higher costs of sales of $5.4 million as a result of higher gas processing costs;
• higher administration costs of $4.3 million, mainly relating to the Company’s increased remuneration costs as a result of increased head count
due to higher activity levels across the business; and
• lower tax expense of $5.2 million including PRRT payments made in respect of the Company’s producing gas assets.
Financial Performance
Sales volume
Sales revenue
Gross profit
Gross profit / Sales revenue
Operating cash flow
Cash, other financial assets and investments
Reported profit/(loss) after tax
Underlying profit/(loss) after tax
Underlying profit/(loss) before tax
Underlying EBITDA*
MMboe
$ million
$ million
%
$ million
$ million
$ million
$ million
$ million
$ million
* Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation
2019
1.3
75.5
31.7
42.0
20.5
165.5
(12.1)
13.3
12.1
32.9
2018
Change
1.5
67.5
29.0
43.0
22.2
259.3
27.0
9.8
14.0
32.6
(0.2)
8.0
2.7
(1.0)
(1.7)
(93.8)
(39.1)
3.5
(1.9)
0.3
%
(12%)
12%
9%
(2%)
(8%)
(36%)
(145%)
36%
(14%)
1%
41
Operating and Financial Review
For the year ended 30 June 2019
Financial Performance continued
All numbers in tables in the Operating and Financial Review have been rounded. As a result, some total figures may differ insignificantly
from totals obtained from arithmetic addition of the rounded numbers presented.
Cash and cash equivalents balance decreased by $72.6 million over the period as summarised in the following chart.
Operating cashflows for the period were $20.5 million comprising:
• cash generated from operations of $41.6 million;
• general administration costs of $9.5 million;
• restoration costs of $14.3 million;
• Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT) payments of $0.5 million; and
• interest revenue of $3.2 million;
Financing, investing and other cash flows for the period were $93.1 million and included:
• debt drawdowns of $90.7 million (net of costs of $1.6 million);
• exploration, development and property, plant and equipment costs of $194.6 million;
• interest payments of $11.0 million;
• transfer of $20.6 million from escrow; and
• foreign exchange differences and other of $1.2 million.
Movements in cash and cash equivalents
2019 vs 2018
$ million
Total cash and
cash equivalents,
other financial
assets and
investments
259.3
Other
financial
assets and
investments
22.4
236.9
Cash and
cash
equivalents
+113.6
(11.0)
90.7
(9.5)
41.6
(14.3)
(0.5)
3.2
257.4
Operating
20.5
Total cash and
cash equivalents,
other financial
assets and
investments
165.5
(194.6)
Other
(93.1)
1.2
1.2
20.6
Other financial
assets and
investments
164.3
Cash and
cash
equivalents
June -18 Operations General
Admin
Restoration
costs
PRRT
Interest
Cash
after
operating
cash
flows
Net
debt
draw-
downs
Interest
payments
Exploration,
develop-
ment & PPE
Transfer
from
esrow
FX &
Other
June-19
42
Operating and Financial Review
For the year ended 30 June 2019
Financial Position
Financial Position
Total assets
Total liabilities
Total equity
Net (debt)/cash
Assets
$ million
$ million
$ million
$ million
2019
1,001.8
568.1
433.7
(53.9)
2018
816.8
372.9
443.9
111.0
Change
185.0
195.2
(10.2)
%
23%
52%
(2%)
(164.9)
(149%)
Total assets increased by $185.0 million from $816.8 million to $1,001.8 million.
At 30 June the Company held cash and cash equivalents of $164.3 million and investments of $1.2 million.
Exploration and evaluation assets increased by $53.6 million from $98.7 million to $152.3 million as a result of increases associated with the
reset of the rehabilitation provisions and capital expenditure incurred on exploration assets.
Oil and gas assets increased by $218.6 million from $394.6 million to $613.2 million mainly as a result of capital expenditure incurred on
development activities and increases associated with the reset of the rehabilitation provisions.
Total Liabilities
Total liabilities increased by $195.2 million from $372.9 million to $568.1 million.
Provisions increased by $107.4 million from $180.5 million to $287.9 million attributable to the revised gross cost assumptions for restoration
provisions and lower discount rates.
Interest bearing loans and borrowings increased by $96.8 million from $116.9 million to $213.7 million. This represents the drawdowns under
the reserve-based lending (RBL) facility of $218.2 million offset by associated capitalised transaction costs of $4.5 million.
Total Equity
Total equity decreased by $10.2 million from $443.9 million to $433.7 million. In comparing equity at 30 June 2019 to 30 June 2018 the key
movements were:
• higher contributed equity of $2.6 million due to shares issued to select contract staff, shares issued on vesting of performance rights and
share appreciation rights during the period;
• lower reserves of $0.7 million mainly due to the vesting of equity incentives to employees partially offset by fair value movements in the
Company’s interest rate swaps for which cash flow hedge relationships apply; and
• higher accumulated losses of $12.1 million due to the statutory loss for the period.
Outlook
The 12 months to 30 June 2020 are expected to be a milestone year in the life of the Company as the Sole gas field comes on line. The
contribution from Sole at plant design rates is expected to increase Cooper Energy gas production by more than five times from approximately
15 TJ per day to more than 80 TJ per day and substantially increase sales revenue and cash flow.
The timing of this event will be determined by completion of the Orbost Gas Plant upgrade. APA have advised the plant is expected to
commence commissioning in September and to commence firm sales gas supply in the December quarter 2019. As the date for this event
is currently unknown, the company’s guidance for 2020 production is, at this stage, based on existing producing assets alone and does not
include estimates for Sole. These assets, in the Otway and Cooper Basins are expected to generate production of approximately 1.2 million boe
in 2020, which includes gas production expected to exceed 5 PJ. Oil production of approximately 240,000 barrels is expected from the
Cooper Basin.
Guidance for 2020 will be revised and announced subsequent to the completion of plant commissioning. Sole is expected to add 68 TJ
(11,000 boe) per day at plant design rates.
2020 will also feature the largest drilling program yet undertaken by the Company. The program, which comprises 22 wells, has two elements:
1) gas exploration in the Otway Basin to identify commercial gas discoveries capable of providing the company’s next wave of growth. This
element includes the drilling of the Annie-1 and Elanora-1 exploration wells in the offshore Otway Basin and the Dombey-1 well onshore.
Subsurface studies and well design will also be conducted for the company’s VIC/P72 exploration permit in the Gippsland Basin. Gas
exploration accounts for $49 million, or 85%, of the year’s exploration budget.
2) Exploration, appraisal and development drilling in the Cooper Basin by the PEL-92 joint venture to add new reserves and production.
The Cooper Basin program includes three exploration wells, 10 appraisal wells on producing fields and, depending on appraisal results,
six development wells.
43
Operating and Financial Review
For the year ended 30 June 2019
Business Strategies and Prospects
Cooper Energy seeks to generate shareholder wealth through ownership and operation of a portfolio of gas assets with superior
competitiveness in the supply of gas to South-East Australia. Key to the Company’s success, and its desire to generate superior returns
for its shareholders, is value-adding acquisition, discovery, development, contracting and supply of gas.
Execution of the strategy over the past six years has seen accumulation of a portfolio of gas assets occupying an advantageous position
on the cost curve and a portfolio of supply contracts with utility and industrial customers.
This portfolio offers a range of value catalysts in current and future years through:
- new gas contracts. As financial results for 2019 have demonstrated, the commencement of new gas contracts has been responsible for
increased revenue.
- increased production of gas. As noted under Outlook preceding, the commencement of production from the Sole gas field in 2020 is
expected to increase Cooper Energy’s gas sales by a factor of five. Potential for further increases to gas production has been established by
the performance of Sole-3 and Sole-4 in excess of plant design rates during testing.
- development of existing resources and reserves at Manta and the Henry gas field.
- exploration for new resources of gas in the Otway and Gippsland basins. The Company’s acreage in these regions holds identified gas
prospects in proximity, and on-trend with, producing and known gas fields and close to existing pipe and processing infrastructure.
These are to be targeted in the drilling campaign that commenced in August and the subsequent campaign being planned for 2021.
- completion of the acquisition of the Minerva Gas Plant and integration of the plant into the Casino Henry pipeline system.
- The Company’s oil producing production and reserves are expected to benefit from an escalated drilling campaign planned for 2020
The Company is vigilant in identifying potential value-creation opportunities from participation in assets that fit with the Company’s strategy
and portfolio. The Company reviews its portfolio and equity participation levels on an ongoing basis for optimal allocation of capital for
value creation.
Funding and Capital Management
Cooper Energy seeks to manage its capital with the objective of providing shareholders with the optimal risk-weighted return from the
application of its expertise in the exploration, development, production and sale of hydrocarbons.
At 30 June 2019 the Company had cash, deposits, and equity instruments of $165.5 million and drawn debt of $218.2 million1. The
Company has a Reserve Based Lending facility to fund a portion of the Sole gas field development with a limit of $250.0 million. Of this limit,
$233.0 million is available, of which $14.8 million remains undrawn at 30 June 2019. The facility can be used for general corporate purposes
after project completion. The Company has additional liquidity of approximately $15 million through a working capital facility to be used
for general business purposes, of which $1.7 million has been utilised in respect of bank guarantees with the remaining balance undrawn.
Further information is detailed in Note 17 of the Financial Statements.
The Company continues to assess value accretive funding options as it pursues growth opportunities.
Risk Management
The Company manages risks in accordance with its risk management policy with the objective of ensuring risks inherent in oil and gas
exploration and production activities are identified, measured and then managed or kept as low as reasonably practicable. The Management
Team perform risk assessments on a regular basis and a summary is reported to the Risk and Sustainability Committee. The Committee
approves and oversees an internal audit program undertaken internally and/or in conjunction with appropriate external industry or
field specialists.
Appropriate policies and procedures are continually being developed and updated to manage these risks.
1. Shown as $213.7 million on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, net of prepaid transaction costs.
44
Operating and Financial Review
For the year ended 30 June 2019
Risk Management continued
Risk
Description
Exploration
Development and
Production
Regulatory
Market
Exploration is a speculative activity with an associated risk of discovery to find oil and gas in commercial quantities
and a risk of development. If Cooper Energy is unsuccessful in locating and developing or acquiring new reserves
and resources that are commercially viable, this may have a material adverse effect on future business, results of
operations and financial conditions.
Cooper Energy utilises established methodologies and experienced personnel to evaluate prospects and manage
the risk associated with exploration. The Company also ensures all major decisions are subjected to assurance
reviews which include external experts and contractors where appropriate.
Development and production of oil and gas projects may be exposed to low side reserve outcomes, cost overruns,
production decrease or stoppage, which may result from facility shutdowns, mechanical or technical failure and other
unforeseen events. Cooper Energy undertakes technical, financial, business and other analysis in order to determine
a project’s readiness to proceed from an operational, commercial and economic perspective. Even if Cooper Energy
recovers commercial quantities of oil and gas, there is no guarantee that a commercial return can be generated.
Cooper Energy has a project risk management and reporting system to monitor the progress and performance of
material projects and is subject to regular review by senior management and the Board. All major development and
investment decisions are subjected to assurance reviews which includes external experts and contractors
where appropriate.
Cooper Energy operates in a highly regulated environment. Cooper Energy complies with the regulatory authorities’
requirements. There is a risk that regulatory approvals are withheld, take longer than expected or unforeseen
circumstances arise where requirements may not be adequately addressed in the eyes of the regulator and costs
may be incurred to remediate non-compliance and/or obtain approval(s). Changes in personnel, Government,
monetary, taxation and other laws in Australia or internationally may impact the Company’s operations.
Cooper Energy monitors legislative and regulatory developments and works to ensure that stakeholder concerns
are addressed fairly and managed. Documents submitted to regulatory authorities are reviewed and audited to help
ensure they are appropriate and comply with all regulatory requirements.
The global oil market and Australian domestic gas market are subject to the fluctuations of supply and demand and
price. To the extent that future actions of third parties contribute to demand destruction or there is an expansion
of alternative supply sources, there is a risk that this may have a material adverse effect on price for the oil and gas
produced and the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Cooper Energy regularly monitors developments and changes in the international oil and domestic gas market to
enable the Company to be best placed to address changes in market conditions.
Oil and gas prices
Future value, growth and financial conditions are dependent upon the prevailing prices for oil and gas. Prices for oil
and gas are subject to fluctuations and are affected by numerous factors beyond the control of Cooper Energy.
Cooper Energy monitors and analyses the oil and gas markets and seeks to reduce price risk where reasonable and
practical. The Company has policies and procedures for entering into hedging contracts to mitigate against the
fluctuations in oil price and exchange rates.
Operating
There are a number of risks associated with operating in the oil and gas industry. The occurrence of any event
associated with these risks could result in substantial losses to the Company that may have a material adverse effect
on Cooper Energy’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
To the extent that it is reasonable to do so, Cooper Energy mitigates the risk of loss associated with operating events
through insurance contracts. Cooper Energy operates with a comprehensive range of operating and risk management
plans and an HSEC management system to ensure safe and sustainable operations.
Counterparties
The ability of Cooper Energy to achieve its stated objectives will depend on the performance of the counterparties
under various agreements (including joint venture arrangements) it has entered into. If any counterparties do not
meet their obligations under the respective agreements, this may impact on operations, business and
financial conditions.
Reserves
Cooper Energy monitors performance across material contracts against contractual obligations to minimise
counterparty risk and seeks to include terms in agreements which mitigate such risks.
Oil and gas reserves are expressions of judgement based on knowledge, experience and industry practice. These
estimates may alter significantly or become uncertain when new information becomes available and/or there are
material changes of circumstances which may result in Cooper Energy altering its plans which could have a positive
or negative effect on Cooper Energy’s operations.
Reserves and Contingent Resources estimation is consistent with the definitions and guidelines in the Society of
Petroleum Engineers 2007 Petroleum Resources Management Systems. The assessment of Reserves and
Contingent Resources may also undergo independent review.
45
Operating and Financial Review
For the year ended 30 June 2019
Risk Management continued
Risk
Description
Environment
Funding
Restoration
liabilities
Community
Cooper Energy’s exploration, development and production activities are subject to state, national and international
environmental laws and regulations. Oil and gas exploration, development and production can be potentially
environmentally hazardous giving rise to substantial costs for environmental rehabilitation, damage control
and losses.
Cooper Energy has a comprehensive approach to the management of risks associated with environment which is
embedded as a core part of our approach to health, safety, environment and community. This approach includes
standards for asset reliability and integrity, technical and operational competency and emergency
response preparedness.
Cooper Energy must undertake significant capital expenditures in order to conduct its development appraisal and
exploration activities. Limitations on the access to adequate funding could have a material adverse effect on the
business, results from operations, financial condition and prospects. Cooper Energy’s business and, in particular
development of large scale projects, relies on access to debt and equity funding. There can be no assurance that
sufficient debt or equity funding will be available on acceptable terms or at all.
Cooper Energy endeavours to ensure the best source of funding is obtained to maximise shareholder value, having
regard to prudent risk management supported by economic and commercial analysis of all business undertakings.
Cooper Energy has certain obligations in respect of decommissioning of its fields, production facilities and related
infrastructure. These liabilities are derived from legislative and regulatory requirements concerning the
decommissioning of wells and production facilities and require Cooper Energy to make provisions for such
decommissioning and the abandonment of assets. Provisions for the costs of this activity are informed estimates
and there is no assurance that the costs associated with decommissioning and abandoning will not exceed the
amount of long term provisions recognised to cover these costs.
Cooper Energy recognises restoration provisions after construction and conducts a review on a semi-annual basis.
Any changes to the estimates of the provisions for restoration are recognised in line with accounting standards.
Cooper Energy conducts exploration and production operations in regions with residential, environmental, cultural
and economic significance to local and national communities. Loss of confidence in the company, in its ability to
operate responsibly or opposition to exploration and production activities generally within these communities may
impair the ‘social licence’ for Cooper Energy and its capacity to execute its plans.
Cooper Energy conducts a community engagement programme at multiple levels and in multiple forms. The
purpose of this programme is to build and maintain awareness of the company, its operations and plans in local
regions. It serves to build relationships with local communities together with awareness of the economic benefits
to the community and the nation generally.
Elements of the program include:
• sponsorship and donations made to local community organisations;
• engagement and briefing with local office holders and elected representatives of local, state and
federal government;
• engagement with local community groups via town hall meetings and community information sessions;
• engagement with fishing industry associations;
• publication of information regarding the company’s activities and plans including the maintenance of a ‘Community’
page on the company’s website; and
• engagement with local media, including the use of social media
Climate and
Sustainability
Cooper Energy recognises both the direct physical and indirect non-physical impacts of climate change that may
affect our operations and the markets into which we sell our gas and oil. Potential risks related to the direct impacts
of climate change include those arising from increased severe weather events as well as those from longer-term
changes in climate patterns and factors such as sea level rise.
Indirect risks arise from a variety of legal, policy, technology and market responses to the challenges that climate
change poses as society transitions to a lower emissions future.
Opportunities arise from our gas focused portfolio. Natural gas is by far the cleanest burning fossil fuel; when used
to produce electricity it delivers approximately a 50% reduction in emissions per unit of output compared to coal.
Beyond conventional heating and cooking applications, gas is also a critical input for many industries including
fertiliser and other agricultural chemicals, refrigerants, plastics, glass manufacture, food processing,
pharmaceuticals and many more.
Natural gas is viewed as a key element supporting society’s sustainable energy transition and forecasts show an
increasing global demand for gas over the medium to long term.
46
Operating and Financial Review
For the year ended 30 June 2019
Reconciliations for net profit/(loss) to Underlying net profit/(loss) and Underlying EBITDA
Reconciliation to Underlying profit/(loss)
Net profit/(loss) after income tax
Adjusted for:
Gain on derecognition of investment in associate
Gain/(loss) on payment of exit penalty
Impairment of exploration and evaluation
Restoration expense
Gain on sale of subsidiary
Gain on movement of consideration receivable
Tax impact of above changes
Underlying profit/(loss)
Reconciliation to Underlying EBITDA*
Underlying profit/(loss)
Add back:
Interest revenue
Accretion expense
Tax expense/(benefit)
Depreciation
Amortisation
Underlying EBITDA*
* Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation
$ million
$ million
$ million
$ million
$ million
$ million
$ million
$ million
$ million
$ million
$ million
$ million
$ million
$ million
$ million
$ million
2019
(12.1)
-
(0.8)
-
26.2
-
-
-
13.3
2019
13.3
(3.4)
5.0
(1.2)
1.0
18.2
32.9
2018
27.0
(0.4)
0.2
0.7
4.9
(21.9)
(0.5)
(0.2)
9.8
2018
9.8
(4.0)
2.7
4.0
3.3
16.9
32.6
Change
%
(39.1)
(145%)
0.4
(1.0)
(0.7)
21.3
21.9
0.5
0.2
3.5
Change
3.5
0.6
2.3
(5.2)
(2.3)
1.3
0.3
100%
(500%)
(100%)
435%
100%
100%
100%
36%
%
36%
15%
85%
(130%)
(70%)
8%
1%
47
Directors’ Statutory Report
For the year ended 30 June 2019
The Directors present their report together with the Consolidated Financial Report of
the Group, being Cooper Energy Limited (the “parent entity” or “Cooper Energy” or
“Company”) and its controlled entities, for the financial year ended 30 June 2019, and
the Independent Auditor’s Report thereon.
1. Directors
The Directors of the parent entity at any time during or since the end of the financial year are:
Mr John C. Conde AO
B.Sc. B.E(Hons), MBA
Chairman
Independent Non-Executive Director
Appointed 25 February 2013
Mr David P. Maxwell
M.Tech, FAICD
Managing Director
Appointed 12 October 2011
Ms Elizabeth A. Donaghey
B.Sc., M.Sc.
Independent Non-Executive Director
Appointed 25 June 2018
48
Experience and expertise
Mr Conde has extensive experience in business and commerce and in chairing high profile
business, arts and sporting organisations.
Previous positions include Non-executive Director of BHP Billiton, Chairman of Pacific Power (the
Electricity Commission of NSW), Chairman of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Director of AFC
Asian Cup, Chairman of Events NSW, President of the National Heart Foundation and Chairman of
the Pymble Ladies’ College Council.
Current and other directorships in the last 3 years
Mr Conde is Chairman of The McGrath Foundation (since 2013 and Director since 2012). He is
President of the Commonwealth Remuneration Tribunal (since 2003) and a Director of Dexus
Property Group ASX: DXS (since 2009). He is Deputy Chairman of Whitehaven Coal Limited ASX:
WHC (since 2007). Mr Conde is a former Chairman of Bupa Australia (2008 – 2018).
Special responsibilities
Mr Conde is Chairman of the Board of Directors. He is also a member of the People and
Remuneration Committee1 and Chairman of the Nomination Committee1.
Experience and expertise
Mr Maxwell is a leading oil and gas industry executive with more than 25 years in senior executive
roles with companies such as BG Group, Woodside Petroleum Limited and Santos Limited. Mr. Maxwell
has very successfully led many large commercial, marketing and business development projects.
Prior to joining Cooper Energy Mr Maxwell worked with the BG Group, where he was responsible
for all commercial, exploration, business development, strategy and marketing activities in Australia
and led BG Group’s entry into Australia and Asia including a number of material acquisitions.
Mr Maxwell has served on a number of industry association boards, government advisory groups
and public company boards.
Current and other directorships in the last 3 years
Mr Maxwell is a Director of wholly owned subsidiaries of Cooper Energy Ltd. He is also on the
Board of the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association and the Minerals and
Energy Advisory Council.
Special responsibilities
Mr Maxwell is Managing Director and is responsible for the day to day leadership of Cooper Energy.
He is the leader of the Management Team. Mr Maxwell is also chairman of the HSEC Committee
(a management committee, not a Board committee).
Experience and expertise
Ms Donaghey brings over 30 years’ experience in the energy sector including technical, commercial
and executive roles in EnergyAustralia, Woodside Energy and BHP Petroleum.
Ms Donaghey’s experience includes Non-executive director roles at Imdex Ltd, an ASX-listed
provider of drilling fluids and downhole instrumentation: St Barbara Ltd, a gold explorer and
producer and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. She has performed extensive committee
roles in these appointments, serving on audit and compliance, risk and audit, technical and
regulatory, remuneration and health and safety committees.
Current and other directorships in the last 3 years
Ms Donaghey is a Non-executive Director of Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) (since
2017). Ms Donaghey is a former Director of Imdex Ltd (2009 - 2016).
Special responsibilities
Ms Donaghey is a member of the Audit Committee, Risk and Sustainability Committee, People and
Remuneration Committee and Nomination Committee. Ms Donaghey was a member of the
Remuneration and Nomination Committee1 until 19 June 2019.
Director’s Statutory Report
For the year ended 30 June 2019
1. Directors continued
Mr Hector M. Gordon
B.Sc. (Hons). FAICD
Executive Director
26 June 2012 – 23 June 2017
Non-Executive Director
Appointed 24 June 2017
Experience and expertise
Mr Gordon is a very successful geologist with over 35 years of experience in the petroleum industry.
Mr Gordon was previously Managing Director of Somerton Energy until it was acquired by Cooper
Energy in 2012. Previously he was an Executive Director with Beach Energy Limited where he was
employed for more than 16 years. In this time Beach Energy experienced significant growth and
Mr Gordon held a number of roles including Exploration Manager, Chief Operating Officer and,
ultimately, Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Gordon’s previous employers also include Santos Limited,
AGL Petroleum, TMOC Resources, Esso Australia and Delhi Petroleum Pty Ltd.
Current and other directorships in the last 3 years
Mr Gordon is a Director of Bass Oil Limited ASX: BAS (since 2014) and during the reporting period was
a director of various wholly owned subsidiaries of Cooper Energy Limited (until 10 April 2019).
Special responsibilities
Mr Gordon is the Chairman of the Risk and Sustainability Committee and a member of the Audit
Committee and the Nomination Committee.
Mr Jeffrey W. Schneider
B.Com
Independent Non-Executive Director
Appointed 12 October 2011
Experience and expertise
Mr Schneider has over 30 years of experience in senior management roles in the oil and gas industry,
including 24 years with Woodside Petroleum Limited. He has extensive corporate governance and
board experience as both a non-executive director and chairman in resources companies.
Ms Alice J. Williams
B.Com, FAICD, FCPA, CFA
Independent Non-Executive Director
Appointed 28 August 2013
Current and other directorships in the last 3 years
Mr Schneider does not currently hold any other directorships.
Special responsibilities
Mr Schneider is Chairman of the People and Remuneration Committee1 and a member of the
Nomination Committee1. Mr Schneider is also a member of the Audit Committee. He was a
member of the Risk and Sustainability Committee until 19 June 2019.
Experience and expertise
Ms Williams has over 30 years of senior management and Board level experience in corporate,
investment banking and Government sectors.
Ms Williams has been a consultant to major Australian and international corporations as a corporate
advisor on strategic and financial assignments. Ms Williams has also been engaged by Federal and
State based Government organisations to undertake reviews of competition policy and regulation.
Prior appointments include Director of Airservices Australia, Guild Group, Port of Melbourne
Corporation, Telstra Sale Company, V/Line Passenger Corporation, State Trustees, Western Health
and the Australian Accounting Standards Board. Ms Williams is also a former council member of the
Cancer Council of Victoria.
Current and other directorships in the last 3 years
Ms Williams is a Non-executive Director of Equity Trustees Ltd ASX: EQT (since 2007), Djerriwarrh
Investments Ltd, Victorian Funds Management Corporation (since 2008), the Foreign Investment
Review Board (since 2015), Defence Health (since 2010) and not for profit Tobacco Free Portfolios
(since 2018).
Special responsibilities
Ms Williams is the Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of both the Risk and
Sustainability Committee and the Nomination Committee1. Ms Williams was a member of the
Remuneration and Nomination Committee1 until 19 June 2019.
1. Note that the responsibilities of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee were separated into the People and Remuneration
Committee and the Nomination Committee from 19 June 2019.
49
Director’s Statutory Report
For the year ended 30 June 2019
2. Company secretary
Ms Alison Evans B.A., LLB was appointed to the position of Company Secretary and Legal Counsel on 25 February 2013 and resigned from this
position on 9 August 2019. Ms Evans is an experienced company secretary and corporate legal counsel with extensive knowledge of corporate
and commercial law in the resources and energy sectors. Ms Evans has been Company Secretary and/or Legal Counsel in a number of minerals
and energy companies including Centrex Metals, GTL Energy and AGL. Ms Evans’ public company experience is supported by her work at
leading corporate law firms.
Effective from 9 August 2019, Ms Amelia Jalleh was appointed to the position of Company Secretary and General Counsel. Ms Jalleh brings
more than 18 years’ international oil and gas experience in senior corporate, commercial and legal roles. Her experience spans conventional
and unconventional projects, asset and portfolio management, and international M&A transactions. Prior to joining Cooper Energy, Ms Jalleh
held the position of Director, Business Development Asia-Pacific for Repsol, based in South East Asia Singapore. Ms Jalleh has worked in
Australia, the Middle East, North America, the UK and Singapore/South East Asia in roles with Repsol, Talisman Energy, King & Spalding LLP
and Santos Limited.
3. Directors’ meetings
The number of Directors’ meetings (including meetings of committees of Directors) and number of meetings attended by each of the Directors
during the financial year were:
Director
Board Meetings
Audit & Risk
Committee
Meetings
Risk &
Sustainability
Meetings
Remuneration and
Nomination Committee
Meetings**
Mr J. Conde
Mr D. Maxwell
Ms E. Donaghey*
Mr H. Gordon
Mr J. Schneider
Ms A. Williams
A
9
9
9
9
9
9
A = Number of meetings attended.
B
9
9
9
9
9
9
A
-
-
1
4
4
4
B
-
-
1
4
4
4
A
-
-
-
3
3
3
B
-
-
-
3
3
3
A
2
-
1
-
2
2
B
2
-
1
-
2
2
B = Number of meetings held during the time the Director held office, or was a member of the committee, during the year
* Ms Donaghey was appointed to the Audit Committee and the Remuneration and Nomination Committee from 1 June 2019
** The responsibilities of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee were separated into the People and Remuneration Committee
and the Nomination Committee from 19 June 2019. No meetings of these committees were held during the reporting period.
4. Remuneration Report (audited)
Information about the remuneration of the Company’s key management personnel for the financial year ended 30 June 2019 is set out in the
Remuneration Report. The information in the Remuneration Report has been audited as required by the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and forms
part of the Directors’ Report.
50
Director’s Statutory Report
For the year ended 30 June 2019
4. Remuneration Report continued
Introduction to Remuneration Report from the Chairman of the Remuneration
and Nomination Committee
Dear Shareholder
I am pleased to present your Company’s 2019 Remuneration Report for which we will be seeking your support at the 2019 Annual General
Meeting. This report is an important element of the Company’s annual reporting. It documents the Company’s remuneration framework
and guiding principles; details the remuneration outcomes for its Board and key management personnel and enables comparison of these
remuneration outcomes with the Company’s performance.
The Remuneration and Nomination Committee’s view is this report shows the Company’s remuneration framework to be appropriate and
the 2019 remuneration outcomes are fair when compared to peer companies and taking account of the Company’s performance over the last
few years.
Remuneration report context: 2019 Financial Year
The Company’s performance in the 12 months to 30 June 2019 is reported in the Operating and Financial Review of the Financial Report.
This performance and how it compared to the specific targets of the Company Scorecard provide the context of the Remuneration Report.
Cooper Energy met or exceeded the targets of its Corporate Scorecard in all categories. One outcome I highlight as being particularly
noteworthy is the completion of the construction phase of the offshore Sole project free of lost time injuries, free of reportable environmental
incidents and within budget.
The Sole project is of great significance for the expansion of gas sales and the long-term stable income it will generate upon start-up. It is
important not to overlook the significance of the achievement of the offshore project construction. This exemplifies the excellent and broad-
spectrum performance our remuneration framework seeks to encourage and reinforce within Cooper Energy.
Cooper Energy recorded a superior total shareholder return when compared to the large majority of its peers in both the short and long-term
assessment periods. The Company’s share price rose by 40.3% over the 2019 financial year and has increased 3 times (200%) in the 3 years to
30 June 2019. This leading performance has consolidated post-balance-date with the achievement of 11-year share price highs. While this latter
performance is outside the scope of this report, it is affirmatory of the Company’s year-end position.
A remuneration framework which attracts, encourages, rewards and retains talent that can repeat performances such as this is essential for
your Company’s ongoing growth.
Remuneration developments
The Company’s remuneration framework, and its management team, has been stable for some time. The view of the People and Remuneration
Committee is that the Company’s remuneration framework and principles have served the Company well. They are simple and relevant and
consistent with the objective to attract and retain high calibre employees and provide incentives to deliver superior performance in line with the
Cooper Energy Values. Consequently, there has been little change to the Company’s remuneration structure and no change is proposed for the
2020 financial year. The one change made in the 2019 financial year was the elimination of the re-testing provision to the Long Term Incentive
Plan. This change recognises the growth in the Company’s development activities and that it will no longer be reliant on single projects which
had previously justified the re-testing provision.
In June 2019, the Board determined that fees payable to Directors, which have not changed since 1 January 2017, are to increase from
1 July 2019. The Chairman’s fee will increase from $210,000 to $240,000 and other Directors fees will increase from $100,000 to $115,000.
Committee fees will remain the same at $20,000 and $10,000 for chair and member fees respectively for all committees, except the new
Nomination Committee for which the fees paid to members will be $5,000. These fees are comparable to those at relevant peer companies.
Remuneration outcomes
The remuneration outcomes detailed in this report are consistent with and recognise the superior performance of the Company over both the
short and long terms.
The at-risk payments under the Long Term Incentive Plan increased significantly in 2019 as the first vesting date for the Performance Rights
and Share Appreciation Rights under the Equity Incentive Plan approved by shareholders in 2015 occurred on 14 December 2018. This triggered
the vesting of incentives and the issue of shares consistent with the Company’s leading performance over the three year performance period.
Remuneration paid to the Managing Director increased from 1 October consistent with benchmarking within the hydrocarbon industry.
This included recognition of the scaling back of grants payable under the Long Term Incentive Plan from 120% to 100% of fixed annual
remuneration, which is also consistent with broader industry practice.
We thank the Managing Director, management team and their teams for their very considerable commitment and contribution over the year.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Jeffrey Schneider
Chairman of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee
51
Director’s Statutory Report
For the year ended 30 June 2019
4. Remuneration Report continued
Contents
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Key Management Personnel covered in this Report
4.3 Remuneration Governance
4.4 2019 performance and Executive KMP outcomes
4.5 Nature of Executive KMP remuneration
4.6 Nature of Non-executive Director remuneration
4.7 Statutory Remuneration Disclosures
4.1 Introduction
Page
52
52
52
53
57
60
60
This Remuneration Report (Report) details the approach to remuneration frameworks, outcomes and performance for Cooper Energy. The
Remuneration Report forms part of the Directors’ Report and provides shareholders with an understanding of the remuneration principles and
practices in place for key management personnel (KMP) for the reporting period.
The Remuneration Report has been prepared in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001 and unless specified otherwise,
has been audited in accordance with the provisions of section 308 (3C) of the Corporations Act 2001.
4.2 Key Management Personnel covered in this Report
In this Report, Key Management Personnel (KMP) are the people who have the authority and responsibility for planning, directing and
controlling the activities of the Group, either directly or indirectly. They are:
• Non-executive Directors;
• The Managing Director; and
• the executives on the management team.
The Managing Director and other executives on the management team are referred to in this Report as “Executive KMP”. The following table
sets out the KMP of the Group during the reporting period, and the period they were KMP:
Non-executive Directors
Mr J. Conde AO
Ms E. Donaghey
Mr H. Gordon
Mr J. Schneider
Ms A. Williams
Executive KMP
Mr D. Maxwell
Mr A. Thomas
Ms V. Suttell
Ms A. Evans
Mr I. MacDougall
Mr E. Glavas
Mr D. Clegg
Mr M. Jacobsen
Position
Chairman
Non-executive Director
Non-executive Director
Non-executive Director
Non-executive Director
Position
Managing Director
General Manager Exploration & Subsurface
Chief Financial Officer
Company Secretary and Legal Counsel
General Manager Operations
Dates
Full reporting period
Full reporting period
Full reporting period
Full reporting period
Full reporting period
Dates
Full reporting period
Full reporting period
Full reporting period
Full reporting period
Full reporting period
General Manager Commercial & Business Development
Full reporting period
General Manager Development
General Manager Projects
Full reporting period
Full reporting period
4.3 Remuneration Governance
4.3.1 Philosophy and objectives
The Company is committed to a remuneration philosophy that aligns to its business strategy and encourages superior performance and
shareholder returns. Cooper Energy’s approach towards remuneration aims to ensure that an appropriate balance is achieved among:
• maximising sustainable growth in shareholder returns;
• operational and strategic requirements; and
• providing attractive and appropriate remuneration packages.
52
Director’s Statutory Report
For the year ended 30 June 2019
4. Remuneration Report continued
4.3 Remuneration Governance continued
4.3.1 Philosophy and objectives continued
The primary objectives of the Company’s remuneration policy are to:
• attract and retain high-calibre employees;
• ensure that remuneration is fair and competitive with both peers and competitor employers;
• provide significant incentive to deliver superior performance (when compared to peers) against Cooper Energy’s strategy and key business
goals without rewarding conduct that is contrary to the Cooper Energy Values or risk appetite;
• achieve the most effective returns (employee productivity) for total employee spend; and
• ensure remuneration transparency and credibility for all employees and in particular for Executive KMP with a view to enhancing Cooper
Energy’s reputation and standing in the community.
Cooper Energy’s policy is to pay fixed remuneration (base salary and superannuation) at the median level compared to hydrocarbon industry
benchmark data and supplement this with “at risk” remuneration to bring total remuneration within the upper quartile when outstanding
performance is achieved.
4.3.2 Remuneration and Nomination Committee
The Remuneration and Nomination Committee (which comprises of 3 Non-executive Directors, all of whom are independent) makes
recommendations to the Board about remuneration strategies and policies for the KMP. During the reporting period (on 19 June 2019), the
Board decided to separate the duties of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee and created the People and Remuneration Committee
and the Nomination Committee. The People and Remuneration Committee is now responsible for making recommendations to the Board
about remuneration strategies as well as strategies and policies aimed at ensuring that the Company’s culture is consistent with its values. It
will also consider programs related to executive development and talent management. The Nomination Committee is responsible for making
recommendations to the Board about the appointment, performance and resignation of Non-executive Directors.
On an annual basis, the Committee makes recommendations to the Board about the form of payment and incentives to Executive KMP and
the amount. This is done with reference to relevant employment market conditions, current industry practices and independent remuneration
benchmark reports. The assessment of payments to individual Executive KMP also takes into account the annual performance reviews of the
Executive KMP.
4.3.3 External remuneration advisers
The Committee may consider advice from external advisors who are engaged by and report directly to the Committee. Such advice will typically
cover Non-executive Director fees, Executive KMP remuneration and advice in relation to equity plans.
The Corporations Act 2001 requires companies to disclose specific details regarding the use of remuneration consultants. The mandatory
disclosure requirements only apply to those advisors who provide a “remuneration recommendation” as defined in the Corporations Act
2001. The Committee did not receive any remuneration recommendations during the reporting period and all remuneration benchmarking was
performed in-house against independent Australian hydrocarbon industry remuneration data.
4.4 2019 performance and Executive KMP pay outcomes
4.4.1 Remuneration actually delivered to Executives in 2019 (not audited)
The Company believes that reporting remuneration actually delivered to Executive KMP is useful to shareholders and provides clear and
transparent disclosure of remuneration provided by the Company. The tables set out below show amounts paid to Executive KMP and the cash
value of equity awards which vested during the reporting period.
This information is non-IFRS and is in addition to and different from the disclosures required by the Corporations Act 2001 and Accounting
Standards in the rest of the Remuneration Report and the tables in sections 4.7.3 and 4.7.4. The information in this section 4.4.1 is not audited.
The total benefits actually delivered during the reporting period and set out in the table below comprise several elements including:
• fixed remuneration being base salary and superannuation;
• STI cash payment made in October. This is the STI awarded for performance over the prior measurement period but actually paid within the
financial year i.e. the STI paid in 2019 related to performance over the 2018 financial year and the STI paid in 2018 related to performance
over the second half of the 2017 financial year (see note below);
• the market value of shares issued in December 2018 on the vesting of performance rights and share appreciation rights granted in
December 2015. The market value is taken to be the share price at the date of issue of the shares;
• the value of other short term benefits including fringe benefits on accommodation, car parking and other benefits.
53
Director’s Statutory Report
For the year ended 30 June 2019
4. Remuneration Report continued
4.4 2019 performance and Executive KMP pay outcomes continued
4.4.1 Remuneration actually delivered to Executives in 2019 (not audited) continued
Name
Mr D. Maxwell
Mr A. Thomas
Ms V. Suttell
Ms A. Evans2
Mr I. MacDougall
Mr E. Glavas
Mr D. Clegg
Mr M. Jacobsen3
Year
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
Fixed
Remuneration1
$
845,000
787,500
437,250
416,250
435,520
393,750
351,000
317,125
415,933
416,250
390,000
366,250
524,018
455,417
401,342
383,683
STIP1
$
646,000
325,000
152,880
80,000
166,306
57,000
127,533
54,800
145,635
80,000
141,703
70,000
182,000
100,000
164,535
15,000
LTIP1
$
2,476,215
320,533
885,256
114,592
-
-
425,971
53,019
848,953
109,892
630,939
74,791
-
-
-
-
Other
$
80,904
78,012
5,916
6,382
5,916
6,382
5,916
6,382
5,916
6,382
5,916
6,382
536
536
536
536
Total
$
4,048,119
1,511,045
1,481,302
617,224
607,742
457,132
910,420
431,326
1,416,437
612,524
1,168,558
517,423
706,554
555,953
566,413
399,219
1. Amounts above include adjustments for unpaid leave where applicable. Disclosure of realised LTIP in 2018 was the accounting fair value of
rights that vested during the period. Comparatives have been revised to reflect the market value of the vested shares at the time of issue.
2. Ms Evans worked part time (0.8 full time equivalent for the period 1 July 2017 to 31 January 2018; and 0.9 full time equivalent for the period
1 February 2018 to 30 June 2018) and 0.9 full time equivalent for the period 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019. Accordingly, her entitlements
are prorated.
3. Mr Jacobsen commenced employment with the Company as General Manager Projects on 1 July 2017 and the STIP shown for 2018 was a
sign on bonus.
Note in relation to 2018 STIP payment STI payments are generally made in respect of performance over the financial year and actually paid
in October of the next financial year. However, the STI payments which were actually paid in 2018 and which are noted above relate only to
performance over the second half of the 2017 financial year (6 months). As reported in the 2017 and 2018 annual reports, this was because
the acquisition of the Victorian gas assets from Santos Limited during 2017 was an extraordinary event which transformed the Company and
required the STIP performance measures to be re-set as at 1 January 2017. An interim STIP award was made to employees in January 2017.
This meant that the STI actually paid in 2017 related to performance over the whole of 2016 and the first half of the 2017 financial year. The
STI payments made to Executive KMP detailed in the table above and paid in October 2017 (during the 2018 financial year), relate only to
performance during the second half of the 2017 financial year.
54
Director’s Statutory Report
For the year ended 30 June 2019
4. Remuneration Report continued
4.4 2019 performance and Executive KMP pay outcomes continued
4.4.1 Remuneration actually delivered to Executives in 2019 (not audited) continued
i. Summary of performance outcomes for the year ended 30 June 2019
Remuneration
Performance Outcome
Fixed Remuneration
Short Term Incentive
(STI)
Long Term Incentive
(LTI)
Total fixed remuneration expense, being base salary and superannuation for Executive KMP increased from 2018
to 2019 primarily due to an increase in the roles and responsibilities of the Executive KMP as the Company has
grown in terms of number of employees, nature of operations and market capitalisation, all of which are
appropriate to take into consideration when examining benchmarking data. The Managing Director’s fixed
remuneration was increased from 1 October 2018 to take into account the reduction of the maximum LTI award
opportunity (% of fixed remuneration) from 120% to 100%.
Company Scorecard results for the 2019 measurement period were overall between target and stretch range
and not as strong as for 2018 in which stretch was attained. This was primarily due to production volumes (not
revenue) being slightly below target and growth in reserves and assets lower than 2018. Individual performance
reviews have not yet been undertaken, however, given that individual performance accounts for 25% of the STI
weighting for the Managing Director and 30% for other Executive KMP, it is anticipated that Executive KMP will
achieve a lower percentage of their maximum opportunity than that achieved in relation to the 2018
measurement period.
The value of LTI that vested in 2019 increased compared to 2018 due to a higher number of rights vesting
because of superior performance of the shares against its peers over the measurement period. In addition,
share appreciation rights (SARs) vested under the Company’s EIP for the first time. SARs are more valuable than
performance rights in times of high share price growth. Over the three year measurement period from 15
December 2015 to 14 December 2018, Cooper Energy’s total shareholder return was 180% and it achieved a
relative total shareholder return percentile rank of 87.9%. This resulted in a vesting outcome of 96.3% of all
performance and share appreciation rights that were granted in 2015.
ii. Cooper Energy’s five year performance
Operational
Annual production
Proved & Probable Reserves
TRIFR1
Financial
Sales revenue
Profit after tax
Earnings per share
Total shareholder return
Capital as at 30 June
Share price
Market capitalisation
MMboe
MMboe
events per hours worked
$ million
$ million
cents
percent
$ per share
$ million
1. Total Recordable Case Frequency Rate
12 months to 30 June
2015
0.48
3.08
4.18
39.1
(63.5)
(19.2)
(51.5)
0.245
81.4
2016
0.46
3.00
0.00
27.4
(34.8)
(10.1)
(12.2)
0.215
93.6
2017
0.96
11.7
1.98
39.1
(12.3)
(1.8)
72.7
0.38
433.4
2018
1.49
52.4
4.07
67.5
27.0
1.8
6.0
0.39
616.4
2019
1.31
52.7
0.00
75.5
(12.1)
(0.7)
40.3
0.54
875.6
55
Director’s Statutory Report
For the year ended 30 June 2019
4. Remuneration Report continued
4.4 2019 performance and Executive KMP pay outcomes continued
4.4.2 STIP outcomes
The Company Scorecard results for the reporting period ranged between Target and Stretch. The final STIP results for the reporting period, in
conjunction with individual performance reviews will be determined in September and form the basis of individual STI payments in October
2019.
Performance measures in
company scorecard
Weighting
Scorecard
Result
Comment
HSEC
Production and revenue
(existing permits)
20%
20%
Stretch
Target
Major Projects & Development
20%
Target
TRCFR 0.0 – below NOPSEMA average of 3.48. No
environmental incidents. Community relationships enhanced.
Production of 1.31 MMboe is at target guidance and increased
gas and oil prices positively impacting revenue.
As at 30 June 2019 the works relating to offshore construction
of the Sole Gas Project were completed and was within budget.
The focus is on APA’s completion of the Orbost Gas Plant
upgrade.
Growth in reserves and resources
Reserve additions have replaced production.
Key gas strategy milestones
20%
Target
Casino Henry gas has been contracted for 2019 at increased
prices, together with new Sole contracts with AGL and Visy.
Acquisitions and divestments
No material acquisitions or divestments.
Cost management
Costs generally below budget.
Processes and risk management
20%
Stretch
People and stakeholder
relationships
4.4.3 LTIP outcomes
Continuous improvement to risk management and processes,
including planning for enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
Ongoing high level of engagement and enablement. Strong
investor support and the Company added to the ASX200.
The Company’s total shareholder return relative to the peer group against which it was measured is set out below for the LTIP grant that vested
during 2018. The base for the graph is December 2015, the time the first grant of performance rights and share appreciation rights were made
under the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan (EIP). Rights vested and shares were issued for the first time under this plan in December 2018.
The terms of the EIP are set out in section 4.5.3.
Share Price Performance of Cooper Energy Limited Versus Peer Group – 15 December 2015 to 14 December 2018
-100%
-50%
0%
50%
100%
150%
200%
250%
300%
350%
400%
314%
345%
300%
291%
Cooper Energy Limited
168%
133%
121%
121%
110%
-4%
-27%
-43%
-70%
56
Director’s Statutory Report
For the year ended 30 June 2019
4. Remuneration Report continued
4.5 Nature of Executive KMP remuneration
Executive KMP remuneration during the reporting period consisted of:
• base salary and statutory superannuation;
• short term incentive plan (STIP) (performance based cash bonuses);
• other short term benefits such as accommodation, internet allowance and carparking; and
• long term incentive plan (LTIP) (performance rights and share appreciation rights under the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan (EIP)).
It is the Company’s policy that the performance based (or at risk) pay forms a significant portion of the Executive KMP’s total remuneration. The
Company aims to achieve an appropriate balance between rewarding operational performance (through the short term incentive cash bonuses)
and rewarding long-term sustainable performance (through the long term incentive plan).
The Company’s remuneration profile for Executive KMP is as follows:
Remuneration
Element
Expressed as percentage of fixed remuneration
at target level performance
Expressed as percentage of fixed remuneration
at maximum (super stretch) level performance
Fixed Remuneration
STIP (at risk)
LTIP1 (at risk)
Total
Managing
Director
100%
50%
100%
250%
Other
Executive
KMP
100%
25%
70%
195%
Managing
Director
100%
100%
100%
300%
Other
Executive
KMP
100%
50%
70%
220%
1. Reflects face value of LTIP at grant date however may not necessarily reflect the amount that will ultimately vest and be exercised.
4.5.1 Fixed Remuneration
Fixed Remuneration includes base salary (paid in cash) and statutory superannuation.
Executives are paid base salaries which are competitive in the markets in which the Company operates and are consistent with the
responsibilities, accountabilities and complexities of the respective roles.
The Company benchmarks Executive KMP base salaries against hydrocarbon industry market surveys which are published annually.
Additionally, the pay levels of Executive positions in the Company may be benchmarked against national market executive remuneration
surveys. It is the Company’s policy to position itself at the median level of the market when benchmarking base salaries.
4.5.2 Short term incentive plan (STIP) - Overview
The key features of the STIP for the financial year 2019 are set out in the following table:
Plan Feature
Details
What is the purpose of the STIP?
The STIP is designed to motivate and reward Executive KMP for their contribution to the annual
performance of the Company.
How does the STIP align with the
interests of Cooper Energy’s
shareholders?
The STIP is aligned to shareholder interests by encouraging Executive KMP to achieve
operational and business milestones in a balanced and sustainable manner.
What is the vehicle of the STIP award?
The STIP award is delivered in the form of a cash payment.
What is the maximum award
opportunity (% of fixed remuneration)?
Managing Director
Other Executive KMP
100%
50%
What is the performance period?
Each year, the Board reviews and approves the performance criteria for the year ahead by
approving a Company scorecard and individual performance contracts are agreed with each
Executive KMP. The Company’s STIP operates over a 12 month performance period from
1 July to 30 June.
57
Director’s Statutory Report
For the year ended 30 June 2019
4. Remuneration Report continued
4.5 Nature of Executive KMP remuneration continued
4.5.2 Short term incentive plan (STIP) - Overview continued
How are the performance measures
determined and what are their
relative weightings?
The measurement of Company performance is based on the achievement of key performance
indicators (KPIs) set out in a Company scorecard. See section 4.4.2 for the Company scorecard
measures used for the 2019 financial year. The KPIs focus on the core elements the Board
believes are needed to successfully deliver the Company strategy and maximise sustainable
shareholder returns. For each KPI in the scorecard, a base or threshold performance level is
established as well as a target, stretch and super stretch (i.e maximum).
Personal performance measures are agreed between each Executive KMP and Cooper Energy
each year. These relate to the individuals’ performance in achieving things such as business unit
objectives, promotion of the Cooper Energy Values and identified areas for development.
The relative weighting of Company scorecard and individual performance is as follows:
• Managing Director: 75% Company: 25% individual
• Executives 70% Company; 30% individual
Performance measures are challenging, and maximum award opportunities are only achieved
by outstanding performance. 50% of the maximum award opportunity will be awarded if
the Company meets target level performance. Target level KPIs are set at a challenging and
achievable level of performance (and not at the base level of performance). 0% STIP will be
awarded for base level achievement.
0% STIP will be awarded if during any measurement period the Company sustains a fatality or
major environmental incident.
Irrespective of the scorecard outcome, payment of any STIP is entirely at the discretion of
the Board.
When are STIP payments made?
STIP payments, are generally made in October each year.
4.5.3 Long term incentive plan (LTIP) - Overview
In the reporting period, the LTIP involved grants of performance rights and share appreciation rights under the Equity Incentive Plan approved by
shareholders at the 2018 AGM (EIP). The key features of the grants made in the 2019 financial year (granted December 2018) are set out in the
following table:
Plan Feature
Details
What is the purpose of the LTIP?
The Company believes that encouraging its employees, including Executive KMP, to
become shareholders is the best way of aligning their interests with those of the Company’s
shareholders. Having a LTIP is also intended to be a retention incentive for employees (with
a vesting period of at least three years before securities under the plan are available to
employees).
How is the LTIP aligned to
shareholder interests?
Employees only benefit from the LTIP when there is sustained superior share price performance
of the Company compared to relevant peer group companies. This aligns the LTIP with the
interests of shareholders.
What is the vehicle of the LTIP?
During the reporting period, the LTIP involved grants of 50% Performance Rights and 50%
Share Appreciation Rights (SARs).
A performance right is a right to acquire one fully paid share in the Company provided a specified
hurdle is met.
Share Appreciation Rights (SARs) are rights to acquire shares in the Company to the value of the
difference in the Company share price between the grant date and vesting date.
What is the maximum award
opportunity (% of fixed remuneration)?
Managing Director
Executive KMP
Senior staff
100%
70%
50%
58
Director’s Statutory Report
For the year ended 30 June 2019
4. Remuneration Report continued
4.5 Nature of Executive KMP remuneration continued
4.5.3 Long term incentive plan (LTIP) - Overview continued
Plan Feature
Details
What is the performance period?
The performance period is three years.
What are the performance measures?
Grants in years prior to the 2019 financial year allowed for re-testing 12 months following the
end of the performance period. A re-test was considered appropriate because the Company’s
growth has been dependent on development of projects that have generally taken greater
than three years from conception to start-up. Given the growth of the Company, including its
development activities the Company will no longer be reliant on single projects, such as the Sole
development. As a consequence, the Board determined that re-testing would not form part of
the terms of the Incentives for future grants.
100% of the grant (both performance rights and SARs) is subject to a relative total shareholder
return performance (RTSR) measure. RTSR is a common LTI measure across ASX-listed
companies and is aligned with shareholder returns. Relative measures ensure that maximum
incentives are only achieved if Cooper Energy’s performance exceeds that of its peers and
therefore supports competitive returns against other comparable organisations.
In addition to the RTSR performance measure set by the Board, SARs by their nature also have a
natural absolute total shareholder return measure. No SARs will be exercisable unless the share
price appreciates over the measurement period.
What is the vesting schedule?
The level of vesting will be determined based on the ranking against the comparator Group of
companies in accordance with the following schedule:
• below the 50th percentile no rights vest
• at the 50th percentile 30% of the rights vest
• between the 50th percentile and 90th percentile pro rata vesting
• at the 90th percentile or above, 100% of the rights will vest.
The vesting schedule reflects the Board’s requirement that performance measures are
challenging, and maximum award opportunities are only achieved by outstanding performance.
The RTSR of the Company is measured as a percentile ranking compared to the following
comparator Group of 12 listed entities: Woodside Petroleum Limited; Oil Search Limited; Santos
Limited; Beach Energy Limited; Senex Energy Limited; Karoon Gas Limited; FAR Limited;
Sundance Energy Limited; Buru Energy Limited; Carnarvon Petroleum Limited; Strike Energy
Limited; Horizon Oil Limited.
The peer group was based on a group of ASX-listed companies in the oil and gas sector, with
Australian operations and a range of market capitalisation.
Generally, if an employee ceases employment prior to the vesting date (e.g. to take a position
with another company), they will forfeit all awards. Exceptional circumstances may be approved
by the Board in the event of redundancy, retirement or incapacity, and may result in a pro-rated
number of awards being retained.
Which companies make up the
Relative TSR peer group?
What happens on cessation
of employment?
What happens if there is a change
of control?
In the event of a change of control, the Board has the discretion to approve pro-rata vesting
based on service and performance.
Who can participate in the LTIP?
Eligibility is generally restricted to Executive KMP and other senior staff who are in a position to
influence shareholder value the most.
Is there a cap on dilution?
5% total on issue (excluding KMP).
Will the Company make any changes to
the LTIP for the grant to be made in the
2020 financial year?
It is not anticipated that the general structure of the LTIP will change for grants made in the 2020
financial year however, the Board will continue to review the appropriateness of the performance
measures as the Company transitions from development to gas production and sale.
59
Director’s Statutory Report
For the year ended 30 June 2019
4. Remuneration Report continued
4.5 Nature of Non-executive Director remuneration continued
4.5.4 Executive KMP employment contracts
Mr David Maxwell – Managing Director
Mr Maxwell commenced as Managing Director on 12 October 2011 under a contract of employment. The initial term of the Managing Director’s
contract expired on 10 October 2014 and was renewed to end on 31 July 2019. On 1 August 2018 Mr Maxwell’s contract of employment was
amended to remove the fixed term and therefore the contract must be terminated in accordance with the notice provisions in the contract
of employment.
The Company may terminate the contract by providing twelve months written notice or payment in lieu of notice. The Company may also
terminate the contract immediately for cause. Mr Maxwell may terminate the contract by providing six months’ written notice.
Deed of indemnity
The Company also entered into a deed of indemnity, insurance and access with the Managing Director under which the Company will, on
the terms set out in the deed, provide an indemnity, maintain an appropriate level of Directors’ and Officers’ indemnity insurance and provide
access to Company records.
Other Executive KMP
The Company has entered into a contract of employment with each Executive KMP. The term of each contract continues until termination.
The Company may terminate the contract by providing six months’ notice or payment in lieu of notice. The Company may also terminate the
contract immediately for cause. The Executive may terminate the contract by providing three months’ written notice.
4.6 Nature of Non-executive Director remuneration
Non-executive Directors are remunerated solely by way of fees and statutory superannuation. Their remuneration is reviewed annually to
ensure that the fees reflect their responsibilities and the demands placed on them. Non-executive Directors do not receive any performance
related remuneration.
The maximum aggregate remuneration pool for Non-executive Directors, as approved by shareholders at the Company’s 2018 Annual General
Meeting, is $1.25 million.
The Non-executive Directors’ fee structure for the reporting period was as follows:
Chairman*
Member
Board
Audit
Committee
Risk &
Sustainability
Committee
Remuneration
& Nomination
Committee
$210,000
$100,000
$20,000
$10,000
$20,000
$10,000
$20,000
$10,000
* Where the Chairman of the Board is a member of a committee he will not receive any additional committee fees.
Remuneration paid to the Non-executive Directors for the reporting period and for the previous reporting period is shown in the table in
Section 4.7.3
The Company has entered into written letters of appointment with its Non-executive Directors. The term of the appointment of a Non-executive
Director is determined in accordance with the Company’s Constitution and is subject to the provisions of the Constitution dealing with
retirement, re-election and removal of Non-executive Directors. The Constitution provides that all Non-executive Directors of the Company are
subject to re-election by shareholders by rotation every three years.
The Company has entered into deeds of indemnity, insurance and access with each of the Non-executive Directors under which the Company
will, on the terms set out in the deed, provide an indemnity, maintain an appropriate level of Directors’ and Officers’ indemnity insurance and
provide access to Company records.
4.7 Statutory remuneration disclosures
4.7.1 Accounting for performance rights
The value of the performance rights issued under the EIP is recognised as Share Based Payments in the Company’s statement of
comprehensive income and amortised over the vesting period. Performance rights and share appreciation rights were granted under the EIP on
12 December 2018. The performance rights and share appreciation rights were granted for no consideration and the employee received no cash
benefit at the time of receiving the rights. The cash benefit will be received by the employee following the sale of the resultant shares, which
can only be achieved after the rights have been vested and the shares are issued.
Performance rights and share appreciation rights granted under the EIP were valued by an independent consultant who applied the Monte Carlo
simulation model to determine the probability of achievement of the relative shareholder total return (RSTR) against performance conditions
(as described in Section 4.5 above).
60
Director’s Statutory Report
For the year ended 30 June 2019
4. Remuneration Report continued
4.7 Statutory remuneration disclosures continued
The value of performance rights and share appreciation rights shown in the tables below are the accounting fair values for grants in the
reporting period:
Performance Rights (EIP)
Share Appreciation Rights (EIP)
No. of rights
granted
during period
Fair value
of rights at
grant date
No. of
rights vested
during period
% of rights
vested to
30 June
2019
No. of rights
granted
during period
Fair value
of rights at
grant date
No. of
rights vested
during period
% of rights
vested to
30 June
2019
Directors
Mr D. Maxwell
940,919
282,276
2,146,113
36%
2,562,574
371,573
6,057,580
38%
Executives
Mr A. Thomas
339,277
101,783
767,243
37%
924,016
133,982
2,165,605
Ms V. Suttell
344,638
103,391
-
-
938,617
136,099
-
Ms A. Evans
272,264
81,679
369,185
Mr I. MacDougall
333,150
99,945
735,780
Mr E. Glavas
302,516
90,755
546,829
Mr D. Clegg
402,078
120,623
Mr M. Jacobsen
333,150
99,945
-
-
29%
37%
34%
-
-
741,507
107,519
1,042,056
907,330
131,563
2,076,798
823,897
119,465
1,543,471
1,095,053
158,783
907,330
131,563
-
-
39%
-
31%
39%
36%
-
-
The vesting date of the performance rights granted on 12 December 2018 is 12 December 2021. The fair value of these rights is $0.30 per
right. These performance rights have a commencement date of 12 December 2018.
The vesting date of the share appreciation rights granted on 12 December 2018 is 12 December 2021. The fair value of these rights is $0.145
per right. These share appreciation rights have a commencement date of 12 December 2018.
4.7.2 Additional remuneration disclosures
Movement in performance rights
The movement during the reporting period in the number of performance rights granted but not exercisable over ordinary shares in Cooper
Energy held, directly, indirectly or beneficially, by each KMP, including their related parties, is as follows:
Held at
1 July 2018
Granted
Lapsed
Vested &
Exercised
Held at
30 June 2019
Performance
Rights (EIP)
Directors
Mr D. Maxwell
Mr H. Gordon1
Executives
Mr A. Thomas
Ms V. Suttell
Ms A. Evans
Mr I. MacDougall
Mr E. Glavas
Mr D. Clegg
Mr M. Jacobsen
5,036,541
987,364
1,717,072
487,101
998,245
1,667,120
1,313,677
594,025
498,981
940,919
-
339,277
344,638
272,264
333,150
302,516
402,078
333,150
1. Performance Rights were granted to Mr Gordon when he was an Executive Director.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,146,113
3,831,347
621,915
365,449
767,243
1,289,106
-
369,185
735,780
546,829
-
-
831,739
901,324
1,264,490
1,069,364
996,103
832,131
61
Director’s Statutory Report
For the year ended 30 June 2019
4. Remuneration Report continued
4.7 Statutory remuneration disclosures continued
4.7.2 Additional remuneration disclosures continued
Share Appreciation
Rights (EIP)
Held at
1 July 2018
Granted
Lapsed
Vested &
Exercised
Held at
30 June 2019
Directors
Mr D. Maxwell
Mr H. Gordon1
Executives
Mr A. Thomas
Ms V. Suttell
Ms A. Evans
Mr I. MacDougall
Mr E. Glavas
Mr D. Clegg
Mr M. Jacobsen
13,426,625
2,705,027
4,590,331
1,223,358
2,641,614
4,453,481
3,497,369
1,491,901
1,253,196
2,562,574
-
924,016
938,617
741,507
907,330
823,897
1,095,053
907,330
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
6,057,580
1,755,404
2,165,605
-
1,042,056
2,076,798
1,543,471
-
-
9,931,619
949,623
3,348,742
2,161,975
2,341,065
3,284,013
2,777,795
2,586,954
2,160,526
1. Share Appreciation Rights were granted to Mr Gordon when he was an Executive Director.
2. Share Appreciation Rights represent the right to receive a quantity of shares based on an amount equal to the difference in share price from
grant date to test date.
Movement in shares
The movement during the reporting period in the number of ordinary shares in Cooper Energy held, directly, indirectly or beneficially, by each
KMP, including their related parties, is as follows:
Purchases
Received on
vesting of
performance rights
Sales
Held at
30 June 2019
Directors
Mr J. Conde AO
Mr D. Maxwell
Ms E. Donaghey
Mr H. Gordon
Mr J. Schneider
Ms A. Williams
Executives
Mr A. Thomas
Ms V. Suttell
Ms A. Evans
Mr I. MacDougall1
Mr E. Glavas
Mr D. Clegg
Mr M. Jacobsen
Held at
1 July 2018
859,093
11,377,332
-
-
-
160,000
1,043,601
1,016,594
166,094
2,169,810
40,600
782,427
606,541
286,589
135,000
-
-
-
13,350
-
-
-
-
22,470
-
-
-
6,039,549
-
-
-
-
1,750,180
120,000
-
-
2,159,160
-
1,038,954
2,070,616
1,538,876
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
135,530
-
-
859,093
17,416,881
160,000
2,673,781
1,016,594
179,444
4,328,970
40,600
1,821,381
2,677,157
1,712,405
135,000
-
1. The 2018 Remuneration Report noted Mr I. MacDougall held 1,062,146 shares at 30 June 2018. This amount included shares held by a party
no longer related and hence has been removed from the above table.
Options
No options were issued (or forfeited) during the year.
62
Director’s Statutory Report
For the year ended 30 June 2019
4. Remuneration Report continued
4.7 Statutory remuneration disclosures continued
4.7.3 Table of Directors’ remuneration for 2019 and 2018 financial years
Benefits
Short-term
Base Salary
& Fees
STIP (a)
Other
Short-term
Benefits (b)
Directors
Mr J. Conde AO
$
2019
191,781
2018
191,781
$
-
-
$
-
-
Long
Term
Long
Service
Leave
$
-
-
Mr D. Maxwell
2019
824,469
622,946
80,904
34,796
2018
767,451
667,186
78,012
29,253
Ms E. Donaghey(e)
2019
91,324
2018
2,101
Mr H. Gordon(f)
2019
118,722
-
-
-
2018
118,722
23,861
Mr J. Schneider
2019
118,722
2018
118,722
Ms A. Williams
2019
118,722
2018
118,722
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Post
Employment
Share Based
Remuneration (d)
Superannuation (c)
LTIP
Total
$
18,219
18,219
20,531
20,049
8,875
200
$
-
-
$
210,000
210,000
739,175
2,322,821
684,776
2,246,727
-
-
100,199
2,301
11,278
93,091
223,091
18,689
149,283
310,555
11,279
11,279
11,279
11,279
-
-
-
-
130,001
130,001
130,001
130,001
a) The STIP values noted for 2019 exclude accrued on-costs as these do not represent a benefit to Directors and Executives however 2018
remains consistent to that disclosed in the prior period. The STIP values noted for 2019 are an estimate as final performance has not yet
been determined.
b) Other short term benefits include fringe benefits on accommodation, car parking and other benefits.
c) Superannuation includes the amounts required to be contributed by the Company and does not include amounts salary sacrificed.
d) In accordance with the requirements of the Accounting Standards, remuneration includes a proportion of the value of the equity-linked
compensation determined as at the grant date of the performance rights and progressively expensed over the vesting period. The amount
allocated as remuneration is not relative to or indicative of the actual benefit (if any) that may ultimately be realised should the equity
instruments vest. The value of the performance rights was determined in accordance with AASB 2 Share-based Payments and is discussed
in Section 4.7.1 above and in more detail in Note 26 of the Notes to the Financial Statements.
e) Ms Donaghey was appointed a Non-executive Director of the Company effective from 25 June 2018.
f) Performance rights and share appreciation rights were granted to Mr Gordon when he was an Executive Director.
63
Director’s Statutory Report
For the year ended 30 June 2019
4. Remuneration Report continued
4.7 Statutory remuneration disclosures continued
4.7.4 Table of Executives’ remuneration for 2019 and 2018 financial years
Short-term
Base Salary
STIP(a)
Benefits
Other
Short-term
Benefits(b)
Long
Term
Long
Service
Leave
$
$
$
$
416,719
145,374
5,916
16,358
396,201
161,569
6,382
12,825
414,989
164,023
5,916
373,701
175,493
6,382
-
-
330,469
121,362
5,916
12,472
297,076
133,698
6,382
20,916
395,402
135,829
5,916
14,303
396,201
161,569
6,382
11,780
369,469
134,847
5,916
13,548
346,201
145,673
6,382
34,033
503,487
172,380
435,368
249,958
380,811
154,729
363,634
149,869
536
536
536
536
-
-
13,730
-
Executives
Mr A. Thomas
Ms V. Suttell
Ms A. Evans(e)
Mr I. MacDougall
Mr E. Glavas
Mr D. Clegg
Mr M. Jacobsen(f)
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
Post
Employment
Share Based
Remuneration(d)
Superannuation(c)
LTIP
Total
$
20,531
20,049
20,531
20,049
20,531
20,049
20,531
20,049
20,531
20,049
20,531
20,049
20,531
20,049
$
$
249,745
854,643
236,115
833,141
133,503
738,962
50,713
626,338
166,114
656,864
132,709
610,830
244,208
816,189
281,444
877,425
202,241
746,552
177,141
729,479
160,349
857,283
61,844
767,755
134,073
704,410
51,949
586,037
a) The STIP values noted for 2019 exclude accrued on-costs as these do not represent a benefit to Directors and Executives however
2018 remains consistent to that disclosed in the prior period. The STIP values noted for 2019 are an estimate as final performance has not
yet been determined.
b) Other short term benefits include fringe benefits on accommodation, car parking and other benefits.
c) Superannuation includes the amounts required to be contributed by the Company and does not include amounts salary sacrificed.
d)
In accordance with the requirements of the Accounting Standards, remuneration includes a proportion of the value of the equity-linked
compensation determined as at the grant date of the performance rights and progressively expensed over the vesting period. The amount
allocated as remuneration is not relative to or indicative of the actual benefit (if any) that may ultimately be realised should the equity
instruments vest. The value of the performance rights was determined in accordance with AASB 2 Share-based Payments and is discussed
in Section 4.11 above and in more detail in Note 26 of the Notes to the Financial Statements.
e) Ms Evans worked part time (0.8 full time equivalent for the period 1 July 2017 to 31 January 2018; and 0.9 full time equivalent for the period
1 February 2018 to 30 June 2018) and 0.9 full time equivalent for the period 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019. Accordingly her entitlements
are prorated.
f) Mr Jacobsen commenced employment with the Company as General Manager Projects on 1 July 2017.
End of remuneration report.
64
Director’s Statutory Report
For the year ended 30 June 2019
5. Principal activities
Cooper Energy is an upstream oil and gas exploration and production company whose primary purpose is to secure, find, develop, produce
and sell hydrocarbons. These activities are undertaken either solely or via unincorporated joint ventures. There was no significant change in the
nature of these activities during the year.
6. Operating and Financial Review
Information on the operations and financial position of Cooper Energy and its business strategies and prospects is set out in the Operating and
Financial Review.
7. Dividends
The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend and no amount has been paid or declared by way of dividends since the end of the
previous financial year, or to the date of this report.
8. Environmental regulation
The Company is a party to various production, exploration and development licences or permits. In most cases, the licence or permit terms
specify the environmental regulations applicable to oil and gas operations in the respective jurisdiction. The Group aims to ensure that it
complies with the identified regulatory requirements in each jurisdiction in which it operates. There have been no significant known breaches of
the environmental obligations of the Group’s licences or permits.
9. Likely developments
Other than disclosed elsewhere in the Financial Report (including the Operating and Financial Review under the heading “Outlook”), further
information about likely developments in the operations of the Group and the expected results of those operations in future financial years has
not been included in this report because disclosure of the information would likely result in unreasonable prejudice to the consolidated entity.
10. Directors’ interests
The relevant interest of each Director in ordinary shares and options over shares issued by the parent entity as notified by the Directors to the
Australian Stock Exchange in accordance with S205G(1) of the Corporations Act 2001, at the date of this reports is as follows:
Mr J. Conde AO
Mr D. Maxwell
Ms E. Donaghey
Mr H. Gordon
Mr J. Schneider
Ms A. Williams
Ordinary Shares
Performance Rights
Share Appreciation Rights
859,093
17,416,881
160,000
2,673,781
1,016,594
179,444
Nil
3,831,347
Nil
365,449
Nil
Nil
Nil
9,931,619
Nil
949,623
Nil
Nil
11. Share options and rights
At the date of this report, there are no unissued ordinary shares of the parent entity under option.
At the date of this report, there are 15,464,897 outstanding performance rights and 39,756,951 share appreciation rights under the Equity
Incentive Plan approved by shareholders at the 2018 AGM.
During the financial year 19,682,053 shares were issued as a result of performance rights exercised. At the date of this report, no performance
rights have vested and been exercised subsequent to 30 June 2019.
12. Events after financial reporting date
Refer to Note 29 of the Notes to the Financial Statements.
13. Proceedings on behalf of the Company
No person has applied to the Court under section 237 of the Corporations Act 2001 for leave to bring proceedings on behalf of the Company, or
to intervene in any proceedings to which the Company is a party for the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the Company for all or part
of the proceedings.
65
Director’s Statutory Report
For the year ended 30 June 2019
14. Indemnification and insurance of directors and officers
14.1 Indemnification
The parent entity has agreed to indemnify the current Directors and past Directors of the parent entity and of the subsidiaries, where applicable,
against all liabilities (subject to certain limited exclusions) to persons (other than the Group or a related body corporate) which arise out of the
performance of their normal duties as a Director or Executive Director unless the liability relates to conduct involving a lack of good faith. The
parent entity has agreed to indemnify the Directors and Executive Directors against all costs and expenses incurred in defending an action that
falls within the scope of the indemnity and any resulting payments.
14.2 Insurance premiums
During the financial year, the parent entity has paid insurance premiums in respect of Directors’ and Officers’ liability and legal insurance
contracts for current and former Directors and Officers including senior employees of the Parent entity. The insurance premium relates to
costs and expenses incurred by the relevant officers in defending proceedings, whether civil or criminal and whatever their outcome and other
liabilities that may arise from their position, with the exception of conduct involving a wilful breach of duty or improper use of information or
position to gain a personal advantage. The insurance policy outlined above does not contain details of premiums paid in respect of individual
Directors, Officers and senior employees of the parent entity.
15. Indemnification of auditors
To the extent permitted by law, the Company has agreed to indemnify its auditors, Ernst & Young, as part of the terms of its audit engagement
agreement against claims by third parties arising from the audit (for an unspecified amount) except in the case where the claim arises because
of Ernst & Young’s negligent, wrongful or wilful acts or omissions. No payment has been made to indemnify Ernst & Young during or since the
financial year.
16. Auditor’s independence declaration
The auditor’s independence declaration is set out on page 116 and forms part of the Directors’ report for the financial year ended 30 June 2019.
17. Non-audit services
The amounts paid and payable to the auditor of the Group, Ernst & Young and its related practices for non-audit services provided during the
year was $193,650 (2018: $172,187). The directors are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services Is compatible with the general standard
of independence for auditors imposed by the Corporations Act 2001. The nature and scope of each type of non-audit service provided means
that auditor independence was not compromised.
18. Rounding
The Group is of a kind referred to in ASIC Corporations (Rounding in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191 dated 24 March 2016
and in accordance with that Legislative Instrument, amounts in the financial report have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars, unless
otherwise stated.
This report is made in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.
Mr John C. Conde AO
Chairman
Mr David P. Maxwell
Managing Director
Dated at Adelaide 12 August 2019
66
Cooper Energy Limited and its controlled entities
Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2019
67
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended 30 June 2019
Revenue from oil and gas sales
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Other income
Other expenses
Finance income
Finance costs
(Loss)/Profit before tax
Income tax benefit
Petroleum Resource Rent Tax expense
Total tax benefit/(expense)
Notes
2
2
2
2
18
18
3
3
2019
$’000
75,543
2018
(Restated)
$’000
67,452
(43,866)
(38,464)
31,677
28,988
796
22,818
(44,126)
(22,057)
3,398
(4,972)
(13,227)
10,040
(8,864)
1,176
4,049
(2,779)
31,019
4,781
(8,789)
(4,008)
(Loss)/Profit after tax for the period attributable to shareholders
(12,051)
27,011
Other comprehensive income/(expenditure)
Items that will be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Fair value movements on oil price options accounted for in a hedge relationship
Fair value movements on interest rate swaps accounted for in a hedge relationship
Reclassification during the period to profit or loss of realised hedge settlements
Income tax effect on fair value movement on derivative financial instrument
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Fair value movement on equity instruments at fair value through other comprehensive
income
Other comprehensive (expenditure)/income for the period net of tax
21
21
21
19
-
(1,277)
-
383
258
(481)
280
92
(989)
(1,883)
1,230
1,379
Total comprehensive (loss)/gain for the period attributable to shareholders
(13,934)
28,390
Basic (loss)/earnings per share
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share
4
4
cents
(0.7)
(0.7)
cents
1.8
1.8
The above Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
68
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at 30 June 2019
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Other financial assets
Trade and other receivables
Prepayments
Inventory
Total Current Assets
Non-Current Assets
Term deposits at bank
Trade and other receivables
Other financial assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Exploration and evaluation assets
Oil and gas assets
Deferred tax asset
Total Non-Current Assets
Total Assets
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Trade and other payables
Provisions
Other financial liabilities
Total Current Liabilities
Non-Current Liabilities
Provisions
Government grants
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
Other financial liabilities
Deferred Petroleum Resource Rent Tax Liability
Total Non-Current Liabilities
Total Liabilities
Net Assets
Equity
Contributed equity
Reserves
Accumulated losses
Total Equity
Notes
2019
$’000
2018
$’000
5
20
6
7
8
5
6
20
10
11
12
13
3
9
15
20
15
16
17
20
3
19
19
19
164,289
236,907
-
21,169
3,346
426
189,230
-
-
21,740
4,580
36
152,268
613,198
20,757
812,579
1,001,809
44,533
11,131
1,758
57,422
276,789
430
213,680
3,482
16,293
510,674
20,171
27,330
2,761
467
287,636
16
156
22,387
2,864
-
98,732
394,632
10,334
529,121
816,757
59,215
73,812
591
133,618
106,680
2,067
116,923
3,231
10,356
239,257
568,096
372,875
433,713
443,882
474,397
9,247
(49,931)
433,713
471,837
9,925
(37,880)
443,882
The above Consolidated Statement of Financial Position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
69
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 30 June 2019
Notes
Issued
Capital
$’000
Reserves
Accumulated
Losses
$’000
$’000
Total
Equity
$’000
471,837
9,925
(37,880)
443,882
Balance at 1 July 2018
Loss for the period
Other comprehensive expenditure
Total comprehensive loss for the period
Transactions with owners in their capacity
as owners:
Share based payments
Transferred to issued capital
Shares issued
19
19
19
-
-
-
-
2,217
343
-
(12,051)
(12,051)
(1,883)
(1,883)
-
(1,883)
(12,051)
(13,934)
3,422
(2,217)
-
-
-
-
3,422
-
343
Balance as at 30 June 2019
474,397
9,247
(49,931)
433,713
Balance at 1 July 2017
Profit for the period
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive gain for the period
Transactions with owners in their capacity as
owners:
Share based payments
Transferred to issued capital
Shares issued
Balance as at 30 June 2018
343,161
6,777
(64,891)
285,047
-
-
-
-
873
127,803
471,837
19
19
19
-
27,011
1,379
1,379
-
27,011
27,011
1,379
28,390
2,642
(873)
-
-
-
-
9,925
(37,880)
2,642
-
127,803
443,882
The above Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
70
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 30 June 2019
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Receipts from customers
Payments to suppliers and employees
Payments of exit provision
Payments for restoration
Petroleum Resource Rent Tax paid
Interest received
Net cash from operating activities
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Transfers to term deposits
Transfers from/(to) escrow proceeds receivable
Payments for property, plant and equipment
Receipts from disposal of property, plant and equipment
Payments of contingent consideration
Payments of consideration
Receipts for assumption of rehabilitation provisions
Receipts from sale of subsidiary
Receipts of consideration receivable
Payments for exploration and evaluation
Payments for oil and gas assets
Interest paid
Net cash flows used in investing activities
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from equity issue
Proceeds from borrowings
Transaction costs associated with borrowings
Net cash flow from financing activities
Net (decrease)/increase in cash held
Net foreign exchange differences
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 July
Cash and cash equivalents at 30 June
Notes
2019
$’000
2018
$’000
79,873
65,065
(44,510)
(27,521)
(3,133)
-
(14,348)
(12,413)
(530)
3,152
5
20,504
16
20,571
(2,607)
-
-
-
-
-
894
(6,706)
3,793
22,218
25
(40,171)
(1,595)
41,847
(20,000)
(1,000)
48,082
739
-
(11,962)
(26,283)
(180,010)
(170,581)
(11,015)
(4,597)
(184,113)
(173,534)
-
92,290
(1,559)
90,731
127,228
125,865
(12,295)
240,798
(72,878)
89,482
260
236,907
164,289
-
147,425
236,907
5
5
The above Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.
71
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2019
Corporate information
The consolidated financial report of Cooper Energy Limited and its controlled entities (“Cooper Energy” or “the Group”) for the year ended 30
June 2019 was authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Directors on 12 August 2019. Cooper Energy Limited is a for profit
company limited by shares incorporated and domiciled in Australia whose shares are publicly traded on the Australian Securities Exchange.
The nature of the operations and principal activities of the Group are described in the Directors’ Statutory Report and Note 1.
Basis of preparation
The financial report is a general-purpose financial report, which has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations
Act 2001, Australian Accounting Standards and other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) and
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
The financial report has also been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for equity instruments measured at fair value through other
comprehensive income and derivative financial instruments measured at fair value. Cooper Energy Limited is a for profit Group.
The financial report is presented in Australian dollars and under the option available to the Group under ASIC Corporations (Rounding in
Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191, all values are rounded to the nearest thousand dollars ($’000) unless otherwise stated.
Australian Dollars is the functional currency of Cooper Energy Limited and all of its subsidiaries. Transactions in foreign currencies are initially
recorded in the functional currency of the transacting entity at the exchange rates ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets
and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting date are translated at the rates of exchange ruling at that date. Exchange
differences in the consolidated financial statements are taken to the income statement.
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements are those of the consolidated entity, comprising Cooper Energy Limited (“the parent entity”) and its
controlled entities (“Cooper Energy” or “the Group”).
The financial statements of subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the parent entity, using consistent accounting policies.
All inter-company balances and transactions, income and expenses and profit and losses arising from intra-group transactions, have been
eliminated in full.
Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which the Group gains control of the subsidiary and cease to be consolidated from the date on
which the Group ceases to control the subsidiary.
Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions
In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, management is required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts in the financial statements. Judgements, estimates and assumptions which are material to specific notes of the
financial statements are below:
Note 3
Income tax
Note 15
Provisions
Note 13
Oil and gas assets
Note 22
Interests in joint arrangements
Note 14
Impairment
Note 26
Share based payments
Judgements, estimates and assumptions which are material to the overall financial statements are below:
Significant Accounting Judgements, Estimates and Assumptions
Determination of recoverable hydrocarbons
Estimates of recoverable hydrocarbons impact the asset impairment assessment, depreciation and amortisation rates and
decommissioning and restoration provisions.
Estimates of recoverable hydrocarbons are evaluated and reported by qualified petroleum reserves and resources evaluators in
accordance with the ASX Listing Rules and the Group’s Hydrocarbon Guidelines (www.cooperenergy.com.au/our-company/corporate-
governance-and-policies/hydrocarbon-reporting-policy). A technical understanding of the geological and engineering processes enables
the recoverable hydrocarbon estimates to be determined by using forecasts of production, commodity prices, production costs,
exchange rates, tax rates and discount rates.
Recoverable hydrocarbon estimates may change from time to time if any of the forecast assumptions are revised.
72
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 June 2019
New accounting standards and interpretations
New standards, interpretations and amendments thereof, adopted by the Group
The Group has adopted all of the new and revised Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (the
AASB) that are relevant to their operations and effective for the 2019 financial year. As at 1 July 2015, Cooper Energy early adopted AASB
9 Financial Instruments (2014). The impact for Cooper Energy has been outlined in Note 23 of the 2016 Financial Statements. The Group’s
accounting policies are consistent with those of the previous financial year except for new policies adopted from 1 July 2018.
AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
The Group has adopted AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which replaces AASB 118 Revenue and related Interpretations,
from 1 July 2018. In accordance with the transition provisions of AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, the Group has elected to
adopt the full retrospective approach upon transition whereby any adjustment to historical revenue transactions (that impacts net profit) would
be recorded against opening retained earnings as at 1 July 2017. Comparatives for the 30 June 2018 reporting period have been restated.
As part of the transition to the new standard the Group has undertaken a detailed review of its revenue contracts that existed during the
transition period and has also reviewed the accounting treatment for the disposal of property, plant & equipment and producing assets in the
prior year. This is because AASB 15 also makes consequential amendments to AASB 116 Property, Plant & Equipment, which may impact on
the date of disposal and the amount of consideration included in the gain or loss arising from the de-recognition. This review has concluded
there are no impacts to net profit or opening retained earnings.
The application of AASB 15 has resulted in the disclosure of the individual components of revenue. Revenue from contracts with customers
are now shown separately from other forms of revenue in Note 2, with total revenue remaining on the face of the Consolidated Statement
of Comprehensive Income. To allow the distinction between revenue from operations and interest accrued on cash and short-term deposits,
interest earned has been reclassified from Other revenue to Finance income on the face of the statement of comprehensive income. The
application of AASB 15 has resulted in revised classification outlined below and as detailed in Note 2. The transition adjustments are primarily
due to reclassification of the provisional pricing on crude oil sales and the settlement of commodity price options. Revenue from contracts
with customers is recognised based on the provisional pricing at the date of delivery, with the price estimate based on the forward curve. The
difference between the estimated price and the price ultimately achieved for the sale of the crude oil transaction is recognised as a movement
in the fair value of the receivable in accordance with AASB 9. A summary of the reclassification adjustments made is set out in the table below.
30 June 2018
$’000
Transition
adjustment
30 June 2018
(Restated)
$’000
Revenue from contracts with customers
Oil revenue from contracts with customers
Gas revenue from contracts with customers
Total revenue from contracts with customers
Other revenue
Fair value movement on receivables
Settlement of commodity price options
Total other revenue
Total revenue from oil and gas sales
26,602
40,850
67,452
-
-
-
67,452
(4,342)
-
(4,342)
4,622
(280)
4,342
-
22,260
40,850
63,110
4,622
(280)
4,342
67,452
73
New accounting standards and interpretations continued
Accounting standards and interpretations issued but not yet effective
The accounting standards and interpretations that have recently been issued or amended but are not yet effective and have not been adopted
by the Group for the annual reporting period ending 30 June 2019, are outlined below:
AASB 16
Summary
Leases
AASB 16 was issued in January 2016 and it replaces AASB 117 Leases, AASB Interpretation 4
Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease, AASB Interpretation 115 Operating Leases-
Incentives and AASB Interpretation 127 Evaluating the Substance of Transactions Involving the Legal
Form of a Lease. AASB 16 sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation
and disclosure of leases and requires lessees to account for all leases under a single on-balance
sheet model similar to the accounting for finance leases under AASB 117.
Under AASB 16 Leases, a lessee is required to recognise a right-of-use asset representing its right to
use the underlying asset and lease liabilities for all leases with a term of more than 12 months. At the
commencement date of a lease, the lessee will recognise a liability to make lease payments (i.e., the
lease liability) and an asset representing the right to use the underlying asset during the lease term
(i.e., the right-of-use asset). The right-of-use asset is depreciated and recognised in the consolidated
statement of financial performance together with the interest on the lease liability.
There are recognition exemptions for short-term leases and leases of low-value items. Lessor
accounting remains substantially the same as the current standard – i.e. lessors continue to classify
leases as finance or operating leases.
Application Date of the Standard
1 January 2019
Application Date for Group
1 July 2019
Impact on Consolidated Financial
Statements
The standard will impact the accounting for the Group’s operating leases. A detailed review of
AASB 16 was undertaken by subject matter experts to identify all leases and embedded leases and
quantify the impact of the Group’s leasing arrangements. The Group expects to apply the modified
retrospective transition approach, measuring the right of use asset as equal to the lease liability,
with the cumulative effect of adopting AASB 16 recognised as an adjustment to the opening
balance of retained earnings at 1 July 2019, with no restatement of comparative information.
The Group estimates the following impact on its Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at
1 July 2019:
Assets: Right-of-use assets
Liabilities: Lease Liabilities
$’000
9,378
(9,378)
The Group does not expect the adoption of AASB 16 to impact its ability to comply with
debt covenants.
Under AASB 16, the Group will recognise a right of use asset and corresponding lease liability in
relation to the Orbost Gas Plant. The Sole Gas Processing Agreement creates a right-of-use asset
and will be recognised at an amount equal to the corresponding lease liability. The Group will
recognise a right of use asset and lease liability under AASB 16 for the Orbost Gas Plant at the date
the underlying asset is available for use. The Group currently expects the agreement, which was
signed prior to 1 July 2019, to result in a right of use asset and lease liability of approximately
between $260 million to $290 million based on current information, with recognition to occur in the
2020 financial year once the asset is available for use. The right of use asset and lease liability is
dependent on a number of factors that will be known at the time the asset is available for use.
AASB 16 requires that the lessee’s rate implicit in the lease arrangement be used to measure the
present value of the lease liability. In determining the discount rate applicable to the Orbost Gas
Plant lease liability, the Group will use the interest rate implicit in the lease.
The Group will recognise a depreciation expense and interest expense from the date the underlying
asset is available for use.
The AASB 16 charge is calculated based on the fixed payments required under the agreements.
The variable charges based on volumes of gas processed do not form part of the lease liability and
will be recognised as production costs as incurred.
Orbost Gas Plant
74
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2019New accounting standards and interpretations continued
Accounting standards and interpretations issued but not yet effective continued
AASB Interpretation 23
Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments
Summary
The Interpretation clarifies the application of the recognition and measurement criteria in AASB 112
Income Taxes when there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. The Interpretation specifically
addresses the following:
• Whether an entity considers uncertain tax treatments separately
• The assumptions an entity makes about the examination of tax treatments by taxation authorities
• How an entity determines taxable profit (tax loss), tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits
and tax rates
• How an entity considers changes in facts and circumstances.
Application Date of the Standard
1 January 2019
Application Date for Group
1 July 2019
Impact on Consolidated Financial
Statements
The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Group.
Notes to the financial statements
The notes include information which is required to understand the financial statements and is material and relevant to the operations, financial
position and performance of the Group. They include applicable accounting policies applied and significant judgements, estimates and
assumptions made. Specific accounting policies are disclosed in the respective notes to the financial statements.
The notes are organised into the following sections:
Group performance
Working capital
Capital employed
Funding and risk management
Group structure
Other information
Provides additional information regarding financial statement lines that are most relevant to
explaining the Group’s performance during the period.
Provides additional information regarding financial statement lines that are most relevant to
explaining the assets used to generate the Group’s trading performance during the period.
Provides additional information regarding financial statement lines that are most relevant to
explaining the capital investments made that allows the Group to generate its operating result during
the period and liabilities incurred as a result.
Provides additional information regarding financial statement lines that are most relevant to
explaining the Group’s funding sources. This section also provides information relating to the Group’s
exposure to various financial risks, its impact on the financial position and performance of the Group
and how these risks are managed.
Summarises how the group structure affects the financial position and performance of the Group as
a whole.
Includes other information that is disclosed to comply with relevant accounting standards and other
pronouncements, but is not directly related to the individual line items in the financial statement.
75
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2019Group Performance
1. Segment reporting
Identification of reportable segments and types of activities
The Group identified its reportable segments to be Cooper Basin, South-East Australia (based on the nature and geographic location of the
assets) and Corporate. This forms the basis of internal Group reporting to the Managing Director who is the chief operating decision maker for
the purpose of assessing performance and allocating resources between each segment. Revenue and expenses are allocated by way of their
natural expense and income category.
Other prospective opportunities are also considered from time to time and, if they are secured, will then be attributed to the segment where
they are located, or a new segment will be established.
The following are reportable segments:
Cooper Basin
Exploration and evaluation of oil and gas and production and sale of crude oil in the Group’s permits within the Cooper Basin. Revenue is
derived from the sale of crude oil to IOR Energy Pty Ltd and a consortium of buyers made up of Santos Limited (and its subsidiaries), Delhi
Petroleum Pty Ltd and Lattice Energy Limited.
South-East Australia
The South-East Australia segment primarily consists of the Sole Gas Project, Manta Gas Project and the Group’s interest in the operated
Casino Henry and non-operated Minerva producing gas assets. Revenue is derived from the sale of gas and condensate to four customers. The
segment also includes exploration and evaluation and care and maintenance activities ongoing in the Otway and Gippsland basins.
Corporate and Other
The Corporate segment includes the revenue and costs associated with the running of the business and includes items which are not directly
allocable to the other segments.
Accounting policies and inter-segment transactions
The accounting policies used by the Group in reporting segments internally is the same as those contained in the financial statements.
Segments
30 June 2019
Revenue from oil and gas sales
Total revenue
Segment result before interest, tax,
depreciation, amortisation and impairment
Depreciation and amortisation
Net finance (costs)/income
Profit/(loss) before tax
Income tax benefit
Petroleum Resource Rent Tax
Net profit/(loss) after tax
Segment assets
Segment liabilities
Cooper
Basin
$’000
23,283
23,283
14,168
(1,628)
(101)
12,439
-
-
12,439
19,059
6,719
South-east
Australia
Corporate
and Other
Consolidated
$’000
$’000
$’000
52,260
52,260
7,126
(16,713)
(4,871)
(14,458)
-
(8,864)
(23,322)
765,765
342,798
-
-
(13,778)
(828)
3,398
(11,208)
-
-
(11,208)
216,985
218,579
75,543
75,543
7,516
(19,169)
(1,574)
(13,227)
10,040
(8,864)
(12,051)
1,001,809
568,096
76
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2019
1. Segment reporting continued
Accounting policies and inter-segment transactions continued
Segments
30 June 2018
Revenue from oil and gas sales
Total revenue
Segment result before interest, tax,
depreciation, amortisation and impairment
Depreciation and amortisation
Impairment expense
Net finance (costs)/income
Profit/(loss) before tax
Income tax benefit
Petroleum Resource Rent Tax
Net profit/(loss) after tax
Segment assets
Segment liabilities
Cooper
Basin
$’000
26,602
26,602
16,589
(3,053)
(696)
(109)
12,731
-
-
12,731
18,978
5,168
South-east
Australia
Corporate
and Other
Consolidated
$’000
$’000
$’000
40,850
40,850
47,415
(16,536)
-
(2,670)
28,209
-
(8,789)
19,420
284,598
210,810
-
-
(13,366)
(604)
-
4,049
(9,921)
-
-
(9,921)
513,181
156,897
67,452
67,452
50,638
(20,193)
(696)
1,270
31,019
4,781
(8,789)
27,011
816,757
372,875
In 2019, revenue from two customers amounted to $42.2 million, and $5.4 million respectively in the South-East Australia segment and
$22.7 million from one customer in the Cooper Basin segment. In 2018, revenue from three customers amounted to $24.4 million, $10.4 million
and $5.1 million respectively in the South-East Australia segment and $21.8 million from one customer in the Cooper Basin segment.
2. Revenues and expenses
Revenue from oil and gas sales
Revenue from contracts with customers
Oil revenue from contracts with customers
Gas revenue from contracts with customers
Total revenue from contracts with customers
Other revenue
Fair value movement on crude oil receivables
Settlement of commodity price options
Total other revenue
Total revenue from oil and gas sales
Other income
Gain on exit provision
Gain on movement of consideration receivable
Gain on sale of subsidiary
Gain on derecognition of associate
Total other income
Notes
2019
$’000
2018 (restated)
$’000
23,744
52,260
76,004
(445)
(16)
(461)
22,260
40,850
63,110
4,622
(280)
4,342
75,543
67,452
774
22
-
-
796
-
531
21,934
353
22,818
77
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2019
2. Revenues and expenses continued
Cost of sales
Production expenses
Royalties
Amortisation of oil and gas assets
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Total cost of sales
Other expenses
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
General administration
Care and maintenance
Restoration expense
Write-off of fixed asset
Write-off of inventory
Exploration and evaluation expense
Impairment expense
Fair value adjustment of success fee liability
Fair value movement on oil price derivatives
Realised and unrealised foreign currency translation gain
Total other expenses
Employee benefits expense included in general administration
Director and employee benefits
Share based payments
Superannuation expense
Total employee benefits expense (gross)
Lease payments included in general administration
Minimum lease payment – operating lease (gross)
Accounting Policy
Revenue from contracts with customers
Notes
2019
$’000
2018 (restated)
$’000
(23,623)
(1,902)
(18,179)
(162)
(43,866)
(828)
(16,546)
(590)
(26,205)
(57)
(41)
(1,360)
-
(358)
236
1,623
(16,881)
(1,994)
(16,873)
(2,716)
(38,464)
(604)
(14,325)
(775)
(4,916)
(324)
-
(850)
(696)
34
(236)
635
(44,126)
(22,057)
(17,002)
(3,422)
(853)
(21,277)
(12,536)
(2,642)
(657)
(15,835)
(951)
(839)
14
Revenue from contracts with customers is recognised at the point in time when control of the crude oil, natural gas or liquids is
transferred to the customer, at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for those
goods. This is generally when the product is transferred to the delivery point specified in the individual customer contract. The Group’s
performance obligations are considered to relate only to the sale of the crude oil, natural gas or liquids, with each barrel of crude oil or GJ
of natural gas considered to be a separate performance obligation under the contractual arrangements in place.
The Group has concluded that it is the principal in all of its revenue arrangements since it controls the goods before transferring them to
the customer. Under the terms of the relevant joint operating arrangements the Group is entitled to its participating share in the crude oil,
natural gas or liquids based on the Group’s entitlement interest. Revenue from contracts with customers is recognised based on the
actual volumes sold to customers.
The Group’s sales of natural gas are predominantly based on contracted prices, while crude oil and liquids transactions are priced based
on market prices. The crude oil sales price is the Tapis crude oil price, adjusted for a quality differential.
The crude oil sales contain provisional pricing. Revenue from contracts with customers is recognised based on the provisional pricing at
the date of delivery, with the price estimate based on the forward curve. The difference between the estimated price and the price
ultimately achieved for the sale of the crude oil transaction is recognised as a movement in the fair value of the receivable in accordance
with AASB 9. This amount is presented as other revenue in Note 2 as these movements are not within the scope of AASB 15.
78
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 20193. Income tax
The major components of income tax expense are:
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Deferred income tax
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Over provision in respect of prior year income tax
Income tax benefit
Current royalty tax
Current year
Adjustments in respect of prior year income tax
Deferred royalty tax
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
2019
$’000
2018
$’000
7,522
2,518
10,040
(3,760)
(492)
(4,252)
(4,612)
(4,612)
5,784
(1,003)
4,781
(1,372)
1,458
86
(8,875)
(8,875)
Total royalty tax (expense)
(8,864)
(8,789)
Total tax benefit/(expense)
1,176
(4,008)
Reconciliation between tax expense and pre-tax net profit
Accounting (loss)/profit before tax from continuing operations
Income tax using the domestic corporation tax rate of 30% (2018: 30%)
(Increase)/decrease in income tax expense due to:
Deductible expenditure
Non-assessable income
Non-deductible expenditure
Adjustments in respect to current income tax of previous years
Recognition of royalty related income tax benefits
Other
Income tax benefit
Royalty related tax expense
Total tax benefit/(expense)
Income tax recognised in other comprehensive income
Deductible equity costs
Fair value movement on derivative financial instruments
Income tax using the domestic corporation tax rate of 30% (2018: 30%)
(13,227)
3,968
161
232
(1,469)
2,518
1,383
3,247
10,040
(8,864)
1,176
-
383
383
31,019
(9,306)
6,044
6,582
(749)
(1,003)
3,107
106
4,781
(8,789)
(4,008)
1,599
(92)
1,507
79
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 20193. Income tax continued
Tax Consolidation
Cooper Energy Limited and its 100% owned Australian resident subsidiaries are consolidated for Australian income tax purposes with Cooper
Energy Limited being the head entity of the tax consolidated group. Members of the Group entered into a tax sharing arrangement in order to
allocate income tax expense to the wholly-owned subsidiaries. In addition, the agreement provides for the allocation of income tax liabilities
between the entities should the head entity default on its tax payment obligations.
Members of the tax consolidated group have entered into a tax funding agreement. The tax funding agreement requires members of the tax
consolidated group to make contributions to the head Company for tax liabilities and deferred tax balances arising from transactions occurring
after the implementation of tax consolidation. Contributions are payable following the payment of the liabilities by Cooper Energy Limited.
The assets and liabilities arising under the tax funding agreement are recognised as inter-company assets and liabilities with a consequential
adjustment to income tax expense or benefit. In addition, the agreement provides for the allocation of income tax liabilities between the entities
should the head entity default on its tax payment obligations or upon leaving the Group. The current and deferred tax amounts are measured in
a systematic manner that is consistent with the broad principles in AASB 112 Income Taxes.
Unrecognised temporary differences
At 30 June 2019, there are no unrecognised temporary differences associated with the Group’s investments in subsidiaries, as the Group has
no liability for additional taxation should unremitted earnings be remitted (2018: $nil).
Franking Tax Credits
At 30 June 2019 the parent entity had franking tax credits of $42.9 million (2018: $42.9 million). The fully franked dividend equivalent is
$142.9 million (2018: $142.9 million).
Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT)
Cooper Energy Limited has recognised a Deferred Tax Liability for Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT) of $16.3 million (2018: $10.4 million)
relating to PRRT on the Group’s producing gas assets. The Group has not recognised a Deferred Tax Asset for PRRT of $19.1 million (2018:
$52.2 million). In the current year, this is in respect of the Sole Gas Project, and the Deferred Tax Asset for Sole will be recognised when it
is probable that the undeducted expenditure will be able to be utilised. From 1 July 2019, there was a change in the PRRT legislation so that
onshore petroleum projects will no longer be subject to PRRT. The Group has significant levels of undeducted expenditure in respect of the
Cooper Basin oil producing assets that will not be utilised.
Income Tax Losses
(a) Revenue Losses
A Deferred Tax Asset has been recognised for the year ended 30 June 2019 of $23.6 million (2018: $21.6 million).
(b) Capital Losses
Cooper Energy has not recognised a Deferred Tax Asset for Australian income tax capital losses of $15.5 million (2018: $3.0 million) on the
basis that it is not probable that the carried forward capital losses will be utilised against future assessable capital profits. Capital losses have
been utilised in the prior year to offset the capital gain generated from the sale of the Orbost Gas Plant and the receipt of funds from exited
joint venture parties for the BMG abandonment.
80
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 20193. Income tax continued
Income Tax Losses continued
Deferred income tax from corporate tax
Deferred income tax at 30 June relates to:
Deferred tax liabilities
Trade and other receivables
Oil and gas assets
Exploration and evaluation
Property, plant and equipment
Other
Unrealised currency translation gain
Deferred tax assets
Trade and other payables
Provision for employee entitlements
Provisions
Other
Capital raising costs
Tax losses
Deferred tax benefit
Consolidated
Statement of Financial
Position
Consolidated Statement
of Comprehensive
Income
2019
$’000
2018
$’000
2019
$’000
2018
$’000
2,240
20,325
8,293
40
103
-
3,583
16,153
4,082
-
424
-
1,343
(1,164)
(4,172)
(4,211)
(40)
(62)
-
(15,828)
11,851
-
(308)
38
31,001
24,242
(7,142)
(5,411)
-
2,082
18,410
5,377
2,261
23,628
51,758
-
1,823
4,602
3,313
3,226
21,612
34,576
-
259
13,808
2,064
(965)
2,016
17,182
10,040
(1,199)
1,459
2,114
3,108
(628)
5,338
10,192
4,781
Deferred tax asset from corporate tax
20,757
10,334
Deferred income tax from PRRT
Deferred income tax at 30 June relates to:
Deferred tax liabilities
Oil and gas assets
Deferred tax (expense)
16,293
10,356
(4,612)
(4,612)
(8,875)
(8,875)
Deferred tax liability from PRRT
16,293
10,356
81
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 20193. Income tax continued
Income Tax Losses continued
Accounting Policy
Current tax assets and liabilities for the current and prior periods are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to
the taxation authorities based on tax rates and tax laws that are enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.
Deferred income tax is recognised on all temporary differences, except for:
• the initial recognition of an asset or liability that affects neither the accounting profit nor taxable profit or loss; or
• the taxable temporary difference is associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates or interests in joint ventures, and the timing
of the reversal of the temporary difference can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the
foreseeable future.
Deferred income tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences, carry-forward of unused tax assets and unused tax
losses, to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences
and the carry-forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses can be utilised.
The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer
probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be utilised. Unrecognised
deferred income tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognised to the extent that it has become probable that
future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that were expected to apply to the year when the asset is
realised or the liability is settled, based on tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
Income taxes relating to items recognised directly in equity are recognised in equity and not in profit or loss.
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset only if a legally enforceable right exits to offset current tax assets against
current tax liabilities and the deferred tax asset and liabilities relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority. Where
allowable by initial recognition exemptions, deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities that arise on acquisition are not recognised.
Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT)
For PRRT purposes, the impact of future augmentation on expenditure is included in the determination of future taxable profits when
assessing the extent to which a deferred tax asset can be recognised in the statement of financial position. Deferred tax assets are
reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.
Goods and Services Taxes (GST)
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST. Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of the amount
of GST receivable or payable. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is included as part of
receivables or payables in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Commitments and contingencies are disclosed net of the
amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority.
Cash flows are included in the Cash Flow Statement on a net basis and the net GST component of cash flows arising from investing and
financing activities, which is recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority, are classified as operating cash flows.
Significant Accounting Judgements, Estimates and Assumptions
The Group has a Tax Risk Management Framework which outlines how the direct and indirect tax obligations of Cooper Energy Limited
are met from an operational, governance and tax risk management perspective.
Management judgements are made in relation to the types of arrangements considered to be a tax on income (PRRT) in contrast to an
operating cost.
Judgement is also made in assessing whether deferred tax assets and certain deferred tax liabilities are recognised on the
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Deferred tax assets, including those arising from un-recouped tax losses, capital losses,
and temporary differences arising from the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax legislation, are recognised only where it is considered more
likely than not they will be recovered, which is dependent on the generation of sufficient future taxable profits. Future taxable profits
are estimated by Board approved internal budgets and forecasts.
Judgements are also required about the application of income tax legislation. These judgements and assumptions are subject to risk
and uncertainty, hence there is a possibility changes in circumstances will alter expectation, which may impact the amount of deferred
tax assets and deferred tax liabilities recognised on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and the amount of other tax losses
and temporary differences not yet recognised.
In such circumstances, some or all of the carrying amounts of recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities may require adjustment,
resulting in a corresponding credit or charge to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.
82
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 20194. Earnings per share
The following reflects the net (loss)/profit and share data used in the calculations of earnings per share:
Net (loss)/profit after tax attributable to shareholders
2019
$’000
(12,051)
2018
$’000
27,011
2019
Thousands
2018
Thousands
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating basic earnings per share
1,611,905
1,506,880
Dilutive performance rights and share appreciation rights1
-
22,570
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating dilutive earnings per share
1,611,905
1,529,450
Basic (loss)/earnings per share for the period (cents per share)
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share for the period (cents per share)
(0.7)
(0.7)
1.8
1.8
1. The weighted average number of potentially dilutive shares at 30 June 2019 is 24.6 million (2018: 22.6 million)
At 30 June 2019 there exist performance rights and share appreciation rights that if vested, would result in the issue of additional ordinary
shares over the next three years. In the current period, these potential ordinary shares are considered antidilutive as their conversion to ordinary
shares would reduce the loss per share. Accordingly, they have been excluded from the dilutive earnings per share calculation. There have been
no other transactions involving ordinary shares or potential ordinary shares between the reporting date and the date of completion of these
financial statements.
Accounting Policy
Basic earnings per share are calculated as net profit attributable to shareholders divided by the weighted average number of ordinary
shares. Diluted earnings per share is calculated as net profit attributable to shareholders adjusted for the after tax effect of dilutive
potential ordinary shares that have been recognised as expenses during the period divided by the weighted average number of ordinary
shares and dilutive potential ordinary shares.
83
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2019Working Capital
5. Cash and cash equivalents and term deposits
Current Assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Term deposits at bank
Cash and cash equivalents
Non-Current Assets
Term deposits at bank
Reconciliation of net profit to net cash flows from operating activities
Net (loss)/profit after tax
Add/(deduct) non-cash items:
Amortisation of oil and gas assets
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Impairment expense
Exploration and Evaluation expense
Restoration expense
Share based payments
Finance costs
Gain on sale of subsidiary
Foreign exchange (gain)/loss
Other non-cash movements
Net cash from operating activities before changes in assets or liabilities
Add/(deduct) changes in operating assets or liabilities:
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables
(Increase)/decrease in inventories
(Increase)/decrease in prepayments
(Decrease)/increase in deferred taxes
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables
(Decrease)/increase in provisions
(Increase)/decrease in held for sale assets
Net cash from operating activities
Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities
Balance at beginning of period
Proceeds from borrowings
Other
Balance at end of period
Accounting Policy
2019
$’000
136,539
27,750
164,289
-
2019
$’000
2018
$’000
236,907
-
236,907
16
2018
$’000
(12,051)
27,011
18,179
990
-
1,360
26,205
3,422
4,972
-
(778)
(656)
41,643
4,694
41
(560)
(4,486)
(7,169)
(13,659)
-
20,504
116,923
92,290
4,467
213,680
16,873
3,320
696
850
4,916
2,642
2,779
(21,934)
(1,385)
1,400
37,168
(11,544)
-
52
2,856
5,463
(12,135)
358
22,218
-
125,865
(8,942)
116,923
Cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position comprise cash at bank and short-term deposits for periods
of three months or subject to insignificant changes in value. For the purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents
includes cash and term deposits as defined above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts.
Cash held in escrow with associated restrictions whereby the Group cannot use that cash for operational purposes as it deems appropriate is
classified as a financial asset and not as cash and cash equivalents.
84
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2019
6. Trade and other receivables
Current Assets
Trade receivables
Accrued revenue
Related party receivable – joint arrangements
Interest receivable
Non-Current Assets
Trade receivables
Consideration receivable
2019
$’000
9,474
11,349
-
346
21,169
-
-
-
2018
$’000
12,604
12,298
2,067
361
27,330
11
145
156
There are no past due or impaired trade receivables and none that have a history of past default.
Accounting Policy
Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and generally have 30 to 90 day terms. Trade receivables are recognised at the transaction price
as defined by AASB 15 and carried at amortised cost less any allowances for expected credit loss. An allowance for expected credit loss is
recognised using the simplified approach. Bad debts are written off when identified.
7. Prepayments
Insurance
Other
8. Inventory
Spares and parts
2019
$’000
884
2,462
3,346
2019
$’000
426
2018
$’000
1,761
1,000
2,761
2018
$’000
467
All inventory items are carried at cost in the current and previous financial years.
Accounting Policy
Inventories are carried at the lower of their cost or net realisable value. Inventories held by the Group are in respect of spares and parts
involved in drilling operations. Items held as insurance or capital spares are treated as part of property, plant and equipment.
9. Trade and other payables
Trade payables
Accruals (capital and operating expenditure)
Deferred lease incentive
Accounting Policy
2019
$’000
5,046
36,598
2,889
44,533
2018
$’000
14,159
43,597
1,459
59,215
Trade payables are non-interest bearing and carried at amortised cost. The amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided
during the financial year, but not yet settled at the balance sheet date. Accruals represent unbilled goods or services.
85
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2019Capital Employed
10. Property, plant and equipment
Reconciliation of carrying amounts at
beginning and end of period:
Carrying amount at beginning of period
Additions
Disposals/written off
Depreciation
Carrying amount at end of period
Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Carrying amount at end of period
Accounting Policy
Production assets
Corporate assets
Total
2019
$’000
2018
$’000
521
184
-
(162)
543
4,080
(3,537)
543
2,768
469
-
(2,716)
521
3,896
(3,375)
521
2019
$’000
2,343
2,579
(57)
(828)
4,037
6,075
(2,038)
4,037
2018
$’000
926
2,353
(332)
(604)
2,343
4,511
(2,168)
2,343
2019
$’000
2,864
2,763
(57)
(990)
4,580
10,155
(5,575)
4,580
2018
$’000
3,694
2,822
(332)
(3,320)
2,864
8,407
(5,543)
2,864
Property, plant and equipment comprises office and IT equipment, leasehold improvements and the Minerva Gas Plant, and is stated at
historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly
attributable to the acquisition of the items. Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset,
as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item
can be measured reliably. Repairs and maintenance are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income as incurred.
Depreciation on property plant and equipment is calculated at between 7.5% and 37.5% per annum using the diminishing value method over
the asset’s estimated useful lives. The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each reporting
date.
An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no further future economic benefits are expected from its
use. Any gains or losses arising on derecognition of the asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the net
carrying amount of the asset) is included in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.
11. Intangible assets
Reconciliation of carrying amounts at beginning and end of period:
Carrying amount at beginning of period
Additions
Carrying amount at end of period
Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Carrying amount at end of period
Accounting Policy
2019
$’000
2018
$’000
-
36
36
36
-
36
-
-
-
-
-
-
Intangible assets are stated at historical cost less accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes
expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. Intangible assets are determined to have a finite useful life and are
amortised over their useful lives and tested for impairment whenever there is an indicator of impairment.
86
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 201912. Exploration and evaluation assets
Reconciliation of carrying amounts at beginning and end of period
Carrying amount at beginning of period
Additions
Exploration and evaluation expense
Impairment
Transfer to oil and gas assets
Carrying amount at end of period (i)
Notes
14
2019
$’000
98,732
54,896
(1,360)
-
-
152,268
2018
$’000
223,331
26,582
(850)
(696)
(149,635)
98,732
(i) Recoverability is dependent on the successful development and commercial exploration or sale of the respective areas of interest.
Accounting Policy
Exploration and evaluation expenditure include costs incurred in the search for hydrocarbon resources and determining the commercial
viability in each identifiable area of interest. Exploration and evaluation expenditure is accounted for in accordance with the successful
efforts method and is capitalised to the extent that:
i.
the rights to tenure of the areas of interest are current and the Group controls the area of interest in which the expenditure has been
incurred; and
ii. such costs are expected to be recouped through successful development and exploration of the area of interest, or alternatively by its
sale; or
iii. exploration and evaluation activities in the area of interest have not at the reporting date:
a. reached a stage which permits a reasonable assessment of the existence or otherwise of economically recoverable reserves; and
b. active and significant operations in, or in relation to, the area of interest are continuing.
An area of interest refers to an individual geological area where the potential presence of an oil or a natural gas field is considered favourable
or has been proven to exist, and in most cases, comprises an individual prospective oil or gas field.
Exploration and evaluation expenditure which does not satisfy these criteria is written off. Specifically, costs carried forward in respect of
an area of interest that is abandoned or costs relating directly to the drilling of an unsuccessful well are written off in the year in which the
decision to abandon is made or the results of drilling are concluded. The success or otherwise of a well is determined by reference to the
drilling objectives for that well. For successful wells, the well costs remain capitalised on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
as long as sufficient progress in assessing the reserves and the economic and operating viability of the project is being made. Any appraisal
costs relating to determining commercial feasibility are also capitalised as exploration and evaluation assets. A regular review is undertaken
of each area of interest to determine the appropriateness of continuing to carry forward costs in relation to that area of interest.
Where an ownership interest in an exploration and evaluation asset is exchanged for another, the transaction is recognised by reference
to the carrying value of the original interest. Any cash consideration paid, including transaction costs, is accounted for as an acquisition
of exploration and evaluation assets. Any cash consideration received, net of transaction costs, is treated as a recoupment of costs
previously capitalised with any excess accounted for as a gain on disposal of non-current assets. Where a discovered oil or gas field enters
the development phase the accumulated exploration and evaluation expenditure is tested for impairment and then transferred to oil and
gas assets.
87
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2019
13. Oil and gas assets
Reconciliation of carrying amounts at beginning and end of period:
Carrying amount at beginning of period
Additions
Transferred from exploration and evaluation
Amortisation
Carrying amount at end of period
Cost
Accumulated amortisation & impairment
Carrying amount at end of period
Accounting Policy
2019
$’000
2018
$’000
394,632
236,745
-
(18,179)
613,198
712,241
(99,043)
613,198
69,402
192,468
149,635
(16,873)
394,632
447,631
(52,999)
394,632
Oil and gas assets are carried at cost including construction, installation of infrastructure such as roads, pipelines or umbilicals and the cost
of development of wells. Any restoration assets arising as a result of recognition of a restoration provision is also included in the carrying
amount of oil and gas assets.
Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that
future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs
and maintenance are charged to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income as incurred.
Oil and gas assets are amortised on the Units of Production basis using the latest approved estimate of Proved and Probable (2P) Reserves
and future development cost estimates. Amortisation is charged only once production has commenced. No amortisation is charged on areas
under development where production has not commenced.
Significant Accounting Judgements, Estimates and Assumptions
Estimation of oil and gas asset expenditure
Capitalised oil and gas assets for the construction of major projects or ongoing well construction activities include accruals in relation to the
value of work done. These remain estimates until the contractual arrangement is finalised, including any rebates, credits and variations as part
of the standard contractual process.
Amortisation of oil and gas assets
The amortisation of oil and gas assets are impacted by management’s estimates of reserves and future development costs. Refer to
the Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions section on page 72 in relation to reserves. Future development cost
estimates are costs necessary to develop an assets’ undeveloped 2P reserves. These costs are subject to changes in technology, regulation
and other external factors.
Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions are also made in relation to the impairment of oil and gas assets and
recognition of restoration assets, refer to Note 14 and Note 15 respectively.
88
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 201914. Impairment
Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets
Cooper Basin Northern Licenses
Exploration and evaluation impairment
2019
$’000
2018
$’000
-
696
At year-end the Group’s exploration assets were assessed for impairment indicators in accordance with AASB 6. There were no indicators of
impairment identified, therefore no impairment expense was recognised (2018: $0.7 million).
Oil and gas asset impairment
At year-end the Group’s oil and gas assets were assessed for impairment indicators in accordance with AASB 136. Notwithstanding that
impairment indicators were present, no impairment was recognised on oil and gas assets due to the presence of sufficient headroom in the
impairment modelling.
Accounting Policy
The carrying values of non-current assets, including, property, plant and equipment, capitalised exploration and evaluation assets and oil
and gas assets are assessed for indicators of impairment biannually. Where indicators of impairment are present, an impairment test is
performed.
An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset or CGU’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The
recoverable amount of non-current assets is the higher of fair value less cost to sell (FVLCS) and value in use (VIU). For the purposes of
assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (CGUs). In assessing
VIU, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of
the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. Where the recoverable amount is based on the FVLCS the inputs are consistent
with the level 2 and level 3 fair value hierarchy.
Significant Accounting Judgements, Estimates and Assumptions
Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets
The future recoverability of capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure is dependent on a number of factors, including whether the
Group decides to exploit the related lease itself or, if not, whether it successfully recovers the related exploration and evaluation asset
through sale.
Management is required to make certain estimates and assumptions in applying this policy. Factors which could impact the future
recoverability include the level of oil and gas resources, future technological changes which could impact the cost of extraction, future legal
changes (including changes to environmental restoration obligations) and changes to commodity prices. These estimates and assumptions
may change as new information becomes available. To the extent that capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure is determined not to
be recoverable in the future, this will reduce profits and net assets in the period in which this determination is made.
In addition, exploration and evaluation expenditure is capitalised if activities in the area of interest have not yet reached a stage which permits
a reasonable assessment of the existence or otherwise of economically recoverable oil and gas reserves or resources. To the extent that it is
determined in the future that this capitalised expenditure should be written off, this will reduce profits and net assets in the period in which
this determination is made.
Impairment of oil and gas assets
The Group reviews the carrying amount of oil and gas assets at each reporting date starting with analysis of any indicators of impairment.
Where indicators of impairment are present, the Group will test whether the CGU’s recoverable amount exceeds its carrying amount. Relevant
items of working capital and property, plant and equipment are allocated to CGUs when testing for impairment.
The Group calculates the VIU of an asset or CGU using a discounted cash flow model. The estimated expected cash flows used in the
discounted cash flow model are based on management’s best estimate of the future production of reserves and sales volumes, commodity
prices, foreign exchange rates, capital expenditure for any development required to produce the reserves, and operating expenditure.
The Group’s commodity prices and foreign exchange rates for impairment testing are based on management’s best estimates of future market
prices, with reference to external brokers, market data and futures prices. The Group’s oil price assumptions (real) are US$65/bbl for 2020,
US$68/bbl for 2021 and beyond (2018: US$65/bbl for 2019, US$67/bbl for 2020 and US$68/bbl long term). The Group’s gas price assumptions
are based on contracted gas volumes, and the Group’s view of future uncontracted gas prices are based on market data available, and South-
East Australia gas market supply and demand. Discount rates applied in the net present value calculation of the VIU are derived from the
weighted average cost of capital. The Group applied a pre-tax real discount rate of 9.03% (2018: 11.7%). The decrease in the discount rate is
mainly due to a decrease in the risk-free rate, reflecting a change in Australian government bond rates. A sensitivity analysis of the impairment
models shows that the recoverable amounts are most sensitive to management’s assumptions relating to production, commodity prices,
capital expenditure, timing of cash flows and discount rates. In the event that future circumstances vary from the assumptions used in the
impairment assessment, the recoverable amount of the Group’s assets or CGUs could change materially and result in an impairment loss.
89
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 201915. Provisions
Current Liabilities
Restoration provisions
Employee provisions
Exit penalty provision (i)
Other provisions
Non-Current Liabilities
Employee provisions
Restoration provisions
2019
$’000
9,989
1,142
-
-
2018
$’000
67,651
730
3,907
1,524
11,131
73,812
561
276,228
276,789
610
106,070
106,680
(i) The exit provision relates to an amount payable in relation to the Group’s exit from the joint venture partnership in the Hammamet permit in
Tunisia. The amount payable by the joint venture was determined by the Tunisian government and was paid by the joint venture during the
year. The amount paid to the joint venture by the Group was lower than the provision, with the difference being recognised as other income
(refer to Note 2).
Movement in carrying amount of the current restoration provision:
Carrying amount at beginning of period
Restoration provision assumed (i)
Restoration expenditure incurred
New provisions recognised (ii)
Transferred (to)/from non-current provisions
Impact of changes in restoration assumptions (iii)
Carrying amount at end of period
Movement in carrying amount of the non-current restoration provision:
Carrying amount at beginning of period
New provisions recognised (ii)
Transferred from/(to) current provisions
Increase through accretion
Impact of changes in restoration assumptions (iii)
Carrying amount at end of period
2019
$’000
67,651
-
2018
$’000
14,584
48,082
(10,112)
(16,367)
597
(48,735)
588
9,989
106,070
13,507
48,735
4,902
103,014
276,228
-
21,271
81
67,651
99,437
13,608
(21,271)
2,649
11,647
106,070
(i) Relates to the Group’s increased share of the BMG restoration provision on settlement with exited parties.
(ii) New provisions recognised is in respect of restoration provisions arising from the Sole Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) and pipeline and
exploration permits (2018: Sole-3 and Sole-4 wells).
(iii) Changes in restoration assumptions results from a change in the discount rate and changes in gross cost assumptions.
The discount rate used in the calculation of the provisions as at 30 June 2019 ranged from 0.96% to 1.82% (2018: 2.00% to 2.70%) reflecting a
risk-free rate that aligns to the timing of restoration obligations. The reduction in the risk-free rate reflects the change in Australian government
bond rates since the last assessment.
90
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 201915. Provisions continued
Accounting Policy
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of past transactions or other past events, it is
probable that a future sacrifice of economic benefits will be required and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
Employee benefits
Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits and annual leave are recognised in respect of employees’ services up to the
reporting date and are measured at the amount expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. Expenses for non-accumulating sick leave
are recognised when the leave is taken and are measured at the rates paid or payable.
The provision for long service leave is recognised and measured as the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of
services provided by employees up to the reporting date using the projected unit credit method. Consideration is given to expected future
wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures, and periods of service. Expected future payments are discounted using market
yields at the reporting date based on high quality corporate bonds with terms of maturity and currencies that match, as closely as possible,
the estimated future cash outflows. Employees’ accumulated long service leave is ascribed to individual employees at the rates payable as
and when they become entitled to long service leave.
A provision for bonus is recognised and measured based upon the current wage and salary level and forms part of the employee short term
incentive plan. The basis for the bonus is set out in the Remuneration Report.
Restoration
The Group records a restoration provision for the present value of its share of the estimated cost to restore its sites. The nature of restoration
activities includes the obligations relating to the reclamation, waste site closure, plant closure, production facility removal and other costs
associated with the restoration of the site.
A restoration provision is recognised upon commencement of construction and then reviewed biannually at each reporting date. When the
liability is recorded the carrying amount of the production or exploration asset is increased by the same amount and is depreciated over
the remaining producing life of the asset. The movement is recorded as a restoration expense when there is no asset recorded. Over time,
the liability is increased for the change in the present value based on a risk-free discount rate. The unwinding of the discount is recorded as
an accretion charge within finance costs.
Any changes in the estimate of the provision for restoration arising from changes in the gross cost estimate or changes in the discount rate of
the restoration provision are recorded by adjusting the provision and the carrying amount of the production or exploration asset, to the extent
that it is appropriate to recognise an asset under accounting standards, and then depreciated over the remaining producing life of the asset.
Where it is not appropriate to recognise an asset, changes will go through profit or loss. Any change in assumptions is applied prospectively.
These estimated costs are based on current technology available, State, Federal and International legislation and or industry practice.
Significant Accounting Judgements, Estimates and Assumptions
Provisions for restoration costs
Decommissioning and restoration costs are a normal consequence of oil and gas extraction and the majority of this expenditure is incurred
at the end of a field’s life. In determining an appropriate level of provision, assumptions are made on the expected future costs to be incurred,
the timing of these expected future costs (largely dependent on the life of the field), and the estimated future level of inflation.
The ultimate cost of decommissioning and restoration is uncertain and these ultimate costs can vary in response to many factors. These
include the extent of restoration required due to changes to the relevant legal or regulatory requirements and the emergence of new
restoration techniques or experience at other fields, including prevailing service costs. The expected timing of expenditure can also change,
for example in response to changes in oil and gas reserves or to production rates. Changes to any of the estimates could result in significant
changes to the amount of the provision recognised, which would in turn impact future financial results.
91
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 201916. Government grants
Reconciliation of government grants at beginning and end of period:
At beginning of period
Grant received during the year
Allocated to exploration and evaluation assets
At end of period
Accounting Policy
2019
$’000
2,067
-
(1,637)
430
2018
$’000
-
2,067
-
2,067
Grants from the government are recognised at their fair value where there is a reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and
the Group will comply with all attached conditions. Government grants received in relation to exploration and evaluation assets, oil and gas
assets or property, plant and equipment are recognised as a reduction in the carrying value of the asset as expenditure is incurred.
Funding and Risk Management
17. Interest bearing loans and borrowings
Non-current bank debt
Net of capitalised transaction costs of $4.5 million (2018: $8.9 million).
2019
$’000
2018
$’000
213,680
116,923
In August 2017, Cooper Energy negotiated a $250.0 million senior secured Reserve Based Lending Facility, principally to fund the Sole Gas
Project, and a senior secured $15.0 million working capital facility.
A summary of the Group’s secured facilities is included below.
Facility
Currency
Limit1
Reserve Based Lending Facility
Australian dollars
$250.0 million (2018: $250.0 million)
Utilised amount
$218.2 million (2018: $125.9 million)
Accounting balance
$213.7 million (2018: $116.9 million)
Effective interest rate
6.19%
Maturity
Facility
Currency
Limit
2020 – 2024
Working Capital Facility
Australian dollars
$15.0 million (2018: $15 million)
Utilised amount2
Accounting balance
Nil (2018: Nil)
Nil (2018: Nil)
Effective interest rate
Nil
Maturity
28 September 2020
1. As at 30 June 2019, $233.0 million of the facility limit of $250.0 million is currently available.
2. As at 30 June 2019, $1.7 million has been utilised by way of bank guarantees.
Accounting Policy
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value net of transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, borrowings are stated at amortised
cost, with any difference between cost and redemption value being recognised in profit or loss over the period of the borrowings on an
effective interest basis. Transaction costs are capitalised initially and included in the effective interest rate calculation and unwound over the
expected term of the facility.
Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer the settlement of the liability for at least
12 months after the end of the reporting period. Interest expense is recognised as interest accrues using the effective interest rate and if not
paid at balance date, is reflected in the balance sheet as a payable.
92
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 201918. Net finance costs
Finance Income
Interest income
Finance Costs
Accretion of restoration provision
Accretion of success fee liability
Interest expense
Capitalised interest
Total finance costs
Net finance (costs)/income
Accounting Policy
2019
$’000
2018
$’000
3,398
4,049
(4,902)
(70)
(11,015)
11,015
(4,972)
(1,574)
(2,735)
(44)
(3,394)
3,394
(2,779)
1,270
Interest earned is recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income as finance income and is recognised as interest
accrues using the effective interest rate. This is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the
financial instrument to the net carrying amount of the financial asset.
Interest expense is capitalised to the cost of a qualifying asset during the development phase.
19. Contributed equity and reserves
Capital Management
For the purpose of the Group’s capital management, capital includes issued capital and all other equity reserves attributable to the equity
holders of the parent entity. The primary objective of the Group’s capital management is to maintain an appropriate capital profile to support its
business activities and to maximise shareholder value. At 30 June 2019, the Group has utilised $218.2 million of its Reserve Based Lending
Facility. The Group manages its capital structure and makes adjustments in light of economic conditions and the requirements of the financial
covenants. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust its dividend policy, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares
or draw on debt. No changes were made in the objectives, policies or processes during the current and prior period.
Share capital
Ordinary shares issued and fully paid
Movement in ordinary shares on issue
At 1 July
Equity issue
Issuance of shares for Performance Rights and Share
Appreciation Rights
Issuance of shares to contractors
At 30 June
Accounting Policy
2019
$’000
2018
$’000
474,397
471,837
2019
2018
Thousands
$’000
Thousands
$’000
1,601,079
471,837
1,140,551
-
-
456,222
19,682
790
2,217
343
4,306
-
343,161
127,803
873
-
1,621,551
474,397
1,601,079
471,837
Issued and paid up capital is recognised as the fair value of the consideration received by the Group.
Any transaction costs arising on the issue of ordinary shares that would not have been incurred had ordinary shares not been issued are
recognised directly in equity as a reduction of the share proceeds received.
The Group may issue shares to contractors at its discretion in exchange for services rendered. The cost of these issued shares is measured
by reference to the fair value at the date at which they are granted.
93
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 201919. Contributed equity and reserves continued
Reserves
Consolidation
reserve
$’000
Share
based
payment
reserve
$’000
(541)
7,817
-
-
-
(541)
-
-
-
(541)
-
(873)
2,642
9,586
-
(2,217)
3,422
10,791
Consolidated
At 1 July 2017
Other comprehensive income/
(expenditure)
Transferred to issued capital
Share-based payments
At 30 June 2018
Other comprehensive income/
(expenditure)
Transferred to issued capital
Share-based payments
At 30 June 2019
Nature and purpose of reserves
Consolidation reserve
Option
premium
reserve
$’000
Cash flow
hedge
reserve
$’000
Equity
instrument
reserve
$’000
Total
$’000
25
-
-
-
25
-
-
-
161
149
-
-
310
(894)
-
-
(685)
6,777
1,230
-
-
545
(989)
-
-
1,379
(873)
2,642
9,925
(1,883)
(2,217)
3,422
9,247
25
(584)
(444)
The reserve comprises the premium paid on acquisition of minority shareholdings in a controlled entity.
Share based payment reserve
This reserve is used to record the value of equity benefits provided to employees, contractors and Executive Directors as part of their
remuneration.
Option premium reserve
This reserve is used to accumulate amounts received from the issue of options. The reserve can be used to pay dividends or issue bonus
shares.
Cash flow hedge reserve
This reserve is used to capture the effective portion of the mark to market movement of instruments designed in a hedge relationship.
Equity instruments reserve
This reserve is used to capture the mark to market movement in the value of shares held in companies listed on a public exchange. Items in
this reserve are never recycled through profit or loss.
2019
$’000
2018
$’000
(37,880)
(12,051)
(49,931)
(64,891)
27,011
(37,880)
Accumulated Losses
Movement in accumulated losses:
Balance at 1 July
Net (loss)/profit for the year
Balance at 30 June
94
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 201920. Financial risk management
The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise cash and short-term deposits (Note 5), receivables (Note 6), equity investments, payables
(Note 9) and borrowings (Note 17).
2019
$’000
2018
$’000
Other financial assets
Current
Cash held in escrow
Non-Current
Equity instruments (i)
Escrow proceeds receivable
Other financial liabilities
Current
Derivative financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments designated in a hedge relationship
Non-Current
Success fee financial liability
Derivative financial instruments designated in a hedge relationship
Movement in carrying amount of the success fee financial liability:
Carrying amount at 1 July
Finance cost
Fair value adjustment
Carrying amount at 30 June
-
-
1,252
20,488
21,740
-
1,758
1,758
3,482
-
3,482
3,054
70
358
3,482
20,171
20,171
2,241
20,146
22,387
236
355
591
3,054
177
3,231
3,044
44
(34)
3,054
(i) The equity instruments consist of two investments and the Group has received no dividends throughout the financial year.
Fair value hierarchy
All financial instruments for which fair value is recognised or disclosed are categorised within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, and
based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
Level 1 Quoted market prices in an active market (that are unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is directly or indirectly observable
Level 3 Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is unobservable
For financial instruments that are recognised at fair value on a recurring basis, the Group determines whether transfers have occurred between
levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorisation (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a
whole) at the end of each reporting period.
95
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 201920. Financial risk management continued
Set out below are the carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments held by the Group:
Consolidated
Financial assets
Trade and other receivables
Equity instruments
Cash held in escrow
Escrow proceeds receivable
Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
Success fee financial liability
Derivative financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments designated in a
hedge relationship
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
Carrying amount
Fair value
Level
2019
$’000
2018
$’000
2019
$’000
2018
$’000
2
1
2
2
2
3
2
2
2
21,169
1,252
-
20,488
44,533
3,482
-
1,758
27,330
2,241
20,171
20,146
59,215
3,054
236
532
21,169
1,252
-
20,488
44,533
3,482
-
1,758
27,330
2,241
20,171
20,146
59,215
3,054
236
532
213,680
116,923
215,566
101,842
The following summarises the significant methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments:
Equity instruments
Equity instruments are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income based on an election made at inception on an instrument
basis and are initially recognised at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. The classification depends on the purpose for which
the investments were acquired. After initial recognition, investments are remeasured to fair value determined by reference to their quoted
market price on a prescribed equity stock exchange at the reporting date, and hence is a Level 1 fair value measurement.
Changes in the fair value of equity investments are recognised as a separate component of equity. Any dividends received are reflected in profit
or loss.
Cash held in escrow and escrow proceeds receivable
During the 2018 financial year, the Group completed the sale of Orbost Gas Plant to APA Group. A portion of proceeds from the sale is held in
escrow, to be released upon certain conditions being satisfied. Additional funds were held in escrow for payments to be made in connection with
the Group’s 2018 drilling campaign. Amounts held in escrow are measured at amortised cost in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.
Derivative financial instruments designated in a hedge relationship
The derivative financial instruments relate to the Group’s hedging activities to hedge against cash flow risks from movements in interest rates
(and oil price in the prior year), for which hedge accounting has been applied. The derivative financial instruments are measured at fair value
through other comprehensive income and the fair value is obtained from third party valuation reports.
Derivative financial instruments
Commodity derivatives are also used to manage the Group’s exposure to changes in oil prices and are measured at fair value through profit and
loss. The Group has elected not to apply hedge accounting to its commodity derivatives entered into during the 2018 financial year. The use of
derivative financial instruments is subject to a set of policies, procedures and limits approved by the Board of Directors. The Group does not
trade in derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
Success fee financial liability
The success fee liability is the fair value of the Group’s liability to pay a $5.0 million success fee upon the commencement of commercial
production of hydrocarbons on the Group’s VIC/RL 13-15 assets acquired on 7 May 2014. The significant unobservable valuation inputs for the
success fee financial liability includes: a probability of 33% that no payment is made and a probability of 67% the payment is made in 2024.
The discount rate used in the calculation of the liability as at 30 June 2019 equalled 1.02% (June 2018: 2.70%). The financial liability is
measured at fair value through profit and loss, and valued using a discounted cash flow model and the value is sensitive to changes in discount
rate and probability of payment.
The Group manages its exposure to key financial risks in accordance with its risk management policy with the objective to ensure that the
financial risks inherent in oil and gas exploration activities are identified and then managed or kept as low as reasonably practicable. The Group
has a separate Risk and Sustainability Committee.
96
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 201920. Financial risk management continued
The main financial risks that arise in the normal course of business for the Group’s financial instruments are foreign currency risk, commodity
price risk, share price risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and interest rate risk. The Group uses different methods to measure and manage different
types of risks to which it is exposed. These include monitoring exposure to foreign exchange risk and assessments of market forecast for
interest rates, foreign exchange and commodity prices. Liquidity risk is monitored through the development of future rolling cash flow forecasts.
The Board’s policy is that no speculative trading in financial instruments be undertaken. The primary responsibility for the identification and
control of financial risks rests with the Managing Director and the Chief Financial Officer, under the authority of the Board. The Board is apprised
of these and other risks at Board meetings and agrees any policies that may be implemented to manage any of the risks identified below.
Market risk
Market risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices.
Market risk comprises three types of risk: foreign currency risk, commodity price risk and interest rate risk. Financial instruments affected by
market risk include deposits, trade receivables, trade payables and accrued liabilities.
The sensitivity analyses in the following sections relate to the position as at 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018.
The sensitivity analyses have been prepared on the basis that the amount of the financial instruments in foreign currencies is all constant.
The sensitivity analyses are intended to illustrate the sensitivity to changes in market variables on the Group’s financial instruments and show
the impact on profit or loss and shareholders’ equity, where applicable.
The analyses exclude the impact of movements in market variables on the carrying value of provisions.
The following assumptions have been made in calculating the sensitivity analyses:
• The Consolidated Statement of Financial Position sensitivity relates to US-denominated trade receivables
• The sensitivity of the relevant profit before tax item and/or equity is the effect of the assumed changes in respective market risks. This is
based on the financial assets and financial liabilities held at 30 June 2019 and 30 June 2018
a) Foreign currency risk
The Group has transactional currency exposure arising from oil sales which are denominated in United States dollars, whilst almost all its costs
are denominated in Australian dollars.
The majority of costs related to the Sole Gas Project are denominated in Australian dollars, however there are some costs incurred in Great
British pounds and United States dollars. Transaction exposures, where possible, are netted off across the Group to reduce volatility and provide
a natural hedge.
The Group may from time to time have cash denominated in United States dollars.
Currently the Group has no foreign exchange hedge programmes in place. The Group manages the purchase of foreign currency to meet
expenditure requirements, which cannot be netted off against US dollar receivables.
The financial instruments which are denominated in US dollars are as follows:
Financial assets
Cash
Trade and other receivables (current and non-current)
Cash held in escrow
2019
$’000
3,980
5,591
-
2018
$’000
5,403
7,852
20,171
The following table summarises the sensitivity of financial instruments held at the year end, to movements in the exchange rates for the
Australian dollar to the foreign currency, with all other variables held constant.
If the Australian dollar were 10% higher at the balance date
If the Australian dollar were 10% lower at the balance date
b) Commodity price risk
Impact on after tax profit
2019
$’000
(870)
1,063
2018
$’000
(1,205)
1,473
The Group uses oil price options to manage some of its transaction exposures. Options entered into have not been designated as cash flow
hedges and are entered into for periods consistent with oil price exposure of the underlying transactions, generally from one to 12 months.
The following table shows the effect of price changes in oil on the Group’s provisional sales excluding the effect of hedging.
Commodity price risk arises from the sale of oil denominated in US dollars. The Group has provisional sales at 30 June 2019 of $5.6 million
(2018: $7.9 million).
97
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 201920. Financial risk management continued
Market risk continued
If the Brent Average price were 10% higher at the balance date
If the Brent Average price were 10% lower at the balance date
c) Interest rate risk
Impact on after tax profit
2019
$’000
656
(656)
2018
$’000
901
(901)
The Group has borrowings of $213.7 million at 30 June 2019 (2018: $116.9 million). Interest on borrowings are capitalised while the project is in
development. The Group has fixed rate term deposits that are not impacted by changes in the interest rate at balance date.
Credit risk
Credit risk arises from the financial assets of the Group which comprise cash and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables including
hedge settlement receivables. The Group’s exposure to credit risk arises from potential default of the counter party, with a maximum exposure
equal to the carrying amount of these instruments. Exposure at balance date is addressed in each applicable note.
The Group trades only with recognised creditworthy third parties and has had no exposure to expected credit losses. The Group has a
concentration of credit risk with trade receivables due from a small number of entities which have traded with the Group since 2003.
Cash and cash equivalents and term deposits are held at three financial institutions that have a Standard & Poor’s A credit rating or better. Trade
receivables are settled on 30 to 90 day terms.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The liquidity position of the Group is
managed to ensure sufficient liquid funds are available to meet all financial commitments in a timely and cost-effective manner. The Managing
Director and Chief Financial Officer review the liquidity position on a regular basis including cash flow forecasts to determine the forecast
liquidity position and maintain appropriate liquidity levels.
Any fluctuation of the interest rate either up or down will have no impact on the principal amount of the cash on term deposit at the banks. The
Group does not invest in financial instruments that are traded on any secondary market.
The table below summarises the maturity profile of the Group’s financial liabilities based on contractual undiscounted payments:
Less than
3 months
$’000
3 to 12
months
$’000
1 to 5
years
$’000
Greater than
5 years
$’000
At 30 June 2019
Trade and other payables1
41,644
-
-
-
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
Financial liabilities
Derivative financial liabilities designated in
a hedge relationship
-
-
-
9,490
235,262
15,763
-
5,000
1,758
-
-
-
Total
$’000
41,644
260,515
5,000
1,758
41,644
11,248
240,262
15,763
308,917
At 30 June 2018
Trade and other payables1
Interest bearing loans and borrowings
Financial liabilities
Derivative financial liabilities
Derivative financial liabilities designated in
a hedge relationship
1. Excludes deferred lease incentive
98
57,756
1,967
-
91
-
-
5,902
-
145
355
-
56,747
5,000
-
177
-
104,141
-
-
-
57,756
168,757
5,000
236
532
59,814
6,402
61,924
104,141
232,281
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 201920. Financial risk management continued
Share price risk
Share price risk arises from the movement of share prices on a prescribed stock exchange. The Group has equity instruments measured at fair
value through other comprehensive income the fair value of which fluctuates as a result of movement in the share price.
If the share price were 10% higher at the balance date
If the share price were 10% lower at the balance date
21. Hedge accounting
Impact on reserve
2019
$’000
125
(125)
2018
$’000
223
(224)
The Group uses interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. The swaps are designated as cash flow hedges and
are entered into for a period consistent with the exposure of the underlying transactions.
Cash flow hedges – interest rate swaps
Interest rate swaps measured at fair value through other comprehensive income are designated as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges
of forecast interest payments in respect of the Group’s reserve base lending facility. These forecast transactions are highly probable and they
comprise 74% of the Group’s total expected interest payments June 2020.
Carrying amount
$1.8 million liability (2018: $0.5 million liability)
Notional value
Hedge cover
Maturity date
Average hedged rate
$161.7 million (2018: $118.4 million)
74%
June 2020
6.38%
The fair value of the swaps varies based on changes in forward rates.
30 June 2019
30 June 2018
Assets
$’000
Liabilities
$’000
Assets
$’000
Liabilities
$’000
Fair value of interest rate swaps
-
1,758
-
532
The terms of the interest rate swaps match the terms of the expected highly probable forecast interest payments.
The cash flow hedges of the expected future interest payments were assessed to be highly effective and a net unrealised loss of $1.3 million
(2018: $0.5 million) and a tax expense of $0.4 million (2018: $0.1 million) relating to the hedging instrument are included in OCI.
During the previous financial year, $0.3 million was reclassified from other comprehensive income (OCI) to capitalised borrowing costs on the
balance sheet in respect of realised hedge settlements.
The amounts retained in OCI at 30 June 2019 are expected to mature and impact the statement of profit or loss during the 2020 financial year.
Accounting Policy
Derivatives are initially recognised at their fair value when the Group becomes a party to the contract. Derivative financial instruments
measured at fair value through profit and loss may be designated as hedging instruments in a hedge relationship.
Cash flow hedges
The Group uses interest rate swaps as hedges of its exposure to interest rate risk in forecast transactions. Amounts recognised as other
comprehensive income are transferred to profit or loss when the hedged transaction affects profit or loss – when the sale occurs or when interest
is paid.
Hedge effectiveness is determined at the inception of the hedge relationship and through periodic prospective effectiveness assessments
to ensure an economic relationship exists between the hedged item and a hedging instrument. The Group enters into hedging relationships
where the critical terms of the hedging instrument match exactly with the terms of the hedged item and so a qualitative assessment of
effectiveness is performed. If changes in circumstances affect the terms of the hedged item such that the critical terms no longer match
exactly with the critical terms of the hedging instrument, the Group uses the hypothetical derivative method to assess effectiveness.
The effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised in other comprehensive income in the cash flow hedge
reserve while any ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the statement of profit or loss.
If the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised without replacement or rollover, or if its designation as a hedge is
revoked, or when the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in other
comprehensive income remains separately in equity until the forecast transaction occurs.
99
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2019Group Structure
22. Interests in joint arrangements
The Group has the following interests in joint arrangements involved in the exploration and/or production of oil and gas in Australia:
Ownership Interest
2019
2018
Joint Arrangements in Australia in which Cooper Energy Limited is the operator/manager
VIC/L24 & 30
Gas exploration and production
50%1
-
Joint Arrangements in Australia in which Cooper Energy Limited is not the operator/manager
PEL 90K
PEL 933
PRL 237
Oil and gas exploration
Oil and gas exploration and production
Oil and gas exploration
25%2
30%
20%
25%
30%
20%
PRL 207-209 (Formerly PEL 100)
Oil and gas exploration
19.165%
19.165%
PRL 183-190 (Formerly PEL 110)
Oil and gas exploration
PEL 494
PEP 150
PEP 168
PEP 171
PRL 32
Oil and gas exploration
Oil and gas exploration
Oil and gas exploration
Oil and gas exploration
Oil and gas exploration
PRL 85-104 3 (Formerly PEL 92)
Oil and gas exploration and production
1. Following a change in the ownership structure of the joint venturers, there is now joint control.
2. The Group withdrew from the PEL 90K joint venture, however the title had not been transferred as at 30 June 2019.
3. Includes associated PPLs.
Accounting Policy
20%
30%
50%
50%
75%
30%
25%
20%
30%
20%
50%
100%
30%
25%
The Group has interests in arrangements that are controlled jointly. A joint arrangement is either a joint operation or a joint venture. The Group
has several joint arrangements which are classified as joint operations. A joint operation is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have
joint control of the arrangement, have rights to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrangement. Currently the Group
does not have any interests in joint ventures.
In relation to its interests in joint operations, the Group recognises its:
• Assets, including its share of any assets held jointly
• Liabilities, including its share of any liabilities incurred jointly
• Revenue from the sale of its share of the output arising from the joint operation
• Expenses, including its share of any expenses incurred jointly
Significant Accounting Judgements, Estimates and Assumptions
Joint arrangements
Judgement is required to determine when the Group has joint control over an arrangement, which requires an assessment of the relevant
activities and when the decisions in relation to those activities require unanimous consent. The Group has determined that the relevant
activities for its joint arrangements are those relating to the operating and capital decisions of the arrangement, such as approval of the
capital expenditure program for each year and appointing, remunerating and terminating the key management personnel or service
providers of the joint arrangement. Where joint control does not exist, the relationship is not accounted for as a joint arrangement. The
considerations made in determining joint control are similar to those necessary to determine control over subsidiaries.
Judgement is also required to classify a joint arrangement. Classifying the arrangement requires the Group to assess their rights and
obligations arising from the arrangement. Specifically, the Group considers:
• The structure of the joint arrangement – whether it is structured through a separate vehicle;
• When the arrangement is structured through a separate vehicle, the Group also considers the rights and obligations arising from: The legal
form of the separate vehicle; the terms of the contractual arrangement and; other facts and circumstances (when relevant).
This assessment often requires significant judgement, and a different conclusion on joint control and also whether the arrangement is a
joint operation or a joint venture, may materially impact the accounting.
100
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 201923. Investments in controlled entities
(a) Schedule of controlled entities
The Group’s consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Cooper Energy Limited and the subsidiaries listed in the
following table.
Name
CE Tunisia Bargou Ltd
CE Hammamet Ltd
CE Nabeul Ltd
Somerton Energy Limited
Essential Petroleum Exploration Pty Ltd
Cooper Energy (Australia) Pty Ltd
Cooper Energy (PBF) Pty Ltd
Cooper Energy (PB Pipelines) Pty Ltd
Cooper Energy (CH) Pty Ltd
Cooper Energy (TC) Pty Ltd
Cooper Energy (MF) Pty Ltd
Cooper Energy (MGP) Pty Ltd
Cooper Energy (IC) Pty Ltd
Cooper Energy (HC) Pty Ltd
Cooper Energy (EA) Pty Ltd
Cooper Energy (Sole) Pty Ltd
Cooper Energy (VO) Pty Ltd
Cooper Energy (Marketing) Pty Ltd
Country of
incorporation
British Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Note
(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)
(a)
Ownership interest
2019
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
2018
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
-
-
The parties that comprise the Closed Group and were added to the Closed Group during the year are denoted by (a).
(b) Deed of Cross Guarantee
Pursuant to ASIC Corporations (Wholly-owned Companies) Instrument 2016/785 dated 29 September 2016, relief has been granted to these
controlled entities of Cooper Energy Limited from the Corporations Act 2001 for preparation, audit and lodgement of financial reports, and
directors’ reports. As a condition of the Class Order, Cooper Energy Limited, and the controlled entities subject to the Class Order, entered
into a Deed of Cross Guarantee. The effect of the deed is that Cooper Energy Limited has guaranteed to pay any deficiency in the event of the
winding up of any member of the Closed Group, and each member of the Closed Group has given a guarantee to pay any deficiency, in the
event that Cooper Energy Limited or any other member of the Closed Group is wound up.
CE Tunisia Bargou Ltd, CE Hammamet Ltd and CE Nabeul Ltd were inactive during the current and prior year, therefore the Financial
Statements of the consolidated entity also represent the closed group results.
101
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 201923. Investments in controlled entities continued
Accounting Policy
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the
consideration transferred, measured at acquisition date fair value and the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. For each
business combination, the Group elects whether it measures the non-controlling interest in the acquiree at fair value or at the proportionate
share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Acquisition costs incurred are expensed and included in administrative expenses.
When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and designation
in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as at the acquisition date. If the business
combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date fair value of the acquirers previously held equity interest in the acquiree is
remeasured to fair value at the acquisition date through profit or loss.
Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer will be recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent changes
to the fair value of the contingent consideration that is deemed to be an asset or liability will be recognised in accordance with AASB 9
either in profit or loss or as a change to other comprehensive income. If the contingent consideration is classified as equity it will not be
remeasured. Subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity. In instances where the contingent consideration does not fall within
the scope of AASB 9, it is measured in accordance with the appropriate AASB.
An asset or group of assets that do not meet the definition of a business are accounted for as asset acquisitions. Under this method,
assets are initially recognised at cost based on their relative fair value at the date of acquisition. Under this method transaction costs are
capitalised to the asset and not expensed.
24. Parent entity information
Information relating to the parent entity, Cooper Energy Limited
Current Assets
Total Assets
Current Liabilities
Total Liabilities
Issued capital
Accumulated loss
Option premium reserve
Cash flow hedge reserve
Equity instruments reserve
Share based payment reserve
Total shareholders’ equity
Profit of the parent entity
Total comprehensive loss of the parent entity
2019
$’000
179,179
597,200
22,683
120,522
474,397
(8,535)
25
-
-
10,791
476,678
1,250
-
2018
$’000
416,213
700,530
145,306
227,749
471,837
(8,108)
25
310
(869)
9,586
472,781
22,416
(35)
102
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2019Other Information
25. Commitments and contingencies
Operating lease commitments under non-cancellable office lease not provided for in the
financial statements and payable:
Within one year
After one year but not more than five years
After more than five years
Total minimum lease payments
The Parent entity leases offices in Adelaide and Perth from which it conducts its operations.
Exploration capital commitments not provided in the financial statements and payable:
Within one year
After one year but not more than five years
Total capital commitments
2019
$’000
1,584
6,866
896
9,346
2019
$’000
20,722
33,544
54,266
2018
$’000
888
2,826
1,246
4,960
2018
$’000
5,776
20,130
25,906
From time to time through the ordinary course of business, Cooper Energy enters into contractual arrangements that may give rise to
negotiated outcomes.
As at 30 June 2019 the Parent entity has bank guarantees for $1.7 million (2018: $0.9 million). These guarantees are in relation to performance
bonds on exploration permits and guarantees on office leases.
Accounting Policy
The determination of whether an arrangement is or contains a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement and requires an
assessment of whether the fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets and the arrangement conveys
a right to use the asset.
Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income on a straight-line basis
over the lease term.
The Group has entered into commercial property leases. The Group has determined that is does not obtain any of the significant risks and
rewards of ownership of these properties and has thus classified the leases as operating leases.
26. Share based payments
At the 2018 AGM, shareholders of Cooper Energy approved the plan referred to as the Equity Incentive Plan (EIP). Performance rights and
share appreciation rights were issued for no consideration under the EIP. These rights issued will vest as shares in the parent entity subject
to performance hurdles being met. A performance right is the right to acquire one fully paid share in the Company provided a specified hurdle
is met and share appreciation rights are rights to acquire shares in the Company to the value of the difference in the Company share price
between the grant date and vesting date.
Testing of the performance rights and share appreciation rights will occur at the end of the three year performance period. Rights granted prior
to the 2019 financial year may be retested once 12 months after the original three year test date. At the end of the three year measurement
period, those rights that were tested and achieved will vest.
The vesting test is determined from the absolute total shareholder return of Cooper Energy’s share price ranked against the absolute total
shareholder returns of 12 peer companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. If Cooper Energy is ranked lower than the 50th
percentile no rights will vest. If Cooper Energy is ranked in the 50th percentile 30% of the eligible rights will vest. If Cooper Energy is ranked
greater than the 50th percentile but less than the 90th percentile the amount of eligible rights vested will be based on a pro rata calculation.
If Cooper Energy is ranked in in the 90th percentile or higher 100% of the eligible rights will vest.
There are no participating rights or entitlements inherent in the rights and holders will not be entitled to participate in new issues of capital
offered to shareholders during the period of the rights. All rights are settled by physical delivery of shares.
103
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 201926. Share based payments continued
Information with respect to the number of performance rights and share appreciation rights granted to employees is as follows:
Number of share
appreciation rights
(SARs) granted
Number of
performance
rights granted
Average share
price at
commencement
date of grant
Average
contractual life
of rights at grant
date in years
Remaining life of
rights in years
Date Granted
21 December 2016
8 December 2017
8 December 20171,2
9,841,875
15,898,978
-
3,810,503
6,330,443
521,438
12 December 2018
13,312,848
4,888,166
12 December 20182
-
697,284
1. Granted in December 2017 and exercised in December 2018
2. Relates to deferred STIP performance rights granted
$0.298
$0.310
$0.310
$0.435
$0.435
3
3
1
3
1
0.5
1.5
-
2.5
0.5
The number of performance rights and share appreciation rights held by employees is as follows:
Balance at beginning of year
- granted
- vested
- expired and not exercised
- forfeited following employee termination
Balance at end of year
Achieved at end of year
1. Includes deferred STIP issued as performance rights
Number of Share
Appreciation Rights
Number of Performance
Rights1
2019
2018
2019
2018
46,017,694
13,312,848
(19,269,412)
-
(304,179)
30,118,716
15,898,978
17,846,179
10,994,298
5,585,450
6,851,881
-
-
-
(7,296,874)
(51,439)
(618,419)
-
-
-
39,756,951
46,017,694
15,464,897
17,846,179
-
-
-
-
The fair value of services received in return for the performance rights granted are measured by reference to the fair value of performance
rights granted. The estimate of the fair value of the services received is measured based on the Black-Scholes methodology to produce a
Monte-Carlo simulation model that allows for the incorporation of market-based performance hurdles that must be met before the shares vest
to the holder.
Share Appreciation Rights Fair value assumptions
Fair value at measurement date
Share price
Risk free interest rate
Expected volatility
Dividend yield
Performance Rights Fair value assumptions
Fair value at measurement date
Share price
Risk free interest rate
Expected volatility
Dividend yield
104
21 December
2016
8 December
2017
12 December
2018
15.1 cents
29.78 cents
1.575%
56%
0%
12.4 cents
29.5 cents
1.94%
56%
0%
14.5 cents
43.5 cents
1.95%
49%
0%
21 December
2016
8 December
2017
12 December
2018
28.3 cents
34.5 cents
1.88%
56%
0%
22.4 cents
29.5 cents
1.94%
56%
0%
30.0 cents
43.5 cents
1.95%
49%
0%
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2019
26. Share based payments continued
Accounting Policy
The Group provides benefits to employees of the Group in the form of share-based payment transactions, whereby employees render
services in exchange for rights over shares (“equity-settled transactions”).
The cost of these equity-settled transactions with employees is measured by reference to the fair value at the date at which they are
granted and are recorded as an expense, with a corresponding increase in reserves, on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the
related instrument.
The fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes methodology to produce a Monte-Carlo simulation model that takes into account the
exercise price, the vesting period, the vesting and performance criteria, the impact of dilution, the non-tradable nature of the performance
right or share appreciation right, the share price at grant date, the expected price volatility of the underlying share, the expected dividend
yield and the risk-free interest rate for the term of the vesting period. The fair value of the performance rights and share appreciation rights
granted excludes the impact of any non-market vesting conditions (for example, profitability and sales growth targets).
The volatility assumption is based on the actual volatility of Cooper Energy’s daily closing share price over the three-year period to the
valuation date.
The cost of equity-settled transactions is recognised, together with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period in which the
performance and/or service conditions are fulfilled, ending on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award
(the vesting period).
The cumulative expense recognised for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date until vesting date reflects:
1. the extent to which the vesting period has expired; and
2. the Group’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest.
No adjustment is made for the likelihood of market performance conditions being met as the effect of these conditions is included in the
determination of fair value at grant date. The Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income charge or credit for a period represents
the movement in cumulative expense recognised as at the beginning and end of that period.
No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest, except for awards where vesting is only conditional upon a market
condition.
If the terms of an equity-settled award are modified, as a minimum an expense is recognised as if the terms had not been modified. In
addition, an expense is recognised for any modification that increases the total fair value of the share-based payment arrangement, or is
otherwise beneficial to the employees as measured at the date of modification.
If an equity-settled award is cancelled, it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation, and any expense not yet recognised for the
award is recognised immediately. However, if a new award is substituted for the cancelled award and designated as a replacement award on
the date that it is granted, the cancelled and new award are treated as if they were a modification of the original award, as described in the
previous paragraph.
The dilutive effect, if any, of outstanding performance rights and share appreciation rights is reflected as additional share dilution in the
computation of diluted earnings per share.
Significant Accounting Judgements, Estimates and Assumptions
The Group measures the cost of equity-settled transactions with employees by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments at the
date at which they are granted. The fair value is determined by an external valuation expert using the calculation criteria.
105
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 201927. Related party disclosures
The Group has a related party relationship with its joint arrangements (Note 22), its subsidiaries (Note 23), and its key management personnel
(disclosure below).
The key management personnel’s remuneration included in General Administration (see Note 2) is as follows:
Short-term benefits
Other long-term benefits
Post-employment benefits
Performance Rights and Share Appreciation Rights
Total
28. Remuneration of Auditors
The auditor of Cooper Energy Limited is Ernst & Young
Amounts received or due and receivable by Ernst & Young Australia for:
Auditing and review of financial reports of the entity and the consolidated Group
Taxation and other services
Services in relation to one off transactions
29. Events after the reporting period
There are no significant events subsequent to 30 June 2019 at the date of this report.
2019
$
2018
$
6,038,132
5,905,751
105,207
225,178
108,807
220,058
2,122,499
1,825,974
8,491,016
8,060,590
2019
$
2018
$
390,425
130,150
63,500
584,075
330,000
79,702
92,485
502,187
106
Notes to the Consolidated Financial StatementsFor the year ended 30 June 2019Directors’ Declaration
In accordance with a resolution of the Directors of Cooper Energy Limited, I state that:
1.
In the opinion of the Directors:
(a) the financial statements and notes of the consolidated entity are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:
(i) giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 June 2019 and of its performance for the year ended
on that date; and
(ii) complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations
Regulations 2001;
(b) the financial statements and notes also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in the Basis of
Preparation; and
(c) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the consolidated entity will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due
and payable.
2. This declaration has been made after receiving the declarations required to be made to the Directors in accordance with section 295A of the
Corporations Act 2001 for the financial year ended 30 June 2019.
3.
In the opinion of the Directors, as at the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members of the Closed
Group identified in note 23 will be able to meet any obligations or liabilities to which they are, or may become subject, by virtue of the deed
of cross guarantee.
Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.
Mr John C. Conde AO
Chairman
12 August 2019
Mr David P. Maxwell
Managing Director
107
Ernst & Young
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GPO Box 1271 Adelaide SA 5001
Tel: +61 8 8417 1600
Fax: +61 8 8417 1775
ey.com/au
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Cooper Energy Limited
Report on the Audit of the Financial Report
Opinion
We have audited the financial report of Cooper Energy Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries
(collectively the Group), which comprises the consolidated statement of financial position as at 30
June 2019, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in
equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, notes to the financial
statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies, and the directors declaration.
In our opinion, the accompanying financial report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations
Act 2001, including:
a)
b)
giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 30 June
2019 and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and
complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial
Report section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor
independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the
Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional
Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also
fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis
for our opinion.
Key Audit Matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in
our audit of the financial report of the current year. These matters were addressed in the context of
our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, but we do not provide
a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit
addressed the matter is provided in that context.
We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the
Financial Report section of our report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit
included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of
material misstatement of the financial report. The results of our audit procedures, including the
procedures performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the
accompanying financial report.
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1. Estimation of oil and gas reserves and resources
Why significant
How our audit addressed the key audit matter
Estimation of oil and gas reserves and resources
requires significant judgement and the use of
assumptions by the Group, as outlined in the notes to
the financial statements within the section on
significant accounting judgements, estimates and
assumptions on page 72 of the Group’s financial
report. These estimates can have a material impact on
the financial statements, primarily in the following
areas:
•
•
•
•
capitalisation and classification of expenditure as
exploration and evaluation (E&E) assets (note 12)
or oil and gas assets (note 13);
valuation of assets and impairment testing (note
14);
calculation of amortisation of oil and gas assets
(note 13) and deprecation of property, plant and
equipment (note 10); and
estimation of the timing of restoration activities
(note 15).
Our audit procedures focused on the work of the Group’s
experts with respect to the hydrocarbon reserve
estimations.
Our procedures included the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
assessed the qualifications, competence and
objectivity of the Groups’ internal and external experts
involved in the estimation process.
evaluated the adequacy of the experts’ work to
determine if the work undertaken was appropriate.
assessed controls over the estimation process
employed by the Group.
assessed whether key economic assumptions used in
the estimation of reserves and resources volumes
were consistent with those utilised by the Group in the
impairment testing of exploration and evaluation and
oil and gas assets, where applicable.
analysed the reasons for reserve revisions, or the
absence of reserves revisions where expected, and
assessed movements in reserves for consistency with
other information that we obtained throughout the
audit.
ensured the reserves and resources volumes used in
the determination of information recorded in the
financial statements, such as the calculation of
amortisation of oil and gas assets and depreciation of
property, plant and equipment, valuation of assets and
impairment testing, and the calculation of restoration
provisions, were consistent with those addressed
through these procedures.
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2. Impairment assessment of oil and gas assets
Why significant
How our audit addressed the key audit matter
Australian Accounting Standards require the
Group to assess throughout the reporting period
whether there is any indication that an asset may
be impaired, or that reversal of a previously
recognised impairment may be required. If any
such indications exist, the Group shall estimate the
recoverable amount of the asset. An asset is also
required to be tested for impairment immediately
before an exploration and evaluation asset is
transferred to assets in development.
Impairment indicators were present during the
period for certain cash generating units (CGUs),
and impairment testing was undertaken where
required. The Group’s testing determined that no
impairment of oil and gas assets was required.
The impairment testing process is complex and
highly judgemental and is based on assumptions
and estimates that are affected by expected future
performance and market conditions. Key
assumptions, judgements and estimates used in
the formulation of the Group’s impairment of oil
and gas assets are set out in the financial report
(note 14).
We evaluated the assumptions and methodologies used by the
Group and the estimates made. In particular we considered
those estimates and judgements relating to the forecast cash
flows and the inputs used to formulate those cash flows, such
as discount rates, reserves and resources, operating and
capital costs, commodity prices and foreign exchange rates.
We involved our valuation specialists to assist in these
procedures, where appropriate. Our audit procedures were
undertaken across all significant CGUs, with the extent of
procedures commensurate with the level of impairment risk.
Specifically, we evaluated the discounted cash flow models and
other data supporting the Group’s assessment for those CGUs
where impairment indicators were present. In doing so, we:
•
•
•
•
•
•
understood future production profiles compared to
latest reserves and resources estimates, as outlined
in the key audit matter above, current approved
budgets and forecasts and historical performance,
where relevant.
evaluated commodity price assumptions with
reference to contractual arrangements, market prices
(where available), broker consensus, analyst views,
market regulators and historical performance.
evaluated discount rates and foreign exchange rates
with reference to risk free rates, market indices,
market risk, company and project risk, applicable tax
rates, market expectations, and historical
performance.
compared future operating and capital expenditure to
current approved budgets, forecasts, contractual
arrangements and historical expenditure, and
ensured variations were in accordance with our
expectations based upon other information obtained
throughout the audit.
examined the reasons for changes to recoverable
amounts relative to previous impairment
assessments.
tested the mathematical accuracy of the Group’s
discounted cash flow models.
We also considered the adequacy of the financial report
disclosures regarding assumptions, key estimates and
judgements applied by management with respect to the
impairment assessments.
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3. Restoration provisions
Why significant
How our audit addressed the key audit matter
The Group has recognised restoration provisions of
$286.2 million at 30 June 2019 which are disclosed in
note 15 of the Group’s financial report.
The calculation of restoration provisions made by the
Group is conducted using both internal and external
specialist engineers. These calculations require
judgement in respect of asset lives, timing of
restoration work being undertaken, environmental
legislative requirements, the extent of restoration
activities required and future restoration costs.
Our audit procedures focused on the work of the Group’s
experts and included the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
assessed the qualifications, competence and
objectivity of both the Group’s internal and external
experts involved in the estimation process.
evaluated the adequacy of the expert’s work to
determine whether their work was appropriate,
including understanding the basis for forecast cost
assumptions for restoration.
assessed the effectiveness of relevant controls over
the Group’s restoration provision estimation process.
tested the consistency of the application of principles
and assumptions to other areas of the audit, such as
reserves estimation and impairment testing.
tested the mathematical accuracy of the net present
value calculations and considered the appropriateness
of the discount rate applied in the calculation.
assessed the Group’s disclosures in respect of the
restoration provisions.
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4. Accounting for deferred tax and Petroleum Resource Rent Tax
Why significant
How our audit addressed the key audit matter
The Group has recognised a net deferred tax asset of
$20.8 million at 30 June 2019 in respect of corporate
income tax. In arriving at the net deferred tax asset,
consideration has been given to temporary differences
arising on assets and liabilities, and carry forward
losses in respect of corporate income tax, which are
available for offset against amounts payable in future
periods.
The Group has interests in a number of assets subject
to the Australian Petroleum Resource Rent Tax
(“PRRT”) regime. The Group has recognised a net
deferred tax liability of $16.3 million at 30 June
2019. Deferred tax assets in respect of the PRRT
regime, arising due to carried forward undeducted
expenditure, have not been recognised in relation to a
number of assets.
The determination of the quantum, likelihood and
timing of the realisation of deferred tax assets arising
from corporate income taxes and PRRT is complex and
judgemental. The Group’s accounting policies and
disclosures regarding PRRT and income taxes are
included in the financial report. Further details are set
out in note 3 to the financial report.
We assessed the Group’s determination of tax payable now
and in the future. We involved our taxation specialists to
assist in this assessment.
We assessed the application of the methodologies used,
and the judgements involved in estimating the utilisation of
deferred tax benefits in the future, and in assessing the
offsetting of corporate income tax deferred tax assets and
liabilities.
We assessed the estimation of future taxable income, the
interpretation of PRRT and income tax legislation and the
consistency in the application of forecast performance with
other forecasts made, such as in the Group’s impairment
testing and corporate modelling.
We assessed the Group’s disclosures in respect of PRRT
and income taxes which are included in note 3 to the
financial report.
Information Other than the Financial Report and Auditor’s Report
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the
information included in the Company’s 30 June 2019 Annual Report, but does not include the
financial report and our auditor’s report thereon. We obtained the Directors’ Report and the Overall
Financial Review that are to be included in the Annual Report, prior to the date of this auditor’s
report, and we expect to obtain the remaining sections of the Annual Report after the date of this
auditor’s report.
Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and we do not and will not
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon, with the exception of the Remuneration Report
and our related assurance opinion.
In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information
and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial
report or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.
If, based on the work we have performed on the other information obtained prior to the date of this
auditor’s report, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are
required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
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Directors’ Responsibilities for the Financial Report
The Directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a
true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001
and for such internal control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the
financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to
fraud or error.
In preparing the financial report, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the
going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or cease
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that
includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that
an audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material
if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic
decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial report.
As part of an audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional
judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
•
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to
fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit
evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not
detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error,
as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override
of internal control.
• Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an
opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control.
• Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting
estimates and related disclosures made by the directors.
• Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting
and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events
or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.
If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our
auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial report or, if such disclosures are
inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up
to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to
cease to continue as a going concern.
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• Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including the
disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the underlying
transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
• Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or
business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the financial report. We are
responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the Group audit. We remain solely
responsible for our audit opinion.
We communicate with the Directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of
the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that
we identify during our audit.
We also provide the Directors with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical
requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other
matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related
safeguards.
From the matters communicated to the Directors, we determine those matters that were of most
significance in the audit of the financial report of the current year and are therefore the key audit
matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public
disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter
should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would
reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication.
Report on the Remuneration Report
Opinion on the Remuneration Report
We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 50 to 64 of the Directors’ Report for the
year ended 30 June 2019.
In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Cooper Energy Limited for the year ended 30 June 2019,
complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.
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Responsibilities
The Directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the
Remuneration Report in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on the Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted in
accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.
Ernst & Young
L A Carr
Partner
Adelaide
12 August 2019
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115
Ernst & Young
121 King William Street
Adelaide SA 5000 Australia
GPO Box 1271 Adelaide SA 5001
Tel: +61 8 8417 1600
Fax: +61 8 8417 1775
ey.com/au
Auditor’s Independence Declaration to the Directors of Cooper Energy
Limited
As lead auditor for the audit of the financial report of Cooper Energy Limited for the financial year
ended 30 June 2019, I declare to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been:
a) no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in
relation to the audit; and
b) no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.
This declaration is in respect of Cooper Energy Limited and the entities it controlled during the
financial year.
Ernst & Young
L A Carr
Partner
Adelaide
12 August 2019
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LC:RC:COOPER:085
Securities Exchange and Shareholder Information
as at 31 August 2019
Listing
The company’s shares are quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange under the code of “COE”.
Number of Shareholders
There were 6,871 shareholders. All issued shares carry voting rights. On a show of hands every member at a meeting of shareholders shall
have one vote and upon a poll each share shall have one vote.
Distribution of Shareholding (at 31 August 2019)
Size of Shareholding
Number of holders
Number of Shares
% of issued capital
1 - 1,000
1,001 - 5,000
5,001 - 10,000
10,001 - 100,000
100,001 - 9,999,999,999
Total
Unquoted Options on Issue
Nil
Unquoted Performance Rights
Number of Holders of Rights
44
18
972
1,606
1,053
2,653
587
6,871
269,143
4,693,109
8,605,643
96,808,074
1,511,174,841
1,621,550,810
0.02
0.29
0.53
5.97
93.19
100.00
Total Performance Rights
15,464,897 Performance Rights
38,457,469 Share Appreciation Rights
Unmarketable Parcels
There were 861 members, representing 162,325 shares, holding less than a marketable parcel of 870 shares in the company.
Twenty Largest Shareholders
Rank Name
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
JP Morgan Nominees Australia Pty Limited
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited
National Nominees Limited
BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd
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