Quarterlytics / Energy / Deltic Energy plc / FY2022 Annual Report

Deltic Energy plc
Annual Report 2022

DELT · LSE Energy
Claim this profile
Ticker DELT
Exchange LSE
Sector Energy
Industry
Employees 1-10
← All annual reports
FY2022 Annual Report · Deltic Energy plc
Loading PDF…
Deltic Energy Plc 
1st Floor 
150 Waterloo Road 
London 
SE1 8SB 
United Kingdom 
+44 (0)20 7887 2630 

www.delticenergy.com

Deltic Energy Plc 
Annual Report & Accounts 2022

Contents 

Company Information

Strategic Report 
1       Chairman’s Statement 
2      Chief Executive’s Statement  
5      Operational Review 
12     Environmental, Social and Governance 
14     Financial Review 
16     Business Risks 
17     Section 172 Statement 
18     Investing Policy 

Corporate Governance 
19     Introduction 
19     Corporate Governance Statement 
22    Audit Committee Report 
23    Remuneration Committee Report 
24    Board of Directors and Senior Management 
25    Report of the Directors 
27    Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 
28    Independent Auditor’s Report 

Financial Statements 
33    Income Statement 
33    Statement of Comprehensive Income 
34    Balance Sheet 
35    Statement of Changes in Equity 
36    Statement of Cash Flows 
37    Notes to the Financial Statements 

Directors 
M S Lappin (Chairman) 
G C Swindells (Chief Executive Officer) 
A J Nunn (Chief Operating Officer) 
P N Cowley (Non-Executive) 
P W Nicol (Non-Executive) 

Joint Secretary 
S M McLeod 
Gravitas Company Secretarial Services Limited 

Registered Office 
1st Floor 
150 Waterloo Road 
London 
SE1 8SB 

Registered Number 
07958581 (England and Wales)

Nominated Adviser 
Allenby Capital Limited 
5 St Helen's Place 
London 
EC3A 6AB 

Joint Corporate Broker 
Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited 
150 Cheapside 
London 
EC2V 6ET 

Canaccord Genuity Limited  
88 Wood Street  
London 
EC2V 7QR 

Auditors 
PKF Littlejohn LLP 
15 Westferry Circus 
Canary Wharf 
London 
W1U 7EU  

Solicitors 
K&L Gates LLP 
One New Change  
London 
EC4M 9AF 

Financial Public Relations 
Vigo Consulting 
Sackville House 
40 Piccadilly 
London 
W1J OHR 

Registrar 
Share Registrars Limited 
3 The Millennium Centre 
Crosby Way 
Farnham 
Surrey 
GU9 7XX  

Chairman’s Statement
Chairman’s Statement

The last year has seen high levels of uncertainty in global economies. As the world slowly emerged from the global pandemic, 
further disruption came from the Russian invasion of Ukraine beginning in February 2022 and continuing today. As the world 
supports Ukraine’s resistance, the knock-on effect on trade and the supply of food and energy has caused continuing 
challenges at a global scale, national scale and to individual households. 

A major re-structuring of the total energy system began at a global scale in order to secure continued supplies while reducing 
dependence upon Russian supplies. The dependence of Europe on Russia for oil and gas became apparent, including leading 
economies such as Germany which had grown over the years after previously being self-sufficient. While UK dependence upon 
Russia was not so directly felt as many EU countries, there was an indirect impact as markets tightened. 

The changing situation has caused policymakers and commentators to better understand and emphasise the importance of 
security of supply and the value of domestic supplies for energy security as well as for jobs, treasury receipts and for 
greenhouse gas emissions when compared with imports of the same resources. 

At the same time, the rise in commodity prices associated with tighter supplies, and increasing profits, at a time when people 
were experiencing much higher energy bills from the same market forces, brought negative attention to our sector. 
Government interventions resulted in the introduction of the Energy Profits Levy (‘EPL’), such that the sector now has the 
highest taxes for any UK industrial sector.  

With all this going on in the outside world, our company continued to follow its business plan of feeding a conveyor belt of 
opportunities from licence round through technical evaluation; to bringing in high quality partners and ultimately drilling 
exploration wells. 

During the year, our company applied for a number of licences in the 33rd Offshore UK Licensing Round, worked on farming-
out several attractive prospects, advanced the evaluation of drilling opportunities across many of our licences with our industry 
partners, while securing commitment to drill Selene with Shell. Pensacola became the first prospect the company has drilled 
resulting in a very successful discovery of gas just off the northeast coast of England. 

All of this will be more fully covered in the following reports by our Chief Executive Officer Graham and Chief Operating Officer 
Andrew, but at the highest level we can say that, through all of the external challenges, as prices rise and fall and as sentiment 
sees peaks and troughs, we are getting on with the job we set out to do in becoming a leading North Sea exploration company. 

Mark Lappin 
Chairman 

19 April 2023

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

01

 
 
 
Chief Executive’s Statement

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

The last year has been transformational for our company and its future. We started 2022 with just one committed exploration 
well and now have a major discovery on the play-opening Pensacola prospect as well as a further committed exploration well on 
our Selene prospect. The drilling of the first well on one of our licences represented a significant milestone in the evolution of 
Deltic and we were delighted to achieve initial success in discovering both gas and oil. The benefits of this are wide-reaching in 
that in addition to it representing our first discovery, it demonstrates the success of our model to identify quality opportunities 
and create a conveyor belt of exploration assets attracting the highest quality partners to facilitate the progression from licensing 
to drilling. This has been further highlighted by Shell’s decision to drill the high impact, low risk Selene prospect which is of a 
similar scale to Pensacola. In addition to the further endorsement of the quality of our assets, having a well at Selene to add to 
our discovery further de-risks the investment proposition and provides a fantastic base from which to continue to grow the 
Company. Accordingly, we are delighted with how things have progressed and excited about the future development of the 
Company. 

Pensacola Discovery 
In November 2022, Shell commenced the drilling of the first well at Pensacola, with drilling operations continuing through to 
February 2023 and we were delighted to announce a very significant discovery of gas.  

The well encountered 19 metres of reservoir on the edge of the structure with higher than expected average porosity of 16% 
and proved a hydrocarbon column of in excess of 100 metres. It was particularly pleasing that following drilling, our pre-drill 
estimate of gas volumes was confirmed at just over 300 BCF (P50 Estimated Ultimate Recovery) equivalent to 50 mmboe. 
On test, gas flowed at a maximum rate of c. 5 mmscf/day which, while in line with pre-test expectations, is not considered 
representative of the much higher flow rates that would be expected on a horizontal appraisal or production well drilled in the 
centre of the structure. 

The well also unexpectedly encountered oil with 34-36° API which has the potential to create further opportunity on the 
licence. While the upside associated with the oil is still being evaluated, the well has indicated the presence of a potentially 
significant volume of oil which could lead to additional future activity on Pensacola. 

This first exploration well has resulted in a highly positive outcome and, at approximately 300 BCF, is the largest natural gas 
discovery in the Southern North Sea (“SNS”) in over a decade and is close to existing infrastructure. The discovery represents a 
major milestone in the development of our company as we continue to execute our exploration-led strategy and progress our 
portfolio of high-quality drilling opportunities in order to create value for our shareholders.  

We are now entering a period of post well analysis which will shape appraisal and development plans with appraisal drilling 
anticipated late 2024. We are looking forward to working with our partners, Shell and ONE-Dyas, as we continue to progress 
this exciting and significant discovery and look forward to updating the market in due course.  

As well as opening a new Zechstein play in this mature basin, this discovery highlights the remaining potential of the North Sea 
as a source of further discoveries which can provide domestically produced natural gas, supporting UK energy security while 
we transition toward a Net Zero economy. 

As a result of this discovery, Deltic now has a highly valuable and marketable asset and in line with the Company’s strategy, 
Deltic is considering all options in relation to its interest in Pensacola, including appraisal and development as well as potential 
full or partial monetisation of value with a view to maximising shareholder value from the discovery. 

Selene 
Throughout the year, the JV continued to refine its technical and commercial assessment of the Company’s Selene prospect on 
Licence P2437. This work was rewarded in July when Shell confirmed that they had taken the important step of making a 
positive well investment decision and committed to drilling the prospect such that Selene is now a firm well.   

We continue to consider Selene the largest undrilled structure of its kind in this part of the SNS. With estimated P50 resource of 
in excess of 300 BCF (50 mmboe) and a high geological chance of success (70%) we are excited to be drilling this prospect. 

Well planning has begun and although a well slot has yet to be confirmed it is currently anticipated that Selene will be drilled 
in Q3 2024.  

In the meantime, we expect the site survey to be carried out later this year along with confirmation of rig contract. 

02

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
Chief Executive’s Statement 
continued

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Capricorn Energy JV - Licences P2560, P2561, P2562, P2567 and P2428 
2022 saw continued progress across the various licences held jointly with Capricorn. The results of the new high quality modern 
3D seismic survey were received, and reprocessing of existing legacy data has been recently completed. The key area of focus 
across the key licences has been the Carboniferous play in which multiple leads and prospects exist. Significant volumes of gas 
are estimated to exist across these licences, totalling in excess of 2 TCF of Gas Initially in Place (‘GIIP’). We continue to work 
closely with Capricorn and current activity is centred around refinement of the assessment of risks and volumes in order to 
support a drilling decision.  

Deltic notes recent announcements by Capricorn as it undertakes a strategic review, expected to be complete by the end of 
April, and considers the future of its UK business as part of that process. Deltic also notes Capricorn’s recent cost base update 
statement which indicated an intention to monetise or farm down its UK exploration assets.  Deltic’s focus remains on 
expediting drilling of its prospects and will continue to work with Capricorn to seek to effect this within the licence timeframes.  
In the meantime, Capricorn continues to meet all obligations under the farm out entered in 2021 and the current phase of each 
of the licences. 

Central North Sea 
Throughout the year, we made good progress in maturing our Syros oil prospect on Licence P2542. The purchase of recently 
reprocessed seismic data has facilitated a revised and more robust interpretation of the prospect by our technical team. 
Following this work, we consider Syros to be a low-risk prospect with estimated P50 prospective resources of 25 mmboe and a 
58% geological chance of success. Syros also sits in close proximity to existing infrastructure with multiple offtake 
opportunities, which would allow it to be quickly and easily developed. This work has allowed us to commence a farm out 
process and we are currently engaging with a number of counterparties. 

Fundraising 
In September, we were very pleased to raise gross proceeds of approximately £16 million in an oversubscribed placing and 
accompanying open offer which was supported by all of our key shareholders as well as a number of new institutional investors. 
This fundraising was particularly important as, amongst other things, it allowed Deltic to progress Selene into the drilling phase 
of the licence following the positive well investment decision. We appreciate the continued support of our shareholders and 
welcome the addition of new institutional shareholders. 

Energy Policy/Windfall Tax 
In the course of 2022, gas prices rose to unprecedented levels with governments finally waking up to the importance of energy 
security. To that end, Deltic welcomed the UK Government’s Energy Security Strategy which was announced in April 2022 
which as well as recognising the importance of maintaining domestic production (over higher emission imports of LNG), 
confirmed a new UK licensing round which was launched towards the end of last year. However, the Government subsequently 
bowed to pressure and introduced a windfall tax in May in the form of the Energy Profits Levy (“EPL”) which, following further 
amendment in November, ultimately increased the tax on profits to 75% and extended the tax to 2028. Deltic does not have 
direct exposure to the EPL, however it has weighed heavily on the sector and this lack of fiscal stability has impacted the 
relative competitiveness of the UK in terms of attracting investment.  

One very positive aspect of the EPL which Deltic supports was the introduction of the Investment Allowance which allows 
companies which are subject to the EPL an investment allowance resulting in a 91% cost saving on new investment. This means 
that for EPL paying companies, the value and hence attractiveness of Deltic’s assets is materially enhanced and we would 
therefore hope to benefit from this as we continue to progress drilling activity and seek further high calibre partners.    

Outlook 
While gas prices have inevitably come down significantly from the unprecedented highs experienced in 2022, as the energy 
crisis and the war in Ukraine has continued, a structural shift in gas markets appears to have occurred with long term gas prices 
expected to remain significantly higher than historic averages. While we do not seek to predict commodity prices, nor do our 
projects require inflated prices, we believe the long term pricing outlook should strongly support ongoing investment in new 
gas projects. 

The outlook for Deltic remains extremely bright. The first, successful, well has been drilled on one of our licences which made a 
very significant discovery of gas. This fundamentally changes Deltic’s model, as we now have a valuable development asset, as 
opposed to being purely exploration-driven. We now anticipate appraisal activity on Pensacola as the next step towards its 
commercial development as well as another exploration well at Selene, each of which will be high impact catalysts. More widely, 
we have demonstrated that potential exists for further exploration success in the SNS and the critical role that companies like 
Deltic have in supporting future domestic production and energy security. 

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

03

 
 
 
Chief Executive’s Statement 
continued

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

We are continuing to work with Capricorn on our other SNS licences and our farm out process on our Syros prospect is 
ongoing. In line with our strategy to continue to grow our asset base, we have also applied for a number of new licences in the 
latest UK licensing round and, assuming success, this will give us the opportunity to further enhance our portfolio of drilling 
opportunities.  

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Deltic team for their hard work and commitment throughout the last year and 
our shareholders for their ongoing support as we strive to create value. 

Graham Swindells 
Chief Executive Officer 

19 April 2023

04

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
Operational Review

P2252 Pensacola (30% Deltic, 65% Shell, 5% ONE-Dyas) & P2558 Pensacola North (30% Deltic, 70% Shell) 
The key activity for the P2252 Pensacola licence, and the Company during the period was the drilling of the 41/05a-2 
discovery well on the Pensacola prospect, with well operations commencing on 23 November 2022.  The well successfully met 
all its key pre-drill objectives, including the discrimination between two competing geological models, confirmation of 
hydrocarbons significantly in excess of minimum economic volumes within the Pensacola structure, and a demonstration of 
hydrocarbon mobility.  

Well 41/05a-2, operated by Shell, reached a total depth of 1,965m TVDSS and the presence of mobile oil and gas in the primary 
Zechstein Hauptdolomite carbonate target interval was confirmed via core and wireline logs. The well encountered top 
Hauptdolomite reservoir in a slope facies with a reservoir thickness of 18.8m with an average porosity of 15.8%. A probable 
gas-oil contact was observed in the well, indicating a substantial hydrocarbon column and the deeper oil-water contact has not 
been proven by the well.  Based on our current mapping of the Pensacola prospect, it appears that hydrocarbons are present 
below the 4-way dip closed structure and work is ongoing to understand the additional potential upside that may be 
associated with a deeper oil-water contact.     

On test, the well flowed at a rate of 4.75mmscf/day, approaching a stable rate of around 1.75mmscf/day after 12 hours with 
water production also rapidly declining over the testing period. In addition, the well flowed black oil (34-36 API°) at a rate of 
approximately 18bbls/day. The test rates were in-line with pre-test expectations based on the reservoir facies intersected and 
the down-dip location of the well. Significantly improved flow rates are predicted from horizontal wells targeting the thicker, 
higher quality oolitic dolomites, which preliminary post-well analysis indicates are present across the top of the structure and 
contain the bulk of the recoverable gas resource. 

In light of the data collected during drilling and testing, Deltic has updated its volumetric estimates for Pensacola and now 
estimates the Pensacola discovery to contain a P50 Estimated Ultimate Recovery (‘EUR’) of 302 BCF (P90 to P10 Range = 164 
to 519 BCF) which is in-line with pre-drill estimates. The significance of the oil recovered during testing is being evaluated, 
however preliminary evaluation is suggesting that the volumes of oil involved could potentially be very material. 

Deltic believes the well results materially de-risk follow-on prospectivity associated with the Pensacola North prospect on 
adjacent licence P2558, located immediately to the north, and will provide an update once the post-well laboratory analysis has 
been fully integrated into the regional geological model.  

The information gathered from this well and the ongoing laboratory work on samples collected during drilling and testing will 
now be integrated into the geological model for Pensacola and the associated follow-on prospectivity and inform the next 
steps on the licence, with appraisal drilling anticipated late 2024. 

P2437 Selene (50% Deltic, 50% Shell) 
On 26 July, Deltic was delighted to announce that the JV had made a positive well investment decision and following approval 
from the North Sea Transition Authority (or “NSTA”), the JV received formal confirmation that the P2437 licence had moved 
into the next phase of the licence on 31 October 2022. As planned, Shell also assumed Operatorship of the P2437 licence as 
part of the process of moving into the drilling phase.  

While rig selection and scheduling is yet to be confirmed by the Operator, well engineering and planning work has commenced 
and we expect a site survey to be completed in the second half of 2023 in anticipation of drilling commencing in Q3 2024.    

The well will be located and designed to prove the presence of gas in excess of the minimum economic volume required to 
support a future development of the lowest possible cost and to collect the additional geotechnical information required to 
support field development planning.   

Deltic remains convinced that the Selene prospect is one of the largest unappraised structures in the Leman Sandstone fairway 
of the Southern Gas Basin and estimates that it contains gross P50 Prospective Resources of 318 BCF of gas (with a P90 to P10 
range of 132 to 581 BCF) with a geological chance of success of 70%.    

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

05

 
 
 
Operational Review 
continued

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

P2428 Cupertino Area and P2567 Cadence Area (40% Deltic, 60% Capricorn) 
Work during the period focused on completion of the processing work on the 680km2 of new 3D seismic shot over licence 
P2428 in 2021 which was delivered in mid-2022 and the reprocessing of the legacy VE08 3D survey over licence P2567, with 
final products delivered in early 2023. This newly delivered data has been integrated into the regional geological dataset and is 
being used to refine the JV’s assessment of the prospectivity across the blocks. 

The Capricorn JV has been focusing on the Carboniferous play and has identified a number of potentially material leads and 
prospects with some similarities to nearby producing fields such as Breagh and discoveries such as Pegasus and Andromeda 
which are located immediately to the south of these licences.   

The Carboniferous play as a whole is considered low risk with very material in-place prospective resources of approximately 
2 TCF (mid-case estimate) across the two licences.   

Ongoing work is focusing on the assurance of volumes and risks associated with individual prospects and leads in order to high 
grade potential drilling opportunities across both licences.   

P2560, P2561 and P2562 – South Breagh Area (30% Deltic, 70% Capricorn) 
Work during the period focused on the integration and upgrading of legacy datasets including the reprocessing of the Lochran 
3D survey covering much of Licence P2560 and the northern part of P2562. Final reprocessing products were delivered in 
January 2023 and the focus has been on maturing a small number of leads across the licence area using this new data. The lack 
of high quality 3D seismic is hampering the assessment of prospectivity over much of P2561 and P2562 and the JV will take a 
view on the future of those licences in the coming months. The primary prospect is the intra-Carboniferous Lochran Deep 
structure on Licence P2560 which has the potential to contain material volumes of gas, significantly in excess of that estimated 
by previous Operators.  

Deltic notes Capricorn’s recent cost base update statement which among other things indicated that as part of a strategic 
review, the board of Capricorn had concluded it's near-term strategic focus should be primarily on Egypt, and to farm down, 
monetise or exit exploration concessions outside Egypt. While Deltic cannot comment on Capricorn’s strategic review and its 
plans to farm down or monetise any of the five licences Deltic holds jointly with Capricorn, work progresses across those 
licences and Capricorn continues to meet all obligations under the farm out entered in 2021 and the obligations under each 
phase of the licences. 

Phase A of each of the licences ends on 30 November 2023 with the exception of P2428 which ends on 31 March 2024. 

P2542 Syros (100% Deltic) 
Deltic has now completed the Phase A work programme on licence P2542 located in the Central North Sea, which contains the 
Syros prospect. This work included the purchase of the latest 3D Evolution seismic dataset across the acreage and the 
completion of a Joint Impedance and Facies Inversion (Ji-Fi) inversion of the seismic data, in conjunction with IKON Science. 
This work has significantly de-risked the Syros prospect and Deltic considers it to be ‘drill ready’. 

The Syros prospect is located immediately to the west of the Montrose-Arbroath production platforms and in close proximity to 
a number of fields which produce from the same Fulmar sandstones which are expected to be present within the Syros rotated 
fault block.  

The Syros prospect is expected to contain a gassy light oil, similar to producing offset fields and is estimated to contain P50 
prospective resources of 24.5mmboe (P90 to P10 Range = 13.7 to 39.7 mmboe) with a geological chance of success of 58%. 

As previously announced, a farm-out process was commenced late in 2022 and Deltic has had significant engagement with a 
number of credible operators in relation to Syros and management are confident of attracting a joint venture partner. 

Portfolio Management  
As previously reported, Deltic was informed by the Operator of licence P2435, The Parkmead Group, that a farm out partner 
could not be found to assist in the maturation of the Blackadder prospect within the required licence timeframe, and therefore 
recommended that the licence should be relinquished. Relinquishment of Licence P2435 was confirmed on 30 September 2022.     

Similarly, a farm out partner could not be found to participate in the drilling of the Dewar prospect within the required licence 
timelines and, in line with previously stated intentions, the licence was relinquished on 30 September 2022.   

06

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
Operational Review 
continued

33rd Licensing Round 
The NSTA announced the launch of the 33rd licensing round on 7 October 2022, with 931 blocks and part blocks available for 
licensing. The round closed for applications on 12 January 2023 and following an extensive review of a large number of 
opportunities Deltic submitted a number of applications for blocks and part blocks in both the Southern and Central North Sea. 

Significant interest from the industry was noted, with the NSTA reporting that 115 bids across 258 blocks were received across 
the licensing round, with a total of 76 different companies submitting applications. Deltic expects the NSTA to start awarding 
new licences resulting from the 33rd round from Q3 2023. 

Andrew Nunn 
Chief Operating Officer 

19 April 2023 

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022 07

 
 
 
Operational Review 
continued

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

Portfolio and Resource Summary  
The Company’s current licence portfolio and prospect inventory, as of the end of March 2023, is summarised below: 

Southern North Sea – Discoveries 
                                                                                                                                                                                 Net to Deltic 
                                                                                                                                                                       P50 Estimated Ultimate  
                                                                                                                                                                              Recovery (BCF) 
Licence                              Deltic                                                                                                                      P90      P50      P10   GCoS 
Ref:                Block ID      Equity          Project ID                                                          Discovered (D)    Low     Best     High          % 

P22521

41/5a, 
41/10a & 
42/1a

30%

  Pensacola - Zechstein                                                            D     49.5     90.6     155.7       100 

P24371

48/8b

50%

  Sloop - Leman                                                                         D          4           9         19       100 

1 Operated by Shell 

Southern North Sea – Prospects and Leads  
                                                                                                                                                                                 Net to Deltic  
                                                                                                                                                                                  Prospective  
                                                                                                                                                                              Resource (BCF) 
Licence                              Deltic                                                                                           Prospect (P)    P90      P50      P10   GCoS 
Ref:                Block ID      Equity          Project ID                                                                      Lead (L)    Low     Best     High          % 

P25581

41/5b & 
42/1b

30%

P24371

48/8b

50%

P24282

43/7 
& 43/8 

40%

P25672

43/11 
& 43/12b 

40%

P25602

P25612

42/13b 
42/17 & 
42/18

42/19 & 
42/20b

30%

30%

P25622

42/22 & 
42/23

30%

1 Operated by Shell 

2 Operated by Capricorn Energy 

  Pensacola North - Zechstein                                                                 To Be Determined 

  Selene - Leman                                                                       P        66       159      290        70 
  Endymion - Leman                                                                  L         18        24         31         27 
  Rig & Jib - Leman                                                                    L           7         18        29         35 
  Cupertino  
  Cupertino NE 
  Cambridge 
  Chelmsford 
  Callander                                                                                    
  Richmond – Leman                                                                 L         25        84       219        20 
  Cadence 
  Cadence North 
  Cadence West                                                                            
  Chester                                                                                       
  Bassett – Bunter Sst                                                                L         14         51        121         37 
  Bathurst – Bunter Sst                                                              L        48        110      228         22 

To Be Determined

To Be Determined

  Lochran Deep                                                                                       To Be Determined 

                                                                                                                 To Be Determined 

                                                                                                                 To Be Determined           

08

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
   
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                                           
 
Operational Review 
continued

Central North Sea 
                                                                                                                                                                                 Net to Deltic 
                                                                                                                                                                                  Prospective  
                                                                                                                                               Discovery (D)    Resource (MMBOE) 
Licence                              Deltic                                                                                           Prospect (P)    P90      P50      P10   GCoS 
Ref:                Block ID      Equity          Project ID                                                                      Lead (L)    Low     Best     High          % 

P2542            22/17a         100%             Syros - Fulmar                                                                         P       13.7      24.5      39.7         58 

Andrew Nunn 
Chief Operating Officer 

19 April 2023

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022 09

 
 
 
 
Operational Review 
Our Locations - Southern North Sea

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

10 Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
Operational Review 
Our Locations - Central North Sea

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

11

 
 
 
Environmental, Social and Governance

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

Priorities and Supporting Policy Framework  
As a responsible and diligent investor in hydrocarbon exploration and appraisal assets, the Company recognises that it is in the 
best interest of our investors to incorporate Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) aspects into our investment 
analysis, decision-making and portfolio management processes.  In January 2020, the Company introduced a specific ESG 
Policy to support our existing Environment and Occupational Health and Safety Policies. 

The Company supports the 2050 Net Zero Emissions target set out in law by the UK government and the ambitious OGUK 
Roadmap 2035 which aims to see the E&P industry in the UK reach Net Zero well ahead of general UK targets. These targets 
acknowledge the significant role that natural gas will play in achieving Net Zero and Deltic’s gas-focused exploration portfolio 
has the potential to assist with underpinning the vital role that natural gas will undoubtedly play in blue hydrogen production 
over the next two to three decades. 

During 2021 we formalised the data capture and reporting procedure for the Company’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions 
associated with our operated assets which is in line with the methodology employed by our key partners. Deltic’s adopted 
reporting process is based on the UK government’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (“SECR”) which implements the 
Companies (Directors’ Report) and Limited Liability Partnerships (Energy and Carbon Report) Regulations 2018 (“the 2018 
Regulations”) and aligns with relevant emissions reporting requirements required by The North Sea Transition Authority 
(‘NSTA’). 

Health & Safety Performance 
The health and safety of our staff, contractors and other stakeholders is a key focus as we continue to grow the business and 
our operational scope. There were no reportable incidents or lost time injuries (LTIs) reported in conjunction with the 
Company’s activities in 2022. 

The Company records health and safety performance and statistics in compliance with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and 
Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (“RIDDOR”).   

                                                                                                                                                             2022                 2021                2020 

First Aid Incidents                                                                                                                                    0                       0                       0 
Lost Time Injuries (1-7 days)                                                                                                                   0                       0                       0 
RIDDOR Reportable                                                                                                                                0                       0                       0 
Fatalities                                                                                                                                                    0                       0                       0 
Estimated Total Work Hours                                                                                                          10624                9064                 9390 

12

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
Environment Social and Governance 
continued

Climate Related Emissions and Energy Performance 
As a non-producing office-based organisation with no operated offshore activity in the 2022 reporting period, the magnitude 
of climate-related emissions associated with the Company’s activities is limited.  NSTA mandatory reporting of Fugitive 
Methane Emissions, Scope 1 and 2 emissions per barrel of oil equivalent production and Carbon Intensity Statements are not 
relevant to the Company at this stage of its development, however the Company will undertake to monitor and report its 
annual total Scope 1 (direct from gas combustion on site and vehicle fleet) and Scope 2 (indirect from electricity purchased) 
until such time that the NSTA defined metrics are applicable. 

Currently the Company has a negligible Scope 1 emissions footprint and Scope 2 emissions are limited to electricity required to 
support office-based activities at our registered office. 

                                                                                                              Reporting Units                   2022                 2021                2020 

Direct GHG Emissions (Scope 1)a                                                                      kgCO2e                         0                       0                       0 
Indirect GHG Emissions (Scope 2)b                                                                  kgCO2e                  6,419                5,939                 6,186 
Total Scope 1 & 2 Emissions                                                                               kgCO2e                  6,419                5,939                 6,186 
Carbon Intensity                                                                                           kgCO2/boe                     N/A                   N/A                   N/A 
Methane Intensity                                                                                                         %                     N/A                   N/A                   N/A 
Energy Consumptionc                                                                                             kWh               34,427               27,974              26,534 

a)   We report GHG emissions energy consumption from our managed operations in the UK. 

b)   Emissions from the purchase of electricity for our managed operations based on UK Government published conversion factors for the relevant year. 

c)   Since 20 Jan 2020 our Fixed Business Plan, which accounts for 24,634kWh of our total Scope 2 emissions in 2021, uses 100% renewable electricity. 

2022 saw a return to predominantly office-based working conditions and as anticipated we have seen a slight increase in total 
energy consumption over the course of the year when compared to the previous year where the Company was transitioning 
from a ‘work-from-home’ situation following the lifting of various COVID-related restrictions. 

Although overall energy consumption increased over the period, the total GHG Emissions were reduced reflecting an increase 
in renewables in the overall UK electricity generation mix as reflected in the official UK Government conversion factors.  

Scope 3 emissions reporting, which covers all other indirect emissions generated by the activities of the organisation, will be 
implemented by the Company before mandatory reporting comes into effect in 2025.       

Other Emissions to Air and Water  
No other potential emissions to air and water associated with Deltic’s operations have been identified or reported. 

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

13

 
 
 
Financial Review

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

Overview 
The Company had a cash balance of £20,409,692 at the end 
of the year (2021: £10,092,205). In September, the Company 
raised £15,958,850 (gross) by issuing 455,967,137 ordinary 
shares as part of a placing and open offer at 3.5 pence per 
share (“the Fundraise”).  

The Company moved into a more operational phase during 
the year and drilling operations commenced at Pensacola in 
November and continued through to February 2023.   

Loss for the year 
The Company incurred a loss for the year to 31 December 
2022 of £2,989,404 (2021: £1,935,052). Administrative 
expenses of £2,745,350 (2021: £1,912,987) were incurred 
during the year.   

The prior year loss included a gain of £298,173 associated 
with the farm-out of five gas licences in the Southern North 
Sea to Capricorn Energy PLC as part of the USD $1 million 
consideration Deltic received as a contribution to historic 
costs. The prior year gain is included as other operating 
income in the Income Statement for the prior year. 

A write down of £347,610 is recognised in the year resulting 
from the relinquishment of licences P2435 (Blackadder 
Prospect) and P2537 (Dewar Prospect) (‘the Write Down’). In 
2021, a write down of £288,551 was recognised relating to the 
relinquishment of Licence P2384 (Manhattan Prospect) and 
P2424 (Cortez Prospect).  

Finance income of £129,301 (2021: £2,905) was earned on 
short term high interest-bearing deposits on surplus funds 
following the Fundraise. Finance costs of £25,745 (2021: 
£34,592) were recognised as interest charged on a lease 
liability relating to the office lease. 

Balance Sheet 
The Company continues to retain a strong balance sheet with 
total Capital and Reserves at 31 December 2022 of 
£24,192,695 (2021: £11,663,005). As at 31 December 2022, 
there were 1,861,931,992 (2021: 1,405,964,855) ordinary shares 
in issue. The increase reflects the additional shares issued as 
part of the Fundraise. Additionally, a total of up to 
162,840,450 (2021: 128,840,450) new ordinary shares may be 
issued pursuant to the exercise of share options.  

The value of exploration assets increased by £7,566,359 to 
£9,769,477 (2021: £2,203,118) mainly reflecting 
commencement of Pensacola drilling operations in November 
2022, offset by the Write Down. 

reflecting certain additional operational requirements during 
drilling, weather conditions, additional testing costs, as well as 
market influences, including inflation and exchange rate 
movements.  

In accordance with IAS 37, the Company recognised a 
provision with a corresponding asset of £1,281,000 for the 
planned plug and abandonment of the Pensacola well in 
February 2023.  

The Company spent £651,022 (2021: £335,756) further 
progressing the Company’s exploration licence portfolio, in 
particular the Syros Licence. This was partially offset by the 
Write Down recognised during the year. All costs associated 
with the five licences held jointly with Capricorn Energy PLC 
are paid in full by Capricorn Energy PLC until a well 
investment decision is reached. 

Property, plant and equipment of £279,545 (2021: £385,240) 
includes a right of use asset relating to the office lease with a 
net book value of £188,837 (2021: £269,767). Property, Plant 
and Equipment reduced by £105,695 to £279,545, mainly 
reflecting the depreciation charge for the year on the office 
lease, fixtures and fittings and computer equipment.   

The Company’s cash position at 31 December 2022 was 
£20,409,692 (2021: £10,092,205) with the year-on-year 
increase mainly arising from the Fundraise. 

Total current liabilities, which include short-term creditors, 
accruals, provisions and lease liabilities increased to 
£6,359,439 (2021: £1,030,143). Liabilities of £3,301,809 
(2021: £256,860) are due to the Joint Venture partner for 
payments associated with Pensacola drilling operations. 
Other payables and accruals of £1,259,172 (2021: £197,089) 
mainly represent drilling value of work done but yet to be 
billed by the Joint Venture partner. A provision of £1,281,000 
has been recognised at the year end for the costs expected 
to be incurred in early 2023 for the planned plug and 
abandonment of the Pensacola exploration well. 

The Company has no debt.  

Cash flow 
As at 31 December 2022, the Company held cash and cash 
equivalents totalling £20,409,692 (2021: £10,092,205). The 
Company had a net cash inflow for the year of £10,317,487 
(2021: outflow £1,876,653).   

A net cash outflow from operating activities of £2,182,387 
(2021: £1,623,057) was incurred for general and administrative 
costs.   

Drilling operations continued through to February 2023 and 
the value of work undertaken during 2022 was £5,981,947 
(2021: £1,152,403), and accordingly part of the cost of the 
Pensacola well will be incurred during 2023. The total net cost 
to Deltic of drilling the Pensacola well is £12.8 million 

Net cash of £2,509,979 (2021: £136,781) was used in investing 
activities including £2,557,582 (2021: £853,744) on 
exploration and evaluation assets. The total net cost of drilling 
the Pensacola well is £12.8 million of which of which 

14

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
Financial Review 
continued

£2,102,352 (2021: £584,355) cash was paid to the joint venture 
partner during 2022 and the remaining cost of the drilling 
operations is payable in 2023.  

A further £455,230 (2021: £269,389) was spent developing 
the other licences in the exploration portfolio. In the prior year, 
£719,953 was received as proceeds, as a contribution to 
historic costs, from the farm-in by Capricorn Energy PLC on 
five Southern North Sea licences. Interest of £56,606 (2021: 
£2,905) was received on high interest-bearing deposits on 
surplus funds following the Fundraise.   

The cash increase in the year is driven by the Fundraise 
proceeds of £15,958,850 (2021: nil) offset by £824,258 of 
expenses associated with the Fundraise (2021: nil).   

Going concern 
The Directors have assessed the Company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern. Although the oil and gas 
industry faces a period of change under the current 
geopolitical environment, the Company does not anticipate 
any negative issues impacting its ability to operate as a going 
concern. Having raised funds in 2022 the Company is 
currently well funded for its existing commitments that fall 
due for a minimum of 12 months from signing these financial 
statements. The Company has no debt. Based on the cash 
and cash equivalents balance at year end and the Company’s 
commitments, the Directors are of the opinion that the 
Company has adequate financial resources to meet its 
operational and drilling costs commitments, based upon 
anticipated drilling costs and pre-drilling work schedules, and 
working capital requirements, and accordingly will be able to 
continue and meet its liabilities as they fall due for a minimum 
of 12 months from the date of signing these financial 
statements. 

Sarah McLeod 
Chief Financial Officer 

19 April 2023

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022 15

 
 
 
Operational  
Exploration and development risk  
Activities within the Company’s licences may not result in 
commercial development or otherwise realise value. There is 
no certainty of success from the existing portfolio of licences. 
The Company seeks to mitigate the exploration risk through 
the experience and expertise of the Company’s specialists, 
and the selection criteria used by the Company when 
identifying prospective areas for licence applications. The 
Company also has an objective to seek additional exploration 
and development assets, in order to diversify the Company’s 
portfolio of assets and hence risk.  

Other business risks  
In addition to the current principal risks identified above and 
general business risks, the Company’s business is subject to 
risks inherent in hydrocarbon exploration, development and 
production activities. There are a number of potential risks 
and uncertainties which could have a material impact on the 
Company’s long-term performance and could cause actual 
results to differ materially from expected and historical 
results.  

The Directors regularly monitor such risks, using information 
obtained or developed from external and internal sources, 
and will take actions as appropriate to mitigate these. 
Effective risk mitigation may be critical to the Company in 
achieving its strategic objectives and protecting its assets, 
personnel and reputation. The Company assesses its risk on 
an ongoing basis to ensure it identifies key business risks and 
takes measures to mitigate these. Other steps include regular 
Board review of the business, monthly management 
reporting, financial operating procedures and anti-bribery 
management systems. The Company reviews its business 
risks and management systems on a regular basis, and 
through this process, the Directors believe they have 
identified the principal risks. 

Business Risks 

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

Principal business risks  
The Directors have identified the following current principal 
risks in relation to the Company’s future performance. The 
relative importance of risks faced by the Company can, and is 
likely to change, with progress in the Company’s strategy and 
developments in the external business environment. The 
Directors have considered the potential impact of the 
geopolitical environment and have concluded there are no 
material risks associated to the Company.  

Financial 
The Company’s core risk is that its ability to effectively 
implement its business strategy and to continue as a going 
concern over time depends on its ability to potentially raise 
additional funds and/or enter into further commercial and 
financial arrangements. The need for and amount of any 
additional funds and/or further commercial partnership 
arrangements is currently unknown and will depend on 
numerous factors related to the Company’s current and 
future activities. The Company is likely to seek additional 
funds, through equity, or partnership arrangements, as it has 
successfully done in the past. There can be no assurance that 
any such equity, debt or joint venture financing will be 
available to the Company in a timely manner, on favourable 
terms, or at all. Any additional equity financing will dilute 
current shareholdings. If adequate funds are not available on 
acceptable terms, the Company may not be able to take 
advantage of opportunities, as well as possibly resulting in 
the delay or indefinite postponement of the Company’s 
activities. Following the fundraising in October 2022, the 
Company is in a strong financial position for 2023 and 
accordingly, the financial statements are prepared under a 
going concern basis.  

Strategic  
Strategy risk  
The Company’s strategy may not deliver the results expected 
by shareholders. The Directors regularly monitor the 
appropriateness of the strategy, taking into account both 
internal and external factors, and the progress in 
implementing the strategy, and modify the strategy as may 
be required based on developments. Key elements of this 
process are regular strategy reviews, monthly reporting, and 
regular Board meetings.  

Competition risk  
The addition of exploration licences to the Company’s 
portfolio is subject to competition from other companies. 
Many of the Company’s larger competitors have greater 
financial and technical resources and are able to devote more 
to the development of their business. The Company mitigates 
this risk by choosing where and when to deploy its business 
development resources.  

16

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
 
Section 172 Statement 

Impact of operations on the community and environment 
The Company has no current operations that impact upon 
the community or environment. However, the Company has a 
commitment to ensure future operations are conducted with 
as limited as possible environmental impact.  

The Company regularly reviews its Health, Safety & 
Environment (‘HSE’) and other policies and works responsibly 
with suppliers, and performance is monitored on an on-going 
basis. 

Maintain a reputation for high standards of business 
conduct 
The Corporate Governance section of this Annual Report at 
pages 19-21 sets out the Board and Committee structures and 
extensive board and committee meetings held during 2022, 
together with the experience of executive management and 
the Board and the Company's policies and procedures. 

Act fairly between stakeholders 
The Board regularly reviews the Company’s principal 
stakeholders and how it engages with them. This is achieved 
through information provided by management and by direct 
engagement with stakeholders themselves. 

Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 requires Directors to 
take into consideration the interests of stakeholders and 
other matters in their decision making. The Directors continue 
to have regard to the interests of the Company's employees 
and other stakeholders, the impact of its activities on the 
community, the environment and the Company's reputation 
for good business conduct, when making decisions. In this 
context, acting in good faith and fairly, the Directors consider 
what is most likely to promote the success of the Company 
for its members in the long term. We explain in this annual 
report, and reference below, how the Board engages with 
stakeholders. 

Likely consequence of any decision in the long term 
The Chairman’s and Chief Executive's Statements at 
pages 1-4 in this Annual Report, set out the Company's 
long-term rationale and strategy. 

Interests of Employees 
The Company’s Corporate Governance Statement at 
pages 19-21 of this Annual Report sets out under board 
responsibilities the processes in place to safeguard the 
interests of employees.  

The Board has considered how employee working practices 
have developed beyond the COVID crisis of 2020/2021 and 
have implemented a more flexible and efficient ways of 
working. 

Further information is also provided in the Environment 
Social and Governance statement at pages 12-13 of this 
Annual Report. 

Foster business relationships with suppliers, joint venture 
partners and others 
Potential suppliers and joint venture partners are considered 
in the light of their suitability to comply with the Company’s 
policies.  

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

17

 
 
 
Investing Policy 

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

In addition to the development of the North Sea gas licences 
the Company has acquired to date, the Company proposes 
to continue to evaluate other potential oil and gas projects in 
line with its investing policy, as it aims to build a portfolio of 
resource assets and create value for shareholders. As 
disclosed in the Company’s AIM Admission Document in May 
2012, the Company’s substantially implemented Investment 
Policy is as follows:  

ways as should result in an upward re-rating of the value of 
those assets.  

Given the timeframe the Directors believe is required to fully 
maximise the value of an exploration project or early stage 
development asset, it is expected that the investment will be 
held for the medium to long term, although disposal of assets 
in the short term cannot be ruled out in exceptional 
circumstances.  

The Company intends to deliver Shareholder returns 
principally through capital growth rather than capital 
distribution via dividends, although it may become 
appropriate to distribute funds to Shareholders once the 
investment portfolio matures and production revenues are 
established. 

Given the nature of the Investing Policy, the Company does 
not intend to make regular periodic disclosures or 
calculations of its net asset value. 

The Directors consider that as investments are made, and 
new investment opportunities arise, further funding of the 
Company will be required. 

This strategic report contains certain forward-looking 
statements that are subject to the usual risk factors and 
uncertainties associated with the oil and gas exploration and 
production business. Whilst the Directors believe the 
expectation reflected herein to be reasonable in light of the 
information available up to the time of their approval of this 
report, the actual outcome may be materially different owing 
to factors either beyond the Company’s control or otherwise 
within the Company’s control but, for example, owing to a 
change of plan or strategy. Accordingly, no reliance may be 
placed on the forward-looking statements. 

On behalf of the Board 

Mark Lappin                                           Graham Swindells 
Chairman                                                Chief Executive Officer 

19 April 2023

19 April 2023

The proposed investments to be made by the Company may 
be either quoted or unquoted; made by direct acquisition or 
through farm-ins; either in companies, partnerships or joint 
ventures; or direct interests in oil & gas and mining projects. 
It is not intended to invest or trade in physical commodities 
except where such physical commodities form part of a 
producing asset. The Company’s equity interest in a 
proposed investment may range from a minority position to 
100% ownership.  

The Board initially intends to focus on pursuing projects in 
the oil & gas and mining sectors, where the Directors believe 
that a number of opportunities exist to acquire interests in 
attractive projects. Particular consideration will be given to 
identifying investments which are, in the opinion of the 
Directors, underperforming, undeveloped and/or 
undervalued, and where the Directors believe that their 
expertise and experience can be deployed to facilitate 
growth and unlock inherent value. 

The Company will conduct initial due diligence appraisals of 
potential projects and, where it is believed further 
investigation is warranted, will appoint appropriately qualified 
persons to assist with this process. The Directors are currently 
assessing various opportunities which may prove suitable 
although, at this stage, only preliminary due diligence has 
been undertaken.  

It is likely that the Company’s financial resources will be 
invested in either a small number of projects or one large 
investment which may be deemed to be a reverse takeover 
under the AIM Rules. In every case, the Directors intend to 
mitigate risk by undertaking the appropriate due diligence 
and transaction analysis. Any transaction constituting a 
reverse takeover under the AIM Rules will also require 
Shareholder approval.  

Investments in early stage and exploration assets are 
expected to be mainly in the form of equity, with debt being 
raised later to fund the development of such assets. 
Investments in later stage projects are more likely to include 
an element of debt to equity gearing. Where the Company 
builds a portfolio of related assets, it is possible that there 
may be cross holdings between such assets.  

The Company intends to be an involved and active investor. 
Accordingly, where necessary, the Company may seek 
participation in the management or representation on the 
Board of an entity in which the Company invests with a view 
to improving the performance and use of its assets in such 

18

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
Corporate Governance

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Chairman’s Introduction 
As Chairman of the Company, I provide leadership, ensuring that the Board is performing its role effectively, and has the 
capacity, ability, structure and support to enable it to continue to do so.  

As an AIM quoted company, the Company has chosen to follow the Quoted Companies Alliance’s (“QCA”) Corporate 
Governance Code 2018 (the ‘QCA Code’) published in April 2018. The Board recognises the value and importance of high 
standards of corporate governance and believes that this provides the most appropriate framework for a company of our size 
and stage of development. 

This Governance section of the Annual Report provides an update on our Corporate Governance policy, and includes the 
Audit Committee Report, Remuneration Committee Report and the Directors’ Report. In these reports we set out our 
governance structures and explain how we have applied the QCA Code and where we have departed from the code during 
the year. The QCA Code is set out in detail on the Company’s website at www.delticenergy.com/investor-relations/corporate-
governance, including an explanation as to how the Company addresses the ten key governance principles defined in the 
QCA Code. 

In May 2019, the Company appointed me as independent non-executive Chairman. My extensive Oil & Gas technical and 
commercial experience including the three years I previously served as an independent non-executive director of the Company 
underpin my effectiveness in this role, as the Company enters its next stage of development. 

Corporate Governance Statement 
Board responsibilities 
The Board is responsible to the Company’s shareholders for the leadership, control and management of the Company. It is 
responsible for the long-term success of the Company and for ensuring its appropriate management and operation in pursuit of 
its objectives. 

The Board is in constant communication and meets regularly. Its responsibilities include: 
•
Setting the Company’s strategy 
• Determining policies and values  
• Establishing and maintaining the Company’s system of internal control and reviewing effectiveness annually 
Identifying the major business risks faced by the Company and determining appropriate risk management 
•
Investing decisions  
•
• Fundraising decisions 
•     Management appointments 

Whilst there is a formal schedule of matters specifically reserved for approval by the Board, the two executive directors have 
been given responsibility for specific functional aspects of the Company’s affairs. 

The Board seeks to maintain the highest standards of integrity and probity in the conduct of the Company’s activities. These 
values are enshrined in the written policies and working practices adopted by all employees. An open culture is encouraged 
within the Company, with regular communications to staff regarding progress and staff feedback being regularly sought. This is 
especially important as a small company, in order to fully harness its human capital in pursuit of the effective development of 
the Company’s assets, and so achieve the objectives and strategy set out in the Strategic Report and to seek to mitigate the 
risks and uncertainties described in the Business Risks section of the Strategic Report. The executive directors work closely 
with the small number of employees, so the Board is well placed to assess its culture. The Board are prepared to take 
appropriate action against unethical behaviour, violation of company policies or misconduct. 

Composition of the Board 
The Board currently comprises five Directors, of whom two are executive and three are non-executive. The Directors are all 
identified on page 24, together with a summary of their current and past experience, skills and personal qualities. 

Non-executive Chairman 

As Chairman, Mark Lappin oversees the adoption, delivery and communication of the Company’s corporate governance model 
and is responsible for ensuring that it is maintained in line with appropriate practice and policies agreed by the Board. He is also 
the Company’s leading ambassador, which includes presenting the Company’s aims and policies to investors and other outside 
parties. He promotes active communication with shareholders and other stakeholders, including speaking regularly with 
investors and other stakeholders. He chairs the AGM and as chairman of the Board, he chairs Board meetings, ensuring that the 
Board regularly reviews the Company’s strategy. He also oversees the composition and structure of the Board which involves 
regularly reviewing the overall size of the Board, the balance between executive and non-executive, age, experience, skills and 
personalities of the Directors. 

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022 19

 
 
 
Corporate Governance 
continued

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

Non-executive Directors 

The three Non-executive Directors (Mark Lappin, Peter Cowley and Peter Nicol) have a responsibility to challenge 
independently and constructively the performance of management and to help develop proposals on strategy. They each sit on 
the Remuneration and Audit committees, enabling them to have a role in determining the pay and benefits of the executive 
directors, to review internal control and financial reporting matters, and to have a direct relationship with the external auditors. 

Independence and Commitments 

The three Non-executive Directors are considered by the Board to be independent of management. The Board believes that 
they continue to demonstrate an independence of character in the performance of their roles as Non-executive Directors. 
Their director’s fees are fixed, and they do not benefit from share option awards. 

The Directors are expected to attend Board meetings, meetings of Board Committees of which they are members, annual 
general meetings, and any other shareholder meetings convened from time to time. 

All Directors have disclosed any significant commitments outside their respective duties as Directors and confirmed that they 
have sufficient time to discharge their duties. 

Appointments 
The Board believes there is an appropriate balance of skills, knowledge and personal qualities on the Board, which provides a 
wide range of expertise on issues relating to the Company’s mission, operations, strategies and its standards of conduct. The 
Chairman of the Board monitors the suitability of the Board’s composition on a continuing basis and will make 
recommendations to the Board as and when appropriate. 

Board support and external advice  
Internal management is available to the Board to ensure all Board and Committee meetings are conducted properly and 
procedures are in place for distributing meeting agendas and reports so that the Directors receive the appropriate information 
to be discussed in a timely manner. The Directors each receive reports which include monthly finance and management results 
and operational updates from the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer and the Chief Financial Officer. Board 
minutes are taken by internal management and circulated for approval at the next meeting. The Company Secretary assists the 
Board by maintaining statutory registers and filings and assisting with organising shareholder general meetings. 

Aside from the Directors’ stated roles, the Board members do not have any particular internal advisory responsibilities. Where it 
considers it necessary to do so, the Board and Board committees may utilise external professional advisers to provide advice 
and guidance on any matter where they consider it prudent to seek such advice, at the Company’s expense. No such external 
advice was sought during the year. 

Board performance evaluation 
The Board evaluates its performance as a whole, informally on an ongoing basis. This falls under the overall responsibility of the 
Chairman. There have been no recommendations concerning the Board structure arising from the Company’s Board appraisals 
over the year ended 31 December 2022. 

Board meetings 
The Board meets formally a minimum of eleven times a year, excluding Board committee meetings. The table below sets out 
the total number of meetings held by the Board and its Committees and records of attendance by each member eligible to 
attend during the year ended 31 December 2022:  

                                                                                Board meetings                        Audit committee1             Remuneration committee1 
                                                                          Possible         Attended            Possible         Attended            Possible         Attended 

G C Swindells                                                              13                      13                         1                         1                        –                        – 
A J Nunn                                                                     13                      12                        –                        –                        –                        – 
S M McLeod                                                                13                      12                         1                         1                        –                        – 
P N Cowley                                                                 13                      12                         1                         1                        2                        2 
M S Lappin                                                                  13                      12                         1                         1                        2                        2 
P W Nicol                                                                    13                      12                         1                         1                        2                        2 

1      Only Non-executive Directors are entitled to vote in the meetings of these Board Committees. 

20

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
 
Corporate Governance 
continued

Other senior members of the management team and external advisors will attend, at the invitation of the Board, and as 
appropriate to the matters under discussion. 

Board committees 
The Board has established an audit committee, remuneration committee and AIM compliance committee with formally 
delegated duties and responsibilities, as described below. Each committee’s terms of reference are included on the Company’s 
website. 

Audit committee 

The audit committee is responsible for monitoring the integrity of the Company’s financial statements, reviewing significant 
financial reporting issues, reviewing the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control and risk management systems, 
monitoring the effectiveness of the internal audit function and overseeing the relationship with the external auditors (including 
advising on their appointment, agreeing the scope of the audit and reviewing the audit findings). 

The audit committee comprises Peter Nicol, Peter Cowley and Mark Lappin and is chaired by Peter Nicol. The audit committee 
aims to meet at appropriate times in the reporting and audit cycle and otherwise as required. The audit committee also meets 
regularly with the Company’s external auditors. 

Remuneration committee 

The remuneration committee is responsible for determining and agreeing with the Board the framework for the remuneration 
of the Chairman and the executive directors and, within the terms of the agreed framework, determining the total individual 
remuneration packages of such persons including, where appropriate, bonuses, incentive payments and share options or other 
share awards. The remuneration of Non-executive Directors is a matter for the chairman and the executive members of the 
Board. No Director is involved in any decision as to his or her own remuneration. 

The remuneration committee comprises Peter Cowley, Peter Nicol and Mark Lappin and is chaired by Peter Cowley. The 
remuneration committee meets at least twice a year and otherwise as required. 

AIM compliance committee 

The AIM compliance committee is responsible for ensuring that the Company complies with its obligations under the AIM Rules 
for Companies (“AIM Rules”) and the Market Abuse Regulation (Regulation EU 596/2014) (“MAR”) and, in particular makes 
timely and accurate disclosure of all information that is required to be disclosed to meet its disclosure obligations arising from 
the admission of its shares to trading on AIM and, under MAR. 

The AIM compliance committee comprises Graham Swindells, Mark Lappin, Andrew Nunn and Sarah McLeod. The AIM 
compliance committee meets as and when required, in order to undertake its responsibilities. 

Share dealing code 
The Company has adopted a share dealing code for the Directors, persons discharging managerial responsibilities and 
applicable employees of the Company for the purpose of ensuring compliance by such persons with the provisions of the AIM 
Rules relating to dealings in the Company’s securities (including, in particular, Rule 21 of the AIM Rules and MAR). The Directors 
consider that this share dealing code is appropriate for a company whose shares are admitted to trading on AIM. 

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

On behalf of the Board 

Mark Lappin 
Chairman 

19 April 2023

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022 21

 
 
 
Audit Committee Report

Overview 
The audit committee met once during the year. The previous external auditor, BDO LLP, also attended the meeting at the 
invitation of the audit committee chairman. 

External audit 
On behalf of the board, the Audit Committee is responsible for managing the relationship with external auditor. PKF Littlejohn 
LLP was appointed as the auditor of the Company during the year following a formal tender process, and will be proposed for 
reappointment in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.  

The objectivity and independence of the external auditors is safeguarded by reviewing the auditors’ formal declarations, 
monitoring relationships between key audit staff and the Company and reviewing the non-audit fees payable to the auditor. 
Non-audit services are not performed by the auditor if this would have a material effect on, or relevance to, the production of 
the Company’s financial statements and/or involve taking decisions or making significant subjective judgements that should be 
the responsibility of management. During the year, amounts accrued to PKF Littlejohn LLP for audit services totalled £37,500 
(2021: £nil) and no amounts were paid for non-audit services.  

Financial reporting 
The audit committee monitored the integrity of the annual financial statements and reviewed the significant financial reporting 
issues and accounting policies and disclosures in the financial reports. The prior year external auditor, BDO LLP, attended the 
audit committee meeting during the year prior to the appointment of the Company’s external auditor PKF Littlejohn LLP. The 
process included the consideration of reports from the external auditor identifying the primary areas of accounting judgements 
and key audit risks identified as being significant to the financial statements.  

Audit committee effectiveness 
Although no formal review of the effectiveness of the audit committee has been undertaken, the Board and the chairman of the 
audit committee believe this to be satisfactory. The chairman of the audit committee will continue to assess whether such a 
formal review would be appropriate or otherwise, however, it is currently not considered necessary. 

Internal audit 
In light of the size of the Company and its current stage of development, the committee did not consider it necessary or 
appropriate to operate an internal audit function during the year. 

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

Peter Nicol 
Chairman, Audit Committee 

19 April 2023 

22

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
Remuneration Committee Report

The remuneration committee reviews the scale and structure of the executive directors’ remuneration and the terms of their 
service contracts. 

The remuneration and terms and conditions of appointment of the Non-executive Directors are set by the Board. 

The remuneration committee met twice during 2022 in consideration of: changes in remuneration, share option awards, bonus 
awards and 2022 objectives. 

During the year there were no changes to the Company’s pay and employment conditions and all director salary changes and 
bonuses were approved by the remuneration committee. A major independent, executive reward company, Mercer Kepler 
Limited undertook a benchmarking exercise during 2019 on the Company’s senior executive and board’s remuneration and this 
was used in determining appropriate salaries and bonuses. The Company plans to undertake a similar benchmarking exercise 
during 2023.  

Although no formal review of the effectiveness of the remuneration committee has been undertaken, the Board and the 
chairman of the remuneration committee believe this to be satisfactory. The chairman of the remuneration committee will 
continue to assess whether such a formal review would be appropriate or otherwise. 

Peter Cowley 
Chairman, Remuneration Committee 

19 April 2023

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022 23

 
 
 
Board of Directors and Senior Management 

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

There is an appropriate breadth of experience, skills and personal qualities covering the key aspects of the business including 
technical, operational and financial. It is the responsibility of each Director to keep skills up to date with the assistance of the 
Chairman who has a core responsibility in addressing the development needs of the Board as a whole, with a view to enhancing 
its overall effectiveness.

Mark Lappin 
Non-Executive Chairman 
Mark has almost 40 years of experience in the oil and gas 
industry. Mark joined Deltic Energy as non-executive director 
in 2016 and became Chairman in May 2019. Prior to that Mark 
was Technical Director at Cuadrilla and Subsurface Director 
for UK and Netherlands at Centrica. Mark began his career at 
Phillips Petroleum and has held senior technical and 
commercial roles with ExxonMobil and Dart Energy. Mark is 
also a Visiting Professor at University of Strathclyde Centre 
for Energy Policy in Glasgow. 

Mark’s extensive technical, commercial and senior 
management experience in the oil and gas sector ensures that 
he has the ability to support the executive directors, challenge 
strategy and decision-making, scrutinise performance and to 
perform his role as Non-Executive Chairman as the Company 
enters its next stage of development. Mark is also a member 
of the Company’s audit, remuneration and AIM compliance 
committees. 

Graham Swindells 
Chief Executive Officer 
Graham Swindells joined the Company in 2013 as Chief 
Financial Officer and became Chief Executive Officer in 2018. 
He joined the Company from Ernst & Young where he was a 
Director in Public Company M&A. Graham graduated from the 
University of Glasgow with a Bachelor of Accountancy 
Degree and after qualifying as a Chartered Accountant spent 
two years at PricewaterhouseCoopers specialising in 
corporate recovery and restructuring. He subsequently 
specialised in corporate finance, becoming a director in 
corporate finance at Arbuthnot Securities during which time 
he focused on advising and broking small and mid-cap public 
companies across various sectors, but with a particular focus 
on natural resources. Graham is chairman of the Company’s 
AIM compliance committee. 

Graham’s professional, commercial and finance experience 
ensures that he has the necessary ability to develop and 
implement the Company’s strategy, undertake fundraising, 
and oversee the management of the Company. 

Andrew Nunn 
Chief Operating Officer 
Andrew Nunn joined the Company in 2014 and later that year 
was appointed to the Board as Chief Operating Officer. 
Andrew is a Chartered Geologist with over 20 years of 
experience working on exploration, mining and geo-
environmental projects in Europe, Australasia and Africa. For 
the last 10 years he has worked on a wide variety of UK and 
European conventional and unconventional gas projects with 
a primary focus on Carboniferous aged reservoirs. Andrew’s 
previous role was as Exploration Manager for Dart Energy. He 
holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Economic Geology and an M.Sc. in 
Environmental Management. Andrew became a Director of 
the Oil and Gas Independents’ Association (OGIA) in 
February 2020. Andrew is a member of the Company’s AIM 
compliance committee. 

Andrew’s technical and operational experience and 
professional qualifications ensure that he has the necessary 
ability to lead and manage the Company’s technical 
development and operational matters. 

Sarah McLeod 
Chief Financial Officer 
Sarah joined Deltic as Chief Financial Officer in January 2020. 
Sarah has 20 years of experience in the international oil and 
gas industry. She previously held the position of Group 
Financial Controller at New Age. Sarah spent 10 years with 
ConocoPhillips in a variety of senior financial and strategic 
roles and also two years with Maersk Oil. She started her 
career with Deloitte, spending six years in its oil and gas team 
during which time she qualified as a Chartered Accountant.  

Sarah’s professional qualifications, finance and industry 
experience ensures that she has the necessary ability to 
manage the Company’s financial matters.  

Peter Cowley 
Non-Executive Director 
Peter Cowley is a geologist with over 50 years of international 
experience in the minerals industry and has been involved in 
the discovery and development of a number of gold mines in 
Africa. Peter was previously Managing Director of Ashanti 
Exploration Limited, Group Technical Director of Cluff 
Resources Plc, CEO of Banro Corporation and is currently 
President and a Director of Loncor Resources Inc. He holds 
M.Sc. and M.B.A. degrees and is a Fellow of I.M.M.M. Peter is 
chairman of the Company’s Remuneration Committee and 
member of the Audit Committee. 

Peter’s many years of technical experience and senior 
management positions in publicly listed companies ensure 
that he has the ability to support the executive directors, 
challenge strategy and decision-making, and to scrutinise 
performance. 

Peter Nicol 
Non-Executive Director 
Peter Nicol joined the Company in November 2021. Peter has 
40 years of experience in the energy sector. He was 
previously Head of Oil & Gas at GMP Securities Europe, Global 
Sector Director of Oil & Gas Research at ABN Amro & Head of 
European Oil & Gas Research at Goldman Sachs. Peter is a 
non-executive director of exploration focused Touchstone 
Exploration Inc. and Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd, both of 
which are AIM quoted. He is also an independent director of 
ERC Equipoise Limited. Peter started his career with British 
National Oil Corporation and holds a Bachelor of Science in 
Mathematics & Economics from Strathclyde University. Peter 
is chairman of the Company’s Audit Committee and member 
of the Remuneration Committee.  

Peter’s wealth of energy, financial, city and public company 
experience will be invaluable to Deltic as it progresses to the 
next stage in development, and ensures he has the ability to 
support the executive directors, challenge strategy and 
decision-making, and to scrutinise performance.

24

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
Report of the Directors 

The Directors present their report with the financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2022. 

Principal Activity 
The Company’s principal activity is the exploration, evaluation and development of mineral exploration targets, with a principal 
focus on the development of its gas and oil licences in the Southern and Central North Sea. 

Review of Business 
Further details of the Company’s business and expected future development are also set out in the Strategic Report starting on 
page 1, commencing with the Chairman’s Statement. 

Dividends 
No dividends will be distributed for the year ended 31 December 2022 (2021: nil). 

Directors 
The Directors of the Company during the year and their beneficial interest in the ordinary shares and share options of the 
Company at 31 December 2022 are set out below:  

                                                                                                                                           Ordinary shares                            Share options 
                                                                                                                                 2022                   2021                 2022                  2021 
G C Swindells                                                                                                     3,109,121          2,394,836     58,654,096      48,654,096 
A J Nunn                                                                                                           1,235,295             806,724     58,654,096      48,654,096 
M S Lappin                                                                                                         1,174,887             1,174,887                        –                        – 
P N Cowley                                                                                                       1,018,489            1,018,489                        –                        – 
P W Nicol                                                                                                        1,000,000                         –                        –                        – 
                                                                                                                            7,537,792         5,394,936      117,308,192        97,308,192 

Director’s Remuneration 
The following table sets out an analysis of the pre-tax remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2022 for the individual 
Directors who held office in the Company during the year. 

                                                                                         2022               2022               2022               2022               2022                2021 
                                                                                    Salaries             Bonus                                 Benefits  
                                                                                   and fees       payments          Pension           in Kind               Total               Total 
                                                                                                £                      £                      £                      £                      £                      £ 

G C Swindells                                                              271,682          163,009             27,168              6,789         468,648           353,351 
A J Nunn                                                                    254,707          152,824             25,471             3,540         436,542          329,755 
M S Lappin                                                                  60,000                      –                      –                      –          60,000           50,000 
P N Cowley                                                                  30,000                      –                      –                      –           30,000             25,417 
P W Nicol                                                                     30,000                      –                      –                      –           30,000              3,654 
                                                                                   646,389          315,833            52,639            10,329       1,025,190           762,177 

The directors did not receive any other emoluments, compensation or cash or non-cash benefits other than as disclosed above. 

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022 25

 
 
 
 
 
Report of the Directors 
continued

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

Share options 
The share-based payment of £262,505 (2021: £140,192) to Directors represents the share-based expense relating to unvested 
share options during the year. 

The following share options table comprises share options held by Directors who held office during the year ended 
31 December 2022: 

                                             Options held at                Options                Options   Options held at                                                                                         

                                                 31 December                granted             exercised       31 December               Exercise          Exercisable          Exercisable 

                                                               2021              in period              in period                     2022                price (p)                    from                         to 

G C Swindells                                               –          10,000,000                           –         10,000,000                      2.55        12 July 2025        12 July 2032 

                                                   10,000,000                            –                           –         10,000,000                      2.05      22 Sept 2022       22 Sept 2031 

                                                  20,000,000                            –                           –        20,000,000                       1.75         8 July 2022         8 July 2029 

                                                     9,000,000                            –                           –           9,000,000                      2.32      07 June 2019     07 June 2028 

                                                     2,200,000                            –                           –           2,200,000                      3.75      30 April 2015     30 April 2024 

                                                      7,454,096                            –                           –            7,454,096                     1.325       10 June 2017      10 June 2026 

A J Nunn                                                      –          10,000,000                           –         10,000,000                      2.55        12 July 2025        12 July 2032 

                                                   10,000,000                            –                           –         10,000,000                      2.05      22 Sept 2022       22 Sept 2031 

                                                  20,000,000                            –                           –        20,000,000                       1.75         8 July 2022         8 July 2029 

                                                     8,200,000                            –                           –           8,200,000                      2.32      07 June 2019     07 June 2028 

                                                     3,000,000                            –                           –           3,000,000                      3.88         6 Sept 2015       22 May 2024 

                                                      7,454,096                            –                           –            7,454,096                     1.325       10 June 2017      10 June 2026 

Further details of share-based payments are set out in note 23. 

Financial Instruments 
Details of the use of financial instruments by the Company are contained in note 20 of the financial statements. 

Subsequent Events 
Events subsequent to 31 December 2022 are set out in note 25 to the financial statements on page 53.  

Business Risks 
A summary of the principal and general business risks can be found in the Strategic Report on page 16 and in note 20 to the 
financial statements. 

Key Performance Indicators 
At this stage in its development, the Company is focusing on the development of its North Sea gas and oil assets, applying for 
new licences, maintaining and extending existing licences, as well as the evaluation of various oil and gas opportunities. The 
Directors closely monitor certain financial information, in particular the levels of overheads and other administrative 
expenditure, exploration expenditure and cash and deposit balances, as set out in the Financial Review. As and when the 
Company moves into production, other financial, operational, health and safety and environmental KPIs will become relevant 
and will be measured and reported as appropriate. 

Disclosure of Information to Auditors 
So far as the Directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information (as defined by Section 418 of the Companies Act 2006) 
of which the Company’s auditors are unaware, and each Director has taken all the steps that he ought to have taken as a 
director in order to make himself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditors are 
aware of that information. 

Auditors 
PKF Littlejohn LLP were appointed as auditors during the year and will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting for 
reappointment in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.  

On behalf of the Board 

Graham Swindells 
Chief Executive Officer 

19 April 2023

26

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
 
 
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law 
and regulations. 

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have 
elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with UK Adopted International Accounting Standards in conformity 
with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Under Company law the Directors must not approve the financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or 
loss of the Company for that period. The Directors are also required to prepare financial statements in accordance with the 
rules of the London Stock Exchange for companies trading securities on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM). 

In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to: 
•     Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 
•     Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 
•     State whether they have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standards in conformity 

with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006;  

•     Subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and 
•     Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will 

continue in business. 

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to 
ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the 
assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

Website publication 
The Directors are responsible for ensuring the Annual Report and the financial statements are made available on a website. 
Financial statements are published on the Company’s website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing 
the preparation and dissemination of financial statements, which may vary from legislation in other jurisdictions. The 
maintenance and integrity of the Company’s website is the responsibility of the Directors. The Directors’ responsibility also 
extends to the on-going integrity of the financial statements contained therein. 

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022 27

 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report 
to the members of Deltic Energy Plc

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

Opinion  
We have audited the financial statements of Deltic Energy Plc (the ‘company’) for the year ended 31 December 2022 which 
comprise the Income Statement, the Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Changes in 
Equity, the Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The 
financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and UK-adopted international 
accounting standards.  

In our opinion, the financial statements:  
• give a true and fair view of the state of the company’s affairs as at 31 December 2022  and of its loss for the year then ended;  
•
•

have been properly prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards; and  
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.  

Basis for opinion  
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our 
responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are 
relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities, and 
we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we 
have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.  

Conclusions relating to going concern  
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the director's use of the going concern basis of accounting in the 
preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Our evaluation of the directors’ assessment of the company’s ability to 
continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting included: 
• Reviewing management’s formal assessment of the Company’s going concern which included cash flow forecasts and 

working capital forecast for the period up to June 2024; 

• Testing the mathematical accuracy of the model and challenging management on the accuracy of calculations as well as 

any anticipated effect of further macro-economic disruptions; 

• Assessing the reasonableness of the cash flow forecast by analysing management’s historical forecasting accuracy; 
• Reviewing the Company’s exploration licences for any committed works and checking whether the commitment was 

considered as part of the assessment; 

• Comparing the forecasted general and administrative expenses and working capital requirements to prior year actual costs 

and working capital to assess the reasonableness of the cost base; 

• For licences with agreed timelines, we obtained the project timeline and ensured that it is consistent with the discussion 

with management and the budgeted costs based on the model; 

• Comparing management’s forecasts to actual results through the subsequent events period and performing inquiries to the 

date of this report; and 

• Assessing if the going concern disclosures in the financial statements are appropriate and in accordance with the revised 

ISA UK 570 going concern standard. 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, 
individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at 
least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections 
of this report. 

28

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
Independent Auditor’s Report 
continued

Our application of materiality  
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. The quantitative and qualitative thresholds for 
materiality determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures. We determined 
materiality for the financial statements to be: 

                                                                                                                                           £                                     Basis for materiality 
Materiality                                                                                                                          242,000                         1% of Net assets 

Performance materiality                                                                                                  145,000                           

Triviality                                                                                                                             12,000                             

The benchmark for materiality was selected as 1% of net assets. Net assets were deemed to be the most appropriate metric for 
materiality given the Company's status as an oil and gas exploration company with limited liabilities. Moreover, the expected 
main focus of the users of the financial statements is the recoverability of the assets invested in the exploration and evaluation 
stage. The percentage applied to this benchmark has been selected to bring into scope all significant classes of transactions, 
account balances and disclosures considered relevant for the shareholders, and also to ensure that matters that would have a 
significant impact on the results during the year were appropriately considered. 

We use performance materiality to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and 
undetected misstatements exceeds overall materiality. Specifically, we use performance materiality in determining the nature 
and extent of our testing of account balances, classes of transactions and disclosures. Given 2022 was our first year as auditors 
we have concluded that 60% of materiality is appropriate to set performance materiality for the company. 

We agreed with the audit committee that we would report to the committee all individual audit differences identified during 
our audit in excess of £12,000 in addition to other audit misstatements below that threshold that we believe warrant reporting 
on qualitative grounds. 

We evaluate any uncorrected misstatements against both the quantitative measures of materiality discussed above and in light 
of other relevant qualitative considerations in forming our opinion. 

Our approach to the audit 
Our audit is risk based and is designed to focus our efforts on the areas at greatest risk of material misstatement, aspects 
subject to significant management judgement as well as greatest complexity, risk and size. 

As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality, as above, and assessed the risk of material misstatement in the 
financial statements. In particular, we looked at areas involving significant accounting estimates and judgement by the directors 
and considered future events that are inherently uncertain. These areas of estimate and judgement included: 
• Valuation and recoverability of exploration intangible assets;  
• Carrying amount of decommissioning and restoration costs; and  
• Valuation of share options.  

We also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including among other matters consideration of 
whether there was evidence of bias that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud. 

The key audit matters and how these were addressed are outlined below. 

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022 29

 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report 
continued

Key audit matters  
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial 
statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to 
fraud) we identified, including those which had the greatest effect on the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the 
audit, and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the 
financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.  

Key Audit Matter

How our scope addressed this matter

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

Valuation and recoverability of exploration 
intangible assets 
The carrying amount of intangible assets 
related to exploration and evaluation assets 
amounted to £9,769,477 as at 31 December 
2022. 

During the year, the Company relinquished 
licences P2537 and P2352. In connection with 
the relinquishment, the Company wrote off the 
full amount of the costs capitalised amounting 
to £347,610. 

Based on management’s review performed 
under IFRS 6 Exploration for and evaluation of 
mineral resources, there were no further 
indications of impairment for other licences as 
at 31 December 2022. 

Given the inherent judgement involved in the 
assessment of whether there are indications of 
impairment to the carrying amount of 
exploration and evaluation assets, we 
considered the carrying amount of exploration 
assets to be a key audit matter.

As part of our audit, we have performed the following procedures: 
•     We critically assessed whether impairment indicators exist in line with 

IFRS 6, including the following: 

      –

      –

      –

      –

Considered factors such as the licence status and expiry date 
together with the historic licence extensions and likelihood of future 
renewals. 
Reviewed the results of the technical work to date on each licence 
where available, together with budgeted work against the licence 
obligations 
Reviewed the project work programme, where available, and 
evaluated any associated commitments and obligations for each 
project. 
Discussed with management their plans regarding future exploration 
on the licence areas. 

•     We obtained evidence to confirm the relinquishment of licences P2537 and 
P2352 during the year and reviewed the appropriateness of the accounting 
entries made to intangible assets and the impairment charge to the 
statement of comprehensive income. 

•     We performed tests of detail on additions to intangible assets during the 

year to assess the appropriateness of capitalisation under IFRS 6. 

•     We reviewed the disclosures in the financial statements to ensure that they 

are appropriate.

Other information  
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our 
auditor’s report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion 
on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our 
report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in 
doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge 
obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies 
or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the 
financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, 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.  

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006  
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:  
•

the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial 
statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and  
the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.  

•

30

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
  
 
  
 
Independent Auditor’s Report 
continued

Matters on which we are required to report by exception  
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we 
have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report.  

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to 
report to you if, in our opinion:  
•

adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches 
not visited by us; or  
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or  
•
•
certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or  
• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.  

Responsibilities of directors  
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the 
financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors 
determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due 
to fraud or error.  

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the company’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 company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.  

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements  
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are 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 ISAs (UK) 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 these 
financial statements. 

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our 
responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to 
which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: 
• We obtained an understanding of the company and the sector in which it operates to identify laws and regulations that 
could reasonably be expected to have a direct effect on the financial statements. We obtained our understanding in this 
regard through discussions with management, and our expertise of the sector. 

• We determined the principal laws and regulations relevant to the company in this regard to be those arising from 

Companies Act 2006, UK-adopted international accounting standards, the AIM Rules for Companies and the UK tax law 
and regulations. 

• We designed our audit procedures to ensure the audit team considered whether there were any indications of non-

compliance by the company with those laws and regulations. These procedures included, but were not limited to: 
–
–
–
–

conducting enquiries of management regarding potential instances of non-compliance;  
reviewing RNS announcements;  
reviewing legal and professional fees; and 
reviewing bord minutes and other correspondence from management. 

• We also identified the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements due to fraud. We considered, in addition to 
the non-rebuttable presumption of a risk of fraud arising from management override of controls, whether key management 
judgements could include management bias in relation to the valuation and recoverability of exploration intangible assets 
and valuation of share options. We addressed these as outlined in the Key audit matters section above. 

• As in all of our audits, we addressed the risk of fraud arising from management override of controls by performing audit 

procedures which included, but were not limited to: the testing of journals;  reviewing accounting estimates for evidence of 
bias; and evaluating the business rationale of any significant transactions that are unusual or outside the normal course of 
business. 

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022 31

 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report 
continued

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a 
material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation.  This risk increases the more that 
compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will 
be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to 
fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting 
Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.  

Use of our report 
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 
2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to 
state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or 
assume responsibility to anyone, other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this 
report, or for the opinions we have formed. 

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

Daniel Hutson (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
For and on behalf of PKF Littlejohn LLP
Statutory Auditor

19 April 2023 

15 Westferry Circus 
Canary Wharf 
London E14 4HD 

32

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
Income Statement 
for the year ended 31 December 2022

                                                                                                                                                                                      2022                  2021 
Continuing operations                                                                                                                     Notes                       £                        £ 

Administrative expenses: 
Write down on relinquished intangible assets                                                                                      10           (347,610)          (288,551) 
Other administrative expenses                                                                                                                         (2,745,350)        (1,912,987) 
Total administrative expenses                                                                                                                          (3,092,960)       (2,201,538) 
Other operating income                                                                                                                         10                        -             298,173 

Operating loss                                                                                                                                                   (3,092,960)      (1,903,365) 
Finance income                                                                                                                                         4            129,301                2,905 
Finance costs                                                                                                                                             5            (25,745)           (34,592) 
Loss before tax                                                                                                                                         6      (2,989,404)       (1,935,052) 
Income tax expense                                                                                                                                  8                        -                        - 

Loss for the year                                                                                                                                               (2,989,404)       (1,935,052) 
Loss per share from continuing operations  
expressed in pence per share: 
Basic                                                                                                                                                           9                (0.20)p              (0.14)p 

Statement of Comprehensive Income 
for the year ended 31 December 2022

                                                                                                                                                                                      2022                 2021 
                                                                                                                                                                                             £                       £ 

Loss for the year                                                                                                                                                (2,989,404)      (1,935,052) 
Other comprehensive income                                                                                                                                            -                        - 
Total comprehensive expense for the year attributable to the equity holders of the Company          (2,989,404)      (1,935,052) 

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

The notes on pages 37 to 53 form part of the financial statements.

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022 33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet 
as at 31 December 2022

                                                                                                                                                                                      2022                  2021 
                                                                                                                                                            Notes                       £                        £ 

Assets 
Non-current assets 
Intangible assets                                                                                                                                      10        9,769,477           2,203,118 
Property, plant and equipment                                                                                                               11           279,545            385,240 
Other receivables                                                                                                                                     12              37,422               37,422 
Total non-current assets                                                                                                                                 10,086,444         2,625,780 

Current assets 
Trade and other receivables                                                                                                                    12              181,102            190,398 
Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                              20,409,692       10,092,205 
Total current assets                                                                                                                                         20,590,794       10,282,603 
Total assets                                                                                                                                                        30,677,238       12,908,383 

Capital and reserves attributable to the equity holders of the Company 
Shareholders’ equity 
Share capital                                                                                                                                             13       9,309,660         7,029,824 
Share premium                                                                                                                                                   33,150,786      20,296,030 
Share-based payment reserve                                                                                                               23         1,535,202          1,150,700 
Accumulated retained deficit                                                                                                                          (19,802,953)     (16,813,549) 
Total equity                                                                                                                                                        24,192,695        11,663,005 

Liabilities 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                                                                                                                       15        4,988,307              931,148 
Lease liabilities                                                                                                                                         17              90,132              98,995 
Provisions                                                                                                                                                 18         1,281,000                        - 

Total current liabilities                                                                                                                                       6,359,439          1,030,143 

Non-current liabilities                                                                                                                                                                                     
Lease liabilities                                                                                                                                         17            125,104             215,235 

Total non-current liabilities                                                                                                                                    125,104             215,235 

Total liabilities                                                                                                                                                    6,484,543          1,245,378 

Total equity and liabilities                                                                                                                               30,677,238       12,908,383 

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

The financial statements of Deltic Energy Plc, registered number 7958581, were approved by the Board of Directors on 19 April 
2023 and were signed on its behalf by: 

Graham Swindells 
Chief Executive Officer 

The notes on pages 37 to 53 form part of the financial statements.

34

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of Changes in Equity 
for the year ended 31 December 2022

                                                                                                                                                Share-based  Accumulated 
                                                                                                        Share                Share          payment           retained                 Total 
                                                                                                      capital          premium             reserve              deficit              equity 
                                                                                                                £                       £                        £                       £                       £ 

Balance at 1 January 2022                                                      7,029,824      20,296,030          1,150,700       (16,813,549)       11,663,005 
Comprehensive income for the year 
Loss for the year                                                                                     -                        -                        -       (2,989,404)     (2,989,404) 
Total comprehensive loss for the year                                                -                        -                        -       (2,989,404)     (2,989,404) 

Contributions by and distributions to owners 
Issue of shares                                                                         2,279,836        13,679,014                        -                        -       15,958,850 
Costs of share issue                                                                                -          (824,258)                       -                        -          (824,258) 
Share-based payment                                                                            -                        -           384,502                        -            384,502 
Total contributions by and distributions to owners           2,279,836        12,854,756           384,502                        -        15,519,094 
Balance at 31 December 2022                                            9,309,660       33,150,786         1,535,202     (19,802,953)     24,192,695 

Balance at 1 January 2021                                                       7,029,824      20,296,030            990,378      (14,878,497)       13,437,735 
Comprehensive income for the year 
Loss for the year                                                                                     -                        -                        -        (1,935,052)       (1,935,052) 
Total comprehensive loss for the year                                                -                        -                        -        (1,935,052)       (1,935,052) 

Contributions by and distributions to owners 
Share-based payment                                                                            -                        -             160,322                        -             160,322 
Total contributions by and distributions to owners                          -                        -             160,322                        -             160,322 
Balance at 31 December 2021                                              7,029,824     20,296,030         1,150,700      (16,813,549)     11,663,005 

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

The notes on pages 37 to 53 form part of the financial statements.

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022 35

 
 
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
 
 
Statement of Cash Flows 
for the year ended 31 December 2022

                                                                                                                                                                                      2022                 2021 
                                                                                                                                                                                             £                       £ 

Cash flows from operating activities 
Loss before tax                                                                                                                                                  (2,989,404)       (1,935,052) 
Finance income                                                                                                                                                      (129,301)             (2,905) 
Finance costs                                                                                                                                                             25,745              34,592 
Gain from farm-out of licence interest                                                                                                                              -            (298,173) 
Depreciation                                                                                                                                                             114,698              115,355 
Amortisation                                                                                                                                                                        -                5,625 
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment                                                                                                        -                 1,842 
Write down on relinquished intangible assets                                                                                                     347,610             288,551 
Share-based payment                                                                                                                                           384,502             160,322 
                                                                                                                                                                             (2,246,150)       (1,629,843) 
Decrease/(increase) in other receivables                                                                                                                81,991             (136,511) 
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables                                                                                                 (18,228)           143,297 
Net cash outflow from operating activities                                                                                                      (2,182,387)       (1,623,057) 

Cash flows from investing activities  
Purchase of intangible assets                                                                                                                            (2,557,582)         (853,744) 
Purchase of property, plant and equipment                                                                                                          (9,003)             (5,895) 
Proceeds from exploration licence farm-in                                                                                                                       -             719,953 
Interest received                                                                                                                                                       56,606                2,905 
Net cash outflow from investing activities                                                                                                     (2,509,979)           (136,781) 

Cash flows from financing activities  
Proceeds from share issue                                                                                                                                15,958,850                        - 
Expense of share issue                                                                                                                                         (824,258)                       - 
Payment of principal portion of lease liabilities                                                                                                   (98,994)           (82,223) 
Lease interest paid                                                                                                                                                  (25,745)           (34,592) 
Net cash inflow / (outflow) from financing activities                                                                                    15,009,853             (116,815) 

Increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                                                                                      10,317,487        (1,876,653) 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                                                                                          10,092,205        11,968,858 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                                                                                    20,409,692       10,092,205 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise the following items: 

                                                                                                                                                                                      2022                 2021 
                                                                                                                                                                                             £                       £ 

Cash at bank and in hand                                                                                                                                   2,909,692       10,092,205 
Short term bank deposits                                                                                                                                17,500,000                        - 
                                                                                                                                                                           20,409,692       10,092,205 

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

The notes on pages 37 to 53 form part of the financial statements.

36

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                                                                                                       
Notes to the Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2022

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

1.    Accounting Policies 
Basis of preparation 
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standards (‘IAS’) and with 
those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under International Accounting Standards (‘IAS’). 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IAS requires management to make judgements, estimates and 
assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The 
estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and factors that are believed to be reasonable under 
the circumstance, the result of which form the basis of making judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that 
are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from this estimate. The areas involving a higher degree of 
judgement or complexity, or where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements, are disclosed later in 
this note. 

Operating loss is stated after charging and crediting all items excluding finance income and expenses. 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an on-going basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are 
recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision only affects that period or in the period of revision and 
future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. 

Going concern 
The Directors have assessed the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Although the oil and gas industry faces a 
period of change under the current geopolitical environment, the Company does not anticipate any negative issues impacting 
its ability to operate as a going concern. Having raised funds in 2022 the Company is currently well funded for its existing 
commitments that fall due for a minimum of 12 months from signing these financial statements. The Company has no debt. 
Based on the cash and cash equivalents balance at year end and the Company’s commitments, the Directors are of the opinion 
that the Company has adequate financial resources to meet its operational and drilling costs commitments, based upon 
anticipated drilling costs and pre-drilling work schedules, and working capital requirements, and accordingly will be able to 
continue and meet its liabilities as they fall due for a minimum of 12 months from the date of signing these financial statements. 

Adoption of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards  
The Company has adopted the following standards, amendments to standards and interpretations which are effective for the 
first time this year. These have not had a material effect on the reported income or net assets of the Company. 

                                                                                                                                                                                             Effective period 
                                                                                                                                                                              commencing on or after: 

Amendments to • IFRS 3 Business Combinations; • IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment;  
• IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets • Annual Improvements 2018-2020                     1 January 2022 

Standards effective in future periods 
Certain new standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards have been published that are relevant to the 
Company’s activities and are mandatory for the Company’s accounting periods commencing after 1 January 2023 or later 
periods and which the Company has decided not to early adopt. These include: 
                                                                                                                                                                                             Effective period  
                                                                                                                                                                              commencing on or after: 

Amendments to IAS 1: Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current &  
Disclosures of Accounting Policies                                                                                                                                     1 January 2024 
Amendments to IAS 8: Definition of Accounting Estimates                                                                                            1 January 2023 

Management anticipates that all relevant pronouncements will be adopted in the Company's accounting policies for the first 
period beginning after the effective date of the pronouncement. 

There are no standards and interpretations in issue but not yet adopted that the Directors anticipate will have a material effect 
on the reported income or net assets of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2022 based on current activities. 

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

37

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2022

1.    Accounting Policies (continued) 
Foreign currencies 
The functional currency of the Company is Sterling. Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency 
of the Company are recorded at the rate of exchange prevailing at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities 
are translated into the functional currency at the closing rates of exchange at the reporting date. Exchange differences arising 
from the restatement of monetary assets and liabilities at the closing rate of exchange at the reporting date or from the 
settlement of monetary transactions at a rate different from that at which the asset or liability was recorded are dealt with 
through the Income Statement. 

Exploration and evaluation assets 
Pre-licence costs associated with exploring or evaluating prospects are written off as incurred to the Income Statement. 

All costs associated with exploring and evaluating prospects within licence areas, including the initial acquisition of the licence 
are capitalised on a project-by-project basis pending determination of the feasibility of the project. Costs incurred include 
appropriate technical and administrative expenses but not general overheads. When a decision is made to proceed to 
development, the related expenditures will be transferred to proven projects. Where a licence is relinquished, a project is 
abandoned, or is considered to be of no further commercial value to the Company, the related costs are written off. 

Upon farming out an exploration licence the Company, as the farmor, designates expenditure previously capitalised in respect 
of the licence to the partial interest retained. Cash consideration received for the farm-out is offset against the carrying value by 
the farmor, with any excess above the previously capitalised expenditure being accounted as a gain on disposal. Thereafter, the 
farmor capitalises its own share of subsequent expenditure and does not recognise the share of expenditure incurred by the 
farmee. 

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

The recoverability of exploration and evaluation assets is dependent upon the discovery of economically recoverable reserves, 
the ability of the Company to obtain necessary financing to complete the development of reserves and future profitable 
production or proceeds from the disposition of recoverable reserves. 

Intangible exploration and evaluation assets are not depreciated and are carried forward, subject to the provisions of the 
Company’s impairment of exploration and evaluation policy, until the technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting 
hydrocarbons are demonstrable. At such point exploration and evaluation assets are assessed for impairment and any 
impairment charge is recognised before reclassification of the assets to a category of property, plant and equipment.  

Plug, abandon and suspend and demobilisation costs have been included within the exploration costs where the Directors 
consider that these costs will be material. 

Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis at rates 
calculated to write off the cost less the estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful economic life. The 
residual value is the estimated amount that would currently be obtained from disposal of the asset if the asset were already of 
the age and in the condition expected at the end of its useful life. 

The annual rate of depreciation for each class of depreciable asset is: 

Leasehold improvements                                                            over lease term 
Office lease                                                                                   over lease term 
Fixtures & fittings                                                                         15% 
Computer equipment                                                                  25% 

The carrying value of property plant and equipment is assessed annually and any impairment is charged to the income 
statement. 

38

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2022

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

1.    Accounting Policies (continued) 
Impairment of exploration assets  
Exploration and evaluation assets are reviewed regularly for indicators of impairment following the guidance in IFRS 6 
‘Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources’ and tested for impairment where such indicators exist.  

In accordance with IFRS 6 the Company considers the following facts and circumstances in their assessment of whether the 
Company’s exploration and evaluation assets may be impaired:  
• Whether the period for which the Company has the right to explore in a specific area has expired during the period or will 

expire in the near future, and is not expected to be renewed;  

• Whether substantive expenditure on further exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources in a specific area is neither 

budgeted nor planned;  

• Whether exploration for and evaluation of reserves in a specific area have not led to the discovery of commercially viable 
quantities of mineable material and the Company has decided to discontinue such activities in the specific area; and  

• Whether sufficient data exists to indicate that although a development in a specific area is likely to proceed, the carrying 

amount of the exploration and evaluation assets is unlikely to be recovered in full, from successful development or by sale. 

If any such facts or circumstances are noted, the Company, as a next step, perform an impairment test in accordance with the 
provisions of IAS 36. In such circumstances the aggregate carrying value of the exploration and evaluation asset is compared 
against the expected recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit. The recoverable amount is the higher of value in use and 
the fair value less costs to sell. The Company assesses each licence as a separate cash-generating unit. In accordance with the 
provisions of IFRS 6 the level identified for the purposes of assessing the Company’s exploration and evaluation assets for 
impairment may comprise one or more cash-generating units. 

Any impairment arising is recognised in the Income Statement for the year.  

Taxation 
Income tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax. 

The tax currently payable is based on taxable result for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit as reported in the Income 
Statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes 
items that are never taxable or deductible. The Company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been 
enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date. 

Deferred tax is recognised on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and 
the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and are accounted for using the balance sheet liability 
method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are 
recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences 
can be utilised. 

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer 
probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. 

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled, or the asset 
realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited to the income statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited 
directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current 
tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Company intends to settle its 
current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis. 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash comprises cash on hand and demand deposits with banks. 

Cash equivalents comprise bank deposits held for the purpose of meeting short–term cash commitments that are subject to an 
insignificant risk of changes in value and are readily convertible into known amounts of cash, subject to a notice period up to a 
maximum of 95 days. 

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

39

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2022

1.    Accounting Policies (continued) 
Financial instruments 
Recognition and derecognition 
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the 
financial instrument. 

Financial assets are derecognised when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire, or when the 
financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards are transferred. 

A financial liability is derecognised when it is extinguished, discharged, cancelled or expires. 

Classification and initial measurement of financial assets 
Except for those trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component and are measured at the transaction 
price in accordance with IFRS 15, all financial assets are initially measured at fair value adjusted for transaction costs (where 
applicable). 

Financial assets are classified into the following categories: 

•

•

•

amortised cost 

fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) 

fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI). 

In the periods presented the Company does not have any financial assets categorised as FVTPL or FVOCI. 

The classification is determined by both: 

•

•

the entity’s business model for managing the financial asset 

the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset. 

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

All income and expenses relating to financial assets that are recognised in profit or loss are presented within finance costs, 
finance income or other financial items. 

Subsequent measurement of financial assets 
Financial assets at amortised cost 
Financial assets are measured at amortised cost if the assets meet the following conditions: 
•

they are held within a business model whose objective is to hold the financial assets and collect its contractual cash flows 

•

the contractual terms of the financial assets give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the 
principal amount outstanding 

After initial recognition, these are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Discounting is omitted 
where the effect of discounting is immaterial. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables fall into 
this category of financial instruments. 

The Company assesses the expected credit losses on a forward-looking basis, defined as the difference between the 
contractual cash flows and the cash flows that are expected to be received, associated with its assets carried at amortised cost. 
The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk. For trade 
receivables only, the simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9 is applied, which requires expected lifetime losses to be 
recognised from initial recognition of the receivables. Losses are recognised in the income statement. When a subsequent event 
causes the amount of impairment to decrease, the decrease in impairment is reversed through the income statement. 

Classification and measurement of financial liabilities 
The Company’s financial liabilities include trade and other payables. 

Financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value, and, where applicable, adjusted for transaction costs. 

Subsequently, financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 

All interest-related charges are included within finance costs or finance income. 

40

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2022

1.    Accounting Policies (continued) 
Joint Operations 
The Company is party to joint oil and gas licences which are unincorporated joint arrangements. There is a contractual 
agreement that sets out the terms of the relationship over the relevant activities of the Company and at least one other party. 

The Company has a legal degree of control over these joint operating arrangements through Joint Operating Agreements. The 
Company classifies its interests in joint arrangements as Joint Operations: where the Company has both the rights to assets and 
obligations for the liabilities of the joint arrangement. 

The Company accounts for its share of assets, liabilities, income and expenditure of Joint Operations in which it holds an 
interest, classified in the appropriate Balance Sheet and Income Statement headings.  

A list of the Company’s interests in Joint Operations is given in note 16. 

Leases 
The Company assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease, at inception of the contract. 

Leases with an original term not exceeding 12 months and low value leased items continue to be accounted as previously, with 
amounts payable being charged to the Income Statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 

The Company recognises a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability with respect to all other lease arrangements in 
which it is the lessee. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the 
commencement date, discounted by using the rate implicit in the lease. If this rate cannot be readily determined, the lessee 
uses its incremental borrowing rate.  

The lease liability is presented as a separate line in the Balance Sheet. 

The lease liability is subsequently measured by increasing the carrying amount to reflect interest on the lease liability (using the 
effective interest method) and by reducing the carrying amount to reflect the lease payments made.  

The Company remeasures the lease liability (and makes a corresponding adjustment to the related right-of-use asset) 
whenever:  

• The lease term has changed in which case the lease liability is remeasured by discounting the revised lease payments using 

a revised discount rate.  

• The lease payments change due to changes in an index or rate or a change in expected payment under a guaranteed 
residual value, in which cases the lease liability is remeasured by discounting the revised lease payments using an 
unchanged discount rate (unless the lease payments change is due to a change in a floating interest rate, in which case a 
revised discount rate is used).  

• A lease contract is modified and the lease modification is not accounted for as a separate lease, in which case the lease 
liability is remeasured based on the lease term of the modified lease by discounting the revised lease payments using a 
revised discount rate at the effective date of the modification.  

The right-of-use assets comprise the initial measurement of the corresponding lease liability, lease payments made at or before 
the commencement day, less any lease incentives received and any initial direct costs. They are subsequently measured at cost 
less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.  

Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and useful life of the underlying asset.  

The depreciation starts at the commencement date of the lease.  

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

41

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2022

1.    Accounting Policies (continued) 
Provisions 
Provisions are recognised when the Company has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is 
probable that the Company will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the 
obligation. 

The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the 
end of the reporting period, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. When a provision is 
measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash 
flows (when the effect of the time value of money is material). 

When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, a 
receivable is recognised as an asset if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received and the amount of the receivable 
can be measured reliably. 

Decommissioning Obligation 
A decommissioning (or “asset retirement”) obligation provision for plugging, abandonment and reclamation costs has been 
included within the exploration assets and within liabilities based on management’s assessment of asset retirement costs that 
will be incurred. Where the effect is material, the estimated current date cash flows are adjusted for inflation and are discounted 
at a risk-free rate. The cash flows used in the provision are risk adjusted. 

Estimates of provisions for future decommissioning and restoration costs are recognised and based on current legal and 
constructive requirements, technology and price levels. Because actual cash outflows can differ from estimates due to changes 
in laws, regulations, public expectations, technology, prices and conditions, the carrying amounts of provisions are regularly 
reviewed and adjusted to take account of such changes. The Company expects to incur the costs within one year hence the 
estimated amount is not discounted. 

Share-based payments 
Equity-settled share-based payments to employees and Directors are measured at the fair value of the equity instrument. The 
fair value of the equity-settled transactions with employees and Directors is recognised as an expense over the vesting period. 
The fair value of the equity instruments is determined at the date of grant, taking into account market-based vesting conditions 
and non-vesting conditions. The fair value of goods and services received is measured by reference to the fair value of options. 

The fair values of share options are measured using an appropriate valuation methodology. The expected life used in the 
models is adjusted, based on management’s best estimate of the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and 
behavioural considerations. 

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 (or other 
beneficiaries) become fully entitled to the award (“the vesting date”). 

The cumulative expense recognised for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date until the vesting date reflects the 
extent to which the vesting period has expired and the Company’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will 
ultimately vest. 

The Income Statement 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 conditional upon a market 
condition or non-vesting condition, which are treated as vesting irrespective of whether or not the market or non-vesting 
condition is satisfied, provided that all other performance and/or service conditions are satisfied. Where the terms of an 
equity-settled award are modified, the minimum expense recognised is the expense as if the terms had not been modified. An 
additional expense is recognised for any modification, which increases the total fair value of the share-based payment 
arrangement or is otherwise beneficial to the employee, as measured at the date of modification. 

Where an equity-settled award (share options) is cancelled, it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation if it had 
not yet fully vested, 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 awards are treated as if they were a modification of the original award, as described in the previous paragraph. 

Where an equity-settled award is forfeited, the cumulative charge expensed up to the date of forfeiture is credited to the 
Income Statement. Upon expiry of an equity-settled award, the cumulative charge expensed is transferred from the 
Share-based payment reserve to the Accumulated retained deficit. 

42

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2022

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

1.    Accounting Policies (continued) 
Equity 
Financial instruments issued by the Company are treated as equity only to the extent that they do not meet the definition of a 
financial liability. The Company’s ordinary shares are classified as equity instruments. 

For the purposes of the capital management disclosures given in note 21, the Company considers its capital to be total equity. 

Critical accounting estimates and judgements 
The Company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future, which by definition will seldom result in actual results 
that match the accounting estimate. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material 
adjustment to the carrying amount of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below. 

Judgements 
Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets (note 10)  
Qualifying exploration and evaluation costs are initially classified and held as intangible assets rather than being expensed. In 
recording costs as exploration and evaluation assets, judgement is required as to the extent to which the costs are attributable 
to the discovery of specific hydrocarbon resources and include both internal and external costs. Expenditure is capitalised by 
reference to appropriate Cash Generating Unit (‘CGU’) and is assessed for impairment with reference to IFRS 6 indicators of 
impairment. This assessment involves judgement as to the status of licences and the likelihood of renewal of licences which 
expire in the near future including the ability to meet licence obligations, budgets and plans for future exploration activity and 
expenditure, the results of exploration activity, and assessments of future recoverable values upon development.  

Where impairment indicators are identified, an impairment test is performed which requires judgment regarding factors such as: 

(i) The timing of future development of the asset;  

(ii) Funding structures and financing costs of development;  

(iii) Commercial development opportunities for extracting value from the asset; and  

(iv) Modelling inputs such as the appropriateness of discount rates, reserve and resource estimates, oil and gas pricing 

predictions, etc.  

The carrying value of exploration and evaluation assets were assessed for indicators of impairment at 31 December 2022. In 
forming this assessment, the Company considered external and internal competent person’s reports, the status of the licences, 
the extent of ongoing exploration activity and steps to secure farm-in partners and other financing which supported the 
carrying value.  

No indicators of impairment were identified at 31 December 2022. As detailed in note 10, following the relinquishment of 
Licences P2435 and P2537, a write down on relinquished intangible assets of £56,545 and £291,065 respectively being their 
carrying values were recognised in 2022. In the prior year, following the relinquishment of Licences P2424 and P2384, a write 
down on relinquished intangible assets of £211,583 and £76,968 respectively being their carrying values were recognised in 
2021. The carrying amount of exploration and evaluation assets at the end of the period is shown in note 10.  

Estimates 
Determination of share-based payment costs (note 23) 
The determination of these costs is based on financial models. The inputs to these models are based on the Directors’ 
judgements and estimates and are not capable of being determined with precision. Estimates were required including the 
expected life of the option and volatility. In addition, for options issued in the prior year management were required to assess 
the extent to which the minimum share price vesting criteria would be met and the most likely period over which those criteria 
would be met.  

Management concluded that the vesting criteria would be met, and the most likely outcome for the share options issued during 
the prior year was that the share price vesting criteria would be met within three years for 34,000,000 share options issued 
during the year as detailed in note 23. In reaching this conclusion management considered factors including the historical share 
price performance, their assessment of possible developments with respect to licences, in particular Licence P2437 and Licence 
P2252 following the farm-outs to Shell and the Capricorn farm-out of Licences P2428, P2567 and P2560/P2561/P2562. 

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

43

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2022

2.   Segmental Reporting 
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision 
maker. The chief operating decision maker, who is responsible for allocating resources, assessing the performance of the 
operating segment and making strategic decision, has been identified as the Board of Directors.  

The Board of Directors consider that the Company has only one operating segment at corporate level, therefore no additional 
segmental information is presented. 

3.   Employees 
                                                                                                                                                                                      2022                  2021 
                                                                                                                                                                                             £                       £ 

Wages and salaries                                                                                                                                               1,573,414           1,102,989 
Short-term non-monetary benefits                                                                                                                        30,993              20,630 
Defined contribution pension costs                                                                                                                        89,471              70,038 
Social security costs                                                                                                                                                 218,153            136,069 
Share-based payment expense                                                                                                                            384,502             160,322 
                                                                                                                                                                              2,296,533         1,490,048 

                                                                                                                                                                                      2022                  2021 

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:                                                                                          
Directors                                                                                                                                                                              5                       4 
Staff                                                                                                                                                                                     4                       4 
                                                                                                                                                                                             9                       8 

Key management personnel remuneration 
Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the 
activities of the Company. 

                                                                                                                                                                                      2022                  2021 
                                                                                                                                                                                             £                       £ 

Salaries and bonuses                                                                                                                                             1,214,318            837,224 
Short-term non-monetary benefits                                                                                                                         22,216                17,072 
Defined contribution pension costs                                                                                                                        68,395               54,591 
Social security costs                                                                                                                                                170,391             105,421 
Share-based payment expense                                                                                                                             308,021             149,327 
                                                                                                                                                                                1,783,341           1,163,635 

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Directors’ remuneration is disclosed in the Directors’ Report on page 25, including the remuneration of the highest-paid 
director.  

Details regarding share options are set out in note 23 to the financial statements. 

4.   Finance Income 
                                                                                                                                                                                      2022                  2021 
                                                                                                                                                                                             £                       £ 

Bank interest                                                                                                                                                            129,301                2,905 

5.   Finance Costs 
                                                                                                                                                                                      2022                  2021 
                                                                                                                                                                                             £                       £ 

Effective interest expense on lease liabilities (see note 17)                                                                                  25,745              34,592 

44

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2022

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

6.   Loss before Tax 
                                                                                                                                                                                      2022                  2021 
                                                                                                                                                                                             £                       £ 

The loss before tax is stated after charging/(crediting):                                                                                                                             
Amortisation of intangible assets                                                                                                                                      -                5,625 
Write down on relinquished intangible assets (see note 10)                                                                              347,610             288,551 
Depreciation – owned assets                                                                                                                                   33,768              34,425 
Depreciation – right of use leased assets (office lease)                                                                                       80,930              80,930 
Gain on farm-out of intangible exploration asset (see note 10)                                                                                     -             298,173 

7.    Auditors’ Remuneration 
                                                                                                                                                                                      2022                  2021 
                                                                                                                                                                                             £                       £ 

Fees payable to the Company’s auditors for the audit of the Company’s financial statements                      37,500             34,000 
Fees payable to the Company’s auditors for non-audit related services                                                                      -               2,000 
Fees payable to the Company’s auditors for other audit-related services                                                                    -                 1,500 

8.   Income Tax 
Analysis of income tax expense 
No liability to UK corporation tax arose on ordinary activities for the year. 

Factors affecting the income tax expense 
The tax assessed for the year is different to the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK as explained below: 

                                                                                                                                                                                      2022                2021 
                                                                                                                                                                                             £                      £ 

Loss on ordinary activities before taxation                                                                                                    (2,989,404)      (1,935,052) 
Loss on ordinary activities multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK 
(19%) (2021: 19%)                                                                                                                                                   (567,987)       (367,660) 
Effects of:                                                                                                                                                                                                        
Capital allowances in excess of depreciation                                                                                                           4,706               5,733 
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes                                                                                                                1,451                  629 
Adjustment in relation to share based payment                                                                                                   58,524             30,461 
Unrelieved losses carried forward                                                                                                                        503,306           330,837 
Income tax expense                                                                                                                                                            -                       - 

A deferred tax asset of £3,472,227 (2021: £3,017,741) in respect of accumulated trading losses of £18,274,880 (2021: £15,882,852) 
has not been recognised due to the uncertainty and timing of future profits.  

9.   Loss per Share 
Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of 
ordinary shares outstanding during the year. 

Due to the losses incurred during the year, a diluted loss per share has not been calculated as this would serve to reduce the 
basic loss per share. There were 162,840,450 (2021: 128,840,450) share options outstanding at the end of the year that could 
potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future.  

Basic and diluted loss per share 
                                                                                                                                                                                      2022                  2021 

Loss per share from continuing operations                                                                                                          (0.20)p              (0.14)p 

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

45

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2022

9.   Loss per Share (continued) 
The loss and weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation of loss per share are as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                      2022                  2021 
                                                                                                                                                                                             £                       £ 

Loss used in the calculation of total basic loss per share                                                                             (2,989,404)     (1,935,052) 

Number of shares                                                                                                                                                        2022                  2021 
                                                                                                                                                                                 Number            Number 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of basic loss per share                        1,518,395,110  1,405,964,855 

10.  Intangible Assets 
                                                                                                                                              Exploration & 
                                                                                                                                                    evaluation          Software 
                                                                                                                                                           assets           licences                Total 
                                                                                                                                                                    £                       £                       £ 

Cost 
At 1 January 2021                                                                                                                        1,425,290              39,257         1,464,547 
Additions                                                                                                                                       1,488,159                        -          1,488,159 
Farm-out of licence                                                                                                                      (421,780)                       -          (421,780) 
Write down on relinquished assets                                                                                             (288,551)                       -           (288,551) 
At 31 December 2021                                                                                                                   2,203,118              39,257         2,242,375 
Additions                                                                                                                                      7,913,969                        -         7,913,969 
Write down on relinquished assets                                                                                             (347,610)                       -           (347,610) 
At 31 December 2022                                                                                                               9,769,477              39,257       9,808,734 
Amortisation and impairment                                                                                                                   
At 1 January 2021                                                                                                                                       -              33,632              33,632 
Charge for the year                                                                                                                                   -                5,625                5,625 
At 31 December 2021                                                                                                                                 -              39,257              39,257 
Charge for the year                                                                                                                                   -                        -                        - 
At 31 December 2022                                                                                                                               -              39,257             39,257 
Net Book Value                                                                                                                                            
At 31 December 2022                                                                                                               9,769,477                        -        9,769,477 
At 31 December 2021                                                                                                                   2,203,118                        -          2,203,118 
At 1 January 2021                                                                                                                        1,425,290                5,625          1,430,915 

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

The net book value of exploration and evaluation assets at 31 December 2022 and 2021 relates solely to the Company’s North 
Sea Licences. 

Additions of £7,913,969 (2021: £1,488,159) differ to the cash flows in the Statement of Cash Flows owing to an increase in trade 
and other payables of £3,052,066 (2021: £634,415) and an increase in provisions of £1,281,000 (2021: £nil) relating to the plug 
and abandonment of the Pensacola exploration well that was completed in February 2023. 

A charge of £347,610 was recognised during the year (2021: £nil) resulting from the write down on relinquished intangible 
assets following the decision to relinquish Licence P2435 (Blackadder) and Licence P2537 (Dewar). 

A charge of £nil (2021: £288,551) was recognised resulting from the write down on relinquished intangible assets following the 
decision to relinquish Licences P2384 (Manhattan Prospect) and P2424 (Cortez Prospect). 

During the prior year, aggregate cash proceeds arising from the farm-out of five Licences (P2428, P2567, P2560, P2561 and 
P2562) to Capricorn amounted to £719,953. An amount of £421,780 was deducted from exploration and evaluation assets, 
being the previously capitalised expenditure relating to that licence. The surplus of the proceeds over the carrying value 
amounted to £298,173 and was recognised as a gain on disposal of the partial interest and included as other operating income 
in the Income Statement for 2021. 

46

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2022

11.   Property, Plant and Equipment   
                                                                                              Leasehold                 Office            Fixtures        Computer 
                                                                                       improvements                   lease      and fittings      equipment                Total 
                                                                                                              £                          £                        £                       £                       £ 

Cost 
At 1 January 2021
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2021
Additions
At 31 December 2022

Depreciation
At 1 January 2021
Charge for year
Disposals
At 31 December 2021
Charge for year
At 31 December 2022

Net Book Value
At 31 December 2022
At 31 December 2021
At 1 January 2021

86,452
1,317
-
87,769
3,931
91,700

7,583
18,344
- 
25,927
18,901
44,828

404,650
-
-
404,650
-
404,650

53,953
80,930
-
134,883
80,930
215,813

46,872
61,842
78,869

188,837
269,767
350,697

42,662
3,138
-
45,800
-
45,800

3,095
6,663
-
9,758
6,870
16,628

29,172
36,042
39,567

37,920
1,440
(4,121)
35,239
5,072
40,311

10,511
9,418
(2,279)
17,650
7,997
25,647

571,684 
5,895 
(4,121) 
573,458 
9,003 
582,461 

75,142 
115,355 
(2,279) 
188,218 
114,698 
302,916 

14,664
17,589
27,409

279,545 
385,240 
496,542 

The office lease category reflects a right of use asset relating to the office premises occupied by the Company. 

12.  Trade and Other Receivables 
                                                                                                                                                                                      2022                  2021 
                                                                                                                                                                                             £                       £ 

Current:                                                                                                                                                                                   
Trade receivables                                                                                                                                                                 -               81,585 
Other receivables                                                                                                                                                      92,652               31,848 
Other tax receivables                                                                                                                                                 14,221                        - 
Prepayments                                                                                                                                                             74,229              76,965 
                                                                                                                                                                                   181,102            190,398 
Non-current: 
Rental deposit                                                                                                                                                           37,422               37,422 
Total receivables                                                                                                                                                     218,524            227,820 

During the year, no impairments were recognised.   

The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value.  

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2022

13.  Share Capital 
Allotted, issued and fully paid 

Year ended December 2022                                                                                                                                Number                        £ 

At beginning of the year             Ordinary shares of 0.5 pence each                                                     1,405,964,855        7,029,824 
Issue of shares                                                                                                                                                  455,967,137        2,279,836 
At end of the year                        Ordinary shares of 0.5 pence each                                                        1,861,931,992       9,309,660 

Year ended December 2021                                                                                                                                 Number                       £ 

At beginning of the year             Ordinary shares of 0.5 pence each                                                       1,405,964,855         7,029,824 
Issue of shares                                                                                                                                                                     -                        - 
At end of the year                        Ordinary shares of 0.5 pence each                                                       1,405,964,855         7,029,824 

On 30 September 2022, the Company announced that it had raised approximately £16 million, before expenses, through the 
aggregate placing and subscription and open offer of 455,967,137 new ordinary shares at 3.5 pence per share. The shares were 
allotted and admitted to trading on AIM on 3 October 2022.  

14.  Reserves 
Reserves                                                                        Description and purpose  

Share capital                                                                  Nominal value of shares issued. 
Share premium                                                              Amount subscribed for share capital in excess of nominal value. 
Share-based payment reserve                                    Fair value of share options issued. 
Accumulated retained deficit                                      Cumulative net losses recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. 

Details of movements in each reserve are set out in the Statement of Changes in Equity on page 35. 

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

15.  Trade and Other Payables 
                                                                                                                                                                                      2022                  2021 
                                                                                                                                                                                             £                       £ 

Current: 
Trade payables                                                                                                                                                          53,749            254,875 
Social security and other taxes                                                                                                                              373,577            222,324 
Joint operations payable                                                                                                                                    3,301,809           256,860 
Other payables and accruals                                                                                                                                1,259,172             197,089 
                                                                                                                                                                              4,988,307              931,148 

The Directors consider that the carrying amounts of trade and other payables approximate to their fair value.  

Joint operations payable represents £3,301,809 (2021: 256,860) relating to exploration assets.  

16.  Joint Operations 
The Company has entered into the following unincorporated Joint Operations, which are included within the Company’s 
financial statements: 

Name of Project                                                              Principal Activities                                            Company Interest 

P2252 Pensacola                                                             Oil and gas exploration                                      30% 
P2437 Selene                                                                   Oil and gas exploration                                      50% 
P2428 Cupertino/Richmond                                          Oil and gas exploration                                      40% 
P2567 Cadence                                                               Oil and gas exploration                                      40% 
P2558 Pensacola North                                                  Oil and gas exploration                                      30% 
P2560/P2561/P2562 Breagh Area                                Oil and gas exploration                                      30% 

On 30 September 2022, P2435 Blackadder was relinquished. 

At the balance sheet date there were no contingent liabilities or contingent assets in respect of any of the Joint Operations 
other than those disclosed in these financial statements in notes 15. 

48

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2022

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

17.  Lease Arrangements 
Right of use assets 
The Company uses leasing arrangements for its office for which a right of use asset is included in property, plant and equipment. 

When a lease begins, a liability and right of use asset are recognised based on the present value of future lease payments.  

The movements in the right of use asset are presented under the office lease category in note 11. 

Lease liabilities 
                                                                                                                                                                                      2022                  2021 
                                                                                                                                                                                             £                       £ 

Amounts payable at 1 January                                                                                                                              314,230            396,453 
Effective interest expense                                                                                                                                        25,745              34,592 
Lease payments                                                                                                                                                     (124,739)            (116,815) 
Amounts payable within one year at 31 December                                                                                               90,132              98,995 
Amounts payable after year at 31 December                                                                                                        125,104             215,235 

18.  Provisions 
Asset retirement obligation 
                                                                                                                                                                                      2022                  2021 
                                                                                                                                                                                             £                       £ 

At 1 January                                                                                                                                                                          -                        - 
Additions                                                                                                                                                               1,281,000                        - 
At 31 December                                                                                                                                                    1,281,000                        - 

An asset retirement obligation provision has been recognised in relation to the costs expected to be incurred in early 2023. Due 
to the short term nature of the expenditure, the provision has not been discounted. 

19.  Related Party Disclosures 
Parties are considered to be related if one party is under common control or can exercise significant influence over the other 
party in making financial and operational decisions. In considering each possible related party relationship, attention is directed 
to the substance of the relationship, not merely the legal form. 

Key management personnel are considered to be the Directors of the Company and Persons Discharging Managerial 
Responsibility. Disclosure regarding remuneration of key management is provided in note 3. 

Graham Swindells, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, subscribed for 714,285 new ordinary shares in a subscription of new 
ordinary shares on 3 October 2022 (the “Subscription”), which represented an amount of £24,999.98 at the Subscription’s issue 
price of 3.50 pence per new ordinary share (the “Issue Price”).  

Andrew Nunn, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, subscribed for 428,571 new ordinary shares in the Subscription on 
3 October 2022, which represented an amount of £14,999.99 at the Issue Price.  

Sarah McLeod, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, subscribed for 285,714 new ordinary shares in the Subscription on 
3 October 2022, which represented an amount of £9,999.99 at the Issue Price.  

Peter Nicol, a Non-Executive Director of the Company, subscribed for 857,142 new ordinary shares in the Subscription on 
3 October 2022, which represented an amount of £29,999.98 at the Issue Price. Additionally, Peter Nicol acquired a further 
142,858 ordinary shares of 0.5 pence per share on 25 November 2022 via a market purchase at a price of 3.15 pence per share, 
which represented an amount of £4,500.03. 

IPGL Limited, a substantial shareholder of the Company, as defined in the AIM Rules for Companies, subscribed for 109,857,142 
new ordinary shares in a placing of new ordinary shares (“Placing”) on 3 October 2022, which represented an amount of 
£3,844,999.97 at the Issue Price of 3.50 pence per new ordinary share.  

Inthallo Limited, a substantial shareholder of the Company, as defined in the AIM Rules for Companies, subscribed for 
42,857,142 new ordinary shares in the Placing on 3 October 2022, which represented an amount of £1,499,999.97 at the Issue 
Price of 3.50 pence per new ordinary share. 

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022 49

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2022

20. Financial Instruments 
Principal financial instruments 
The principal financial instruments used by the Company from which the financial risk arises are as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                      2022                  2021 
                                                                                                                                                                                             £                       £ 

Financial assets 
Cash and cash equivalents – all amounts held in Sterling: 
Cash at bank                                                                                                                                                     20,409,692       10,092,205 
                                                                                                                                                                           20,409,692       10,092,205 
Rental deposit                                                                                                                                                           37,422               37,422 
Trade receivables                                                                                                                                                                 -               81,585 
Other receivables                                                                                                                                                      92,652               31,848 
                                                                                                                                                                            20,539,766       10,243,060 
Financial liabilities 
Trade payables                                                                                                                                                          53,749            254,875 
Other payables & accruals                                                                                                                                  4,560,981           453,949 
Lease liabilities1                                                                                                                                                        215,236            314,230 
                                                                                                                                                                             4,829,966         1,023,054 

1      £90,132 of the lease liability is payable within one year and £125,103 is payable greater than one year.  

General objectives and policies 
The overall objective of the Board is to set policies that seek to reduce as far as practical without unduly affecting the 
Company’s competitiveness and flexibility. Further details regarding these policies are: 

Policy on financial risk management 
The Company’s principal financial instruments comprise cash and cash equivalents, other receivables, trade and other payables. 
The Company’s accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis on which income and 
expenses are recognised in respect of each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument are set out in note 1 – 
“Accounting Policies”. 

The Company does not use financial instruments for speculative purposes. The carrying value of all financial assets and 
liabilities approximates to their fair value. 

Derivatives, financial instruments and risk management 
The Company does not use derivative instruments or other financial instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations in 
foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices. 

Foreign currency risk management 
The Company has very limited transactional currency exposures as all projects currently undertaken are based in the UK.  

Credit risk 
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the 
Company. The Company has adopted a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties. The Company’s exposure and 
the credit ratings of its counterparties are monitored by the Board of Directors to ensure that the aggregate value of 
transactions is spread amongst approved counterparties. 

The Company applies IFRS 9 to measure expected credit losses for receivables, these are regularly monitored and assessed. 
Receivables are subject to an expected credit loss provision when it is probable that amounts outstanding are not recoverable 
as set out in the accounting policy. The impact of expected credit losses was immaterial. 

The Company’s principal financial assets are cash and cash equivalents and other receivables. Cash and cash equivalents include 
amounts held on deposit with financial institutions, including deposits subject to notice periods of no more than 95 days. 

The credit risk on liquid funds held in current accounts available on demand and notice account deposits is limited because the 
Company’s counterparties are banks with high credit-ratings assigned by international credit-rating agencies. 

50

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2022

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

20. Financial Instruments (continued) 
No financial assets have indicators of impairment. 

The Company’s maximum exposure to credit risk is limited to the carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial 
statements. 

Borrowings and interest rate risk 
The Company currently has no borrowings. 

The Company’s principal financial assets are cash and cash equivalents and other receivables. Cash equivalents include 
amounts held on deposit with financial institutions. The effect of variable interest rates is not significant. 

Liquidity risk 
During the year ended 31 December 2022, the Company was financed by cash raised through equity funding in 2019 and in 
October 2022. Funds raised surplus to immediate requirements are held as short-term cash deposits in Sterling.  

The maturities of the cash deposits are selected to maximise the investment return whilst ensuring that funds will be available 
as required to maintain the Company’s operations. 

In managing liquidity risk, the main objective of the Company is to ensure that it has the ability to pay all of its liabilities as they 
fall due. The Company monitors its levels of working capital to ensure that it can meet its liabilities as they fall due. 

The table below shows the undiscounted cash flows on the Company’s financial liabilities as at 31 December 2022 and 
31 December 2021 on the basis of their earliest possible contractual maturity. 

                                                                                                    Within 2    Within 2 – 6   Within 6 – 12     Within 1 – 2     Within 2 – 5  
                                                                                  Total            months            months            months                years                years 
                                                                                        £                       £                       £                       £                       £                       £ 

At 31 December 2022 
Trade payables                                                     53,749             53,749                        -                        -                        -                        - 
Other payables & accruals                             4,560,981        1,166,404        3,394,577                        -                        -                        - 
Lease liabilities                                                  230,000                       -               51,128            45,409             121,843               11,620 
                                                                        4,844,730         1,220,153       3,445,705            45,409             121,843               11,620 
At 31 December 2021 
Trade payables                                                   254,875           254,875                        -                        -                        -                        - 
Other payables & accruals                                453,949                       -           453,949                        -                        -                        - 
Lease liabilities                                                   354,740                       -             64,250             60,490              96,537             133,463 
                                                                          1,063,564           254,875             518,199             60,490              96,537             133,463 

21.  Capital Management 
The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, to 
provide returns for shareholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to manage the cost of capital effectively. The 
Company defines capital as being share capital plus reserves. The Board of Directors monitor the level of capital as compared 
to the Company’s commitments and, where necessary, adjusts the level of capital as is determined to be necessary by issuing 
new shares. 

The Company was financed by equity in the year ended 31 December 2022 following equity fundraising completed in 2019 and 
October 2022. Based on the cash and cash equivalents balance at year end and the Company’s commitments, the Company 
has adequate financial resources to cover its budgeted exploration and development programme and meet its other 
operational obligations as they fall due within the going concern period.  

The Company is subject to an externally imposed capital requirement of maintaining a minimum of £50,000 authorised share 
capital, which it has met in both reporting periods presented. 

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022 51

 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2022

22. Capital Commitments 
At the balance sheet date there were capital commitments of £10.7m (2021: £881,481) relating to Pensacola drilling costs. The 
total net cost of drilling the Pensacola well is £12.8m of which £2.1m was paid during 2022. These amounts are contained within 
approved joint venture work programmes for 2023. 

23. Share-Based Payments 
The Company share options are equity-share-based payments as defined in IFRS 2. This standard requires that a recognised 
valuation methodology be employed to determine the fair value of share options granted. The total share-based payment 
charge for the year has been derived through applying the Black Scholes model. 

Share options 
The Company’s Share Option Plan pursuant to which options over ordinary Shares may be granted to Directors and employees 
of the Company, commenced on 4 May 2012. On 31 July 2014, an Enterprise Management Incentives Plan (EMI Plan) was 
adopted and options held by employees under the Share Option Plan became governed by the EMI Plan at that date. 

Any employed Director or employee of the Company is eligible to receive grants under the EMI Plan. Non-executive Directors 
are not eligible to receive grants. Options are non-transferable except in the case of an option holder’s death, in which case the 
outstanding options may be exercised by the personal representatives of the option holder. 

The maximum number of ordinary Shares in respect of which options can be granted under the EMI Plan is 20 per cent. of the 
Company’s issued ordinary share capital, including all awards made over the 10 years preceding the date of the grant. This limit 
also includes any rights granted under any other employee share incentive arrangements operated by the Company but 
excludes rights that: (i) have lapsed, been forfeited or released; (ii) will be met by the transfer of shares already in issue; or 
(iii) are granted to replace an award over shares in a Company acquired by the Company. 

The Board of Directors has absolute discretion to grant options, subject to any time vesting or performance conditions that it 
outlines. The grant of options will be evidenced by an option agreement. 

34,000,000 options were granted during the year to 31 December 2022 under the scheme (2021: 34,000,000) and no options 
expired (2021: nil). 

No share options were exercised during the current or prior year.  

The Company recognised a total share-based payment expense of £384,502 for the year ended 31 December 2022 (2021: 
£160,322) in respect of share options.  

The inputs to the Black-Scholes model for options issued in the current and prior year were as follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                                  12 July   22 September 
Black Scholes Model                                                                                                                                                 2022                    2021 

Share Price                                                                                                                                                                 2.55p                  2.05p 
Exercise price                                                                                                                                                            2.55p                  2.05p 
Expected Volatility                                                                                                                                                 57.98%                71.77% 
Risk Free Rate of Interest                                                                                                                                      1.7521%             0.4331% 
Expected Dividend Yield                                                                                                                                        0.00%                0.00% 
Expected Life                                                                                                                                                5.5-6.5 years            6.5 years 
Number of options issued                                                                                                                            34,000,000       34,000,000 

Under the terms of the options granted during the year, 11,333,333 options will vest one year after the grant date. A further 
11,333,333 options will vest 2 years after the grant date. The remaining 11,333,334 options will vest 3 years after the grant date.  

Under the terms of the options granted during the prior year, 11,333,333 options will vest following the share price reaching 
2.56p for 30 consecutive days at any time prior to expiry of the options, 10 years from the grant date, but no earlier than three 
years after the grant date. A further 11,333,333 options will vest following the share price reaching 3.07p for 30 consecutive 
days at any time prior to expiry of the options, 10 years from the grant date, but no earlier than three years after the grant date. 
The remaining 11,333,334 options will vest following the share price reaching 3.58p for 30 consecutive days at any time prior to 
expiry of the options, 10 years from the grant date, but no earlier than three years after the grant date. 

52

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

 
Notes to the Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2022

23. Share-Based Payments (continued) 
The fair value includes the effect of this vesting condition. Management determined that the above options would be most 
likely to vest at the earliest possible dates, being one to three years for the options granted during 2022 and three years, four 
years and five years from grant date in the prior year. The fair value of the options is therefore being amortised over those time 
periods.  

Expected volatility was determined based on the historic volatility of the Company.  

Details of the number of share options and the weighted average exercise price (WAEP) outstanding during the year are as 
follows: 

                                                                                                                                                                             Number of               WAEP 
Year ended December 2022                                                                                                                                 options                       P 

Outstanding at the beginning of the year                                                                                                    128,840,450                   2.16 
Issued                                                                                                                                                               34,000,000                  2.55 
Outstanding at the end of the year                                                                                                              162,840,450                  2.24 
Number exercisable at 31 December 2022                                                                                                     45,341,524                  2.26 

                                                                                                                                                                             Number of               WAEP 
Year ended December 2021                                                                                                                                    options                       P 

Outstanding at the beginning of the year                                                                                                      94,840,450                    2.19 
Issued                                                                                                                                                                34,000,000                  2.05 
Outstanding at the end of the year                                                                                                               128,840,450                    2.16 
Number exercisable at 31 December 2021                                                                                                       22,941,942                  2.54 

The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding as at 31 December 2022 was 6.8 years (2021: 7.0 years). 
The range of exercise prices relating to options outstanding at 31 December 2022 was 1.33p to 8.0p (2021: 1.33p to 8.0p). 

24. Control  
The Company is not controlled by any other party. 

25. Subsequent Events 
Peter Nicol, a Non-Executive Director of the Company, purchased 1,000,000 ordinary shares of 0.5 pence per share on 
15 February 2023 at a price of 2.60 pence per share, which represented an amount of £26,000.00. 

S
t
r
a
t
e
g
i
c
R
e
p
o
r
t

C
o
r
p
o
r
a
t
e
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

S
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Deltic Energy Plc  Annual Report & Accounts 2022 53

 
 
 
Contents 

Company Information

Strategic Report 
1       Chairman’s Statement 
2      Chief Executive’s Statement  
5      Operational Review 
12     Environmental, Social and Governance 
14     Financial Review 
16     Business Risks 
17     Section 172 Statement 
18     Investing Policy 

Corporate Governance 
19     Introduction 
19     Corporate Governance Statement 
22    Audit Committee Report 
23    Remuneration Committee Report 
24    Board of Directors and Senior Management 
25    Report of the Directors 
27    Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 
28    Independent Auditor’s Report 

Financial Statements 
33    Income Statement 
33    Statement of Comprehensive Income 
34    Balance Sheet 
35    Statement of Changes in Equity 
36    Statement of Cash Flows 
37    Notes to the Financial Statements 

Directors 
M S Lappin (Chairman) 
G C Swindells (Chief Executive Officer) 
A J Nunn (Chief Operating Officer) 
P N Cowley (Non-Executive) 
P W Nicol (Non-Executive) 

Joint Secretary 
S M McLeod 
Gravitas Company Secretarial Services Limited 

Registered Office 
1st Floor 
150 Waterloo Road 
London 
SE1 8SB 

Registered Number 
07958581 (England and Wales)

Nominated Adviser 
Allenby Capital Limited 
5 St Helen's Place 
London 
EC3A 6AB 

Joint Corporate Broker 
Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited 
150 Cheapside 
London 
EC2V 6ET 

Canaccord Genuity Limited  
88 Wood Street  
London 
EC2V 7QR 

Auditors 
PKF Littlejohn LLP 
15 Westferry Circus 
Canary Wharf 
London 
W1U 7EU  

Solicitors 
K&L Gates LLP 
One New Change  
London 
EC4M 9AF 

Financial Public Relations 
Vigo Consulting 
Sackville House 
40 Piccadilly 
London 
W1J OHR 

Registrar 
Share Registrars Limited 
3 The Millennium Centre 
Crosby Way 
Farnham 
Surrey 
GU9 7XX  

Deltic Energy Plc 
1st Floor 
150 Waterloo Road 
London 
SE1 8SB 
United Kingdom 
+44 (0)20 7887 2630 

www.delticenergy.com

Deltic Energy Plc 
Annual Report & Accounts 2022