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Echo Global Logistics, Inc.
Annual Report 2019

ECHO · LSE Industrials
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Ticker ECHO
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Industry Integrated Freight & Logistics
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FY2019 Annual Report · Echo Global Logistics, Inc.
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Annual Report 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 

Echo Energy is a well-balanced, 
Latin America focused, full cycle 
E&P company with a current 
portfolio centred on the onshore 
Austral Basin, Argentina. The 
portfolio comprises of a significant 
production base, with enhancement 
opportunities, in combination with 
high impact exploration acreage.

Echo Energy’s growth strategy targets both near-term, lower risk 
and cost options and longer-term acquisitions and exploration 
potential, with a disciplined approach to delivering shareholder 
value from its existing portfolio and new opportunities.

Echo maintains its philosophy of equitable treatment and open 
communication with all our stakeholders and the communities in 
which we operate.

Financial Statements

Auditor’s Report 

39

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income  43

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position  

Company Statement of Financial Position  

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity  

Company Statement of Changes in Equity  

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows  

Company Statement of Cash Flows  

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Shareholder Information 

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

78

Contents

Strategic Report

Key Highlights 

Chairman’s and CEO’s Statement 

Business Model 

Strategy & KPIs 

Latin American Opportunities 

Assets   

Portfolio 

Operational Review 

Sustainability Review 

Managing Risks 

Stakeholder Engagement 

Financial Review  

Governance

Corporate Governance Statement  

Health and Safety Review  

The Team  

Directors’ Remuneration Report  

Directors’ Report  

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 

1

2

5

6

8

10

11

12

14

16

18

20

24

30

32

34

36

38

Strategic Report 

Key highlights

152,819 boe

Delivered  
1st well 

$1m reduction 
of G&A

Total production

4Q 2019

Successful restructuring 
 of portfolio

Santa Cruz Sur

Tapi Aike 

Corporate

•   Completed acquisition of 70% 
non-operated interest in five 
mature producing blocks, Santa 
Cruz Sur, in November 2019

•   Producing asset with 2,505 boepd 
net to Echo (70% interest) for 
November & December 2019

•   Provides a strong reserves base to 
portfolio. Net Company reserves 
as of end 2019 were 3.8 MMboe 1P 
& 12.1 MMboe 2P*

•   Campo Limite exploration well 

(spud in Q4 2019) on Palermo Aike 
block close to Chilean border

•   Low cost production 

maximisation opportunities

•   Total production post acquisition: 

152,819 boe

•   Completed 3D seismic acquisition 

•   Successful relinquishment of 

over 1,200km2

  -  Processing of eastern cube 

completed

  -  Drill location in eastern Chiripa 

Oeste identified

•   First drill in 4Q 2019 (Chiripa 

Oeste spud) and completed on 
time (post-period)

•   Processing of western cube 

(Travesia de Arriba) completed 
post-period

liabilities associated with CDL 
licences

•   Successful re-structuring of 

partnership in Tapi Aike to 19% 
interest with no carry

•   Completion of Santa Cruz Sur 
acquisition at a deep discount 
to 2P reserves valuation 
providing cashflow and near field 
exploration potential 

•   Continued cost-cutting and 
streamlining of General & 
Administrative (“G&A”) – gross 
G&A expenses are US $1million 
lower than 2018 levels

“We started 2019 with the seismic acquisition campaign across Tapi Aike, safely acquiring 1,200km² worth 
of quality data on schedule and on budget and then ended the year with our first well in the Tapi Aike block, 
the culmination of a tremendous amount of work. During the year we successfully restructured our portfolio, 
relinquishing assets without future growth, ‘rightsized’ our interest in Tapi Aike and made the important 
acquisition of producing assets with a strong reserves base in Santa Cruz Sur. This brought cash-generation into 
the business along with a pipeline of development opportunities and additional near-field exploration potential, 
with a second exploration well spud before year end. Although 2020 has brought with it some very serious 
global challenges, the work Echo accomplished in 2019, and the team that we have in place, means we are well 
positioned to meet these challenges and maximise the value creation potential from our existing portfolio and 
look to positively move forward with further future value creation opportunities. ”   

Martin Hull, Chief Executive Officer

* Evaluated in accordance with the Petroleum Resource Management System (“PRMS”)

 1  

Echo Energy Annual Report 2019 

Chairman’s and Chief Executive 
Officer’s Statement 

James Parsons  
Non-Executive Chairman

Martin Hull 
Chief Executive Officer

2 

Activities across 2019 have 
continued apace for Echo Energy 
plc (the “Company”) and its 
subsidiaries (“Echo” or the “Group”) 
as it continues to execute against its 
Latin American growth strategy. In 
line with this strategy, the Company 
secured a significant production 
asset and reserve base in Santa 
Cruz Sur (“SCS”) in November 2019, 
which has enabled Echo to diversify 
its portfolio and brings with it a 
revenue stream capable of further 
growth. 

Argentina

Santa Cruz Sur

In November 2019, Echo completed the acquisition of 
a 70% non-operated working interest in the Santa 
Cruz Sur package of five mature producing blocks 
from Petrolera El Trebol S.A. (“PETSA”) (a subsidiary 
of Phoenix Global Resources plc). The addition of these 
assets has provided material production to the Group 
as the foundation of a balanced, revenue-generating 
portfolio with a strong reserves base. These assets 
also bring significant upside from relatively low-
risk production enhancement options and exciting 
near-term drilling opportunities.

At the end of 2019 Santa Cruz Sur’s 1P net company 
reserves base stood at 3.8 MMboe for 1P and 
12.1 MMboe respectively for 2P (net to a 70% interest), 
illustrating the significance of this acquisition.  At year 
end 2018 the Company had no reserves base, and at 
the end of 2019 the SCS transaction has enabled the 
company to book material reserves.

Prior to Echo’s acquisition of the licences on 1 November 
2019, production across the 5 licences in H1 2019 period 
was approximately 3,687 boepd  (2,581 boepd, including 
587bbls of oil per day net production to a 70% interest).  
Total net production in the period from 1 November 
2019 to 31 December 2019 net to Echo was 34,466 bbls 
of oil and 710 MMscf of gas. 

The Campo Limite exploration well (“CLix-1001”) 
on the Palermo Aike concession was spud in late 
December 2019. The cost of this well, corresponding 
to Echo’s interest, was paid for by the previous owner 
of the concession, PETSA, as part of the acquisition 
agreement. At year end drilling of the well had begun 
targeting a conventional Springhill reservoir on a 
structure located two kilometres from the Chilean 
border. Post-period, the well reached total depth on 
20 January 2020 and completion and testing will 
be required to assess the commerciality of the well. 
Unfortunately, testing of this well has been interrupted 
due to travel restrictions imposed as a result of the 
global Covid-19 pandemic. Well testing activities will 
resume as soon as practicable and the project remains 
a priority for 2020.

Tapi Aike

The Tapi Aike block remains one of the most 
underexplored licence blocks in the basin. The acreage 
has three wells with interpreted gas presence, 
existing 2D seismic and partial 3D seismic. The block 
also benefits from the identification of three highly 
prospective independent gas exploration plays and one 
oil play. For much of 2019 the activity on the licence 
focused on the 3D seismic acquisition programme, with 
UGA Seismic S.A. (“UGA”) shooting a total of 1,200km2 
of new 3D seismic data across the Tapi Aike licence. 
The seismic acquisition was completed on time and on 
budget and the data was subsequently processed by 

 3  

Strategic Report highly experienced teams: Wellfield Services Ltda. for 
Chiripa Oeste and Seismic Prospect S.R.L for Travesia de 
Arriba, both in Buenos Aires. In November the company 
and its partner spudded the Campo La Mata well (“CLM 
x-1”) on the newly acquired eastern cube (Chiripa Oeste), 
with the primary target of the well being a stratigraphic 
trap (“Magallanes 20”), at with secondary targets in 
deeper and shallower intervals. At year end we had 
reached total depth and the initial wireline log results 
were sufficiently encouraging to move to completion and 
hydraulically stimulate the formation and test the well. 
Post-period, we undertook these testing operations and 
announced a non-commercial gas discovery in February 
2020. Interpretation of the newly acquired 3D seismic 
continues to progress and at year end processing on the 
western cube (Travesia de Arriba) was almost complete.

Bolivia

As announced in our half-year report in September 
2019, the Board believes that while there is potential 
on the Huayco and Rio Salado blocks, the opportunities 
present there are not currently compatible with the 
Company’s strategy, in part due to the extremely high 
cost of exploration drilling on the block and the soft 
farm-out market. Echo continues to evaluate the best 
route to maximise shareholder value in relation to the 
Bolivian position.

Post-Period Events 

Post-period, 2020 has delivered some extremely 
challenging conditions from a human and an economic 
perspective. The impact of the OPEC+ price war 
combined with the demand destruction caused by 
Covid-19 created unprecedented downward forces on 
the oil and gas price and for the first time, we witnessed 
negative pricing for WTI. The Company acted quickly to 
mitigate the impact of these challenges and engaged 
in a renegotiation of the Company’s debt, which has 
recently been successfully concluded. The Company has 
materially reduced its G&A and capital expenditure with 
reductions and deferrals which have resulted in lower 
field costs. The reduction of field costs was a stated aim 
following the SCS acquisition. The Company has also 
refocused its attention on its producing gas assets which 
benefit from a more robust pricing environment. We 
believe that the rapid actions which the Company has 
taken to reduce costs and streamline the operational 
part of the business stands us in good stead to weather 
this unprecedented storm and to grow the business 
as global activity and demand returns. We believe we 
have the right team in place to do this and look forward 
positively to the opportunities ahead.

Corporate

James Parsons 
Non-Executive Chairman 

Martin Hull 
 Chief Executive Officer 

2019 has seen management changes with the 
appointment of Martin Hull as Chief Executive Officer 
and Fiona MacAulay stepping down from the Board as 
Non-Executive Director. 

Following the drilling campaign on the Fracción C, 
Fracción D, and Laguna De Los Capones concessions 
(“CDL”), the Board conducted a portfolio review 
and seeing relatively limited remaining upside for 
shareholders in CDL, in May 2019 the Company 
negotiated and agreed an accelerated close of the 
initial phase of works on CDL with Compañia General 
de Combustibles S.A. (“CGC”). This resulted in Echo 
withdrawing from its interests and liabilities under the 
CDL concessions prior to the commencement of the 
second stage of works on CDL, in accordance with the 
terms of the CDL farm-out agreement, thereby enabling 
Echo to focus on Tapi Aike. Echo now holds a 19% 
interest in the Tapi Aike licence, ending the previous carry 
arrangement and significantly lowering its capital needs 
with regard to the drilling programme. 

4  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 Business Model

e

r

Ex pl o

G r o w

Mo

n

e

t

i

s

e

Create 
value

Key Resources
•  Highly experienced team with proven track record

•   Diversified portfolio production and exploration of licences  

in Latin America

•  Active business development focus

•   Prudent cost management with strong focus on safe and efficient operations

•  Leading regional partners

Explore 

Grow  Monetise 

Exploration-led, committed to 
targeting acreage positions 
that have the capacity to deliver 
substantial portfolio value 
through the exploration cycle, 
initiating appraisal drilling 
campaigns that will provide 
the opportunity to significantly 
increase our reserves and 
resources base. 

We have demonstrated our 
origination and deal-making 
capability and continue to 
seek new corporate and asset 
acquisition opportunities which 
further strengthen our position 
and open new high-impact 
opportunities. Echo looks to 
add value to our existing assets 
by optimising contractual 
seismic acquisition deals, drilling 
exploration wells and/or initiating 
and completing workovers.

Executing commercial 
agreements at strategically 
correct points in time to ensure 
that the value of the portfolio 
is maximised to the benefit of 
the shareholders. Our team 
is experienced and set up to 
execute such deals. 

How we create value

We have an exploration and development focused agenda and operate in proven hydrocarbon basins that 
benefit from existing infrastructure, enabling us to create value through an active operational programme 
whilst simultaneously building the business through further acquisitions. An exploration-led approach 
ensures we create value by acquiring high-quality exploration acreage, generating high-grade prospects while 
operating with a cost-effective focus. This allows us to maximise the risk reward profile of the business while 
actively pursuing merger and acquisition opportunities. Echo’s market position and size enables it to be a 
nimble and proactive player in Latin America. 

 5 

Strategy and KPIs 

The Key Performance Indicators 
(“KPIs”) are how we measure the 
performance of our board of directors 
(the “Board”), executive team and 
staff against the strategic objectives 
of the business.

Following the successful completion of acquisitions 
in 2018 and identifying operational targets, Echo 
recategorised its strategic objectives into the five areas 
detailed below: Growth, Asset Performance, Safety & 
Environment, Funding and Corporate. How the Board 
has delivered against these new metrics in 2019 is 
evidenced in the Performance column below.

2019 KPIs 

1. Growth

Measure

Performance

Diversify asset base with 
further asset or corporate 
acquisitions to build on the 
existing Argentinian position

Develop opportunity 
pipeline and inventory

After extensive evaluation of potential M&A  
opportunities within Latin America, the Board  
completed the Santa Cruz Sur acquisition which  
diversified the portfolio by securing producing assets. 

Mature the Bolivian 
Opportunities

Formalise relationships 
in country

The Technical Evaluation Agreement (“TEA”) for the Rio 
Salado block, was submitted to the Bolivian authorities on 
schedule. An extra 180 day was allotted for review. Extension 
to the Joint Evaluation Agreement (“JEA”) with Pluspetrol for 
the Huayco block was amended to reflect the additional 12 
months evaluation period for Rio Salado.

2. Asset Performance

Measure

Performance

Identify high-grade prospects 
and schedule Tapi Aike drilling 
programme

Completion of seismic. 
Selection of drilling 
locations

Increase productivity of the 
existing assets

Increase in boepd of 
existing wells

Completed successful 1,200km2 seismic  
acquisition. Completion of processing of eastern  
sector (and western section post-period). First drilling 
location identified in eastern Tapi Aike block and spud on 
schedule.

Exited poorly performing CDL assets.  
As soon as acquisition of Santa Cruz Sur was complete, 
identification of wells for workover programme 
commenced. Joint Venture-owned Eagle workover rig is 
planned for use, which lowers costs of workovers. Near-
field exploration opportunities also identified, first well 
spud 4Q 2019.

3. Safety and Environment

Measure

Performance

Establish high quality safety, 
reporting and performance

6  

Systems for HSE reporting and review of  
Operator HSE systems have been implemented  
and an HSE policy developed and adopted. All non-
routine operations are subject to a rigorous HSE  
review with the Operator prior to start up.

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 4. Funding

Fund the subsequent 
development of new business 
ventures and continued 
exploration programme

Explore opportunities to 
monetise assets following 
success

5. Corporate

Safety and Environment

Cost control

Measure

Performance

Funds raised

Additional funding, a mixture of debt and equity  
raised for Santa Cruz Sur acquisition. 

Increase production 
from asset base

Following completion of Santa Cruz Sur acquisition 
immediate work began on identifying wells for workovers 
and pulling jobs to increase production. Cost cutting 
measures also implemented in the field.

Measure

Performance

Maintain a clean safety record with no incidents  
in periods of production and operation.

Progress made with significant reductions to G&A while 
maintaining an active work programme. 

Regular web-based investor forums were held and direct 
investor enquiries are always answered. Maintained a 
measured approach to expectations.

No additional hiring required given operating 
circumstances, therefore staff losses not replaced.

Maintain transparent 
relationship with investors

Regular investor 
engagement

Staff diversity

2020 KPIs 

The 2020 performance of the business and its staff will be 
measured across both financial and operational functions 
and is captured in a corporate scorecard. The scorecard 
is made up of various KPIs and is tracked throughout the 
year. The Board’s and executives’ performance are judged 
on the delivery of the desired outcomes and a summary of 
these targets is listed below: 

• 

• 

 Maximise shareholder value from newly acquired 
assets;

 Identify and drill high quality prospects for the 
drilling programme;

• 

 Continue to seek opportunities to diversify asset 
base with further asset or corporate acquisitions; 

•  Mature the Bolivian opportunities; 

• 

• 

 Explore opportunities to monetise assets following 
success; and

 Maintain cost control with expenditures appropriate 
to size and scale of company.

General corporate and operational objectives include 
HSE, sustainability, cost control, investor support, and 
staff diversity.

 7  

Strategic Report Latin American Opportunities

Echo continues to see great 
opportunities in Latin America; a region 
rich in resources. In the near-term, there 
will be demand headwinds due to the 
Covid-19 pandemic and the widespread 
travel and manufacturing restrictions 
which have been implemented. 
Nevertheless, the fundamentals remain 
unchanged, mid to long term energy 
demand will continue to rise. 

A strong demand outlook for energy consumption and 
economic growth coupled with underdeveloped - but 
lower cost - onshore plays, makes Latin America a 
favourable region for Echo to deploy its expertise in 
support of an exploration-led growth strategy.

Gas Trade Movements Bcf (2019)*

 Pipeline delivery
 LNG delivery

268 Bcf

Brazil
102 Bcf
Trinidad & Tobago
USA
Africa 
Middle East
Europe

Bolivia

201 Bcf

7 Bcf

Argentina

Chile

152 Bcf
Trinidad & Tobago
USA
Europe
Middle East
Africa

127 Bcf
Trinidad & Tobago
Brazil 
Africa 
USA
Europe
Middle East
Asia Pacific

* Source: BP Statistical Review 2019

8  

Underexplored low-cost onshore 
potential  

The Latin American region as a whole has proven gas 
reserves of 289 trillion cubic feet (“Tcf”) (4% of world 
reserves) and oil reserves of 325 billion barrels - 18% 
of world reserves (Source: BP Statistical Review 2019). 
However, excluding the politically volatile and isolated 
region of Venezuela, the region only has proven reserves 
of 65 Tcf of gas and 22 billion barrels of oil. This reserve 
base is growing due to exploration activity in the region, 
but this is predominantly offshore activity. Echo believes 
that onshore there is huge potential in relatively low-
cost, underexplored acreage in an energy hungry market.

Conventional plays at an advantage

In Argentina, non-conventional gas plays with relatively 
high operating and breakeven costs are likely to be the first 
to suffer the impact of demand reduction and resulting 
gas price falls which have already been seen as a result 
of Covid-19. Lower cost conventional production, which is 
less capital intensive, will consolidate its place in the value 
chain as a cheaper and more reliable alternative, while the 
case remains for further exploration. Gas consumption in 
Latin America has doubled in the last 20 years, increasing 
on average 2.3% p.a. in the last 10 years (Source: BP 
Statistical Review 2019). Consumption is expected to 
increase by a further 40% by 2030 (2.6% p.a.). Hence to 
meet this increased demand there is a strong need for 
reserves replacement and growth. 

This has resulted in pipeline imports and LNG imports 
being required to meet demand in certain countries, 
achieving attractive prices (Source: YPFB). Due to the 
market tightness, there is currently an excess of LNG but 
it has regasification constraints and countries are actively 
attempting to boost their own production to avoid paying 
for imported gas, which makes local production more 
attractive given the higher prices that can be obtained. 
Bolivian gas has been achieving prices between 5.77 – 
4.30 US $/mmbtu for exports to Argentina and Brazil 
(Source: YPFB). Bolivia has signed a new addendum 
with Brazil decreasing its Take-or-Pay commitment but 
keeping their oil/fuel linked price, which would allow 
Bolivia to fulfil their domestic demand while fulfilling their 
contract with Argentina. Furthermore, the need for new 
gas to increase production to meet demand from central 
Brazil remains. Subsidies and oil production incentives are 
in place in Bolivia, and under review in Argentina, in order 
to boost their domestic production and avoid external 
price swings. These conditions provide an opportunity for 
Echo to deliver value creation from conventional onshore 
exploration and development. 

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 and this will only be exacerbated by the impact of 
Covid-19. Countries such as Peru, Bolivia and Argentina 
need to increase their domestic production and are 
already working on new legislation that will allow them 
to boost investment. The period of readjustment in Latin 
America that follows the current global crisis may also 
offer a company with Echo’s capabilities and expertise 
opportunities for non-organic growth in the region. 

Economic and political environment  

The Covid-19 pandemic will have a direct impact on 
economic performance world-wide and while it is 
estimated the Latin American economy will shrink 
5.2% in 2020, it is expected to return to growth with a 
3.4% growth figure anticipated in 2021 (Source: IMF, 
World Economic Outlook April 2020). The fundamentals 
remain unchanged from last year, the region needs to 
balance growing demand with more production, and 
this is particularly important in countries like Peru, 
Colombia and Bolivia. The development of Vaca Muerta 
in Argentina will face an uncertain future due to its 
capital intensive nature. Brazil will face a structural 
decision whether or not to further develop its relatively 
capital intensive offshore resources given the current 
challenging price scenario. It is Echo’s view that the 
region will face a short-term oversupply followed 
by an increase in demand that will not immediately 
be supported by new oil and gas projects which are 
currently in the pipeline. Therefore, a countercyclical 
investment that benefits from current low costs and 
asset valuations and which will benefit from increased 
oil and gas demand in the mid-term, will also benefit 
from government support and contractual conditions. 

Echo

Challenges remain, particularly in Argentina. Prior to 
the global crisis, there were encouraging signs that 
the economic situation in-country was improving and 
the results of the presidential election in 2019 had not 
derailed this or significantly impacted the oil & gas 
sector. Recent political changes in Peru and Bolivia have 
only served to underline the need for E&P investment 

Gas Consumption vs Production in Latin America (Bcf)*

20.0

18.0

16.0

14.0

12.0

10.0

8.0

6.0

4.0

2.0

0.0

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Argentina

Brazil

Chile

Colombia

Ecuador

Peru

Trinidad & Tobago

* Source: BP Statistical Review 2019

Venezuela

Other Carib & Sth Am

Other Caribbean

Other South America

Sth & Central Am Production Bcf

 9  

Strategic Report Assets

The Company’s asset portfolio has 
been strengthened by the portfolio  
re-structuring carried out during 2019. 

In May 2019 the Company re-structured its partnership 
with CGC by reducing its working interest in Tapi Aike 
to 19% and ending the previous carry arrangement. 
Additionally, the decision was taken not to proceed 
to the second work phase in the Fracción C, Fracción 
D and Laguna de los Capones licences, leading to 
relinquishment of the Company’s interests and 
associated liabilities. This re-structuring resulted 
in a reduction of near-term capital expenditure 
requirements and improved economics in Tapi Aike. 

To complement the high impact exploration 
opportunities on Tapi Aike, the Company completed 
the acquisition of producing concessions from PETSA 
in November 2019, which brought a significant 1P and 
2P reserves base. The Santa Cruz Sur assets consist of 
five production concessions, which produce gas and oil 
that contribute material revenues to the Company. The 
assets are located in the east of the onshore Austral 
Basin, with existing infrastructure in place for gas 
transport by pipeline to Buenos Aires and oil sales at 
the Punta Loyola terminal. Opportunities to increase 
production through well interventions and workovers 
have been identified and are the focus of work in 2020, 
alongside the new operator.  

Tapi Aike

Campo Bremen

Chorrillos

Océano

Moy Aike

Palermo Aike

Status

Exploration

Production 
Concession

Production 
Concession

Production 
Concession

Production 
Concession

Production 
Concession

Echo 
Participation

Non-operator  
19%

Non-operator 
70%

Non-operator 
70%

Non-operator 
70%

Non-operator 
70%

Non-operator 
70%

Expiry

Sep-21

Apr-26

Apr-26

Aug-26

Apr-26

Aug-26

Area (km2)

5,187

687

647

108

714

537

Net Reserves, 31 Dec 2019

Santa Cruz Sur

Oil (MMbbls)

1P

0.90

2P

2.30

Gas (Bcf)

Oil Equivalents (MMboe)

3P

2.50

1P

16.1

2P

55.2

3P

58.5

1P

3.78

2P

12.14

3P

12.93

10  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 Portfolio

Following completion of the Santa 
Cruz Sur acquisition, Echo Energy is a 
well-balanced, full-cycle E&P company 
with a portfolio focused on the onshore 
Austral Basin, Argentina. The portfolio 
comprises a significant production 
base, with near-term enhancement 
opportunities, in combination with 
high-impact exploration acreage.  

The Santa Cruz Sur assets provide the production 
and reserves base of the Company, consisting of five 
production concessions in the east of the onshore 
Austral Basin. Furthermore, the acquisition gives 
Echo access to over 7,800 km2 of acreage, making 
it a significant licence holder in the basin, and 
demonstrates Echo’s commitment to the future 
exploration and production potential of this part of 
Argentina. Production has been revenue generating for 
the Company since 1 November 2019, where average 
net daily production for November and December 2019 
was ≈2,500 boepd, consisting of 565 bbls/d oil and 11.6 
MMscf/d gas. Additionally, the Campo Limite CLix-1001 
exploration well, in the Palermo Aike concession, began 
drilling in December 2019 at year end.

Tapi Aike, located in the west of the onshore Austral 
Basin, provides higher-risk higher-impact exploration 
acreage to compliment the production base of the 
Santa Cruz Sur assets, with significant potential for 
organic growth through the drill bit. During 2019 a 
number of significant milestones have been achieved 
in Tapi Aike. Firstly, the acquisition of 1,200 km2 of 
3D seismic was completed, in both the eastern and 
the western areas of the licence, before subsequent 
processing and interpretation resulted in the 
maturation of prospects and selection of the first well 
location in the Chiripa Oeste survey area. The Campo 
La Mata x-1 exploration well was drilled in Q4 2019 and 
tested in early Q1 2020.

Company Reserves & Resources are classified in 
accordance with the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ 
PRSM 2018 update and are shown in accompanying 
tables. 

2,505 boepd 

Average net daily production Nov-Dec 2019

152,819 boe

Total production net to Echo Nov-Dec 2019

3.8 MMboe

Net 1P Reserves

12.1 MMboe

Net 2P Reserves

Santa Cruz Sur Net Reserves

Reserves Net to 70% Working Interest

Oil (MMbbls)

Gas (Bcf)

Oil Equivalents (MMboe)

1P

2P

3P

1P

2P

3P

1P

2P

3P

0.90 

2.30 

2.50

16.1

55.2

58.5

3.78

12.14

12.93

Santa Cruz Sur Net Contingent &  
Prospective Resources

Contingent Resources Net to 70% Working Interest

Oil (MMbbls)

Gas (Bcf)

Oil Equivalents (MMboe)

1C

2C

3C

1C

0.01 

0.01

0.05

0.0

2C

0.0

3C

1.3

1C

2C

3C

0.01

0.01

0.29

Prospective Resources (Bcf)

Gross (100% interest)

Net to 70% working interest

P10

Pmean

P50

P90

P10

Pmean

P50

P90

654.6

129.3

61.4

14.7

 458.2

90.5

43.0 

10.3 

Tapi Aike Prospective Resources

Prospective Resources (Bcf)

Gross (100% interest)

Net to 19% working interest

P10

P50

 11,923

4,478

P90

1,795

P10

2,265

P50

851

P90

341

9

Strategic Report Operational Review

Significant milestones were achieved 
in Tapi Aike exploration alongside the 
acquisition of a material production 
and reserves base.

12  

Strengthened Argentinian 
Portfolio

Tapi Aike

For Echo, 2019 was a year of significant milestones 
for operational activity in the Tapi Aike exploration 
licence, as the Company completed an extensive 3D 
seismic acquisition programme, leads were upgraded to 
prospects following processing and interpretation of this 
newly acquired seismic data. Technical work matured 
these prospects to drill-ready status, culminating in the 
spud of the first exploration well, Campo La Mata x-1 , in 
November 2019. 

Mobilisation of the seismic crew began in December 
2018 and the extensive seismic acquisition programme 
was completed in June 2019. Following a competitive 
tender process, the 3D seismic acquisition was 
undertaken by Argentinian contractor UGA who have 
considerable experience executing projects in the Austral 
Basin. The project was completed without any Lost Time 
Incidents and with minimum environmental impact.

The acquisition was split across two areas in order 
to focus on the most prospective parts of the Tapi 
Aike licence, after high grading the portfolio of leads 
based on existing 2D seismic and well data. Firstly, 
the Chiripa Oeste survey, covering 414km2 in the east 
of the licence, aimed to better define a series of high 
negative amplitude features. The survey was designed to 
subsequently allow high quality amplitude versus offset 
(“AVO”) analysis to further de-risk the prospectivity of 
the amplitude features.

The resulting Chiripa Oeste 3D seismic volume was 
processed by Wellfield Services Ltda. and successfully 
demonstrated that the high amplitude features 
were present in the target intervals on the 3D data. 
Echo subsequently undertook advanced geophysical 
analysis by working with rock physics and AVO experts 
in collaboration with the operator CGC. This work 
identified the presence of Class III AVO anomalies that 
aided the high grading of prospects and the finalisation 
of the CLM x-1 well location.

Immediately following completion of the Chiripa Oeste 
seismic acquisition, the seismic equipment mobilised 
to the Travesia de Arriba survey, a 790km2 area in the 
west of the Tapi Aike licence. Here the aim of the 3D 
seismic shot was to better image the target reservoir 
intervals. Seismic acquisition was successfully completed 
in June 2019 and the seismic equipment demobilised. 
Processing of the 3D volume by Seismic Prospect S.R.L. 
is near completion and will be followed by geological and 
geophysical interpretation to finalise a well location. 

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 The CLM x-1 exploration well in the Chiripa Oeste 3D 
area was spudded in November 2019 using the Petreven 
H-205 rig. It was drilled to a TD of 2,513m TVD, with 
the primary objective, the Magallanes 20 interval, 
encountered at approximately 2,181m TVD. Additionally, 
two secondary targets existed, the Magallanes 60 and 
the Anita formation at approximately 1,977m TVD and 
2,265m TVD respectively. The well encountered gas 
shows elevated above background levels whilst drilling 
through each target interval, including 1,000,000 
parts per million (“ppm”) in the Anita formation which 
indicated that the gas chromatography machine was 
fully saturated. Following the acquisition of 38m of core 
and wireline log analysis multiple zones of interest were 
identified. The results were sufficiently encouraging 
to move to completion and testing of the well, by 
rigless mechanical stimulation using coiled tubing and 
nitrogen lift. Post-period the well was hydraulically 
tested and stimulated and, on the 19th February 2020, 
the Company announced it as a non-commercial gas 
discovery. To achieve the threshold of commerciality, it is 
estimated the well would require a stabilised production 
rate across the intervals of approximately 1.0 MMscf/d, 
which was not achieved from the Anita and Magallanes 
20 targets. The secondary Anita target flowed at 
surface at an estimated rate of up to 0.57 MMscf/d 
with an estimated average rate of 0.35 MMscf/d. The 
Anita target also yielded condensate with an API gravity 
of 50 degrees, with a flow rate as measured at the 
well head at an estimated 7.5 to 18 bbls/d. The primary 
Magallanes 20 target flowed at surface at an estimated 
rate up to 0.28 MMscf/d with an estimated average rate 
of 0.25 MMscf/d. No condensate was retrieved from 
the interval. Whilst the lack of commerciality from the 
tested intervals was disappointing, the CLM x-1 well has 
proven the presence of a working petroleum system on 
the Chiripa Oeste 3D seismic in Tapi Aike, with the Class 
III amplitude vs offset characteristics being a successful 
predictor of the presence of gas.

Santa Cruz Sur

Exploration
Following demobilisation from the CLM x-1 location in 
December 2019, the Petreven H-205 rig mobilised to the 
Campo Limite CLix-1001 well location in the Palermo 
Aike concession, part of the Santa Cruz Sur assets. 

The target for the CLix-1001 well is a conventional 
Springhill sandstone reservoir, where a truncation 
geometry on to a basement high has been identified 
on 3D seismic. The target is supported by a negative 
seismic amplitude anomaly and by gas encounters in 
nearby legacy wells. Having spud in late December 2019, 
post-period the reservoir was encountered at 2,124m in 
January 2020. Initial analyses of the wireline log data 
highlighted a zone of interest comprised of fine-grained 
sandstones and coincided with elevated gas shows of 
193,000 ppm against a background of 20,000 ppm. The 
presence of elevated gas shows in the target section 
combined with wireline log data was positive and has 
resulted in the Company taking the decision to move to 
completion and testing.

Completion and testing initially commenced at the 
end of February 2020 as planned but were temporarily 
suspended due to travel restrictions imposed by the 
Argentine authorities in response to the Covid-19 
pandemic. Testing will resume as soon as practically 
possible.

Production
From 1 November 2019 Echo has been entitled to its 
70% working interest share of production from the 
Santa Cruz Sur assets. The table below details average 
production by concession for November-December 2019. 
The Santa Cruz assets bring an important reserve base.

Average Daily Production, Nov-Dec 2019

Campo Bremen

Chorrillos

Océano

Moy Aike

TOTAL

Net Oil (bbls/d) 

Net Gas (MMscf/d)

Net boepd

56

387

35

87

565

2.3

7.3

1.9

0.1

11.6

448

1,595

357

105

2,505

 13  

Strategic Report Sustainability Review

As a corporate citizen operating 
across Latin America and in the 
UK, Echo believes in conducting a 
business that brings positive impact 
in the medium to long term, drives 
progress and respects the resources 
on which our future depends.

Our Corporate and Social 
Responsibility (“CSR”) Objectives

Echo seeks to manage and maintain positive and 
respectful relationships with our stakeholders. To meet 
these objectives, Echo aims to: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our 
staff, contractors and the local communities our 
operations impact upon; 

 manage and maintain positive and respectful 
relationships with the communities with which we 
conduct business and in which we operate;

 maintain a high standard of care for the natural 
environment and adopt appropriate environment 
management systems on our contract areas; and 

 reduce our environmental footprint by efficient  
use of resources, management of water and  
energy consumption and management of waste 
and emissions.

Anti-Bribery and Corruption (“ABC”)
Echo has zero tolerance for bribery, corruption or 
unethical conduct in our business. Our policies require 
compliance with all applicable ABC laws, in particular, 
the UK Bribery Act, and the Argentine Foreign Corrupt 
Practices Act. The majority of our operations are 
based in Argentina. The Transparency International’s 
Corruption Perception Index (“CPI”) assesses 
corruption in the public sector when ranking different 
countries. In 2019, the CPI ranked Argentina 66 out of 
180 participating countries worldwide with a score of 
45/100. Bolivia is ranked 123 out of 180 with a score of 
31/100. By comparison the UK is ranked at 12 out of 180 
with a score of 77/100. 

Echo operates in a competitive market and faces 
competition in securing and maintaining licence 
interests, forming partnerships, attracting and 
retaining the best service providers and building 
cooperative relationships with stakeholders. We are 
very aware of the pressures and challenges that we 
face. However, we are committed to upholding the 
highest levels of corporate and operational behaviour 
and our objective is to develop our business responsibly 
and with integrity at all levels. We have worked 
closely with our legal advisors to create a system of 
documented ABC policies and procedures that provide 
a consistent policy framework which all staff are issued 
with and trained in. Our policy and training covers anti-
bribery and corruption, gifts and entertainment, third-
party representatives and whistle blowing.

Modern Slavery
The UK Modern Slavery Act was brought into law in 
2015 and Echo fully supports the principles it promotes 
and the personal rights and freedoms it protects. 
Echo has zero tolerance for any form of slavery or any 
practices that could be perceived as slavery, whether 
they be in our own business or those of our suppliers, 
partners or consultants.

Social Responsibility
As well as the primary aim to protect the health, safety 
and wellbeing of our staff, contractors and the local 
communities, Echo is keen to work in harmony with and 
offer something back to all the local communities we 
operate in. In London, in 2019 Echo partnered with Love 
to Learn, an organisation that mentors young refugees 
or children of refugees, and piloted an internship and 
work experience scheme to give a young person the 
chance to get valuable office experience which they 
would not otherwise receive. 

14  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 Strategic Report 

40% Female workforce

Reducing our 
environmental footprint

Maintaining positive 
relationships with our 
communities

Diversity and Inclusion 
Everyone at Echo is proud to embrace a culture of 
inclusivity across our organisation. Echo is an equal 
opportunities employer and has a stated policy as part 
of its Code of Conduct to deal fairly and equitably with 
all of our employees in the workplace. The Company 
is dedicated to encouraging inclusion and diversity 
at all levels of the business, acknowledging that a 
more diverse workforce, with the right mix of skills, 
experience, culture, ethnicity, nationality, gender and 
knowledge, can make a valuable contribution to the 
Company. Echo has made a commitment to extend 
equal employment opportunities to all, irrespective of 
race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, 
age, nationality, ethnicity, marital or civil partnership 
status, pregnancy and maternity, or disability. In 
addition, the Group not only provides direct support 
to employees, should they have any issues or concerns, 
by way of appropriate HR functions but also offers 
external training should it be deemed necessary.

Echo strives to maintain high levels of ethical and 
business practices at all times and has implemented 
clearly defined policies to assist employees with these 
issues. Our primary aim is to protect the health, safety 
and wellbeing of our staff, partners, contractors and 
the local communities in which the Company operates. 
Moreover, Echo desires to go that one step further and 
invest in the future and sustainability of our business, 
our communities and our environment.

It is hoped this experience will also help young people 
choose options in continuing education, broaden their 
thinking about career opportunities and simply offer 
them motivation and support. The pilot was a great 
success with all those involved and it is Echo’s intention 
to expand the scheme in 2020. 

Echo continued its work with the charity Children of 
Latin America (“COLA”) which is a UK-based charity 
dedicated to improving the lives of children in some of 
the poorest areas in Latin America. COLA introduced 
us to Chain of Hope where Echo and staff were able 
to contribute directly to provide life-saving heart 
operations two to young boys from Bolivia and El 
Salvador. During 2019 we also contributed to the 
annual COLA fundraiser. Echo has identified two 
further children’s charity projects in Latin America 
where it can contribute more fully in 2020 once due 
diligence is complete.

Environmental Responsibility
Echo is very conscious of the natural environment that 
it operates in and the Company works hard to minimise 
its impact on that environment. Echo is committed to 
the responsible stewardship of the environment and, on 
the conclusion of the Company’s operations, to return 
our sites to the condition in which Echo found them. 
Echo seeks to operate from compact drill sites in order 
to minimise disruption to the natural habitat.  Echo is 
also committed to working closely with our partners 
and the various agencies in the jurisdictions in which 
it operates to make sure that all environmental and 
other regulations are fully satisfied as the Company 
undertakes its activities.  The health and safety of our 
employees, contractors and partners on our sites is also 
paramount and more information is available in the 
Health, Safety and Environment (“HSE”) Review. 

In the local operating environment in Santa Cruz 
province in Argentina, subsequent to resuming 
production activities with the Santa Cruz Sur 
acquisition in November 2019, Echo has been exploring 
different projects that it can contribute to which help 
protect and preserve the local environment. 

 15  
 15 

Strategic Report Managing Risks

Echo is dedicated to managing the risks of the business in a structured manner. 
Our internal risk management system has five key steps in dealing with risks.

The five key steps in dealing with risk are:

1

2

3

4

5

Identify

Assess

Mitigation 
options

Manage  
and execute

Review

Identified risks and mitigation options are summarised in the risk management table which provides a continual 
reference point for operations and review. 

Risk Management Table

Risk

Description

Mitigation

Assessment  
of Risk Level

Operational Risk

Operational 
incidents

Our operations carry risks of health, 
safety and environmental incidents

Operations are not executed as planned 
resulting in cost overruns

Litigation exposure

Reputational damage

High HSE ethic with plans and 
procedures in place to deliver the 
operation with maximum safety and to 
influence the operators

Ensuring staff are competent and 
appropriately trained

Appropriate insurance

3D seismic 
operations

During the seismic survey at Tapi Aike risks 
are present that can cause cost overruns, 
delays, complications etc. 

Support CGC in monitoring and 
managing the operational phase of the 
seismic shoot 

Unsuccessful 
exploration 
outside the 
expectation case 
(Tapi Aike)

Delayed drilling 
of the well  
(Tapi Aike)

Examples could be: 
non-productive time (from weather or 
equipment issues), labour force issues, 
contractor default etc.

Prospect assumptions do not describe 
the range of possible exploration risks. 
If no hydrocarbons are encountered, the 
wells fail on an unidentified risk. The 
seismic model does not correctly predict 
the presence of gas

Equipment failure / lack of 
maintenance – causing cost overruns

HSE incidents

Slow progress and/or poor quality 
decisions by the operator on processing, 
interpretation, geological modelling, well 
planning, completion and well evaluation

Delay in obtaining the necessary drilling 
permits

Issues with landowners

Reservoir risk 
in production 
assets

Reservoirs do not perform as expected 
and do not provide an adequate return 
on investment

16  

Carry out peer reviews of all operations 
with the partners

Use our gating process to ensure 
technical, financial, and where necessary, 
board approvals are acquired

Undertake key pieces of technical work to 
challenge the operator

HSE plans and procedures in place to 
deliver operations with maximum safety

Work carefully with the operator to 
ensure that the workflow leading up to 
a well is carried out on time and to high 
standards with proper analysis of the 
available data

Support the operator in securing the 
relevant permits

Support the operator in the dealings with 
landowners to find credible solutions

Monitor all current and future production 
carefully tracking performance

Establish new sources of production 
through workovers and drilling on existing 
assets and business development to 
diversify risk

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 Risk

Description

Mitigation

Assessment  
of Risk Level

Strategic Risk

Political 
instability

Fiscal and political pressure in either 
the UK or Latin America could result in 
changes to the investment landscape, 
delaying projects and changing the 
potential value associated with the 
assets

Argentina and Bolivia have a history 
of expropriation but in very different 
forms

Work with our local partners to manage 
any situation that may arise and build 
strong relationships with governments 
and local authorities

Assess the political climate on a regular 
basis to ensure the best possible 
awareness when making investment 
decisions

Breach of 
Bribery Act

The company, its contractors or 
partners, breach the UK Bribery  
Act leading to prosecution and 
reputational damage

Maintain and continuously improve the 
company ABC policy, risk assessment 
procedure and ensure that all staff are 
suitably trained

All vendors and contractors will be risk 
assessed and all contracts awarded will 
have strict requirements to adhere to the 
policy

Macroeconomic 
uncertainty

Relates to the movement in 
macroeconomic parameters e.g. foreign 
exchange (“FX”) rates, interest rates 
and inflation

Management of the company’s cash 
position and FX exposure

Treasury policy developed for the 
treatment of JV cash in Argentina

Covid-19 
pandemic

Risk of interruption to operations, 
continued global downturn in demand 
for hydrocarbons

Implemented procedures with operators 
to ensure operations continued safely

Where appropriate shut-in productions 
to preserve value in wells

Adaptable working practices and 
systems in place to facilitate working 
from home

Loss of key 
personnel

Can happen through resignation, illness, 
injury, kidnapping or death

Travel policy in place to ensure safe 
business travel activity

Valuable knowledge and relationships 
could be lost

Knowledge sharing across disciplines to 
minimise impact of lost capacity

Can result in a lack of leadership and 
direction

Adequate remuneration to ensure staff 
retention

Portfolio 
diversification

Echo is exposed to E&P assets located 
in a single jurisdiction exacerbating 
political risk

Active process to evaluate new business 
opportunities in Latin America to secure 
additional asset(s) beyond existing 
jurisdictions

Argentina 
company 
registration

The Government of Santa Cruz does 
not assign the title of Tapi Aike and 
other acquired assets to Echo

Through our local lawyers and CGC 
continue the support to the local 
authorities ahead of the final approval

Financial Risk

Insufficient 
funding

There are insufficient funds for 
the Company to meet its financial 
obligations or carry out new capital 
investment opportunities

Echo is dependent on the availability 
of external finance to fund the 
development of new discoveries

Cost overruns on the exploration work 
programme and/or delay in payments 
from sales of existing hydrocarbon 
production

Raise equity following exploration success 
to take advantage of share price strength 
in order to fund the development of new 
discoveries

Control finances through annual 
budgeting and variance analysis

Negotiate and manage commercial 
contracts that provide certainty and 
allow for flexibility if required

Delay capital expenditure and other 
discretionary spending

 17  

Strategic Report Stakeholder Engagement

Echo considers collaborative 
engagement with all stakeholders as 
vital for our business. It remains at 
the core of what we do. Stakeholders 
include not only our shareholders, 
lenders, and our partners, but also our 
suppliers & customers, our workforce, 
governments & regulators, and the 
communities in which we operate. 

By maintaining regular dialogue, we receive feedback on our 
strategy, performance and governance which can then be 
factored into the Board’s decision-making process.

The table below, describes how the directors of the Company 
have regard for the matters set out in Section 172(1) of the 
Companies Act 2006 these are: 

(a)  the likely consequences of any decision in the long term

(b)  the interests of the company’s employees,

(c)   the need to foster the company’s business relationships 

with suppliers, customers and others,

(d)   the impact of the company’s operations on the 

community and the environment,

(e)   the desirability of the company maintaining a reputation 

for high standards of business conduct, and

(f)   the need to act fairly as between members of the 

company.

The table below forms the Board’s statement on such 
matters as required by the Act. Further information 
regarding Echo’s assessment of environmental and 
community issues associated with our operations, can be 
found in the Sustainability Review on page 14 and in the HSE 
Review on page 30. Review of the key decisions and issues 
discussed in Board meetings and by various committees in 
2019 is contained in the Corporate Governance Statement 
from pages 24 to 29.

Why is it important to engage?

How do we engage?

Shareholders

Echo seeks to develop an investor base of long-term 
holders that are aligned with our strategy. By clearly 
communicating our strategy and objectives, we 
maintain continued support for what we do.

Important issues include:

There is regular dialogue between both institutional  
and retail investors through meetings, calls, conferences, 
presentations and our virtual “Time with the Team” Q&As. 

Highlights include:

•   Over 50 meetings held with current and prospective 

•   Sustainable financial and operational performance 

investors during 2019 

•   Continued execution of E&P projects

•   5 Time with the Team held with highs of 500+ participants

Lenders

Upstream oil and gas is a capital intensive business and 
by maintaining supportive relationships with our lending 
group, we can ensure access to long-term debt finance 
that enables us to invest in high quality assets that 
generate sustainable long-term cash flows. 

As part of Echo’s relaunch in 2018, a €20million bond  
was issued, and we have continued to fulfil our  
obligations and engage with noteholders such that we 
were able to issue a new bond and renegotiate an existing 
£1million loan in 2019 to support our SCS transaction.

Important issues include:

Highlights include

•   Sustainable financial and operational performance 

•  New €5 million bond with Lombard Odier

•   Capital allocation 

•   Refinancing plan

Partners

•  Successful restructuring of all existing debts post-period

Sharing of risk is a fundamental component of our 
industry and by maintaining aligned and collaborative 
relationships with our joint venture partners, we can 
ensure that maximum value can be extracted from our 
operations in a safe and sustainable manner. 

Echo ensures that we maintain an open dialogue with  
both our partners in the Tapi Aike licence and Santa Cruz 
Sur licences. We seek to ensure that all partners are aligned 
around common objectives for the asset and maintain safe 
and efficient operations. 

Important issues include:

Highlights include:

•   Operational performance & HSE

•   Selection of first Tapi Aike drill in Chiripa Oeste 

•   Project ranking and work programmes 

•   Successful negotiation of early exit from the CDL licences

•   Budget setting

•   Renegotiation of the Tapi Aike participation with no carry

18  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 Why is it important to engage?

How do we engage?

Customers & Suppliers

Through the acquisition of SCS we gained several 
established gas customers with existing contracts 
which require renegotiation at expiration. The SCS 
supply chain is managed by our partners who operate 
on our behalf. We have further developed strong 
relationships with key corporate suppliers. 

Engagement with suppliers usually takes place with the 
operator but we are closely involved and help shape the 
strategy and timing. Sales of crude are also negotiated 
by the operators but our regional representative works in 
collaboration with our partners to negotiate contracts and 
timings.

Important issues include:

 Highlights include: 

•   Contract management strategy

•   2-month gas contract extensions negotiated post-period

•   Uninterrupted service for customers

•   Fast and efficient onboarding as a supplier for SCS 

•   Enhance value

Workforce

Our current and future success is underpinned by our ability 
to engage, motivate and adapt our workforce. Creating 
the right environment for employees where their various 
strengths are recognised and their contributions are valued, 
helps to ensure that we can deliver our shared objectives. 

Important issues include:

•   Group strategy 

•   Diversity of thinking 

•   Corporate culture 

Governments & Regulators

customers

During 2019, internal communications were upscaled,  
so employees were kept informed of all the workstreams 
across the Company and helped to raise key issues with 
directors and executives. 

Highlights include:

•   Production & strategy updates

•   Educational presentations from each sector of Echo

•   All staff involvement in CSR initiatives

Maintaining respectful and collaborative relationships with 
our host governments and local regulatory authorities is vital 
to our ‘licence to operate’. We believe that the strength of 
these relationships will allow us to make a sustainable and 
beneficial contribution to the regions in which we operate.

In Bolivia, Andres Brockman sits as a board member  
of the Bolivian Chamber of Hydrocarbons and Energy, 
enabling access to top government officials across the 
region and actively participating in legislative initiatives, 
analysis and discussions. 

Important issues include:

•   Licence attribution

Highlights include:

•   Successful delivery of Rio Salado final report to YPFB

•   Identifying and securing new opportunities

•   Tapi Aike assignment process in the final stage of 

•   Providing views on upcoming legislation and factors that 

are important to the industry

•   CSR commitments

approval, subject to Santa Cruz province executive 
approval

Communities & Environment

Minimal environmental impact in the localities in which 
we operate ultimately help Echo reach its corporate 
objectives as well as just being the right thing to do. 
Building and maintaining the Company’s reputation 
fosters Echo’s long-term goals and the support and 
commitment of all employees. 

Echo has engaged with all employees to choose  
community projects to support. All employees trained in 
ABC standards and all counterparties must adhere to these. 
Regular engagement with operator HSE officers occurs 
through operational committee meetings maintaining 
positive focus on health, safety and the environment. 

Important issues include:

Highlights include:

•   Operating in an open and honest and socially 

•   Zero environmental incidents during operations in 2019

responsible manner

•   Social responsibility initiatives

•   Complete company-wide training on ABC issues

•   Work experience initiative in the UK 

 19  

Strategic Report Financial Review

Martin Hull  
Chief Executive Officer

Echo engaged in a busy and diverse 
operational programme for the 
year ended 31 December 2019. The 
year began with the completion of 
the Tapi Aike seismic acquisition 
programme and ended with two 
exploration wells drilled, the first in 
Tapi Aike and a second in the newly 
acquired Santa Cruz Sur assets.  

20  

These were made possible by the careful management 
of cash balances and the recapitalised balance sheet 
following the Santa Cruz Sur transaction, and associated 
fundraising. The Group exited the year with a plan 
to further initiate cost cutting in G&A and in-field 
operations with the new operator in Santa Cruz Sur.

Having exited the CDL asset on 19 May 2019, Echo 
had no revenue until the completion of the Santa Cruz 
Sur acquisition on 11 of November 2019. Following 
the completion of seismic acquisition and two new 
exploratory drills, the Group loss for the year was US 
$13.3 million (2018: US $24.4 million).  The working capital 
profile of the Group has fluctuated in 2019 as it stopped, 
then returned to being a non-operating producer and as 
such the Group exits the year with a cash balance of US 
$1.7 million (2018: US $15.6 million). 

Income Statement

Revenue of US $2.6 million (2018: Nil restated) was 
composed of US $1.4 million in oil sales (2018: Nil 
restated) and US $1.2 million in gas sales realised (2018: 
Nil restated).

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Average net oil price realised for the period was  
US $51.52/bbl. 

 Gas sales were 15.5 million m3 with average realised 
price being US $2.36/mmbtu. 

 Operational costs of US $3.1 million (2018: Nil 
restated). Operational costs for the SCS assets 
reflect the period of exit by prior the operator. Post-
period Echo and the new operator are proactively 
working to implement an ambitious cost cutting 
programme. 

 Value of stock of crude oil US $0.4 million (2018: US 
$0.7 million) was based on a discounted Brent price. 

 Exploration expenses of US $0.6 million (2018: US 
$0.8 million) largely relates to on-going business 
development activity, including due diligence and on-
going activity in Bolivia. Echo’s interests in Bolivia are 
all pre-licence thus no costs relating to Bolivia have 
been capitalised. 

 Gross administration expenses were US $1.0million 
lower than in 2018 reflecting the management’s 
continued focus on cost control across the Group while 
the team also contracted slightly to reflect changes in 
operational activity. Changes to the executive team in 
2019, and amendments post-period in early 2020, have 
reduced our gross administrative spend going forward. 
Professional advisor fees this year related mainly to 

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 the new Santa Cruz Sur asset acquisition at the end 
of the year and were US $0.7 million (2018: US $0.9 
million). Administration costs included the non-cash 
cost of options of US $0.4 million (2018: US $0.7 
million).

• 

 Finance costs are composed of interest payable 
costs of US $1.9 million (2018: US $2.0 million), 
the amortisation of debt fees, the unwinding of 
the discount on the debt issue, foreign exchange 
losses and the accretion of right-of-use assets 
bringing total finance fees to US $5.5 million (2018: 
US $4.0 million). Echo hold a substantial VAT 
receivable balance in Argentina, the devaluation of 
the Argentine Pesos has resulted in exchange losses 
of US $1.2 million (2018: US $0.05 million).

As Echo seeks to find success through the drill bit, 
exploration costs in the year have led to a loss from 
continuing operations of US $10.0 million in the year 
(2018: US $9.7 million).

Balance Sheet
CDL Licences
At the end of 2018 Echo took the decision to fully impair 
the value of the CDL assets as at 31 December 2018 
(US $15.2 million). The completion of the fractural 
stimulation in early 2019 meant that there were 
further impairment costs in 2019 of US $2.8million. 
CGC took on all outstanding liabilities on the CDL 
concessions and agreed to waive all outstanding work 
commitments. Additionally, CGC released US $2.06 
million of Echo cash previously earmarked for CDL 
which was partially redirected towards the Tapi Aike 
drilling campaign costs.

Tapi Aike Licence
As a result of the Argentinian portfolio review, Echo 
also proceeded with restructuring its participation 
in the Tapi Aike license. Upon acquiring the Tapi Aike 
licence Echo had agreed to carry CGC for 65% of the 
work programme costs during the initial three-year 
period. Under the restructured participation Echo 
now holds a 19% interest and will pay 19% of costs 
in Tapi Aike, ending the previous carry arrangement 
and significantly lowering the Company’s capital 
obligations. Echo funded the seismic acquisition 
campaign at 65% per the original commitment and this 
process was completed in June 2019. In November 2019 
Echo commenced its drilling campaign in Tapi Aike, with 
initial well costs capitalised and expenditure continuing 
into 2020 with operations.

Santa Cruz Sur Licences
In October 2019 Echo announced its proposed 
acquisition of a 70% non-operated interest in the Santa 
Cruz sur package of five mature producing blocks from 
PETSA, a subsidiary of Phoenix Global Resources plc. 
Purchase of the assets was finalised on 11 November 
2019 for a non-contingent fee of US $8.5 million and a 
contingent cash consideration of US $1.5 million if as 
of 1 October 2020 there is an increase in the proven 
reserves attributable to the Santa Cruz Sur assets. 
Production in the assets began to accrue to Echo from 
1 November 2019, the effective date of the acquisition. 
Between 1 November 2019 and 31 December 2019 there 
was a total 24,149 bbls of oil net sold by Echo, with sales 
totalling US $1,395,355. Gas revenues in the period 
were US $1,190,713 for 15.5m3. At the end of December 
2019, the exploration well CLix-1001 in the Palermo 
Aike license spud. As part of the acquisition agreement, 
the costs of the CLix-1001 that correspond to Echo’s 
interest will be paid for by PETSA, the previous owner 
of the interest. Echo will reimburse up to 60% of these 
costs at a later date in a mixture of cash and ordinary 
shares. Total reimbursement will not exceed the 
maximum amount of US $1.1 million.  

Financing

The early exit from the CDL producing assets and the 
acquisition late in the year of the SCS assets, meant 
that Echo only participated in production for the 
first four and last two months of 2019. To fund the 
acquisition of the Santa Cruz Sur assets, the Company 
raised aggregate proceeds of US $12.8 million, 
consisting of approximately US $6.1 million through 
the issue of 193,820,000 new ordinary shares in the 
Company at a subscription price of 2.5 pence per 
ordinary share and a €5 million secured convertible 
debt facility provided by Lombard Odier Asset 
Management (Europe) Limited and associated grant of 
warrants to subscribe for 74,200,000 ordinary shares 
exercisable at 3.0 pence per ordinary share. Proceeds 
from the subscription and the debt facility were 
applied towards the cash consideration of the SCS 
acquisition. Placing funds were subsequently used to 
fund operational activity in Argentina.

 21  

Strategic Report Financial Review continued

Working Capital

Post Balance Sheet

The year-on-year change in the working capital profile 
of Echo reflects the move away from producing 
activities for six months of the year, before a return 
in November 2019 via the acquisition of the Santa 
Cruz Sur concession working interest. The high level 
of receivables includes US $1.0 million from PETSA, 
the vendor of the SCS concession, reflecting post 
acquisition working capital adjustments. Trade 
receivables and accrued income from operations are 
US $2.2 million (2018: US $1.1 million) with additional 
joint venture receivables of US $0.9 million (2018: 
US $0.7 million). Echo’s high level of investment in the 
previous period has built-up a VAT and retention tax 
balance of US $4.1 million. At the end of 2019 legislation 
was enacted which enables Echo to submit a claim for 
VAT balances that are more than six months old.  The 
trade payables value at year end recognises Echo’s 
share of payables for both Argentine joint ventures of 
US $4.9 million. 

As at 31 May 2020 Group unaudited cash balances 
were US $1.1 million. Whilst the directors remain acutely 
cost conscious and value focused, the Group recognises 
that in order to pursue organic and inorganic growth 
opportunities and fund on-going operations it may 
require additional funding. This may be sourced through 
debt finance, joint venture equity or share issues.

Echo have moved quickly to materially reduce our 
expenditure during this period of low oil prices and 
uncertainty arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. 
Substantial progress has been made with cost 
reduction initiatives in the Santa Cruz Sur assets. 
As previously announced, the Company has been 
exploring all options available to it to preserve existing 
cash resources. As part of its programme to conserve 
cash the Company announced that it will be asking 
the holders of its debts to defer all cash interest 
payments during 2020. At a meeting of the holders of 
the Company’s €20 million Luxembourg-listed notes 
held on 22 May 2020, consent was given to waive the 
event of default in relation to the non-payment by the 
Company of quarterly note interest on 31 March 2020. 
This restructuring followed earlier amendments to 
the Company’s existing £1.0 million secured loan and 
€5 million secured facility such that no interest will be 
required of the Company during 2020. Instead, 2020 
interest under the loan instruments shall accrue and 
be calculated on the last business day of December 
2020 so as to form part of the principal amount of the 
instruments and no interest payments shall be made 
until March 2021.

Echo continues to work collaboratively with partners, 
to prioritise higher margin gas sales and focus our 
workover rig at SCS on the potential near-term upside 
of rehabilitating existing wells, whilst deferring non-
essential activities and maintaining critical operations. 
Combined with continuing progress in the restructuring 
of Echo’s debt, these efforts provide the Board with 
significant confidence for the future.

The Strategic Report was approved by the Board on 
11 June 2020 and signed on its behalf by:

Martin Hull 
 Chief Executive Officer  
11 June 2020

22  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 Strategic Report 

 23  

Corporate Governance Statement

Chairman’s Corporate 
Governance Statement

Dear Shareholder
As the chairman of the Company it is my pleasure 
to present the Corporate Governance Report for the 
year ended 31 December 2019. I firmly believe that 
strong corporate governance enables an organisation 
to grow successfully and to win the confidence of 
its stakeholders. The Board is committed to good 
governance across the business, at an executive level 
and throughout its operations. 

Following the adoption of the Quoted Companies 
Alliance Corporate Governance Code in 2018 (the 
“QCA Code”) the Company embarked on compliance 
and adherence to the corporate governance practices 
recommended by the QCA Code. The QCA Code requires 
AIM listed companies to adopt a “comply or explain” 
approach in respect of the recommended guidelines and 
the Board works to ensure that the Company complies 
with the QCA Code in all aspects of the business. 

The QCA has ten principles of corporate governance 
that the Company has committed to apply within 
the foundations of the business. These principles are 
listed below and the Board and employees across 
the business work to ensure that these principles are 
adhered to as much as the Company is able. Both 
within the annual report and accounts and on the 
corporate website, stakeholders can see how the 
Company complies with these principles. 

The Board not only sets expectations for the business 
but also works towards ensuring that strong values are 
set and carried out by the directors across the business. 
A strong corporate culture is paramount to the success 
of a business. The Board strives to ensure that the 
objectives of the business, the principles and risks are 
underpinned by values of good governance that are fed 
down throughout the organisation.  

The importance of engaging with our shareholders 
underpins the essence of the business, ensuring that 
there are numerous opportunities for investors to 
engage with both the Board and executive team.

During the period under review, there had been no 
major changes to the corporate governance structure 
of the Company other than the resignation of Fiona 
MacAulay as a director of the Company.

James Parsons 
Non-Executive Chairman

James Parsons  
Non-Executive Chairman

Strong corporate governance is a 
key building block that allows an 
organisation to be successful.

24  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 Governance

The Principles of the QCA Code

The QCA Code has ten principles of corporate governance that the Company has committed to apply within the 
foundations of the business. The table below sets out the principles and how the Company applies them:

QCA Code 
Principle

Disclosure

1

2.

3.

4

5.

Explain the Company’s business model and strategy, including key 
challenges in their execution (and how those will be addressed).

See pages 5-7 of Annual Report.

Seek to understand and meet shareholder needs and expectations. 
Explain the ways in which the company seeks to engage with 
shareholders.

See website disclosures: Principle Two AIM 
Rule 26.

Take into account wider stakeholder and social responsibilities and 
their implications for long term success. Explain how the business 
model identified the key resources and relationships on which the 
business relies. Explain how the company obtains feedback from 
stakeholders.

See website disclosures: Principle Three 
AIM Rule 26 and page 36 of Annual Report, 
section 172 disclosure pages 18-19 of 
Annual Report.

Describe how the Board has embedded effective risk management 
in order to execute and deliver strategy. This should include a 
description of what the board does to identify, assess and manage 
risk and how it gets assurance that the risk management and related 
control systems in place are effective.

See pages 16-17 of Annual Report.

Identify those directors who are considered to be independent; 
where there are grounds to question the independence of a director, 
through length of service or otherwise, this must be explained.

Gavin Graham and Stephen Whyte are 
considered to be independent.

Describe the time commitment required from directors (including 
non-executive directors).

The Chief Executive Officer is expected to 
devote substantially the whole of his time 
to the duties with the Company. The non-
executives have a lesser time commitment. 
It is anticipated that each of the non-
executives, including the chairman will 
dedicate 12 days a year.

Include the number of meetings of the Board (and any committees) 
during the year, together with the attendance record of each director. 

See page 29 of Annual Report.

6

Identify each director.

Describe the relevant experience, skills and personal qualities and 
capabilities that each director brings to the board (a simple list 
of current and past roles is insufficient); the statement should 
demonstrate how the board as a whole contains (or will contain) 
the necessary mix of experience, skills, personal qualities (including 
gender balance) and capabilities to deliver the strategy of the 
company for the benefit of the shareholders over the medium to 
long-term.

See pages 32-33 of Annual Report.

See pages 32-33 of Annual Report.

Explain how each director keeps his/her skillset up to date.

See page 27 of Annual Report.

Where the board or any committee has sought external advice on a 
significant matter, this must be described and explained.

No such advice was sought in 2019.

Where external advisers to the Board or any of its committees have 
been engaged, explain their role.

 25  

Corporate Governance Statement continued

QCA Code 
Principle

Disclosure

6.

Describe any internal advisory responsibilities, such as the roles 
performed by the company secretary and the senior independent 
director, in advising and supporting the Board.

7.

Include a high-level explanation of the Board performance 
effectiveness process.

Where a board performance evaluation has taken place in the year, 
provide a brief overview of it, how it was conducted and its results 
and recommendations. Progress against previous recommendations 
should also be addressed.

Include in the Chair’s corporate governance statement how the 
culture is consistent with the company’s objectives, strategy and 
business model in the strategic report and with the description of 
principal risks and uncertainties. The statement should explain what 
the Board does to monitor and promote a healthy corporate culture 
and how the board assesses the state of the culture at present. 

8.

9.

The company secretary helps keep 
the Board up to date on areas of new 
governance and liaises with the Nomad on 
areas of AIM requirements. The company 
secretary has frequent communication with 
both the chairman and the chief executive 
officer and is available to other members of 
the Board if required. 

See page 27 of Annual Report.

No such evaluation took place in 2019.

See page 24 of Annual Report. 

See website disclosures Principle Eight 
AIM Rule 26.

Maintain governance structures and processes that are fit for 
purpose and support good decision making by the board. Roles 
and responsibilities of the Chair, CEO and other directors with 
commitments. Describe the roles of the committees.

See website disclosures: Principle Nine AIM 
Rule 26.

See pages 27-29 of Annual Report.

10.

Describe the work of any board committees undertaken during the 
year. 

See page 28 of Annual Report.

Include an audit committee report (or equivalent report if such 
committee is not in place). 

See page 28 of Annual Report.

Include a remuneration committee report (or equivalent report if 
such committee is not in place).

See page 28 of Annual Report.

If the company has not published one or more of the disclosures set 
out under Principles 1-9, the omitted disclosures must be identified 
and the reason for their omission explained.

N/A

26  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 The Board

The Board is comprised of the non-executive chairman, 
three non-executive directors and the chief executive 
officer (“CEO”) who is an executive director on the 
Board. Upon completion of the planned transitionary 
period of succession, the Company’s former CEO Ms. 
Fiona MacAulay stepped down from the Board on 31 
May 2019.

The CEO has a strong executive team to offer the 
support required to fulfil the demands of the business 
and to deliver the strategy to stakeholders. 

The Board has significant industry, financial, public 
markets and governance experience, possessing the 
necessary mix of skills, personal qualities and capabilities 
to deliver the strategy of the Company for the benefit of 
the shareholders over the medium to long-term. 

The role of the chairman and CEO are split in 
accordance with best practice. The chairman has the 
responsibility of ensuring that the Board discharges its 
responsibilities and is also responsible for facilitating 
full and constructive contributions from each member 
of the Board in determination of the Group’s strategy 
and overall commercial objectives. The CEO leads 
the business and the executive team ensuring that 
strategic and commercial objectives are met. The CEO 
is accountable to the Board for the operational and 
financial performance of the business. 

The Board as a whole is kept abreast with 
developments of governance and AIM regulations. The 
Company’s lawyers provide updates on governance 
issues and the Company’s nominated advisor 
(“NOMAD”) provides annual boardroom training as well 
as the initial training as part of a director’s onboarding. 

The directors have access to the Company’s NOMAD, 
company secretary, lawyers and auditors and are able 
to obtain advice from other external bodies as and 
when required. 

The 2019 performance of the business and its staff 
will be measured across both financial and operational 
functions and is captured in a corporate scorecard. 
The scorecard is made up of various KPIs and is 
tracked throughout the year. The Board and executives’ 
performance within the year was judged on the delivery 
of certain desired outcomes as summarised in the 
annual report. A description of the experience and 
contribution board members’ bring to the Board can be 
found on The Team pages 32-33.

Board Performance

The directors consider seriously the effectiveness of 
the Board, committees and individual performance. 
The Board meets formally five times a year with ad hoc 
board meetings as the business demands. There is a 
strong flow of communication between the directors, 
in particular the relationship between the CEO and 
the chairman. The agenda is set with the consultation 
of both the CEO and chairman, with consideration 
being given to both standing agenda items and the 
strategic and operational needs of the business. Papers 
are circulated well in advance of the meetings, giving 
directors ample time to review the documentation and 
enabling an effective meeting.  Resulting actions are 
tracked for appropriate delivery and follow-up.

In addition to the above, the directors have a wide 
knowledge of the business and requirements of 
directors’ fiduciary duties. The directors have access 
to the Company’s NOMAD and auditors if and when 
required. They are also able, at the Company’s expense, 
to obtain advice from external bodies if required.  

During the year, the Board continuously strived to 
further strengthen the governance structure already 
in place. Regular consultations are held with the 
Company’s NOMAD, company secretary and lawyers 
in respect of compliance of the QCA Code, Companies 
Act and other statutory requirements and to ensure 
that best practices are followed. An effective investor 
relation strategy was maintained, and regulatory 
disclosure obligations were met, through a consistent 
flow of news releases to the market. All members of 
the Board are well acquainted and understand global 
regulations on ethical business practices and ensure 
that adequate internal policies and a supervisory 
mechanism is established in the business, through 
senior management.  Whilst being mindful of the size 
and stage of development of the Company, the Board 
reviews and ensures the highest level of governance is 
maintained at all levels.  

 27  

GovernanceCorporate Governance Statement continued

Matters Reserved for the Board

• 

The directors adopted a schedule of those matters that 
should be reserved for the Board, which is reviewed on 
an annual basis. Those matters include: 

 Making recommendations to the Board in relation 
to the appointment and remuneration of the 
Company’s auditor as well as annually reviewing 
and monitoring their independence, objectivity and 
effectiveness.

 Approval of the Group’s strategy and objectives;

During 2019 the audit committee:

• 

• 

• 

 Approved the audited year end and interim financial 
statements; 

 Considered the functional and presentation 
currency of the Group; and

 Recommended to shareholders the re-appointment 
of the Company’s auditor, Crowe U.K. LLP.

Remuneration and nominations 
committee report
The remuneration and nominations committee is 
comprised of James Parsons (chair), Marco Fumagalli 
and Stephen Whyte and meets regularly to consider 
all material elements of the remuneration policy 
of the Company, including directors’ and executive 
remuneration. It is also responsible for board 
recruitment and succession planning, ensuring the 
right skill set for the Board.

During the period ended 31 December 2019, the 
Committee had met three times and the following 
matters were included in its deliberations: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Assessed the performance targets of the executive 
director;

 Reviewed the pay and benefits of the executive 
director;

 Reviewed and recommended the salary increments 
and bonus awards to the staff;

 Agreed the 2019 performance targets for the 
executive staff;

 Evaluated and recommended fee increase for the 
non-executive chairman; and

 Determined the awards to be made under the 
Company’s EMI scheme.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Approval of the Group budgets, including operating 
and expenditure budgets;

 Growth of activities into new business or 
geographical locations;

 Material changes to the Group’s structure and 
management; and

 Changes to the Company’s listing, governance or 
business processes.  

Board Committees

The Board has established an audit committee and a 
remuneration and nominations committee. At present, 
a decision has been made not to establish an HSE 
committee due to the fact that the Company is non-
operating and still in the developing stage. The HSE 
matters are dealt with within the Board meetings. 

Audit committee report
The audit committee is comprised of Marco Fumagalli 
and Stephen Whyte. Mr. Fumagalli chairs the audit 
committee. The committee generally meets twice a 
year. The committee has engaged Crowe U.K. LLP to 
act as external auditors and they are also invited to 
attend committee meetings, unless they have a conflict 
of interest. The CEO and the financial controller of the 
Company also join the committee by invitation.

An important part of the role of the committee is 
its responsibility for reviewing and monitoring the 
effectiveness of the Group’s financial reporting, internal 
control policies, and procedures for the identification, 
assessment and reporting of risk. The audit committee 
is also responsible for overseeing the relationship with 
the external auditor.

The main functions of the audit committee include:

 Reviewing and monitoring internal financial control 
systems and risk management systems on which 
the Company is reliant;

 Considering annual and interim accounts and audit 
reports; and 

• 

• 

28  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 Governance

The directors’ attendance at scheduled board meetings and board committees 
during 2019 is detailed in the table below:

Director

James Parsons (chairman)

Fiona MacAulay (i)

Marco Fumagalli

Stephen Whyte

Martin Hull

Gavin Graham 

Total meetings

Board Scheduled 
Meeting

Board Ad Hoc 
Meeting *

Audit

 Remuneration and
Nominations 

5

2

5

5

5

5

5

11

4

8

6

11

5

11

-

-

2

2

-

-

2

3

-

3

3

-

-

3

* Ad hoc meetings: Additional meetings called for a specific matter generally of a more administrative nature not requiring full Board 
attendance

(i) resigned on 31.05.2019 

 29  

Health and Safety Review 2019

Regular risk assessments with the local operators are 
a key part of achieving good operational and HSE 
outcomes. Argentinian operations at Tapi Aike were 
undertaken on the Company’s behalf in 2019, with no 
Lost Time Incidents occurring during the 3D seismic 
acquisition campaign. Additionally, Echo was proactive 
in ensuring that appropriate HSE processes and risk 
mitigations were in place prior to spud of the Campo 
La Mata x-1 well. Prior to spud of the Campo Limite 
x-1001 well, Echo were similarly pro-active in ensuring 
that appropriate HSE processes and risk mitigations 
were in place. Going forward the Company will continue 
to work diligently with both the operator of Tapi Aike 
and Santa Cruz Sur to ensure that operations continue 
to be undertaken in a manner consistent with the 
Company’s HSE objectives.

Echo is committed to conducting 
its business and operations in a 
manner that safeguards the health 
of employees, contractors and the 
public, and minimises the impact of 
operations on the environment.

The Company is committed to ensure that these 
objectives are achieved through:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Providing all employees with training of a high 
standard and only using equipment that is certified 
and appropriate for its scope;

 Using only qualified contractors, who can work to 
the highest possible HSE standards;

 Ensuring near-misses and incidents, whether Echo 
or partner operated, are fully investigated and 
improvements implemented;

 Fostering a working culture where openness and 
reporting leads to standout operational and health, 
safety and environmental performance; and

 Working with our operating partners to make sure 
that health and safety hazards and environmental 
impacts have been fully assessed and appropriately 
mitigated.

HSE performance is regularly reported to the Board, 
which ensures that appropriate resources are provided 
to achieve these objectives in full. Where the Company 
participates in, but does not operate joint ventures, it 
seeks to ensure that similar standards are adopted by 
its operators. These commitments are in addition to 
our basic obligation to comply with applicable laws and 
regulations where we work.

30  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 Governance

 31 

The Team 

Board of Directors 

James Parsons  
Non-Executive Chairman

Martin Hull  
Chief Executive Officer 

Marco Fumagalli  
Non-Executive Director 

Stephen Whyte  
Non-Executive Director 

Appointed to the Board in 
March 2017

Appointed to the Board in 
October 2018, initially as 
Chief Financial Officer

Appointed to the Board in 
March 2017

Appointed to the Board in 
March 2017

James has over 20 years’ 
experience in the fields of 
strategy, management, 
finance and corporate 
development in the energy 
industry. He started his 
career with the Royal Dutch 
Shell group in 1994 and spent 
12 years with Shell working 
in Brazil the Dominican 
Republic, Scandinavia, the 
Netherlands and London. 
James is a qualified 
accountant and has a 
BA Honours in Business 
Economics. 

James was recently 
appointed Executive 
Chairman of Regency Mines 
plc and Ascent Resources 
plc, prior to which he 
held the role of the Chief 
Executive Officer at Sound 
Energy plc since 2012. 

James is also the non-
executive chairman of Coro 
Energy plc.

James brings a wealth of 
knowledge and expertise 
to lead the business 
forward. He is a specialist in 
restructuring, funding and 
transforming companies 
and has strong public 
markets experience.

Martin has over 20 years’ 
experience in the oil & 
gas and energy sector 
including during an 18-year 
investment banking career 
at Rothschild & Sons in 
London where he was a 
Managing Director in the 
global energy team with 
a focus on Latin America 
and Africa.

Previously he was Head of 
Oil & Gas, SE Asia, based 
out of Singapore. Martin 
has corporate finance 
expertise across the value 
chain with a particular focus 
on the upstream sector. He 
has advised on numerous 
transactions, including debt 
and equity, at both the 
corporate and asset level. 

Martin holds a BA (Hons) 
from Exeter University.

Martin, with his experience 
on many transactions 
at both the corporate 
and asset level, including 
debt and equity, has the 
knowledge to drive the 
business forward. His 
transaction experience 
and contacts in the energy 
sector will prove invaluable 
to building the Company.

Marco is a founding Partner 
at Continental Investment 
Partners SA, a Swiss based 
investment firm, and leading 
shareholder in Nusakan plc 
(formerly Greenberry plc), 
a cornerstone shareholder 
in Echo Energy. He was 
previously a group Partner 
at 3i.

Marco is a qualified 
accountant and holds 
a degree in Business 
Administration. 

Marco, with his financial 
background, provides 
the experience required 
as chairman of the audit 
committee to challenge the 
business internally and also 
the Group auditors.

Stephen Whyte has over 30 
years’ experience in the oil 
and gas industry.

He was chief operating 
officer and executive 
director for Exploration and 
Production at Galp Energia 
until 2014 and Senior Vice 
President, Commercial at 
BG Group. He had previously 
spent a total of 14 years 
with Shell and six years with 
Clyde Petroleum.

Stephen was formerly 
Shell Country Chairman 
in Brazil and speaks 
Portuguese. Stephen is also 
a non-executive director 
of Kazmunaygas and 
former chairman of Genel 
Energy plc.

Stephen’s background 
provides the Board with 
the operational expertise 
to review and challenge 
decisions and opportunities 
presented both within 
the formal arena of the 
boardroom and as called 
upon when needed by the 
executives.

32  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 Executive Team

Dr. Gavin Graham  
Non-Executive Director

Martin Hull  
Chief Executive Officer 

Dr. Julian Bessa  
VP of Exploration

Andres Brockman 
Regional Representative

Julian Bessa is a 
geoscientist with over 
20 years technical 
experience for operators 
across Latin America, 
including Venezuela, 
Uruguay and Honduras. 
At BG Group he was 
also Bolivian Exploration 
Manager and VP Exploration 
of Brazil. He has moved 
across the E&P space with 
development manager roles 
in UK operated assets and 
at a regional level in Central 
Asia and Europe. 

Julian has a D. Phil from the 
University of Oxford and an 
MBA from the Rotterdam 
School of Management.

Andres Brockmann, a 
Bolivian national, joined 
Echo Energy in October 
2017 from Petrobras Bolivia 
where he held a number of 
senior executive roles both 
in Bolivia and internationally 
over 15 years. 

Andres is a Production 
Engineer, with an MBA from 
the University of Zaragoza, 
Spain. Additionally, he is also 
a director of the Bolivian 
Chamber of Hydrocarbons 
and Energy and represents 
Echo’s best interests since 
the Company has joined the 
Chamber. 

Appointed to the Board in 
November 2018

Martin Hull is both an 
Executive and on the Board.

See previous page for 
biography.

Dr Graham is a geologist 
by background and, after 
29 years in Shell, initially in 
Exploration and later as Vice 
President New Business/
Commercial for the Middle 
East, Caspian and South Asia 
regions, he joined Petrofac, 
the oilfield services company, 
and gained experience 
working for six years on 
the upstream side of their 
business in the UK, Tunisia, 
Malaysia and Mexico.

Dr Graham joined Polish 
state company Grupa LOTOS 
in 2017, where he was Chief 
Executive Officer of LOTOS 
Upstream, co-ordinating 
the start-up of this new 
20,000 boepd company, 
which has producing assets, 
development projects 
and exploration activity 
in Norway, Poland and 
Lithuania.

Gavin’s wealth of experience 
in the oil and gas sector 
brings further technical 
and operational expertise 
to the Board. Furthermore, 
Gavin is considered to be an 
independent non-executive 
director.  

 33  

GovernanceDirectors’ Remuneration Report

The chief executive officer’s scorecard, bonus award 
and options granted are agreed by the remuneration 
committee.

A pension scheme is provided to all employees into 
which, subject to certain criteria, the Company 
contributes 5% of the individual’s base salary.

Chairman and Non-Executive 
Directors’ Fees 

The fees paid to the Chairman and non-executive 
directors are set at a level both in line with the market 
and to appropriately reward and retain individuals 
of a high calibre. The fees paid reflects the level of 
commitment and contribution to the Company.

Fees are paid monthly in cash and are inclusive of all 
committee roles and responsibilities.

The remuneration committee, 
which consists of the non-executive 
chairman and two non-executive 
directors, along with the Board as a 
whole, is committed to attracting and 
retaining talent within the boardroom 
and the wider executive group to 
ensure the success of the Company. 
The remuneration committee works 
to ensure that the policies and 
framework are in place to reward 
staff for achievements and targets 
met, which in turn creates value for 
shareholders.

The Company offers a fixed remuneration package of 
salary, pension and certain benefits. In addition, there 
is a discretionary bonus award and EMI/share option 
scheme in place. As the business grows it may consider 
implementing a performance related LTIP for senior 
executives and executive directors.

The bonus and option awards are presented to the 
remuneration committee by the chief executive officer 
for approval. The bonus awards are made to individuals 
taking account of their own performance and the 
Company’s performance as a whole over the previous 
year. Members of the executive team have their level of 
bonus reviewed in line with their individual scorecards 
that are agreed at the beginning of the financial year. 
The amount of bonus and options awarded is set within 
a pre-agreed range for each level of staff.

34  34 

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 Remuneration of Directors 

Executive Director

Martin Hull

Non-Executive Director

James Parsons+

Fiona MacAulay*

Stephen Whyte

Marco Fumagalli

Gavin Graham

Salary 
(US $)

Pension
(US $)

2019 Cash
Bonus award
(US $)

Incremental
consulting 
fees
(US $)

Total
2019
(US $) 

Total
 2018 
(US $)

372,774

16,843

–

–

389,617

156,383

89,399

93,630

57,471

57,471

57,471

–

5,773

–

–

–

38,586

57,692

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

185,677

99,403

57,471

57,471

57,471

101,107

483,900

60,088

60,088

9,590

+During the transition period for the new CEO, James Parsons received incremental consulting fees as shown above.

*Footnotes on leaving and joining company

i.    Fiona MacAulay left the company on 31 May 2019.

ii.   Martin Hull became a company director on 2 October 2018.

iii.  Gavin Graham became a company director on 1 November 2018.

Share Options Awards 

Fiona MacAulay

Martin Hull

Martin Hull

James Parsons

Stephen Whyte

Marco Fumagalli

Date of
Grant

08.12.17

24.10.19

19.12.19

09.03.17

09.03.17

09.03.17

Exercisable
Date

12.06.20

11.12.23

20.12.22

09.03.20

09.03.20

09.03.20

Acquisition
Price per share
(cents)*

Options held at
1.1.19
000’s

Options held at
31.12.19
000’s

21.39

8.69

3.45

2.16

2.16

2.16

4,000

0

0

24,000

4,000

4,000

0

12,000

23,000

24,000

4,000

4,000

*Calculated at the corporate year-end exchange rate of GBP £1: US $1.327 

No directors exercised options in the year ended 31 December 2019.

This Remuneration Report was approved by a duly authorised committee of the Board on 11 June 2020 and signed on 
its behalf by:

James Parsons 
Non-Executive Chairman 
11 June 2020

 35  

GovernanceDirectors’ Report 

The directors submit their report and 
accounts for the financial year ended 
31 December 2019. The comparative 
period is the year ended 31 December 
2018.

Substantial Shareholders

At 31 March 2020, in addition to the directors’ interest 
as set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report, the 
following institutions hold interests in excess of 3% of 
the Company’s issued share capital with voting rights: 

Nusakan plc (Formerly Greenberry plc)  

5.64%

Principle Activities

Echo Energy plc is the holding company for a group of 
companies. The Company’s principal long-term focus is 
developing as a full-cycle exploration led, gas focused 
E&P company in Latin America. The Company’s growth 
strategy is to deliver shareholder value from both the 
existing asset portfolio and new opportunities.

Habies srl 

Phoenix Global Resources plc 

Lombard Odier Asset Management  
(Europe) Limited 

Pegasus Alternative Fund Ltd 

5.62%

5.61%

4.38%*

3.76%

*As notified to the Company and announced on 26 May 2020

Results and Dividends

Directors’ Insurance

Turnover for the year was US $2,586,069 (2018: Nil 
restated), and the loss before tax was US $10,030,832 
(2018: US $9,660,548 restated). The directors have 
not declared any dividend in respect of the year ended 
31 December 2019 (2018: $Nil).

Future Developments

The Group will begin 2020 completing the integration 
of the Santa Cruz Sur assets acquired in November 
2019 and will continue drilling and testing the wells 
spud in both Tapi Aike and Santa Cruz Sur in 4Q 2019. 
Processing of the seismic data acquired across the 
Tapi Aike licence continues with a view to continuing 
the planned drilling programme there. Details of plans 
for the Tapi Aike and Santa Cruz Sur assets and other 
future developments are discussed in the Strategic 
Report on page 3 of this report.

Directors

The directors who served during the period were as 
follows:

The Company has taken out an insurance policy to 
indemnify the directors and officers of the Company 
against liability when acting for the Company.

Auditor

Each person who is a director at the date of approval 
of this annual report confirms to the best of their 
knowledge that:

• 

• 

 so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant 
audit information of which the Company’s auditor 
is unaware; and 

 the director has taken all steps that he ought to 
have taken as a director to make himself aware of 
any relevant audit information and to establish that 
the auditor is aware of that information.

This information is given and should be interpreted 
in accordance with the provisions of s418 of the 
Companies Act 2006.

A resolution to reappoint the auditor Crowe U.K. LLP 
will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.

•  James Parsons  

•  Marco Fumagalli 

•  Stephen Whyte 

•  Martin Hull 

•  Dr Gavin Graham 

•  Fiona MacAulay (resigned on 31.05.2019)

36  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 Directors’ Shareholding and 
Interests in Shares

Information Set Out in the 
Strategic Report

Directors and connected persons

James Parsons

Fiona MacAulay*

Marco Fumagalli (Nusakan plc)

Stephen Whyte

Martin Hull

Gavin Graham

*Fiona MacAulay resigned on 31 May 2019

Subsequent Events

No. of shares at 
31.12.19

-

226,099

40,118,865

-

600,000

-

Events which have occurred since 31 December 2019 
are included in Note 33 to the attached financial 
statements.

Going Concern

The financial information for the year to 31 December 
2019 has been prepared assuming the Group will 
continue as a going concern.

Under the going concern assumption, an entity is 
ordinarily viewed as continuing in business for the 
foreseeable future with neither the intention nor the 
necessity of liquidation, ceasing trading or seeking 
protection from creditors pursuant to laws or 
regulations.

An assessment has been made based on the Group’s 
anticipated activities which have been included in the 
financial forecast to period ended 31 December 2020. As 
at 31 December 2019, the Company had cash on hand 
of US $1.7 million. Whilst the directors remain acutely 
cost conscious and value focused, the Group recognises 
that in order to pursue organic and inorganic growth 
opportunities and fund on-going operations it may require 
additional funding. This funding may be sourced through 
debt finance, joint venture equity or share issues. These 
conditions indicate the existence of a material uncertainty 
which may cast significant doubt about the Company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern. 

The financial statements do not include the 
adjustments that would result if the Group and 
Company were unable to continue as a going concern. 
The directors have however formed a judgment, based 
on the Group’s proven success in raising capital and 
a review of the strategic options available, that the 
going concern basis should be adopted in preparing the 
financial statements.

The directors have chosen to set out the following 
information relating to the assessment of financial risk 
on both page 17 of the Strategic Report, and in Note 22 
of the Financial Statements.

Signed by order of the directors

Martin Hull 
Chief Executive Officer 
11 June 2020

 37  

GovernanceStatement of Directors’ 
Responsibilities

Directors are responsible for preparing 
the Strategic Report, the Directors’ 
Report and the Financial Statements 
in accordance with applicable law and 
regulations.

the auditor accepts no responsibility for any changes 
that may have occurred in the accounts since they 
were initially presented on the website. Legislation 
in the United Kingdom governing the preparation 
and dissemination of the accounts and the other 
information included in the Annual Report may differ 
from legislation in other jurisdictions.

We confirm to the best of our knowledge:

•  The Financial Statements, prepared in accordance 

with the relevant financial reporting framework, give 
a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial 
position and profit or loss of the Company and the 
undertaking included in the consolidation taken as a 
whole;

•  The Strategic Report includes a fair review of the 

development and performance of the business and 
the position of the Company and the undertakings 
included in the consolidation taken as a whole, 
together with a description of the principal risks and 
uncertainties that they face.

The Annual Report and Financial Statements, taken 
as a whole, are fair, balanced and understandable and 
provide the information necessary for shareholders to 
assess the Company’s performance, business model 
and strategy.

Martin Hull 
Chief Executive Officer

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 International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as adopted by the 
European Union and applicable law. 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 the Group and of the profit or loss of the 
Company and the Group for that period.

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 applicable accounting standards have 
been followed, 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 to 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. They are 
further responsible for ensuring that the Strategic 
Report and the Directors’ Report and other information 
included in the Annual Report and Financial Statements 
is prepared in accordance with applicable laws in the 
United Kingdom. The maintenance and integrity of the 
Company’s website is the responsibility of the directors. 
The work carried out by the auditor does not involve 
the consideration of these matters and accordingly, 

38  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 Financial Statements

Auditor’s Report

Opinion

Basis for opinion 

We have audited the financial statements of Echo 
Energy plc (the “Parent Company”) and its subsidiaries 
(the “Group”) for the year ended 31 December 2019, 
which comprise:

•  the Group statement of comprehensive income for 

the year ended 31 December 2019;

•  the Group and Parent Company statements of 

financial position as at 31 December 2019;

•  the Group and Parent Company statements of cash 

flows for the year then ended;

•  the Group and Parent Company statements of 
changes in equity for the year then ended; and

•  the notes to the financial statements, including a 

summary of significant accounting policies and other 
explanatory information.

The financial reporting framework that has been 
applied in the preparation of the Group and Parent 
Company financial statements is applicable law and 
International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) 
as adopted by the European Union and, as regards the 
Parent Company financial statements, as applied in 
accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 
2006.

In our opinion:

•  the financial statements give a true and fair view 
of the state of the Group’s and of the Parent 
Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2019 and of 
the Group’s loss for the period then ended;

•  the Group’s financial statements have been properly 
prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by 
the European Union; 

•  the Parent Company financial statements have 

been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs 
as adopted by the European Union as applied in 
accordance with the provisions of the Companies 
Act 2006; and

•  the financial statements have been prepared in 

accordance with the requirements of the Companies 
Act 2006. 

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 Group 
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, 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.

Material uncertainty related to 
going concern

In forming our opinion on the financial statements, 
which is not modified, we have considered the adequacy 
of the disclosures made in Note 2 in the financial 
statements concerning the Group’s and Company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern. Further funds 
will be required to finance the Group’s and Company’s 
pursuit of organic and inorganic growth opportunities 
and fund on-going operations. 

The Group is rigorously pursuing the aim of preserving 
cash, deferrals and cost reductions. If cash flow from 
existing sources was not sufficient to meet the Group’s 
commitments the directors expect to source additional 
funding through debt finance, joint venture equity or 
share issues. However, there are no binding agreements 
in place to date. 

These conditions indicate the existence of a material 
uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about 
the Group’s and Company’s ability to continue as a 
going concern. The financial statements do not include 
the adjustments that would result if the Group and 
Company were unable to continue as a going concern.

Overview of our audit approach

Materiality

In planning and performing our audit we applied the 
concept of materiality. An item is considered material if 
it could reasonably be expected to change the economic 
decisions of a user of the financial statements. We used 
the concept of materiality to both focus our testing and 
to evaluate the impact of misstatements identified.

 39  

Auditor’s Report continued

Based on our professional judgement, we determined 
overall materiality for the Group financial statements 
as a whole to be US $300,000, which represents 0.95% 
of the Group’s total assets which we have considered 
to be the appropriate benchmark for an exploration 
company.

We use a different level of materiality (‘performance 
materiality’) to determine the extent of our testing for 
the audit of the financial statements.  Performance 
materiality is set based on the audit materiality as 
adjusted for the judgements made as to the entity risk 
and our evaluation of the specific risk of each audit 
area having regard to the internal control environment.  

Where considered appropriate performance materiality 
may be reduced to a lower level, such as, for related 
party transactions and directors’ remuneration.

We agreed with the Audit Committee to report to 
it all identified errors in excess of US $9,000. Errors 
below that threshold would also be reported to it if, 
in our opinion as auditor, disclosure was required on 
qualitative grounds.

Overview of the scope of our audit

The Group and its subsidiaries are accounted for from 
one central operating location at the Group’s registered 

Key audit matter

Revenue recognition

Revenue consists of oil and gas sales from Argentina. 
Revenue is recognised in accordance with the accounting 
policy set out in the financial statements where, in 
accordance with IFRS 15, it can only be recognised when the 
goods are delivered and title has passed to the customer.

Carrying value of O&G Properties and Exploration and 
Evaluation expenditure

Echo acquired 70% interest in the Santa Cruz Sur package of 
five mature producing blocks in Argentina in November 2019.

We have considered the risk that exploration assets are 
incorrectly capitalised or impaired.

40  

office. Our audit was conducted remotely this year, 
due to the travel restriction imposed by the Covid-19 
pandemic, with all group companies within the scope 
of our audit testing. We also engaged local specialist to 
assist us with review on Argentinian tax matters. 

Key Audit Matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our 
professional judgement, 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) that we identified. These matters included 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.

In addition to the matter described in the ‘Material 
uncertainty related to going concern’ section, we have 
determined the following key audit matters. This is not 
a complete list of all risks identified by our audit.

How the scope of our audit addressed the key audit matter

Our work focussed on validating whether revenue has been 
recognised in accordance with the accounting policy. 

We reviewed the compliance of the accounting policy, along 
with the disclosures, per the requirements of IFRS 15. We 
have agreed a sample of sales to underlying documentation 
to confirm revenue was being recognised in accordance 
with the policies.

We have agreed the costs capitalised to underlying 
supporting documentation considering whether it meets 
the criteria of IFRS 6. 

We have reviewed management’s assessment which 
included their internal model which concluded that there 
are no facts or circumstances that suggest the carrying 
amount of the asset exceeds the recoverable amount.  This 
includes:

•  Challenging management’s inputs and assumptions in 

the valuation model to available market data and other 
sources of evidence; and

•  Assessment of the discount rate, market price and 

reserves.

In addition we have considered the following sources of 
evidence for potential indications of impairment: 

•  Board minutes and budgets setting out the group’s 
plans for the continued commercial appraisal of the 
exploration assets; and

•  Discussing plans and intentions with management.

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 Financial Statements

Key audit matter

Convertible debts and warrants issue

During the year the group entered into a convertible loan 
arrangement in which warrants were issued alongside this 
loan by Echo.

There is complexity involved in assessing whether to 
account for the convertible notes and attached warrants as 
equity, a liability or a combination of both.

In addition there is significant judgement in determining 
the fair value of the attached warrants at both the initial 
recognition and the reporting date.

Carrying value of Interest in subsidiary undertakings 
and Amounts receivable from Group undertakings 
(Company only)

We have considered the risk that Interest in subsidiary 
undertakings and Amounts receivable from Group 
undertakings assets are impaired. 

How the scope of our audit addressed the key audit matter

We assessed the terms and conditions of the agreements 
in relation to the loan and the warrants to determine if 
the loan and warrants are to be accounted for as equity, 
liability or a combination of both.

We performed a detailed review of the model used in 
the valuation for the warrants at both inception and the 
reporting date, and specifically agreed key assumptions 
used to empirical data. We have considered the judgement 
made by management in determining the volatility used to 
calculate the fair value. This included:

•  Benchmarking of the rates used by similar companies; 

and

•  Re-performance of the calculation discounting the 

cash flows.

We considered the adequacy of disclosures, in particular 
surrounding the judgements provided by management.

The recoverability of ‘Interest in subsidiary undertakings’ 
and ‘Amounts receivable from Group undertakings’ in 
relation to the companies with operations in Argentina is 
supported by the internal model prepared to support the 
carrying value of exploration assets and so are considered 
and discussed within the ‘Carrying value of O&G Properties 
and Exploration and Evaluation expenditure’ above.  

In respect of the Bolivian company we have considered 
management’s assessment of recoverability and have 
considered the following sources of evidence for potential 
indications of impairment: 

•  Board minutes and budgets setting out the Group’s 
plans for the continued commercial appraisal; and

•  Discussing plans and intentions with management.

Our audit procedures in relation to these matters were 
designed in the context of our audit opinion as a whole. 
They were not designed to enable us to express an 
opinion on these matters individually and we express no 
such opinion.

Other information

The directors are responsible for the other information. 
The other information comprises the information 
included in the annual report, other than the financial 
statements and our auditor’s report thereon. 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. In 
connection with our audit of the financial statements, 
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 audit or otherwise 
appears to be materially misstated. If we identify 
such material inconsistencies or apparent material 

misstatements, we are required to determine whether 
there is a material misstatement in the financial 
statements or a material misstatement of the other 
information. 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.

Opinion on other matter 
prescribed by the Companies 
Act 2006

In our opinion based on the work undertaken in the 
course of our 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.

 41  

Auditor’s Report continued

Matters on which we are 
required to report by exception

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 
the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to 
to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report 
fraud or error. 
that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a 
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and 
high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that 
Parent Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to 
an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will 
going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to 
always detect a material misstatement when it exists. 
liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative 
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are 
but to do so. 
considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, 
they could reasonably be expected to influence the 
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a 
financial statements. A further description of our 
whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s 
responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a 
is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website 
guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material 
at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This 
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered 
description forms part of our auditor’s report.
material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the 
Use of our report
economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. A further description of 
our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting 
This report is made solely to the company’s members, 
Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our 
as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of 
auditor’s report. 
the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been 
undertaken so that we might state to the company’s 
Use of our report 
members those matters we are required to state to 
This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of 
them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. 
Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to 
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept 
the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and 
or assume responsibility to anyone other than the 
for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume 
company and the company’s members as a body, for 
responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our 
our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we 
audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 
have formed.

Matthew Stallabrass 
(Senior Statutory Auditor) 
Matthew Stallabrass (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of  
for and on behalf of  
Crowe U.K. LLP 
Crowe U.K. LLP 
Statutory Auditor 
London 
Statutory Auditor 
11 June 2020
London 
11 June 2020 

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the 
Group and the Parent Company and their 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 where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to 
report to you if, in our opinion:

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept 
by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for 
our audit have not been received from branches not 
visited by us; or

•  the Parent Company 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 the directors 
for the financial statements

As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities 
statement set out on page 38, 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 Group’s and 
Parent 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 group or the parent company or to cease 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

42  

Page 51 of 93 

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income 

Year ended 31 December 2019

Continuing operations

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Exploration expenses

Administrative expenses

Impairment of intangible assets

Impairment of property, plant and equipment 

Operating loss

Financial income

Financial expense

Derivative financial gain/(loss)

Loss before tax

Taxation

Loss from continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Year to
31 December 2019

Year to
31 December 2018
Restated

Notes

US $

US $

4

5

6

8

9

10

13

2,586,069

(3,127,542)

(541,473)

(647,546)

–

–

–

(800,683)

(3,797,861)

(4,956,914)

–

–

–

–

(4,986,880)

(5,757,597)

92,445

99,361

(5,475,616)

(4,002,312)

339,219

–

(10,030,832)

(9,660,548)

–

–

(10,030,832)

(9,660,548)

Profit/(loss) after taxation for the year from discontinued operations

11

(3,441,230)

(14,804,618)

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive income:

Other comprehensive income to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent 
periods (net of tax)

(13,472,062)

(24,465,166)

Exchange difference on translating foreign operations

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Loss attributable to:

Owners of the parent

Total comprehensive loss attributable to:

Owners of the parent

Loss per share (cents)

Basic

Diluted

Loss per share (cents) for continuing operations

Basic

Diluted

The notes on pages 50 to 76 form an integral part of these financial statements.

182,478

507,849 

(13,289,584)

(23,957,317)

(13,472,062)

(24,465,166)

(13,289,584)

(23,957,317)

14

(2.61)

(2.61)

(1.94)

(1.94)

(5.49)

(5.49)

(2.17)

(2.17)

 43  

Financial StatementsConsolidated Statement of 
Financial Position

Year ended 31 December 2019

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Other intangibles

Current Assets

Inventories

Other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Current Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Derivative financial liabilities

Net current assets

Total assets less current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Loans due in over one year

Provisions

Right-of-use liability

Total Liabilities

Net Assets

Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent

Share capital

Share premium

Warrant reserve

Share option reserve

Foreign currency translation reserve

Retained earnings

Total Equity

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

Notes

US $

US $

16

17

19

20

21

23

24

27

28

29

25

26

1,101,210

20,573,586

21,674,796

420,844

8,677,279

1,698,012

335,612

1,559,931

1,895,543

802,184

6,911,075

15,609,303

10,796,135

23,322,562

(7,022,255)

(2,200,432)

(728,783)

–

(7,751,038)

(2,200,432)

3,045,097

24,719,893

21,122,130

23,017,673

(20,604,302)

(15,914,380)

(2,940,000)

–

–

(50,709)

(23,544,302)

(15,965,089)

(31,295,340)

(18,165,521)

1,175,591

7,052,584

5,190,877

4,444,999

64,817,662

58,329,880

11,142,290

1,159,580

11,142,290

1,195,106

(2,277,812)

(2,095,334)

(78,857,006)

(65,964,357)

1,175,591

7,052,584

These financial statements were authorised for issue and approved by the board of directors on 11 June 2020.

Martin Hull

Company registration number 05483127

The notes on pages 50 to 76 form an integral part of these financial statements.

44  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 Financial Statements

Company Statement of  
Financial Position 

Year ended 31 December 2019

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Other intangible assets

Interest in subsidiary undertakings

Amounts receivable from Group undertakings

Current assets

Other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Derivative financial liabilities

Net current assets

Non-current liabilities

Loans due in over one year

Right-of-use liability

Total Liabilities

Net Assets

Equity

Share capital

Share premium

Warrant reserve

Share option reserve

Foreign currency translation reserve

Retained earnings

Equity Shareholders’ Funds

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

Notes

US $

US $

16

17

18

20

21

23

24

27

29

25

26

121,710

362,001

16,005,058

12,023,086

28,511,855

243,674

1,259,468

1,503,142

313,386

91,888

4,887,527

3,954,861

9,247,662

605,776

14,439,984

15,045,760

(1,651,179)

(728,783)

(629,062)

–

(2,379,962)

(629,062)

(876,820)

14,416,698

27,635,035

23,664,359

(20,604,302)

(15,914,380)

–

(50,709)

(20,604,302)

(15,965,089)

(22,984,264)

(16,594,151)

7,030,733

7,699,271

5,190,877

4,444,999

64,817,662

58,329,880

11,142,290

1,159,580

11,142,290

1,195,106

(2,255,402)

(2,255,402)

(73,024,274)

(65,157,602)

7,030,733

7,699,271

These financial statements were authorised for issue and approved by the board of directors on 11 June 2020.

The Company has not presented its own profit and loss account. Its loss for the year was US $8,263,607 (2018: 
US $23,937,811).

Martin Hull

Company registration number 05483127

The notes on pages 50 to 76 form an integral part of these financial statements.

 45  

Consolidated Statement of 
Changes in Equity 

Year ended 31 December 2019

1 January 2018

Loss for the year

Discontinued operations

Exchange Reserve

Total comprehensive loss for the year

New shares issued

New share warrants exercised 

Share issue costs

Share options lapsed

Share-based payments

31 December 2018

1 January 2019

Loss for the year

Discontinued operations

Exchange Reserve

New shares issued

Share issue costs

Share options lapsed

Share-based payments

31 December 2019

Retained 
earnings
US $

Share capital
US $

Share
premium
US $

Warrant 
reserve
US $

Share option
reserve
US $

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve
US $

Total equity
US $

(42,608,243)

4,065,713

39,888,089

11,241,239

961,676

(1,587,485)

11,960,989

(9,660,548)

(14,804,618)

507,849

(23,957,317)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

379,286

19,890,017

–

–

–

–

–

88,931

–

512,272

–

–

–

–

–

10,018

(98,949)

(1,458,244)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(512,272)

745,702

–

–

(9,660,548)

(14,804,618)

(507,849)

–

(507,849)

(24,465,166)

–

–

–

–

–

20,269,303

–

(1,458,244)

–

745,702

(65,964,357)

4,444,999

58,329,880

11,142,290

1,195,106

(2,095,334)

7,052,584

(65,964,357)

4,444,999

58,329,880

11,142,290

1,195,106

(2,095,334)

7,052,584

(10,030,832)

(3,441,230)

182,478

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

396,935

–

745,878

6,924,246

–

–

–

(436,464)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(396,935)

361,409

–

–

(10,030,832)

(3,441,230)

(182,478)

–

(182,478)

(13,472,062)

–

–

–

–

7,670,124

(436,464)

–

361,409

(78,857,006)

5,190,877

64,817,662

11,142,290

1,159,580

(2,277,812)

1,175,591

Total comprehensive loss for the year

(13,289,584)

The notes on pages 50 to 76 form an integral part of these financial statements.

46  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 Company Statement of  
Changes in Equity 

Year ended 31 December 2019

1 January 2018

Loss for the year

Discontinued operations

Total comprehensive loss for the year

New shares issued

New share warrants exercised 

Share issue costs

Share options lapsed

Share-based payments

31 December 2018

1 January 2019

Loss for the year

Discontinued operations

Total comprehensive loss for the year

New shares issued

Share issue costs

Share options lapsed

Share-based payments

31 December 2019

Retained 
earnings
US $

Share capital
US $

Share
premium
US $

Warrant 
reserve
US $

Share option
reserve
US $

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserve
US $

Total equity 
US $

(41,820,994)

4,065,713

39,888,089

11,241,239

961,676

(2,255,402)

12,080,321

(8,720,689)

(15,217,122)

(23,937,811)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

379,286

19,890,017

–

–

–

–

88,931

–

512,272

–

–

–

–

–

10,018

(98,949)

(1,458,244)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(512,272)

745,702

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(8,720,689)

(15,217,122)

(23,937,811)

20,269,303

–

(1,458,244)

–

745,702

(65,157,602)

4,444,999

58,329,880

11,142,290

1,195,106

(2,255,402)

7,699,271

(65,157,602)

4,444,999

58,329,880

11,142,290

1,195,106

(2,255,402)

7,699,271

(7,252,983)

(1,010,624)

(8,263,607)

–

–

396,935

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

745,878

6,924,246

–

–

–

(436,464)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(396,935)

361,409

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(7,252,983)

(1,010,624)

(8,263,607)

7,670,124

(436,464)

–

361,409

(73,024,274)

5,190,877

64,817,662

11,142,290

1,159,580

(2,255,402)

7,030,733

Share premium reserve represents the amounts subscribed for share capital in excess of the nominal value of the 
shares issued, net of cost of issue. Deferred shares are a separate class of share capital.

Warrant reserve represents the cumulative fair value of share warrants granted.

Share options reserve represents the cumulative fair value of share options granted.

Foreign currency translation reserve arises on the retranslation of the prior period results and financial position of 
foreign operations into presentation currency.

Retained earnings represents the cumulative net gains and losses recognised in the consolidated income statement.

The notes on pages 50 to 76 form an integral part of these financial statements.

 47  

Financial StatementsConsolidated Statement of  
Cash Flows

Year ended 31 December 2019

Year to
31 December 2019

Year to
31 December 2018

US $

US $

(10,030,832)

(9,660,548)

(3,441,230)

(14,804,618)

(13,472,062)

(24,465,166)

190,383

369,874

22,040

2,802,239

–

361,409

(352,579)

361,073

–

(39,873)

14,148,371

1,068,751

745,702

534,243

5,738,338

3,301,747

(339,219)

–

8,792,485

(4,345,152)

381,341

(802,184)

(3,359,213)

(6,142,997)

3,753,130

9,567,743

(1,212,590)

(12,502,923)

(3,904,319)

(12,502,923)

(19,245,768)

(13,208,302)

(979,164)

(1,357,593)

(20,224,932)

(14,565,895)

5,434,727

(388,852)

180,648

–

–

146,038

(2,085,954)

(2,744,284)

(156,269)

(161,356)

7,670,124

20,269,303

(436,464)

(1,458,244)

10,217,960

16,051,458

(13,911,291)

(11,017,360)

15,609,303

26,626,663

1,698,012

15,609,303

Cash flows from operating activities

Loss from continuing operations

Loss from discontinued operations

Adjustments for:

Depreciation and depletion of property, plant and equipment

Depreciation and depletion of intangible assets

Loss/(Gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Impairment of intangible assets and goodwill

Impairment of property, plant and equipment 

Share-based payments

Financial income

Financial expense

Derivative financial gain

Decrease/(Increase) in inventory

Decrease/(Increase) in other receivables 

(Decrease)/Increase in trade and other payables

Cash used in operations

Net cash used in operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of intangible assets

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from debt

Debt issue costs

Interest received

Interest paid

Repayment of right-of-use liability

Issue of share capital

Share issue costs

Net cash from financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

The notes on pages 50 to 76 form an integral part of these financial statements.

48  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 Company Statement of  
Cash Flows

Year ended 31 December 2019

Cash flows from operating activities

Loss from continuing operations 

Loss from discontinued operations

Loss before taxation

Adjustments for:

Year to
31 December 2019

Year to
31 December 2018

US $

US $

(7,252,983)

(8,720,689)

(1,010,624)

(15,217,122)

(8,263,607)

(23,937,811)

Provision against amounts owing by subsidiary undertakings

870,268

14,516,586

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

(Gain)/Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Impairment of intangible assets and goodwill

Share-based payments

Financial income

Financial expense

Derivative financial gain

Decrease/(Increase) in other receivables 

(Decrease)/Increase in trade and other payables

Investment in subsidiaries 

(Increase) in amounts owing by subsidiary undertakings

Cash used in operations

Net cash used in operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of intangible assets

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Net cash (used in)/from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from debt

Debt issue costs

Interest received

Interest paid

Repayment of right-of-use liability

Issue of share capital

Share issue costs

Net cash from financing activities

Net (decease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

The notes on pages 50 to 76 form an integral part of these financial statements.

189,111

2,566

140,356

361,409

(311,663)

4,112,123

(339,219)

142,873

(39,873)

700,536

745,702

(144,872)

3,125,743

–

5,024,951

(4,891,116)

317,888

(48,897)

816,008

(2,730,323)

(11,117,531)

(4,887,509)

(8,938,493)

(18,327,233)

(14,762,082)

(30,020,173)

(23,025,689)

(30,020,173)

(410,469)

1,707,576

–

(86,761)

(410,469)

1,620,815

5,434,727

(388,852)

139,732

–

–

144,872

(2,007,356)

(2,573,792)

(156,269)

(142,087)

7,670,124

20,269,303

(436,464)

(1,458,244)

10,255,642

16,240,052

(13,180,516)

(12,159,306)

14,439,984

26,599,290

1,259,468

14,439,984

 49  

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements 

Year ended 31 December 2019

1. Accounting Policies

General Information

These financial statements are for Echo Energy plc 
(“the Company”) and subsidiary undertakings (“the 
Group”). The Company is registered, and domiciled, 
in England and Wales and incorporated under the 
Companies Act 2006. The nature of the Company’s 
operations and its principal activities are set out in the 
Directors’ Report on page 36.

The Company’s functional currency is the United States 
Dollar (“US $”). Transactions arising in currencies other 
than the US $ are translated at average exchange 
rates for the relevant accounting period, with material 
transactions being accounted at the rate of exchange 
on the date of the transaction. 

The principal accounting policies are summarised 
below:

(a) Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the European Union. 
These financial statements are for the year 1 January 
2019 to 31 December 2019. The comparatives shown are 
for the year 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018.

New standards and interpretations not applied 
At the date of authorisation of these financial 
statements, a number of standards and interpretations 
were in issue but not yet effective. The directors do 
not anticipate that the adoption of these standards 
and interpretations, or any amendments to existing 
standards as a result of the annual improvements cycle, 
will have a material effect on the financial statements 
in the year of initial application.

(b) Basis of consolidation
The Group financial statements consolidate the financial 
statements of the Company and its subsidiaries under 
the acquisition method. The financial statements of 
subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial 
statements from the date that control commences until 
the date control ceases. Control is achieved where the 
Company has the power to govern the financial and 
operating policies of an investee entity so as to obtain 
benefits from its activities. 

(c) Joint arrangements
A joint arrangement is one in which two or more parties 
have joint control. Joint control is the contractually 
agreed sharing of control of an arrangement, which 
exists only when decisions about the relevant activities 
require the unanimous consent of the parties sharing 

50  

control. Certain of the Group’s licence interests are held 
jointly with others. Accordingly, the Group accounts for 
its share of assets, liabilities, income and expenditure 
of these joint operations, classified in the appropriate 
statement of financial position and income statement 
headings. 

(d) Revenue
Revenue comprises the invoice value of goods and services 
supplied by the Group, net of value added taxes and trade 
discounts. Revenue is recognised in the case of oil and 
gas sales when goods are delivered and title has passed 
to the customer. This generally occurs when the product 
is physically transferred into a pipeline or vessel. Echo 
recognised revenue in accordance with IFRS 15. Our joint 
venture partner markets gas and crude oil on our behalf. 
Gas is transferred via a metred pipeline into the regional 
gas transportation system, which is part of a national 
transportation system, control of the gas passes at the 
point at which the gas enters this network, this is the point 
at which gas revenue would be recognised. Gas prices vary 
from month to month based on seasonal demand from 
customer segments and production in the market as a 
whole. Our partner agrees pricing with their portfolio of 
gas clients based on agreed pricing mechanisms in multiple 
contracts. Some pricing is regulated by government such 
as domestic supply. Oil shipments are priced in advance 
of a cargo and revenue is recognised at the point at which 
cargoes are loaded onto shipping vessel at terminal.

(e) Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, or 
deemed cost less accumulated depreciation, and any 
recognised impairment loss. Land is stated at cost 
and is not depreciated. Depreciation is charged so as 
to write off the cost or valuation of assets less any 
residual value over their estimated useful lives, using 
the straight-line method, on the following bases:

Fixtures & fittings 

12% to 33.3% straight-line

Motor vehicles 

25% straight-line 

Oil and gas properties are depleted on a unit of 
production basis commencing at the start of 
commercial production or depreciated on a straight-
line basis over the relevant asset’s estimated useful 
life. Expenditure is depreciated on a unit of production 
basis; the depletion charge is calculated according 
to the proportion that production bears to the 
recoverable reserves for each property. Depletion 
will not be charged on an asset in the course of 
construction, depletion commences when the asset is 
brought into use. 

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 1. Accounting Policies (continued)

(f) Property right-of-use asset
The Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease 
liability at the lease commencement date. The right-of-
use lease is initially measured at cost, which comprises 
the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any 
lease payments made at or before commencement 
date plus any initial direct costs incurred and an 
estimate of costs to dismantle and remove the 
underlying asset. The right-of-use asset is subsequently 
depreciated using the straight-line method from the 
commencement date to the earlier of the end of the 
useful life of the right-of-use asset or the end of the 
lease term. The lease liability is initially measured at 
the present value of the lease payments that are not 
paid at the commencement date discounted using the 
incremental borrowing rate of the individual company 
which is the lessee.

(g) Other intangible assets - exploration 
and evaluation costs
Exploration and evaluation (“E&E”) expenditure 
comprises costs which are directly attributable to 
researching and analysing exploration data. It also 
includes the costs incurred in acquiring mineral rights, 
the entry premiums paid to gain access to areas of 
interest and amounts payable to third parties to 
acquire interests in existing projects. When it has been 
established that a mineral deposit has development 
potential, all costs (direct and applicable overhead) 
incurred in connection with the exploration and 
development of the mineral deposits are capitalised 
until either production commences or the project is 
not considered economically viable. In the event of 
production commencing, the capitalised costs are 
amortised over the expected life of the mineral reserves 
on a unit of production basis. Other pre-trading 
expenses are written off as incurred. Where a project is 
abandoned or is considered to be of no further interest, 
the related costs are written off.

(h) Impairment of tangible and 
intangible assets excluding goodwill
At the date of each statement of financial position, 
the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible 
and intangible assets to determine whether there 
is any indication that those assets have suffered an 
impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the 
recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order 
to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).  
Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable 
amount of an individual asset, the Group estimates 
the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit 
(“CGU”) to which the asset belongs.

The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less 
costs to sell or value in use. In assessing value in use, 
the estimated future cash flows are discounted to 
their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that 
reflects the current market assessments of the time 
value of money and the risks specific to the asset. If the 
recoverable amount of an asset (or CGU) is estimated 
to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying 
amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable 
amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately 
in profit or loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a 
revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is 
treated as a revaluation decrease. 

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, 
the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the 
revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so 
that the increased carrying amount does not exceed 
the carrying amount that would have been determined 
had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset 
(or CGU) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment 
loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss, unless 
the relevant asset is carried at a re-valued amount, 
in which case the reversal of the impairment loss is 
treated as a revaluation increase.

(i) Taxation

Current taxation
Current tax assets and liabilities for the current and 
prior periods are measured at the amount expected to 
be recovered from, or paid to, the tax authorities. The 
tax rates and the tax laws used to compute the amount 
are those that are enacted, or substantively enacted, by 
the balance sheet date. 

Deferred taxation
Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or 
recoverable on differences between the current year 
amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial 
statements and the corresponding tax basis used in the 
computation of taxable profit.

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent the 
temporary difference will reverse in the foreseeable 
future and it is probable that future taxable profit will 
be available against which the asset can be utilised. 

Deferred tax is recognised for all deductible temporary 
differences arising from investments in subsidiaries, 
branches and associates, and interests in joint ventures, 
to the extent it is probable that the temporary 
difference will reverse in the foreseeable future. 

 51  

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements continued

1. Accounting Policies (continued)

(j) Conversion of foreign currency
Foreign currency transactions are translated at 
the average exchange rates over the year, material 
transactions are recorded at the exchange rate ruling 
on the date of the transaction. Assets and liabilities 
are translated at the rates prevailing at the balance 
sheet date. The Group has significant transactions and 
balances denominated in Euros (“€”)  and Great British 
Pound Sterling (“GBP” or “£”). The year-end exchange 
rate to US Dollars was US $1 to GBP £0.7649 and US 
$1 to €0.8906 (2018: US $1 to GBP £0.7837, US $1 to 
€0.8729). The US Dollars to Argentine Pesos (“ARS 
$”) exchange rate was US $1 to ARS $0.01724 and the 
average exchange rate during 2019 was US $1 to GBP 
£0.7822 (2018: US $1 to GBP £0.7489). 

In the company financial statements, the income and 
expenses of foreign operations are translated at the 
exchange rates ruling at the dates of the transactions. 
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, both 
monetary and non-monetary, are translated at 
exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date. The 
reporting currency of the company and group is the 
United States Dollar.

(k) Share-based payments 
The fair value of equity instruments granted to employees 
is charged to the income statement, with a corresponding 
increase in equity. The fair value of share options is 
measured at grant date, using the binomial option pricing 
model or Black-Scholes pricing model where considered 
more appropriate, and spread over the period during 
which the employee becomes unconditionally entitled to 
the award. The charge is adjusted to reflect the number 
of shares or options that vest, except where forfeiture is 
due to market-based criteria.

(l) Financial instruments 
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised 
on the Group’s balance sheet when the Group becomes 
a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Trade and other receivables 
Trade and other receivables are initially measured at 
fair value and are subsequently reassessed at the end 
of each accounting period.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and 
demand deposits, and other short-term highly liquid 
investments that are readily convertible to a known 
amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk 
of changes in value.

Financial liabilities and equity
Financial liabilities and equity instruments issued by 

52  

the Group are classified according to the substance 
of the contractual arrangements entered into and 
the definitions of a financial liability and an equity 
instrument. An equity instrument is any contract that 
evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group 
after deducting all of its liabilities. The accounting 
policies adopted for specific financial liabilities and 
equity instruments are set out below.

Trade payables 
Trade payables are initially measured at fair value and 
are subsequently measured at amortised cost, using 
the effective interest rate method.

Equity instruments
Financial instruments issued by the Group are treated 
as equity only to the extent that they meet the 
following two conditions, in accordance with IAS 32:

• 

• 

 They include no contractual obligations upon the 
Group to deliver cash or other financial assets or to 
exchange financial assets or financial liabilities with 
another party under conditions that are potentially 
unfavourable to the Group; and 

 Where the instrument will or may be settled in 
the Group’s own equity instruments, it is either 
a non-derivative that includes no obligation to 
deliver a variable number of the Group’s own equity 
instruments or is a derivative that will be settled 
by the Group exchanging a fixed amount of cash or 
other financial assets for a fixed number of its own 
equity instruments.

To the extent that this definition is not met, the 
financial instrument is classified as a financial liability.

(m) Borrowings
Borrowings are recognised initially at the fair value 
of the proceeds received which is determined using 
a discount rate which reflects the cost of borrowing 
to the Group. In subsequent periods borrowings are 
recognised at amortised costs, using an effective 
interest rate method. Any difference between the 
fair value of the proceeds costs and the redemption 
amount is recognised as a finance cost over the period 
of the borrowings.

(n) Inventory
Echo has chosen to value crude oil inventories, a 
commodity product, at net realisable value, the value 
is based on a discounted observable year-end market 
price. Other inventory items are valued at the lower of 
net realisable value and cost. 

(o) Going concern
The financial information has been prepared assuming 
the Group will continue as a going concern. Please see 
Note 2 Accounting Estimates and Judgements for an 
extended disclosure on this issue.

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019  
 
2. Accounting Estimates and 
Judgements

Use Of Estimate and Judgements

The preparation of financial statements in conforming 
with adopted IFRSs requires management to make 
judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect 
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as well 
as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as 
at the balance sheet date and the reported amount 
of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual 
outcomes may differ from those estimates. The 
key sources of uncertainty in estimates that have a 
significant risk of causing material adjustment to the 
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities, within the 
next financial year, are the impairment of assets and 
the Group’s going concern assessment. 

Amounts Capitalised to the 
Consolidated Statement of Financial 
Position

In accordance with the Group policy, expenditures 
are capitalised only where the Group holds a licence 
interest in an area. All expenditure relating to the 
Bolivian assets has been expensed to the statement 
of comprehensive income, as the Group has not yet 
been assigned any licence interests in the country. 
The Group has capitalised its participation in the Tapi 
Aike licence and the assets acquired in Santa Cruz Sur 
area. The assignment of Echo´s participation in these 
Argentine licences is still subject to the authorisation 
of the Executive Branch of Santa Cruz Province, Echo 
are supported in this process by their joint venture 
partner CGC and ROCH S.A. and subsequently Interoil 
& IOG Resources (see Note 33) in the Santa Cruz Sur 
assets, and the process of title transfer is proceeding as 
anticipated.

Valuation of Assets

Expenditures recognised as exploration and evaluation 
(“E&E”) assets are tested for impairment whenever 
facts and circumstances suggest that they may be 
impaired, which includes when a licence is approaching 
the end of its term and is not expected to be renewed, 
or there are no substantive plans for continued 
exploration or evaluation of an area, or whilst 
development of a licence is still likely to proceed in an 
area but there are indications that the E&E assets are 
unlikely to be recovered in full. 

When considering whether E&E assets are impaired 
the Group first considers the IFRS 6 indicators. IFRS 6 
requires an entity to assess whether E&E assets require 
impairment when facts and circumstance suggest that 

the carrying amount of the assets may exceed their 
recoverable amount, these include:

•  The period for which the entity has the right to 

explore in the specific area has expired during the 
period or will expire in the near future and is not 
expected to be renewed;

•  Substantive expenditure on further exploration for 
and evaluation of mineral resources in the specific 
area is neither budgeted nor planned;

•  Exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources 
in the specific area have not led to the discovery of 
commercially viable quantities of mineral resources 
and the entity has decided to discontinue such 
activities in the specific area;

•  Sufficient data exists to indicate that, although 
a development in the specific area is likely to 
proceed, the carrying amount of the E&E assets 
is unlikely to be recovered in full from successful 
development or by sale.

In 2018 the CDL assets were written down, Echo decided 
to leave the license and impaired the balance sheet 
values as at the end of 2018, the cost of subsequent 
licence activity in early 2019 was impaired in the current 
accounting period. The determination of recoverable 
amounts in any resulting impairment test requires 
judgement around key assumptions, such as future costs, 
both capital and operating. There are no indications of 
impairment on the Tapi Aike asset or the SCS assets.

Included within receivables are amounts due in respect 
of VAT of US $1.9 million, whilst the reclaim has been 
submitted to the tax authorities the repayment has yet 
to be approved. Whilst the Company believes that the 
claim complies with local law and consequently have not 
recognised any impairment provision such a provision 
would be required in the event of any adverse finding by 
the tax authority . This matter is expected to be resolved 
within the next 12 months.

Determination of Discount Rates

Determination of derivative financial 
liabilities
Judgement is requirement when determining the 
classification of financial instruments in terms 
of liability or equity. These judgements include an 
assessment of whether the financial instrument 
include any embedded derivative features, whether 
they include contractual obligations upon the Group 
to deliver cash or other financial assets or to exchange 
financial assets or financial liabilities with another 
party, and whether that obligation will be settled by 
the Company exchanging a fixed amount of cash or 
other financial assets for a fixed number of its own 
equity instruments.

 53  

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements continued

2. Accounting Estimates and 
Judgements (continued) 

Valuation of derivative financial 
liabilities
The Group has issued warrants over ordinary shares as 
fundraising commission in respect of debt fundraisings 
during the year which can be converted to share 
capital at the option of the holder. These warrants 
are accounted for as an embedded derivative which 
is recognised at fair value through profit or loss. The 
directors estimated the fair value of the derivative 
component using the Black-Scholes option pricing 
model, as described in Note 24. This required making 
certain estimates on the share price volatility of the 
Group which inevitably involved a degree of judgement 
and the actual outcome may vary.

Inter-Group Balances

In determining whether parent company investments in 
subsidiaries have been impaired, we review subsidiary 
assets and liabilities to determine whether Group 
investment is recoverable. The only entity where an 
impairment trigger might be recognised was the 
Bolivian entity where the Group holds no licence assets. 
A determination was made that because of ongoing 
negotiations and Company strategic intent, investment 
would ultimately still be recoverable. 

Going Concern

The financial information has been prepared assuming 
the Group will continue as a going concern. Under 
the going concern assumption, an entity is ordinarily 
viewed as continuing in business for the foreseeable 
future with neither the intention nor the necessity of 
liquidation, ceasing trading or seeking protection from 
creditors pursuant to laws or regulations.

In the first quarter of 2020 the oil price has been 
affected by the global spread of Covid-19 and the 
resultant reduction in oil demand. Oil prices have 
continued to decline significantly. The Company confirms 
that, prior to cost reductions, operations at the Santa 
Cruz Sur assets are not currently cash flow positive 
at prevailing oil and gas price levels. The Company’s 
existing cash resources will not be sufficient to sustain 
operations at legacy Santa Cruz Sur cost levels beyond 
the short term. Substantial progress has been made 
with cost reduction initiatives in the Santa Cruz Sur 
assets as a response to prevailing commodity prices.

During the first half of 2020 the Company and its 
operating partners are working to substantially reduce 
monthly operating cash outflows at Santa Cruz 
Sur through a combination of cost reductions and 
deferments.

54  

At a corporate level, in accordance with our previously 
stated aim of preserving cash, deferrals and cost 
reductions are being rigorously pursued. Through a 
combination of contract renegotiation, cost cutting and 
expense deferrals which started to come into effect 
from 1 April 2020, monthly general and administrative 
outflows will be reduced by around 50% of corporate 
budget. 

The Group recognises that in order to pursue organic 
and inorganic growth opportunities and fund on-going 
operations it may require additional funding. This 
funding may be sourced through debt finance, joint 
venture equity or share issues. These conditions indicate 
the existence of a material uncertainty which may 
cast significant doubt about the Company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern. The financial statements 
do not include the adjustments that would result if 
the Group and Company were unable to continue as a 
going concern. The directors have formed a judgement 
based on Echo’s proven success in raising capital and a 
review of the strategic options available to the Group, 
that the going concern basis should be adopted in 
preparing the financial statements.

3. Business Segments 

The Group has adopted IFRS 8 Operating Segments. 
Per IFRS 8, operating segments are regularly reviewed 
and used by the board of directors, being the chief 
operating decision maker for strategic decision-making 
and resources allocation, in order to allocate resources 
to the segment and assess its performance. The 
Group’s reportable operating segments are as follow:

a.  Corporate and Administrative

b.   Santa Cruz Sur

c.  Tapi Aike

d.  Bolivia

e.  Eastern Austral Basin (discontinued)

Performance is based on assessing progress made 
on projects and the management of resources used. 
Segment assets and liabilities are presented inclusive 
of inter-segment balances. Reportable segments 
are based around licence activity, certain corporate 
cost costs collate data across legal entities and the 
segmental analysis reflects this. 

Information regarding each of the operations of each 
reportable segment within continuing operations is 
included in the following table. 

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 3. Business Segments (continued)

All revenue, which represents turnover, arises within Argentina and relates to external parties: 

Year to 31 December 2019

Revenues

Cost of sales

Exploration expense

Administration expense

Financial income

Financial expense

Derivative financial gain

Depreciation

Income tax

Loss before tax

Non-current assets

Assets

Liabilities

Year to 31 December 2018

Revenues

Cost of sales

Exploration expense

Administration expense

Corporate & 
Administrative
US $

Santa Cruz 
Sur
US $

Tapi Aike
US $

Bolivia
US $

Total
US $

–

–

2,586,069

(3,127,542)

–

–

–

–

2,586,069

(3,127,542)

(587,640)

(3,545,328)

92,445

(5,475,203)

339,219

–

–

–

–

–

(175,798)

(373,212)

–

–

(40,043)

(19,863)

(647,546)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(252,533)

(3,797,861)

–

92,445

(413)

(5,475,616)

–

339,219

(15,822)

(564,832)

–

–

(9,176,507)

(541,473)

(40,043)

(272,809)

(10,030,832)

233,174

10,871,059

10,566,890

3,673

21,674,796

6,943,503

14,154,248

11,328,060

45,120

32,470,931

(23,142,362)

(7,205,500)

(905,979)

(41,499)

(31,295,340)

Parent 
Company
US $

Eastern 
Austral 
Basin
US $

Tapi Aike
US $

Bolivia
US $

Ksar
Hadada
US $

Consolidation
US $

Total
US $  

–

–

8,841,309

(8,217,029)

(322,909)

(98,410)

–

–

–

–

–

(379,364)

–

–

–

–

–

–

8,841,309

(8,217,029)

(800,683)

(19,077,748)

(264,117)

(47,223)

(295,468)

(26,844)

14,578,339

(5,133,061)

Impairment of intangible assets

(700,536)

(13,447,835)

Impairment of property, plant and equipment

–

(1,068,751)

778,943

(654,367)

(3,826,027)

(165,491)

(142, 873)

(202,081)

–

–

–

–

(25,914)

(4,973)

–

–

–

–

(1,493)

(5,814)

(16,119)

–

–

–

200

(7)

–

–

–

–

(14,148,371)

(1,068,751)

1,992

99,361

–

–

–

(4,002,312)

(361,073)

–

(23,148,277)

(15,074,691)

(78,110)

(682,139)

(26,651)

14,580,331

(24,429,537)

Financial income

Financial expense

Depreciation

Income tax

Loss before tax

Non-current assets

9,155,775

(3,003,937)

1,203,726

(567,514)

(1,577,127)

(3,315,380)

1,895,543

Assets

Liabilities

24,201,534

4,357,142

2,081,351

(536,303)

(1,577,070)

(3,308,549)

25,218,105

(16,594,151)

(1,405,022)

(123,842)

(41,330)

(1,176)

–

(18,165,521)

Consolidation adjustments in respect of assets relate to the impairment of intercompany assets. 

The geographical split of non-current assets arises as follows:

31 December 2019

Property, plant and equipment

Other intangible assets

31 December 2018

Property, plant and equipment

Other intangible assets

United
Kingdom
US $

121,710

362,001

313,386

–

South America
US $

Total
US $

979,500

1,101,210

20,211,585

20,573,586

22,226

1,559,931

335,612

1,559,931

 55  

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements continued

4. Revenue

Oil revenue

Gas revenue 

Total Revenue

Year to 
31 December 2019
US $

Year to 
31 December 2018
US $
Restated

1,395,356

1,190,713

2,586,069

–

–

–

Revenue arising from operations in the CDL licences has been reclassified as part of discontinued operations.

5. Cost of Sales

Production costs

Selling and distribution costs

Movement in stock of crude oil

Depletion

Total Costs

Year to 
31 December 2019
US $

Year to 
31 December 2018
US $
Restated

2,794,339

311,161

(351,170)

373,212

3,127,542

–

–

–

–

–

Cost of sales arising from operations in the CDL licences has been reclassified as part of discontinued operations.

6. Expenses and Auditor’s Remuneration

The operating loss is stated after charging the following amounts:

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment – owned

Loss/(Gain) on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual 
accounts

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates for other services:

  –  Corporate finance services

  –  Audit and subsidiaries

Share based payments

7. Staff Costs and Numbers

Year to 
31 December 2019
US $

Year to 
31 December 2018
US $

190,383

12,120

158,306

(39,873)

54,998

42,006

2,579

361,409

–

19,335

745,702

The average number of persons employed by the Group during the year including executive directors is analysed 
below:

Year to 
31 December 2019

Year to 
31 December 2018

15

12

Administration

56  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 7. Staff Costs and Numbers (continued)

Group employment costs – all employees including executive directors:

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Pension contributions

Share-based payments – equity-settled

Total

Year to 
31 December 2019
US $

Year to 
31 December 2018
US $

1,952,797

2,339,305

261,169

54,730

361,409

361,248

49,788

745,702

2,630,105

3,496,043

Directors’ remuneration is set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 34-35 of this report.

Remuneration of Key Personnel is set out in the table below.

Wages and salaries 

Bonus

Termination benefits

Pension contributions

Private health insurance

Share-based payments 

Total

8. Financial Income

Interest income

Net foreign exchange loss

Total

9. Financial Expense

Interest payable 

Net foreign exchange losses

Unwinding of discount on long term loan

Amortisation of loan fees 

Accretion of right-of-use liabilities

Bank fees and overseas transaction tax

Total

Year to 
31 December 2019
US $

Year to 
31 December 2018
US $

1,075,128

52,424

–

22,614

11,912

280,475

1,442,553

1,428,631

398,062

48,734

13,353

7,970

532,604

2,429,354

Year to 
31 December 2019
US $

Year to 
31 December 2018
US $

92,445

–

92,445

149,020

(49,659)

99,361

Year to 
31 December 2019
US $

Year to 
31 December 2018
US $

1,940,527

1,247,936

1,688,536

464,283

17,401

116,933

2,039,418

–

1,283,309

457,485

53,194

168,906

5,475,616

4,002,312

 57  

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements continued

10. Derivative Financial Gain/(Loss) 

Fair value gain

Total

Year to 
31 December 2019
US $

Year to 
31 December 2018
US $

339,219

339,219

–

–

Represents fair value gain on valuation of derivatives instruments at period end.

11. Discontinued Operations

On 20 May 2019 the Company announced that it had negotiated an accelerated close of the initial phase of works 
on the CLD concession with CGC. This resulted in Echo withdrawing its interests and liabilities under the CDL 
concessions prior to the commencement of the second stage of works. Following the winding down of operations, 
Tunisia Independent Resources (Ksar Hadada) Ltd was dissolved in June 2019, all assets having been fully impaired in 
prior periods. 

The results of the discontinued operations, are presented below:

Revenue

Operating expenses

Operating loss before impairment

Administrative expenses

Year to 
31 December 2019
US $

Year to 
31 December 2018
US $

2,838,880

8,841,309

(3,478,991)

(8,217,029)

(640,111)

–

624,280

(176,147)

Impairment of the historic cost and carrying value of intangible assets

(2,802,239)

(14,148,371)

Impairment of the historic cost and carrying value of PPE

Loss on disposal of foreign subsidiary

Operating (loss)/gain after liquidation

Financial income

Financial expense

(Loss)/Gain on ordinary activities before taxation

Taxation

(Loss)/Gain for the year from discontinued operations

The cash flows associated with the discontinued operations are:

Operations

Investing 

Financing 

Net cash out flow 

12. Joint Arrangements 

–

1,120

(1,068,751)

(35,629)

(3,441,230)

(14,804,618)

–

–

–

–

(3,441,230)

(14,804,618)

–

–

(3,441,230)

(14,804,618)

Year to 
31 December 2019
US $

Year to 
31 December 2018
US $

(640,111)

(448,133)

–

–

–

–

(640,111)

(448,133)

As described in both the strategic and governance reports, in particular in the Financial Review, and in Note 33 to the 
accounts, Echo has joint arrangements within the Tapi Aike and SCS concessions. The Group accounts for its share 
of assets, liabilities, income and expenditure of these joint operations in accordance with its equity interest in each. 
Echo holds 70% of the SCS working interest and now holds 19% of the Tapi Aike concession. Our joint venture assets 
and liabilities are separately disclosed throughout the financial statements. 

58  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 13. Taxation

Tax on profit on ordinary activities

Taxation charged based on profits for the period

UK corporation tax based on the results for the period

Total tax expense in income statement

Reconciliation of the Tax Expense

Year to 
31 December 2019
US $

Year to 
31 December 2018
US $

–

–

–

–

–

–

The tax assessed for the year is different from the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% (2018: 19%). 
The references are explained below:

Loss on ordinary activities before taxation

Loss from discontinued operations 

Loss for the year before tax

Year to 
31 December 2019
US $

Year to 
31 December 2018
US $

(10,030,832)

(9,660,548)

(3,441,230)

(14,804,618)

(13,472,062)

(24,465,166)

Loss on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK 
of 19%

(2,559,692)

(4,641,612)

Effects of:

Expenses disallowed for tax purposes

Deferred tax not provided – tax losses carried forward

Total current tax

346,664

2,213,028

–

637,033

4,004,579

–

The parent entity has tax losses available to be carried forward, and further tax losses are available in certain 
subsidiaries. With anticipated substantial lead times for the Group’s projects, and the possibility that these may 
expire before their use, it is not considered appropriate to anticipate an asset value for them. 

No amounts have been recognised within tax on the results of the equity-accounted joint ventures.

14. Loss Per Share

The calculation of basic and diluted loss per share at 31 December 2019 was based on the loss attributable to 
ordinary shareholders. The weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year ending 
31 December 2019 and the effect of the potentially dilutive ordinary shares to be issued are shown below.

Net loss for the year (US $)

Basic weighted average ordinary shares in issue during the year

Year to 
31 December 2019

Year to 
31 December 2018

(13,472,062)

(24,465,166)

515,840,359

445,515,538 

Diluted weighted average ordinary shares in issue during the year

515,840,359

445,515,538

Loss per share (cents)

Basic

Diluted

(2.61)

(2.61)

(5.49)

(5.49)

In accordance with IAS 33 and as the entity is loss making, including potentially dilutive share options in the 
calculation would be anti-dilutive.

Deferred shares have been excluded from the calculation of loss per share due to their nature. Please see Note 25 for 
details of their rights.

 59  

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements continued

15. Loss of the Parent Company

The parent company is not required to produce its own profit and loss account (or IFRS equivalent) because of the 
exemption provision in Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006.

16. Property, Plant and Equipment (Group)

PPE – O&G
Properties
US $

CDL Licence 
Areas 
Discontinued
US $

Fixtures &
Fittings
US $

Property
Right-of-Use
Assets
US $

Total
US $

1,270,832

156,554

334,625

1,762,011

31 DECEMBER 2019

Cost

1 January 2019

Exchange differences

Additions

Disposals

–

–

979,164

–

–

–

(1,270,832)

31 December 2019

979,164

–

Depreciation

1 January 2019

Exchange differences

Charge for the year

Impairment charge

Disposals

31 December 2019

Carrying amount

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

31 DECEMBER 2018

Cost

1 January 2018

Exchange differences

Additions

Disposals

31 December 2018

Depreciation

1 January 2018

Exchange differences

Charge for the year

Impairment charge

Disposals

31 December 2018

Carrying amount

31 December 2018

31 December 2017

–

–

3,338

–

–

3,338

975,826

–

–

–

1,270,832

–

1,270,832

–

–

202,081

1,068,751

–

1,270,832

–

–

1,270,832

–

–

–

(1,270,832)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(25,432)

131,122

66,400

–

38,279

–

(13,313)

91,366

39,756

90,155

95,632

–

79,848

(18,926)

156,554

37,352

–

32,833

(3,785)

66,400

90,155

58,279

–

–

–

979,164

(24,821)

(1,321,085)

309,804

1,420,090

89,167

–

148,766

–

(13,757)

224,176

85,628

245,458

1,426,399

–

190,383

–

(1,297,902)

318,880

1,101,210

335,612

363,058

458,690

–

–

334,625

1,685,305

(363,058)

334,625

36,306

(686)

126,159

(72,612)

89,167

245,458

326,752

(381,984)

1,762,011

73,658

(686)

361,073

1,068,751

(76,397)

1,426,399

335,612

385,031

Included within property, plant and equipment are amounts of US $942,976 in relation to assets in construction and 
as a result are not depleted on the unit of production basis, this will commence when they are available for use.

60  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 16. Property, Plant and Equipment (Company) (continued)

31 DECEMBER 2019

Cost

1 January 2019

Additions

Disposals

31 December 2019

Depreciation

1 January 2019

Charge for the year

Disposals

Exchange

31 December 2019

Carrying amount

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

31 DECEMBER 2018

Cost

1 January 2018

Additions

Disposals

31 December 2018

Depreciation

1 January 2018

Charge for the year

Disposals

Exchange

31 December 2018

Carrying amount

31 December 2018

31 December 2017

Fixtures &
Fittings
US $

Property
Right-of-Use
Assets
US $

Total
US $

142,704

309,804

452,508

–

(15,878)

126,826

63,712

40,343

(13,313)

–

90,744

36,082

78,992

81,782

79,848

(18,926)

142,705

37,026

30,471

(3,785)

–

63,712

78,992

44,756

–

–

309,804

75,410

148,765

–

–

–

(15,878)

436,630

139,122

189,109

(13,313)

–

224,176

314,920

85,628

234,394

121,710

313,386

363,058

309,804

(363,058)

309,804

36,306

112,402

(72,612)

(686)

75,410

234,394

326,752

444,840

389,652

(381,984)

452,508

73,332

142,873

(76,397)

(686)

139,122

313,386

371,508

 61  

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements continued

17. Other Intangible Assets (Group)

Exploration and Evaluation

31 DECEMBER 2019

Cost

1 January 2019

Additions

Disposals

Decommissioning asset

31 December 2019

Impairment and depletion

1 January 2019

Disposals

Depletion

Impairment charge for the year

31 December 2019

Carrying amount

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

31 DECEMBER 2018

Cost

1 January 2018

Additions

Transfer to PPE

31 December 2018

Impairment

1 January 2018

Impairment charge for the year

31 December 2018

Carrying amount

31 December 2018

31 December 2017

Argentina
Exploration &
Evaluation
US $

CDL Licence Areas
Discontinued
US $

Ksar Hadada
Exploration
Acreage
US $

Total
US $

1,559,930

16,443,530

14,148,371

2,802,239

2,043,430

17,751,731

–

19,245,769

–

(16,950,610)

(2,043,430)

(18,994,040)

2,940,000

20,943,460

–

–

–

–

2,940,000

20,943,460

–

–

14,148,371

2,043,430

16,191,801

(16,950,610)

(2,043,430)

(18,994,040)

369,874

–

–

2,802,239

369,874

20,573,586

1,559,931

2,500,000

14,479,134

(1,270,832)

15,708,302

–

14,148,371

14,148,371

1,559,931

2,500,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

369,874

2,802,239

369,874

20,573,586

1,559,931

2,043,429

–

4,543,429

14,479,134

(1,270,832)

2,043,429

17,751,731

2,043,429

–

2,043,429

14,148,371

2,043,429

16,191,800

–

–

1,559,931

2,500,000

All intangible assets relate to oil & gas activities. The Group’s oil and gas assets were assessed for impairment as 
at 31 December 2019. Two CGU’s were recognised: the SCS licence concession and the Tapi Aike licence concession. 
Impairment assessments are prepared on the basis of comparing the present value of discounted cash flows with 
the carrying value of the assets. 

The post balance sheet uncertainty relating to Covid-19, the duration and effect on local markets, cannot yet be 
accurately quantified, however, the impairment assessment reflected reduced production levels as announced post 
period by Echo to reflect demand conditions in the market and relatively conservative pricing assumptions.

62  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 17. Other Intangible Assets (Company) (continued)

Exploration and Evaluation

31 DECEMBER 2019

Cost

1 January 2019

Additions

Disposals

31 December 2019

Impairment

1 January 2019

Impairment charge for the year

Disposals

31 December 2019

Carrying amount

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

31 DECEMBER 2018

Cost

1 January 2018

Additions

Disposals

31 December 2018

Impairment

1 January 2018

Impairment charge for the year

31 December 2018

Carrying amount

31 December 2018

31 December 2017

Argentina
Exploration & 
Evaluation
US $

Total
US $

792,424

410,469

792,424

410,469

(840,892)

(840,892)

362,001

362,001

700,536

140,356

700,536

140,356

(840,892)

(840,892)

–

–

362,001

91,888

362,001

91,888

2,500,000

2,500,000

792,424

792,424

(2,500,000)

(2,500,000)

792,424

792,424

–

700,536

700,536

–

700,536

700,536

91,888

91,888

2,500,000

2,500,000

 63  

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements continued

18. Interest in Subsidiary Undertakings

Cost

1 January

Additions in year

31 December

Impairment

1 January

Impairment

31 December

Carrying amount

31 December

31 December 2018/2017

Year to
31 December 2019
US $

Year to
31 December 2018
US $

19,404,113

18

11,117,535

19,404,095

30,521,648

19,404,113

14,516,586

4

14,516,590

–

14,516,586

14,516,586

16,005,058

4,887,527 

4,887,527

18

During the year additional capital was injected into Eco Energy CDL Op Limited and Eco Energy TA Op Limited.

Details of the subsidiaries are as follows:

Subsidiary

Class of Share

Echo Energy Holdings (UK) Limited

Ordinary

Echo Energy Argentina Holdings 
Limited

Echo Energy Tapi Aike Limited

Eco Energy TA Op Limited

Echo Energy C D & LLC Limited

Eco Energy CDL Op Limited

Echo Energy Bolivia (Hold Co 1) 
Limited

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

% 
Owned

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Country of 
Registration

Nature of Business

England & Wales

Holding company

England & Wales

Holding company

England & Wales

Holding company

England & Wales

Holder of Argentinian branch 
assets

England & Wales

Holding company

England & Wales

Holder of Argentinian branch 
assets

Ordinary

100%

England & Wales

Holding company 

Echo Energy Bolivia (Op Co 1) Limited Ordinary

Echo Energy Bolivia (Hold Co 2) 
Limited

Ordinary

100%

100%

England & Wales

Holder of Bolivian branch assets

England & Wales

Holding company

Echo Energy Bolivia (Op Co 2) Limited Ordinary

100%

England & Wales

Dormant

The registered address for all of the above subsidiaries is: 85 Great Portland Street, First Floor, London, W1W 7LT

The following companies were dissolved on 25th June 2019:

Subsidiary

Independent Resources (Ksar Hadada) 
Limited

Independent Resources (Sahara) 
Limited

Independent Resources (Tunisia) 
Limited

Class of Share

% 
Owned

Country of 
Registration

Nature of Business

Ordinary

100%

England & Wales

Dormant 

Ordinary

100%

England & Wales

Dormant

Ordinary

100%

England & Wales

Dormant

The companies were dormant prior to dissolution, their activities had been wound down and completed following the 
change in strategic direction of Echo Energy plc (formerly Independent Resources plc).

64  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 19. Inventories

Crude oil

Parts and supplies

Total

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

Group
US $

420,844

–

420,844

Company
US $

–

–

–

Group
US $

744,298

57,886

802,184

Company
US $

–

–

–

Crude oil inventories are measured at Net Realisable Value, other inventory items are measured at the lower of cost 
and Net Realisable Value.

20. Other receivables 

Non-current

Amounts owing by subsidiary undertakings

Amounts provided against

Total

Current

Trade receivables

Accrued income

Other receivables

Prepayments

Total

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

Group
US $

Company
US $

Group
US $

Company
US $

–

–

–

12,893,354

(870,268)

12,023,086

1,002,295

1,181,838

6,056,470

436,676

8,677,279

–

–

142,910

100,764

243,674

–

–

–

731,416

420,690

3,672,157

2,086,812

6,911,075

5,531,988

(1,577,127)

3,954,861

44,214

–

472,293

89,269

605,776

Other receivables in the Group and the Company principally comprise recoverable Value Added Tax and joint venture 
receivables. The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximated their fair 
value.

21. Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash held by joint venture partners

Cash and cash equivalents

Total

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

Group
US $

300,746

1,397,266

1,698,012

Company
US $

Group
US $

–

576,909

1,259,468

1,259,468

15,032,394

15,609,303

Company
US $

–

14,439,984

14,439,984

Echo have advanced cash to our joint venture partners; this cash is held by our partners in a ring-fenced account. We 
recognise our equity share of the balance held.

 65  

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements continued

22. Financial Instruments and Treasury Risk Management

Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities

The carrying values of financial assets and liabilities are considered to be material equivalent to their fair values.

Treasury Risk Management

The Group manages a variety of market risks, including the effects of changes in foreign exchange rates, liquidity 
and counterparty risk.

Credit Risk

The Group’s principal financial assets are bank balances and cash and other receivables.

The credit risk on liquid funds is limited because the counterparties are UK, Argentine and Bolivian banks with 
high credit ratings. The Group operates with positive cash and cash equivalents as a result of issuing share capital 
in anticipation of future funding requirements. The Group’s policy is therefore one of achieving high returns with 
minimal risks. In order to provide a degree of certainty, the Group primarily invests in short-term fixed-interest 
treasury deposits giving a low risk profile to these assets.

In Echo’s Santa Cruz Sur assets, acquired in November 2019, operating partner ROCH S.A. markets our hydrocarbon, 
primarily to well established utilities. Echo carries a marginally higher credit risk exposure as Echo deals directly 
with counterparties for payment, however as the Group’s principle customers are substantial oil and gas utility 
companies and refiners, as such credit risk is considered to be low. There is no history of credit loss, non-payment or 
default by the inherited counterparties and the calculated amount of the potential 12-month credit risk loss is not 
material. The Company has low credit risk in respect of receivables as a result of supplying reputable oil and gas 
purchasers. All receivables have been recovered in full since 1 January 2019. The group has applied the expected credit 
loss model as required by the adoption of IFRS 9. Given current contractual arrangements where pricing has already 
been determined at the point where receivables from hydrocarbon sales are recognised as revenue, and the fact that 
contract counterparties are large corporate entities or utilities no provision was made for losses as any potential 
losses would be immaterial.

The maximum exposure due to credit risk for the Group on other receivables and amounts due from equity 
accounted joint operations during the year was US $6,928,450  (2018: US $1,623,344). No collateral is held in respect 
of these amounts.

The maximum exposure due to credit risk for the Company on intercompany receivables and other receivables during 
the year was US $28,028,144 (2018: US $24,720,880). No collateral is held in respect of these amounts. Intergroup 
funding is assessed for indications of impairment on a periodic basis. Investments and subsidiaries and intergroup 
loans in the amount of US $14,516,586  (2018: US $16,007,149) are considered to be impaired and have been provided 
against in full. All other amounts are expected to be received in full. 

Currency Risk

The Group’s operations are primarily located in the South America, and the United Kingdom, with the main exchange 
risk being between the US Dollar and the Argentine Pesos. The Argentine Pesos has devalued by approximately 37% 
over the year. The Group addressed this risk by minimising exposure to the currency. The majority of Group revenues 
for the year were denominated in US Dollars but certain liabilities and revenues were denominated in Argentine 
Pesos. In certain instances the counterparty for settlement of pesos income and expenditure was the same. In these 
instances pesos balances were offset. Balances were held in dollars until settlement was due, and where short-term 
pesos balances were held these were placed on overnight deposit. The Group does hold substantial receivable VAT 
balances denominated in pesos and has sought to expedite recovery to mitigate devaluation losses. 

66  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 22. Financial Instruments and Treasury Risk Management (continued)

At year end the Group held the following cash and cash equivalent balances:

US Dollars 

GBP Sterling

Euro

Argentine Pesos

Bolivian Boliviano

Total

31 December 2019
US $

31 December 2018
US $

731,351

393,637

181,742

384,470

6,812

12,639,814

2,470,308

446,422

45,802

6,957

1,698,012

15,609,303

The consolidated statement of comprehensive income would be affected by US $44,730 (2018: US $246,974) if 
the exchange rate between US $ and GBP changed by 10%. If the exchange rate between the US $ and the Euro 
changed by 10% there would be a profit or loss of US $30,972 (2018: US $44,642). There would be a loss of US 
$83,906 if the exchange rate between the Argentine Pesos and US Dollar changed by 20%.

The Group has exposure to the Euro, Echo hold €25million bond notes, the Group held Euro denominated funds at 
the beginning of the period to cover servicing of debt during the accounting year. The primary source of funds for 
the Group in the period was equity raised in GBP, these funds were immediately translated into US Dollars to fund 
exploration and acquisition activity in Argentina. No hedging products were used during this accounting period, 
but management actively review currency requirements to assess the suitability of hedging products. The Group 
consolidated statement of income would be affected by approximately US $2,318,139 (2018: US $2,076,333) by a 
reasonably possible 10 percentage points fluctuation in the exchange rate between US Dollars and Euros. 

The VAT regime in Argentina differs from international practise as VAT investment activities are not immediately 
recoverable but must be offset against revenue streams. The Company has made substantial investments in 
Argentina in 2018 and 2019 and has accordingly built up a material VAT receivable balance. A new mechanism has 
been approved by government through Law No. 27430 and Decree 813/2018. The mechanism will allow technical VAT 
credits associated with the purchase of capital assets from 1 January 2018 to be recovered through application if the 
Company has not been able to recover the VAT within six months. Echo submitted an application for the recovery of 
historic VAT balances as soon as the legislation permitted.

Interest Rate Risk

The Group holds debt instruments that were issued at a fixed rate. As part of the Group’s policy to maximise returns 
on cash held, cash held is placed in interest bearing accounts where possible. During the course of 2019 Echo invested 
cash into operations and did not hold significant cash balances for prolonged periods of time. The consolidated 
statement of comprehensive income would be affected by US $925 (2018: US $253,962) by a 1% point change 
floating interest rate on a full-year basis.

The Group’s actively manages its working capital to ensure the Group has sufficient funds for operations and 
planned activities. Operational cash flow represents receipts from revenue, together with on-going direct 
operational support costs, exploration, appraisal, administration and business development costs. The Group 
manages its liquidity requirements by the use of both short-term and long-term cash flow forecasts. The Group’s 
policy is to ensure facilities are available as required, to issue equity share capital and form strategic alliances in 
accordance with long-term cash flow forecasts. The Group currently has no undrawn committed facilities as at 
31 December 2019. 

The Group’s financial liabilities are primarily obligations under joint operations, trade payables and operational costs. 
All amounts are due for payment in accordance with agreed settlement terms with suppliers or statutory deadlines 
and all within one year. 

 67  

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements continued

22. Financial Instruments and Treasury Risk Management (continued)

Liquidity Risk

The Group holds Euro denominated long-term debt. See Note 27

The Group does not currently use derivative financial instruments to hedge currency and commodity price risk as it is 
not considered necessary. Should the Group identify a requirement for the future use of such financial instruments, a 
comprehensive set of policies and systems as approved by the directors will be implemented.

In accordance with IFRS 9, “Financial instruments: recognition and measurement”, the Group has reviewed 
all contracts for embedded derivatives that are required to be separately accounted for if they meet specific 
requirements set out in the standard. 

Commodity Price Risk 

The Group is now exposed to the risk of fluctuations on prevailing commodity market prices. The Group does not use 
commodity forward contracts and futures to hedge against price risk in commodities as current volumes and market 
conditions mean they are not yet appropriate for Echo. 

A 10% increase in the price of Gas would have increased revenue by approximately US $119,071

A 10% increase in the price of Oil would have increased revenue by approximately US $139,536

Capital Management

The Group’s legacy strategy has led to its capital structure being a mixture of debt and equity. The directors will 
reassess the future capital structure when projects under development are sufficiently advanced and restructure 
accordingly.

The Group’s financial strategy is to utilise its resources to further appraise and test the Group’s projects, forming 
strategic alliances for specific projects where appropriate together with assessing target acquisitions. The Group 
keeps investors and the market informed of its progress with its projects through regular announcements and raises 
additional equity finance at appropriate times.

Categories of Financial Instruments

All of the Group’s financial assets are carried at amortised cost. The Group’s embedded derivative is classified at 
fair value through profit or loss, the remaining Group’s financial liabilities are classified as financial liabilities at 
amortised cost.

23. Trade and Other Payables

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

Group
US $

398,216

253,439

9,156

92,386

64,180

1,290,963

4,913,915

7,022,255

Company
US $

112,701

128,834

–

54,501

64,180

1,290,963

–

1,651,179

Group
US $

539,835

112,262

73,620

92,861

166,098

–

1,215,756

2,200,432

Company
US $

229,458

100,366

64,464

79,740

155,034

–

–

629,062

Trade payables

Taxation and social security costs

Non-trade payables

Accruals

Right-of-use liability

Other loans

Joint venture payables

Total

68  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 24. Derivative Financial Liabilities

Embedded derivative 

Total

31 December 2019
US $

31 December 2018
US $

728,783

728,783

–

–

The embedded derivative represents the warrants issued along with the convertible debt facility with Lombard Odier 
Asset Management (Europe) Ltd (see Note 27). It is recognised at fair value through profit or loss. On conversion to 
Company’s shares, the fair value of the embedded derivative is transferred to equity.

The fair values on the grant date and each reporting date were determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing 
model. The following key assumptions were used in determining the derivative’s fair value at the reporting date:

Market stock price

Option strike price

Volatility

Expiration of the option

Risk-free rate

31 December 2019
US $

31 December 2018
US $

2.9p

3.0p

65.55%

3 years

0.79%

2.3p

3.0p

67.29%

2.9 years

0.79%

An increase of 10% in the volatility measure would result in an increase in the year end fair value of US $96,733 with 
a reduction in the gain.

Level 3 fair value measurements
Warrants instruments are deemed to be Level 3 liabilities under the fair value hierarchy as fair value measures of these 
liabilities are not based on observable market data. The movement in their fair values is shown in the table below:

At 1 January

New issue of warrants

Fair value movements recognised through profit or loss

Total

25. Share Capital 

31 December 2019
US $

31 December 2018
US $

–

1,068,002

(339,219)

728,783

–

–

–

–

Issued, Called Up and Fully Paid

711,717,587 0.32¢ (2018:477,939,144 0.32¢) 
ordinary shares

1 January 2019

Equity shares issued

31 December 2019

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

Group
US $

Company
US $

Group
US $

Company
US $

4,444,999

745,878

5,190,877

4,444,999

745,878

5,190,877

4,065,713

379,286

4,444,999

4,065,713

379,286

4,444,999

The holders of 0.32¢ (0.25p) ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends from time to time and are entitled to 
one vote per share at meetings of the Company. 

On 22nd October 2019, in conjunction with its proposed acquisition in Argentina of the Santa Cruz Sur assets, Echo 
issued 125,200,000 ordinary shares at 0.25p per share. Following the completion of the acquisition, Echo issued a 
further 108,578,443 ordinary shares at 0.25p per share. No further shares were issued during the period through a 
combination of the exercise of warrants and options.

 69  

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements continued

25. Share Capital (continued)

In addition to the 0.25p ordinary shares detailed above, as part of capital reorganisations in 2015 and 2016, 8,103,655 
(consolidated) deferred shares with a nominal value of 22.5p and 6,796,235 (consolidated) deferred shares with a 
nominal value of 2.25p were created respectively. The deferred shares and the 2016 deferred shares have no value or 
voting rights and the shareholders were not issued with a share certificate, nor are they listed on AIM. These shares 
remain issued, called up and fully paid at the period end.

Further shares issued during the year was as follows:

Date

Shares

Price (p)

Prices (¢)

1 January 2019

477,939,144

Shares issued @ .25p Santa Cruz Sur Acquisition

22/10/2019

125,200,000

Shares issued @ .25p Santa Cruz Sur Acquisition

11/11/2019

68,620,000

Shares issued @ .25p Santa Cruz Sur Acquisition

11/11/2019

39,958,443

31 December 2019

711,717,587

2.50

2.50

2.91

3.16

3.22

3.75

26. Share Premium Account 

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

Group
US $

Company
US $

Group
US $

Company
US $

1 January 2019

58,329,880

58,329,880

39,888,089

39,888,089

Premium arising on issue of equity shares

6,924,246

6,924,246

19,890,017

19,890,017

Warrants lapsed or exercised 

–

–

10,018

10,018

Transaction costs

31 December 2019

(436,464)

(436,464)

(1,458,244)

(1,458,244)

64,817,662

64,817,662

58,329,880

58,329,880

(A) Share Options
The Group has a share option scheme established to reward and incentivise the executive management team and staff 
for delivering share price growth. The share option scheme is administered by the remuneration committee. The expected 
life of the options is based on the maximum option period and is not necessarily indicative of exercise patterns.

Share options are valued using the stochastic Black-Scholes model. The inputs to the model are the weighted 
average share price, the expected average exercise price, expected life, the risk free rate of return and the expected 
volatility. A 10-year gilt rate is used as an equivalent to risk free rate and the expected volatility was determined with 
reference to the Company’s share price.

The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of 
non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations. The cost of options is amortised to the 
statement of comprehensive income over the service period of the option.

Details of the tranches of share options outstanding at the year end are as follows:

Share Options

Outstanding as at 1 January

Granted during the year

Expired during the year

Forfeited during the period

Exercised during the year

Number
31/12/2019

54,882,803

57,085,270

–

(9,750,000)

–

Options outstanding as at 31 December

102,218,073

WAEP*
(¢)
31/12/2019

7

5

–

19

–

5

Number
31/12/2018

75,123,144

11,872,802

(113,143)

(30,250,000)

(1,750,000)

54,882,803

Exercisable at 31 December

10,000

100

10,000

WAEP*
(¢)
31/12/2018

11

16

89

5

2

7

96

*Weighted Average Exercise Price

70  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 26. Share Premium Account (continued)

The weighted average outstanding life of vested share options is 5.2 years. The weighted average price for 
outstanding options ranges between 2.2¢ and 98¢ (1.6p and 75.0p). The outstanding share options are not subject 
to any share performance-related vesting conditions, but vesting is conditional upon continuity of service.

The Group recognises total expenses of US $361,409 (2018: US $745,702) related to equity-settled, are share-based 
payment transactions during the year.

A deferred taxation asset has not been recognised in relation to the charge for share-based payments due to the 
availability of tax losses to be carried forward.

(B) Warrants Over Ordinary Shares

The Company issued warrants over ordinary shares to subscribers of new ordinary shares and as fundraising 
commission in respect of debt fundraisings completed during the year to 31 December 2019.

Details of the tranches of warrants outstanding at the year-end are as follows:

Warrants

Outstanding as at 1 January

Granted during the year

Forfeited during the period

Exercised during the year

Number
2019

281,751,093

74,200,000

–

–

Outstanding as at 31 December 

355,951,093

*Weighted Average Exercise Price

WAEP*
(¢)
2019

16

4

–

–

14

Number
2018

286,223,645

–

(400,000)

(4,072,552)

281,751,093

WAEP*
(¢)
2018

16.2

–

29.1

6.0

16.0

Warrant values are calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model within the same inputs variables as 
discussed for share options.

The weighted average price for outstanding warrants as at 31 December 2019 ranges between 4¢ and 21.5¢ (3.0p 
and 16.2p). The residual weighted average contractual life for the warrants is 2.35 years.

27. Loans Due in Over One Year

Five-year secured bonds

Additional net funding

Other loans

Total

31 December
2019
US $

31 December
2018
US $

(16,388,586)

(14,757,291)

(4,215,716)

–

–

(1,157,089)

(20,604,302)

(15,914,380)

Balance as at 
31 December
2018
US $

Incremental
loans 
US $

Amortised
finance charges
less cash
interest paid
US $

Exchange
adjustments
US $

31 December
2019
US $

€20 million five-year secured bonds

16,226,751

–

1,484,123

(314,355)

17,396,519

€5 million Lombard Odier secured 
convertible debt facility

Loan fees

Incremental loan fees

Total

–

4,451,607

(1,469,460)

–

–

(388,852)

56,773

443,113

21,171

74,909

18,414

108

4,583,289

(1,007,933)

(367,573)

14,757,291

4,062,755

2,005,180

(220,924)

20,604,302

 71  

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements continued

27. Loans Due in Over One Year (continued)

Short Term Loans (see also Note 23):

Other loans

Total

Balance as at 
31 December
2018
US $

1,157,090

1,157,090

Amortised
finance charges
less cash
interest paid
US $

Exchange
adjustments
US $

31 December
2019
US $

84,881

84,881

48,992

48,992

1,290,963

1,290,963

On 22 May 2017 the Company announced that Nusakan plc (“Nusakan”) subscribed for five-year non-amortising 
secured bonds with an aggregate issue value of €20 million (“the €20m Bonds”). Alongside the €20m Bonds, the 
Company issued 169,402,469 warrants to subscribe for new ordinary shares in the Company at an exercise price of 
15.1875 pence per ordinary share and an exercise period of approximately five years, concurrent with the terms of the 
bonds to Nusakan (“the Warrants”). The €20m Bonds are secured over the share capital of Echo Energy Limited. The 
€20m Bonds have an 8% coupon and were issued at a 20% discount to par value. A total cash fee of GBP £1.7 million 
(€2 million) was payable by the Company. 

The Warrants were recorded within equity at fair value on the date of issuance and the proceeds of the notes net of 
issue costs were recorded as non-current liability. The coupon rate for the €20m Bonds ensures that the Company’s 
on-going cash out-flow on interest payments remains low, conserving the Company’s cash resources. The effective 
interest rate is approximately 21.55%. The five-year secured €20m Bonds are due in May 2022.

As part of the acquisition of the Santa Cruz Sur assets, the Company announced on 21 October 2019 that it had 
entered into a secured convertible debt facility with Lombard Odier Asset Management (Europe) Ltd (“Lombard 
Odier”) for a five-year non-amortising €5.0 million 8.0% secured convertible debt facility (the “€5m Loan”) maturing 
in 2022. Of the €5 million received, as described in Note 24, €0.97 million (US $1.1 million) has been allocated to the 
warrants which were issued alongside the €5m Loan and are recorded as a financial liability and held at fair value 
through the profit or loss.

Maturity Analysis

Post balance sheet, given prevailing global oil prices affected by market volatility and the Covid-19 pandemic, as part 
of a programme to cut capital expenditure, the Company entered into negotiations with all debt holders to defer 
cash interest payments in 2020. (See Note 33) 

Post balance sheet the terms of all loans were renegotiated. (See Note 33).

Maturity Analysis

Contractual undiscounted cash flows:

Amounts due within one year

Amounts due after more than one year

31 December 2019
US $

31 December 2018
US $

1,396,157

1,985,960

33,291,406

28,633,503

34,687,563

30,619,463

72  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 28. Provisions

At 1 January 

Assessment of decommissioning provision

31 December 2019
US $

31 December 2018
US $

–

2,940,000

2,940,000

–

–

–

Provision has been made for the discounted future cost of abandoning wells and restoring sites to a condition 
acceptable to the relevant authorities. No abandonments are planned for 2020. The provisions are based on the 
operators’ internal estimate as at 31 December 2019. Assumptions are based on the current experience from 
decommissioning wells. The estimates are reviewed regularly to take account of any material changes to the 
assumptions. Actual decommissioning costs will ultimately depend upon future costs for decommissioning which 
will reflect market conditions and regulations at that time. Furthermore, the timing of decommissioning is uncertain 
and is likely to depend on when the fields cease to produce at economically viable rates. This, in turn, will depend on 
factors such as future oil and gas prices, which are inherently uncertain.

29. Right-of-use Liability

The Group’s right-of-use asset comprises the lease of its London office (See Note 16).

These liabilities are included in the statement of financial position:

Amounts due within one year

Amounts due after more than one year

Amounts recognised in the statement of comprehensive income:

Interest on leasehold liabilities

Amounts recognised in the statement of cash flows:

Repayment of lease liabilities

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

US $

64,180

–

64,180

US $

166,744

50,709

217,453

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

US $

17,402

US $

53,195

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

US $

156,269

US $

161,356

During 2019 the office in Bolivia exited its leasehold premise resulting in the unwinding of the right-of-use liability. 
The London office lease ends in June 2020. Interest on the financing amount was imputed as that of bond financing 
at 20%.

Maturity Analysis

Contractual undiscounted cash flows:

Amounts due within one year

Amounts due after more than one year

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

US $

64,180

–

64,180

US $

169,686

59,670

229,356

 73  

Financial StatementsNotes to the Financial Statements continued

30. Related Party Transactions

Inter-Group Balances

 In order for individual subsidiary companies to carry out the objectives of the Group, amounts are loaned to them on 
an unsecured basis. At the year end the following amounts were outstanding:

Amounts owed to Echo Energy plc from:

Echo Energy Bolivia (Op Co 1) Limited

Eco Energy CDL Op Limited

Eco Energy TA Op Limited

Independent Resources (Ksar Hadada) Limited

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

US $

US $

176,773

2,816,915

9,029,398

–

12,023,086

593,794

3,336,415

24,652

1,577,127

5,531,988

Echo Energy plc had fully provided against an amount due from Independent Resources (Ksar Hadada) Limited, 
amounting to US $1,577,127 (2017: US $1,518,934), which was dissolved in June 2019. Echo Energy plc has also 
provided in total for amounts due from Eco Energy CDL Limited in the amount of US $ 15,386,854. 

Lombard Odier and Nusakan (formerly Greenberry plc) are significant shareholder in the Company. Please refer to 
Note 27 for details of the debt transactions which relate to these counterparties. 

Phoenix Global Resources plc from whom Echo acquired the SCS assets in late 2019 is also a significant shareholder 
in the Company.

31. Controlling Party

The directors do not consider there to be a controlling party.

32. Commitments 

Echo has committed expenditure of US $0.664 million for 2020 relating to exploration acreage. 

33. Subsequent Events

Change of Operating Partner in Santa Cruz Sur

On 1 January 2020, IOG Resources S.A. (“IOG Resources”) and Interoil Argentina S.A. (“Interoil”) completed a 
transaction with ROCH S.A., the previous operator of Santa Cruz Sur with a 30% interest, to acquire a 21.66% and 
an 8.34% interest respectively, in the Santa Cruz Sur assets. Following these transactions, the licence is operated by 
Selva Maria Oil and Gas S.A. (“Selva Maria”), whilst Interoil is a non-operating partner. Selva Maria is a subsidiary 
of Intergra Oil and Gas S.A., which guaranteed the obligations of IOG Resources and Interoil under the transaction. 
Selva Maria will remain operator until Interoil is granted an operator licence from the Argentinian authorities.

Results Campo La Mata Exploration Well

Following the completion of testing on the lower secondary target and the primary target at CLM x-1, the Company 
announced a non-commercial gas discovery on 19 February 2020. Both targets flowed at a combined averaged rate 
of 0.60 MMscf/d, short of the estimated required stabilised production rate across all intervals of approximately 
1.0 MMscf/d. As a result, testing of the two remaining untested shallower intervals is now under consideration, but 
in the interim CLM x-1 has been shut-in for further evaluation and well head pressure will be measured during this 
time. Whilst the lack of commerciality from the tested intervals was disappointing, CLM x-1 proved the presence 
of a working petroleum system on the Chiripa Oeste 3D seismic in Tapi Aike. The information collected will be used 
to calibrate and further enhance the predictive capability of the 3D data acquired last year, helping identify other 
drilling locations on Tapi Aike that could be commercial. Following the gas discovery and CLM x-1 well results, it is 
anticipated that the partnership will qualify for an extra year on the first Tapi Aike exploration period. An extension 
will take the current exploration licence phase to four years expiring on 7 September 2021. 

74  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 Financial Statements

33. Subsequent Events (continued)

Oil Price Volatility

In response to the continuing volatility in the oil markets at the start of 2020 Echo put in place a number of 
initiatives after exploring all the options to preserve existing cash resources at a corporate level. 

As a response to prevailing oil prices and the Company’s expectation of achieving higher gas prices moving into 
the winter and autumn in the southern hemisphere, Echo and its partner in Santa Cruz Sur decided to focus field 
operations on the production of gas, and as part of this initiative, some producing wells have been temporarily shut-
in. Shutting-in oil wells that have low associated gas will enable resources in the field to focus on gas production and 
will help manage cash costs. Temporarily shut-in oil wells can be brought back online in around five days when global 
oil prices recover. 

The Company also announced on 15 April 2020 its decision to hold back barrels of oil currently held in field storage 
tanks with the intention of selling these barrels at a later date when prices may improve. 

Substantial progress has been made with cost reduction initiatives in the Santa Cruz Sur assets as a response to 
prevailing commodity prices. In the first half of 2020, the Company and its partners expect to have reduced monthly 
operating cash outflows at Santa Cruz Sur by 50% over 2019 levels through substantial cost reductions of ongoing 
operations and deferments, or cancelations of non-essential activities whilst maintaining safe and sustainable 
operations. Additionally, at a corporate level, in order to preserve cash, deferrals and cost reductions are being 
rigorously pursued.

Covid-19 Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic has also added to uncertainty, not only in the short term with an unprecedented global fall 
in demand, but also in the way we are able to conduct our operations both at a corporate level and in the field. As 
with any oil company, safety is Echo’s foremost priority. Echo moved quickly at the start of March 2020 to make sure 
all its staff and Board members based in the UK and Bolivia could work from home, so that they were already doing 
so or capable of doing so when the lockdown came to effect in the UK on 23 March 2020. In the field, operations 
continue as the production of hydrocarbons and supply to the domestic market is deemed to be an essential service.

Due to the international travel restrictions as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, key personnel and equipment 
required to continue testing of the Campo Limite exploration well from outside Argentina were delayed. As a result, 
the decision was made to temporarily suspend the completion and conventional inflow testing of the well until there 
is clarity as to when the restrictions will be lifted. The Company will resume the exploration well test when conditions 
allow, and this project remains a priority for 2020. Additionally, as a result of the decision to temporarily suspend the 
completion and testing of CLix-1001, the Eagle workover rig, owned by Echo and its partners in the Santa Cruz Sur 
assets, was temporarily redeployed to commence a standard programme of well interventions and maintenance.

Echo’s already stated aim to cut costs across the Santa Cruz Sur assets and on a corporate level, partly due to 
the prevailing volatility in the oil markets, coupled with the renegotiation of the debt (detailed below) are further 
initiatives that will help the Company better navigate the current global conditions brought on by the pandemic. 
Through the rapidly changing global situation following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Company 
reacted quickly, adapted, and redeployed to better weather this period of global crisis.

Debt Renegotiation

In March 2020, to ensure the business is robustly positioned in the event of continued downward pressure on oil 
demand and prices driven by recent global events, and as part of its programme to conserve cash, the Company 
announced that it would enter negotiations with holders of its debt to extend the loans or defer all cash interest 
during 2020. 

On 6 March 2020, Echo announced that it had agreed a two-year extension of the Company’s existing £1.0 million 
Loan (the “£1m Loan”) originally provided to the Company in March 2017 and now held by Spartan Class O, a sub 
fund of Spartan Fund Limited SAC (“Spartan”). The interest rate of the £1m Loan remains unchanged. 

 75  

Notes to the Financial Statements continued

33. Subsequent Events (continued)

Debt Renegotiation (continued)

The Company agreed that the extended £1m Loan will now be repayable as follows: (a) £100,000 on 30 November 
2020; (b) four quarterly instalments of £50,000 on the last business day of the relevant month commencing in 
March 2021; and (c) the balance of £700,000 on 8 March 2022. In connection with the extension of the £1m Loan, 
Spartan was issued with 3,571,428 warrants to subscribe for new ordinary shares in the Company at a price of 
1.4 pence per new share and with an expiry date of 9 March 2022.

On 1 April the Company further announced entry of an amendment to the Company’s £1m Loan facility such that 
interest payment due 31 March 2020 was postponed and no interest payments were required prior to 31 March 
2021. With effect from 1 January 2020, interest on the £1m Loan will now accrue at an unchanged annual interest 
rate of 12.0% and, at the end of each quarterly interest period, be added to the aggregate principal amount owing 
under the £1m Loan, for payment on maturity. The Company agreed that, as amended, the £1m Loan will now be 
repayable as follows: (a) £100,000 in March 2021; (b) three quarterly instalments of £50,000 on the last business 
day of the relevant month commencing in June 2021; and (c) the balance of £750,000, together with accrued 
interest, on 8 March 2022. The other terms of the £1m Loan remain unchanged.

In order to provide parties with the time to conclude an amendment to the €5m Loan, the holder Lombard Odier 
waived default rights under the €5m Loan for non-payment of the 31 March 2020 interest. The Company duly 
announced on 14 May 2020 the agreement with Lombard Odier to defer 2020 interest payments such that no 
interest payments will be due prior to 31 March 2021. 

On 22 May 2020, the Company announced that at a meeting of the holders of the €20m Bond (the “Noteholders”), 
the Noteholders gave their consent to waive the event of default in relation to the non-payment by the Company of 
the quarterly interest due on 31 March 2020. Furthermore, the Company obtained consent to defer quarterly interest 
payments which would otherwise be due on 31 March 2020, 30 June 2020, 30 September 2020 and 31 December 
2020 (the “2020 Interest Payments”) such that the 2020 Interest Payments will be payable by the Company on 
maturity of the bonds in May 2022. The Company will continue to be required to make quarterly interest payments 
on the €20m Bond in 2021 and 2022. In addition, the Company granted security in the form of a share charge 
over 100% of the shares in Echo Argentina Holdings Limited. Such security will be shared pari passu between the 
Noteholders and Lombard Odier in its capacity as lender under the Company’s €5m Loan.

76  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 Financial Statements

 77  

Financial StatementsShareholder Information 

AIM Rule 26 Information

Dealing Information

Country of incorporation
England & Wales (Registered Number 5483127)

Main country of operation

Argentina

Trading information

Shares in Echo Energy plc are only traded on AIM, a market operated by the London Stock Exchange plc, and the 
Company has not applied or agreed to have any of its securities admitted or traded to any other exchange or platform.

There are no restrictions on the transfer of ordinary shares.

Address

Echo Energy plc
85 Great Portland Street
First Floor
London
W1W 7LT

Nominated Adviser 

Company Secretary

Cenkos Securities PLC 
6-8 Token Yard  
London 
EC2R 7AS 

Amba Secretaries Limited
400 Thames Valley Park Drive
Reading, Berkshire
RG6 1PT

Solicitors

Fieldfisher
Riverbank House
2 Swan Lane
London 
W1S 4JU

Registrars

Link Asset Services
34 Beckenham Road
Kent
BR3 4TU

Brokers 

Shore Capital 
Bond Street House 
14 Clifford Street 
London 
W1S 4JU 

Auditors 

Crowe U.K. LLP 
St Bride’s House 
10 Salisbury Square 
London 
EC4Y 8EH 

78  

Echo Energy  Annual Report 2019 Glossary

AAPG

American Association of Petroleum Geologists

MMscf/d

million standard cubic feet per day

Alternative Investment Market

NAV

net asset value

American Petroleum Institute

NOMAD

nominated advisor

AIM

API

AVO

amplitude versus offset

bbl(s)

barrel(s)

bbl(s)/d

barrel(s) per day

Bcf

Board

boe

boepd

bopd

capex

CDL

CGC

CGU

billion cubic feet

the board of directors of Echo Energy plc

barrel(s) of oil equivalent

barrel(s) of oil equivalent per day

barrels(s) of oil per day

capital expenditure

Fracción C, Fracción D, and Laguna De Los 
Capones licences

Compañia General de Combustibles S.A.

Cash Generating Unit

Company

Echo Energy plc

E&E

E&P

FRC

G&A

Group

HSE

IAPG

IAS

IFRS

exploration and evaluation

exploration and production

Financial Reporting Council

general and administration expenses

the Company and its subsidiaries

health, safety and environment

International Association of Petroleum 
Geologists

International Accounting Standards

International Financial Reporting Standards as 
adopted by the European Union

ISAs (UK)

International Standards on Auditing

JEA

JV

KPI

LNG

joint evaluation agreement

joint venture

key performance indicators

liquid natural gas

MMbbls

million barrels

MMboe

mmbtu

million barrels of oil equivalent

million British thermal units

OPEC+

opex

PETSA

Pmean

ppm

PPE

OPEC countries and high exporting non-
members like Russia and Kazakhstan

operations expenditure

Petrolera El Trebol S.A.

mean case 

parts per million

property, plant and equipment

PRSM

Petroleum Resource Management System

pulling job

low cost well intervention to restart/improve 
production

P10

P50

P90

high case (value with a 10% chance of being 
equalled or exceeded)

moderate case (value with a 50% chance of 
being equalled or exceeded)

low case (value with a 90% chance of being 
equalled or exceeded)

QCA Code Quoted Companies Alliance Corporate 

spud

Tcf

TD

TVD

TEA

UGA

Governance Code

to commence drilling a well

trillion cubic feet

total depth

true vertical depth

technical evaluation agreement

UGA Seismic S.A.

WAEP

Weighted Average Exercise Price

Workover

an invasive well intervention involving a rig

WPC

WTI

1C

2C

3C

2P

World Petroleum Council

West Texas Intermediary

low estimate of contingent resources

best estimate of contingent resources

high estimate of contingent resources

proven plus probable

$ / US $

United States Dollar

Registered office

85 Great Portland Street

First Floor

London, W1W 7LT

Tel: +44 (0)20 7190-9930

info@echoenergyplc.com

www.echoenergyplc.com