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Hardy Oil & Gas PLC

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FY2017 Annual Report · Hardy Oil & Gas PLC
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Hardy Oil and Gas plc

Annual Report and Accounts
FY2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Welcome

Hardy Oil and Gas plc is an upstream 
oil and gas company whose 
operating assets are in India

Our portfolio includes a blend of appraisal
and development assets

Hardy’s goal is to evaluate and exploit its asset 
base with a view to creating significant value 
for its shareholders

Our key objectives this year

1

2

3

The enforcement of the 
CY OS/2 award

Realise production 
from our asset portfolio

Returning value to 
shareholders

An arbitration tribunal has ordered the GOI to 
reinstate the CY-OS/2 exploration licence to Hardy 
and pay certain compensation. India’s Supreme 
court is hearing an appeal by the GOI. Hardy has 
filed an execution petition in the Delhi HC and 
initiated confirmation proceedings in the US.

A comprehensive re-development plan for the 
shut-in oil field PY-3 has been recommended. The 
development plan is projected to realise initial 
oil production of 8,000 bbl per day (gross) and 
additional recovery of over 14 million barrels of oil.

Hardy has in place clearly defined strategies 
to achieve our key objectives. The successful 
implantation of these strategies are expected to 
deliver new resources to facilitate the expansion 
of the Company’s upstream portfolio and return 
value to shareholders.

Contents

01

Strategic Report

Contents
Strategic Report Divider page
Summary FY2017
Business Model
Chairman’s Statement
Chief Executive Officer’s Review 

01 
02 
04  
06 
08  
10  
12   Market Overview
Operations
14  
Financial Review
16  
Key Performance Indicators
18  
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
20 
Corporate Responsibility Summary
22 

Governance

Governance Divider page
24 
Board of Directors
26  
27   Management Committee 
Governance Report
28  
Audit Committee Report
32  
Directors’ Remuneration Report
35  
Nomination Committee Report
44  
Directors’ Report
45  

Financial Statements

48 
50  
53 

54  

55  

56 
57 

75  

76  

77  
78 

Financial Statements Divider page
Independent Auditor’s Report
Consolidated Statement
of Comprehensive Income 
Consolidated Statement
of Changes in Equity
Consolidated Statement
of Financial Position
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements
Parent Company Statement
of Changes in Equity
Parent Company Statement
of Financial Position
Parent Company Statement of Cash Flows
Notes to the Parent
Company Financial Statements

Additional Information

83 
84  
85 
87  

Reserve and Resources
Asset Description
Definitions and Glossary of Terms
Company Information

Please visit our website 
for more information: 
www.hardyoil.com

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
02

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Contents
Strategic Report Divider page
Summary FY2017
Business Model
Chairman’s Statement
Chief Executive Officer’s Review 

01 
02 
04  
06 
08  
10  
12   Market Overview
Operations
14  
Financial Review
16  
Key Performance Indicators
18  
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
20 
Corporate Responsibility Summary
22 

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Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017

03

This section of the report details the 
progress of the Company throughout 
the year and where we are with the 
ongoing litigation with the Union 
of India

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information04

Summary FY2017

Hardy Oil and Gas plc (LSE: HDY), 
the oil and gas exploration and 
production company focused in 
India, reports final results for the 
year ended 31 March 2017

Summary

CY-OS/2 

PY-3

GS-01 

Government of India’s (GOI) second appeal of the 
CY-OS/2 international arbitration award, in favour 
of Hardy, (the Award) was dismissed. The GOI has 
subsequently escalated their appeal to the Supreme 
Court of India. Legal process to confirm the Award 
in the US is under consideration by the Washington, 
DC judiciary.

Maintained compliance activities while working 
closely with the GOI and the regulatory authority, 
Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), 
to establish a consensus view on the optimal 
development solution to recommence production.

Resolution of the quantification of liquidated 
damages (LD) associated with the unfinished 
minimum work programme (UMWP) is awaited – 
GOI’s agreement with the uJV’s proposed estimate of 
LD should facilitate the Group’s plans going forward.

Financial

Considering several uncertainties, which may or may 
not be resolved, the Group provided for the write-
down of PY-3 and deferred tax asset of $7.5 million 
resulting in a Total Comprehensive loss of $9.2 
million for the year ended 31 March 2017 (FY16 loss 
of $16.8 million). Cash and short-term investments 
at 31 March 2017 amounted to $14.5 million; 
Hardy has  no debt.

Read the full Financial Review on  
pages 16 to 17

Cash and short-term investments  
at 30 Sept 2017

$14.5 million

Total Comprehensive loss ($ million)

2017

2016

9.2

16.8

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201705

Outlook

CY-OS/2

PY-3

GS-01

The GOI Supreme Court appeal is expected 
to be concluded in the second half of 2017. 
Enforcement of the arbitration award within 
the India judicial system is our priority.

Establish a consensus view on the way forward of 
the development of the PY-3 field. Well monitoring 
activity has been proposed and failing the timely 
adoption of a FFDP and past budgets, planning for 
abandonment will need to be initiated.

Resolution of penalties associated with UMWP 
are expected to continue into 2017. Further capital 
investment is dependent upon gas pricing under 
GOI’s pricing policies.

Our foremost objective, the enforcement of the 
CY-OS/2 Award, will deliver new resources to 
the Group allowing us to expand our portfolio

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
06

Business Model

Revenue

Expenditure

Obtaining exploration rights (1–3 years)

Exploration (2–5 years)

Appraisal (2–5 years)

Acquire directly through national authorities 
or indirectly via purchase or farm-in

Geoscience surveys and studies, high-grade 
prospects,verify via drilling

Geotechnical and engineering studies to
assess commerciality of discoveries

Obtaining hydrocarbon exploration rights is 
accomplished through:
(a)  The granting of exploration licences by the 

government of the countries in which we choose 
to invest. In India this is accomplished via the New 
Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP), a periodic 
competitive closed bid process.

(b)  The acquisition of exploration licences from third 
parties. This can be accomplished via direct farm-
in, purchase or corporate mergers.

Exploration campaigns are planned to try to discover 
oil and gas fields within under-explored sedimentary 
basins. Initial activity will typically involve investment 
in extensive geotechnical analysis which will typically 
include geological modelling of sedimentary basins, 
and the acquisition of seismic and other data, which 
is then integrated to facilitate the identification of 
possible subsurface hydrocarbons accumulations 
(prospects). Drilling of exploration wells commences 
if a prospect has a reasonable chance of success and 
meaningful size estimate.

When we have a significant discovery we undertake 
appraisal programmes which may include the 
drilling of wells and further geotechnical analysis to 
determine the size and quality of the discovery. Initial 
development concepts are formulated to facilitate 
the determination of commerciality. Markets to 
monetise the discovered hydrocarbons are also 
identified at this stage. 

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201707

Hardy focus

Development (3–10 years)

Production optimisation and  
enhanced recovery

Finalise optimal development plan, implement 
plan and commence production

If the appraisal programme confirms that the 
development of a discovery will be commercially 
and financially viable, we begin work on a 
development plan. The plan will map out the 
optimal process to extract the hydrocarbons in a 
cost-effective manner and identify which markets 
the production may be sold into. Field developments 
are complex, require significant capital investment 
and may take many years to implement.

Monitor production and performance, identify 
viable enhanced recovery techniques

Once a discovery is in production we use our 
expertise and knowledge to ensure strategies 
optimise recovery in a safe and cost effective manner. 
Later in a field’s life we create value through the 
implementation of enhanced production strategies 
to optimise the value of recoverable hydrocarbons 
from existing producing fields.

Return profits to shareholders

Establish sustainable business, return capital 
to shareholders

After retaining sufficient profit to reinvest in the 
business, we return profits to our shareholders. 
Divestment and farm-downs, throughout the 
investment cycle described above, may also 
accelerate the return of profits to shareholders.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information08

Chairman’s Statement

The Group has sufficient resources 
to realise our strategic objectives 

Introduction
Throughout the year we continued our struggle to 
enforce our legal right to the reinstatement of the 
exploration licence CY-OS/2 and commensurate 
compensation. The Government of India (GOI) 
appeal of this Award was dismissed by the Division 
Bench of the Delhi High Court and is now being 
heard in the Supreme Court of India. We remain 
resolved to see off all legal challenges put forward 
by the GOI whether in India or in other jurisdictions 
in which we elect to execute this unanimous 
international arbitration award. Our other primary 
goal, securing approvals for the development of 
PY-3, did not advance. The lack of consensus on the 
way forward amongst stakeholders was a significant 
contributing factor to our decision to write-down 
the value of PY-3, and associated deferred tax asset, 
by some $7.5 million.

Strategy
The Group’s strategy is to be an active participant in 
the upstream oil and gas industry, and realise value 
from our current India focused portfolio and pursue 
new opportunities as they arise. We have in place 
clear plans to achieve our objectives that we believe 
can restore value for our shareholders. The successful 
conclusion to the enforcement of the CY-OS/2 
Award process could provide Hardy with significant 
funds and better position the Group to add new 
upstream assets.

Market overview
Commodity markets remained volatile but traded 
within a relatively narrow range throughout the 
year and into FY 18. A modest improvement in the 
global growth outlook and the Organization of the 
Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC’s) and Russia’s 
agreement to production restrictions contributed 
to an overall improvement in oil pricing. The North 
American producers have responded with a 
significant increase in drilling activity. Industry costs 
have stabilised but remain much lower than in 
2014. We have adjusted our cost estimates for 
development scenarios of our portfolio. We expect 
costs to stabilise as excess capacity is removed from 
the market. India has enjoyed a period of robust 
growth and continues to rely on the import of oil 
and gas to meet energy requirements. Prime Minister 
Modi’s objective to increase domestic production 
and improve energy security has resulted in more 
proactive measures being taken by the GOI.

Performance
As at 31 March 2017, the Group had over 
$14.5 million of cash and short-term investments 
with no debt. The Group has sufficient resources to 
realise our strategic objectives. The Group maintains 
robust internal control and risk management 
systems appropriate for a company of our size 
and resources.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201709

We have in place clear plans for all 
our assets. Our foremost objective, 
the enforcement of the CY-OS/2 
Award, will deliver new resources 
to the Group

Governance
The Board composition remained constant 
throughout the year. Further details of the Board’s 
activities this year can be found in the Corporate 
Governance section of this Annual Report. 
In accordance with provision C.2.2 of the 2014 
revision of the UK Code, the Directors have assessed 
the prospects of the Group over a longer period 
than the 12 months required for the “Going Concern” 
statement. The Board conducted this review for 
a period of three years to 31 March 2020. The 
Group’s near-term principal risks remain: the timing 
or execution of activities may not commence as 
forecast and delays may be experienced; the possible 
relinquishment of appraisal acreage; and liabilities 
related to ongoing disputes. 

I would like to acknowledge management’s 
continued commitment to our objectives 
notwithstanding the nugatory actions of the GOI 
regarding the appeal of the CY-OS/2 Award and of 
the uJV partners of PY-3. Under these challenging 
circumstances management’s persistence 
and pragmatism are paramount to realising 
a successful outcome.

Objectives and outlook 
We have in place clear plans for all our assets. Our 
foremost objective, the enforcement of the CY-OS/2 
Award, will deliver new resources to the Group 
allowing us to expand our portfolio of upstream oil 
and gas assets. The other near-term priority of the 
Group remains the development of a consensus on 
the way forward for the PY-3 oil field which could 
take us closer to realising production from our 
portfolio of assets for the benefit of our shareholders. 

Alasdair Locke
Chairman
8 June 2017

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information10

Chief Executive Officer’s Review

Committed to the enforcement 
of the CY-OS/2 Award

Introduction
In FY17 we were successful in advancing the CY-OS/2 
litigation process with the GOI, best highlighted by 
the Delhi High Court (HC) Division Bench dismissal 
of the GOI’s second appeal. We are fully committed 
to seeing through the enforcement of the CY-OS/2 
award which will provide significant capital infusion 
and allow us to recommence appraisal activity. 
We continued to fulfil our obligations as Operator of 
PY-3, including the assessment of field development 
options, protecting uJV interests against unfounded 
third-party claims, and the planning of well 
monitoring activity. Notwithstanding our efforts, 
a consensus on the way forward for PY-3 has 
not been reached and our consortium partners 
have not funded their obligations for several 
consecutive years. 

Implementing our strategy
Enforcement of the CY-OS/2 Award is our primary 
focus. Successful implementation of the CY-OS/2 
Award will create a robust platform for Hardy 
to rebuild our portfolio of upstream asset. The 
recommencement of production from the PY-3 field, 
considering current economic conditions, remains 
viable under several development concepts being 
considered by the PY-3 joint venture (uJV). 

Operations
In July 2016, the GOI’s second appeal to the Delhi 
HC against the CY-OS/2 international arbitration 
award was dismissed based on jurisdiction. 
The Delhi HC Division Bench summarised that India 
did not have jurisdiction over the foreign award. 
We were disappointed, but not surprised, that the 
GOI subsequently filed a Special Leave Petition 
with the Supreme Court of India challenging the 
Delhi HC ruling. Our execution application of the 
Award in the Delhi HC will likely remain pending 
until the conclusion of the Supreme Court appeal. 
We continue to believe that:

•  The arbitration award, issued by a tribunal, 

comprising of three former Chief Justices of India, 
was unanimous and well-reasoned.

•  The dispute resolution articles of the Production 

Sharing Contract (PSC) clearly state that an 
arbitration award is to be final and binding on 
all Parties. In our view therefore, the GOI’s appeal 
breaks the sanctity of the PSC.

However, should the Supreme Court overrule the HC 
ruling then the merits of the award will be heard in 
an India High Court.

India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention 
on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign 
Arbitral Awards 1958 (New York Convention). 
This allows entities / nation states the right to 
enforce  foreign arbitral awards in any jurisdiction 
which is a signatory to the New York Convention. 
Statute of limitation constraints prompted Hardy 

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201711

to initiate legal proceedings (award confirmation) 
in the USA to preserve our rights to enforce the 
CY-OS/2 Award. We are also exploring initiating 
enforcement of our legal rights in several other 
jurisdictions. Our preference remains to conclude 
the process within the framework of India’s 
judicial system which would result in restoration 
of the block enabling Hardy to continue with an 
appraisal programme.

($2.8 million) and associated deferred tax asset ($5.2 
million). Conservation of cash resources is paramount 
for the Group. Total general and administrative 
expenditure decreased from $4.0 million in FY16 to 
$2.6 million. The decrease is primarily due to non-
recurring expenditures amounting to $1.6 million in 
FY16. The Group projects administrative expenses for 
FY18 to be more than $3.0 million due to additional 
legal expenditures and other expenses.

Cash used in operating activities amounted to 
$3.2 million for the year ended 31 March 2017 
compared to a cash outflow of $3.7 million for the 
year ended 31 March 2016. The Group’s capital 
expenditure and investment income was nominal at 
$0.3 million. With cash and short-term investments 
of $14.5 million as at 31 March 2017, and no debt, 
the Group is well funded to meet its current work 
commitments on the Indian asset portfolio.

In July 2016, the GOI’s second 
appeal to the Delhi HC against the 
CY-OS/2 international arbitration 
award was dismissed based on 
jurisdiction

Outlook
Our objectives remain to enforce the CY-OS/2 Award 
which will deliver new cash resources to expand 
our portfolio within or outside of India and securing 
stakeholders’ approvals to initiate activity that will 
take us closer to realising production from our 
portfolio of assets for the benefit of our shareholders.

Ian MacKenzie
Chief Executive Officer 
8 June 2017

The resumption of production from our PY-3 asset 
remains a priority. We have been providing all 
possible support to the PY-3 consortium partners 
and other stakeholders to facilitate the timely 
conclusion of deliberation. A key contributing factor 
to the lack of consensus has been exceptionally 
high levy rates. Throughout the year, Hardy 
alongside major industry participants lobbied to 
seek relief from the excessive rates. Unfortunately, 
a rate reduction has not been achieved and a lack 
of consensus, among the uJV partners, persists. 
Considering present commodity prices, royalty 
and other financial levy rates, and the additional 
profit oil entitlement of the GOI beyond the 
primary term of the PSC (December 2019), a viable 
development plan will need to achieve significant 
cost savings. This is achievable but will require all 
uJV parties to approach discussions in a positive 
and proactive manner.

Our plan to acquire a further interest in, and 
operatorship of, our GS-01 asset remains in place. 
The acquisition process is primarily dependent on 
the settlement of liquidated damages relating to 
an Unfinished Minimum Work Programme. The 
GOI current gas pricing policy stipulates a price 
of $2.5 per mmbtu which does not support the 
proposed development plan for Dhirubhai 33. If we 
can conclude the acquisition process we will need 
to explore alternative development plans or secure a 
change in the GOI policy to allow free market pricing.

Health, Safety and Environment (HSE)
As an offshore operator, the Group is committed to 
excellent health and safety practices which are at 
the forefront in all our activities. Although all offshore 
activities were suspended in 2012, our intention to 
initiate activities in the future means that we will 
continue our commitment to maintain high HSE 
standards throughout the organisation. 

Financial 
The Group is reporting a total comprehensive loss 
of $9.2 million for the year ended 31 March 2017 
compared to a loss of $16.8 million for the year 
ended 31 March 2016. The loss is attributable to 
the write-down of Property Plant and Equipment 
associated with PY-3 ($3.0 million), and associated 
deferred tax asset ($5.5 million). In FY16, the Group 
wrote-down intangible assets – exploration assets 
associated with GS-01 ($4.9 million), property, plant 
and equipment associated with the PY-3 oil field 

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information12

Market Overview

India’s political, legal and upstream
regulatory policies combined 
with globally competitive fiscal 
terms provide a positive foreign 
investment  environment

Oil Imports

+30%

Population

1.3 billion

Energy Consumption CAGR

GDP growth per annum

+4.2%

8%

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201713

Turning to energy consumption, BP’s Energy Outlook 
20172 projected “India’s energy consumption is 
set to grow 4.2 per cent a year by 2035, faster than 
that of all major economies in the world. India, 
Asia’s second biggest energy consumer since 2008, 
had in 2015 overtaken Japan as the world’s third 
largest oil consuming country behind the US and 
China. We project that India’s energy consumption 
will grow the fastest among all major economies 
by 2035. As a result, the country remains import 
dependent. India’s consumption of fossil fuels will 
be the highest by 2035 and is projected to overtake 
China as the largest growth market for energy in 
volume terms by 2030. 

India’s demand for natural gas is expected to grow by 
about 19 per cent per annum3 (from 370 mmscmd in 
2016 to 516 mmscmd in FY2023 ) to meet the ever-
increasing requirements of the power, fertiliser and 
other industries. The Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) 
and city gas sector are also projected to see a 
quantum growth in natural gas use. Domestic  
supply by 2018 is projected to be 231 mmscmd, 
falling well short of expected demand.

The GOI’s New Domestic Natural Gas Guidelines, 
benchmarked domestic natural gas prices to market 
prices of net exporting countries. As a result, prices 
are much lower than the cost of replacement fuels 
in India. Current prices are $2.5 per mmbtu based on 
the net calorific value (NCV) of the sales gas. The GOI’s 
recent policies regarding the auction of Discovered 
Small Fields and HELP, which provided for freedom to 
market gas, and a more market aligned benchmark 
criteria for deep water, high pressure and high 
temperature discoveries are possible indications of 
an intention to migrate to full marketing freedom.

IMF, World Economic Outlook, April 2017.

1 
2  BP.com – Energy Outlook 2017.
3  PNGRB – Vision 2030 Natural Gas Infrastructure.

Economic and political overview 
Global economic activity is picking up which the 
IMF attributes to a cyclical recovery in investment, 
manufacturing and trade. The IMF projects global 
growth rates to rise from 3.1 per cent in 2016 to 
3.6 per cent by 20181. Oil demand grew quicker than 
expected due to growth in Europe combined with 
expected long-term growth in China, India and  
non-OECD countries. 

An agreement of OPEC countries and 11 non-
OPEC countries to reduce production is believed 
to be an attempt to better manage supply and 
demand levels. Oil prices continued to show a 
high level of volatility ranging from a high of $55 
to below $36 per bbl. The Dated Brent ICE Forward 
curve suggests prices will trade in a relatively 
narrow band between $50 and $60 per bbl for the 
foreseeable future. Long- term demand growth is 
projected to slow, due in part, to environmental 
legislation pressures and also improvements in fuel 
efficiency of transportation. Global conventional 
gas production, led by the Middle East, Russia and 
Australia, is projected to increase at 0.7 per cent per 
annum. Demand growth is projected to be driven 
by China, Middle East and the US.

The market rates for services continued to fall as 
contractors and operators remain focused on 
improvements in efficiencies. We have adjusted 
our capital and operating expenditure estimates 
to reflect the changed cost base. In a stabilised oil 
price environment, we would expect to see a return 
of some inflationary pressure on costs as excess 
capacity is removed from the market.

India
The IMF have stated that:
”The Indian economy is growing strongly and 
remains a bright spot in the global landscape. 
The halving of global oil prices that began in late 
2014 boosted economic activity in India, further 
improved the external current account and fiscal 
positions, and helped lower inflation. In addition, 
continued fiscal consolidation, by reducing 
government deficits and debt accumulation, and an 
anti-inflationary monetary policy stance have helped 
cement macroeconomic stability. The government 
has made significant progress on important 
economic reforms, which will support strong and 
sustainable growth going forward. In particular, 
the upcoming implementation of the goods and 
services tax, which has been in the making for over 
a decade, will help raise India’s medium-term growth 
to above 8 per cent, as it will enhance the efficiency 
of production and movement of goods and services 
across Indian states. Challenges remain, however, 
and there is little scope for complacency. A key 
concern for us is the health of the banking system, 
which is still dealing with a large amount of bad 
loans, and also heightened corporate vulnerabilities 
in several key sectors of the economy.” 

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information14

Operations

The Group’s exploration and 
production assets are based in 
India and are held through its wholly 
owned subsidiary, Hardy Exploration 
& Production (India) Inc. (HEPI)

Chennai

N

Ganesha-1
well

CY-OS/2

NEYVELI

Pondicherry

ARIYALUR-PONDICHERRY  
SUB-BASIN

BHUVANAGL02

OIL FIELD

GAS FIELD

GAS CONDENSATE FIELD

MYLIADUTHURAI

KALI

PY-1 FIELD

CY-OS/2

MADANAM

PY-3 FIELD

KUTHALAM

TRANQUEBAR
SUB-BASIN

30 km

Hardy Operator of
Blocks CY-OS/2 and PY-3

Health, Safety and Environment
The Group is committed to excellent health and 
safety practices which are at the forefront in all our 
activities. Although all offshore activities are currently 
suspended, maintaining high HSE standards 
throughout the organisation remains core to all our 
undertakings. The Group’s HSE policy document is 
regularly reviewed and amended as appropriate.

Block CY-OS/2
Appraisal (Hardy 75 per cent interest – Operator)
Litigation – On 27 July 2016 the GOI’s second appeal 
to the Delhi HC Division Bench was dismissed based 
on jurisdiction. The GOI has subsequently filed a 
Special Leave Petition with the Supreme Court of 
India challenging the Delhi HC Division Bench ruling. 
Hardy has previously filed an execution petition with 
the Delhi HC and this has run in parallel with the GOI’s 
appeal. The matter has been continually adjourned 
due to the ongoing GOI appeal. It is expected that 
the execution hearings will progress should GOI’s 
appear, in the Supreme Court, be dismissal.

The Group has initiated Confirmation proceedings 
in the Federal Court of Washington DC, United 
States of America. This action has been initiated to 
maintain the option to enforce the Award in the 
US. Our primary objective remains to conclude the 
appeal and enforcement process within the Indian 
judicial system. The timely conclusion of the dispute 
resolution process within Indian institutions will 
validate our long-standing commitment to India 
and facilitate our future participation in meeting 
the country’s growing energy requirements.

Contingent Asset – As at 31 March 2017, Hardy’s 
75 per cent share of the compensation awarded 
by the Hon’ble Arbitration Tribunal amounted to 
approximately $64.5 million.

Objective – We will continue to seek the restoration 
of the block to the CY-OS/2 joint venture in a timely 
manner. The appeal and enforcement process 
in India is likely to continue into 2018. The Group 
believes that it has a strong position as the 
unanimous international award, passed by three 
former Chief Justices of India and is well reasoned. 
Hardy intends to recommence work on the appraisal 
of the Ganesha-1 natural gas discovery once the 
block has been restored to the CY-OS/2 joint venture.

Background – Hardy is the operator of the CY-
OS/2 exploration block and holds a 75 per cent 
participating interest. The block is in the northern 
part of the Cauvery Basin immediately offshore 
from Pondicherry, India and covers approximately 
859 km2. The Ganesha-1 discovery well was drilled 
to a depth of 4,089 m and on testing the well 
flowed natural gas at a peak rate of 10.7 mmscfd.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201715

Objective – Finalise the quantum of liquidated 
damages outstanding prior to concluding 
discussions with our partner to acquire its 
participating interest and the Operatorship of 
the block. Following this, a priority will be to 
revisit a proposed FDP taking into consideration 
the prevailing commodity pricing and reduced 
cost environment.

Background – In 2011, the GS-01 joint venture 
secured the GOI’s agreement for the declaration of 
commerciality (DOC) proposal for the Dhirubhai 33 
discovery GS01-B1 (drilled in 2007) which flow-
tested at a rate of 18.6 mmscfd gas with 415 bbld of 
condensate through a 56/64 inch choke at flowing 
tubing head pressure of 1,346 psi. The GS-01 licence 
is in the Gujarat-Saurashtra offshore basin off the 
west coast of India, north west of the prolific Bombay 
High oil field, with water depths varying between 
80 m and 150 m. The retained discovery area 
covers 600 km2. 

Award summary – relinquishment by the Ministry 
of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MOPNG) of the GOI 
was illegal; the unincorporated Joint Venture (uJV) 
shall be entitled to a period of three years from the 
date on which the block is restored to it, to carry out 
further appraisal; the uJV shall be paid compensation 
calculated at the simple rate of 9 per cent per annum 
on the amount of Rs. 5.0 billion from the date of 
relinquishment till the date of the award; interest will 
then accrue at a rate of 18 per cent per annum on 
the amount of Rs. 5.0 billion until the block is restored 
to the uJV.

noted above. The Operator collects amounts 
due from each partner in accordance with their 
respective participating interest. To date the uJV 
partners have not been forthcoming with payment 
of cash calls against this award and other joint costs 
incurred since the shut-in of PY-3. In March 2017, 
Hardy initiated arbitration with the uJV partners 
to collect outstanding amounts associated with 
expenditures incurred by the Group in fulfilling 
its responsibilities as operator of PY-3. The dispute 
resolution process is expected to conclude in the 
second half of 2018.

Block CY-OS 90/1 (PY-3):
Oil Field (Hardy 18 per cent interest – Operator)
Operations – A PY-3 Management Committee 
(MC) meeting was convened in FY16 to consider 
the Operating Committee’s (OC) recommended 
Full Field Development Plan (FFDP) and budgets. 
Several agenda items were agreed but finalisation 
of the minutes of meeting that represent the 
matters agreed have not been forthcoming 
from the regulator. 

In FY17 the Group made multiple representations 
to the Hon’ble Minister of State, Sri Pradhan, 
senior members of the Administration of MOPNG, 
the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) 
and the heads of the PY-3 uJV. Matters which 
have prolonged the deliberation of the proposed 
FFDP and possible resolutions were discussed. It 
was stressed that the proposed FFDP is projected 
to generate considerable value directly to the 
GOI via financial levies, profit petroleum and 
taxes. A consensus among uJV partners remains 
wanting. Hardy has initiated planning for well 
monitoring activity which may provide the PY-3 
JV and MOPNG more time to reach a consensus 
and allow Hardy sufficient time to implement an 
agreed development plan.

Following a lengthy arbitration process and the 
rejection of Hardy’s subsequent appeal to the Madras 
HC, Samson Maritime Limited has secured an award, 
amounting to $4.9 million, against Hardy for offshore 
services provided during 2011 and 2012. The full 
amount of the award is included in current liabilities. 
Samson has subsequently filed an execution petition 
with the Madras HC which is scheduled to be argued 
in June 2017.

As Operator Hardy is obliged to enter contracts 
directly with service providers on behalf of the uJV, 
such as the Samson Maritime Limited arrangement 

Objective – Generate a consensus among uJV 
partners on a viable development plan for the 
recommencement of production. It is expected that 
offshore activity could commence within 9 to 12 
months of the sanctioning of the development plan 
by the Management Committee. The development 
plans under consideration may require funding in 
excess of the Group’s current cash resources.

Background – The PY-3 field is located off the east 
coast of India, 80 km south of Pondicherry in water 
depths between 40 m and 450 m. The licence covers 
81 km2 and produces high quality light crude oil. The 
field has produced over 24.8 mmbbl and was shut-in 
in July 2011 due to the expiry of the production 
facilities’ marine classification and absence of 
budgetary approval to extend the contract.

Block GS-OSN-2000/1 (GS-01):
Appraisal (Hardy 10 per cent interest) 
Operations – The matter of possible liquidated 
damages associated with unfinished minimum 
work programme (UMWP), which has been 
under consideration since 2009, continued to 
be deliberated by the GOI and the operator. It is 
our understanding that this is a common matter 
for NELP1 to VII licenses starting in 2005 to 2016 
including the Group’s D9 licence relinquished in 
2012. Hardy and other operators have been working 
with industry associations to develop a policy to 
facilitate a resolution. The GS-01 uJV has conveyed to 
the GOI that this matter needs to be closed out prior 
to the progression of further activity on the block. 
The Group has previously provided for $0.3 million 
of liquidated damages which is Hardy’s share of the 
operators estimate.

We will continue to seek the 
restoration of the block to the CY-OS/2 
joint venture in a timely manner

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information16

Financial Review

In the year ended 31 March 
2017, the Group recorded a total 
comprehensive loss of $9.2 million 
and at year end had total cash 
and short-term investments 
of $14.5 million with no debt

Summary statement

Comprehensive income

Financial position

Statement of cash flows

Production costs

FY17

FY16

(0.2)

Non-current assets

Cash flow (used in) operating activities

0.5m

FY17

FY16

55.9

FY17

63.0

FY16

(3.1)

(3.7)

Unsuccessful exploration write-down

Current assets

Capital expenditure

FY17

FY16

0.0

FY17

(5.0)

FY16

19.3

FY17

21.8

FY16

0.0

0.0

Impairment of PY-3

Non-current liabilities

Financing activity

FY17

FY16

(3.0)

(2.8)

FY17

FY16

4.5

FY17

5.2

FY16

0.4

0.3

Administrative expense

Current liabilities

Cash and short-term investments

FY17

FY16

Taxation

FY17

FY16

Total comprehensive loss

FY17

FY16

(2.6)

(4.0)

FY17

FY16

8.1

FY17

7.8

FY16

14.5

17.6

(4.5)

(5.2)

(9.2)

(16.8)

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
17

Liquidity risk management and going 
concern and long-term viability
The Group closely monitors and manages its liquidity 
risk. Cash forecasts are regularly produced and 
sensitivities run for different scenarios, including 
changes in timing of developments, cost overruns 
of our planned activity and working capital inflows 
and outflows. At 31 March 2017, the Group had liquid 
resources of approximately $14.5 million, in the form 
of cash and short-term investments, which is available 
to meet ongoing capital, operating and administrative 
expenditure. The Group’s forecasts, considering 
possible changes as described above, show that 
the Group has sufficient financial resources for the 
12 months from the date of approval of the Annual 
Report for the year ended 31 March 2017. The Group 
does not have any debt. 

The Group’s viability statement can be found in the 
Principal Risks and uncertainties section of this report.

Summary statement of comprehensive 
income
Production Costs – The Group has considered the 
continuing fall in offshore services and therefore made 
an adjustment to the underlying cost assumptions 
associated with decommissioning of PY-3. As a result, 
a write-back to the Decommissioning Provision of 
$0.8 million was credited. 

The Group incurred $0.3 million of operating costs 
associated with the Group’s share of direct costs 
incurred fulfilling its obligations as operator of 
joint  undertakings PY-3 and CY-OS/2.

Unsuccessful exploration write-down – In FY16 
the Group had expensed $5.0 million of exploration 
costs incurred in association with the drilling of a 
gas discovery on the GS-01 block. These expenses 
had previously been capitalised and recorded under 
intangible asset – exploration.

Impairment of PY-3 – The PY-3 asset has been 
fully impaired resulting in a write-down of property, 
plant and equipment of $3.0 million. Management 
has considered the prevailing oil price, GOI policies, 
absence of consensus on a development plan and the 
requirement of the grant of a licence extension, by the 
GOI, beyond December 2019 when the primary term 
of the PSC expires. It was concluded that under the 
current circumstances there is insufficient certainty 
of development.

The Group believe that there are several economically 
viable development solutions and will continue 
to facilitate discussion amongst all stakeholders 
to attempt to reach a consensus for the field to be 
brought back into production.

Administrative expense – Administrative expense 
decreased by $1.4 million. The net decrease was 
primarily due to various provisions and non-recurring 
costs amounting to $1.6 million in FY16. Due to 
a projected increase in legal cost, administrative 
expense are likely to be over $3.0 million in FY18.

Investment income and finance cost – The Group 
realised interest income of $0.4 million (FY16: $0.3 
million) and no finance costs.

Taxation – No current tax is payable for the year 
ended 31 March 2017. Having consideration for 
the impairment of the PY-3 asset the Group has no 
certainty of projected tax payable that may be offset 
by the Group’s carried forward losses within the 
legislated timeframe. As a result, a full write-down 
of the Group’s deferred tax asset of $4.5 million 
was provided.

Total comprehensive loss – The Group’s total 
comprehensive loss is largely attributable to the write-
downs associated with PY-3 and deferred tax assets.

Non-current assets – Non-current assets 
represent successful or work-in-progress exploration 
expenditure. The $7.1 million decrease is the result of 
the $3.0 million write-down of PY-3 and deferred tax 
asset of $4.5 million. The write down of PY-3 is due to 
the absence of a consensus amongst stakeholders 
on the way forward for the PY-3 field and uncertainty 
regarding the extension of the PY-3 PSC. The deferred 
tax asset has been written down due to the absence of 
certainty that the Group will generate taxable income 
in the near-term.

Current assets – The Group’s cash and short-term 
investments reduced by $3.1 million to $14.5 million. 
This is essentially due to the payment of general and 
administrative expenses. Trade and other receivables 
of $3.9 million largely represents some of the amounts 
due to be recovered from uJV partners of assets 
operated by Hardy.

Non-current liabilities – The Group’s non-
current liabilities represent a provision for the 
decommissioning of the PY-3 field and deferred 
tax liability. 

The decommissioning provision has been estimated 
based on observed long-term industry cost trends. 
Management also considered the current depressed 
cost environment and uncertainty regarding the 
timing of decommissioning. As a result, the provision 
was reduced by $0.8 to $4.5.million. Management will 
continue to evaluate its underlying assumptions.

Current liabilities – Trade and other accounts 
payable comprises of amounts due to vendors 
and other provisions associated with various 
joint arrangements, including an award of 
$4.9 million due to Samson Maritime as outlined 
in the operations  review.

Summary statement of cash flows
Net cash used in operating activities – Cash 
used in operating activities comprised of $1.9 million 
for administrative costs and net debtor and creditor 
movement of $1.2 million. The net debtor movement 
of $0.7 million is attributed to an increase in accrued 
receivables from various joint arrangements operated 
by the Group. 

Capital expenditure – The Group did not incur any 
material capital expenditures in the year. 

Financing activity – Interest and investment income, 
realised predominantly from an Indian rupee deposit, 
amounted to $0.4 million.

Cash and short-term investments – Sufficient 
resources are available to meet ongoing capital, 
operating and administrative expenditure. The Group 
has no debt.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information18

Key Performance Indicators

KPIs provide an illustration of 
management’s ability to successfully 
deliver against the Group’s strategic 
objectives

The Board periodically reviews the KPIs of the  
Group considering the strategic objectives and  
the challenges facing implementation of such.  
The Board has identified two financial and three non-
financial measures as KPIs for Hardy. The measures 
reflect the Group’s ongoing efforts to achieve the 
reinstatement of the CY- OS/2 exploration block, 
the importance of a positive cash position and our 
underlying commitment to ensuring safe operations. 
A summary is provided in the table below:

Financial 

Enforcement of the Award

Definition – Enforcement 
of the CY-OS/2 Award which 
provides for the reinstatement 
of the exploration licence and 
payment of compensation.

Relevance – Reinstatement 
of the exploration block will 
permit the appraisal of the 
Ganesha discovery.

Progress – Initial GOI appeal 
dismissed in Delhi HC. GOI 
appealed to Supreme Court 
of India.

Compensation of 
approximately $64.5 million 
to significantly improve the 
Group’s financial position.

Initiation of confirmation of 
award in Washington DC USA.

FY2018 outlook/target 
– Conclusion of the GOI 
Supreme Court appeal 
and progress enforcement 
proceedings in India.

Confirmation of award in 
the US.

Key activity – Preparation 
and delivery of robust 
representations in Indian 
and US courts.

Control of overhead cash flow

Definition – Cash 
administrative expense in 
India and UK less partner 
recharges.

Relevance – Preservation 
of capital is an important 
consideration of the Board. 
Net cash from operating 
activities provides a good 
measure of the level of 
capital erosion or accretion 
experienced by the Group.

Progress – Reduced 
underlying cost base of 
business. Further reductions 
may be counterproductive.

FY2018 outlook/target – 
Maintain current levels.

Key activity – Close 
monitoring of all expenditures.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201719

Operational 

Resolution of litigation

Definition – The Group is 
involved in several litigation 
proceedings initiated by third 
parties and the Group.

Relevance – Litigation 
proceedings heavily detract 
management from focusing 
on value creation activities.

Progress – Several disputed 
matters have been progressed 
or resolved.

FY2018 outlook/target –  
The timely resolution or 
avoidance of further legal 
matters largely dependent on 
actions of PY-3 stakeholders.

Key activity – Where 
practical, approach 
counterparts to reach 
mutually equitable 
conclusion to proceedings.

Mitigation of costs 
and liabilities.

Approval of PY-3 FFDP

Definition – Management 
Committee (MC) approval of 
a FFDP including all technical 
aspects of the implementation 
plan and required capital and 
operating budgets.

Relevance – Approval of an 
FFDP will provide a tangible 
milestone for creating value 
and possibly mitigate disputes 
between stakeholders.

Progress – A consensus 
amongst uJV partners remined 
outstanding. Management 
conveyed to the regulator 
(DGH) required action to 
achieve recommencement 
of production.

FY2018 outlook/target –
Reach consensus on scope, 
timing and budget amongst 
uJV partners. Seek GOI 
sanctioning of agreed plan.

Key activity – Facilitate 
further discussion among 
stakeholders to establish 
an equitable distribution of 
cash flow post-tax and other 
financial levies.

Total recordable injuries (TRIs)

Definition – TRIs include 
fatalities, lost time injuries, 
cases restricted for work, cases 
of substitute work due to 
injury and medical treatment 
cases by medical professionals. 
It does not include any first 
aid injury.

Relevance – This metric is 
used to provide guidance
as to the Group’s HSE 
performance.

Progress – Absence of field 
activity and diligent onshore 
procedures have maintained 
no recordable injuries.

FY2018 outlook/target –  
No TRIs.

Key activity – Prior to 
recommencement of field 
operations, management will 
undertake a comprehensive 
review and roll-out of HSE 
policy and practice to staff  
and contractors.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information20

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

As an oil and gas exploration and production Group 
with operations focused in India, Hardy is subject 
to a variety of risks and uncertainties. Managing 
risk effectively is a critical element of our corporate 
responsibility and underpins the safe delivery of 
our business plans and strategic objectives

Key of Change

Increased risk

Remained stable

Decreased risk

Board
The Group has a systematic approach to risk 
identification and management which combines 
the Board’s assessment of risk with risk factors 
originating from, and identified by, the Group’s senior 
management team. Risks are identified, assessed for 
materiality, documented, and monitored through 
a risk register with senior management involved in 
the process. Risks that are identified as high and/
or trending upwards are noted and assigned to 
the Executive Director to monitor and, if possible, 
proactively mitigate. The risk register is part of a 
dynamic database in which new risks may be added 
when identified or removed as they are eliminated 
or become immaterial. The Board has formed a sub-
committee on risk which reports periodically to the 
Audit Committee. The Board is provided with regular 
updates of the identified principal risks at scheduled 
Board meetings.

Principal risks and uncertainties
The underlying risks and uncertainties inherent in 
Hardy’s current business model have been grouped 
into four categories: strategic, financial, operational 
and compliance. The Board has identified principal 
risks and uncertainties for FY18 and established clear 
policies and responsibilities to mitigate their possible 
negative impact on the business, a summary of 
which is provided below:

Viability Statement
In accordance with the provision of section C.2.2 
of the 2014 revision of the UK Code, the Directors 
have assessed the viability of the Group over a 
three-year period to March 2020, considering the 
Group’s current position and the potential impact 
of the principal risks documented in this report. 
Based on this assessment, the Directors have a 
reasonable expectation that the Group will be able 
to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as 
they fall due over the period to March 2020.

In making this statement, the Directors have 
considered the resilience of the Group, its 
current position, the principal risks facing the 
business in severe but reasonable scenarios 
and the effectiveness of any mitigating actions. 
This assessment has considered the potential 
impacts of these risks on the business model, 
future performance, solvency and liquidity over 
the period. This assessment highlighted that  
in certain extreme circumstances a funding  
deficit could arise toward the end of the  
three-year period. 

These circumstances could include:
•  cash outflow in respect of current liabilities 
without commensurate recovery of debts 
due from uJV partners; and

•  the materialisation of contingent liabilities, 
unprovided for claims by third parties and 
Government authorities.

To a certain extent, the materialisation of the 
instances listed above can be mitigated by the 
reduction of overhead and pursuing legal avenues 
to protect the Group’s assets. 

The Directors have determined that the three-year 
period to March 2020 is an appropriate period 
over which to provide its Viability Statement. This 
covers the period when the Group hopes to have 
established any feasible development plans for 
PY-3, CY-OS/2 and GS-01. The PY-3 development 
is the only asset that could possibly require 
additional funding during this period. In making 
their assessment, the Directors have considered 
the Group’s current cash position and that no 
capital is committed and they have not considered 
the receipt of the CY-OS/2 Contingent Asset of 
$64.5 million. 

The Group has considered that additional funding 
needs may be met, as appropriate, by access to the 
debt and capital markets, although there are no 
immediate plans to do so, along with the possible 
divestment of assets in which the Group holds 
a significant working interest. 

Risk or uncertainty

Mitigation

Change

Strategic

Asset portfolio exclusively in one 
geopolitical region

In the short term the Group’s strategy is predominantly influenced by 
ongoing arbitration and litigation and the outcome of such. The Group 
seeks to mitigate risks inherent with such litigious matters, however 
duration is out of the control of the Group and the risk of an adverse 
outcome cannot be fully mitigated. It is the Group’s intention to rebuild 
a portfolio of upstream oil and gas assets upon conclusion of the 
CY- OS/2 dispute.

Convey business constraints to accomplishing our objective via direct and open dialogue 
with government officials, active participation in industry lobby groups including the 
Association of Oil and Gas Operators. Further additions to the India portfolio will not be 
considered until tangible progress in our existing portfolio. 

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201721

Risk or uncertainty

Mitigation

Change

Financial

Volatility in international crude oil prices and India’s natural gas 
administered pricing policy may adversely affect some of the Group’s 
prospects and projected results from future operations. Other major 
financial risks facing the Group could be: financing constraints for 
further appraisal and development; cost overruns; and adverse results 
from ongoing or pending litigation.

Prolonged delay in enforcement of  
CY-OS/2 Award

Secure high quality and reputable legal counsel. Management of stakeholder expectation. 
Preserve right to enforce in other jurisdictions.

Arbitration and Litigation – the Group is 
involved in a number of disputes with 
service providers, uJV partners and Indian 
tax authorities

Cost of litigation

Liquidated damages started (LD), unfinished 
Minimum Work Programme (MWP) 

Operational

The Group has secured high quality, reputable professional advisors and legal counsel in 
India and other jurisdictions. Proactive and constructive engagement with uJV partners. 
Sanctioning of a PY-3 FFDP may mitigate several outstanding or pending disputes.

Budget for litigation remains high. Effective management and monitoring of advisory 
costs. Explore timely resolution of disputes not strategic in nature.

Monitor through media and dialogue with operator, prepare for possible dispute. 
Engagement with industry lobby groups to facilitate formulation of industry wide 
resolution. A provision has been made based on management’s assessment of a 
reasonable outcome.

Offshore exploration and production activities by their nature involve 
significant risks. Risks such as delays in executing work programmes, 
construction and commissioning of production facilities or other 
technical difficulties, lack of access to key infrastructure, adverse weather 
conditions, environmental hazards, industrial accidents, occupational and 
health hazards, technical failures, labour disputes, unusual or unexpected 
geological formations, explosions and other acts of God are inherent to 
the business.

Securing approval for further development 
of PY-3

Communication with partners to address individual interests and agendas. Clearly 
formulate and articulate mutually beneficial proposals. Mitigate expenditures prior to 
budget approvals. 

PY-3 HSE – status of PY-3 wells

Contractual dispute with uJV partners

Enforcement of arbitration award

Compliance

Three subsea wells were securely shut-in in March 2012. The shut-in of wells has been 
longer than expected and, in the absence of timely sanctioning of the FFDP, monitoring of 
wells or full abandonment of the PY-3 field may need to be initiated.

Maintain communication with senior members of uJV partners. In April 2017, Hardy 
initiated the dispute resolution procedures provided for under the PY-3 joint operating 
agreement by instigating binding arbitration proceedings.

Samson Maritime Limited has secured an award against HEPI on PY-3 which is enforceable 
in India. Samson are currently seeking to secure against various assets of the wholly 
owned subsidiary. This could result in business disruption until the matter is resolved. 
Processes and procedures have been tested and are in place to mitigate the impact of 
enforcement proceedings.

The Group’s current business is dependent on the continuing enforceability 
of the PSCs, farm-in agreements, and exploration and development 
licences. The Group’s core operational activities are dependent on 
securing various governmental approvals. Developments in politics, 
laws, regulations and/or general adverse public sentiment could 
compromise  securing such approvals in the future.

Regulatory and political environment in India Ensure full compliance of all laws, regulations and provision of contracts. Develop 

Taxation and third-party claims

sustainable relationships with government and communities. Actively collaborate with 
industry groups to formulate and communicate interests to government authorities. 

Secured the services of leading professional and legal service providers. Proactive 
communication with taxation authorities to ensure queries are addressed and 
assessments are agreed or challenged as required.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information22

Corporate Responsibility Summary

We conduct our business safely and
in a fair, honest and ethical manner

Hardy is committed to applying high ethical 
standards to maintain and enhance its 
reputation as an employer and operator 
of choice
Corporate social responsibility is a fundamental part 
of implementing the Group’s corporate strategy and 
has both practical and ethical dimensions. It includes 
managing business concerns, such as risk, enhancing 
reputation in conjunction with investing in the 
community, and creating a place where people  
feel good about working.

Governance – managing our business 
ethically and with integrity 
Code of Business Conduct
We have a comprehensive Code of Business 
Conduct that was adopted in 2013 (the Code) 
which details the levels of behaviour we expect all 
employees to adhere to when representing Hardy. 
Everyone working for Hardy is personally responsible 
for following the Code and ensuring that we conduct 
our business safely and in a fair, honest and ethical 
manner. Full details of the policy are available on our 
website www.hardyoil.com.

Compliance awareness
The Chief Executive Officer personally introduces the 
Code to all employees and the Board and executive 
are committed to ensure that the Code is embedded 
throughout the business.

Raising concerns
Hardy employees and contractors are encouraged 
to promptly report any concerns they have about 
the Company’s business practices or where 
someone is concerned or suspects that the Code 
has been breached. Where members of staff do not 
feel comfortable reporting concerns to their line 
manager or executive, they have been invited to 
contact the Senior Non-Executive Director directly 
through a confidential email address. The Board 
does not tolerate retaliation against an individual 
reporting in good faith.

HSE
The Company is committed to excellent health and 
safety practices which are at the forefront of all our 
activities. Although all offshore activities are currently 
suspended, maintaining high HSE standards 
throughout the organisation remains core to all 
our undertakings. 

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Hardy Oil and Gas plc’s total GHG emissions for the 
period 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017 have been 
calculated as 190 tCO2e which equates to 12.7 
tCO2e/FTE. Calculations have been carried out in 
accordance with the Defra Environmental Reporting 
Guidelines (2013) and emissions factors have been 
sourced from the Defra 2013 UK Government 
Conversion Factors for Company Reporting. 
The figure presented includes all material Scope 1 
and Scope 2 emissions from all assets under Hardy 
Oil and Gas plc’s operational control.

Our people – being a rewarding, challenging 
and pleasant place to work
Local content
India has an extensive pool of upstream oil and 
gas professionals. As a result, we have been able to 
develop and maintain 100 per cent local staffing of 
our India-based professionals and staff.

Development
We recognise that our success is clearly linked to 
the knowledge, skills, experience and motivation 
of our team, and their ability to develop innovative 
and creative solutions to our opportunities and 
challenges. Management have set ambitious targets 
which will require Hardy employees to maintain their 
high level of proficiency and to strive for excellence.

The Board would like to take this opportunity 
to recognise the importance of our team and 
acknowledge their efforts and patience in the 
past year.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201723

Our CSR Dashboard

Our HSE Policy

1

2

Avoid harm to all personnel involved 
in or exposed by its operations

Prevent damages to property and 
loss of assets due to accidents

Diversity

Employees*

3

4

Employees*

Minimise adverse effects of its 
operations on the environment

Respect the interests of neighbours 
and the surroundings

We have been fortunate to 
develop and maintain 100 per cent 
local staffing of our India-based 
professionals and staff

Board

Our Greenhouse gas emissions

* Including Non-Executive Directors.

UK – 5

India – 13

Male – 17

Female – 1

UK – 3

India – 1

Reporting period

FY17

FY16

FY15

FY14

Scope 1 
emissions
tCO2e
65

Scope 2 
emissions 
tCO2e
125

Total carbon 
footprint tCO2e
190

Intensity metric 
tCO2e/FTE
12.7

25

77

76

128

138

160

153

216

236

10.2

10.3

11.2

Total GHG emissions and the intensity metric for the reporting period 01 April 2016 to 31 March 2017. Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (2013) 
Environmental Reporting Guidelines: Including mandatory GHG emissions reporting guidance.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information24
24

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Governance Divider page
24 
26  
Board of Directors
27   Management Committee 
Governance Report
28  
Audit Committee Report
32  
Directors’ Remuneration Report
35  
Nomination Committee Report
44  
Directors’ Report
45  

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Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017

25
25

This section of the report details how 
the Company is run and reports on 
the various sections of governance

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information26

Board of Directors

N S R

S

A R N

S

R A

N

Alasdair Locke (aged 63)
Non-Executive Chairman

Ian McKenzie (aged 60)
Chief Executive Officer

Peter Milne (aged 63)
Senior Non-Executive Director

Pradip Shah (aged 64)
Non-Executive Director

Terms of appointment
Mr Locke was appointed to Hardy’s 
Board as Non-Executive Chairman 
in January 2012.

Terms of appointment
Mr MacKenzie was appointed to 
Hardy’s Board as Chief Executive 
Officer in February 2012.

Terms of appointment
Mr Milne was appointed to Hardy’s 
Board as Senior Non-Executive 
Director in March 2012.

Terms of appointment
Mr Shah was appointed to Hardy’s 
Board as Non-Executive Director 
in 1999.

Background and experience
Mr Locke is the former executive 
chairman of Abbot Group plc, an oil 
services company which he founded 
in 1992. It was listed on the London 
Stock Exchange from 1995 until its 
sale in 2008 for £906 million to Turbo 
Alpha Ltd, a company controlled by 
a US private equity fund. He sold his 
remaining interest in the group and 
stepped down altogether in 2009. 
His early career started in investment 
banking at Citigroup in 1974, where  
he specialised in shipping and oil.

Mr Locke holds a History and 
Economics degree from Oxford. He 
was the recipient of the Grampian 
Industrialist of the Year (2001) award, 
the Scottish Business Achievement 
Awards Trust International Business 
Achievement Award (2000) and 
the Scottish Business Achievement 
Awards Entrepreneur of the 
year (1999). 

External appointments
Mr Locke is the chairman of Argenta 
Holdings plc, Motor Fuel Group and 
First Property Group plc. He is also 
non-executive director of other 
companies.

Committee membership
Chairman of the Nomination 
Committee, a member of the Risk 
Sub-Committee and Remuneration 
Committee.

Background and experience
Mr MacKenzie has a proven track 
record of knowledge, experience and 
achievement of high performance 
in the management of oil and 
gas operations, technical support 
functions, and major design and 
construction projects developed 
through 30 years in the oil and 
gas industry.

Mr MacKenzie was a group director 
and member of the executive team 
of KCA DEUTAG Drilling as well as 
a director of group subsidiaries 
including chairman of the main 
Norwegian operating entity KCA 
DEUTAG Norge A/S. Mr MacKenzie 
gained an honours degree in 
Engineering Science from Aberdeen 
University and a postgraduate diploma 
in Offshore Engineering from Robert 
Gordon University, Aberdeen. He also 
has formal qualifications in Finance 
and Accounts. He is a Chartered 
Mechanical Engineer; FEANI registered 
European Engineer, member of the 
Institution of Mechanical Engineers, 
Energy Institute, Society of Petroleum 
Engineers, and a past External 
Examiner in the RGU Oil & Gas 
MSc course.

External appointments
None.

Committee membership
Chairman of the Risk Sub-Committee.

Background and experience
Mr Milne has a proven track record in 
the oil sector. For over 15 years he was 
the finance director of Abbot Group 
plc, the largest UK headquartered 
drilling contractor. During that period 
the company grew from being a 
largely UK-focused business, with 
turnover of £50 million, into a global 
organisation with more than £1 billion 
turnover, operations in 20 countries 
and employing over 8,000 people. This 
transformation was achieved through 
a strategy of organic and acquisition 
led growth. Mr Milne qualified as a 
chartered accountant with Deloittes 
in 1977 and was an executive director 
of Abbot Group plc (a former FTSE 250 
company) and KCA DEUTAG Drilling 
Group up until 2010.

External appointments
Member of the audit committee of the 
University of Aberdeen.

Committee membership
Chairman of the Audit Committee, 
a member of the Remuneration 
Committee, Nomination Committee 
and Risk Sub-Committee.

Background and experience
Mr Shah is the founder and chairman 
of IndAsia Fund Advisors Private 
Limited. He co-founded Indocean 
Fund in October 1994 with affiliates 
of Soros Fund Management and 
Chemical Venture Partners and 
founded and managed CRISIL, India’s 
first and largest credit agency in 
1988. Mr Shah also assisted in setting 
up Housing Development Finance 
Company in 1977 and acted as 
consultant to USAID, the World Bank 
and the Asian Development Bank. 
Mr Shah holds an MBA from Harvard 
Business School and is a chartered 
accountant and cost accountant.

External appointments
Mr Shah is founder and chairman of 
IndAsia Fund Advisors, chairman of 
Kansai Nerolac, Grindwell Norton Ltd, 
Sonata Software and a director of BASF 
(India), Godrej & Boyce, Pfizer and Tata 
Investment Corporation amongst 
other companies.

Committee membership
Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee, a member of 
the Audit Committee and 
Nomination Committee.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Management Committee

27

T.K. Ananth Kumar
Non-Executive Director of HEPI

Richard Galvin
Treasurer and Corporate Affairs 
Executive

Sankalpa Mitra
Senior Vice President 
Production of HEPI

CH. V. Satya Sai
Vice President Geoscience 
of HEPI

Terms of appointment
Mr Ananth Kumar was appointed to 
HEPI’s board as Non-Executive Director 
in 2014.

Terms of appointment
Mr Galvin joined Hardy in 2005 and 
was appointed to HEPI’s Board in 2013.

Terms of appointment
Mr Mitra joined HEPI in 2006 and 
was appointed senior vice president 
in 2014.

Terms of appointment
Mr Satya Sai joined HEPI in 2006 and 
was appointed vice president in 2014.

Background and experience
Mr Galvin has over 20 years of 
commercial and corporate finance 
experience in the upstream oil and gas 
industry. Mr Galvin started his career 
at Encana (formally AEC) working in 
progressively senior commercial roles 
over seven years. Mr Galvin holds a 
Master of Business Administration 
from the London Business School 
and a Bachelor of Commerce from 
the University of Calgary. Mr Galvin 
joined Hardy in 2005 as Business 
Development Manager and was 
appointed an Executive Officer of 
the Company in 2011. Mr Galvin is 
a director of HEPI.

Background and experience
Mr Mitra has over 30 years of 
experience in the oil and gas industry. 
He previously worked for ONGC 
over 23 years holding a position of 
chief engineer – production having 
experience in both onshore and 
offshore operations and project 
implementation. Mr Mitra joined HEPI 
in 2006 as manager of special projects 
and has been heading the operations 
team as general manager – PY-3 since 
2010. He holds a BE (Mechanical) from 
Calcutta University.

Background and experience
Mr Satya Sai has over 30 years of 
Geological and Geophysical (G&G) 
experience in the oil and gas 
industry. Mr Satya Sai previously 
worked at ONGC for over 21 years, 
holding a position of superintending 
geophysicist prior to leaving. He holds 
a Master’s degree in Geophysics and 
a bachelor degree in Science from 
Andhra University. Mr Satya Sai joined 
Hardy in 2006 as Chief Geophysicist 
and has been the Head of G&G  
since 2012.

Background and experience
Mr Ananth Kumar has over 30 years 
of experience in the oil and gas 
sector in financial, accounts, treasury, 
strategic and business development 
initiatives. He recently superannuated 
as director finance of Oil India Limited 
a $5 billion Navratna company and 
India’s second largest exploration 
and production state enterprise. Mr 
Ananth Kumar is a qualified chartered 
accountant, a member of the Institute 
of Chartered Accountants of India and 
has a bachelors degree in Commerce 
from Osmania University, India. Mr 
Ananth Kumar’s recent achievements 
include leading the GOI’s successful 
$590 million Offer for Sale in Oil India; 
the $2.5 billion joint acquisition of 
Videocon’s stake in Mozambique 
gas fields in 2013, and in 2009 the 
landmark $550 million Initial Public 
Offering (IPO) for Oil India.

Committee key

A

R

N

S

Audit Committee

Remuneration Committee

Nomination Committee

Risk Sub-Committee

Chairman of Commitee

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information28

Governance Report

Summary of the Board’s work in the period
For the year ended 31 March 2017, the Board 
considered all relevant matters within its remit  
with particular focus on the following key issues:

•  Strategy and management with a focus  

on the optimisation of the Group’s Indian  
focused portfolio

•  Financial management
•  Regulatory/compliance
•  Environment, health and safety
•  Stakeholder relations.

Attendance at meetings

Member 

Meetings attended

Alasdair Locke (Chairman) 

Ian MacKenzie 

Peter Milne 

Pradip Shah 

5 of 5

5 of 5

5 of 5

5 of 5

Division of responsibility
There is a defined separation of the responsibilities 
between Alasdair Locke, the Non-Executive 
Chairman, and Ian MacKenzie, the Chief Executive 
Officer, which has been set out in writing and  
agreed by the Board. The Chairman is primarily 
responsible for the effective working of the Board, 
whilst the Chief Executive Officer is responsible  
for the operational management of the business,  
for developing strategy in consultation with the 
Board and for implementation of the strategy.

The Chairman
The Chairman sets the Board agenda and ensures 
adequate time for discussion. On appointment as 
Chairman on 16 January 2012, Alasdair Locke met 
the independence criteria set out in the UK Code.

Board meetings
The core activities of the Board are carried out 
in scheduled meetings of the Board and its 
Committees. These meetings are timed to link  
to key events in the Group’s corporate calendar 
and regular reviews of the business are conducted. 
Additional meetings and conference calls are 
arranged, when necessary, to consider matters which 
require decisions outside the scheduled meetings. 
During the year ended 31 March 2017, the Board met 
on five occasions. Outside the scheduled meetings 
of the Board, the Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer make frequent contact with each other  
and the other Directors to discuss any issues of 
concern they may have relating to the Group  
or their areas of responsibility, and to keep them  
fully briefed on the Group’s operations.

Matters reserved specifically for the Board
The Board has a formal schedule of matters  
reserved that can only be decided by the Board.  
The key matters reserved are the consideration  
and approval of:

•  The Group’s overall strategy
•  Financial statements and dividend policy
•  Management structure including succession 
planning, appointments and remuneration 
(supported by the Nomination Committee)
•  Material acquisitions and disposals, material 

contracts, major capital expenditure projects  
and budgets

•  Capital structure, debt and equity financing, and 

other related matters

•  Risk management and internal controls 

(supported by the Audit and Risk Committees)

•  The Company’s corporate governance and 

compliance arrangements; and

•  Corporate policies.

Subject to those reserved matters, the Board 
delegates authority for the management of the 
business primarily to the Executive Director and 
members of the Group’s Management Committee. 
Certain other matters are delegated to the Board 
Committees, namely the Audit, Remuneration and 
Nomination Committees.

The UK Corporate Governance Code
The Company maintains a listing on the London 
Stock Exchange and under the UK Listing Rules, 
is required to comply with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code published in April 2014  
(the UK Code). The UK Code is publicly available  
on the Financial Reporting Council’s website  
at www.frc.org.uk.

Introduction
Hardy Oil and Gas plc is incorporated in the Isle of 
Man and is not subject to any corporate governance 
regime in its place of incorporation. The Board 
remains focused on effective risk management 
and strong corporate governance. This Corporate 
Governance Report describes the way the Group  
has applied the main principles of governance set 
out in the UK Code throughout the year. 

The Company strives to maintain a balance  
between conservation of limited resources and 
maintaining robust corporate governance practices. 
As the Company evolves the Board is committed  
to enhancing the Company’s corporate governance 
policies and practices deemed appropriate for the 
size and maturity of the organisation. Set out below 
are Hardy’s corporate governance practices for 
the year ended 31 March 2017. Disclosures below 
include matters where Hardy has not fully complied 
with the provision of the UK Code during the 
reporting period.

Leadership
The Company is headed by a Board which is 
collectively responsible for the long-term success  
of the Company.

The role of the Board
The Board sets the Group’s strategy, ensuring  
that the necessary resources are in place to 
achieve the agreed strategic priorities, and reviews 
management and financial performance. It is 
accountable to shareholders for the creation 
and delivery of both strong, sustainable financial 
performance and long-term shareholder value.  
To achieve this, the Board directs and monitors  
the Group’s affairs within a framework of controls 
which enable risk to be assessed and managed 
effectively. The Board also has responsibility for 
setting the Group’s core values and standards of 
business conduct and for ensuring that these, 
together with the Group’s obligations to its 
stakeholders, are widely understood throughout the 
Group. The Board has a formal schedule of matters 
reserved which is provided later in this report.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201729

Non-Executive Directors
The Non-Executive Directors have a broad range 
of business and commercial experience. They have 
a responsibility to challenge independently and 
constructively the performance of the executive 
management and to monitor the performance  
of the management team in the delivery of the 
agreed objectives and targets. The Non-Executive 
Directors periodically meet without the Executive 
present. They are also kept aware of current issues 
affecting the Group via informal discussions  
and ad hoc updates from the Chairman and  
Chief Executive Officer. As Senior Independent  
Non-Executive Director, Peter Milne is available to 
meet shareholders if they have concerns that cannot 
be resolved through discussion with the Chairman  
and/or the Chief Executive Officer or where such 
contact is considered inappropriate. Non-Executive 
Directors are initially appointed for a term of 
three years, which may, subject to satisfactory 
performance and re-election by shareholders, be 
extended by agreement. Pradip Shah has been a 
member of the Board for over nine years. As a result, 
he is subject to re-election on an annual basis.

Delegations of authority
Board Committees
The Board has delegated matters to three 
Committees namely the Audit, Remuneration  
and Nomination Committees. The memberships, 
roles and activities of these Committees are detailed 
in separate reports: the Audit Committee on pages  
32 to 34, the Remuneration Committee on pages  
35 to 43, and the Nomination Committee on page  
44. Each Committee reports to the Board and the 
issues considered at meetings of the Committees  
are tabled by the respective Committee Chairmen. 
The terms of reference of each Committee are 
reviewed by the Board every other year.

Other governance matters
The Directors are aware that independent 
professional advice is available to each Director 
to properly discharge their duties as a Director. In 
addition, each Director and Board Committee has 
access to the advice of the Company Secretary.

The Company Secretary
The Company Secretary is Richard Vanderplank who 
is retained on a consultancy basis. He is available to 
Directors and is responsible for the Board complying 
with Isle of Man procedures. He is supported by the 
Treasurer & Corporate Affairs Executive in the provision 
of company secretarial services to the Company.

Effectiveness
The Board currently comprises of a Non-Executive 
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and two Non-
Executive Directors. Biographical details of the Board 
members are set out on page 26 of this report. 
The Directors are of the view that the Board and its 
Committees consist of Directors with an appropriate 
balance of skills, experience, independence and 
diverse backgrounds to enable them to discharge 
their duties and responsibilities effectively. At the 
Company’s Annual General Meeting held on  
8 September 2016, shareholders re-elected Pradip 
Shah and Peter Milne as Non-Executive Directors.

Independence
The Board considers Alasdair Locke, Peter Milne and 
Pradip Shah to be independent Directors in character 
and judgement. Pradip Shah has served as a Director 
for a period of more than nine years. Mr Shah is based 
in India and is actively involved in many business 
endeavours holding executive and non-executive 
roles across a diverse range of industries and is well 
established within India’s commerce and political 
communities. The Board considers that Mr Shah is 
independent of management because the Chief 
Executive Officer was appointed in 2012 with 
whom Mr Shah has had no previous professional 
interaction. Notwithstanding Mr Shah’s tenure, 
the Board is fully satisfied that he demonstrates 
complete independence, robustness of character 
and judgement both in his designated role and  
as a Board member. 

Appointments
The Nomination Committee is responsible  
for reviewing the structure, size and composition  
of the Board and making recommendations  
to the Board with regards to any required  
changes. The Committee is also concerned  
with succession planning which includes  
assessment of senior management capabilities  
and development requirements to compliment  
the Group’s requirements.

Commitments
All Directors have disclosed to the Board any 
significant commitments outside their respective 
duties as Non-Executive Directors and confirmed 
that they have sufficient time to discharge  
their duties.

Induction
All new Directors receive an induction as soon 
as practical on joining the Board. This includes 
meetings with the Management Committee 
members and other senior management, and visits 
to the Group’s principal office of operation. New 
Directors are also provided an overview of their 
duties as a Director, corporate governance policies 
and established Board procedures as part of the 
induction process.

Training
The Chairman reviews the training and  
development needs with each Director. During  
the reporting period, it was agreed that each  
Director had the necessary current and relevant 
experience and expertise to effectively discharge 
their respective responsibilities.

Conflict of interest
A Director has a duty to avoid a situation in which  
he or she has, or can have, a direct or indirect interest 
that conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with the 
interests of the Group. The Board has satisfied itself 
that there is no compromise to the independence 
of those Directors who have appointments on the 
Boards of, or relationships with, companies outside 
the Group. The Board requires Directors to declare 
all appointments and other situations which could 
result in a possible conflict of interest.

Board performance and evaluation
Hardy undertakes an internal appraisal of  
the Board’s performance on an annual basis.  
This process comprises of a confidential 
questionnaire submitted by each Director.  
The questionnaire provides members with  
a platform to comment on the effectiveness  
of the Board and performance of each Director.  
The Senior Independent Non-Executive Director  
is responsible for overseeing the reporting  
of the review. Overall, it was felt that the Board  
was functioning well.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information30

Governance Report
continued

Viability Statement
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has revised 
the UK Code to include a Viability Statement and the 
Company’s full statement can be found on page 20  
of the Strategic Report.

Internal controls
The Board of Directors reviews the effectiveness 
of the Group’s system of internal controls in line 
with the requirement of the UK Code. The internal 
control system is designed to manage the risk 
of failure to achieve its business objectives. This 
covers internal financial and operational controls, 
compliances and risk management. The Group had 
the necessary procedures in place for the period 
under review and up to the date of approval of 
the Annual Report and Accounts. The Directors 
acknowledge their responsibility for the Groups’ 
system of internal controls and for reviewing its 
effectiveness. The Board confirms the need for an 
ongoing process for identification, evaluation and 
management of significant risks faced by the Group 
and has formed a Risk Committee which reports 
to the Audit Committee. A risk assessment for each 
project is carried out by a team consisting of the 
Executive Director and senior management, and 
report to the Risk Committee before making any 
material commitments. This team meets as and 
when required to consider internal and external 
risks, including operational, compliance, financial 
and strategic risks are continuously assessed. The 
Audit Committee regularly reviews and reports to 
the Board on the effectiveness of the internal control 
systems. Given the size of the Group, the relative 
simplicity of the systems and the close involvement 
of senior management, the Board considers that 
there is no current requirement for an internal audit 
function. The procedures that have been established 
to provide internal financial control are considered 
appropriate for a company of its size and include 
controls over expenditure, regular reconciliations 
and management accounts. The Directors are 
responsible for taking such steps as are reasonably 
available to them to safeguard the assets of the 
Group and to prevent and detect fraud and  
other irregularities.

Re-election
Ian MacKenzie and Pradip Shah will stand for 
re-election at the Company’s 2017 Annual 
General Meeting. A Director’s position is subject to 
satisfactory performance of their responsibilities 
and is subject to reappointment by shareholders at 
the Annual General Meeting. The Board of Directors 
is pleased with the attendance of all Directors at 
Board and Committee meetings, despite significant 
travel and time requirements. The Board of Directors 
is also satisfied with the participation by all the 
Directors in formulating corporate strategies and 
for their engagement in meaningful dialogue and 
discussions at Board and Committee meetings.

Accountability
The Board is committed to providing shareholders 
with a clear assessment of the Group’s position and 
prospects. This is achieved through this report and, 
as required, other periodic financial and trading 
statements. The arrangements established by the 
Board for the application of risk management and 
internal control principles are detailed on pages 20 to 
21. The Board has delegated to the Audit Committee 
oversight of the relationship with the Company’s 
auditor as outlined in the Audit Committee report  
on pages 32 to 34.

Going concern
The Group’s business activities, together with factors 
likely to affect its future operations, financial position, 
and liquidity position are set out in the Strategic 
Report section of the Annual Report. In addition, 
note 23 to the consolidated financial statements 
discloses the Group’s financial risk management 
practices with respect to its capital structure, 
foreign currency risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk, 
commodity price risk, credit risk and other related 
matters. The Directors, having made due and careful 
enquiry, believe the Group and the Company have 
adequate working capital to execute their operations 
and have the ability to access additional financing, 
if required, over the next 12 months. The Directors, 
therefore, have made an informed judgement, at the 
time of approving these financial statements, that 
there is a reasonable expectation that the Group and 
the Company have adequate resources to continue 
in operational existence for the 12 months from 
the date of approval of these financial statements. 
As a result, the Directors have continued to adopt 
the going concern basis of accounting in preparing 
the annual financial statements in accordance with 
Guidance on Risk Management, Internal Control and 
Related Financial and Business Reporting (2014).

Business model
Hardy strives to create value through participating 
in the full exploration and production cycle. The 
cycle requires first the acquisition of permits to 
explore which are issued by government authorities 
of the countries in which we choose to invest. 
After extensive analysis, exploration campaigns are 
planned to try to discover oil and gas fields within 
under-explored sedimentary basins. When we 
have made a significant discovery of hydrocarbons 
we undertake appraisal programmes which may 
include the drilling of wells and further geotechnical 
analysis to determine the size and quality of the 
discovery. Once the appraisal programme confirms 
that the development of a discovery is commercially 
viable, we begin work on a development plan. This 
maps out how we will realise the production of the 
discovered hydrocarbon to achieve the ultimate 
objective to generate revenue and cash flow. 
Beyond this further value may be create through the 
implementation of enhanced production strategies 
to optimise the value of recoverable hydrocarbons 
from existing producing fields.

Remuneration
The Board has delegated to the Remuneration 
Committee responsibility for agreeing the 
remuneration policy for the Chairman, Chief 
Executive Officer and senior executives. The Directors’ 
Remuneration Report on pages 35 to 43 contains  
full details of the role and activities of the 
Remuneration Committee.

Shareholder relations
Communication and dialogue
Open and transparent communication with 
shareholders is given high priority and there is 
regular dialogue with institutional investors. All 
Directors are kept aware of changes to major 
shareholdings in the Company and are available to 
meet with shareholders who have specific interests 
or concerns. The Group issues its Annual Report 
promptly to individual shareholders and publishes 
interim and annual results on the Company’s 
website: www.hardyoil.com. Regular updates to 
record news in relation to the Group and the status 
of its development programmes are included on 
the Company’s website. Shareholders and other 
interested parties can subscribe to receive these 
news updates by email free of charge.

The Chairman and Executive Director are available 
to meet with institutional shareholders to assist 
them in gaining an understanding of the Group’s 
business, its strategies and governance. Peter Milne 
currently serves as the Senior Independent Non-
Executive Director of the Company and is available 
to shareholders if they have concerns that have 
not been resolved through the normal channels of 
Chairman or Executive Director. Meetings are also 
held with the corporate governance representatives 
of institutional investors when requested.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
31

Annual General Meeting
At every Annual General Meeting, individual shareholders are given the opportunity to put questions to the Chairman, Committee Chairs and other members of the 
Board. Notice of the Annual General Meeting is sent to shareholders at least 20 working days before the meeting. Details of proxy votes for and against each resolution, 
together with the votes withheld are announced to the London Stock Exchange and are published on the Company’s website as soon as practical after the meeting.

At the Company’s 2016 Annual General Meeting seven resolutions were presented. Below is a summary of the voting results: 

# Description

1 Adopt annual accounts for year ended 31 March 2016

2a To receive and consider the Directors’  

Remuneration Report 

3 To re-elect Pradip Shah as a Director of the Company

4 To re-elect Peter Milne as a Director of the Company

Type

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

For

54,862,154

53,044,055

50,866,017

54,869,714

5 Reappointment of Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP as auditor

Ordinary

54,862,154

6 Disapplication 5% of issued share capital

Special

7* Authority to make market purchases of Ordinary Shares

Special

Total shares issued

Total instructed

54,866,722

54,860,672

73,764,035

54,870,154

Against

8,000

1,816,799

4,004,137

440

8,000

1,882

9,232

Withheld

Total

Votes for %

–

54,870,154

9,300

54,870,154

–

–

–

1,550

250

54,870,154

54,870,154

54,870,154

54,870,154

54,870,154

99.99

96.67

92.70

100.00

99.99

99.99

99.98

Non-compliance with the UK Code
The Company did not comply with the UK Code in the following matters during the year ended 31 March 2017:

Code provision

Subject matter

Discussion

B.1.1

Non-Executive Directors 
meeting independence 
requirements

Pradip Shah has served on the Board for more than nine years. Notwithstanding the Board considers  
Mr Shah to be independent of management as the Chief Executive Officer was appointed in 2012 with  
whom Mr Shah has had no previous professional interaction. Mr Shah contributes relevant skills, expertise  
and insight towards the Company’s stated strategic objectives and provides valuable advice as to the  
business and political environment in India.

The Board believes all the Non-Executive Directors provide valuable advice and counsel in furthering the business objectives of the Group. 

The Company is a small cap upstream oil and gas company with a modest resource base. The Board has put in place a mandate to optimise the allocation of the 
Company’s limited resources to support medium term strategic objectives. As the Company evolves, the Board is committed to enhancing the Company’s corporate 
governance policies and practices deemed appropriate considering the size and maturity and complexity of the organisation.

Alasdair Locke
Chairman 
8 June 2017

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information32

Audit Committee Report

Consideration and review of six-month 
interim statements and results for the  
12 months ended 31 March 2017
•  The Audit Committee monitored the  

current business and geopolitical environment  
in India and in particular the continuing 
commodity price volatility in the oil and  
gas markets while considering the 
appropriateness of the Group’s statements

•  The Audit Committee met with the  
external auditor as part of both the  
six-month interim statements and annual 
accounts approval processes

•  The Audit Committee considered the most 
appropriate treatment and disclosure of  
any new or judgemental matters identified  
during the audit of the 12-month accounts  
or interim statement review, as well as any  
other recommendation or observation made  
by the external auditor.

The Audit Committee audit planning 
and update on relevant accounting 
developments
•  The Company prepares financial statements 

under International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS) as adopted by the European Union
•  The Audit Committee continued to review  
the appropriateness of the Company’s  
accounting policies and was satisfied that  
the policies adopted by management are 
currently appropriate

•  The Audit Committee approved the scope of the 
work to be undertaken by the external auditor for 
the interim review and year-end statutory audit

•  Considered and adopted new requirements 

provided for in the 2016 UK Code, EU’s 
Transparency and Accounting Directives,  
and other IFRS.

Review of risk management systems and 
internal control process and procedures
•  The management via the Risk Committee and 

Board meetings provided the Audit Committee 
with clear updates of risk and uncertainties facing 
the Company and accompanying actions to 
mitigate such risk

•  Following a review the Audit Committee  
was satisfied with the appropriateness of  
the risk management framework which  
provides for a systematic approach to risk 
identification and management which combines 
both the Board’s assessment of risk with risk 
factors originating from and identified by the 
Group’s senior management

•  The Audit Committee mandated several internal 
control enhancements following observations 
made by the external auditor. The Audit 
Committee also oversaw the implementation 
of other improvements including the successful 
upgrading of accounting software leading to 
better functionality and reporting capabilities.

Governance
The Audit Committee comprises of two Non-
Executive Directors and oversees the Group’s 
financial reporting and internal control procedures 
as well as providing a formal reporting link with 
the external auditor. Mr Milne, who has been the 
Chairman of the Audit Committee since 2012, is a 
chartered accountant with over 30 years of oil and 
gas sector experience. Pradip Shah is also a chartered 
accountant. The Committee is satisfied that Mr Milne 
and Mr Shah’s membership of the Committee satisfy 
the UK Code requirements regarding recent and 
relevant financial experience. 

The Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer were 
invited to attend all meetings and other senior 
management and representatives of the external 
auditor were invited as appropriate. The external 
auditor has unrestricted access to the Audit 
Committee Chairman. 

Summary of responsibilities
The ultimate responsibility for reviewing and 
approving the Annual Report and Accounts and the 
half-yearly reports remains with the Board. The Audit 
Committee met three times in the 12 months ended 
31 March 2017 and the attendance of members at 
the Audit Committee meetings held in the current 
reporting period were as follows:

Committee member

Meetings attended

Peter Milne (Chairman) 

Pradip Shah 

3 of 3

3 of 3

Main responsibilities
The Audit Committee acts as a preparatory body 
for discharging the Board’s responsibilities in a wide 
range of financial matters by:

•  Monitoring the integrity of the financial 

statements and formal announcements relating 
to the Company’s financial performance
•  Reviewing accounting policies, significant 

financial reporting issues and relevant disclosures 
in financial reports

•  Overseeing that an effective system of  
internal control and risk management  
systems are maintained

•  Ensuring that effective whistle-blowing,  

anti-fraud and bribery procedures are in place

•  Considering the Company’s internal audit 

requirements and make recommendations  
to the Board

•  Overseeing the Board’s relationship with the 
external auditor and, where appropriate, the 
selection of new external auditor

•  Approving non-audit services provided by the 

external auditor and ensuring the independence 
and objectivity of the external auditor is 
safeguarded when appointing them to conduct 
non-audit services; and

•  Ensuring compliance with legal requirements, 

accounting standards and the UKLA Listing and 
Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

The Audit Committee terms of reference can  
be accessed via the Company’s website  
www.hardyoil.com. The Committee fully  
discharged its responsibilities during the year.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201733

Review of the effectiveness of the Audit Committee
•  During the year, the Board completed a review of its effectiveness which included the assessment of the Audit Committee. The review was coordinated by the 

Treasurer with oversight by the Senior Non-Executive Director. As a result, the Audit Committee was adjudged to be operating effectively and in accordance with  
the UK Code.

Review of the requirement for an internal audit function
•  The Committee considered the requirement for an internal audit function. The Audit Committee considered the size of the Group, its current activities, the relative 
simplicity of the systems and the close involvement of senior management. Following the Committee’s review, it was recommended to the Board that an internal 
audit function is not appropriate now.

Financial reporting
The Committee monitored the integrity of the financial statements and the Group’s other financial reports and reviewed the significant financial reporting issues and 
accounting policies and disclosures in the financial reports. The Committee met with the external auditor as part of the full year and interim accounts approval processes. 
The process included the consideration of key audit risks identified as being significant to the FY2017 accounts. 

Significant issues considered in relation to the financial statements 
The primary areas of judgement considered by the Audit Committee in relation to the FY2017 accounts and how these were addressed are detailed below:

Issue

Action taken by the Committee

Intangible assets – exploration CY-OS/2
There is continuing uncertainty over the status of the block due to the ongoing 
legal dispute with the GOI. The value of the intangible asset in relation to CY-OS/2 
is material to the Group balance sheet. Details of the dispute and arbitration 
award are provided for on note 15 on page 68.

Legal matters 
The Group is currently involved in several disputes with third parties, uJV 
partners, and taxation authorities which may result in material cash inflow  
and outflows. In the event of adverse findings could result in material 
movements in working capital.

Management has provided assessments of the merits of such claims and counter 
claims and made appropriate provisions for likely outcomes.

PY-3 field and deferred tax asset
The PY-3 field has been shut-in since July 2011 and had a carrying value  
of US$3.0 million. Impairment indicators were that in the continuing absence  
of a consensus among uJV partners on the way forward and that development 
scenarios being considered are dependent on the GOI sanctioning the  
extension of the production licences beyond December 2019. Management  
had considered the prevailing circumstances and provided for the full  
write-down of the asset. 

The deferred tax asset carrying value of US$4.5 million is recoverable only  
if sufficient the Group generates profits from its existing portfolio of assets 
and in particular from the restart of PY-3 production. Having considered the 
circumstance provided above Management provided for the full write-down  
of the asset.

Provisions for decommissioning costs 
Estimates of the cost of future decommissioning and restoration of the  
PY-3 field are based on current technical and legal requirements, cost levels, 
while estimates of when decommissioning will occur depend on assumptions 
made regarding the economic life of fields. Having considered the prevailing 
cost environment and projected timing of abandonment management 
provided for the write-back of the Decommissioning provision by US$0.8 million.

The Audit Committee reviewed and considered the external legal advice 
obtained by Management concerning the enforcement of the CY-OS/2 Award 
in favour of Hardy and the Delhi High Court’s ruling against the GOI appeal. 
The Committee concurred with Management assessment that the CY-OS/2 
intangible asset of US$51.1 million continued to be recognised and that the 
disclosures concerning the dispute are fair and balanced.

The Committee reviewed, with management and its professional advisors, the 
status of various disputed matters and their likely outcomes. The committee 
challenged management’s assessment and assumptions regarding certainty 
of recovery of long outstanding debts due from uJV partners. The Committee 
requested robust stress test of cash flow implications from expected outcomes 
and these outcomes have been considered in assessing the Group’s ongoing 
viability. Committee is satisfied that sufficient provisions or contingent liabilities 
have been recognised in the financial statements where necessary.

The Committee reviewed the progress made by management in seeking to 
achieve a consensus amongst the uJV partners on a viable development plan. 
The Committee considered the absence of a consensus, GOI policies (tax, levies, 
and other policies) and to a lesser extent the prevailing commodity price and 
cost environment. 

The Committee is satisfied that management’s conclusion that impairment has 
occurred and that full write-down of the assets is appropriate.

The Committee discussed with management the estimation process and  
the basis for the principal assumptions underlying the cost estimates, noting  
the reasons for any major changes in estimates as compared with the previous 
year. The Committee was satisfied that the approach applied was fair and 
reasonable. Further information on decommissioning provisions is provided  
in note 21 on page 70.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
34

Audit Committee Report
continued

Viability Statement 
A principal requirement of UK Code is to include 
a Viability Statement requiring the Board to state 
whether it has a reasonable expectation that the 
Company will be able to continue in operation and 
meet its liabilities. In making this statement the 
Directors are expected to look forward significantly 
longer than 12 months. The Company’s Viability 
Statement can be found on page 20 of the Strategic 
Report. The Committee has reviewed and concurred 
with the basis on which the Viability Statement  
has been prepared and the testing of extreme 
conditions and the mitigating actions disclosed  
in the statement.

External auditor
The Company’s external auditor is Crowe Clark 
Whitehill LLP. Authorisation of non-audit services 
provided to the Group is a matter reserved for the 
Audit Committee. In the year ended 31 March 2017  
Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP did not provide any 
non-audit related services to the Company. Crowe 
Clark Whitehill LLP undertook a review of the Group’s 
Interim Statement and Accounts for the six months 
ended 30 September 2016.

The external auditor has unrestricted access to the 
Audit Committee Chairman. During the current audit 
process, the Audit Committee Chairman met with 
the audit engagement partner from Crowe Clark 
Whitehill LLP, without the presence of management.

The Committee is satisfied that Crowe Clark Whitehill 
LLP has adequate policies and safeguards in place to 
ensure that auditor objectivity and independence 
are maintained. The external auditor confirmed 
to the Audit Committee during the year their 
independence from the Company. In accordance 
with professional standards, the partner responsible 
for the audit is changed every five years, and last 
changed in December 2012. The current auditor, 
Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP, was first appointed by 
the Company in 1999 and the current partner is 
due to rotate off the engagement after completing 
the March 2017 audit. Taking into consideration 
the transitional rules issued by the Competition 
Commission as an indication of best practice, the 
Company would intend to put the audit out to 
tender after the end of the 2019 audit at the latest.

The UK Code states that the Audit Committee 
should have primary responsibility for making 
a recommendation on the appointment, 
reappointment or removal of the external auditor. 
Based on the Audit Committee’s review of the 
external auditor’s performance, effectiveness and 
independence, the Committee recommends to 
the Board that it recommends to shareholders the 
reappointment of the auditor at the Company’s 2017 
Annual General Meeting.

Peter Milne
Chairman of the Audit Committee
8 June 2017

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Directors’ Remuneration Report

35

Employment conditions elsewhere  
in the Group
In setting the remuneration policy and remuneration 
level for the Executive Director, the Committee is 
cognisant of the approach to rewarding employees 
in the Group and levels of pay increases generally.

Operation of share plans
The Committee will operate the Unapproved  
Share Option Plan, Executive Share Option Plan and 
Restricted Share awards according to their respective 
rules and in accordance with the Listing Rules and 
HMRC rules where relevant. The Committee retains 
discretion over a number of areas relating to the 
operation and administration of the plans in relation 
to senior management including the Executive 
Directors. These include (but are not limited to)  
the following:

•  Who participates
•  The timing of grant of awards and/or payment
•  The size of awards and/or payment
•  Discretion relating to the measurement of 

performance in the event of a change of control 
or reconstruction

•  Determination of a good leaver (in addition  

to any specified categories) for incentive plan 
purposes and a good leaver’s treatment
•  Adjustments to awards required in certain 
circumstances (eg rights issues, corporate 
restructuring and special dividends); and
•  The ability to adjust existing performance 

conditions for exceptional events so that they  
can still fulfil their original purpose.

Non-executive remuneration
Policy 
The main goals of the Company’s remuneration 
policy for the Chairman and Non-Executive  
Directors is designed to assure alignment with 
shareholders, maintain independence, recognise 
time commitments, and attract and retain 
outstanding candidates.

The remuneration of the Non-Executive Directors 
is determined by the Chairman and the Executive 
Director outside the framework of the Remuneration 
Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. 
The fees paid are set at a level to attract individuals 
with the necessary experience and ability to make 
a significant contribution to the Group’s activities, 
while also reflecting the time commitment and 
responsibility of the role. None of the Directors 
participate in any discussion or votes on any proposal 
relating to his or her own remuneration.

The Remuneration Committee’s Report for the  
12 months ended 31 March 2017 comprises  
of two sections:

•  The proposed Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
which will be put to an advisory shareholder 
resolution at the forthcoming AGM

•  An annual statement providing a summary  

of the Committee’s activities in the 12 months 
ended 31 March 2017 and its intention  
going forward.

On behalf of the Board I would like to thank 
shareholders for their continued support.  
Should any shareholder wish to contact me  
about the Company’s executive and non-executive 
remuneration policy, please email me at  
ir@hardyoil.com.

Pradip Shah
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
8 June 2017

Directors’ Remuneration Policy
In this section, we set out our Remuneration 
Policy, how it supports our strategy, how the 
Committee intends to operate it, the selection 
of performance metrics and why we believe 
they support our strategy and are appropriately 
stretching and other relevant information about 
the Directors’ service agreements. The effective 
date of the Policy is 13 September 2017, which  
is the date shareholder approval is being sought  
for the revised policy at the AGM.

Policy overview
The principles of the remuneration policy are to 
ensure that remuneration promotes the attraction, 
motivation and retention of the highest-quality 
executives who are key to executing our strategy  
and delivering substantial returns to shareholders.  
A meaningful proportion of executive remuneration 
is structured to link rewards to corporate and 
individual performance, conservation of limited 
capital resources, and an alignment of interests 
with those of shareholders and to incentivise them 
to perform at the highest levels. The remuneration 
package for the executive and senior management 
will comprise of base salary, annual bonus, taxable 
benefits, pension contributions and participation in 
the Company’s share incentive arrangements.

Consideration of shareholders’ views
The Remuneration Committee considers 
shareholder feedback received at the Annual  
General Meeting each year and, more generally, 
guidance from shareholder representative bodies. 
This feedback, plus any additional feedback received 
from time to time, is considered as part of the 
Company’s review of remuneration policy.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information36

Directors’ Remuneration Report
continued

Director fees
Each Non-Executive Director currently receives a 
basic annual fee of £50,000. The Chairman of the 
Board will receive an additional annual fee of £40,000 
to reflect additional responsibilities as Chairman 
of the Board. The Audit Committee Chairman will 
receive an additional annual fee of £10,000 to reflect 
additional responsibilities. Each Non-Executive 
Director is also entitled to the reimbursement of 
necessary travel and other expenses. In certain 
circumstances a Non-Executive Director may receive 
additional fees to compensate for more time spent 
than what would reasonably be expected in the 
execution of their roles and responsibilities.

Non-Executive Directors may receive a restricted 
shares award up to an equivalent of 25 per cent of 
their basic annual fee based on the market value of 
Hardy shares on the last trading day prior to the date 
of issue. These shares will remain restricted for three 
years from the date of issue. The shares will become 
unrestricted and are delivered to the individual three 
years after the date of issue. The share award will be 
in addition to the annual basic fee. In the event of 
change of control of Hardy and the participant is no 
longer a Director going forward, all the restricted 
shares will vest. In the event of death of a Director, all 
shares will become fully vested. Upon the Director 
not being re-elected at a general meeting of 
shareholders after offering himself for re-election as 
a Director at a general meeting, the shares will vest. 
In all other circumstances, shares that will remain 
restricted are forfeited if the participant is no longer 
a Director of Hardy. In addition, for a good leaver 
(defined as death, injury or disability, redundancy, 
retirement, his office or employment being either 
with a company which ceases to be in the Group 
or relating to a business or part of a business which 
is transferred to a person who is not a party to 
the Group or any other reason the Committee so 
decides) the Board has discretion to accelerate 
vesting on a date determined by it.

Chairman’s additional remuneration
Alasdair Locke’s terms of agreement provide for 
a one-time award of restricted shares equivalent 
to £50,000 if the average price of the Company’s 
Ordinary Shares remains above £3.00 for any 
consecutive three-month period during the term  
of his appointment.

Remuneration scenarios for the Executive 
Director
The chart above shows how the composition of 
the Executive Director’s remuneration package 
varies at different levels of performance under 
the remuneration policy, as a percentage of total 
remuneration opportunity and as a total value.

900
Remuneration potential

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

167.0

102.8

23.0

257.0

51.3
23.0

257.0

256.5

257.0

23.0

257.0

Threshold

Expected

Maximum

Salary

Pension & Benefits

Bonus

LTI

Service agreement
The service contracts with Directors are on an 
evergreen basis, subject to termination provisions. 
The Company may, in lieu of notice, terminate the 
Executive Director’s employment with immediate 
effect by making a payment which does not 
exceed: a lump sum equal to basic salary, pension 
entitlement and other benefits at the rate prevailing 
at the date of termination for a period which does 
not exceed 12 months; and a bonus to the extent 
earned and awarded by the Company at the date 
of termination. The appointment of the Executive 
Director is subject to termination by no greater than 
12 months by either party. The appointments of 
Non-Executive Directors are subject to termination 
upon at least three months’ notice.

Chief Executive Officer
The service contract of Ian MacKenzie is on an 
evergreen basis until terminated by not less than  
12 months’ written notice by either party. If a written 
notice is given by either party, the Company may 
require the Executive Director to continue to perform 
such duties as the Board may direct during the notice 
period or require the Executive Director to perform 
no duties. In each case, the Company will continue 
to pay salary and provide all other benefits arising 
under the service contract until the end of the  
notice period.

External appointment
The Board has not introduced a formal policy  
in relation to the number of external directorships 
that an Executive Director may hold. Currently  
the Executive Director does not hold any other 
external appointment.

Policy for new appointments
Executive
Base salary levels will consider market data for the 
relevant role, internal relativities, the individual’s 
experience and their current base salary. Where 
an individual is recruited at below market norms, 
they may be realigned over time (eg two to three 
years), subject to performance in the role. Benefits 
will generally be in accordance with the approved 
policy. The Committee may consider buying out 
incentive awards which an individual would forfeit 
upon leaving their current employer although any 
compensation would, where possible, be consistent 
with respect to currency (ie cash for cash, equity 
for equity), vesting periods (ie there would be no 
acceleration of payments), expected values and the 
use of performance targets. For external and internal 
appointments, the Committee may agree that 
the Company will meet certain relocation and/or 
incidental expenses as appropriate.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201737

Summary Directors’ remuneration policy
The table below sets out a summary of each element 
of the Directors’ remuneration packages, their link 
to the Company’s strategy, the policy for how these 
are operated, the maximum opportunity and the 
performance framework.

Non-executive
A one-time restricted share award may be made 
to a new Non-Executive Director on joining the 
Board under the same terms and conditions 
outlined for non-executive annual restricted share 
award. The market value of the one-time award 
of Hardy Ordinary Shares will not be greater than 
100 per cent of the annual fee entitlement. In 
exceptional circumstance this amount may be 
revised as deemed appropriate by the Remuneration 
Committee with Board approval.

Policy for loss of office
The Chief Executive Officer’s service contract is 
terminable by him or the Company on 12 months’ 
notice. There are no specific provisions under which 
the Executive Directors are entitled to receive 

compensation upon early termination, other than in 
accordance with the notice period. On termination 
of the Executive Director’s service contract, the 
Committee will consider the departing Director’s 
duty to mitigate his loss when determining the 
amount of any compensation. Disbursements such 
as legal and outplacement costs and incidental 
expenses may be payable where appropriate. Any 
unvested awards held under the Unapproved Share 
Option Plan, ExSOP (a structured option plan) plan or 
restricted shares awards will lapse at cessation unless 
the individual is a good leaver in which case the 
Board may permit the extension of unvested options 
to a later date not to exceed 12 months from date of 
cessation. The appointments of any Non-Executive 
Director may be terminated by either party on three 
months’ written notice.

Summary of Directors’ remuneration policy
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Base salary

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Opportunity

To provide an appropriate level of fixed cash income to attract and retain individuals with the personal attributes,  
skills and experience required to deliver our strategy.

Generally reviewed annually with increases effective from 1 January. Base salaries will be set by the Committee taking 
into account the:

•  Scale, scope and responsibility of the role
•  Skills, experience and performance of the individual
•  Retention risk; and
•  Base salary of other individual undertaking similar roles in companies of comparable size and complexity.

Increases to the current Executive Director salary, presented in the “Application of policy in FY2018” row below,  
will not normally exceed the average increase awarded to other UK-based employees. Increases may be above  
this level in certain circumstances, for instance if there is an increase in the scale, scope or responsibility of the role  
or to allow the base salary of newly appointed executives to move towards market norms as their experience and 
contribution increase.

Framework for recovery

None.

Application of policy in FY20181

Executive Director Base salary £262,500 (may be reviewed annually by the Committee effective 1 January).

Pension and benefits

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Opportunity

To attract and retain individuals with the personal attributes, skills and experience required to deliver our strategy.

Salary supplement contribution to personal pension plan. Membership of a medical scheme, life and long-term 
disability assurance cover, and professional dues and other professional services.

Pension: 7.5 per cent of base salary. Benefits: the range of benefits that may be provided is set by the Committee after 
considering local market practice in the country where the executive is based. Additional benefits may be provided,  
as appropriate.

Framework for recovery

Application of policy in FY2018 1

None.

No change.

1  Not part of the policy report.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
38

Directors’ Remuneration Report
continued

Incentives

Purpose and link to strategy

To provide a simple, competitive, incentive plan that: will attract, retain and motivate individuals with the required 
personal attributes, skills and experience; provide a real incentive to achieve our strategic objectives; and align the 
interests of management to shareholders.

Operation

Annual bonus plan – personal performance targets are set for the executive which the Committee deem appropriate 
and effective in aligning and motivating the executive toward the achievement of the Company’s short-term objective:

•  Annual award of cash bonus based on personal target linked performance ranging from nil up to the equivalent  

of 100 per cent of the executive base salary.

Annual long-term equity-based award will be made in line with the Committee’s assessment of the strategic targets:

•  Unapproved Share Option Plan, ExSOP (a structured option plan) or restricted shares
•  Annual long-term equity-based award based on performance of the Company and personal performance; and
•  Option and restricted share awards will normally vest after three years, subject to certain performance conditions  

and continued service.

Opportunity

Annual bonus plan – the maximum annual level of award is 100 per cent of salary for the Executive Director. 

Annual long-term share or option award – the maximum face value for an annual award of option or share-based  
Long-term Incentives (LTIs) is equivalent to 100 per cent of the executive’s base salary. Face value is the product  
of market value at time of award and number of options/shares awarded.

Framework for recovery

Claw back: unvested restricted shares and options can be terminated by the Board in instances of material misstatement 
or serious misconduct.

Application of policy in FY20181

Award will be based on the Boards assessment of performance in meeting strategic targets. 

Threshold

Target

Cap

Bonus

LTI (option-based award)

20% 

40% 

100%

nil%

65%

100%

LTI – option vesting will be conditional on the Company’s share price appreciating at an average compounded rate of 
5 per cent over three to five years from the date of grant. At the time of award the Board may apply additional vesting 
conditions as it deems appropriate.

The Board has adopted a simple and effective incentive arrangement which it believes best serves the mission that 
management is charged with, which is to create additional value leading to a higher share price for all shareholders, 
subject to general market conditions.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Purpose and link to strategy 

Operation

Opportunity

To provide an appropriate fee level to attract individuals with the necessary experience and ability to make a significant 
contribution to the effectiveness of the Board and to the Group’s activities while also reflecting the time commitment 
and responsibility of the role.

The Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors are paid a basic annual fee with additional responsibility fees for the 
chairing of the Audit Committee. Fees are normally reviewed annually. Each Non-Executive Director is also entitled  
to a reimbursement of necessary travel and other expenses, and when applicable extra fees for additional work  
beyond the normal Non-Executive Director responsibilities. Restricted shares are issued to the Chairman and each  
Non-Executive Director on an annual basis equivalent to 25 per cent of their basic annual fee. 

There is no maximum prescribed fee increase although fee increases for Non-Executive Directors will not normally 
exceed the average increase awarded to the Executive Director. Increases may be above this level if there is an increase  
in the scale, scope or responsibility of the role.

Framework for recovery 

None. 

Application of policy in FY20181

1  Not part of the policy report.

Current Non-Executive Director fees: 
Basic annual non-executive 
Additional fees 
Chairman of the Board 
Chairman Audit Committee  
Other fees to remain at the same level as FY2017.

£50,000

£40,000
£10,000

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201739

Non-Executive Director terms of appointment
The services of Alasdair Locke, Peter Milne and Pradip Shah are, as Non-Executive Directors, provided under the terms of agreements with the Company dated as follows:

Non-Executive Director

Alasdair Locke

Peter Milne

Pradip Shah

Year of appointment

Number of years 
completed

2012

2012

1999

5

5

18

Date of current  
engagement letter

12 January 2012

29 February 2012

2 June 2005

Annual Report on Remuneration
This part of the report provides details of the operation of the Remuneration Committee, how the remuneration policy was implemented in the 12 months ended  
31 March 2017 (including payment and awards in respect of incentive arrangements) and how shareholders voted at the 2016 Annual General Meeting. This 
part of the report is to include a summary of how the policy will be operated for the next financial year however, for ease of reference, this is presented within the 
Remuneration Policy Report on pages 35 to 43.

The Remuneration Committee – governance
The Company’s Remuneration Committee comprises of three Non-Executive Directors: Pradip Shah (Chairman), Alasdair Locke and Peter Milne.

Hardy’s Remuneration Committee operates within the terms of reference approved by the Board. A copy of the Remuneration Committee’s terms of reference can be 
found on the Company’s website www.hardyoil.com.

Committee’s main responsibilities
•  The Remuneration Committee considers remuneration policy, employment terms and remuneration of the Executive Director and also reviews the remuneration  

of senior management

•  The Remuneration Committee’s role is advisory in nature and it makes recommendations to the Board on the overall remuneration packages for the Executive 

Director and senior management in order to attract, retain and motivate high quality executives capable of achieving the Group’s objectives

•  The Remuneration Committee also reviews proposals for the share option plans and other incentive plans, makes recommendations for the grant of awards under 

such plans as well as approving the terms of any performance-related pay schemes

•  The Board’s policy is to remunerate the Group’s senior executives fairly and in such a manner as to facilitate the recruitment, retention and motivation of suitably 

qualified personnel

•  The Remuneration Committee, while considering the remuneration packages of Hardy executives, has reviewed the policies of comparable groups in the industry. 

The remuneration of the Non-Executive Directors is determined by the Chairman and the Executive Director outside the framework of the Remuneration Committee.

The Remuneration Committee met three times in the 12 months ended 31 March 2017 and all Committee members served in office throughout the year.  
The attendance of members at the Remuneration Committee meetings was as follows:

Committee member

Pradip Shah (Chairman) 

Alasdair Locke

Peter Milne

Number of 
meetings attended

3 of 3

3 of 3

3 of 3

Committee evaluation
The performance of the Remuneration Committee was evaluated as part of the Board evaluation which was completed in April 2017. The review was coordinated  
by the Senior Non-Executive Director and the Treasurer. As a result, the Remuneration Committee was operating effectively.

Committee advisors
No remuneration advisors were retained by the Remuneration Committee during the year ended 31 March 2017.

The Company also consults with the Company’s major investors and investor representative groups as appropriate. No Director takes part in any decision directly 
affecting their own remuneration. The Company Chairman also absents himself during discussion relating to his own fees.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information40

Directors’ Remuneration Report
continued

Remuneration review
Executive
The Chief Executive Officer’s base salary increased by 5 per cent to £262,500. The base salary is below industry average.

Non-Executive
The Non-Executive Director fees remained unchanged.

Single total figure of remuneration for each Director (audited)
Set out below are the emoluments of the Directors for the years indicated (US$):

Executive

Fixed

Long term

Name of Director 

Salaries/fees

Benefits

Bonuses

LTI vesting

Ian MacKenzie1

FY2017

FY2016

FY2015

(a)

 365,227 

376,968

403,703

(b)

 3,262 

2,911

2,915

(c)

–

–

–

(d)

–

–

–

Pension
contribution 

(e)

–

32,103

34,341

Non-Executive

Fixed

Long term

Name of Director 

Salaries/fees

Benefits

Bonuses

Share awards

Pension
contribution

Alasdair Locke

Peter Milne

Pradip Shah

FY2017

FY2016

FY2015

FY2017

FY2016

FY2015

FY2017

FY2016

FY2015

(a)

 117,394 

176,354

183,540

 78,263 

91,652

95,760

 65,219 

75,189

79,800

(b)

(c)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(d)

–

40,959

43,102

–

21,370

22,488

–

17,808

18,740

(e)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1 

Ian Mackenzie’s benefits included life and medical insurance.

Other

Total

(f )

–

–

–

Other

(f )

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 368,489 

411,982

440,959

Total

 117,394 

217,313

226,642

 78,263 

113,022

118,248

 65,219 

92,997

98,540

Long-term incentive plans
Unapproved Share options
The Committee did not recommend an award under this scheme FY2017. The last award provided under this scheme was on 11 April 2014 wherein the Committee 
recommended the award of 250,000 options to the Chief Executive Officer. The options awarded will vest between the third and fifth anniversary of the date of grant 
(the Vesting Period) subject to the satisfaction of a Performance Condition. The Performance Condition shall be satisfied where at any time during the Vesting Period,  
the volume weighted average market price of an Ordinary Share for any ten consecutive London Stock Exchange trading days is equal to or greater than the Ordinary 
Share price of the Company on the date of grant as increased by compounded growth of 5 per cent per annum in the share price as at the end of such 10-day period.  
If the Performance Condition is not satisfied by the fifth anniversary of the date of grant, the options shall lapse. Options are to vest immediately upon the occurrence  
of a Rule 8 Event under the unapproved share option scheme (relating to change of control etc).

ExSOP scheme
The Committee did not recommend any awards under the ExSOP scheme.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
41

Directors’ share options
Set out below is certain information pertaining to share options granted to Directors who held office at 31 March 2017:

Director

Ian MacKenzie1

As at 
31 March 
2016

750,000

250,000

Total

1,000,000

Granted 
during 
FY2017

–

–

–

Forfeited 
during 
FY2017

750,000

As at 
31 March 
2017

–

250,000

250,000

1  Mr MacKenzie’s options awarded in 2012 and 2014 are subject to the conditions outlined above.

Date 
of grant

Vested at
end of 2014 

14-Mar-12

11-Apr-14

–

–

Expiry date

13-Mar-22

10-Apr-24

Exercise price 
per share 
(£)

1.55

0.65

The options awarded on 14 March 2012 lapsed due to none-performance of an annual compounded growth rate of the Company’s share price by 5 per cent from  
the date of grant. The options were to lapse if the target was not achieved within the third and fifth anniversary date. No price was paid for any grant of options by  
the Directors to the Company. There were no variations made during the year in the terms and conditions with respect to any outstanding share options granted  
by the Company.

Material contract
There have been no other contracts or arrangements during the financial year in which a Director of the Company was materially interested and/or which were 
significant in relation to the Group’s business.

Performance graph
Ordinary Shares of the Company were listed on the Official List of the London Stock Exchange’s market for listed securities (Main Market) from 20 February 2008.  
In the circumstances, and since the Company’s principal business is upstream oil and gas exploration, development and production, the Company has chosen to 
compare its performance with the FTSE All-Share Index and FTSE 350 Oil and Producers Index.

Shareholders return and index performance
5 June 2005–31 March 2017

500%

450%

400%

350%

300%

250%

200%

150%

100%

50%

0%

-50%

-100%

-150%

Jun
2005

Oct
2005

Feb
2006

Jun
2006

Oct
2006

Feb
2007

Jun
2007

Oct
2007

Feb
2008

Jun
2008

Oct
2008

Feb
2009

Jun
2009

Oct
2009

Feb
2010

Jun
2010

Oct
2010

Feb
2011

Jun
2011

Oct
2011

Feb
2012

Jun
2012

Oct
2012

Feb
2013

Jun
2013

Oct
2013

Feb
2014

Jun
2014

Oct
2014

Feb
2015

Jun
2015

Oct
2015

Feb
2016

Hardy Equity

FTSE All Share index

FTSE 350 Oil & Gas Producers

Source: London Stock Exchange

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information42

Directors’ Remuneration Report
continued

Chief Executive Officer’s remuneration

Total remuneration (US$)

Months of service

Total remuneration (US$/mth)

Annual bonus (%)2

Option vesting

20121

359,077

11

32,646

Nil

Nil

FY2014

508,954

15

33,930

Nil

Nil

FY2015

440,959

12

36,720

Nil

Nil

FY2016

411,982

12

34,332

Nil

Nil

FY2017

368,489

12

30,707

Nil

Nil

1  Chief Executive Officer’s remuneration figure includes Mr MacKenzie’s total remuneration in 2012, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer designate effective 1 February 2012.
2  The Chief Executive Officer was entitled to a bonus of nil to 100 per cent of annual salary equivalent. No bonus has been awarded by the Board.

On 31 March 2017, the market price of an Ordinary Share of Hardy was £0.28 per share. The highest and lowest market price of an Ordinary Share of Hardy during the year 
ended 31 March 2017 was £0.30 and £0.13 respectively.

Percentage change in Chief Executive Officer’s remuneration
The table below shows the percentage change in the Chief Executive Officer’s total remuneration between the financial period ended 31 March 2016 and financial year 
31 March 2017 compared to that of the average for all employees of the Group.

Salary

Benefits

Bonus

Chief Executive Officer

Average employees

5

5

0

0

Note: Percentage figures provided in the table above are determined based on the currency in which individuals are paid.

Relative importance of spend on pay
The following table shows the Company’s actual spend on pay for all employees relative to dividends.

Total employee remuneration (US$ million)

Dividend and share buyback

1  Weighted average change.

FY2016

FY2017

1.4

0

1.1

0

Shareholder voting at the last Annual General Meeting
At last year’s Annual General Meeting, held on 8 September 2016, the Company’s Remuneration Report received the following votes from shareholders:

Report

Total number of votes

% of votes cast

For

Against

Votes withheld

53,044,055

96.67

1,816,799

3.33

9,300

0

0

%1

(18)

0

Total issued
share capital 
instructed

54,870,154

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201743

Directors’ interests in the share capital of the Company 
The Directors who held office at 31 March 2017 and who had beneficial interests in the Ordinary Shares of the Company are summarised in the table below.  
There are no minimum shareholding requirements for Directors:

Name of Director 

Position 

Alasdair Locke 

Peter Milne 

Ian MacKenzie 

Pradip Shah 

Non-Executive Chairman 

Senior Non-Executive Director 

Chief Executive Officer 

Non-Executive Director 

As at 
31 March 
2017

1,198,153 

319,595

352,969

835,690

As at 
31 March 
2016

1,198,153 

319,595

352,969

835,690

Other than above, the Directors do not have any beneficial interest in the Ordinary Shares or any other securities of the Company, except for stock options.

Other matters
The Company does not manage any pension scheme for any of the Directors.
The Company has not paid out any excess retirement benefits to any Directors or past Directors.
The Company has not paid any compensation to past Directors.
The Company has not paid any sums to third parties with respect to any services of Directors.

Approved on behalf of the Board of Directors.

Pradip Shah
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
8 June 2017

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information44

Nomination Committee Report

Management resources – The Committee 
members relied upon its regular contact with 
the Executive to fulfil its ongoing assessment of 
the Company’s senior management capabilities 
and expertise. The Committee is satisfied that the 
Company currently has sufficient human resources 
to achieve the Company’s short-term objectives and 
has identified areas of enhancement to be put in 
place as our projects mature.

Board Committee membership – The Committee 
recommended membership of Board Committees 
remains unchanged. A copy of the Committee’s 
terms of reference can be found on the Company’s 
website www.hardyoil.com. 

Committee evaluation – The performance of 
the Nomination Committee was evaluated as part 
of the Board evaluation which was completed 
in April 2017. The review was coordinated by the 
Senior Non-Executive Director with the assistance 
of management. The review showed that the 
Nomination Committee adjudged to be  
operating effectively.

UK Code compliance – The Committee has noted 
shareholder feedback regarding independence of 
non-executives.

Independence – Mr Shah, a Non-Executive Director, 
does not meet the requirements for independence 
within the framework of the UK Code, primarily due 
to term of service. The Committee considers that Mr 
Shah is independent of management as the Chief 
Executive Officer was appointed in 2012 and with 
whom Mr Shah has had no previous professional 
interaction. Furthermore, Mr Shah’s contributes 
relevant skills, expertise and insight towards the 
Company’s stated strategic objectives and provides, 
in particular, valuable advice as to the business and 
political environment in India. 

The Committee have concluded that the current 
Board members are the most appropriate for the 
needs of the organisation. We will continue to closely 
monitor the composition of the Board in this regard 
and act when appropriate.

Gender diversity – All of the Executive and 
Non-Executive Directors are male reflecting the 
relatively low level of gender diversity at senior 
levels in the upstream oil and gas industry generally. 
The Committee recognises the benefit of gender 
diversity however with due consideration for current 
circumstances there is no immediate plan to change 
the composition of the Board. The Board is diverse in 
respect to skills, experience and cultural background.

Alasdair Locke
Chairman of the Nomination Committee
8 June 2017

The main role of the Nomination Committee is to 
ensure that the Board has the necessary skills and 
expertise to support the Company’s current and 
future activities. Further we work to ensure that  
the Company’s senior management have 
the necessary competencies to execute the 
organisation’s strategic objectives. 

The Hardy Board comprises of four members 
including three Non-Executive Directors and one 
Executive Director. The Committee reviewed the 
composition of the Board and concluded that 
the current membership is sufficient to guide the 
Company to achieve its strategic objectives. The 
Nomination Committee will continue to assess the 
Group’s leadership requirements and the overall 
effectiveness and composition of the Board.

Committee’s role
The Nomination Committee reviews the 
composition and balance of the Board and senior 
executive team on a regular basis to ensure that 
the Board and senior management have the right 
structure, skills and experience in place for the 
effective management of the Company’s business.

Main responsibilities
The main duties of the Nomination Committee are 
summarised below:

•  Review the structure, size and composition  

of the Board and make recommendations to the 
Board with regard to any changes

•  Succession planning for Directors and other  

• 

senior executives
Identifying and nominating, for Board approval, 
candidates to fill Board vacancies as and  
when required

•  Reviewing annually the time commitment 
required of Non-Executive Directors; and

•  Make recommendations to the Board regarding 
membership of the Audit and Remuneration 
Committees in consultation with the Chairman  
of each Committee.

Committee membership
The Nomination Committee currently comprises  
of three Non-Executive Directors with Alasdair Locke 
as Chairman of the Committee. The Nomination 
Committee met three times in the 12 months  
ended 31 March 2017. The membership and 
attendance of members at Committee meetings 
held are provided below:

Committee member

Meetings attended

Alasdair Locke (Chairman)

Peter Milne

Pradip Shah

3 of 3

3 of 3

3 of 3

Committee activities
The principal activities of the Committee during the 
year ended 31 March 2017 and after year end were:

Board composition – The structure, size and 
composition of the Board was assessed. It was 
agreed that the current composition of the Board 
is adequate and provides the appropriate balance 
of experience and expertise to effectively fulfil its 
obligations to stakeholders. 

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Directors’ Report

45

The Directors of Hardy Oil and Gas plc present their Annual Report together with the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2017. These will be 
presented before the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting scheduled to be held on 13 September 2017.

Business review and future developments
Hardy is an international upstream oil and gas company holding exploration and production rights in India. The Company is incorporated in the Isle of Man and its 
registered office is Fort Anne, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 5PD. Hardy’s objective is to be a leading independent exploration and production company in India and deliver 
consistent step change growth in shareholder value through the exploration of potential commercial hydrocarbon accumulations. A full review of the Group’s activities 
during the year ended 31 March 2017 and plans for the year ended 31 March 2018 can be found in the Strategic Report section on pages 04 to 05 of the Annual Report, 
which are incorporated herein by reference.

Directors
The Directors that served in office throughout the year ended 31 March 2017 were:

Board member

Alasdair Locke

Ian MacKenzie

Peter Milne

Pradip Shah

Position

Committee member

Non-Executive Chairman

Remuneration, Nomination (Chairman), Risk

Chief Executive Officer Executive Director 

Risk (Chairman)

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Audit (Chairman), Remuneration, Nomination, Risk

Remuneration (Chairman), Audit, Nomination

Indemnity provision for Directors
Subject to the Isle of Man Companies Acts 1931 to 2004, but without prejudice to any indemnity to which a Director may otherwise be entitled, every Director shall be 
entitled to be indemnified out of the assets of the Company against all costs, charges, losses, damages and liabilities incurred by the Director in the actual or purported 
execution of his or her duties. The Group has a Directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy in place.

Results and dividends
The Group is reporting a total comprehensive loss of US$9,182,354 for the year ended 31 March 2017 compared to a comprehensive loss of US$16,757,159 for the year 
ended 31 March 2016. The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend.

Election and re-election of Directors
At the next Annual General Meeting of the Company, to be held on 13 September 2017, Ian MacKenzie and Pradip Shah will offer themselves for re-election  
as Non-Executive Directors. Biographical details for Mr MacKenzie and Mr Shah are set out on page 26. 

Messrs Locke, Milne and Shah have entered into engagement letters with the Company in respect of their appointments as Non-Executive Directors of the Company. 
The appointments are subject to termination upon at least three months’ notice by either party.

Ian MacKenzie is the Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Director of the Board. He chairs the Company’s Risk Committee. Mr MacKenzie has been a member  
of Hardy’s Board and served as Executive Director for more than five years. 

Pradip Shah chairs the Company’s Remuneration Committee and is a member of the Audit and Nomination Committees. Mr Shah has served as a Non-Executive 
Director for more than 18 years. 

The Board of Directors believe that the contribution being made by these Directors continue to be invaluable and is satisfied that they conduct themselves in an 
appropriate manner and in the best interest of shareholders. The Board of Directors is satisfied that the performance of all Directors continues to be effective and  
is also satisfied as to their commitment to their role as Directors.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information46

Directors’ Report 
continued

Capital structure and significant shareholders
The Company’s authorised and issued share capital and changes thereto are disclosed in note 19 to the consolidated financial statements. Disclosures with respect to 
share options are provided in note 9 to the consolidated financial statements and in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

At 31 March 2017 and at the date of this report, there were 73,764,035 Ordinary Shares of Hardy issued and fully paid. Major interests in share capital of the Company, 
more than 3 per cent1, as of the date of this report are as follows:

Richard Griffiths and controlled undertaking

Aberforth Partners LLP

Universities Superannuation Scheme Limited

Robert Quested

Henderson Global Investors

NFU Mutual Insurance Society Limited

Yogeshwar Sharma

John Grahame Whateley

Legal & General Group Plc (L&G)

Total

21,931,218

9,784,830

9,243,931

5,279,354

3,277,403

2,713,479

2,662,438

2,438,169

2,245,667

29.73%

13.27%

12.53%

7.16%

4.44%

3.68%

3.61%

3.31%

3.04%

59,576,489

80.77%

1  The Company relies on TR-1 notifications to track major shareholdings. Such notification is to be issued by the shareholder to the Company and appropriate authority following which the Company  

is required to disclose via an Regulatory News Service (RNS). There is no mechanism in place for the Company to verify the accuracy of such disclosures.

GHG emissions
The disclosure concerning GHG emissions is included in the Strategic Report on page 22.

Diversity
The disclosures concerning Director, management and employee gender diversity as required by law are included in the Strategic Report on page 23.

Annual General Meeting
The Company’s next Annual General Meeting will be held at Hardy Oil and Gas plc, 16 North Silver Street, Aberdeen AB10 1RL, Scotland on 13 September 2017 at 11.00 
BST. The notice of meeting and the explanatory circular to shareholders setting out business to be conducted at the Annual General Meeting accompanies this Annual 
Report. The notice includes an item of special business which is explained by the Chairman in his letter contained in the circular. The item of special business concerns 
the disapplication of the pre-emption rights set out in article 5.1 of the Company’s Articles of Association.

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and IFRS as adopted by the European Union. Under such 
requirements, the Directors are required to prepare Consolidated and Parent Company financial statements of Hardy Oil and Gas plc for the year ended 31 March 2017, 
which comprise Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, Consolidated and Parent Company Statements of Financial Position, Consolidated and Parent 
Company Statements of Cash Flows, Consolidated and Parent Company Statements of Changes in Equity, and related notes. In preparing these financial statements,  
the Directors are required to:

•  Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently
•  Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
•  State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
•  Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.

The Directors are responsible for ensuring that proper accounting records are kept and which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of 
the Company and of the Group and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Isle of Man Companies Acts 1931 to 2004. The Directors are 
responsible for ensuring the Directors’ Report and other information included in the Annual Report are prepared in accordance with company law of the Isle of Man and 
are also responsible for ensuring that the Annual Report includes information required by the rules of the London Stock Exchange.

In addition to the above, the Directors are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and of the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the 
prevention and detection of fraud or other irregularities. 

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the Company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201747

Directors’ responsibility statement pursuant to disclosure and Transparency Rule 4.1.12
The Directors confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:

•  The financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial 

position and profit or loss of the Group; and

•  The Annual Report and statement of accounts includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group, together 

with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

Internal control and risk management systems
The Board has the ultimate responsibility for the Group’s internal control and risk management systems. The Audit Committee monitors internal controls and risk 
management systems on an annual basis. The Group has established a system of control and risk management involving an appropriate degree of oversight by  
senior management.

Reappointment of auditor
Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP have expressed their willingness to continue as auditor. In accordance with the Isle of Man Companies Acts 1931 to 2004, a resolution 
reappointing Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP as auditor of the Company will be proposed at the next Annual General Meeting.

Going concern
The Group’s business activities, together with factors likely to affect its future operations, financial position and liquidity position are set out in the Strategic Report  
section of the Annual Report. In addition, note 23 to the financial statements disclosed the Group’s financial risk management practices with respect to its capital 
structure, foreign currency risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk, commodity price risk, credit risk and other related matters.

The Directors, having made due and careful enquiry, believe the Group has adequate working capital to execute its operations over the next 12 months. The Directors, 
therefore, have made an informed judgement, at the time of approving financial statements, that there is a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate 
resources to continue in operational existence for 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements. As a result, the Directors have continued  
to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial statements.

Events after 31 March 2017
There have not been any material events that have occurred since 31 March 2017 to the date of this report.

Approved by the Board of Directors.

Alasdair Locke
Chairman 
8 June 2017

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information48
48

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017

48 
50  
53 

54  

55  

56 
57 

75  

76  

77  
78 

Financial Statements Divider page
Independent Auditor’s Report
Consolidated Statement
of Comprehensive Income 
Consolidated Statement
of Changes in Equity
Consolidated Statement
of Financial Position
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements
Parent Company Statement
of Changes in Equity
Parent Company Statement
of Financial Position
Parent Company Statement of Cash Flows
Notes to the Parent
Company Financial Statements

s
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S

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Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017

49
49

This section of the report details the 
financial position of the Company 
and reports on the financial record 
throughout the year

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information50

Independent Auditor’s Report
to the Shareholders of Hardy Oil and Gas plc

Opinion on financial statements

In our opinion:
•  the financial statements give a true and fair view of the Group’s and of the parent company’s state of affairs as at 31 March 2017 and of the Group’s loss for the period 

then ended;

•  the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘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 and as applied in accordance 

with the provisions of the Isle of Man Companies Acts 1931 to 2004; and

•  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Isle of Man Companies Acts 1931 to 2004 and, as regards the Group financial 

statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

What we have audited
The financial statements of Hardy Oil and Gas plc comprise the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, Consolidated and Parent Company Statements of 
Financial Position, the Consolidated and Parent Company Statements of Cash Flows, the Consolidated and Parent Company Statements of Changes in Equity, and the 
related notes. 

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and IFRSs as adopted by the European Union and, as regards the parent 
company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Isle of Man Companies Acts 1931 to 2004.

Going concern 
As required by the Listing Rules we have reviewed the directors’ statement on page 30 regarding the appropriateness of the going concern basis and the Directors’ 
statement of viability of the group contained within the Strategic Report on page 20. We have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to:

•  the Directors’ confirmation on page 20 that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group, including those that would threaten  

its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity and the disclosures on pages 20 to 21 that describe those risks and explain how they are being managed 
or mitigated;

•  the Directors’ statement in note 1 of the accounting policies about whether they consider it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing 
them and their identification of any material uncertainties to the Group’s ability to continue to do so over a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval 
of the financial statements; and

•  the Directors’ explanation within the Strategic Report on page 20 as to how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over what period they have done so 

and why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue 
in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary 
qualifications or assumptions.

We have concluded that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting for the preparation of the financial statements to be appropriate and have not 
identified any material uncertainties. However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, this statement is not a guarantee as to the Group’s ability  
to continue as a going concern.

Overview of our audit approach

Risks of material misstatement

Changes in our risk assessment – areas where 
our assessment of the risk has increased since 
the prior year

Audit scope

Materiality

•  Status of the legal dispute in respect of CY-OS2; 
•  Status of on-going legal disputes;
•  Carrying value of the PY-3 field included within property, plant and equipment and recoverability of the 

associated deferred tax asset; and

•  Estimation of the future liability in respect of the decommissioning liability.

The status of on-going legal disputes is an area of increased risk since the prior year due to developments in 
the underlying matters increasing the risk of a material cash outflow.

The parent company and its subsidiary are accounted for from one central operating location in Chennai, 
India. Our audit was conducted from the central operating location which the Responsible Individual visited 
during the course of the audit work.

Overall group materiality of $700,000 which represents 1% of the Group’s total assets. 

Our assessment of risks significant to the audit
We identified the following risks 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:

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201751

Risk

How the scope addressed the assessed risk

Status of the legal dispute in respect of CY-
OS/2
The carrying value of the field at 31 March 2017 is 
$51.1m. As outlined within the ‘Critical Accounting 
Estimates and Judgments section’ whilst the 
Group has been awarded costs and interest after 
arbitration the dispute with the Government of 
India remains on-going. 

If the block is relinquished it would be an 
indication of impairment as per the criteria of 
IFRS6: Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral 
Resources and a test would subsequently be 
required which could have a material impact 
on the Group. We considered the risk that an 
impairment test should have been performed and 
the asset written down as relinquished.

Status of on-going legal disputes
The Group is involved in a number of legal 
disputes with taxation authorities and third 
parties. In the event of adverse findings there 
could be a material cash outflow from the Group. 
We considered the risk that liabilities arising from 
such disputes are not recognised in accordance 
with accounting standards and the potential 
impact of any cash outflows on the future 
viability of the Group.

Carrying value of the PY-3 field included 
within property, plant and equipment and the 
associated deferred tax asset
During the year the PY-3 field was fully written 
down with an impairment charge of $3m being 
recognised. In addition the deferred tax asset of 
$4.5m was derecognised as the availability of 
future profits to realise the asset before the expiry 
of the underlying losses was no longer  
considered  probable. 

We considered the evidence supporting the 
impairment and the nature of the changed 
circumstances from the prior year that gave 
rise to the additional write down.

Estimation of the future liability in respect 
of decommissioning
The carrying value of the decommissioning 
provision, relating to the PY-3 field, is $4.5m 
which has been revised downward from the 
previous year by $0.8m to reflect reductions in 
the cost estimates. We considered the risk that 
the assumptions were not appropriate in current 
market conditions and that the liability was 
materially misstated.

We have reviewed the arbitration award, made in Hardy’s favour, in February 2013 and considered the legal 
advice received by the Group in respect of the enforcement of the award, both within and outside India.  

We obtained, from a source independent of the Group, the judgement received at the Delhi High Court in 
July 2016 dismissing the Government of India’s appeal.

We have discussed the matter directly with the Group’s legal advisors.

We reviewed the disclosure made concerning this matter to ensure that it is consistent with our understanding 
of the current legal position.

Further details of this matter are disclosed in notes 2 and 15 to the financial statements to which we draw the 
reader’s attention. 

We obtained management’s assessment of the likely outcome of on-going disputes. This included:

•  Assessment of the progress of the outstanding cases;
•  Reviewed board minutes and legal invoices for evidence of additional legal disputes which we were not 

previously made aware; and

•  Reviewing the legal advice received and discussing matters directly with Hardy’s legal and 

professional advisors. 

We have considered the adequacy of liabilities recognised and disclosures made within the financial statements. 

In addition we stress tested management’s cash flow projections for the viability period and considered the 
adequacy of the directors’ statement on viability.

We discussed the plans for the recommencement of production from the field with Management and reviewed 
supporting minutes from the PY-3 Operating Committee and Management Committee together with other 
correspondence received from the other partners involved in the block. Our work was designed to establish 
whether there was consensus amongst the partners on plans for developing the field and whether agreement 
had been reached on the fiscal terms which are key to securing consensus.

Furthermore we obtained and reviewed the underlying economic models and considered various scenarios for 
the net present values at different fiscal terms.

As part of this work we considered the impact on the ability of the group to realise value from the tax losses prior 
to their expiry. This including whether there were other likely sources of revenue against which the losses could 
be relieved.

We reviewed the underlying economic models challenging the key assumptions made by management. 
This included:
•  Comparison of rig day rate assumptions to available market data; 
•  Considering the appropriateness of the assumptions concerning the timing and discounting of the cash 

flows; and

•  Performing of scenario analysis of the various underlying assumptions.

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.

The Audit Committee’s consideration of these matters is set out on page 33.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
52

Independent Auditor’s Report continued
to the Shareholders of Hardy Oil and Gas plc

Under the Isle of Man Companies Acts 1931 to 2004 we are required to report to you 
if, in our opinion:

•  the parent company and the Group have not kept proper accounting records; 
•  the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records  

• 

• 

and returns;
if we have not received all the information and explanations we require for  
our audit; or 
if information specified by law regarding Directors’ remuneration and other 
transactions is not disclosed.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:

•  the directors’ statements, set out on page 30, in relation to going concern and 

longer term viability; and

•  the part of the corporate governance report on page 31 relating to the 

Company’s compliance with the eleven provisions of the 2014 UK Corporate 
Governance Code specified for our review.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors

Responsibility of directors for the financial statements
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 
46, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and 
for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view.

Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and 
Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Financial Report Council’s 
Ethical Standards for Auditors.

This report is made solely to the parent company’s members, as a body, in 
accordance with section 15 of the Isle of Man Companies Act 1982. Our audit 
work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members 
those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no 
other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume 
responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members as a 
body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Matthew Stallabrass
Responsible Individual
For and on behalf of
Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP
Statutory Auditor
London
8 June 2017

Our assessment of 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.

We determined materiality of the group to be $700,000 (2016: $800,000) which is 
1% of the Group’s total assets and 1% of the Group’s net assets. The reduction in 
materiality reflects the decrease in the group’s assets following the impairments 
during the year. 

We conducted our audit of particular groups of balances or transactions at a level of 
materiality less than overall materiality (“performance materiality”). We agreed with 
the Audit Committee to report all errors identified to the Committee in excess of 
$20,000. Errors below that threshold would be reported to the Committee if,  
in our opinion as auditors, disclosure was required on qualitative grounds.

Basis for opinions
We have audited the consolidated financial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) (UK and Ireland). 
Our responsibilities under those standards are further described below under 
Respective Responsibilities of Directors and Auditor. In performing our audit, as 
required by those standards, we complied with the Financial Reporting Council’s 
Ethical Standards for Auditors including those requiring us to be independent and 
objective.

An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the 
financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial 
statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. 
This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to 
the Group’s and the parent company’s circumstances and have been consistently 
applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting 
estimates made by the Directors; and the overall presentation of the financial 
statements.

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the Chairman’s 
Statement, Strategic Report, Directors’ Report, Governance Report, Audit 
Committee Report, Nomination Committee Report and the unaudited sections 
of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to identify material inconsistencies with the 
audited financial statements or with knowledge acquired by us in the course of 
performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements 
or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following:

Under the ISAs (UK and Ireland), we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, 
information in the annual report is:

•  materially inconsistent with the information in the audited financial  

statements; or

•  apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our 
knowledge of the Group acquired in the course of performing our audit; or
is otherwise misleading.

• 

In particular, we are required to consider whether we have identified any 
inconsistencies between our knowledge acquired during the audit and the 
directors' statement that they consider the annual report is fair, balanced and 
understandable and whether the annual report appropriately discloses those 
matters that we communicated to the audit committee which we consider 
should have been disclosed.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 
For the year ended 31 March 2017

53

Continuing operations 

Revenue

Cost of sales

Production costs

Unsuccessful exploration costs

Impairment of Block CY-OS-90/1 (PY-3)

Gross profit/(loss)

Administrative expenses

Operating loss

Interest and investment income

Loss before taxation

Taxation

Loss after taxation

Total other comprehensive income

Year ending 
31 March 
2017
US$

Year ending 
31 March 
2016
US$

Notes

3

4

5

14

6

11

12

–

–

514,525

–

(3,026,688)

(2,512,163)

(2,614,386)

(5,126,549)

429,857

(4,696,692)

(4,485,662)

(9,182,354)

–

(179,386)

(4,935,149)

(2,754,273)

(7,868,808)

(4,037,221)

(11,906,029)

336,197

(11,569,832)

(5,187,327)

(16,757,159)

–

Total comprehensive loss for the year attributable to owners of the parent

(9,182,354)

(16,757,159)

Loss per share 

Basic & diluted

13

(0.12)

(0.23)

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information54

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 
For the year ended 31 March 2017

At 31 March 2015

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Share based payment

Adjustment of lapsed vested options 

Restricted shares issued

At 31 March 2016

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Share based payment

Adjustment of lapsed vested options 

Share
capital
US$

733,314

–

–

–

Share
premium 
US$

Shares
option 
reserve
US$

120,860,631

3,669,066

Retained
earnings/(loss)
US$

(36,970,336)

(16,757,159)

–

–

–

–

–

84,814

(1,899,531)

1,899,531

Total
US$

88,292,675

(16,757,159)

84,814

–

80,137

4,327

75,810

–

–

737,641

120,936,441

1,854,349

(51,827,964)

71,700,467

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(9,182,354)

(9,182,354)

78,163

–

(1,168,024)

1,168,024

78,163

–

At 31 March 2017

737,641

120,936,441

764,488

(59,842,294)

62,596,276

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 
As at 31 March 2017

55

Assets

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Site restoration deposits

Deferred tax asset

Total non-current assets

Current assets

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Short-term investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Equity and liabilities

Equity attributable to owners of the parent

Share capital

Share premium

Shares option reserve

Retained loss

Total equity

Non-current liabilities

Provision for decommissioning

Total non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

Approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 8 June 2017.

31 March
2017
US$

31 March
2016
US$

Notes

14

15

21

12

16

17

18

23

19

20

20

21

22

 24,885 

 51,130,501 

4,723,237

–

55,878,623

942,365

 3,862,656 

 14,179,026 

 286,881 

19,270,928

75,149,551

3,062,290

51,132,228

4,311,198

4,485,662

62,991,378

942,365

3,250,236

16,767,941

828,379

21,788,921

84,780,299

737,641

737,641

 120,936,441 

 120,936,441 

764,488

(59,842,294)

62,596,276

4,452,916

4,452,916

8,100,359

8,100,359

12,553,275

75,149,551

 1,854,349 

(51,827,964)

71,700,467

5,256,097

5,256,097

7,823,735

7,823,735

13,079,832

84,780,299

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information56

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 
For the year ended 31 March 2017

Operating activities

Cash flow (used in) operating activities

Taxation refund 

Net cash (used in ) operating activities

Investing activities

Expenditure on intangible assets – others

Expenditure on other fixed assets

Site restoration deposit

Realised from short-term investments

Net cash from investing activities

Financing activities

Interest and investment income

Net cash from financing activities

Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

23

Year ending 
31 March 
2017
US$

Notes

7

(3,240,252)

98,347 

(3,141,905)

–

(6,328)

(412,039)

2,588,917 

2,170,550

429,857

429,857

(541,498)

828,379

286,881

Year ending 
31 March 
2016
US$

(3,738,079)

 21,023 

(3,717,056)

(5,182)

(22,294)

(25,683)

995,304

942,145

336,197

336,197

(2,438,714)

3,267,093

828,379

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201757

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2017

1. Accounting policies
The following accounting policies have been applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements of Hardy Oil and Gas plc (“Hardy” or the “Group”). 

These financial statements are for the year ending 31 March 2017.

a) Basis of measurement
Hardy prepares its financial statements on a historical cost basis except as otherwise stated.

b) Going concern
The Group has in the past generated working capital from its production activities and successfully raised finance to provide additional funding for its ongoing 
exploration and development programmes. The Directors have reviewed the Group’s ongoing activities and having regard to the Group’s existing working capital 
position and its ability to potentially raise finance, if required, the Directors are of the opinion that the Group has adequate resources to enable it to undertake its planned 
activities over the next 12 months from the date of these financial statements (in coming to this opinion the Directors have not included the receipt of any funds from 
the CY-OS/2 arbitration award).

c) Basis of preparation
Hardy prepares its financial statements in accordance with applicable International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and interpretations issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board as adopted by the European Union. 

As at the date of approval of these financial statements, there are several standards and interpretations that are in issue but not yet effective. The Directors do not 
anticipate that the adoption of these standards and interpretations in future reporting periods will have a material impact on the Group’s results.

d) Presentational currency
These financial statements are presented in US dollars. All financial information presented is rounded to the nearest US dollar.

e) Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the results of Hardy Oil and Gas plc and its subsidiary undertaking. The Group comprises of the parent company,  
Hardy Oil and Gas plc, and the wholly owned subsidiary Hardy Exploration & Production (India) Inc. which is incorporated under the Laws of State of Delaware,  
United States of America. The members of the Group are engaged in the business of exploration and production of oil and gas and all are included in the consolidated 
financial statements.

The Group participates in several unincorporated joint arrangements (UJV) which involve the joint control of assets used in the Group’s oil and gas exploration and 
production activities. The Group accounts for all its joint arrangements as joint operations by recognising its share of assets, liabilities, income and expenditure of joint 
arrangement in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income as appropriate.

f) Revenue 
Revenue represents the sale value of the Group’s share of oil (which excludes the profit oil sold and paid to the Government of India as a part of profit sharing).  
Revenues are recognised when crude oil has been lifted and title has been passed to the buyer.

g) Oil and gas assets
i) Exploration and evaluation assets
Hardy has adopted the successful efforts based accounting policy for its oil and gas assets.

Costs incurred prior to acquiring the legal rights to explore an area are expensed immediately in the income statement.

Expenditure incurred in connection with, and directly attributable to, the acquisition, exploration and appraisal of oil and gas assets are capitalised for each licence 
granted and are held within intangible exploration assets and not depleted.

Exploration drilling costs are initially capitalised on a well-by-well basis until the success or otherwise of the well has been established. The success or failure is assessed 
on a well-by-well basis. Exploration well costs are written off on completion of the well unless the results indicate the presence of hydrocarbons which have reasonable 
commercial potential.

Following appraisal of such wells, if commercial reserves are established and technical feasibility for extraction is demonstrated, the related capital intangible  
exploration and appraisal costs are transferred into a cost centre within the Property Plant and Equipment – development assets after testing for impairment, if any. 
Where exploration well results indicate the presence of hydrocarbons which are ultimately not considered commercially viable, all related costs will be written-off  
to the income statement.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information58

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 March 2017

1. Accounting policies continued
g) Oil and gas assets continued
ii) Oil and gas development and producing assets
Development and production assets are accumulated on a field-by-field basis. These comprise the cost of developing commercial reserves discovered to put them into 
production and the exploration and evaluation costs transferred from intangible exploration and evaluation assets, as stated in the policy above. In addition, interest 
payable incurred on borrowings directly attributable to development projects, if any, and assets acquired for the production phase, as well as cost of recognising 
provision for future restoration and decommissioning, are capitalised.

iii) Decommissioning
At the end of the producing life of a field, costs are incurred in removing and decommissioning facilities, plugging and abandoning wells. The full discounted cost 
of decommissioning is estimated and considered as an asset and liability. The decommissioning cost is included within the cost of property, plant and equipment 
development assets. Any revision in the estimated cost of decommissioning which alters the provisions required also adjusted in the cost of asset. The amortisation 
of the asset, calculated on a unit of production basis based on proved reserves, is shown as within the depletion charge on oil and gas assets in the Statement of 
Comprehensive Income and unwinding of the discount on the provision is included in the finance costs.

iv) Disposal of assets
Proceeds from any disposal of assets are credited against the specific capitalised costs included in the relevant cost pool and any loss or gain on disposal is recognised  
in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

h) Depletion and impairment 
i) Depletion
The net book values of the producing assets are depreciated on a field by field basis using the unit of production method, based on proved and probable reserves.  
Hardy periodically obtains an independent third-party assessment of reserves which is used as a basis for computing depletion. 

ii) Impairment
Exploration assets are reviewed regularly for indications of impairment following the guidance in IFRS 6 Exploration and Evaluation of Mineral Resources, where 
circumstances indicate that the carrying value might not be recoverable. In such circumstances, if the exploration asset has a corresponding development/producing 
cost pool, then the exploration costs are transferred to the cost pool and depleted on unit of production. In cases where no such development/producing cost pool 
exists, the impairment of exploration costs is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. 

Impairment reviews on development/producing oil and gas assets for each field are carried out when indicators of impairment exist by comparing the net book value  
of the cost pool with the associated discounted future cash flows. If there is any impairment in a field representing a material component of the cost pool, an impairment 
test is carried out for the cost pool. If the net book value of the cost pool is higher than the associated discounted future cash flows, the excess amount is recognised in 
the Statement of Comprehensive Income as impairment and deducted from the pool value. 

i) Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, other than oil and gas assets, are measured at cost and depreciated over their expected useful economic lives as follows:

Leasehold improvements

Furniture and fixtures

Information technology and computers

Other equipment

Depreciation charges are included within administrative expenses.

Annual rate (%)

over lease period

20

33

20

Depreciation 
method

Straight line

Straight line

Straight line

Straight line

j) Intangible assets 
Intangible assets, other than oil and gas assets, are measured at cost and depreciated over their expected useful economic lives as follows:

Computer software

Amortisation charges are included within administrative expenses.

k) Investments
Investments by the parent company in its subsidiaries are stated at cost less any impairment provisions.

Annual rate (%)

Depreciation 
method

33

Straight line

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201759

1. Accounting policies continued
l) Short-term investments
Short-term investments are regarded as “financial assets at fair value through profit or loss” and are carried at fair value. In practice, the nature of these investments 
is such that all income is remitted and recognised as interest and investment income and the fair value equates to the value of initial outlay and therefore, in normal 
circumstances, no fair value gain or loss is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

m) Inventory
Inventory of crude oil is valued at the lower of average cost or net realisable value. Average cost is determined based on actual production cost for the year. Inventories of 
drilling stores are recorded at cost including taxes, duties and freight. Provision is made for obsolete or defective items where appropriate, based on technical evaluation.

n) Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair value in the Group’s Statement of Financial Position based on the contractual provisions  
of the instrument.

Trade receivables are not interest bearing and their fair value is deemed to be their nominal value as reduced by any necessary provisions for estimated irrecoverable 
amounts. Trade payables are not interest bearing and their fair value is deemed to be their nominal value.

o) Equity
Equity instruments issued by Hardy are recorded at net proceeds after direct issue costs.

p) Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of current tax and deferred tax. Current tax is based on the taxable profit of the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported 
in the Statement of Comprehensive Income as it excludes certain items of income or expenses that are taxable or deductible in years other than the current year and it 
further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The current tax liability is calculated using the tax rates that have been enacted or substantially enacted by 
the year end date.

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the 
corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the liability method.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits  
will be available in the future against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which temporary differences 
reverse, based on tax rates and laws enacted at the year-end date.

q) Foreign currencies
Foreign currency transactions are accounted for at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of the transaction. At the year-end date, all foreign currency monetary assets 
and monetary liabilities are restated at the closing exchange rate. Exchange difference arising from transactions during the year and from the year end retranslation are 
reflected in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Rate of exchanges were as follows:

£ to US$

US$ to Indian Rupees

31 March 
2017

1.23

64.85

31 March 
2016

1.42

66.35

r) Leasing commitments
Rental charges payable under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income as part of general and administration costs over the lease term. 

s) Share based payments
Hardy issues share options to Directors and employees, which are measured at fair value at the date of grant. The fair value of the equity settled options determined  
at the grant date is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. In performing the valuation of these options, only market conditions are considered. 
Fair value is derived by use of the binomial model. The expected life used in the model is based on management estimates and considers non-transferability, exercise 
restrictions and behavioural considerations. In case of lapsed vested options, the amount recognised in the shares option reserve is adjusted to retained earnings  
as a reserve movement.

t) Contingent assets
Contingent assets are disclosed but not recognised where the receipt of income is probable but not virtually certain. The asset and related income is only recognised  
in the year when the receipt becomes virtually certain.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information60

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 March 2017

2. Critical accounting estimates and judgments
Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed  
to be reasonable under the circumstances.

The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results.  
The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial  
year are addressed below.

i) Intangible assets – exploration
Intangible assets comprise of capitalised exploration expenditures associated with a natural gas discovery on the CY-OS/2 exploration licence. The GOI had notified 
Hardy of the relinquishment of the licence to which Hardy and the GOI entered arbitration to resolve the dispute. The arbitration tribunal ruled in favour of Hardy and 
ordered the reinstatement of the licence. The GOI has subsequently appealed the award at several levels of the India judicial system. Full details are disclosed in note 15 
to these financial statements. This is regarded as a significant area of judgment and Management have considered that the arbitration tribunal has confirmed that the 
relinquishment was illegal, the appeal by the GOI was dismissed by the District Bench of the High Court of Delhi, and legal advice maintains a legal right to the licence.  
As a result, it has been adjudged that there is no indication of impairment.

ii) Decommissioning
The liability for decommissioning is reviewed based on cost estimates which are predominated by the charter hire charges of drill ships and supply boats. Accordingly, 
the provision made in the books will reflect the risk free discounted estimated future cost for decommissioning. Further details are contained in note 21.

iii) Carrying value of Oil & Gas and exploration assets and deferred tax assets
Management has fully impaired the Group’s oil and gas assets due to ongoing uncertainty of likelihood of development and the availability of extension at the end of 
the current Production Sharing Agreement in 2019. If a development was sanctioned the calculation of the recoverable amount would require the estimation of future 
cash flows. Previously Management’s key assumptions and estimates in the impairment models related to: commodity prices that are based on forward commodity 
price estimates, fiscal structuring specific to individual assets, commercial reserves and the related cost profiles. Should a development plan be approved by all the 
partners in the PY-3 field and the Government of India we will review the economic model to determine the appropriate asset value. If circumstances change the total 
impairment recognised in FY2016 and FY2017 of US$5.8 million could be written back. Further details are contained in note 14 and 15.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for unused tax losses to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the losses can be 
utilised. Judgement is required to determine the value of the deferred tax asset, based upon timing and level of future taxable profits. In the absence of an agreed 
development plan for PY-3 the Group is not expected to generate profits within a reasonable timeframe to be offset by unused tax loses. Should a development plan for 
PY-3 be approved and prevailing key assumptions remain valid then a portion of the Deferred tax asset may be written back. Further details are contained in note 12.

iv) Recoverability of receivables from Joint Venture Partners
Where the Group is the operator of, or is the largest owner in, a field it recovers a percentage of the costs incurred from its joint arrangement partners in accordance with 
the levels of participating interests. Partners may either be Indian state-owned companies or private enterprises. Cash calls on partners are usually made in advance of 
incurring field expenditure however a number of these have not been paid and the Group has commenced arbitration against its partners seeking US$8.36 million. The 
Group has strong legal advice that its claim is valid and it will continue to pursue this amount by all legal means however due to the length of time the amounts have 
been outstanding prudent provision was made in prior year, the total provision recognised in these financial statements is therefore US$4.80 million. There is always 
uncertainty associated with any arbitration process and the amount recovered may therefore materially differ both from that claimed and from the amount recognised. 
This is regarded as a significant estimate and Management have considered the correspondence between the Group and the Debtors, standing of the individual 
organisations and legal advice.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201761

3. Segment analysis
The Group is organised into two business units as at end of the year: India and United Kingdom. The Indian business unit is operated by the wholly owned subsidiary, 
Hardy Exploration & Production (India) Inc. and Hardy Oil and Gas plc operates in the United Kingdom. 

The India business unit focuses on exploration and production of oil and gas assets in India. The United Kingdom business unit is the holding company. Management 
monitors these business units separately for resource allocation, decision making and performance assessment.

Revenue

Other income

Operating loss

Interest income

2017 
US$

 UK 

–

 India 

–

(3,488,958)

(1,637,591)

332,430

97,427

 Inter-segment
eliminations 

–

–

–

Interest income on inter-corporate loan 

Impairment of investment in & loan to subsidiary

–

–

1,517,533

(1,517,533)

(65,873,695)

65,873,695

Interest expense on inter-corporate loan 

(1,517,533)

–

1,517,533

 Total 

–

(5,126,549)

429,857

–

–

–

(4,696,692)

(4,485,662)

(9,182,354)

55,878,623

19,270,928

75,149,551

(4,452,916)

(8,100,359)

(12,553,275)

–

6,328

(3,026,688)

(18,772)

(4,674,061)

(65,896,326)

65,873,695

(5,321,891)

836,229

–

(9,995,952)

(65,060,097)

65,873,695

55,869,987

4,859,675

60,729,662

–

(4,452,916)

(7,953,585)

(12,406,501)

(109,748,349)

3,998

(3,026,688)

8,636

14,411,253

14,419,889

47,627,764

–

(146,774)

(146,774)

2,330

–

(7,257)

(11,515)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(47,627,764)

–

–

109,748,349

Loss before taxation 

Taxation 

Loss for the period 

Non-current assets

Current assets

Total Segment assets 

Inter-corporate loan (net off impairment)

Non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Total Segment liabilities 

Inter-corporate borrowings

Capital expenditure

Impairment of Block CY-OS-90/1 (PY-3)

Depreciation, depletion and amortisation 

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
62

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 March 2017

3. Segment analysis continued

 Revenue 

Other income 

Operating loss 

Interest income 

Interest income on inter-corporate loan 

Interest expense on inter-corporate loan 

Loss before taxation 

Taxation 

Loss for the period 

Non-current assets

Current assets

Total segment assets 

Inter-corporate loan 

Non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Total segment liabilities 

Inter-corporate borrowings 

Capital expenditure 

Unsuccessful exploration costs 

Impairment of Block CY-OS-90/1 (PY-3)

Depreciation, depletion and amortisation 

2016 
US$

 UK 

– 

(1,979,618)

27,505

1,218,911

–

(733,202)

123,705

(609,497)

17,821

16,974,630

16,992,451

 Inter-segment
 eliminations 

– 

–

–

(1,218,911)

1,218,911

–

–

–

(836,229)

–

(836,229)

 India 

–

(9,926,411)

308,692

–

(1,218,911)

(10,836,630)

(5,311,032)

(16,147,662)

63,809,786

4,814,291

68,624,077

–

107,151,962

(107,151,962)

 Total 

–

(11,906,029)

336,197

–

–

(11,569,832)

(5,187,327)

(16,757,159)

62,991,378

21,788,921

84,780,299

–

(5,256,097)

(7,823,734)

(5,256,097)

(7,666,591)

(12,922,688)

(107,151,962)

22,523

(4,935,149)

(2,754,273)

(4,789)

(836,229)

(157,143)

(157,143)

–

4,953

–

–

(22,216)

836,229

–

836,229

(13,079,831)

107,151,962

–

–

–

–

–

27,476

(4,935,149)

(2,754,273)

(27,005)

The Group is engaged in one business activity, the exploration, development and production of oil and gas. Other income relates to technical services to third parties, 
overhead recovery from joint arrangement operations and miscellaneous receipts, if any. 

4. Production costs
Production costs, related to PY-3, included in the cost of sales consist of:

Production costs 

Change in decommissioning estimate

Cost of sales

2017
US$

288,656

(803,181)

(514,525)

2016
US$

567,767

(388,381)

179,386

As the PY-3 asset has been fully impaired the change in the value of the decommissioning provision has been recognised immediately in production costs.

Production costs for FY2016 includes a provision in respect of an arbitration award which is made in favour of a service provider for Block PY-3.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
63

2017
US$

–

–

–

–

2017
US$

–

18,772

151,228

75,385

10,610

(53,347)

2016
US$

(9,492)

(102,537)

5,047,178

4,935,149

2016
US$

4,935,149

27,004

167,220

94,754

12,754

372,050

5. Unsuccessful exploration costs
Unsuccessful exploration costs consist of:

Impairment/(reversal) of Block D3

Impairment/(reversal) of Block D9

Impairment of Block GS-OS1

6. Operating loss
Operating loss is stated after charging:

Unsuccessful exploration costs

Depreciation and amortisation

Operating lease costs – land and buildings

External auditors’ remuneration

– Fees payable to the Group’s auditors for the audit of the Group’s annual accounts

– Audit related assurance services 

Exchange loss/(gain)

The Group has a policy in place which requires approval of the Audit Committee for the award of non-audit services to be provided by the auditors. No non-audit 
services were provided during the year or in the prior year.

7. Reconciliation of operating loss to operating cash flows

Operating loss

Unsuccessful exploration costs

Impairment of Block PY-3

Depletion, amortisation, and depreciation

Share based payment expense

Decrease in inventory

Increase in trade and other receivables

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables

Cash (used in) operating activities

2017
US$

2016
US$

(5,126,549)

(11,906,029)

–

3,026,688

18,772

78,163

(2,002,926)

–

(710,767)

(526,559)

(3,240,252)

4,935,149

2,754,273

27,005

164,951

(4,024,651)

222,623

(2,441,647)

2,505,596

(3,738,079)

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information64

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 March 2017

8. Staff costs

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Share based payments charge

 2017
US$

960,332

188,077

78,163

1,226,572

2016
US$

1,156,633

206,496

84,814

1,447,943

Staffs costs, including executive Directors’ salaries, fees, benefits and share based payments, are shown gross before amounts recharged to joint arrangements. 

The average monthly number of employees, including executive Directors, employed by the Group are as follows:

Management and administration

Operations

2017

9

6

15

2016

11

10

21

The number of permanent employees of the Group as at 31 March 2017 is 15 (2016 – 15).

9. Share based payments
Share options have been granted to subscribe for Ordinary Shares of US$0.01 each in the capital of the Company, which are exercisable between 2016 and 2025 at prices 
of £0.65 to £7.69 per Ordinary Share.

Hardy has an unapproved share option scheme for the Directors and employees of the Group. Options are exercisable at the quoted market prices of the Company’s 
shares on the date of grant. The vesting period is three years with a stipulation that the options are granted in proportion to the period of employment after the grant 
subject to a minimum of one year, or, with respect to options from 2010 onwards, the period is three years, subject to compounded share price growth. The options are 
exercisable for a period of 10 years from the date of grant. Details of the share options outstanding during the years are as follows:

Outstanding at beginning of the year

Granted during the year

Lapsed during the year

Outstanding at the end of the year

Exercisable at the end of the year

2017

2016

Number of 
options

1,715,000

–

1,040,000

675,000

100,000

Weighted 
average price 

£1.78

–

£1.80

£1.70

£7.69

Number of 
options

3,419,933

–

1,704,933

1,715,000

200,000

Details of outstanding options at the end of the year with the weighted average exercise (WAEP) price as follows:

1 April 2016

Lapsed FY2017

31 March 2017

FY

2007

2009

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Total

Number

100,000

100,000

190,000

750,000

50,000

275,000

250,000

1,715,000

WAEP

3.07

7.69

2.12

1.55

1.19

0.66

0.65

1.78

Number

100,000

–

190,000

750,000

–

–

–

WAEP

3.07

–

2.12

1.55

–

–

–

1,040,000

1. 80

Number

–

100,000

–

–

50,000

275,000

250,000

675,000

The weighted average contractual life of options outstanding is 5.82 years (2016 – 5.9 years).

Weighted 
average price 

£1.98

–

£2.18

£1.78

£5.38

WAEP

–

7.69

–

–

1.19

0.66

0.65

1.74

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201765

10. Directors’ emoluments
Details of each Director’s remuneration and share options are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report that forms part of the Group’s Annual Report. Directors’ 
emoluments are included within the remuneration of the key management personnel in note 27.

11. Interest and investment income

Bank interest

Other interest income

Dividend

12. Taxation
a) Analysis of taxation charge/(credit) for the year

Current tax charge

UK corporation tax

Foreign tax – India

Minimum alternate tax

Foreign tax – USA

Total current tax charge/(credit)

Deferred tax charge/(credit) 

Taxation charge/(credit)

Charge in respect of change in tax rates

Losses incurred during the year

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

De-recognition due to potential non-reversal of deferred tax asset

Deferred tax charge/(credit)

Deferred tax analysis:

Difference between accumulated depletion, depreciation and amortisation and capital allowances 

Carried forward losses

Deferred tax asset/(liability)

 2017
US$

312,320

20,110

97,427

429,857

2016
US$

298,896

9,796

27,505

336,197

 2017
US$

2016
US$

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4,485,662

4,485,662

5,187,327

5,187,327

 2017
US$

–

2016
US$

–

(1,792,196)

(4,124,085)

1,641,911

4,635,947

4,485,662

 2017
US$

–

–

–

2,555,458

6,755,954

5,187,327

2016
US$

(1,373,481)

5,859,143

4,485,662

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information66

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 March 2017

12. Taxation continued
b) Factors affecting tax charge for the year

Loss before taxation from continuing operations

Loss before taxation multiplied by the appropriate rate of tax in respective countries (2016 – 41.2%)

Adjustment for expired carried forward losses

Others

Effect of change in tax rates

De-recognition due to potential non-reversal of deferred tax asset

Foreign tax on overseas income – current year

Total tax charge/(credit)

 2017
US$

(4,696,692)

(1,930,237)

2,614,561

(834,609)

–

2016
US$

(11,569,832)

(4,611,931)

2,555,455

487,849

–

4,635,947

6,755,954

–

–

4,485,662

5,187,327

Indian operations of the Group are subject to a tax rate of 41.2 per cent which is higher than UK and US corporations tax rates. To the extent that the Indian profits are 
taxable in the US and/or the UK, those territories should provide relief for Indian taxes paid, principally under the provisions of double taxation agreements. When 
considering deferred tax assets, the Group considers the highest and best use of the losses available, this is considered to be in India. Based on the current expenditure 
plans, the Group anticipates that the tax allowances will continue to exceed the depletion charge of each year, though the timing of related tax relief is uncertain.

Write-back of Deferred Tax Asset
The Group has written back deferred tax asset of US$4,485,662 during FY2017. This is in light of the fact that the Joint Venture partners have not agreed on a field 
development plan for Block PY-3 and as a result the Group is not certain to generate profits within a reasonable timeframe to be offset by unused tax loses. Further  
a portion of the losses carried forward in the Indian operations of the Group have expired in FY2017, resulting in a write back of deferred tax asset.

13. Loss per share
Loss per share is calculated on a loss of US$9,182,354 for the year ended 31 March 2017 (2016; US$16,757,159) on a weighted average of 73,764,035 Ordinary Shares  
for the year ended 31 March 2017 (2016 – 73,343,164). No diluted loss per share is calculated.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201767

14. Property, plant and equipment 
Oil and gas assets represent interest in producing oil and gas assets falling under the India cost pool. Other fixed assets consist of office furniture, computers, 
workstations and office equipment.

Cost

At 1 April 2015

Additions

Disposals

At 31 March 2016

Additions

Disposals

At 31 March 2017

Depletion, depreciation and amortisation

At 1 April 2015

Charge for the year

Impairment of Block PY-3 asset

Disposals

At 31 March 2016

Charge for the year

Impairment of Block PY-3 asset

Disposals

At 31 March 2017

Net book value at 31 March 2017

Net book value at 31 March 2016

Oil and gas assets
US$

Other fixed assets
US$

Total
US$

35,465,279

1,800,361

37,265,640

–

–

22,294

(42,485)

22,294

(42,485)

35,465,279

1,780,170

37,245,449

–

–

6,328

–

6,328

–

35,465,279

1,786,498

37,251,777

29,684,318

–

2,754,273

–

1,761,274

25,779

–

(42,485)

31,445,592

25,779

2,754,273

(42,485)

32,438,591

1,744,568

34,183,159

–

17,045

3,026,688

–

–

–

17,045

3,026,688

–

35,465,279

1,761,613

37,226,892

–

3,026,688

24,885

35,602

24,885

3,062,290

Impairment
The impairment charge of US$3,026,688 against the PY-3 oil field was determined considering that, as of the date of this report, there was not a consensus amongst  
uJV partners as to the preferred development plan for the PY-3 field; all development concepts under consideration require the GOI to sanction the extension of the  
PSC which is not certain. 

Impairment in the previous year was calculated by comparing the future discounted cash flows expected to be delivered from the production of commercial reserves 
with the carrying value of the asset. Should a development plan be approved by all the partners in the PY-3 field and the Government of India we will review the 
economic model to determine the appropriate asset value.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information68

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 March 2017

15. Intangible assets

Costs and net book value

At 1 April 2015

Additions

Unsuccessful exploration cost

Amortisation for the year

At 31 March 2016

Amortisation for the year

At 31 March 2017

The details of the exploration assets stated above are as follows: 

Exploration expenditure – Block CY-OS/2

Total

Exploration 
US$

56,175,450

–

(5,047,178)

–

51,128,272

–

51,128,272

Others 
US$

–

5,182

–

(1,226)

3,956

(1,727)

2,229

Total
US$

56,175,450

5,182

(5,047,178)

(1,226)

51,132,228

(1,727)

51,130,501

US$

51,128,272

51,128,272

Legal proceedings concerning Block CY-OS/2
In March 2009, Hardy were informed by the Government of India that the Block CY-OS/2, in which Hardy holds a 75 per cent participating interest, was relinquished as 
Hardy had failed to declare commerciality within the two years from the date of discovery which is applicable to an oil discovery. Hardy disputed this ruling believing that 
the discovery was a gas discovery and consequently that it was entitled to a period of five years from the date of discovery to declare commerciality. As no agreement 
was reached the dispute was referred to arbitration under the terms of the PSC.

The arbitrators ruled on 2 February 2013 that the discovery was a gas discovery and consequently that the order for the relinquishment of the block was illegal. The 
arbitrators have ordered the Government of India to restore the block to Hardy and its partners and to allow them a period of three years from the date of restoration to 
complete the appraisal programme. In addition, the arbitrators awarded costs of US$0.2 million and compensation based on the exploration expenditure incurred to 
date. The compensation awarded is calculated based a 9 per cent per annum charge on expenditure incurred until the date of the award and 18 per cent per annum 
charge thereafter. As at 31 March 2017, Hardy’s 75 per cent share of the compensation awarded is approximately US$64.5 million.

On 2 August 2013, the Government of India (GOI) filed an appeal, against the arbitration award, with the High Court (HC) Delhi. On 27 July 2016, the GOI’s second appeal 
to the Delhi HC was dismissed based on jurisdiction. The GOI subsequently filed a Special Leave Petition with the Supreme Court of India challenging the Delhi HC ruling. 
The appeal is ongoing and the next hearing at the Supreme Court is scheduled for July 2017. Hardy has previously filed an execution petition with the Delhi HC and this 
has run in parallel with the GOI’s appeal although the matter has been continually adjourned due to the ongoing GOI appeal. It is expected that the execution hearings 
will progress upon the conclusion of the GOI’s appeal to the Supreme Court of India.

The Group believes that the unanimous international tribunal award is well reasoned and, based upon external legal advice that the award may not be subject to appeal 
in the Indian courts as per the India Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996.

Hardy Exploration & Production (India) Inc has initiated Confirmation proceedings in the Federal Court of Washington DC, United States of America. This action has been 
initiated to maintain the option to enforce the Award in the US.

Impairment of Block GS-01 in the previous year
The write-off of US$5.0 million, in FY2016, against the GS-01 exploration license was calculated by comparing the future discounted cash flows projected to be delivered 
from the production of resources provided for in an unapproved FDP submitted by the Group (the value-in-use) with the carrying value of the asset. No changes 
occurred during FY2017 and hence the impairment remains.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201769

2016
US$

942,365

942,365

2016
US$

2,954,584

295,652

3,250,236

 2017
US$

3,582,557

280,099

3,862,656

 2017
US$

2016
US$

 14,129,513 

16,743,300

 49,513 

14,179,026

24,641

16,767,941

16. Inventories

 Drilling and production stores and spares

 2017
US$

942,365

942,365

An amount of US$222,623 was recognised as an expense in the previous year relating to an impairment in the carrying value of inventory.

17. Trade and other receivables

Amounts due from joint venture partners

Other receivables and prepayments

18. Short-term investments

HSBC US$ Liquidity Fund Class-A

HSBC £ Liquidity Fund Class-A

The above investments are in liquid funds which can be converted into cash at short notice. The book value of these investments approximates to their fair values.  
The fair value is determined based on quoted market prices and is a level 1 valuation under IFRS 13.

Income will increase or decrease by US$141,790 (2016 – US$167,680) for every one per cent change in interest rates.

19. Share capital

Authorised Ordinary Shares

At 1 April 2016

At 31 March 2017

Allotted, issued and fully paid Ordinary Shares

At 1 April 2015

Restricted shares issued during the period

At 1 April 2016

Restricted shares issued during the period

At 31 March 2017

Number
US$0.01 
Ordinary 
Shares

US$

200,000,000

200,000,000

2,000,000

2,000,000

73,331,342

432,693

73,764,035

–

733,314

4,327

737,641

–

73,764,035

737,641

Ordinary Shares issued have equal voting and other rights with no guarantee to dividend or other payments.

No restricted shares were awarded in FY2017. Included within the Ordinary Shares are 690,619 restricted shares in issue. The restricted shares have been issued to certain 
directors and will unconditionally vest three years from the date of issue provided the individual is still a director of Hardy. During the period of restriction, while Directors 
are eligible for voting rights and dividends, they are not allowed to dispose these shares.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
 
70

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 March 2017

20. Reserves
Hardy holds the following reserves, in addition to share capital and retained earnings:

Share premium account
The share premium account is the additional amount over and above the nominal share capital that is received for shares issued less any share issue costs.

Share option reserve
The share option reserve represents the fair value of share options issued to Directors and employees.

21. Provision for decommissioning

At 1 April 2015

Change in decommissioning estimate

At 1 April 2016

Change in decommissioning estimate

At 31 March 2017

US$

5,644,478

(388,381)

5,256,097

(803,181)

4,452,916

A provision for the decommissioning of the PY-3 field has been made by estimating the cost of abandonment of existing wells and any required reclamation of the area 
at current prices using existing technology. The projected costs comprise primarily of the cost of a drillship to abandon the field’s existing wells the provision has been 
calculated using a drillship day-rate of US$165,000. The estimate is calculated based on decommissioning occurring after the end of the current Production Sharing 
Contract in December 2019. These underlying assumptions are reviewed on a regular basis.

Having considered the fall in drillship rates the Group has reduced the projected decommissioning cost by US$0.8 million. A 5 per cent change in the underlying 
assumption for the drillship rate would result in an adjustment of approximately US$0.2 million to the Decommissioning Provision.

An amount of Rs. 306,301,889 (US$4,723,237) (2016 – Rs. 286,049,748 (US$4,311,198)) is on deposit with State Bank of India for site restoration obligations. This amount 
has been treated as a non-current asset as this deposit has end use restriction for site restoration.

22. Trade and other payables

Trade payables

Accruals and other payables

 2017
US$

6,662,368

1,437,991

8,100,359

2016
US$

6,381,696

1,442,038

7,823,734

Trade and other payables are unsecured and payable on demand.

23. Financial risk management
Hardy finances its operations through a mixture of equity and retained earnings. Finance requirements are reviewed by the Board when funds are required for 
acquisition, exploration and development of projects.

Hardy’s policy is to maintain a strong financial position to sustain future development of the business. There were no changes to the Group’s capital management 
approach during the year.

Hardy’s treasury functions are responsible for managing fund requirements and investments which include banking, cash flow management, interest and foreign 
exchange exposure to ensure adequate liquidity to meet cash requirements.

Hardy’s principal financial instruments are cash, deposits, short-term investments, receivables and payables and these instruments are only for the purpose of meeting  
its requirement for operations. 

Hardy’s main financial risks are foreign currency risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk and credit risks. Set out below are policies that are used to manage such risks:

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201771

23. Financial risk management continued
Foreign currency risk
The Group reports in US dollars and the majority of its business is conducted in US dollars. All revenues from oil sales are received in US dollars and the majority  
of costs except a portion of expenses for overhead are incurred in US dollars. For currency exposure other than US dollars, a portion of the cash is kept on deposit  
in other currencies to meet its payments as required. No forward exchange contracts were entered into during the period.

Liquidity risk
The Group currently has surplus cash which has been placed in deposits and short-term investments which can be converted into cash at short notice, ensuring 
sufficient liquidity to meet the Group’s expenditure requirements. Hardy has no outstanding loan obligations at period end dates.

Interest rate risk
Surplus funds are placed in deposits and short-term investments at fixed or floating rates. Hardy’s policy is to place deposits only with well-established banks or financial 
institutions that offer competitive interest rates. Further details are disclosed in note 18.

Credit risk
Where the Group is the operator of, or is the largest owner in, a field it recovers a percentage of the costs incurred from its joint arrangement partners in accordance  
with the levels of participating interests. Partners may either be Indian state-owned companies or private enterprises. Cash calls on partners are usually made in advance 
of incurring field expenditure. The Group is currently engaged in arbitration proceeding against partners in respect of unpaid cash calls; further details are disclosed  
in note 2.

Deposits and other money market instruments, as a general rule, are placed with banks and financial institutions that have ratings of not less than AA or equivalent, 
which are verified before placing the deposits. Cash surpluses are also invested in short-term investments in certain liquid funds. These funds are primarily invested in 
terms deposits and graded commercial papers of not less than AA or equivalent.

The Board will continue to assess the strategies for managing credit risk and is satisfied with the existing policies. At the year-end credit risk existed in respect of unpaid 
cash calls as disclosed in note 2. The maximum financial risk exposure relating to the financial assets is the carrying value of such financial assets as at the year-end date.

Capital management
The objective of the Group’s capital management is to ensure that there is sufficient liquidity within the Group to carry out the committed work programme 
requirements of all its production sharing contracts. The Group monitors the long-term cash flow requirements of the business in order to assess the requirement for 
changes to the capital structure to meet that objective and to maintain flexibility. The Group considers its capital to consist of share capital only.

The Board manages the structure of its capital and makes necessary adjustments to accommodate the changes in the economic conditions. To maintain or adjust  
the capital structure, the Board may issue new shares for cash. No significant changes were made in the objectives, policies or processes during the year ended  
31 March 2017.

Maturity of financial liabilities
The maturity of financial liabilities, which consists of trade and other payables and the decommissioning provision as at 31 March 2017 and 31 March 2016 are as follows:

Within one year

In more than two years but not more than five years

In more than five years 

Included within current liabilities is an amount of US$4.9 million on which interest of 5 per cent per annum is charged until payment.

 2017
US$

8,100,359

4,452,916

2016
US$

7,823,734

–

–

5,256,097

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information72

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 March 2017

23. Financial risk management continued
Interest rate risk profile of financial assets
The interest rate risk profile of the financial assets of the Group as at 31 March 2017 is as follows: 

2017

US Dollars

Pound Sterling

Indian Rupees

Short-term investments

Cash and cash equivalents

2016

US Dollars

Pound Sterling

Indian Rupees

Short-term investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Fixed rate 
financial 
assets 
US$

Floating rate
financial
assets
US$

Financial assets – 
no interest 
is earned
US$

–

–

–

–

–

Fixed rate 
financial 
assets 
US$

–

–

–

–

–

34,381

101

–

14,179,026

14,213,508

Floating rate
financial
assets
US$

516,935

131

– 

16,767,941

17,285,007

25,053

145,372

81,974

–

252,399

Financial assets – 
no interest 
is earned
US$

115,790

99,534

95,989

–

311,313

Total
US$

59,434

145,473

81,974

14,179,026

14,465,907

Total
US$

632,725

99,665

95,989

16,767,941

17,596,320

An amount of Rs. 306,301,889 (US$4,723,237) (2016 – Rs. 286,049,748 (US$4,311,198)) deposited with State Bank of India for site restoration obligation is treated  
as a non-current asset. The interest rate of this deposit is based on the highest rate of interest as applicable for the period paid by the State Bank of India.

Interest income will increase or decrease by US$142,135 (2016 – US$172,850) for every one per cent change in interest rates.

Currency exposures
The currency exposures of the monetary assets denominated in currencies other than US dollars of the Group as at 31 March 2016 are as follows: 

2017

US$

2016

US$

Indian
rupees 
US$

Pound
sterling
US$

Total
US$

 4,805,211 

 145,471 

 4,950,681 

Indian
rupees 
US$

4,407,187

Pound
sterling
US$

124,299

Total
US$

4,531,486

An amount of US$43,141 was recognised as foreign exchange gain (2016: exchange loss of US$284,392) because of exchange rate fluctuations on bank balances and 
investments made in currencies other than US dollars.

Exchange gains will increase by US$50,002 (2016 : US$45,768) for every one per cent appreciation of Indian rupee and sterling and loss of US$49,012 (2016: US$44,862)  
for one per cent depreciation of Indian rupee and sterling.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201773

24. Financial instruments
Book values and fair values of Hardy’s financial assets and liabilities are as follows:

Financial assets

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Short-term investments

Financial assets – loans and receivables

 Cash and short-term deposits

 Trade and other receivables

 Site restoration deposit

Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost

Accounts payable

Book value
2017
US$

Fair value
2017
US$

 14,179,026 

 14,179,026 

286,881

3,862,656

4,723,237

286,881

3,862,656

4,723,237

Book value
2016
US$

16,767,941

828,379

3,250,236

4,311,198

Fair value
2016
US$

16,767,941

828,379

3,250,236

4,311,198

23,051,800

23,051,800

25,157,754

25,157,754

Book value
2017
US$

8,100,359

Fair value
2017
US$

8,100,359

Book value
2016
US$

(7,823,734)

Fair value
2016
US$

(7,823,734)

All the above financial assets and liabilities are current at the period end dates.

25. Other financial commitments under operating leases
The Group entities have entered into commercial leases for land and building and office equipment. These leases have an average life of one to five years and there are 
no restrictions placed on the lessee by entering into these leases. The minimum future lease payments for the non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Land and buildings:

One year

Two to five years

After five years

2017
US$

63,525

12,766

–

2016
US$

155,053

82,882

–

26. Contingent liabilities
Liquidated damages
The Group has minimum work commitments associated with various exploration licences granted by sovereign authorities through joint arrangements. A number 
of these commitments have not been fulfilled and consequently the Group is liable to pay liquidated damages. When a liquidated damage payment is probable a 
provision is created based on management’s best judgement. In some instances, there may be a high degree of uncertainty. In such instances, an additional contingent 
liability is recognised. Currently a contingent liability exists estimated at US$1.7 million associated with unfinished minimum work programme liquidated damages. 
Management does not expect this to be resolved in the next twelve months.

Litigation
In the normal course of business, the Group may be involved in legal disputes which may give rise to claims. Provision is made in the financial statements for all claims 
where a cash outflow is considered probable. No separate disclosure is made of the detail of claims as to do so could seriously prejudice the position of the Group.

Others
In addition, the parent company guarantees the Group’s obligations under various PSC’s to the Government of India. These guarantees are deemed to have negligible 
fair value and are therefore accounted for as contingent liabilities.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information74

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 March 2017

27. Related party transactions
The aggregate remuneration of Directors and the key management personnel, including its subsidiary undertaking, of the Group is as follows:

 Short-term employee benefits

 Share based payments

 2017
US$

1,047,133

23,280

1,070,413

2016
US$

1,181,975

103,417

1,285,392

Key management personnel include the Directors and members of the Management Committee of the Group as set out in the overview of the Board of Directors in the 
business review. Further information about the remuneration of individual Directors is provided in the Director’s Remuneration Report which forms part of the Group’s 
2017 Annual Report.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Parent Company Statement of Changes in Equity
For the year ended 31 March 2017

At 1 April 2015

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Share based payment

Adjustment of lapsed vested options

Restricted shares issued

At 31 March 2016

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Share based payment

Adjustment of lapsed vested options

Share 
capital 
US$

733,314

–

–

–

4,327

737,641

–

–

–

Share 
premium 
US$

Shares 
to be 
issued 
US$

120,860,631

3,669,066

–

–

–

–

84,814

(1,899,530)

1,899,530

75,810

–

–

Retained 
earnings 
US$

2,926,310

(609,497)

–

120,936,441

1,854,350

4,216,343

127,744,775

–

–

–

–

(65,060,097)

(65,060,097)

(88,396)

–

(88,396)

(1,001,465)

1,001,465

–

At 31 March 2017

737,641

120,936,441

764,489

(59,842,289)

62,596,282

75

Total
US$

128,189,321

(609,497)

84,814

–

80,137

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
76

Parent Company Statement of Financial Position
As at 31 March 2017

Assets

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Investments

Total non-current assets

Current assets

Trade and other receivables

Short-term investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Equity and liabilities

Equity attributable to the owners

Equity

Called-up share capital

Share premium

Shares to be issued

Retained earnings

Total equity

Non-current liabilities

Provision for deferred tax

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

Approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 7 June 2017. 

31 March
2017
US$

31 March
2016
US$

Notes

9

10

11

12

16

8,636

48,323,166

48,331,802

74,882

14,179,026

157,344

14,411,252

62,743,054

17,821

111,745,695

111,763,516

73,541

16,767,941

133,148

16,974,630

128,738,146

13

 737,641

 737,641

 120,936,441

 120,936,441

764,489

(59,842,289)

 1,854,350 

4,216,343 

62,596,282

127,744,775

14

15

–

836,229

146,772

146,772

146,772

157,142

157,142

993,371

62,743,054

128,738,146

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Parent Company Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31 March 2017

Operating activities

Cash flow (used in) operating activities

Net cash (used in) operating activities

Investing activities

Purchase of other property, plant and equipment

Short-term investments

Net cash (used in) from investing activities

Financing activities

Interest and investment income

Inter corporate loan

Net cash (used in) from financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalent at the end of the year

77

Year ending 
31 March 
2017
US$

Year ending 
31 March 
2016
US$

(1,580,963)

(1,580,963)

(1,892,285)

(1,892,285)

(2,330)

2,558,915

2,556,585

1,614,961

(2,596,387)

(981,426)

24,196

133,148

157,344

(4,953)

995,304

990,351

 1,246,416

 (469,841)

776,575

(125,359)

258,507

133,148

Notes

4

16

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information 
78

Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2017

1. Accounting policies
The Company follows the accounting policies of the Group.

2. Revenue

Overhead recovery

Management fees from subsidiary

 2017
US$

–

–

–

 2016
US$

–

–

–

The Directors do not consider there to be more than one class of business or geographic segment for the purposes of reporting. The Company operates in one 
geographical area, the United Kingdom and the Company’s activity is one class of business as holding company for the Group.

3. Statement of comprehensive income
The Company has taken advantage of the exemption provided under section 3 of the Isle of Man Companies Act 1982 not to publish its statement of comprehensive 
income and related notes. The Company’s loss for the year was US$65,060,097 (2016: US$609,497).

4. Reconciliation of operating loss to operating cash flows

Operating loss

Depreciation

Share based payments

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables

(Increase)/decrease in trade and other payables

Cash flow (used in) operating activities

5. Staff costs

Wages and salaries

Social security costs

Share based payments

 2017
US$

 2016
US$

(1,635,260)

(1,979,618)

9,185

56,823

22,216

141,671

(1,569,252)

(1,815,731)

(1,341)

(10,370)

 (62,132)

 (14,422)

(1,580,963)

(1,892,285)

 2017
US$

653,467

167,859

56,823

878,149

 2016
US$

698,999

180,370

61,534

940,903

Staff costs include executive Directors’ salaries, fees, benefits and share based payments. The Company has no pension commitments as at the year end dates.

The weighted average monthly number of employees, including executive Directors and individuals employed by the Company, are as follows:

Management and administration

6. Share based payments
Share based payments are disclosed in note 9 to the consolidated financial statements.

2017

3

 2016

3

7. Audit fees
Audit fees payable to the Company’s auditors for the audit of the parent company financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2017 is US$10,000 (2016: US$10,000).

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 2017
US$

1,517,533

97,428

1,614,961

79

 2016
US$

1,218,911

27,505

1,246,416

Total
US$

232,110

4,952

(42,485)

194,577

2,330

–

196,907

197,025

22,216

(42,485)

176,756

11,515

–

188,271

8,636

17,821

 Shares in 
subsidiary 
US$

4,570,453

23,280

4,593,733

–

(145,219)

Loan to 
subsidiary 
US$

106,682,121

469,841

107,151,962

2,596,387

–

(3,753,112)

(62,120,585)

695,402

47,627,764

8. Interest and investment income

Interest on inter corporate loan

Dividend

9. Property, plant and equipment

Cost

At 1 April 2015

Additions

Deletion

At 31 March 2016

Additions

Deletion

At 31 March 2017

Depreciation

At 1 April 2015

Charge for the year

Deletion

At 31 March 2016

Charge for the year

Deletion

At 31 March 2017

Net book value at 31 March 2017

Net book value at 31 March 2016

10. Investments

Carrying value at 1 April 2015

Additional investment during the year

Carrying value at 31 March 2016

Additional investment during the year

Adjustment for share based payments (net)

Impairment of investment in subsidiary

Carrying value at 31 March 2017

Shares in subsidiary represent the investment made as at 31 March 2017 in Hardy Exploration & Production (India) Inc. (HEPI), the wholly owned subsidiary of Hardy Oil 
and Gas plc. Further details of this subsidiary are given in note 1(e) of the consolidated financial statements. During FY2017, HEPI has fully impaired in investment in Block 
PY-3. Monetising the other assets of HEPI may entail additional investments and may also take more time. Considering these aspects, Hardy Oil and Gas plc has impaired 
its investment and the loan collectible from HEPI to the extent of the net asset value of HEPI.

Loan to subsidiary at 31 March 2017 consists of US$109,748,349 to Hardy Exploration & Production (India) Inc. This loan is long term and is repayable on commercial 
production of the ongoing exploration projects. Interest on these loans is LIBOR plus 1 per cent.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information80

Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 March 2017

11. Trade and other receivables

Other receivables

Prepayments and accrued income

12. Short-term investments

HSBC US$ Liquidity Fund Class-A

HSBC £ Liquidity fund class-A

 2017
US$

6,094

68,788

74,882

 2017
US$

 2016
US$

3,127

70,414

73,541

 2016
US$

14,129,513 

16,743,307

49,513 

14,179,026

24,634

16,767,941

The above investments are in liquid funds which can be converted into cash at short notice. Fair value of these investments approximates book values as at 31 March 
2017 and 31 March 2016.

13. Share capital

Authorised Ordinary Shares

At 1 April 2015

At 31 March 2016

At 31 March 2017

Allotted, issued and fully paid Ordinary Shares

At 1 April 2015

Restricted shares issued

At 31 March 2016

Restricted shares issued

At 31 March 2017

Ordinary Shares issued have equal voting and other rights with no guarantee to dividend or other payments.

14. Deferred taxation
Deferred tax analysis:

Differences between accumulated depreciation and capital allowances

Other temporary differences

Group relief availed

Deferred tax (liability)

15. Trade and other payables

Trade payables

Accruals

Number US$0.01
 Ordinary Shares 
‘000

200,000

200,000

200,000

73,331,342

432,693

73,764,035

–

US$ 

2,000,000

2,000,000

2,000,000

733,314

4,327

737,641

–

73,764,035

737,641

 2017
US$

–

–

–

–

 2017
US$

52,464

94,308

146,772

 2016
US$

63,382

1,405,511

(2,305,122)

(836,229)

 2016
US$

51,066

106,076

157,142

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
 
81

Total
US$

16,902

140,442

157,344

Total
US$

42,261

90,887

133,148

16. Financial risk management
The Company follows the risk management policy stipulated in note 24 to the consolidated financial statements.

Interest rate risk profile of financial assets
The interest rate risk profile of the financial assets of the Company as at 31 March 2017 is as follows:

2017

US dollars

Pound sterling

Cash and cash equivalents

Fixed rate 
financial 
assets 
US$

Floating rate 
financial 
asset 
US$

Financial asset
no interest 
is earned 
US$

–

–

–

–

99

99

16,902

140,343

157,245

The interest rate risk profile of the financial assets of the Company as at 31 March 2016 is as follows:

2016

US dollars

Pound sterling

Cash and cash equivalents

Fixed rate 
financial 
assets 
US$

–

–

–

Floating rate 
financial 
asset 
US$

Financial asset
no interest 
is earned 
US$

–

131

131

42,261

90,756

133,017

Financial asset include cash and deposits and the floating interest rates are based on the base rate of the relevant central bank.

Currency exposures
The currency exposures of the monetary assets denominated in currencies other than US$ of the Company are as follows:

 US$

Foreign exchange loss recognised on account of exchange rate for the year ended 31 March 2017 is US$25,008 (2016: US$4,171).

17. Financial instruments
Book values and fair values of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities as follows:

Sterling in equivalent US$

2017

189,955

2016

115,521

Financial assets

Primary financial instruments

Short-term investments

Cash and short-term deposits

Trade and other receivables

All of the above financial assets are current and unimpaired as at 31 March 2017.

Financial liabilities

Primary financial instruments

Accounts payable

All of the above financial liabilities are current as at 31 March 2017.

Book value
2017 
US$

Fair value
2017
US$

14,179,026

14,179,026

157,344

74,882

157,344

74,882

Book value
2016 
US$

 16,767,941

 133,148 

73,541

Fair value
2016
US$

 16,767,941

 133,148 

73,541

14,411,252

14,411,252

16,974,630

16,974,630

Book value
2017 
US$

Fair value
2017
US$

(146,774)

(146,774)

Book value
2016 
US$

(157,142)

Fair value
2016
US$

(157,142)

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional Information82

Notes to the Parent Company Financial Statements continued
For the year ended 31 March 2017

18. Other financial commitments under operating leases
The Company has entered into commercial leases for land and building and office equipment. These leases have an average life of one to five years and there are no 
restrictions placed on the lessee by entering into these leases. The minimum future lease payments for the non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Land and buildings

One year

Two to five years

 2017
US$

33,210

12,766

 2016
US$

38,466

53,252

19. Related party transactions
a)  The Company’s wholly owned subsidiary is Hardy Exploration & Production (India) Inc. The following table provides the details of balances outstanding with 

subsidiary companies at year end dates:

Amount owed from subsidiary undertaking

 2017
US$

 2016
US$

52,080,680

107,151,962

During FY2017, HEPI has fully impaired in investment in Block PY-3. Monetising the other assets of HEPI may entail additional investments and may also take more time. 
Considering these aspects, Hardy Oil and Gas plc has impaired its investment and the loan collectible from HEPI to the extent of the net asset value of HEPI.

b) The following table provides the details of the transactions with subsidiary companies all of which were carried out at an arm’s length basis:

Inter-company interest income

 2017
US$

 2016
US$

1,517,533

1,218,911

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Reserves and Resources

83

Due to limited activity and uncertainty surrounding the recommencement of production in the PY-3 asset, the Company does not intend to commission a competent 
person’s report until further data is acquired. The estimates provided in the Company’s 2011 CPR are provided below. 

Reserves (Proven plus Probable)
CONSIDERING GENERAL UNCERTAINTIES WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT GET RESOLVED, THE RECOVERABLE VOLUMES CATEGORISED IN THE 2011 CPR  
AS RESERVES ARE TO BE RECLASSIFIED AS CONTINGENT RESOURCES. THE VOLUMES PROVIDED IN THE TABLE BELOW CAN BE RECLASIFIED RESERVES 
ONCE A CONSENSUS IS REACHED, AMONG THE PY-3 UJV PARTNERS, REGARDING A VIABLE FIELD DEVELOPMENT PLAN.

Net PY-3 oil production from 31 December 2010 to 31 December 2012 was 129 mmbbl.

Reserves (Proven plus Probable)1,3

PY-32

Total Reserves (Proven plus Probable)

Producing

Oil

Oil

mmbbl

mmbbl

31 December 2010

Gross

15.1

15.1

 Net4 

2.1

2.1

1  The GCA has used the Petroleum Resources Management System published by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, World Petroleum Council, American Association of Petroleum Geologists and Society  

of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers in March 2007 (SPE PRMS) as the basis for its classification and categorisation of hydrocarbon volumes.

2  On 19 April 2007, the PY-3 joint venture Management Committee had approved gross expected ultimate 2P oil Reserves of 44.4 mmbbl. As of 31 December 2010 the field had produced 24.1 mmbbl giving 

2P oil Reserves of 20.3 mmbbl, about 5 mmbbl higher than the 2P estimate by GCA.

3  The Company has filed the GCA Competent Persons Report (March 2011) with the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, of the GOI (DGH).
4  Net entitlement reserves are reserves based on Hardy’s entitlement of cost oil plus a share of profit oil.

Contingent Resources (2C)
Net 2C gas Contingent Resources are bcf.

GS-01

CY-OS/22, 3

GS-01

Total Contingent Resources1 (2C)

B1 (Dhirubhai 33)

Ganesha-1

B1 (Dhirubhai 33)

Gas

Gas

Oil

Gas

Oil

bcf

bcf

mmbbl

bcf

mmbbl

31 December 2010

Gross

83.0

130.0

1.9

213.0

1.9

 Net

8.3

97.5

0.2

105.8

0.19

1  GCA has used the Petroleum Resources Management System published by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, World Petroleum Council, American Association of Petroleum Geologists and Society  

of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers in March 2007 (SPE PRMS) as the basis for its classification and categorisation of hydrocarbon volumes.

2  With respect to Ganesha-1 (CY-OS/2) non-associated natural gas discovery, in 2010 the Group formally commenced arbitration proceedings pursuant to dispute resolution provisions of the governing  

PSC regarding a licence extension request.
In the event of a commercial development of a discovery, ONGC has the option to back-into the CY-OS/2 licence at an interest of 30 per cent.

3 

Prospective Resources
Net Best Estimate Risked Prospective Resources are 494 bcf.

Risked Prospective Resources (Best Estimate)1, 2

CY-OS/23, 4

GS-01

Total Risked Prospective Resources (Best Estimate)1, 2

Prospects

Prospects

Gas

Gas

Gas

bcf

bcf

bcf

31 December 2010

Gross

113

142

255

Net

84

14

98

1  Aggregated risked Prospective Resources have been derived by Hardy and are not aggregated or provided as risked volumes by GCA.
2  The GCA has used the Petroleum Resources Management System published by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, World Petroleum Council, American Association of Petroleum Geologists and Society  

of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers in March 2007 (SPE PRMS) as the basis for its classification and categorisation of hydrocarbon volumes.

3  With respect to Ganesha-1 (CY-OS/2) non-associated natural gas discovery, in 2010 the Group formally commenced arbitration proceedings pursuant to dispute resolution provisions of the governing  

PSC regarding a licence extension request.
In the event of a commercial development of a discovery, ONGC has the option to back-into the CY-OS/2 licence at an interest of 30 per cent.

4 

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationHardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
 
84

Asset Description

Block CY-OS 90/1 (PY-3): Oil Field (HEPI 18 per cent interest – Operator)
The PY-3 field is located off the east coast of India, 80 km south of Pondicherry in water depths between 40 m and 450 m. The Cauvery Basin was developed in the late 
Jurassic/early Cretaceous period and straddles the present-day east coast of India. The licence, which covers 81 km2, produces high quality light crude oil (49° API).

Block GS-OSN-2000/1 (GS-01): Appraisal (HEPI 10 per cent interest)
In 2011, the GS-01 joint venture secured the GOI’s approval for a DOC proposal for the Dhirubhai 33 discovery (GS01-B1, drilled in 2007) which flow-tested at a rate  
of 18.6 mmscfd gas with 415 bbld of condensate through a 56/64 inch choke at flowing tubing head pressure of 1,346 psi. The GS-01 licence is located in the  
Gujarat-Saurashtra offshore basin off the west coast of India, northwest of the prolific Bombay High oil field, with water depths varying between 80 m and 150 m.  
The retained discovery area covers 600 km2.

Block CY-OS/2: Appraisal (HEPI 75 per cent interest – Operator)
Hardy is the operator of the CY-OS/2 exploration block and holds a 75 per cent participating interest1, through its wholly owned subsidiary Hardy Exploration & 
Production (India) Inc and Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) holds the remaining 25 per cent participating interest. The block is located in the northern part  
of the Cauvery Basin immediately offshore from Pondicherry, India and covers approximately 859 km2. The licence comprises of two retained areas with the  
Ganesha-1 natural gas discovery located in the northern area, which comprises an area of approximately 300 km2. 

Ganesha-1 – The natural gas discovery Ganesha-1, announced in January 2007, was drilled to a depth of 4,089 m, encountering a sandstone reservoir within the 
Cretaceous section. The well flow tested at a peak rate of 10.7 mmscfd. The Company published a competent person report, prepared by Gaffney, Cline & Associates, 
dated March 2011, which estimates gross 2C Contingent Resources of approximately 130 BCF.

A brief summary of the Hon’ble Tribunal’s award is provided below:

Dispute – Hardy along with GAIL and ONGC are a party and operator to a PSC for the CY-OS/2 block. Hardy holds 75 per cent participating interest in the block.  
Hardy and GAIL declared a gas discovery on 8 January 2007 which discovery qualified as Non Associated Natural Gas (NANG) under the terms of the PSC. The GOI, 
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MOPNG) however, stated that the discovery being oil and the commerciality of the block not having been declared within 
24 months from the date of the notification of the discovery, the block stood relinquished. Hardy had disputed the characterisation of the discovery as oil and the 
consequential relinquishment.

Hon’ble Tribunal – This dispute was referred to Arbitration under the PSC to a Tribunal consisting of 3 Arbitrators who were former Chief Justices of India.  
The Hon’ble Tribunal passed the award on 2 February 2013 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

Award summary – The Hon’ble tribunal has awarded and directed as follows:
•  The Ganesha-1 discovery made by Hardy and GAIL is NANG
•  The order of relinquishment by the MOPNG was illegal, being on the erroneous impression that the discovery was oil
•  That the parties shall be immediately relegated to the position in which they stood prior to the order of relinquishment and the block shall be restored to  

Hardy and GAIL

•  Hardy shall be entitled to a period of three years from the date on which the block is restored to it, to carry out further appraisal
•  MOPNG shall pay to Hardy and GAIL interest at the simple rate of 9 per cent per annum on the amount of Rs. 5.0 billion spent by them on the block, from the date  

of relinquishment till the date of the award (as at 31 December 2013 – US$22.2 million net to Hardy)

•  From the date of award interest will accrue at a rate of 18 per cent per annum on the amount of Rs. 5.0 billion until such time as the block is restored to the parties.

1 

In the event of a declaration of commerciality, the GOI’s nominee is entitled to assume a 30 per cent participating interest in the block. As a result Hardy’s participating interest would be 52.5 per cent.

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201785

Definitions and Glossary of Terms

%:

US$:
tCO2e:
tCO2e/FTE:
2D/3D:

2P:

AGM:

AIM:

AOGO:

API°:

Per cent

United States dollars 

Tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent

Tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent for full time equivalent

Two dimensional/three dimensional 

Proven plus probable 

Annual General Meeting

Alternative Investment Market of the LSE

Association of oil and gas operators

American Petroleum Institute gravity 

the CY-OS/2 Award:

CY-OS/2 international arbitration award as described on page 84

bbl: 

bbld: 

bcf:

Board: 

the Code:

the Company:

Contingent Resources:

CNG:

CPR: 

CY-OS/2:

D3: 

D9:

DOC:

DGH: 

Barrel

Barrel per day

Billion cubic feet

The Board of Directors of Hardy Oil and Gas plc 

Hardy’s Code of Business Conduct

Hardy Oil and Gas plc 

Those quantities of petroleum estimates, as of a given date, to be potentially recoverable from known accumulations by 
application of development projects, but which are not currently considered to be commercially recoverable due to one  
or more contingencies

Compressed natural gas

Competent persons report 

Offshore exploration licence CY-OS/2 located on the east coast of India

Offshore Licence KG-DWN-2003/1 awarded in NELP V 

Offshore Licence KG-DWN-2000/1 awarded in NELP III 

Declaration of commerciality

Directorate General of Hydrocarbons of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

Dhirubhai 33:

Gas discovery on GS01-B1 on pages 15 and 84

ExSOP:

FDP:

FFDP: 

FRC

FY:

GAIL: 

Ganesha: 

GCA: 

GDP:

GOI:

the Group: 

GS-01: 

Hardy: 

HC:

HDY:

HEPI: 

HSE: 

IFRS: 

IPO: 

IAS:

ISA:

JA:

A structured option plan

Field development plan

Full field development plan 

Financial Reporting Council

Financial year ended 31 March

Gas Authority of India Limited 

Gas discovery on Fan-A1 well located in CY-OS/2 

Gaffney, Cline & Associates Ltd 

Gross Domestic Product

Government of India

The Company and its subsidiaries 

Offshore Licence GS-OSN-2000/1 awarded under NELP II 

Hardy Oil and Gas plc 

High Court

LSE trading symbol for the Company

Hardy Exploration & Production (India) Inc. 

Health, safety and environment 

International Financial Reporting Standards 

Initial public offering 

International accounting standard

International Standards on Auditing

Joint Arrangement

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationHardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201786

Definitions and Glossary of Terms

KG Basin: 

Krishna Godavari sedimentary basin comprising an area on the south east India continental shelf 

km:

km2:

KPI:

LSE: 

LNG:

LTI:

m:

Kilometre 

Kilometre squared 

Key performance indicator

London Stock Exchange plc 

Liquefied natural gas

Long-term incentives

Metre 

Management Committee: 

As per India PSCs the Management Committee comprises representatives of each participating interest holder, DGH and  
the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas of India 

MC:

mmscfd:

mmscmd:

mmbbl:

mmbtu

MOPNG:

MWP:

NANG:

NCV:

NELP:

OC:

ONGC:

OPEC:

Management Committee

Million standard cubic feet per day 

Million standard cubic metres per day 

Million stock tank barrels per day 

Million British thermal units

Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

Minimum work programme

Non-associated natural gas 

Net calorific value

New Exploration Licensing Policy of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas of India 

Operating Committee

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited

Organization of the Petroleum Expanding Countries 

Operating Committee: 

As per India PSCs the Operating Committee comprises representatives of the various participating interest holders in the licence 

Ordinary Share: 

The Ordinary Share of US$0.01 each in the capital of the Company 

Prospective Resources:

Those quantities of petroleum which are estimated, on a given date, to be potentially recoverable from undiscovered accumulations 

PSC: 

psi:

PY-3: 

Reliance: 

Rs.:

RNS:

scf:

scfd:

TRI:

UK: 

Production sharing contract 

Pounds per square inch 

Offshore Licence CY-OS-90/1 

Reliance Industries Limited 

Indian rupee

Regulatory news service

Standard cubic feet 

Standard cubic feet per day 

Total recordable injuries

United Kingdom 

The UK Code:

UK Corporate Governance Code 2014

UMWP:

uJV:

US: 

US$:

WAEP:

Unfinished minimum work programme

Unincorporated joint venture

United States of America 

United States dollars

Weighted average exercise price

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 201787

Indian solicitors
J Sagar Associates
29 Bannari Amman Towers
2nd Floor, Block A
Dr Radhakrishnan Salai
Chennai, India, 600 004

Naik Naik & Co
116-8 Mittal Towers
Nairman Point
Mumbai, India, 400 021

Isle of Man legal advisor
Cains Advocates Limited
First Names House,
Victoria Road, 
Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 5PD

Registrars
Cains Fiduciaries Limited
First Names House,
Victoria Road, 
Douglas, Isle of Man IM2 4DF

CREST agent
Computershare Investor Services  
(Channel Islands) Limited
Ordnance House
31 Pier Road, St. Helier
Jersey JE4 8PW

Company Information
Directors and Advisors

Hardy Oil and Gas plc
16 North Silver Street
Aberdeen AB10 1RL
Tel: +44 (0)1224 612900
Fax: +44 (0)1224 633995
Email: ir@hardyoil.com
Website: www.hardyoil.com

Board of Directors
Alasdair Locke (Chairman)
Ian MacKenzie (Chief Executive Officer)
Peter Milne (Senior Non-Executive)
Pradip Shah (Non-Executive)

Executive Officer
Richard Galvin (Treasurer & Corporate  
Affairs Executive)

Hardy Exploration & Production (India) Inc.
5th Floor, Westminster Building
108, Dr Radhakrishnan Salai
Chennai, India, 600 004
Phone: +91 44 284 71990
Fax: +91 44 284 71064
Email: info@hardyoil.co.in

Financial PR
Tavistock Communications
1 Cornhill
London
EC3V 3ND

Company Secretary
Richard Vanderplank LLB
Registered office
Fort Anne,
Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 5PD

Principal bankers
HSBC Holdings plc
8 Canada Square
London E14 5HQ

Barclays Bank plc
54 Lombard Street
London EC3P 3AH

UK solicitors
Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co
4 More London Riverside
London SE1 2AU

Directors of HEPI
Ian MacKenzie (President and Chief Executive Officer)
Richard Galvin (treasurer)
T.K. Ananth Kumar (Non-Executive Director)

Brodies LLP
31–33 Union Grove
Aberdeen AB10 6SD

Executive Officers
Sankalpa Mitra (Senior Vice President  
production of HEPI)
Satya Sai (Vice President Geoscience of HEPI)

Auditor
Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP
St Bride’s House
10 Salisbury Square
London EC4Y 8EH

Broker
Arden Partners plc
125 Old Broad Street
London EC2N 1AR

Dorsey & Whitney (Europe) LLP
199 Bishopsgate
London EC2M 3UT

Volterra Fietta LLP
8 Mortimer Street
Fitzroy Place
London
W1T 3JJ

USA solicitors
Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP
One Battery Park Plaza
New York 10004-1482
USA

Strategic ReportGovernanceFinancial StatementsAdditional InformationHardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 
88

Notes

Hardy Oil and Gas plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017Design & production
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Hardy Oil and Gas plc
16 North Silver Street
Aberdeen 
AB10 1RL