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Hurricane Energy Plc

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Employees 51-200
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FY2011 Annual Report · Hurricane Energy Plc
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Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements 2011

Contents

2011: Potential Discovered
2-3  
Chairman’s Introduction
4-5  
Executive Directors
6-7  
Non-Executive Directors
8-9  
CEO’s Review
12-13  
16-17  
Operational Review
18-19   Whirlwind Discovery
20-21  
22-23  
24-25  
26-29  
30-31  
34-63  

Environmental Review
Environmental Statement
Business Strategy
CCO’s Review
CFO’s Review
Financial Statements

1

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 20112011 - Potential Discovered

2011 has been a year of progress for Hurricane:
We brought hydrocarbons to surface at Whirlwind
We moved to new corporate offices
We strengthened the Board
We commissioned a new CPR revealing significant 
Contingent Resources.

This year a comprehensive Competent Person’s  
Report (CPR) has been produced, recognising  
2C Contingent Resources of over 400MMboe  
and P50 Prospective Resources exceeding  
a further 400MMboe.

2008

984

3C+P10

93
188

1C+P90

442

470

2C+P50

Gross (100% basis) and Net Attributable Resources

Prospective Resources

MMboe
Source: CPR November 2011

P90
MMboe

Lancaster

14

P50
MMboe

53

P10
MMboe

142

GPoS (%)

Mean
MMboe

62

4.5%

P1368

Whirlwind*

17-19

80-90

215-261

101-119

25.0%

Lincoln

P1485, P1835

Typhoon

Total (Unrisked) if all successful

Total (Risked)

44

16

150

149

339

1266

13.2%

16.0%

164

383

710-728

111-115

*Whirlwind, range between light oil case and gas condensate case

Contingent Resources

MMboe
Source: CPR November 2011

Lancaster

Development pending

Total (MMboe)

Gross (100% basis) and Net Attributable
Resources 

1C

62

2C

207

3C

456

P1368

Whirlwind*

Development unclarified

Total (MMboe)

91-98

179-205

301-373

Strathmore

Development on hold

Total (MMboe)

P1485, P1835

Tempest/Typhoon

Development unclarified

Total (MMboe)

20

8

32

26

57

98

Total

Total (MMboe)

181-188

444-470

912-984

*Whirlwind, range between light oil case and gas condensate case

MMboe

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0

2

Prospective Resources

Contingent Resources

Hurricane’s assets: 
Contingent and Prospective Resources
Source: CPR 18 November 2011

3

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011Chairman’s Introduction

The UK’s strategic need for domestic energy resources is well 
documented. UK oil production from existing fields has peaked 
and imports of oil are steadily increasing as a proportion of the 
oil we consume. In every aspect of our every day life, the nation 
remains reliant on oil as a fundamental resource. So it is an 
exciting challenge to be developing Hurricane, focused on the 
discovery and development of new oil resources for the UK. 

Hurricane’s vision remains focused on searching for, discovering 
and appraising oil reserves in fractured basement rock and it is 
our belief that volumes of oil held within basement reservoirs 
could represent a strategic resource for the UK.

Today, Hurricane is coming of age. It has a strong culture and a 
close-knit executive team led by founder and CEO, Robert Trice. 
This year saw the introduction of a fresh corporate identity, 
reflecting the energy and promise of the business.

The underlying strength of the Company is in its creativity and 
innovation, both in the visualisation of fractured basement 
reservoirs, and in the analysis of results from successful drilling 
operations. Hurricane’s core capabilities and leadership position 
the Group well to take advantage of the opportunities  
it is unearthing.

The unprecedented volatility in the financial markets during 
2011 has been a challenge for any business. Carefully expanding, 
Hurricane has taken advice on how to achieve future financing 
needs for the Group’s aggressive future work programme. The 
strength of the Hurricane story shines through, demonstrating 
the rigorous, straightforward and thoughtful approach the team 
takes. Given the current nature of the capital markets, the Board 
is considering a range of options to meet the Group’s financing 
requirements into 2012 and beyond.

It is still only a few months since I stepped into the role of 
Chairman. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my 
predecessor, Charles Good, for his commitment to Hurricane 
and for nurturing a Board to be proud of and that I am pleased 
to take forward.

Sir Adrian Montague CBE
Chairman

4

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011Executive Directors

We have spent time assembling a strong team 
throughout Hurricane. This includes an experienced 
Board with a wealth of experience in the industry  
and robust corporate governance principles.

Dr Robert Trice CEO

Keith Kirby CCO

Nicholas Briggs CFO

As Hurricane’s founder and Chief Executive Officer, Robert 
has over 25 years’ oil industry experience. He has combined 
specialist technical expertise in petrophysics and fractured 
reservoir characterisation and evaluation. He has a PhD in 
Geology from Birkbeck College, University of London and 
gained the bulk of his geoscience experience with Enterprise 
Oil and Shell. He has worked in field development, exploration, 
well-site operations and geological consultancy. Robert has 
held the position of Visiting Professor at Trondheim University 
(Norway) and has published and presented on subjects related 
to fractured reservoirs and exploration for stratigraphic traps.

It is Robert’s vision that lies behind Hurricane, providing  
clear strategic direction as the Company develops and he  
takes the lead in all aspects of the scientific and technical  
heart of the Group.

Keith has worked in communications for over 20 years. He was 
part of the team that created the Orange brand, initially in the 
UK, then introducing the brand internationally. Keith has advised 
on major corporate identity programmes for organisations 
including Q8 for Kuwait Petroleum International and Emarat for 
the national oil company in Dubai. For more than ten years Keith 
was with the Hutchison Whampoa Group as CEO of a business 
unit, advising Group companies around the World. Keith has an 
MBA with distinction from London Business School and he has 
been an external adviser to the MA in Communications Design  
at Central St Martins.

As Hurricane’s Chief Communications Officer, Keith is 
responsible for all internal and external communications, 
company systems, facilities, HR, company culture and the  
other administrative aspects of running the business. 

Nicholas has worked for over 15 years in the oil and gas 
industry and has significant experience in finance, commercial 
negotiations and business operations. A graduate engineer 
from Exeter University, he qualified as a Chartered Accountant 
with PwC and then moved to Paris where he was responsible 
for the financial management of Technip’s operations in the 
Middle East. Nicholas has also been the head of finance for the 
UK operations of Perenco and co-founded Ethos Petroleum, a 
company investing in Georgia, where he held the position of 
Chief Financial Officer.

As Chief Financial Officer, Nicholas plays a crucial role in 
ensuring there are robust financial and accounting practices in 
place. He also leads both Hurricane’s fund-raising activities and 
negotiations on key operating and financial contracts.

6

7

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011 
Non-Executive Directors

Hurricane has a strong code of corporate governance 
and an outstanding group of Non-Executive Directors.

Sir Adrian Montague CBE

Bill Guest

Jon Murphy

Philip Dayer

Sir Adrian joined the Board as Chairman in July 2011. He is also 
Chairman of 3i Group Plc and is Non-Executive Chairman of 
CellMark AB and Anglian Water Group, as well as a Director of 
Skanska AB. Recently he has also been appointed to chair the 
Advisory Board of the Green Investment Bank.

Sir Adrian is a member of the Nominations Committee.

Bill graduated in geology from Leicester University and has over 
35 years’ international exploration and production experience 
in technical, business development and senior management 
functions. He spent his formative years as a geologist and 
petroleum engineer with Shell International before moving to 
the UK independent oil sector, initially with Saxon Oil and then 
with Monument Oil and Gas where Bill held the position of 
Technical Director and Business Development Director.  
More recently, Bill was Managing Director of Endeavour North 
Sea and subsequently President of Gulf Keystone Petroleum.  
Bill is a founding partner of Guest & Associates, an international 
business development consultancy service for the upstream 
oil and gas industry, and a Non-Executive Director of  
Matra Petroleum.

Bill is Chairman of the Nominations Committee, and a member 
of the Remuneration Committee and Audit Committee.

Jon has over 30 years’ experience in mid-cap oil exploration and 
production companies. After graduating from the University of 
London with a degree in geology and then gaining experience 
in junior technical roles within the industry, he joined LASMO 
in 1989 where he held various positions in geology, planning 
and new business, based in the UK and Asia. In 1999, Jon joined 
Venture Production Plc as Chief Operating Officer and played 
a key role in its growth from a small private equity-backed 
company, through flotation in 2002 to become one of the 
leading oil and gas companies active in the North Sea, and 
ultimately to its successful sale to Centrica in 2009.

Jon is Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, and a 
member of the Nominations Committee and Audit Committee.

Philip has over 30 years’ public market and corporate 
finance experience, gained with a number of prominent City 
institutions. During this time he advised a wide range of public 
companies including UK and international groups active in the 
oil and gas sector. After graduating in law from King’s College, 
London, Philip qualified as a Chartered Accountant and went on 
to gain extensive experience as Director or Head of Corporate 
Finance with various investment banks in London. Philip is a 
Non-Executive Director of KazMunaiGas Exploration Production 
and was a Non-Executive Director of Dana Petroleum Plc from 
2006 until its takeover by KNOC in 2010. He is also a  
Non-Executive Director of a number of other companies.

Philip is Chairman of the Audit Committee, and a member of  
the Nominations Committee and Remuneration Committee.

8

9

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011Hurricane’s operations during 2011 focused 
on the Whirlwind discovery, using the 
recently refitted WilPhoenix rig.

10

11

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011CEO’s review

During the past year we have created a step change in the 
organisation as the business matures to become a serious 
player in the UK oil exploration and development industry. 

The Board has been bolstered with the appointment of two 
new Non-Executive Directors, Jon Murphy and Philip Dayer.  
Jon and Philip bring tremendous experience from the oil 
industry and corporate finance respectively and help us  
provide the robust corporate governance shareholders expect.  
In the summer Sir Adrian Montague CBE joined the Board 
as Non-Executive Chairman and his wisdom and experience 
are already having an extremely positive impact on both the 
Board and the business. I would like to add my thanks and 
appreciation to Adrian’s, recognising Charles Good’s insightful 
Chairmanship of the Board from the early days of Hurricane 
until stepping down as Chairman in July.

The Board’s intention is to bring Hurricane to the stock market 
when conditions are right and to support that strategy we 
strengthened the Executive with the appointment of Keith Kirby 
as Chief Communications Officer in July. Keith holds an MBA 
with distinction from London Business School where he was 
winner of the Alumni prize for Academic Achievement. Keith 
has a strong background in marketing, communications and 
branding as well as general management. You will have noticed 
that he has already made his mark in redefining the Hurricane 
corporate identity and key message, bringing a thoroughly 
professional persona to the Company as we look forward. 
The new website was launched in October. Keith’s wider 
responsibilities ensure the smooth running of the organisation. 
He works closely with the other members of the Executive 
developing Hurricane’s business strategy.

The other notable change in the Board was Nicholas Mardon 
Taylor stepping down in July. Nicholas has worked as a member 
of the Executive from Hurricane’s humble beginnings in 2005  
in my garden shed. In his early role as Finance Director,  
Nicholas was instrumental in Hurricane securing our acreage, 
now encompassing our Lancaster and Whirlwind discoveries. 
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Nicholas for his 
influential contribution and sage advice. I would also like to 
express my gratitude that he remains on the Hurricane team, 
being responsible for our robust and crucial environmental 
policy and specifically for Hurricane’s provision for oil spill 
response contingencies.

The strategic strength of Hurricane resides in the technical 
team. Its ability to visualise what’s going on thousands of feet 
beneath the seabed demonstrates the combination of  
creativity and rigour that is a cornerstone of the business.  
In the operational review below, you will see that the results  
of the team’s diligence and commitment are bearing fruit.  
As we move forward we are taking on new specialists to  
enable Hurricane to successfully develop and ultimately  
produce from our discoveries.

Dr Robert Trice  
Chief Executive Officer

12

13

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011The slip joint below the deck of the Wilphoenix,  
the rig commissioned for testing Hurricane’s  
Whirlwind discovery, September 2011.

14

15

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011Operational review

Perhaps the most significant events this year have 
been third party recognition for Lancaster’s potential 
for commercial development and the completion of  
a scoping engineering study that will act as the  
template for taking Lancaster to first oil.

RPS Energy Limited (RPS) has evaluated Hurricane’s assets 
through the formal process of preparing a Competent Person’s 
Report (CPR). The report provides an independent review of 
Hurricane’s assets and is an essential part of establishing their 
value and the basis for fundraising. There are a number of 
significant observations arising from RPS’s work:

•	 RPS	is	supportive	of	the	Hurricane	geological	model	for		

basement reservoirs

•	 RPS	is	able	to	replicate	our	work	for	evaluating		

basement reservoirs and consequently they support  
  Hurricane’s evaluation of resource volumes and the 
  material potential upside that is present in our  

basement prospects

•	 RPS	is	supportive	of	Hurricane’s	forward	work	programme		

and specifically our plans to take Lancaster to  
field development

Arising from the CPR work and our own ongoing evaluation 
of our basement assets, the technical team made a 
recommendation to the Board to drop Hurricane’s onshore 
acreage and to focus our resources on our offshore 
opportunities. This recommendation was based on geotechnical 
grounds and taking account of environmental and planning 
constraints associated with drilling operations onshore in 
the UK. The Board accepted the technical recommendation 
and Hurricane has written to DECC relinquishing the onshore 
licences. Consequently Hurricane is now focused on  
operating West of Shetland.

Summary of Seaward Production Licence P1368 
(23rd Round Award)

Our work on this acreage has continued:
•	
•	
•	

technical	evaluation	of	Lancaster	and	Whirlwind	discoveries
testing	operations	on	Whirlwind	
further	technical	work	on	the	Lincoln	prospect

Lancaster Discovery

“in place” volume  
 over 1 billion barrels

We completed a thorough evaluation of the original Lancaster 
pilot well, drilled in 2009 and its subsequent sidetrack drilled in 
2010. The detailed comparison of these two wells has meant 
that Hurricane has been able to revise its understanding of 
hydrocarbon distribution and improve its understanding of the 
basement fractures. This revised understanding has led to the 
“in-place” volume being over 1 billion stock tank barrels.  
This is a very exciting development.

The proposed development plan assessed by RPS indicates 
that 200 million stock tank barrels (MMstb) of oil should be 
recoverable using a recovery factor based on the proposed 
development well placement. In advance of 2012’s proposed 
Lancaster drilling operations, Hurricane has secured a site survey 
and we are now planning for future Lancaster appraisal and 
development wells. Such wells will be targeted at improving our 
understanding of the Lancaster upside and confirming delivery 
rates from a basement horizontal well.

In parallel with the geoscience evaluation we are working  
with EPC Offshore to explore the potential for Lancaster  
field development. 

Currently the proposed way forward is that of a staged 
development starting with a base case of a number of subsea 
wells tied into an FPSO (floating production, storage and 
offloading vessel) with oil shuttled to the mainland refinery 
by tanker. This solution to field development is similar to that 
already deployed at Foinaven and Schiehallion. Having drilled 
only two wells on Lancaster we are still at an early stage of 
development. However it is clear that the resource volumes and 
facilities’ solutions suggest a feasible project and our proposed 
work programme at Lancaster is committed to bringing the 
vision of Lancaster oil to an early reality.

Lincoln Lead

A third basement prospect on Licence P1368, Lincoln, has been 
defined to the south west of Lancaster. Lincoln shares many 
geological characteristics with Lancaster, including proven oil on 
structure and a well defined basement fault system. Technical 
work undertaken during the latter half of 2010 and first half of 
2011 resulted in a prospective well location being identified 
and subsequently a site survey has been acquired. Prospective 
recoverable resources, P50, for Lincoln are 150MMstb and  
well planning for a Lincoln exploration well is now ongoing  
with the objective of drilling in 2014.

Strathmore

Strathmore is a traditional sandstone reservoir and 
consequently does not fall into our core focus of fractured 
basement reservoirs. That stated, Strathmore is a proven oil 
resource with estimated recoverable reserves of 32 million 
barrels and consequently represents a potential tie back 
opportunity to a Lancaster development. Strathmore is 
geographically close to the as yet undeveloped Solan field  
and therefore has potential latent value. 

Summary of Seaward Production Licence P1485 
(24th Round) and P1835 (26th Round)

At the beginning of 2010, DECC offered Block 204/23b as part 
of the 26th Offshore Licensing round. This block is next to 
Hurricane’s Typhoon acreage and contains a significant part 
of the mapped basement structure that forms the Typhoon 
prospect. A successful application was made for this block and 
the addition of this acreage to our portfolio puts Hurricane 
in a much improved position to optimise its drilling plans on 
Typhoon. We acquired a site survey over Typhoon during 
summer 2011 and now we are working on well plans with the 
objective of drilling Typhoon in 2012, subject to rig availability. 
Prospective Resources, P50, for the Typhoon basement are 
estimated at 149MMstb, and P10 an enticing 1,266MMstb.

New Blocks

As part of the 26th Licensing Round, Hurricane has been 
offered ten offshore blocks, located on the West Shetland 
Platform immediately to the southwest of the Shetland Isles 
and northwest of the Orkneys. We will have a 100% operated 
interest in the Licence. The acreage fits with Hurricane’s strategy 
of exploring niche plays. Whilst focused on the Devonian, the 
location also offers potential within the underlying basement.

16

17

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
Whirlwind Discovery

Since drilling Whirlwind in 2010 Hurricane has undertaken a 
detailed analysis of the well results confirming our original 
interpretation that hydrocarbon is present in the basement and 
in the overlying limestones. Both the limestone and basement 
intervals are fractured and potentially permeable. As a result 
of this work Hurricane raised sufficient funding in early 2011 
with the intention of re-entering and testing Whirlwind in the 
spring. After significant shipyard delays the WilPhoenix drilling 
rig became available to Hurricane for its operation in September 
and a revised operation was initiated to accommodate the 
onset of winter weather.

The well test has proven Whirlwind’s discovery status, with 
light oil or condensate being brought to surface. RPS Energy 
Limited’s independent estimates of 2C Contingent Resources 
for Whirlwind are 205MMboe for an oil case and 179MMboe 
for a condensate case. Whirlwind’s proximity to Lancaster and 
the potential for shared development facilities further underpins 
the possible value of Whirlwind as another basement reservoir 
success. Further geotechnical work on Whirlwind’s hydrocarbon 
samples, testing and drilling data is needed before the true 
value of this resource can be established. Clearly the results 
of this operation have made a substantial contribution to the 
increase in the Group’s overall 2C Contingent Resources.

Light oil or condensate brought to surface

18

19

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011Environmental Review

Hurricane’s first priority is safety and protection 
of the environment. We have a well documented 
Environmental Management System (EMS) and it is 
operated to National Quality Assurance standards 
(NQA 16O 14001). At any time we have live offshore 
operations, a critical factor is to ensure the offshore 
application of our EMS.

We take regulatory compliance as a starting point and 
constantly strive to take environmental performance beyond 
that standard. We try to reduce the Company’s impact on the 
environment through implementing new initiatives, promoting 
energy efficiency and waste reduction. We are constantly 
looking for ways to make further improvements. This is 
important during offshore operations, but equally important 
in daily work in the office. We take care to recycle as much as 
possible and to use good practice to minimise energy usage.

This year’s operations have benefited both from on-site 
Company personnel and the development of good working 
practices with third party consultants and contractors,  
and also from independent environmental audits  
undertaken by DECC and NQA.

The SERPENT project (www.serpentproject.com)

Hurricane is a partner in the SERPENT (Scientific and 
Environmental ROV Partnership using Existing Industrial 
Technology) project. This is a collaboration between the 
oil industry and the National Oceanography Centre in 
Southampton to make observations of the seabed and 
associated communities immediately around well locations. 
Utilising a drilling rig’s remote operated vehicle (“ROV”) during 
downtime, SERPENT gathers detailed observations and imagery 
of the seabed environment. By taking images immediately 
before and after drilling operations, we have been able to 
closely monitor the extent of any disturbance to local seabed 
habitats and communities.

In response to the increasing awareness of the impact of any 
uncontrolled oil spill following the Macondo incident  
in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, Hurricane became one of the 
core participants in the ownership of the OSPRAG capping 
device. This device was built as a UK industry response to the 
Macondo incident and is available for use by operators in an 
emergency in the UKCS. The capping device, which is now 
located in Aberdeen, was designed and built with the benefit  
of the lessons learned by BP during the Gulf incident. The device 
weighs around 40 tons and is capable of rapid deployment 
in water depths up to 10,000 feet which is of particular 
importance to operators with interests West of Shetlands  
where water depths can be greater than in the North Sea.

Oil spill response training

Several people at Hurricane have undertaken comprehensive 
oil spill response training, in accordance with DECC guidelines.  
In addition training is provided to ensure all employees have 
received oil spill response awareness training as a minimum.  
Training exercises to test the effectiveness of the Company’s 
operation specific oil pollution emergency plans are also 
conducted on a regular basis, the results of which are recorded 
to allow for future improvements in the plans and to any 
required response. Hurricane also maintains insurance against 
the risk associated with its drilling and testing activities, in line 
with legislation and standard industry practice.

In addition, by employing SERPENT over consecutive drilling 
and testing operations at Whirlwind, Hurricane has been able 
to monitor the dispersal of cuttings caused by drilling and 
the recovery of local seabed communities over time. The 
monitoring data acquired through the SERPENT collaboration 
helps facilitate a clearer, industry wide understanding of the 
effects of drilling on seabed communities, and helps guide  
the development of effective mitigation measures.

Offshore operational improvement

During this year’s drilling and testing operations on Whirlwind, 
Hurricane again focused on promoting waste reduction, 
ensuring that contractors and suppliers for offshore operations 
were taking appropriate steps to improve environmental 
performance. Hurricane also benefited from offshore audits 
carried out by both DECC and an independent NQA inspector 
during the Whirlwind testing programme. These audits were 
extremely beneficial and highlighted the importance of ensuring 
sub-contractors are working to the guidelines established by 
Hurricane. During the course of the testing operations Hurricane 
personnel provided an environmental briefing to all contracted 
and sub-contracted staff on arrival aboard the rig.

20

21

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011Environmental Statement

Hurricane recognises its responsibility to the 
environment and we take positive steps to  
address the environmental impacts of our  
business operations.

We are committed to achieving continuous improvement in  
our environmental performance and regard compliance with 
the relevant laws and regulations as a minimum standard.

•	 We	will	continuously	review	all	our	business	operations,	 
in order to identify and, where practicable, minimise our  
environmental impacts

We will work with customers, employees, contractors and 
suppliers to identify and reduce the environmental impacts  
of our activities.

•	 We	will	set	appropriate	environmental	targets,	monitor		
progress in achieving them and report the results to the  
Board on a regular basis

Our objectives

•	 All	our	land	based	and	offshore	operations	shall	be	managed		

under our BS EN ISO 14001:2004 Standard Certified 
Environmental Management System

•	 We	will	involve	our	employees	in	maintaining	the		

Environmental Management System, provide a clear  
feedback structure and establish appropriate operating  
practices and training programmes

•	 All	our	employees	will	be	selected,	trained	and	developed	to		
carry out their duties safely, competently and with due care  
for the environment

•	 We	will	implement	measures	to	prevent	pollution	to	the		

environment, where reasonably practicable

•	 We	will	take	environmental	considerations	into	account	in		

all our operations, ensure that our suppliers and contractors  
are aware of our policy and encourage them to commit to  
good environmental practices

These objectives will be regularly reviewed and specifically prior 
to any major operational activity either onshore or offshore. 
Their achievement will be measured and reported to the Board 
of Directors. They form the basis from which internal targets 
for achievement are set and those in turn will be monitored, 
reported and revised.

22

23

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business Strategy

Hurricane remains committed to achieving its goals 
and objectives within the regulatory and legislative 
framework of the UK. We will do this to the highest 
environmental, health and safety levels possible  
whilst delivering the business and progress 
shareholders expect.

Since the Company was founded in 2005, Hurricane has 
acquired attractive acreage in the West of Shetlands region.

Since inception, we have held to a clear strategy.  
Our business plan has the following objectives:

•	Increase	shareholder	value	through	the	exploration, 
  appraisal and development of fractured basement reservoirs
•	Focus	on	proven	petroleum	systems,	on	basement	 
  structures with proven oil
•	Evaluate	potential	of	basement	upside	(oil	outside	 
  of structural closure)
•	Continue	an	active	exploration	and	appraisal	programme		
  West of Shetland including satisfactory delivery of all  
  existing commitments

•	Maintain	100%	ownership	of	basement	prospects	associated		
  with proven oil on structure at least until Field Development  
  Plan (FDP) approval
•	Gain	Lancaster	Field	Development	Plan	approval	by	Q1	2014
•	Deliver	Lancaster	first	oil	Q4	2016
•	Participate	in	the	UK	Licence	Rounds		
•	Investigate	new	venture	opportunities	outside	of	the	UKCS

The plan is to remain focussed towards exploitation of 
basement reservoirs, as this is the Company’s niche expertise. 
The forward work programme is targeted at further basement 
exploration and appraisal with a clear commitment to 
progressing Lancaster towards development. 

24

25

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011Passionate 

the love of it

Straightforward 

spade’s a spade

Ingenious 

seeing what everyone has seen, thinking what nobody has thought 

Rigorous 

no stone left unturned

Collaborative 

synergy in action

Tenacious 

dog with a bone

Logical 

it all adds up

26

CCO’s Review 
Essence and communications

In Hurricane the Chief Communications Officer has the  
privilege of being responsible for all aspects of communications, 
internally and externally. In Hurricane it is a role also 
encompassing HSE, HR, facilities and systems, ensuring the 
smooth running of the business.

In September 2011 we launched our refreshed corporate 
identity. The purpose was to clarify what Hurricane does and 
what it offers, to reflect a contemporary professional company 
and to provide a robust platform for communications. 

It’s important to ensure that the professional presentation of 
the Company does justice to the technical excellence exhibited 
daily. Before the design emerged, we clarified what Hurricane 
stands for, the elements that make up the corporate essence 
and the Hurricane way. The Hurricane team are pioneers, 
opening up new areas of thought and bringing creativity 
and logic to the fore.

The red of the symbol sits over the blue of the lettering, paying 
homage to the original corporate mark seeing flame over water.

Also in September 2011 we launched our refreshed website. 
The first iteration slimmed down the content and presented it 
in the new identity. Looking forward, we will use the website to 
provide more information about our work and progress, and to 
communicate with investors and other interested parties.  
We have an alert service that anyone can sign up to and we use 
that to communicate about press releases, annual accounts  
and occasionally other communications.

“Discovery consists of seeing what everybody 
 has seen and thinking what nobody has thought”

Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
(Hungarian physiologist, discoverer of Vitamin C)

The visual identity represents the essence of Hurricane. The 
symbol itself is an iconic mark. The concept is about seeing 
differently, seeing things others can’t see or have simply missed. 

The logo represents a pioneering spirit and simplicity that places 
it confidently outside of the crowd. The design of the mark 
allows it to be seen differently by different individuals –  
to some it’s an eye, to others a flame, a drop of oil, or a target.  
All are relevant, each bringing a sense of pleasure on discovery, 
the precision and essence of what Hurricane stands for.

It reflects precisely what makes Hurricane special. 

Basement Day

In October 2011 we held a presentation in an open forum 
to present about fractured basement reservoirs, positioning 
Hurricane as experts in the field. We presented about the 
basement concept, explaining what it is and how it works.  
We also presented a series of examples of basement reservoir 
plays from around the World and showed how exploration of 
basement reservoirs is not only successful but also handled 
using conventional technology.

The purpose of the session was educational, so that more 
people, analysts, potential investors and others, will have a 
better appreciation of what the core of Hurricane is all about.

27

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011CCO’s Review 
Culture, places and people

Culture

Places

People

Hurricane has always minimised the bureaucracy required and 
runs a tight ship. We have a focused team, small staff numbers 
covering management, technical specialisms and corporate 
functions. We also follow a philosophy of working with a 
network of external consultants. We believe that this enables us 
to work with the best specialists in particular areas from around 
the World and avoids building an unnecessarily large team.  
We use this network of high quality consultants and contracting 
alliances to:

•	verify	internal	work
•	expose	in-house	technical	resources	to	alternate	 
  concepts and methods
•	provide	external	insight	into	current	specialist	technology

The Hurricane business insists on having regard for its people 
and to build a culture that encourages the growth of the 
Company and themselves. We encourage:

•	regard	for	and	fair	treatment	of	each	employee
•	respect	for	each	individual’s	contribution	to	the	Company
•	employee	pride	and	enthusiasm	for	Hurricane	and	 
  their daily work
•	equal	opportunity	for	each	employee	to	realise	their	full		
  potential within the Company
•	strong	communication	with	all	employees	regarding	 
  policies and Company issues
•	strong	Company	leaders	with	a	good	sense	of	 
  direction and purpose
•	investment	in	learning,	training,	and	employee	knowledge

In September 2011 we moved to new offices located at a small 
business park in Lower Eashing in Surrey, UK. The offices were 
fitted out over the summer months. This is the first time the 
Company has occupied a purpose built office. I am pleased 
to report that the move from the former offices in Alton was 
made seamlessly and with no material down time. The new 
offices provide a good working environment and positive 
atmosphere, and also plenty of scope for future expansion of 
staff numbers as and when required. Now Hurricane benefits 
from high speed communications allowing not only speedy 
internet access but also state of the art video conferencing  
and presentation facilities.

Part of the Hurricane way is to be a good and respected 
employer. We want to attract the right people and we want 
them to stay, to make a valuable contribution and to be suitably 
rewarded. We wouldn’t be anywhere without the team. 

Hurricane’s success has led to expansion of our geosciences and 
technical teams. Additional technical staff include Dan Bonter, 
Geologist, and Neil Platt who joins the management team in the 
role of Asset Delivery Manager. On the corporate side we have 
also grown to welcome Daniel Jankes, Legal Manager,  
Andrew Hayward , Finance Manager, Sian McGarvey  
Office Manager and Amal Belaidi, petrophysicist.

“Hurricane is all about discovery  
 and development of oil from  
 fractured basement reservoirs.”

A key motivation in building in the communications set-up 
has been to maintain strong connections with the team 
in Aberdeen and to be able to communicate easily with 
consultants and others, particularly during drilling operations.

Hurricane’s operational team in Aberdeen is led by Richard 
Beaton, who gained extensive basement drilling experience 
in Vietnam. Richard works with John Sutherland our drilling 
engineer who has been responsible for the planning and 
execution of this year’s successful Whirlwind operation.  
In December the Aberdeen team moved offices within the city.

Keith Kirby 
Chief Communications Officer

28

29

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011CFO’s Review

The Group commenced the financial year (1 September 2010) 
with cash and cash equivalents of £50.4m and spent £34.3m 
during the financial year to further explore and appraise 
its Lancaster and Whirlwind oil discoveries. £33.0m of this 
expenditure related to payments for the Lancaster sidetrack  
and Whirlwind exploration wells drilled in 2010.

As at 28 February 2011, the Group had a cash balance of 
approximately £17m, and the decision was made to undertake 
a further fundraising prior to re-entering the Whirlwind well. 
Consequently, the Group raised net proceeds of £19.9m in 
March 2011 from the issue of share capital at £11.10, having 
previously raised funds at a share price of £6.00 per share in 
February 2010. 

As a consequence of the increased share price to £11.10 per 
share, the implied market capitalisation of the Group amounted 
to £497m. This market value exceeds by an approximate factor 
of five the costs incurred by the Group since incorporation, 
reflecting the substantial value that has been added to the 
Group through the drill bit.

The Group finished the year (31 August 2011) with cash and 
cash equivalents of £32.9m. The Whirlwind testing commenced 
on 1 September and was successfully completed at a cost £25.4m 
post year end. 

The Group has no debt and is currently financed solely through 
equity financing. Its fixed costs, including employment costs, 
are relatively low at approximately £2.5m per year. As a 
consequence of the low fixed-cost burn rate, the Group has 
significant flexibility in operational and technical decisions.

On 24 March 2011, the Government announced that it was 
raising Supplementary Corporation Tax from 20% to 32% in 
respect of profits from oil and gas production in the UKCS, 
resulting in an effective tax rate for the Group of 62%.  

As at 31 August 2011, the Group also has pre-trading revenue 
expenses of £16.0m and £80.5m of capital allowances available 
for carry forward against future trading profits.

In addition, the total pre-trading expenditure of £96.5m 
may attract Ring Fenced Expenditure Supplement on 
commencement of trade, which would result in a further  
uplift of £13.7m of tax relief available at that time. 

The Group announced at its Annual General Meeting in January 
2011 that it would seek a further fundraising and listing on 
a stock exchange (within the next 9-12 months), subject to 
market conditions. At a General Meeting on 15 November, 
authority was provided by shareholders to: 

1.  subdivide the number of shares in issue in order to reduce  
the price of each share by a factor of ten. The resolution  
  had no impact on the market value of the Company but  
each shareholder was reissued ten ordinary shares with a  
  nominal value of £0.001 each for every one ordinary share  
  previously held with a nominal value of £0.01. 

2.  issue for fundraising purposes a further 150 million shares  
  with nominal value of £0.001 to enable the Company to  
  progress its 2012 and 2013 work programme.

At the end of 2011, it was clear that market conditions were  
not appropriate for a public listing of the Company and as 
such a private fundraising was launched in January 2012.  
This fundraising closes on 24 February 2012 and the outcome  
will be announced at the AGM scheduled for 27 February 2012. 
We look forward to welcoming our shareholders to the meeting.

Nicholas Briggs 
Chief Financial Officer

30

31

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011 
 
32

33

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011Financial Statements

Since incorporation and up to 31 August 2011 
Hurricane has invested £101 million. Taking the share 
price of £11.10, set at the previous fundraising in 
March, the implied valuation of the Company at the 
financial year end was almost £500 million.

So for every £1 invested, Hurricane has generated  
a further £4 in value, an impressive return on  
capital employed.

On the following pages we present our Financial 
Statements for the year ended 31 August 2011.

Funds spent

Implied valuation

GBP£m

500

400

300

200

100

£496.8

£257.6

£74.5

£17.5

31 Aug 08

£98.4

£27.1

31 Aug 09

£79.1

31 Aug 10

£101.0

31 Aug 11

34

35

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011Directors’ Report

The directors present their annual report and audited consolidated financial statements of Hurricane Exploration Plc and its wholly-owned 
subsidiaries for the year ended 31 August 2011 (collectively, the “Group”). Hurricane Exploration Plc (the “Company”) is a company incorporated 
in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales and is the parent company of the Group.

During the year, three further subsidiary companies were incorporated which are currently dormant. These companies are Hurricane Petroleum 
Limited, Hurricane Energy Limited and Hurricane Group Limited. 

Principal Activity
The principal activity of the Group is oil and gas exploration. There have not been any significant changes in the Group’s principal activity during 
the year under review.

The Group’s head office is in Lower Eashing, Surrey with a regional office in Aberdeen.

Post Balance Sheet Events
Following the year end, the Group completed testing operations on the Whirlwind exploration well (205/21a-5) offshore UK, West of Shetland. 
The well has been suspended for future operations. The testing resulted in the recovery to surface of light volatile oil / gas condensate.  
Drilling fluid losses and the recovery of hydrocarbons to surface indicate that the reservoir penetrated by the well is permeable and  
downhole pressure testing confirms the overpressured nature of the fractured reservoir. The total drilling cost of the Whirlwind well  
re-entry was £25.4 million, all incurred post year end. 

In addition, as at 15 November 2011, a resolution was passed to subdivide each ordinary share with a nominal value of £0.01 each into  
ten ordinary shares with a nominal value of £0.001 each.  

Supplier payment policy
The Group’s policy and practice is to agree the terms of payment with suppliers at the time of contract and to make payment in accordance 
with those terms subject to satisfactory performance. The Group does not follow any code or standard on payment practice. However, where 
payment terms have not been specifically agreed, it is the Group’s policy to settle invoices close to the end of the month following the month  
of invoicing.

Financial risk
The Group’s policies are to fund its activities from cash resources derived from shareholder subscriptions, to minimise its exposure to risks 
derived from financial instruments, not use complex financial instruments and to ensure that its cash resources are available to meet anticipated 
business needs.

The most significant financial risks to which the Group is exposed are movements in foreign exchange and default from financial institutions. 
The Group considers that volatility in foreign exchange is a regular part of its business environment, so the Group does not systematically hedge 
through financial instruments to mitigate this risk. The Group will however hold foreign currencies, primarily US Dollars, where it feels such an 
action helps mitigate foreign exchange risk.

To mitigate the risk of default from financial institutions, deposits are predominately held with institutions that have as a minimum an AA rating.

Key performance indicators
Given the early stage nature of the Group’s development activities, the Group’s directors are of the opinion that analysis using Key Performance 
Indicators is not necessary for an understanding of the nature of development, performance or position of the business.

The subdivision of the shares also impacts the warrants that are in place. Each existing warrant held is subdivided into the right for each warrant 
holder to subscribe for 10 new ordinary £0.001 shares at an exercise price of £0.30 per share.

Disclosure of information to the auditor
In the case of each person who was a director at the time this report was approved:

1,904,640 warrants were exercised between 30 November 2011 and 1 February 2012 at a price of £0.30 for each new ordinary £0.001 share in  
the Company. 

A private fundraising was launched in January 2012 which is due to close on 24 February 2012, under which additional funding has already  
been committed.

Results for the year and dividends
The loss of the Group for the year was £4,021k (2010: loss of £1,011k). The directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend.

Directors
The following directors held office during the year ended 31 August 2011.

Robert Trice 
Nicholas Briggs 
Bill Guest 
Philip Dayer (Appointed 1 January 2011) 
Jon Murphy (Appointed 1 January 2011) 
Sir Adrian Montague CBE (Appointed 1 July 2011) 
Keith Kirby (Appointed 28 July 2011) 
Nicholas Mardon Taylor (Resigned 28 July 2011) 
Charles Good (Resigned 12 October 2011) 

•	

•	

so	far	as	that	director	was	aware	there	was	no	relevant	information	of	which	the	Company’s	auditor	was	unaware;	and

that	director	had	taken	all	steps	that	the	director	ought	to	have	taken	as	a	director	to	make	himself	or	herself	aware	of	any	relevant	audit		
 information and to establish that the Company’s auditor was aware of that information.

Deloitte LLP was first appointed as auditor to the Group for the year ended 31 August 2010. In accordance with the Companies Act 2006, a 
resolution to re-appoint Deloitte LLP will be proposed at the next Annual General Meeting.

Going Concern
The Group has no source of operating revenue and currently obtains working capital through equity financing. It is therefore dependent on 
future fundraising, capital receipts or other forms of finance in order to continue in operation and the proposed work programme is dependent 
on this future fundraising activity.

After making appropriate enquiries, the directors have formed an opinion at the time of approving the financial statements that there is a 
reasonable expectation that the Group can secure adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.  
This is based on the current bank balances, proposed funding income, the underlying value of the licences and the spread of the Group’s 
prospective resources.

Approved by the Board of Directors and signed on behalf of the Board:

Health and Safety
The Group has a Health and Safety Management policy to ensure that it conducts its business in a manner that protects the safety of the 
employees, others involved in its operations, customers and public. The Group will strive to prevent all accidents, injuries and occupational 
illness through the active participation of every employee.

The Group is committed to continuous efforts to identify and eliminate or manage health and safety risks associated with its activities.

Nicholas Briggs
Chief Financial Officer

36

37

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011	
 
 
Directors’ Responsibilities Statement

Corporate Governance Statement

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

Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to 
prepare the financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. 
Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the 
state of affairs of the Company and of the profit or loss of the Company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, International 
Accounting Standard 1 requires that directors:

•	 properly	select	and	apply	accounting	policies;
•	 present	information,	including	accounting	policies,	in	a	manner	that	provides	relevant,	reliable,	comparable	and	understandable	information;	
•	 provide	additional	disclosures	when	compliance	with	the	specific	requirements	in	IFRSs	are	insufficient	to	enable	users	to	understand	the	 

impact	of	particular	transactions,	other	events	and	conditions	on	the	entity’s	financial	position	and	financial	performance;	and

•	 make	an	assessment	of	the	Company’s	ability	to	continue	as	a	going	concern.

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

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

The Combined Code on Corporate Governance as issued by the Financial Reporting Council is not mandatory for unlisted companies.  
However, the directors support the principles of the Combined Code and are applying the requirements where they are considered appropriate 
to the size, nature and unlisted status of the Group.

The Board
At the balance sheet date and subsequently, the Board consists of three executive directors, one independent non-executive chairman and 
three independent non-executive directors.

The Board is responsible to the shareholders of the Company for all significant financial and operational issues which include strategy, reviewing 
and approving budgets, ensuring adequate cash resources, approval of capital expenditure and acquisition and divestment opportunities.  
A record is kept of proceedings and any decisions taken.

Each director retires and stands for re-election by shareholders at least every three years. All directors are subject to re-election by shareholders 
at the first opportunity following their appointment.

All directors have full access to management and employees, the Company Secretary and independent professional advice in order to execute 
their duties.

During the year, the Board appointed a non-executive chairman, two independent non-executive directors and created a fully-mandated 
Remuneration Committee, Nomination Committee and Audit Committee. The Remuneration Committee and Audit Committee each consist of 
three independent non-executive directors. The Nominations Committee consists of a majority of independent non-executive directors.

It is intended that the three Committees comply with the Combined Code to the extent appropriate for the size, nature and unlisted status  
of the Group.

Internal control
The directors are responsible for the process and system of internal controls and reviewing their effectiveness. The process and system of 
internal controls is designed to manage, rather than eliminate, the risk of failure to achieve business objectives and can only provide reasonable 
and not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.

During the year the Board considered the need for an internal audit function. Given the nature and current size of the Group, it is not considered 
appropriate to have a dedicated internal audit function.

Communication with shareholders
The Company provides information about the Group’s activity through its website (www.hex-plc.com) and shareholders and other interested 
parties may register on the website to receive news releases issued by the Group directly to their e-mail. 

38

39

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011	
Independent auditor’s report to the 
members of Hurricane Exploration Plc

We have audited the financial statements of Hurricane Exploration Plc for the year ended 31 August 2011 which comprise of the Consolidated 
and Company Balance Sheets, the Consolidated Income Statement, the Consolidated and Company Statement of Changes in Equity, the 
Consolidated and Company Cash Flow Statements and the related notes 1 to 23 and 1 to 10. The financial reporting framework that has been 
applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and,  
as regards the parent company financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

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

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements 
and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. 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 
Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements
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 annual report to identify material inconsistencies with the audited 
financial statements. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion:
•	

the	financial	statements	give	a	true	and	fair	view	of	the	state	of	the	Group’s	and	of	the	parent	company’s	affairs	as	at	31	August	2011	and	of		
the	Group’s	loss	for	the	year	then	ended;
the	group	financial	statements	have	been	properly	prepared	in	accordance	with	IFRSs	as	adopted	by	the	European	Union;
the	parent	company	financial	statements	have	been	properly	prepared	in	accordance	with	IFRSs	as	adopted	by	the	European	Union	and	as		 	
applied	in	accordance	with	the	provisions	of	the	Companies	Act	2006;	and
the	financial	statements	have	been	prepared	in	accordance	with	the	requirements	of	the	Companies	Act	2006.

•	
•	

•	

Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the information given in the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent 
with the financial statements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
•	

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

Bevan Whitehead (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor London, UK
3 February 2012

40

41

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011	
	
	
	
Consolidated Income Statement  
for the Year Ended 31 August 2011

Consolidated Balance Sheet 
as at 31 August 2011

Operating expenses 
Write-off of Intangible Assets 

Operating loss 
Investment revenue 
Exchange gains and losses 
Finance costs 

Loss before tax 
Tax 

Loss for the year  

Notes 

5 

8 

2011 
£’000 

(2,512) 
(782) 

(3,294) 
112 
(811) 
(2) 

(3,995) 
(26) 

(4,021) 

2010
£’000

(1,031)
-

(1,031)
169
(114)
(2)

(978)
(33)

(1,011)

All of the Group’s operations are classed as continuing. 

The loss for the financial year of the parent company was £4,014k (2010: loss of £1,000k). The Company has taken advantage of the exemption  
provided by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to publish its individual income statement and related notes.

There was no income or expense in the period other than that disclosed above. Accordingly a Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive 
Income is not presented. 

Non-current assets
Intangible assets 
Other receivables 

Current assets
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total current assets 

Total assets  

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Current tax liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 
Decommissioning provision 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity
Share capital  
Share premium  
Share option reserve 
Warrant reserve 
Own shares held by Employee Benefit Trust 
Accumulated deficit 

Notes 

9 
10 

11 
12 

13 

14 

15 

17 

2011 

£’000 

96,237 
130 

96,367 

1,131 
32,888 

34,019 

130,386 

(3,238) 
(26) 

(3,264) 

(800) 

(4,064) 

2010

£’000

76,767
-

76,767

619
50,389

51,008

127,775

(17,132)
(37)

(17,169)

(400)

(17,569)

126,322 

110,206

448 
135,436 
451 
795 
(67) 
(10,741) 

429
115,465
237
795
-
(6,720)

Total equity 

126,322 

110,206

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 3 February 2012 and were signed on its behalf by:

Robert Trice 
Director 

 Nicholas Briggs 
 Director

42

Registered company number 5245689

43

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 
for the Year Ended 31 August 2011

Consolidated Cash Flow  
for the Year Ended 31 August 2011

Balance at 1 September 2010 

Shares allotted 
Transaction costs 
Share option charge 
Own shares held by EBT 
Loss for the year 

Share 
capital 

£’000 

429 

19 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Share 
premium 
account 
£’000 

115,465 

20,231 
(260) 
- 
- 
- 

Share 
option 
reserve
£’000 

237 

- 
- 
214 
- 
- 

Own shares  
held by EBT 

Warrant 
reserve 

   Accumulated 
deficit

Total

£’000  

- 

- 
- 
- 
(67) 
- 

£’000 

795 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

£’000  

£’000

(6,720) 

110,206

- 
- 
- 
- 
(4,021) 

20,250
(260)
214
(67)
(4,021)

Balance at 31 August 2011 

448 

  135,436 

451 

(67) 

795 

(10,741) 

  126,322

Balance at 1 September 2009 

Shares allotted 
Transaction costs 
Warrant exercise 
Share option charge 
Loss for the year 

328 

101 
- 
- 
- 
- 

57,834 

60,244 
(2,640) 
27 
- 
- 

Balance at 31 August 2010 

429 

115,465 

130 

- 
- 
- 
107 
- 

237 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

822 

(5,709) 

53,405

- 
- 
(27) 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
(1,011) 

60,345
(2,640)
-
107
(1,011)

795 

(6,720) 

110,206

Net cash flow from operating activities 

Investing activities
Interest received 
Expenditure on intangible assets 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Financing activities 
Interest paid 
Net proceeds from issue of share capital 
Net proceeds from issue of warrants 

Net cash used in financing activities 

Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents 

The share option reserve arises as a result of the expense recognised in the income statement account for the cost of share-based employee 
compensation arrangements.

The warrant reserve represents the proceeds from the issue of warrants. 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 

Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Effects of foreign exchange rate changes 

Notes 

18 

2011 
£’000 

(2,338) 

126 
(34,335) 

(34,209) 

(2) 
19,859 
- 

19,857 

(16,690) 

50,389 

(16,690) 
(811) 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

12 

32,888 

44

2010
£’000

(1,160)

156
(40,698)

(40,542)

(2)
57,555
-

57,553

15,851

34,651

15,851
(113)

50,389

45

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  
for the Year Ended 31 August 2011

1.  General information
Hurricane Exploration Plc is a company incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales under the Companies Act 2006.  
The nature of the Group’s operations and its principal activity is exploration of oil and gas reserves principally in the UK Continental Shelf.

Once a licence has been awarded, all licence fees, exploration and appraisal costs relating to that licence are initially capitalised in well, field 
or specific exploration cost centres as appropriate pending determination. Expenditure incurred during the various exploration and appraisal 
phases is then written off unless commercial reserves have been established or the determination process has not been completed.

At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, the following Standards and Interpretations which have not been applied in these 
financial statements were in issue but not yet effective.

Amendments to IAS 1 (June 2011) Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income
IAS 19 (revised June 2011) Employee Benefits
IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement
IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities
IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements
IAS 27 (revised May 2011) Separate Financial Statements
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements

These standards are yet to be endorsed by the European Union. The directors do not expect the adoption of the standards and interpretations 
listed above to have a material impact on the financial statements of the Group in future periods. 

2.  Significant accounting policies

When commercial reserves have been found, the net capitalised costs incurred to date in respect of those reserves are transferred into a 
single field cost centre and reclassified as development and production assets. Subsequent development costs in respect of the reserves are 
capitalised within development and production assets.

If there are indications of impairment, an impairment test is performed comparing the carrying value with the estimated discounted future cash 
flows based on management’s expectations of future oil and gas prices and future costs. Costs which are initially capitalised and subsequently 
written off are classified as operating expenses.

(e) Decommissioning provision
Provision for decommissioning is recognised in full when wells have been suspended or facilities have been installed. A corresponding amount 
equivalent to the provision is also recognised as part of the cost of the asset. The amount recognised is the estimated cost of decommissioning, 
discounted to its net present value, and is reassessed each year in accordance with local conditions and requirements. Changes in the estimated 
timing of decommissioning or decommissioning cost estimates are dealt with prospectively by recording an adjustment to the provision, and 
a corresponding adjustment to the decommissioning asset. The unwinding of the discount on the decommissioning provision is included as a 
finance cost.

(a) Basis of accounting
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for share-based payments, and in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union. 

(f) Foreign currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rates of exchange ruling at the transaction dates. Monetary assets and liabilities are 
translated into sterling at the exchange rate ruling at the balance sheet date, with a corresponding charge or credit to the income statement.

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as set out in the Directors’ Report. The use of this basis of accounting 
takes into consideration the Group’s current and forecast financial position, additional detail of which is included in notes 20, 21 and 23.

(b) Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements consist of the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries drawn up to 31 August each year. 
The results of subsidiaries acquired or sold are consolidated for periods from or to the date on which control passes. Control is achieved where 
the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to gain benefit from its activities.

On an acquisition that qualifies as a business combination, the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary are measured at their fair value as at the 
date of acquisition. Any excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is capitalised as goodwill.  
Any deficiency of the cost of acquisition below the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is credited to the income statement in  
the period of acquisition.

All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

(c) Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognised when it is probable that the economic benefits associated with a transaction will flow to the enterprise and the amount 
of revenue can be measured reliably. Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and the effective 
interest rate applicable.

(d) Oil and gas exploration and evaluation activity
The Group follows the successful efforts method of accounting for oil and gas exploration and evaluation activities (“Intangible Assets”) as 
defined in IFRS 6 Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources.

Pre-licence costs, which relate to costs incurred prior to having obtained the legal right to explore an area, are charged as operating expenses 
directly to the income statement as they are incurred.

(g) Taxation 
Current and deferred tax, including UK corporation tax and overseas corporation tax, are provided at amounts expected to be paid using the tax 
rates and laws that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated in respect of temporary differences using a balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax 
assets and liabilities are recorded for all temporary differences arising between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their carrying values 
for financial reporting purposes, except in relation to goodwill or the initial recognition of an asset as a transaction other than a business 
contribution. A deferred tax asset is recorded only to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deferred 
tax asset will be realised or if it can be offset against existing deferred tax liabilities.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised or the liability is 
settled, based on tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

(h) Share-based payments
The cost of share-based employee compensation arrangements, whereby employees receive remuneration in the form of share options, is 
recognised as an employee benefit expense in the income statement. The total expense to be apportioned over the vesting period of the 
benefit is determined by reference to the fair value (excluding the effect of non market-based vesting conditions) at the date of grant.  

46

47

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011Notes to the Financial Statements  
for the Year Ended 31 August 2011

2.  Significant accounting policies (continued)
The assumptions underlying the number of awards expected to vest are subsequently adjusted for the effects of non market-based vesting  
to reflect the conditions prevailing at the balance sheet date. Fair value is measured by the use of a binomial model. The expected life used 
in the model has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of the non-transferability, exercise restrictions and 
behavioural considerations.

(i) Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the Group’s balance sheet when the Group becomes party to the contractual provisions 
of the instrument. The Group has not entered into any derivative financial instruments during any of the years presented.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash includes cash on hand and cash with banks. Cash equivalents are short-term, highly-liquid investments that are readily convertible to 
known amounts of cash with three months or less remaining to maturity from the date of acquisition and that are subject to an insignificant 
risk of change in value.

Investments
Fixed asset investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost in the Company only balance sheet and reviewed for impairment if there are any 
indications that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

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

Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the Group are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. Where warrants are granted in 
conjunction with other equity instruments, they are recorded at their fair value, which is measured by the use of a binomial model.

5.  Operating loss 

Operating loss is stated after charging: 
Operating lease rentals – land and buildings 
Audit services 
Non-audit services provided by the auditor  

The following is an analysis of the gross fees paid to the Company’s auditor, Deloitte LLP, in 2011 and 2010:

Audit services
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the
Company’s annual accounts  
The audit of the Company’s subsidiary pursuant to legislation 

Total audit fees  

Non audit services 
Taxation services 
Accounting services 

Total non audit fees 

2011 
£’000 

92  
30 
15 

25 
5 

30 

10 
5 

15 

2010
£’000

22
30
7

25
5

30

7
-

7

(j) Operating leases
Rentals under operating leases are charged to the income statement on a straight line basis over the lease term, even if the payments are not 
made on such a basis.

As at 31 August 2011, £135k (2010: £Nil) has been accrued within prepayments in respect of ongoing Corporate Finance services, performed by  
the Company’s auditor. 

The Group made no charitable or political donation during 2011 (2010: £Nil).

3.  Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, management has made the following judgements that have the most significant 
effect on the amounts recognised in the financial information.

Recoverability of exploration and evaluation assets 
Intangible assets are assessed for impairment when circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may exceed its recoverable value.  
This assessment involves judgement as to (i) the likely future commerciality of the asset and when such commerciality may be determined, and 
(ii) future revenues and costs pertaining to the asset in question, and the discount rate to be applied to such revenues and costs for the purpose 
of deriving a recoverable value.

Recoverability of carrying value of investments
Management is required to assess the carrying value of investments in subsidiaries in the Company balance sheet for impairment by reference 
to the recoverable amount. This amount is highly dependent on the assessments discussed above in respect of the recoverability of  
intangible assets.

4.  Revenue
The Group has no revenue in the current or comparative period other than interest income.

6.  Directors’ emoluments 

All directors:
Aggregate emoluments 
Pension contributions 

Highest paid director:
Aggregate emoluments 
Pension contributions 

48

2011 
£’000 

808 
35 

843 

304 
16 

320 

2010
£’000

752
-

752

305
-

305

49

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 As at 1 September 2010   

Granted 

Exercised 

Lapsed 

As at 31 

  Exercise price

Notes to the Financial Statements  
for the Year Ended 31 August 2011

6.   Directors’ emoluments (continued)

Directors share options 

Details of directors’ share options at the beginning and end of the year are as follows:

Tranche 

Robert Trice 
22/02/06 
25/01/11 
14/06/11 
28/07/11 

Keith Kirby (Appointed 28 July 2011)  
28/07/11 

Nicholas Briggs 
06/07/09 
25/01/11 
28/07/11 

130,000 
- 
- 
- 

- 
22,500 
55,045 
23,784 

- 

88,288 

200,000 
- 
- 

- 
17,000 
18,919 

- 
6,800 
10,350 
9,830 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

Nicholas Mardon Taylor (Resigned as a director 28 July 2011) 
22/02/06 
25/01/11 
14/06/11 
28/07/11 

100,000 
- 
- 
- 

The share options of Robert Trice include options over 30,000 shares held by Julie Trice, his spouse. 

7.  Employee information

The average number of persons, including directors, employed by the Group during the year was:

Operations 

Staff costs for the above persons were: 
Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Share-based payment expense  
Pension costs 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

 August 2011

130,000 
22,500 
55,045 
23,784 

£1.00
£10.00
£11.10
£11.10

88,288 

£11.10

200,000 
17,000 
18,919 

100,000 
6,800 
10,350 
9,830 

2011 
Number 

14 

£’000 

1,356 
157 
214 
70 

1,797 

£3.00
£10.00
£11.10

£1.00
£10.00
£11.10
£11.10

2010 
Number

10

£’000

1,182
125
108
-

1,415

8.   Tax on loss on ordinary activities 

 (a) UK corporation tax
 Current tax 

Current tax – current year 
Current tax – prior year 
Deferred tax 

 (b) Loss on ordinary activities before tax 

 Loss on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax
in the UK applicable to oil companies of 50% (2010: 50%)  

 Effects of: 
 Adjustment to prior years 
 Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 
 Unrecognised pre-trade revenue expenditure carried forward 
 Profits subject to tax at lower rate 

 Current tax charge for period 

(c) Factors which may affect future tax charges 

2011 
£’000 

23 
3 
- 

26 

(3,995) 

(1,998) 

3 
- 
2,054 
(33) 

26 

2010
£’000

33
-
-

33

(978)

(489)

-
-
544
(22)

33

Future profits may be subject to ring fence taxation at a combined rate of 62% on taxable oil extraction profits (ring fence corporation tax at 30% 
and a supplementary charge at 32% with no deduction for financing costs). 

The Group has pre-trading revenue expenses of £16.0 million (2010: £11.9 million) and pre-trading capital expenditure (£80.5m as at 31 August 2011) 
which will be available for tax relief on commencement of a petroliferous trade for UK tax purposes.

The total pre-trading expenditure of £96.5m (referred to above) may attract Ring Fence Expenditure Supplement on the commencement of trade, 
which would result in a further uplift of £13.7m of tax relief being available at that time.   

No provision has been made in these financial statements for a potential deferred tax asset of £10.0 million (2010: £6.0 million) resulting from the 
effect of carried forward pre-trading revenue expenses. A deferred tax asset would only be recognised where there is reasonable certainty that  
the Group will generate suitable taxable profits in the foreseeable future. The potential deferred tax asset is calculated at a rate of 62% (2010: 50%). 

The employment cost for the directors employed by the Group during the year was £1,045k (2010: £859k). These costs include social security  
costs of £93k (2010: £79k) and share-based payment expense of £109k (2010: £27k).

The Group does not currently operate a pension scheme but undertakes to make contributions to employees existing pension schemes. 

50

51

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  
for the Year Ended 31 August 2011

9.  Intangible assets 

Exploration and evaluation expenditure b/f 
Additions 
Write-off 

Exploration and evaluation expenditure c/f 

2011 
£’000 

76,767 
20,252 
(782) 

96,237 

2010 
£’000

25,839 
50,928
-

76,767

13. Trade and other payables  

Trade payables 
Other payables  
Accruals  

Exploration and evaluation expenditure comprises the book cost of licence interests and exploration and evaluation expenditure within the 
Company’s licensed acreage in the West of Shetlands and onshore UK locations.

14. Decommissioning provision 

The amount written off in the year relates to the onshore UK licences of Perthshire and Wiltshire, which were relinquished in the year. 

The Directors have fully considered and reviewed the potential value of licence interests, including carried forward exploration and evaluation 
expenditure. The Directors have considered the likely opportunities for realising the value of the Group’s licences, either by farm out or by 
development of the assets and have concluded that there are no indications of impairment.

10. Other non-current receivables

The other non-current receivables represent the deposit for the office lease. Further details are given in note 21. 

11. Trade and other receivables 

Other receivables 
Prepayments and accrued income 

12. Cash and cash equivalents 

Unrestricted funds 
Restricted funds 
Escrow funds 

2011 
£’000 

380 
751 

1,131 

2011 
£’000 

17,357 
- 
15,531 

32,888 

2010
£’000

550
69

619

2010
£’000

27,720
9,669
13,000

50,389

Independent third parties had been granted charges over the restricted funds to secure payment as part of the drilling operations.  
Generally speaking, these funds could only be dispersed to the benefit of these third parties.

The Company holds the beneficial interest in the funds held in the escrow account. Generally speaking, these funds can only be dispersed to  
the benefit of an independent third party for work undertaken as part of the drilling operations.

2011 
£’000 

1,258 
90 
1,890 

3,238 

2011 
£’000 

400 
400 

800 

2010
£’000

7,507
38
9,587

17,132

2010
£’000

-
400

400

Provisions for decommissioning and restoration of oil and gas assets are: 

At 1 September 2010 
Additions 

At 31 August 2011 

The provision for decommissioning as at 1 September 2010 relates to the Lancaster exploration asset. The additions seen in the year represent 
the present value of decommissioning costs for Whirlwind following exploration activity that has taken place during the period. The expected 
decommissioning cost for both assets is based on the cost of decommissioning as part of an integrated testing campaign. If the Group were  
required to undertake a specific campaign to plug and abandon the wells, the cost on a stand alone basis would be approximately £2,000k per well. 

15. Called up share capital 

Allotted, called up and fully paid

2011 

£ 

2010

£

44,757,105 (2010 : 42,931,971) ordinary shares of 1p each  

447,571 

429,320

During the year, the Company issued 1,825,134 ordinary 1p shares for a gross cash consideration of £20,250,138.

During the prior year, the Company issued 10,121,076 ordinary 1p for a gross cash consideration of £60,344,511.

As at 31 August 2011 and 2010, 2,338,167 warrants were in issue providing the right for each warrant holder to subscribe for one new ordinary  
1p share per warrant held at an exercise price of £3 per share. These warrants will lapse on 17 July 2012 if unexercised.

52

53

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  
for the Year Ended 31 August 2011

16. Share options

17. Own shares held by Employee Benefit Trust  

On 22 February 2006, the Company granted share options, under an EMI scheme, over 360,000 ordinary 1p shares to employees of the Company  
at an exercise price of £1.00 per share. The options have now vested and lapse on the earlier of 10 years after the date of grant or 3 months after 
the sale, restructuring or listing of the Company.

On 14 April 2009, the Company granted unapproved share options over 260,000 ordinary 1p shares to employees of the Company at an exercise 
price of £3.00 per share. On 19 January 2010, the Company granted further unapproved share options over 110,000 ordinary 1p shares to an 
employee of the Company at an exercise price of £6.00 per share.

On 25 January 2011, the Company granted approved share options over 19,400 ordinary 1p shares and unapproved share options over 128,300  
ordinary 1p shares to employees of the Company at an exercise price of £10.00 per share. On 14 June 2011, the Company granted further  
approved share options over 8,871 ordinary 1p shares and unapproved share options over 157,902 ordinary 1p shares to employees of the  
Company at an exercise price of £11.10 per share.

On 28 July 2011, the Company granted further approved share options over 8,106 ordinary 1p shares and unapproved share options over 145,047 
ordinary 1p shares to employees of the Company at an exercise price of £11.10 per share. 

On 28 July 2011, the Company granted approved share options over 1,801 ordinary 1p shares and unapproved share options over 63,344  
ordinary 1p shares to employees of the Company at an exercise price of £11.10 per share. These options have a 5 year vesting period. 

The options normally vest 3 or 5 years after the date of the grant and are due to lapse 10 years after the date of the grant. The options vest early 
upon either sale, restructuring or listing of the Company and, except for a listing, the options must be exercised at the time of the vesting event. 
For options granted after January 2011, listing does not constitute an early vesting event.

The options outstanding at 31 August 2011 had a weighted average remaining contractual life of 7.7 years (2010: 7.5 years). The aggregate of the 
estimated fair value of the options granted was £3,261,967 (2010: £229,000).

Number of  
options 

2011 
  Weighted average 
exercise price 

Outstanding at start of year 
Granted in the year  
Forfeited in the year  
Exercised in the year  

730,000 
532,771 
(110,000) 
- 

Outstanding at the end of the year  

1,152,771 

£ 

2.47 
10.80 
6.00 
- 

5.98 

Number of  
options 

620,000 
110,000 
- 
- 

730,000 

2010
Weighted average
exercise price
£ 

1.84
6.00
-
-

2.47

The Group recognised total expenses of £214k in respect of share-based payments in 2011 (2010: £107k).

54

Balance at 1 September 2010 
Acquired in the period 
Shares disposed of to employees 

Balance at 31 August 2011 

Own Shares

-
76
(9)

67

The own shares reserve represents the cost of shares in Hurricane Exploration Plc purchased and held by the Group’s Employee Benefit Trust to 
satisfy the Group’s Share Incentive Plan administered by MM&K Share Plan Trustees Limited.

The number of ordinary shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust at 31 August 2011 was 6,683 (2010: Nil). 

18. Reconciliation of operating loss to net cash flow from operating activities 

Operating loss 
Non cash exploration write-offs 
Non cash share-based payment charge 
Increase in receivables 
Increase / (Decrease) in payables 

Cash utilised by operating activities 

Corporation tax paid 

Net cash outflow from operating activities 

2011 

£’000 

(3,294) 
782 
278 
(656) 
589 

(2,301) 

(37) 

(2,338) 

2010

£’000

(1,031)
-
258
(207)
(119)

(1,099)

(61)

(1,160)

55

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22. Related party transaction
As at 31 August 2011, Charles Good was a partner of Matrix Corporate Capital LLP, the Group’s corporate brokers, and a director of Hurricane 
Exploration Plc. £247k of Corporate Finance and Placing fees were charged by Matrix Corporate Capital LLP in the period (2010: £2,490k).

23. Subsequent events
Following the year end, the Group completed operations on the Whirlwind exploration well. Further details are set out in note 20. 

In addition, as at 15 November 2011, a resolution was passed to subdivide each ordinary share with a nominal value of £0.01 each into ten  
ordinary shares with a nominal value of £0.001 each.

The subdivision of the shares also impacts the warrants that are in place. Each existing warrant held is subdivided into the right for each warrant 
holder to subscribe for 10 new ordinary £0.001 shares at an exercise price of £0.30 per share.

1,904,640 warrants were exercised between 30 November 2011 and 1 February 2012 at a price of £0.30 for each new ordinary £0.001 share  
in the Company.

A private fundraising was launched in January 2012 which is due to close on 24 February 2012, under which additional funding has already  
been committed. 

Notes to the Financial Statements  
for the Year Ended 31 August 2011

19. Financial instruments

Financial risk management
The Group monitors and manages the financial risks relating to its operations on a continuous basis. These include foreign exchange, credit,  
liquidity and interest rate risks. The Group’s financial instruments are cash and cash equivalents and trade payables.

Foreign exchange risk
The	Group	undertakes	certain	transactions	denominated	in	foreign	currencies;	hence	exposures	to	exchange	rate	fluctuations	arise.	The	Group’s	
cash and cash equivalents are predominately held in Pounds Sterling although the Group will hold cash balances in US Dollars to meet actual or 
expected commitments in that currency. A 10% increase in the strength of the US Dollar against Sterling would cause a decrease of £1.9m  
(2010: £2.7m) on the loss after tax of the Group. A 10% weakening in the strength of the US Dollar against Sterling would cause an increase of  
£1.5m (2010: £2.2m) on the loss after tax of the Group.

This sensitivity analysis includes only foreign currency denominated cash and cash equivalents, and adjusts their translation at the year end for a 
10% change in the foreign currency rate. Whilst the effect of any movement in exchange rates is charged or credited to the income statement, 
the economic effect of holding US dollars against actual or expected commitments in US dollars is as a hedge against exchange rate movements. 

Credit risk
The Group is only exposed to credit risk on its cash and cash equivalents. The risk to the Group is deemed to be limited because the cash and cash 
equivalents are deposited with banks with at least AA credit ratings assigned by an international credit rating agency. The carrying value of cash  
and cash equivalents represents the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk at year end.

Liquidity risk
The Group manages its liquidity risk by maintaining adequate cash and cash equivalents to cover its liabilities as and when they fall due.  
The financial liabilities of the group are currently limited to trade payables which are due to be paid within 60 days of the balance sheet date.

Interest rate risk
The Group is exposed to interest rate movements through its cash and cash equivalents which earn interest at variable interest rates. If interest 
rates had been 1% higher, the Group’s loss after tax for the year ended 31 August 2011 would have decreased by £0.3million (2010: £0.5 million), 
assuming the cash and cash equivalents at the balance sheet date had been outstanding for the whole year. No sensitivity analysis has been 
undertaken for a 1% decrease in interest rates because of the low level of prevailing interest rates during the year.

20. Capital commitments
As at 31 August 2011, the Group was in the process of re-visiting the Whirlwind well for testing and had entered into contracts covering the  
planned drilling activities. Drilling had not commenced at the balance sheet date and as such, no drilling costs had been incurred.  
Following the year end, the Group completed testing operations and the total drilling costs were £25.4 million. 

21. Financial commitments
The Group and Company had total future commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

Land and buildings  - lease expiring in the second to fifth years 

- lease expiring in less than 1 year 

2011 

£’000 

548 
5 

2010

£’000

-
22

56

57

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Balance Sheet  
as at 31 August 2011

Company Statement of Changes in Equity  
for the Year Ended 31 August 2011

Balance at 1 September 2010 

Shares allotted 
Transaction costs 
Share option charge 
Own shares held by EBT 
Loss for the year 

Share 
capital 

£’000 

429 

19 
- 
- 
- 
- 

Share 
premium 
account 
£’000 

115,465 

20,231 
(260) 
- 
- 
- 

Share 
option 
reserve
£’000 

237 

- 
- 
214 
- 
- 

Own shares  
held by EBT 

Warrant 
reserve 

   Accumulated 
deficit

Total

£’000  

- 

- 
- 
- 
(67) 
- 

£’000 

795 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

£’000  

£’000

(6,701) 

110,225

20,250
(260)
214
(67)
(4,014)

- 
- 
(4,014) 

Balance at 31 August 2011 

448 

  135,436 

451 

(67) 

795 

(10,715) 

  126,348

Balance at 1 September 2009 

Shares allotted 
Transaction costs 
Warrant exercise 
Share option charge 
Loss for the year 

328 

101 
- 
- 
- 
- 

57,834 

60,243 
(2,639) 
27 
- 
- 

Balance at 31 August 2010 

429 

115,465 

130 

- 
- 
- 
107 
- 

237 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

822 

(5,701) 

53,413

- 
- 
(27) 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
(1,000) 

60,344
(2,639)
-
107
(1,000)

795 

(6,701) 

110,225 

The share option reserve arises as a result of the expense recognised in the profit and loss account for the cost of share-based employee  
compensation arrangements.

The warrant reserve represents the proceeds from the issue of warrants.

Non-current assets 
Intangible assets 
Investments  
Amounts due from subsidiary undertaking 
Other receivables 

Current assets
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total current assets 

Total assets 

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Current tax liabilities 

Non-current liabilities
Decommissioning provision 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity
Share capital  
Share premium  
Share option reserve 
Warrant reserve 
Own shares held by Employee Benefit Trusts 
Accumulated deficit 

Notes 

1 
2 

3 

4 
5 

6 

7 

8 

2011 
£’000 

40,339 
15,090 
40,563 
130 

96,122 

995 
32,888 

33,883 

130,005 

(3,231) 
(26) 

(3,257) 

(400) 

(3,657) 

2010
£’000

30,972
15,090
30,518
-

76,580

618
50,389

51,007

127,587

(17,125)
(37)

(17,162)

(200)

(17,362)

126,348 

110,225

448 
135,436 
451 
795 
(67) 
(10,715) 

429
115,465
237
795
-
(6,701)

Total equity 

126,348 

110,225

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 3 February 2012 and were signed on its behalf by:

Robert Trice 
Director 

 Nicholas Briggs 
 Director

58

Registered company number 5245689

59

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company Cash Flow Statement  
for the Year Ended 31 August 2011

Notes to the Financial Statements  
for the Year Ended 31 August 2011

Net cash flow from operating activities 

Investing activities 
Interest received 
Expenditure on intangible assets 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Financing activities
Interest paid 
Net proceeds from issue of share capital 
Net proceeds from issue of warrants 
Working capital provided to subsidiary companies 

Net cash used in financing activities 

Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 

Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Effects of foreign exchange rates 

Notes 

9 

2011 
£’000 

(2,198) 

127 
(24,431) 

(24,304) 

(2) 
19,859 
- 
(10,045) 

9,812 

(16,690) 

50,389 

(16,690) 
(811) 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

5 

32,888 

2010
£’000

(1,153)

156
(15,803)

(15,647)

(2)
57,555
-
(24,902)

32,651

15,851

34,651

15,851
(113)

50,389

1.  Intangible assets 

Exploration and evaluation expenditure b/f 
Additions 
Write-off 

Exploration and evaluation expenditure c/f 

2011 

£’000 

30,972 
10,149 
(782) 

40,339 

2010 

£’000

5,139
25,833
-

30,972

Exploration and evaluation expenditure comprises the book cost of licence interests and exploration and evaluation expenditure within the 
Company’s licensed acreage in the West of Shetlands and onshore UK locations.

The amount written off in the year relates to the onshore UK licences of Perthshire and Wiltshire, which were relinquished in the year. 

The Directors have fully considered and reviewed the potential value of licence interests, including carried forward exploration and evaluation 
expenditure. The Directors have considered the likely opportunities for realising the value of the Company’s licences, either by farm-out or by 
development of the assets and have concluded that there are no indications of impairment.

2.  Investments 

 Investment in subsidiary 
£’000 

Loan to subsidiary  
£’000 

As at 31 August 2011 and 2010 

9,751 

5,339 

Total
£’000

15,090

The entire share capital of Hurricane Exploration (UK) Limited was acquired in 2008. Hurricane Exploration (UK) Limited is registered in the UK  
and its activity is oil and gas exploration. There are three other dormant subsidiaries, namely Hurricane Group Limited, Hurricane Energy Limited  
and Hurricane Petroleum Limited.

3.  Other non-current receivables

The other non-current receivables represent the deposit for the office lease. Further details are given in note 21 of the consolidated  
financial statements.

4.  Trade and other receivables 

Other receivables 
Prepayments and accrued income 

2011 

£’000 

550 
445 

995 

2010

£’000

549
69

618

61

60

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Financial Statements  
for the Year Ended 31 August 2011

5.  Cash and cash equivalents 

Unrestricted funds 
Restricted funds 
Escrow funds 

2011 
£’000 

17,357 
- 
15,531 

32,888 

2010
£’000

27,720
9,669
13,000

50,389

Independent third parties had been granted charges over the restricted funds to secure payment as part of the drilling operations.  
Generally speaking, these funds could only be dispersed to the benefit of these third parties.

The Company holds the beneficial interest in the funds held in the escrow account. Generally speaking, these can only be dispersed to the 
 benefit of an independent third party for work undertaken as part of the drilling operations.

6.  Trade and other payables  

Trade payables 
Other payables  
Accruals  

2011 
£’000 

1,258 
90 
1,883 

3,231 

2010
£’000

7,507
38
9,580

17,125

As at 31 August 2011, trade creditors and accruals of £939k (2010: £13,516k) in the Company were secured through charges on restricted funds or 
funds held within the escrow account.

7.  Decommissioning provision 

Provisions for decommissioning and restoration of oil and gas assets are:
At 1 September 2010 
Additions 

At 31 August 2011 

2011 
£’000 

200 
200 

400 

2010
£’000

-
200

200

The provision for decommissioning as at 1 September 2010 relates to the Lancaster exploration asset. The additions seen in the year represent 
the present value of decommissioning costs for Whirlwind following exploration activity that has taken place during the period. The expected 
decommissioning cost for both assets is based on the cost of decommission as part of an integrated testing campaign. If the Company were  
required to undertake a specific campaign to plug and abandon the well, the cost on a stand alone basis would be approximately £1,000k per well. 

8  Called up share capital
Details of the Company’s share capital, share options, own shares held by EBT and warrants are provided in notes 15, 16 and 17 of the  
consolidated financial statements.

9.  Reconciliation of operating loss to net cash flow from operating activities 

Operating loss 
Non cash exploration write-offs 
Non cash share-based payment charge 
Increase in trade and other receivables 
Increase / (Decrease) in trade and other payables 

Cash generated by operating activities 

Corporation tax paid 

Net cash flow from operating activities 

2011 
£’000 

(3,289) 
782 
278 
(521) 
589 

(2,161) 

(37) 

(2,198) 

2010
£’000

(1,020)
-
257
(206)
(123)

(1,092)

(61)

(1,153)

10  Other disclosures
Certain other disclosures in notes 19, 20, 21 and 22 also apply to the Company in respect of its share of the Group’s operations.

62

63

Hurricane Exploration Plc Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements  Year Ended 31 August 2011 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hurricane, a creative pioneer, 
calm and in balance at the 
centre, is inspired by the 
innovators and pioneers  
of the past.