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Ophir Energy Plc

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FY2013 Annual Report · Ophir Energy Plc
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Annual Report  
and Accounts 2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ophir Energy creates value by exploring and 
appraising oil and gas assets, offshore and in 
deepwater. The Group has an extensive and diverse 
portfolio of assets across East and West Africa and  
is listed on the London Stock Exchange (FTSE 250).

Our vision is to be a leading independent,  
oil and gas exploration company.  

The key elements of our strategy are:

1 A strong, in-house geoscience team
2 A diverse portfolio 
3 A deepwater drilling team and capability 
4 Efficient capital management 

Read more at 
ophir-energy.com

Strategic Report

Financial and operational highlights
Where we operate
Market overview
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer’s joint review
Strategy
Key Performance Indicators
Business model
Review of operations
Financial review
Principal risks and uncertainties
Corporate and Social Responsibility

Corporate Governance

Chairman’s statement on Governance
Board of Directors
Corporate Governance
Directors’ Report
Directors’ Remuneration Report
Responsibility statement of the Directors in respect 
of the Annual Report and Accounts
Statement of Directors responsibilities in relation 
to the Group financial statements and Annual Report

Financial Statements

Independent Auditor’s Report
Consolidated income statement and statement 
of comprehensive income
Consolidated statement of financial position
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Consolidated statement of cash flows
Notes to the financial statements
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in relation 
to the Company financial statements
Independent Auditor’s Report
Company statement of financial position
Company statement of changes in equity
Company statement of cash flows
Notes to the financial statements

Shareholder information
Glossary

2
4
8
10
12
13
14
22
30
34
38

44
46
48
64
67
94

94

95
98

99
100
101
102
132

133
135
136
137
138

156
160

Strategy

pg 12

Capture

Analyse

Explore

Appraise

Commercialise

Look out for the business model 
progress key throughout the report

Business model explained

pg 14

Demonstrated success

pg 20

Strategic ReportReview of operations
page 22

Financial and operational highlights

Ophir delivered another successful year operationally, ending 2013 with record net contingent 
resources of 1,256mmboe. The Company demonstrated the value it has created to date with 
the partial monetisation of its interests in Tanzania for US$1.288 billion1. The reported net loss 
for the year was US$245.8 million, reflecting asset impairments and exploration write-offs.

Financial
Financially Ophir is well-placed to execute in 2014 its 
most active exploration programme since inception.

US$667m

Net cash and cash investments 
at 31 December: US$667 million

US$0.90/boe

Three-year average finding  
costs of US$0.90/boe

US$389m

Invested US$389 million  
during the year

20%

Sale of 20% of Blocks 1, 3  
and 4 to Pavilion Energy  
for US$1.288 billion1

Exploration and evaluation expenditure US$389.1m

 Other 
 Kenya 
 Gabon 
 Equatorial Guinea 
 Tanzania Block 7 
 Tanzania Blocks 1, 3 and 4 

9%
1%
2%
4%
16%
68%

2

US$838m

Successfully raised US$838 million  
of new equity

1 

 On 14 November 2013, Ophir announced that it had entered 
into an agreement to sell to Pavilion Energy a 20% interest 
in Blocks 1, 3 and 4. This transaction is unconditional and 
subject to completion.

Ophir Energy plcOperational

1,256

Net contingent resources 
at year end: 1,256mmboe

75%

254 

2013 – six out of eight wells  
were successful – 75% success rate

254mmboe of contingent  
resource added

3

Three DSTs performed 
in Tanzania at rates 
above expectations

73%

73% success rate since 
inception (19 out of 26 wells)

3

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Strategic ReportReview of operations
page 22

Where we operate 

We have 18 blocks in seven countries across East and 
West Africa, one of the largest deepwater acreage positions 
in Africa held by an Independent E&P company.

East Africa
1   Tanzania
40% non-operated interest, Blocks 1, 3 and 41
80% operated interest, Block 7
70% operated interest, East Pande licence
Gross area: 28,817km2 
Water depths up to 3,000m

•  Further exploration and appraisal success in 2013  
on Blocks 1, 3 and 4, gross recoverable resources  
now stand at 15.7 TCF

•  Plans progressing for a two Train LNG development
•  20% interest in Blocks 1, 3 and 4 farmed-down  

to Pavilion Energy for US$1.288 billion1

•  Mlinzi Mbali-1 well drilled on Block 7, commercially unsuccessful
•  Well planned in 2014 on East Pande licence.

2   Kenya
90% operated interest, Block L92
Gross area: 3,833km2
Water depths up to 1,400m

• Interpretation of Nala 3D seismic survey ongoing
• Prospects being worked up for potential drilling in 2015.

3   Somaliland
25% non-operated interest, Blocks SL 9 and SL 12 
Gross area: 24,420km2
Onshore and offshore, water depths up to 1,425m

•  Interest farmed-down from 75% to 25% during 2013
•   Plans to acquire further seismic in 2014.

Business model
page 14

Stage in business model

Net acreage (km2)

Tanzania

14.3

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Kenya

3.4

3

2

1

Somaliland

6.1

1 

2 

 On 14 November 2013, Ophir announced that it had entered into an agreement to sell to Pavilion Energy 
a 20% interest in Blocks 1, 3 and 4. This transaction is unconditional and subject to completion.
 Ophir has entered into an agreement to sell to FAR Limited a 30% interest in Block L9, Kenya. 
Completion of this transaction remains subject to satisfaction of certain conditions.

4

Ophir Energy plcType of play

  Oil play
 Gas play
Blocks

Gross acreage

57,070km2

3

2

1

Strategic ReportWhere we operate
continued

West Africa
4   Equatorial Guinea
80% operated interest, Block R
Gross area: 2,051km2
Water depths up to 1,950m

•  Gross contingent resource of 2.6 TCF discovered to date
•  Progress being made to commercialise volumes utilising  

an FLNG development solution

•  Three-well programme planned in 2014 to add  

additional resource, firm up existing volumes and  
test reservoir deliverability.

6    Offshore Senegal and  
Guinea Bissau Joint 
Development zone (AGC)

79.2% operated interest, Profond Block
Gross area: 9,838km2
Water depths up to 3,500m

•  Leads and prospects being matured on a number of plays
•  Drilling unlikely before PSC expiry in Q3 2014.

Stage in business model

5   Gabon
50% operated interest, Mbeli and Ntinsa Blocks1
100% operated interest, Gnondo and Manga Blocks2
Gross area: 12,712km2
Water depths up to 2,500m

•  Three-well programme in 2014 targeting both the pre-salt 
and Ogooué Delta plays; first pre-salt well Padouck Deep-1 
commercially unsuccessful but has de-risked certain play elements

•  New blocks outboard of existing acreage  

provisionally awarded subject to PSC negotiation
•  Significant 3D seismic survey programme planned  

across the emerging deepwater play.

7    Saharawi Arab Democratic 

Republic (SADR)

50% operated interest, Daora, Haouza,  
Mahbes and Mijek Blocks
Gross area: 74,327km2
Water depths up to 2,500m

•  Continuing to monitor political developments.

Net acreage (km2)

Equatorial
Guinea

1.6

Capture

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Gabon

9.4

6 7

5

4

AGC

7.8

SADR

37.2

1 

2 

 On 18 December 2013, Ophir announced that it had entered into an agreement to sell to OMV a 10% interest in each 
of the Mbeli and Ntsina Blocks. Completion of this transaction remains subject to satisfaction of certain conditions.
 On 18 December 2013, Ophir announced that it had entered into an agreement to sell to OMV a 30% interest in each 
of the Manga and Gnondo Blocks. Completion of this transaction remains subject to satisfaction of certain conditions.

6

Ophir Energy plc7

6

Gross acreage

98,928km2

Type of play

  Oil play
 Gas play
Blocks

4

5

Strategic ReportMarket overview 

Short-term volatility in commodity prices has little impact on our operations 
although longer-term price expectations will influence the market value of our 
exploration discoveries. The market for new opportunities remains competitive; 
however, Ophir continues to capture new licences and blocks in its core areas.

Capture

Analyse

Explore

Appraise

Commercialise

Acreage and licensing rounds
Competition for quality exploration acreage remains strong, 
especially deepwater licences which hold the potential for 
significant discoveries. The recent trend for the International 
Oil Companies (IOCs) to focus more resource on their exploration 
portfolios continued in 2013 and Africa remains a core area 
for several in the sector. However, recent restraints on capital 
spending from the IOCs may result in a reduction in the level 
of competition for new acreage throughout 2014.

Deepwater licensing rounds remain a source of new opportunities 
and there were a number of notable rounds globally in 2013, 
including offshore Brazil. In Africa, new acreage was offered in 
Gabon and Tanzania, core areas for Ophir, and offshore South Africa.

While Africa has been the focus to date for the Company’s 
operations, Ophir continues to look for new opportunities 
elsewhere, where it can leverage its geological expertise in 
analogous basins and plays. In Asia, Ophir has applied for new 
acreage in the deepwater licensing round offshore Myanmar, where 
there is the potential for significant gas prospectivity. Several basins 
in Asia contain deepwater, under-explored, hydrocarbon systems, 
which may fit well with Ophir’s demonstrated exploration expertise. 

Fiscal terms continue to vary significantly across licences, depending 
on basin maturity and competition. Early entry into new unproven 
basins generally continues to offer more favourable terms, 
reflecting the higher risk profile.

Capture

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Explore

Appraise

Commercialise

Exploration cost drivers
Ophir’s strategy relies on 3D seismic surveys to de-risk prospects 
and plays prior to drilling. This is the case in Gabon, where we are 
planning a comprehensive 3D survey across the deepwater portion 
of the existing acreage and on a number of new blocks that have 
been provisionally awarded to the Company (subject to successful 
PSC negotiation).

Over recent years, the day rate costs for seismic vessels have risen 
with increased streamer capacity. However, improved productivity 
has offset this increase, such that overall survey costs have 
remained stable. Vessel availability also remains in good supply and 
Ophir’s position in Africa, especially West Africa, is ideally located 
to contract vessels as they migrate between the survey seasons 
in the northern (typically North Sea and the Arctic) and southern 
(South East Asia, India, South America) hemispheres, which helps 
reduce mobilisation costs.

The period 2002-2008 saw an unprecedented rise in day rates 
for drillships and deepwater semi-submersible rigs, buoyed by 
rising commodity prices and the knock-on effect of increased 
drilling activity. Rates dipped in 2009/10 with the global financial 
crisis, before rising again in 2011. Since 2011, rates have generally 
stabilised and the tightness in the rig market has partially eased. 
To a certain extent, this has been driven by both an increase in 
supply as new rigs have been built, and by a shift in rig demand, 
where long-term contracts roll off and are not renewed. 

The preference for rig owners remains to secure long-term, 
multi-well contracts, which gives an advantage to those companies 
offering multi-well campaigns. This was demonstrated during 2013 
with Ophir’s ability to secure competitively priced, high-quality rigs 
for both its East and West African drilling programmes.

Deepwater rig rates

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

y
a
d
/
0
0
0
$
S
U

’

Africa

South America

Gulf Of Mexico

 Africa
 South America
 Gulf of Mexico

8

0
Jan
02

Jan
03

Jan
04

Jan
05

Jan
06

Jan
07

Jan
08

Jan
09

Jan
10

Jan
11

Jan
12

Jan
13

Jan
14

Source: RS Platou – units with capability of operating in water depths of >7,500 ft

Ophir Energy plc 
Capture

Analyse

Explore

Appraise

Commercialise

Capture

Analyse

Explore

Appraise

Commercialise

Capture

Analyse

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Appraise

Commercialise

Business model
page 14

M&A activity
A key element of Ophir’s strategy remains the partial or total 
monetisation of its resource base ahead of significant development 
spend. This is particularly the case with gas resources, which 
in general have longer development times to bring to market. 
2013 was a busy year for acquisition and divestment activities 
globally, especially in North America. While the value of corporate 
transactions was lower than in 2012, the value of asset transactions 
was at a similar level to the prior year. Asian National Oil Companies 
(NOCs) remain active but appear to be more selective while IOCs 
have reacted to greater capital discipline by focusing more on 
divestments than acquisitions. However, quality assets that have 
both economic and strategic merit are still likely to be attractive to a 
number of buyers. This was in evidence during the process to farm-
out a 20% stake in Tanzania Blocks 1, 3 and 4, which resulted in the 
successful sale to Pavilion Energy announced in November 2013.1

Global oil and gas M&A deal value

300

250

200

150

100

n
b
$
S
U

60

50

91

0

 Corporate
 Asset

37

78

109

37

87

119

148

79

81

25

117

111

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Source: 1Derrick

1 

 On 14 November 2013, Ophir announced that it had entered into an agreement 
to sell to Pavilion Energy a 20% interest in Blocks 1, 3 and 4. This transaction 
is unconditional and subject to completion.

Commodity prices – gas and oil 
At present the Company has no producing assets, therefore current 
oil and gas prices have negligible impact on Ophir’s near-term 
cashflow. However, they indirectly impact the Company’s cost 
base and its access to services and supplies. In addition, the long-
term expectations for commodity prices will ultimately affect the 
economic value of its discovered resource base.

Brent crude oil prices have been relatively stable throughout 2013 
in comparison to prior years, starting and ending the year at 
c.US$110/bbl and trading within a US$20/bbl range. This stability 
has continued into 2014. Although consensus is for oil prices 
to ease in the medium term, aided by rising supply and modest 
global demand growth, the average long-term forecast from 
commodity researchers is for oil prices to remain above US$90/bbl. 
LNG contract pricing, specifically in Asian markets, is currently 
closely linked to oil prices and this is expected to continue in the 
medium term for new contracts. However, a partial linkage to other 
benchmarks such as US Henry Hub gas pricing, alongside crude 
oil prices, is likely to be a consideration going forward for certain 
LNG buyers.

The Company continues to base its investment decisions on long-
term oil and LNG prices that are below current market levels and 
consensus forward forecasts.

Securing rigs under long-term contract

During 2013 Ophir secured two rigs under long-term contract, to cover 
its 2013-2014 drilling plans for both West and East Africa. In East Africa, 
alongside BG Group, a contract out to late 2014 was renewed for the 
Deepsea Metro I drillship, to cover the drilling programmes of both 
companies in Tanzania and Kenya. In West Africa, Ophir sub-contracted 
from Petrobras the Vantage Titanium Explorer to drill a minimum of six 
wells in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Both contracts allow for 
extensions and additional slots, giving Ophir the flexibility to appraise 
and explore further in the event of success with any of its new play 
opening wells, or if new drill-ready acreage is acquired. The ability to 
secure these contracts was a result of both the breadth of Ophir’s 
portfolio and strength of its balance sheet. 

9

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Strategic Report 
Governance
page 44

Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer’s joint review

The Company continued to deliver on its strategic  
goals in 2013 and remains focused on creating  
shareholder value through its exploration activities.

2013 was another year of significant operational and strategic 
progress for Ophir. The Company enters 2014 with the largest 
discovered resource base and the strongest financial position 
in its history, well placed to deliver a potentially transformational 
exploration programme and capitalise on new opportunities 
to enhance the portfolio and add value.

Delivering on our clear and focused strategy
Our strategy and business model are straightforward and remain 
unchanged. Our aim is to create shareholder value through the 
exploration and appraisal phase of the E&P cycle and then at the 
appropriate time monetise that value. We demonstrated this during 
2013 with the announcement of the sale of 20% of our interest in 
Blocks 1, 3 and 4 in Tanzania to Pavilion Energy for US$1.288 billion1. 
This transaction was the culmination of several years of hard work, 
technical achievement and industry leadership. The project saw 
Ophir enter a then unfashionable play in East Africa and achieve 
material exploration success to the point where the discovered 
gas resources are now on the cusp of commercial development. 
In addition, we executed an extensive farm-out agreement with 
OMV across our acreage in Gabon2, and relinquished acreage in 
Madagascar, Congo, Ghana and Kenya as we continue to focus 
investment on areas that can add the highest value for shareholders.

Further drilling success and resource additions in Tanzania
During 2013 Ophir drilled eight exploration and appraisal wells. Six 
of these were successful, with the two disappointments being the 
Starfish-1 exploration well offshore Ghana and the Mlinzi Mbali-1 
exploration well in Block 7 Tanzania. All appraisal wells in Tanzania 
either confirmed or increased the discovered gas resources in 
Blocks 1, 3 and 4. We undertook successful appraisal drilling with 
our Joint Venture partner BG Group on the Jodari, Mzia and Pweza 
discoveries, which included gas flow tests on all three fields that 
came in ahead of expectations. These results have de-risked 
the commerciality of the resource base and are likely to lead 
to significant cost savings on the upstream development due 
to a reduction in the number of planned development wells. 

1 

2 

3 

 On 14 November 2013, Ophir announced that it had entered into an agreement 
to sell to Pavilion Energy a 20% interest in Blocks 1, 3 and 4. This transaction 
is unconditional and subject to completion.
 On 18 December 2013, Ophir announced that it had entered into an agreement 
to sell to OMV a 10% interest in each of the Mbeli and Ntsina Blocks and a 
30% interest in each of the Gnondo and Manga Blocks. Completion of this 
transaction remains subject to satisfaction of certain conditions.
 On 20 February 2014, Ophir announced that it had signed a non-binding 
Letter of Intent with Petrofac to provide services as operator of the proposed 
gas development up to the FID.

10

We made two new exploration discoveries, Mkizi and Ngisi, which, 
along with the appraisal results, increased the total discovered 
resource on Blocks 1, 3 and 4 to 15.7 TCF at year-end. This volume 
will underpin a minimum two, 5-million tonne per annum LNG Train 
development along with domestic market commitments under the 
PSCs, and provides encouragement for a potential third LNG Train. 
We have made good progress on project planning for the LNG 
development with the preferred site for the onshore processing and 
liquefaction facilities having been submitted to the Government 
of Tanzania for approval.

Through the drilling success in Tanzania, Ophir added 254mmboe 
to the Company’s net 2C contingent resources with a three-year 
average finding cost of US$0.90/boe.

Equatorial Guinea FLNG moving forward
In 2013 Ophir agreed to progress a Floating LNG (FLNG) project 
on Block R with the Government of Equatorial Guinea. This 
led to preparations for a three-well exploration and appraisal 
programme on the block that is planned for mid-2014. In February 
2014 we announced an agreement with Petrofac to provide 
upstream development services3 and that we had also received 
several proposals for the provision of the FLNG vessel and related 
midstream services. We are confident that 2014 will see continued 
progress in both the resource base and commercialisation of 
Block R’s substantial gas resources.

2014 represents a potentially transformational year 
with the drillbit
Interpretation of the substantial number of 3D seismic surveys we 
acquired across the portfolio in 2012 and early 2013 has allowed 
us to firm up a high-impact exploration and appraisal drilling 
programme in 2014 which will see up to 11 wells drilled. Further 
drilling is planned in Tanzania on Blocks 1, 3 and 4 and we will also 
drill a well on the Tende prospect on the East Pande licence, which is 
primarily prospective for gas but could have the potential for liquids.

In West Africa, a multi-well campaign has commenced offshore 
Gabon. Although the first well on the pre-salt play, Padouck Deep-1, 
has been commercially unsuccessful, it has reduced a number 
of play risks providing encouragement for further exploration. 
This will be followed by the Affanga Deep-1 well on an extension 
to the Ogooué Delta play and then another pre-salt test, Okala-1. 
Having made progress on the development of our discovered 
resource base in Equatorial Guinea, we plan three more wells 
in 2014 to add further resource, to appraise the existing discoveries 
and to test the deeper liquids play on Block R.

Ophir Energy plcBoard
page 46

Board diversity

Board experience (No. of Board members)

 Male 
 Female 

8
2

Capital
Markets

Legal &
Commercial

Financial &
Accounting

Oil & Gas
Industry

In 2013 we secured access to two drilling rigs under long-term 
contract with options to extend; these being the Deepsea Metro I 
drillship for our programmes in Tanzania and potentially Kenya, and 
the Vantage Titanium Explorer for our programmes in Gabon and 
Equatorial Guinea. If successful, Ophir has additional slots under 
option on both rigs to accelerate appraisal and further exploration.

Ophir continued to broaden its exploration portfolio in 2013 
with new blocks provisionally awarded in Gabon, subject to 
the successful negotiation of PSCs, which cover the emerging 
deepwater play outboard of our existing acreage and more  
recently in February 2014 with entry into acreage offshore  
the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean4.

Capital management
In March 2013 Ophir raised US$837.6 million through a Placing  
and Rights Issue and ended the year with net cash balances of 
US$667 million. This excludes the proceeds from the sale of a  
20% interest in Blocks 1, 3 and 4 to Pavilion Energy5.

A key element of our strategy is to maintain a strong balance  
sheet and Ophir is well funded both to meet its 2014 commitments 
and to capture new opportunities to create shareholder value.

Commitment to Health, Safety and the Environment
A resounding commitment to Health, Safety and the Environment 
remains at the core of our business and it is pleasing to report that 
in 2013 we had only one minor Lost Time Injury. Ophir continues to 
support sustainable CSR programmes in the countries we operate, 
and we value highly our reputation as an integral, positive part 
of the communities that host our personnel and operations.

Strengthening the team
During 2013 we added significant further expertise throughout  
the Company, particularly at an operational and technical level.  
We also strengthened the Board at an executive and non-executive 
level, with four new members. Jonathan Taylor, a co-founder of 
the Company, stepped down from his executive and Board roles. 
Jonathan has played a pivotal part in the first chapter of Ophir’s 
growth and the Board thanks him for his invaluable efforts over  
the past eight years. 

4 

5 

 On 4 March 2014, Ophir announced that it had entered into an agreement with 
WHL Energy to acquire a 75% operated interest in Blocks PEC-5B/1 and PEC-5B/2. 
Completion of this transaction remains subject to satisfaction of certain conditions.
 On 14 November 2013, Ophir announced that it had entered into an agreement 
to sell to Pavilion Energy a 20% interest in Blocks 1, 3 and 4. This transaction 
is unconditional and subject to completion.

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Disappointing share price performance
Whilst 2013 was a year of considerable achievement for the 
Company, it was not without its disappointments, including 
the unsuccessful Starfish-1 and Mlinzi Mbali-1 wells. On Block 1 
in Tanzania we were unable to reach agreement with the operator 
BG Group to drill the high-impact 1C prospect after seismic 
interpretation failed to de-risk its potential. We delivered two 
material commercial transactions (Pavilion Energy and OMV deals) 
but we were not able to farm-down our interest in Block 7 ahead 
of drilling. Drilling in Gabon was also delayed as we were unable to 
secure a drilling unit as early as expected and the first well in 2014, 
Padouck Deep-1, has been unsuccessful.

Although we believe our accomplishments during the year 
significantly outweighed these disappointments, the sector, 
especially exploration-focused stocks is currently out of favour with 
investors. Ophir was not alone amongst our peers in suffering a 
year of negative market returns and we are clearly disappointed 
with our share price performance. The Board and management 
remain focused on operational delivery and executing our business 
model, which we believe will ultimately reward shareholders over 
the long term.

In summary, 2013 was an extremely active period for Ophir 
both operationally and commercially, with record net discovered 
resources, continued success with the drillbit and the partial 
sale of our interests in Tanzania underpinning the shareholder 
value created since our formation. While the progress we have 
made in growing the net asset value of the firm has clearly not 
been reflected in the performance of the share price, we thank 
shareholders for their patience and their ongoing support and 
our staff for their hard work and dedication during the year. 
The Board looks forward to 2014 with enthusiasm and anticipation 
as we embark on one of the most extensive and dramatic 
drilling programmes undertaken by a European E&P company 
in recent times. 

Mr Nicholas Smith 
Chairman 

Dr Nick Cooper
Chief Executive Officer

11

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Strategic ReportBusiness model
page 14

A clear strategy to create  
exploration-led growth

Vision
Our vision is to be a leading independent, oil and gas exploration company.

Strategy
Ophir Energy’s aim is to create value through exploring for oil and gas, predominately offshore in deepwater. Once we 
have maximised value through successful exploration and subsequent appraisal, we will generally look to monetise 
and reinvest proceeds into further exploration activities and over the long term, maximise returns for shareholders.

The key elements of the strategy are:

1

2

A strong, in-house geoscience team

A diverse portfolio 

A strong, in-house geoscience team to rigorously hi-grade and 
challenge opportunities to ensure we target only the best prospects 

A diverse portfolio to ensure the Company is not overly exposed 
to one play or prospect 

3

4

A deepwater drilling team and capability

Efficient capital management 

A deepwater drilling team and capability to allow Ophir to operate 
its wells without reliance on third-party consultants 

Efficient capital management to ensure the Company is well financed 
to execute its plans from a position of balance sheet strength. 
This includes active portfolio management to reduce exposure 
to exploration costs and release capital at the appropriate time in the 
asset cycle. In the medium term the Company is looking to become 
more self-sufficient with regards to funding its longer-term exploration 
plans and reduce its reliance on equity markets

12

Ophir Energy plcKey Performance Indicators

We continue to measure our success on the resource we add, the ability 
to achieve this at economic rates and to do it as safely as possible. 
2013 was another strong year of delivery against these key metrics.

Finding cost

Resources (mmboe)

2013 three-year average finding cost 

 US$0.90/boe

The basis of the finding cost calculation is straightforward. 
All expenditure other than acquisition costs (which will return benefit 
over several years) is divided by contingent resources added in the 
year. Despite this onerous definition, Ophir, as a purely exploration 
company, nevertheless believes that this is the truest measure of the 
Company’s efficiency. This year we are reporting our three-year 
average finding cost, which we believe is a more relevant metric 
and is more widely used by our peers as a benchmark.

2013 finding cost: 

 US$1.67/boe

(2012: US$0.58/boe)
In 2012 we reported the single-year finding cost as one of our 
principal metrics and, for comparison, we include the calculation 
for 2013. Finding costs increased year-on-year, due largely to a focus 
on appraisal activities on Blocks 1, 3 and 4, Tanzania in 2013 and the 
effect of the unsuccessful Mlinzi Mbali-1 well in which Ophir had an 
80% net interest. Nonetheless, they continue to remain competitive 
by industry standards.

Staff turnover

 11.9%

(2012: 8.6%)
Classification
The rate of turnover relates to employees who have left the 
Company voluntarily during the year. The figure excludes employees 
who left as a direct result of redundancy or dismissal on the grounds 
of poor performance.

Business impact
Turnover rates were slightly higher than in the previous year. 
Turnover has, however, remained within manageable levels and 
has not had a negative impact upon technical disciplines. There 
was an increase in recruitment across all areas of the business 
commensurate with an increase in planned operational activity 
during 2014 and we continue to be able to attract high calibre staff.

Outlook
The Company aims to monitor and reduce turnover rates and will 
continue to provide highly competitive pay and benefits to attract 
and retain key personnel.

2013 1,256

2012

1,002

2011

210

1,645 2,901

2,725 3,727

1,882 2,092

2C Contingent Resource

Risked Prospective Resource

Ophir’s net 2C contingent resources increased again 
during 2013, due to the successful exploration and 
appraisal programme in Tanzania. Net 2C contingent 
resource of 254mmboe was added, the majority related 
to Tanzania, with a small positive revision to resource 
estimates in Equatorial Guinea.

The chart shows the Company’s net resources at 
31 December 2011, 2012 and 2013, assuming the 
governments exercise their back-in rights in every case. 
The calculation of resource numbers does not take 
account of the effects of the Pavilion Energy and OMV 
farm-downs, which had not completed at year-end. 

Risked prospective resources have reduced, reflecting, 
amongst others, the unsuccessful Mlinzi Mbali-1 well 
which was the single largest unrisked prospect in the 
portfolio. However, the year-end number excludes any 
significant potential from the deeper water play in 
Gabon, which will see 3D seismic acquired in 2014, nor 
does it include prospects from the new licences acquired 
after the year end in the Seychelles which are subject to 
Government approval.

Lost Time Incident Frequency Rate (LTIFR)

Ophir Energy – LTIF
Average number of employees and contractors
Total man-hours worked
LTIs
LTIF rate (incidents/million man-hours work)

Strategy
The health, safety and welfare of people working for and 
on behalf of Ophir’s business underpins everything the 
Company does. Ophir’s health and safety culture is based 
on individual responsibility and commitment from the 
very top of the organisation.

Accountability rests with every employee, including 
management and senior executives, who uphold their 
obligations through the active management of Ophir’s 
health and safety agenda. 

2013
197
522,056
1
1.9

2012
108
307,161
0
0

Performance
With safety the number one priority, and in a year 
when we drilled two operated wells (three in 2012) and 
participated in a further six non-operated wells, there 
was only one minor Lost Time Incident (LTI). Staying safe 
requires vigilance, effort and investment at all levels of the 
organisation and is testament to everyone’s quality and 
professionalism.

The statistics include contractors as well as employees, 
and the comparison for 2012 has been adjusted to 
include contractors (KPI issued in 2012 Annual Report 
was for employees only). When including contractors 
in the 2012 calculation, there was no change to the 
LTI calculation or LTI rate.

13

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Strategic ReportStrategy
page 12

Business model

Our operational focus is on the exploration and appraisal 
part of the industry cycle which drives the highest return 
on investment for shareholders.

Stages of business model

Commercialise

Develop 
and 
produce

Shareholder
returns

Appraise

Explore

Analyse

Capture

Monetise

Shareholder
returns

Free cash

The Company’s activities can be summarised as a number 
of discrete stages outlined in the chart above and in more 
detail in the following pages. As a prospect or play is matured 
through the process its potential value increases, especially 
if a commercial discovery is made, but this comes with associated 
costs which generally rise as we move from prospect/licence 
Capture through Analysis and eventually into the Exploration 
phase. It is management’s responsibility to manage the risk/reward  
profile at each stage to ensure that shareholders’ capital is deployed 
efficiently to maximise returns.

Tanzania: From first  
principles to monetisation

 Full case study on page 20 

14

i

y
t
n
a
t
r
e
c
d
n
a
e
u
a
V

l

Ophir Energy plc 
 
Capture

•  Select and acquire blocks 
•  Agree commercial terms

The Company has a sector-leading African exploration 
portfolio, acquired partially due to an extensive network 
of relationships across the continent including active 
engagement with host governments. This is coupled 
with considerable depth of experience amongst the 
geotechnical team of the major deepwater basins 
and plays in the region, allowing rigorous sifting of 
new opportunities. New assets can be picked up 
through open licensing rounds, direct negotiation with 
governments or farm-ins to existing licensed acreage. 

Demonstrated:
•  Awarded four new blocks offshore Gabon1
•  Farm-in to acreage offshore Seychelles2.

1 
2 

 Subject to PSC negotiation
 On 4 March 2014, Ophir announced that it had entered into an 
agreement with WHL Energy to acquire a 75% operated interest 
in Blocks PEC-5B/1 and PEC-5B/2. Completion of this transaction 
remains subject to satisfaction of certain conditions.

New Blocks acquired (subject to completion)

6

Annual Report and Accounts 2013

15

Strategic ReportAnalyse

•  Identify and rank prospect inventory 
•  Prepare exploration drilling programme
•  Farm-out to third parties 

for risk mitigation

•  Relinquish unprospective acreage ahead 

of significant drilling expenditure

Ophir places great emphasis on maximising the 
technical work it can undertake pre-drill to minimise 
risk, including ensuring planned drillable prospects 
are covered by modern 3D seismic. Ophir has a strong 
geoscience core, employing over 20 geologists and 
geophysicists at 31 December 2013, undertaking the 
majority of its seismic interpretation in-house. The 
depth of the technical team means we undertake 
rigorous internal peer review and risk analysis before a 
prospect or play is matured as a candidate for drilling. 
Given the costs associated with deepwater exploration, 
we will typically undertake farm-outs to mitigate the 
technical risks, manage the Company’s capital base 
and provide third-party expertise where a company 
can bring a particular skill set to a prospect or play, 
either pre-drill (Petrobras, OMV in Gabon) or in the 
ability to commercialise post success (BG Group in 
Tanzania). Where licences are viewed as unprospective 
or are ranked poorly against other opportunities in the 
portfolio, we will look to exit ahead of entering into 
onerous work commitments or farm-down to a position 
of minimal capital exposure.

Demonstrated: 
•  Interpretation of 3D seismic shot through 2012 firmed 
up 2014 drilling targets with up to 11 wells planned

•  Comprehensive farm-out of Gabonese acreage 

to OMV1 

•  Exited acreage in Congo, Madagascar, Ghana and 
Kenya (L15) and reduced exposure to Somaliland

1 

 On 18 December 2013, Ophir announced that it had entered into 
an agreement to sell to OMV a 10% interest in each of the Mbeli 
and Ntsina Blocks and a 30% interest in each of the Gnondo and 
Manga Blocks. Completion of this transaction remains subject to 
satisfaction of certain conditions.

16

Ophir Energy plc

Explore

•   Drill key prospects
•   Re-rank prospect inventory on drilling 

results and continued seismic calibration

The rigorous technical work undertaken pre-drill has 
helped ensure Ophir has enjoyed further exploration 
success during 2013, especially in Tanzania where the 
BG-Ophir Joint Venture has a 100% success rate on 
Blocks 1, 3 and 4. On completion of exploration wells, 
the data from the drilling results is analysed and used 
to assess the need for appraisal drilling and the impact 
on remaining prospect potential on the acreage. 
At 31 December 2013 Ophir had a specialist drilling 
team of nine people, which allows it to operate two 
multiple deepwater campaigns simultaneously.

Demonstrated: 
•  Two successful exploration wells: Mkizi and Ngisi
•  Both operated exploration wells, Starfish and Mlinzi 
Mbali-1, although commercially unsuccessful, drilled 
safely and under budget

•  Two rigs secured under long-term contract for both 

East and West African exploration campaigns.

Successful exploration wells

2

Annual Report and Accounts 2013

17

Strategic ReportAppraise

•  Appraisal drilling on existing discoveries 
to refine resources, assess commerciality

•  Further exploration on de-risked 
plays and analogue prospects

•  Additional seismic to target 

prospect inventory

•  Pre-development planning to optimise 
value, demonstrate potential to buyers

After discoveries have been confirmed, we undertake 
appraisal activities such as further drilling, flow-tests 
and additional seismic acquisition to firm up resource 
estimates and assess the commerciality of the 
discovered resource base. We undertake pre-development 
planning which provides input into the valuation 
analysis of the assets. At this stage, management 
will begin to assess the optimal time to monetise the 
assets. Consideration is placed on the remaining 
resource upside left on the licences and blocks, and 
ongoing cost to reach Final Investment Decision (FID).

Demonstrated: 
•  Four successful appraisal wells in Blocks 1, 3 and 4 

leading to increased resource estimates

•  Three successful flow tests on Jodari, Mzia and Pweza 

confirming world-class reservoir deliverability

Net contingent resource additions in 2013

254mmboe

18

Ophir Energy plc

Commercialise

•  Partially or wholly monetise ahead 

of development spend; or

•  Invest capital to develop the asset, 
potentially carried by new partners 

•  Bring into production then invest 

further to maximise value 

Once the FID is made, significant expenditure is 
required to bring an asset into production. The time to 
first production and overall cost is dictated by a number 
of factors including hydrocarbon phase and location. 
Ophir’s core strength is in the exploration and appraisal 
phase, where the most value can be added in the E&P 
cycle with the lowest cost compared to development 
activities. Our strategy is to have either wholly or 
largely monetised discovered resource before entering 
the development phase, although residual interests 
may be retained if carries through the majority of the 
development spend can be obtained and Ophir sees 
long-term potential in an asset.

Demonstrated:
•  Farm-down of 20% stake in Blocks 1, 3 and 4 in 
Tanzania to Pavilion Energy for US$1.288 billion1

•  Progress on Equatorial Guinea FLNG project

1 

 On 14 November 2013, Ophir announced that it had entered into 
an agreement to sell to Pavilion Energy a 20% interest in Blocks 1, 3 
and 4. This transaction is unconditional and subject to completion.

Value realised from Tanzania divestments to date

US$1.288bn1

19

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Strategic ReportTanzania: From first  
principles to monetisation

Ophir’s activities in Blocks 1, 3 and 4 offshore Tanzania demonstrate 
the success of the Company’s strategy and business model and the 
significant value that it can create for shareholders. 

The Company took an early position 
in an out of favour area, worked 
up the technical case, brought in an 
industry leading LNG specialist in 
BG Group, proved up a world-class 
resource base and then partially 
monetised its position ahead 
of significant capital expenditure 
on development

20

Ophir Energy plc

Capture

Analyse

2005/06
Acquired PSCs covering Blocks 1, 3 and 
4 at a time when the industry believed 
the potential in a success case was likely 
to be uneconomic.

Capture
In 2005 and 2006 Ophir acquired a 
significant acreage position offshore 
Tanzania taking operated interests in 
Blocks 1, 3 and 4 offshore in the deepwater. 
At the time, the licence rounds received 
only modest interest as the industry was 
concerned that the offshore basins were 
high-risk and gas prone and that if there 
were gas discoveries they would be modest 
in size and hard to commercialise. Ophir’s 
initial technical analysis suggested that 
prospect sizes could be material enough 
to be commercial.

2005–08
Acquired and interpreted additional seismic 
which identified several large prospects.

2010
Assessing the likelihood of significant gas 
discoveries, negotiated commercial terms to 
exploit gas resources success including the 
rights to export and market gas volumes. 
Farmed out 60% of Blocks 1, 3 and 4 to 
BG Group, a world leader in the exploitation 
and development of gas resources.

Analyse
Between 2005 and 2008 Ophir acquired and 
interpreted a large volume of 2D and 3D seismic 
data across the three Blocks. This work reaffirmed 
the Company’s initial thoughts about the 
prospectivity of the plays on the Blocks and 
allowed several targets to be matured to 
drill-ready status, backed up by potential direct 
hydrocarbon indicators (DHIs) on seismic 
(including AVO anomalies and flat-spots).
At the same time, recognising the likelihood 
that the basins were gas prone, Ophir 
undertook two important commercial steps. 
Firstly, the Company farmed-in BG Group, the 
world’s leading LNG developer, operator and 
trader, as a partner, farming-down a 60% stake 
for a carried interest in three wells. Secondly, 
alongside BG Group, it negotiated commercial 
terms with the Tanzanian Government 
to ensure successful gas discoveries could 
be rapidly exploited and commercialised 
for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Exploration and appraisal 
wells drilled to date

 14

Success rate

100%

Explore

Appraise

Commercialise

2010/11
Drilled the first successful well on Block 4, 
Pweza-1, followed by the Chewa, (Block 4) 
and Chaza, (Block 1), gas discoveries.

2013
Appraised the Jodari, Mzia and Pweza 
discoveries including undertaking flow-tests, 
increasing volumes and de-risking the 
sub-surface.

2013
Announced monetisation of a 20% 
stake in the project to Pavilion Energy 
for US$1.288 billion

2012
Drilled the Jodari and Mzia large gas 
discoveries confirming enough gas 
for a potential export LNG scheme.

Explore
The first exploration well was drilled in 2010 
on the Pweza prospect and resulted in a 
successful gas discovery in Block 4. This was 
quickly followed by the Chewa (Block 4) and 
Chaza (Block 1) discoveries which confirmed 
the potential of Tanzania’s offshore 
deepwater basins as a new hydrocarbon 
province. In 2012 the larger Jodari and 
Mzia gas discoveries were made, taking 
resource estimates above those needed 
for a commercial LNG scheme. During this 
period, additional seismic acquisition was 
undertaken and further leads and prospects 
identified which has pushed the resource 
potential of the area to in excess of 50 TCF 
including volumes already discovered.

Appraisal 
In late 2012 and into 2013 the focus of 
drilling shifted to also include appraisal 
activities. A number of appraisal wells have 
been drilled and flow-tests performed which 
have seen resource volumes increased 
and the commercial productivity of the 
discoveries confirmed. Mean resource 
estimates now stand at 15.7 TCF, enough 
to underpin a two Train LNG development 
and also meet contractual domestic 
market obligations. In total, 14 exploration 
and appraisal wells have been drilled 
across Blocks 1, 3 and 4, all of which have 
been successful.

Commercialise
The assets have now moved into the 
planning stage for development having 
been de-risked both commercially and 
technically by the drilling activities over 
the last few years, with the FID expected 
on the project in 2016. Whilst Ophir 
continues to see upside in the assets, in-line 
with the Company’s business model and 
strategy, the decision was made to partially 
monetise its position ahead of significant 
development expenditure. A formal sales 
process was undertaken and agreement 
reached with Pavilion Energy, a Singapore 
based Asian LNG company, in November 
2013 to sell a 20% stake in Blocks 1, 3 and 4 
for US$1.288 billion. On completion of this 
transaction, the proceeds are expected to 
be reinvested back into the business to fund 
new high-impact exploration opportunities 
and move the LNG project forward in 
Tanzania.

Annual Report and Accounts 2013

21

Strategic ReportWhere we operate
page 4

Review of operations

During 2013 exploration and appraisal activities continued in Tanzania 
on Blocks 1, 3 and 4 to underpin and de-risk volumes for a two Train 
LNG project. Further exploration and appraisal is planned on these assets 
in 2014, along with high-impact exploration in Gabon and progress 
in commercialising the discovered gas resource in Equatorial Guinea.

Tanzania

Overview
Ophir has interests in five offshore blocks with a gross area 
of 28,817km2. The Company has a 40% interest in Blocks 1, 
3 and 41 operated by BG Group, an 80% operated interest in 
Block 7 and a 70% operated interest in East Pande. Blocks 1, 
3 and 4 contain several large gas discoveries which will be 
commercialised by a multi-train LNG export development.

Stages in business model

Capture

Analyse
Analyse

Explore
Explore

Appraise
Appraise

Commercialise
Commercialise

Key highlights 

Blocks 1, 3 and 4 

•  Sale of 20% interest to Pavilion Energy for US$1.288 billion 

announced in November 2013

•  Following on from the exploration success in prior years, the 

BG-Ophir JV drilled six successful exploration and appraisal wells 
across Blocks 1 and 4, including the Mkizi and Ngisi discoveries, 
extending the JV’s 100% drilling success rate

•  Flow-tests were completed on the Mzia, Jodari and Pweza 
discoveries confirming world-class reservoir deliverability, 
significantly de-risking the commerciality of the discoveries

•  Gross recoverable resources (2C) were increased to 15.7 TCF 

which will underpin a minimum two Train LNG project

•  Preferred site selected for the onshore LNG facility with FID 

on track for 2016 and first gas provisionally expected in 2020

•  Further exploration planned on Blocks 1 and 4 during 2014 

Block 7

Block 7 and East Pande

Chewa

Ngisi

Pweza

Block 4

Block 3

Papa

East
Pande

Tende

•  The first well drilled on Block 7, Mlinzi Mbali-1, although 

commercially unsuccessful, is providing significant geological 
information as the first well in the area and the stratigraphically 
deepest well drilled to date offshore Tanzania. Additional 
prospectivity on the block was confirmed by the Upanga 3D 
survey and will be assessed alongside the Mlinzi Mbali-1 result

•  Drilling on the Tende prospect on the East Pande licence is 

expected in Q3 2014. This is primarily a gas target but has the 
potential for liquids

Block 1

Mzia

Mkizi

Jodari

Jodari North

Chaza

Tanzania

Gas discovery

Gas and oil prospect

22

1 

 On 14 November 2013, Ophir announced that it had entered into an agreement 
to sell to Pavilion Energy a 20% interest in Blocks 1, 3 and 4. This transaction 
is unconditional and subject to completion.

Ophir Energy plcSuccessful DSTs

Gross mean recoverable resources

 3

 15.7TCF 

Sale of interest in Blocks 1, 3 and 4 to Pavilion Energy, 
delivering value in line with Company strategy
In November 2013 it was announced that Pavilion Energy had 
agreed to buy a 20% interest in Blocks 1, 3 and 4 from Ophir for 
US$1.288 billion, of which US$38 million is payable at the time 
of FID on the proposed LNG project. All conditions precedent to 
the transaction have been satisfied (or waived). The transaction 
is now unconditional and is expected to close shortly. This deal 
brings in a strong partner to the JV, and is an endorsement of the 
quality of the planned LNG project. The sale is in line with Ophir’s 
strategy of monetising exploration success at the appropriate time, 
to maximise returns for shareholders, while avoiding significant 
expenditure through the development phase of a project.

Significant further exploration and appraisal success in Block 1
The key operational highlight in 2013 was the successful appraisal 
of the Jodari and Mzia discoveries in Block 1 utilising the Deepsea 
Metro I drillship secured under long-term contract by Ophir and 
BG Group. A Drill Stem Test (DST) was undertaken on the Jodari-1 
well which flowed at an equipment-constrained rate of 70mmcfd, 
demonstrating excellent reservoir deliverability. This was followed 
by the Mzia-2 appraisal well drilled 4km to the south east of the 
original discovery well and which encountered 62m of net pay in 
Cretaceous reservoirs. The well established pressure communication 
between the Mzia-1 and Mzia-2 gas columns and a DST on the 
well flowed at 57mmcfd (equipment constrained), which was at 
the upper end of the expected range. Further appraisal on Mzia 
continued in October with the Mzia-3 well, which proved a deeper 
gas down to level than in the previous wells. 

The Mkizi-1 well was drilled in July 2013 on a prospect situated 
between Mzia and Jodari. The well encountered 33m of net pay 
in high-quality Tertiary reservoirs with gross recoverable resources 
estimated at 0.6 TCF.

The Block 1 ‘hub’ area, including the previously discovered Chaza 
field, now has mean discovered recoverable resource estimates 
of close to 10 TCF.

100% drilling success to date 
in Blocks 1, 3 and 4

Gross discovered resource (TCF)

 Block 1 
 Block 3 
 Block 4 

9.7
0.8
5.2

Since drilling began in late 2010 on Blocks 1, 3 and 4, the JV 
has had a 100% drilling success rate with 14 exploration and 
appraisal wells. This includes eight exploration discoveries with 
gross recoverable resources now standing at 15.7 TCF. At least two 
further exploration wells are planned across the acreage in 2014 
along with additional appraisal activities on the Mzia discovery.

Activity in Block 4 confirms potential of a second 
development hub
The Pweza discovery drilled in 2010 was appraised with two wells in 
Q3 2013. The Pweza-2 well was drilled on the southern flank of the 
field and confirmed existing resource estimates while the Pweza-3 
well was drilled into the main reservoir channel. A DST on Pweza-3 
flowed at a constrained rate of 57mmcfd, consistent with the world-
class deliverability seen from the Tertiary reservoirs in Block 1.

The Ngisi-1 exploration well was drilled in June 2013 and 
encountered an excellent quality gas-bearing reservoir. Two 
planned side-tracks were completed which demonstrated the ability 
to drill highly deviated wells on the discoveries in Blocks 1, 3 and 4, 
a factor which is expected to assist in reducing development costs. 
These side-tracks also appraised the underlying Chewa discovery.

Gross recoverable Block 4 resource estimates now stand at over 
5 TCF across the Chewa-Pweza-Ngisi discoveries and a second 
development hub is now being considered on the Block to maximise 
the value of the resource position in Block 1.

23

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Strategic ReportReview of operations 
continued

The JV has been working closely with Statoil and Exxon, the 
partners in neighbouring Block 2, which have made a number of 
gas discoveries, over the site for a shared LNG facility. A preferred 
location for the facility has been selected and the Government 
of Tanzania has been informed of this preference. At this stage 
it is envisaged that the common facilities at the LNG site will be 
managed by a single operator while the individual trains will be 
operated and owned by the separate JVs. The BG Group Ophir JV is 
working towards commencing pre-FEED studies in 2014 with a view 
to making an FID in 2016. First gas exports are expected in 2020.

Block 7 exploration underway
Interpretation of the Upanga 3D survey acquired in 2012 was 
completed during the year and confirmed the potential of the Mlinzi 
channel complex. The first well on the structure, Mlinzi Mbali-1, 
spudded in November and reached target depth at the end of the 
year. Although the well did not encounter live hydrocarbons, it has 
provided valuable stratigraphic and geochemical information from 
the deepest well drilled offshore Tanzania to date. The results of 
the Mlinzi Mbali-1 well will be integrated into the ongoing technical 
analysis to quantify the remaining prospectivity of the block.

In the west of Block 7, the 3D survey acquired by Dominion 
Petroleum in 2012 has been reprocessed and confirmed the 
presence of the Ngao prospect with a potential resource in excess 
of 5 TCF. The Ngao prospect will be reviewed in light of the results 
of the Mlinzi Mbali-1 well.

East Pande drilling to be undertaken in 2014
Interpretation of the Ndizi 3D survey was completed in the first 
half of the year and confirmed our view of the prospectivity of 
the acreage, with multiple prospects and plays of Tertiary and 
Cretaceous age identified. The first prospect to be drilled during 
2014 will be Tende-1 in the southern section of the block, with 
mean recoverable resource potential of c.2.4 TCFe. The licence 
area is primarily prospective for gas but regional charge modelling 
suggests the block could have the potential for oil generation in the 
south. In total, we have identified prospects and leads with mean 
recoverable resource potential of c.18 TCFe across the licence.

East Pande is strategically located inboard and adjacent to Blocks 1, 
3 and 4 in relatively shallow water and is likely to be close to gas 
export pipelines that will supply gas from these blocks into the 
planned onshore LNG plant. 

Additional exploration planned in 2014
The inboard and outboard 3D seismic surveys on Block 1 were 
fully interpreted during 2013 and helped refine the remaining 
prospect inventory. A number of large Basin floor fan features 
and amalgamated channel sequences of Tertiary age have 
been identified in the outboard and, although they have not 
been significantly de-risked with the results from the seismic 
interpretation, we expect to explore these plays in future years. 
In addition, a number of inboard prospects on Block 1 have been 
identified and the Taachui prospect will be drilled in H1 with mean 
recoverable resource potential in excess of 1 TCF.

The prospectivity of Blocks 3 and 4 continues to be evaluated and 
the Kamba prospect will be drilled in 2014 on Block 4 with mean 
recoverable resource potential of c.0.5 TCF. The well will be designed 
to also test the shallower low-risk Pweza North prospect with mean 
recoverable resource estimated at c.0.2 TCF.

LNG development planning progressing
The discovered resource base has now comfortably exceeded 
the threshold for two, 5 million tonnes per annum Trains of LNG 
from the JV acreage. The appraisal activity on Blocks 1, 3 and 4, 
including the multiple flow-tests, has not only increased recoverable 
resource estimates but also substantially de-risked the commercial 
delivery of volumes for the planned LNG development. The success 
of the appraisal programme and the flow-tests will lead to material 
development cost savings, as the number of wells is expected to be 
reduced against pre-appraisal expectations. 

24

Ophir Energy plcWells planned in 2014

 3 

Gross mean recoverable 
resource

2.6TCF

Focus on commercialisation
Having successfully completed a second drilling programme in 
2012, which saw gross mean recoverable resources increase to 
2.6 TCF, the focus in 2013 has been on finalising and progressing 
the preferred development solution to commercialise the 
discovered resource base.

Equatorial Guinea has an established LNG operation with gas from 
the Alba Field supplying the 3.4 million tonnes per annum plant at 
Punta Europa (EGLNG 1) on Bioko Island operated by Marathon. 
We have considered a number of options to monetise our gas 
resource including supplying the existing LNG train as production 
from the Alba Field declines or building a second LNG train at Punta 
Europa, sharing facilities with the existing plant. However, we are 
progressing Floating LNG as the preferred development solution. 
This option is aided by the quality of the gas which needs minimal 
processing and the benign sea conditions in the Gulf of Guinea.

In February 2014 a non-binding LoI agreement was signed with 
Petrofac to act as development operator up to FID, while a process 
to select the preferred vessel provider is nearing conclusion. 
On completion of further drilling this year, Ophir will look to bring 
in upstream partners to progress the development, with FID 
expected in 2015 and first gas likely in 2018.

Further drilling planned in 2014
We are planning to drill a further three wells on Block R, starting 
mid-2014 to secure additional low risk gas resource while testing 
a deeper liquids play on the licence. Silenus East-1 is an exploration 
well targeting a mean recoverable c.0.4 TCF of gas and will be 
deepened to target the liquids play, while Tonel North-1 and 
Fortuna-2 will appraise existing discoveries. A DST will be carried out 
on Fortuna-2 to demonstrate the deliverability of the reservoir and 
aid in dynamic reservoir modelling. In total, excluding the potential 
from liquids, we estimate there is remaining prospective upside of 
c.7 TCF on the block, with c.2 TCF on the proven Thrust Belt play.

Equatorial Guinea

Overview 
Ophir has an 80% operated interest in Block R to the west 
of Bioko Island in water depths of up to 1,950m.

Stages in business model

Capture

Analyse

Explore
Explore

Appraise
Appraise

Commercialise
Commercialise

Tonel North-1

Usan

Ukot

Usan West

Oreja
Marina

Tonel

Silenus East

Estrella de Mar

Lykos

Fortuna

Fortuna-2

Block R

Gas discovery

Gas and oil prospect

Key highlights 

•  Gross 2C recoverable resources now stand at 2.6 TCF 

with remaining prospective resource estimated at c.7 TCF, 
of which c.2 TCF is considered low-risk

•  FLNG development solution being progressed as preferred option with 
Letter of Intent (LoI) signed with Petrofac as development operator 
up to FID and process to select vessel provider nearing completion

•  Further drilling planned in 2014 to increase proven gas resources 
and test the deeper liquids play identified on the block and will 
also include a DST on the Fortuna-2 appraisal well

25

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Strategic ReportReview of operations  
continued

Gabon

Overview
Ophir has a 100%1 operated interest in the Gnondo and 
Manga Blocks together with a 50%1 operated interest in the 
Mbeli and Ntsina Blocks. All four are located offshore in the 
North Gabon basin in water depths up to 2,500m.

Stages in business model

Capture

Analyse
Analyse

Explore
Explore

Appraise

Commercialise

Oil prospect

2014 well

A3

Mbeli

A4

Ntsina

Okala

Padouck
Deep

A5

Manga

Gabon

Affanga
Deep

A6

Gnodo

1 

 On 18 December 2013, Ophir announced that it had entered into an agreement 
to sell to OMV a 10% interest in each of the Mbeli and Ntsina Blocks and 
a 30% interest in each of the Gnondo and Manga Blocks. Completion of this 
transaction remains subject to satisfaction of certain conditions.

26

Key highlights 

•  Completed processing and interpretation of 3D seismic over 

the pre-salt play in the Mbeli and Ntsina Blocks confirming the 
prospectivity of the play

•  First pre-salt well Padouck Deep-1 completed in March 2014 
unsuccessful but further test of the play planned with Okala-1

•  The Ogooué Delta play extension to be tested with the Affanga 

Deep-1 well

•  The outboard play, which is analogous to the successful Sergipe-
Alagoas Basin in the conjugate margin in Brazil, continues to be 
evaluated with encouraging results. Additional adjacent blocks 
provisionally awarded that are expected to contain further 
prospects in this play

•  Extensive 3D seismic acquisition planned across the outboard 

play on the existing acreage and newly awarded blocks

•  Farm-out of interests across all four existing blocks on a promoted 

basis to OMV1

Targeting the high impact pre-salt play
The pre-salt play is extensive across Ophir’s two northern Blocks, 
Mbeli and Ntsina, and contains potential upside similar to that 
seen onshore in North Gabon in the same play, across the Atlantic 
offshore Brazil as well as offshore Angola where there have been 
several recent discoveries. Total’s Diaman-1 well completed in 
August 2013 in the South Gabon basin was the first deepwater pre-
salt test offshore Gabon and confirmed both a working petroleum 
system and the existence of thick, high quality clastic reservoirs.

Processing and interpretation of the Stenella 3D seismic survey 
which was acquired in 2012 was completed during 2013, and 
confirmed the prospectivity of the play. The Vantage Titanium 
Explorer has been contracted to drill two of the pre-salt prospects as 
part of a wider West African drilling campaign which commenced 
in February 2014. The first well targeting the Padouck Deep 
prospect has completed and whilst not commercially successful, 
it encountered thick, reservoir-quality sands and provided evidence 
of a working hydrocarbon system. The second well to test the play 
will target the Okala prospect with mean recoverable resource 
potential of 354mmbbl. In total, remaining leads and prospects 
with mean recoverable resource potential of c.3.0BBbbl have been 
identified on the pre-salt play across the Mbeli and Ntsina Blocks.

Ophir Energy plcWells planned in 2014

3 

A well is also planned on the Affanga Deep prospect in the 
Gnondo Block. This will test an extension to the Ogooué Delta play 
which has been proven on the shelf. Success would de-risk several 
other adjacent prospects that could form a potential hub-based 
development around Affanga Deep.

Further progress on the deepwater outboard play, additional 
acreage added
An outboard deepwater play, analogous to the play in the Sergipe-
Alagoas Basin in the conjugate margin offshore Brazil has been 
identified across all four blocks. Petrobras has had considerable 
exploration success with this play, including the Barra discovery. 
The Afo and Pachg Liba 3D seismic surveys which cover part of 
this play were acquired and interpreted during 2012 and 2013. 
However, these surveys were not large enough to fully understand 
the play system and therefore further 3D seismic will be acquired 
during 2014 with a view to maturing leads into drillable prospects 
for 2015 and beyond.

We secured additional acreage in the recent offshore licensing 
round with the award of a 100% operated interest in Blocks A3, A4, 
A5 and A6 (subject to the successful negotiation of PSCs). These 
lie adjacent to and outboard of our existing offshore blocks and 
are expected to contain an extension to the deepwater play. It is 
planned that 3D seismic data will be acquired on these new blocks 
at the same time as the acquisition of seismic on the currently 
licensed acreage.

Farm-out of acreage to OMV
In December 2013 the Company announced that it had entered 
into a comprehensive farm-out agreement with OMV covering 
our existing deepwater blocks offshore Gabon. Under the terms 
of the agreement OMV has acquired 30% interests in the Manga 
and Gnondo Blocks and 10% interests in the Mbeli and Ntsina 
Blocks. Ophir continues to operate all four blocks. In consideration, 
OMV will pay past costs and will pay a promoted share of the 
Padouck Deep, Affanga Deep and Okala wells as well as a 
promoted share of two further wells and a 3D seismic survey across 
the blocks. Further conditional promotes are payable in the event 
of success with the Okala well. The farm-in agreements are subject 
to Government approval. 

Risk mitigation through farm-outs

Ophir entered Gabon in 2005 taking a 100% interest in the Company’s 
current existing four blocks. In 2011 Petrobras farmed-in to the 
Mbeli and Ntsina Blocks, encouraged by the potential of the pre-salt 
and outboard deepwater plays which were analogous to successful 
plays offshore Brazil. As part of the consideration for the farm-in, 
Petrobras are contributing a significant share of Ophir’s costs of the 
Padouck Deep and Okala wells. After taking account of OMV’s farm-in, 
which is subject to Government approval, Ophir is substantially 
carried on the two pre-salt wells in addition to being partly carried 
on the Affanga Deep well. These farm-outs are in line with Ophir’s 
strategy of mitigating the cost of high-risk exploration drilling whilst 
retaining exposure to high-impact upside in the event of success. 

27

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Strategic ReportReview of operations  
continued

Kenya

Overview
Ophir has a 90%1 operated interest in the offshore Block L9 
with a gross area of 3,833km2 in water depths of up to 1,400m. 

Stages in business model

Offshore Senegal and 
Guinea Bissau Joint 
Development Zone (AGC)

Overview
Ophir has a 79.2% interest in the Profond Block with a gross 
area of 9,838km2 in water depths of up to 3,500m.

Capture

Analyse
Analyse

Explore
Explore

Appraise

Commercialise

Stages in business model

Capture

Analyse
Analyse

Explore
Explore

Appraise

Commercialise

Following the unsuccessful Kora-1 well which was the first exploration 
well on the block drilled in 2011, a 1,000km2 3D seismic survey was 
undertaken in the first half of 2013. Interpretation was ongoing at 
the year-end. At this stage we have identified a number of leads in 
two main plays, a Maastrichian canyon pinchout play and an Early 
Cretaceous/Jurassic toe thrust play. While it is expected one or more 
of these leads will be matured for drilling in the future, it is unlikely 
that this will take place before the current term of the licence expires 
in Q3 2014. The Company is looking at the possibility of negotiating 
a new PSC over the block.

Key highlights

•   Reviewing 3D seismic data across Block L9 with a view 

to maturing prospects

•  Potential for both an inboard carbonate oil play 

and an outboard clastic gas play 

The Mbawa-1 gas discovery in Block L8 drilled by Apache in 2012 
opened up the offshore potential of Kenya and industry activity 
has increased with further wells drilled in 2013 by Anadarko. 
Ophir acquired the Nala 3D seismic survey over the eastern part 
of Block L9 in late 2012 and interpretation of that data is ongoing, 
with several gas leads having been identified in both Paleocene 
and Cretaceous-aged structures.

Inboard on Block L9 there is the potential for an oil play in Miocene 
carbonate features. This play trends to the south and has been tested 
by the Sunbird-1 well recently drilled by BG Group. The results of this 
well will be integrated into our analysis of the potential of the play.

We have completed our assessment of the 3D survey on Block L15; 
prospectivity is viewed as limited and Ophir has relinquished its stake.

1 

 Ophir has a 90% participating interest with Government of Kenya having a 
10% carried interest. Ophir has entered into an agreement to sell to FAR Limited 
a 30% interest in Block L9, Kenya. Completion of this transaction remains subject 
to satisfaction of certain conditions.

28

Ophir Energy plcSADR

Somaliland

Overview
Ophir has a 50% interest in assurance agreements covering 
four blocks, Daora, Haouza, Mahbes and Mijek with a gross 
area of 74,327km2 in water depths of up to 2,500m.

Overview
Ophir holds a 25% non-operated interest in the Berbera blocks 
(SL9 and SL12) with a gross area of 24,420km2. The blocks 
cover both onshore and offshore areas.

Stages in business model

Stages in business model

Capture

Analyse
Analyse

Explore

Appraise

Commercialise

Capture

Analyse
Analyse

Explore

Appraise

Commercialise

Ophir continues to monitor regional activity and opportunities 
to commence operations in SADR.

During the year we farmed down a 50% stake and operatorship to 
RakGas in exchange for a carry on a seismic survey to be undertaken 
in 2014. We will use this data to firm up possible drilling targets.

Ghana

Overview
Ophir has a 20% operated interest in the Offshore Accra 
Contract Area of Ghana. 

The Offshore Accra Contract Area is situated in the frontier Keta 
Basin on the West African Transform Margin play which has yielded 
several major discoveries including Jubilee and Tweneboa further 
west offshore Ghana.

We entered the block in December 2012 and completed drilling 
the Starfish-1 well in July 2013 which fulfilled the outstanding 
PSC commitments. The well was drilled to a total depth of 4,348m 
and was targeting a Lower Cretaceous-aged prospect analogous 
to those that have been successful elsewhere on the West 
African Transform Margin play. Although the well encountered 
approximately 230m of sandstone in the primary target, this was 
found to be water wet. The Initial Exploration Period on the licence 
expires on 23 March 2014 and Ophir has elected not to proceed 
into the next PSC term.

29

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Strategic ReportFinancial review

Key to Ophir’s strategy is to remain well funded to be able to commit to forward 
activities from a position of balance sheet strength. At the same time, capital discipline 
is paramount which includes managing exploration risk through farm-outs and 
maximising value through the monetisation of discoveries at the optimum time.

Lisa Mitchell
Chief Financial Officer

Proceeds from Placing and  
2-for-5 Share Rights Issue1

US$837.6m 

Ophir continues to focus on 
delivering shareholder returns 
through exposure to high-impact 
exploration. To achieve this the 
Company maintains flexibility in its 
financing strategy which includes 
the monetisation at the optimum 
time of resources proved up by 
drilling success to maximise returns. 
In addition, the Company will pursue 
and execute pre-drill farm-outs 
to minimise capital at risk.

Oil and gas additions in the year

US$389.1m -6% 

(2012: US$415.5 million)

Cash position2 

US$666.7m +193% 

(2012: US$227.7 million) 

Exploration and appraisal assets

US$1,124m +17% 

(2012: US$961.7 million)

1 
2 

 Net cash after issue costs US$803.2 million.
 Cash position includes short-term investments comprising cash deposits 
of between three and 12 months totalling US$159.9 million (2012: nil).

30

Ophir Energy plcKey achievements 

•  March 2013 – successful placing of 19.8 million shares raised 

£91.3 million (US$137.0 million) and a 2-for-5 share rights issue 
raised a further £462.1 million (US$700.6 million)

•  November 2013 – Ophir entered into an agreement to sell to 
Pavilion Energy a 20% interest in Tanzania Blocks 1, 3 and 4 
for a maximum consideration of US$1,288 million1 

•  December 2013 – Ophir entered into a comprehensive farm-out 
agreement with OMV covering its deepwater offshore blocks 
in Gabon. OMV will acquire a 30% non-operated interest in the 
Manga and Gnondo Blocks and 10% non-operated interest in the 
Mbeli and Ntsina Blocks. On completion, Ophir’s retained stakes 
will be 70% operated interests in the Manga and Gnondo Blocks 
and 40% operated interests in the Mbeli and Ntsina Blocks. 
In consideration, OMV will pay past costs and a promoted share 
of well costs and seismic with further promotes in the event 
of success2.

•  The Company continued to hi-grade its asset portfolio and has 
relinquished positions in Congo, Madagascar and Kenya L15. 
It has given notice to relinquish its position in Ghana and reduced 
its equity interest in Somaliland.

Performance

Results for the period
The Company recorded a post-tax loss of US$245.8 million 
for the year ended 31 December 2013 (2012: US$40.7 million). 
No dividends were paid or declared by the Company during 
the period.

1 
2 

 This transaction is unconditional and subject to completion.
 Completion of this transaction remains subject 
to satisfaction of certain conditions.

Exploration expenditure
Pre-licence expenditure for the year ended 31 December 2013 was 
US$2.4 million (2012: US$4.5 million).

Exploration expenditure written-off for the year ended 31 December 
2013 was US$54.0 million (2012: nil). This consisted of unsuccessful 
exploration activities in Ghana Accra Block of US$14.3 million and 
licence relinquishments in Congo Marine IX Block of US$3.3 million, 
Madagascar Marovoay Block 2102 of US$19.0 million, and Kenya 
L15 Block of US$17.4 million. 

Impairment charges totalled US$172.4 million (2012: nil). US$167.3 
million relates to Tanzania Block 7 following the drilling of Mlinzi 
Mbali-1. This well was the first well on Block 7 and targeted a structural 
crest within a Lower Cretaceous channel complex, with secondary 
targets in the Upper Cretaceous and the Jurassic. The Cretaceous 
targets were intersected and are interpreted to be water bearing. 
Subsequent evaluation of results continues and will provide crucial 
information that will be integrated into interpretation of the future 
potential of Block 7 and the wider deepwater basins of Tanzania. 
A further US$5.1 million relates to the AGC Profond Block. This was as 
a result of management’s assessment that no further expenditure on 
exploration and evaluation of hydrocarbons in the block was currently 
budgeted or planned within the current licence term.

Other operating expenses
Other operating expenses were US$46.4 million (2012: US$1.7m). 
The increase arose primarily from the US$36.3 million goodwill 
written off as a result of the impairment relating to Tanzania Block 7. 

Finance income
Finance income for the period of US$27.1 million (2012: US$1.6 
million) was associated with foreign exchange gains and losses 
arising primarily on the fluctuation of the Company’s functional 
currency: the US Dollar, against other currencies the Company holds.

General and administration expenses
General and administration expenses of US$32.1 million (2012: 
US$36.4 million) include personnel costs, share-based payment 
charges, office administration costs, professional and corporate 
costs (audit, legal, other professional advisors’ fees). The 12% 
decrease in general and administration expenses is predominantly 
associated with a reduction in corporate project activity expensed 
when compared to the prior year. This is despite an increase in the 
Company’s headcount to 119 (2012: 71). 

31

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Strategic ReportFinancial statements
page 95

Financial review 
continued

Financial position

Cash utilisation period ending 31 December 2013

2013 Exploration and evaluation expenditure US$389.1m

1

m
1
1
8
$
S
U

2

m
3
6
3
$
S
U

m
4
1
$
S
U

m
5
1
$
S
U

3

m
0
2
$
S
U

4

m
7
6
6
$
S
U

 Other 
 Kenya 
 Gabon 
 Equatorial Guinea 
 Tanzania Block 7 
 Tanzania Blocks 1, 3 and 4 

9%
1%
2%
4%
16%
68%

m
8
2
2
$
S
U

2012

Share issues

Exploration

Inventory

Operating
activities

Other

2013

1  Net of US$34m share issue costs
2 
3 
4 

 Includes movements in working capital
 Includes US$16m of foreign exchange gain on cash balances
 Includes short term investments comprising cash deposits of between 
3 and 12 months totalling $159.9m

Financing
During the year the Company strengthened its balance sheet with 
a successful Placing and Rights Issue in March 2013. The placing 
of 19.8 million shares raised £91.3 million (US$137.0 million) 
and a 2-for-5 share rights issue raised a further £462.1 million 
(US$700.6 million). 

Exploration and evaluation investing activities
The Company’s investment in exploration and appraisal activities 
has continued during 2013 with expenditure of US$389.1 million 
(2012: US$415.4 million).

The drilling of eight exploration and appraisal and three DST 
wells was completed during the year. 84% of exploration and 
appraisal expenditure was incurred during the year in Tanzania 
(US$328.0 million). This consisted of US$266.2 million in Blocks 1, 
3 and 4 and US$61.8 million in Block 7. Expenditure outside of these 
areas was US$61.1 million including an amount of US$16.3 million 
in Block R, Equatorial Guinea.

Liquidity risk and going concern
The Company’s business activities, together with the factors likely 
to affect its future development, performance and position are 
set out in the Strategic Report on pages 2 to 29. The financial 
position of the Company, consisting of cash resources of US$666.7 
million, (including the proceeds from the Placing and Rights Issue 
completed in March 2013), its cash flows, liquidity position and 
borrowing facilities are described in the financial statements on 
pages 95 to 155. In addition, note 21 to the financial statements 
includes the Company’s objectives, policies and processes for 
managing its capital; its financial risk management objectives; 
details of its financial instruments and hedging activities; and its 
exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk. 

In making their going concern assessment, the Directors have 
considered Company budgets and cash flow forecasts for a period 
of at least the next 12 months from the approval of the financial 
statements. These include the anticipated proceeds from the 
completion of the disposal of a 20% interest in Blocks 1, 3 and 4 in 
Tanzania to Pavilion Energy. On 16 December 2013, the Company 
received shareholder approval to dispose of this interest. All conditions 
precedent to the transaction have been satisfied (or waived.) The 
transaction is now unconditional and is expected to close shortly.

The cash flow forecast prepared by management to March 2015 
concluded that despite significant expenditure on ongoing and 
planned drilling programmes across the Company’s blocks during 
2014, particularly in Tanzania, the Company will have sufficient 
resources to pay its debts as and when they fall due for at least the 
next 12 months. 

As a consequence of the near-completion of the disposal of a 20% 
interest in Blocks 1, 3 and 4 in Tanzania, the Directors believe that 
the Company is well placed to meet its exploration and appraisal 

32

Ophir Energy plc 
expenditure commitments for at least the next 12 months and 
have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate 
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable 
future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting in preparing the annual financial statements.

Events after the reporting period
On 14 November 2013 the Company announced its move to 
dispose of a 20% interest in Blocks 1, 3 and 4 in Tanzania to Pavilion 
Energy. On 16 December 2013, the Company received shareholder 
approval to dispose of this interest. All conditions precedent to the 
transaction have been satisfied (or waived.) The transaction is now 
unconditional and is expected to close shortly.

On 4 March 2014 the Company announced that it had entered into 
an agreement with WHL Energy Ltd (“WHL”), an Australian listed 
E&P company, to acquire a 75% operated interest in Blocks PEC-5B/1 
and PEC-5B/2 located offshore to the south of the Seychelles Islands 
in the Indian Ocean. In exchange for the acquired interest, the 
Company will repay back costs to WHL of US$4 million and fund the 
acquisition of 1,500 km2 of 3D seismic data.

On 19 March 2014 the Company announced that the Padouck 
Deep-1 well in the Ntsina Block offshore Gabon had completed. 
Whilst the well encountered thicker than expected, good-quality 
reservoir sands, there were no significant hydrocarbon shows.

Financial strategy and outlook for 2014
Ophir’s financial strategy remains to maintain the appropriate 
financial flexibility to fund high-impact exploration and appraisal 
activities. The Company’s focus is to fund our programme 
by seeking pre-drill farm-outs to minimise capital at risk and 
monetisation of success at the optimum time to maximise returns. 

The Company intends to use the existing cash resources of 
US$666.7 million (2012: US$227.7 million) to:

•  continue to explore and evaluate the resource potential of the 
Company’s operated acreage position in Tanzania through a 
deepwater offshore exploration drilling programme in East Pande

•  commence a multi-well offshore drilling programme in Gabon

•  undertake further pre-development studies as well as exploration 
of its resource base in Block R, Equatorial Guinea, including the 
deeper potential liquid play 

•  continue exploration and appraisal wells in Blocks 1, 3 and 4

The Company intends to use the aggregate net proceeds of 
the sale to Pavilion Energy to continue the Company’s strategy 
of adding significant value across its portfolio, as detailed in the 
circular dated 18 December 2013, through a combination of:

•  acquiring further seismic data across its licences in Gabon 

targeting the deepwater oil plays

•  accelerating appraisal and exploration activities, including drilling 
and further seismic acquisitions, in the event of drilling success 
on any of the new plays targeted in Tanzania, Gabon, Equatorial 
Guinea and Kenya

•  progressing Ophir and BG Group’s Tanzanian gas assets towards 
commercialisation in a competitive timeframe and continuing 
to explore for additional resource in Blocks 1, 3 and 4

•  completing the acquisition of additional assets through ongoing 
licensing rounds including those already announced in Tanzania 
and Gabon and by pursuing exploration farm-in opportunities 
or corporate transactions

•  adding to Ophir’s portfolio through one or more new country 
entries that leverage the Group’s expertise which includes the 
acquisition of a 75% operated interest in Blocks PEC-5B/1 and 
PEC-5B/2 in the Seychelles as announced on 4 March 2014

Following the completion of the sale to Pavilion Energy, the Company 
is well placed to execute its planned work programme during 2014.

33

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Strategic ReportPrincipal risks and uncertainties

Effective risk management is an integral part of the Group’s activities. 
It involves implementing action plans around and within the Group’s  
activities in order to protect business interests from risk.

The Oil and Gas business environment is complex. Ophir has an 
established framework to review the various potential external 
and internal risks to which it is exposed. Risk management 
is a fundamental part of all Company activities.

Identified risks are recorded and the risk register is reviewed at the 
Audit Committee and by the Board of Directors, who are ultimately 
responsible for Ophir’s risk management and supporting internal 
control systems.

The elementary summary of Ophir’s risk management processes is:

Identification

Evaluation

Response

Reporting

Monitor

34

Ophir Energy plcRisk identification and management

Board of Directors

Nicholas Smith
Non-executive  
Chairman 

Lisa Mitchell
Executive director and  
Chief Financial Officer

Ronald Blakely
Senior Independent  
non-executive director

Vivien Gibney
Independent  
non-executive director

Lyndon Powell
Independent  
non-executive director

Nick Cooper
Executive director and 
Chief Executive Officer 

Dennis McShane
Executive director of 
Corporate Strategy

Alan Booth
Independent  
non-executive director

John Lander
Independent  
non-executive director

William (Bill) Schrader
Independent  
non-executive director

Report back to Board 
every six months

Executive 
Directors

Senior 
Management

Country 
Managers

Responsible 
for identifying, 
evaluating and 
managing risks

Risk management performance in 2013

Strategic risk achievements  
•  Strengthened the Board 

with four new members, and 
increased staffing levels across 
several business functions
•  Divested non-core assets and 
focused investment on assets 
with better risk/reward profile

•  Continued to meet or 
exceed all minimum 
PSC commitments 
across the portfolio

Operational risk 
achievements  
•  Drilled two operated wells 
safely and securely, with 
no major HSE incidents

•  No security issues 
during the year

•  Maintained high drilling 
success rate with 75% 
wells successful

Financial risk achievements  
•  Raised US$838mn 

(gross) of new equity to 
fund the 2013 and 2014 
exploration programmes 
•  Drilled the two operated 

wells under budget

•  Secured exploration farm-outs 

in Gabon and Somaliland 
and partially monetised 
the interest in Blocks 1, 
3 and 4 in Tanzania1

External risk achievements  
•  Continued CSR engagement 
with local communities in 
countries across the portfolio, 
including Tanzania where 
Ophir is involved with a 
primary school redevelopment

•  Maintained strong dialogue 

with all stakeholders 
including Governments 
and shareholders 

1 

 On 14 November 2013, Ophir announced that it had entered into an agreement 
to sell to Pavilion Energy a 20% interest in Blocks 1, 3 and 4. This transaction 
is unconditional and subject to completion.

35

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Strategic ReportPrincipal risks and uncertainties 
continued

The principal risks that have been identified within the Company are summarised as follows:

Type

Risk

Mitigation

Strategic

Political risk 

•  Ophir maintains a balanced asset portfolio across different jurisdictions in a region where it is most 

accustomed to operating

•  Ophir monitors and seeks to understand changes taking place in political and regulatory environments 

in which it operates

•  Ophir continually reviews country risks and the potential for political shocks to update 

recommendations to the Board

•  New ventures are assessed with regard to political risk
•  Ophir strives to maintain positive relationships in all host countries where it operates. Ophir aims to 
work to the highest industry standards with all regulators, and closely monitors compliance with the 
Company’s licence and PSC obligations

Inadequate resource 
and reliance on key 
personnel

•  Ophir relies on the excellence of a team of experienced Oil and Gas professionals for its operational 

success. In order to retain, motivate and recruit suitably qualified employees it ensures its 
remuneration packages are competitive. It has established a Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) for 
executives and a Deferred Share Plan for staff 

Investment 
decisions

•  The Company and its advisors are experienced within the industry, and complete a proper review of 
the Company’s strategy and investment criteria. Full due diligence is undertaken on all potential new 
entries. The current portfolio is closely monitored and new market opportunities frequently reviewed 

Operational

HSE incident risk

•  Maintenance of a comprehensive system of HSE procedures that should always be followed, and the 

undertaking of pre-project risk assessments. The systems are overseen by management and the 
HSE Committee which meets regularly to review and monitor compliance

•  Comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments are performed. Oil spill and emergency response 
plans are in place. Provision of equipment and regular training in the procedures occurs with specialist 
service providers 

Security

•  Thorough risk assessments to develop robust mitigation and response measures
•  Clear in-country control measures

Drilling operations 
risk 

•  Maintenance of clearly defined operational procedures whereby compliance is always expected
•  The contracting and procurement process ensures suitably qualified contractors are employed and 

trained in Ophir’s best practices

•  Regular training and continued monitoring of staff adherence to HSE practices
•  Continual review of project management techniques

Discovery risk and 
success rate

•  The Company has technically and regionally experienced management and geoscience teams which 
have a proven record of success. To reduce risk, substantial technical analysis is undertaken to evaluate 
and manage opportunities 

•  All exploration and appraisal programmes are consistently reviewed and monitored before being 

recommended to the Board for approval

IT risk

•  Regular review of vulnerabilities to breaches of information security
•  Systems are in place to manage unscheduled power loss, virus outbreaks, network disruptions and 

thereby minimise downtime to operations and corporate offices 

Availability of rigs 
and services

•  Regular market review of services and rig availability occurs. Engagement of experienced advisors 

to ensure a rapid response to opportunities and an ability to close binding agreements quickly

•  A dedicated drilling project manager and Contracts and Procurement (C&P) Manager ensure a clear 

contracting strategy and project plan are produced early in the procurement planning stage

36

Ophir Energy plcType

Financial

Risk

Mitigation

Inability to fund 
exploration work 
programmes

Counterparty 
credit risk

Cost and capital 
spending

•  Regular review of cash flow, working capital and funding options, and prudent approach to budgeting 

and planning, to ensure sufficient capital to meet commitments

•  Close monitoring of all trade debtors which are subject to internal credit review

•  A formalised annual budget process and ongoing monthly reviews of actuals to budget analysis. 
Delegation of authority, approval processes and C&P procedures. Board approval of Annual Work 
Programme

Interest rate and 
foreign exchange 
risk

•  Cash balances are primarily held in US Dollars to provide a natural hedge to reflect that the majority 
of the Company’s business is managed and conducted using US Dollars. Small balances are retained 
in other currencies for operating and administrative needs 

•  Cash balances are held in current or short-term deposits
•  Further details on principal financial risks are addressed in Note 21 on page 120 in the Company’s 

consolidated financial statements

External

Sovereign and 
country risk

•  Regular monitoring for changes within all jurisdictions in which Ophir operates. Management 

maintains close relationships and continually focuses on working with each jurisdiction’s governments 
and relevant local authorities 

Legal, regulatory or 
litigation risk

•  Activities are subject to various different jurisdictional laws, customs, fiscal and administrative 

regulations. The Company employs suitably experienced and qualified staff and, when required, 
external advisors to ensure full compliance

•  Ongoing training given to all staff on policies implemented
•  Key policies and procedures consider the requirements of the UK Bribery Act 
•  Legal risk assessment and due diligence (where appropriate) is undertaken for all counterparties the 

Company deals with

•  Maintenance and monitoring of a Business Code of Conduct and Anti-corruption policies. Ongoing 

training takes place with all employees on policies implemented

Stakeholder 
sentiment 

•  The Company fosters strong relations with the local communities and host country governments 

in the jurisdictions in which it operates. It pro-actively interacts with all relevant stakeholders

•  Maintaining regular dialogue and provision of information to all key shareholders. Internal Investor 

Relations and advisors ensure all material information is released to the market on a timely basis and 
in accordance with all applicable regulations 

•  Continual monitoring of economic shifts
•  Monitoring of public sentiment towards the Company and its operations
•  Implementation of CSR policies and development of sustainable local engagement strategies

37

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Strategic ReportCorporate and Social Responsibility

Ophir aims to lead the way in responsible exploration – making 
a lasting contribution to the countries and communities that 
host its operations.

Ophir’s commitment to providing a sustainable 
contribution to society
Ophir is committed to sustainable development and our approach 
to Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) underpins the way we 
do business. We strive to act in an ethical, responsible, apolitical, 
independent and open manner at all times. CSR plays a vital 
role in managing and mitigating risks. It also underscores the 
principle that exploring for oil and gas responsibly, to the highest 
international standards, is paramount.

The focus is on maintaining a positive influence in the areas where 
the Company works – ensuring employees, service companies and 
contractors are able to achieve their full operating potential in a 
safe environment.

Ophir is continually looking to evaluate and improve our 
CSR policies and procedures. Both the UN Global Compact and 
the Principles for Responsible Investment have been sources 
of guidance. 

This review covers five key areas:

•  Environment: Ophir has a responsibility to respect the 
environment in which it operates. The Company strives  
to meet all legal and applicable industry best standards  
in managing environmental risks and looks to minimise  
the impact of operations.

•  Health and Safety: Ophir strives for the highest standards 
in relation to Health, Safety and the Environment (HSE) and 
seeks to ensure that everyone working for the Company can 
do so in a safe and healthy environment.

•  Community Projects: Ophir is committed to responsible 

business practices and seeks to engage with local 
communities in a positive and productive manner.

•  Human Resources: Ophir rewards performance and offers 

a progressive working environment and development 
opportunities for its employees. We will not tolerate 
discrimination, bullying or harassment.

•  Business Ethics: Acting with honesty and integrity is crucial 

to the success of our business. The Company expects 
all those working for us to abide with all applicable anti-
corruption laws, both international and local.

38

Ophir Energy plc

Environment
Ophir has a responsibility to respect the environment in which it 
operates and abide by all applicable legal standards in managing 
environmental risks. We will look for viable ways in which to 
minimise the environmental impact of operations, reduce  
waste, conserve resources and respect biodiversity.

Environment highlights
Before initiating any operational activity, we follow a set of strict 
procedures to ensure we assess every aspect of the environment 
for risk, and so we design and implement suitable mitigation 
measures. When drilling offshore Ghana in 2013 for instance, we 
conducted an extensive programme of meetings with local fishing 
communities bringing them into the drilling planning process. 

These local environment engagement processes are part of 
Ophir’s Company-wide HSE policy, whereby before initiating any 
exploration project, we conduct comprehensive and integrated 
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). These EIAs are then 
vetted by local governmental agencies and NGOs before finally 
gaining approvals before work starts. We repeat these assessments 
at each stage of the project using recognised consultants and 
methods, and report the findings to local agencies to ensure 
transparency and compliance.

Emissions data
Ophir’s aim is to encourage energy efficiency best practices in all 
its activities and to minimise greenhouse gas emissions wherever 
possible. Ophir Energy is a company whose primary activity is 
the exploration for and appraisal of oil and gas resources. The 
emissions figures are provided as an absolute total figure of 
estimated CO2 production for the Company’s worldwide activities. 

This is the first year emissions data is reported for the Company 
therefore there is no comparator for 2012. Total emissions during 
2013 were estimated at 15,138 of tonnes of CO2.

The majority of the Company’s emissions are produced by third-
party contracted services with respect to our operated drilling 
activity (i.e. drillships) and will include fuel used in drilling operations 
and air travel during drilling operations, with two operated 
wells drilled in 2013. Office operations are a minor contributor. 
In reporting an applicable intensity ratio, we have used the number 
of operated wells as the key metric and therefore on this basis the 
estimated emissions were 7,569 tonnes per operated well in 2013. 

Data is collected from each operational location. Where actual, 
measured data is unavailable, estimates are made. The measuring 
system is defined in the Health and Safety Environmental 
Management System (HSEMS).

Reporting criteria:

Office energy   

 Calculated average annual electricity use 
from actual invoices for all office locations 

Ground transport   

 For Africa office locations, collected data 
for actual fuel used for office vehicles

Exploration 

 For offshore drilling operations calculated 
diesel use rate which includes rig and PSVs 
(boats) over the entire operations period  
to each operated well

Air transport 

 Estimated total number of long haul flights 
in 2013, booked and paid for by Ophir Energy

Emission sources (CO2 tonnes)

  Office energy 
  Ground transport 
  Exploration 
  Air transport 

146
212
13,717
1,063

39

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Strategic ReportReport of the HSE Committee  
page 59

Corporate and Social Responsibility 
continued

Health and safety highlights
There was only one minor injury to Ophir employees or contractors 
during 2013 and no significant injuries or LTIs. 

Offshore Tanzania, we continued to provide maritime security 
in response to security risks, notably piracy. We conduct onshore 
and offshore risk assessments for all operations so we can put 
in place appropriate mitigation and response measures to protect 
our people and operations. There were no security incidents 
during 2013. 

Health and safety 
Health and safety is a priority. We conduct all operations in 
accordance with local and international health and safety 
best practices.

Our approach to health and safety covers every aspect of our 
operations, from subsea technical drilling risk assessments to 
incident management planning. Everyone who works for Ophir has 
a responsibility to make sure we meet all rules and standards that 
apply, and follow responsible standards where no such rules exist.  
We expect subcontractors and suppliers to provide a safe and 
healthy working environment for their employees and to provide 
appropriate training, support and protective equipment. We carry 
out consistent checks on subcontractors and suppliers, to ensure 
HSE compliance.

Ophir’s HSE Committee regularly reviews these standards, 
and is responsible for monitoring health, safety, security and 
environmental (HSSE) practices. The Committee is also responsible 
for arranging independent HSE audits across the range of our 
activities, so we can properly assess our progress. 

Strengthening the HSE team
In 2013 HSE management continued to evolve and improve 
following changes made during 2012. We expect all employees 
and contractors to abide by our HSE standards and expectations. 
Two new HSE managers have been appointed, one based in 
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to cover East Africa operations and one 
based in Libreville, Gabon with a West Africa remit. Both are locals, 
who will use their skills across their regions to ensure we continue 
Ophir’s efforts to meet the highest HSE standards. The HSE team 
is spread across Ophir’s operations in London, Perth, Dar es Salaam 
and Libreville.

40

Ophir Energy plcCommunity projects
As part of the Company’s business practices, it is recognised in 
particular that we have a social responsibility to the communities 
where we operate. This includes promoting economic and 
social development within those communities. We may do this 
by providing employment opportunities for local people, for 
example, or by promoting particular community goals. We take 
a collaborative approach, working closely with all stakeholders 
to identify and develop activities which benefit communities for 
the long term. A key focus is to ensure we understand stakeholder 
needs, and we conduct meaningful discussions with local 
communities to achieve this. 

Community development highlights 
In 2013 Ophir established a consistent global approach to 
community development. It is based on an analysis carried  
out with the local community, to identify projects which will  
add most value, to make a valuable and lasting difference. 

In Tanzania, we have completed phase one of the re-development 
of a primary school in Mtwara and phase two will be complete 
during 2014. The school will have a significant and positive impact 
on the lives of disadvantaged young children from a community 
we have had a close affinity to for the past five years. 

Confirm CSR status

Confirm 
budget

Needs analysis – 
development of scope 
to be aligned with local 
communities and regulator

Selection of project 
from needs analysis

Internal compliance 
& alignment meeting

Tender process

Contract review 
& award

Oversight

41

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Strategic Report 
Corporate and Social Responsibility 
continued

We supported two local staff members’ ambitions to gain MBAs, 
and their application has led to them both passing the course 
programme during 2013. 

In Equatorial Guinea, we are finalising a programme to re-develop 
a school in the district of Mongomo, and the construction of 
water wells. We are talking with the communities on Bioko Island 
and are reviewing appropriate projects for 2014. We support the 
National Technical Institute, which provides valuable training and 
development for the local communities. 

In Kenya, we have completed needs analysis in Mombasa, Kilifi 
and Tana River Counties. We are currently developing Schedules 
of Work to renovate a primary school in Kilifi County, and to build 
a maternity unit at a hospital in Mombasa County. 

Building Lilungu Primary  
School in Mtwara, Tanzania

The first phase and rehabilitation work for the Lilungu Primary School 
in Mtwara – the construction of five classrooms, two staff offices, water 
tank and renovation of the kindergarten classroom – is now complete. 
The second phase due to start in March 2014, will refurbish a further  
ten classrooms and finish some additional construction, to complete  
the project to improve the educational environment for children from 
the local community.

42

Human Resources
We rely on and value the skills and expertise of our people. They are 
at the heart of our success. We recognise the importance of looking 
after our people and developing their potential. 

People highlights
Across its operations Ophir employs local people wherever possible 
and looks to train and develop them so they can realise their 
potential and contribute as much as possible. This training includes 
structured development programmes for key staff and educational 
sponsorships. During 2014, we will focus on the potential of starting 
a graduate programme.

Through annual performance reviews, we look at how all our people 
can develop in their roles to provide value to Ophir, and to increase 
their skills and performance. Our objective is to help individuals 
advance both their own and the Company’s interests, through 
a combination of on-the-job experience, external training and 
internal development.

Equality and diversity
Ophir has a stated policy as part of its Global Code of Conduct 
to deal fairly and equitably with all of its employees and business 
partners. This is a commitment to extend equal employment 
opportunities to all irrespective of race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, 
gender reassignment, religion or belief, age, nationality, ethnic 
or national origin, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy 
and maternity, or disability. This policy seeks to promote an 
environment of inclusiveness where everyone can prosper and grow 
and be recognised based on meritocracy supported by appropriate 
training and development.

As at 31 December 2013 the organisation has two female Directors 
representing 20% of the Board, 26% of the senior executives are 
female and throughout the organisation, the female proportion 
of our workforce is 43%.

Business Ethics 
Ophir must comply with all local, national and international laws 
and regulations that apply in all locations where it operates. 
This is crucial to both the commercial success and the reputation 
of the business. Everyone who works for Ophir plays a key part 
in this. All employees are accountable for the way they conduct 
themselves in the course of their work. 

We recognise our obligations under international and local anti-
corruption laws, as well as the increased global scrutiny in this area. 

Ophir Energy plcFemale Board 
representation

20%

Female proportion  
of Ophir’s workforce

43%

Respect for human rights
Ophir respects and supports the defence of human rights. 
We promote behaviour that is respectful across our operations, 
and which is consistent with the intent of the UN Global Compact. 
We observe the national and international legal rights of the 
indigenous communities we work alongside, and of all our 
employees. We focus on the respect for their safety, culture, equal 
opportunity and are tolerant of their age, race, nationality, ethnicity, 
sexual orientation, gender or religion. 

If we use public or private security providers on our operations, 
we initiate actions that recognise the objectives of the Voluntary 
Principles on Security and Human Rights.

The Strategic Report was approved by  
the Board and signed on their behalf. 

Nick Cooper
Chief Executive Officer
19 March 2014

The prevention, detection and reporting of bribery and corruption is 
the responsibility of all those working for Ophir, who are expected to:

•  understand their responsibilities and act with fairness, 

honesty and integrity at all times

•  comply with all anti-corruption laws and regulations, no matter 

where they are working. This includes, but is not limited to, 
the UK Bribery Act 2010

•  avoid doing anything which even gives the appearance of 

violating anti-bribery laws, as this can damage our reputation

•  report any suspicions of bribery, including requests for bribes, 

immediately.

We have taken steps to implement a compliance programme, 
to assist in preventing or detecting any corrupt practices. 
The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for this and  
receives regular reports.

One area of current focus is the development of our whistleblowing 
policy and procedure. Staff and business partners – in all locations 
– can access a confidential hotline in order to report concerns about 
wrongdoing to fully-trained operators. The service is operated by 
an independent company and is available 24/7, in any language. 
Callers will be connected with operators with whom they can 
discuss their concern, and may remain anonymous if they wish. 

43

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Strategic ReportCorporate Governance
Introduction

Chairman’s statement on Governance.

Dear Shareholder
At Ophir, we are committed to maintaining the highest 
standards of corporate governance throughout the Company 
and we comply with, and embrace, the principles of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code. The report that follows sets out 
our governance arrangements and illustrates how they worked 
during the year. 

2013 was a landmark year for Ophir and signified the end of our 
transition from a private company to a high-ranking member of 
the FTSE 250. We saw the completion of our second shareholder 
Placing and a Rights Issue in the early part of the year. We also 
launched a major farm-out process for half of our stake in 
Blocks 1, 3 and 4 offshore Tanzania. The transaction is now 
unconditional in respect of conditions precedent and is expected 
to close shortly. In total, these transactions will have raised over 
US$2 billion net to Ophir once sale of the stake in Blocks 1, 3 
and 4 completes. These important issues occupied a significant 
proportion of the Board’s time during the year, as did the review 
of the Board’s composition, future succession planning and 
overall effectiveness of the Board which are all addressed in more 
detail in the following sections. 

Four other agenda points are noteworthy, the first being strategy. 
As in 2012, the Board held two major strategy sessions with the 
executive management team during the year. The knowledge 
and experience of the independent non-executives has 
enabled the executive team to be robustly challenged on their 
recommendations. From this, has come an agreed strategy for 
Ophir in the medium term as further described in the Strategic 
Report (pages 2 to 43). 

44

Investor engagement has increased. At Chief Executive Officer 
and Chief Financial Officer level, we have always had an active 
relationship with our key shareholders, sharing our strategic vision 
with them which has provided the Board with essential feedback. 
We have now extended this so that Ron Blakely, the Senior 
Independent Director and Audit Committee Chairman and I met 
with major institutional shareholders in January 2014 to listen 
to their views on the Company’s progress, developments since 
listing and the executive management team. This process, which 
was well received by investors and produced positive responses 
on the Company and its management team, is ongoing. 
Vivien Gibney, the Remuneration Committee Chairman 
also consulted widely with key/institutional shareholders 
concerning the Company’s remuneration policy and proposals 
on remuneration for 2014.

At an advisory level, we have set up the Technical Advisory 
Committee under the chairmanship of Alan Booth who 
joined the Board in April 2013. This is an advisory group which 
reports into the Board and was set up, amongst other matters, 
to evaluate the effectiveness of the Company’s technical 
processes and standards. For more detailed information 
concerning the fuller remit of this Committee, please refer 
to page 50.

Finally, diversity has been an important agenda point for the 
Board and Nomination Committee and our policy is set out 
separately on page 42 of the Strategic Report. I am very pleased 
to note that 20% of our Board is female, that 26% of females 
are at the senior management level and that throughout the 
organisation, the female proportion of our workforce is 43%. 
Diversity, however, is more than gender. It’s also about an 
appropriate mix of experience, nationality, ethnicity and culture. 
We take this very seriously but note also that all appointments 
are made on merit against a pre-agreed selection criteria 
determined by the Board.

Nicholas Smith
Chairman

Ophir Energy plcCorporate Governance Framework
The Board has a coherent corporate 
governance framework and 
illustrated below with clearly defined 
responsibilities and accountabilities 
designed to safeguard and enhance 
long-term shareholder value and 
provide a robust platform to realise 
the Company’s strategy.

Board

Chairman, 3 executive  
directors and 6 independent  
non-executive directors

Audit Committee
4 independent 
non-executive directors

Nomination Committee
2 independent 
non-executive directors,  
1 executive director  
and Company Chairman

Technical Advisory 
Committee
3 independent 
non-executive directors 
and 1 executive director

Chief Executive Officer

Executive Committee

HSE Committee
5 independent 
non-executive directors

Remuneration 
Committee
5 independent 
non-executive directors 
and Company Chairman

UK Corporate Governance Code 
The UK Corporate Governance Code 2012 (the “Code”) applies to 
financial years beginning on or after 30 September 2012. A copy  
of the Code can be found at www.frc.co.uk.

•  To approve the Company’s long-term objectives, commercial 

and scientific strategy and attitudes to risk;

•  To approve the corporate operating and capital expenditure 

budgets; 

This Report, which incorporates reports from the Audit, HSE and 
Nomination Committees on pages 53 to 63 together with the 
Remuneration report on pages 67 to 93 and the Directors’ Report 
on pages 64 to 66 describes how the Company has applied the 
relevant principles of the Code.

•  To approve the interim and final results, the Annual Report and 
Accounts, including the corporate governance statement and 
remuneration report, the dividend policy and any declaration 
of dividend;

•  To approve any material acquisition, disposal, contract 

For the financial year ended 31 December 2013, the Company  
has fully complied with all provisions of the Code.

Leadership
The Board is collectively responsible to shareholders for the 
continuing success of the Company. To achieve this, the Board 
provides leadership to the business and, either directly or through 
the operation of its Committees and delegating authority, 
brings an independent judgement on all matters of strategy, 
performance, resources, standards of conduct and accountability. 
As at 31 December 2013, the Board and its Committees were 
structured as set out in the chart above. The Board has adopted 
a formal schedule of matters reserved for its approval and has 
delegated other specific responsibilities to its Committees. 
The matters specifically reserved for the Board are set out in writing 
and summarised below:

or expenditure;

•  To approve, following recommendation from the Nomination 

or Remuneration Committees as appropriate, appointments to 
the Board, that of the Company Secretary and other key senior 
management, Committee membership and remuneration for 
Directors and senior executives;

•  To review, following recommendation from the Audit Committee 

the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control and risk 
management systems;

•  To approve, following recommendation from the HSE Committee, 
the Company’s health, safety, environmental and other relevant 
policies; and

•  To approve the Company’s corporate governance policies and 

procedures and set the Company’s values and standards.

45

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceBoard of Directors

The Board brings a broad range of skills and experience to the Company,  
across the Oil and Gas industry, commercial and financial sectors and capital markets.

Nicholas Smith
Executive director &  
Chairman of the Board 

Nick Cooper
Executive director & 
Chief Executive Officer

Lisa Mitchell
Executive director & 
Chief Financial Officer

Dennis McShane
Executive director of 
Corporate Strategy

Ronald Blakely
Senior Independent  
non-executive director

Nicholas Smith was appointed 
as a non-executive director 
in October 2007 and as 
Chairman in September 
2009. He is a member of the 
Remuneration Committee 
and Chairman of the 
Nomination Committee. 
Nicholas Smith trained as 
a chartered accountant 
before joining the Jardine 
Fleming Group, becoming 
Chief Financial Officer 
from 1993 to 1997. He is a 
Chairman of Aberdeen New 
Thai Investment Trust plc 
and Senior Independent 
Director of Schroder 
AsiaPacific Fund plc. 

Dr Nick Cooper was appointed 
as an executive director 
and Chief Executive in June 
2011. He is a member of the 
Nomination and Technical 
Advisory Committees. Prior to 
joining Ophir, Nick Cooper was 
Chief Financial Officer and 
co-founder of Salamander 
Energy plc. He began his 
career as a geophysicist 
with BG and Amoco before 
joining Booz-Allen & Hamilton. 
From 1999 to 2005, he was 
a member of the oil and gas 
team at Goldman Sachs. 
Nick has a BSc and PhD in 
Geophysical Sciences and 
an MBA from INSEAD.

Year appointed
2007

Year appointed
2011

Committee membership:
Nomination Committee 
(Chairman), Remuneration 
Committee

Committee membership:
Nomination Committee, 
Technical Advisory Committee

Dennis McShane was 
appointed as a non-executive 
director in October 2007 
and as Senior Independent 
Director in September 2009. 
On 18 February 2013, Dennis 
was appointed as Director 
of Corporate Strategy and 
a member of the executive 
management team. Dennis 
McShane is a founding 
principal of Midas Resource 
Partners. From 2004 to 2008 
he was executive director 
of Finance and Strategy 
for the Ferrexpo group of 
companies. Prior to this, he 
was a Managing Director of 
JPMorgan Chase emerging 
markets and mining and 
metals practices in New 
York, London and Sydney.

Year appointed
2013 (appointed as an 
indpendent non-executive 
director in 2007)

Committee membership:
None

Ronald Blakely was appointed 
as a non-executive director 
in July 2011 and as Senior 
Independent Director on 
18 February 2013. He is 
Chairman of the Audit 
Committee and a member 
of the Remuneration and 
Nomination Committees. 
Ronald Blakely spent over 
38 years working for Royal 
Dutch Shell companies. 
On his retirement in October 
2008, he held the role of 
Executive Vice President 
Global Downstream Finance, 
while previous roles included 
CFO of Shell Oil Products in 
the USA and CFO of Shell 
Canada. Mr Blakely is a 
member of the Society of 
Management Accountants 
of Alberta, Canada.

Year appointed
2011

Committee membership:
Audit Committee (Chairman), 
Nomination Committee, 
Remuneration Committee

Lisa Mitchell was appointed 
as an executive director 
on 26 April 2013. She was 
appointed as Chief Financial 
Officer in January 2012, 
having previously been Group 
Financial Controller. With 20 
years’ experience as a finance 
professional in the oil and 
gas, mining and resources 
and pharmaceutical sectors, 
Lisa Mitchell’s previous roles 
include Chief Financial Officer 
at Pan Pacific Petroleum NL 
(an ASX and NZX listed oil 
and gas exploration and 
production company) and 
Chief Financial Officer at 
GCM Resources plc (an AIM 
listed mining company). 
She began her career 
with Mobil Oil Australia. 
Lisa Mitchell is a Certified 
Practising Accountant with the 
Australian Society of Certified 
Practising Accountants, has a 
Graduate Diploma in Applied 
Corporate Governance from 
the Chartered Secretaries 
Australia and a Bachelor 
of Economics (major in 
Accounting) from La Trobe 
University, Melbourne.

Year appointed
2013

Committee membership:
None

46

Ophir Energy plcBoard diversity

 Male 
 Female 

8
2

Directors who retired during the reporting period

Jonathan Taylor
Position  
Date of retirement 

Executive director and founder
6 June 2013

Alan Booth
Independent  
non-executive director

Vivien Gibney
Independent  
non-executive director

John Lander
Independent  
non-executive director

Lyndon Powell
Independent  
non-executive director

William (Bill) Schrader
Independent 
non-executive director

Alan Booth was appointed 
as a non-executive director 
on 26 April 2013. He is the 
Chairman of the Technical 
Advisory Committee and 
member of the Remuneration, 
HSE and Audit Committees. 
Alan Booth has 30 years’ 
experience in oil and gas 
exploration at Amerada Hess, 
Oryx Energy and Encana. 
Most recently, Alan Booth was 
Founder and Chief Executive 
Officer of EnCore Oil plc 
and is now the Founder and 
Director of EnCounter Oil Ltd. 
Alan Booth holds a BSc in 
Geology from the University 
of Nottingham and MSc. 
DIC. in Petroleum Geology 
from the Royal School 
Mines, Imperial College. 
He is a former president of 
the UK Offshore Operators 
Association (UKOOA) and 
currently a director of the 
Oil and Gas Independents 
Association (OGIA).

Year appointed
2013

Vivien Gibney was appointed 
as a non-executive director 
on 14 August 2013. In 
November 2013, she was 
appointed as Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee 
and as member of the HSE 
Committee. Vivien has 25 
years’ experience as counsel 
in the upstream oil and gas 
industry, including roles with 
Mobil Oil and Enterprise 
Oil plc. Whilst at Enterprise 
Oil, Vivien set up the legal 
department and held the 
positions of General Counsel, 
Company Secretary and 
Head of HR. Vivien has held 
a number of non-executive 
board positions in the 
voluntary sector and in listed 
companies More recently, 
she was a member of the 
Board of Directors of Encore 
Oil plc where she chaired the 
Remuneration Committee. 
Vivien is a barrister with 
an LL.B. and received an 
Honorary Fellowship in 
Petroleum law from the 
University of Dundee.

Committee membership:
Technical Advisory Committee 
(Chairman), Audit Committee, 
Remuneration Committee, 
HSE Committee

Year appointed
2013

Committee membership:
Remuneration Committee 
(Chairman), HSE Committee

John Lander was appointed 
as a non-executive director in 
November 2008. John Lander 
has over 40 years’ experience 
in the international oil and gas 
industry. He began his career 
as a geophysicist with Shell 
plc prior to holding executive 
positions at RTZ Oil and Gas 
Limited, Pict Petroleum plc, 
Premier Oil plc, British-Borneo 
Petroleum Syndicate plc 
and Tullow Oil plc. He is a 
Non-executive Director of 
Neon Energy Limited. John 
Lander was Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee 
until November 2013 and 
member of the Audit, HSE 
and Technical Advisory 
Committees until his 
retirement from the Board 
on 28 February 2014.

Year appointed
2008

Committee membership:
Audit Committee, HSE 
Committee, Remuneration 
Committee, Technical 
Advisory Committee

Lyndon Powell was appointed 
as a non-executive director in 
October 2007. He is Chairman 
of the HSE Committee and a 
member of the Remuneration 
and Nomination Committees. 
Lyndon Powell spent the 
majority of his career in the 
armed services, gaining a 
wide spectrum of experience 
in operational and strategic 
management. This included 
providing protection to the 
Foreign & Commonwealth 
Office and commanding 
several major units. He 
is a director and owner 
of Barbican Global Ltd, 
specialising in providing 
independent security advice 
to the corporate sector. 

Year appointed
2007

Committee membership:
HSE Committee (Chairman), 
Nomination Committee, 
Remuneration Committee

Bill Schrader was appointed 
as a non-executive director 
on 18 February 2013. 
He is a member of the 
Audit, HSE and Technical 
Advisory Committees. Bill 
Schrader has over 30 years’ 
experience working at 
BP plc, including as Chief 
Executive of several country 
operations, as President of 
the Azerbaijan International 
Operating Company and 
as Chief Operating Officer 
of TNK-BP. In May 2013 Bill 
Schrader was appointed 
non-executive director of the 
Hess Corporation. Bill Schrader 
holds a BSc in Chemical 
Engineering from the 
University of Cincinnati and 
an MBA from the University 
of Houston. Throughout his 
career Bill Schrader has been 
commended for his strong 
leadership qualities, strategic 
vision and capability in 
managing complex operating 
and government relationships.

Year appointed
2013

Committee membership:
Audit Committee, HSE 
Committee, Technical 
Advisory Committee

47

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate Governance 
Corporate Governance

The Board is committed to maintaining high standards 
of corporate governance and recognises the importance 
of good governance.

Roles of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 
The roles and responsibilities of the Chairman and Chief Executive 
Officer are clearly established, separate and have been set out in writing.

Nicholas Smith was appointed as Chairman of the Company 
in 2009, having been a non-executive director since 2007. As 
Chairman, he is responsible for the effective running of the Board 
and for ensuring that it plays a full and constructive part in the 
development and determination of the Company’s strategy. 
Together with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer 
and the Company Secretary, the Chairman sets the agenda 
for Board meetings, ensuring that the decision-making process 
adopted by the Board allows for open and constructive debate. 
The Chairman works closely with the Chief Executive Officer, 
providing support and advice as well as ensuring that the strategies 
and actions agreed by the Board are effectively implemented.

The Chairman was considered to be independent in character  
and judgement on his appointment.

Nick Cooper was appointed as Chief Executive Officer in June 2011. 
He is responsible for managing the day-to-day business of the 
Company, proposing and developing strategy and overall commercial 
objectives in consultation with the Board and, as leader of a strong 
and experienced executive team, implementing the decisions of 
the Board and its Committees. In response to recommendations 
made following the 2012 Board evaluation, the Chairman and 
Chief Executive Officer hold weekly or bi-weekly telephone calls. 
In addition, with effect from the beginning of the reporting period, 
formal meetings have taken place between the Chairman, the Senior 
Independent Director and the Chief Executive Officer. These meetings 
focus on governance and operating activities in order to enhance the 
ability of the Senior Independent Director to fulfil the independence 
mandate of that role and aid communication where appropriate.

A summary of the division of responsibilities between the Chairman 
and Chief Executive Officer as at 31 December 2013 is set out below.

Role of the Chairman
The Chairman is responsible for leadership of the Board. 
In particular, he will:

•  Ensure that the Board and its Committees operate in a way that 
conforms to expected high standards of corporate governance.

•  Set the style and tone of Board discussions, promote constructive 

debate and ensure an accurate, timely and clear flow of 
information to the Directors.

•  Lead the Nomination Committee in the appointment of an 

effective and complementary Board, review succession planning 
and evaluate the performance of the Board, its Committees and 
individual Directors.

•  Foster effective Board relationships between the executive and 

non-executive members, support and advise the Chief Executive 
Officer generally and in the implementation of agreed strategy.

•  Ensure effective communication with the Company’s stakeholders 

and that their views are understood by the Board.

Role of the Chief Executive Officer
The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for day-to-day 
management of the business within the authorities delegated 
by the Board. In particular, he will:

•  Propose, develop and supervise the Company’s strategy and 

overall commercial objectives and ensure that agreed strategies 
are implemented by the business.

•  Build and develop an appropriate organisational structure for the 
business, establish processes and systems and plan resourcing 
to ensure that the Company has the capability to achieve its aims.

•  Lead the executive team including undertaking appraisals, 

reviewing development needs and making recommendations 
to the Remuneration Committee with regard to remuneration.

•  Promote and conduct the affairs of the Company with the 

highest standards of integrity, probity and corporate governance.

•  Progress the Company’s communication programme with 

shareholders and ensure that financial results, business strategies 
and targets are appropriately communicated to the Company’s 
investors.

Non-executive directors
The independent non-executive directors bring a wealth of 
knowledge from the Oil and Gas industry together with experience 
from other sectors to the Board and its Committees. Through their 
contributions, they provide the Company with independent views on 
matters of strategy, performance, risk and conduct. Non-executive 
directors are appointed for an initial three-year term, although 
approved at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) yearly, with the 
expectation that a further three-year term will follow, subject 
to review by the Board. Following a second term, consideration as 
to whether a serving independent non-executive director should 
be recommended for reappointment for a third term is subject to 
the review of the Chairman in consultation with the Chief Executive 
Officer. The terms and conditions of appointment of the non-

48

Ophir Energy plcexecutive directors are available for inspection at the registered office 
during normal business hours. While the expected time commitment 
from non-executive directors is set out in their letter of appointment 
as approximately two days per month, plus preparation time, 
each is required to confirm that they are able to devote such time 
as is necessary for the satisfactory performance of their duties.

The length of tenure and independence of the non-executive 
directors as at year end is shown below:

Ronald Blakely

Date of 
appointment
July 2011 

Alan Booth

 April 2013

Vivien Gibney

August 2013

John Lander

November 2008

Lyndon Powell

October 2007

William (Bill) Schrader

February 2013

Tenure from 
appointment 
to 2014 AGM
Less than 
3 years
Less than 
2 years
Less than 
1 year
Less than 
6 years*
Less than 
7 years
Less than 
2 years

Considered 
to be 
independent
Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

*  In the case of John Lander, the tenure represents the date from his  
appointment to the Board until his retirement on 28 February 2014.

The Board considers that all its non-executive directors at year end, 
namely Ronald Blakely, Alan Booth, Vivien Gibney, John Lander,  
Lyndon Powell and Bill Schrader were independent in character and 
judgement and free from relationships or circumstances that might 
affect their judgement. Due to the wealth of experience that Lyndon 
Powell has acquired whilst working in the armed services, the Chairman 
and the Chief Executive Officer believe his reappointment to serve 
for a third term was instrumental in particular, to the contribution 
Mr Powell makes as Chairman of the HSE Committee in overseeing the 
management of operational and security risks across the business. 

On 18 February 2013, Dennis McShane’s role as a non-executive 
director ceased when he was appointed as Executive Director 
of Corporate Strategy. Nevertheless, during the year under 
review, the majority of the non-executive directors, excluding the 
Chairman, were independent non-executive directors and met the 
criteria for independence set out in the Code. Throughout 2013 
and up to the date of publication of this report, a majority of the 
Board members, excluding the Chairman, were independent 
non-executive directors.

Senior Independent Director
Ronald Blakely was appointed as the Senior Independent Director 
with effect from 18 February 2013 following Dennis McShane’s 
appointment as an executive director of the Board as at the same 
date. The Senior Independent Director is charged with maintaining 
a communication channel between the Chairman and the non-
executive directors and for leading the non-executive directors in 
the annual performance evaluation of the Chairman. In addition, 
the Senior Independent Director is available to shareholders who 
have concerns that have not, or cannot, be resolved through the 
normal channels of the Chairman or the Chief Executive Officer or 
where such contact is inappropriate. The specific terms of the role 
of the Senior Independent Director have been set out in writing and 
approved by the Board.

Company Secretary
Jacqueline Knox was appointed as Company Secretary in April 2013 
and is supported by the Deputy Company Secretary, Chandrika 
Kher, who was appointed in October 2013.

Effectiveness
Board composition
At 31 December 2013 the Board was comprised of the Chairman, 
three executive directors and six independent non-executive 
directors. The following changes to the Board took place during the 
year ended 31 December 2013 and up to the date of this report: 

18 February 2013 Dennis McShane ceased to be an independent 

non-executive director on his appointment as 
Executive Director of Corporate Strategy.

Bill Schrader was appointed as an independent 
non-executive director.
Lisa Mitchell was appointed as an executive director 
of the Company.

Alan Booth was appointed as an independent 
non-executive director.
Jonathan Taylor, an executive director, retired from the 
Board at the conclusion of the AGM to pursue other 
interests.
Vivien Gibney was appointed as an independent 
non-executive director.
John Lander, independent non-executive director, 
retired from the Board.

26 April 2013

6 June 2013

14 August 2013

28 February 2014

49

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceCorporate Governance 
continued

As at the date of this report therefore, the Board comprises 
the Chairman, three executive directors and five independent 
non-executive directors. The Board believes that this balance 
of executive and non-executive directors provides for high 
quality discussion and consideration of the key issues concerning 
the Company.

The composition of the Board is regularly reviewed to ensure that 
the Directors have the required skills, knowledge and experience 
to meet the needs of the business. Biographical details for each 
of the Directors who served at the end of the year and at the date 
of this report are set out on pages 46 to 47.

Meeting attendance
The Board held five formal meetings during 2013, including 
a meeting to consider the strategic direction of the business. 
In addition, six further meetings were called at short notice in order 
to consider specific items of business. Details of the attendance of 
all Directors who served during the year ended 31 December 2013 
and up to the date of this report at the formal and short-notice 
Board meetings are shown in the table below:

Scheduled Board 
Meetings

Meetings held 
at short notice

Current Directors
Nicholas Smith, Chairman
Nick Cooper, Chief Executive Officer
Lisa Mitchell, executive director
Dennis McShane, executive director1
Ronald Blakely, non-executive director
Alan Booth, non-executive director2
Vivien Gibney, non-executive director3
John Lander, non-executive director5
Lyndon Powell, non-executive director
Bill Schrader, non-executive director1

5/5
5/5
3/3
5/5
5/5
3/3
2/2
5/5
5/5
4/4

Former Directors
Jonathan Taylor, executive director4
1 Dennis McShane was appointed to the Board as an executive director and 

3/3

Bill Schrader as an independent non-executive director on 18 February 2013
2 Alan Booth and Lisa Mitchell were appointed to the Board on 26 April 2013
3 Vivien Gibney was appointed to the Board on 14 August 2013
4 Jonathan Taylor resigned from the Board on 6 June 2013
5 John Lander retired from the Board on 28 February 2014

6/6
6/6
3/3
6/6
6/6
3/3
2/2
6/6
6/6
5/5

3/4

Board process
Directors are provided with full and timely information before 
meetings, including detailed financial information where 
applicable. The Chief Executive Officer agrees the agenda for 
Board meetings in consultation with the Company Secretary, 
Chief Financial Officer and the Chairman and formal minutes are 
prepared to record all decisions made. To facilitate the efficient 
dissemination of information to directors, the Board implemented 
electronic board meeting software during the year. Minutes of 
Board and Committee meetings are formally approved at the 
following meetings. In the meantime, draft minutes are circulated 
to each Director or Committee member as appropriate as soon 
as practicable after the conclusion of the meeting. 

Minutes of Committee meetings may be made available to other 
Board members on request and as appropriate. If a Director objects 
to a particular proposal, this will be recorded in the minutes of the 
relevant meeting. During the year ended 31 December 2013 there 
were no such objections. 

In August 2013, the Board approved the establishment of the 
Technical Advisory Committee which would (amongst many other 
matters) consider the technical aspects of any operational business 
proposals requiring Board approval and to advise the Board if 
there are any significant technical risks or concerns that should be 
taken into consideration when considering any such proposals. 
This Committee also ensures the technical activities of the 
Company are consistent with the overall strategy of the Company. 
The Board recognises that the establishment of such a Committee 
is not a requirement of the Code, nonetheless, its establishment 
enhances the Board’s ability to approve appropriate business 
proposals of a technical nature pertaining to the Oil and Gas 
industry. The Committee is comprised of three members and meets 
at least four times a year and as otherwise required. The Chair of 
the Committee is Alan Booth, the Chief Executive Officer and Bill 
Schrader are also members. The Committee’s Terms of Reference 
are available on the Company’s website at www.ophir-energy.com/
about-us/board-committees/technical-advisory.

Insurance and indemnification
The Company provides its Directors and Officers with the benefit 
of appropriate insurance, which is reviewed annually. In addition, 
Directors and Officers have received an indemnity from the 
Company against (a) any liability incurred by or attaching to the 
Director or Officer in connection with any negligence, default, 
breach of duty or breach of trust by them in relation to the 

50

Ophir Energy plcCompany or any associated company; and (b) any other liability 
incurred by or attaching to the Director or Officer in the actual 
or purported execution and/or discharge of their duties and/or the 
exercise or purported exercise of their powers and/or otherwise 
in relation to/or in connection with their duties, powers or office 
other than certain excluded liabilities including to the extent that 
such an indemnity is not permitted by law. 

Appointment, induction and training 
The Chairman is responsible for ensuring that an appropriate 
induction is given to new Board members. The induction 
programme is specifically tailored to the needs of the incoming 
Director and will include training on the business and strategy of the 
Company, copies of Board policies and procedures, meetings with 
senior management and site visits, where appropriate. Ongoing 
development and training is provided to Directors at Board and 
Committee meetings.

During 2013, the Directors received specific training on: 

•  Macro, equity markets and gas market trends;

•  Asia-Pacific liquefied natural gas;

•  Competitor activity in East and West Africa;

•  UK Bribery Act update;

•  HSE, including crisis management; and

•  Updates on specific areas of risk.

Independent advice
All Directors have access to the advice and services of the 
Company Secretary and the Board has established a procedure 
whereby any Director may take independent professional advice 
at the Company’s expense on any matter in the furtherance 
of their duties.

Re-election
In accordance with the provisions of the Code, all continuing 
Directors of the Company offer themselves for annual re-election 
at the AGM.

External directorships
The Company has adopted a policy which allows the executive 
directors to accept directorship of other quoted companies 
provided that they have obtained the prior permission of the 
Chairman. As set out in the Code, no executive director would be 
permitted to take on more than one non-executive directorship 
in a FTSE 100 company or the chairmanship of such a company. 

During the year ended 31 December 2013, none of the Company’s 
executive directors held directorships in any other quoted company.

Board Committee evaluation 
Socia Limited was appointed to undertake the first external 
evaluation of the Board, its members and processes in 2012. This 
review indicated that the Board met the requirements of the Code 
but that a number of areas could be developed further. During 2013, 
a number of changes have been implemented to extend the skills 
available to the Board and to develop its governance of the business.

One outcome from the 2012 evaluation led the Chairman to 
initiate a review of the effectiveness of the Board Committees. 
Socia Limited led by Alex Cameron, was again appointed to 
undertake the review. The objective of this evaluation was focused 
on three key areas: to ensure the Board Committees are fit to meet 
the demands of the business, for the Committees to be afforded 
sufficient time and authority to take on a greater role and to ensure 
that the Committees’ involvement enables the Board to have ample 
time to address the most significant matters affecting the business.

The external facilitator conducted interviews with each Committee 
Chairman and respective Committee members, attended Committee 
meetings and was furnished with each Committee’s Terms of 
Reference and other relevant documentation to facilitate the 
evaluation. The resulting report, including recommendations for action, 
was considered by the Committee members and the Chairman of the 
Board and a response plan was agreed by each respective Committee.

A series of recommendations emerged from the evaluation of 
which the principal conclusion was the timing and scheduling of 
Committee meetings should be modified. The relevant Committees 
should then be able to increase their workload and allow Board 
meetings to deal with complex strategic issues rather than items 
which could more effectively be considered at Committee level. 

The Senior Independent Director led a review of the Chairman’s 
performance by the non-executive directors. The result of the 
Chairman’s review was that he was perceived to be performing well.

Conflicts of interest
Every Director has a duty to avoid a conflict between their personal 
interests and those of the Company. The provisions of Section 
175 of the Companies Act 2006 and the Company’s Articles 
of Association permit the Board to authorise situations identified 
by a Director in which he or she has, or may have, a direct or 
indirect interest that conflicts, or may conflict, with the interests 
of the Company.

51

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceAnnual General Meeting
All shareholders are invited to attend the Company’s Annual 
General Meeting when they are given the opportunity to ask 
questions on the financial report and accounts and on the general 
business of the Company.

The 2014 AGM will be held on 21 May 2014 at the offices 
of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 7 More London Riverside, 
London SE1 2RT. Full details of the business of the AGM is set out 
in the Notice of Meeting and sent to those shareholders who have 
elected to receive hard copy notifications, together with any related 
documentation, at least 20 clear business days before the date 
of the meeting in accordance with the requirement of the Code. 
The Notice of Meeting together with a copy of the 2013 Annual 
Report will also be made available at: www.ophir-energy.com.

Committees of the Board
In order to facilitate the business of the Company, the Board 
has delegated certain responsibilities to its standing Committees 
in line with the provisions of the Code. The reports of the Audit, 
HSE, Nomination and Remuneration Committees are set out 
on the following pages.

Corporate Governance 
continued

The Board continues to undertake regular reviews of the outside 
positions and interests or arrangements with third parties held by 
each Director and, where appropriate, to authorise those situational 
conflicts following consideration. Notwithstanding the above, each 
Director is aware of their duty to notify the Board should there be 
any material change to their positions or interests during the year. 
Directors do not participate in Board discussion or decisions which 
relate to any matter in which they have or may have a conflict 
of interest.

Relations with shareholders 
Dialogue with shareholders
The Board recognises the importance of establishing and 
maintaining good relations with all the Company’s shareholders. 
Nick Cooper, the Chief Executive Officer, is primarily responsible 
for investor relations, supported by executive directors, senior 
management and the investor relations function. Over 300 investor 
meetings and calls were hosted during the year. Additionally, 
Nicholas Smith, the Chairman, and Ron Blakely, the Senior 
Independent and Audit Committee Chairman met with major 
institutional shareholders in January 2014 to listen to their views 
on the Company’s progress, developments since listing and the 
executive management team. This process, which was well received 
by investors and produced positive responses on the Company and 
its management team is ongoing. Vivien Gibney, the Remuneration 
Committee Chairman also consulted widely with key/institutional 
shareholders about the Company’s remuneration policy and 
proposals on remuneration for 2014.

All financial and regulatory announcements, as well as other 
important business announcements, are published to the investor 
relations section of the Company’s website and stakeholders can 
subscribe to receive new updates by email by registering online on 
the website at www.ophir-energy.com/investors/register-for-email-
alerts.aspx. 

52

Ophir Energy plcCorporate Governance 
Report of the Audit Committee

Ronald Blakely
Audit Committee 
Chairman

Membership and attendance
The members of the Committee, the majority of whom are 
independent non-executive directors, together with details of their 
individual attendance at meetings held during the year ended 
31 December 2013, are set out below:

Meeting attendance
Committee members
4/4
Ronald Blakely (Committee Chairman)
Alan Booth1
–
4/4
John Lander
1/1
Dennis McShane
Bill Schrader
2/2
1 Alan Booth was appointed a member of the Committee on 14 November 2013

The Board considers all members of the Committee to be 
independent and that Ronald Blakely has recent and relevant 
financial experience and competence in accounting as required 
by section C.3.1 of the Code and section 7.1.1 of the Disclosure 
and Transparency Rules, respectively. The Chief Executive Officer, 
Chief Financial Officer and representatives of the external auditor 
attend Committee meetings on a regular basis. In addition, the 
Group Financial Controller and the General Counsel and Company 
Secretary may be invited to attend all or part of Committee 
meetings as required. The external auditors are also given the 
opportunity to meet with the Committee without executive 
management being present.

Role and responsibilities of the Audit Committee
During 2013, the Committee reviewed its objectives and 
Terms of Reference to ensure that they remained appropriate. 
The Committee’s full Terms of Reference are available on the 
Company’s website at www.ophir-energy.com/about-us/board-
committees/audit and are fully compliant with section C.3.2 
of the Code.

Report of the Audit Committee Chairman 

Dear Shareholder
I take pleasure in providing shareholders with my report on the 
Audit Committee deliberations during 2013.

Firstly, I would like to thank my Board colleagues, John Lander 
and Bill Schrader for their participation on the Committee. Bill 
joined the Committee on 18 February 2013 following Dennis 
McShane’s transition as a full time executive. His considerable 
experience leading country operations, including in Africa, along 
with his deep knowledge of facilities management provides a 
strong operations complement to the Committee. John Lander 
retired from the Board on 28 February 2014 and had brought 
valuable knowledge of earth sciences and geology which are 
core to the Ophir business during his period of service. With my 
background as a professional accountant and global financial 
leadership experience, I believe the Committee has the requisite 
and diverse skills to fulfil its mandate.

In last year’s report, I commented on the focus of the Committee 
to improve the control framework, to put in place evaluation and 
management processes for risks and to ensure compliance with 
regulatory requirements in the jurisdictions where we operate. 
All of these areas continued to receive focus in 2013 and further 
improvements were made through maturing and embedding 
these activities into the day-to-day operations of the Company. 
Continued growth in the Company led to a decision that an 
internal audit programme should be established in 2013 and 
towards the end of the year, we conducted a tender among 
three professional accountancy firms which would allow a broad 
range of skills to be utilised by the Company for internal audits. 
Full cycle implementation will occur in 2014. 

During the year management recommended that the current 
financial system of the Company be replaced by a widely 
used industry finance platform which the Audit Committee 
supported. While this will raise some risk for the Company in the 
short-term implementation phase, it will facilitate better controls 
and more robust reporting in the longer term. The Committee 
agreed with management that the scope and complexity of the 
Company’s future activities will go beyond the capacity of the 
current system. The Committee has and will continue to monitor 
the changeover through to full implementation.

53

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceCorporate Governance 
Report of the Audit Committee
continued

Early in 2013, the Committee reviewed the controls associated 
with the determination of probable and contingent reserves 
from technical interpretation through to external reporting. The 
Committee was sufficiently satisfied that there was appropriate 
division of technical responsibilities, adequate peer and partner 
challenge and well-defined sign off authorities for the reporting of 
exploration results. In addition, the Company has and will continue 
to use external independent parties to conduct reserve verifications.

Through the two external reporting periods in the past year, the 
Committee engaged with Ernst & Young LLP (EY), the external 
auditors, to discuss significant matters in the reporting of the 
financial statements. The main focus of that dialogue fell in two 
areas. Firstly, as a company with no revenues, the ‘going concern’ 
evaluation was thoroughly scrutinised. The evaluation covered both 
short-term liquidity and longer term solvency (as was addressed 
by the Sharman Panel). Therefore, much time and focus is given to 
the assessment of available sources of capital to the Company and 
the timing of Company commitments to expenditures. In the past 
year shareholders will be aware that the Company raised capital 
through a Placement and Rights Issue announced in March 2013 
and entered into a farm-in agreement announced in November 
2013 and subject to the completion of the latter, both of which 
will provide substantial funds to the Company, allowing it to carry 
out the preferred exploration programme and meet the work 
programme pursuant to the Product Sharing Contracts and other 
related contractual obligations. This allowed the Board to validate 
the ‘going concern’ basis of accounting. The conclusion was tested 
and challenged under several sensitivity variations from the base 
budget both by EY and the Board. While the ‘going concern’ test 
has been validated at the time of issuing the 2013 Annual Report, 
shareholders should be aware of the risk of ownership in the 
Company. The Ophir business model will always carry inherently 
higher risks until such time as a long-term revenue source is secured.

The second area of review with EY related to asset impairments. 
Ophir employs IFRS 6 as the basis of capitalising exploration results. 
Given the material amounts involved, the exploration results are 
challenged to ensure appropriate judgements are applied from 
the technical evaluations. The Company had significant success 
in discovering material pools of hydrocarbons during the year but 
there were also impairments recorded associated with Ghana, 
Tanzania Block 7, Madagascar, Congo and Kenya.

engagement with effect from the 2014 fiscal year. The decision 
to embark on this undertaking was made at the time of the initial 
proposal by the Financial Reporting Council. With a concern that 
many companies would engage the major accounting firms in 
tendering over the next two years, it was agreed to move early 
and precede this peak in the market. It was also felt that Ophir’s 
accounting was going to become more complex in future with 
more drilling activity in more countries and potentially more joint 
venture arrangements, such that 2014 would be a better time 
to change external auditors if that was the conclusion. 

The tender process was conducted by the Ophir Contracting 
and Procurement Manager to give rigour and independent 
structure. As Audit Committee Chairman, I formed part of the 
Selection Committee with the Contracting and Procurement 
Manager, the Chief Financial Officer and senior members of the 
Finance department in each step of the evaluation and final 
recommendation. We received a strong response from three major 
accounting firms that provided extremely professional proposals 
and presentations. It was a very competitive process which each 
firm clearly took very seriously. The tender process was a very useful 
means to assess the quality and effectiveness of EY as well as 
the other firms. In the end analysis, the likeness of organisational 
capabilities, the competitive level of fees and the professionalism of 
lead partner personnel did not provide a distinction that resulted in 
a compelling case to engage a new external auditor. The decision 
was therefore made to continue with EY as the Company external 
auditor until such time as future tender requirements are considered. 
It must be acknowledged that the Company has relied on EY to 
provide specific approved non-audit services during the first two 
years of public listing. Given small staff numbers in Ophir and the 
demands on the limited personnel, the Company could not have 
completed the Initial Public Offering, the Dominion acquisition 
and the financings in 2012 and 2013 without the added help from 
EY in very specific areas, drawing on their financial knowledge of 
the Company. In 2014, that reliance for non-audit services will be 
diminished and represent only exceptional circumstances in future. 
There is no evidence that the extra engagements over the past 
two years have diminished the independence of EY as Company 
auditor. However, in keeping with best practice, and recognising the 
increased capacity of Ophir internal staff, it is appropriate to take 
steps to assure the future independence.

The last subject I wish to comment upon is audit tendering. The 
Audit Committee made the decision to tender the external audit 

Ronald Blakely
Audit Committee Chairman

54

Ophir Energy plcFinancial reporting
During the year, the Committee reviewed and approved for 
consideration by the Board the financial results for the year ended 
31 December 2012 together with the results for the half-year to 
30 June 2013. On both occasions, the Committee considered the 
external auditor’s approach to their review of the interim results and 
their audit of the full-year financial statements to ensure that the 
scope of relevant review or audit was appropriate. The Committee 
also reviewed and discussed the external auditors’ report on the 
full- and half-year financial results with EY, prior to agreeing to 
recommend each set of financial statements and associated 
reports to the Ophir Board for approval.

 A key element of this review was the appropriateness of preparing 
the accounts on a going concern basis, a particular area of scrutiny 
and review given that the Company continues to be an exploration 
rather than a producing entity. The going concern reviews included 
consideration of forecast plans and supporting assumptions, as well 
as the options available to the Company for obtaining additional 
funding, such as portfolio management and equity. Portfolio 
management is regularly reviewed to potentially enhance the 
financial capacity and flexibility of the Company. At both full- and 
half-year, the Committee agreed that the Company’s financial 
position was such that it continued to be appropriate for accounts 
to be prepared on a going concern basis. 

The Company adds value through its ability to find, develop and 
eventually monetise early stage oil and gas assets, which invariably 
are non-revenue generating. It follows from this that the principal 
focus of the Committee, when considering the financial reporting 
of the Company, is to ensure that the exploration expenditure 
commitments of the Company are appropriately funded. This 
results in major focus being placed on forward spending plans 
and working capital models as much as retrospective scrutiny of 
financial reporting. Prior to approving both the full-year financial 
statements for 2012 and the interim financial statements for 
2013, the Committee considered the Company’s forward plans for 
fund-raising and drilling commitments (being the most significant 
forward financial commitments that Ophir make) as part of its 
assessment of the going concern basis of preparation of the 
accounts (further detail on the going concern statement is set out 
on page 66).

An associated area of audit risk is the assessment of the carrying 
value of capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure to 
ensure that expenditure is appropriately expensed to the P&L 

should impairments arise. Impairment reviews are undertaken 
by the Company in accordance with IFRS 6. The external auditors 
report on this area of audit risk to the Audit Committee and the 
Committee has been satisfied that exploration has been treated 
in the correct way in the financial statements.

A further area of focus at the beginning of the year was to ensure 
that the Dominion acquisition in 2012 had been accounted for 
correctly in the 2012 Annual Report. The Committee therefore 
reviewed the application of business combination accounting 
principles for the acquisition and were satisfied that they had been 
appropriately applied.

External Auditor
EY has acted as auditors for the Company since 2004. During the 
year, the Committee considered and agreed that the Company’s 
external audit services should be put out to tender at least once 
every ten years, as set out in the Code and the FRC Guidance of 
Audit Committees. The Contracting and Procurement Manager, on 
behalf of the Committee, led the review of audit services, including 
a tender by suppliers, ahead of the commencement of the 2014 
audit. This was the Company’s first external tender exercise since its 
incorporation in 2004. The selection process for the appointment 
of an external auditor followed the Company’s standard procedure 
for tenders and was undertaken within a pre-defined timetable. 

A Selection Committee was established which included the 
Committee Chairman, the Chief Financial Officer, the Contracting 
and Procurement Manager and other senior members of the 
Finance department. Together, the Selection Committee agreed 
the selection criteria against which they would measure each 
tender participant. A detailed Request for Tender (RFT) document 
was prepared and distributed to the participants who had been pre-
selected for the tender. Following a review of all RFT submissions, 
tender participants were invited to present their proposal to the 
Selection Committee. Each participant was required to evidence 
they had the required experience and capability to provide the 
Company with appropriate external auditing services. Using the 
selection criteria matrix, each tender participant was ranked by 
the Selection Committee. 

The Audit Committee as a whole was provided with regular 
progress reports on the external audit tender and, once the 
process had been completed, the Selection Committee made 
a recommendation to the Audit Committee based on their 
observations and analysis. 

55

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceCorporate Governance 
Report of the Audit Committee
continued

Taking all factors into consideration, such as each provider’s 
capability, competitive level of fees and lead partners, the 
Committee agreed to recommend to the Board that EY be retained 
as the Company’s external auditors and that their reappointment 
be submitted at the AGM in 2014. The Committee further agreed 
that in the event that the Company’s shareholders approve the 
reappointment of EY, this would be for a period of five years, 
after which period, the Company would retender its external 
audit services. The Committee further agreed that there were 
no contractual obligations that acted to restrict the Committee’s 
choice of external auditors. All tender participants were notified 
of the results of the Company’s tender process in November 2013.

In addition, 2013 saw the appointment of a new external audit 
partner for the Company following the rotation of the previous 
partner at the conclusion of the 2012 audit in accordance with the 
requirements of the ethical standards of the Accounting Practices 
Board. The new external audit partner attended several of the 
Committee meetings during the year and was responsible for the 
management of both the half-year reviews and 2013 full-year audit.

The Committee has reviewed and confirmed the Company’s policy 
governing the provision of audit and non-audit services provided 
by the auditor and their associates. The policy clearly identifies 
permitted and prohibited services and sets out the procedure to 
be followed for the approval of all audit and non-audit services. 
All engagements with an expected fee in excess of US$100,000 
require the prior approval of the Committee. The Committee 
reviews statements on the independence and objectivity of the 
external auditor at least twice a year in order to satisfy itself that 
independence and objectivity have been safeguarded.

During the year ended 31 December 2013 the Company 
committed expenditure of US$435,000 on audit services 
(2012: US$373,000) and US$772,000 on non-audit work 
(2012: US$638,000). The non-audit work undertaken by EY related 
to audit-related assurance services and corporate finance services 
and these fees were reviewed and approved by the Committee 
under the terms of the policy. Further details as to the nature of 
the services provided are set out in note 6 to the consolidated 
financial statements. There is no limitation of liability in the terms 
of appointment of EY as auditor to the Company.

Effectiveness of external auditors
To assess the effectiveness of the external audit process, the external 
auditors provide information on the steps they have taken to ensure 
objectivity and independence, including in relation to the provision 
of any non-audit services. The Committee monitors the external 
auditors’ performance, behaviour and effectiveness during the 
exercise of their duties, and this informs the Committee’s decision on 
whether or not they should recommend reappointment on an annual 
basis. The Chairman of the Audit Committee meets, apart from 
formal scheduled meetings, between three to four times during the 
year to discuss matters of process, relationships between the country 
audit teams as well as review of plans and completion progress. 
The recent external audit process provided considerable opportunity 
to compare points of auditor effectiveness between firms.

Internal audit 
During the year the Committee reviewed the requirement for the 
Company to establish an internal audit function. It was agreed 
that the Company’s development over the year warranted the 
establishment of an internal audit function, albeit on an outsourced 
basis initially. 

56

Ophir Energy plcThe Committee delegated authority to undertake a tender for 
internal audit services to the senior management team. The tender 
process ran in parallel with that of external audit services and the 
Committee delegated authority to management to establish 
a selection committee which included the Chief Financial Officer, 
the Group Financial Controller and the Procurement & Contracts 
Manager to oversee the process and agree the selection criteria 
for an internal audit function. A shortlist of appropriate participants 
was selected and the parties presented their respective proposal 
to the Selection Committee and the senior management team. 
Following the process, the Selection Committee recommended, 
and the Audit Committee approved, that Mazars LLP be appointed 
to provide the Company’s internal auditor services for a period 
of 12 months from 1 January 2014.

Risk management and internal controls
The Board has delegated its responsibility for monitoring the 
Company’s system of internal control and for reviewing its 
effectiveness on a continual basis to the Committee.

The Company’s system of internal control is designed to safeguard 
the Company’s assets and to ensure the reliability of financial 
information for internal and external use. Any system of controls 
can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that 
assets are safeguarded, transactions are correctly authorised 
and recorded and that any material errors and irregularities are 
detected within a reasonable timeframe. The Company’s internal 
controls are therefore designed to manage, rather than eliminate, 
risk, recognising that not all risks can be eliminated and the cost 
of control procedures should not exceed the expected benefits.

The Committee regularly reviews the effectiveness of the 
Company’s system of internal controls which covers financial, 
operational and risk management processes. Lines of responsibility 
have been clearly defined and a delegated authority schedule 
approved and implemented.

During the year, the Company undertook a bottom-up review 
of risk. The Company operates a risk management process 
under which significant risks are identified, their likelihood and 
impact considered and actions taken to manage those risks. 
The Committee reviews the Company’s risks every six months prior 
to a Board review, from which particular risks may be identified for 
further detailed presentation and discussion at the Board meetings. 
The principal risks identified by the Company are set out on pages 
36 to 37. 

The Board has reviewed the effectiveness of the internal control 
systems in operation during the financial year and, where necessary 
and appropriate, action has been taken to remedy any identified 
failings or weaknesses. The following illustrates how the risk 
management process and the system of internal control operated 
during 2013:

Establishment 
of a single 
fully-integrated 
accounting 
system

The Audit Committee together with the Chief Financial 
Officer considered the merits of a single fully-integrated 
accounting system. This system will enable the 
Company to establish an integrated and an auditable 
authorisation process for procurement requisition and 
invoices. The Committee supported management’s 
recommendation to implement a new financial system 
which will facilitate improved controls within the business.

Audit Committee The role of the Committee includes the review, update 

and approval of the annual internal audit plan, direction 
to the internal audit function, to external auditors and to 
management in the review of internal financial controls.

The Committee alerts the Board to any emerging 
issues and considers the draft papers prepared for the 
annual review of effectiveness of the risk management 
procedures adopted by the Company prior to being 
submitted to the Board for approval.
A formal process exists for year-end risk management 
compliance reporting, requiring the executive directors 
together with the senior management team to confirm 
their responsibilities for risk management and internal 
control. Ultimate compliance reporting is required from 
each Board member.
As detailed earlier, the requirement to establish an 
internal audit function was identified in view of the rapid 
growth of the business. The formal appointment of an 
internal audit function was made in early 2014.

Year-end 
compliance

The requirement 
for an internal 
audit function

57

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceCorporate Governance 
Report of the Audit Committee
continued

Audit Committee evaluation 
Before the year end, the Committee participated in an external 
evaluation of itself and its responsibilities which was overseen 
by external evaluator, Socia Limited. The evaluation focused 
on how the Committee was addressing significant changes 
to the regulatory environment affecting Audit Committees and 
whether members of the Committee were satisfied that it was 
fulfilling all its duties and were given sufficient time to consider 
key matters affecting the business. Committee members were 
also asked whether they were satisfied with the advice obtained 
from the Company on audit issues. As a result of the evaluation, 
a recommendation for the Committee was to focus on improving 
the ways in which it reported back to the Board, especially where 
some Board members were unable to attend and therefore receive 
a verbal update. A general review of the Committee’s Terms of 
Reference was also undertaken to ensure that they remained 
appropriate and adequate to support the strategy of the business. 
All members were comfortable with the level of advice and 
openness from executive management.

Anti-bribery and whistleblowing 
During the year, the Committee reviewed the Company’s 
processes and procedures in relation to the UK Bribery Act 2010 
(the Act) and obtained confirmation that these were being 
properly implemented. The main emphasis during the year has 
been to integrate third-party due diligence into the Company’s 
contracting and procurement procedures and to ensure that third-
party contractors comply with the Company’s anti-bribery policy. 
The Company has also broadened the remit of its third-party 
due diligence process into its business development activities. 
The Company is currently focusing on the development of 
bespoke online training for all staff and key contractors and the 
implementation of Gifts and Hospitality Register.

The Company is committed to the highest standards of 
business conduct and has adopted a whistleblowing policy as a 
mechanism to support the achievement of this goal. Employees 
are encouraged to raise genuine concerns which are carefully and 
thoroughly investigated to assess what action, if any, should be 
taken. Employees, Officers and business partners are able to raise 
any concerns in a confidential manner with either the compliance 
officer Jacqueline Knox (who is the General Counsel and Company 
Secretary), Lyndon Powell (independent non-executive director), 
or the Head of HR. If employees or business partners do now wish 
to raise a concern directly with the Company, they may report 
it through Safecall, an independent company which provides 
an alternative method of reporting concerns.

During the year ended 31 December 2013, no whistleblowing issues 
were raised.

58

Ophir Energy plcCorporate Governance 
Report of the HSE Committee

Lyndon Powell
HSE Committee 
Chairman

Membership and attendance
The members of the Committee, the majority of whom are 
independent non-executive directors, together with details of their 
individual attendance at meetings held during the year ended 
31 December 2013, are set out below:

Committee members
Lyndon Powell (Committee Chairman)
John Lander
Bill Schrader1
Alan Booth2
Vivien Gibney2

Meeting attendance
2/2
2/2
1/1
–
–

Former Committee members
Jonathan Taylor
1 Bill Schrader was appointed a member of the committee on 6 June 2013.
2 Alan Booth and Vivien Gibney were appointed members of the Committee 

1/1

on 14 November 2013. No further meetings were held from 14 November 2013 
to 31 December 2013.

The Company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer have an 
open invitation to attend all Committee meetings. In addition, 
the Company’s HSE Manager is invited to attend each meeting to 
present his report to the Committee. Other senior members of staff 
and external advisors may be invited to attend as necessary.

Report of the HSE Committee Chairman 

Dear Shareholder 
This year has seen Ophir enter the most challenging 
operational period in its history, with multiple planned drilling 
campaigns. The Committee is acutely aware that the safety 
of our employees, contractors and anyone associated with 
our operational activity is paramount. It is also committed to 
ensuring that the Company’s operational activity has minimal 
effect on the environment in which we operate. 

To address the increased activity, a number of steps have been 
taken to enhance our HSE and CSR capacity and systems. 
During the year we appointed an international Security 
Manager and an HSE & CSR Manager in East Africa and a 
similar candidate has been appointed in early 2014 across our 
West African projects. In addition, the Committee engaged 
the services of Environmental Resources Management to carry 
out an independent audit of Ophir’s HSE system to ensure that 
it is fit for purpose. The audit confirmed the system’s suitability 
and provided a number of recommendations to further 
improve our HSE system, the most significant being to achieve 
greater connectivity of HSE across the Company. To capture 
these recommendations, the HSE Management Plan is being 
amended and will be re-launched during the first half of 2014.

A key principle of HSE effectiveness at Ophir is that all 
employees and contractors appreciate HSE is everyone’s 
responsibility. The promotion of this HSE culture is regarded as 
a core element in achieving a safe and secure environment, 
and is introduced during each employee’s induction training 
to create an immediate HSE ‘buy in’ effect. This year has been 
more challenging with a rapidly-expanding work force, it has 
been necessary for additional HSE training to be included 
in the training programme.

I can report that 2013 has been another positive year for 
HSE at Ophir, with no significant incidents, however we remain 
vigilant, as the raison d’etre of Ophir, frontier exploration, 
can produce unexpected risks. A simple example of this, 
we are currently taking steps to extend Ophir’s ‘fit to travel’ 
policy to reduce the risks for the Company’s workforce 
whilst travelling and working in locations where they may 
be exposed to elevated health hazards. In addition, before 
the commencement of any specific drilling programme the 

59

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceCorporate Governance 
Report of the HSE Committee 
continued

Role and responsibilities of the HSE Committee
The role of the Committee is to ensure that appropriate policies and 
systems are developed and implemented in order to identify and 
manage health, safety, social, security and environmental matters 
within all the Company’s operations. 

The Committee’s full Terms of Reference are available on the 
Company’s website at www.ophir-energy.com/about-us/board-
committees/hse. 

HSE Committee highlights
As in previous years, a key focus area for the Committee during the 
year ended 31 December 2013 has been maritime security for the 
Company’s drilling campaigns in East and West Africa. While there 
has been a significant reduction in Somali piracy activity overall in 
East Africa, the Committee ensured that, working closely with vessel 
owners, the appropriate maritime security and safety plans were 
developed and implemented for its drilling campaigns in Ghana 
and Tanzania, the latter including the modus operandi for the use 
of armed personnel during drilling offshore Tanzania. Planning is well 
advanced in this area for the drilling campaigns scheduled for 2014. 

The Committee continued to review the policies on health, safety 
and environment and CSR during the year to ensure that as the 
Company grows so too does the development and refinement 
of its HSE and CSR elements.

The Committee also received information on other policies being 
implemented by the Company. To provide assurance that the 
Company was performing HSE management appropriately, the 
Committee commissioned an independent audit to benchmark 
Ophir’s HSE Management System (HSE MS) against industry best 
practice – Oil and Gas Producers (OGP) 210 standards.

workforce involved is taken through an in-depth process 
of HSE education and alignment to ensure adherence to 
all policies and procedures. These are effective mitigation 
measures in the effort to maximise safety.

This year has seen the final steps taken before implementation 
of a new travel system. As an enhancement to our duty of care 
responsibility to our employees, we will shortly appoint a single 
travel management company for all our travel arrangements 
worldwide. This will provide more reliable tracking of individuals 
and allow for easier emergency assistance if required. 

We have continued the development of our CSR strategy, and 
I am now able to report that we have projects either currently 
running or planned in all our main areas of operations. Projects 
are assessed with a bottom-up approach to ensure that we 
are providing maximum gain for the communities from the 
resources available. All projects are screened for their sensitivity 
and ethical appropriateness.

There have been a number of changes to members of the 
Committee during 2013. Firstly, Jonathan Taylor, a founding 
Director of Ophir, retired in June. Jon had been a member 
of the HSE Committee since its inception and his contribution 
to its work has been enormous. 

Bill Schrader joined the Committee in June 2013 to replace 
Jon Taylor. John Lander retired on 28 February 2014. John 
too had been a long-time member of the Committee and 
has been unswerving in his useful and constructive advice. 
As a proactive move to support the increasing operational 
tempo, and in response to John Lander’s scheduled retirement, 
Alan Booth and Vivien Gibney were appointed as additional 
members to the Committee in November 2013.

In the future, the Committee is looking to provide additional 
support to the Board by widening its remit and overseeing the 
mitigation of other risks.

Lyndon Powell
HSE Committee Chairman

60

Ophir Energy plcHSE Committee evaluation 
Stakeholders (including institutional and retail shareholders, voting 
agencies, environmental groups and local communities) are placing 
increasing importance on companies reporting on their respective 
greenhouse gas emissions, policy on human rights and whether 
the operations of their companies are being managed in a socially 
responsible manner and demonstrate their ability to operate in a 
sustainable manner over the long term. Further details on how the 
Company meets these requirements are set out in the Strategic 
Report on pages 38 to 43.

To this end, the Committee participated in an external evaluation 
of itself and its responsibilities which was overseen by external 
evaluator, Socia Limited. The evaluation focused on ascertaining 
whether the members believed that the Committee was 
adequately fulfilling all of its duties. This included consideration 
of whether the Committee’s composition was appropriate, whether 
satisfactory advice was being received from the Company and 
the level of engagement with and advice and guidance from 
external advisors was provided to the Committee. As a result of 
the evaluation, a recommendation for the Committee to consider 
future non-financial risks was proposed and the Committee 
therefore intends to consider the merits of creating an Operational 
Risk Committee during 2014 to address these risks. 

The audit findings were:

Objective
Ophir has the appropriate 
key programme and 
system elements in place 
to deliver sound HSE 
performance globally
The HSE function is organised 
to effectively deliver those 
programmes and systems

Systems are able to measure 
and monitor implementation 
of the HSE MS at country and 
site level

Conclusion
The Ophir HSE MS framework and content is 
broadly in line with recognised good practice. 
The content of HSE MS is generally fit for 
purpose to control Ophir’s key HSE risks

The existing corporate HSE function has a 
defined structure and accountabilities with 
lines of communication associated with HSE 
being clearly identified. Given the current level 
of activity, the headcount in the function 
appears appropriate
During the review no material issues were 
identified in relation to the level of control 
around operational HSE risks on the ground 
in Ghana

During the year, the Committee also considered the following:

•  HSE key performance indicators;

•  Crisis management plans, exercise and training;

•  Routine HSE training for the Board, all employees and contractors;

•  Auditing of contractors’ HSE systems prior to engagement

•  Appropriateness of undertaking HSE audits of joint venture 

partners;

•  Reports on HSE incidents within the Company, including 

a particular focus on lost time injuries and the results of any 
investigations;

•  HSE and CSR external communications; and

•  Approval of the 2014 HSE budget for submission to the Board.

Further information on the Company’s approach to corporate 
responsibility and HSE matters can be found in the Corporate 
Responsibility Report on pages 38 to 43.

61

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceCorporate Governance 
Report of the Nomination Committee

Nicholas Smith
Nomination Committee 
Chairman

Membership and attendance
The members of the Nomination Committee, together with details 
of their individual attendance at meetings held during the year 
ended 31 December 2013, are set out below:

Committee members
Nicholas Smith (Committee Chairman)
Nick Cooper1
Ronald Blakely
Dennis McShane2
Lyndon Powell2
1 Nick Cooper was appointed a member of the Nomination Committee 

Meeting attendance
6/6
2/2
6/6
0/1
5/5

on 6 June 2013 

2 Dennis McShane was a member of the Nomination Committee until 

18 February 2013 and was replaced by Lyndon Powell on the same date.  
Dennis McShane was unable to attend the one meeting he was authorised  
to attend due to overseas travel.

The Board considers all members of the Committee who served 
during the year to be independent, including the Chairman of the 
Board, who was independent on appointment.

Further to his appointment as executive director in February 2013, 
Dennis McShane stepped down from his position as Chairman 
of the Committee, and was replaced by Nicholas Smith. 

Role and responsibilities of the Nomination Committee
The Terms of Reference of the Committee are available on the 
Company’s website at www.ophir-energy.com/about-us/board-
committees/nomination and is fully compliant with section B.2.1 
of the Code. 

Nomination Committee activities
The key focus of the Committee during 2013, as for the prior year, 
has been succession planning and Board composition. In particular, 
the Committee has strengthened the skills, knowledge and 
experience on the Board with three new non-executive appointments 
and two executive appointments. The Committee has also 
considered ways in which the senior management team could be 
enhanced, either by providing appropriate training and mentoring 
to its current members or by making further appointments.

62

Report of the Nomination Committee 
Chairman

Dear Shareholder
2013 was the year that Ophir Energy completed its transition 
from a private company to a high-ranking member of the 
FTSE 250. The Nomination Committee (the Committee) has 
been involved in a number of ways, with Nick Cooper being 
appointed as a member of the Committee during the year. 

First, Board composition at both executive and non-executive 
levels. Nick Cooper has built a new executive team as the two 
founder directors phased themselves out from the business. 
Two executive directors, Lisa Mitchell, as Chief Financial Officer, 
and Dennis McShane as Executive Director of Corporate Strategy 
were appointed in 2013. Lisa joined us post listing and her 
well-deserved promotion was planned from the outset. Dennis 
had been a non- executive director of Ophir since 2007, latterly 
as Senior Independent Director. When Dennis became available, 
the Committee supported this appointment given his familiarity 
with Ophir and his background in strategy. Their respective 
backgrounds have allowed them to contribute to the Board from 
day one. There is now a strong executive team below Board level 
too to support our growing business and aid succession.

On the non-executive front, there were three appointments 
in 2013 that reflected the outcomes of the 2012 Board 
evaluation and the Committee’s views on the future expertise 
required from your Board members. 

The executive appointments described earlier were sourced 
internally. For our non-executives, we instructed Egon Zehnder 
to assist in the search and Bill Schrader was identified as 
a strong candidate due to his significant commercial and 
operational skills, which the Board was keen to attain. 
Alan Booth and Vivien Gibney both came to us through 
market contacts. Alan’s track record as a sub-surface explorer, 
discoverer and successful Chief Executive are well known. 
Vivien’s background in the oil industry, together with her 
recent legal and remuneration background and overall Board 
experience, strengthened the Board’s skills and experience 
in these areas. In summary, the Committee believes the 
selection process and current Board composition to be 
appropriate to Ophir’s market positioning.

Ophir Energy plcSecondly, the Committee has been considering executive 
and non-executive succession planning. We have plans 
in place for any unexpected short and mid-term changes to 
the senior levels of the executive team and this process is now 
being extended to our mid-level executives as part of their 
career planning. As for the non-executives, the appointments 
during the year formed part of the Committee’s ongoing 
succession plans for the Board. In addition, in anticipation 
of John Lander’s retirement, the Committee has reviewed the 
membership of all Standing Committees and Vivien‘s previous 
experience supported her appointment as Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee with effect from 14 November 
2013. Refreshment is always kept under review but this is not 
expected to be a major consideration for 2014.

Diversity continues to remain an important agenda point 
for the Committee and our policy is set out separately as 
part of the Strategic Report on page 42. As mentioned in my 
statement on page 44, we take this very seriously and led with 
the makeup of our Board and senior management. I will refer 
to our progress on this again in future reports.

Lastly, Board effectiveness. Following on from our Board 
effectiveness review in 2012, the Committee appointed 
Socia Limited to review the Board Committee process 
in 2013. Recommendations as to how the Committees 
may be used more effectively are now being considered 
and will be actioned during 2014.

Nicholas Smith
Nomination Committee Chairman

During the reporting period, the Committee engaged Egon Zehnder 
International to help identify potential non-executive directors. 
A detailed job description and a list of required experience and 
capabilities were prepared to ensure that the Board maintained an 
appropriate balance of skills and experience. Egon Zehnder was also 
instructed to identify candidates solely on merit and suitability and 
did not provide any other services to the Company during the period.

Diversity 
The Board is committed to equal opportunities in its recruitment and 
succession planning policies and continues to welcome the current 
emphasis on diversity in general. The Company remains dedicated 
to encouraging diversity at all levels of the business, acknowledging 
that a more diverse workforce, with the right mix of skills, experience, 
culture, ethnicity, nationality, gender and knowledge can make a 
valuable contribution to the Company. A statement of the Company’s 
policy on diversity is set out in the Strategic Report on page 42.

The Committee also has due regard to the benefits of diversity on the 
Board, including gender but also takes into account other aspects of 
diversity to achieve a proper balance. The overriding criterion is always, 
however, merit. The Committee stresses that Board appointments are 
majorly based on the contribution each member brings to the Board 
and not to merely satisfy any prescribed quota requirements.

When searching for candidates for Board positions, the Committee 
will only use the services of those executive search firms who have 
signed up to the Voluntary Code of Conduct for Executive Search 
Firms as recommended by Lord Davies’ Report.

As at the date of this report, women constitute at least 20% 
of the Board.

Nomination Committee evaluation 
Before the year end, the Committee participated in an externally 
facilitated evaluation led by Alex Cameron of Socia Limited. 
Following interviews with the Chairman of the Committee and 
observations made at Committee meetings, the evaluation 
recommended that the Committee’s priority should remain focused 
on succession planning as the Company continues to grow and 
make significant demands on the executive leadership team.

Socia Limited did not provide any other services nor had any other 
connection with the Company during the reporting period.

63

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceCorporate Governance 
Directors’ Report

The report complies with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 
and Schedule 8 of the Large and Medium-sized Companies and 
Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013.

The report has been prepared in line with the recommendations 
of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2012 and the requirements 
of the UKLA Listing Rules. Details of the Company’s financial 
instruments and hedging activities and its exposures to credit risk 
and liquidity risk are set out in full in note 21 on pages 122 and 124 
of the financial statements.

Results for the year ended 31 December 2013
The Company’s results for the financial year are shown in the 
consolidated financial statements on pages 98 to 155. 

Directors
Biographical details for the Directors of the Company who held 
office during the year ended 31 December 2013 and at the date 
of this report are set out on pages 46 to 47. Details of Directors’ 
service contracts or letters of appointment, their interests in the 
ordinary shares of the Company and in any of the Company’s 
long-term incentive and other share schemes are set out in the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report which can be found on pages 67 
to 93. The Directors’ insurance and indemnity provisions are set out 
on page 50.

Share capital
The called-up share capital of the Company, together with details 
of shares allotted during the year, is shown in note 22 to the Group 
financial statements.

The Company does not hold any shares in treasury. At the 2013 
AGM, the Company was authorised by shareholders to repurchase 
up to 58.75 million of its own ordinary shares, representing 
just under 10% of its issued share capital as at the date of the 
AGM. No buyback programme has been undertaken to date. 

While the Board does not currently intend to exercise the authority, 
it will seek a further renewal at the 2014 AGM and will keep the 
use of the authority under review, taking into account other 
investment opportunities.

Substantial shareholders
As at 31 December 2013 and 18 March 2014 being the date of 
this report, the Company was notified of the following substantial 
holdings of voting rights in the issued share capital of the Company 
in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, as set 
out in the table below.

Shareholders’ rights
The rights and obligations in the Company’s Articles of Association 
relating to the ordinary shares of the Company are set out in the 
Shareholder Information page on 158. The Articles can be found 
on the Company’s website.

Dividend policy
The Directors have not recommended a final dividend for the 
year ended 31 December 2013 and did not declare any interim 
dividends during the year. The Directors do not anticipate that 
the Company will pay dividends in the near future. The Directors 
envisage that, as the Company advances the development of its 
operations, a dividend policy will be determined based on, and 
dependent on, the results of the Company’s operations, financial 
condition, cash requirements, prospects, profits available for 
distribution and other factors deemed to be relevant at the time.

Name
Capital Group Companies, Inc
Kulczyk Investments S.A.3
RS Investment Management Co. LLC
Janus Capital Management LLC
Standard Life Investments Ltd
Mittal Investments S.a.r.l

Number of  
shares held as at  
31 December 2013
112,962,072
56,607,366
41,353,825
36,969,591
23,597,764
18,081,895

% holding as at 
31 December 20131
19.08
9.56
6.99
6.25
3.99
3.05

Number of  
shares held as at  
18 March 2014
112,498,032
56,607,366
41,353,825
34,948,038
23,597,764
18,081,895

% holding as at  
18 March 20142
19.00
9.56
6.98
5.90
3.99
3.05

1 Calculated by reference to the issued share capital of the Company as at 31 December 2013.
2 Calculated by reference to the issued share capital of the Company as at 18 March 2014.
3 The Kulczyk Investments S.A. indirectly owns a 100% interest in Oil and Gas Exploration Limited and includes Hydrocarbon Investments Limited.

64

Ophir Energy plcReport on greenhouse gas emissions
A breakdown of the Company’s energy consumption and associated 
greenhouse gas emissions during 2013 is set out in the Strategic 
Report on page 39. These figures have been calculated in accordance 
with the guidance provided by the Department for Environment, 
Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Department of Energy and 
Climate Change (DECC) and have been classified under the ‘scopes’ 
set out in the World Resources Institute/World Business Council for 
Sustainable Development’s Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

Diversity
A statement of the Company’s policy on diversity is set out in the 
Strategic Report on page 42 and the Board policy on diversity 
is summarised on page 63 of the Nomination Committee report.

Human rights
A statement of the Company’s policy on human rights is set out 
in the Strategic Report on page 43.

Employees 
The Company is committed to actively communicating with 
employees in many ways, including regular briefings on financial 
performance and training on health and safety matters. The 
Company continues to have a diverse workforce comprising local 
employees, contractors and expatriates at most sites. The Company 
is an equal opportunities employer and where existing employees 
become unable to perform their existing role due to a disability, 
it is the Company’s policy to provide continuing employment 
under similar terms and conditions, wherever practicable, and to 
provide training and career development. As at 31 December 2013, 
the Company employed 119 people (2012: 71 people).

Corporate and social responsibility, business conduct 
and ethics and political donations
The Company is committed to sound business conduct in 
its relationships with stakeholders (shareholders, employees, 
customers, business partners and suppliers), governments and 
regulators, communities and the environment. The Company 
seeks to conduct its operations with honesty, integrity and 
openness, and with respect for the human rights and interests 
of our employees and, as such, ensures that its anti-bribery policy 
is fully understood and implemented by all employees and other 
key stakeholders. The Board is also fully committed to ensuring 
that high standards of health, safety and environmental practices 
are implemented and maintained by the Company. Further details 
are set out in the Corporate Social Responsibility review on pages 
38 to 43.

The Company has not made any political donations during the 
year. The Company’s policy is not to make political donations; 
however certain socially responsible activities, which may include 
actions undertaken through the Company’s social and community 
related programmes, attendance at conferences and receptions 
where communicating the Company’s views might be vital to 
its business interests may be inferred by some, as making political 
donations as defined in the Companies Act 2006. The Company 
does not consider such activities as being political donations but 
nevertheless, ensures that all such activities described in this report 
have been conducted in compliance with the Company’s Code 
of Conduct and Anti-Corruption Policy. 

Directors’ responsibility statement
The Directors’ responsibility statement is set out on pages 94 
and 132 the Company’s financial statements are included on pages 
98 to 155.

Change of control
The Company has entered into a number of commercial contracts 
which might take effect, alter or terminate on a change of 
control of the Company. However, none of these is considered 
to be significant in terms of their likely impact on the business 
of the Company as a whole. Details of change of control clauses 
contained in the Service Agreements of the executive directors are 
set out on page 77 of the Directors’ Remuneration Report. Certain 
Company employees have agreements providing for compensation 
for loss of office or employment that occurs because of a change 
of control.

All the Company’s share incentive plans contain provisions relating 
to a change of control and full details of these plans are provided 
in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 67 to 93. Generally, 
outstanding awards under the Foundation Incentive Plan, the 
2006 Plan and the Deferred Share Plan will vest in full and become 
exercisable on or before a change of control. The Remuneration 
Committee may allow outstanding awards under the Long-Term 
Incentive Plan (LTIP) to vest to the extent that any performance 
condition is satisfied at the date of that event and, unless the 
Remuneration Committee decides otherwise, such level of vesting 
to be reduced to take account of the fact that the award is vesting 
early. LTIP awards may instead be exchanged for equivalent awards 
over shares in the acquiring company.

65

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceCorporate Governance 
Directors’ Report  
continued

Corporate Governance statement
The corporate governance statement, in accordance with Rule 7.2 of 
the Disclosure and Transparency Rules and Rule 9.8.6 (5) and (6) of the 
Listing Rules on pages 44 to 52 forms part of this Directors’ Report.

Directors’ Statement as to disclosure of information 
to Auditors
The Directors who were members of the Board at the time of 
approving the Directors’ Report are listed on pages 46 to 47. Having 
made enquiries of fellow directors and of the Company‘s auditors, 
each of these directors confirms that:

•  To the best of each Director’s knowledge and belief, there is no 

information (that is information that is needed by the Company’s 
auditors in connection with preparing their report) of which the 
Company’s auditors are unaware

•  Each Director has taken all the steps a Director might reasonably 
be expected to have to be aware of relevant audit information 
and to establish that the Company’s auditors are aware of 
that information

Auditor
Details of the Company’s policy on external auditor rotation are set 
out on page 56 of the Corporate Governance Report. Further to 
provision C.3.7 of the Code listed companies are expected to put 
their external audit contract out to tender at least every 10 years. 
During the year, the Audit Committee had undertaken a review 
of audit services including a tender by suppliers in advance of the 
2014 audit. Further details concerning the tender process can be 
found on page 55.

Following the conclusion of the external audit tender process, 
EY, has indicated its willingness to continue in office and resolutions 
to re-appoint EY as the Company’s auditor and to authorise 
the Directors to set the auditor’s remuneration will be proposed 
at the 2014 AGM.

Going concern 
The Company’s business activities, together with the factors likely to 
affect its future development, performance and position are set out 
in the Strategic Report on pages 2 to 43. The financial position of the 
Company, consisting of cash resources of US$666.7 million, (including 
the proceeds from the Placing and Rights Issue completed in March 
2013), its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are 
described in the Financial statements on pages 98 to 155. In addition, 
note 21 to the financial statements include the Company’s objectives, 
policies and processes for managing its capital; its financial risk 

66

management objectives; details of its financial instruments and 
hedging activities; and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk. 

In making their going concern assessment, the Directors have 
considered Company budgets and cash flow forecasts for a period 
of at least the next 12 months from the approval of the financial 
statements. These include the anticipated proceeds from the 
completion of the disposal of a 20% interest in Blocks 1, 3 and 4 in 
Tanzania to Pavilion Energy. On 16 December 2013, the Company 
received shareholder approval to dispose of this interest. All conditions 
precedent to the transaction have been satisfied (or waived.) The 
transaction is now unconditional and is expected to close shortly.

The cash flow forecast prepared by management to March 2015 
concluded that despite significant expenditure on ongoing and 
planned drilling programmes across the Company’s blocks during 2014, 
particularly in Tanzania, the Company will have sufficient resources to 
pay its debts as and when they fall due for at least the next 12 months. 

As a consequence of the near completion of the disposal of a 20% 
interest in Blocks 1, 3 and 4 in Tanzania, the Directors believe that 
the Company is well placed to meet its exploration and appraisal 
expenditure commitments for at least the next 12 months and have 
a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources 
to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. 
Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting 
in preparing the annual financial statements. 

Post balance sheet events
A summary of the key post balance sheet events is set out in note 31 
to the Company’s financial statements.

By order of the Board

Nick Cooper
Chief Executive Officer

19 March 2014

Registered office: 
50 New Bond Street, London W1S 1BJ 
Company registered in England and Wales No. 5047425

Ophir Energy plcCorporate Governance: Directors’ Remuneration Report 
Chairman’s Annual Statement on Remuneration

Vivien Gibney
Remuneration Committee  
Chairman

Chairman’s Annual Statement 

Dear Shareholder
I welcome the opportunity to make this first report to 
shareholders, following my appointment to chair the 
Remuneration Committee (the Committee) in November 2013. 

My predecessor John Lander has been most helpful and supportive 
and my sincere thanks go to him for ensuring a smooth and 
effective transition between us. The Company is indebted to John 
for steering the remuneration elements of a private company to 
those of the FTSE 250 company it now is. Inevitably, the Company 
has some heritage issues from those former days which are set 
out in the Annual Report on Remuneration on pages 79 to 93, 
but the Board is supportive of the recent reforms in remuneration 
policy and practice and is committed to carrying them out. Not 
surprisingly, different shareholders and industry bodies sometimes 
have differing views in these areas. 

We have consulted with our principal shareholders and these 
industry bodies in finalising our remuneration policy for 2014 
and their views have informed and shaped our discussions 
and decisions. Our overwhelming concern is to ensure that 
our remuneration policy continues to support the strategy of 
the Company and ensures a fair reward for success. I am very 
grateful to those shareholders who took the time to meet with 
me or to speak on the telephone. Your courtesy was very much 
appreciated as was your willingness to engage in open debate. 
It was a privilege and I thank you.

The new regulations governing the disclosure and approval 
of directors’ remuneration require the remuneration report to be 
split into three parts:

(i)   This Annual Statement providing an overview of the 

Company’s remuneration policy and the way in which it has 
been implemented during the year under review;

(ii)  The Remuneration Policy Report (the Policy Report), which 
will be subject to a binding shareholder resolution at the 
forthcoming AGM; and

(iii)  The Annual Report on Remuneration which will be put to an 
advisory shareholder resolution at the forthcoming AGM.

Remuneration Policy for 2014
Ophir is an oil and gas exploration company; as such it creates 
value for its shareholders in different ways. Historically, it has seen 
considerable success through the discovery and delineation of 
oil and gas assets. It also actively manages these assets through 
farm-outs and acquisitions. Our strategy is to create shareholder 
value through the exploration and appraisal phase of the E&P 
cycle and we seek to monetarise value at the appropriate time 
in the investment cycle to maximise shareholder returns.

Because the exploration business is a long-term one our activities 
impact over more than a single year. It is therefore the policy 
of the Committee for the remuneration of the executive directors 
to be weighted towards long-term variable pay, with fixed pay 
set at or below comparable market benchmarks. However, the 
Committee was concerned that the remuneration of the Chief 
Executive Officer was no longer competitive in comparison with 
his peers and that there was a relatively small difference between 
his base salary and that of the other executive directors. The 
Committee believed that a significant increase in base salary 
was required to retain and properly reward the Chief Executive 
Officer. Shareholder views in consultation on this issue varied 
considerably. The Committee recognises the force of opinions 
expressed but nevertheless believes that his performance is 
superior and that it is in the best interests of the Company, its 
shareholders and stakeholders to retain him. Therefore for 2014 
the Committee approved an increase in basic salary for the 
Chief Executive Officer of £74,470 (18.3%) and intends to make 
a further increase of £68,000 from 1 January 2015 (a further 
increase of 14.1%), subject to continuing good performance; 
it proposes increases in basic salaries for the other executive 
directors of 2.5% consistent with the typical salary budget of the 
Group as a whole. All with effect from 1 January 2014. 

There are no changes to our annual bonus or our long-term 
incentive policies for 2014, either in terms of quantum or of 
structure. Full details of these are set out on pages 71 to 72.

67

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceChairman’s Annual Statement on Remuneration  
continued

Performance and reward
As described in the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer’s 
joint review, 2013 was another year of significant operational 
and strategic progress.

The Committee considers the remuneration paid to our 
management team to fairly reflect their performance during 
the year. Ophir includes a broad range of the Company’s 
KPIs in its annual bonus plan (encapsulating, for example, 
health and safety, funding costs, increase in resources and 
finding costs) and the Company delivered substantial progress 
against each metric during the year in delivering the strong 
performance noted above. As a result, annual bonuses were 
paid in the range of 86% and 92% of the maximum to the 
Company’s current Executive directors. 

As the Company only listed on the main market of the London 
Stock Exchange in July 2011, no long-term incentive awards 
vested during the year (save for the Chief Executive Officer’s 
2011 awards made to facilitate his recruitment). This reflects 
the relatively short period since listing.

Other Remuneration Committee activities during the 
year under review
The Committee spent time on a number of other matters 
concerning executive pay during the year. These included:

•  Undertaking a review of executive remuneration
  The conclusion of this review was that the current policy, 
weighting pay towards variable remuneration, remains 
appropriate for a Company making investment decisions 
with multi-year impacts. However, reflecting the feedback 
received during consultation, particularly in relation to our 
approach to measuring long-term performance, during 
the current year we will review certain aspects of our policy 
to ensure its continued effectiveness in underpinning the 
strategy of the Company and fairly rewarding success.

•  Determining Annual Bonus payments in respect of the 2012 
financial year and setting incentive plan targets for 2013 
incentive plans

•  Changes to the executive Board 
  During the year, the executive team was strengthened by 

appointing Dennis McShane as Executive Director of Corporate 
Strategy and promoting Lisa Mitchell to the Board in her role 
as Chief Financial Officer. The Committee set their respective 
remuneration packages in line with the Company’s policy 
on new recruits, which takes into account the experience and 
calibre of the individual, market rates and, where appropriate, 
the need to buy-out value on joining from other employment. 

  At the 2013 AGM, Jonathan Taylor, a co-founder and executive 

director at Ophir retired from the Board and his service 
agreement with the Company terminated. The Committee 
determined the payments to be made on termination of his 
employment in line with his contractual entitlements and, 
as a retiree, he was treated as a good leaver for the purposes 
of certain outstanding long-term incentive awards. 

•  Placing and Rights Issue

In March 2013, the Company raised capital through a Placing 
and Rights Issue. The Committee, in line with normal practice 
in these situations and as permitted in the plan rules, adjusted 
the number of outstanding long-term incentive awards and 
share options (including their exercise price) held by participants 
to ensure that award holders would not be disadvantaged 
vis-à-vis shareholders as a result of the rights issue. These 
adjustments, which followed the generally accepted HMRC 
formula that is used for all employee share plans, ensured that 
the impact of the rights issue was neutral for award holders. 
Furthermore, the absolute share price targets attached to 
the Chief Executive Officer’s Exceptional Long-Term Incentive 
Award were also adjusted on a consistent basis to ensure that 
the adjusted targets were no more or less challenging than the 
original ones set in light of the rights issue.

68

Ophir Energy plc 
Risk
As an upstream oil and gas business, Ophir is potentially 
exposed to many different risks and, therefore, effective risk 
management is an integral part of the Company’s activities. 
From a remuneration perspective, the Committee undertakes a 
careful review of its remuneration policy annually to ensure that 
it is consistent with the business strategy and does not, as an 
unintended consequence, encourage or reward inappropriate 
risk-taking by the executives. The Committee is comfortable that 
the current structure, weighted towards long-term variable pay, 
and operating with share ownership guidelines and clawback 
provisions, does not inadvertently encourage undue risk taking.

Shareholder feedback
The Board and the Committee are committed to maintaining 
an open and constructive dialogue with our shareholders on 
remuneration matters. We will engage in appropriate dialogue 
with our major investors on any significant changes to the 
remuneration policy and welcome any feedback you may have.

Vivien Gibney
Remuneration Committee Chairman 
19 March 2014

69

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceDirectors’ Remuneration Policy

This part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report sets out the 
Remuneration policy for the Company and has been prepared in 
accordance with The Large and Medium-sized Companies and 
Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 
(‘the Act’). The policy has been developed taking into account the 
principles of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2012 and the 

views of our major shareholders and describes the policy to be 
applied in relation to the current financial year and future financial 
years. The Policy Report will be put to a binding shareholder vote 
at the 2014 AGM and, subject to it receiving majority shareholder 
support, the ‘Effective Date’ of the policy will be the date of the 
AGM, 21 May 2014.

Remuneration Policy 
A key element of the Company’s Remuneration policy is to achieve a level 
of remuneration which will attract, motivate and retain executives of high 
calibre. The Company operates in a sector where investment decisions have 
multi-year impacts. For this reason the Committee has elected to adopt 
an executive Remuneration policy which is structured so that a significant 
proportion is made up of long-term share-based incentives. 

The Committee’s policy is to adequately reward the Directors if they 
meet or exceed the targets set under the variable components of their 
remuneration packages. 

The remuneration structure for executive directors is made up of 
two elements: fixed remuneration (consisting of base salary, benefits 
(including non-contributory health insurance and life assurance) and 
pension contributions) and variable remuneration (annual bonus scheme 
and long-term share incentives). 

Policy Table
The table below sets out the key elements of executive director pay as at 1 January 2014:

Element

Base Salary

Purpose and 
link to strategy

Operation

To provide the core 
reward for the role.

Reviewed annually and 
effective from 1 January.

Sufficient level to 
help recruit and 
retain employees.

Reflects role 
and experience 
of individual.

Decision influenced by:

•  Role, experience and personal performance

•  Average change in total workforce salary 

in the location where they are based

•  Total organisational salary budgets

•  Company performance and 
other economic conditions

Salaries are benchmarked periodically 
and are set by reference to companies 
of a similar size and complexity.

Framework 
used to assess 
performance 

The Committee 
considers 
individual salaries 
at the appropriate 
Committee 
meeting each 
year after having 
due regard to the 
factors noted in 
operating the 
salary policy.

Maximum opportunity 

Following a review of remuneration in 2013, and after consultation 
with the Company’s major shareholders, it was decided to increase the 
Chief Executive Officer’s base salary from £407,530 to £482,000 with 
effect from 1 January 2014 and to £550,000 with effect from 1 January 
2015 (subject to continued appropriate levels of performance).

The salaries of the wider executive directors have been increased by 
2.5% with effect from 1 January 2014 with this increase in line with 
the salary increase budget applicable to UK employees as a whole:

•  Dennis McShane: £389,872; and

•  Lisa Mitchell: £358,750.

The above salary levels will be eligible for increases during the three-year 
period that the Remuneration Policy operates from the Effective Date.

During this time (for the Chief Executive Officer once the increases 
detailed above have been implemented), salaries may be increased 
each year (in percentage of salary terms) in line with increases granted 
to the wider workforce where they are based.

Increases beyond those granted to the wider workforce (in percentage 
of salary terms) may be awarded in certain circumstances such as where 
there is a change in responsibility, experience or a significant increase 
in the scale of the role and/or size, value and/or complexity of the Group. 

Where new joiners or recent promotions have been placed on a below 
market rate of pay initially, a series of above increases above those 
granted to the wider workforce (in percentage of salary terms) may 
be given over the following few years subject to individual performance 
and development in the role.

Benefits

To recruit and 
retain employees.

Directors are entitled to health insurance, 
life assurance, medical evacuation 
insurance, travel insurance, holiday 
pay, sick leave and other Group-wide 
benefits offered by the Company.

Other ancillary benefits including relocation 
expenses may be offered, as required.

In 2013 the maximum cost of providing benefits (based on 
taxable value of the benefits was under 5% of salary).

The value of benefits may vary from year to year depending 
on the cost to the Company from third-party providers.

n/a

70

Ophir Energy plcElement

Pension

Purpose and 
link to strategy

To provide  
long-term savings 
via pension 
provision.

Operation

The Company operates a defined contribution pension 
scheme or may contribute directly into an executive 
director’s personal pension or pay a salary supplement 
in lieu of pension. Pension benefits are provided 
according to length of service up to retirement.

Annual Bonus

To incentivise 
the execution of 
business strategy.

Rewards the 
achievement of 
annual financial 
and strategic 
business targets 
and delivery 
of personal 
objectives.

Targets are renewed annually and relate to the business 
as a whole.

Bonus level, payable in cash, is determined by the 
Committee following the end of the financial year and 
is based on performance against targets set at the start 
of the year.

Clawback provisions apply that enable the Committee 
to clawback value overpaid in the event of a material 
misstatement of the Company’s results within 
a two-year period.

Maximum 
opportunity 

The executive directors 
receive a Company 
contribution into the 
Group (or their personal) 
pension plan (or a salary 
supplement in lieu of 
pension) to the greater 
of the statutory minimum 
and 11% of salary. 

The maximum award 
under the annual bonus 
scheme is 150% of salary.

Long-Term 
Incentive Plan

To incentivise the 
achievement of 
business strategy  
over the longer 
term.

The Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) 
was approved by shareholders in 2011 and amended in 2012.

Annual awards of free shares in the form of conditional 
awards or nil/nominal cost options are granted which vest 
after three years subject to challenging performance targets 
and continued service.

The maximum annual 
award is 200% of salary 
although the Committee 
is able to grant an award 
of up to 300% in excep-
tional circumstances.

Awards will be determined using the weighted average share 
price for the period for the three-month period  
up to the time that the Committee normally approves the 
individual LTIP allocations (i.e. normally around February). 
This is considered to result in the number of shares comprising 
individual awards to better reflect the information presented 
to the Committee at the time of approving the awards 
in principle. 

Awards are granted as soon as the preliminary results are 
announced (or later if a close period continues to apply as 
of that date). 

The normal LTIP performance period is three calendar years 
beginning on 1 January of the year of grant and ending on 
31 December of the third year.

To the extent that dividends were to be paid, a provision 
would operate which would enable dividends to accrue 
on shares at the time of vesting.

A clawback provision exists that enables the Committee 
to clawback value overpaid in the event of a material 
misstatement of the Company’s results within a two-year 
period in relation to the award.

Framework used to assess performance 

n/a

Details of the performance measures used for 
the current year and targets set for the year 
under review and performance against them 
is provided in the Annual Report on 
Remuneration on page 84.

The Company’s bonus is based on the 
achievement against a range of business 
objectives and key performance indicators.

Given the constantly evolving nature of our 
business, measures and their weightings may 
change each year reflecting the changing 
business priorities. The key performance 
measures may include (and are not limited) 
to the following:

•  HSE performance/CSR 
•  Personal objectives
•  Reserves and resources 
•  Financial objectives
•  Portfolio Management/new business 

The Committee retains discretion to reduce the 
bonus payment in the event of a serious HSE 
incident or series of incidents.

For the bonus measures which operate using a 
sliding scale of targets, the proportion of 
maximum bonus earned for achieving threshold 
performance is typically 25% of that part of the 
bonus with 100% of the maximum opportunity 
payable for superior performance. Bonuses for 
performance between threshold and maximum 
are determined on a pro rata basis. 

Some elements of the current bonus structure 
include a subjective assessment of performance 
as opposed to operating on a sliding scale (e.g. 
bonus earned in relation to HSE performance/
CSR and some personal objectives). 

Awards vest based on the Company’s Total 
Shareholder Return (TSR) performance over 
a three-year performance period compared 
to a comparator group set on grant.

25% of the award vests at median, rising on 
a straight line basis to 100% for upper quartile 
performance. No vesting occurs for below 
median performance.

An underpin applies that enables the TSR 
vesting result to be scaled back if the vesting 
result is not consistent with underlying financial 
performance and/or key operational financial 
metrics have not been achieved.

As the Company continues to develop and grow 
over time, the Committee may introduce other 
measures in conjunction with TSR which support 
the long-term business strategy. These may, 
for example, include strategic imperatives such 
as exploration and production targets or major 
project delivery. As a minimum, the Committee 
would seek to consult with major shareholders 
before applying any changes to measures with 
any substantive change of policy potentially 
giving rise to the Company seeking approval 
for a revised Policy Report. 

71

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceDirectors’ Remuneration Policy  
continued

Element

Chief Executive 
Officer’s 
Exceptional 
Long-Term 
Incentive 
Award (as 
approved by 
shareholders 
in 2012)

Purpose and 
link to strategy Operation

Award structured 
to align the 
individual with 
the founders 
of Ophir and 
reflect additional 
responsibilities 
applying to the 
Chief Executive 
Officer following 
the 2012 Board 
restructuring

An exceptional one-off award of 1,017,568* shares was 
made to the Chief Executive Officer on 19 June 2012.

The performance period for each tranche is three years.

Clawback provisions apply that will enable the Committee to 
clawback value overpaid in the event of a material misstatement 
of the Company’s results within a two-year period.

To the extent that dividends were to be paid, a provision would 
operate which would enable dividends to accrue on shares during 
the vesting period which would be payable at the time of vesting.

Maximum 
opportunity 

The award has 
three separate 
tranches* Tranche 
1: 277,518 shares, 
Tranche 2: 
370,025 shares 
and Tranche 3: 
370,025 shares.

The three 
tranches 
comprising 
the award vest 
independently 
in 2015, 2016 
and 2017.

Dennis 
McShane’s 
Recruitment 
Award (2006 
Share Option 
Plan)

To compensate 
for value forfeit 
on joining 
Ophir in a full 
time executive 
capacity.

To facilitate his recruitment as an executive director, Dennis 
McShane received a buy-out award which was calculated 
to compensate him for his lost profit and revenue growth 
expectations relating to his consultancy business which 
he was required to exit on joining the Company. 

The Remuneration Committee was provided with an overview 
of prospective revenue generation of his business and its forecast 
revenues and these were discounted by 95% to determine a 
present value of the business. This value was then converted 
into an equivalent value in Ophir shares. However, rather than 
offering free shares (through a conditional award or a nil cost 
option) the compensation was structured as a market value 
option (i.e. the free share amount was converted to a market value 
option grant with the same expected value) so that the individual 
would only benefit from the growth in value of Ophir shares. 

Since the value to the individual of his business relied on 
delivering future revenues, this structure of performance 
related compensation was considered to be the form most 
analogous to the value he had forfeit (i.e. the Committee 
bought out on a ‘like for like’ basis as far as practicable).

Furthermore, recognising Official List expectations, the market 
value options are also subject to a relative TSR condition.

The maximum 
number of shares 
eligible to vest 
under his award 
is 360,127 which 
had a face value 
of £1.7m at 
grant. This was 
considered to 
have a broadly 
similar expected 
value to the 
consultancy 
business he exited 
on joining Ophir.

72

Framework used to assess performance 

Tranche 1 is subject to an absolute TSR 
performance condition which will require 
compound TSR growth of at least 20% p.a.  
(from a share price of £4.28)† for 25% to vest 
through to 35% p.a. TSR growth for full vesting. 
Performance is measured from 19 June 2012 to 
18 June 2015. 

Tranche 2 is subject to an equal split of relative 
TSR (based on the same structure to the  
LTIP targets noted above) and absolute TSR 
performance with the same growth rates that 
apply for Tranche 1 using a base share price of 
£4.09. Performance is measured from 19 June 2013 
to 18 June 2016 for both the relative and absolute 
TSR performance targets. 25% of the relative and 
absolute TSR performance conditions vest at the 
threshold performance levels.

Tranche 3 will also operate based on an equal split 
of relative TSR (based on the same structure 
to the LTIP targets noted above) and absolute 
TSR performance (based on the same growth 
rates that apply for Tranche 1). Performance will 
be measured from 19 June 2014 to 18 June 2017 
for both relative and absolute TSR performance 
targets. 25% of the relative and absolute TSR 
performance conditions vest at the threshold 
performance levels.

An underpin applies to all 3 tranches that enables 
the TSR vesting result to be scaled back if the 
vesting result is not consistent with underlying 
financial performance and/or key operational 
financial metrics have not been achieved. 

The award vests in full based on achieving a 
minimum of median TSR performance against 
a group of sector peers (see page 82).

While this feature was not part of the potential 
value forfeit on becoming an executive 
director, the Committee wished to ensure the 
recruitment package took due account of 
Official List expectations in that the recruitment 
award should be subject to satisfying a 
Company specific performance target. 

The exercise price of the option is £4.71. 

Ophir Energy plcPurpose and 
link to strategy Operation

Maximum opportunity 

Framework 
used to assess 
performance 

n/a

Element

Share 
ownership

To align the 
interests of 
directors with 
those of the 
Company’s 
shareholders.

Non-executive 
directors

To provide a 
competitive fee 
which will attract 
high calibre 
individuals with 
the relevant skills 
and experience 
to enhance 
the Board.

The Chief Executive Officer has a 300% of salary 
holding requirement and other executive directors are 
required to build up a holding of 100% of salary. 

n/a

The Chief Executive Officer is required to retain 100% 
of the vested or exercised shares (net of tax) until the 
shareholding guideline is met. Any other executive director 
is required to retain 50% of the vested or exercised shares 
(net of tax) until the shareholding guideline is met.

Any executive directors appointed after 31 December 
2012 will be expected to build a shareholding of 
equal value to 100% of their annual salary through 
the retention of 50% of the after tax number of 
shares vesting under the Company’s LTIPs.

The fees for the Company’s Chairman and independent 
non-executive directors are determined by the Board as a 
whole (with the relevant individuals absenting themselves 
from discussions relating directly to their own remuneration). 
The Board’s policy in relation to the fee payable to the 
Chairman of the Board is that it should be comparable 
to the median fee payable for non-executive chairmen 
of companies of a comparable size and complexity. 

Remuneration levels are agreed based on 
external advice and give consideration to the time 
commitment and responsibilities of the role. 

The Chairman and non-executive directors are not 
entitled to participate in the Company’s executive 
Remuneration programmes or pension arrangements. 
During the year, the Company did not issue options 
to any of the non-executive directors nor to any 
entity in which they are deemed to be interested. 

Fees for 2014 are:

•  Chairman: £140,000 per annum

•  Non-executive director basic fee: £70,000 per annum

•  Committee Chairmanship fee: £5,000 per annum

The fee levels are reviewed on a periodic basis, with 
reference to the time commitment of the role and market 
levels in companies of comparable size and complexity. 

The above fee levels will be eligible for increases 
during the three-year period that the Remuneration 
Policy operates from the Effective Date to 
ensure they appropriately recognise the time 
commitment of the role, increases to fee levels for 
non-executive directors in general and fee levels 
in companies of a similar size and complexity. 

Flexibility is retained to go above the above fee levels 
if it is necessary to do so to appoint a new Chairman 
or non-executive of an appropriate calibre.

No benefits or other remuneration are 
provided to non-executive directors.

*    The number of shares comprising the award (originally 880,000 awards in total) was adjusted to reflect the Rights Issue that became effective in March 2013. The adjustment, 
following the standard approach applied to HMRC approved options where a discounted Rights Issue takes place, resulted in the number of shares comprising the award being 
increased by a factor of 1.156329 which reflected the terms of the Rights Issue and uplifted the value of the original award based on the theoretical fall in the Company’s share 
price arising as a result of the discounted Rights Issue. Increasing the number of shares comprising an award in this manner is intended to ensure that the award holder is not 
treated more or less favourably when compared against a shareholder who will have the ability to buy shares at a discount or sell the discounted rights as part of the fundraising 
(proportionate to their shareholding) with the award holder not eligible to participate in the rights issue. There was no adjustment applied in respect of the March 2013 Placing. 

†   The share price targets were adjusted on the same basis as described above with a view to ensuring that the targets remained no more or less challenging in light 

of the Rights Issue that became effective in March 2013. The adjustment resulted in the share price targets being reduced by a factor of 1.156329.

73

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceDirectors’ Remuneration Policy  
continued

Annual Bonus plan & Long-Term Incentive Plan policy
The Committee will operate the Annual Bonus plan and the LTIP 
according to their respective rules and in accordance with the 
Listing Rules, and HMRC rules where relevant. The Committee, 
consistent with market practice, retains discretion over a number 
of areas relating to the operation and administration of these 
plans. These include the following (albeit with quantum and 
performance targets restricted to the descriptions detailed in the 
policy table above):

•  Who participates in the plans;

•  The timing of grant of award and/or payment;

•  The size of an award and/or a payment;

•  The determination of vesting (which may include making 

appropriative adjustments within the terms of performance 
conditions e.g. determining the treatment of a delisted 
comparator in a TSR peer group); 

•  Discretion required when dealing with a change of control  

(e.g. the timing of testing performance targets) or restructuring 
of the group;

•  Determination of a good leaver for incentive plan purposes 

based on the rules of each plan and the appropriate 
treatment chosen;

•  Adjustments required in certain circumstances (e.g. rights issues, 

corporate restructuring, events and special dividends); and

•  The annual review of performance measures weighting, and 
targets for the Annual Bonus plan and LTIP from year to year.

The Committee also retains the ability to adjust the targets and/or 
set different measures and alter weightings for the annual bonus 
plan and to adjust targets for the LTIP if events occur (e.g. material 
divestment of a Group business) which cause it to determine that 
the conditions are no longer appropriate and the amendment is 
required so that the conditions achieve their original purpose and 
are not materially less difficult to satisfy.

All historic awards that were granted under any current or previous 
share schemes operated by the Company but remain outstanding, 
remain eligible to vest based on their original award terms.

Choice of performance measures and approach to target setting
The performance metrics that are used for annual bonus and 
long-term incentive plans are a subset of the Company’s key 
performance indicators.

In terms of annual performance targets, a balanced scorecard 
of financial, operational, strategic, personal and health and safety 
metrics is used. As an upstream oil and gas exploration company, 
reserves and resources targets are measures of our success; 
commercialisation through portfolio management is important 
in crystallising value at the right time; executives’ strategic choices 
and delivery are appraised, and a good health and safety record 
underpins the activities we undertake. 

These metrics, which form part of the Company’s key performance 
indicators, are aligned with the Company’s underlying objective 
of creating value by exploring and appraising oil and gas assets. 
The precise metrics chosen and weighting ascribed to each may vary, 
as detailed in the policy above, in line with the Company’s strategy. 

With regard to long-term performance targets, awards vest, as a 
minimum, subject to a relative TSR condition which measures our 
performance against a group of other oil and gas companies. 
The Committee believes this measure creates alignment between 
shareholders and executives and that executives are only rewarded 
for outperforming their peers. 

Targets are set based on sliding scales that take account of internal 
planning and external market expectations for the Company. 
Only modest rewards are available for delivering threshold 
performance levels with maximum rewards requiring substantial 
out-performance of our challenging plans approved at the start 
of each year.

The targets for awards to be granted under the LTIP are consistent 
with the policy set out above and are set out in the Annual Report 
on Remuneration.

Appropriately challenging performance targets would be set 
in relation to incentives each year as described above.

74

Ophir Energy plcConsideration of employment conditions elsewhere 
in the Group
The Company, in line with current market practice, does not actively 
consult with employees on Executive Remuneration. The Group has 
a diverse workforce operating in several different countries, with 
various local pay practices, which would make any cost-effective 
consultation impractical. However, when setting the Remuneration 
policy for executive directors, the Committee takes into account 
the pay and employment conditions for other employees within 
the Group. This process ensures that any increase to the basic pay 
of executive directors is not out of proportion with that proposed 
for other employees.

Differences in Remuneration policy for executive directors 
compared to other employees
As noted above, the Committee is made aware of pay structures 
across the wider Group when setting the Remuneration policy 
for executive directors. The Committee considers the general basic 
salary increase for the broader Group (with specific reference to 
the location where an individual executive director is located) when 
determining the annual salary review for the executive directors. 

Overall, the remuneration policy for the executive directors is more 
heavily weighted towards variable pay than for other employees. 
This ensures that there is a clear link between the value created 
for shareholders and the remuneration received by the executive 
directors given it is the executive directors who are considered 
to have the greatest potential to influence Group value creation. 

The level of variable pay varies within the Group by level of 
employee and is informed by the specific responsibilities of each 
role and local market practice as appropriate.

Illustrations of application of remuneration policy
The Company’s policy results in a significant portion of 
remuneration received by executive directors being dependent  
on Company performance. The graph below illustrates how the 
total pay opportunities for the executive directors vary under  
three different performance scenarios: below target, on-target  
and maximum.

Nick
Cooper

Minimum

Target

Maximum

100%

£542

47%

32%

21%

£1,145

24%

32%

43%

£2,229

Minimum

100%

£407

Lisa 
Mitchell

Target

Maximum

48%

31%

21%

£855

24%

32%

43%

£1,662

Minimum

100%

£444

Dennis
McShane

Target

Maximum

48%

31%

21%

£931

25%

32%

43%

£1,808

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

£000’s

 Total Fixed Pay
 Annual Bonus
 Long-Term Share Awards

Assumptions
•  Minimum = fixed pay only (2014 base salary levels, pension 
at 11% of salary and the 2013 benefits value included in the 
Single Total Remuneration Figure for the relevant years).

•  Target = Fixed pay plus 50% of maximum bonus payout and  

25% vesting (i.e. threshold performance) under the LTIP

•  Maximum = Fixed pay plus 100% of bonus payout and  

100% LTIP vesting

Nick Cooper and Dennis McShane have been included based 
on the Company’s ongoing Remuneration policy (i.e. 200% of 
salary annual LTIP awards). While Nick Cooper will not receive 
an LTIP award in 2014 as a result of his 2012 Exceptional LTIP 
Award as described above, the Committee feels a 200% of salary 
annual LTIP policy is a better reflection of the ongoing long-term 
incentive policy. 

75

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate Governance 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy  
continued

Recruitment and Promotion policy
For Executive Director recruitment and/or promotion situations,  
the Committee will follow the guidelines outlined below:

Element

Policy

Element

Policy

Base Salary

Benefits

Pension

Base salary levels will be set in accordance with the 
Company’s Remuneration policy, taking into account the 
experience and calibre of the individual (e.g. typically around 
market rates prevalent in companies of comparable size 
and complexity) or salary levels may be set below this level 
(e.g. if the individual was a promotion to the PLC Board). 
Where it is appropriate to offer a below market rate of pay 
initially, a series of increases to the desired salary positioning 
may be given over the next few years subject to individual 
performance and development in the role. 
Directors are entitled to health insurance, life assurance, 
medical evacuation insurance, travel insurance, holiday 
pay, sick leave and other Group-wide benefits offered by 
the Company.

Where necessary, the Committee may approve the payment 
of relocation expenses to facilitate recruitment. 
A defined contribution or cash supplement at the level 
provided to current executive directors as set out on  
page 81.

Annual Bonus The Annual Bonus would operate as outlined for current 
executive directors (i.e. to a maximum of 150% of base 
salary), albeit pro-rated for the period of employment 
during the financial year. Depending on the timing and 
responsibilities of the appointment it may be necessary 
to set different performance measures and targets initially. 

Any increases in ongoing Annual Bonus opportunity  
above the limit detailed in the policy table above would  
be contingent on the Company receiving shareholder 
approval for an amendment to its approved policy at  
its next AGM.

Long-Term 
Incentives

Awards under the LTIP will be granted in line with the policy 
outlined for the current executive directors in table set 
out above. 

An award may be made shortly after an appointment 
(subject to the Company not being in a prohibited period). 
For an internal hire, existing awards would continue over their 
original vesting period and remain subject to their terms as 
at the date of grant. In addition, if the grant of awards for 
that individual precedes his or her appointment as a Board 
Director for that financial year, the Committee’s policy 
would include flexibility to top up awards for that year in 
line with the policy detailed in the table above based on the 
executive’s new salary.

Any increases in annual LTIP awards above the ongoing 
normal 200% of salary limit (and 300% of salary in 
exceptional circumstances) would be contingent on the 
Company receiving shareholder approval for an amendment 
to its approved policy at its next General Meeting. 
In the case of an external hire, if it is necessary to buy-out 
incentive pay or benefit arrangements (which would be 
forfeited on leaving the previous employer), this would be 
provided for taking into account the form (cash or shares) 
and timing and expected value (i.e. likelihood of meeting 
any existing performance criteria) of the remuneration 
being forfeited. 

Replacement share awards, if used, will be granted using 
the Company’s LTIP (up to the exceptional limit of 300% 
of salary). Replacement awards may also be granted outside 
of these schemes if necessary and as permitted under the 
Listing Rules.

Buy-out 
Awards

76

Ophir Energy plcService Agreements and Loss of Office Payments
The executive directors have rolling term service agreements with 
the Company. The notice period for current executive directors is 
12 months if notice is given by either the executive or the Company. 
For new hires, the Company’s policy to set notice periods of 
up to 12 months. 

The executive directors’ Service Agreements each include the ability 
for the Company, at its discretion, to pay basic salary only in lieu 
of any unexpired period of notice. 

Payments may be made as either a lump sum or in equal monthly 
instalments until the end of the notice period at the discretion 
of the Remuneration Committee. In the case of the executive 
directors, the executive will be required to seek alternative income 
during the period which monthly instalments are paid and notify 
the Company after securing alternative income. Should alternative 
employment be found, the instalment payments shall then be 
reduced by the amount of alternative income or ceased if the 
alternative income exceeds the monthly instalment payment.

The Service Agreements contain a provision enabling the relevant 
employer to put the executive director on garden leave for up 
to six months at any time after notice to terminate the Service 
Agreement has been given by the executive director or the relevant 
employer or the executive director has resigned without giving due 
notice and the relevant employer has not accepted the resignation. 
During the garden leave period, the executive will be entitled 
to receive salary and contractual benefits (excluding bonuses). 
At the end of the garden leave period, the Company may, at its sole 
discretion, pay the executive director basic salary alone in respect 
of the balance of any period of notice given by the Company or 
executive director. These payments will be reduced to the extent 
alternative income is received.

For new hires, the same broad policy would apply.

The Service Agreement of Nick Cooper only, provides that if there 
is a change of control, and within three months following the 
change of control, the relevant employer or the executive director 
serve notice to terminate employment, Nick Cooper’s employment 
will be terminated with immediate effect and the Company shall 
pay 12 months’ salary. Nick Cooper will not be entitled to any 
other payment or notice or payment in lieu of notice in addition 
to this payment. 

The provisions in Jonathan Taylor’s Service Agreement, which 
terminated during the year under review, were consistent with those 
of Nick Cooper, save for the fact that the notice period from Jonathan 
Taylor was six months to the Company as opposed to 12 months.

The inclusion of the change of control provisions in Nick Cooper and 
Jonathan Taylor’s Service Agreements is now considered a legacy 
issue by the Committee with Executives in post prior to the IPO 
having consistent provisions in this regard. Such provisions do not 
form part of Dennis McShane or Lisa Mitchell’s Service Agreement 
following their appointments as executive directors and will not 
form part of future Service Agreements for executive directors. 

A summary of the terms of the Service Agreements is set out below:

Name
Nicholas Cooper
Dennis McShane

Lisa Mitchell

Continuous 
employment
1 June 2011
18 February 
2013
5 September 
2011

Notice by 
Company

Service  
Agreement date

Notice by 
executive
26 May 2011 12 months 12 months
18 February 2013 12 months 12 months

26 April 2013 12 months 12 months

Jonathan Taylor*

1 June 2004 16 October 2007 12 months 6 months

*  Jonathan Taylor retired from the Board and as an executive director at the 2013 

AGM on 6 June 2013.

Copies of the service agreements for executive directors, together 
with the Letters of Appointment for the non-executive directors 
detailed below, are available for inspection during normal business 
hours at the Company’s registered office

Treatment of incentives
If an individual is (i) under notice at the bonus payment date or 
(ii) not in employment, the default position is that no bonus will 
be payable. However, in certain good leaver circumstances (death; 
retirement; ill-health, injury or disability; redundancy, employment 
ceasing as a result of a sale of a Group company or for any other 
reason at the Committee’s discretion after taking into account 
the circumstances prevailing at the time), a pro-rata bonus will 
become payable for the period of employment. The Committee, 
acting fairly and reasonably, may decide not to reduce the bonus 
pro-rata if, in the circumstances, it considers it appropriate to do so 
(for example in the case of, but not limited to, death).

The treatment for share-based incentives previously granted to 
an executive director will be determined based on the relevant plan 
rules. The default treatment will be for outstanding awards to lapse 
on cessation of employment. 

77

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceDirectors’ Remuneration Policy  
continued

In relation to awards granted under the LTIP, awards will lapse on 
the date of cessation of employment unless an executive leaves 
under certain ‘good leaver’ circumstances, such as ill-health, injury, 
disability, redundancy, transfer or sale of the employing company, 
or any other circumstances at the discretion of the Committee 
(reflecting the circumstances that prevail at the time). If treated 
as a good leaver, the default is for the award to vest at the normal 
vesting date. However, the Committee may decide that awards 
will vest instead on the date of cessation. In making a vesting 
determination, the Committee will assess the extent to which 
performance conditions have been achieved and the number 
of awards that would vest will be reduced pro-rata to reflect the 
proportion of the performance period actually served unless the 
Committee determined otherwise. If treated as a good leaver 
as a result of a death, then the award will vest in full on the date 
of death. 

With regards to awards granted under the 2006 Share Option 
Plan (the plan under which Dennis McShane’s recruitment award 
was granted), if the award holder is dismissed for cause or resigns 
in circumstances in which he could have been dismissed for cause 
had those circumstances been known at the time, the award shall 
lapse. For other leaver reasons other than death, awards shall 
lapse on the date of cessation to the extent it has not otherwise 
become exercisable. If awards are exercisable, then they will remain 
exercisable until the tenth anniversary of the grant date. Upon 
death, awards may be exercised to the extent they have vested 
within 12 months of the date of death.

External appointments
With the prior permission of the Board, Executive Directors are 
permitted to accept external directorships and to retain any fees 
payable in respect of those roles.

Non-executive directors Letters of appointment and fees 
Each independent non-executive director during the year, 
being Nicholas Smith, Ronald Blakely, Alan Booth (from 26 April 
2013), Vivien Gibney (from 14 August 2013), John Lander, 
Dennis McShane (until 19 February 2013), Lyndon Powell and 
Bill Schrader (from 19 February 2013) has a letter of appointment 
from the Company. The Letters of Appointment do not specifically 
provide for terms of appointment, termination notification 
periods or entitlement to payment on termination, however 
there is an expectation that all independent Directors will serve 
for an initial three-year term. The Company may terminate the 
appointment under each Letter of Appointment if the independent 
non-executive director has committed a serious or repeated breach  
or non-observance of their obligations to the Company.

Consideration of shareholder views
We remain committed to shareholder dialogue and take an active 
interest in voting outcomes. We consult extensively with our major 
shareholders when setting our remuneration policy. If there are any 
particular shareholders opposed to our policy, we would endeavour 
to meet with them, as appropriate, to understand any issues they 
may have.

78

Ophir Energy plcAnnual Report on Remuneration

This part of the report has been prepared in accordance with the 
Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and 
Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 and the Listing Rules. 
The Annual Statement and Annual Report on Remuneration 
(combined) will be put to an advisory shareholder vote at the 
2014 AGM. The information on pages 83 to 91 (inclusive) 
has been audited.

Unaudited information 
Consideration of Remuneration Matters

Membership and attendance
The members of the Committee during the year ended 
31 December 2013, together with details of their individual 
attendance at committee meetings held during the year, are set 
out below: 

Meeting attendance
Committee member
8/8
John Lander, Committee Chairman
8/8
Ronald Blakely
Alan Booth1
1/1
Vivien Gibney 2
2/2
Dennis McShane 3
0/1
8/8
Lyndon Powell 
Nicholas Smith
7/8
1 Alan Booth was appointed to the Committee with effect from 12 November 2013.
2 Vivien Gibney was appointed to the Committee with effect from 14 August 

2013 and was appointed Chairman of the Remuneration Committee with effect 
from 14 November 2013.

3 Dennis McShane resigned from the Committee with effect from 18 February 
2013 and could not attend a meeting held on 6 February 2013 due to prior 
travel commitments.

Dennis McShane stepped down from the Committee upon his 
appointment as Executive Director of Corporate Strategy on 
18 February 2013. Prior to his appointment, he did not participate 
in any Committee discussions on his proposed package as an 
executive director. 

Members of the Committee are appointed by the Board and all 
of its members are considered to be independent. The Chairman 
of the Company, Nicholas Smith, who is a member of the 
Committee, was independent on appointment. 

The Chief Executive Officer and advisors to the Committee may 
also be invited to attend meetings as necessary. During the 
year, the Chief Executive Officer, General Counsel and Company 
Secretary and representatives from New Bridge Street (NBS, part 
of Aon plc), Eversheds LLP and Prism Cosec attended meetings and 
provided guidance and advice as necessary.

Executive directors and other attendees are not entitled to vote on 
any matter put before the Committee and do not participate in any 
discussion relating to their own remuneration or remit.

Role and responsibilities of the Committee 
The role of the Committee is to determine the Remuneration policy 
of the Company in order to facilitate the recruitment, retention and 
motivation of the executive directors and key senior management. 
The policy is reviewed at least annually in order to ensure that it is 
consistent with business strategy. The Committee also monitors 
the overall remuneration structure across the Group to ensure that 
a balanced approach is adopted in relation to all employees. The 
Committee’s full terms of reference, which are reviewed annually, 
are available on the Company’s website.

Remuneration Committee evaluation
Before the year end, the Committee participated in an external 
evaluation of itself and its responsibilities which was overseen 
by external evaluator, Socia Limited. With the recent regulatory 
changes in Directors’ Remuneration regulations, the evaluation 
highlighted the significant additional time given by Committee 
members during the year in order to consider and implement the 
Board remuneration framework. The evaluation also considered 
the Committee’s use of its external advisors and the process 
for disseminating advice on key remuneration matters. The 
appointment of a new Committee Chairman towards the end of 
the financial year has provided an impetus to review Committee 
meeting management and the expected input from its advisors.

As a result, the Committee has accepted the recommendation 
to undertake a review of the advisors. This review would also 
allow the Committee to consider the nature and extent of its 
future requirements, the process for receiving and disseminating 
advice obtained and the optimum attendance by advisors at 
Committee meetings. The Committee intends to implement this 
recommendation during 2014 and also to review its current Terms 
of Reference to make sure that they adequately reflect the ongoing 
requirements of the business.

79

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceAnnual Report on Remuneration 
continued

Implementation of Remuneration policy for 2014

Advisor to the Committee
NBS is appointed as independent consultants to the Committee 
in relation to advice on remuneration and share incentives. NBS 
provides services to the Company on a ‘called on’ rather than 
retained basis. NBS is a member of the Remuneration Consultants 
Group and complies with its code of conduct. Details of the 
terms of engagement for NBS are available on request from the 
Company Secretary. Neither NBS, nor any other Aon plc company, 
provide other services to the Company. The Committee regularly 
reviews the external advisor relationship and is comfortable that 
NBS’ advice remains objective and independent. For the year under 
review NBS’ total fees charged were £155,000 (excluding VAT). 

Other advice provided to the Committee was received from 
Eversheds who provided technical advice in relation to the 
operation of the Company’s share plans and employment law 
advice in relation to Directors’ Service Agreements and Prism Cosec 
who provided company secretariat services to the Company. 

Base Salaries
The Committee reviewed executive director remuneration during 
the final quarter of 2013 against the eleven most similarly sized 
oil and gas exploration companies and found that the Chief 
Executive Officer’s base salary was significantly below market 
levels. While a modest approach to fixed pay is in line with the 
Committee’s policy, it was felt that the Chief Executive Officer’s 
salary was now too far below market and no longer reflected his 
value to the Company. Accordingly, following prior consultation 
with the Company’s major shareholders and leading shareholder 
advisory bodies, it was decided to increase his base salary from 
£407,530 to £482,000 with effect from 1 January 2014 and to 
£550,000 with effect from 1 January 2015 (subject to continued 
appropriate levels of performance). The revised salary, based on 
the Committee’s analysis, remains consistent with the Company’s 
stated policy since the revised salary remains below the median 
market position assessed against the Company’s sector based 
peers but is considered to more appropriately recognise the skills 
and experience of a Chief Executive Officer who will have been in 
post for three years in June 2014. The increases will also establish 
more typical relativities between the Chief Executive Officer and the 
other executive directors.

After considering the salary budget for the Group as a whole 
and, in particular, the budget for UK employees, the Committee 
decided to increase the other executive directors salaries by 2.5% 
to be applied from 1 January 2014. The pay increase awarded to 
the other executive directors is broadly in line with that awarded 
to UK employee population where the salary budget (excluding 
promotions or changes in responsibilities) was 2.5%.

Salary as at 
1 January 2014
£482,000
£358,750
£389,872

Salary as at 
1 January 2013 or 
on appointment 
to the Board
£407,530
£350,000
£380,363

Increase
18.3%
2.5%
2.5%

Role
Chief Executive
Chief Financial Officer *
Director of Corporate 
Strategy *

*  The Chief Financial Officer and Director of Corporate Strategy were appointed 
to the Board as executive directors on 26 April 2013 and 18 February 2013 
respectively and salaries have been pro-rated from these dates.

80

Ophir Energy plcLong-Term Incentive Plan 
As part of the terms of the Chief Executive Officer’s Exceptional 
LTIP award, Nick Cooper will not receive an award under the regular 
LTIP in 2014. It is envisaged that he will next be eligible to receive 
an award under the LTIP in 2015. The performance condition for 
Tranche 3 of his Exceptional LTIP commences in 2014 and further 
details are provided below.

The maximum normal annual award limit under the LTIP is 200% 
of salary and it is intended that awards will be granted in 2014 
at this level to Dennis McShane and Lisa Mitchell. When granting 
awards under the LTIP, the Committee generally takes into 
consideration (i) the need to motivate and retain the executive 
directors and other participants and (ii) the number of shares 
comprising individual awards when they are expressed as a multiple 
of salary given the share price.

The Committee believes relative TSR performance against other oil 
and gas companies remains the most appropriate metric for use by 
the Company in relation to LTIP awards.

Awards will vest on a straight line basis relative to the Company’s 
TSR performance over a three-year period compared to a 
comparator group set on grant. No vesting occurs for below-
median performance. At median, 25% of the award vests, with 
full vesting at the upper quartile. In addition, the Committee may 
reduce the number of shares in respect of which an award would 
otherwise vest based upon TSR performance if it considers that 
the TSR achieved over the three-year period does not reflect the 
underlying financial performance of the Company or that key 
operational metrics have not been met.

Pension and Benefits
The executive directors received Company contributions towards 
personal pension plans or salary in lieu of pension at a rate of 11% 
of base salary, on a pro-rated salary for those executives who were 
not in post for the full year. 

In addition to pension benefits, the executive directors also receive 
health insurance, life assurance, holiday pay and sick leave cover.

Annual Bonus
The Annual Bonus plan has been designed to provide reward for 
above-average performance. The performance targets for the 
bonus plan, linked to agreed key performance indicators (KPIs), 
are reviewed by the Committee annually. 

For the year ending 31 December 2014, the maximum annual 
bonus opportunity for executive directors is 150% of basic salary. 
No bonus is payable for below-target performance with bonuses 
earned on a sliding scale (where appropriate) based on the 
Committee’s assessment of achievement against the targets set. 

For 2014, the Committee has set the following KPI targets for all 
executive directors:

Measure
Health, safety and environmental performance/
corporate social responsibility
Personal performance
Increase in Reserves and Resources 
Financial Planning (e.g. finding costs) and Control
Portfolio Management/new business

Maximum bonus 
opportunity as a 
Percentage of Salary* 
30%

30%
30%
30%
30%

*  The Committee retains discretion to reduce the total bonus payment to 

executive directors in the event of a serious HSE incident or series of incidents.

The Committee considers that the targets themselves are 
commercially sensitive and therefore plans to disclose them only 
on a retrospective basis. Details of the targets and actual out turn 
will be disclosed in next year’s Annual Report on Remuneration, 
save where they remain commercially sensitive. 

Clawback provisions will enable the Committee to correct the bonus 
in the event of a material misstatement of the Company’s results so 
that it reflects the value that should have been paid had it not been 
for the misstatement. 

81

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceAnnual Report on Remuneration 
continued

Half of the award will be subject to a relative TSR condition 
(operating on a similar basis to the relative TSR part of Tranche 2) 
and the other half subject to a range of absolute TSR targets. The 
absolute TSR measure will require compound TSR growth of at least 
20%p.a. (for 25% to vest) through to 35%p.a. (for full vesting of this 
part). Performance for the relative and absolute TSR conditions is 
measured over the period from 19 June 2014 to 18 June 2017.

For each of the above Tranches, the extent of vesting based on 
the TSR conditions may be reduced if the vesting result is not 
considered a fair reflection of the underlying financial performance 
of the Company (which will also enable the Committee to take into 
account the Company’s HSE performance).

The above award is also subject to clawback provisions that will 
enable the Committee to clawback value overpaid in the event 
of a material misstatement of the Company’s results within 
a two-year period.

Non-executive directors’ remuneration
Non-executive directors are not eligible to participate in short or 
long-term incentive plans or to receive any pension from the group. 
The fees payable to the Chairman and Non-executive directors are 
as follows:

Chairman 
Non-executive director basic fee
Committee Chairmanship fee

2014
£140,000
£70,000
£5,0000

2013
£140,000 
£70,000 
£5,000

The constituents of the comparator group were reviewed during 
the year and for the 2014 award. The constituents of the LTIP 
comparator group are therefore:

Afren plc
Cairn Energy plc
Cobalt International Energy, Inc.
EnQuest plc
Faroe Petroleum plc
Gulf Keystone Petroleum Limited
JKX Oil & Gas plc
Petroceltic International plc
Rockhopper Exploration plc
Soco International plc

Bowleven plc
Chariot Oil & Gas Limited
Kosmos Energy Ltd
Essar Energy plc
Genel Energy plc
Heritage Oil plc
Maurel & Prom
Premier Oil plc
Salamander Energy plc
Tullow Oil plc

Clawback provisions will apply that will enable the Committee to 
clawback value overpaid in the event of a material misstatement 
of the Company’s results within a two-year period in relation 
to the award.

Chief Executive Officer’s Exceptional LTIP award
In June 2012, a one-off award of ordinary shares (the exceptional 
award) was granted to Nick Cooper under the LTIP. The purpose of 
the exceptional award was to put Nick Cooper in a position which 
would partially replicate that of the Company’s founders and 
thereby ensure that he remained motivated to continue generating 
substantial returns to shareholders. 

To ensure that the exceptional award, totalling 1,017,568 shares 
(following adjustment for the rights issue effective 26 March 2013), 
encouraged Nick Cooper to generate sustainable long-term returns 
to shareholders, the award was effectively split into three tranches 
which will vest based on independent three-year performance 
periods for which relative TSR and/or absolute TSR targets are 
intended to apply, as follows:

Award Tranche

Size of award

Tranche 1

277,518 shares

Tranche 2

370,025 shares

Tranche 3

370,025 shares

Performance 
period
19.06.2012-
18.06.2015
19.06.2013-
18.06.2016
19.06.2014-
18.06.2017

Performance 
conditions
Absolute TSR

50:50 relative TSR: 
absolute TSR
50:50 relative TSR: 
absolute TSR

The performance conditions for Tranches 1 and 2 are set out in the 
Policy Report and have been previously disclosed. For Tranche 3, 
which has a performance period commencing on 19 June 2014, 
the performance condition will continue to mirror that of Tranche 2. 

82

Ophir Energy plcAudited information
Single Total Figure of Remuneration
The detailed emoluments for the executive and non-executive directors for the year ended 31 December 2013 are detailed below:

Base  
Salary/Fees

1
Benefits

Pension

2

3
Bonus 

Long-term
incentives

4

Payment for  
loss of office 

Total 2013

Director  
£000
Executive directors
Nick Cooper 
Dennis McShane5
Lisa Mitchell6
Jonathan Taylor7
Chairman and non-executive directors
Nicholas Smith
Ronald Blakely 
Alan Booth8
Vivien Gibney9
John Lander10 
Lyndon Powell 
Bill Schrader11

408
389
240
256

140
75
50
27
75
75
61
1,796

12
6
9
3

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
30

45
36 
26
18

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
125

562
456
309
190

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,517

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
190

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
190

1,027
887
584
657

140
75
50
27
75
75
61
3,658

1  Benefits in kind include health insurance, life assurance, holiday pay and sick leave cover. 
2  Pension comprises an 11% contribution to personal pension plans or cash provided in lieu of pension at a rate of 11%.
3  Annual bonus to be paid in March 2014. Further details set out below on pages 84 and 85.
4  No long-term incentives with performance conditions vested during the year. However, the award of a nominal cost option granted to Nick Cooper under the LTIP 
on 1 June 2011 vested and became exercisable on 1 June 2013. As previously disclosed, this award formed part of the compensation for value forfeit on joining 
Ophir from his previous employer. The gain on exercise (on 16 August 2013) of this nominal cost option comprising 617,749 shares was £2,018,866.

5  The salary and fees payable to Dennis McShane in the year under review break down as follows:
  1.  Fees of £9,375 in relation to his non-executive director position from 1 January 2013 until 17 February 2013; and
  2.  Additional fees of £49,471 in relation to enhanced time commitment provided to the Company on a temporary basis to deliver a successful Rights Issue in March 
2013 between 1 January 2013 and 17 February 2013. For the period from 1 January 2013 until 17 February 2013 Dennis McShane worked full time for the Company 
and was paid a fee calculated based on an executive full time salary of £367,500 pro-rated. This agreement was anticipated to operate for a temporary period 
until a full time Director of Corporate Strategy was appointed. The fees ceased on his appointment to the PLC Board in a full time executive capacity as Director 
of Corporate Strategy on 18 February 2013.

  Salary of £330,343 being the pro-rata salary earned for the period from appointment as an executive director based on an annualised base salary of £380,363.  

This pro-rata salary was the one used to determine his bonus for the year under review.

6  Lisa Mitchell was appointed to the Board on 26 April 2013. Her remuneration relates to the period of the year under review when she was an Executive Director
7  Jonathan Taylor retired as an executive director on 6 June 2013. The above payments reflect:
  1.  Salary paid on a pro-rata basis from 1 January 2013 until his retirement on 6 June 2013 of £163,264. 
  2.  A pro-rata bonus payable at 78% of the maximum with the payment totalling £190,182.
  3.   A payment in connection with the termination of his employment following his retirement of £190,182 (being six months’ notice). This figure has been included 

in the above table to provide more relevant and reliable information to our shareholders when reviewing and approving the Directors’ Remuneration for 2013.

  4.  A payment of £93,034 in relation to accrued but untaken holiday pay.
  Further details of the terms of his retirement are set out on pages 88 and 89.
8  Alan Booth joined the Board on 26 April 2013 and his fees are the pro-rata amount from his appointment to the Board through to the end of the year under review 
based on an annual fee of £70,000.  Mr Booth was also appointed as Chairman of the Technical Advisory Committee on 12 August. In recognition of the additional 
time commitment involved in this role he received an additional pro-rata fee for the remainder of the year for this role based on an annual fee of £5,000. 
9  Vivien Gibney was appointed to the Board on 14 August 2013 and her fees are the pro-rata amount from her appointment to the Board through to the end of 

the year under review based on an annual fee of £70,000.  Mrs Gibney was appointed Chairman of the Remuneration Committee with effect from 14 November 
2013. In recognition of the additional time commitment involved in this role she received an additional pro-rata fee for the remainder of the year for this role based 
on a an annual fee of £5,000. 

10 John Lander was replaced by Vivien Gibney as Chairman of the Remuneration Committee with effect from 14 November 2013.
  His fees as Chair and independent non-executive director are included to this date. 
  With effect from 15 November 2013, John Lander’s fee was £70,000. 
11 William Schrader was appointed to the Board on 18 February 2013 and his fees are the pro-rata amount from his appointment to the Board through to the end 

of the year under review based on an annual fee of £70,000.

83

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceAnnual Report on Remuneration 
continued

The salaries, fees and benefits paid to the executive and non-executive directors for the year ended 31 December 2012 are detailed below: 

Director  
£000
Executive directors
Nick Cooper 
Jonathan Taylor

Base  
Salary/Fees

Benefits

Pension

Bonus 

Long-Term
Incentives

Total 2012

394
368

5
–

43
40

Chairman and non-executive directors
Nicholas Smith
Ronald Blakely
John Lander1
Dennis McShane
Lyndon Powell 
Totals
1  Includes a one-off fee of £10,000 in relation to the exceptional time commitment provided in 2012 paid in 2013.

140
75
85
75
75
1,212

–
–
–
–
–
83

–
–
–
–
–
5

528
492

–
–
–
–
–
1,020

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

970
900

140
75
85
75
75
2,320

Additional information in respect of the single figure table
Annual Bonus Plan Outturn
For 2013, the Committee set KPI targets for the executive directors in respect of HSE performance; Personal objectives; an increase 
in Reserves and Resources; Finance; and Portfolio Management/New Business. 

Whilst the precise targets are considered to remain price sensitive, an overview of the extent of achievement for each Executive against 
their performance objectives is detailed below:

Metric
HSE

Target
Assessment of safety record during the year

Extent of achievement
No significant incidents

Delivery of successful CSR Community Projects

Reserves and Resources
Finance

Portfolio Management  
and New Business

Addition of net reserves and resources
Targets principally related to (i) maintain operational 
headroom (ii) and finding costs
The targets set related to the successful 
monetisation of specific Group assets and 
acquisition of exploration acreage

Active CSR projects underway or planned in all 
operating countries
Addition of 254mmboe net to the Company in 2013
The Group’s funding targets were fully achieved.  
Finding costs were $US0.90/boe
Successes included (i) the successful sale of a 20% 
interest in Tanzanian Blocks 1, 3 and 4 to Pavilion, 
(ii) the rationalisation of the portfolio tail, (iii) the 
securing of new acreage in Ghana and Gabon

Percentage of 
Target met
100%

100%
100%

80%

84

Ophir Energy plcWith regards to the Chief Executive Officer, his personal targets 
included, but were not limited to, delivering a successful 
restructuring of the executive leadership team, reviewing and 
implementing an appropriate organisational structure to reflect the 
current size and stature of the Company and ensuring best practice 
procedures exist in relation to M&A and capital raising. The Director 
of Corporate Strategy had targets set that included, but were not 
limited to, supporting the Chief Executive Officer in restructuring the 
Group, completing a strategic review and improving the operational 
capability of the Group. The Chief Financial Officer had targets that 
included, but were not limited to, supporting the Chief Executive 
Officer restructure the Group and restructure and improve the 
finance function’s operational capability. 

Overall, this resulted in bonuses becoming payable at between 
129% of basic salary and 138% of basic salary across the executive 
directors (being between 86% and 92% of the maximum 
bonus payable). 

Bonuses disclosed for Dennis McShane and Lisa Mitchell were 
based on the part year worked as executive directors in respect 
of qualifying services. 

As a result, Nick Cooper, Dennis McShane and Lisa Mitchell received 
bonus payments of £562,391, £455,873 and £309,246 respectively 
for 2013. 

The Committee is satisfied with the overall payments in light of the 
level of performance achieved.

Details of the bonus earned by Jonathan Taylor are set out on 
pages 83 and 88.

85

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceAnnual Report on Remuneration 
continued

Long-Term Incentives
No long-term incentive awards with performance conditions vested during the year. This reflects the relatively short period since the 
Company’s listing. 

However, as previously disclosed, on joining the Company Nick Cooper was granted awards under the Share Option Plan 2006 and nil-cost 
options made under the LTIP to compensate for awards forfeited from his previous employment. These awards had no performance 
conditions attached and vested on 1 June 2013. While they do not form part of the single figure of total remuneration, the values on 
vesting have been provided for completeness.

Share Option Plan 2006
LTIP

Date of grant
01/06/2011
01/06/2011

Vesting date
01/06/2013
01/06/2013

Lapse date
31/05/2021
31/05/2014

Share awards at 
1 January 2013
578,164
617,749

Number vested  
during the year
578,164
617,749

The number of awards in the above table (and the exercise price of the option grants) was adjusted for the March 2013 rights issue. 

1  Awards granted before March 2013 were increased by a factor of 1.156329 and the exercise price reduced by the same factor for the 

reasons previously described in relation to the March 2013 rights issue. 

2  With regard to the award granted under the Share Option Plan 2006, the aggregate exercise price for the award, following the 
adjustment described in 1 above, was £1,250,000 and so the inherent gain in this award on vesting on 1 June 2013, using a 
closing share price of £3.95, was £1,033,748. The value of the LTIP on vesting on 1 June 2013, using a closing share price of £3.95, 
was £2,440,109. When the LTIP, structured as a nominal cost option, was exercised on 16 August 2013 at a share price of £3.30, 
the gain totalled £2,018,886.

3  Balance of awards which have yet to be exercised in the case of the Share Option Plan 2006 awards and awards that have yet to vest 

in respect of the LTIP. The total share awards as at 31 December 2013 is inclusive of the awards vesting during the year. 

86

Ophir Energy plcLong-Term Incentive awards granted 
in the year
As part of the terms of Nick Cooper’s Exceptional LTIP award 
granted on 19 June 2012, Nick Cooper did not receive an award 
under the LTIP in 2013.

The LTIP award levels granted to the other executive directors in the 
year under review (calculated based on the three-month average 
share price for the period from 15 November 2012 to 14 February 
2013) were:

•  Chief Financial Officer (Lisa Mitchell): 200% of salary;

•  Executive director of Corporate Strategy (Dennis McShane): 

200% of salary; and

•  Executive director (Jonathan Taylor): 200% of salary (which 

subsequently lapsed in its entirety on his retirement). 

These awards were in line with the Company’s policy as detailed 
in the Policy Report.

Dennis McShane also received market value option awards 
under the 2006 Share Option Plan. This award was granted to 
compensate him for his exit from an advisory business with the 
value of the option grant calculated to offset the value expected 
to be forfeited in relation to his exit from an advisory business 
(a full explanation of the basis on which the buyout was calculated 
and the rationale behind its structure is set out in the Policy Report 
on page 72). The option award is subject to a performance target  
(see below). 

The awards to the executive directors during the year were  
as follows:

% of award 
that vests at 
the threshold 
perforamce level 
(performance 
is measured to 
31 December 
2015)
25% 

25%
100%

25%

Lisa Mitchell * 

Type of Award
LTIP – Nil/No minimal cost option
LTIP – Nil/No minimal cost option
Dennis McShane** LTIP – Nil/No minimal cost option

Share Option Plan –  
Market value option
LTIP – Nil/No minimal cost option

Basis of award granted*
125% of salary

200% of salary
Buyout award – £1.7m

Share price 
at date 
of grant
£4.72
£3.23
£4.72
£4.72

Exercise  
price
–
–
–
£4.72

Number 
of shares  
awarded
77,834
80,092
171,628
360,127

Face value 
of award1  
£’000
345
355
761
1,700

200% of salary
Jonathan Taylor
1. In line with the Company’s policy as set out on page 71, the share price used to determine the number of awards (excluding Dennis McShane’s buyout award) 

171,628

£4.72

761

–

was £5.1253, being the average share price over the three months to 14 February 2013. The share price and the number of awards were adjusted for the subsequent 
Rights Issue by a factor of 1.15633 (resulting in an adjusted share price of £4.43) for the reasons previously described. The face value of awards has been calculated 
using the adjusted share price.

*  Lisa Mitchell was granted LTIP awards in February 2013 based on the policy applicable to a non PLC Board executive (being 125% of her salary at the time) with the 

awards supplemented on her appointment to the PLC Board so that her aggregate award was in line with the LTIP policy detailed above i.e. based on 200% of salary. 
The performance targets are as detailed below on page 88 with the performance period running from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2015. 

** In addition to a 200% of salary normal LTIP award in line with the Company’s policy (performance targets as detailed below and the performance period as detailed 
above for Lisa Mitchell), Dennis McShane was granted an option over shares with a value of £1.7m (the performance period runs from 26 March 2013 to 26 March 
2016). The award vests after three years with details included of the basis on which the award was determined on page 88. 

  Jonathan Taylor’s award (with the performance targets as detailed below and the performance period as above for Lisa Mitchell) was forfeited as part of his 

compromise agreement agreed upon his retirement – see payments for loss of office detailed on page 88.

87

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceAnnual Report on Remuneration 
continued

The performance targets applying to the 2013 LTIP awards are 
based on relative TSR against other oil and gas companies. 

Awards vest on a straight line basis relative to the Company’s total 
shareholder return (TSR) performance over a three-year period 
compared to a comparator group set on grant. No vesting occurs 
for below median performance. At median 25% of the award vests, 
with full vesting at the upper quartile. In addition, the Committee 
may reduce the number of shares in respect of which an award 
would otherwise vest based upon TSR performance if it considers 
that the TSR achieved over the three-year period does not reflect 
the underlying financial performance of the Company or that key 
operational metrics have not been met. 

The constituents of the 2013 LTIP comparator group are set out 
on page 82.

Clawback provisions will apply in the event of a material 
misstatement of the Company’s results within a two year period 
in relation to the award.

Dennis McShane’s market value option award is subject to a relative 
TSR performance condition which with awards vesting only if the 
threshold (i.e. median performance) is achieved. The comparator 
group is the same as that which applies to the 2013 LTIP grant 
and performance is measured over a three-year period running 
from the date of grant of the award. The form of award and the 
application of the TSR target were assessed by the Committee 
when determining the quantum of award to buy-out his interest 
in an advisory business that he forfeited on joining the Company. 
The use of a market value option reflected the fact the value forfeit 
in that it was geared to future success of the advisory business 
and, therefore, the structure of the buy-out, broadly, mirrored the 
potential return on his interest forfeit.

Payments for Loss of Office

Jonathan Taylor 
Jonathan Taylor retired from the Board and his role as executive 
director with effect from the 2013 AGM. As a result, Jonathan’s 
service agreement with the Company terminated in connection 
with his retirement. The payments made relating to his termination 
were as follows:

•  A payment of six months’ salary (£190,182) in connection with 

the termination of his employment following his retirement. This 
related to the six-month notice period in his Service Agreement;

•  the value of accrued but untaken holiday (£93,034); and

•  as a retiree (and therefore a good leaver), a payment under 
the annual bonus plan of £190,182. The bonus amount was 
calculated based on the Committee’s assessment of the extent 
to which the performance targets had been met (which was 
then pro-rated to the period of the year under review worked) 
at the time of his retirement from the Board. After assessing 
each individual bonus criteria, the extent of achievement 
against the bonus targets was determined to be 78% of the 
pro-rata bonus maximum which related to his contribution 
for the part-year served. 

Had the Committee tested performance over the full performance 
period, the bonus earned against the financial targets would have 
resulted in a higher bonus being earned, pro-rata, for the period 
Jonathan Taylor was employed in the financial year under review. 

Jonathan Taylor, as a retiree, has been treated as a good leaver 
under the rules of the LTIP. His awards granted on 26 May 
2011, 22 November 2011 and 13 April 2012 will vest on their 
normal vesting dates subject to the satisfaction of the attached 
performance conditions. The award granted to him on 26 March 
2013 has been lapsed.

In using its discretion in relation to the treatment of his LTIP  
awards, the Committee considered applying time pro-rating 
to each outstanding award. Had this approach been taken, 
the Committee would not have applied time pro-rating to the 
2011 awards given that the performance periods for these awards 
were in their final year of three when the individual retired, the 
Committee would have applied a one-third reduction to the 2012 
award given this award was in the second year of the three year 
performance period when the individual retired and the Committee 
would have applied a two thirds reduction to the 2013 award 

88

Ophir Energy plcgiven it was in the first year of the three year performance period 
when the individual retired. Instead of taking this approach, the 
Committee considered it more appropriate to lapse the 2013 award 
in its entirety and effectively credit the third of this award lapsing 
against the 2012 award to enable this award to vest in full in due 
course. In taking this decision, the Committee was also guided by 

the fact that the individual was a founder of the Company and 
considered it preferable to enable the individual to be more fully 
rewarded for his endeavours at the Company which are most 
closely linked to taking Ophir to the Official List and immediate 
period thereafter. The original performance targets will be applied 
to the 2011 and 2012 awards over the full performance periods. 

Directors’ Interests in Shares
Directors’ options and share-based awards as at 31 December 2013 

Exercise 
Price 
(pence)

Market 
price at 
release 
(pence)

Shares 
under 
Award at 1 
January 
2013 

Vesting  
Date

Shares 
Awarded

Shares 
vested

Shares 
Exercised

Shares 
lapsed/ 
cancelled 
or forfeited

Shares 
under 
Award at 31
December 
2013 

Lapse  
Date

Date of  
Grant

Director and Scheme
Nick Cooper
Share Option Plan 2006
01/06/2011*
Long-Term Incentive Plan 01/06/20111
Long-Term Incentive Plan 01/06/20113
Long-Term Incentive Plan 01/06/20113
22/11/20113
Long-Term Incentive Plan
Long-Term Incentive Plan 13/04/20123
Long-Term Incentive Plan 19/06/20124
Long-Term Incentive Plan 19/06/20124
Long-Term Incentive Plan 19/06/20124
Jonathan Taylor**
Long-Term Incentive Plan 26/05/20113
22/11/20113
Long-Term Incentive Plan
Long-Term Incentive Plan 13/04/20123
Long-Term Incentive Plan 26/03/20132
Dennis McShane
26/03/20135
Share Option Plan 2006
Long-Term Incentive Plan 26/03/20132
Lisa Mitchell
15/12/2011
Share Option Plan 2006
19/06/2012
Share Option Plan 2006
Long-Term Incentive Plan
13/04/2012
Long-Term Incentive Plan 26/03/20132
Long-Term Incentive Plan 30/08/20132

2.162
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00

0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00

4.72
0.00

2.162
5.504
0.00
0.00
0.00

578,164
617,749 617,749

–

–

01/06/2013
3.30 01/06/2013
01/06/2014
01/06/2014
01/06/2014
13/04/2015
19/06/2015
19/06/2016
19/06/2017

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

578,164
617,749
173,449
247,785
99,113
373,190
277,518
370,025
370,025

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

26/05/2014
26/05/2014
13/04/2015
26/03/2016

231,265
140,170
232,207
–

–
–
–
171,628 

26/05/2016
26/05/2016

–
–

360,127
171,628

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–

15/12/2013
19/06/2014
13/04/2015
26/03/2016
30/08/2016

86,724
86,724
87,669
–
–

–
–
–
77,834
80,092

86,724
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

578,164 31/05/2021
31/05/2014
173,449 31/05/2015
247,785 31/05/2015
99,113 31/05/2015
373,180 12/04/2016
277,518 18/06/2016
370,025 18/06/2017
370,025 18/06/2018

–
–
–
171,628 

231,265 25/05/2015
140,170 25/05/2015
232,207 12/04/2016

–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–

360,127 25/03/2023
171,628 25/03/2017

86,724 14/12/2021
86,724 18/06/2022
87,669 12/04/2016
77,834 25/03/2017
80,092 29/08/2017

89

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceAnnual Report on Remuneration 
continued

  The Company operates the 2006 Share Option Plan and operates the Long-Term Incentive Plan. Market value options were granted to Nick Cooper and 

Dennis McShane on recruitment and Lisa Mitchell when she was a non PLC Board Executive. Executive directors participate in the LTIP, under which nil cost 
options were granted

  Awards granted under all plans in the above table before 26 March 2013 were increased by a factor of 1.156329 in relation to the 26 March 2013 rights issue 

(as previously explained) and the exercise price reduced by the same factor (for the reasons previously explained).

*  Nick Cooper was granted a market value option under the 2006 Share Option Plan as part of the terms of his recruitment.

** Jonathan Taylor resigned with effect from 6 June 2013.

1 The award of 617,749 nominal-cost options (after adjusting for the impact of the March 2013 rights issue as detailed above) to Nick Cooper under the LTIP was not 
subject to any performance conditions as it was granted to compensate him for the fact that awards over shares in his previous employer lapsed when he joined 
the Company. 

2 Details of the performance condition for the 2013 LTIP award are set out on pages 87 and 88.

3 The performance condition for the LTIP awards granted on 26 May 2011, 1 June 2011 (with the exception to that detailed in (1) above), 13 April 2012 and 22 

November 2011 are broadly the same to that for the 2013 LTIP award other than in respect of the TSR comparator group which differed in respect of a small number 
of the comparator companies (as disclosed in previous years’ Directors’ Remuneration Reports).

4 For Tranche 1, the absolute TSR performance condition will be based on a 90 day average share price in the final year of the relevant performance period. 25% of the 

award will vest at 20% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) above £4.28 (as adjusted to reflect the rights issue that became effective on 26 March 2013 
as previously detailed) resulting in a share price of £7.40 being required for threshold vesting with full vesting at 35% CAGR requiring a share price of £10.53. 
These share prices assume no dividends are paid for simplicity. Straight line vesting takes place between performance points. In setting these targets, the Committee 
considered Ophir’s cost of capital and the expectations of investors. This award was granted in addition to an award under the LTIP in 2012 (detailed above) so that 
his aggregate incentive incorporated both a relative TSR and absolute TSR performance target. Both awards formed part of the 2012 consultation with shareholders 
prior to the AGM. For Tranche 2, the same relative TSR performance target as described for the 2013 LTIP awards above applies to half of the shares comprising 
Tranche 2 (with the performance period running from 19 June 2013 to 18 June 2016) with the remaining half subject to absolute TSR targets that require the same 
compound annual growth rates as detailed above for Tranche 1 tested from a base share price of £4.09. For Tranche 3, the same targets are expected to apply 
as per Tranche 2 with further details included on page 72.

5 Details of Dennis McShane’s 2013 Share Option 2013 award are set out above and on page 72.

90

Ophir Energy plcShare ownership
To align the interests of the executive directors with shareholders, 
Directors are required to build up significant shareholdings in 
the Company. 

Nick Cooper has a guideline equivalent to 300% of salary, to be 
achieved through retaining 100% of his vested or exercised awards 
(net of taxes) under the long-term incentive share plans until the 
guideline is met. 

Other executive directors are required to build up shareholdings 
of at least 100% of salary and are required to retain 50% of their 
vested or exercised awards (net of taxes) under share incentive 
schemes until the guideline is met. 

Both Nick Cooper and Dennis McShane have met their respective 
share ownership requirements as at 31 December 2013. Lisa Mitchell 
has yet to meet her respective requirements.

Of Nick Cooper’s outstanding Long-Term Incentive awards, 
617,749 have vested and were exercised on 16 August 2013. 
These shares have no performance requirement as they formed 
part of his compensation on joining Ophir from his former 
employer. The balance of his awards are subject to performance 
targets as detailed on page 90.

Nick Cooper’s outstanding Options have vested but remain 
unexercised; these do not have performance targets as they 
formed part of his compensation on joining Ophir from 
Salamander. No options were exercised during the period 
by any director. 

Lower shareholding requirements apply for other members of the 
management team. The Chairman and non-executive directors 
are encouraged to hold shares in the Company but are not subject 
to a formal shareholding guideline. Details of the Directors’ interests 
in shares are shown in the table below.

Beneficially  
owned as at  
31 December  
2013
128,000
495,197
145,600
0
7,354,084
35,000
125,000
10,000
313,544
33,600
10,200

Beneficially  
owned as at  
31 December  
2012
108,000
120,572
104,000
0
6,836,320
12,000
–
–-
223,960
24,000
–

Share ownership 
guideline met as  
at 31 December  
2013
n/a
100%
100%
0%
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Outstanding  
Long-term 
incentive  
awards
n/a
1,911,105
171,628
245,595
603,642
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Outstanding 
Options  
(vested but 
unexercised)
n/a
578,164
0
86,724
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Outstanding 
Options  
(unvested)
n/a
0
360,127
86,724
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Target level
n/a
300%
100%
100%
100%
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Nicholas Smith
Nick Cooper
Dennis McShane
Lisa Mitchell
Jonathan Taylor
Ronald Blakely 
Alan Booth
Vivien Gibney
John Lander 
Lyndon Powell
Bill Schrader

1 Nicholas Smith holds a beneficial interest in 128,000 Shares. The legal interest is held by Chase Nominees Limited.
2 Nick Cooper holds a beneficial interest in 494,397 Shares. The legal interest is held by Goldman Sachs International. The remaining beneficial interest in 800 Shares 

is held by Nick Cooper’s spouse, Alison Nightingale. The legal interest of these shares are held in the name of James Capel (Nominees) Limited.

3 Dennis McShane holds a beneficial interest in 145,600 Shares. The legal interest is held by Frank Nominees Limited.
4 John Lander and members of his family hold a beneficial interest in 313,544 Shares. The legal interest is held by WB Nominees Ltd.
5 Ronald Blakely and members of his family hold a beneficial interest in 35,000 Shares. The legal interest is held by Vidacos Nominees Limited.
6 Bill Schrader, Lyndon Powell and Vivien Gibney hold the legal and beneficial interest in the Shares registered in their respective names.
7 Alan Booth held a beneficial interest of 100,000 Shares as at his date of appointment to the Board on 26 April 2013. He subsequently acquired an additional 

25,000 Shares and currently holds a total beneficial interest in 125,000 Shares. The legal interest is held by TD Direct Investing Nominees (Europe) Ltd.

91

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceAnnual Report on Remuneration 
continued

Performance graph (not subject to audit)
The following graph shows the Company’s TSR performance since 
trading of the Company’s shares began on the London Stock 
Exchange on 13 July 2011 against the group of companies used 
as the TSR comparator group for the 2013 LTIP awards. 

The graph also shows the Company’s TSR performance since 
trading of the Company’s shares began on the London Stock 
Exchange on 13 July 2011 against the FTSE 250. Ophir is a 
constituent of the index and therefore the Committee considers 
this equity index to be appropriate as a comparator.

Total shareholder return 
Source: Thomson Reuters

250

200

150

100

)
£
(
e
u
a
V

l

50

0

13 Jul 11

31 Dec 11

31 Dec 12 

31 Dec 13

 Ophir
 FTSE 250
 LTIP TSR Comparator Group (Average)

This graph shows the value, by 31 December 2013, of £100 
invested in Ophir Energy plc on 13 July 2011 (the date of listing 
on the London Stock Exchange) compared with the value of £100 
invested in the FTSE 250 Index and the LTIP TSR comparator 
group companies.

Chief Executive Officer’s Remuneration Table  
(not subject to audit)
The table below details the single total remuneration figure 
earned by the Chief Executive Officer since the Company moved 
to the Official List. Total remuneration has been calculated to be 
consistent with the figures disclosed on pages 83 and 84 and the 
table also details the proportion of annual bonus and LTIP awards 
payable and/or vesting in the relevant year. 

Year Ending
31/12/2013
31/12/2012
31/12/2011

Executive
Nick Cooper
Nick Cooper
Nick Cooper

Total 
Remuneration 
(£000)
1,027
970
910*

Annual  
Bonus  
(% of max)
92%
89%
83%

LTIP  
Vesting  
(% of max)
Note 1
n/a
n/a

*  reflects the fact that Nick Cooper was appointed as Chief Executive Officer on 

1 June 2011

  Note 1. As set out on page 89, the LTIP award and 2006 Share Option Plan 
awards that vested during the year under review related to compensation 
agreed on joining the Company for awards forfeit at a previous employer. 
Neither award was subject to performance targets and as a result is not included 
in the Single Total Remuneration Figure.

Percentage change in the remuneration of the 
Chief Executive Officer (not subject to audit)
The table below shows the percentage change in remuneration 
(salary, benefits and annual incentive) from 2012 to 2013 for the 
CEO compared with the average UK Head Office employee.

Salary
Benefits
Annual Bonus

Chief Executive Officer
3.5%
140%
4.6%

Average UK employee*
-5.4%
N/A**
-19.4%

*  The comparator group chosen comprises 38 employees who are the Company’s 
UK based employees excluding the executive directors. The Committee believes 
that this group is the most appropriate comparator group as these employees 
are based in the same geographical location as the Chief Executive Officer.

** 2013 was the first year that the Company provided taxable benefits to 

UK employees. As a result, it is not possible to include a percentage growth 
in costs statistic as there were no benefit costs in 2012. 

92

Ophir Energy plc 
Relative importance of the spend on pay 
(not subject to audit)

Staff Costs (£m)
Distributions to shareholders (£m)

2013
22.2
0

2012 % Change
15%
19.3
0%
0

Statement of shareholder voting 
(not subject to audit) 
At last year’s AGM, the Directors’ Remuneration Report received the 
following votes from shareholders:

2013 AGM
331,510,396
145,655,064
477,165,460
12,126,227 

% 
69.4
30.53
100
2.54

Votes cast in favour
Votes cast against
Total votes cast
Abstentions

By Order of the Board

Vivien Gibney
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

19 March 2014

93

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Corporate GovernanceResponsibility statement of the  
Directors in respect of the Annual  
Report and Accounts 

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 
in relation to the Group financial 
statements and Annual Report

I confirm on behalf of the Board that to the best of their knowledge: 

•  The financial statements, prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the  European Union, 
give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position 
and profit and loss of the Company and the undertakings included in 
the consolidation taken as a whole; and

•  The Directors’ Report and the Group Operating and Financial Review 
include a fair review of the development and performance of the 
business and the position of the Company and the undertakings 
included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a 
description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

Directors’ statement under the UK Corporate Governance Code
The Board considers that the Annual Report and Accounts taken as 
a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and that it provides 
the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Company’s 
performance, business model and strategy.

Approved by the Board and signed on their behalf.

Nick Cooper
Chief Executive Officer 
19 March 2014

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and 
the Group financial statements in accordance with applicable United 
Kingdom law and regulations. Company law requires the Directors to 
prepare Group financial statements for each financial year. Under that 
law, the Directors are required to prepare Group financial statements 
under IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. 

Under Company Law the Directors must not approve the Group 
financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and 
fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and of the profit or loss of 
the Group for that period. In preparing the Group financial statements 
the Directors are required to: 
•  present fairly the financial position, financial performance and cash 

flows of the Group; 

•  select suitable accounting policies in accordance with IAS 8: 

Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors 
and then apply them consistently; 

•  present information, including accounting policies, in a manner 
that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable 
information; 

•  make judgements that are reasonable; 
•  provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific 
requirements in IFRSs as adopted by the European Union is 
insufficient to enable users to understand the impact of particular 
transactions, other events and conditions on the Group‘s financial 
position and financial performance; and 

•  state whether the Group financial statements have been prepared 

in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, 
subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the 
financial statements. 

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records 
that are sufficient to show and explain the Group’s transactions and 
disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position 
of the Group and enable them to ensure that the Group financial 
statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the 
IAS Regulation. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets 
of the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention 
and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

The Directors are also responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, 
Directors’ Report, the Directors’ Remuneration Report and the 
Corporate Governance Statement in accordance with the Companies 
Act 2006 and applicable regulations, including the requirements of the 
Listing Rules and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

Approved by the Board on 19 March 2014

Nick Cooper
Chief Executive Officer

94

Ophir Energy plcConsolidated Financial Statements

Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of Ophir Energy plc

We have audited the Group financial statements of Ophir Energy plc for the year ended 31 December 2013 which comprise the Consolidated 
Income Statement and Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, the Consolidated Statement 
of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, and the related notes 1 to 31. 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.

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 set out on page 66, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the 
Group 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 
Group 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 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 and Accounts to identify material inconsistencies with 
the audited financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent 
with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements 
or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion the Group financial statements:
•  give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s affairs as at 31 December 2013 and of its loss for the year then ended;
•  have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; and 
•  have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

Our assessment of risks of material misstatement 
We identified the following risks that have had the greatest effect on the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; 
and directing the efforts of the engagement team: 
•  assessment of the carrying value of exploration and evaluation assets.
•  the ability for Ophir Energy plc to fund future exploration work programmes and to continue as a going concern.

95

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial StatementsConsolidated Financial Statements

Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of Ophir Energy plc continued

Our application of materiality 
We determined materiality for the Group to be $35.49 million (2012: $22.09 million), which is below 2% (2012: 2%) of total equity. This provided 
a basis for determining the nature, timing and extent of risk assessment procedures, identifying and assessing the risk of material misstatement 
and determining the nature, timing and extent of further audit procedures. We assessed our materiality calculation based on the total equity 
of the Group as we considered that to be the most relevant performance measure to the stakeholders of the entity. 

On the basis of our risk assessment, together with our assessment of the Group’s overall control environment, our judgement was that overall 
performance materiality (i.e. our tolerance for misstatement in an individual account or balance) for the Group should be 50% (2012: 50%) 
of materiality, namely $17.75 million (2012: $11.05 million). Our objective in adopting this approach was to ensure that total uncorrected and 
undetected audit differences in all accounts did not exceed our materiality level. 

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Audit Committee all audit differences in excess of $1.77 million  
(2012: $1.1 million), as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.

An overview of the scope of our audit 
Following our assessment of the risk of material misstatement to the Group financial statements, and with reference to the financial 
management structure employed by Ophir Energy plc, we selected all operating locations to be subject to a full scope audit for the year ended 
31 December 2013. These locations were selected to provide a basis for undertaking audit work to address the risks of material misstatement 
identified above.

The audit of all the operating locations was directed by the senior statutory auditor.

Our response to the risks identified above was as follows:

•  We have challenged management’s assessment of the carrying value of exploration and evaluation assets. In particular we considered 

Ophir Energy plc’s:

  –  right to explore in the relevant exploration licence;
  –  intention to carry out exploration and evaluation activity in the relevant exploration area; and
  –  commercial viability of results of exploration and evaluation activities carried out in the relevant licence area.

•  We have challenged management’s going concern model including the liquidity position at the year end and the projected cash flows. 

We assessed and challenged the accuracy of exploration and evaluation expenditure commitments, the anticipated sources of funding, 
with particular reference to the anticipated completion of the disposal of a 20% stake in Tanzania Blocks 1,3 and 4, and projected 
administration overhead costs disclosed in management’s model. We have challenged the consistency of the assumptions included within 
the going concern model with the statements related to future plans and commitments contained within the Annual Report and Accounts.

96

Ophir Energy plcOpinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the Group financial 
statements are prepared is consistent with the Group financial statements. 

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

Under the ISAs (UK and Ireland), we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, information in the Annual Report is: 
•  materially inconsistent with the information in the audited financial statements; or 
•  apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge of the Group acquired in the course of performing 

our audit; or 

•  is otherwise misleading. 

In particular, we are required to consider whether we have identified any inconsistencies between our knowledge acquired during the audit and 
the Directors’ statement that they consider the Annual Report is fair, balanced and understandable and whether the Annual Report appropriately 
discloses those matters that we communicated to the Audit Committee which we consider should have been disclosed. 

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
•  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.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:
•  the Directors’ statement, set out on page 66, in relation to going concern; and
•  the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Company’s compliance with the nine provisions of the UK Corporate 

Governance Code specified for our review.

Other matter
We have reported separately on the parent company financial statements of Ophir Energy plc for the year ended 31 December 2013 and on the 
information in the Directors’ Remuneration Report that is described as having been audited. 

Paul Wallek 
(Senior statutory auditor)
for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP
Statutory Auditor
London
19 March 2014

Notes:
1.  The maintenance and integrity of the Ophir Energy plc website is the responsibility of the Directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration 
of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements since they were initially 
presented on the website.

2. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

97

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial StatementsConsolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated income statement and statement of comprehensive income 
For the year ended 31 December 2013

Consolidated income statement

Continuing operations
Revenue
Other income
Exploration expenses
General & administration expenses
Other operating expenses
Operating loss

Finance income 
Loss from continuing operations before taxation
Taxation
Loss from continuing operations for the year attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company
Non-controlling interest

Loss per share (pence) attributable to equity holders of the parent
Basic and diluted EPS on loss for the year (per share)

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Loss from continuing operations for the year 

Other comprehensive income
Other comprehensive income to be classified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:
Exchange differences on retranslation of foreign operations net of tax
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive loss for the year, net of tax attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company
Non-controlling interest

1  Restated (refer to note 4)
(45) cents per share
2 
(10) cents per share
3 

Notes

3 (a)
3 (b)
3 (c)
3

4

8

9

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
 $’000

Year ended 
31 Dec 20121
$’000

–
12
(229,103)
(32,098)
(46,357)
(307,546)

27,079
(280,467)
34,660
(245,807)
(245,777)
(30)
(245,807)

–
12
(4,521)
(36,394)
(1,676)
(42,579)

1,636
(40,943)
228
(40,715)
(40,609)
(106)
(40,715)

(29) pence2

(6) pence3 

(245,807)

(40,715)

(1,396)
(1,396)

(28)
(28)

(247,173)
(30)
(247,203)

(40,637)
(106)
(40,743)

98

Ophir Energy plc 
Consolidated statement of financial position
As at 31 December 2013

Non-current assets
Exploration and evaluation assets
Goodwill
Property, plant and equipment
Financial assets

Current assets
Inventory
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Investments

Total assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Provisions

Non-current liabilities
Deferred income tax 
Provisions

Total liabilities
Net assets

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Reserves
Equity attributable to equity shareholders of the Company
Non-controlling interest
Total equity

Approved by the Board on 19 March 2014

Nicholas Smith  
Chairman 

Nick Cooper
Chief Executive Officer

As at
31 Dec 2013 
 $’000

As at 
31 Dec 2012
 $’000

Notes

10
11
13
14

15
16
17
18

19
20

8
20

22
23

23

1,124,423
20,868
3,237
4,773
1,153,301

25,890
8,236
506,762
159,921
700,809
1,854,110

961,713
57,165
2,447
10,593
1,031,918

12,811
9,500
227,743
–
250,054
1,281,972

(120,787)
(35,371)
(156,158)

(119,416)
(833)
(120,249)

(20,806)
(237)
(21,043)
(177,201)
1,676,909

(56,996)
(277)
(57,273)
(177,522)
1,104,450

2,466
1,674,719
1,677,185
(276)
1,676,909

1,739
1,102,957
1,104,696
(246)
1,104,450

99

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Statements 
Called up
share capital
$’000
1,448
–
–
–

Other1
reserves
 $’000
711,612
(40,609)
(28)
(40,637)

Non-
controlling
interest 
 $’000
–
(106)
–
(106)

276
15
–
–
–
1,739

415,722
8,480
62
7,718
–
1,102,957

–
–
–

(245,777)
(1,396)
(247,173)

711
16
–
2,466

802,517
7,324
9,094
1,674,719

–
–
–
–
(140)
(246)

(30) 
–
(30)

–
–
–
(276)

Total
equity
 $’000
713,060
(40,715)
(28)
(40,743)

415,998
8,495
62
7,718
(140)
1,104,450

(245,807)
(1,396) 
(247,203)

803,228
7,340
9,094
1,676,909

Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 31 December 2013

As at 1 January 2012
Loss for the period, net of tax
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 
Total comprehensive income, net of tax

New ordinary shares issued to third parties
Exercise of options
Share issue costs
Share-based payments
Acquisition of subsidiary
As at 31 December 2012

Loss for the period, net of tax
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Total comprehensive income, net of tax

New ordinary shares issued to third parties
Exercise of options
Share-based payments
As at 31 December 2013

1  Refer to note 24

100

Ophir Energy plcConsolidated statement of cash flows
For the year ended 31 December 2013

Operating activities
Loss before taxation
Adjustments to reconcile loss before tax to net cash flows:
Interest income
Foreign exchange gains
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Impairment of goodwill
Amortisation of deferred costs
Loss on disposal of assets
Provision for employee entitlements
Allowance for provision
Share-based payments
Exploration expenditure – pre licence costs
Exploration expenditure – written off
Exploration expenditure – provision for impairment
Inventory write off
Working capital adjustments
Increase in trade and other payables
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables
Increase in other current assets
Cash flows from operating activities
Income taxes paid
Interest income
Net cash flows used in operating activities

Investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Exploration expenditure
Proceeds on disposals of assets
Purchase of inventory
Cash placed on deposit
Security deposits refunded
Acquisition of subsidiary
Cash acquired on acquisition of subsidiary
Net cash flows used in investing activities

Financing activities
Share issue costs 
Issue of ordinary shares 
Net cash flows from financing activities

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents for the year
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
 $’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
 $’000

Notes

(280,467)

(40,943)

4

13
3c

3c

3c
7
3a
3a
3a
3a

13

10

18
14
12

17

(2,410)
(16,977)
1,049
36,297
–
11
(203)
9,000
9,094
2,351
54,006
172,360
386

393
(584)
–
(15,694)
–
793
(14,901)

(2,016)
(363,207)
3
(13,625)
(159,921)
5,820
–
–
(532,946)

(34,399)
844,967
810,568

262,721
16,298
227,743
506,762

(1,009)
–
1,037
–
4
636
(94)
–
7,718
4,521
–
–
–

5,108
1,468
(9,923)
(31,477)
–
1,570
(29,907)

(1,010)
(359,436)
8,721
(6,191)
–
–
(38,682)
15,908
(380,690)

(7,372)
250,385
243,013

(167,584)
(1,258)
396,585
227,743

101

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial StatementsConsolidated Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements

Corporate information

1 
Ophir Energy plc (the “Company” and ultimate parent of the Group) is a public limited company incorporated, domiciled and listed in England. 
Its registered offices are located at 50 New Bond Street, London W1S 1BJ. 

Ophir Energy’s business is the development of offshore and deepwater oil and gas exploration assets. The Company has an extensive and diverse 
portfolio of exploration interests across East and West Africa.

The Group’s financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 19 March 2014 
and the Statement of Financial Position was signed on the Board’s behalf by Nicholas Smith and Nick Cooper.

Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies

2 
2.1  Basis of preparation
The Group’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union and those parts of the 
Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis except for revaluation of certain derivative instruments 
measured at fair value. The consolidated financial statements are presented in US Dollars rounded to the nearest thousand dollars ($’000) 
except as otherwise indicated.

Comparative figures for the period to 31 December 2012 are for the year ended on that date.

New and amended accounting standards and interpretations
The Group has adopted the following relevant new and amended IFRS and IFRIC interpretations as of 1 January 2013:
•  IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’
•  IAS 19 ‘Employee Benefits’ (Revised)
•  IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ – Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Amendment)
•  IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’

These new and amended standards and interpretations have not materially affected amounts reported or disclosed in the Group’s financial 
statements for the year ended 31 December 2013.

Standards and interpretations issued but not yet effective
The following standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards relevant to the Group are not yet effective and have not been 
early adopted by the Group. The Group expects to adopt these standards in accordance with the effective dates.

IAS 27 ‘Separate Financial Statements’, effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014. As a consequence of the new IFRS 10 
‘Consolidated Financial Statements’ and the new IFRS 12 ‘Disclosure of interests in Other Entities’, IAS 27 has been revised with the revisions 
limited to the accounting for investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures, and associates in separate financial statements;

IAS 28 ‘Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures’, effective for the periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014. IAS 28 sets out the 
requirements for the application of the equity method of accounting for investments in associates and joint ventures; 

IAS 32 ‘Financial Instruments: Presentation’, effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014, clarifies the requirements 
for offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities on the balance sheet;

IAS 36 ‘Impairment of Assets’, effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014. This amendment addresses the disclosure 
of information about the recoverable amount of impaired assets if that amount is based on fair value less costs of disposal;

IFRS 11 ‘Joint Arrangements’, effective for annual accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014. IFRS 11 replaces IAS 31 ‘Interests 
in Joint Ventures’ and overhauls the accounting for joint ventures (now called joint arrangements) and in particular removes the option to account 
for jointly controlled entities (“JCE”) using proportionate consolidation and instead requires JCEs that are classified as a joint venture under 
IFRS 11 to be accounted for using the equity method;

IFRS 12 ‘Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities’, effective for annual accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014. IFRS 12 requires 
extensive disclosures enabling users of financial statements to evaluate the nature of, and risks associated with, interests in other entities and the 
effects of those interests on the entity’s financial statements; 

Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 11 and IFRS 12. These amendments are effective for annual accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 
2014 and provide additional transition relief to IFRSs 10, 11 and 12, limiting the requirement to provide adjusted comparative information to only 
the preceding comparative period; and 

102

Ophir Energy plcImprovements to IFRSs 2009-2011 cycle, effective for the annual accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014. These amendments 
are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014. Key relevant amendments are to IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial 
Statements’ which clarifies the disclosure requirements around comparative information, IAS 16 ‘Property, Plant and Equipment’, which clarifies 
that the major spare parts and servicing equipment that meet the definition of property, plant and equipment are not inventory and IAS 32 
‘Financial Instruments: Presentation’ which removes existing income tax requirements from IAS 32 and requires entities to apply the requirements 
in IAS 12 to any income tax arising from distributions to equity holders.

The following standards and interpretations, relevant to the Company, have been issued by the IASB, but have not yet been endorsed by the 
EU for their application to become mandatory:

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’, effective for annual accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015. IFRS 9 amends the classification 
and measurement of financial instruments; and

Amendments to IAS 19 and improvements to IFRSs 2010-2012 and 2011-2013 cycles, with an effective date for the annual accounting periods 
beginning on or after 1 July 2014.

The Group has reviewed the impact to financial reporting for the changes arising from IFRS 10, 11 and 12 and they are not expected to materially 
affect amounts reported or disclosed in the Group’s financial statements. The impact of the adoption of other standards noted above has not 
been assessed by the Group. 

2.2   Basis of consolidation
The Group financial statements consolidate the financial statements of the Company and the entities it controls (its subsidiaries) drawn 
up to 31 December each year.

Subsidiaries 
Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date of their acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains control, and continue to be 
consolidated until the date that such control ceases. Control comprises the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the investee 
so as to obtain benefit from its activities and is achieved through direct or indirect ownership of voting rights; currently exercisable or convertible 
potential voting rights; or by way of contractual agreement. The financial statements of subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting year 
as the parent company, using consistent accounting policies. All intercompany balances and transactions, including unrealised profits arising 
therefrom, are eliminated.

A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, without loss of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction. If the Group loses control 
over a subsidiary, it (i) derecognises the assets (including goodwill) and liabilities of the subsidiary; (ii) derecognises the carrying amount 
of any non-controlling interest; (iii) derecognises the cumulative translation differences, recorded in equity; (iv) recognises the fair value of the 
consideration received; (v) recognises the fair value of any investment retained; and (vi) recognises any surplus or deficit in profit and loss; 
(vii) reclassifies the parent’s share of components previously recognised in other comprehensive income to profit and loss or retained earnings, 
as appropriate.

Non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests represent the equity in a subsidiary not attributable, directly and indirectly, to the parent company and is presented 
separately within the Consolidated statement of financial position, separately from equity attributable to owners of the parent. Losses within 
a subsidiary are attributed to the non-controlling interest even if that results in a deficit balance. 

2.3  Summary of significant accounting policies
(a)  Exploration and evaluation expenditure
Exploration and evaluation (“E&E”) expenditure relates to costs incurred on the exploration and evaluation of potential mineral reserves and 
resources. The Group applies the successful efforts method of accounting for the E&E costs as permitted by IFRS 6 ‘Exploration for and Evaluation 
of Mineral Resources’.

All costs incurred after the rights to explore an area have been obtained, such as licence acquisition costs, geological and geophysical costs and 
other direct costs of E&E, are accumulated and capitalised as E&E assets, in well, field or licence-specific exploration cost centres as appropriate 
pending determination.

Costs (other than payments to acquire the legal right to explore) incurred prior to acquiring rights to explore and general exploration costs 
not specific to any particular licence or prospect are charged directly to the income statement.

103

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial StatementsConsolidated Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies continued

2 
E&E assets are not amortised prior to the determination of the results of exploration activity. At completion of evaluation activities, if technical 
and commercial feasibility is demonstrated, then, following recognition of commercial reserves, the carrying value of the relevant E&E asset will 
be reclassified as a development and production asset, subject to the carrying value of the relevant E&E asset being assessed for impairment.

If, on completion of evaluation of prospects or licences, it is not possible to determine technical feasibility and commercial viability or if the legal 
right to explore expires or if the Group decides not to continue E&E activity, then the costs of such unsuccessful E&E are written off to the income 
statement in the period of that determination.

The carrying value of E&E assets is reviewed for impairment at least once a year or more frequently when events or changes in circumstances 
indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.

Where this is indicated, management will assess the recoverability of the carrying value of the asset. This review is based upon a status 
report confirming that E&E drilling is still under way or firmly planned or that it has been determined, or work is under way to determine that 
the discovery is economically viable. This assessment is based on a range of technical and commercial considerations and confirming that 
sufficient progress is being made to establish development plans and timing. If no future activity is planned, or the value of the asset cannot 
be recovered via successful development or sale, the balance of the E&E costs are written off in the income statement and statement of 
comprehensive income.

The Group may enter into farm-in or farm-out arrangements, where it may introduce partners to share in the development of an asset. 
For transactions involving assets at the exploration and evaluation phase, the Group adopts an accounting policy as permitted by IFRS 6 
such that the Group does not record any expenditure made on its behalf under a “carried interest” by a farm-in partner (the “farmee”). Where 
applicable past costs are reimbursed, any cash consideration received directly from the farmee is credited against costs previously capitalised in 
relation to the whole interest with any excess accounted for by the farmor as a gain on disposal. Farmed out oil and gas properties are accounted 
for in accordance with IAS 16 ‘Property, Plant and Equipment’.

(b)  Intangibles
Intangible assets are initially measured at cost. Following initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at cost less any accumulated 
amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.

Intangible assets with finite lives are amortised over the useful life and tested for impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible 
asset may be impaired.

Where this is indicated, management will assess the recoverability of the carrying value of the asset. The review is based upon a status report 
detailing the Group’s intention for development of the asset. Where it cannot be recovered via successful development or sale, all costs are 
written off.

(c)  Business combinations 
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the 
consideration transferred, measured at acquisition date fair value and the amount of any non-controlling interest (“NCI”) in the acquiree. 
For each business combination, the acquirer elects to measure the components of NCI that are present ownership interests that entitle their 
holders to a proportionate share of the entity’s net assets in the event of liquidation either at fair value or at the proportionate share of the 
acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Acquisition costs incurred are expensed and included in administrative expenses. When the Group acquires 
a business, it assesses the assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, 
economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as at the acquisition date. Those oil & gas reserves that are able to be reliably measured are 
recognised in the assessment of fair values on acquisition. Other potential reserves, resources and rights, for which fair values cannot be reliably 
measured, are not recognised. 

If the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree 
is remeasured to fair value as at the acquisition date (being the date the acquirer gains control) through profit or loss.

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer will be recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent changes to the 
fair value of the contingent consideration which is deemed to be an asset or liability, will be recognised in accordance with IAS 39 either in profit 
or loss or as change to other comprehensive income. If the contingent consideration is classified as equity, it is not remeasured until it is finally 
settled within equity.

104

Ophir Energy plc(d)  Goodwill
Goodwill is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the amount recognised for 
non-controlling interest (“NCI”) over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If this consideration is lower 
than the fair value of the identifiable net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the gain is recognised in profit or loss.

After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill 
acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the Group’s cash-generating units (“CGUs”) that are 
expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the acquiree are assigned 
to those units.

Where goodwill forms part of a CGU and part of the operation within that unit is disposed of, the goodwill associated with the operation disposed 
of is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the gain or loss on disposal of the operation. Goodwill disposed of in this 
circumstance is measured based on the relative values of the operation disposed of and the portion of the cash-generating unit retained.

Goodwill is tested for impairment annually (as at 31 December) and when circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired.

In assessing whether goodwill has been impaired, the carrying amount of the CGU or reportable segment is compared with its recoverable 
amount. In determining whether goodwill is impaired the Group reviews the status of projects including recent farm-out transactions and 
whether the Group’s intention is to further develop the Group’s various assets.

(e)  Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, which comprises furniture and fittings and computer equipment, is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation 
and accumulated impairment losses. Such cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended.

Depreciation is provided on property, plant and equipment calculated using the straight line method at rates to write off the cost, less estimated 
residual value based on prices prevailing at the statement of financial position date, of each asset over expected useful lives ranging from 
3 to 10 years.

(f)  Investments in subsidiaries
The Company holds monetary balances with its subsidiaries of which settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future. 
Such balances are considered to be part of the Company’s net investment in its subsidiaries. 

The carrying values of investments in subsidiaries are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying 
value may not be recoverable.

(g)  Financial instruments
i.  Cash and short-term deposits
Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of financial position comprise cash at banks and in hand and short-term deposits with a maturity 
of three months or less, but excludes any restricted cash. Restricted cash is not available for use by the Group and therefore is not considered 
highly liquid – for example cash set aside to cover rehabilitation obligations. 

For the purpose of the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined above, 
net of outstanding bank overdrafts.

ii.  Short-term investments
Short term investments in the statement of financial position comprise cash deposits that are made for varying periods of between three months 
and 12 months depending on the immediate cash requirements of the Group and earn interest at the respective short-term investment rate.

iii. Trade and other receivables 
Trade receivables, which generally have 30 to 90 day terms, are recognised and carried at the lower of their original invoiced value and recoverable 
amount. Where the time value of money is material, receivables are carried at amortised cost. Allowance is made when there is objective evidence 
that the Group will not be able to recover balances in full. Evidence on non-recoverability may include indications that the debtor or group of 
debtors is experiencing significant financial difficulty, the probability that they will enter bankruptcy or default or delinquency in repayments. 
Balances are written off when the probability of recovery is assessed as being remote. The amount of the impairment loss is the receivable 
carrying amount compared to the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate.

105

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial StatementsConsolidated Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies continued

2 
iv. Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are carried at amortised cost. They represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Group prior to the end 
of the financial year that are unpaid and arise when the Group becomes obligated to make future payments in respect of the purchase of those 
goods and services. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

v.  Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
All loans and borrowings are initially recognised at fair value less directly attributable transaction costs. 

After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest 
rate method.

Gains and losses are recognised in the income statement when liabilities are derecognised as well as through the amortisation process. A financial 
liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires.

When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability 
are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as the derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new 
liability. The difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognised in the income statement.

(h)  Inventories
Inventories which comprise drilling consumables are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined by using weighted 
average cost method and comprises direct purchase costs, cost of transportation and other related expenses.

(i)  Provisions
A provision is recognised when the Group has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event and it is probable that an outflow 
of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the obligation. If the effect of the time value 
of money is material, expected future cash flows are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects, where appropriate, the risks specific 
to the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to unwinding the discount is recognised as a finance cost.

(j)  Pensions and other post-retirement benefits
The Group does not operate its own pension plan but makes pension or superannuation contributions to private funds of its employees which 
are defined contribution plans. The cost of providing such benefits are expensed in the income statement as incurred.

(k)  Employee benefits 
Salaries, wages, annual leave and sick leave
Liabilities for salaries and wages, including non-monetary benefits, annual leave and accumulating sick leave expected to be settled within 
12 months of the reporting date, are recognised in respect of employees’ services up to the reporting date. They are measured at the amounts 
expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. Liabilities for non-accumulating sick leave are recognised when the leave is taken and are 
measured at the rates paid or payable.

Long service leave
The liability for long service leave is recognised and measured at the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of services 
provided by employees up to the reporting date using the projected unit credit method.

Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures and periods of service. Expected future 
payments are discounted using market yields at the reporting date on national government bonds with terms to maturity and currencies that 
match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows.

(l)  Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the Group are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

(m)  Leases
The determination of whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement and requires an assessment 
of whether the fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets and the arrangement conveys a right to use 
the asset.

The Group has leases where the lessor retains substantially all the risks and benefits of ownership of the asset. Such leases are classified 
as operating leases and rentals payable are charged to the income statement on a straight line basis over the lease term.

106

Ophir Energy plc(n)  Interests in joint ventures
The Group has a number of contractual arrangements with other parties which represent joint ventures. A joint venture is a contractual 
arrangement whereby the Group and other parties undertake economic activity. 

Where a Group company undertakes its activities under joint venture arrangements the Group’s share of jointly controlled assets, 
liabilities and related income and expenses are included in the financial statements in their respective classification categories.

The Group’s interests in joint ventures, which are in the form of jointly controlled assets, are identified in note 26.

The Group has a number of interests in joint ventures, which are considered jointly controlled assets, whereby the venturers have a contractual 
arrangement that establishes joint control over the economic activities of the asset. The agreement requires unanimous agreement for financial 
and operating decisions among the venturers. The Group recognises its interest in the joint venture using the proportionate consolidation 
method. The Group combines its proportionate share of each of the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of the joint venture with similar items, 
line by line, in its consolidated financial statements. The financial statements of the joint venture are prepared for the same reporting period 
as the Group. Adjustments are made where necessary to bring the accounting policies in line with those of the Group.

Adjustments are made in the Group’s consolidated financial statements to eliminate the Group’s share of intragroup balances, transactions and 
unrealised gains and losses on such transactions between the Group and its joint venture. Losses on transactions are recognised immediately 
if the loss provides evidence of a reduction in the net realisable value of current assets or an impairment loss. The joint venture is proportionately 
consolidated until the date on which the Group ceases to have joint control over the joint venture.

Upon loss of joint control the Group measures and recognises its remaining investment at its fair value. Any difference between the carrying 
amount of the former joint controlled entity upon loss of joint control and the fair value of the remaining investment and proceeds from disposal 
are recognised in the income statement. When the remaining investment constitutes significant influence, it is accounted for as investment 
in an associate.

(o)  Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue can be reliably measured. 
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received and receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, VAT and other sales taxes or duty.

The specific recognition criteria described below must also be met before revenue is recognised:

Interest income
Interest income is recognised as it accrues using the effective interest rate method, that is, the rate that exactly discounts estimated future 
cash receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument to the net carrying amount of the financial asset. Interest income is included 
in finance income in the consolidated income statement and statement of comprehensive income.

(p)  Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that necessarily 
take a substantial period of time to be prepared for their intended use, are added to the cost of those assets until such time as the assets 
are substantially ready for their intended use.

All other borrowing costs are expensed in the income statement in the period in which they are incurred.

(q)  Share-based payments
The cost of equity-settled transactions with employees is measured by reference to the fair value at the date at which they are granted and 
is recognised as an expense over the vesting period, which ends on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award. 
Fair value is determined with reference to the market value of the underlying shares using a pricing model appropriate to the circumstances which 
requires judgements as to the selection of both the valuation model and inputs. In valuing equity-settled transactions, no account is taken of any 
vesting conditions, other than conditions linked to the price of the shares of the Company (market conditions).

No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest, except for awards where vesting is conditional upon a market condition 
or a non-vesting condition, which are treated as vesting irrespective of whether or not the market condition or non-vesting condition is satisfied, 
provided that all other vesting conditions are satisfied.

At each statement of financial position date before vesting, the cumulative expense is calculated on the basis of the extent to which the vesting 
period has expired and management’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The movement in cumulative 
expense since the previous statement of financial position date is recognised in the income statement, with a corresponding entry in equity.

107

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial StatementsConsolidated Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies continued

2 
Where the terms of an equity-settled award are modified or a new award is designated as replacing a cancelled or settled award, the cost based 
on the original award terms continues to be recognised over the original vesting period. In addition, an expense is recognised over the remainder 
of the new vesting period for the incremental fair value of any modification, based on the difference between the fair value of the original 
award and the fair value of the modified award, both as measured on the date of the modification. No reduction is recognised if this difference 
is negative.

Where an equity-settled award is cancelled, it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation and any cost not yet recognised in 
the income statement for the award is expensed immediately. Any compensation paid up to the fair value of the award at the cancellation 
or settlement date is deducted from equity, with any excess over fair value being treated as an expense in the income statement.

For equity-settled share-based payment transactions with third parties, the goods or services received are measured at the date of receipt 
by reference to their fair value with a corresponding entry in equity. If the Group cannot reliably estimate the fair value of the goods or services 
received, their value is measured by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments granted.

(r)  Foreign currency translation
The Group’s consolidated financial statements are presented in US Dollars, which is also the parent company’s functional currency. The functional 
currency for each entity in the Group is determined on an individual basis according to the primary economic environment in which it operates. 

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the functional currency by applying the spot exchange rate ruling at the date of the 
transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange ruling at the statement 
of financial position date. All exchange differences are taken to the income statement. Non-monetary items that are measured at historical cost 
in a foreign currency are translated using the spot exchange rate ruling as at the date of the initial transaction. Non-monetary items measured 
at a revalued amount in a foreign currency are translated using the spot exchange rate ruling at the date when the fair value was determined.

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations whose functional currency is other than that of the presentation currency of the Ophir Energy 
Group are translated into the presentation currency, at the rate of exchange ruling at the statement of financial position date. Income and 
expenses are translated at the weighted average exchange rates for the period. The resulting exchange differences are taken directly to a 
separate component of equity. On disposal of a foreign entity, the deferred cumulative amount recognised in equity relating to that particular 
foreign operation is recognised in the income statement.

(s)  Income taxes
Current tax
Current tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities, 
based on tax rates and laws that are enacted or substantively enacted by the statement of financial position date.

Current income tax is charged or credited directly to equity if it relates to items that are credited or charged to equity. Otherwise income 
tax is recognised in the income statement.

Deferred tax
Deferred income tax is recognised on all temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts 
in the financial statements, with the following exceptions:

•  where the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business 

combination and, at the time of the transaction, affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss;

•  in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, where the timing 
of the reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the 
foreseeable future; and

•  deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible 

temporary differences, carried forward tax credits or tax losses can be utilised.

The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is no longer 
probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be utilised. Unrecognised deferred 
tax assets are reassessed at the end of each reporting period and are recognised to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable 
profit will be available to allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply when the related 
asset is realised or liability is settled, based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the statement of financial position date.

108

Ophir Energy plcDeferred income tax is charged or credited directly to equity if it relates to items that are credited or charged to equity. Otherwise deferred income 
tax is recognised in the income statement.

Impairment

(t) 
The Group assesses at each reporting date whether there is an indication that an intangible asset or item of property, plant & equipment may be 
impaired. If any indication exists, or when annual impairment testing is required, the Group estimates the asset’s recoverable amount. An asset’s 
recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s or cash-generating unit’s (“CGU”) fair value less costs to sell and its value in use and is determined 
for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups 
of assets. When the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down 
to its recoverable amount. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount 
rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. In determining fair value less costs 
to sell, recent market transactions are taken into account, if available. If no such transactions can be identified, an appropriate valuation model 
is used. These calculations are corroborated by valuation multiples, quoted share prices for publicly traded subsidiaries or other available fair 
value indicators.

The Group bases its impairment calculation on detailed budgets and forecast calculations, which are prepared separately for each of the Group’s 
CGUs to which the individual assets are allocated. These budgets and forecast calculations generally cover a period of five years. For longer 
periods, a long-term growth rate is calculated and applied to project future cash flows after the fifth year.

Impairment losses of continuing operations, including impairment on inventories, are recognised in the income statement in expense 
categories consistent with the function of the impaired asset, except for a property previously revalued and the revaluation was taken 
to other comprehensive income. In this case, the impairment is also recognised in other comprehensive income up to the amount of any 
previous revaluation.

2.4  Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions
The preparation of the Group’s consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that 
affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and the accompanying disclosures, and the disclosure of contingent 
liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Estimates and assumptions are continuously evaluated and are based on 
management’s experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. 
Uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount 
of assets or liabilities affected in future periods.

The Group has identified the following areas where significant judgements, estimates and assumptions are required. Further information on each 
of these areas and how they impact the various accounting policies are described below and also in the relevant notes to the financial statements.

Exploration and Evaluation assets 2.3(a)
The application of the Group’s accounting policy for exploration and evaluation expenditure requires judgement to determine whether future 
economic benefits are likely, from either future exploration, development or asset sale, or whether activities have not reached a stage which 
permits a reasonable assessment of the existence of reserves. 

Management is also required to assess impairment in respect of exploration and evaluation assets. The exploration and evaluation assets note 
discloses the carrying value of such assets. The triggering events for impairment are defined in IFRS 6. In making the assessment, management 
is required to make judgements on the status of each project and assumptions about future events and circumstances, in particular, whether 
an economically viable extraction operation can be established. Any such estimates and assumptions may change as new information 
becomes available. 

Where an indicator of impairment exists, a formal estimate of the recoverable amount is made. The assessments require the use of estimates 
and assumptions such as long-term oil prices, discount rates, operating costs, future capital requirements, decommissioning costs, exploration 
potential, and reserves. These estimates and assumptions are subject to risk and uncertainty. Therefore, there is a possibility that changes 
in circumstances will impact these projections, which may impact the recoverable amount of assets and/or CGUs.

If, after expenditure is capitalised, information becomes available suggesting that recovery of the expenditure is unlikely, the relevant 
capitalised amount is written off in the income statement and statement of comprehensive income in the period when the new information 
becomes available.

109

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial StatementsConsolidated Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies continued

2 
Share-based payments 2.3(q)
Management is required to make assumptions and use their judgement when determining the inputs used to value share-based payment 
arrangements made during the year. Details of the inputs adopted when valuing share-based payment arrangements can be found in the share-
based compensation note. Management bases these assumptions on observable market data such as the Group’s share price history and risk free 
interest rates offered on Government bonds.

Recovery of deferred tax assets 2.3(s)
Judgement is required to determine whether deferred tax assets are recognised in the statement of financial position. Deferred tax assets, 
including those arising from unutilised tax losses, require management to assess the likelihood that the Group will generate sufficient taxable 
profits in future periods, in order to utilise recognised deferred tax assets. Assumptions about the generation of future taxable profits depend 
on management’s estimates of future cash flows. These estimates are based on forecast cash flows from operations and judgement about the 
application of existing tax laws in each jurisdiction. To the extent that future cash flows and taxable income differ significantly from estimates, 
the ability of the Group to realise deferred tax assets could be impacted.

The Group establishes tax provisions, based on reasonable estimates, for possible consequences of audits by the tax authorisities of the 
respective countries in which it operates. The amount of such provisions is based on various factors, such as experience with previous tax audits 
and differing interpretations of tax regulations by the taxable entity and the responsible tax authority. 

3  Operating loss 
The Group operating loss from continuing operations is stated after charging:

(a)  Exploration expenses

– Pre licence exploration costs
– Inventory write down
– Exploration expenditure written off 

– Provision for impairment

(b)  General & administration expenses include:

– Operating lease payments – minimum lease payments
– Share-based compensation charge

(c)  Other expenses

– Loss on disposal of assets
– Depreciation of property, plant & equipment 
– Impairment of goodwill
– Provision for exiting contract

110

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
 $’000
2,351
386
54,006
56,743
172,360
229,103

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
4,521
–
–
4,521
–
4,521

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
2,376
9,094
11,470

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
2,332
7,718
10,050

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
11
1,049
36,297
9,000
46,357

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
635
1,041
–
–
1,676

Ophir Energy plc 
 
 
4 

Finance income 

Finance income
– Interest income on short-term bank deposits
– Net foreign currency exchange gains 

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000

2,410
24,669
27,079

1,009
627
1,636

During the period the Group has reviewed the classification of interest income and has concluded that it is more appropriately classified as 
finance income. Previously, such income had been classified as revenue. The classification of interest income as finance income is considered by 
the Group to be consistent with industry standards and facilitates accurate comparison of Group results with industry peers. Prior year amounts 
have been reclassified for consistency with the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the previously reported loss 
from operations before taxation or cash flows.

Segment information 

5 
The Group operates in one segment being the exploration and evaluation of oil & gas related projects located in Africa.

6  Auditors’ remuneration 
The Group paid the following amounts to its auditors in respect of the audit of the financial statements and for other services provided 
to th Group.

Paid/Payable to Ernst & Young LLP
Audit of the financial statements
Local statutory audits of subsidiaries
Total audit services

Audit related assurance services
Corporate finance services

Paid/Payable to auditor if not Ernst & Young LLP
Local statutory audits of subsidiaries
Taxation services
Other services

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000

350
85
435

189
533
1,157

8
4
3
15
1,172

302
71
373

156
482
1,011

15
1
2
18
1,029

111

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Statements 
 
Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

Staff costs and Directors’ emoluments 

7 
(a)  Staff costs
Employee costs (including payments to Directors) during the year comprised:

Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Contributions to pension plans/superannuation funds 
Share-based payments (note 25)

(b)  Key management
The table below sets out the details of the emoluments of the Group’s key management including Directors:

Aggregate compensation:
Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Contributions to pensions/superannuation funds
Compensation for loss of office
Share-based payments (note 25)

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
21,834
2,759
1,127
9,094
34,814

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
19,400
2,519
969
7,718
30,606

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000

8,832
1,492
367
298
7,386
18,375

8,347
823
321
992
7,453
17,936

Key management emoluments above excludes aggregate gains made by Directors on the exercise of share options of $3,158,426 (2012: nil).

(c)  Directors’ emoluments

(i)  Aggregate compensation:
Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Contributions to pensions/superannuation funds
Bonuses
Compensation for loss of office
Other benefits

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000

2,744
1,149
203
2,244
298
39
6,677

2,481
345
146
2,370
992
8
6,342

Directors’ emoluments above excludes aggregate gains made by Directors on the exercise of share options of $3,158,426 (2012: nil).

112

Ophir Energy plc 
 
 
(ii)  Share-based payments (note 25)
(iii) Amounts paid to Director-related entities not included in (i) above (note 30)

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
5,495
10

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
5,544
1

Number of Directors to whom superannuation or pension benefits accrued during the year

4

3

(d)  Average number of persons employed (full time equivalents):

CEO
Exploration and technical
Commercial and support

Taxation
8 
(a)  Taxation credit

Current income tax:
UK corporation tax
UK current tax adjustment in respect of prior periods
Foreign tax
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
Total current income tax charge/(credit)

Deferred tax:
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Tax credit in the income statement

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
1
33
58
92

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
1
22
30
53

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000

1,530
–
–
–
1,530

–
(63)
49
10
(4)

(36,190)
(34,660)

(224)
(228)

(b)  Reconciliation of the total tax credit
The tax benefit not recognised in the income statement is reconciled to the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 23.25% (2012: 24.5%). 
The differences are reconciled below: 

Loss on operations before taxation
Loss on operations before taxation multiplied by the UK standard rate of corporation tax of 23.25% (2012: 24.5%)
Non-deductible expenditure
Share-based payments
Expenditure in tax exempt jurisdictions
Unrecognised deferred tax assets
Adjustment in respect of prior year periods
Total tax credit in the income statement

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
(280,467)
(65,209)
14,517
953
2,662
12,417
–
(34,660)

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
(40,943)
(10,031)
2,919
495
(173)
6,615
(53)
(228)

113

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Statements 
 
 
 
Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

Taxation continued
8 
(c)  Deferred income tax
Deferred income tax balances at 31 December relate to the following:

Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment
Fair value adjustment in respect of exploration assets
Revenue tax losses

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000

–
(20,806)
–
(20,806)

–
(56,996)
–
(56,996)

(d)  Unrecognised tax losses
The Group has gross tax losses arising in the UK of $68,623,000 (2012: $68,623,000) and Australia $3,400,365 (2012: $3,760,667) that are 
available to carry forward indefinitely to offset against future taxable profits of the companies in which the losses arose. Deferred tax assets have 
not been recognised in respect of these losses as there is not sufficient certainty that taxable income will be realised in the future due to the nature 
of the Group’s international exploration activities and the long lead times in either developing or otherwise realising exploration assets.

(e)  Other unrecognised temporary differences
The Group has other net unrecognised temporary differences in the various African countries where we are active totalling $244,620,000 
(2012: $190,976,200) in respect of provisions and exploration expenditure for which deferred tax assets have not been recognised.

(f)  Change in corporation tax rate
Deferred tax has been calculated at the rates substantively enacted at the statement of financial position date.

The standard rate of UK corporation tax in the year changed from 24% to 23% with effect from 1 April 2013 and further rate changes to 21% 
from 1 April 2014 and 20% from 1 April 2015 were substantively enacted as part of the Finance Bill 2013 on 2 July 2013. Any UK deferred tax that 
is recognised is therefore recognised at the reduced rate of 20%. Deferred tax in Kenya and Tanzania is provided for at the statutory rates of 30% 
(2012: 30%).

Earnings per share

9 
Basic earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing profit for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent by the 
weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.

The following reflects the income and share data used in the basic earnings per share computations:

Earnings
Earnings for the purposes of basic and diluted earnings per share 
Loss for the year 
Less non-controlling interest
Loss attributable to equity holders of the parent

Number of shares
Basic weighted average number of shares

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000

(245,807)
30
(245,777)

(40,715)
106
(40,609)

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
No.

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
No.

546,885,741

387,194,504

There were 10,111,578 (2012: 11,131,204) outstanding share options and warrants at 31 December 2013 which were anti-dilutive.

87,227 ordinary shares of 0.25p each on exercise of options and warrants have been issued between the year end 31 December 2013 and the 
date of approval of these financial statements.

114

Ophir Energy plc 
 
 
10  Exploration and evaluation assets

Cost
Balance at the beginning of the year
Additions1
Expenditure written off 2
Acquisition of subsidary3
Disposals4
Balance at the end of the year

Provision for impairment
Balance at the beginning of the year
Additional allowance5
Balance at the end of the year

Net book value
Balance at the beginning of the year
Balance at the end of the year

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000

961,713
389,076
(54,006)
–
–
1,296,783

–
(172,360)
(172,360)

327,060
415,484
–
228,000
(8,831)
961,713

–
–
–

961,713
1,124,423

327,060
961,713

1  Additions in the year include exploration activities in: Tanzania – Blocks 1,3 and 4 ($266.2 million), Tanzania – Block 7 ($61.8 million) and Equatorial Guinea – Block R 

($16.3 million). 
Additions in the prior year include exploration activities in: Tanzania – Blocks 1,3 and 4 ($159.0 million), Equatorial Guinea – Block R ($144.1 million), Kenya –  Block L9 
($34.1 million) and Tanzania – East Pande ($23.6 million).

2  Expenditure written off in the year comprises: Madagascar – Marovoay Block ($19.0 million), Kenya – Block L15 ($17.4 million), Ghana – Accra Block ($14.3 million) 

and Congo – Marine IX Block ($3.3 million). The Group has relinquished its interest in these assets (refer to note 26 for further detail).

3  The amount of $228.0 million was recognised on the acquisition of Dominion Petroleum Limited (note 12).
4  Net book value of 46.75% interest in Block V in the Albertine Graben in the Democratic Republic of Congo sold for $8.7 million on 20 July 2012.
5  Allowance for impairment of $172.4 million comprises:

•  Impairment loss of $167.3 million in respect of Tanzania – Block 7. The trigger for the impairment test was the conclusion of the Mlinzi Mbali-1 drilling operations 

which did not encounter live hydrocarbons and called into question the economic recovery of the block. The cash-generating unit (“CGU”) applied for the purpose 
of the impairment assessment is the block and the recoverable amount was based on management’s estimate of value in use; and

•  Impairmemt loss of $5.1 million in respect of AGC – Profond Block. The trigger for impairment was management’s assessment that no further expenditure 

on exploration and evaluation of hydrocarbons in the Block was budgeted or planned within the current licence term. The CGU applied for the purpose of the 
impairment assessment is the block and the recoverable amount was based on management’s estimate of value in use.

The Group generally estimates value in use using a discounted cash flow model. Future cash flows are discounted to their present values using a pre-tax discount 
rate of 10%. Adjustments to cash flows are made to reflect the risks specific to the CGU.

115

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

11  Goodwill

Balance at the beginning of the year
Acquisition of subsidary (note 12)
Impairment of goodwill1
Disposal2
Balance at the end of the year

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
57,165
–
(36,297)
–
20,868

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
–
57,389
–
(224)
57,165

1  A goodwill impairment loss of $36.3 million was recognised in respect of Tanzania – Block 7. The impairment loss was primarily driven by the reduction in the 

deferred tax liability attributable to the Block, following the current year impairment loss which reduced the Block’s carrying value (refer to note 10).

2  Unwinding of goodwill on disposal of interest in Block V in the Albertine Graben in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The goodwill balance is largely the result of recognising a deferred tax liability on the fair value uplifts of assets acquired through the 
Dominion acquisition.

Allocation of goodwill
Goodwill has been allocated to a cash-generating unit (“CGU”) or groups of CGUs no larger than the reportable segment which are expected 
to benefit from the related acquisition. A CGU is the smallest identifiable group off assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent 
of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. This is usually considered a single operation or in some cases a number of operations 
that are in close geographic proximity or share operational efficiencies. The carrying values of goodwill by CGU are as follows:

Tanzania (Block 7)
Kenya (Block L9) 

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
–
62
62

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
107
62
169

The following goodwill balances result from the requirement on acquisition to recognise a deferred tax liability, calculated as the difference 
between the tax effect of the fair value of the acquisition assets and liabilities and their tax bases. For the purposes of testing this goodwill for 
impairment, any of the related deferred tax liabilities recognised on acquisition that remain at balance date are treated as part of the relevant 
CGU or group of CGUs.

Tanzania (Block 7)
Kenya (Block L9) 
Deferred tax liability
Balance at the end of the year

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
–
20,806
20,806
20,868

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
36,190
20,806
56,996
57,165

Impairment test for goodwill
The Group performs goodwill impairment testing on an annual basis at reporting date. The most recent test was carried out at 31 December 
2013. In assessing whether goodwill has been impaired, the carrying amount of the CGU or reportable segment is compared with its recoverable 
amount. In determining whether goodwill is impaired the Group reviewed the status of projects including recent farm-out transactions and 
whether the Group’s intention is to further develop the Group’s various assets.

The Group recognised an impairment expense of $36.3 million (2012: nil) for the year ended 31 December 2013 (refer to note 3(c) and note 10).

12  Business combinations – Prior year acquisition
The Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Dominion Petroleum Limited (“Dominion”), an AIM quoted group of companies operating in the 
oil and gas exploration industry on 2 February 2012 (the acquisition date). The Group announced that the scheme of arrangement approved by 
Dominion’s shareholders on 12 December 2011 was sanctioned by the Supreme Court in Bermuda effective on 2 February 2012. 

116

Ophir Energy plc 
 
 
As a result of the acquisition the Group acquired a portfolio of assets in offshore Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and DRC, two of which were operated 
by Ophir and which strengthened the Group’s position as a leading oil and gas explorer in the East African offshore play. 

The financial statements include the statement of financial position of Dominion including fair value adjustments. Revenues and expenses from 
the acquired assets are consolidated with effect from the acquisition date.

The purchase consideration of $220,221,437 was satisfied by a combination of cash and equity. The Group issued 38,790,455 new shares 
in consideration for the entire share capital of Dominion. The fair value of the shares was the published price of the shares of the Group at the 
acquisition date which was £2.951 ($4.68). Therefore, the fair value of the share consideration given was $181,539,329. The remaining purchase 
consideration amount of $38,682,108 was paid in cash. Transaction costs relating to the acquisition of $3,709,030 were expensed and included 
in administration costs.

The fair value assessment of the Dominion assets and liabilities acquired has been reviewed in accordance with the provisions of IFRS 3 – 
Business Combinations. Details of the Group accounting policies in relation to business combinations are contained in note 2.3(c).

The fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities of Dominion as at the date of acquisition and the corresponding carrying values 
immediately before the acquisition were:

Exploration & evaluation assets (note 10)
Property, plant & equipment
Cash
Other current assets

Trade payables
Taxes payable
Other liabilities
Deferred tax liability
Net assets
Non-controlling interest
Total net assets acquired
Goodwill arising on acquisition (note 11)
Total purchase consideration

Purchase consideration:
Fair value of shares issued
Cash paid
Total purchase consideration

Fair value
recognised
 2 February 2012
$’000
228,000
441
15,908
7,063

(1,612)
(588)
(29,300)
(57,220)
162,692
140
162,832
57,389
220,221

181,539
38,682
 220,221

Goodwill of $57.4 million arose on acquisition. The goodwill on the transaction principally arose as a result of the requirement to recognise 
$57.2 million of deferred income tax liabilities representing the tax effect of the differences between the fair value and the tax bases of assets 
acquired. None of the goodwill recognised is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

The balance of the goodwill being $0.2 million was attributable to the synergies expected to arise from Ophir’s current operations which 
are based in the same East African offshore play as other exploration and evaluation assets acquired.

From the date of acquisition to 31 December 2012 Dominion contributed $12,268 to Group revenue and $9,819,734 to Group loss. 
If the combination had taken place at the beginning of the year, Dominion’s contribution to Group revenue and loss for the period 
to 31 December 2012 would have been $22,268 and $13,970,602 respectively.

117

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Statements 
Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

13  Property, plant and equipment

Office furniture and equipment
Cost
Balance at the beginning of the year
Foreign currency translation
Additions
Acquisition of subsidiary
Disposals
Balance at the end of the year

Depreciation
Balance at the beginning of the year
Foreign currency translation
Depreciation charge for the year
Disposals
Balance at the end of the year

Net book value
Balance at the beginning of the year
Balance at the end of the year

14  Financial assets

Non-current
Security deposits – Rental properties
Security deposits – Exploration commitments1

1  Floating interest deposits pledged to third parties or banks as security in relation to the Group’s exploration commitments. 

There are no receivables that are past due or impaired.

15  Inventory

Drilling consumables 

118

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000

6,497
(772)
2,016
–
(1,955)
5,786

4,050
(609)
1,049
(1,941)
2,549

2,447
3,237

5,431
90
1,010
441
(475)
6,497

3,226
59
1,037
(272)
4,050

2,205
2,447

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000

3,347
1,426
4,773

1,562
9,031
10,593

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
25,890

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
12,811

Ophir Energy plc 
 
 
16  Trade and other receivables

Trade and other debtors
Prepayments

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
6,544
1,692
8,236

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
8,726
774
9,500

All debtors are current. There are no receivables that are past due or impaired. Trade and other debtors primarily relate to receivables from joint 
venture partners.

Due to the short-term nature of these receivables, their carrying value is assumed to approximate their fair value.

17  Cash and cash equivalents

Cash 
Short-term deposits

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
326,764
179,998
506,762

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
227,743
–
227,743

Cash at banks earn interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates. Short-term deposits are made for varying periods of between one 
day and three months depending on the immediate cash requirements of the Group and earn interest at the respective short-term deposit rates. 
The fair value of cash and cash equivalents is $506.8 million (2012: $227.7 million).

18  Investments

Short-term investments

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
159,921

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
–

Short-term investments consist of cash deposit accounts that are made for varying periods of between three months and 12 months depending 
on the immediate cash requirements of the Group and earn interest at the respective short-term investment rates. The fair value of short-term 
investments is $159.9 million (2012: nil).

19  Trade and other payables

Trade payables
Accruals
Payables in relation to joint venture partners

Trade payables are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
3,784
8,711
108,292
120,787

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
17,648
27,324
74,444
119,416

119

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Statements 
 
 
 
Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

20  Provisions

At 1 January 2013
  Current
  Non-current
Arising during the year
Utilised
Amounts released
At 31 December 2013
  Current
  Non-current

Employee 
annual leave 
$’000

Litigation and 
other claims 
$’000

Other 
provisions 
$’000

Employee long 
service leave 
$’000

833
–
1,039
(739)
(462)

671
–

–
–
24,700
–
–

24,700
–

–
–
10,000
–
–

10,000
–

–
277
147
–
(187)

–
237

Total 
$’000

833
277
35,886
(739)
(649)

35,371
237

Employee annual leave and employee long service leave
These provisions are made for statutory or contractual employee entitlements. It is anticipated that these costs will be incurred when employees 
choose to take their benefits and as such there is an inherent uncertainty as to the timing of the relevant outflows required by the provisions.

Litigation and other claims
Litigation and other claims consist of separate legal matters, including claims arising from trading activities, in various Group companies and at 
various stages of negotiation. The majority of any cash outflow from these matters is expected to occur within the next 12 months, although 
this is dependent on the development of the various legal claims. In the Directors’ opinion, after taking appropriate legal advice, the amounts 
provided at 31 December 2013 represent the best estimate of the expected loss. 

Other provision
Other provision consists of an amount representing the unavoidable, least net cost of exiting a contract. The cost is expected to be incurred within 
the next 12 months.

21  Financial instruments
Capital management
Capital consists of equity attributable to the equity holders of the parent. The primary objective of the Group’s capital management is to ensure 
it has sufficient funds to carry out its exploration activities and safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Group is not 
subject to any externally imposed capital requirements. 

To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may issue new shares for cash, engage in active portfolio management, or other such 
restructuring activities as appropriate.

No significant changes were made in the objectives, policies or processes during the year ended 31 December 2013. 

Financial risk management
The Group’s principal financial assets and liabilities comprise trade and other receivables (note 16), cash and short-term deposits (note 17), 
short-term investments (note 18) and trade and other payables (note 19), which arise directly from its operations. The main purpose of these 
financial instruments is to manage short-term cash flow and provide finance for the Group’s operations.

Details of significant accounting policies and methods adopted in respect of each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument 
are disclosed in note 2 to these financial statements.

The Group’s senior management oversees the management of financial risk and the Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee 
to assist in the identification and evaluation of significant financial risks. Where appropriate, consultation is sought with an external advisor 
to determine the appropriate response to identified risks. The Group does not trade in derivatives for speculative purposes.

The main risks that could adversely affect the Group’s financial assets, liabilities or future cash flows are credit, interest rate, foreign currency 
and liquidity risks.

120

Ophir Energy plc 
(a)  Credit risk 
Credit risk refers to the risk that a third party will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group. The Group’s 
maximum exposure to credit risk of third parties is the aggregate of the carrying value of its security deposits, cash and short-term deposits, 
and trade and other receivables. 

The Group trades only with recognised, creditworthy third parties, and as such collateral is not requested nor is it the Group’s policy to securitise 
its trade and other receivables.

In addition, receivable balances are monitored on an ongoing basis with the result that the Group’s experience of bad debts has not been 
significant. No impairment loss has been recognised at the year ended 31 December 2013 (2012: nil).

Credit quality of financial assets

Year ended 31 December 2013
Current financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Investments
Trade and other receivables

Non-current financial assets
Security deposits

Equivalent S&P rating1 

Internally rated

A-1 and  
above 
$‘000

A-2 and  
above 
$‘000

No default 
customers 
$‘000

506,618
159,921
–
666,539

–
–
–
–

144
–
8,236
8,380

Total 
$‘000

506,762
159,921
8,236
674,919

3,342
3,342

1,426
1,426

5
5

4,773
4,773

1  The equivalent S&P rating of the financial assets represents that rating of the counterparty with whom the financial asset is held rather than the rating of the 

financial asset itself.

Year ended 31 December 2012
Current financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables

Non-current financial assets
Security deposits

Equivalent S&P rating1

Internally rated

A-1 and  
above 
$‘000

A-2 and  
above 
$‘000

No default 
customers 
$‘000

Total 
$‘000

227,743
–
227,743

–
–
–

–
9,500
9,500

227,743
9,500
237,243

6,063
6,063

4,530
4,530

–
–

10,593
10,593

1  The equivalent S&P rating of the financial assets represents that rating of the counterparty with whom the financial asset is held rather than the rating of the 

financial asset itself.

Credit risk on cash and short-term deposits is managed by limiting the term of deposits to periods of less than 12 months and selecting 
counterparty financial institutions with reference to long and short-term credit ratings published by Standard & Poor’s.

121

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Statements 
 
Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

21  Financial instruments continued
Fair values
The maximum exposure to credit risk is the fair value of security deposits and receivables. Collateral is not held as security.

The fair values and carrying values of non-current receivables of the Group are as follows:

Security deposits

31 Dec 2013

31 Dec 2012

Carrying 
amount
$’000
4,773
4,773

Fair value 
$’000
4,550
4,550

Carrying 
amount
$’000
10,593
10,593

Fair value 
$’000
10,578
10,578

The fair values are based on cash flows discounted at a rate reflecting current market rates adjusted for counterparty credit risk. The fair values 
of all other financial assets and liabilities approximate their carrying values.

(b)  Interest rate risk
As of 31 December 2013, the Group has no borrowings (2012: nil) so interest rate risk is limited to interest receivable on deposits and 
bank balances. 

The Group’s exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rate relates primarily to the Group’s cash assets held in short-term cash deposits. 
The Board monitors its cash balance on an ongoing basis and liaises with its financiers regularly to mitigate the risk of a fluctuating interest rate. 
The benchmark rate used for short-term deposits is US LIBOR. 

Financial assets
Security deposits
Cash and cash equivalents
Investments
Net exposure

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000

4,773
506,762
159,921
671,456

10,593
227,743
–
238,336

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonable possible change in interest rates, with all other variables held constant, of the 
Group’s loss before tax (through the impact on floating rate deposits and cash equivalent).

The analysis below reflects a reasonably possible change in interest rates compared to 2012.

 Increase/decrease in interest rate
+0.5%
-0.5%

Effect on loss  
31 Dec 2013 
$‘000
3,357
(3,357)

Effect on loss  
31 Dec 2012 
$‘000
1,192
(1,192)

The sensitivity in 2013 was maintained at 0.5% as interest rate volatilities remain similar to those in the prior period. 

(c)  Foreign currency risk
The Group has currency exposures arising from assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and transactions executed in currencies 
other than the respective functional currencies.

The Group, with the exception of Ophir Services Pty Ltd, have adopted US Dollars as their functional and reporting currencies as this represents 
the currency of their primary economic environment as the majority of the Group’s funding and expenditure is US Dollars. Ophir Services Pty Ltd 
has adopted the Australian Dollar as its functional currency.

The Group’s exposure to foreign currency risk is managed by holding the majority of its funds in US Dollars, as a natural hedge, with remaining 
funds being held in Pounds Sterling (“GBP”), Australian Dollars (“AUD”), Euros (“EUR”), Tanzanian Shillings (“TZS”) and CFA Franc BEAC (“XAF”) 
to meet commitments in those currencies. 

122

Ophir Energy plc 
 
As at 31 December 2013, the Group’s predominant exposure to foreign exchange rates related to cash and cash equivalents held in Pounds 
Sterling by companies with US Dollar functional currencies. 

At the statement of financial position date, the Group had the following exposure to GBP, XAF, TZS, EUR and AUD foreign currency that is not 
designated in cash flow hedges:

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents 
AUD
EUR
GBP
TZS
XAF

Investments
GBP

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
AUD
EUR
GBP

Net exposure

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000

412
293
138,719
96
780
140,300

109,921
250,221

(661)
–
(5,207)
(5,868)
244,353

357
443
34,676
14
306
35,796

–
35,796

(221)
(114)
(3,859)
(4,194)
31,602

The below table demonstrates the sensitivity to reasonable possible changes in GBP, XAF, TZS, EUR and AUD against the US Dollar exchange 
rates with all other variables held constant, of the Group’s loss before tax and equity (due to the foreign exchange translation of monetary assets 
and liabilities). 

Loss before tax
Higher/(lower)

Equity
Higher/(Lower)

US Dollar to GBP +5% (2012: +5%) 
US Dollar to GBP -5% (2012: -5%) 
US Dollar to AUD +5% (2012: +5%)
US Dollar to AUD -5% (2012: -5%)
US Dollar to EUR +5% (2012: +5%)
US Dollar to EUR -5% (2012: -5%)
US Dollar to XAF +5% (2012: +5%)
US Dollar to XAF -5% (2012: -5%)
US Dollar to TZS +5% (2012: +5%)
US Dollar to TZS -5% (2012: -5%)

2013
$’000
12,172
(12,172)
(12)
12
15
(15)
39
(39)
5
(5)

2012
$’000
1,541
(1,541)
7
(7)
16
(16)
15
(15)
1
(1)

2013
$’000
–
–
70
(70)
–
–
–
–
–
–

2012
$’000
–
–
1
(1)
–
–
–
–
–
–

123

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Statements 
 
 
 
  
 
Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

21  Financial instruments continued
Significant assumptions used in the foreign currency exposure sensitivity analysis include:

•  Reasonably possible movements in foreign exchange rates were determined based on a review of the last two years’ historical movements 

and economic forecasters’ expectations.

•  The reasonably possible movement was calculated by taking the US Dollar spot rate as at balance date, moving this spot rate by the 
reasonably possible movements and then re-converting the US Dollar into the respective foreign currency with the “new spot rate”. 
This methodology reflects the translation methodology undertaken by the Group.

(d)  Liquidity risk
The Group has a liquidity risk arising from its ability to fund its liabilities and exploration commitments. This risk is managed by ensuring that the 
Group has sufficient funds to meet those commitments by monitoring the expected total cash inflows and outflows on a continuous basis.

All of the Group’s trade creditors and other payables (note 19) are payable in less than six months.

The Group did not make use of derivative instruments during the year or during the prior year.

(e)  Disclosure of fair values
The carrying value of security deposits and financial liabilities disclosed in the financial statements as at 31 December 2013 approximate their 
fair value. 

Fair value hierarchy 
The Group uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments by valuation technique:

Level 1 

 quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2 

 other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either directly 
or indirectly; and

Level 3 

 techniques which use inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable market data.

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3

There were no transfers between levels during the year.

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
–
–
4,550
4,550

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
–
–
10,578
10,578

124

Ophir Energy plc 
22  Share capital

a)  Authorised
2,000,000,000 ordinary shares of 0.25p each

b)  Called up, allotted and fully paid
400,004,189 ordinary shares in issue at the beginning of the year of 0.25p each (2012: 327,123,901)
4,081,558 ordinary shares issued of 0.25p each on exercise of options and warrants during the year 
(2012: 3,589,833)
187,875,6751 ordinary shares issued of 0.25p each during the year (2012: 69,290,4552)
591,961,422 ordinary shares of 0.25p each (2012: 400,004,189)

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000

7,963

7,963

1,739
16

711
2,466

1,448
15

276
1,739

1  19,850,000 ordinary shares issued in relation to the placement announced by the Company on 4 March 2013 and subsequently issued on 5 March 2013. 

The market values of the Company’s shares on these dates were: £4.62 ($6.94) and £5.13 ($7.72) respectively.
168,025,675 ordinary shares issued in relation to the 2 for 5 rights issue announced by the Company on 4 March 2013 and subsequently issued on 26 March 2013. 
The market values of the Company’s shares on these dates were: £4.62 ($6.94) and £4.71 ($7.17) respectively.

2   38,790,455 ordinary shares were issued as part of the Dominion acquisition (note 12). 30,500,000 ordinary shares were issued at £4.95 each in relation to the 

placement and capital raising announced by the Company on 28 March 2012.

The balances classified as called up, allotted and fully paid share capital represent the nominal value of the total number of issued shares of the 
Company of 0.25p each. 

Fully paid shares carry one vote per share and carry the right to dividends.

23  Reserves

Other reserves (note 24) 

Non-controlling interest1

1 The non-controlling interest relates to Dominion Uganda Ltd, where the Group acquired a 95% shareholding during 2012.

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
1,674,719

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
1,102,957

(276)
1,674,443

(246)
1,102,711

125

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Statements 
 
 
 
Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

24  Reserves

As at 1 January 2012

Loss for the period, net of tax
Other comprehensive income net of tax
Total comprehensive income net of tax
New ordinary shares  
issued to third parties
Exercise of options
Share issue costs
Share-based payments
As at 1 January 2013

Share1
  premium
$’000
789,714

  Options2
  premium
reserve
$’000

  Special3
reserve
$’000
26,526 156,435

 Consolid-
ation4
reserve
$’000
(500)

  Merger 5
reserve
$’000
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
8,480
62
–
798,256

–
–
–
7,718

–
–
–
–
34,244 156,435

–
–
–
–

415,722
–
–
–
(500) 415,722

Loss for the period, net of tax
Other comprehensive income net of tax
Total comprehensive income net of tax

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

New ordinary shares  
issued to third parties
Exercise of options
Share-based payments
Transfers within reserves5
As at 31 December 2013

–
7,324
–
–
805,580

–
–
9,094

–
–
–
– (156,435)
–

43,338

–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

802,517
–
–
–

(500) 1,218,239

Equity6
 component
on
  convertible 
bond
$’000
669

Foreign7
  currency
 translation
reserve
$’000
5,880

Accum-
ulated 
losses
$’000

Total 
other
reserves
$’000
(267,112) 711,612

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
669

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
669

–
(28)
(28)

(40,609)
–
(40,609)

(40,609)
(28)
(40,637)

–
–
–
–

415,722
8,480
62
7,718
5,852 (307,721) 1,102,957

–
–
–
–

–
(1,396)
(1,396)

(245,777)
–
(245,777)

(245,777)
(1,396)
(247,173)

–
–
–
–

802,517
–
7,324
–
9,094
–
–
156,435
4,456 (397,063) 1,674,719

1  The share premium account represents the total net proceeds on issue of the Company’s shares in excess of their nominal value of 0.25p per share less amounts 

transferred to any other reserves.

2  The option premium reserve represents the cost of share-based payments to Directors, employees and third parties. 
3  The special reserve was created on reduction of the Company’s share capital on 26 July 2007. Following the Company’s subsequent recording of increase in paid up 

share capital the special reserve has been realised and transferred to accumulated losses.

4  The consolidation reserve represents a premium on acquisition of a minority interest in a controlled entity.
5 

In the current year the provisons of the Companies Act 2006 relating to Merger Relief (s612 and s613) were applied to the March share placement and rights issue 
raising through a cash box structure. This resulted in the creation of a merger reserve, after deducting share issue costs of $34.4 million. The “cash box” method of 
effecting an issue of shares for cash is commonplace and enabled the Company to issue shares without giving rise to a share premium. In addition, management 
have reclassified the share premium arising from the April 2012 share placement and the February 2012 Dominion Petroleum Limited acquisition to the merger 
reserve. The April 2012 share placement was structured as a “cash box” transaction and is subject to the provision of the Companies Act 2006 relating to merger 
relief resulting in the creation of a merger reserve after deducting share issue costs of $7.4 million. The Dominion Petroleum Limited acquisition is also subject 
to merger relief by virtue of Ophir acquiring in excess of 90% of all classes of the acquiree’s issued share capital in consideration for Ophir share capital. 

6  This balance represents the equity component of the convertible bond, net of costs and tax as a result of the separation of the instrument into its debt and equity 

components. The bond was converted into 21,661,476 ordinary shares of 0.25p each on 21 May 2008.

7  The foreign currency translation reserve is used to record unrealised exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of entities within 

the Group that have a functional currency other than US Dollars.

126

Ophir Energy plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
25  Share-based compensation
(a)  Employee incentive share option plans 
Ophir Energy Company Foundation Incentive Scheme
Ophir Energy Company Foundation Incentive Scheme was established on 12 May 2004 shortly after the formation of the Company to attract 
new employees on start up. The plan provided for a total of 1,450,000 options to acquire ordinary shares at 1p per share to be issued to eligible 
employees. The Scheme was terminated on 24 November 2005 and all options issued under the scheme have fully vested.

Ophir Energy Company 2006 Share Option Plan 
On 5 April 2006 the Board resolved to establish the Ophir Energy Company Limited 2006 Share Option Plan. 

Any employee of the Company or any subsidiary or any Director of the Company or any subsidiary who is required to devote substantially the 
whole of his working time to his duties is eligible to participate under the Plan. At the grant date the Board of Directors determine the vesting 
terms, if any, subject to the proviso that no more than one half of the options become exercisable on the first and second anniversaries of the 
date of grant and any performance conditions are satisfied. Options have an exercise period of 10 years from the date of grant.

Ophir Energy Long Term Incentive Share Option Plan 
On 26 May 2011 the Board resolved to establish the Ophir Energy Long Term Incentive Share Option Plan. This was introduced to give awards to 
Directors and senior management subject to outperforming a comparator group of similarly focused oil and gas exploration companies in terms 
of shareholder return over a three-year period. The Plan awards a number of shares to Directors and senior management based on a multiple 
of salary. However, these shares only vest after a three-year period and the full award is made only if Ophir has performed in the top quartile 
when compared against a selected peer group of upstream oil and gas companies. 

Ophir Energy plc 2012 Deferred Share Plan 
On 19 June 2012 the Board resolved to establish the Ophir Energy plc Deferred Share Plan 2013 (“DSP”). The plan was introduced to provide 
executive management with a means of retaining and incentivising employees. The structure of the DSP will enable a portion of participants’ 
annual bonuses to be deferred into options to acquire ordinary shares in the capital of the Company. All options issued to date vest after a 
three-year period. Options have an exercise period of 10 years from the date of grant. 

The DSP operates in conjunction with the Ophir Energy plc Employee Benefit Trust. The Trust will hold ordinary shares in the Company for the 
benefit of its employees and former employees, which may then be used, on a discretionary basis, to settle the DSP Awards as and when they 
are exercised. No shares have been acquired by the Trust.

The following table illustrates the number and weighted average exercise prices (“WAEP”) of, and movements in, share options during the period 
for the above schemes. These are denominated in Pounds Sterling and have been translated to US Dollars using the closing exchange rate for 
presentation purposes.

Outstanding options at beginning of year
Granted during the year1
Exercised during the year
Expired during the year
Outstanding options at end of year
Exercisable at end of year

2013
Number
11,131,204
3,453,199
(4,081,558)
(391,267)
10,111,578
4,002,826

2013
WAEP
$2.21/£1.40
$2.02/£1.29
$1.78/£1.14
$0.00/£0.00
$1.50/£0.96
$3.63/£2.32

2012
Number
11,752,240
2,458,753
(2,492,660)
(587,129)
11,131,204
4,208,600

2012
WAEP
$2.37/£1.53
$1.17/£0.74
$3.17/£2.00
$2.12/£1.34
$2.21/£1.40
$2.63/£1.66

1  Awards granted under employee incentive share option plans before 25 March 2013 were increased by a factor of 1.156329 (and the exercise price reduced by the 
same factor) to ensure that award holders would not be disadvantaged vis-à-vis shareholders as a result of the rights issue in March 2013. Options granted during 
the year include additional long-term incentive awards and share options of 1,725,972 in respect of this adjustment.

The weighted average exercise price of options granted during the year was $2.02 (2012: $1.17). The range of exercise prices for options 
outstanding at the end of the year was $0.00 to $8.61 (2012: $0.00 to $10.08) with a remaining exercise period in the range of three to 
nine years.

The fair value of equity-settled share options granted is estimated as at the date of grant using a binomial model, taking into account the terms 
and conditions upon which the options were granted. The table below lists the inputs to the model used for the year ended 31 December 2013. 

127

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Statements 
Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

25  Share-based compensation continued

Dividend yield (%)
Exercise price
Share volatility (%)
Risk-free interest rate (%)
Expected life of option (years)
Weighted average share price

2006 Share Option Plan

Long Term Incentive Plan

2012 Deferred Share Plan

2013
–
$7.18/£4.72
50%
1%
2-10
$7.17/£4.71

2012
–
$3.96/£2.50
50%
1%
4-9
$8.13/£5.13

2013
–
nil
45%
0.4%
0-5
$6.08/£3.97

2012
–
nil
52%
0.4%
3-6
$8.13/£5.13

2013
–
nil
50%
1%
1-3
$7.17/£4.71

2012
–
nil
50%
1%
3
$8.13/£5.13

The expected life of the options is based on historical data and is not necessarily indicative of exercise patterns that may occur. The expected 
volatility reflects the assumption that the historical volatility is indicative of future trends, which may also not be the actual outcome.

(b)  Share-based payments to suppliers of goods and services

Outstanding options and warrants at beginning of year
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year
Outstanding options and warrants at end of year

2013
Number
–
–
–
–

2013
WAEP
–
–
–

2012
Number
1,097,173
–

2012
WAEP
$1.13/£0.73
–
(1,097,173) $1.33/£0.84

–

No options or warrants were granted during the year or prior year. No options or warrants were outstanding at year end (2012: nil).

(c)  Share-based payments to Directors
During the year a total of 501,182 (2012: 1,532,038) nil cost options to acquire ordinary shares were granted to Directors under the Ophir Energy 
Long Term Incentive Plan. In addition, options granted under the plan before 25 March 2013 were increased by a factor of 1.156329 (and the 
exercise price reduced by the same factor) to ensure that award holders would not be disadvantaged vis-à-vis shareholders as a result of the rights 
issue in March 2013. 435,344 additional options were granted under the Ophir Energy Long Term Incentive Plan in respect of this adjustment.

During the year a further total of 360,127 (2012: nil) options at a weighted average price of £4.72 ($7.38) to acquire ordinary shares were granted 
to Directors under the Ophir Energy Company 2006 Share Option Plan. In addition, options granted under the plan before 25 March 2013 were 
increased by a factor of 1.156329 (and the exercise price reduced by the same factor) to ensure that award holders would not be disadvantaged 
vis-à-vis shareholders as a result of the rights issue in March 2013. 101,612 additional options were granted under the Ophir Energy Company 
2006 Share Option Plan in respect of this adjustment.

26  Interests in jointly controlled assets
The Group has the following interests in jointly controlled assets: 

Country 

AGC (Operator)
Congo (Brazzaville) (Operator)
Equatorial Guinea (Operator)
Gabon (Operator)
Gabon (Operator)
Gabon (Operator)
Gabon (Operator)
Ghana (Operator)
Kenya (Operator)
Kenya (Operator)
Madagascar (Operator)

128

Beneficial 
interest
2013
(%)

Beneficial 
interest
2012
(%)

79.21
–2
80
503
503
1003
1003
204
905
905
–6

44.21
48.462
80
503
503
1003
1003
204
905
905
806

Asset

Profond
Marine IX
Block R
Mbeli
Ntsina
Manga
Gnondo
Accra
Block L9
Block L15
Marovoay

Ophir Energy plc 
 
Country 

SADR (Operator)
SADR (Operator)
SADR (Operator)
SADR (Operator)
Somaliland 
Tanzania 
Tanzania 
Tanzania 
Tanzania (Operator)
Tanzania (Operator)
Uganda 

Beneficial 
interest
2013
(%)

Beneficial 
interest
2012
(%)

50
50
50
50
257
408
408
408
809
7010
9511

50
50
50
50
757
408
408
408
809
7010
9511

Asset

Daora
Haouza
Mahbes
Mijek
Berbera
Block 1
Block 3
Block 4
Block 7
East Pande
EA4B

1 

2 

3 

L’Entreprise AGC S.A. (“Entreprise”) has a 12% carried participating interest, with an option to increase such participating interest by a maximum of 5% in return 
for the reimbursement of 5% of the costs expended on petroleum operations prior to such date and is carried through the exploration and appraisal phases. 
Such interest would be acquired from the other parties on a pro rata basis. Noble Energy and Rocksource assigned their respective participating interests to 
Ophir Profond on 31 December 2012. The assignment was approved by the AGC on 22 May 2013. Following the approval, Ophir’s participating interest increased 
from 44.2% to 79.2%. 

On 27 June 2013, the Group officially notified the Government of its decision not to enter the second term of the Block Marine IX PSC. The Group formally exited 
Marine IX Block on 18 September 2013.

The Government of Gabon has the option to participate in the petroleum operations through a 10% participating interest in Mbeli Marin, Ntsina Marin and 
Gnondo Marin; and a 15% participating interest in Manga Marin. Such interest would be acquired from the joint venture parties on a pro rata basis. 

Farm-out arrangement
On 18 December 2013, the Group announced that it had entered into a comprehensive farm-out agreement with OMV Exploration & Production GmbH (“OMV”) 
covering its deepwater offshore blocks in Gabon.

Under the terms of the agreement, OMV will acquire 30% non-operated interests in the Manga and Gnondo Blocks and 10% non-operated interests in the Mbeli 
and Ntsina Blocks. On completion, the Group’s retained stakes will be 70% operated interests in the Manga and Gnondo Blocks and 40% operated interests in the 
Mbeli and Ntsina Blocks.

In consideration OMV will pay past costs and a share of 1) the well costs on the Padouck Deep, Affanga Deep and Okala wells, 2) the cost of two additional wells 
and 3) the cost of 3D seismic surveys which are planned across the Blocks. Further conditional sums are payable in the event of success with the Padouck Deep 
or Okala wells.

Completion of this transaction is conditional on approval by the Government of Gabon.

4 

The Group’s effective interest is 18% pursuant to the carried 10% interest of the Government of Ghana. The Government of Ghana may also elect to acquire 
an additional interest up to a further 15% in each development and production area. Such interest would be acquired from the other parties on a pro rata basis. 

Farm-in arrangement
In the prior year, the Group entered into a farm-in arrangement with TAP Oil (Ghana) Limited, Afex Oil (Ghana) Limited, Vitol Upstream (Accra) Limited and Rialto 
Energy (Ghana) Limited to share the costs and risks associated with exploration activities in the Offshore Accra Contract Area. As a result of the farm-in transaction 
the Group acquired a 18% beneficial interest (20% paying interest) and operatorship of the block in return for a payment of $1.8 million relating to back costs.
On 16 December 2013, the Group submitted a notice of resignation as Operator to the Joint Venture and in accordance with the Operating Agreement will remain 
Operator until 15 April 2014. On 17 December 2013, the Group submitted a letter to GNPC and the Ministry of Energy notifying them of its intention to withdraw 
as Operator and from the block. 

The Group currently has a 90% participating interest with the Government of Kenya having a 10% carried interest. The Group is currently in advanced negotiations 
to offer up to 40% of its interest in Block L9 to third parties.

On 19 December 2013, the Group formally notified the Ministry of Energy & Petroleum that it had elected not to enter the next Exploration Phase of the Block L15 
PSC. Accordingly the Block L15 PSC will expire on 3 January 2014.

On 3 September 2013, the Group officially notified the Government of its intention to relinquish its participating interest and operatorship in the Marovoay Block 
in Madagascar. The Group formally exited Marovoay Block on 31 October 2013.

5 

6 

129

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

26  Interests in jointly controlled assets continued
7 

The Government of Somaliland has a 10% back in right, exercisable within 60 days of a commercial discovery. Such interest would be acquired from the other 
parties on a pro rata basis.

Farm-out arrangement
On 8 September 2013, the Group reduced its participating interest from 75% to 25% by entering into a farm-out arrangement with RAK Gas LLC for a 50% 
participating interest and operatorship in the Berbera Blocks SL9 and SL12, in return for a carry of Ophir’s remaining 25% share in a planned seismic programme. 

8 

The Tanzanian Petroleum Development Corporation (“TPDC”) has a 12% back in right in each of Blocks 1, 3 and 4 and a further 3% back in right in each of Blocks 
3 and 4 following a declaration of commerciality. Such interest would be acquired from the other parties on a pro rata basis. 

Farm-out arrangement
On 14 November 2013, the Group announced that it had entered into an agreement to sell a 20% interest in Tanzanian Blocks 1, 3 and 4 to Pavilion Energy.
The sale was approved by Ophir’s shareholders on 16 December 2013.

Following the disposal, Ophir’s participating interest will be 20%.

9 

The TPDC has a 15% back in right in Block 7. Such interest would be acquired from the other parties on a pro rata basis.

10  The TPDC has a 20% back in right the East Pande Block exercisable any time after approval of a development licence. Such interest would be acquired from the 

other parties on a pro rata basis.

11  During 2012, the Group formally applied to the Ugandan government to withdraw from Block E4AB and the PSA was terminated on 23 August 2012. The process 

of withdrawing from Uganda is on-going and subject to the Group meeting certain commitments which are near completion. Ophir has no office or employees 
in country.

Capital commitments relating to these projects are included in note 28. There are no contingent liabilities associated with these projects. 
Refer to note 2.3(n) for the Group’s accounting policy for jointly controlled assets and liabilities.

Acquisitions – prior year
During the year ended 31 December 2012 the Group acquired the Dominion group of companies and its portfolio of blocks in offshore Tanzania, 
Kenya, Uganda and DRC, comprising a 90% beneficial interest in Kenya Blocks L9 and L15 and a 80% beneficial interest in Tanzania Block 7. 
The Group disposed of its interest in the DRC (note 10) on 20 July 2012.

27  Operating lease commitments
At 31 December 2013 the Group was committed to making the following future minimum lease payments in respect of operating leases over 
land and buildings with the following lease termination dates:

Due within one (1) year
Due later than one (1) year but within five (5) years
Due later than two (2) years but within five (5) years

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
2,029
9,956
6,810
18,795

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
2,076
3,961
2,097
8,134

130

Ophir Energy plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28  Capital commitments – exploration
In acquiring its oil and gas interests the Group has pledged that various work programmes will be undertaken on each permit/interest. 
The exploration commitments below are an estimate of the net cost to the Group of performing these work programmes.

Due within one (1) year
Due later than one (1) year but within two (2) years
Due later than two (2) years but within five (5) years

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
516,134
40,877
47,837
604,848

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
184,488
33,951
–
218,439

29  Contingent liabilities
An individual has commenced action against the Group relating to an evaluation of an interest that was held in  exploration blocks within the 
portfolio. A preliminary hearing for the claim was carried out on 5 March 2014. At this hearing the Court directed that preliminary arguments 
be deferred until 1 April 2014. A trial date has not been set and therefore it is not practicable to state the timing of any payment. The Group has 
taken the view that the action is without merit and accordingly has estimated that no liability will arise as a result of proceedings and no provision 
for any liability has been made in these financial statements.

30  Related party disclosures
(a)  Identity of related parties
The Group has related party relationships with its subsidiaries (refer to note 6 of the Company financial statements), joint ventures 
(refer to note 16, note 19 and note 26) and its Directors and companies associated with its Directors identified in the paragraph (b) below. 

Recharges from the Company to subsidiaries in the year were $7,537,080 (2012: $6,217,298). Transactions between the Company 
and its subsidiaries have been eliminated on consolidation.

(b)  Other transactions with key management personnel
The Company made payments of $10,311 (2012: $1,168) to Vectis Petroleum Limited, a company associated with Mr John Lander, 
for the provision of his service as a non-executive director.

Compensation of key management personnel (including Directors) is disclosed in note 7(b).

31  Events after the reporting period
On 14 November 2013, the Company announced its move to dispose of a 20% interest in Blocks 1, 3 and 4 in Tanzania to Pavilion Energy.  
On 16 December 2013, the Company received shareholder approval to dispose of this interest. All conditions precedent to the transaction have 
been satisfied (or waived.) The transaction is now unconditional and will close shortly.

On 4 March 2014, the Group announced that it had entered into an agreement with WHL Energy Ltd (“WHL”), an Australian listed E&P company, 
to acquire a 75% operated interest in Blocks PEC-5B/1 and PEC-5B/2 located offshore to the south of the Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean. 
In exchange for the acquired interest, the Group will repay back costs to WHL of $4 million and fund the acquisition of 1,500 km2 of 3D seismic data.

On 19 March 2014 the Company announced that the Padouck Deep-1 well in the Ntsina Block offshore Gabon had completed. Whilst the well 
encountered  thicker than expected, good-quality reservoir sands, there were no significant hydrocarbon shows.

131

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Statements 
Company Financial Statements

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in relation to the 
Company financial statements

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Company financial statements in accordance with applicable 
United Kingdom law and regulations. Company law requires the Directors to prepare Company financial statements for each financial year. 
Under that law, the Directors are required to prepare Company financial statements under IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. 

Under Company Law the Directors must not approve the Company 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 the Company financial 
statements the Directors are required to: 
•  present fairly the financial position, financial performance and cash flows of the Company; 
•  select suitable accounting policies in accordance with IAS 8: Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors and then apply 

them consistently; 

•  present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable information; 
•  make judgements that are reasonable; 
•  provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific requirements in IFRSs as adopted by the European Union is insufficient 

to enable users to understand the impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions on the Company’s financial position and 
financial performance; and 

•  state whether the Company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, 

subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. 

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 Company financial 
statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. 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 also responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, Directors’ Report, the Directors’ Remuneration Report and the Corporate 
Governance Statement in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and applicable regulations, including the requirements of the Listing Rules 
and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

Approved by the Board on 19 March 2014

Nick Cooper
Chief Executive Officer

132

Ophir Energy plcIndependent Auditor’s Report to the members of Ophir Energy plc

We have audited the parent company financial statements of Ophir Energy plc for the year ended 31 December 2013 which comprise the 
Company Statement of Financial Position, Company Statement of Changes in Equity, Company Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes 
1 to 21. 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 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 set out on page 132, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the 
parent company 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 parent company 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 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 and Accounts to identify material inconsistencies with 
the audited financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent 
with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements 
or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion the parent company financial statements:

•  give a true and fair view of the state of the Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2013;
•  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

•  have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion:

•  the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006; and
•  the information given in the Strategic Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the parent 

company 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 and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited 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.

133

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial StatementsCompany Financial Statements

Independent Auditor’s Report to the members of Ophir Energy plc continued

Other matter
We have reported separately on the Group financial statements of Ophir Energy plc for the year ended 31 December 2013. The risk of going 
concern as described in the Group audit opinion also relates to the parent company audit.

Paul Wallek
(Senior statutory auditor)
for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP
Statutory Auditor
London
19 March 2014

Notes:
1.  The maintenance and integrity of the Ophir Energy plc website is the responsibility of the Directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration 
of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements since they were initially 
presented on the website.

2.  Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

134

Ophir Energy plcCompany statement of financial position
As at 31 December 2013

Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments in subsidiaries 
Financial assets

Current assets
Inventory
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Provisions

Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Total liabilities
Net assets

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Reserves
Total equity

Approved by the Board on 19 March 2014.

Nicholas Smith  
Chairman 

Nick Cooper
Chief Executive Officer

As at
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

As at 
31 Dec 2012
$’000

Notes

5
6
7

8
9
10

11
12

13

15
16

1,314
2,300,049
3,095
2,304,458

1,843
39,745
69,189
110,777
2,415,235

717
1,133,350
5,774
1,139,841

–
1,591
45,380
46,971
1,186,812

(5,207)
(227)
(5,434)

(4,258)
(372)
(4,630)

(540,630)
(540,630)
(546,064)
1,869,171

–
–
(4,630)
1,182,182

2,466
1,866,705
1,869,171

1,739
1,180,443
1,182,182

135

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Statements 
Called up
share capital
$’000
1,448
–
–
–

Other1
reserves
$’000
777,133
(28,672)
–
(28,672)

Total
equity
$’000
778,581
(28,672)
–
(28,672)

276
15
–
–
1,739

415,722
8,480
62
7,718
1,180,443

415,998
8,495
62
7,718
1,182,182

–
–
–

(132,673)
–
(132,673)

(132,673)
– 
(132,673)

711
16
–
2,466

802,517
7,324
9,094
1,866,705

803,228
7,340
9,094
1,869,171

Company Financial Statements

Company statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 31 December 2013

As at 1 January 2012
Loss for the period, net of tax
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 
Total comprehensive income, net of tax

New ordinary shares issued to third parties
Exercise of options
Share issue costs
Share-based payments
As at 31 December 2012

Loss for the period, net of tax
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Total comprehensive income, net of tax

New ordinary shares issued to third parties
Exercise of options
Share-based payments
As at 31 December 2013

1  Refer to note 16.

136

Ophir Energy plcCompany statement of cash flows
For the year ended 31 December 2013

Operating activities
Loss before taxation

Adjustments to reconcile loss before tax to net cash flows:
Interest income
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of deferred costs
Provision for employee entitlements
Share-based payments
Allowance for impairment of investment in subsidiaries
Working capital adjustments
Increase in inventory
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables
(Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables
Decrease/(increase) in financial assets
Cash flows from operating activities
Income taxes paid
Interest income
Net cash flows used in operating activities

Investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Investment in subsidiaries 
Loans to subsidiaries
Security deposits refunded
Acquisition of subsidiary
Net cash flows used in investing activities

Financing activities
Share issue costs 
Issue of ordinary shares 
Proceeds from loans and borrowings
Net cash flows from financing activities

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents for the year
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000

Notes

(132,673)

(28,672)

(37,296)
312
–
(145)
9,094
133,004

(1,843)
949
(821)
–
(29,419)
–
17
(29,402)

(909)
(837,557)
(462,193)
2,679
–
(1,297,980)

(34,399)
844,967
540,630
1,351,198

23,816
(7)
45,380
69,189

5

6

5

13

10

(3,976)
210
5
130
7,718
1,021

–
(251)
563
(5,387)
(28,639)
–
1,433
(27,206)

(605)
–
(517,320)
–
(38,682)
(556,607)

(7,372)
250,385
–
243,013

(340,800)
(10)
386,190
45,380

137

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial StatementsCompany Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements

Corporate information

1 
Ophir Energy plc (the “Company”) is a public limited company incorporated, domiciled and listed in England. Its registered offices are located at 
50 New Bond Street, London W1S 1BJ. 

Ophir Energy’s business is the development of offshore and deepwater oil and gas exploration assets. The Company has an extensive and diverse 
portfolio of exploration interests across East and West Africa.

The Company’s financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 19 March 2014 
and the Statement of Financial Position was signed on the Board’s behalf by Nicholas Smith and Nick Cooper.

The Company has taken advantage of the exemption provided under s408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to publish its individual income 
statement and related notes.

Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies

2 
2.1  Basis of preparation and statement of compliance
The Company’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union and those parts of the 
Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. 

The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis except for revaluation of certain derivative instruments measured at fair 
value. The financial statements are presented in US Dollars rounded to the nearest thousand dollars ($’000) except as otherwise indicated.

Comparative figures for the period to 31 December 2012 are for the year ended on that date.

New and amended accounting standards and interpretations
The Company has adopted new and amended IFRS and IFRIC interpretations as of 1 January 2013. These are detailed in note 2 of the Group 
financial statements.

2.2  Significant accounting policies
(a)  Investment in subsidiaries
The Company holds monetary balances with its subsidiaries of which settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future. 
Such balances are considered to be part of the Company’s net investment in its subsidiaries. 

The carrying values of investments in subsidiaries are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying 
value may not be recoverable.

(b)  Financial instruments
i.  Cash and short-term deposits
Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of financial position comprise cash at banks and in hand and short-term deposits with a maturity 
of three months or less, but excludes any restricted cash. Restricted cash is not available for use by the Company and therefore is not considered 
highly liquid – for example cash set aside to cover rehabilitation obligations. For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash 
equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts.

ii.  Trade and other receivables 
Trade receivables, which generally have 30 to 90 day terms, are recognised and carried at the lower of their original invoiced value and recoverable 
amount. Where the time value of money is material, receivables are carried at amortised cost. Allowance is made when there is objective evidence 
that the Company will not be able to recover balances in full. Evidence on non-recoverability may include indications that the debtor or group 
of debtors is experiencing significant financial difficulty, the probability that they will enter bankruptcy or default or delinquency in repayments. 
Balances are written off when the probability of recovery is assessed as being remote. The amount of the impairment loss is the receivable 
carrying amount compared to the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate.

iii. Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are carried at amortised cost. They represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Company prior to the end 
of the financial year that are unpaid and arise when the Company becomes obligated to make future payments in respect of the purchase of 
those goods and services. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

iv. Interest-bearing loans and borrowings
All loans and borrowings are initially recognised at fair value less directly attributable transaction costs. 

After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest 
rate method.

138

Ophir Energy plcGains and losses are recognised in the income statement when liabilities are derecognised as well as through the amortisation process. 
A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires.

(c)  Inventories
Inventories which comprise drilling consumables are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined by using weighted 
average cost method and comprises direct purchase costs, cost of transportation and other related expenses.

(d)  Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, which comprises furniture and fittings and computer equipment, is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation 
and accumulated impairment losses. Such cost includes costs directly attributable to making the asset capable of operating as intended.

Depreciation
Depreciation is provided on property, plant and equipment calculated using the straight line method at rates to write off the cost, less estimated 
residual value based on prices prevailing at the statement of financial position date, of each asset over expected useful lives ranging from three 
to 10 years.

(e)  Provisions
A provision is recognised when the Company has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event and it is probable that an outflow 
of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the obligation. If the effect of the time value 
of money is material, expected future cash flows are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects, where appropriate, the risks specific 
to the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to unwinding the discount is recognised as a finance cost.

(f)  Pensions and other post-retirement benefits
The Company does not operate its own pension plan but makes pension or superannuation contributions to private funds of its employees which 
are defined contribution plans. The cost of providing such benefits are expensed in the income statement as incurred.

(g)  Employee benefits 
Salaries, wages, annual leave and sick leave
Liabilities for salaries and wages, including non-monetary benefits, annual leave and accumulating sick leave expected to be settled within 
12 months of the reporting date are recognised in respect of employees’ services up to the reporting date. They are measured at the amounts 
expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. Liabilities for non-accumulating sick leave are recognised when the leave is taken and are 
measured at the rates paid or payable.

(h)  Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

(i)  Leases
The determination of whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement and requires an assessment 
of whether the fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets and the arrangement conveys a right to use 
the asset.

The Company has leases where the lessor retains substantially all the risks and benefits of ownership of the asset. Such leases are classified 
as operating leases and rentals payable are charged to the income statement on a straight line basis over the lease term.

(j)  Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company and the revenue can be reliably 
measured. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received and receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, VAT and other sales 
taxes or duty.

The specific recognition criteria described below must also be met before revenue is recognised:

Interest income
Interest income is recognised as it accrues using the effective interest rate method, that is, the rate that exactly discounts estimated future 
cash receipts through the expected life of the financial instrument to the net carrying amount of the financial asset.

139

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial StatementsCompany Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies continued

2 
(k)  Share-based payments
The cost of equity-settled transactions with employees is measured by reference to the fair value at the date at which they are granted and is 
recognised as an expense over the vesting period, which ends on the date on which the relevant employees become fully entitled to the award. 
Fair value is determined with reference to the market value of the underlying shares using a pricing model appropriate to the circumstances which 
requires judgements as to the selection of both the valuation model and inputs. In valuing equity-settled transactions, no account is taken of any 
vesting conditions, other than conditions linked to the price of the shares of the Company (market conditions).

No expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest, except for awards where vesting is conditional upon a market condition 
or a non-vesting condition, which are treated as vesting irrespective of whether or not the market condition or non-vesting condition is satisfied, 
provided that all other vesting conditions are satisfied.

At each statement of financial position date before vesting, the cumulative expense is calculated on the basis of the extent to which the vesting 
period has expired and management’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. The movement in cumulative 
expense since the previous statement of financial position date is recognised in the income statement, with a corresponding entry in equity.

Where the terms of an equity-settled award are modified or a new award is designated as replacing a cancelled or settled award, the cost based 
on the original award terms continues to be recognised over the original vesting period. In addition, an expense is recognised over the remainder 
of the new vesting period for the incremental fair value of any modification, based on the difference between the fair value of the original 
award and the fair value of the modified award, both as measured on the date of the modification. No reduction is recognised if this difference 
is negative.

Where an equity-settled award is cancelled, it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation and any cost not yet recognised in 
the income statement for the award is expensed immediately. Any compensation paid up to the fair value of the award at the cancellation 
or settlement date is deducted from equity, with any excess over fair value being treated as an expense in the income statement.

For equity-settled share-based payment transactions with third parties, the goods or services received are measured at the date of receipt 
by reference to their fair value with a corresponding entry in equity. If the Company cannot reliably estimate the fair value of the goods or services 
received, their value is measured by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments granted.

(l)  Foreign currency translation
The functional currency of the Company is determined on an individual basis according to the primary economic environment in which 
it operates. 

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the functional currency by applying the spot exchange rate ruling at the date of the 
transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate of exchange ruling at the statement 
of financial position date. All exchange differences are taken to the income statement. Non-monetary items that are measured at historical cost 
in a foreign currency are translated using the spot exchange rate ruling as at the date of the initial transaction. Non-monetary items measured 
at a revalued amount in a foreign currency are translated using the spot exchange rate ruling at the date when the fair value was determined.

(m)  Income taxes
Current tax
Current tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities, based on tax 
rates and laws that are enacted or substantively enacted by the statement of financial position date. 

Current income tax is charged or credited directly to equity if it relates to items that are credited or charged to equity. Otherwise income tax 
is recognised in the income statement.

Deferred tax
Deferred income tax is recognised on all temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts 
in the financial statements, with the following exceptions:
•  where the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or of an asset or liability in a transaction that is not a business 

combination and, at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss;

•  in respect of taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, where the timing of the 
reversal of the temporary differences can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable 
future; and

•  deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the deductible 

temporary differences, carried forward tax credits or tax losses can be utilised.

140

Ophir Energy plcThe carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is no longer 
probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred income tax asset to be utilised. Unrecognised deferred 
tax assets are reassessed at the end of each reporting period and are recognised to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable 
profit will be available to allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered. 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply when the related 
asset is realised or liability is settled, based on tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the statement of financial position date.

Deferred income tax is charged or credited directly to equity if it relates to items that are credited or charged to equity. Otherwise deferred income 
tax is recognised in the income statement.

(n)  Impairment
The Company assesses at each reporting date whether there is an indication that an intangible asset or item of property plant & equipment may 
be impaired. If any indication exists, or when annual impairment testing is required, the Company estimates the asset’s recoverable amount. 
An asset’s recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s or cash-generating unit’s (“CGU”) fair value less costs to sell and its value in use and is 
determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or 
groups of assets. When the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written 
down to its recoverable amount. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax 
discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. In determining fair value less 
costs to sell, recent market transactions are taken into account, if available. If no such transactions can be identified, an appropriate valuation 
model is used. These calculations are corroborated by valuation multiples, quoted share prices for publicly traded subsidiaries or other available 
fair value indicators.

The Company bases its impairment calculation on detailed budgets and forecast calculations, which are prepared separately for each of the 
Company’s CGUs to which the individual assets are allocated. These budgets and forecast calculations generally cover a period of five years. 
For longer periods, a long-term growth rate is calculated and applied to project future cash flows after the fifth year.

Impairment losses of continuing operations, including impairment on inventories, are recognised in the income statement in expense 
categories consistent with the function of the impaired asset, except for a property previously revalued and the revaluation was taken 
to other comprehensive income. In this case, the impairment is also recognised in other comprehensive income up to the amount of any 
previous revaluation.

2.3  Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions
The preparation of the Company financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect 
the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities at the date of the Company financial statements and reported amounts 
of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates and assumptions are continuously evaluated and are based on management’s 
experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. However, 
actual outcomes can differ from these estimates.

The Company has used estimates and assumptions in deriving certain figures within the financial statements. Such accounting estimates 
may not equate with the actual results which will only be known in time. The key areas of estimation are detailed in note 2.4 of the Group 
financial statements.

Loss attributable to members of the parent company

3 
The loss attributable to the members of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2013 is $132.7 million (2012: $28.7 million).

141

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial StatementsCompany Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

Share-based compensation

4 
(a)  Employee incentive share option plans 
Ophir Energy Company Foundation Incentive Scheme
Ophir Energy Company Foundation Incentive Scheme was established on 12 May 2004 shortly after the formation of the Company to attract 
new employees on start up. The plan provided for a total of 1,450,000 options to acquire ordinary shares at 1p per share to be issued to eligible 
employees. The Scheme was terminated on 24 November 2005 and all options issued under the scheme have fully vested.

Ophir Energy Company 2006 Share Option Plan 
On 5 April 2006 the Board resolved to establish the Ophir Energy Company Limited 2006 Share Option Plan. 

Any employee of the Company or any subsidiary or any Director of the Company or any subsidiary who is required to devote substantially the 
whole of his working time to his duties is eligible to participate under the Plan. At the grant date the Board of Directors determine the vesting 
terms, if any, subject to the proviso that no more than one half of the options become exercisable on the first and second anniversaries of the 
date of grant and any performance conditions are satisfied. Options have an exercise period of 10 years from the date of grant.

Ophir Energy Long Term Incentive Share Option Plan 
On 26 May 2011 the Board resolved to establish the Ophir Energy Long Term Incentive Share Option Plan. This was introduced to give awards to 
Directors and senior management subject to outperforming a comparator group of similarly focused oil and gas exploration companies in terms 
of shareholder return over a three-year period. The Plan awards a number of shares to Directors and senior management based on a multiple of 
salary. However, these shares only vest after a three-year period and the full award is made only if Ophir has performed in the top quartile when 
compared against a selected peer group of upstream oil and gas companies. 

Ophir Energy plc 2012 Deferred Share Plan 
On 19 June 2012 the Board resolved to establish the Ophir Energy plc Deferred Share Plan 2012 (“DSP”). The plan was introduced to provide 
executive management with a means of retaining and incentivising employees. The structure of the DSP will enable a portion of participants’ 
annual bonuses to be deferred into options to acquire ordinary shares in the capital of the Company. All options issued to date vest after 
a three-year period. Options have an exercise period of 10 years from the date of grant. 

The DSP operates in conjunction with the Ophir Energy plc Employee Benefit Trust. The Trust will hold ordinary shares in the Company for the 
benefit of its employees and former employees, which may then be used, on a discretionary basis, to settle the DSP Awards as and when they are 
exercised. No shares have been acquired by the Trust.

The following table illustrates the number and weighted average exercise prices (“WAEP”) of, and movements in, share options during the period 
for the above schemes. These are denominated in Pounds Sterling and have been translated to US Dollars using the closing exchange rate for 
presentation purposes.

Outstanding options at beginning of year
Granted during the year1
Exercised during the year
Expired during the year
Outstanding options at end of year
Exercisable at end of year

2013
Number
11,131,204
3,453,199
(4,081,558)
(391,267)
10,111,578
4,002,826

2013
WAEP
$2.21/£1.40
$2.02/£1.29
$1.78/£1.14
$0.00/£0.00
$1.50/£0.96
$3.63/£2.32

2012
Number
11,752,240
2,458,753
(2,492,660)
(587,129)
11,131,204
4,208,600

2012
WAEP
$2.37/£1.53
$1.17/£0.74
$3.17/£2.00
$2.12/£1.34
$2.21/£1.40
$2.63/£1.66

1  Awards granted under employee incentive share option plans before 25 March 2013 were increased by a factor of 1.156329 (and the exercise price reduced by the 
same factor) to ensure that award holders would not be disadvantaged vis-à-vis shareholders as a result of the rights issue in March 2013. Options granted during 
the year include additional long-term incentive awards and share options of 1,725,972 in respect of this adjustment.

The weighted average exercise price of options granted during the year was $2.02 (2012: $1.17). The range of exercise prices for options 
outstanding at the end of the year was $0.00 to $8.61 (2012: $0.00 to $10.08) with a remaining exercise period in the range of three 
to nine years.

142

Ophir Energy plc 
The fair value of equity-settled share options granted is estimated as at the date of grant using a binomial model, taking into account the terms 
and conditions upon which the options were granted. The table below lists the inputs to the model used for the year ended 31 December 2013.

Dividend yield (%)
Exercise price
Share volatility (%)
Risk-free interest rate (%)
Expected life of option (years)
Weighted average share price

2006 Share Option Plan

Long Term Incentive Plan

2012 Deferred Share Plan

2013
–
$7.18/£4.72
50%
1%
2-10
$7.17/£4.71

2012
–
$3.96/£2.50
50%
1%
4-9
$8.13/£5.13

2013
–
nil
45%
0.4%
0-5
$6.08/£3.97

2012
–
nil
52%
0.4%
3-6
$8.13/£5.13

2013
–
nil
50%
1%
1-3
$7.17/£4.71

2012
–
nil
50%
1%
3
$8.13/£5.13

The expected life of the options is based on historical data and is not necessarily indicative of exercise patterns that may occur. The expected 
volatility reflects the assumption that the historical volatility is indicative of future trends, which may also not be the actual outcome.

(b)  Share-based payments to suppliers of goods and services

Outstanding options and warrants at beginning of year
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year
Outstanding options and warrants at end of year

2013
Number
–
–
–
–

2013
WAEP
–
–
–

2012
Number
1,097,173
–

2012
WAEP
$1.13/£0.73
–
(1,097,173) $1.33/£0.84

–

No options or warrants were granted during the year or prior year. No options or warrants were outstanding at year end (2012: nil).

(c)  Share-based payments to Directors
During the year a total of 501,182 (2012: 1,532,038) nil cost options to acquire ordinary shares were granted to Directors under the Ophir Energy 
Long Term Incentive Plan. In addition, options granted under the plan before 25 March 2013 were increased by a factor of 1.156329 (and the 
exercise price reduced by the same factor) to ensure that award holders would not be disadvantaged vis-à-vis shareholders as a result of the rights 
issue in March 2013. 435,344 additional options were granted under the Ophir Energy Long Term Incentive Plan in respect of this adjustment.

During the year a further total of 360,127 (2012: nil) options at a weighted average price of £4.72 ($7.38) to acquire ordinary shares were granted 
to Directors under the Ophir Energy Company 2006 Share Option Plan. In addition, options granted under the plan before 25 March 2013 were 
increased by a factor of 1.156329 (and the exercise price reduced by the same factor) to ensure that award holders would not be disadvantaged 
vis-à-vis shareholders as a result of the rights issue in March 2013. 101,612 additional options were granted under the Ophir Energy Company 
2006 Share Option Plan in respect of this adjustment.

143

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Statements 
 
Company Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

5 

Property, plant and equipment

Office furniture and equipment
Cost
Balance at the beginning of the year
Additions
Disposals
Balance at the end of the year

Depreciation
Balance at the beginning of the year
Disposals
Depreciation charge for the year
Balance at the end of the year

Net book value
Balance at the beginning of the year
Balance at the end of the year

6 

Investments in subsidiaries

Balance at the beginning of the year

Additions during the year
Ophir Holdings Limited
Ophir Services Pty Limited
Ophir Ventures (Jersey) Limited2
Ophir Ventures (Jersey) No. 2 Limited3
Dominion Petroleum Limited1
Dominion Petroleum Acquisitions Limited
Dominion Oil & Gas (Tanzania) Limited
Dominion Tanzania Limited 
Dominion Uganda Limited 
Dominion Petroleum Administrative Services Limited
Dominion Petroleum Kenya L15 (Kenya) Limited 
Dominion Petroleum Kenya Limited 
Dominion Petroleum Congo SPRL 

144

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000

1,187
909
(73)
2,023

470
(73)
312
709

717
1,314

767
605
(185)
1,187

260
–
210
470

507
717

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000

1,240,493

499,714

413,791
–
–
837,558
77,223
–
–
6,268
–
–
–
–
6,496

248,800
4,800
241,893
–
220,316
17,103
80
758
1,021
4,162
283
8,059
–

Ophir Energy plc 
 
Repayments during the year
Ophir Services Pty Limited
Dominion Petroleum Acquisitions Limited
Dominion Oil & Gas (Tanzania) Limited 
Dominion Tanzania Limited 
Dominion Uganda Limited 
Dominion Petroleum Administrative Services Limited
Dominion Petroleum Kenya L15 (Kenya) Limited 
Dominion Petroleum Kenya Limited 
Dominion Petroleum Congo SPRL 

Balance at the end of the year

Allowance for impairment
Balance at the beginning of the year
Additional allowance

Balance at the end of the year

Net book value
At the beginning of the year
At the end of the year

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000

(3,671)
(17,103)
(80)
(758)
(1,021)
(4,162)
(283)
(8,059)
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
(6,496)

2,546,692

1,240,493

(107,143)
(139,500)

(106,122)
(1,021)

(246,643)

(107,143)

1,133,350
2,300,049

393,592
1,133,350

1  On 2 February 2012, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of Dominion Petroleum Limited, an AIM quoted group of companies operating in the oil and gas 

exploration industry, for $220,221,437.

2  On 2 April 2012, the Company acquired 100% of the Redeemable Preference Shares in Ophir Ventures (Jersey) Limited for $241,892,975. The preference shares 
are redeemable by Ophir Ventures (Jersey) No. 2 Limited or the Company at any time up until the redemption date 31 December 2017 and pay a cumulative 
preferential dividend (the “Preferential Dividend”) at a rate of 1% per annum. The Preferential Dividend is payable half-yearly in arrears on 31 December and 
30 June each year.

3  On 8 March 2013, the Company acquired 100% of the A Preference Shares in Ophir Ventures (Jersey) No. 2 Limited for $136,965,000. The preference shares 
are redeemable by Ophir Ventures (Jersey) No. 2 Limited or the Company at any time up until the redemption date 31 December 2017 and pay a cumulative 
preferential dividend (the “Preferential A Dividend”) at a rate of 5% per annum. The Preferential A Dividend is payable half-yearly in arrears on 31 December and 
30 June each year.

  On 26 March 2013, the Company acquired 100% of the B Preference Shares in Ophir Ventures (Jersey) No. 2 Limited for $700,592,324. The preference shares 
are redeemable by Ophir Ventures (Jersey) No. 2 Limited or the Company at any time up until the redemption date 31 December 2017 and pay a cumulative 
preferential dividend (the “Preferential A Dividend”) at a rate of 5% per annum. The Preferential B Dividend is payable half-yearly in arrears on 31 December and 
30 June each year.

Loans to subsidiaries are unsecured, interest free and form part of the Company’s investments in subsidiaries. The loans are denominated 
in US Dollars and have no particular repayment terms. Loan repayments during the year were subsequently refinanced through the entities’ 
parent company, Dominion Petroleum Limited. The Company has indicated that it does not intend to demand repayment in the foreseeable 
future. The allowance for impairment charge primarily relates to a reduction in value of the subsidiaries associated with the write off of 
exploration expenditure.

145

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Statements 
Company Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

Investments in subsidiaries continued

6 
At 31 December 2013 the Company had investments in the following subsidiaries:

Subsidiaries of Ophir Energy plc
Ophir Services Pty Limited
Ophir Holdings Limited
Ophir Asia Limited
Ophir Ventures (Jersey) Limited
Ophir Ventures (Jersey) Limited
Ophir Ventures (Jersey) No.2 Limited
Ophir Ventures (Jersey) No.2 Limited
Dominion Petroleum Limited
Ophir Services Pty Limited
Subsidiaries of Ophir Holdings Limited
Ophir East Africa Holdings Limited
Ophir AGC (Profond) Limited
Ophir Congo (Marine IX) Limited
Ophir Equatorial Guinea Holdings Limited
Ophir Gabon (Gnondo) Limited 
Ophir Gabon (Manga) Limited
Ophir Gabon (Mbeli) Limited
Ophir Gabon (Ntsina) Limited
Ophir JDZ Limited
Ophir Somaliland (Berbera) Limited
Ophir Madagascar Limited
Ophir East Africa (1) Limited
Ophir Ghana (Accra) Limited
Subsidiaries of Ophir Equatorial Guinea Holdings Limited
Ophir Equatorial Guinea (Block R) Limited
Subsidiary of Ophir JDZ Limited
Ophir Energy Company Nigeria (JDZ) Limited
Subsidiaries of Ophir East Africa Holdings Limited
Ophir Tanzania (Block 1) Limited
Ophir Tanzania (Block 3) Limited
Ophir Tanzania (Block 4) Limited
Ophir East Africa Ventures Limited
Ophir Pipeline Limited
Ophir Gas Marketing Limited
Ophir LNG Limited

Country of
incorporation

Principal
activity Class of shares

Holding
31 Dec 2013

Holding
31 Dec 2012

Australia Group Services
Holding
Jersey C.I.
Dormant
Jersey C.I.
Holding
Jersey C.I.
Holding
Jersey C.I.
Holding
Jersey C.I.
Holding
Jersey C.I.
Bermuda
Exploration
Australia Group Services

Jersey C.I.
Jersey C.I.
Jersey C.I.
Jersey C.I.
Jersey C.I.
Jersey C.I.
Jersey C.I.
Jersey C.I.
Jersey C.I.
Jersey C.I.
Jersey C.I.
Jersey C.I.
Jersey C.I.

Holding
Exploration
Exploration
Holding
Exploration
Exploration
Exploration
Exploration
Holding
Exploration
Exploration
Dormant
Exploration

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Preference
Ordinary
Preference
Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
–
–
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

Jersey C.I.

Exploration

Ordinary

100%

100%

Nigeria

Dormant

Ordinary

100%

100%

Jersey C.I.
Jersey C.I.
Jersey C.I.
Jersey C.I.
Jersey C.I.
Jersey C.I.
Jersey C.I.

Exploration
Exploration
Exploration
Exploration
Holding
Holding
Holding

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

146

Ophir Energy plc 
Subsidiaries of Dominion Petroleum Limited
Dominion Petroleum Acquisitions Limited
DOMPet Limited
Dominion Investments Limited
Dominion Acquisitions Limited
Dominion Petroleum Administrative Services Limited
Dominion Kenya Holdings Limited
Dominion Petroleum Congo SPRL
Subsidiaries of Dominion Petroleum Acquisitions Limited
Dominion Tanzania Limited
Dominion Oil and Gas Limited
Dominion Oil and Gas Limited
Subsidiaries of Dominion Oil & Gas Limited
Dominion Oil and Gas Limited
Subsidiaries of DOMPet Limited
Dominion Tanzania Limited
Subsidiaries of Dominion Acquisitions Limited
Dominion Uganda Limited
Dominion Somaliland Limited
Dominion Petroleum Congo SPRL
Subsidiaries of Dominion Petroleum Administrative 
Services Limited
Dominion Petroleum Kenya Limited
Dominion Petroleum L15 (Kenya) Limited
Subsidiaries of Dominion Kenya Holdings Limited
Dominion Petroleum Kenya Limited
Dominion Petroleum L15 (Kenya) Limited

Country of
incorporation

Principal
activity Class of shares

Holding
31 Dec 2013

Holding
31 Dec 2012

Bermuda
Bermuda
Tanzania
BVI
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
DRC

Tanzania
BVI
Tanzania

Exploration
Exploration
Exploration
Exploration
Exploration
Exploration
Exploration

Exploration
Exploration
Exploration

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

100%
100%
99.96%
100%
100%
100%
–

0.1%
100%
100%

100%
100%
99.96%
100%
100%
100%
1%

0.1%
100%
100%

Tanzania

Exploration

Ordinary

99.9%

99.9%

Tanzania

Exploration

Ordinary

99.9%

99.9%

BVI
BVI
DRC

Exploration
Exploration
Exploration

Kenya
Kenya

Kenya
Kenya

Exploration
Exploration

Exploration
Exploration

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary
Ordinary

Ordinary
Ordinary

95%
100%
–

50%
50%

50%
50%

95%
100%
99%

50%
50%

50%
50%

All subsidiaries have a functional currency of US Dollars with the exception of Ophir Services Pty Ltd and Dominion Petroleum Administrative 
Services Limited which have Australian Dollar and Pounds Sterling functional currencies respectively. 

147

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Statements 
Company Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

7 

Financial assets

Non-current
Security deposits – Rental properties
Security deposits – Exploration commitments1

1  Floating interest deposits pledged to third parties or banks as security in relation to the Group’s exploration commitments. 

There are no receivables that are past due or impaired.

8 

Inventory

Drilling consumables

9 

Trade and other receivables

Other debtors
Prepayments
Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings1

1  Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings comprise accrued preferential dividends (refer to note 6). 

All debtors are current. There are no receivables that are past due or impaired. 

Due to the short-term nature of these receivables, their carrying value is assumed to approximate their fair value.

10  Cash and cash equivalents

Cash

Cash at banks earn interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates. 

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents is $69.2 million (2012: $45.4 million).

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000

3,095
–
3,095

1,274
4,500
5,774

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
1,843

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
–

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
680
1,374
37,691
39,745

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
585
744
262
1,591

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
69,189

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
45,380

148

Ophir Energy plc 
 
 
 
11  Trade and other payables

Trade creditors
Accruals
Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings

Trade payables are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

12  Provisions

At 1 January 2013
Arising during the year
Utilised
Amounts released
At 31 December 2013

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
955
4,252
–
5,207

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
1,398
2,410
450
4,258

Employee 
annual leave 
$’000
372
551
(461)
(235)
227

The provisions are made for statutory or contractual employee entitlements. It is anticipated that these costs will be incurred when employees 
choose to take their benefits and as such there is an inherent uncertainty as to the timing of the relevant outflows required by the provisions.

13  Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Loans from subsidiary undertakings

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
540,630

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
–

Loan from Ophir Ventures (Jersey) Limited – $242.1 million
This loan is unsecured and has no particular repayment terms. Interest is payable quarterly (being 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 
31 December) in arrears at a three month LIBOR rate plus a margin of 2.5%. The total facility is $300 million.

Loan from Ophir Ventures (Jersey) No. 2 Limited – $298.5 million
This loan is unsecured and has no particular repayment terms. Interest is payable quarterly (being 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 
31 December) in arrears at a three month LIBOR rate plus a margin of 2.5%. The total facility is $600 million.

149

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Statements 
 
 
Company Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

14  Financial instruments
The Company utilises the same financial risk and capital management as the Group. Refer to note 21 of the Group financial statements for 
further details.

(a)  Credit quality of financial assets

Year ended 31 December 2013
Current financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables

Non-current financial assets
Security deposits

Equivalent S&P rating1 
A-1 and  
above
$’000

A-2 and  
above
$’000

69,184
–
69,184

3,095
3,095

–
–
–

–
–

Internally rated

No default 
customers
$’000

5
680
685

–
–

Total
$’000

69,189
680
69,869

3,095
3,095

1  The equivalent S&P rating of the financial assets represents that rating of the counterparty with whom the financial asset is held rather than the rating of the 

financial asset itself.

Year ended 31 December 2012
Current financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables

Non-current financial assets
Security deposits

Equivalent S&P rating1 
A-1 and  
above 
$’000

A-2 and  
above 
$’000

45,380
–
45,380

5,774
5,774

–
–
–

–
–

Internally rated

No default 
customers 
$’000

–
585
585

–
–

Total 
$’000

45,380
 585
45,965

5,774
5,774

1  The equivalent S&P rating of the financial assets represents that rating of the counterparty with whom the financial asset is held rather than the rating of the 

financial asset itself.

Credit risk on cash and short-term deposits is managed by limiting the term of deposits to periods of less than 12 months and selecting 
counterparty financial institutions with reference to long and short-term credit ratings published by Standard & Poor’s.

150

Ophir Energy plc 
 
Fair values
The maximum exposure to credit risk is the fair value of security deposits and receivables. Collateral is not held as security.

The fair values and carrying values of non-current receivables of the Company are as follows:

Year ended 31 December 2013
Security deposits

31 Dec 2013

31 Dec 2012

Carrying 
amount
$’000

Fair value 
$’000

3,095
3,095

3,095
3,095

Carrying 
amount
$’000

5,774
5,774

Fair value 
$’000

5,774
5,774

The fair values are based on cash flows discounted at a rate reflecting current market rates adjusted for counter party credit risk. The fair values 
of all other financial assets and liabilities approximate their carrying values.

(b)  Interest rate risk
As of 31 December 2013, the Company has no external borrowings (2012: nil). 

The Company’s exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rate relates primarily to the Company’s cash assets held in short-term cash 
deposits and loans from subsidiary undertakings. 

The Board monitors its cash balance on an ongoing basis and liaises with its financiers regularly to mitigate the risk of a fluctuating interest rate. 
The benchmark rate used for short-term deposits is US LIBOR. 

Loans from subsidiary undertakings are issued at variable rates and expose the Company to cash flow interest rate risk which is partially offset 
by cash and cash equivalents held at variable rates. The Company monitors interest rates when taking into consideration refinancing, renewal 
of existing positions or alternative financing.

Financial assets
Security deposits
Cash and cash equivalents

Financial liabilities
Loans from subsidiary undertakings
Net exposure

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000

3,095
69,189
72,284

(540,630)
(468,346)

5,774
45,380
51,154

–
51,154

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonable possible change in interest rates, with all other variables held constant, of the 
Company’s loss before tax (through the impact on floating rate deposits and cash equivalent).

The analysis below reflects a reasonably possible change in interest rates compared to 2012.

 Increase/decrease in interest rate
+0.5%
-0.5%

The sensitivity in 2013 was maintained at 0.5% as interest rate volatilities remain similar to those in the prior period.

Effect on loss  
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
(2,342)
2,342

Effect on loss  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
256
(256)

151

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Statements 
 
Company Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

14  Financial instruments continued
(c)  Foreign currency risk
The Company adopts the same policies to manage foreign currency risk as the Group. Refer to note 21(c) of the Group financial statements 
for further details.

As at 31 December 2013, the Company’s predominant exposure to foreign exchange rates related to cash and cash equivalents held 
in Pounds Sterling. 

At the statement of financial position date, the Company had the following exposure to GBP and EUR foreign currency that is not designated 
in cash flow hedges:

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents 
EUR
GBP

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
GBP

Net exposure

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000

28
2,656
2,684

(5,207)
(5,207)
(2,523)

44
347
391

(3,809)
(3,809)
(3,418)

The below table demonstrates the sensitivity to reasonable possible changes in GBP and EUR against the US Dollar exchange rates with all other 
variables held constant, of the Company’s loss before tax and equity (due to the foreign exchange translation of monetary assets and liabilities).

US Dollar to GBP Sterling +5% (2012: +5%) 
US Dollar to GBP Sterling -5% (2012: -5%) 
US Dollar to EUR +5% (2012: +5%)
US Dollar to EUR -5% (2012: -5%)

Loss before tax higher/(lower)
2012 
$’000
(173)
173
2
(2)

2013 
$’000
(128)
128
1
(1)

Significant assumptions used in the foreign currency exposure sensitivity analysis include:
(1) 

 Reasonably possible movements in foreign exchange rates were determined based on a review of the last two years’ historical movements 
and economic forecasters’ expectations.
 The reasonably possible movement was calculated by taking the US Dollar spot rate as at balance date, moving this spot rate by the 
reasonably possible movements and then re-converting the US Dollar into the respective foreign currency with the “new spot rate”. 
This methodology reflects the translation methodology undertaken by the Company.

(2) 

(d)  Liquidity risk
The Company has a liquidity risk arising from its ability to fund its liabilities. The Company utilises the same policies to mitigate liquidity risk as the 
rest of the Group. Refer to note 21(d) of the Group financial statements for further details.

All of the Company’s trade creditors and other payables (note 11) are payable in less than six months. The loans from subsidiary undertakings 
are unsecured and have no particular repayment terms. Based on the carrying value of loans from subsidiary undertakings at 31 December 2013 
(note 13) and prevailing interest rates, the forecasted annual interest expense is $16.3 million.

The Company did not make use of derivative instruments during the year or during the prior year.

152

Ophir Energy plc 
 
(e)  Disclosure of fair values
The carrying value of security deposits and financial liabilities disclosed in the financial statements as at 31 December 2013 approximate 
their fair value. 

Fair value hierarchy 
The Company uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments by valuation technique:

Level 1  

quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2  

 other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either directly 
or indirectly; and

Level 3  

techniques which use inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable market data.

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3

There were no transfers between levels during the year.

15  Share capital

a)  Authorised
2,000,000,000 ordinary shares of 0.25p each

b)  Called up, allotted and fully paid
400,004,189 ordinary shares in issue at the beginning of the year of 0.25p each  
(2012: 327,123,901)
4,081,558 ordinary shares issued of 0.25p each on exercise of options and warrants during the year 
(2012: 3,589,833)
187,875,6751 ordinary shares issued of 0.25p each during the year (2012: 69,290,4552)
591,961,422 ordinary shares of 0.25p each (2012: 400,004,189)

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
–
–
3,095
3,095

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
–
–
5,774
5,774

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000

7,963

7,963

1,739

1,448

16

711
2,466

15

276
1,739

1  19,850,000 ordinary shares in relation to the placement announced by the Company on 4 March 2013 and subsequently issued on 5 March 2013. The market 

values of the Company’s shares on these dates were: £4.62 ($6.94) and £5.13 ($7.72) respectively.
168,025,675 ordinary shares in relation to the 2 for 5 rights issue announced by the Company on 4 March 2013 and subsequently issued on 26 March 2013. 
The market values of the Company’s shares on these dates were: £4.62 ($6.94) and £4.71 ($7.17) respectively.

2  38,790,455 ordinary shares were issued as part of the Dominion acquisition (note 12 of the Group financial statements). 30,500,000 ordinary shares were issued 

at £4.95 each in relation to the placement and capital raising announced by the Company on 28 March 2012.

The balances classified as called up, allotted and fully paid share capital represent the nominal value of the total number of issued shares 
of the Company of 0.25p each. 

Fully paid shares carry one vote per share and carry the right to dividends.

153

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Statements 
 
 
Company Financial Statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

16  Other reserves

As at 1 January 2012

Loss for the period, net of tax
Other comprehensive income net of tax
Total comprehensive income net of tax
New ordinary shares issued to third parties
Exercise of options
Share issue costs
Share-based payments
As at 1 January 2013

Loss for the period, net of tax
Other comprehensive income net of tax
Total comprehensive income net of tax

Share1
  premium
$’000
789,714

  Options2
  premium
reserve
$’000

  Special3
reserve
$’000
26,526 156,435

  Merger4
reserve
$’000
–

Equity5
 component
on
  convertible 
bond
$’000
669

Foreign6
Accum-
  currency
ulated 
 translation
losses
reserve
$’000
$’000
11,839 (208,050)

Total 
other
reserves
$’000
777,133

–
–
–
–
8,480
62
–
798,256

–
–
–
–
–
–
7,718

–
–
–
415,722
–
–
–
34,244 156,435 415,722

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
669

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
669

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(28,672)
–
(28,672)
415,722
8,480
62
 7,718
11,839 (236,722) 1,180,443

(28,672)
–
(28,672)
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

(132,673)
–
(132,673)

(132,673)
–
(132,673)

–
–
–
–

802,517
–
7,324
–
9,094
–
–
156,435
11,839 (212,960) 1,866,705

New ordinary shares issued to third parties
Exercise of options
Share-based payments
Transfers within reserves 4
As at 31 December 2013

–
7,324
–
–
805,580

–
–
9,094

–
–
–
– (156,435)

802,517
–
–
–

43,338

– 1,218,239

1  The share premium account represents the total net proceeds on issue of the Company’s shares in excess of their nominal value of 0.25p per share less amounts 

transferred to any other reserves.

2  The option premium reserve represents the cost of share-based payments to Directors, employees and third parties. 
3  The special reserve was created on reduction of the Company’s share capital on 26 July 2007. Following the Company’s subsequent recording of increase in paid up 

4 

share capital the special reserve has been realised and transferred to accumulated losses.
In the current year the provisons of the Companies Act 2006 relating to Merger Relief (s612 and s613) were applied to the March share placement and rights issue 
raising through a cash box structure. This resulted in the creation of a merger reserve, after deducting share issue costs of $34.4 million. The “cash box” method of 
effecting an issue of shares for cash is commonplace and enabled the Company to issue shares without giving rise to a share premium. In addition, management 
have reclassified the share premium arising from the April 2012 share placement and the February 2012 Dominion Petroleum Limited acquisition to the merger 
reserve. The April 2012 share placement was structured as a “cash box” transaction and is subject to the provision of the Companies Act 2006 relating to merger 
relief resulting in the creation of a merger reserve after deducting share issue costs of $7.4 million. The Dominion Petroleum Limited acquisition is also subject to 
merger relief by virtue of Ophir acquiring in excess of 90% of all classes of the acquiree’s issued share capital in consideration for Ophir share capital. 

5  This balance represents the equity component of the convertible bond, net of costs and tax as a result of the separation of the instrument into its debt and equity 

components. The bond was converted into 21,661,476 ordinary shares of 0.25p each on 21 May 2008.

6  The foreign currency translation reserve is used to record unrealised exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial statements of entities within 

the Group that have a functional currency other than US Dollars.

154

Ophir Energy plc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17  Operating lease commitments
At 31 December 2013 the Company was committed to making the following future minimum lease payments in respect of operating leases over 
land and buildings with the following lease termination dates:

Due within one (1) year
Due later than one (1) year but within five (5) years
Due later than two (2) years but within five (5) years

Year ended 
31 Dec 2013 
$’000
237
7,490
6,810
14,537

Year ended  
31 Dec 2012 
$’000
1,423
3,320
2,097
6,840

18  Borrowing facilities
The Company had no external borrowing facilities as at 31 December 2013 (2012: nil).

19  Related party transactions
(a)  Identity of related parties
The Company has related party relationships with its subsidiaries (refer to note 6, note 9, note 11 and note 13), its Directors and companies 
associated with its Directors identified in the following paragraph. 

(b)  Other transactions with key management personnel
The Company made payments of $10,311 (2012: $1,168) to Vectis Petroleum Limited, a company associated with Mr John Lander, 
for the provision of his service as a non-executive director.

Compensation of key management personnel (including Directors) is disclosed in note 7(b) of the Group financial statements.

20  Contingent liabilities
An individual has commenced action against the Group relating to an evaluation of an interest that was held in exploration blocks within the 
portfolio. A preliminary hearing for the claim was carried out on 5 March 2014. At this hearing the Court directed that preliminary arguments 
be deferred until 1 April 2014. A trial date has not been set and therefore it is not practicable to state the timing of any payment. The Group has 
taken the view that the action is without merit and accordingly has estimated that no liability will arise as a result of proceedings and no provision 
for any liability has been made in these financial statements.

21  Events after reporting period
On 14 November 2013, the Company announced its move to dispose of a 20% interest in Blocks 1, 3 and 4 in Tanzania to Pavilion Energy.  
On 16 December 2013, the Company received shareholder approval to dispose of this interest. All conditions precedent to the transaction  
have been satisfied (or waived.) The transaction is now unconditional and will close shortly.

On 4 March 2014, the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement with WHL Energy Ltd (“WHL”), an Australian listed 
E&P company, to acquire a 75% operated interest in Blocks PEC-5B/1 and PEC-5B/2 located offshore to the south of the Seychelles Islands in the  
Indian Ocean. In exchange for the acquired interest, the Company will repay back costs to WHL of $4 million and fund the acquisition 
of 1,500 km2 of 3D seismic data.

On 19 March 2014, the Company announced that the Padouck Deep-1 well in the Ntsina Block offshore Gabon had completed. Whilst the well 
encountered  thicker than expected, good-quality reservoir sands, there were no significant hydrocarbon shows.

155

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial Statements 
2014 Financial calendar
Annual General Meeting 
Half year results announcement  
Full year results announcement   

21 May 2014
August 2014
March 2015

Trading market and shareholder profiles
Ophir Energy plc’s shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange 
with ticker OPHR. The Company’s SEDOL number is B24CT19 and  
ISIN number is GB00B24CT194.

Unsolicited mail
The Company is required by law to make its share register available 
on request to unconnected organisations. As a consequence, 
shareholders may receive unsolicited mail, including mail from 
unauthorised investment firms. If you wish to limit the amount of 
unsolicited mail received, please contact the Mailing Preference Service, 
an independent organisation whose services are free for consumers. 

Further details can be obtained from:

Mailing Preference Service
MPS Freepost LON 20771
London W1E 0ZT
Website: www.mpsonline.org.uk

Further information on share fraud and unauthorised investment firms 
targeting UK investors (“boiler room scams”) may be obtained from the 
website of the Financial Conduct Authority:

http://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/scams/investment-scams/share-
fraud-and-boiler-room-scams 

Shareholder Information

Registered and other offices
The Company’s registered office and head office is:

50 New Bond Street
First Floor
London W1S 1BJ
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7290 5800
Website: www.ophir-energy.com  

Other offices are located in:

Australia
Level 3
38 Station Street
Subiaco WA 6008

Postal address: PO Box 463
West Perth, WA 6872
Australia
Tel: +61 (0)8 9212 9600

Tanzania
Plot 1228, Block 2 Masaki Street
Msasani Peninsula

Postal address: PO Box 23184
Dar es Salaam 
United Republic of Tanzania 
Tel: +255 (0)22 221 5500

Equatorial Guinea
APDO 274, Ophir House
Km 5, Carretera Aeropuerto
Malabo
Equatorial Guinea
Tel: +240 333 09 84 74

Registrars
The Company has appointed Capita Registrars to maintain its register 
of members. Shareholders should contact Capita using the details 
below in relation to all general enquiries concerning their shareholding:

Capita Asset Services* 
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU
Telephone: 0871 664 0300**
International dialling: +44 20 8639 3399
Website: www.capitaregistrars.com 
Email: shareholderenquiries@capita.co.uk 

*  Capita Asset Services is a trading name of Capita Registrars Limited and Capita IRG 
Trustees Limited. Share registration and associated services are provided by Capita 
Registrars Limited (registered in England and Wales, No. 2605568). Regulated 
services are provided by Capita IRG Trustees Limited (registered in England and Wales 
No. 2729260), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.  
**  Lines are open Monday – Friday from 9.00am – 5.30pm, excluding bank holidays. 

Calls to 0871 numbers are charged at 10p per minute from a BT landline. 
Other telephone providers’ costs may vary.

156

Ophir Energy plc 
Shareholder profile by size of holding as at 31 December 2013

Range

1 – 1,000
1,001 – 10,000
10,001 – 100,000
100,001 – 1,000,000
1,000,001 – 10,000,000
10,000,000+

Shareholder profile by category as at 31 December 2013

Category

Private shareholders
Nominees and other institutional investors

No. of holders

395
355 
207
169
61
10
1,197

% of total

33.00%
29.66%
17.29%
14.12%
5.10%
0.84%
100.00%

Shares held 
31.12.2013

160,512
1,217,077
7,930,345
59,467,645
202,096,959
321,088,884
591,961,422

No. of holders

364
833
1,197

% of total

30.41%
69.59%
100.00%

Shares held 
31.12.2012

2,668,165
589,293,257
591,961,422

% of total

0.03%
0.21%
1.34%
10.05%
34.14%
54.24%
100.00%

% of total

0.45%
99.55%
100.00%

It should be noted that many private investors hold their shares through nominee companies and therefore the percentage of shares held by 
private shareholders may be higher than that shown.

157

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial StatementsShareholder Information continued

Shareholders’ rights
The following section summarises the rights and obligations in the Company’s Articles of Association (the Articles) relating to the ordinary shares 
of the Company. The Articles can be found on the Company’s website.

Voting: At a general meeting, subject to any special rights or restrictions attached to any class of shares: (a) on a show of hands, every member 
present in person and every duly appointed proxy present shall have one vote; (b) on a show of hands, a proxy has one vote for and one vote 
against the resolution if the proxy has been duly appointed by more than one member entitled to vote on the resolution and the proxy has been 
so instructed; and (c) on a poll, every member present in person or by proxy has one vote for every share held by him. Unless the Directors resolve 
otherwise, no member shall be entitled to vote either personally or by proxy or to exercise any other right in relation to general meetings if any call 
or other sum due from him to the Company in respect of that share remains unpaid.

Transfer of shares: Transfers of certificated shares must be effected in writing, and signed by or on behalf of the transferor and, except in the 
case of fully paid shares, by or on behalf of the transferee. The transferor shall remain the holder of the shares concerned until the name of the 
transferee is entered in the register of members in respect of those shares. The Directors may decline to register any transfer of a certificated 
share, unless (a) the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of share, (b) the instrument of transfer is lodged at the transfer office, 
duly stamped if required, accompanied by the relevant share certificate(s) or other evidence reasonably required by the Directors to show the 
transferor’s right to make the transfer or, if the instrument of transfer is executed by some other person on the transferor’s behalf, the authority 
of that person to do so, and (c) the certificated share is fully paid up. The Directors may refuse to register an allotment or transfer of shares 
in favour of more than four persons jointly. 

Directors’ powers: The Directors shall manage the business and affairs of the Company and may exercise all powers of the Company other than 
those that are required by the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act) or by the Articles to be exercised by the Company at the general meeting. 
The Directors may delegate any of their powers or discretions, including those involving the payment of remuneration or the conferring of any 
other benefit to the Directors, to such person or committee and in such manner as they think fit. Any such person or committee shall, unless the 
Directors otherwise resolve, have the power to sub-delegate any of the powers or discretions delegated to them.

Dividends: The Company may, by ordinary resolution, declare final dividends to be paid to its shareholders. However, no dividend shall be declared 
unless it has been recommended by the Directors and does not exceed the amount recommended by the Directors. If the Directors believe that 
the profits of the Company justify such payment, they may pay dividends on any class of share where the dividend is payable on fixed dates. 
They may also pay interim dividends on shares of any class in amounts and on dates and periods as they think fit. Unless the share rights otherwise 
provide, all dividends shall be declared and paid according to the amounts paid up on the shares on which the dividend is paid, and apportioned 
and paid pro rata according to the amounts paid on the shares during any portion or portions of the period in respect of which the dividend is paid. 
Any unclaimed dividends may be invested or otherwise applied for the benefit of the Company until they are claimed. Any dividend unclaimed for 
12 years from the date on which it was declared or became due for payment shall be forfeited and shall revert to the Company. The Directors may, 
if authorised by ordinary resolution, offer to ordinary shareholders the right to elect to receive, in lieu of a dividend, an allotment of new ordinary 
shares credited as fully paid.

Borrowing powers: The Board may exercise all the powers of the Company to borrow money, to guarantee, to indemnify, to mortgage or charge 
its undertaking, property, assets (present and future) and uncalled capital, and to issue debentures and other securities whether outright or as 
collateral security for any debt, liability or obligation of the Company or of any third party.

158

Ophir Energy plcAdvisors
Auditors:
Ernst & Young LLP
One More London Place
London SE1 2AF
United Kingdom

Solicitors:
Linklaters
One Silk Street
London EC2Y 8HQ
United Kingdom

Bankers:
HSBC Bank plc
70 Pall Mall
London SW1 5EY
United Kingdom

HSBC Bank Australia Limited
188-190 St George’s Terrace
Perth WA 6000
Australia

Financial PR advisors:
Brunswick Group LLP
16 Lincoln’s Inn Fields
London WC2A 3ED
United Kingdom

Corporate brokers:
J.P. Morgan Cazenove 
25 Bank Street
Canary Wharf
London E14 5JP
United Kingdom

Oriel Securities Limited
150 Cheapside
London EC2V 6ET
United Kingdom

RBC Capital Markets
Thames Court, One Queenhithe
London EC4V 3DQ
United Kingdom

159

Annual Report and Accounts 2013Financial StatementsGlossary

Appraisal well
A well drilled to follow up a discovery and 
evaluate its commercial potential

Farm-out
To assign an interest in a licence to 
another party

AVO
Amplitude variation with offset

FEED
Front end engineering and design

BBbbl 
Billion barrels

bbl
Barrel(s) of oil or condensate

boe
Barrel of oil equivalent

Capex
Capital expenditure

C&P
Contracts and Procurement

Contingent resource
Quantities of resources estimated, at a given 
date, to be potentially recoverable from 
known accumulations by the application 
of development projects, but not currently 
considered to be commercially recoverable 
due to one or more contingencies

CSR
Corporate and social responsibility

DHI
Direct hydrocarbon indicator

DST
Drill Stem Test

E&P
Exploration and Production

EG
Equatorial Guinea

EIA
Environmental Impact Assessment

Exploration well
A well drilled to explore a potential discovery

Farm-in
To acquire an interest in a licence from 
another party

Flat spots
An anomaly on seismic which can 
sometimes be an indicator of the presence of 
hydrocarbons 

FLNG
Floating LNG technology

G&G
Geological and geophysical

HSE
Health, safety and environment

HSSE
Health, safety, security and environment

IAS regulation
International Accounting Standards

IFRS
International Financial Reporting Standards

IFRIC
International Financial Reporting 
Interpretation

IPO
Initial Public Offering

JV
Joint Venture

LNG
Liquefied natural gas

LoI
Letter of Intent

LTI
Lost Time Incident

LTIF
Lost Time Incident Frequency

LTIP
Long-Term Investment Plan

mmbbl
Million barrels

mmtpa
Millions of tonnes per annum

mmcfd
Million cubic feet of gas per day

NGO
Non-Governmental Organisation

NOC
National Oil Company

OGP
Oil and Gas Producers

PSA
Pooling and sharing agreement

PSC
Production Sharing Contract

RFT
Request for Tender

RTA
Road traffic accident

Spud
To commence drilling a well

TCF
Trillion cubic feet

TCFe
Trillion cubic feet equivalent

TD
Total depth

TPDC
Tanzania Petroleum Development 
Corporation

2C
Best estimate of contingent resources

160

Ophir Energy plcPrinted by Principal Colour on Amadeus Primo Silk which is FSC® certified and 
manufactured at a mill that is certified to the ISO 14001 environmental standard.

Principal Colour are ISO 14001 certified, Alcohol Free and FSC® Chain of Custody certified.

The inks used are vegetable oil based.

Designed and produced by SampsonMay 
Telephone: 020 7403 4099 www.sampsonmay.com

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Ophir Energy plc
Registered office: 
50 New Bond Street 
First Floor 
London 
W1S 1BJ 
United Kingdom

T +44(0)20 7290 5800 
F +44(0)20 7290 5821

www.ophir-energy.com