Quarterlytics / Basic Materials / Oil & Gas Integrated / Ophir Energy Plc

Ophir Energy Plc

ophr · LSE Basic Materials
Claim this profile
Ticker ophr
Exchange LSE
Sector Basic Materials
Industry Oil & Gas Integrated
Employees 51-200
← All annual reports
FY2017 Annual Report · Ophir Energy Plc
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
O

p

h

i

r

E

n

e

r

g

y

p

l

c

A

n

n

u

a

l

R

e

p

o

r

t

a

n

d

A

c

c

o

u

n

t

s

2

0

1

7

Focused on  
sustainable 
growth

Annual Report and Accounts 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONTENTS

Strategic report 
Strategy
At a glance 
Key assets 
Market overview 
Our business model 
Our strategy 
Chief Executive Officer's strategic review 
Key Performance Indicators  
Principal risks 

Performance
Operating review 
Financial review 
Corporate Responsibility 

Governance report 
Corporate Governance introduction 
Board of Directors 
Corporate Governance report 
Report of the Audit Committee 
Report of the Corporate Responsibility Committee 
Report of the Nomination Committee 
Report of the Technical and Reserves Committee 
Directors’ Report 
Directors’ Remuneration report 
  Chairman’s Annual Statement on Remuneration 
  Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
  Annual Report on Remuneration 
Responsibility statement of the Directors  
in respect of the Annual Report and Accounts 
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities in relation 
to the financial statements and Annual Report 

Financial statements 
Independent Auditor’s report 
Consolidated income statement and  
statement of other comprehensive income 
Consolidated statement of financial position 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
Consolidated statement of cash flows 
Notes to the financial statements 
Company statement of financial position 
Company statement of changes in equity 
Company statement of cash flows 
Notes to the financial statements 

2

2
4
10
12
14
16
20
26

32
36
38

46
46
48
50
56
61
63
66
68

70
72
79

88

88

89
89

97
98
99
100
101
136
137
138
139

Supplementary information 
Shareholder information 
Glossary 

157
157
160

Ophir Energy is an independent upstream  
oil and gas exploration and production 
company focused on Asia and Africa. The 
Group is listed on the London Stock Exchange. 

Read more at ophir-energy.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
Ophir is a full-cycle oil and gas company.
We have a diversified portfolio of high-quality assets,  
with robust growth prospects. These assets drive our  
returns-based investment strategy, growing NAV per share.

A strong balance sheet and low gearing gives us the  
capacity to realise growth over the short, medium and  
long term. We will achieve this growth by focusing on 
extracting the maximum return from our existing assets 
and funding discretionary exploration in core geographies. 

Today, we generate solid cash flow from our  
production assets. Tomorrow, we look forward to 
monetising our discovered resource base to deliver 
the sustainable exploration and production model. 

Read more about how we are securing value for  
our business, our partners, and our investors:

Our world-class  
asset base

Our business 
model

Delivering  
NAV through  
monetisation

p2

p12

p16

1

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportAT A GLANCE

Material  
resources – global 
opportunities

Our investment in global 
opportunities is driving our  
delivery of Net Asset Value (NAV) 
per share growth. 

Ophir is supported by a low cost, 
high margin production base  
which generates proceeds for 
reinvestment or return. 

We are deploying capital to unlock 
the value in our c. 1 billion boe of 
discovered resources and will 
selectively seek to add to our 
reserves and resources. 

NAV 1 

6.4

% increase 

Net funds flow  
from production2

90

$m

Operating Costs3 

 13

$per boe

1 

2 

 Movement in NAV benchmark: 31 December 2016, 81.7.  
31 December 2017, 86.9. Change in year + 6.4%. Details of 
NAV calculation methodology and rules of the NAV scheme 
explained on Page 72, Director’s Remuneration Policy.
 A reconciliation of net funds flow from production is 
presented within the table on page 37.

3  Excluding Sinphuhorm which is equity accounted.

2

Mexico 
Ophir holds a 23.3% non-operated interest  
in Block 5 located in the Sureste Basin  
in the Gulf of Mexico and in early 2018  
was awarded (subject to approval) two  
non-operated, 20% interests in Blocks  
10 and 12.

Fortuna FLNG
Equatorial Guinea
Fortuna sits within the Block R  
licence, offshore Equatorial Guinea 
which is located in the south-eastern 
part of the Niger Delta complex. 
Ophir holds an 80% operated  
interest in Block R.

Page 8

Ophir Energy plcEquatorial  
Guinea
Ophir has been 
awarded an 80% 
operated interest 
in Block EG-24 in 
Equatorial Guinea. 

Myanmar 
Ophir holds a 42% interest 
in Blocks AD-03 and A-5 
in Myanmar (subject to 
government approval 
of transaction).

Key 

 Exploration
  Oil play
  Gas play

Bualuang
Thailand
Ophir holds a 100% operated  
interest in the Bualuang oil field  
in the Gulf of Thailand.

Page 6

Sinphuhorm, 
Thailand 
9.5%

Ophir holds a  
non-operated  
interest.

Tanzania 
20%

Ophir’s holds a non-
operated interest in 
Blocks 1 and 4.

Offshore 
exploration, 
Indonesia 
Ophir has two deep-water 
exploration licences,  
West Papua IV and Aru,  
in the Aru Trough,  
Eastern Indonesia.

Greater Bangkanai
Indonesia
Ophir has three PSCs in Central Kalimantan, 
collectively known as Greater Bangkanai. 
These include the Kerendan gas field 
development within the Bangkanai PSC and 
two adjacent exploration licences, North 
East Bangkanai and West Bangkanai.

Page 4

3

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report StrategySupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportKEY ASSETS

Kerendan:  
Potential to  
quadruple  
production and 
cash flow

With Kerendan now on  
stream and ramped up to  
its contracted daily gas  
production, our plan to 2022  
is to progressively monetise  
up to 250 bcf of discovered 
 resource and increase  
production by 60 MMscfd.”
Dr Nick Cooper  
Chief Executive Officer

 322 Bcf

of Net 2C resources

4

Ophir Energy plcOperating  
review

p32

Overview
–  Located in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.

–  First gas delivery in the first half of 2016.

–  Currently supplies Indonesian National Power Company (PLN)  

with 19 MMscfd produced into a 155 MW power plant.

Potential for monetisation
The first phase of the project has commercialised  
122 Bcf through a Gas Sales Agreement with PLN. There  
is an additional 457 Bcf of gas (gross) to be commercialised  
over the next five years.

60+MMboe

2C resource available to monetise

Progress in 2017
–  Production ramped up to the full 19 MMscf daily contract quantity.

–  3D seismic programme in the Bangkanai and West Bangkanai PSCs 

was completed in December 2017 confirming upside potential.

Plan for the future
–  Expand existing infrastructure to monetise additional 457 Bcf  

(gross)of 2C resources.

–  Phase 2 expansion expected onstream 2020 – will monetise 95 Bcf 
(gross) and increase production by 20 MMscfd (100% increase). 

–  Phase 3 expected onstream 2022 – will monetise 150 Bcf, increase 

production by 40 MMscfd (a further 60% increase). 

5

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report StrategySupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportKEY ASSETS CONTINUED

Bualuang: 
A reliable cash-
generative asset

Operating  
review

p32

6

Ophir Energy plcBualuang is a bedrock  
asset for Ophir. It has been 
evergreen in nature and offers 
robust economics at low  
prices with its stable, reliable  
production along with a  
clear path to monetisation  
of additional resources.” 
John Bell  
Director – Asian Operations

Overview
– Oil field located in the Gulf of Thailand. 

– On-stream since 2008.

– Stable production – over 99% uptime in 2017.

Progress in 2017 
–  With the addition of phase IV, 2P Reserves  

have increased by 35%, inclusive of  
2017 production. 

–  In 2017, the offshore facility re-injected an 
average of 72,460 bwpd using the capacity 
added through the 2016 debottlenecking project. 

–  Three well infill drilling campaign completed two 
wells in the deeper T2 reservoir and an infill well 
under the platform guided by an Ocean Bottom 
Node seismic survey.

Plan for the future 
–  Phase IV will commence in 2018 with drilling  
of three slot recovery wells and two workovers 
and the construction of a new 12 slot bridge 
linked well head platform.

–  Platform installation and the drilling of 12 wells 

will commence in 2019. 

–  The full investment is estimated at c. $138 million 

with a project IRR of over 40%.

7

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report StrategySupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportKEY ASSETS CONTINUED

Fortuna FLNG:  
Unlocking 
material value

An innovative, low cost solution  
to bring a major gas resource onstream

Overview
–  A world-class resource.

–  High-quality, productive 

reservoirs.

–  A highly cost competitive 
greenfield LNG project. 

–  Project utilises proven 

technology.

With Fortuna FLNG, we  
are leveraging proven 
technology and world-class 
partners to monetise  
2.6 Tcf of gas and secure 
production of 16,000 
boepd net to Ophir.”
Oliver Quinn  
Director – Exploration & Africa

8

2.2–2.5 MMtpa

Annual production (gross)

Potential for monetisation 
At first commercial gas, the total estimated annual project  
cash flow is US$140 million net to Ophir1, an attractive return  
with Ophir’s total Capex to first gas capped at US$150 million  
on a total projected capex cost of US$2 billion2. 
Investment in the project is underpinned by an innovative 
commercial structure which aligns investment across the 
value chain. With the Fortuna field’s location, the gas  
access Asian and regional African markets, placing the  
project well for future long term sales.

Progress in 2017 
–  Signed Umbrella Agreement with the government 

of Equatorial Guinea.

– Announced Gunvor as preferred offtaker for LNG.

–  Awarded Upstream construction contracts to  

OneSubsea and Subsea7.

Plan for the future 
– Close out the project financing.

– Secure final approvals ahead of Final Investment Decision.

–  Complete the required development wells and  

subsea infrastructure.

–  First gas expected 2022.

 Post debt at an FOB price of $6 per MMbtu.

1 
2  To first gas.

Ophir Energy plcOperating  
review

p32

9

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report StrategySupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportMARKET OVERVIEW

Market context:  
The state of Upstream

Reflecting continuing  
economic recovery, the  
global energy demand  
growth remained 
strong in 2017 with 
total increase in  
energy consumption  
estimated at 1.4%.”
Dato Sandroshvili 
Director – M&A

Economic overview
The global economic recovery continued 
throughout 2017 with the global GDP  
growth estimated at 3.5%. Advanced 
economies posted strong domestic demand 
and output. Similarly, strong domestic demand 
in China resulted in the GDP growth of 6.9%. 
Financial conditions also remained strong  
in both the advanced and in the developing 
economies. At the same time, the growth  
has been quite broad with most of the  
global economy contributing to it: the  
IMF estimates that over 75% of the world 
economy, measured by GDP at purchasing 
power parity, is sharing the growth (fig 1). 

The global equity markets have responded 
accordingly with the MSCI World Index, as 
well as other leading equity indicators (S&P 
500, DJ 30, NASDAQ Composite and FTSE 
100) reaching all-time high levels. The FTSE 
100 index grew by 7.6%.

The economic growth and strong equity 
market performance have enabled central 
banks to continue reversal of the policy of 
credit easing. The Federal Reserve Bank of 
the United States has raised its target funds 
rate twice by 0.25% on each occasion, and 
the Bank of England has also raised the  
Bank Rate once by 0.25%.

Energy markets overview
Reflecting continuing economic recovery,  
the global energy demand growth remained 
strong in 2017 with total increase in energy 
consumption estimated at 1.4%. Oil demand 
was strong with a y-o-y growth rate of 
1.6 million barrels per day reaching a total 
demand of 94.4 million barrels per day (fig 2).

OPEC and other big exporters have continued 
the policy of production cuts and have 
extended the period of the cuts to end 2018. 

The North American shale production growth 
has continued but appears to be more 
selectively focused in the higher quality basins 

Fig 1: Global GDP growth

Fig 2: 10 years of oil demand

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

-1

-2

)
h
t
w
o
r
G
%

(
P
D
G

-3

Mar
04

Mar
03

Mar
07
IMF World Real GDP % Change

Mar
06

Mar
05

100

)
y
a
d
r
e
p
s
l

e
r
r
a
b
n
o

i
l
l
i

m

(

95

90

85

80

75

Mar
08

Mar
09

Mar
10

Mar
11

Mar
12

Mar
13

Mar
14

Mar
15

Mar
16

Mar
17

Sep
07

Sep
08

Sep
09

Sep
10

Sep
11

Sep
12

Sep
13

Sep
14

Sep
15

Sep
16

Sep
17

International Energy Agency Crude Oil Demand World Total

Fig 3: Average oil prices

Fig 4: HH, NBP and TTF prices

70

65

60

55

50

45

e
g
a
r
e
v
A

40

Dec
16
WTI

Jan
17
Brent

Feb
17

Mar
17

Apr
17

May
17

Jun
17

Jul
17

Aug
17

Sep
17

Oct
17

Nov
17

10

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

Dec
16

Jan
17

Feb
17

Mar
17

Apr
17

May
17

Henry Hub

UK NBP Natural Gas Forward M1

Jun
17

Jul
17
TTF NAT GAS

Aug
17

Sep
17

Oct
17

Nov
17

Ophir Energy plc 
 
 
 
 
 
and better funded players, contributing to 
recovery in the benchmark oil prices. Dated 
Brent price for 2017 averaged US$54.7/barrel 
and WTI averaged US$50.9/barrel. Looking 
forward, it is still uncertain what impact US 
shale production will have on pricing in 2018 
and beyond, as the ‘tug-of-war’ continues 
between OPEC and US producers (fig 3).

Climate change and other emission-related 
concerns have accelerated the process  
of coal to gas switching. Global gas 
consumption continued to grow and is 
estimated to have reached 125.8 trillion  
cubic feet in 2017. China played an important 
role in this growth with the strong emphasis 
on solving the pollution problem, which has 
resulted in a y-o-y Chinese gas consumption 
growth of 15%.

Traded hub prices remained low with  
average Henry Hub, NBP and TTF prices all 
declining vis-à-vis the 2016 averages (fig 4).

The global LNG environment has remained 
challenging. The market continues to be 
oversupplied in the short term causing project 
delays. Only one final investment decision was 
taken during the year, with 80% targeted for 
FID in 2017 delayed or cancelled. On the 
positive side, the spot LNG prices have 
recovered with TPLNG JKM index for March 
2018 deliveries reaching $9.5/MMbtu at the 
end of December. Within this Floating LNG 
has matured into a more mainstream activity. 

Looking forward to 2018, oil and gas demand 
growth is expected to continue but price 
uncertainty remains due to fragility of global 
economic growth and risks associated with 
low real wages growth and weak inflation. 

E&P sector update
The E&P sector responded positively to the  
oil price recovery at the end of the year.  
The focus of the E&P companies has been 
reducing costs and average portfolio break 

Fig 5: Gross exploration wells and success rates

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

s
l
l

e
w
f
o
r
e
b
m
u
N

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Fig 6: Gross volumes and finding costs

8000

7000

6000

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0

e
o
b
m
m

;
l

b
b
m
m

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Gross exploration wells

Technical success rate

Commercial success rate

Gas (mmboe)

Oil (mmbbl)

Overall finding cost 
($/boe)

e
o
b
/
$

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

3.5

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

even prices, de-levering balance sheets  
and conserving capital. Ophir has not been 
an exception to this trend. 

Despite some success with the above, the 
listed E&P sector continues to struggle for 
relevance in the context of global equity 
capital markets. Access to growth capital 
remained one of the key issues facing the 
sector as the generalist investors have largely 
stayed away from the sector and appear to 
be playing global growth through investment 
in technology rather than commodities. 

In the EMEA E&P space, private equity has 
continued as one of the most important 
sources of funding, particularly when backing 
small private companies in acquiring assets 
from the majors. This trend is likely to result  
in a number of public market listings in 2018  
and 2019, creating further competition for 
capital for incumbents. 

In North America, the E&P companies  
with international presence continued 
retrenchment to their home markets,  
which has continued creating inorganic 
opportunities for the international E&Ps.  
As for the activities in North America itself, 
the rig count has increased by 31% but the 
investor focus has shifted from investments 
in the future growth towards cash flows and 
profitability. This resulted in a considerable 
reduction to the capital invested in the sector 
with the public market equity and equity-
linked issuance in 2017 declining by 80%% 
compared to the record highs of 2016.

The industry context has remained 
challenging for exploration, with Westwood 
Global Energy Group estimating that global 
exploration well count to have reduced by 
around 60% in 2013 while exploration drilling 
spend has reduced by around 80%. At the 
same time, the success rates have improved 
in 2017, with technical success rates reaching 
c. 68% and commercial success rates –  
47%. Improved capital discipline and has 
improved the performance (fig 5). 

Reduction in seismic and drilling rates and 
strong focus on drilling efficiency has resulted 
in the lowest finding costs in the recent 
history with 2017 average finding costs  
of $0.48/boe (fig 6).

11

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report StrategySupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance report 
 
 
OUR BUSINESS MODEL

Our business model is  
focused on finding resources 
efficiently and monetising 
them smartly. The spread 
between the two is where  
we create value.

INPUTS

SUSTAINABLE THROUGH THE CYCLE

CAPITAL RETURNS

Strengths
– Financial efficiency 

–  Exploration acreage

–  Cash flow from production

– The right people

– Operational safety

–  Disciplined cost  
management

 101m

Capex ($ millions)

-60%

Gross G&A reduction  
over three years

12

Find low
‘Finding low’ is a combination  
of a number of factors: our 
commercial and sub-surface 
teams working together to 
access new acreage, the sub-
surface team applying consistent 
and rigorous analysis of play,  
prospect and commercial risks.

Monetise smartly
Converting discovered 
hydrocarbons into cash 
by monetising smartly 
and efficiently to maximise 
the value that we create on 
a NAV per share basis. 

FACTORS FOR FINDING LOW

MONETISING SMARTLY 

A rationalised, tighter  
exploration portfolio

Rigorous analysis by experienced 
geo-scientists 

Focus on infrastructure led 
exploration 

Find new ways to be 
commercially innovative

Maximising NAV

Financial efficiency 

2

new licences added

995

mmboe 2C resource

Ophir Energy plcFind low 
Consistent portfolio 
high-grading, maintaining 
discretion over which prospects 
we drill and keeping costs 
under control. We are moving 
towards predominantly 
infrastructure led exploration.

Monetise smartly
Monetising our discovered 
resource is key if we are to 
create long-term value. At  
times we will need to be 
commercially innovative  
in order to find ways of  
monetising contingent  
resource and we are building  
a track record in this area.

Produce
Our aim is to generate sufficient 
cash flow from production  
that we can sustain both 
reinvestment into our asset 
portfolio and offer capital 
returns. We can maximise the 
margin through operating 
safely, reducing operating 
costs and maximising uptime.

SUSTAINABLE  
THROUGH THE  
CYCLE

Chief Executive 
Officer’s review

Remuneration 
report

p16

p79

OUTPUTS

Shareholders
– Dividends

– NAV growth

–  Value back into business to 
drive future business growth

6.4%2

Growth in NAV

Stakeholders
–  In country economic  

contribution

– Employment opportunities

– Safe and reliable operations

Maximising  
value creation

Deliver a sustainable 
business model with 
sufficient cash flow to 
explore consistently

Grow NAV  
per share 

Return capital  
to shareholders.

Produce
In terms of our production 
assets, we can maximise the 
margin through reducing 
operating costs and smartly 
bringing contingent resource 
into production where they 
contribute cash.

CREATING CAPITAL GROWTH 

Operate safely

Minimise operating costs 

Maximise cash flow from  
current production assets

901

Net funds flow from 
production ($m) 

1 

 A reconciliation of net funds flow from production  
is presented within the table on page 37.

2  Refer to footnote on page 2.

13

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report StrategySupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance report 
 
OUR STRATEGY

A strategy enabling  
NAV growth

To be a sustainable exploration and 
production company, focused on 
delivering NAV per share growth by 
finding resources at low cost and then 
monetising them in the way that 
maximises the value created.

VALUES

NAV CREATION

Our values underpin 
everything we do

Key attributes

Grounded 
down-to-earth,  
never arrogant

Integrity 
act in an honest  
and ethical way

Respect 
for our people  
and our partners

Collaborative 
work in partnership 

Dynamism 
positive, energised  
and innovative

Excellence 
in everything we do 

Exploration

Technical excellence 

Commercial acumen

Drilling capability

Monetisation

Commercial acumen

Financial capacity

Legal prowess

Production

Focus on safety 

Operating capability

14

Focus on a smaller number of 
proven hydrocarbon systems.

Low level of work 
commitments creates  
a series of options. 

Infrastructure led plays.

Unlocking value from  
already discovered barrels. 

May be through disposal  
post discovery or bringing 
through to production. 

Low cost, high margin 
production base.

Reliable cash flows underpin 
reinvestment and returns.

Ophir Energy plcNAV PROTECTION

Sustainable E&P

Key attributes

Deliver  
NAV growth

Through a balanced 
portfolio of production, 
development and 
discretionary  
exploration activities. 

Finance

Liquidity management

Capital allocation discipline

Building a sustainable business 
through revenue maximisation 
and cost minimisation. 

Governance

Controls

Compliance

Complying with  
international  
best practice. 

Risk management

Identification 

Mitigation

Maintaining an up to date 
register of all key risks. 

Safety

Process

Education

Culture

Prioritising the safety of  
our employees and other 
stakeholders.

15

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report StrategySupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S STRATEGIC REVIEW

Delivering NAV growth through 
the monetisation of low cost, 
cash-generative assets

2P Reserves  
increased by  
13% compared  
with year  
end 2016.”

Dr Nick Cooper 
Chief Executive Officer

16

The period 2015-17 has been a challenging 
time for upstream E&P. At Ophir, our response 
to the downturn was to focus on what we 
control, namely maximising our margins. After 
three years of portfolio and cost readjustment 
and a consistent focus on growing NAV per 
share, Ophir has emerged from the cyclical 
downturn well positioned to deliver sustainable 
returns to shareholders going forward.

Since 2014, we have reduced the magnitude 
of our annual capital spend and have prioritised 
our assets that offer the most sustainable, 
lower risk, returns. 

In keeping with this strategy, our capital 
allocation priorities are:

 – Maximising and expanding cash flow 

from production assets;

 – Monetising contingent resource;

 – Refocused exploration;and/or returns 

to shareholders.

In order to maximise margin growth during 
2017 we further reduced unit Opex, Capex 
and overhead costs. Among the more visible 
actions was the reduction to the London head 
office organisation along with the executive 
team, and the decision by the executives to 
waive their 2017 bonus entitlements. These 
actions helped us to deliver $21-per-boe1 of 
net funds flow from production that averaged 
11,700 boepd. The rebalancing of our portfolio 
and our capex prioritisation away from its prior 
primary exploration focus has seen Ophir 
approach sustainability. Most importantly, 
we have achieved these results with a strong 
safety record. 

A firm financial footing
With a strong balance sheet, a robust 
operating cash flow and an experienced 
team, we have the capacity to monetise 
our sizeable contingent resource portfolio. 
In June we completed a new $250 million 
reserve based lending facility secured against 
our producing Asian assets, along with an 
additional $100 million accordion facility. 

Returns-based investment
Ophir’s operating model is to find resources 
cheaply and then monetise them smartly. 
Consequently our deployment of capital 
and manpower is dictated by where we can 

1 

 Calculated as net funds flow from production, as reconciled 
on page 37, divided by total production.

Ophir Energy plc$90 million

2017 Net funds flow  
from production

maximise returns. With an approximate  
net 1 billion boe of contingent resources,  
our overriding priority is to rapidly and  
safely monetise these substantial  
discovered hydrocarbons. 

We were disappointed that we were unable  
to FID the Fortuna project as hoped in 2017, 
but we ended the year having completed all 
other material steps required to achieve the 
FID and we made further progress across  
the rest of our portfolio. 

Our Bualuang field is moving into a fourth 
development phase which will drive cash  
flow growth in 2018-19 and on our Kerenden  
field we recently reached an agreement in 
principle to increase the gas price and started 
negotiations for a doubling of production  
by 2020.

We must be a financially and operationally 
sustainable business. This requires us to add 
to our resource base with exploration, albeit 
with discipline and prudence. Our exploration 
efforts are now focused on a smaller number 
of core areas where we are confident of 
promptly monetising any discoveries. We 
have selectively picked up new acreage, in 
Equatorial Guinea (“EG”) and Mexico, where 
Ophir is now the biggest independent listed 
acreage holder in the Mexican offshore. 

Fortuna FLNG – cost  
competitive LNG
Fortuna FLNG is a potentially transformative 
project for Ophir. For a relatively limited 
forward investment, we are looking to launch 
a world- class development that will offer 
significant, annuity-like cash flow for 20+ 
years. This future cash flow would underpin 
both further investments and capital returns. 

The project financing is the last remaining 
major milestone before Fortuna can reach  
FID and it was very frustrating not to achieve 
this in 2017. However, in partnership with 
OneLNG, we continue to work to secure the 
funding that will enable FID to be taken. 

We take confidence from Fortuna’s robust, low 
breakeven economics with low development 
costs and world-class flow rates that 
contribute to arguably the most competitive 
greenfield LNG project in the world today. 

An annual global LNG demand growth of 
around 4-5%, combined with a forecast 
slowing of LNG supply growth beyond 2020 
and a tightening supply/demand balance  
has positioned Fortuna well as it enters 
production from 2022. A benefit of the  
current commodity price slump is that we 
have been able to lock in lower unit pricing  
for the development.

We are working towards reaching first gas  
in 2022, when we can look forward to  
annuity like free cash flows from the asset of 
approximately $150 million per year at current 
prices. Importantly, the Company has selected 
a preferred offtaker on attractive commercial 
terms, as we announced a Brent-linked, 
free-on-board offtake agreement with the 
Gunvor Group (‘Gunvor’). Upon execution  
of the commercial terms, Gunvor would 
underwrite the contract capacity of the 
Gandria FLNG vessel of 2.2 MMtpa. Under this 
agreement, we would retain the option, for up 
to two years from FID, to secure an alternative, 
premium priced, market for 1.1 MMtpa of this 
volume. In addition we would retain the 
option to market the remaining 0.3-0.5 
MMtpa of further offtake from the project.

Our vessel for conversion, the Gandria, is 
expected to enter the shipyard in early March 
2018 to commence early works. Separately, 
Golar’s first FLNG vessel, FLNG Hilli Episeyo,  
left the same shipyard and reached its 
operating location in Cameroon in  
November 2017. The vessel is currently being 
commissioned prior to delivery of its first 
commercial cargo. The delivery of this first 
cargo would represent an important step in  
the derisking of the midstream component  
of the Fortuna FLNG project.

2017 Activities

1    Completed Bualuang  

in-fill drilling programme

2    FID phase IV of Bualuang  

development

3    Restarted operated  

exploration programme

4   Refinanced debt facility

5    Captured high quality 
exploration acreage

Focus on Bualuang
The Bualuang field has been producing 
since 2008. It has been ‘evergreen’ and 
a field that was expected to produce 
15 MMbo over a five-year period has 
now produced over 30 million barrels 
over nearly 10 years. It is still growing 
today and the Phase IV development 
will take the EUR to over 60 MMbo.  
The field is expected to be in production 
for at least another decade with more 
potential upside still to be unlocked.

17

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report StrategySupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S STRATEGIC REVIEW CONTINUED

Our strategy is to be a sustainable explorer

Short-term objectives

1    Monetising existing  

discoveries

2     Maximise cash flow from 
current production assets

3     Continue to invest in  

high-quality assets below  
the shale threshold

4    Continue to pace our  
exploration and  
high-grade the plays.  
We will not rush to drill

5    Capture high-quality 
exploration acreage

Fortuna FLNG 
Fortuna is a key project for Ophir. It is 
a world-class asset and if we move to 
FID it will monetise over 300 MMboe 
and is expected to increase 
production by over 16,000 boepd. 
Financing is the key to FID and we  
are working hard to deliver a solution 
so the project can move forward. 

Bualuang and Kerendan – reliable 
production – significant upside
In 2017, we took the investment decision to 
undertake the fourth development phase of 
the Bualuang oil field. The initial phase of this 
development will start with infill drilling in 2018 
and will continue in 2019 with the installation 
of a new platform and then further drilling. 
This fourth development phase has converted 
9.9 MMbo of contingent resource into proved 
and probable reserves and is expected to 
deliver rapid payback on the estimated 
$138 million total development cost. In addition,  
the 2017 Bualuang infill drilling programme 
completed successfully and enabled us to 
maintain the field’s average production  
across the year at 8,300 boepd.

At the Kerendan gas field, we have been 
renegotiating the gas price for the current 
phase one production and taking steps to 
monetise further gas from the asset beyond 
the initial contracted amount of 122 Bcf. The 
onshore 3D seismic survey on Bangkanai and 
West Bangkanai was completed in December 
2017. This data, in combination with the 
information from the 2014 West Kerendan-1 
(‘WK-1’) well and WK-1 drill stem test, is 

expected to provide the assurance to 
SKK Migas (the State regulator) for them to 
certify further tranches of gas sales. Over the 
medium term, we see potential to triple gas 
sales from the field. We will be working on 
initiatives to realise that potential in 2018. 

In February 2018, a higher gas price of  
$5.65 per MMbtu was agreed in principle for 
the current phase one volumes that we are 
producing today. Negotiations have started 
for a second phase of gas supply to PLN for 
a proposed 145MW gas fired power plant 
adjacent to the existing plant. It is expected 
that this will approximately double the  
current output from 2020. Beyond this, 
we are examining options for further, 
third party sales on a similar timeline.

Exploration
This year, we continued to exit countries that 
could not meet our returns or risk criteria and 
to focus on fewer plays. We are pleased to 
have established the biggest footprint 
offshore Mexico of the listed independent 
E&Ps. The Mexican Block 5 licence was 
signed in 2017 and this was followed up in 
early 2018 by the award to Ophir of the Block 

10 and Block 12 licences. All of these are 
non-operated positions with high quality 
partner groups with low committed costs.

Ophir was also successful in securing block 
EG-24 in 2017. This operated licence is close 
to infrastructure and prospective for oil. 
A farm-out process is ongoing. Also we will  
take ‘drill or drop’ decisions in 2018 on our 
acreage in Myanmar and Indonesia, with 
these decisions as ever being based on the 
risk-reward and our capital discipline.

Across our refocused portfolio several targets 
have been identified for potential drilling 
from 2H 2018. These include lower cost 
satellite targets adjacent to our Bualuang 
and Kerenden producing fields.

With our disciplined approach and robust cash 
flow we are currently allocating an average 
of $35 million per annum of discretionary risk 
capital to exploration over the next five years. 
Within this self imposed constraint Ophir  
will continue to capture acreage, conduct 
seismic programmes and high-grade drilling 
opportunities to only allocate drilling risk 
capital to the best prospects on a combined 
technical and commercial basis. 

18

Ophir Energy plcLong-term objectives

1     Grow NAV per share

2    Deliver a sustainable  

business model

3   Capital returns to shareholders

Building future  
core areas 
Since the end of 2016 Ophir has 
built the largest position offshore 
Mexico of any listed, independent 
E&P. Mexico offers exposure to 
a proven but underexplored 
hydrocarbon province in return for 
minimal committed expenditure. 

We have adapted and right-sized our business, 
and have met most of our operational targets 
set for 2017. 

In the past three years Ophir has transitioned 
from an equity-funded explorer towards  
being a sustainable, full-cycle upstream 
independent. We entered the downturn with 
arguably the most fragile business model of 
our peer group, and we are emerging from it  
in a far healthier and more robust financial 
and operational state. Specifically, we have  
a strong combination of operated projects 
that are delivering cash, and with our 
monetisation plans, have the prospect of 
tripling our current cash flow over the next 
five years. Using our balance sheet strength 
to deliver this plan we can offer both growth 
and solid returns to our shareholders.

Dr Nick Cooper 
Chief Executive Officer 

19

People and safety
To meet the targets we have set for the 
business, we were required to undertake 
some difficult but important actions in 2017. 
In particular, we reduced our London office 
and expatriate head count by approximately 
50%, which equated to approximately 15% of 
our global workforce. This action has resulted 
in savings of approximately US$12 million per 
year. The reduction was carefully undertaken 
in the context of prioritising the monetisation 
of existing discovered resource, and of  
shifting the exploration focus onto a more 
concentrated portfolio. 

As part of this process, Dr Bill Higgs left the 
Board of Ophir. I would like to personally thank 
Bill for his substantial contribution to Ophir and 
wish him much success in his future endeavours. 

The staff reductions Ophir has affected  
since the acquisition of Salamander Energy 
has demonstrated the synergies available 
from such transactions. We are now 
effectively running the two companies for  
the costs of one. Moreover, we have retained 
all competencies and experience essential  
to the delivery of our core projects.

We have also sought to engender a  
stronger culture of ownership with our NAV 
remuneration structure. With this incentive 
package, every member of the team is 
focused on delivering the best value for  
every dollar invested.

Regardless of the size or composition of our 
workforce, safety remains our absolute priority. 
This year, and with an additional 1,400 plus 
contractors working at times on our onshore 
Kerendan 3D seismic programme, I am very 
pleased to report that we achieved zero LTIs 
on over seven million hours worked. As we  
note in the Corporate Responsibility section  
of the report, we reached two significant 
milestones in 2017: our Thailand operations 
achieved three LTI free years through which 
we undertook multiple drilling programmes 
and completion of numerous infrastructure 
upgrades. In Indonesia we reached over 
two years LTI free, having completed a 
challenging onshore 3D seismic survey.

A sustainable business
In what has been one of the most challenging 
down cycles, our team has continued to drive 
forward projects that we believe will realise 
material value in the coming years. 

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report StrategySupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance report2017 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIS)

Reporting against our 2017  
Key Performance Indicators

Our Key Performance Indicators for 2017 
measure performance across the business. 
We delivered against the majority of metrics 
and the evidence of this is in the fact that our 

NAV grew by 6.4% during 2017. Detailed 
commentary on the performance can be 
found in the relevant section of the report 
signposted at the bottom of the table.

Exploration

Operations

Financial strength 
and returns

Business model

Internal metric

External metric

2017 strategic objectives

2017 strategic objectives

2017 strategic objectives

2017 strategic objectives

2017 strategic objectives

2017 strategic objectives

Capture high-quality exploration acreage, 
generate and high-grade prospects and 
mature up to six top ranked, drillable 
prospects per year

Executing operations safely and with excellence Optimise the use of capital by capturing  
the highest commercial returns on assets 
and exploration opportunities

Grow a revenue-generating business  

to fund our exploration activities and  

minimise our overall cost of capital

Empower and support our staff to  

make brave and transparent decisions  

Be respected by our stakeholders for  

what we achieve and for the way we  

that create shareholder value

achieve it

 – Maturing prospects to drillable status

 – Further development of leading indicators

 – Entering new exploration positions

 –  Delivering capital programme in line with 
capital expenditure budget and safely 
improving margins by focusing on 
operational efficiency

Increasing NAV/share from 1 January 2016 
benchmark through:

 – Bualuang infill drilling programme

 – Delivering FID on the Fortuna FLNG project

 – Expanding corporate debt facilities

 – Increasing organic cash generation

 –  Increasing feedback form  

managers to employees

 –  Establish greenhouse gas baseline for 

Ophir’s operations

 –  Increasing adoption of our Values 

 – Ethical compliance programme

throughout the organisation

Summary of outcomes:

Summary of outcomes:

Summary of outcomes:

Summary of outcomes:

Summary of outcomes:

Summary of outcomes:

Mature six top ranked prospects
to drillable status:

Health, safety, security &  
environment (HSSE):

 Bualuang:

 –  Added 219 MMboe of drillable risked 

 –  Improvements made in the performance 

resource to portfolio

 –  Three prospects were put through our  
Peer Review process, signed-off and  
added to our portfolio as potential  
drilling prospects

of leading indicators and the results 
obtained, particularly regarding the 
percentage of deficiency of audited  
permit to work and aircraft downtime

 –  In the six month period from June to 
December c. 250 kbo incremental 
production was achieved

Capital structure:

Employee engagement:

Demonstrate Ophir’s commitment to 

creating a sustainable energy business:

 –  Achieved RBL refinancing, with  

 –  2017 employee engagement survey 

 –  CDP submitted, which will set a  

a $250m facility

completed with increased participation 

benchmark for performance  

from 2015 survey

improvement targets going forward

Enter new exploration positions:

Performance:

Fortuna:

Sustainable business model:

Employee engagement:

Good citizen:

 –  Added new exploration block in  

 –  Achieved a full year Capex of $101m, 

 – Umbrella agreement, LNG offtake 

 –  Net funds flow from production for  

 –  95% of employees in the survey  

 –  2017 Ethical Compliance Programme 

Equatorial Guinea, EG-24

which was $77m below budget

 –  Signed the Block 5 licence in Mexico

 –  Achieved a full year Opex/boe of $12.801 

and construction contract awards were 
all completed 

which is an 12% reduction

 – Project funding remains outstanding  

item ahead of an FID

full year 2017 at $90m2

completed by all employees and contractors

 –  Over 80% of employees reported  

receiving regular constructive feedback 

from their manager

reported that they understood the 

behaviour expected from them in 

accordance with the Ophir Values

 –  Over 75% of employees reported feeling 

empowered to make decisions that 

allowed them to do their job effectively

Operating review

p32

Operating review

p32

Financial review

p36

1  Excluding Sinphuhorm which is equity accounted.

20

Ophir Energy plcExploration

Operations

Business model

Internal metric

External metric

Financial strength 

and returns

2017 strategic objectives

2017 strategic objectives

2017 strategic objectives

2017 strategic objectives

2017 strategic objectives

2017 strategic objectives

Capture high-quality exploration acreage, 

Executing operations safely and with excellence Optimise the use of capital by capturing  

the highest commercial returns on assets 

and exploration opportunities

Grow a revenue-generating business  
to fund our exploration activities and  
minimise our overall cost of capital

Empower and support our staff to  
make brave and transparent decisions  
that create shareholder value

Be respected by our stakeholders for  
what we achieve and for the way we  
achieve it

generate and high-grade prospects and 

mature up to six top ranked, drillable 

prospects per year

 – Maturing prospects to drillable status

 – Further development of leading indicators

Increasing NAV/share from 1 January 2016 

 – Entering new exploration positions

 –  Delivering capital programme in line with 

benchmark through:

 – Expanding corporate debt facilities

 – Increasing organic cash generation

 –  Increasing feedback form  
managers to employees

 –  Establish greenhouse gas baseline for 

Ophir’s operations

capital expenditure budget and safely 

 – Bualuang infill drilling programme

improving margins by focusing on 

operational efficiency

 – Delivering FID on the Fortuna FLNG project

 –  Increasing adoption of our Values 

 – Ethical compliance programme

throughout the organisation

Summary of outcomes:

Summary of outcomes:

Summary of outcomes:

Summary of outcomes:

Summary of outcomes:

Summary of outcomes:

Mature six top ranked prospects

to drillable status:

Health, safety, security &  

environment (HSSE):

 Bualuang:

Capital structure:

Employee engagement:

 –  Added 219 MMboe of drillable risked 

 –  Improvements made in the performance 

 –  In the six month period from June to 

 –  Achieved RBL refinancing, with  

 –  2017 employee engagement survey 

resource to portfolio

 –  Three prospects were put through our  

Peer Review process, signed-off and  

added to our portfolio as potential  

drilling prospects

of leading indicators and the results 

obtained, particularly regarding the 

percentage of deficiency of audited  

permit to work and aircraft downtime

December c. 250 kbo incremental 

production was achieved

a $250m facility

completed with increased participation 
from 2015 survey

 –  Over 80% of employees reported  

receiving regular constructive feedback 
from their manager

Demonstrate Ophir’s commitment to 
creating a sustainable energy business:

 –  CDP submitted, which will set a  
benchmark for performance  
improvement targets going forward

Enter new exploration positions:

Performance:

Fortuna:

Sustainable business model:

Employee engagement:

Good citizen:

 –  Added new exploration block in  

 –  Achieved a full year Capex of $101m, 

 – Umbrella agreement, LNG offtake 

Equatorial Guinea, EG-24

which was $77m below budget

and construction contract awards were 

 –  Signed the Block 5 licence in Mexico

 –  Achieved a full year Opex/boe of $12.801 

all completed 

which is an 12% reduction

 – Project funding remains outstanding  

item ahead of an FID

 –  Net funds flow from production for  

 –  95% of employees in the survey  

 –  2017 Ethical Compliance Programme 

full year 2017 at $90m2

reported that they understood the 
behaviour expected from them in 
accordance with the Ophir Values

 –  Over 75% of employees reported feeling 

empowered to make decisions that 
allowed them to do their job effectively

completed by all employees and contractors

Strategy and 
business model

p12-15

Corporate 
Responsibility

p38

Corporate 
Responsibility

p38

2 

 A reconciliation of net funds flow from production  
is presented within the table on page 37.

21

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report StrategySupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance report2018 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIS)

Our new Key Performance  
Indicators for 2018

The new metrics within these categories are  
all clearly measurable and will provide a good  
barometer of our success in delivering our  
stated goal of growing NAV per share.”
Dr Nick Cooper 
Chief Executive Officer

As we started to think ahead to 
performance management for 2018, we 
decided to review our Key Performance 
Indicators. This was driven by a desire  
to make sure we are using the most 
appropriate metrics to allow  
stakeholders to benchmark the 
performance of the business. 

The new KPIs provide a framework through 
which people should be able to measure our 
performance in the following broad areas:

 – Health, safety and the environment

Whilst annual targets will change depending 
on where we are in the business cycle, we 
expect the broad categories to remain 
unchanged over the coming years.

 – Operational performance

 – Financial management

 – Employee satisfaction

The new metrics within these categories  
are all clearly measurable and will provide  
a good barometer of our success in  
delivering our stated goal of creating  
NAV per share. 

A more detailed explanation of the KPIs  
for 2018, along with the specific targets,  
can be found below and over the next few 
pages. By way of comparison we have also  
included, where appropriate, the historical 
performance in these categories to make  
it easier to benchmark performance. 

Organic Growth

Prospective risked  
resource additions
35 MMboe

An increase in organic growth will provide the basis  
for future growth and NAV creation

2018 Expectation
In 2018 we will be focused on maturing the 
prospect inventory in Block 5, Mexico. We will also 
be starting detailed analysis of Blocks 10 and 12 
in Mexico. 

Description
Develop an inventory of exploration prospects 
 to provide drilling opportunities for 2019 and 
beyond and a basis for future growth and 
manage current assets to increase value realised.

158

35

Measurement 
(25 MMboe=100%, 15 MMboe=50%, 5 MMboe=0%)

Link to Directors’ 
remuneration

(628)

The cumulative net prospective risked resource added to prospect inventory. 
Additions will need to have progressed through peer review. Prospects in blocks 
where a decision has been made to relinquish will be removed. 

15%

2015

2016

2017

22

Ophir Energy plcThese are both financial and non-financial and monitor  
the progress in delivering the Group’s strategic objectives.

Principal risks

p26

Licence to Operate (Community,  
Climate, HSSE and People)

Providing a safe and environmentally and socially responsible 
operating environment will help protect NAV value and support 
increase through growth supported by such operations

Lost time injury  
frequency
0 

incidents/million  
man hours worked

0

0

0

2015

2016

2017

Greenhouse gas 
emissions1
94,493 tonnes of CO2e

2018 Expectation
We will continue to focus on a HSE performance 
that delivers zero lost time incidents. 

Description
Provide a safe and secure working environment 
across operations to limit injury to workforce, 
cost of lost time due to injury or incident, 
potential insurance or legal costs and 
reputational damage.

Measurement  
(0=100%, 0.5=50%, 1=0%)

Lost Time Incident Frequency (LTIF) calculation is based on number of lost time 
incidents expressed per millions of man hours worked. Total Recordable Incident 
Frequency (TRIF) is also monitored and reported internally as part of the 
standard HSE monthly reporting pack.

Link to Directors’ 
remuneration

10%

2018 Expectation
Conduct and complete Greenhouse Gas emissions 
audit and prepare action plan based on findings.

Description
Operate in an environmentally and socially 
responsible manner to support Corporate 
Responsibility requirements

94,493

Measurement  
(1=100%, 0=0%)

62,292

64,0552

Conduct and complete GHG Data audit to verify:

– Accuracy of data sources for GHG calculations 
– Opportunities for GHG emissions reduction 
– Opportunities for energy consumption reduction

2015

2016

2017

Deliver action plan with specific deliverables for reductions in emissions 
and consumption. 

Link to Directors’ 
remuneration

2%

Employee  
engagement
85 % response rate to 

engagement survey rate 

72

2018 Expectation
We will be focused on analysing the results  
of the 2017 Employee Engagement survey  
and implementing an action plan to address  
key issues raised. 

Description
Improve levels of employee engagement to 
ensure an effective and efficient workforce,  
aid retention, increase productivity, and 
strengthen the Ophir culture.

85

Measurement  
(1=100%, 0=0%)

–  Present for Board endorsement action plan based on employee feedback 

following 2017 employee engagement survey

–  Implement action plan to support the people agenda during 2018
–  To include 4 initiatives to enhance the Employee Value Proposition

Link to Directors’ 
remuneration

3%

n/a

2016

2017

2015

1  Scope 1 & 2.
2  Revised from 64,130 due to double counting Scope 2 emissions relating to energy consumption in Bangkok office.

23

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report StrategySupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance report2018 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIS) CONTINUED

Monetisation

Monetise  
2C resources
9.9 MMboe

Monetise smartly current assets to ensure a sustainable  
business and generate an increase in NAV 

2018 Expectation

Our priority is to unlock value from the c.1bn boe  
of 2C resource. 

In 2018 the focus will be on securing FID on the 
Fortuna FLNG project. We will also be seeking to 
monetise incremental volumes at Kerendan 
through the signing of new GSAs.

Description
Deliver value from contingent resource 
inventory to increase incoming funds and 
reduce exposure risks.

9.9

Measurement 
Progress 2C to 2P to cash or value. 

Fortuna FID = 67%

Kerendan phase 2 GSA = 33%

Link to Directors’ 
remuneration

30%

0

0

2015

2016

2017

Operated  
production
10,400 boepd

2018 Expectation
We expect full year operated production to be 
10,700 boepd. Volumes from Bualuang will 
increase in the second half as we complete an 
infill drilling programme. 

Description
Maintain or increase the income received from 
current operations to increase incoming funds.

11,1001

9,900

10,400

Measurement 
(10% above budget=100%, budget=50%, 10% below budget=0%)

Daily average production from the Bualuang and Kerendan fields, as they 
constitute the operated production assets. 

Link to Directors’ 
remuneration

10%

2015

2016

2017

Total Opex  
(Operated)
$49 million

32

2018 Expectation

Operating costs are expected to be marginally up 
in 2018. This is mainly a result of a workover 
programme at Bualuang that is considered 
operating expenditure. 

Description
Keep operating expenditure at or under 
budget to minimise outgoing costs.

49

43

Measurement 
(5% below budget=100%, budget=50%, 5% over budget=0%)

Link to Directors’ 
remuneration

10%

2015

2016

2017

1  On a full year proforma basis.

24

Ophir Energy plcPrincipal risks

p26

Balance Sheet

Capital  
expenditure
$101 million

Ensure balance sheet remains healthy to provide 
NAV protection

2018 Expectation
We are aiming to move the business towards 
sustainability and in 2018 we expect Capex 
(ex-Fortuna) broadly in line with cash generated 
by production. Total capital expenditure will be 
around $150 million. 

Description
Keep capital expenditure in line with the 
budget to ensure a sustainable business.

206

156

Measurement 
Deliver ‘in scope’ operated Capex budget +/- 10% 
(10% below budget =100%, budget =50%, 10% above budget =0%)

101

The capital expenditure target is based on the approved firm work programme 
and does not contain any contingent budget items. Measurement of this KPI 
will take into account the $ value spent along with the work scope delivered. 

Link to Directors’ 
remuneration

12%

2015

2016

2017

Gross G&A  
spend
$68 million

132

82

68

2015

2016

2017

Liquidity  
(Gross year-end)
$427 million

615

427

370

2015

2016

2017

2018 Expectation

Having materially reduced gross G&A spend over 
the past three years, the focus in 2018 will be on 
delivering all our work programmes in line with the 
reduced budget. 

Description
Keep general and administrative spend in line 
with the budget to ensure a sustainable business.

Measurement 
(10% below budget=100%, On budget=50%, 10% above budget =0%)

Link to Directors’ 
remuneration

4%

2018 Expectations

We will focus on maintaining our strong liquidity 
position through executing our plans in line with 
budget. We will also look to refinance our high 
yield bond once we have secured Fortuna FID. 

Description
Maintain liquidity to enable the Company to 
maintain a funding cushion to be able to 
pursue exploration or development 
opportunities as they may arise.

Measurement 
(10% above budget=100%, On budget=50%, 10% below budget =0%)

Link to Directors’ 
remuneration

4%

25

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report StrategySupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportPRINCIPAL RISKS

Risk management

environment and as a result of the development 
of our asset portfolio. The main external and 
internal events that have shaped our risk profile 
over 2017 are set out below, while the principal 
risks and uncertainties that currently face Ophir 
are described on the following pages. 

Political uncertainty 
Ophir’s key assets are located in relatively 
politically stable regions. However, the last year 
has seen numerous challenges to political 
orthodoxy and the assumptions behind 
globalisation and trade liberalisation. The 
ongoing impact of Brexit, rising independence 
movements in Europe, a growing confidence 
and assertiveness in non-democratic countries, 
and a stated decision by the United States to 
retreat from numerous multilateral agreements 
all point to a less rather than more stable global 
political environment. This makes it more 
challenging to predict the regulatory, political 
and economic environment the business will 
operate in over the coming year and beyond. 
This environment also enhances the possibility 
of unforeseen events that could have major 
ramifications on economic conditions, access 
to capital and resource pricing which in turn 
could adversely impact Ophir’s business. 

Project delivery
Ophir’s growth plans are increasingly 
dependent upon the successful monetising  
of our key assets, including delivering first gas 
from the Fortuna LNG project by 2022. As a 
result, the Board and the executive receive 
regular updates on the management of these 
projects and are focused on ensuring the risks 
are mitigated and managed as far as possible.

Capital expenditure and financing
To monetise our key assets and to be able to 
make appropriate investments in exploration, 
Ophir needs to be soundly financed. This 
remains a core focus of the Board. Over the 
past three years, Ophir has reduced its G&A 
spend by 60%. We have also capped our 
capital spend in the Fortuna FLNG project  
at $150 million1, limiting our total financial 
exposure to this US$2 billion project. 

We have preserved a robust operating cash 
flow, secured a strong balance sheet with  
low gearing and have been guided by a 
disciplined approach to capital allocation, 
prioritising resource monetisation and limiting 
our forward commitments. At year-end we 
had total liquidity of $427 million.

Viability Statement
The Directors have assessed the viability 
of the Group over a five-year period to 
December 2022, taking account of the 
Group’s current position and the potential 
impact of the principal risks documented in 
this report. Furthermore, the Directors have 
considered the resilience of the Group’s 
business model, future performance, 
solvency and liquidity against these principal 
risks in severe, but reasonable scenarios, and 
the effectiveness of any mitigating actions.

The Directors have determined that the 
five-year period to December 2022 is an 
appropriate period over which to provide its 
Viability Statement. By the start of 2022 the 
Group’s Fortuna asset is expected to be 
on-stream delivering a long-term source of 
funds. Additionally, with the formation of a Joint 
Venture with OneLNG, which is expected to take 
forward the development of the combined 
upstream and midstream Fortuna asset, the 
Group has limited its balance sheet and capital 
expenditure exposure to the project to no more 
than $150 million over the period to end of 2021 
when the asset will be ready to come on-stream.

In addition to Fortuna, the Directors have 
assessed the Group’s capital expenditure 
requirements to 2022, recognising that the 
Group has significant flexibility to defer its 
investment programmes, as required. At the 
balance sheet date the Group’s future financial 
obligations against firm work programme 
commitments to host governments was 
$40 million, (excluding $35 million for Mexico 
blocks 10 and 12 as only awarded in January 
2018). In making their assessment, the 
Directors have additionally considered the 
Group’s current cash position and the 
generation of funds from forecast production 
over the period, against the need to service 
the Group’s debt portfolio, and tested the 
scenarios at different commodity prices.

The Company further anticipates that 
additional funding, if appropriate, could be 
met by the divestment of assets along with 
access to the debt and capital markets.

Based on their assessment, the Directors 
have a reasonable expectation that the 
Company will be able to continue in 
operation and meet its liabilities as they 
fall due over the period to December 2022.

1  To first gas.

Gawain Ross 
Director – Security and Surface Risk

During 2017, we continued 
to strengthen how the 
Group manages risk  
that could impact our 
people, the environment, 
our business and our 
reputation.”

The Board, its Committees and the senior 
management team are actively engaged in 
monitoring and mitigating, where possible, 
the risks to which Ophir is exposed. The Audit 
Committee makes recommendations to the 
Board on the Group’s risk management 
arrangements. The Board has determined 
the business’ risk appetite, considering the 
risks that could impede or threaten the 
business’ strategic objectives, and has also 
reviewed the control measures in place to 
mitigate these risks. A risk appetite statement 
has been developed that encapsulates the 
business’ agreed overall attitude to risk.

Ophir’s risk profile continually evolves over time 
as a result of changes in both the external  

26

Ophir Energy plc 
 
Risk management  
performance in 2017 

Over 7 million hours were worked by  
Ophir employees and contractors during 
the year, some undertaken in particularly 
challenging remote and inhospitable 
jungle conditions, with no recordable  
LTIs or fatalities. During the year our  
two producing assets in Thailand and 
Indonesia reached three and two years  
LTI free operations respectively.

Zero recordable environmental incidents.

 Signed Umbrella Agreement with the 
government of Equatorial Guinea, 
established a Brent-linked, free-on-board 
offtake agreement with Gunvor and 
awarded upstream construction contracts 
to OneSubsea. Innovative approach to 
Fortuna development through FLNG 
solution has driven breakeven cost down.

Rationalised a tighter but diversified 
exploration portfolio of high-quality 
assets, including new exploration blocks  
in Equatorial Guinea and Mexico, with 
robust growth prospects.

Maintained a strong balance sheet  
with low gearing.

Financial efficiency through disciplined 
cost management and continued to  
drive down our G&A ‘running’ costs  
by implementing organisational  
restructuring mid-year.

Closed a new US$250 million Reserve  
Based Lending Facility secured against our 
producing Asian assets, along with an 
additional US$100 million accordion facility.

Monetised an additional 9.9 mmboe of 
contingent resources in 2017 through the 
sanction of Phase IV investment on 
Bualuang that will have an IRR return of 
around 40% and increased reserves by 35%.

 Generating solid cash flow from our 
production assets; Kerendan production 
ramped up to full 19 MMscf daily  
contract quantity and Bualuang  
achieving a consistent daily production 
rate of 8.3 mbopd across the year.

3D seismic programme in the  
Bangkanai and West Bangkanai PSCs  
was completed in December 2017.

Retained people with the right  
experience, capability and values  
to help the Company succeed.

Ethical compliance training was completed 
by year-end which covered Thailand, 
Indonesia, Africa, Malaysia and London. 
Action points from internal audit closed 
out and annual compliance sign-off by  
all employees achieved.

Our risk appetite

  z o n e

t

r

f o

m

ur risk c o

O

The Board will consider the risks associated with 
conducting our business and delivering on our strategy, 
assessing the risks we are exposed to and assess if this 
exposure is acceptable given the likelihood and severity 
of the risk regarding the consequences to people, the 
environment, finances and Ophir’s reputation. Then the 
Board can decide how to address the risk – whether to 
tolerate, terminate, treat or transfer the risk. The level of 
risk the company is prepared to take could change over 
time and therefore risk tolerance is reviewed continually 
by the Board. 

The Board has assigned risk oversight to the Audit Committee, the Corporate Responsibility Committee and 
the Technical & Reserves Committee. These Committees report their findings to the Board on a regular basis.

Board  
Determines the Group’s risk appetite and risk management process, and reviews the principal risks that 
may affect Ophir achieving its objectives.

Audit 
Committee
Reviews financial, regulatory and 
information risks and controls.

Corporate Responsibility 
Committee
Reviews operational and ethical 
behaviour and legislative 
compliance risks and controls.

Technical Advisory 
Committee
Reviews subsurface risks 
and controls.

External Auditors

Internal Auditors
– Review appropriateness of risk management policies. 
– Give relevant practical advice and guidance on the implementation of processes and policies.
– At certain internals, assess whether the risk management processes have been appropriately embedded 
   in the business.

Principal risks aligned with strategic objectives

Finding Low
01 Funding

02 HSE Incident

03 Portfolio 

Monetise Smartly
09 Political 

10 Debt financing 

11 Counterparty 

Financial 
Sustainability
04 Investment

05 Compliance

06 Market sentiment 

07 Commodity price

08 Climate change

t
c
a
p
m

I

Likelihood

Our risk assessment process

Identify risks
While overall responsibility for risk lies at the Board 
level, the Directors have delegated authority for risk 
identification to the senior management team, 
pulling on the operational board expertise as 
required. A top down and bottom up approach has 
been taken to provide assurance over completeness 
and existence of risks in the risk register.

Define risk appetite
Our systems and processes are designed to 
manage our exposure to risk rather than eliminate 
the risk completely. Therefore the Board, with the 
senior management team, will assess the Group’s 
risks appetite each year with this in mind. 

Respond, management and mitigate risks
Each risk is reviewed quarterly. At each review date, 
the existing controls are reviewed for adequacy and 
effectiveness. Due to the ever changing business 
landscape and the industry we work in, it is quite 
possible for the control requirements to change and 
for processes and policies to require updating. If this 
is the case, then a business owner is identified and 
they are responsible for implementing changes. 

Assess and quantify risks
Risks are assessed to understand the trigger, the 
likelihood and the financial impact of the risk 
crystallising. We assess these looking at the 
following areas:
•  Financial
•  Operational 
•  Reputational

•  Legal 
•  People
•  Environmental

Monitor and review risks
The senior management team monitors progress against the principal risks. This is shared with our external 
auditors. The Board reviews the summary risk register and assesses the adequacy of the principal risks 
identified, as well as the mitigating controls and procedures which are in place and are operational. 

27

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report StrategySupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportPRINCIPAL RISKS CONTINUED

Set out below are what  
we believe at this time to 
be the principal risks and 
uncertainties that could 
affect the Group. 

Internally, the Group monitors and mitigates 
a more comprehensive list of risks through 
the Group’s risk register, which continues  
to be a vital component of our risk 
management process. It should be noted, for 
completeness, that there may be additional 
risks unknown to the company and other 
risks, currently believed to be immaterial, 

which could turn out to be material. In 
addition, it should be noted that not all  
of the risks and uncertainties set out below 
are within our control.

For clarity, we have indicated how our 
principal risks are linked to our strategic 
objectives. We have done this in order to aid 
understanding and more clearly illustrate 

28

RiskDescription of RiskObjective/ControlResponsibilityChangeFinding LowFunding  –Failure to forecast and work within our financial structure could impact our liquidity and lead  to an inability to deliver the business plan. –Gas discoveries may require the Group to invest in LNG development projects which require  long lead times and material investment in receipt, processing and transportation infrastructure  and the marketing of LNG. –Revenues, profitability and cash flows concentrated in a small number of producing assets. –The Group may face the possibility of future decommissioning costs that it cannot accurately predict.  –Inability to access internal or external funding. –An ongoing strategic objective is to optimise the use of our capital by capturing highest commercial returns on our assets and exploration opportunities. –Regular review of cash flow, working capital and funding options, and prudent approach to budgeting and planning, to ensure sufficient capital to meet commitments. –Effective portfolio management via farm outs/asset sales as appropriate.  –Budget focused on high and medium ranked assets/projects to deliver value creation and to  ensure the Group can live within its means. –A formalised annual budget process and ongoing monthly reviews and analysis of actuals.  –Board approval of Annual Work Programme. –Diversify the sources of funding and apply prudent levels of debt to development and  production activities.Chief Financial Officer HSE Incident –Loss of containment leading to major environmental incident. –Oil and gas exploration, development and production can present challenging operational environments and means we are exposed to a wide range of Health, Safety, Security and Environmental risks. –Our most significant risks are: –The potential loss of hydrocarbon containment caused by technical integrity failure, human error, natural disasters or other unforeseen events.  –And the risk of harm to our workforce during transportation. –Major Health, Safety, Security or Environmental risk events could lead to regulatory action and legal liability, including penalties, increased costs and potential loss of our licence to operate. –An ongoing strategic objective is to execute operations safely with excellence. –Ophir is committed to maintaining robust Health, Safety, Security and Environmental  management, and procedures are in place in order to respond to unexpected events that  have a direct impact on the Group and the communities in which it works.  –Comprehensive HSE and operations management systems including emergency response and  oil spill response capability, as well as maintaining asset integrity.  –Active security monitoring and management.  – Learning from Group and third-party incidents. –Monitoring through leading indicators the highest HSE risk events.  –The contracting and procurement process ensures suitably qualified contractors are employed  and trained in Ophir’s requirements and industry best practices.Director Operations  Asia and Director Africa Exploration Portfolio  –Limitations of portfolio/discovery risk and modest success rate leading to finding costs above $1-2 per bbl. –Successful exploration and/or appraisal is fundamental to the purpose of our business and value creation for shareholders.  –Persistent lack of success would lead to a loss of investor confidence and ultimately the failure of the business model. –An ongoing strategic objective is to capture high-quality exploration acreage, generate and high-grade prospects and mature top ranked, drillable prospects. –Ophir manages exploration risk by high grading plays in prospective acreage and focuses  attention (and ultimately drilling) solely on the most prospective plays. –Ophir continues to build a portfolio of low cost opportunities with defined exit options for  investors in order to decide whether or not to progress to the next phase of exploration. –The Board’s Technical and Reserves Committee reviews subsurface risk and there is a robust peer review process embedded within the Group. –There is an appropriate balance between growth by exploration and acquisition. –Application of technical excellence and use of appropriate technologies in exploration methodologies.  –Review new geographic opportunities without impacting focus on strategic core growth areas.  –Managing risk with partners in existing assets and new ventures. –Assets will only continue to be held and progressed if they can demonstrably create substantial  value for shareholders. Capital is being selectively directed at those assets which offer the  highest risk-weighted returns.Director Exploration and AfricaFinancial SustainabilityInvestment  –Lack of suitable value adding opportunities and/or failure to execute/inability to fund P&D acquisitions. –The Group may not be able to identify appropriate expansion opportunities or be able to manage such expansion effectively. –Investments are not dictated by production or reserves growth targets; instead each investment  will be assessed on an IRR and materiality basis. –Focus on growing a revenue generating business to fund exploration activities and minimise the overall cost of capital. –Allocate capital to highest return opportunities following rigorous risk reward analysis. –Risk assessment and due diligence process is undertaken on all potential new country entries. –Ophir endeavours to transact at the most appropriate time to create value for shareholders.Director Exploration and Africa Ophir Energy plchow we protect and create shareholder  
value by operating in a manner that best 
balances the risks and rewards of our chosen 
strategy, which is ultimately focused on 
increasing NAV per share.

Key

  Increase

  No change

  Decrease

29

RiskDescription of RiskObjective/ControlResponsibilityChangeFinding LowFunding  –Failure to forecast and work within our financial structure could impact our liquidity and lead  to an inability to deliver the business plan. –Gas discoveries may require the Group to invest in LNG development projects which require  long lead times and material investment in receipt, processing and transportation infrastructure  and the marketing of LNG. –Revenues, profitability and cash flows concentrated in a small number of producing assets. –The Group may face the possibility of future decommissioning costs that it cannot accurately predict.  –Inability to access internal or external funding. –An ongoing strategic objective is to optimise the use of our capital by capturing highest commercial returns on our assets and exploration opportunities. –Regular review of cash flow, working capital and funding options, and prudent approach to budgeting and planning, to ensure sufficient capital to meet commitments. –Effective portfolio management via farm outs/asset sales as appropriate.  –Budget focused on high and medium ranked assets/projects to deliver value creation and to  ensure the Group can live within its means. –A formalised annual budget process and ongoing monthly reviews and analysis of actuals.  –Board approval of Annual Work Programme. –Diversify the sources of funding and apply prudent levels of debt to development and  production activities.Chief Financial Officer HSE Incident –Loss of containment leading to major environmental incident. –Oil and gas exploration, development and production can present challenging operational environments and means we are exposed to a wide range of Health, Safety, Security and Environmental risks. –Our most significant risks are: –The potential loss of hydrocarbon containment caused by technical integrity failure, human error, natural disasters or other unforeseen events.  –And the risk of harm to our workforce during transportation. –Major Health, Safety, Security or Environmental risk events could lead to regulatory action and legal liability, including penalties, increased costs and potential loss of our licence to operate. –An ongoing strategic objective is to execute operations safely with excellence. –Ophir is committed to maintaining robust Health, Safety, Security and Environmental  management, and procedures are in place in order to respond to unexpected events that  have a direct impact on the Group and the communities in which it works.  –Comprehensive HSE and operations management systems including emergency response and  oil spill response capability, as well as maintaining asset integrity.  –Active security monitoring and management.  – Learning from Group and third-party incidents. –Monitoring through leading indicators the highest HSE risk events.  –The contracting and procurement process ensures suitably qualified contractors are employed  and trained in Ophir’s requirements and industry best practices.Director Operations  Asia and Director Africa Exploration Portfolio  –Limitations of portfolio/discovery risk and modest success rate leading to finding costs above $1-2 per bbl. –Successful exploration and/or appraisal is fundamental to the purpose of our business and value creation for shareholders.  –Persistent lack of success would lead to a loss of investor confidence and ultimately the failure of the business model. –An ongoing strategic objective is to capture high-quality exploration acreage, generate and high-grade prospects and mature top ranked, drillable prospects. –Ophir manages exploration risk by high grading plays in prospective acreage and focuses  attention (and ultimately drilling) solely on the most prospective plays. –Ophir continues to build a portfolio of low cost opportunities with defined exit options for  investors in order to decide whether or not to progress to the next phase of exploration. –The Board’s Technical and Reserves Committee reviews subsurface risk and there is a robust peer review process embedded within the Group. –There is an appropriate balance between growth by exploration and acquisition. –Application of technical excellence and use of appropriate technologies in exploration methodologies.  –Review new geographic opportunities without impacting focus on strategic core growth areas.  –Managing risk with partners in existing assets and new ventures. –Assets will only continue to be held and progressed if they can demonstrably create substantial  value for shareholders. Capital is being selectively directed at those assets which offer the  highest risk-weighted returns.Director Exploration and AfricaFinancial SustainabilityInvestment  –Lack of suitable value adding opportunities and/or failure to execute/inability to fund P&D acquisitions. –The Group may not be able to identify appropriate expansion opportunities or be able to manage such expansion effectively. –Investments are not dictated by production or reserves growth targets; instead each investment  will be assessed on an IRR and materiality basis. –Focus on growing a revenue generating business to fund exploration activities and minimise the overall cost of capital. –Allocate capital to highest return opportunities following rigorous risk reward analysis. –Risk assessment and due diligence process is undertaken on all potential new country entries. –Ophir endeavours to transact at the most appropriate time to create value for shareholders.Director Exploration and Africa Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report StrategySupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportPRINCIPAL RISKS CONTINUED

30

RiskDescription of RiskObjective/ControlResponsibilityChangeFinancial SustainabilityCompliance –The Group conducts business in jurisdictions that have been allocated low scores on Transparency International’s ‘Corruption Perceptions Index’, and where changes in the regulatory and legislative environment are possible. –Ethical wrongdoing and non-compliance, or failure to accurately report our data can lead to litigation against the Group which could materially impact our strategy. Potential impacts could be: –Reputational damage leading to withdrawal of support by shareholders, governments, lenders  and/or co-venture partners. –Litigation and regulatory action leading to penalties and business disruption from investigation leading to unplanned cost impact. –Loss of assets, PSCs and projects. –Prosecution. –Top down leadership of the Group’s values. –We have a strong Code of Conduct that we expect all employees and contractors to follow.  –There is a Group Anti Bribery and Corruption Policy in place.  –Compliance training is conducted across the Group. –Due diligence is carried out on counterparties and in our contract management. –There are anti-bribery and corruption provisions in our agreements. –Compliance controls and actions are reviewed by the Board and its committees  –Annual employee sign-off confirming their observance of the Code of Conduct, Anti-Corruption policy and the Gifts and Hospitality standard. –A ‘Letter of Assurance’ is signed off annually by management. –Primary controls.  –All material information is released to the market on a timely basis and in accordance with all applicable regulations.General Counsel Market Sentiment –Adverse market sentiment and capital constraints due to competition for capital. –The sector continued to be depressed through 2017 and there remains a limited appetite for  oil and gas investments. –The impact can negatively affect project value and modelling. –An ongoing strategic objective is to grow a revenue generating business to fund our exploration activities and minimise our overall cost of capital. –Deliver an appropriate capital structure to internally fund core exploration and appraisal  activities from the addition of production assets and monetisation of resources to generate sustainable cash flow.  –Ensure that commercial terms on new acreage reflect the changing landscape and involve  minimal financial commitments with options to exit early.Chief Financial Officer Commodity Price –This can lead to loss of value and have an adverse effect on revenue, margins, profitability and cash flow. –Continue to review the Group’s cost structure and make sure it reflects the new oil price environment. –Economics of development plans re-worked to reflect downside sensitivities of oil price scenarios. –Selectively exploit the low service costs that have resulted from the drop in the oil price e.g. material reductions in Fortuna and drilling costs. –Pursue acquisition opportunities that seek to protect shareholder value and sustain exploration. –Manage balance sheet strength.Chief Financial Officer Climate Change  –The global ambition to limit mean temperature rise to below 2⁰C above pre-industrial levels will potentially require significant and sustained reductions in fossil fuel emissions. –It is hard to predict what changes in laws, regulations and obligations relating to man-made climate change will be, but they may increase costs, reduce value and constrain future opportunities. –Climate change will remain on the Board’s strategic agenda going forward. –We will continue to develop the Company’s strategy and our approach to tracking trends to  provide us commercial foresight on how quickly the world is moving toward decarbonisation. –We will continue to report in line with CDP and the Global Reporting Initiative.Director Security and Surface Risk Monetise SmartlyPolitical  –We are exposed to a variety of changes in the macro environment around global affairs and international economics that are leading to greater global economic uncertainty. –At a more micro-level, the Group operates in jurisdictions that are subject to significant political, economic, legal, regulatory and social uncertainties which could lead to license appropriation.  –The impacts can affect the safety of our people, operational continuity and lead to a loss in value and uncertain financial outcomes. –Ophir regularly monitors and seeks to understand changes taking place in political and regulatory environments although it is often hard to forecast the timing and gravity of political events. –The Group works to the highest industry standards with regulators, closely monitoring  compliance with the Group’s licence and PSC obligations. –We seek to reduce our exposure by maintaining a diverse portfolio.  –Maintain positive relationships with governments and key stakeholders in host countries. –Appropriate legal agreements are in place to protect our interests. –When reviewing new positions/acquisitions we evaluate and compare the potential political  risks within our portfolio. Director Security and Surface Risk Debt Financing –Failure to debt finance projects could delay FID decisions. –The Group’s business will require significant capital expenditure and the future expansion and development of its business could require future debt and equity financing. The future availability  of such funding is not certain. –The continued focus for the Group is on increasing NAV/share.  –Continue the momentum on the Fortuna FLNG project. –Monitor and tailor projects to fit macro environment. –Facilitate buyer access/relationship with host Government.  –Maximise transparency with equity buyers.  –Contingency planning and preparedness to change the course of action as situations change.Chief Financial Officer Counterparty –Failure of some of our counterparties could lead to failure of projects and cause operational issues. –Due diligence carried out pre-approval. –Full credit risk assessment conducted and exposure value is risked. –Compliance with Ophir Treasury & Investment Policy.  –Counterparty risk leading indicator in place. –Contingency planning. –Regular monitoring of credit ratings. –Cash forecasting providing key information to manage exposure and risk. –Credit assessment as part of CP&L process at per-qualification stage & once contract awarded.  –Ongoing monitoring through leading indicator.  –Legal protection included into contract.Chief Financial Officer Ophir Energy plc31

RiskDescription of RiskObjective/ControlResponsibilityChangeFinancial SustainabilityCompliance –The Group conducts business in jurisdictions that have been allocated low scores on Transparency International’s ‘Corruption Perceptions Index’, and where changes in the regulatory and legislative environment are possible. –Ethical wrongdoing and non-compliance, or failure to accurately report our data can lead to litigation against the Group which could materially impact our strategy. Potential impacts could be: –Reputational damage leading to withdrawal of support by shareholders, governments, lenders  and/or co-venture partners. –Litigation and regulatory action leading to penalties and business disruption from investigation leading to unplanned cost impact. –Loss of assets, PSCs and projects. –Prosecution. –Top down leadership of the Group’s values. –We have a strong Code of Conduct that we expect all employees and contractors to follow.  –There is a Group Anti Bribery and Corruption Policy in place.  –Compliance training is conducted across the Group. –Due diligence is carried out on counterparties and in our contract management. –There are anti-bribery and corruption provisions in our agreements. –Compliance controls and actions are reviewed by the Board and its committees  –Annual employee sign-off confirming their observance of the Code of Conduct, Anti-Corruption policy and the Gifts and Hospitality standard. –A ‘Letter of Assurance’ is signed off annually by management. –Primary controls.  –All material information is released to the market on a timely basis and in accordance with all applicable regulations.General Counsel Market Sentiment –Adverse market sentiment and capital constraints due to competition for capital. –The sector continued to be depressed through 2017 and there remains a limited appetite for  oil and gas investments. –The impact can negatively affect project value and modelling. –An ongoing strategic objective is to grow a revenue generating business to fund our exploration activities and minimise our overall cost of capital. –Deliver an appropriate capital structure to internally fund core exploration and appraisal  activities from the addition of production assets and monetisation of resources to generate sustainable cash flow.  –Ensure that commercial terms on new acreage reflect the changing landscape and involve  minimal financial commitments with options to exit early.Chief Financial Officer Commodity Price –This can lead to loss of value and have an adverse effect on revenue, margins, profitability and cash flow. –Continue to review the Group’s cost structure and make sure it reflects the new oil price environment. –Economics of development plans re-worked to reflect downside sensitivities of oil price scenarios. –Selectively exploit the low service costs that have resulted from the drop in the oil price e.g. material reductions in Fortuna and drilling costs. –Pursue acquisition opportunities that seek to protect shareholder value and sustain exploration. –Manage balance sheet strength.Chief Financial Officer Climate Change  –The global ambition to limit mean temperature rise to below 2⁰C above pre-industrial levels will potentially require significant and sustained reductions in fossil fuel emissions. –It is hard to predict what changes in laws, regulations and obligations relating to man-made climate change will be, but they may increase costs, reduce value and constrain future opportunities. –Climate change will remain on the Board’s strategic agenda going forward. –We will continue to develop the Company’s strategy and our approach to tracking trends to  provide us commercial foresight on how quickly the world is moving toward decarbonisation. –We will continue to report in line with CDP and the Global Reporting Initiative.Director Security and Surface Risk Monetise SmartlyPolitical  –We are exposed to a variety of changes in the macro environment around global affairs and international economics that are leading to greater global economic uncertainty. –At a more micro-level, the Group operates in jurisdictions that are subject to significant political, economic, legal, regulatory and social uncertainties which could lead to license appropriation.  –The impacts can affect the safety of our people, operational continuity and lead to a loss in value and uncertain financial outcomes. –Ophir regularly monitors and seeks to understand changes taking place in political and regulatory environments although it is often hard to forecast the timing and gravity of political events. –The Group works to the highest industry standards with regulators, closely monitoring  compliance with the Group’s licence and PSC obligations. –We seek to reduce our exposure by maintaining a diverse portfolio.  –Maintain positive relationships with governments and key stakeholders in host countries. –Appropriate legal agreements are in place to protect our interests. –When reviewing new positions/acquisitions we evaluate and compare the potential political  risks within our portfolio. Director Security and Surface Risk Debt Financing –Failure to debt finance projects could delay FID decisions. –The Group’s business will require significant capital expenditure and the future expansion and development of its business could require future debt and equity financing. The future availability  of such funding is not certain. –The continued focus for the Group is on increasing NAV/share.  –Continue the momentum on the Fortuna FLNG project. –Monitor and tailor projects to fit macro environment. –Facilitate buyer access/relationship with host Government.  –Maximise transparency with equity buyers.  –Contingency planning and preparedness to change the course of action as situations change.Chief Financial Officer Counterparty –Failure of some of our counterparties could lead to failure of projects and cause operational issues. –Due diligence carried out pre-approval. –Full credit risk assessment conducted and exposure value is risked. –Compliance with Ophir Treasury & Investment Policy.  –Counterparty risk leading indicator in place. –Contingency planning. –Regular monitoring of credit ratings. –Cash forecasting providing key information to manage exposure and risk. –Credit assessment as part of CP&L process at per-qualification stage & once contract awarded.  –Ongoing monitoring through leading indicator.  –Legal protection included into contract.Chief Financial Officer Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report StrategySupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportOPERATING REVIEW

Operations: Maximising value  
from our resource base

In 2017, we realised incremental  
value across our operated production 
base and finalised all operational steps 
required to FID the Fortuna LNG project.

Monetising a net 1 billion boe across 
our operated production base 
In 2017, we established the clear priority 
of unlocking value from Ophir’s 1 Bnboe 
discovered resource base and rationalised 
our exploration portfolio to a reduced 
number of high-quality options in a 
number of focus areas. 

Our capital is allocated to projects that offer 
the best risk-weighted return on capital. We 
are focused on monetising our approximately 
1 Bnboe net contingent resource base and on 
building our cash flow in line with our strategy 
of becoming a sustainable E&P company  
Our 2017 operational activities reflect this 
and included an infill drilling programme in 
the Bualuang oil field, completion of an 
extensive 3D seismic survey to support the 
development plan for the Kerendan field and 
the completion of all operational milestones 
on the Fortuna FLNG project. Importantly, 
our resource plays have low unit development 

and production costs and are capable of 
delivering attractive returns without requiring 
higher commodity prices.

The development of these resources was 
supported by a production base which 
averaged 11,700 boepd. This delivered 
revenues of $189 million (excluding 
Sinphuhorm which is equity accounted), up 
$82 million or 76% on 2016 and included the 
first full year of production and cash flow 
contribution from the Kerendan field. In total, 
net funds flow from production for the full 
year was $90 million 1 or $21 per boe 2.

Statement of contingent resources and proved and probable reserves (working interest basis)

Looking to 2018 and beyond, capital will be 
allocated to Fortuna at FID, and to existing 
opportunities in Indonesia and Thailand that 
will increase short-term cash flow. Any 
additional discretionary capital will be 
allocated either to production and 
development activities, exploration (if the 
opportunities offer sufficient risk-weighted 
IRRs) or to capital returns.

1 

 A reconciliation of net funds flow from production is 
presented within the table on page 37.

2  Net funds flow from production over total production.

Oil
MMstb
15.3
–
10.0
3.2
22.1

Oil
MMstb
14.3
(0.3)
(3.0)
–
11.0

1P

Gas
bscf
97.6
–
(7.1)
6.6
83.9

1C

Gas
bscf
4355.0
(9.2)
6.3
–
4352.1

Total
MMboe
32.7
–
8.8
4.3
37.2

Total
MMboe
741.8
(2.0)
(1.9)
–
737.9

Oil
MMstb
22.7
–
10.3
3.2
29.8

Oil
MMstb
20.7
(0.5)
(7.5)
–
12.7

2P

Gas
bscf
120.5
–
(2.9)
6.6
111.0

2C

Gas
bscf
5881.3
(16.1)
3.7
–
5868.9

Total
MMboe
43.9
–
9.8
4.3
49.4

Total
MMboe
1006.0
(3.4)
(6.8)
–
995.7

Oil
MMstb
30.7
–
13.2
3.2
40.7

Oil
MMstb
31.3
(1.9)
6.1
–
35.5

3P

Gas
bscf
123.7
–
(2.7)
6.6
114.5

3C

Gas
bscf
8656.8
(45.2)
9.0
–
8620.6

Total
MMboe
52.5
–
12.7
4.3
60.9

Total
MMboe
1486.0
(10.1)
7.7
–
1483.5

Reserves
YE2016
Additions
Revisions
Production
YE2017

Contingent Resource
YE2016
Additions
Revisions
Production
YE2017

32

Ophir Energy plcOur Business 
model

p12

Bualuang,
Thailand

Highlights

28.3 

MMbo 2P

10.3

MMbo net 2C

Phase IV will deliver  
rapid payback
By converting approximately 9.9 MMbo  
of contingent resource into proved and 
probable reserves, Phase IV will deliver 
rapid payback on the investment,  
with positive cumulative cash flow 
anticipated from 2020. 

Production at the Bualuang oil field 
averaged 8,300 boepd across the year, 
which was supported by stable 
production with uptime of approximately 
99%. The completed 2017 infill drilling 
programme offset the predicted natural 
well decline. This occurred later than 
anticipated due to the late rig arrival  
and a slower than anticipated ramp up  
of the lower completions. In addition,  
the water debottlenecking programme 
was a success, increasing water  
handling capacity to 75,000 barrels  
of water a day. 

Revenues from Bualuang averaged  
$52 per barrel 1 for the period compared  
to $38 per barrel in 2016. The increased 
average realised oil price arose from both 
 a higher Dubai benchmark price and 
securing a further lower Dubai discount  
in the second half of the year with the 
signing of a new one-year term contract. 

1 

 Total oil revenues over production from Bualuang. 
Production per asset is shown in the table on page 37.

We anticipate cash flow to further increase 
with the decision to commence the fourth 
development phase of the field. The capital 
cost of Phase IV is expected to be US$138 
million between 2018 and 2020. The initial 
phase has five well activities planned for 
2018 from the existing Alpha and Bravo 
platform, comprising three re-drills using 
existing slots and two well workovers. All 
drilling targets will be informed by the 3D 
seismic data we acquired in 2015, and a 
resultant 4D signal. These will help us  
secure significant, additional value from the 
field. In 2019 we are planning to add an 
additional 12 well slots with the installation 
of the Charlie platform, a wellhead 
structure, bridge-linked to our existing  
Alpha and Bravo production platforms. 

In light of the 2017 infill drilling and the 
addition of production from the deeper T2 
reservoir interval, Ophir is looking at several 
near field prospects with possible drilling  
in 2018. We have also identified a new 
satellite exploration target which we are 
analysing for potential drilling in 2018.

33

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report PerformanceSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportOPERATING REVIEW CONTINUED

Kerendan, 
Indonesia

Highlights
14.8 

MMbo 2P

60.6 

MMbo net 2C

The field generated revenue of $19 million 1 
at an average gas realisation price of 
$5.30 per Mscf 2. 

In addition to ramping up production, the 
focus in 2017 was monetising further gas 
from the asset beyond the first contracted 
amount of 122 Bcf. 

The onshore 3D seismic survey in the 
Bangkanai and West Bangkanai PSCs was 
completed in December 2017, covering 
560 square kilometres. This new seismic  
data, in combination with the data from  
the West Kerendan-1 (‘WK-1’) well and the 
WK-1 drill stem test, is expected to provide 
the necessary information to facilitate 
monetisation of up to 457 Bcf of discovered, 
but uncontracted, gross contingent resource 
in the Kerendan field. This would move these 

hydrocarbons from resources to reserves 
classification. We anticipate this could 
result in production potentially as high  
as 80 MMscfd by end of 2022. 

In February 2018, Ophir agreed, in 
principle, a higher gas price with PLN  
for the current Phase one production  
at $5.65/MMbtu, an increase from the 
current level of $5.08/MMbtu.

To this end, negotiations have started 
with PLN to supply a second phase of gas 
to a new build power plant from 2020. 
Ophir is also investigating further third 
party gas sales from 2020.

1  Total gas revenues.
2 

 Gas revenues over Kerendan production as per table  
on page 37.

The Kerendan gas field started 
production in the first half of 2016  
but took longer than forecast to ramp  
up due to offtake commissioning  
delays. Kerendan averaged  
15.1 MMscfd (gross) across the year  
and at year-end was producing  
the full daily contract quantity  
of 19.2 MMscfd. 

Sinphuhorm, 
Thailand

The Sinphuhorm gas field produced  
an average of 78 MMscfd for the  
year, primarily as a consequence  
of lower nominations from the  
Energy Generating Authority  
of Thailand (EGAT).

In common with gas fields across Thailand,  
the cause of lower nominations appears to 
be related to competing sources of energy 
including spot LNG purchases by PTT 
replacing domestic sources of gas supply.  
The nominations returned to normal levels  
in the third quarter of the year, but dropped 
again in the fourth quarter due to extended 
turbine maintenance and lower demand.

In 2018, we anticipate undertaking the  
PH-10 well workover (to maintain production 
capacity) and looking out to 2021, an appraisal 
well will be considered by the partnership to 
underpin a GSA extension. In addition, as gas 
has been discovered in APICO acreage L15/43 
outside the field boundaries, we expect 
unitisation discussions to progress in 2018. 

34

Ophir Energy plcFortuna  
FLNG Project,  
Equatorial Guinea 

Highlights
401

MMboe Net 2C 

Fortuna FLNG gas offtake 
agreement
The Fortuna FLNG gas offtake  
agreement gives Ophir the potential  
to sell volumes to higher priced gas 
markets in Africa and beyond.

With the exception of the project 
funding, all major workstreams required 
to achieve FID of the Fortuna FLNG 
Project were accomplished in 2017.  
The number of important agreements 
reached this year is a testament to the 
strong co-ordination between Ophir’s 
project team and our partners. 

It is frustrating that the financing was not 
secured in 2017 but alongside our partners  
in the project we continue to work hard to 
close out this remaining milestone. Once the 
project funding has been finalised, the Board 
of Ophir will take the FID, which will also be 
subject to approval by Ophir’s shareholders 
after which the approval of the President of 
Equatorial Guinea will be sought.

During 2017, the project partners signed an 
Umbrella Agreement (‘UA’) that established 
the full legal and fiscal framework for the 
project. The UA reconfirms the participation 
rights of GEPetrol as partners for 20% of the 
upstream portion of the project, and for a 
future potential participation of up to 30% 
ownership of the midstream FLNG vessel  
by the Republic of Equatorial Guinea or a 
designated State company. Importantly, 
these participations create alignment with 
the Government of Equatorial Guinea 
throughout the project value chain – from 
upstream through to LNG marketing.

The Gunvor Group were identified as preferred 
offtaker. Upon execution of the LNG purchase 
agreement Gunvor would be committed to 

taking the full nameplate capacity of the 
Gandria FLNG vessel of 2.2 MMtpa, which  
will be purchased on a Brent-linked, free on 
board (‘FOB’) basis for a 10-year term. The 
contract structure also allows flexibility for  
up to 1.1 MMtpa of the Fortuna capacity  
to be marketed on an alternate basis. 
Consequently, the agreement would give  
the Fortuna partners, alongside the State  
of Equatorial Guinea, the potential to sell 
volumes to higher priced gas markets in  
Africa and beyond, whilst retaining a share  
in the profits of such sales.

We awarded the upstream construction 
contract for the project to Subsea 
Integration Alliance (a partnership between 
OneSubsea, a Schlumberger company, and 
Subsea 7). In addition, the primary contract 
for the FLNG Gandria was entered into with 
Singapore’s Keppel Shipyard Limited. The 
FLNG Hilli Episeyo, which is Golar’s first FLNG 
conversion and the sister ship to the Gandria, 
left the Keppel yard and is currently being 
commissioned in the field in Cameroon  
prior to delivery of its first commercial cargo. 
The delivery of this first cargo will represent  
an important step in the de-risking of the 
Fortuna midstream FLNG solution.

On our journey to first gas in 2022, we will 
be working with our partners to complete 
the required development wells and subsea 
infrastructure and complete the conversion 
and commissioning of the Gandria into an 
FLNG vessel. 

Papua IV and Aru PSCs in Eastern Indonesia  
a decision whether to drill a well will be made 
in 1H 2018 following extensive analysis of 
recent seismic data. In 2017, we drilled the 
Ayame-1X exploration well in Cote d’Ivoire.  
No moveable hydrocarbons were encountered, 
and the well was plugged and abandoned as 
a dry hole.

Overall, we anticipate that when the Fortuna 
FLNG project is on-stream in 2022, Ophir’s 
cash flow generation will support an active, 
exploration drilling programme. Prior to that, 
Ophir’s discretionary spend will be paced in 
order to preserve balance sheet capacity, 
prioritising the Fortuna FLNG project and the 
expansion of our Asian producing assets.

Exploration
Ophir has previously run a portfolio of four core 
operating countries and up to eight exploration 
countries. This exploration portfolio has now 
been reduced to concentrate our efforts and to 
better drive value. Accordingly, we exited seven 
deepwater PSCs: the DW2A PSC in Malaysia 
and the Mbeli, Ntsina, Nkouere, Nkawa, 
Manga and Gnondo PSCs in Gabon. At the 
start of 2018 we also took the decision to exit 
from Block 513 in Cote d’Ivoire.

We are presently concentrating our exploration 
into lower risk, infrastructure led activities and 
will limit our deepwater footprints to a subset 
of the existing portfolio. 

To this end, during 2017 we added new 
acreage in both Equatorial Guinea and 
Mexico. We formally signed the PSC for Block 
5 in Mexico, which was awarded in 2016 
where we have a 23.3% interest, with Murphy 
Oil the operator. This block is located around 
30 km north of, and in the same basin as, 
Block 7 where the Zama oil discovery occurred 
in July 2017. This was the first offshore bid 
round in Mexico since the government’s move 
to liberalise the energy sector and provide 

greater access for international companies. 
Block 5 is located within an under-explored, 
proven oil basin, and it was the most 
contested acreage in the bid round. We are 
interpreting the 3D data on this block ahead 
of expected drilling in 2019. 

Further to this, in a subsequent licensing 
round in early 2018 Ophir was awarded  
20% interests in the Block 10 and Block 12 
licences in the Ridges basin in Mexico. This 
provides Ophir with a leading position  
across multiple plays in a proven, but 
under-explored, hydrocarbon province.

Separately, we also agreed PSC terms for 
Block EG-24 in Equatorial Guinea. This licence 
is on trend with a number of producing oil 
fields and we are in the process of farming 
down this acreage. We will complete a 3D 
seismic survey in 2018. In Myanmar, we have 
agreed to broaden our footprint in 2018 
through a transaction with Chevron (subject 
to government approval) that will result in 
Ophir having a 42% interest in both blocks 
AD-03 and A-5. We will make a decision in  
1H 2018 as to whether to drill across the 
combined acreage position. In the West 

35

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report PerformanceSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportFINANCIAL REVIEW

Monetising our resources offers 
healthy returns at low risk

Summary
Ophir’s deployment of capital is driven by a 
focus on returns. Our overriding priority is to 
rapidly and safely monetise our substantial, low 
risk assets, along with the retained capacity to 
fund selective exploration in core geographies.

The principal financial challenge facing Ophir 
is to ensure that we preserve balance sheet 
strength and maintain sufficient liquidity until 
2022, when the Fortuna project should be on 
stream, leading to a step change in our cash 
flow. The focus for capital allocation until this  
point will be on monetising the approximate 
1 billion boe of discovered resource. 

Preserving our balance sheet strength was  
a priority in 2017 and as such we took steps 
to lowering the capital and operating cost 
base. Through staff and costs reductions, 
implemented predominantly in our London 
office, administration costs were reduced by 
$12 million per annum, which will take full 
effect in 2018. Overall, gross administration 
costs have been reduced by approximately 
60% since the start of 2015.

The Brent oil price averaged $55 per bbl in 
January 2017, weakening to an average of  
$47/bbl in June 2017 before recovering to  
an average of $64/bbl in December 2017.  
Whilst very difficult to predict, the outlook  
for commodity prices remains reasonably 
firm for 2018. 

Net sources of funds
Working interest production for 2017 
averaged 11,700 boepd for the year and 
generated net funds flow from production  
of $90 million (2016: $62 million)1.

Revenue from Bualuang totalled $169 million or 
$52 per bbl (2016: $107 million or $38 per bbl)2. 
Revenue from Kerendan totalled $19 million or 
$5.30 per Mscf 3.

In late 2017, Ophir implemented a commodity 
price hedging programme in respect of its 
2018 production. A Brent-swap was purchased 
at an average price of $59 per bbl and a call 
was purchased at an average price of $67 per 
bbl, both trades for 3,200 bopd. The hedge 
represents approximately 27% of forecast 
2018 production. Along with the hedge 
programme and an improved commodity 
price outlook for 2018, full year net funds  
flow is forecast at $90 million or $21 per boe.

Uses of funds
Ophir’s primary investments during  
2017 were:

 – Exploration: $41 million (2016: $76 million) 

comprising predominantly:

 – Cote d’Ivoire Block CI-513 – drilling 

exploration well ($13 million)

 – Mexico Block 5 – seismic data and 

interpretation ($9 million)

 – Indonesia West Papua IV and Aru  

blocks – seismic data and well  
planning ($7 million)

 – Malaysia PM322 – seismic acquisition  

($8 million)

 – Pre-development, development and 

production: $60 million (2016: $80 million) 
comprising predominantly:

 – Equatorial Guinea Fortuna – pre-FID costs 

($16 million)

 – Indonesia Kerendan – 3D seismic 

acquisition ($13 million)

 – Thailand Bualuang – drilling three infill 

wells ($31 million)

Of the $41 million expenditure in 2017, 
$21 million (2016: $6 million) was charged 
and written-off to the income statement in 
addition to a $55 million (2016: $94 million) 
write-off of prior year expenditure.

Net interest charges and finance costs 
amounted to $13 million (2016: $14 million)4 
against average gross debt of $153 million 
(2016: $230 million)5, giving rise to an 
average cost of debt of 9.9% for 2017 (2016: 
7.1%)6. This was higher than 2016 with the 
deleveraging that occurred in 2017 and the 
repayment of the cheaper reserves based 
lending facility. This however lowered the 
total cost of borrowings, whilst preserving 
liquidity, by reducing our negative cash 
carrying cost.

Overall, net uses of funds for 2017 totalled 
$126 million (2016: $183 million). Looking 
ahead, capital expenditure for 2018 is 
forecast at $150 million with capital currently 
allocated to the following activities:

 – Blocks 5,10 and 12, Mexico – seismic 

capture and interpretation ($15 million)

 – Kerendan, Indonesia – civil works and 
perforating water wells ($10 million)

Tony Rouse 
Chief Financial Officer

2017 saw a  
continuation of  
Ophir’s disciplined 
approach to  
capital allocation; 
prioritising resource 
monetisation.”

1 

 Net funds flow from production as contained within  
the table on page 37.

2  Bualuang revenue per bbl as defined on page 33.
3  Kerendan revenue per Mscf as defined on page 34.
4 

 Net interest and finance charges as contained within  
the table on page 37.
 Calculated as the weighted average cost of borrowings  
from 31 December 2016 – 31 December 2017.

5 

6  Calculated as interest payable over average gross debt.

36

Ophir Energy plcKey performance 
indicators

p20

NAV creation

2018 Guidance

Production 
11,500 boepd

Total net funds flow  
from production 
$90 million

Capital Expenditure 
$150 million

Closing gross liquidity 
$320 million

Sources and uses of funds summary

Total Production 
Bualuang

Kerendan

Sinphuhorm
Realised commodity prices
Realised oil price
Realised gas price (excluding Sinphuhorm)
Net sources of funds:
Revenue
Kerendan Take-or-Pay1
Cost of production  
(operating expenses, royalty and inventories)
Investment income
Current income tax charge
Net funds flow from production2
Net uses of funds:
Capital Expenditure (including pre-licence 
expenditure and additions to E&E and O&G)3
Corporate administration cost
Net interest charges  
(before capitalised interest)
Net uses of funds2
Financing cash flow and debt:
Closing net cash
Closing borrowings
Closing undrawn debt facilities
Closing liquidity  
(including undrawn debt facilities)

Units
Mboepd

Mboepd

Mboepd

Mboepd

$/bo
$/Mscf

$’millions
$’millions

$’millions
$’millions
$’millions
$’millions

$’millions
$’millions

$’millions
$’millions

$’millions
$’millions
$’millions

$’millions

FY 2016
10.8

FY 2017
11.7

FY 2018
Forecast
11.5

8.7

0.2

1.9

37.85
–

107.2
16.5

(42.7)
4.4
(23.7)
61.7

155.6
13.4

14.3
183.3

160.1
200.3
10.3

370.7

8.4

2.1

1.2

51.86
5.3

188.5
–

(70.0)
4.2
(32.6)
90.1

101.1
11.3

13.2
125.6

117.1
106.7
203.5

427.3

90.0

150.0

> 0

320.0

1    Kerendan Take-or-pay is the movement between the non-current – trade and other payables balance of $15.3m (2016:10.3m) 

2 

3 

against the current – trade and other payables balance, take of pay portion of $1.2m (2016: $6.2m).
 Net funds flow from production and net uses of funds have been presented to eliminate the effects of short-term working 
capital adjustments.
 Capex is adjusted to eliminate non-cash amounts for decommissioning for 2017 of $0.7 million (2016: $19.2 million) and 
capitalised interest for 2017 of nil (2016:8.7 million).

 – Bualuang, Thailand – three well infill  
drilling programme – ($40 million)

 – Fortuna, Equatorial Guinea – FID 

and investment into Joint Venture – 
($55 million)

Longer term, Ophir’s future financial work 
programme commitments to host 
governments beyond 2018 are limited  
to $27 million. 

Debt and net debt
2017 net funds outflow totalled $43 million 
(2016: $195 million) giving rise to year-end 
2017 net cash of $117 million (year-end  
2016: $160 million). 

During 2017, Ophir completed the refinance 
of its reserves based lending facility into a 
new seven-year, $250 million (plus accordion 
of $100 million), senior secured facility with a 
maturity of mid-2024. The available balance 
on the facility of $204 million remained 
undrawn at year-end 2017. Gross liquidity  
at year-end 2017 increased to $427 million 
from $371 million at year-end 2016. Ophir’s 
debt leverage thereby remains lowly levered 
against drawn debt with a full year 2017 
liquidity ratio (gross debt/EBITDAX) of 1.0 
and year-end gearing of 7% (gross debt / 
gross debt + equity).

The balance sheet therefore remains  
strong providing sufficient funds to meet  
the planned capital expenditure. Work on 
refinancing the outstanding $107 million 
Nordic bond commenced in late-2017 and  
is expected to complete in 2018, following FID 
of the Fortuna project. Ophir estimates that it 
will end 2018 in a net cash position with gross 
liquidity at year-end 2018 of $320 million 

The Directors have also considered the 
longer-term viability of the Company and 
based on their assessment (as fully detailed 
on page 26), they have a reasonable 
expectation that the Company will be able to 
continue in operation and meet its liabilities 
as they fall due over the period to end-2022.

37

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report PerformanceSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportCORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

Responsibility: Working with people, 
communities and the environment

Doing the right thing is fundamental to how 
we do business. This is because we are judged 
not just by our business achievements but also  
by the way we conduct ourselves. In practice,  
doing the right thing means we treat our  
people, partners and other stakeholders with 
respect and transparency; keep employees  
and contractors safe from harm; support and  
sustain the communities in which we operate; 
actively seek to create shared value; and work  
to minimise our environmental footprint.

Culture lies at the heart of responsible operations. Although we 
work across a number of geographies, shared values unite our 
team. We expect everyone who works with us to demonstrate 
these values in both words and actions whatever their role with 
us. This in turn protects our business operations and enhances 
our reputation, preserving our licence to operate and helping 
protect and grow NAV (Net Asset Value).

Continued

38

Ophir Energy plcDelivering shared  
value and embedding 
sustainability lies  
at the heart of  
our business.”
Dr Nick Cooper 
Chief Executive Officer

Embedding an ethical culture
As a condition of working with us, all Directors, 
employees, and contractors must work in 
accordance with our Code of Conduct and 
our related policies and procedures, including 
ethical conduct standards and our Global 
Anti-Corruption policy. However, we do not 
want these to just be words on a page.  
We work hard to embed the fundamental 
tenants of working responsibly by training our 
workforce in both why we insist on operating 
responsibly and ethically and how that should 
be done in a practical, day-to-day way.

This year, we have run a number of training 
programmes across our operations, led by a 
combination of our central corporate team 
and on-the-ground management to place 
our policies and procedures into the context 
of our employees’ working life with us. 

To better see how our people are meeting 
the expected standards of behaviour, we  
also introduced a new reporting framework 
to improve data collection, including leading 
indicators on ethical compliance such as 
anti-bribery, ‘maverick spends’, and creditor 
and counterparty risk. We discuss this in  
more detail in the report of the Board’s  
Audit Committee.

Complying with our expectations
Compliance registers are maintained across 
all assets and business functions covering 
government hostings, per diems paid to 
government officials and hospitality given  
to or received from third parties. Activities 
above certain financial thresholds require 
pre-approval before they can be performed.

Tailored due diligence is performed across  
a range of business activities covering the 
supply chain, CR and business development 
and M&A activities to enable Ophir to make 
informed decisions about who to contract 
with, who to do social investment work with, 
and who to partner with.

Report of the Corporate 
Responsibility Committee

p61

In our supply chain and third-party contracting, 
Ophir has an Intermediaries Standard and an 
Ethical Compliance Due Diligence Standard. 
Additionally, Ophir maintains an Intermediaries 
register to keep a record of and manage 
Intermediaries appointed by the Company. 
Our Social Investment Due Diligence Standard 
requires due diligence to be performed before 
Ophir allocates money to community 
development projects.

For global new ventures and M&A, there is  
a standalone due diligence process in place 
which applies before a decision is taken to 
farm-in to a new licence and/or contract  
with a new partner and to make a  
corporate acquisition.

We expect all staff to disclose any and all 
conflicts of interest, any personal connections 
which staff may have to people in government 
and to notify the General Counsel & Company 
Secretary of any exposure to corruption. 
Where any instance of a request to make a 
corrupt payment arises, staff are expected  
to immediately report.

This year, a Compliance Monitoring Plan was 
put in place to provide the Board with more 
clarity in relation to key corruption prevention 
activities. Its goal is to enable Ophir to 
understand where real corruption risk lies  
and to limit the Company’s exposure to it. 
The Governance Report provides more detail 
on the plan. 

Our people
As Nick Cooper outlines in his CEO review,  
this year has been a challenging time for  
our workforce: we reduced our head office 
and expatriate personnel by around 50%, 
representing 15% of our global workforce.  
In a vastly changed oil price environment 
from five years ago, this was a necessary  
step to help embed sustainability in our 
business. Change such as this is always 
difficult, however we made sure these 
workforce reductions were handled 
respectfully and appropriately.

Our focus now is to ensure our team are well 
motivated to achieve their individual targets 
(supported with an annual performance 
review) and are united in the common goal 
of executing Ophir’s overarching strategy. 

39

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report PerformanceSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportCORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY CONTINUED

Fundamentally, we wish to empower and 
support our people to make brave and 
transparent decisions to create shareholder 
value. Now that we have right-sized our 
business, retention is key. To meet this  
goal, we will continue to offer competitive 
remuneration and benefits packages, 
appropriate incentives, and embed a 
supportive, entrepreneurial culture where 
openness and inclusion can thrive. To help  
us achieve this goal, in 2017 we also 
conducted our biennial employee survey. 
Participation was 85%, up from 72% in  
2015, and there was an improvement in 
overall sentiment compared with 2015. 

This year, 30 high potential employees 
completed our bespoke leadership 
programme. Developed in collaboration  
with the London Business School, it helped 

them focus on innovation, collaboration and 
living our values. We look forward to seeing 
its positive impact in the years ahead and  
we intend to rollout a similar programme  
at other levels of the business in 2018.

We also introduced our Employee Value 
Proposition (EVP). Comprised of six core 
elements, it provides greater clarity around 
what our people can expect from Ophir  
as an employer. 

Working across the globe, it is important  
that we create and maintain a common 
culture. One way we are doing that, and in 
addition to common training and induction 
programmes across the business, is the 
introduction of a collaborative intranet 
solution to make it easier to bring our 
employees together.

Our Employee Value 
Proposition (EVP) helps 
deliver clarity and 
transparency in the 
relationship between  
Ophir and its workforce.”
Dina Taylor 
Director – HR

Diversity and inclusion
We embrace a culture of inclusivity and  
are committed to recognising that all our 
employees have different needs and 
aspirations. It is our firm belief that only by 
doing this will we achieve the best for our 
business and our people. Equally, we are also 
dedicated to encouraging inclusion and 
diversity at all levels of the business. A more 
diverse workforce, with the right mix of skills, 
experience, culture, ethnicity, nationality, 
gender and knowledge, can make our 
company stronger.

We are an equal opportunities employer  
and have a stated policy as part of our  
Code of Conduct to deal fairly and equitably 
with all of our employees in the workplace. 
We have a commitment to extend equal 
employment opportunities to all, irrespective 
of race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, 
gender reassignment status, religion or  
belief, age, nationality, ethnicity, marital  
or civil partnership status, pregnancy and  
maternity, or disability.

As at 31 December 2017 the Company has 
two female Directors representing 25% of the 
Board, 14% of the senior management team 
are female and throughout the Company, 
women represent 32% of our workforce. This 
is a reduction from last year, following the 
changes in our corporate headquarters –  
we hope to improve these percentages over 
the coming years.

Incentives

Diversity  
and equality

Internal 
communications

Employee 
Value 
Proposition

Leadership and  
mentoring

Work/life  
balance

Engagement

40

Ophir Energy plc 
Keeping our people and 
communities safe
All of our operations must be conducted in  
a manner that protects our employees and 
contractors from injuries, fatalities and 
illnesses, as well as having regard to the 
Health, Safety and Environment (‘HSE’) of 
our surrounding communities. This starts with 
ensuring we embed a consistent culture of 
responsibility across all of Ophir’s geographies 
and operations.

Our guiding philosophy is that everyone ‘owns’ 
HSE and the best approach is a combination 
of a ‘top down’ and ‘bottom up’ responsibility. 
An example of the latter is our ‘hazard/safety 
observation’ initiative where everyone, 
regardless of level, is empowered to stop  
work where an unsafe practice or condition  
is observed. An example of a top-down 
initiative is that at each monthly management 
meeting, management discusses ‘safety 
moments’ highlighting any issues or learnings 
that can be shared across the Company. By 
effectively combining these two approaches, 
we are working to secure a company-wide 
culture that makes health, safety and the 
environment a bedrock of all our activities.

A systemised approach
Our HSE Management System defines our 
approach to managing HSE across all of our 
facilities and activities. It provides practical 
guidance and procedures for all staff 
conducting operations or managing sites  
to achieve Ophir’s HSE objectives as an 
integrated part of our strategic goals.

Focus areas:

 – Training and procedures

 – Process safety

 – Personal safety

 – Performance measurement

Training and procedures
We provide relevant health, safety and 
environmental training to all employees  
and contractors. Key to the performance of 
our business and our standing is enhancing 
personal awareness of the potential hazards 
associated with an employee or contractor’s 
work. This is along with the control measures, 
including procedures necessary to minimise 
the risk of personal harm or loss and 
damage, whether to our assets or to  
the surrounding environment.

Rehearsing our oil spill responsiveness
At our Bualuang oil production facility, we conducted an incident management table top 
exercise on major oil spills. The exercise tested our ability to ensure in the event of a spill, 
we have the least possible impact on our asset, people, environment and reputation.

This year, we continued with activities to 
standardise procedures across all operations, 
with a particular focus on incident response 
management, permits to work and on-site 
inductions (which sets the expectations 
around HSE that we have for any new 
employee, contractor or visitor).

In 2017, we revised and updated  
the following procedures, supported 
with employee training:
 – Permit to Work

 – Task Risk Assessment (TRA)/Job  

Safety Analysis (JSA)

 – Isolations

 – Management of Change

 – Risk Management

 – Bronze and Silver Incident  

Management Handbooks (Indonesia, 
Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand)

Process safety
We structure our operations with safety  
in mind at all times. We plan all operations  
in the early design stage using engineering 
controls, fire and gas safety precautions,  
and by proper maintenance, asset 
integrity inspection and emergency 
shutdown programmes.

Personal safety
Our ability to meet the standards we have  
set for ourselves in HSE is strongest on the sites 
where we are operator. On these operations 
we set the tone and are able to embed our 
expected standards through the use of our 
management systems. At sites where we are 
not the operator, we seek to engage with our 
partners on HSE standards and best practices.

Our biggest challenge in 2017 was managing 
the 1000 plus people helping undertake our 
3D seismic survey at our Kerendan gas field 
development. We were pleased that in over 
seven million man hours worked, there were 
no recordable LTIs or fatalities. This success 
was also reflected in our Thailand operations, 
where this year we celebrated three years  
LTI free. We also had no recordable spills  
or releases.

We did experience thirty five near-miss 
incidents in 2017. Any high-potential 
near-miss is treated like an actual incident 
and we conduct investigations, determine 
root causes and create appropriate action 
items. We experienced eight high-potential 
near-miss incidents. All were investigated, 
and appropriate remedial actions  
were taken.

41

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report PerformanceSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportCORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY CONTINUED

Moving from lagging to  
leading indicators
This is the second year where we have 
incorporated leading indicators into our HSE 
performance tracking measurements, and 
they are assisting us to improve our routine 
operations and the quality of our job-specific 
risk assessments. To ensure all employees are 
engaged in ensuring safe operations and 
take an active role in protecting themselves, 
their colleagues and Ophir’s operations, we 
continued implementation of Hazard/Safety 
Observation Cards. We also developed an  
IT tool to support the Hazard/Safety 
Observation Cards, TRA/JSA and Incident 
Investigation Reports, and supported its 
rollout with training, data tracking and trend 
analysis. Furthermore, an Asset Integrity 
Observation (AIO) tool was launched which 
obliges employees to identify and report 
hardware related defects or conditions. Both 
new tools will provide additional leading 
indicator data to assist us in managing risk 
and refining our HSE performance. 

Fostering good HSE culture  
with leadership visibility
 – Understanding and recognising the 

value of each individual’s contribution  
to incident-free operations.

 – Sharing personal examples of safety 

learnings and observations from both  
on and off-the-job.

 – Never ignoring a suggestion to  

improve operations.

 – Making safety observations and 

participating in a Job Safety Analysis (JSA)/
Task Risk Assessment (TRA) or an incident 
investigation to determine root causes.

 – Conducting field visits, asking questions 

about safety, environmental and 
reliability conditions, and provide 
immediate pin-pointed feedback  
(both positive and constructive).

42

Our performance
Environmental responsibility
Our strategic and operational decisions are 
informed and guided by best international 
environmental practices for the energy  
and mining industries, in addition to local 
requirements and expectations.

We aim to maintain high standards of 
environmental protection and seek to  
avoid creating negative impacts on the 
environment and biodiversity. If they 
cannot be avoided, we take all reasonable 
steps to mitigate and/or remedy the 
negative environmental impacts  
associated with our activities.

Our environmental policies identify the 
potential impacts of exploration, drilling, 
development, production and processing  
at our operational sites, and identify  
doable and practical controls to mitigate 
such impacts. 

Waste and discharges
We now operate two producing assets,  
at Kerendan and Bualuang, and we aim to 
prevent and reduce discharges, emissions 
and waste capable of adversely affecting 
their surrounding environment, including 
the discharge of contaminants to surface 
and ground water. We accordingly closely 
monitor air emissions, waste generated, 
discharges and inadvertent releases. At 
Kerendan, we plan to drill water re-injection 
wells in 2018. Water re-injection removes 
the risks posed by above ground storage. 
We did have to undertake gas flaring at the 
facility due to fluctuating demand from our 
customer and to ensure safe operations.  
We are looking at solutions to avoid this, 
however any flaring is undertaken to both 
protect our people and is in the context  
that the gas we supply is displacing more 
carbon-intensive fuels.

Assessment and audit
We conduct environmental impact 
assessments and environmental  
monitoring studies, including risk 
assessment, risk mitigation and 
contingency planning and audits. We  
place a high value on regular reporting.

It is important that our surrounding 
communities understand how seriously we 
take environmental protection. At Bualuang, 
with our proposed addition of a new 
platform, we conducted a series of public 
participation events to gather community 
input, to inform, and to be transparent  
about our plans. The Thai Department of 
Minerals Fuels also conducted a successful 
audit of our waste management process  
at the Bualuang field.

Environmental impact assessment
This year, we submitted an environmental 
impact assessment to ONEP (Office of 
Natural Resources and Environmental Policy 
and Planning the environmental regulator) 
for the Phase IV development at Bualuang, 
Thailand. In the lead up to submission,  
we conducted over 10 public participation 
sessions with different groups of stakeholders, 
including focus-group meetings and 
one-on-one engagement.

We also completed a number of 
environmental assessments with regards  
to the Kerendan asset. An environmental 
assessment was completed for the onshore 
3D seismic survey in the Kerendan area, we 
monitored our activities closely and at the end 
of 2017 we commenced an environmental 
review of the project. In preparation for an 
increase in operational activity in 2018 at the 
West Bangkanai location, we completed an 
environmental base assessment that will 
provide a point of reference when evaluating 
the impact of our activity.

Environment results
 – We had zero significant spills or other loss  

of containment events.

 – At KGPF, we plan to drill water re-injection 

wells, which will come into use during 2018. 
All produced water at Bualuang continued 
to be re-injected.

 – Our Group-wide energy intensity – energy 
used per unit of production is in line with 
the average of E&P companies worldwide.

Environmental expenditure
Our expenditures on environmental matters 
in 2017 totalled US$0.9 million, compared to 
US$0.6 in 2016. This includes costs for waste 
disposal, environmental studies and other 
environmental management services.

Ophir Energy plcGroup-wide environmental Key Performance Indicators

Metric

2016

2017

Comments

Energy consumption (Gigajoules (GJ))

628,000 

1,045,257

Energy Intensity (GJ/mboe)

1.4

1.8

Emissions (tonnes of CO2e):

 –Direct (Scope 1)

 –Energy Indirect (Scope 2)

 –Other Indirect (Scope 3) 1

CO2 emissions intensity (tonnes CO2e per 
thousand tonnes oil equivalent production)

64,055

63,624

431

1,751

144

94,493

94,124

369

6,404

162

Energy consumption increased due to increase of activities including:
Bualuang and Cote d’Ivoire drilling, Kerendan 3D survey, Kerendan gas 
plant condensate evacuation and Malaysia 3D survey.

Value for E&P companies reporting to IOGP is 1.4 (2016). Increased value 
due to increased 2017 activities outlined above. 

Scope 1 and 2 emissions increased due to activities outlined above.
2016 Scope 2 emissions revised down by 75 units due to double counting 
energy consumption in Thai offices. 

Scope 3 is emissions from business air travel only.

Average value for E&P companies reporting to IOGP is 151 (2016). 
Increased value due to increased 2017 activities outlined above. 

Flaring (MMscf)

214

38

All flaring at KGPF due variation in customer demand.  
No continuous flaring.

Venting (MMscf)

15.9

15.4

At the Bualuang field, a small amount of gas is produced along  
with the oil. This gas is continuously vented to the atmosphere.

Water withdrawn for use (m3)

5,915

4,283

Kerendan operations only.

Waste (kg):

 –Hazardous

 –Non-hazardous

Oil and chemical spills

Oil and chemical spills –
released to the environment

Bualuang and Kerendan operations. Waste generation increased due to 
Bualuang and Cote d’Ivoire drilling, Kerendan and Malaysia 3D surveys.

20,539

24,890

69,343

1,378,645

None

None

< 1 boe

Two cases of incidental spills to secondary containment.

None

Loss of containment events

None

None

Produced water discharged (tonnes)

No produced
water 
discharged

No produced 
water 
discharged 

All water at the Bualuang field is re-injected into the reservoir;  
produced water at KGPF is being stored for future re-injection,  
anticipated to commence 2018.

1  Not counted in the total GHG emissions of 69,378 tonnes.

We had no fines or non-monetary sanctions 
for non-compliance with environmental laws 
and regulations, and no grievances about 
environmental impacts filed through formal 
grievance mechanisms.

Climate change
Ophir recognises the scientific consensus  
that greenhouse gas emissions are driving 
man-made climate change. Achieving the 
internationally agreed target of limiting 
global mean temperature rise to well below 
2°C above pre-industrial levels will require 
significant and sustained reductions in  
these emissions.

The global changes required to achieve this  
2°C goal will impact the oil and gas industry 
significantly. At Ophir, we are deepening our 
understanding of the implications of the climate 
change debate and international agreements 
for our business, and what actions we may take 
across a range of areas including our core 
business strategy, our operational emissions and 
our interactions with stakeholders. In 2017, the 
Board reviewed its approach to tracking trends 
to provide commercial foresight on how quickly 
the world is moving toward decarbonisation. 
Climate change and the implications for 
Ophir will continue to remain on the Board’s 
strategic agenda.

As the world transitions to a lower carbon 
future, natural gas will play an important 
role as a bridging fuel to this future, replacing 
higher carbon-emitting fuels. With Kerendan 
and our plans for Fortuna FLNG, we will help 
contribute to this lower carbon future.

With respect to our greenhouse gas 
emissions, we report Scope 1 and 2  
and certain Scope 3 emissions. Scope 1 
emissions are those over which Ophir has 
direct control; Scope 2 emissions are 
indirect energy emissions from electricity 
we purchase for offices and logistics bases; 
the Scope 3 emissions we report are a result 
of passenger air miles from business flights.

43

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report PerformanceSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportCORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY CONTINUED

Human rights
We respect and promote human rights – 
internally and externally. We are therefore 
committed to maintaining fair and equal 
treatment of all of our employees and 
contractors, without discrimination. 
Supported by our due diligence processes,  
we also encourage our joint ventures, 
partners, suppliers and contractors to do  
the same. We comply with all applicable 
human rights laws and regulations and  
use the UN Guiding Principles of Business 
and Human Rights for guidance.

Our communities
Supporting and sustaining the communities 
in which we operate is fundamental to our 
success and our commitment to being  
a sustainable business. Our work in the 
community is based on establishing 
partnerships to identify and meet 
community needs and ensure open and 
transparent dialogue in relation to our  
current operations and future plans.

Wherever we operate, we aim to link our 
investments to a local area’s needs and 
development priorities, as well as our own 
competencies and strengths as a business.  
Our focus is on the sustainability of our 
investments so that they make a real and 
lasting difference to communities in the long 
term with the ultimate aim that they will have 
in place self-sustaining livelihood programmes. 
Currently, the biggest impact we can have is  
at our two operating assets at Kerendan, 
Indonesia and Bualuang, Thailand. 

Three core focus areas drive our activities:

 – Education

 – Community wellbeing (including  

through economic improvement and  
health initiatives)

 – Environmental sustainability

The identification of these focus areas has 
been informed by our engagement with  
the local community in both Thailand and 
Indonesia and we outline below the steps  
we have taken in each of these regions.

Thailand
Our 100% owned and operated Bualuang  
oil field in the Gulf of Thailand has been 
on-stream since 2008. The communities  
that are most impacted by our presence  
are a combination of fishing communities 
and the tourism business.

To understand and respond to community 
needs and concerns we have had permanent 
CSR representatives on-site. Our overarching 
approach is to assist the communities to  
make their own decisions on their needs, rather 
than a ‘top-down’ approach, with the aim that 
we work together to create sustainable 
livelihoods. To this end, in 2016 we concluded  
a three-year Asian Green Mussel Project 
sponsorship in Chumphon province. Now in  
its fourth year and run entirely by the local 
community, it is proving itself to be both 
self-sustaining and offering the opportunity  
of generating additional income that can be 
reinvested. From the learnings of this project, 
we are now supporting a new crab bank 

programme, with the aim of increasing the 
crab survival rate to enable a sustainable  
food resource and future income source.

For senior school students, we have 
continued with our Ordinary National 
Education Test tutorial programme, which 
annually supports 1500 rural students on 
their journey to tertiary education. In the 
absence of this programme, similar courses  
in major cities would be unaffordable to 
most, limiting their educational opportunities.

Student engagement
In 2017, as part of our community outreach 
programme, Ophir conducted a public lecture 
titled ‘Basic Petroleum knowledge and 
Petroleum Business in Thailand’. Delivered  
to 200 undergraduate students in the  
Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut’s 
Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) 
– Chumphon Campus, this was a first of its 
kind lecture in the region.

Indonesia
Our Kerendan gas field project is in an 
isolated area in central Kalimantan. Since 
2014, we have been working with local 
villages and government authorities to  
create shared value and sustainable 
livelihoods, as well as addressing key  
health needs – a priority due to the 
remoteness of the communities.

Since 2014, with our annual raptor bird 
migration observation programme  
we have worked to combine education 
with environmental awareness. This is  
a great opportunity for primary  
school children to both learn about  
the particular species, and understand  
the importance of habitat protection  
at a world-class bird migration  
watching site.

44

Ophir Energy plcWe have worked hard to ensure the local 
communities benefit from our presence. This 
ranges from practical advice on agricultural 
husbandry through to provision of basic 
needs such as clean water. We are conscious 
however, that to be truly beneficial we must 
help the communities create sustainable 
businesses that can continue independently 
of our own projects, as well as meet more 
short-term, immediate needs. To this end,  
we continued with our support of organic 
vegetable harvesting and assisting in 
increasing their yields as a valuable source  
of food and income. We are also exploring 
the possibility of medicinal herb harvesting 
and sales. Together, we took some first steps 
in exploring the production of value added 
herbal products, in addition to selling 
unprocessed herbs, ‘Dayak Onion’ along  
with other herbs such as red ginger and 
‘Tongkat Ali’, which is unique to the area.  
We are working on possible commercialisation 
in 2018, which will include support and 
guidance from the local government notably 
from relevant agencies such as micro-business 
agency to establish a formal commercial 
entity (cooperatives) and Health Agency  
to help with the distribution permit.

In addition to livelihoods, we also have worked 
to find a solution to relatively high maternal 
and infant mortality, which is linked to the 
remoteness of the area and the lack of access 
to health care. We therefore supported the 
development of a ‘health cadre’; local women 
trained in basic midwifery skills along with 
supplying relevant equipment. There are  
now some dozen trained women, available  
to assist in both birth and antenatal care. 

We want to build on all this experience over 
the coming two to four years and are liaising 
with health, transport and educational 
agencies to more effectively leverage the 
benefits of our presence and the industry  
we bring to the region, including electricity 
generation. We will discuss the results of 
these efforts over the coming years.

This Strategic report was approved  
by the Board and signed on its behalf

Dr Nick Cooper 
Chief Executive Officer 
6 March 2018

Creating Shared Value –  
The Bright Tomorrow

Ophir has chosen to support The Bright 
Tomorrow (‘TBT’) charity which is focused 
on the improvement of education for 
disadvantaged children, to empower  
them to achieve their full potential. 

Currently TBT is engaged in activities  
at Llilungu School in Mtwara Provence, 
Tanzania. Ophir has previously invested  
in the school as one of its CSR projects  
in Tanzania; the efforts were focused on 
improving the physical environment and 
infrastructure. To continue to support the 
school Ophir decided to work with TBT, 

who’s focus is on improving the educational 
provision. The charity has since worked with 
the school to improve teaching methods 
and help develop lesson structures and the 
curriculum. With the Headmistress and the 
staff at the school the charity is helping 
support the teachers’ advancement of 
Continued Personal Development. The 
most recent set of national test results  
at the school have been impressive, rising 
from 38% to 75%. Ophir has an ongoing 
commitment to support this work and help 
build on the initial success of the project.

45

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic report PerformanceSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportCORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

Letter from  
the Chairman

Bill Schrader 
Chairman

It is only by being well governed  
that we can effectively de-risk our  
business and capture value in what  
is a rapidly changing world, where  
many decades-old assumptions are  
being challenged.”

UK Corporate Governance Code 
The UK Corporate Governance Code 2016 (the ‘Code’) applies to the  
year under review. A copy of the Code can be found at www.frc.org.uk. This 
report, which incorporates reports from the Audit, Corporate Responsibility, 
Nomination, and Technical and Reserves Committees on pages 56 to 67 
together with the Remuneration report on pages 70 to 87 and the 
Directors’ Report on pages 68 and 69 describes how the Company has 
applied the relevant principles of the Code. The Board, along with its own 
assessment of compliance with the Code, therefore concludes that during 
the year the Company has fully complied with all provisions of the Code. 

46

Dear Shareholder, 
I would like to welcome you to Ophir’s Corporate Governance  
report for 2017. 

Before I discuss our approach to governance and the activities of  
your Board and its Committees, I would like to take this opportunity  
to reflect more broadly on our operating environment.

If there is one thing 2017 has reinforced, it is that uncertainty is 
currently, and in truth has always been, an inescapable reality. With 
the coming ramifications of Brexit still unknown, the challenge to the 
orthodoxy of globalisation’s positive benefits, the ongoing reality of 
climate change, and the rapid evolution of global transport, 2017 
truly illustrated the importance of businesses in our industry being 
well run, well resourced, efficient, and robust. It is my belief that this 
year, Ophir met these requirements. It is only by being well governed 
that we can effectively de-risk our business and capture value in what 
is a rapidly changing world, where many decades-old assumptions are 
being challenged. 

This year, your Board reviewed the evolution of Company strategy to 
focus on monetising Ophir’s approximate net 1 billion boe of contingent 
resources and safely and effectively extracting sustainable value from 
its producing assets. This entailed the Company progressively moving 
from being an equity funded, higher risk frontier explorer to an operator 
of cash-generative assets.

In line with the monetisation strategy and securing margin growth, 
management was required to take some difficult but important 
decisions around staffing. This is never easy, but I would like to 
commend all staff for the professional and responsible way they 
addressed this task. Your Board was particularly focused on ensuring 
that the reductions in staff and other reductions in G&A spending did 
not put at risk Ophir’s ability to execute the slate of value-enhancing 
projects that are planned for the next four years. In addition, we sought 
to ensure that this process of right-sizing did not dilute the effectiveness 
of the Company’s HSSE, governance and internal controls, and retained 
the Company’s ability for appropriate succession. 

Along with Ophir’s human resources, the Board also focused on the 
assessment and evaluation of progress towards a final investment 
decision (FID) of the Fortuna project and the additional development 
projects at Bualuang and Kerendan. To this end, the new Technical and 
Reserves Committee (discussed below) convened in Bangkok to meet 
senior management responsible for Bualuang, currently our most 
cash-generative asset. In addition to reviewing project planning and 
execution, the Board also sought reassurance on the Company’s overall 
balance sheet position, liquidity, financing, and spending discipline 
across these three major projects. The Board also continued to inform 
itself of the Company’s risk environment including close monitoring of 
in-country political uncertainty. In addition, with increased production, 
the Board monitored whether Ophir’s HSSE approach was appropriately 
evolving to reflect this change in business activity.

During 2018, the Board expects these areas of focus to remain  
broadly similar.

Ophir Energy plcGovernance philosophy 
Critical to sustaining business performance and shareholder trust  
is the careful and prudent management of the business. Strong 
corporate governance is key to achieving this, which means governance 
activities undertaken in a structured, transparent manner and in an 
atmosphere that embraces challenge and avoids group-think. I believe 
your Board and its Committees meet these benchmarks.

Board composition
After appointing two new Non-Executive Directors in 2016, no new 
appointments were made in 2017. Indeed, the Board became eight 
members rather than the previous nine with the departure of Dr Bill 
Higgs on 7 August 2017. This resulted in a reduction of Executive 
Directors from three to two. In line with the right-sizing of the 
business, neither a replacement Chief Operating Officer (COO) nor an 
additional Director has been recruited, although Oliver Quinn, Director 
– Exploration & Africa, and John Bell, Director – Asia Operations, have 
taken up additional responsibilities previously undertaken by the COO.

As previously reported, Carol Bell has been appointed as Senior 
Independent Director with effect from 31st March 2017, the date at 
which Ron Blakely (former SID) stepped down from the Board. For her 
services as Senior Independent Director, the Board approved that  
Dr Bell be paid an additional amount of £5,000 per annum. 

As we look forward, a number of Directors will reach six-year terms in 2019. 
We are focused on appropriate succession planning, in line with accepted 
good practice, including the importance of progressive refreshing and 
seeking new members that reflect the diversity of our geographic presence.

Committee composition
On 10 February 2017, David Davies, independent Non-Executive 
Director, was appointed as an additional member of the Remuneration 
Committee. It was felt that as the Chairman of the Audit Committee 
he would bring a useful insight and would be beneficial in joining up 
the work of the Committees in relation to Company and Executive 
performance, and in the event of an award grant under the NAV 
scheme (Long-Term Value Creation Plan).

In March 2017, the Technical Advisory Committee became the Technical 
and Reserves Committee, and as a result it moved from an advisory 
Committee to a full Sub-Committee of the Board. This resulted in the 
Board agreeing new terms of reference for the Committee. This change 
is principally as a result of the Company’s increased production and 
reserves. The Committee has taken additional responsibility for reviewing 
the Company’s Asian development and production assets, in particular 
the Bualuang Phase IV and Kerendan gas development projects.

Bill Higgs stepped down from the Technical and Reserves Committee 
upon his departure from the Board and ceased to be a key contributor 
in September 2017 when he left the Company. No Committee 
replacement was made; however, as I have noted above, increased 
responsibility has been placed on the two key contributors: 
Oliver Quinn, Director – Exploration & Africa, and John Bell,  
Director – Asia Operations.

How we apply the principles of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2016

Board effectiveness
Having undertaken an external Board evaluation in 2015, the Board 
chose to conduct an internal review of its effectiveness in 2016, and 
again in 2017. The Board will undergo an externally facilitated Board 
and Committees evaluation in 2018 to meet the requirement for 
external evaluation every three years. 

Following the results of the Board evaluation in 2016, the Company 
provided a more detailed training programme for Non-Executive 
Directors. Three sets of facilitators were engaged: EY LLP, Korn Ferry  
and EMEA Energy, and Linklaters. 

EY addressed changes in accounting standards and applicable 
legislation; future proofing governance reporting, including narrative 
reporting and the FRC’s wider aims to improve reporting using a 
stakeholder lens. Together, Korn Ferry and EMEA Energy presented The 
Effective Board – The Journey, which showed the various stages of the 
development of a board and the considerations of where Ophir sits on 
that journey; the importance of board diversity and its role in adding  
to board effectiveness and the avoidance of ‘group-think’. Linklaters’ 
training addressed corporate governance reforms; market abuse 
regulations; and creating an effective compliance programme. 

Schedule of Reserved Matters for the Board
In 2017, the Schedule of Reserved Matters for the Board was reviewed 
to ensure continuing adherence to best practice, updated to include  
a minor change to allow for Foreign Exchange hedging within 
parameters, and approved by the Board. 

Board Committees
The Board Committees are charged with carrying out those actions 
which the Board has chosen to delegate. I am satisfied that the Board 
Committees carry out these responsibilities effectively. An overview  
of the Board’s governance framework is set out in this Report. 
Recommendations identified following the Board and Committee 
effectiveness reviews have helped to ensure that the Committees are 
able to discharge their responsibilities on behalf of the Board. In 2017, 
the Terms of Reference for each of our Board Committees were 
reviewed, updated, and approved by the Board.

Shareholder communication
As noted in last year’s report, the Board recognises the importance  
of establishing and maintaining good relations with all the Company’s 
shareholders. Nick Cooper, the Chief Executive Officer, continues to be 
primarily responsible for investor relations, supported by the Executive 
Directors, senior management and the Investor Relations function.  
In 2017, over 200 investor meetings were hosted during the year in 
Europe, Africa and North America. Additionally the Chairman and 
Senior Independent Director held a number of meetings with top 
shareholders, primarily to discuss corporate governance matters.

Bill Schrader 
Chairman 
6 March 2018

Section of the code

Leadership

Effectiveness

Accountability

Remuneration

Relations with 
shareholders

Further information

A company must be led by an effective Board responsible for the success of the Company, in the near and long term. Such a 
Board will have clear divisions of responsibility between Company governance and business execution. 

Board leadership,  
page 48 to 52

The established Board will have the relevant level of, and the appropriate balance of, skills in order to suitably steer the Company. 
This is underscored by rigorous procedures regarding the appointment of new, and the re-appointment of existing, Directors.

Board effectiveness,
pages 53 to 55

At all times, the Board must present a fair, balanced and understandable evaluation of the Company’s standing and future 
prospects. Such future prospects are considered against risks that the Company is or may face moving forward; it is the Board’s 
responsibility to ensure effective and appropriate risk management procedures are in place. 

Strategic report,  
pages 1 to 45

While it is necessary for levels of remuneration to attract, retain and motivate Directors of sufficient quality, at no point should  
the Company allocate more than is necessary. Where possible, remuneration should be linked to performance and, at all times, 
established through formal and transparent procedures. No one Director is involved in his or her own remuneration. 

Directors’ Remuneration  
report, pages 70 to 87

The Board is responsible for ensuring a clear, coherent and regular dialogue with shareholders at all times.

Relations with 
shareholders, page 55

47

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportCORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

Board of Directors

William (Bill) Schrader 
Chairman of the Board

Appointed: As Non-Executive 
Director in 2013 and as Chairman 
in 2016

Committee membership:

Dr Nicholas (Nick) Cooper 
Executive Director  
& Chief Executive Officer

Appointed: 2011

Committee membership: 

Experience 
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. He is the non-executive 
Chairman of Bahamas Petroleum 
Company plc and Non-Executive 
Director of the Hess Corporation. 

Bill holds a BSc in Chemical 
Engineering from the University  
of Cincinnati and an MBA from  
the University of Houston. 
Throughout his career he has  
been commended for his strong 
leadership qualities, strategic 
vision and capability in managing 
complex operating and 
government relationships.

Experience 
Dr Nick Cooper was Chief Financial 
Officer and co-founder of 
Salamander Energy plc. Nick 
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. In September 
2014 Nick was appointed as 
Non-Executive Director of Siccar 
Point Energy Limited. Nick has  
a BSc and PhD in Geophysical 
Sciences and an MBA from INSEAD.

Anthony (Tony) Rouse 
Executive Director &  
Chief Financial Officer

Appointed: As Director of Finance 
in 2014 and as Executive Director  
in 2016

Dr Carol Bell 
Independent Non-Executive 
Director

Appointed: 2015

Committee membership:

Experience  
Tony Rouse has over 30 years’ 
experience in the upstream oil and 
gas industry including 13 years of 
assignments in Europe, Africa,  
Asia and South America. 

Tony started his career with BP, 
before moving to LASMO plc, Premier 
Oil and most recently Salamander 
Energy where he was Group Financial 
Controller for nine years. Tony is a 
Fellow of the Chartered Certified 
Accountants (FCCA).

Experience 
Dr Carol Bell was appointed as a 
Non-Executive Director in March 
2015 and as Senior Independent 
Director on 31 March 2017. Carol 
has over 30 years of experience in 
the energy industry having 
enjoyed a successful career in the 
City of London culminating in the 
role of Managing Director of 
Chase Manhattan Bank’s Global 
Oil & Gas Group. Carol currently 
sits on the Boards at Petroleum 

Geo-Services ASA, Bonheur ASA, 
Tharisa plc, and the Development 
Bank of Wales, the venture capital 
arm of the Welsh Government. She 
is also a Non-Executive Director  
of the BlackRock Commodities 
Income Investment Trust plc. Carol 
holds an MA in Natural Sciences 
from the University of Cambridge 
and a PhD in Archaeology from 
University College London. 

Board diversity  
Board appointments are made on a merit basis and  measured against 
objective criteria. Generally, we  strive to attract a broad mix of individuals  
in order to  create a diverse workgroup to support our culture.

 Female 

 Male   

2

6

Board experience 
We review Board composition 
regularly to ensure  that the range 
and breadth of skills provided 
as a result of Director appointments 
remains appropriate for  our business. 
Our Board has expertise and skills in 
the following areas:

•  Geology 
•  Engineering
•  Finance 
•  Legal 
•  HR  

48

Ophir Energy plc 
 
Key 

Audit Committee

Remuneration Committee

Corporate Responsibility  
Committee

Technical and Reserves 
Committee

Nomination Committee

Committee Chairman

Alan Booth 
Independent Non-Executive 
Director

Appointed: 2013

Committee membership:

David Davies 
Independent Non-Executive 
Director

Appointed: 2016

Committee membership:

Experience 
Alan Booth has 30 years’ 
experience in oil and 
gas exploration at Amerada Hess, 
Oryx Energy and Encana. Most 
recently Alan was Founder and 
CEO of EnCore Oil plc and is now 
the Founder and Director of 
EnCounter Oil Ltd. Alan 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).

Experience 
David Davies has over 35 years  
of experience as a financial 
professional having enjoyed a 
successful career as the Chief 
Financial Officer and Deputy 
Chairman of the Executive Board 
at OMV Aktiengesellschaft as  
well as serving as Group Finance 
Director for both Morgan Crucible 
Company plc and London 
International Group plc. David 

currently sits on the Boards at 
Wienerberger AG and Uniper SE.  
He is a member of the Senior 
Advisory Board at First Alpha 
Energy Capital LLP and will join  
the Board of Petrofac Plc as 
Non-Executive Director at their 
AGM in May 2018. David is a 
Chartered Accountant with a 
BA(Hons) in Economics from the 
University of Liverpool and an MBA 
from the Cass Business School.

Vivien Gibney 
Independent Non-Executive 
Director

Appointed: 2013

Committee membership:

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.

Dr Carl Trowell 
Independent Non-Executive 
Director

Appointed: 2016

Committee membership:

Experience 
Dr Carl Trowell has been the 
President and Chief Executive 
Officer of Ensco plc since June 2014. 
Prior to joining Ensco, Carl was 
President of Schlumberger 
Integrated Project Management 
(IPM) and Schlumberger Production 
Management (SPM) businesses 
that provide oil and gas project 
solutions from rig and field 
management, to well construction, 
and production. He was promoted 

to this role after serving as President 
– Schlumberger WesternGeco Ltd 
where he managed more than 
6,500 employees with operations  
in 55 countries. Carl began his 
professional career as a petroleum 
engineer with Shell before joining 
Schlumberger. Carl holds a BSc in 
Geology from Imperial College 
London, a PhD in Earth Sciences 
from the University of Cambridge 
and a MBA from the Open University.

Experience 
Vivien Gibney 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 

Other officers of the Company

Board departures during the reporting period

Philip Laing 
General Counsel &  
Company Secretary

Appointed: As Company  
Secretary in 2016

Philip Laing joined Ophir in March 
2015. Philip previously enjoyed an 
18-year career with BG Group in a 
variety of legal and management 
roles. The majority of his oil and gas 
experience has been gained living and 
working in Africa and Asia. Philip is an 
English qualified lawyer with an MA 
from Cambridge University.

Ronald (Ron) Blakely 
Non-Executive Director

William (Bill) Higgs  
Executive Director

Appointed: 2011

Appointed: 2014

Retired: 31 March 2017

Departed: 7 August 2017

49

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance report 
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

Leadership

Responsibilities of the Board

Role of the Chairman
The Chairman is responsible for the leadership of 
the Board, setting the agenda for the Board, with 
the CEO and General Counsel & Company Secretary, 
and ensuring an effective decision-making process.

Chief Executive Officer
The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for 
managing the day-to-day business of the  
Company, developing strategy with the Board,  
and leading the senior management team.

Board activities

Active role in ensuring the Company restructuring did not put 
at risk Ophir’s ability to deliver against its strategy or dilute the 
effectiveness of its safety and risk management functions.

Approval of expansion into third geographical region through 
the new country entry of Mexico. 

Assessment and evaluation of additional development projects 
at Bualuang and Kerendan and approval of commencement of 
Phase IV development in Bualuang oil field.

Approval of entry into a new US$250 million RBL facility.

Detailed review of the Company’s HSSE framework and 
broader risk environment across the countries we operate in. 

Approval of the award of upstream construction contracts for 
the Fortuna FLNG Project to Subsea Integration Alliance and 
the award for Fortuna FLNG offtake to Gunvor Group.

Board composition 
The Board believes that its current composition  and its size is  
appropriate for the Company’s  ongoing requirements. 

 Non-Executive Chairman 

 Executive Director 

 Independent Non-Executive Director       

1

2

5

50

The Board is collectively responsible to shareholders for the continuing 
long-term success of the Company. The Board provides effective 
leadership and is responsible for the overall conduct of the business 
including establishing the values, standards and strategic objectives 
of the Company, providing oversight and review of its performance, 
and maintaining a successful dialogue with shareholders. Either 
directly or through the operation of its Committees the Board brings 
an independent judgement on all matters of strategy, performance, 
risk management, resources, standards of conduct and accountability. 

The Board has adopted a formal schedule of matters reserved for its 
approval. The Board undertook a review of this schedule of reserved 
matters in November 2017 as part of its annual review process. The 
Board concluded that the only update required was a minor change 
to allow for Foreign Exchange hedging by the Chief Financial Officer, 
within materiality parameters set by the Board. A full copy of the 
schedule of reserved matters is available on the Company’s website  
at www.ophir-energy.com/about-us/corporate-governance.

The Board has delegated other specific responsibilities to the 
Committees of the Board, each of which has clear written Terms  
of Reference. The Terms of Reference for the Audit, Remuneration, 
Corporate Responsibility, Nomination, and Technical and  
Reserves Committees are available on the Company’s website at  
www.ophir-energy.com/about-us/board-committees. 

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.

Role of the Chairman
The Chairman is responsible for the leadership and effective running 
of the Board as well as for ensuring that it plays a full and constructive 
part in the development and determination of the Company’s 
strategy. Bill Schrader, the current Chairman, was considered to be 
independent in character and judgement on his appointment.

Together with the Chief Executive Officer and the General Counsel 
& 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.

In fulfilling his role the Chairman:

 – cultivates a boardroom culture of honesty and openness which 

encourages appropriate debate and challenge amongst the Board;

 – ensures that the Board and its Committees operate in a way that 

conforms to the expected high standards of corporate governance;

 – sets the style and tone of Board discussions, promotes constructive 

debate and ensures an accurate, timely and clear flow of 
information to the Directors;

 – leads the Nomination Committee in the appointment of an 

effective and complementary Board, reviews succession planning 
and evaluates the performance of the Board, its Committees 
and individual Directors. The Committee’s remit has been expanded 
during the course of the year to broaden its duties in relation to 
succession planning. This involves looking at senior management 

Ophir Energy plcCorporate governance framework 

The Board has a coherent corporate governance framework 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 
Non-Executive Chairman, two Executive Directors 
and five independent Non-Executive Directors

Audit Committee 

Remuneration 
Committee 

Nomination Committee 

Technical and  
Reserves Committee 

Corporate Responsibility 
Committee 

Members
Chairman: David Davies
Carol Bell
Alan Booth

Members
Chairman: Vivien Gibney
Bill Schrader
Alan Booth
David Davies

Main Responsibilities 
include monitoring the 
integrity of the financial 
statements of the 
Company and reviewing 
the adequacy and 
effectiveness of internal 
control and risk 
management systems.

Main Responsibilities
are determining and 
agreeing with the Board 
the remuneration 
framework for the 
Chairman, the Executive 
Directors and the 
Company Secretary and 
recommending and 
monitoring reward of the 
Senior Management Team.

Members
Chairman: Bill Schrader
Nicholas Cooper
Carol Bell
Vivien Gibney
Carl Trowell

Main Responsibilities
are regularly reviewing 
structure, size and 
composition of the Board 
and identifying and 
nominating candidates to 
fill Board vacancies, and 
monitoring senior 
management regarding 
succession planning and 
development.

Members
Chairman: Alan Booth
Nicholas Cooper
Bill Schrader
Carl Trowell

Main Responsibilities 
are advising the Board  
on technical aspects of 
operational business 
proposals and their 
potential risks and 
ensuring that they are 
consistent with the 
Company strategy.

Members
Chairman: Carol Bell
Bill Schrader
Alan Booth
Vivien Gibney
Carl Trowell

Main Responsibilities 
are evaluating the 
effectiveness of the 
Group’s Corporate 
Responsibility policies  
and systems as well as 
social, charitable and 
educational community 
projects across the 
Company’s operations.

 Go to page 56

 Go to page 70

 Go to page 63

 Go to page 66

 Go to page 61

Senior Management Team

and key roles within the Company to provide the Committee with  
a broader view in relation to managing appointments and the 
development of personnel;

 – fosters effective Board relationships between the Executive and 

Non-Executive members, supports and advises the Chief Executive 
Officer generally and in the implementation of agreed strategy; and

 – ensures 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 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. Underpinning this, the Chief Executive 
Officer is supported by the Senior Management Team (SMT) consisting 
of the Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel & Company Secretary, 
in addition to other senior members of the Company. 

In fulfilling his role the Chief Executive Officer:

 – proposes, develops and supervises the Company’s strategy and 

overall commercial objectives and ensures that agreed strategies 
are implemented by the SMT;

 – builds and develops an appropriate organisational structure for the 

Company, establishes processes and systems and plans resourcing to 
ensure that the Company has the capability to achieve its aims;

 – leads the SMT, including undertaking appraisals, reviewing development 
needs and making recommendations to the Remuneration Committee 
with regard to remuneration where appropriate;

 – promotes and conducts the affairs of the Company with the highest 

standards of integrity, probity and corporate governance; and

 – progresses the Company’s communication programme and ensures 

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

51

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance report 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

Non-Executive Directors
The 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. 

Senior Independent Director
Dr Carol Bell is the Senior Independent Director and was appointed 
with effect from 31 March 2017, having previously served as a 
Non-Executive Director since March 2015. Ronald Blakely served  
as Senior Independent Director until his resignation as a Director  
on 31 March 2017. 

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 been, 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.

Board activity
Key areas of focus for the Board in 2017 included:

 – strategy;

 – financial performance and budget approval;

 – assessment and evaluation of production assets;

 – risk reviews and assessment;

 – prospective acquisitions and new business development;

 – review and monitoring project developments; 

 – governance and Board performance;

 – investor feedback and communication; 

 – Corporate Responsibility, including health and safety, 

security, environmental and community related projects;

 – legal and regulatory compliance; and

 – employee engagement and employee value proposition.

During 2018, the Board expects these areas of focus to  
remain broadly similar. 

The Board considers that all its Non-Executive Directors at year-
end, namely Bill Schrader, Carol Bell, Alan Booth, Vivien Gibney,  
David Davies and Carl Trowell, were independent in character and 
judgement and free from relationships or circumstances that might 
affect their judgement. Throughout 2017 and up to the date of 
publication of this report, a majority of the Board members,  
excluding the Chairman, were independent Non-Executive Directors.

Non-Executive Directors are appointed for an initial three-year 
term, although subject to annual re-election at the Annual General 
Meeting (AGM) 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 Non-Executive Director should  
be recommended for re-appointment 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-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. 

Bill Schrader 
Date of appointment:
Tenure from appointment to 2018 AGM:
Considered to be independent: 

Dr Carol Bell  
Date of appointment: 
Tenure from appointment to 2018 AGM: 
Considered to be independent: 

Alan Booth  
Date of appointment: 
Tenure from appointment to 2018 AGM: 
Considered to be independent: 

David Davies  
Date of appointment: 
Tenure from appointment to 2018 AGM: 
Considered to be independent: 

Vivien Gibney  
Date of appointment: 
Tenure from appointment to 2018 AGM: 
Considered to be independent: 

Dr Carl Trowell  
Date of appointment:
Tenure from appointment to 2018 AGM: 
Considered to be independent: 

52

February 2013
Less than 6 years
Yes

March 2015 
Less than 4 years
Yes

April 2013 
Less than 6 years
Yes

August 2016
Less than 2 years
Yes

August 2013 
Less than 5 years
Yes

August 2016 
Less than 2 years
Yes 

Ophir Energy plcEffectiveness

Board composition
At 31 December 2017 the Board was composed of the Chairman,  
two Executive Directors and five independent Non-Executive 
Directors. The following changes to the Board took place during 
the year ended 31 December 2017 and up to the date of this report:

 – 7 August 2017: Dr Bill Higgs stepped down from the Board  

as an Executive Director.

 – 31 March 2017: Ron Blakely stepped down as the Senior 

Independent Director and retired from the Board. 

 – 31 March 2017: Carol Bell was appointed as Senior  

Independent Director. 

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 Board decided that following 
the departure of Bill Higgs the appointment of another director was 
not required.

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. 

Further information on how this is achieved and consideration of 
this in the year, is contained in the Nomination Committee Report 
on pages 63 to 65. 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 48 and 49.

Meeting attendance
The Board held four formal meetings during 2017, as well as a 
meeting to consider the strategic direction of the business. Details  
of the attendance of all Directors who served during the year ended 
31 December 2017 at the formal Board meetings are shown in the 
table below: 

Bill Schrader, Chairman
Nick Cooper, Chief Executive Officer
Tony Rouse, Chief Financial Officer
Carol Bell, Non-Executive Director
Alan Booth, Non-Executive Director
David Davies, Non-Executive Director
Vivien Gibney, Non-Executive Director
Carl Trowell, Non-Executive Director

Former Directors
Ron Blakely1
Bill Higgs2

1  Ron Blakely stepped down from the Board on 31 March 2017. 
2   Bill Higgs stepped down from the Board on 7 August 2017.

Scheduled Board 
meetings
4/4
4/4
4/4
4/4
4/4
4/4
4/4
4/4

1/1
2/2

The Non-Executive Directors met with the Chairman four times 
during the year, without any Executives present, to discuss the 
performance of the Executive Directors. 

Formal quarterly meetings also take 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.

Board process
Directors are provided with full and timely information before 
meetings, including detailed financial and risk management 
information where applicable. The Chairman agrees the agenda 
for Board meetings in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer 
and the General Counsel & Company Secretary, and formal minutes 
are prepared to record all decisions made. Minutes of Board and 
Committee meetings are formally approved at the subsequent 
meetings and draft minutes are circulated to each Director or 
Committee member as appropriate and as soon as practicable  
ahead of the meeting at which they are approved.

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. 

A range of different individual contributors, both internal and external, 
are invited to both Board and Committee meetings, as appropriate,  
in order to ensure informed decision-making. This provides additional 
information and expertise to the Board and provides Committee 
members with the opportunity to explore further areas of complexity. 
It gives access to management below Board level and gives these 
managers experience and exposure at Board level.

Board evaluation
The performance and effectiveness of the Board is fundamental  
to the success of the Group and the Board recognises the need to 
continually monitor and improve its effectiveness. The annual 
performance evaluation process represents an opportunity to 
enhance the performance of the Board, its Committees, individual 
Directors and the Chairman. In accordance with the requirements  
of the UK Corporate Governance Code it is the Company’s policy to 
carry out an external review of the Board’s performance, using an 
independent external consultant, every three years. Such external 
evaluation process took place in 2015 and the next is scheduled  
for 2018.

In 2017 the Board undertook a review of its own performance led by 
the Chairman with the support of the General Counsel & Company 
Secretary. A comprehensive questionnaire was completed by each 
Director evaluating the performance of the Board and its 
Committees, including Board composition, processes, meetings, 
content of discussions, objectives and support. The questionnaire 
built on the one undertaken in 2016 so progress could be measured, 
with additional areas included to reflect the Board’s current focus and 
events within the Company and the industry, inviting Directors to 
indicate where improvements could be made. A report consolidating 
the individual responses was prepared and presented to the Board for 
discussion and the Board agreed areas where action should be taken.

53

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportCORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

The results of this year’s review were positive and confirmed that  
the Board and its Committees continue to perform effectively, with 
progress shown in the areas highlighted for action following the 2016 
review. Following Board and Committee composition changes over 
the previous year, the positive feedback on the functioning of the 
Board and its Committees demonstrated the performance level  
has been maintained and strengthened, with all Directors making  
a valuable contribution.

Following the 2016 review, the more tailored training programme 
implemented in 2017 led to improvements in this area. The Board 
identified that to further tailor the training programme for individual 
Directors the provision of more specialist training, or updates where 
appropriate, in particular areas of responsibilities, would be useful. In 
2018 the training programme will continue to focus on changes, new 
or upcoming, particularly legal and regulatory, affecting the Company 
and the Board and provide relevant updates to assist Directors in 
keeping up to date.

Actions arising from the 2017 Evaluation:

 – Focus on succession planning at Board level and throughout  

the Company. The Board identified the importance of ongoing 
monitoring to ensure the necessary human resources are in place  
to meet the needs of the Company, particularly following the 
restructuring that took place mid-2017. The Board in conjunction 
with the Nomination Committee will ensure effective succession 
planning at the Board level. The Nomination Committee has also 
been tasked with a wider remit to monitor succession planning and 
talent development of the Company’s management to support the 
Company’s strategy and business long term.

 – Focus on internal controls oversight. The Board noted the increasing 
duties and reporting requirements regarding the business and the 
regulatory environment and the need to monitor the reporting to 
the Board and Committees around internal controls. A review of, 
and increase in the breadth of, information reported started towards 
the end of 2017 and this will remain a strong focus for the Board  
in 2018 to ensure the amount and type of information reported 
enables the Board to provide appropriate oversight. 

 –  Review of Process Safety Management System. As a result  
of changes to the Company and an increased focus on the 
Company’s production assets, the Board considered a review  
of the Company’s Process Safety Management System timely.  
The Corporate Responsibility Committee will take the lead to  
ensure that the systems and controls in place and the reporting 
provided are appropriate.

 – Review the number of Audit Committee Meetings. Due to the 
increased burden of responsibilities on the Audit Committee, 
including more extensive internal control monitoring, the Board 
identified the need to review the number of meetings of the 
Committee. Therefore, the Audit Committee have scheduled  
an additional meeting for 2018.

Risk management
The Board believes that effective risk management is crucial to the 
Company’s strategy and long-term success. The Board has overall 
responsibility for ensuring that risk is effectively managed. 

The Company’s approach to risk is further detailed on pages 26 to 31.  
The Audit Committee reviews the effectiveness of the risk 
management process on the Board’s behalf, and its approach to 
this can be found in the Audit Committee Report on pages 56 to 60. 

Insurance and indemnification
The Company provides its Directors and Officers, including those 
acting on subsidiary boards, with the benefit of appropriate insurance, 
which is reviewed annually. The policy was approved in October 2017. 
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 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 are provided to Directors at Board 
and Committee meetings. During 2017 the Directors received advice 
and training on: 

 – regulatory developments in the UK Listing Rules;

 – regulatory developments on Corporate Governance; 

 – inside information and money laundering;

 – insider trading and market abuse;

 – creating an effective compliance programme;

 – anti-bribery and corruption matters;

 – board effectiveness including avoiding “group-think”;

 – legislative updates including the introduction of the Criminal 
Finances Act and EU General Data Protection Regulation; and

 – changes in accounting standards.

The Board and Committees expect to receive regular updates 
and briefings on new legislation and changes to best practice on 
corporate governance including anti-bribery and corruption matters 
from the General Counsel & Company Secretary, the Company’s 
Auditor and, in terms of Directors’ remuneration-related matters,  
from the Company’s Remuneration Consultants. 

54

Ophir Energy plcRelations with 
shareholders

Independent advice
All Directors have access to the advice and services of the General 
Counsel & Company Secretary. In addition, any Director may take 
independent professional advice at the Company’s expense on any 
matter in the furtherance of their duties, at Board or Committee level.

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 2017, none of the Company’s 
Executive Directors held directorships in any other quoted company.

Nick Cooper is a Non-Executive Director of a non-listed Company, 
Siccar Point Energy Limited. 

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. 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 discussions or decisions which relate to any matter in which 
they have or may have a conflict of interest.

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 the Executive Directors, senior management and the 
Investor Relations function. Over 200 investor meetings and calls 
were hosted during the year in Europe, Asia, Africa and North 
America. In the spirit of improving stakeholder relations, in May 2017 
the Company employed an outside agency to complete an Investor 
Perception survey with participation from 35 buy and sell side 
respondents. The results from the survey were presented to the Board 
and the findings used to refine the forward investor communications 
plan. We plan to complete this survey on a biennial basis point 
forward with the 2017 survey providing the baseline data.

Bill Schrader, in his capacity as the Chairman, and Ronald Blakely,  
the Senior Independent Director, met with major institutional 
shareholders in 2017 to listen to their views on the Company’s 
strategic direction and discuss issues of corporate governance. This 
process was well received by investors and is being repeated in 2018.

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

Annual General Meeting (AGM)
All shareholders are invited to attend the Company’s AGM where they 
are given the opportunity to ask questions on the financial report and 
accounts and on the general business of the Company.

The 2018 AGM will be held on 16 May 2018 at the offices of Linklaters 
LLP, 1 Silk Street, London EC2Y 8HQ. Full details of the business of the 
AGM are 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 2017 Annual 
Report will also be made available on the Company website at:  
www.ophir-energy.com.

55

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportCORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

Report of the  
Audit Committee 

Membership and attendance

David Davies 
Audit Committee Chairman

The members of the Committee, all of whom are independent 
Non-Executive Directors, together with details of their individual 
attendance at meetings held during the year ended 31 December 
2017, are set out below:

Committee members
David Davies, Committee Chairman 
Carol Bell
Alan Booth
Ronald Blakely1

Meeting 
attendance
3/3
2/3
3/3
1/3

1  Ronald Blakely retired from the Board and the Committee on 31 March 2017.

The Board considers all members of the Committee to 
be independent and that, as Chairman, David Davies 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 and internal Auditor 
attend Committee meetings on a regular basis. The external 
Auditor also met with the Committee on several occasions 
throughout the year without executive management 
being present. The Committee hears from a range of different 
individual contributors at its meetings, both internal and external, 
in order to ensure informed decision-making. The number of 
different contributors during 2017 is reflected below.

Number of meeting contributors during 2017

9

56

Report of the Audit Committee Chairman 

Dear Shareholder, 
I am pleased to be writing to you, following my first full year as 
Chairman of the Audit Committee. 

This year, there was no significant change to the key areas of focus for 
the Committee, including continuing review of the Company’s internal 
controls (including alignment of risk and strategy, particularly in the 
context of the evolution of Ophir from a frontier explorer to managing 
two producing assets), financial statements, treatment of assets on  
the Company balance sheet, tax strategy, internal and external audit, 
keeping non-audit fees to a minimum, and reserves reporting.

Of all areas of Committee responsibility, one I would particularly like 
to highlight is the Committee’s consideration of the carrying value of 
our Equatorial Guinea assets. As previously reported, on 10 November 
2016 Ophir and OneLNG, a joint venture between subsidiaries of 
Golar LNG Limited and Schlumberger, announced that they had 
signed a binding Shareholders’ Agreement to establish a Joint Venture 
(‘JV’) to develop the Fortuna project, offshore Equatorial Guinea 
utilising Golar’s FLNG technology. The JV will facilitate the financing, 
construction, development and operation of the integrated Fortuna 
project and, from FID, will own Ophir’s share of the Block R licence. 
The Committee reviewed and approved management’s valuation of 
the Fortuna asset and its continuing classification as an asset held for 
sale and subsequent classification as an investment post FID.

Over the year, the Committee also considered the Company’s strategic 
review of its exploration portfolio and the impairment impact of the 
decision to exit several countries. We also considered the impact of the 
restructuring of the Company with headcount reductions, that the 
Company was sufficiently financed to meet its capital commitments, 
and the write-down of a number of commitments.

In addition, on assuming the role of Committee Chairman,  
I considered the meeting schedule of the Committee, and  
whether three meetings per year were sufficient in the context  
of the Company’s evolving strategy and new producing assets.  
In consultation, it was determined that the Committee would  
benefit from an additional meeting. Accordingly, in 2018 the 
Committee will hold four meetings, in particular to enable  
additional opportunity to consider non-financial risks and  
related internal controls.

Committee responsibilities
The main role and responsibilities of the Audit Committee include:

 – monitoring the integrity of the financial statements and any formal 

announcements relating to financial performance;

 – reviewing internal financial controls and the Company’s internal 

control and risk management systems;

 – monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the internal audit function;

 – making recommendations to the Board in relation to the appointment, 
re-appointment and removal of the external auditor and approving 
the remuneration and terms of engagement of the auditor;

 – reviewing the auditor’s independence and objectivity; and

 – developing and implementing the non-audit services policy.

Ophir Energy plcOver the year, the Committee also 
considered the Company’s strategic  
review of its exploration portfolio and  
the impairment impact of the decision  
to exit several countries.”

Activities during the year

Continuing monitoring of the value and IFRS classification  
of the Fortuna asset.

Detailed review of non-financial internal controls and their 
mitigations, and subsequent reporting mechanisms.

Ensure the robustness of financial reporting.

Receive, monitor and assess the reserves report following 
recommendation from the Technical and Reserves Committee.

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

Meeting schedule
As noted above, the Audit Committee met three times in 2017 (in 
accordance with its terms of reference). The Committee is comprised 
of three members and there were no changes to the composition of 
the Committee during 2017, except for the retirement of Ron Blakely. 

Internal controls
A major focus was ensuring the alignment of risk and strategy,  
a review of the development of the Company Risk Matrix, and 
monitoring the effectiveness of the Company’s Compliance 
Programme. Following the Company restructuring in mid-2017, the 
Committee reviewed its impact on compliance and risk management 
and determined there was no negative impact on its effectiveness. 

Through the year, and after the restructuring, the Committee 
continued to monitor compliance through leading indicators.  
These include training undertaken, registers maintained, as well  
as whistleblowing reports received, and declarations and sign-offs, 
including conflicts of interests, from employees and contractors.  
It also reviewed the internal controls that support the non-finance 
duties of the Committee, via a review of its duties and responsibilities. 
The Committee also continued to monitor counterparty risks and the 
status of legal, tax, and audit disputes and claims, as well as deciding 

on their classification based on likelihood and impact. It also reviewed 
the Company’s tax strategy before recommendation to the Board 
and approved the updated Treasury Procedure, ensuring the right 
balance between practical delegation to management and corporate 
controls. Finally, it also approved the updated Delegation of Authority 
Procedure and confirmed the principal risks and uncertainties for the 
Annual Report and Accounts.

Internal Audit
The Committee reviewed the effectiveness of the internal audit 
function, provided during the year by an external provider, Mazars LLP. 
In addition, it received and reviewed reports from the Internal Auditor.  
It also completed reviews under the Internal Audit Plans, which included:

 – Corporate Governance & Compliance

 – HSE

 – Contract Management Procurement

 – The 2017 asset visit to Thailand

 – Working Capital & Cash Management

 – HR Function

External Audit
The Committee received and reviewed the External Audit Review of 
the 2016 Financial Statements, reviewed the Representation letter  
of EY LLP – the Company’s Auditor, confirmed the independence  
and objectivity of the External Auditor and received and reviewed  
the External Audit Review of the 2017 Interim Financial Statements 
– 30 June 2017. It also received, reviewed, and agreed the 2017 
External Audit Plan.

Reserves reporting and additional issues
The Committee considered the recommendation from the Technical 
Advisory Committee (now the Technical and Reserves Committee) 
with regards to reporting of reserves. The Committee also reviewed 
the key messages for the Annual Report and Accounts and its 
preparation schedule; conducted its annual review of the Committee’s 
Terms of Reference; and conducted an internal evaluation of its own 
effectiveness as part of the annual Board and Committee evaluation. 

Over the year, the Committee made the following recommendations 
to the Board:

 – Approval of 2017 Financial Statements and Reports 

 – Approval of 2017 Interim Statement

 – Adoption of the Going Concern Statement and Basis of Preparation

 – Adoption of the Viability Statement

 – Approval to make changes to its Terms of Reference

David Davies 
Audit Committee Chairman 
6 March 2018

57

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportCORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

Report of the Audit Committee  
continued

Role and responsibilities of the Audit Committee
In November 2017, 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/corporate-
governance/board-committees/audit and are fully compliant 
with section C.3.2 of the Code.

Financial reporting
The Committee has the responsibility of assessing the integrity of  
the financial statements of the Company on behalf of the Board. The 
Committee’s approach to achieving this includes ensuring appropriate 
accounting standards are applied, reviewing in depth any material 
areas where accounting judgements have been used and/or new 
accounting policies or procedures have been applied. In addition,  
the Committee reviews and assesses the Annual Report to determine 
whether it can advise the Board that, taken as a whole, the Annual 
Report is fair, balanced and understandable and provides 
shareholders with the information they need to assess the Company’s 
performance, business model and strategy as required by provision 
C.1.1 of the Code. The Committee considers the external Auditor’s 
proposed approach to their review of the interim results and their 
audit of the full-year financial statements, to ensure that the scope  
of the relevant review or audit was appropriate. The Committee also 
reviewed and discussed the external Auditor’s report on the full and 
half-year financial results with EY LLP, prior to agreeing to recommend 
each set of financial statements and associated reports to the Board 
for approval. 

Impairment review
A significant area of accounting judgement is the carrying value 
of capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure included 
in exploration and evaluation assets to ensure that expenditure 
is appropriately expensed to the income statement, should 
impairments arise. Impairment reviews are undertaken by 
the Company in accordance with IFRS 6 and assessed by the 
Committee. If necessary, the Committee may receive advice from  
the Technical and Reserves Committee or other experts. The external 
Auditor also reports on this most prominent area of accounting risk  
to the Audit Committee and the Committee has been satisfied that 
exploration has been treated in the correct and consistent way in 
the financial statements.

The Committee received a report from management on the status  
of each asset and, along with their technical as well as commercial 
knowledge and expertise on the assets, challenged management 
on their proposed impairment recommendations. Accordingly, the 
Committee reviewed each of the Group’s assets for impairment 
in accordance with IFRS 6 and concluded that full impairment 
of certain of the Group’s assets was appropriate given the Group’s 
future plans for those assets. 

In reviewing producing and development assets included in oil  
and gas properties, the Committee also reviewed where assets had 
been impaired in previous years and whether there were indicators  
to suggest the conditions that had led to those impairments had 
reversed. Where appropriate, the Company wrote back such prior  
year impairments in the current year.

Assets held for sale
A significant area of judgement the Committee had to consider 
for the 2017 financial statements, was the continuing reporting of  
an asset held for sale under current assets on the balance sheet at the 
year-end. The asset held for sale represented the Company’s interest 
in its Equatorial Guinea, Fortuna asset.

The Company signed a Shareholders’ Agreement with OneLNG 
in November 2016 to form a Joint Venture (‘JV’) on FID of the asset. 
The JV will be charged then with delivering the full upstream and 
midstream value-chains for the Fortuna asset. At the balance sheet 
date, the Company continued to hold its 80% working interest in the 
upstream asset. On constituting the joint venture company at FID of 
the asset, the Company will hold a 33.8% equity interest in the joint 
venture company.

The Committee satisfied itself that the conditions under IFRS 5: 
Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations 
continued to be met despite FID having not taken place one year 
after initial classification. The Committee has satisfied itself that  
the delay in FID has been caused by circumstances beyond the 
Company’s control and that the Company remains committed  
in its plan to form the JV on FID of the asset. The Committee also 
considers that the Company’s 33.8% equity interest in the joint 
venture company when constituted will be then classified as  
an investment accounted for using the equity method under 
non-current asset.

Going concern assessment
An important element of review by the Audit Committee is the 
appropriateness of preparing the accounts on a going concern 
basis. The Audit Committee receives a report from management 
setting out the going concern review undertaken by management 
which forms the basis of the Board’s going concern conclusions. 
The going concern review includes 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. As portfolio management is a key strategic 
activity of the Company there is a regular review of the financial 
impacts and flexibility available to 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 the  
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 exploration assets, 
which invariably are non-revenue generating. It follows from this 
that the principal focus of the Audit 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 

58

Ophir Energy plcof financial reporting. Prior to approving the full-year financial 
statements for 2017, the Audit Committee considered the Company’s 
forward plans for fund raising and drilling commitments (being the 
most significant forward financial commitments that the Company 
makes) as part of its assessment of the going concern basis of 
preparation of the 2017 Accounts (further detail on the going  
concern statement is set out on page 69). 

Viability Statement
The Committee reviews the Company’s Viability Statement and 
challenges it against a number of stressed scenarios taking into 
account risk factors of the Company. The Committee consequentially 
considered the Viability Statement as reported against a range of 
future commodity price scenarios and expenditure profiles in adverse 
conditions and satisfied itself that with the mitigating factors set out 
in the statement, the Company could maintain its longer-term future 
viability. The Company’s full Viability Statement can be found on 
page 26 of the Strategic Report.

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 control 
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 time frame. The Company’s internal controls are 
therefore designed to manage, rather than to 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 an updated delegated authority schedule was 
approved by the Committee in November 2017 to reflect personnel 
changes following the restructuring that took place earlier in the year. 
The Committee 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.

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 also 
receives regular updates on operational risks from the Corporate 
Responsibility Committee. 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. In particular, during 2017 the 
Committee met with the Executives Directors and the Senior 
Management Team responsible for evaluating new country risks  
and monitoring changing risk profiles for the countries in which the 
Company operates. Additionally, the Committee monitored the 
Company’s risk management structure, in particular the Ethical 
Compliance programme and other internal control mitigations. 

The principal risks identified by the Company are set out on pages  
26 to 31.

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 2017: 

Matter 

Schedule of 
delegated  
authority
Treasury and  
finance policies  
and procedures
Year-end  
compliance

Action
Management had undertaken a review of the Group’s 
delegation of authority to ensure it is fit for purpose. 

A review of the various treasury and finance policies 
and procedures across the Group. 

A formal process exists requiring the Executive 
Directors together with the Senior Management 
Team to confirm that the areas of the business for 
which they are responsible are compliant with the 
Company’s policies and procedures. 

Ethical compliance
In 2017 Ophir completed the annual Group-wide compliance 
programme for employees and contractors, tailored to each local 
environment across the business. Compliance training was delivered 
to all Ophir offices. The compliance programme also includes an 
annual sign-off process for all employees and contractors to confirm 
adherence to the Company’s key ethical compliance policies and 
standards; a written assurance process confirming compliance across 
all areas of the business by senior management to the Chief Executive 
and in turn this allows the Chief Executive to provide this assurance in 
writing to the Board. An area of improvement for the year has been 
the reporting to the Committee of data gathered from Compliance 
Registers which has been monitored via leading indicators. The 
information includes intermediaries, gifts and hospitality, per diems, 
charitable donations, maverick spend, conflicts of interest, 
whistleblowing, and progress on the compliance programme.

Ophir expects all staff and stakeholders to act with integrity and 
in accordance with applicable international, national and local law,  
as well as the Ophir Code of Conduct and the other principal ethical 
compliance policies and standards. Ophir provides staff with an 
anonymous whistleblowing hotline (by phone, email, or online), which 
is also accessible to third parties including business partners. The 
hotline allows for the reporting of concerns regarding matters ranging 
from corruption to harassment to environmental issues, outside of the 
Company’s internal line management reporting procedure. Ophir has 
a zero tolerance policy towards corruption and will not tolerate 
retaliation or victimisation against anyone who has raised a concern 
in good faith. Every incident of whistleblowing is reported to the 
Committee, along with findings and recommendations following 
investigation by the Company.

59

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportCORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

Report of the Audit Committee  
continued

During the year ended 31 December 2017 the Company committed 
expenditure of $971,000 on audit services (2016: $893,000). In 
addition, the Company committed expenditure of $19,000 on 
non-audit work (2016: $29,450). The non-audit work undertaken by 
EY in 2017 related to subsidiary assurances against our Tanzanian 
entities. These fees were reviewed and approved by the Committee 
under the terms of the policy. There have been no fees incurred in 
relation to any other assurance or non-audit services for the year 
ended 31 December 2017. Further details as to the nature of the 
services provided are set out in Note 9 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 Auditor
To assess the effectiveness of the external audit process, the external 
Auditor provides 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 
Auditor’s performance, behaviour and effectiveness during the exercise 
of their duties, and this informs the Committee’s decision on whether 
or not they should recommend re-appointment on an annual basis. 
The Chairman of the Audit Committee meets with the Company’s 
audit partner at EY, 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 to review 
plans and monitor progress. The current Lead Audit Partner is rotating 
after 5 years of service. The Audit Committee Chairman has met with 
the proposed successor to review their suitability.

Re-appointment of external Auditor
The Committee has reviewed the independence and effectiveness 
of EY and is satisfied they have remained independent throughout 
the year. The Committee has recommended to the Board that the 
re-appointment of EY as the Company’s Auditor is proposed to 
shareholders at the AGM in May 2018.

Internal Audit
Mazars LLP remained appointed as the Company’s internal Auditor 
during the period under review.

To ensure the continued effectiveness of the function, the Committee 
reviewed and approved the 2017 Internal Audit Plan. Key actions 
undertaken by the internal Auditor during 2017 included the following:

 – reviewing the Group’s governance and compliance processes and 

controls to ensure compliance against regulatory standards 
and internal policies;

 – an assessment of the Company’s processes and controls 

around contract management and procurement covering: the 
retention of documentation, procurement planning, compliance 
with legislative requirements and management of contractor 
performance;

 – asset visits to Thailand to assess the procedures and controls 

surrounding the management of core financial and operational 
activities;

 – an assessment of the Company’s Working Capital & Cash 

Management processes and their effectiveness;

 – reviewing the effectiveness of Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) 
functions risk management controls and how effectively they are 
communicated across the Group; and

 – a review of the HR function following the restructuring that covered 

the eight key HR practice areas.

Key actions to be undertaken as part of the Internal Audit Plan 
scheduled for 2018 include:

 – reviewing the Group’s incident response processes and effectiveness;

 – assessment of cybersecurity controls in place;

 – assessment of drilling efficiency;

 – assessment of the purchase to pay (P2P) process and controls; and 

 – assessment of the design effectiveness of each control that 

mitigates the Company’s principal risks.

The findings from the review will be followed up during 2018 
and reported to the Audit Committee.

External Auditor
The Committee has approved 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 $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 met. The Committee is satisfied that there 
are no relationships between the Company and the Auditor, its 
employees or its affiliates that may reasonably be thought to 
impair the Auditor’s objectivity and independence. 

60

Ophir Energy plcReport of the Corporate  
Responsibility Committee

Membership and attendance

Carol Bell 
Corporate Responsibility Committee Chairman

The members of the Committee, consisting of the Company 
Chairman and independent Non-Executive Directors, together 
with details of their individual attendance at meetings held during 
the year ended 31 December 2017, are set out below:

Committee members
Carol Bell, Committee Chairman
Alan Booth
Vivien Gibney
Bill Schrader
Carl Trowell

Meeting
attendance
2/2
2/2
2/2
2/2
2/2

The other members of the Board have an open invitation to 
attend all Committee meetings as guests. In addition, the 
Company’s Director of HR, the General Counsel & Company 
Secretary, Director – Asian Operations, and the Director of Security 
and Surface Risk are invited to attend each meeting to present 
their reports to the Committee. Other senior members of staff and 
external advisers may be invited to attend as necessary, in order  
to ensure informed decision-making. The number of different 
contributors during 2017 is reflected below.

Number of meeting contributors during 2017

 13

Report of the Corporate Responsibility Committee Chairman 

Dear Shareholder, 
As Chairman of the Corporate Responsibility Committee, I write to 
report on an active year.

The Committee oversees the Company’s activities in the areas of 
health and safety, security, environmental responsibility, community 
development, business ethics and management of non-financial risk. 
Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE) and Risk are standing 
items on the Committee’s agenda. In addition, the Committee also 
receives detailed reports on specific risk areas, which may vary from 
year to year. During 2017, we discussed the following risks in detail: 
People, Compliance, Internal Communications, Business Ethics, and 
External Reporting.

Fundamentally, the Committee seeks to ensure that Ophir acts 
responsibly in relation to our employees, contractors, business 
partners, the communities in which we operate, and with respect  
to our environmental footprint (including directing and overseeing 
strategic initiatives and responses to climate change). Underlying  
all these activities is a commitment to act ethically and in a spirit  
of mutual respect that mirrors Ophir’s Values.

The Committee met twice during 2017 and also dealt with business 
by an approval by circular (in accordance with its Terms of Reference). 
The Committee includes five members and there were no changes  
to the composition of the Committee during 2017.

People 
Mid-year, Ophir’s Board agreed a change in strategy in order to make 
its business sustainable in a ‘lower for longer’ oil price environment.  
As a result, a major restructure was completed that necessitated 
substantial headcount reductions both in our head office and  
overseas. The Committee reviewed the restructuring plan and obtained 
assurance that HSSE and related controls, including compliance and  
risk management, would not be compromised. The Committee also 
sought additional assurance that Ophir would retain the skills and 
personnel it required to execute its strategic projects safely and 
efficiently and that the effect of the restructuring would facilitate both 
the preservation and creation of value. The Committee is satisfied that 
Ophir continues to have the personnel and processes in place to 
operate safely and effectively after this major cost-saving exercise.

As already mentioned, HSSE and safe operations remain an absolute 
priority of our business. The delivery of this begins with the culture  
of the organisation. During 2017 the Company continued to embed  
a unified approach to HSSE across its geographic areas of operation, 
accepting that different regions may begin from different perspectives 
on such issues. Accordingly, we continued to build a united ‘One Ophir’ 
compliance culture under which the health, safety and security of all 
those who work with us forms the core of our approach to global 
business practice. We continued to emphasise the importance of 
using leading indicators to measure the effectiveness of our controls 
and safeguards in order to help the Company identify potential risks 
and seek ways to mitigate them more effectively through appropriate 
processes and policies. With two producing assets of significant size, 
safe operation is vital to the Company. Moreover, during the year we 
also conducted a large land seismic campaign that employed up to 

61

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportCORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

Report of the Corporate Responsibility Committee 
continued

1,400 contractors in challenging terrain in Indonesia. With this level  
of activity in mind, it is a testament to Ophir’s people that we achieved 
two significant HSE milestones during 2017: in Thailand we achieved 
three years of LTI free operation and in Indonesia we achieved two 
years of LTI free operation. Looking to 2018, we are rolling-out online 
training programmes across the Company, directed towards 
maintaining our good record in health and safety.

Plans
We believe that an area of focus for 2018 will be to develop our 
process safety management in response to the significant increase in 
the scope of our operations. We have consequently added this item to 
the Committee’s standing agenda. The Committee will also continue 
to monitor in depth the countries in which it operates with particular 
focus on Equatorial Guinea and Indonesia. 

Risk
As already mentioned, the Board endorsed restructuring measures 
that modified the Company’s strategy towards a focus on producing 
assets and monetising gas resources with the objective of achieving  
a sustainable business model for funding exploration. This decision 
was made in the context of emerging challenges to the assumptions 
around future oil demand, including the transition of energy demand 
away from hydrocarbon fuels generally and the emergence of electric 
vehicles specifically. The Committee monitors these developments 
closely, as they affect the level of exploration, development and 
production risk, all of which contribute to the Company’s ability to 
deliver an appropriate return on invested capital to shareholders.  
The Committee also continued to monitor external risks to all areas  
of Ophir’s operations, notably political risk in the countries in which  
we operate. The deteriorating situations in Myanmar, Tanzania and 
Gabon specifically were discussed and monitored during the year. 

The Committee remained vigilant to the rapidly changing global 
geopolitical trends, of which the transition of energy demand away 
from hydrocarbon fuels, already mentioned above, in response to 
climate change has the largest potential long-term impact on our 
industry. Consequently, the response to climate change is one of our 
principal risks and we approved a Climate Change Policy during the 
year. We also conducted an employee survey to gather opinions on 
this subject to inform the Company’s approach to this risk. 

Policies and our Code of Conduct
As our risk profile evolves, so too must our policies. This year, our  
HSSE Policy was reviewed and updated to bring it in line with the 
sustainability reporting under the GRI metrics, this includes a 
commitment to protection of biodiversity and an endorsement of the 
Precautionary Principle. In response to Ophir’s increased responsibility 
under the Market Abuse Regulation, the Committee directed a review 
of third-party contracts and the Company’s procedures to ensure  
they remained adequate (particularly regarding managing inside 
information). In addition, we reviewed the new requirements and 
potential risks following the introduction of the Criminal Finances  
Act in September and the General Data Protection Regulation to  
be introduced in May 2018. In the context of this new legislation, a 
review of the Company’s Code of Conduct was undertaken, and the 
updated document was recommended to the Board for approval.

The Committee performed its annual review of its Terms of Reference 
and undertook an evaluation of its own effectiveness as part of the 
annual Board and Committee evaluation. 

Dr Carol Bell 
Corporate Responsibility Committee Chairman 
6 March 2018

Role and responsibilities of the Corporate Responsibility 
Committee 
The Committee is responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of 
the Group’s policies and systems for managing health and safety, 
the environment, climate change, security, community projects 
and business ethics, including human rights and matters relating 
to equality and diversity and non-financial risks across the Group’s 
operations. The Committee’s full Terms of Reference are available on 
the Company’s website at www.ophir-energy.com/about-us/
corporate-governance/board-committees/corporate-responsibility/.

Corporate Responsibility Committee activities
During 2017, significant progress was made by the Corporate 
Responsibility Committee covering many areas. The Committee’s 
key focus and outcomes are set out below:

Corporate 
Responsibility 
function
Health and Safety

Environment
Security

Community projects
Ethics

Employee
engagement

Climate change

2017  
Corporate Responsibility  
Committee highlights
No work-related lost time injuries 
7 million hours worked during the year
No process safety incidents; no loss of primary 
containment events
Enhanced our leading indicator metrics tracking  
& reporting 
No recordable spills
One security incident – continued to closely monitor
external risks in all areas of operations
Focused on partnerships to create shared value
Enhanced our compliance processes and 100% 
sign-offs completed
Continued to support the people agenda and 
enhance the EVP; conducted our second 
engagement survey during Q4 
Submitted CDP Climate Change Questionnaire and 
completed GRI reporting for the first time

Further information on the Company’s approach to Corporate 
Responsibility and HSSE matters can be found in the Corporate 
Responsibility report on pages 38 to 45. 

62

Ophir Energy plcReport of the Nomination Committee 

Membership and attendance

Bill Schrader 
Nomination Committee Chairman

The members of the Committee, together with details of their 
individual attendance at meetings held during the year ended 
31 December 2017, are set out below:

Committee members
Bill Schrader, Committee Chairman
Nick Cooper
Carol Bell
Vivien Gibney
Carl Trowell
Ronald Blakely1

Meeting
attendance
2/2
2/2
2/2
2/2
2/2
1/2

1  Ronald Blakely retired from the Board and the Committee on 31 March 2017.

The Board considers a majority of the members of the Committee 
who served during the year to be independent. The Committee 
hears from a range of different individual contributors at its 
meetings, both internal and external, in order to ensure informed 
decision-making. The number of different contributors during 
2017 is reflected below.

Number of meeting contributors during 2017

2

Report of the Nomination Committee Chairman 

Dear Shareholder, 
In 2017, the main focus of the Nomination Committee was to ensure 
that subsequent to the reduction in headcount, particularly in the 
London office and amongst our expatriate workforce, the Company 
retained the necessary skilled personnel to execute its key projects –  
in line with the strategy to monetise its 1 billion boe of contingent 
resources. This includes the ability to effectively execute projects at 
Kerendan and Bualuang, and progressing the Fortuna project to 
achieve first gas in 2022.

In addition to ensuring sufficient personnel were in place, the 
Committee also monitored succession planning for key roles, to 
mitigate any ‘key-person’ risk. The Committee discussed potential 
candidates for all key roles within the business across the senior  
bands and discussed the readiness of each proposed candidate.

The Committee also continued to consider Board succession  
planning and diversity. Although no additional Board members are 
currently required, the focus when new members are required will be 
on recruiting appropriately skilled people from a broader geographical 
base, to reflect where our key assets are now located. 

The Nomination Committee met twice in 2017, (as per its terms of 
reference). The Committee includes five members and there were  
no changes to the composition of the Committee during 2017,  
except for the retirement of Ron Blakely.

The Committee was also informally convened to discuss  
the organisational restructuring in London and within the  
expatriate community.

Senior Independent Director appointment and remuneration 
The Committee recommended to the Board the appointment of Dr 
Carol Bell as Senior Independent Director with effect from 31 March 
2017, the date at which Ron Blakely (former SID) stepped down from 
the Board. The Board approved, following the recommendation of 
the Committee, that Carol be paid an additional amount of £5,000 
per annum for her services as Senior Independent Director.

Board succession and diversity planning
The Committee reiterated the Company’s commitment to diversity 
including at Board level. The Committee agreed to circulate the details 
of possible Board candidates they might come across in the course of 
their professional activities. The Committee agreed that there is no 
current requirement to appoint a Board member, but when a new 
member is required the Board would look for suitable candidates with an 
African and/or Asian background to enhance the Board’s understanding 
of the working environment of the Company’s areas of operation. 

Committee evaluation and Terms of Reference
The Committee undertook an evaluation of its own effectiveness as 
part of the annual Board and Committee evaluation. The Committee 
also performed its annual review of its Terms of Reference.

Summary of changes to the Terms of Reference
The Nomination Committee Terms of Reference have been reviewed 
in line with current recommended best practice. The Terms of Reference 
remain consistent with best practice. However, there were two primary 

63

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportCORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

Report of the Nomination Committee  
continued

Role and responsibilities of the Nomination Committee
 – To plan Board member succession and oversee plans for senior 
management succession, taking into account skills, knowledge, 
diversity and experience. 

 – To regularly review the structure, size and composition of the Board 

and Committees. 

 – To identify and recommend for Board approval suitable candidates 

to be appointed to the Board.

In November 2017, the Committee reviewed its Terms of Reference  
to ensure they remained appropriate. The Terms of Reference 
of the Committee are available on the Company’s website at  
www.ophir-energy.com/about-us/corporate-governance/board-
committees/nomination/ and are fully compliant with section B.2.1  
of the Code.

Senior Independent Director succession 
Ron Blakely stepped down as the Senior Independent Director on 
31 March 2017, and was replaced by Carol Bell on the same date. 

Board composition 
The Committee considers that the Board consists of individuals 
with the right balance of skills, experience, and knowledge to provide 
strong and effective oversight of the Company. The majority of the 
Board, excluding the Chairman, are independent Non-Executive 
Directors, and the Board’s collective experience covers a range of 
relevant sectors, as illustrated on pages 48 and 49. In addition to 
possessing a breadth of relevant experience in the oil and gas sector, 
the Board members have personal experience of working in both 
complex organisations and countries in which the Company operates. 

David Davies joined the Audit Committee as a member upon 
appointment to the Board on 23 August 2016, and became 
Chairman of the Audit Committee with effect from 1 January 2017, 
anticipating the retirement of Ron Blakely on 31 March 2017. 
David has the necessary 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.

David was also appointed as a member of the Remuneration 
Committee on 10 February 2017.

Following the departure of Bill Higgs as an Executive Director on  
7 August 2017, the Board was reduced to eight members. However,  
the Committee considered the reduction in Board size was consistent 
with the right-sizing of the business and a replacement director was 
not required.

The Committee also continued to  
consider Board succession planning and 
diversity. Although no additional Board 
members are currently required, the  
focus when new members are required  
will be on recruiting appropriately skilled 
people from a broader geographical  
base, to reflect where our key assets  
are now located.”

changes. The changes were made in light of the focus in recent  
years, evidenced in a joint EY/ICSA report produced last year, that 
nomination committees broaden the scope of their role to take  
on a wider ‘people’ function and link strategy to future changes  
in personnel at the Board and throughout Ophir.

Firstly, a more explicit instruction to consider the Company’s strategy 
and objectives as part of the succession planning requirements:

Revision (change to provision underlined):
Keep up to date and fully informed about strategic issues and 
commercial changes affecting the Company and the market in which 
it operates and take into consideration the strategy and objectives of 
the Company in succession planning; 

Secondly, the inclusion of an additional duty for the Committee  
to give consideration to and monitor succession planning and 
development beyond the Board, looking at senior management and 
key roles within the Company to provide a broader view of succession 
planning. The duty allows for oversight by the Committee whilst 
retaining the senior management’s role in managing appointments 
and the development of personnel.

Additional provision:
In consultation with key personnel in the Company, including 
Executive Directors and senior management, give consideration  
to and monitor succession planning and development, including 
leadership and mentoring programmes, for senior management  
and other key roles within the Company, taking in to account the 
challenges and opportunities facing the Company and its strategy.

Bill Schrader 
Nomination Committee Chairman 
6 March 2018

64

Ophir Energy plcSuccession planning
The Committee assessed the health of the succession plans 
for the Executive Directors and the Senior Management Team. 
The Committee concluded that, following the restructuring of the 
Company, the talent pipeline remained of sufficient strength to 
provide successors to the key roles within the Company. The broader 
succession planning within the Company and the development of 
senior management will remain an area of focus for the Committee. 

Diversity and equality 
The Board and Nomination Committee are committed to equal 
opportunity in all aspects of management. 

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 40.

The Committee recognises and supports all aspects of diversity to 
achieve the optimum Board composition, including gender balance. 
When filling Board positions, the Committee only works with 
organisations that have signed up to the Voluntary Code of Conduct 
for Executive Search Firms, a recommendation of the Davies’ Report. 

The Committee stresses that Board appointments are based on 
many factors including the personal capabilities and contribution that 
each member brings to the Board. However, the overriding criterion is 
always based on merit and not merely to satisfy prescribed quota 
requirements. The Committee is following the progress from the 
latest Hampton-Alexander Review (published November 2017), which 
is driving change in women’s representation across British business.  
The focus of the latest review was on senior women below the company 
board level, which the Committee is mindful of in consideration of  
its recently expanded remit to consider succession planning and 
development within the Company’s senior management. As at  
the date of this report, women constitute 25% of the Board. The 
Committee is also mindful of the findings and recommendations of 
the latest Parker Review (published October 2017) which has drawn 
attention to the benefits of ethnic and cultural diversity on boards. 
The Committee has discussed the potential benefits of seeking 
suitably qualified future board members from the geographical  
areas in which the Company operates.

65

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportCORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

Report of the Technical  
and Reserves Committee 

Membership and attendance

Alan Booth 
Technical and Reserves Committee Chairman

The members of the Committee, together with details of their 
individual attendance at meetings held during the year ended  
31 December 2017, are set out below:

Committee members
Alan Booth 
Nick Cooper
Bill Schrader
Carl Trowell 2

Meeting 
attendance1
2/2
2/2
2/2
1/2

1 

2 

 4 additional meetings were held in 2017 as Technical Advisory Committee prior to the 
committee becoming a formal Sub-Committee of the Board.
 The second meeting was arranged on short notice and took place in the Bangkok office  
so due to the nature of the meeting Carl Trowell was unable to attend.

The Committee hears from a range of different individual 
contributors at its meetings, both internal and external, in order  
to ensure informed decision-making. The number of different 
contributors during 2017 is reflected below.

Number of meeting contributors during 2017

14

66

Report of the Technical and Reserves Committee Chairman 

Dear Shareholder, 
Welcome to the first report of the Technical and Reserves Committee 
(TRC). Established in March 2017 and formerly known as the Technical 
Advisory Committee, it expands on the responsibilities and duties of 
the latter. These included considering the technical and commercial 
aspects of any operational business proposals requiring Board 
approval and advising the Board of any significant technical  
or commercial risks or strategic concerns. It also reviews decisions  
on M&A as well as proposed asset sales or relinquishments and  
the technical, commercial reasoning behind any such decisions.

The evolution of the Committee to a full Sub-Committee reflects the 
evolution of Ophir’s strategy and operations, with three important 
producing assets now on-stream, in Thailand and Indonesia, two  
of which the Company operates. These assets bring new operational 
demands and as the company’s only regular source of cashflow, and 
are of increasing importance to the sustainability of the Company. 
Additionally, the FLNG Fortuna project requires ongoing monitoring 
and review albeit now mainly from a commercial perspective, 
following our funding and development arrangement with our 
partners at OneLNG. 

As Ophir continues to focus on monetising or trading 1 billion boe  
of contingent resources, reserves and resources reporting is actively 
reviewed by the Committee, the Committee fully recognises the 
importance that converting these Resources adds to the Company’s 
underlying valuation metrics. 

With the TRC now a full Sub-Committee of the Board, it meets at least 
four times a year but in effect this is more often and is dictated by 
operational and commercial activity. Its Terms of Reference have 
changed to reflect its new status and duties. These include:

 – Evaluating the effectiveness of the Group’s technical processes and 
standards, including the performance (both current and historic)  
of subsurface and commercial assurance processes;

 – Reviewing subsurface and operational risks that are assessed  
to require Board level reporting and endorsing the associated 
mitigation plans and advising the Audit Committee and, where 
appropriate, the Board of its conclusions;

 – Ensuring there is consistency between the technical activities  

of the Company and the Company strategy;

 – Reviewing, with Management and the Company’s Technical 

leadership, the Group’s prospect inventory and advising the Board if 
the inventory is being managed consistent with approved strategy;

 – Reviewing the technical and commercial aspects of any operational 

or asset investment proposal that require Board approval and 
advising the Board of any significant technical risks or concerns;

 – Advising the Board on the technical and commercial aspects of 

any proposed activity or investment that requires entry into a new 
Country; and

 – Reviewing the results of management and independent audits  
of the Group’s reserves and resources and advising the Audit 
Committee and, where appropriate, the Board of its conclusions.

Ophir Energy plcAs Ophir seeks to monetise 1 billion boe  
of contingent resources, reserves and 
resources reporting is actively reviewed  
by the Committee, noting its importance 
to investor valuations.”

Role and responsibilities of the Technical and Reserves Committee
The Committee is responsible for ensuring that the Company’s 
technical processes and standards are aligned with the Company’s 
strategy in regards to commercial and subsurface risk, as detailed in the 
Chairman’s letter. The Committee’s full Terms of Reference are available 
on the Company’s website at www.ophir-energy.com/about-us/
corporate-governance/board-committees/technical-and-reserves/. 

Comprised of four members with a combined total of over 100 years 
directly relevant experience in the oil and gas industry, I believe the 
Committee is well equipped for the tasks it has been set. Importantly, 
in carrying out its duties, I am absolutely committed to ensuring the 
Committee encourages a culture of open and honest discussion  
with transparency in all technical decision-making, reviewing and 
incorporating any lessons that can be learned from past successes 
as well as past failures, and ensuring that Ophir’s employees feel 
empowered to confidently make appropriate, risk-weighted decisions.

Committee focus in 2017
The Annual reserves reporting process and independent audit was 
reviewed and endorsed by the Committee. 

The Committee was kept regularly updated on the progress of the 
Fortuna FLNG project with OneLNG.

A Technical and Reserves Committee meeting was specifically held  
for an in-depth review of the Company’s Asian production and 
development assets. In particular the status of plans for the Bualuang 
Phase IV and Kerendan gas development projects. The meeting was 
held in Bangkok which allowed for the Committee to discuss the issues 
on the ground and also provided the opportunity for face-to-face 
exposure with the key staff from the Thailand and Indonesia offices. 

The Committee reviewed the proposed 2018 Work Programme  
& Budget, including both firm and contingent items, ahead of 
submission to the main Board for approval. 

Ophir’s recent exploration approach and performance were also 
reviewed, a more sustainable lower risk approach was agreed to 
reflect material changes in the industry and investment landscape 
over the recent period, especially with respect to an increased focus 
on lowering our risk profile and increasing financial sustainability. 

In the fourth quarter, the working model of the TRC was revisited and 
whilst the Terms of Reference for the Committee were agreed to be 
appropriate, the decision was made to present a broader context on 
specific projects so that both their impact and support for key 
business and strategic drivers is clearer. 

Alan Booth 
Technical and Reserves Committee Chairman 
6 March 2018

67

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportCORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

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 2016 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 25 on pages 125 to 129 of the financial statements.

Results for the year ended 31 December 2017
The Company’s results for the financial year are shown in the 
consolidated financial statements on pages 89 to 156. 

Directors
Biographical details for the Directors of the Company who held 
office during the year ended 31 December 2017 and at the date of  
this report are set out on pages 48 and 49. 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 70 to 87. The Directors’ insurance 
and indemnity provisions are set out on page 54.

Substantial shareholders
As at 31 December 2017 and 28 February 2018, being the date of the 
most recent analysis of the Company’s share register, the Company 
discloses that the following organisations hold a substantial number of 
voting rights. The information has been compiled by Equiniti Limited,  
the Company’s Registrars. 

Name
Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management
Capital Research Global Investors
M&G Investment Management
SailingStone Capital Partners
azValor Asset Management 
Majedie Asset Management

Name
Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management
Capital Research Global Investors
M&G Investment Management
azValor Asset Management
SailingStone Capital Partners
Majedie Asset Management

Number  
of shares 
held as at  
31 December 
2017
85,407,678 
72,993,069 
67,734,220
53,298,551
38,784,396 
35,081,037 

% holding  
as at  
31 December
2017
12.09 
10.33
9.59
7.55
5.49
4.97

Number 
of shares 
held as at  
28 February 
2018
82,553,078
72,993,069
69,140,978
42,820,764
42,519,831
35,125,685

% holding  
as at  
28 February 
2018
11.69
10.33
9.79
6.06
6.02
4.97

Share capital
The called-up share capital of the Company, together with details 
of shares allotted during the year, is shown in Note 26 to the Group 
financial statements.

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 on pages 157 to 159. The Articles can be  
found on the Company’s website www.ophir-energy.com.

Dividend policy
The Directors have not recommended a final dividend for the year 
ended 31 December 2017 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.

Report on greenhouse gas emissions
The Group’s energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas 
emissions during 2017 are set out in the Strategic Report on pages 42 
and 43. These figures have been calculated in accordance with the 
guidance provided by the Department for Environment, Food and 
Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Department for Business Energy and 
Industrial Strategy and have been classified under the ‘scopes’ set  
out in the World Resources Institute/World Business Council 
for Sustainable Development’s Greenhouse Gas Protocol. We report 
on all sources of emissions over which we have operational control. 

Diversity
A statement of the Company’s policy on diversity is set out in the 
Strategic Report on page 40 and the Board’s policy on diversity 
is summarised on page 63 of the Nomination Committee Report.

Human rights
A statement of the Company’s position on human rights is set out 
in the Strategic Report on page 44.

Employees
The Company is committed to actively communicating with 
employees in many ways, including town hall meetings, video 
briefings, team meetings, print and email communications, as well 
as regular training on health and safety, and regulatory matters. The 
Company is an equal opportunities employer and continues to have  
a diverse workforce comprising local employees, contractors and 
expatriates at most sites. The Company provides all its employees 
with the opportunity to identify and engage in training to aid and 
accelerate career development opportunities. As at 31 December 
2017, the Company employed 285 people (2016: 288 people). Note 
that these figures include: apprentices, direct hires, Executives, 
expatriates, fixed term and permanent employees.

68

Ophir Energy plcCorporate Responsibility, business conduct and ethics  
and political donations
The Company is committed to sound business conduct in its 
relationships with its stakeholders, including 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 Responsibility 
review on pages 38 to 45.

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 page 88 and the 
Company’s financial statements are included on pages 89 to 156.

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 are 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 pages 77 and 
78 of the Directors’ Remuneration report. 

All the Company’s share incentive plans contain provisions relating 
to a change of control and details of these plans are provided 
in the Directors’ Remuneration report on pages 70 to 87. 

Corporate governance statement
The corporate governance statement on pages 46 to 88, in accordance 
with Rule 7.2 of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules and Rule 9.8.6 
(5) and (6) of the Listing Rules, forms part of this Directors’ Report.

Directors’ statement as to disclosure of information to the Auditor
The Directors who were members of the Board at the time of 
approving the Directors’ Report are listed on pages 48 and 49. 
Having made enquiries of fellow Directors and of the Company’s 
Auditor, 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 
Auditor in connection with preparing their report) of which the 
Company’s Auditor is unaware.

 – Each Director has taken all the steps a Director might reasonably 

be expected to have taken to be aware of relevant audit  
information and to establish that the Company’s Auditor  
is aware of that information.

Auditor
Details of the Company’s policy on external Auditor rotation are set out 
on page 60 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. In 2013, the Audit 
Committee undertook a review of audit services including a tender by 
suppliers in advance of the 2014 audit, which concluded that EY LLP 
should continue as the Company’s Auditor for 2018.

The Audit Committee has also proposed that resolutions to re-
appoint EY as the Company’s Auditor and to authorise the Directors 
to set the Auditor’s remuneration be proposed at the 2018 AGM.

Going concern
The Group’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 1 to 45. The financial position of the Group, 
consisting of cash resources of $223.8 million, its cash flows and its 
liquidity position, is described in the financial statements on pages 89  
to 156. In addition, Note 25 to the financial statements includes the 
Group’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 Group budgets and cash flow forecasts. As a result of this 
review, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group 
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. 

Viability Statement
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has revised the Code to include 
a Viability Statement and the Company has included its Viability 
Statement for the 2017 year-end. The full statement can be found on 
page 26. The Viability Statement provides investors with an improved 
and broader assessment of long-term solvency and liquidity of the 
Company. The Directors have agreed that the Company can sign  
the Viability Statement as it has developed a robust strategy over the 
medium term, which includes sufficient forecasting that takes account 
of industry and macro-economic factors, such as a low commodity 
price for oil and gas in addition to a flexibility over the capital 
expenditure programme.

Post balance sheet events
A summary of the key post balance sheet events is set out in Note 37  
to the Group financial statements. 

By order of the Board

Nick Cooper 
Chief Executive Officer  
6 March 2018

Registered office: 
Level 4, 123 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6DE 
Company registered in England and Wales No. 05047425

69

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportCHAIRMAN’S ANNUAL STATEMENT ON REMUNERATION

Report of the  
Remuneration Committee

Membership and attendance

Vivien Gibney 
Remuneration Committee Chairman

The members of the Committee, all of whom are independent 
Non-Executive Directors, or in the case of Bill Schrader, was 
considered independent on his appointment as Chairman, 
together with details of their individual attendance at meetings 
held during the year ended 31 December 2017, are set out below:

Committee members
Vivien Gibney, Committee Chairman
Ronald Blakely2
Alan Booth
David Davies3 
Bill Schrader

Meeting 
attendance1
5/5
1/5
5/5
5/5
5/5

1 

 This includes a telephone meeting on 26 July 2017 in relation to the  
Company restructuring.

2  Ronald Blakely retired from the Board and the Committee on 31 March 2017. 
3  David Davies joined the Committee on 10 February 2017.

The Committee hears from a range of different individual 
contributors at its meetings, both internal and external, in order  
to ensure informed decision-making. The number of different 
contributors during 2017 is reflected below.

Number of meeting contributors during 2017

6

70

Report of the Remuneration Committee Chairman 

Dear Shareholder, 
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the Directors’ 
Remuneration report for the financial year ended 31 December 2017. 
This report summarises our Remuneration Policy, how it has been 
operated during the year under review and how it will be implemented in 
2018, together with an overview of the key activities of the Committee. 

Remuneration Policy and alignment to business strategy
Ophir’s strategy is to be a sustainable explorer focused on delivering 
NAV per share growth by finding resources at low cost and then 
monetising them in a way that maximises the value created. How 
successful we are in achieving this strategy is captured through our 
success in growing our NAV per share. Our Remuneration Policy 
reflects this strategy: salary, benefits and pension are sufficiently 
competitive, but no more. All employees participate in an annual 
bonus scheme, capped at 50% of base salary for Executive Directors, 
which can be earned based on performance against key performance 
indicators relating to the operational success of the Group. Finally,  
all employees also participate in the Ophir Energy Long-Term Value 
Creation Plan 2016 (the ‘2016 Plan’). Under this incentive scheme, 
employees may be rewarded when value (measured as NAV per 
share) is created through the long-term development of our assets 
and crystallised through a ‘NAV event’. For Executive Directors 75%  
of any award is paid in long-term deferred shares and stringent 
minimum shareholding requirements must be achieved. All incentive 
plans have clawback provisions to recover any erroneous 
overpayments. Share-based deferral, executive shareholding 
requirements and clawback features encourage value to be sustained 
from the point of measurement. Full details of this plan and the rest 
of the Policy are set out in this report. 

Performance in 2017 and payments to Directors
While good progress was achieved in many areas of our business in 
2017 (e.g. the addition of 219 MMboe of net risked resources, 
achieving an annualised operational expenditure of $11.88 per barrel 
of oil (net of royalties and including Sinphuhorm volumes and costs) 
and improving our forward leading safety indicators), it was agreed 
that any entitlement to bonuses for the Chief Executive Officer and 
Chief Financial Officer would be waived in light of the rightsizing 
programme undertaken during the year (which included wide 
reaching redundancies, further details of which are included in the 
Strategic Report), and the Company’s current share price. 

The role of Chief Operating Officer was made redundant as part of 
implementing a rightsizing of our cost base to reflect the current 
commercial environment for oil and gas companies.

Accordingly, having ceased employment on 1 September 2017, no 
bonus was payable to the Chief Operating Officer in relation to the 
2017 financial year. The Committee was comfortable with this 
treatment as it mirrored the approach taken with other employees 
leaving employment through the redundancy process during 2017. 
However, he was treated as a ‘good leaver’ under the terms of the 
2011 Long Term Incentive Plan for his outstanding awards and he 
also retains his accrued NAV Points in relation to the 2016 Plan. If no 
award is made under this Plan before 31 December 2018, his rights 

Ophir Energy plcOphir’s strategy is to be a sustainable 
explorer focused on delivering NAV per  
share growth by finding resources at low  
cost and then monetising them in a way 
that maximises the value created. How 
successful we are in achieving this strategy  
is captured through our success in  
growing our NAV per share.”

under the Plan will lapse, in common with the treatment of other 
employees leaving through redundancy. In both cases his level of 
participation in each arrangement will be based on Company 
performance and the value received will be reduced (relative to 
employees in post for the full performance periods) to reflect his 
period of employment. This treatment was also consistent with other 
employees through the redundancy process and considered 
appropriate to ensure that their contribution to creating shareholder 
value to Ophir was recognised.

For the award granted under the 2011 Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) 
to the Chief Executive in 2012, the third tranche was measured by 
reference to absolute TSR performance (for half of the award) and 
relative TSR versus a bespoke group of comparator companies over the 
period from 19 June 2014 to 19 June 2017. As the minimum threshold 
for absolute TSR performance was not achieved, this part of the award 
lapsed. In relation to the relative TSR condition, Ophir delivered TSR 
that was slightly ahead of the median of the comparator group and as 
a result 25% of this part of the award vested. 

The LTIP award granted on 26 March 2015 was eligible to vest based 
on the Company’s relative TSR performance versus a bespoke group of 
comparators over the three years ending 31 December 2017. Ophir’s 
relative TSR was below median, which resulted in the award lapsing. 

With regard to the 2016 Plan, performance has been in line with the 
business plan, but there has been no NAV event in 2017 that could 
have triggered a payment.

Application of Remuneration Policy for 2018
The Committee has determined that the Policy, as approved by 
shareholders at the 2016 AGM, remains appropriate for 2018.  
In relation to its implementation, the Committee has determined  
the following: 

 – base salary for Executive Directors will remain unchanged in 2018; 

 – there will be no changes to the type and level of benefits  

and pension; 

 – annual bonus for Executive Directors will remain capped at 50%  
of salary and will be subject to performance conditions based on 
business and personal KPIs; and 

 – if a NAV event triggers a payment under the 2016 Plan, the 

Committee will determine the level of payment to employees. 

Key activities of the Committee
The key activities of the Committee in 2017 included:

 – determining annual bonus awards in relation to 2016;

 – setting annual bonus targets for 2017;

 – testing 2011 LTIP performance targets concluding in the 2017 

financial year;

 – considering the departure terms of the Chief Operating Officer  

in connection with his role becoming redundant following  
the Company’s restructuring exercise as part of the cost  
reduction initiative;

 – confirming the ‘good leaver’ status of employees’ share awards 

leaving the Company through redundancy as part of the 
restructuring;

 – confirming the treatment of accrued NAV points for employees 

(including the Chief Operating Officer) in connection with 
redundancy;

 – considering annual bonus targets for 2018; and

 – setting Executive Directors’ 2018 base salary levels.

In addition to the above, the Committee considered broader topical 
matters including gender pay, equality and the level of remuneration 
for the Chief Executive Officer in relation to the broader workforce. 

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

Vivien Gibney 
Remuneration Committee Chairman  
6 March 2018

71

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance report 
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY

In this section we set out our Remuneration Policy, how it supports  
our strategy, how the Committee intends to operate it, the selection  
of performance metrics and why we believe they support our strategy  
and are appropriately stretching and other relevant information  
about the Directors’ Service Agreements. 

The effective date of the Policy is 10 May 2016, which was the date of shareholder approval for this Policy. 

Remuneration is structured with two elements: fixed remuneration consisting of base salary and benefits (including non-contributory health 
insurance and life assurance and pension contributions) and variable remuneration (annual bonus scheme and a long-term incentive scheme). 

Remuneration Policy and link to business strategy
As set out in the sections Our Business Model and Our Strategy, 
Ophir’s focus is on finding resources efficiently and monetising  
them smartly to create growth in NAV. How successful we are  
in implementing this strategy is captured through our success  
in growing NAV per share.

Under the 2016 Plan, opportunity for reward only takes place when 
value is created (measured based on NAV per share growth) through 
the long-term development of our assets. Once value is created, 
reward is payable in a combination of cash (25%) and shares (75%) 
which vest over five years and all shares (net of tax) must be retained 
for a minimum of five years from grant. The scheme’s long-term focus 
is considered entirely appropriate for an industry where decisions 
taken have multi-year time horizons. The scheme will ensure clear 
alignment between Executive Directors and shareholders. Summary 
details of the operation of the plan are included below: 

 – remuneration will only be earned if we deliver long-term growth  
in NAV per share, which is measured based on well-defined NAV 
events. When an event does take place, 12.5% of the increase in 
NAV above the prior Benchmark NAV is used to create a reward pool

 – NAV will be calculated using Net Present Value (NPV) as defined  

in the scheme at a 10% discount rate 

 – every $1 spent on development reduces Benchmark NAV, so 

pay-outs under the scheme only take place, in principle, when  
there is a return on our investment decisions through value creation. 
There are only certain well-defined events that count towards testing 
the prevailing Benchmark NAV, with these events potentially 
triggering a reward if the reduced NAV due to development spend 
has been more than offset by the value attributable to the NAV event 

 – NAV events will be monetisation events, which have defined values, 
or the risked value of development assets once a Final Investment 
Decision (FID) is taken. The list of NAV events is as follows:

 – Farm-outs.

 – Asset sales.

 – FID events.

 – First production.

 – A gas sales agreement renegotiation (since this effectively 

re-values the asset).

 – if one of the above events takes place, then a calculation of 
current Group NAV per share will be undertaken to ascertain 
whether the previous Benchmark NAV has been exceeded 

 – when testing whether or not a NAV event has resulted in the opening 
Benchmark NAV per share being exceeded and thereby creating a 
reward pool, the historic benchmark will be rebased, as appropriate for 
(i) current forward strip commodity prices to ensure that the reward 
pool is not artificially inflated or deflated by the commodity cycle and 
(ii) any cash distributions to shareholders or funds raised from 
shareholders and/or the issue or cancellation of shares so that  
these events are neutral to the operation of the scheme 

 – if a NAV event has triggered a reward, the pool would be 
distributed to all employees, with the following features  
applying to Executive Directors: 

 – the maximum variable pay (annual cash bonus plus NAV scheme) 
that an Executive Director may receive in any calendar year has 
been limited to 500% of base salary (i.e. 50% annual cash bonus 
and 450% NAV scheme). NAV events are unlikely to occur regularly 
in each financial year; two (or more) events may occur in any given 
year, or conversely none may occur in any given year. Since there 
are likely to be periods where NAV events do not take place in 
multiple years, but the value when they do has the potential to be 
substantial, if a NAV event occurs in a year where there has not 
been a NAV event in the prior year that triggers a reward pool, the 
maximum variable pay (annual cash bonus plus NAV scheme) will 
be increased to 750% of salary in that year

 – 75% of NAV scheme rewards are delivered as deferred shares 

that vest after three, four and five years for Executive Directors. 
However, the total number of after-tax shares must be retained 
for a minimum of five years

 – recovery and withholding provisions apply to ensure that only 
true value creation is the basis of rewards. Trigger events for 
recovery of value overpaid include (i) when an FID is taken but 
the development is subsequently cancelled prior to production  
or (ii) the Company is the subject of a lawsuit that is successfully 
pursued by a third party in relation to a NAV event under which  
a reward pool was generated.

Since the above scheme will apply to all employees in the Group 
(albeit tailored by employee level), a single 10% in 10 years’ dilution 
limit operates in relation to the award of shares through the scheme. 

In addition to the deferral requirements under the 2016 Plan, tough 
share ownership guidelines apply. These require the Chief Executive 
Officer to build and maintain a shareholding worth 300% of salary 
with the Chief Financial Officer then required to maintain a 
shareholding worth at least 200% of salary. 

72

Ophir Energy plcPolicy table
The table below sets out the key elements of Executive Director pay:

Element

Purpose and 
link to strategy

Operation

Base Salary To provide the core 
reward for the role. 
Sufficient level to 
help recruit and 
retain employees. 
Reflects role and 
experience of 
individual.

Reviewed annually and effective from  
1 January. 

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.

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.

Maximum opportunity

Framework used to assess performance

Executive Directors will be eligible for increases 
during the three-year period that the 
Remuneration Policy operates from the Effective 
Date (AGM date).

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.

During this time, salaries may be increased each 
year (in percentage of salary terms) in line with 
average 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 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.

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

n/a

Pension

Annual 
Bonus

To provide 
long-term savings 
via pension 
provision.

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.

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.

n/a

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.

The maximum award under the annual bonus 
scheme is 50% of salary.

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.

Recovery and withholding provisions 
apply that enable the Committee to 
recover value overpaid in the event of a 
material misstatement of the Company’s 
results within a two-year period (this can 
be through the withholding of variable 
pay awards or requiring a repayment).

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

Given the nature of an exploration-led 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:

 – exploration 
 – operations 
 – financial strength and returns 
 – business model 
 – stakeholder engagement 
 – leadership. 

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 set from 0% 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 bonus structure include  
a subjective assessment of performance as 
opposed to operating on a sliding scale (e.g. bonus 
earned in relation to HSE/CR performance and 
some personal objectives).

73

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportDIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY CONTINUED

Element

Long-Term 
Value 
Creation 
Plan 2016 

Purpose and 
link to strategy

To reward for  
the creation of 
sustained NAV  
per share.

Operation

Maximum opportunity

Framework used to assess performance

500% in any calendar year or 750% of salary  
if there was no NAV event in the prior year. 

The limits are inclusive of any bonus payments 
relating to the calendar year (e.g. should a bonus be 
earned to the maximum of 50% of salary then the 
maximum pay-out under the scheme in relation to 
the same year is limited to 450% of salary).

A high watermark Benchmark NAV is set (either at 
the outset of the scheme or following a NAV event 
where the previous Benchmark NAV is exceeded) 
and a payment can only become payable once 
the previous high watermark Benchmark NAV is 
exceeded. 

A reward pool comprising 12.5% of  
the growth in NAV is available for 
distribution to all employees following  
a NAV event which takes the NAV per 
share of the Company above the 
previous high watermark Benchmark 
NAV per share. 

For Executive Directors, following a NAV 
event 25% of an individual share of the 
pool is paid in cash with 75% payable in 
deferred shares. Deferred shares vest 
equally after years three, four, and five. 
A holding period applies to vested 
shares requiring a minimum of the 
after-tax number of shares to be 
retained for a minimum period of  
five years from grant.

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 (or to the 
conclusion of any holding period).

Recovery and withholding provisions 
apply in the event that value is overpaid 
as a result of (i) an FID is taken but the 
development is subsequently cancelled 
prior to production or (ii) the Company 
is the subject of a lawsuit that is 
successfully pursued by a third party  
in relation to a NAV event under which  
a reward pool was generated.

Share 
ownership 
guidelines

Non-
Executive 
Directors’ 
fees

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

n/a

The Chief Executive Officer has a 300% 
of salary holding requirement and other 
Executive Directors are required to build 
up a holding of 200% of salary through 
the retention of 50% of the after-tax 
number of shares vesting under the 
Company’s long-term incentive plans.

n/a

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

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 set having had regard 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.

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. 

n/a

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 fee levels set 
at the start of the year if it is necessary to do so to 
appoint a new Chairman or Non-Executive Director 
of an appropriate calibre. No benefits or other 
remuneration are provided to Non-Executive 
Directors although the Company may make 
payments to Non-Executive Directors to 
compensate them on a pre-tax basis for any 
reasonable expenses incurred undertaking 
Company business.

74

Ophir Energy plcOperation of incentive plans
The Committee will operate the annual bonus scheme and long-term 
incentive plans, including the 2016 Plan, 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 the operation of those plans restricted to the 
descriptions detailed in the policy table above for Executive Directors): 

 – 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 

 – 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) 

 – the annual review of performance measures, weighting and targets 

for the incentive plans 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 long-term incentives 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 prior to the 2016 AGM 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 the annual bonus scheme 
are based on the Company’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 
shown on pages 20 to 21. A balanced scorecard together with health 
and safety metrics are used. As an upstream oil and gas exploration 
company, commercialisation through portfolio management is 
important in crystallising value at the right time; Executive Directors’ 
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 KPIs, are aligned 
with the Company’s underlying objective of finding resources 
efficiently and monetising them smartly to create growth in NAV.  
The precise metrics chosen and weighting ascribed to each may vary, 
as detailed in the Policy above, in line with the Company’s strategy. 

Long-term performance is assessed based on our performance in 
growing NAV per share, which is our key long-term performance metric. 

The Committee believes the above measures each achieve alignment 
between shareholders and Executive Directors and that they are only 
rewarded for creating NAV per share. 

Other than in the case of NAV per share where a high watermark is 
established that must be exceeded for a pay-out to take place, 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 achievement of stretching performance 
targets approved at the start of each year. 

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, 
including examining whether there is any gender pay difference and 
the pay of the median paid employee in relation to the pay of the 
Chief Executive Officer. 

This process ensures that the Committee is considering broader 
Company issues in determining executive pay and 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
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 as 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. 

75

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance report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
Base Salary

Pension

Policy
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 
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. 
A defined contribution or cash supplement at the level provided to 
current Executive Directors as set in the policy table. 

Long-term 
incentives

New joiners will normally be eligible to participate in  
Long-Term Value Creation Plan 2016 after completion  
of a probationary period. 

Element
Benefits

Policy
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. 

Annual  
Bonus

Buy-out  
awards

The Annual Bonus would operate as outlined for current Executive 
Directors (i.e. to a maximum of 50% 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. 
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 as permitted under 
the Listing Rules. 

The amount an Executive Director could earn under the 
Remuneration Policy
A significant proportion of remuneration is linked to performance, 
particularly at maximum performance levels. The charts below show 
how much the Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer 
could earn under Ophir’s Remuneration Policy (as detailed above) 
under different performance scenarios (based on their salaries as  
at 1 January 2018). The following assumptions have been made: 

NAV event every year 

Nick
Cooper

Tony
Rouse

Minimum
In line with
expectations
Maximum

Minimum
In line with
expectations
Maximum

29%

7%

17%

8%

29%

7%

17%

8%

100%

100%

64%

75%

62%

75%

£624,000

£2,184,000

£3,744,000

£371,000

£1,298,500

£2,226,000

Fixed Pay

Annual Bonus

Long Term Incentives

The analysis above shows what could be earned by the Executive 
Directors based on a NAV event in the year. If there is no NAV event, 
then the following year there is the potential for remuneration to be 
higher allowing for the fact that NAV events may be infrequent. 

Minimum (performance below threshold)
 – Fixed pay only with no vesting under any of Ophir’s  

incentive plans.

In line with expectations
 – Fixed pay plus a bonus at the mid-point of the ranges typically 
set (giving 50% of the maximum opportunity of 50% of salary) 
and a NAV event in 2017 triggering an aggregate payment 
(in cash and shares) at 225% of salary.

Maximum (performance meets or exceeds maximum)
 – Fixed pay plus maximum bonus at 50% of salary and a NAV event  
in 2017 triggering an aggregate payment (in cash and shares)  
at 450% of salary.

Fixed pay comprises:
 – salaries – salary effective as at 1 January 2017 

 – benefits – amount received by each Executive Director in the 2017 

financial year 

 – pension – employer contributions or cash-equivalent payments  

at 11% of base salary. 

76

Ophir Energy plcThe charts below include an illustration of the potential remuneration 
that could be earned in this circumstance based on the same 
assumptions as noted above but with the NAV event payments being 
at 350% of salary where performance is in line with expectations and 
700% of salary at maximum performance levels. 

NAV event after a gap year 

Nick
Cooper

Tony
Rouse

Minimum
In line with
expectations
Maximum

Minimum
In line with
expectations
Maximum

21%

5%

12%

6%

21%

5%

12%

6%

100%

100%

74%

82%

74%

82%

£624,000

£2,964,000

£5,304,000

£371,000

£1,762,250

£3,153,500

Fixed Pay

Annual Bonus

Long Term Incentives

The scenarios do not include any share price growth or 
dividend assumptions.

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 individual or the Company. 
For new hires, the Company’s policy is 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 
in 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 cease if the alternative income exceeds the 
monthly instalment payment. 

The Service Agreements contain a provision enabling the Company 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 Company, or the Executive Director 
has resigned without giving due notice and the Company has not 
accepted the resignation. During the garden leave period, the 
Executive Director 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 Company 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 inclusion of the change of control provisions in Nick Cooper’s 
Service Agreement is now considered a legacy issue by the 
Committee with Executive Directors in post prior to the IPO having 
consistent provisions in this regard. Such provisions did not form part 
of Bill Higgs’ Service Agreement, or Tony Rouse’s Service Agreement, 
and will not form part of any future Service Agreements for Executive 
Directors. 

A summary of the terms of the Service Agreements is set out below. 
This disclosure has been updated from last year to reflect the 
current Board:

Name
Nick Cooper

Bill Higgs1
Tony Rouse

Continuous 
employment
1 June 2011

Service 
Notice by 
Agreement 
date
Company
26 May 2011 12 months

Notice by 
Executive
12 months

10 September 
2014
1 October 
2014

10 September 
2014
27 January 
2016

–

–

12 months

12 months

1 

 Bill Higgs left the Board on 7 August and ceased employment on 30 September and therefore 
is no longer subject to any notice periods.

Copies of the Service Agreements for current Executive Directors, 
together with the Letters of Appointment for the Non-Executive 
Directors, 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 may 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 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance report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 Director leaves 
under certain good leaver circumstances, as described above. 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 death, then the award will vest in full on the date of death. 

In relation to the 2016 Plan, awards will lapse on the date of cessation 
of employment unless an Executive Director leaves in good leaver 
circumstances. If treated as a good leaver, then deferred shares, 
having been earned as a result of creating NAV growth per share, 
would ordinarily vest on the dates that they would have vested had 
the individual not ceased such employment. For Executive Directors, 
they will continue to be required to retain the after-tax number of 
vested shares for a minimum period of five years from award. 

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 Non-Executive Director 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 
Non-Executive Directors will serve for an initial three-year term. The 
Company may terminate the appointment under each Letter of 
Appointment if the Non-Executive Director has committed a serious or 
repeated breach or non-observance of their obligations to the Company. 

Consideration of shareholder views
The Committee remains committed to shareholder dialogue  
and takes an active interest in voting outcomes. The Committee 
consults extensively with our major shareholders when setting the 
Remuneration Policy. If there are any particular shareholders opposed 
to our Policy, members of the Committee would endeavour to meet 
with them, as appropriate, to understand any issues they may have 
and during the year the Chairman of the Committee spoke with an 
institutional shareholder on a number of matters. 

78

Ophir Energy plcANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

This part of the report has been prepared in accordance with Schedule 8 of 
the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) 
(Amendment) Regulations 2013 and the Listing Rules. 

Advisers to the Committee 
Korn Ferry are appointed as the independent adviser to the 
Committee and provide services to the Company on a ‘called on’ 
rather than a retained basis. Korn Ferry is a member of the 
Remuneration Consultants Group and complies with its code of 
conduct. Details of the terms of engagement for Korn Ferry are 
available on request from the General Counsel & Company Secretary. 
The Committee regularly reviews the external adviser relationship and 
is comfortable that Korn Ferry’s advice is objective and independent. 
For the year under review Korn Ferry’s fees charged were £86,186 
(excluding VAT). 

Implementation of Remuneration Policy for 2018 
Base salaries 
The Committee reviews the Executive Directors’ base salaries prior to 
each financial year taking into account individual performance and 
experience, Company performance and economic conditions. 

The Committee assessed the above factors and determined that 
again there should be no base salary increases, which was in line with 
the treatment of senior management generally. However, an 
inflationary salary increase was made to employees below senior 
management level. The base salaries, effective 1 January 2018, are 
included in the table below.

Role
Chief Executive 
Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Salary as at  
1 January 
2018

Salary as at  
1 January 
2017

£550,000

£325,000

 £550,000
£325,000 

Increase

0%

0%

Pension and benefits 
The Executive Directors receive Company contributions towards 
personal pension plans or salary in lieu of pension at a rate of 11%  
of base salary. 

In addition to pension benefits, the Executive Directors also receive 
health insurance, life assurance, medical evacuation insurance, travel 
insurance, holiday pay and sick leave cover.

The Annual Statement and Annual Report on Remuneration 
(combined) will be put to an advisory shareholder vote at the 2018 
AGM. The information on pages 81 to 86 (inclusive) has been audited. 

Consideration of remuneration matters 
Membership and attendance 
The members of the Committee during the year ended 31 December 
2017, together with details of their individual attendance at Committee 
meetings held during the year, are set out below:

Committee members
Vivien Gibney, Committee Chairman
Ronald Blakely2
Alan Booth
David Davies3
Bill Schrader

Meeting 
attendance1
5/5
1/5
5/5
5/5
5/5

1  This includes a telephone meeting on 26 July 2017 in relation to the Company restructuring.
2  Ronald Blakely retired from the Board and the Committee on 31 March 2017.
3  David Davies joined the Committee on 10 February 2017.

Members of the Committee are appointed by the Board and all  
of its members are considered to be independent. The Chairman  
of the Company, Bill Schrader, was independent on appointment. 

The Chief Executive Officer and advisers to the Committee may also 
be invited to attend meetings as necessary. During the year, the Chief 
Executive Officer, the former Chief Operating Officer, the General 
Counsel & Company Secretary, the Director of Human Resources and 
representatives from Korn Ferry 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, and its implementation, 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 
at www.ophir-energy.com/about-us/corporate-governance/board-
committees/remuneration.

79

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

2016 Plan 
Shareholders approved the Long-Term Value Creation Plan 2016 at 
the 2016 AGM and the Committee will include full details of any NAV 
events taking place in 2018 in the Annual Report on Remuneration  
for the 2018 year with the value of any reward pool subject to review 
by the Company’s Auditor by undertaking agreed procedures to 
determine whether the NAV model materially meets its objectives. 

Recovery and withholding provisions will apply that will enable the 
Committee to recover value overpaid in the event of (i) a FID being 
taken but where the development is then subsequently cancelled prior 
to production, or (ii) where the Company is the subject of a lawsuit 
pursued successfully by a third party in relation to a NAV event under 
which a reward pool was generated. Recovery can be achieved 
through withholding of future incentive payments or through seeking 
repayment of the value overpaid (on a net of tax basis) from the 
individual in line with the recommendations of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code. 

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
Senior Independent Director fee

2018
£140,000
£70,000
£5,000
£5,000

2017
£140,000
£70,000
£5,000
£5,000

Annual bonus 
The annual bonus scheme has been designed to provide reward for 
above-average performance. The performance targets, which are a 
distillation of the corporate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and 
certain personal KPI, are reviewed by the Committee annually.

The bonus opportunity under that scheme for the year ending 31 
December 2018 will be limited to 50% of base salary, payable in cash.

No bonus is payable for below certain defined performance levels 
with bonuses earned on a sliding scale (where appropriate) based on 
the Committee’s assessment of achievement against the targets set.

For 2018, the weightings and targets have been adjusted vis-à-vis 2017 
to better reflect the current strategic priorities of the Company with the 
following Bonus Metric targets to apply to both Executive Directors.

Measure
Corporate KPIs (representing 66.67% of the total 
bonus opportunity)
Licence to Operate 
The targets relate to safety performance, environmental 
targets and employee engagement
Organic Growth 
The target relates to the amount of prospective risked 
resources added to the portfolio
Monetisation
The targets relate to operated production, total 
operating expenditure versus budget and the value 
created from the Company’s 2P and 2C inventory
Balance sheet 
The targets relate to capital expenditure versus budget, 
gross G&A spend and liquidity

Personal KPIs (representing 33.33% of the total 
bonus opportunity)
A range of personal KPIs based on how the individual 
Executive Director performed against tailored metrics 
based on the above KPIs

Percentage of 
base salary 
potentially 
payable as 
bonus

5%

5%

16.7%

6.7%

16.7%

The Committee retains discretion to reduce the total bonus payment 
to Executive Directors, for example 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 outturn  
will be disclosed in next year’s Annual Report on Remuneration.

Recovery and withholding 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. These provisions, in line with 
the 2016 UK Corporate Governance Code recommendations, enable 
the withholding of future incentive payments or through the recovery 
of the value overpaid (on a net of tax basis) from the individual.

80

Ophir Energy plcAudited information 
Remuneration payable to Directors for the year under review 
The detailed emoluments for the Executive and Non-Executive Directors for the year ended 31 December 2017 are detailed below: 

All figures to nearest £000

Executive Directors
Nick Cooper
Tony Rouse

Former Executive Director
Bill Higgs3

Chairman and Non-Executive Directors
Bill Schrader
Carol Bell4
Ronald Blakely5
Alan Booth
Vivien Gibney
David Davies
Carl Trowell

Base Salary/
Fees

Benefits

Pension

Bonus

550
325

287

140
78
19
75
75
75
70

14
10

19

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

61
36

32

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Long-term 
incentives

381,2
–2

–2

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Total 
2017

6246,7
371

3388

140
78
19
75
75
75
70

1 

 The third tranche of the 2012 Special CEO award vested on 19 June 2017 at 12.5% of the total granted. This award is vested but has not been exercised. Therefore, the calculation is based on the 
closing share price on 19 June 2017 (£0.83).

2  The 2015 LTIP failed to achieve its performance conditions and therefore, the awards lapsed in full.
3 

 Bill Higgs left the Board on 7 August 2017 and ceased employment on 30 September 2017. In addition to the above he received £97,826 as detailed on pages 84 and 85, under the heading loss  
of Office payment.

4  Carol Bell was appointed Senior Independent Director on 31 March 2017.
5  Ronald Blakely retired from the Board on 31 March 2017.
6  All figures allocated are to the nearest £000, including the total. Therefore, the components do not add up to the total figure. 
7  This total figure does not include the long-term incentives figure because this award has not been exercised and therefore the benefit has not been realised during the year.
8  This total figure does not include the loss of office payments as detailed on page 82.

The detailed emoluments for the Executive and Non-Executive Directors for the year ended 31 December 2016 are detailed below: 

Base Salary/
Fees

Benefits7

Pension

Bonus

Long-term
incentives

Total 
2016

All figures in £000

Executive Directors
Nick Cooper
Bill Higgs
Tony Rouse1

Chairman and Non-Executive Directors
Nicholas Smith2
Bill Schrader3 
Carol Bell4
Ronald Blakely
Alan Booth
Vivien Gibney
David Davies5 
Carl Trowell6 

550
383
322

35
118
73
75
75
75
25
25

15
24
11

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

61
42
35

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

185
133
106

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

1  Tony Rouse was appointed to the Board on 27 January 2016. His emoluments have been pro-rated.
2  Nic Smith retired from the Board on 30 April 2016.
3  Bill Schrader was appointed Chairman on 30 April 2016.
4  Carol Bell was appointed as Chairman of the Corporate Responsibility Committee on 30 April 2016.
5  David Davies was appointed to the Board on 23 August 2016. 
6  Carl Trowell was appointed to the Board on 23 August 2016. 
7  Increases represent premium loading on the annual rates for insurances due to medical reasons.

811
582
474

35
118
73
75
75
75
25
25

81

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Additional information in respect of the Directors’ remuneration table 
Annual bonus plan outturn for 2017 
For 2017, the Committee set KPI targets for the Executive Directors in respect of: exploration; operations; financial strength and returns; 
business model; stakeholder engagement; and leadership. The bonus plan consists of a corporate KPI element representing 66.67% of the total 
bonus opportunity and a personal KPI element representing 33.33% of the total bonus opportunity.

The extent of achievement for each Executive Director (excluding the Chief Operating Officer following his redundancy) against their 
performance objectives is detailed below:

Extent of achievement

Metric
Targets applicable to all Executive Directors 
Exploration: capture high-quality exploration acreage, generate and high-grade prospects and mature six to eight top ranked,  
drillable prospects per year 
Enter new exploration positions 

Percentage of 
individual target met

0% (10% of corporate 
bonus element) 

Mature prospects  
to drillable status 

Operations: execute safely with excellence 
Health, Safety, Security 
& Environment 

Operational performance

The target was to receive Board approval for entry into new positions in existing or new plays ( 
6 – 100%, 4 – 75%, 2 – 50%, <2 = 0%). 
Board approval was received for entry into one new position and, as a result, the target was 
not met.
However, progress was made in extending licences in key assets (e.g. an extension for Block R 
in Equatorial Guinea was received) which became a greater area of focus in 2017 following 
the Board’s decision mid-year to limit its entries into new exploration positions. 
The target range of net risked reserves to be added to the portfolio was 100-200 MMboe  
(0% payable) – 200 MMboe (100% payable), with a sliding scale in between performance points.
Actual additions were 219 MMboe and, as a result, the objective was achieved in full.
Prior to confirming achievement against this target, the Committee considered both the 
process of presenting the proposals and the addition of net risked reserves added and the 
extent to which the additional resources were ready to be drilled. Having considered these 
factors, the Committee was satisfied that the objective had been achieved in full.

Improvement in performance of leading indicators and results (No improvement in targeted 
dimensions = 0%, improvement in one of the two targeted dimensions = 50%, improvement 
in both dimensions = 100%).
Actual performance included improvements in (i) the percentage Deficiency  
of Audited Permit to Work, (ii) Aircraft Downtime and (iii) Failures Noted During Pre-flight 
Inspection. However, noting that the Total Recordable Incident Rate had increased from 0 to 
2.0 (per million hours worked) during the year, achievement against this metric was reduced 
from the targets being achieved in full to being met at 50% of the maximum. 
Deliver capital expenditure of US$133 million (total Capex of US$179 million less gross G&A) 
or less for the defined scope by 4Q17). (<85% = 100%, 90% of budget = 75%, 100% of budget 
= 25%, >105% = 0)
Actual full year capital expenditure was $101 million and so the target was achieved in full. 
However, having considered the revised scope of capital expenditure as approved by the 
Board during the year, the extent of achievement was adjusted to 75% of the maximum so 
that only items where capital expenditure was delivered below revised budgets were counted 
towards performance against the target. 
Deliver annualised Opex/bbl of US$13.38 for production, net of royalties (including 
Sinphuhorm volumes and costs). (US$11.37 = 100%, US$13.38 = 0%). 
Actual was $11.88 which resulted in 75% of the maximum for this element becoming payable. 

 10% (10% of 
corporate bonus 
element) 

3.5% (6.66% of 
corporate bonus 
element) 

5.25% (6.66% of 
corporate bonus 
element) 

4.5% (6.66% of 
corporate bonus 
element) 

Financial strength and returns: optimise the use of Ophir’s capital by capturing highest commercial returns on our assets and  
exploration opportunities 
Increase NAV/share from  
1 January 2017 opening 

3.5% (5% of corporate 
bonus element) 

Deliver six-month cumulative Bualuang production forecast from three well infill programme. 
(>105% = 100%, 100% of forecast = 75%, <85% = 0%). 
Actual performance was the delivery of an incremental 250,000 barrels of oil against the six-month 
cumulative production forecast. This resulted in the target being met at 70% of the maximum.
Achieve FID on Fortuna FLNG project in Equatorial Guinea with a value above $200 million, 
which was used to set the Group Opening Benchmark NAV (>$200 million = 100%). 
A FID on Fortuna LNG was not taken during 2017 despite progress being made towards a FID 
and so the target was not achieved.

0% (10% of corporate 
bonus element)

82

Ophir Energy plcMetric
Targets applicable to all Executive Directors 
Business Model: grow a revenue generating business to fund our exploration activities and minimise our overall cost of capital 
Capital structure 

Extent of achievement

Percentage of 
individual target met

Put in place debt, or equivalent debt-like structures of US$135 million 
(US$135 million = 100%, US$50 million = 25%). 
A successful refinancing was achieved in the year which delivered a new debt facility of up to 
$250 million (with an immediate $204 million draw down) and so the target was achieved in full. 
Deliver business model to achieve forecast sustainable cash and/or cash flow of up to US$300 
million per annum for three years post-acquisition (US$300 million ave. = 100%, US$50 million 
ave. = 0%). 
Operating cash flow of $92.4 million (pre-admin costs) was delivered in 2017 and so based on 
the range of targets set, 17% of the maximum target was achieved. 

10% (10% of 
corporate bonus 
element) 

2.5% (15% of 
corporate bonus 
element)

Sustainable business  
model

Internal metric: empower and support our staff to make brave and transparent decisions that create shareholder value 
Employee engagement 

In the 2017 employee engagement survey, measure that employees are getting frequent feedback 
from their managers on performance and expectations (<80% = 0%, >=85% = 100%). 
Based on a 2017 employee engagement score of 81% in relation to receiving regular feedback 
from managers, 20% of the maximum target was achieved. 
In 2017 employee engagement survey, measure that leadership effectiveness is in line with 
matrix structure and values-driven culture by end Q3 (=> 80% of respondents reporting 
behaviours in-line with the values & feeling empowered to make decisions). 
Based on a 2017 employee engagement score of 81% (calculated using the average of 
‘output’ derived leadership and values questions from the survey), 100% of the target was 
met. However, after analysing the results by location, the Committee reduced the extent of 
achievement from 100% to 80% to recognise that while the leadership and culture results 
were generally strong (especially in light of the rightsizing exercise completed during the year), 
there remained scope for improvement in certain locations. 

1% (5% of corporate 
bonus element) 

8% (10% of corporate 
bonus element) 

External stakeholder engagement: be respected by our stakeholders for what we achieve and for the way we achieve it 
Validate our Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions. 
Demonstrate Ophir’s commitment 
The scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions were validated during the year and so the 
to creating a sustainable energy 
target was 100% achieved.
business 
Complete 2017 Ethical Compliance programme and uphold values.
Good citizen 
The Compliance programme was completed during the year; covering staff and contractor 
training in Thailand, Indonesia, Africa, Malaysia and London. All actions that form the 
internal audit process were closed out and the annual compliance sign-off process was 
completed by all employees and relevant contractors. As a result, the target was met in full.

Total percentage of Corporate KPI element 
Total percentage of overall bonus (up to a maximum of 66.67%)

2% (2% of corporate 
bonus element) 

3% (3% of corporate 
bonus element)

53.25% out of 100%
35.5% out of 66.67%

Personal KPIs 
Individual performance was eligible to have been assessed against six categories of operations, financial strength and returns, business model 
and the effective management of internal and external stakeholders. 

However, having been through the process of assessing the corporate objectives detailed above, in light of the rightsizing programme 
undertaken during in the year (which included an extensive redundancy exercise) and the Company’s current share price, it was agreed that any 
entitlement to bonuses would be waived in respect of 2017. 

As a result, notwithstanding the achievements detailed above, no bonuses are payable in relation to 2017 performance. 

Long-Term Incentive Plan awards vesting by reference to performance in 2017 
The third tranche of the Chief Executive Officer’s Exceptional Long-Term Incentive Award was eligible to vest on 19 June 2017. Vesting of half of 
the award was dependent on the Company delivering a minimum compound TSR growth of 20% per annum over the performance period. 
Actual TSR growth was below the minimum requirement and so this tranche of the award has lapsed. Vesting of the remaining half of the 
award was subject to Ophir’s relative TSR performance versus a bespoke group of 18 oil and gas comparator companies. Ophir’s TSR over the 
three-year performance period was marginally ahead of the median of the comparator group of 16 companies which resulted in 25% of this 
part of the award becoming eligible to vest. Vesting was underpinned by a requirement for the Committee to determine that (a) the 

83

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

satisfaction of the performance condition reflected the underlying financial performance of the Company and that (b) the level of 
performance achieved was delivered without a material deterioration in the Company’s health, safety and/or environmental performance.  
As an exploration company with a robust balance sheet and HSE record, the Committee concluded that the vesting result was supported by the 
Company’s track record on both basis through the performance period. As a result, 25% of the relative TSR part of the award vested.

Nick Cooper
LTIP

Date of grant

Conclusion of 
performance 
period 

Vesting date 

Shares 
awarded 

Shares  
vesting

Value of 
vested 
awards

19/06/2012

19/06/2017

19/06/2017

370,025

46,253 

£38,389.991

1  This award has not been exercised. Therefore, the calculation is based on the closing share price (£0.83)on the vesting date.

In addition to the third tranche of the Chief Executive Officer’s Exceptional Long-Term Incentive Award having a performance period ending 
during the year under review, the LTIP award granted on 26 March 2015 also had a performance period ending on 31 December 2017. The 
performance condition applying to this award was comparing Ophir’s TSR versus a bespoke peer group of 20 oil and gas companies. At the 
conclusion of the performance period, Ophir was ranked below the median of the comparator group and so the award will lapse. 

Long-Term Incentive Awards Granted During the Year and NAV Point Allocations in Relation to 2017
Following the introduction of the 2016 Plan there were no LTIP awards granted in 2017.

In relation to the 2016 Long-Term Value Creation Plan, the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer were awarded 8,250 and 4,875 notional 
NAV Points in relation to the 2017 financial year resulting in total holdings of 19,325 and 11,281 at the year end. The Chief Operating Officer’s 
allocation was reduced from a full year allocation to 4,005 to reflect the period of his employment in the 2017 financial year prior to his 
redundancy with his total accrued points at the date of leaving being 12,015. 

Notional NAV points are allocated based on the individual’s level of seniority in the Company (using a combination of salary and performance 
rating with consistent principles applied within each employee level) and are used by the Committee in the process of determining an 
individual’s share of any reward pool created under the Long-Term Value Creation Plan following a NAV Event. The total NAV points allocated to 
date under the Long-Term Value Creation Plan is 201,772. 

While no payments were made in 2017 in relation to the 2016 Plan, any future payments to the Executive Directors under the Long-Term Value 
Creation Plan are restricted to the limits detailed on page 74.

Payments for loss of office 
As detailed in the Corporate Governance Section, the Company undertook a restructuring exercise during the year to better reflect the current 
commercial environment in the oil and gas sector. This involved implementing a Group-wide redundancy exercise in connection with a 
wide-reaching restructuring of roles and responsibilities. 

As part of this exercise, the role of Chief Operating Officer was made redundant. Accordingly, Bill Higgs resigned from the Company’s Board on 
7 August 2017 and ceased employment on 30 September 2017 which was the date his role was made redundant. In line with his service 
contract, which included a 12-month notice period, the Committee approved the following payments in full and final settlement of any claims 
against the Ophir Energy Group:

1.   A payment in lieu of notice equal to three months’ salary of £95,625 paid as a lump sum. Payment of up to the first three months’ salary in 

lieu of notice as a lump sum was in line with other employees of the Company subject to redundancy.

2.   The sum of £286,875, representing the balance of nine months’ salary in lieu of notice, was to be paid in nine equal instalments on a 

monthly basis and to commence approximately three months from cessation of employment. However, since these payments are subject to 
mitigation, they will only be made to the extent that the income received by Dr Higgs from employment or services provided by him during 
the period is below the monthly amounts payable by Ophir. Dr Higgs would only receive the amount of any shortfall between his new 
employment income and the phased payment by Ophir.

3.  A payment of £2,201 in respect of his statutory redundancy entitlement.

4.  In line with the treatment of other employees made redundant, no annual bonus was payable in relation to the 2017 financial year.

5.   In line with the treatment of other employees made redundant and the rules of the LTIP in the event of redundancy, Dr Higgs’ unvested 

2015 and 2016 awards under the Company’s Long Term Incentive Plan (‘LTIP’) (over 547,398 and 878,704 shares respectively) will continue 
to vest on the normal vesting dates subject to testing of the relevant performance conditions at the end of the relevant performance 
periods. The vesting of awards will be subject to the rules of the LTIP, including clawback, and the awards will be pro-rated to reflect the 
period of employment as a proportion of the vesting period.

6.   In line with other employees of the Company subject to redundancy, the Committee resolved that Dr Higgs will retain his accrued notional 

84

Ophir Energy plcNAV points (12,015) under the Company’s Long-Term Value Creation Plan (the ‘2016 Plan’). The points will entitle Mr Higgs to receive a cash 
payment and an award of deferred shares under the 2016 Plan upon the occurrence of the first NAV event that creates a NAV event pool 
prior to 31 December 2018. The cash payment and deferred shares will be determined at the time of the NAV event in accordance with the 
rules of the 2016 Plan. Restricting the number of NAV points to those accrued from 1 January 2016 to 30 June 2017 will ensure that any 
payment or award made to Dr Higgs in connection with a NAV event is the subject of a pro-rata reduction vis-à-vis the position he would 
have been in had he remained in employment and received further allocations of NAV points through to a NAV event in line with the 
operation of the 2016 Plan. Deferred shares vest on the third, fourth and fifth anniversary of allocation and are subject to post-vesting 
holding requirements and potential clawback. If the NAV event occurs after 31 December 2018, Dr Higgs will have no entitlements under 
the 2016 Plan.

7.   A sum of £10,000 was paid directly to third-party service providers as a contribution in relation to legal services.

Directors’ interests in shares 
Directors’ options and share-based awards as at 31 December 2017:

Date of 
grant

Director and Scheme
Nick Cooper
ESOP1
01/06/2011
Long-Term Incentive Plan  19/06/2012
Long-Term Incentive Plan  26/03/20153
Long-Term Incentive Plan 14/03/2016

Bill Higgs2
Long-Term Incentive Plan  26/03/20153
Long-Term Incentive Plan 14/03/2016

Tony Rouse
Long-Term Incentive Plan 26/03/20153
Long-Term Incentive Plan 14/03/2016

Exercise 
price 
(pence)

Market 
price at 
exercise 
(pence)

Shares under 
award at  
1 January 
2017

Vesting 
date

Shares 
awarded

Shares 
vested  
in year

Shares 
exercised

216.20
0.00
0.00
0.00

0.00
0.00

0.00
0.00

– 01/06/2013
– 19/06/2017
– 26/03/2018
– 14/03/2019

578,164
370,025
787,108
1,263,496

–
–
– 46,253
–
–
–
–

– 26/03/2018
– 14/03/2019

547,398
878,704

– 26/03/2018
– 14/03/2019

306,543
559,958

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–

–
–

Shares 
lapsed/ 
cancelled 
or 
forfeited

Shares 
under 
award at 31 
December 

2017 Lapse date

–
323,772
787,108

31/05/2021
578,164
46,2533,4 18/06/2018
25/03/2019
13/03/2020

–
– 1,263,496

547,398
–

–
878,704

25/03/2019
13/03/2020

306,543
–

–
559,958

25/03/2019
13/03/2020

1  Nick Cooper was granted market value options under the 2006 Share Option Scheme and an award under the Long-Term Incentive Plan as part of the terms of his recruitment. 
2  Bill Higgs left the Board on 7 August and ceased employment on 30 September 2017.
3  The 2015 LTIP award was assessed by the Remuneration Committee and a 0% vesting outcome was determined. Therefore, all awards under the 2015 grant lapsed in full.
4  The third tranche of the 2012 Special CEO award, vested at 12.5% of the total granted. This award is vested but has not been exercised.

Share ownership and minimum share ownership requirements 
To align the interests of the Executive Directors with shareholders, Executive Directors are required to build and maintain significant 
shareholdings in the Company. 

Nick Cooper has a minimum share ownership requirement 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 200% of salary and are required to retain at least 50% of their vested or exercised awards (net of taxes) under 
share incentive schemes until the guideline is met. Once the guideline level is achieved the value is translated into a minimum number of shares 
that must continue to be held. Nick Cooper met his share ownership requirement on 27 June 2014 with the number of shares required to be 
held against the guideline fixed at 653,066 shares. Tony Rouse, who was appointed to the Board on 27 January 2016, has not yet met the 
minimum share ownership requirement, but is making good progress towards doing so. 

85

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

The Chairman and Non-Executive Directors are encouraged to hold shares in the Company but are not subject to a formal minimum 
shareholding requirement.

Details of the Directors’ interests in shares are shown in the table below. 

Bill Schrader
Nick Cooper1,2
Tony Rouse
Carol Bell
Alan Booth3
Vivien Gibney
David Davies
Carl Trowell
Former Executive Director
Bill Higgs4
Former Non-Executive Director
Ronald Blakely5

Minimum 
share 
ownership 
requirement
–
300%
200%
–
–
–
–
–

Beneficially  
owned as at 
31 December 
2017
17,700
1,524,431
337,775
6,870
125,000
15,000
0
0

Beneficially  
owned as at 
1 January 
2017
17,700
1,524,431
337,775
6,870
125,000
15,000
0
0

Proportion of  
minimum share 
ownership 
requirement
–
100%
35%
–
–
–
–
–

Outstanding  
share-based  
incentive 
awards
–
1,887,913
866,501
–
–
–
–
–

n/a

–

n/a

n/a

168,693

47,000

n/a

–

n/a

–

  The legal interest is held by First Direct. 800 shares are held by Nick Cooper’s spouse, Alison Nightingale. The legal interest of these shares is held in the name of James Capel (Nominees) Limited.

1 
2  Nick Cooper had met the 300% of salary share ownership guideline at 27 June 2014 with the number of shares required to be held against the guideline fixed at 653,066. shares. 
3  Alan Booth holds a beneficial interest in 125,000 shares. The legal interest is held by TD Direct Investing Nominees (Europe) Ltd.
4.  Bill Higgs left the Board on 7 August and ceased employment on 30 September. He retained a beneficial interest in 168,693 shares as at 30 September 2017. 
5  Ronald Blakely left the Board on 31 March 2017. He retained a beneficial interest in 47,000 shares until that date.

Performance graph (not subject to audit)
This graph shows the value, by 31 December 2017, of £100 invested in 
Ophir Energy plc on 13 July 2011 (the date the Company’s shares 
began trading on the London Stock Exchange) against the FTSE All 
Share Oil and Gas Producers Index and against the FTSE 250 Index. 
Ophir has been a constituent of the index for much of the period and 
therefore the Committee considers this broad equity index to be 
appropriate as a comparator.

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 page 81 and the table also details the proportion 
of annual bonus and LTIP awards payable and/or vesting in the 
relevant year.

Total shareholder returns (TSR)

250

200

)
£
(
e
u
a
V

l

150

100

50

0

13 Jul 
2011

13 Dec 
2011

13 Dec 
2012

31 Dec 
2013

31 Dec 
2014

31 Dec 
2015

31 Dec 
2016

31 Dec 
2017

Ophir

FTSE 250

 FTSE All Share Oil and Gas Producers Index

Source: Thomson Reuters

Year ending Executive
31/12/2017 Nick Cooper
31/12/2016 Nick Cooper
31/12/2015 Nick Cooper
31/12/2014 Nick Cooper
31/12/2013 Nick Cooper
31/12/2012 Nick Cooper

Total 
remuneration 
(£000)
624
811
1,570
2,970
1,027
970

LTIP 
Annual 
Vesting (% 
Bonus (% 
of max)
of max)
12.5% 1
0%
68%2
0%
0%
72%
58% 95 & 100%3,4
n/a
92%
n/a
89%

1 

2 

3 

4 

 The third tranche of the 2012 Special CEO award, vested at 12.5% of the total granted.  
This award is vested but has not been exercised. 
 Annual maximum bonus potential for 2016 is now 50% of annual salary, reduced from  
150% in previous policy.
 In the year ending 31 December 2014 performance was established for the LTIPs awarded in 
2011, which vested at 100% on 1 June 2014 and for the award made on 13 April 2012, which 
vested at 95% on 13 April 2015. 
 Reflects the fact that Nick Cooper was appointed as Chief Executive Officer part way through 
the year on 1 June 2011. 

86

Ophir Energy plc 
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 bonus) from 2016 to 2017 for the Chief Executive 
Officer compared with the average UK Head Office employee.

Salary
Benefits
Annual Bonus

Chief 
Executive 
Officer

0%
 (5.7%)2
(100%) 

Average UK
employee1

3.91%
2.89%
19.0%

1 

2 

 The comparator group chosen comprises 39 employees who are the Company’s UK 
based employees, excluding Executive Directors, who were employed continuously from 
31 December 2016 to 31 December 2017. 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 and allows for a like-for-like comparison. The 
comparator group has decreased from 58 to 39 employees.
 The benefits available to all employees, including the Chief Executive Officer, remain 
unchanged from the previous year and include pension, private healthcare, income protection 
insurance and life assurance. Though benefits remain unchanged the costs of insurance 
premia have been updated and the overall cost of benefits has reduced for the Chief Executive 
and increased for the average UK employee from 2016 to 2017.

Relative importance of the spend on pay  
(not subject to audit)

Staff costs (£m)
Distributions to 
shareholders (£m)

2017
29

0

2016
37

0

% change
(21%)

(0%)

Statement of shareholder voting  
(not subject to audit) 
At the 2017 AGM, the resolutions to approve the Annual Report on 
Remuneration received the following votes from shareholders:

Annual Statement  
on remuneration

Votes 
in favour
99.13%
(551,999,677)

Votes 
against
0.87%
(4,871,478)

Votes 
withheld

(3,245,273)

By Order of the Board 

Vivien Gibney  
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee  
6 March 2018

87

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportResponsibility statement  
of the Directors in respect  
of the Annual Report  
and Accounts 

Statement of Directors’ 
responsibilities in relation  
to the 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 Strategic Report and Directors’ Report 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 on 6 March 2018

Nick Cooper 
Chief Executive Officer 

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the 
financial statements in accordance with applicable United Kingdom 
law and regulations. Company law requires the Directors to prepare 
financial statements of the Group and the parent Company for each 
financial year. Under that law, the Directors are required to prepare 
financial statements under International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. 

Under Company Law the Directors must not approve the Group 
and parent Company financial statements unless they are satisfied 
that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group 
and parent Company and of the profit or loss of the Group and parent 
Company for that period. In preparing the financial statements the 
Directors are required to: 

 – present fairly the financial position, financial performance and 

cash flows of the Group and parent 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 Group and parent 
Company’s financial position and financial performance; and 

 – state whether the Group and parent 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 Group and parent Company 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Group and parent Company and enable them 
to ensure that the Group and parent 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 Group and parent 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, 
the 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 6 March 2018

Nick Cooper 
Chief Executive Officer 

88

Ophir Energy plcIndependent Auditor’s report to the members of Ophir Energy plc 

Opinion
In our opinion:

•  Ophir Energy plc’s group financial statements and parent company financial statements (the “financial statements”) give a true and fair view 

of the state of the group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 2017 and of the group’s loss for the year then ended;

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

•  the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union as 

applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and

•  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, and, as regards the group 

financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

We have audited the financial statements of Ophir Energy plc which comprise:

Group
Consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive 
income for the year then ended
Consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2017
Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended
Consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended

Related notes 1 to 37 to the financial statements, including a summary  
of significant accounting policies

Parent company
Company statement of financial position as at 31 December 2017

Company statement of changes in equity for the year then ended
Company statement of cash flows for the year then ended
Related notes 1 to 20 to the financial statements including a summary of 
significant accounting policies

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

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

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

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

Conclusions relating to principal risks, going concern and viability statement
We have nothing to report in respect of the following information in the annual report, in relation to which the ISAs(UK) require us to report to 
you whether we have anything material to add or draw attention to:

•  the disclosures in the annual report from page 26 that describe the principal risks and explain how they are being managed or mitigated;

•  the directors’ confirmation from page 69 in the annual report that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the 

entity, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity;

•  the directors’ statement set out on page 69 in the financial statements about whether they considered it appropriate to adopt the going 

concern basis of accounting in preparing them, and their identification of any material uncertainties to the entity’s ability to continue to do so 
over a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements;

•  whether the directors’ statement in relation to going concern required under the Listing Rules in accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) is 

materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit; or 

•  the directors’ explanation set out on page 69 in the annual report as to how they have assessed the prospects of the entity, over what period 

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

89

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportIndependent Auditor’s report to the members of Ophir Energy plc 
continued

Overview of our audit approach 

Key audit matters

Audit scope

•  Impairment of the held for sale asset, tangible oil and gas assets and exploration and evaluation assets 
•  Estimates of oil and gas reserves
•   We performed an audit of the complete financial information of 5 components and audit procedures on specific 

balances for a further 14 components.

•   The components where we performed full or specific audit procedures accounted for 98% of revenue, 99% of total 

Materiality

•  Overall group materiality of $29.0m which represents 2% of equity. 

group equity and 97% of total assets.

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

Our response to the risk
We audited the impairment analysis and 
assumptions prepared and used by 
management through a combination of audit 
testing and bench-marking to external data 
sources and other companies in the sector. We 
used our internal valuation experts to assist in 
auditing the key assumptions such as future oil 
and gas prices and discount rates. In addition, we 
performed journal entry testing to confirm that 
management had not overridden the outcome 
of the impairment tests which we have audited.

Our procedures included:

We inquired of both operational and finance 
personnel regarding progress in obtaining debt 
financing and ultimately declaring FID.

In assessing the appropriateness of 
management’s assumptions and inputs 
included in the model we worked with our 
valuation specialists to assist us in performing 
industry benchmarking and analysis over gas 
prices (short, medium and long-term), discount 
rates, foreign exchange rates and inflation rates.

Risk

Impairment of the held for sale asset, 
tangible (oil and gas (“O&G”)) assets and 
exploration and evaluation (“E&E”) assets

For the held for sale asset: 

Held for sale asset: $604m (2016: $589m)

Refer to the Audit Committee Report (page 56); 
Accounting policies (page 112); and Note 13 
of the Consolidated Financial Statements 
(page 114)

The valuation of the EG asset is dependent  
on a number of accounting estimates and 
judgments performed by management, 
including but not limited to, obtaining debt 
financing, likelihood of a Final Investment 
Decision (“FID”), pricing and government 
participation etc.

A number of changes to key assumptions  
used in the valuation model could result  
in impairment.

Key observations communicated  
to the Audit Committee

We evaluated and assessed the reasonableness 
of the significant judgements with the most 
significant being around the assumption of 
reaching FID, in particular the ability to obtain 
debt financing, and considered this to be 
reasonable.

On the basis of our audit procedures we 
concluded that the gas price and discount rates 
were the most significant estimates and were 
within a reasonable range in light of the current 
market conditions, We also considered the 
assumed level of future participation of the 
government controlled entity of Equatorial 
Guinea to be reasonable. 

We concluded that management’s calculation of 
the recoverable amount of the asset was within 
our reasonable range and therefore the asset is 
carried at an appropriate value.

90

Ophir Energy plcRisk

For O&G assets: 

Tangible oil and gas properties assets: $700m 
(2016: $699m) 

Refer to the Audit Committee Report (page 56); 
Accounting policies (page 105); and Note 14 
of the Consolidated Financial Statements 
(page 122)

Fluctuating prices, as well as other potential 
triggers such as changes in reserves, production 
profiles, drilling commitments and cost 
forecasts, could indicate heightened risk of 
impairment and give rise to impairment testing. 

For E&E assets: 

Intangible E&E assets: $248m (2016:$310m)

Refer to the Audit Committee Report (page 56); 
Accounting policies (page 104); and Note 13 
of the Consolidated Financial Statements 
(page 121)

Given the sensitivity to commodity prices and 
the knock-on impact on future exploration and 
capital expenditure plans, there is a significant 
risk that the carrying value of E&E assets may 
be impaired, In addition, Ophir’s right to explore 
in the specific areas may have expired during 
the period or will expire in the near future, and is 
not expected to be renewed.

Our response to the risk

Key observations communicated  
to the Audit Committee

On the basis of our audit procedures we 
concluded that the oil and gas prices, discount 
rates, production volumes and the other 
assumptions used by management were within a 
reasonable range in light of the current market 
conditions; we therefore concluded that 
management’s calculation of the recoverable 
amounts of the assets were within our reasonable 
ranges and hence the carrying values and 
disclosures in the financial statements are 
appropriate.

On the basis of our audit procedures, we agree with 
management’s conclusions regarding the carrying 
values of the exploration and evaluation assets.

We inquired of both operational and finance 
personnel regarding assets’ performance, 
specifically with regard to production and 
reserves data, and future plans to assess whether 
there were any indicators of impairment.

For assets where an impairment indicator was 
identified, we obtained the relevant models 
supporting the recoverable amounts for the 
asset from management and compared these 
to the carrying value of the asset as of the 
balance sheet date to identify if there were any 
impairments or reversal of impairments.

In assessing the appropriateness of 
management’s assumptions and inputs included 
in the models we worked with our valuation 
specialists to assist us in performing industry 
benchmarking and analysis over oil and gas prices 
(short, medium and long-term), discount rates, 
foreign exchange rates and inflation rates. In 
respect of oil and gas reserve estimates including 
production profiles, we made inquiries around the 
scope of work performed and independence of 
Ophir’s third party reservoir engineers in order to 
assess both their competence and objectivity in 
respect of their reserves reporting.

We verified that Ophir had the right to explore in 
the relevant exploration licence by obtaining 
and reviewing supporting documentation such 
as licence agreements and or correspondence 
with relevant government agencies.

We confirmed that management had the 
intention to carry out exploration and evaluation 
activity in the relevant exploration area by 
performing procedures which included the review 
of budgeted expenditures and discussions with 
senior management in financial and operational 
roles and discussions with executive management.

We considered whether Ophir has the ability to 
finance planned future exploration and 
evaluation activity.

We considered the commercial viability of the 
exploration block based on the results of 
exploration and evaluation activities carried out 
in the relevant licence area.

91

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance report 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s report to the members of Ophir Energy plc 
continued

Risk

Our response to the risk

Key observations communicated  
to the Audit Committee

Estimate of oil and gas reserves 

Reserves estimates have a pervasive effect on 
the financial statements and are a highly 
complex area which involve significant 
judgment and subjectivity.

Due to the complexity, judgment and 
subjectivity involved, management can 
potentially manipulate the inputs to yield 
favourable outcomes. 

Based on our procedures we consider that the 
reserves estimations are reasonable and are an 
appropriate basis for use in, amongst other 
calculations, impairment testing, calculating 
Depreciation, Depletion & Amortisation, 
determination of decommissioning provisions 
and assessment of going concern. 

Our audit procedures have focused on 
management’s estimation process, including 
whether bias exists in the determination of reserves.

We carried out procedures to walkthrough and 
understand Ophir’s internal process and key 
controls associated with the oil and gas reserves 
estimation process.

We assessed the competence of both internal 
and external specialists and objectivity of 
external specialists. We also analysed the report 
of the external specialists on their audit of the 
reserves for the tangible (oil and gas) assets in 
Thailand and Indonesia as at 31 December 
2017 where we performed procedures to 
evaluate their objectivity and competency.

We have checked the consistency of the 
application of estimated reserves across the 
significant areas of the audit such as 
impairment testing; DD&A; decommissioning 
provisions and assessment of going concern.

An overview of the scope of our audit 
Tailoring the scope
Our assessment of audit risk, our evaluation of materiality and our allocation of performance materiality determine our audit scope for each 
entity within the Group. Taken together, this enables us to form an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We take into account size, 
risk profile, the organisation of the group and effectiveness of group-wide controls, changes in the business environment and other factors such 
as recent Internal audit results when assessing the level of work to be performed at each entity.

In assessing the risk of material misstatement to the Group financial statements, and to ensure we had adequate quantitative coverage of 
significant accounts in the financial statements, of the total 98 components of the Group, we selected 21 (21%) components across London, 
Thailand and Indonesia.

Of the 21 components selected, we performed an audit of the complete financial information of 5 components (“full scope components”) 
which were selected based on their size or risk characteristics. For the 14 components (“specific scope components”), we performed audit 
procedures on specific accounts within that component that we considered had the potential for the greatest impact on the significant 
accounts in the financial statements either because of the size of these accounts or their risk profile. 

The reporting components where we performed audit procedures accounted for 99% (2016: 95%) of the Group’s equity, 98% (2016: 100%) of 
the Group’s revenue and 97% (2016: 94%) of the Group’s total assets. For the current year, the full scope components contributed 69% (2016: 
77%) of the Group’s equity, 90% (2016: 99%) of the Group’s revenue and 69% (2016: 63%) of the Group’s total assets. The specific scope 
component contributed 30% (2016: 18%) of the Group’s equity, 8% (2016:1%) of the Group’s revenue and 28% (2016: 31%) of the Group’s total 
assets. The audit scope of these components may not have included testing of all significant accounts of the component but will have 
contributed to the coverage of significant tested for the Group. 

Of the remaining 79 components that together represent 1% (2016: 5%) of the Group’s equity, 2% (2016: 5%) of revenue and 3% (2016: 0%) of 
total assets, none are individually greater than 1% of the Group’s equity. For these components, we performed other procedures, including 
analytical review, testing of consolidation journals and intercompany eliminations to respond to any potential risks of material misstatement to 
the Group financial statements.

92

Ophir Energy plcThe charts below illustrate the coverage obtained from the work performed by our audit teams.

Total assets 2017

Total equity 2017

Total revenue 2017

 69% Full scope components 

 28% Specific scope components  

 3% Other procedures 

 69% Full scope components 

 30% Specific scope components 

 1% Other procedures 

 90% Full scope components 

 8% Specific scope components 

 2% Other procedures 

Changes from the prior year 
We have reassessed our scope and focused our procedures on areas that present a higher risk of material misstatement. Thus, we have altered 
our split of entities covered by full, specific and review scope for 2017. We believe that the 2017 audit scopes we set for each reporting unit when 
taken together, enable us to form an opinion on the group consolidated financial statements.

Involvement with component teams 
In establishing our overall approach to the Group audit, we determined the type of work that needed to be undertaken at each of the 
components by us, as the primary audit engagement team, or by component auditors from other EY global network firms operating under our 
instruction. Of the 5 full scope components, audit procedures were performed on 3 of these directly by the primary audit team. For the 14 
specific scope components, where the work was performed by component auditors, we determined the appropriate level of involvement to 
enable us to determine that sufficient audit evidence had been obtained as a basis for our opinion on the Group as a whole.

The Group audit team continued to follow a programme of planned visits that has been designed to ensure that the Senior Statutory Auditor 
visits both Indonesia and Thailand during the current year’s audit cycle. During the current year’s audit cycle, two visits were undertaken by the 
primary audit team to the component teams in both locations. These visits involved meeting with local management (including heads of 
country and personnel outside of the finance function) and component teams for planning purposes which included obtaining an 
understanding of the businesses and their operations including current year performance to enable risk identification, discussions around audit 
timetables, and the scope for the audit. The primary team interacted regularly with the component teams where appropriate during various 
stages of the audit, reviewed key working papers and were responsible for the scope and direction of the audit process. This, together with the 
additional procedures performed at Group level, gave us appropriate evidence for our opinion on the Group financial statements.

Our application of materiality 
We apply the concept of materiality in planning and performing the audit, in evaluating the effect of identified misstatements on the audit and 
in forming our audit opinion. 

Materiality
The magnitude of an omission or misstatement that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to influence the economic 
decisions of the users of the financial statements. Materiality provides a basis for determining the nature and extent of our  
audit procedures.

We determined materiality for the Group to be $29.0m (2016: $32.0m), which is 2% (2016: 2%) of Group equity. We have used total equity of 
the Group as the basis for our materiality calculation as we concluded that total equity is the most closely monitored financial measure for the 
stakeholders of Ophir Energy plc. Typically we would expect to focus on an income statement based measure such as profit before tax when 
calculating materiality. Group’s strategy is that the cash-generated by producing assets will primarily be used to fund future exploration. 
Therefore we concluded that income statement based measures are less relevant where stakeholder value is primarily generated through 
discovering and monetising commercial hydrocarbons. Hence we have concluded that total equity provides the most appropriate financial 
measure that is responsive to the main value driver for the shareholders of Ophir Energy plc. This is also consistent with the prior year audit.

We determined materiality for the Parent Company to be $13.9m (2016: $15.0m), which is 1% (2016: 1%) of total assets. 

During the course of our audit, we reassessed initial materiality and changed our final materiality to reflect the actual reported performance of 
the Group in the year. 

93

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance report 
Independent Auditor’s report to the members of Ophir Energy plc 
continued

Performance materiality
The application of materiality at the individual account or balance level. It is set at an amount to reduce to an appropriately low level the 
probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds materiality.

On the basis of our risk assessments, together with our assessment of the Group’s overall control environment, our judgement was that 
performance materiality was 50% (2016: 50%) of our planning materiality, namely $14.5m (2016: $16.0m). We have set performance 
materiality at this percentage due to the corrected and uncorrected audit differences which in the prior year were over 25% of our 
planning materiality. 

Audit work at component locations for the purpose of obtaining audit coverage over significant financial statement accounts is undertaken 
based on a percentage of total performance materiality. The performance materiality set for each component is based on the relative scale 
and risk of the component to the Group as a whole and our assessment of the risk of misstatement at that component. In the current year, 
the range of performance materiality allocated to components was $1.4m to $7.4m (2016: $4.0m to $13.6m). 

Reporting threshold
An amount below which identified misstatements are considered as being clearly trivial.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them all uncorrected audit differences in excess of $1.45m (2016: $1.6m), which 
is set at 5% of planning materiality, as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds. 

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

Other information 
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report set out on pages 1 to 69, including the Strategic Report and the 
Directors’ Report set out on pages 16 to 19 and 68 to 69, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The directors are 
responsible for the other information. 

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, 
we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether 
the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be 
materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether 
there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have 
performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of the other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

In this context, we also have nothing to report in regard to our responsibility to specifically address the following items in the other information 
and to report as uncorrected material misstatements of the other information where we conclude that those items meet the following conditions:

•  Fair, balanced and understandable set out on page 88 – the statement given by the directors that they consider the annual report and 

financial statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess 
the group’s performance, business model and strategy, is materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit; or 

•  Audit committee reporting set out on page 56 – the section describing the work of the audit committee does not appropriately address 
matters communicated by us to the audit committee / the explanation as to why the annual report does not include a section describing the 
work of the audit committee is materially inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit; or

•  Directors’ statement of compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code set out on page 46 – the parts of the directors’ 

statement required under the Listing Rules relating to the company’s compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code containing 
provisions specified for review by the auditor in accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.10R(2) do not properly disclose a departure from a relevant 
provision of the UK Corporate Governance Code.

94

Ophir Energy plcOpinions 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.

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

•  the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared 

is consistent with the financial statements; and 

•  the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

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

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

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept 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

Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 88, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the 
financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is 
necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group and parent company’s ability to continue as a going 
concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either 
intend to liquidate the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance,  
but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. 
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected 
to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

95

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportIndependent Auditor’s report to the members of Ophir Energy plc 
continued

Explanation as to what extent the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud 
The objectives of our audit, in respect to fraud, are; to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements due to 
fraud; to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the assessed risks of material misstatement due to fraud, through designing 
and implementing appropriate responses; and to respond appropriately to fraud or suspected fraud identified during the audit. However, the 
primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud rests with both those charged with governance of the entity and management. 

Our approach was as follows: 

•  We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the group and determined that the most 

significant which are directly relevant to specific assertions in the financial statements are those related to the reporting framework (IFRS as 
adopted by the EU, the Companies Act 2006 and the UK Corporate Governance Code) and the relevant tax compliance regulations in the UK, 
Thailand and Indonesia. 

•  We understood how Ophir Energy plc is complying with those frameworks by making enquiries to management, internal audit, and those 

responsible for legal compliance procedures. We corroborated our enquiries through our review of board minutes and papers provided to the 
Audit Committee.

•  We assessed the susceptibility of the group’s financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur by making 

enquiries to management, reviewing the findings of internal audit, assessing the entity level controls and identifying material amounts within 
the financial statements which may be able to be manipulated to achieve desired results. 

•  Based on this understanding we designed our audit procedures to identify non-compliance with such laws and regulations. Our procedures 

involved enquiries to management, review of internal audit reports, and those responsible for legal compliance procedures. 

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

Other matters we are required to address 
•  We were appointed by the company on 17 May 2017 to audit the financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2017 and 

subsequent financial periods. 

 The period of total uninterrupted engagement including previous renewals and reappointments is 4 years, covering the years ending 31 
December 2014 to 31 December 2017.

•  The non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the group or the parent company and we remain 

independent of the group and the parent company in conducting the audit. 

•  The audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the audit committee.

Paul Wallek (Senior statutory auditor)

for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP, Statutory Auditor 
London 
6 March 2018

96

Ophir Energy plc 
 
Consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income  
For the year ended 31 December 2017

Consolidated income statement

Continuing operations
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit

Share of profit of investments accounted for using the equity method
Impairment reversal of oil and gas properties
Impairment of investments accounted for using the equity method
Exploration expenses
Other operating (expenses)/gains
General and administration expenses
Operating loss

Net finance expense
Other financial gains
Loss from continuing operations before taxation
Taxation expense
Loss from continuing operations for the year

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company

Earnings per ordinary share
Basic – (Loss)/profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the Company
Diluted – (Loss)/profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the Company

Consolidated statement of other comprehensive income
Loss from continuing operations for the year

Other comprehensive income/(loss)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods: 
Exchange differences on retranslation of foreign operations net of tax
Cash flow hedges marked to market
Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive loss for the year, net of tax:

Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company

Notes

 5
 6a

 27
 14
27
 6b
 6c
 6d

 7
 8

11

2017
 $’000

188,527 
 (147,577) 
 40,950

4,181
23,681
(7,800)
 (91,836)
 (11,699) 
 (11,279)
 (53,802)

 (12,907)
 2,300
 (64,409)
 (47,383)
 (111,792)

2016
$’000

 107,178
(95,443)
11,735

4,417
84,100
 –
 (135,252)
19,945
(13,428)
(28,483)

 (21,595)
 –
 (50,078)
 (27,368)
 (77,446)

 (111,792)
 (111,792)

(77,446)
(77,446)

 12
 12

 (15.8)cents
 (15.8)cents

(11.0)cents 
(11.0)cents

 (111,792)

 (77,446)

–
 (5,882)
 (5,882)

31
–
31

 (117,674)

 (77,415)

(117,674)
(117,674)

 (77,415)
 (77,415)

The notes on pages 101 to 135 and pages 153 to 156 form part of these consolidated financial statements.

97

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportConsolidated statement of financial position 
As at 31 December 2017 

Non-current assets
Exploration and evaluation assets
Oil and gas properties
Other property, plant and equipment
Investments accounted for using the equity method
Other long term receivables

Current assets
Assets classified as held for sale
Inventory
Taxation receivable
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Interest-bearing bank borrowings due within one year
Taxation payable
Provisions
Derivative financial instruments

Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Interest-bearing bank borrowings
Bonds payable
Provisions
Deferred tax liability

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

Notes

2017
 $’000

2016
 $’000

 13
 14
 15
 27
 16

 3
 17

 18
 19

 20
 21

 24
 25

 20
 21
 22
 24
 11

 26
 29

247,944
699,669
2,211
120,964
21,205
1,091,993

604,432
40,647
9,125
24,656
223,779
902,639
1,994,632

(52,374)
 –
(30,282)
(9,399)
(3,582)
(95,637)

(15,279)
 –
(106,651)
(51,265)
 (264,491)
(437,686)
 (533,323)
 1,461,309

3,061
1,458,528
1,461,589
(280)
1,461,309

310,229
699,000
3,706
130,736
21,103
1,164,774

588,770
46,738
15,178
32,319
360,424
1,043,429
2,208,203

(93,398)
(9,741)
(13,226)
(15,833)
–
(132,198)

 (10,285)
(83,915)
(106,651)
(50,550)
(249,527)
(500,928)
(633,126)
1,575,077

3,061
1,572,296
1,575,357
(280)
1,575,077

The notes on pages 101 to 135 and pages 153 to 156 form part of these consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements of Ophir Energy plc (registered number 05047425) on pages 97 to 135 and pages 153 to 156 were 
approved by the Board of Directors on 6 March 2018.

On behalf of the Board:

Nick Cooper  
Chief Executive Officer 

Tony Rouse
Chief Financial Officer

98

Ophir Energy plc 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
For the year ended 31 December 2017

Called up
share capital
$’000

Treasury
shares
$’000

As at 1 January 2016
Loss for the period, net of tax
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Total comprehensive loss, net of tax

Exercise of options
Share-based payment
As at 31 December 2016

Loss for the period, net of tax
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Total comprehensive loss, net of tax

Exercise of options
Share-based payment
As at 31 December 2017

3,061
–
–
–

–
–
3,061

 – 
 – 
 –

 –
 –
 3,061

 Other1
reserves
$’000

1,646,878
(77,446)
31
 (77,415)

–
2,986
1,572,449

(111,792) 
(5,882)
(117,674) 

Non-
controlling
interest
$’000

 (280)
 –
 –
 – 

 –
 –
(280)

 –
 – 
 –

Total equity
$’000

1,649,504
(77,446)
31
(77,415)

2
2,986
1,575,077

(111,792)
(5,882)
 (117,674)

(155)
 –
 –
–

 2
 –
(153)

 –
 – 
 –

 1 
 –
(152)

 –
 3,905
 1,458,680

 –
 –
(280)

1
3,905
 1,461,309

1  Refer to Note 30 of these consolidated financial statements.

The notes on pages 101 to 135 and pages 153 to 156 form part of these consolidated financial statements.

99

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportConsolidated statement of cash flows 
For the year ended 31 December 2017

Operating activities
Loss before taxation
Adjustments to reconcile loss before taxation to net cash provided by operating activities 
Exploration expenses
Depreciation and amortisation
Net impairment reversal
Share of profits from joint ventures
Net finance expenses and other financial gains
Net foreign currency (gain)/loss
Share based payment expense
(Decrease)/increase in provisions
Cash flow from operations before working capital adjustments
Decrease/(increase) in inventories
Increase/(decrease) in other current and non-current payables
Decrease in other current and non-current assets
Cash generated from operations
Interest received
Income taxes paid
Net cash flows generated from/(used in) operating activities
Investing activities
Additions to Exploration and Evaluation assets 
Additions to oil and gas assets and other property, plant and equipment
Dividends received from joint ventures
Funding provided to joint ventures
Proceeds from disposals of assets
Net cash flows used in investing activities
Financing activities
Interest paid
Repayment of debt
Net issue/(repurchase) of shares
Net cash outflows from financing activities
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

Notes

2017
 $’000

20161
$’000

 (64,409) 

(50,078)

 6b

 7
 7
 6d

 19
 19

76,108
79,230
(16,061)
(4,181)
14,724
(1,817)
3,905
9,381
 96,880 
7,123
1,962
10,147
116,112
2,057 
(9,485)
108,684 

 (95,827)
(47,179)
6,523
(370)
428

(136,425) 

 (15,217)
(93,656) 

1

(108,872) 
(32) 
 (136,645)
 360,424 
 223,779 

114,776
55,238
(84,100)
(4,417)
8,172
13,424
2,986
(19,322)
36,679
(9,584)
(2,212)
5,502
30,385
1,959
(41,360)
(9,016)

(154,977)
(18,585)
5,164
(1,283)
–
(169,681)

(16,275)
(59,352)
2
(75,625)
177
(254,145)
614,569
360,424

The notes on pages 101 to 135 and pages 153 to 156 form part of these consolidated financial statements.

1 

 Investing cash outflows as reported in 2016 have been corrected to reflect a decrease in outflows of $20.5 million for pre-licence exploration expenditure which has been reclassified as operating 
cash outflow. The reclassification is to aid comparison of periods.

100

Ophir Energy plc 
 
Notes to the financial statements

1  Corporate information
Ophir Energy plc (the ‘Company’ and ultimate parent of the Group) is a public limited company domiciled and incorporated in England and 
Wales with company number 05047425. The Company’s registered offices are located at 123 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6DE.

The principal activity of the Group is the development of offshore oil and gas exploration assets. The Company has an extensive and diverse 
portfolio of exploration interests across Africa and Southeast Asia.

The Group’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017 were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on  
6 March 2018 and the consolidated statement of financial position was signed on the Board’s behalf by Nick Cooper and Tony Rouse.

2  Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting 
Standards Board and adopted by the European Union (EU), IFRIC Interpretations and the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies 
reporting under IFRS.

The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified by the 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 2016 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 2016:

•  Amendments to IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows: Disclosure Initiative

•  Amendments to IAS 12 Income Taxes: Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses

•  Annual Improvements Cycle – 2014-2016

These new and amended standards and interpretations have not materially affected amounts reported or disclosed in the Group’s 
consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017.

Standards and interpretations issued but not yet effective
The following standards and interpretations, relevant to the Group, have been issued by the IASB, but are not effective for the financial year 
beginning 1 January 2017 and have not been early adopted by the Group:

IFRS 16 ‘Leases’
IFRIC 23 ‘Uncertainty over income tax treatments’1
Amendments to IAS 28: Long term interests in associates and joint ventures1
Annual Improvements 2015-2017 Cycle1
IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’
IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’
IFRIC 22 ‘Foreign currency transactions and advanced consideration’1
Clarifications to IFRS 15: ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’
Amendment to IFRS 2: ‘Classification and measurement of share based payment transactions’1

1  These standards, amendments and improvements have not yet been endorsed by the European Union.

Effective date for periods 
beginning on or after
1 January 2019
1 January 2019
1 January 2019
1 January 2019
1 January 2018
1 January 2018
1 January 2018
1 January 2018
1 January 2018

For new standards with an effective date of 1 January 2018, the Group has performed a preliminary assessment of the impact of these 
standards as outlined overleaf.

101

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportNotes to the financial statements 
continued

2  Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies continued
IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’
In July 2014, the IASB issued the final version of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments that replaces IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and 
Measurement and all previous versions of IFRS 9. IFRS 9 brings together all three aspects of the accounting for financial instruments project: 
classification and measurement, impairment and hedge accounting. IFRS 9 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 
2018, with early application permitted. Except for hedge accounting, retrospective application is required but providing comparative 
information is not compulsory. For hedge accounting, the requirements are generally applied prospectively, with some limited exceptions.  
The Group plans to adopt the new standard on the required effective date and will not restate comparative information. During 2017, the 
Group has performed an impact assessment of all three aspects of IFRS 9. This assessment is based on currently available information and 
may be subject to changes arising from further reasonable and supportable information being made available to the Group in 2018 when 
the Group will adopt IFRS 9. Overall, the Group expects no significant impact on its statement of financial position and equity. 

(a)  Classification and measurement
The Group does not expect a significant impact on its balance sheet or equity on applying the classification and measurement requirements 
of IFRS 9. Trade receivables are held to collect contractual cash flows and are expected to give rise to cash flows representing solely payments 
of principal and interest. Thus, the Group expects that these will continue to be measured at amortised cost under IFRS 9. 

(b)  Impairment
IFRS 9 requires the Group to record expected credit losses on all of its debt securities, loans and trade receivables, either on a 12-month  
or lifetime basis. The Group does not expect a significant impact on its equity due to the short-term nature and high quality of the  
financial assets.

(c)  Hedge accounting
The Group determined that all existing hedge relationships that are currently designated in effective hedging relationships will continue to 
qualify for hedge accounting under IFRS 9. As IFRS 9 does not change the general principles of how an entity accounts for effective hedges, 
applying the hedging requirements of IFRS 9 will not have a significant impact on Group’s financial statements.

IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers was issued in May 2014, and amended in April 2016, and establishes a five-step model to 
account for revenue arising from contracts with customers. Under IFRS 15, revenue is recognised at an amount that reflects the consideration 
to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. The new revenue standard will 
supersede all current revenue recognition requirements under IFRS. Either a full retrospective application or a modified retrospective 
application is required for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Group plans 
to adopt the new standard on the required effective date using the full retrospective method. During 2016, the Group performed  
a preliminary assessment of IFRS 15, which was continued with a more detailed analysis completed in 2017. 

The Group generates revenue through the sale of oil and petroleum products. The impact of IFRS 15 on contracts with customers in which 
the sale of oil and petroleum products is generally expected to be the only performance obligation, is not expected to have any impact on  
the Group’s profit or loss for such transactions. The Group expects the revenue recognition to occur at a point in time when control of the 
asset is transferred to the customer, generally on delivery of the products.

In preparing to adopt IFRS 15, the Group has considered the following:

(a)  Take or pay arrangements
The Group enters into take-or-pay arrangements where customers have a right to take makeup product in the future. The group recognises 
deferred revenue equal to the amount paid for the ‘undertake’ as it represents an obligation to provide the product in the future. The Group 
only recognises revenue once the product has been taken by the customer. Only once the make-up period has expired or it is clear that the 
purchaser has been unable to take the product, would the liability be eliminated and revenue recognised. 

Under IFRS 15, if the group expects to be entitled to a breakage amount, the expected ‘breakage’ would be recognised as revenue in 
proportion to the pattern of rights exercised by the customer. Otherwise, breakage amounts would be recognised when the likelihood of the 
customer exercising its right becomes remote.

Given the pattern of rights exercised by the customer, who has always taken the maximum amount of makeup product available, the Group 
does not expect the adoption of IFRS 15 to have any effect on revenue recognised from contracts with take or pay arrangements. 

(b)  Presentation and disclosure requirements
The presentation and disclosure requirements in IFRS 15 are more detailed than under current IFRS. The presentation requirements represent 
a significant change from current practice and significantly increases the volume of disclosures required in the Group’s financial statements. 
Many of the disclosure requirements in IFRS 15 are new and the Group has assessed that the impact of some of these disclosures 
requirements will be significant. As required by IFRS 15, the Group will disaggregate revenue recognised from contracts with customers  
into categories that depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.  

102

Ophir Energy plcIt will also disclose information about the relationship between the disclosure of disaggregated revenue and revenue information disclosed 
for each reportable segment. In 2017 the Group continued testing of appropriate systems, internal controls, policies and procedures 
necessary to collect and disclose the required information.

For new standards with an effective date of 1 January 2019, the Group has performed a preliminary assessment of the impact of these 
standards as outlined below.

IFRS 16 ‘Leases’
IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ provides a new model for lessee accounting in which all leases, other than short-term and small-ticket-item leases, will be 
accounted for by the recognition on the balance sheet of a right to-use asset and a lease liability, and the subsequent amortization of the 
right-to-use asset over the lease term. IFRS 16 will be effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. Ophir expects to 
adopt IFRS 16 on 1 January 2019 using the modified retrospective approach to transition permitted by the standard in which the cumulative 
effect of initially applying the standard is recognized in opening retained earnings at the date of initial application. The group’s evaluation  
of the effect of adoption of the standard is ongoing but it is expected that it will have a material effect on the group’s financial statements, 
significantly increasing the group’s recognized assets and liabilities. It is expected that the presentation and timing of recognition of charges 
in the income statement will also change as the operating lease expense currently reported under IAS 17, typically on a straight-line basis,  
will be replaced by depreciation of the right-to-use asset and interest on the lease liability.

2.2 Basis of consolidation
These financial statements comprise a consolidation of the accounts of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings and incorporates  
the results of its joint ventures and associates using the equity method of accounting, drawn up to 31 December each year.

Subsidiaries
Control is achieved when the Group is exposed, or has rights to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability  
to affect those returns through its power over the investee. Specifically, the Group controls an investee if, and only if, the Group has all of  
the following:

•  power over the investee (i.e. existing voting rights that give it the current ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee);

•  exposure, or rights to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and

•  the ability to use its power over the investee to affect its returns.

The Group reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the 
three elements of control. 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.

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; (vi) recognises any surplus or deficit in profit and loss; and (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)  Commercial reserves
Commercial reserves are proved and probable oil and gas reserves, which are defined as the estimated quantities of crude oil, natural gas  
and natural gas liquids which geological, geophysical and engineering data demonstrate with a specified degree of certainty to be 
recoverable in future years from known reservoirs and which are considered commercially viable. Proved and probable reserve estimates are 
based on a number of underlying assumptions including oil and gas prices, future costs, oil and gas in place and reservoir performance, which 
are inherently uncertain. There should be a 50% statistical probability that the actual quantity of recoverable reserves will be more than the 
amount estimated as proven and probable reserves and a 50% statistical probability that it will be less. However, the amount of reserves that 
will be ultimately recovered from any field cannot be known with certainty until the end of the field’s life.

103

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportNotes to the financial statements 
continued

2  Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies continued
(b)  Intangible exploration and evaluation expenditure
Exploration and evaluation (E&E) expenditure relates to costs incurred on the exploration for and evaluation of potential mineral reserves and 
resources. The Group applies the successful efforts method of accounting for E&E costs as permitted by IFRS 6 ‘Exploration for and Evaluation 
of Mineral Resources’.

Under the successful efforts method of accounting, all licence acquisition, exploration and appraisal costs (such as geological, geochemical 
and geophysical costs, exploratory drilling and other direct costs associated with finding mineral resources) are initially capitalised in well, field 
or specific exploration cost centres as appropriate, pending determination. Costs (other than payments for the acquisition of rights to explore) 
incurred prior to acquiring legal rights to explore an area and general exploration costs not specific to any particular licence or prospect are 
charged directly to the consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income.

E&E assets are not amortised prior to the determination of the results of exploration activity.

Treatment of E&E assets at conclusion of appraisal activities
Intangible E&E assets related to each exploration licence/block are carried forward, until the existence (or otherwise) of commercial reserves 
has been determined, subject to certain limitations including review for indicators of impairment. If, at completion of evaluation activities, 
technical and commercial feasibility is demonstrated, then, following recognition of commercial reserves, the carrying value of the relevant 
E&E asset is then reclassified as a development and production asset (subject to an impairment assessment before reclassification).

If, on completion of evaluation activities, 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 
consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income in the period of that determination.

Impairment
E&E assets are assessed for impairment when facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of an E&E asset may exceed  
its recoverable amount. The cash generating unit (CGU) applied for impairment test purposes is generally the block, except that a number  
of block interests may be grouped as a single cash generating unit where the cash flows of each block are interdependent.

Where an indicator of impairment exists, management will assess the recoverability of the carrying value of the asset or CGU. This review 
includes 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 consolidated income 
statement and statement of other comprehensive income.

Farm-in/farm-out arrangements
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’.

(c)  Business combinations
On an acquisition that qualifies as a business combination in accordance with IFRS 3 – ‘Business Combinations’, the assets and liabilities 
of a subsidiary are measured at their fair value as at the date of acquisition. Any excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair values of the 
identifiable net assets acquired is recognised as goodwill which is treated as an intangible asset. Any deficiency of the cost of acquisition 
below the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is credited to the consolidated statement of other comprehensive income in the 
period of acquisition.

A business combination is a transaction in which an acquirer obtains control of a business. A business is defined as an integrated set of 
activities and assets that is capable of being conducted and managed for the purpose of providing a return in the form of dividends or lower 
costs or other economic benefits directly to investors or other owners or participants. A business consists of inputs and processes applied 
 to those inputs that have the ability to create outputs.

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 Group elects whether to measure NCI in the acquiree at fair value or at the proportionate share of the 
acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred and included in general and administration expenses.

104

Ophir Energy plc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. This includes the 
separation of embedded derivatives in host contracts by the acquiree. Those oil and 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 separately, but instead are subsumed in goodwill.

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) in 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 a change to other comprehensive income. If the contingent consideration is not within the scope of IAS 39, it is measured 
in accordance with the appropriate IFRS. If the contingent consideration is classified as equity, it is not remeasured and subsequent 
settlement is accounted for within equity.

(d)  Property, plant and equipment
Oil and gas properties and other property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and accumulated 
impairment losses.

Oil and gas properties – cost
Development and production assets are generally accumulated on a block-by-block basis and represent the cost of developing the 
commercial reserves discovered and bringing them into production. The initial cost of a development and production asset comprises  
its purchase price or construction cost, any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset into operation, the initial estimate of the 
decommissioning obligation and, for qualifying assets (where relevant), borrowing costs. When a development project moves into the 
production stage, the capitalisation of certain construction/development costs ceases, and costs are either regarded as part of the cost  
of inventory or expensed, except for costs which qualify for capitalisation relating to oil and gas property asset additions, improvements  
or new developments. The purchase price or construction cost is the aggregate amount paid and the fair value of any other consideration 
given to acquire the asset. The capitalised value of a finance lease is also included within property, plant and equipment.

Oil and gas properties – depreciation
Oil and gas properties are depreciated/amortised from the commencement of production, on a unit-of-production basis, which is the ratio  
of oil and gas production in the period to the estimated quantities of commercial reserves at the end of the period plus the production in the 
period, on a field-by-field basis. Costs used in the unit of production calculation comprise the net carrying amount of capitalised costs plus  
the estimated future field development costs. The production and reserve estimates used in the calculation are on an entitlements basis. 
Changes in the estimates of commercial reserves or future field development costs are dealt with prospectively.

Producing assets are generally grouped with other assets that are dedicated to serving the same reserves for depreciation purposes, but are 
depreciated separately from producing assets that serve other reserves.

Other fixed assets
Property, plant and equipment other than oil and gas properties, is depreciated at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual 
value of each asset on a straight-line basis over its expected useful economic life of between three and ten years.

Impairment
The Group assesses at each reporting date whether there is an indication that an asset (or CGU) may be impaired. Management has 
assessed its CGUs as being an individual block, which is the lowest level for which cash flows are largely independent of those of other assets. 
If any indication exists, or when annual impairment testing for an asset is required, the Group estimates the asset’s (or CGU’s) recoverable 
amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s (or CGU’s) fair value less costs of disposal (FVLCD) and value in use (VIU). The 
recoverable amount is then determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash flows that are largely independent  
of those from other assets or groups of assets, in which case the asset is tested as part of a larger CGU to which it belongs. Where the carrying 
amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset (or CGU) is considered impaired and written down to its recoverable 
amount. Impairment losses of continuing operations are recognised in the consolidated income statement and statement of other 
comprehensive income.

Where conditions giving rise to an impairment subsequently reverse, the effect of the impairment charge is also reversed as a credit to the 
consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income, net of any depreciation that would have been charged since 
the impairment.

105

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportNotes to the financial statements 
continued

2  Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies continued
(e)  Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the Group’s consolidated statement of financial position when the Group becomes  
a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

i.  Financial assets
Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition  
or issue of financial assets and liabilities (other than financial assets and financial liabilities through profit or loss) are added to or deducted 
from the fair value of the financial assets or financial liabilities, as appropriate, on initial recognition. Transaction costs directly attributable  
to the acquisition of financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are recognised immediately in profit or loss.

All financial assets are recognised and derecognised on a trade date where the purchase or sale of an investment is under a contract 
whose terms require delivery of the investment within the timeframe established by the market concerned, and are initially measured  
at fair value, plus transaction costs, except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit and loss, which are initially 
measured at fair value.

Financial assets are classified into the following specified categories: financial assets ‘at fair value through profit and loss’ (FVTPL), ‘held-to-
maturity’ investments, ‘available-for-sale’ (AFS) financial assets and ‘loans and receivables’. The classification depends on the nature and 
purpose of the financial assets and is determined at the time of initial recognition.

Loans and receivables
Trade receivables, loans and other receivables that have fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market are classified 
as loans and receivables. Loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment. 
Interest income is recognised by applying the effective interest rate, except for short-term receivables when the recognition of interest would 
be immaterial.

Effective interest method
The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset and of allocating interest income over the 
relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts (including all fees paid or received 
that form an integral part of the effective interest rate, transaction costs and other premiums or discounts) through the expected life of the 
financial asset.

Income is recognised on an effective interest basis for debt instruments other than those financial assets classified as at FVTPL.

Financial assets at FVTPL
Financial assets are classified as financial assets at FVTPL where the Group acquires the financial asset principally for the purpose of selling in 
the near term, is a part of an identified portfolio of financial instruments that the Group manages together and has a recent actual pattern of 
short-term profit taking as well as all derivatives that are not designated and effective as hedging instruments. Financial assets at fair value 
through profit or loss are stated at fair value, with any resultant gain or loss recognised in profit or loss. The net gain or loss recognised in profit 
or loss incorporates any dividend or interest earned on the financial asset and is included in the ‘other financial gains’ in the consolidated 
income statement and statement of other comprehensive income.

Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets, other than those at FVTPL, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each balance sheet date. Financial assets are 
impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial 
asset, the estimated future cash flows of the investment have been impacted. All impairment losses are taken to the consolidated income 
statement and statement of other comprehensive income.

Trade receivables are assessed for impairment based on the number of days outstanding on individual invoices. Any trade receivable that is 
deemed uncollectible is immediately written off to the consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income, any 
subsequent recoveries are also taken directly to the consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income upon 
receipt of cash collected.

Derecognition of financial assets
The Group derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire; or it transfers the financial 
asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another entity.

ii.  Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities at FVTPL or other financial liabilities.

106

Ophir Energy plcFinancial liabilities at FVTPL
Financial liabilities are classified at FVTPL where the financial liability is either held for trading or it is designated at FVTPL. Financial liabilities 
at FVTPL are stated at fair value, with any resultant gain or loss recognised in profit or loss. The net gain or loss recognised in profit or loss 
incorporates any interest paid on the financial liability and is included in the ‘other financial gains’ in the consolidated income statement and 
statement of other comprehensive income.

Other financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities, including borrowings, are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs. Other financial liabilities are 
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, with interest expense recognised on an effective yield basis. 
The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest expense over the 
relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments through the expected life of the 
financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

Derecognition of financial liabilities
The Group derecognises financial liabilities when, and only when, the Group’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or they expire.

iii.  Cash and short-term deposits
Cash and cash equivalents in the statement of financial position comprise cash at banks and in hand, short-term deposits and restricted cash.

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.

iv.  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 twelve months depending on the immediate cash requirements of the Group and earn interest at the respective short-term 
investment rate.

v.  Derivative financial instruments
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to movements in oil and gas prices, interest rates and foreign 
exchange. The Group does not use derivatives for speculative purposes.

Derivative financial instruments – at fair value
Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of derivatives are taken directly to the consolidated income statement, except for the 
effective proportion of cash flow hedges, which is recognised in other comprehensive income and later reclassified to profit or loss when the 
hedged item affects profit or loss. The fair values of derivative instruments are calculated using quoted prices. Where such prices are not 
available, a discounted cash flow analysis is performed using the applicable yield curve for the duration of the instruments for non-optional 
derivatives, and option pricing models for optional derivatives. Foreign currency forward contracts are measured using quoted forward 
exchange rates and yield curves derived from quoted interest rates matching maturities of the contracts. Interest rate swaps are measured  
at the present value of future cash flows estimated and discounted based on the applicable yield curves derived from quoted interest rates.

The estimated fair value of these derivatives is disclosed in derivative financial instruments in the consolidated statement of financial position 
and the related changes in the fair value are included in other financial gains unless designated as effective hedging instruments.

Cash flow hedges
The effective portion of the gain or loss on a cash flow hedging instrument is reported in other comprehensive income, while the ineffective 
portion is recognized in profit or loss. Amounts reported in other comprehensive income are reclassified to the income statement when the 
hedged transaction affects profit or loss. 

The Group uses derivative commodity contracts to hedge its exposure to volatility in the commodity prices. The ineffective portion relating  
to commodity contracts is recognised in other operating income or expenses. Refer to Note 25a for more details. 

Amounts recognised as OCI are transferred to profit or loss when the hedged transaction affects profit or loss, such as when a forecast sale 
occurs. When the hedged item is the cost of a non-financial asset or non-financial liability, the amounts recognised as OCI are transferred  
to the initial carrying amount of the non-financial asset or liability. 

If the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised without replacement or rollover (as part of the hedging strategy), or  
if its designation as a hedge is revoked, or when the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss 
previously recognised in OCI remains separately in equity until the forecast transaction occurs.

107

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportNotes to the financial statements 
continued

2  Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies continued
(f)  Inventories
Inventories of oil and gas, materials and drilling consumables are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined  
by using the weighted average cost method and comprises direct purchase costs, cost of transportation and other related expenses. 

(g)  Provisions
General
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.

Decommissioning liability
The Group recognises a decommissioning liability where it has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, and it is 
probable than an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the obligation.

The obligation generally arises when the asset is installed or the ground/environment is disturbed at the field location. When the liability is 
initially recognised, the present value of the estimated costs is capitalised by increasing the carrying amount of the related oil and gas assets 
to the extent that it was incurred by the development/construction of the field.

Changes in the estimated timing or cost of decommissioning are dealt with prospectively by recording an adjustment to the provision and a 
corresponding adjustment to oil and gas assets. Any reduction in the decommissioning liability and, therefore, any deduction from the asset 
to which it relates, may not exceed the carrying amount of that asset. If it does, any excess over the carrying value is taken immediately to  
the consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income.

If the change in estimate results in an increase in the decommissioning liability and, therefore, an addition to the carrying value of the asset, 
the Group considers whether this is an indication of impairment of the asset as a whole, and if so, tests for impairment. If, for mature fields, 
the estimate for the revised value of oil and gas assets net of decommissioning provisions exceeds the recoverable value, that portion of the 
increase is charged directly to expense. Over time, the discounted liability is increased for the change in present value based on the discount 
rate that reflects current market assessments and risks specific to the liability. The periodic unwinding of the discount is recognised in the 
consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income as a finance cost. The Group recognises neither the deferred 
tax asset in respect of the temporary difference on the decommissioning liability nor the corresponding deferred tax liability in respect of the 
temporary difference on a decommissioning asset.

(h)  Pensions and other post-retirement benefits
Up to 31 October 2016, the Company did not operate its own pension plan but made pension or superannuation contributions to private 
funds of its employees which are defined contribution plans. On 1 November 2016 the Group launched its own defined contribution scheme. 
Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they become payable.

(i)  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.

(j)  Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the Group are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

(k)  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, even if that right is not explicitly specified in an arrangement.

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 consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income  
on a straight line basis over the lease term.

(l)  Interests in joint arrangements
A joint arrangement is an arrangement over which two or more parties have joint control. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing  
of control of an arrangement, which exists only when decisions about the relevant activities (being those that significantly affect the returns 
of the arrangement) require unanimous consent of the parties sharing control.

108

Ophir Energy plcJoint operations

i. 
A joint operation is a type of joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the assets  
and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrangement. In relation to its interests in joint operations, the Group recognises its:

•  assets, including its share of any assets held jointly;

• 

liabilities, including its share of any liabilities incurred jointly;

•  revenue from the sale of its share of the output arising from the joint operation;

•  share of the revenue from the sale of the output by the joint operation; and

•  expenses, including its share of any expenses incurred jointly

ii.  Joint ventures
A joint venture is a type of joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net assets  
of the joint arrangement. The Group’s investment in its joint venture is accounted for using the equity method.

Under the equity method, the investment in the joint venture is initially recognised at cost. The carrying amount of the investment is adjusted 
to recognise changes in the Group’s share of net assets of the joint venture since the acquisition date. Goodwill relating to the joint venture is 
included in the carrying amount of the investment and is not individually tested for impairment.

The consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income reflects the Group’s share of the results of operations  
of the joint venture. Unrealised gains and losses resulting from transactions between the Group and the joint venture are eliminated to the 
extent of the interest in the joint venture.

The aggregate of the Group’s share of profit or loss of the joint venture is shown on the face of the consolidated income statement and 
statement of other comprehensive income as part of operating profit and represents profit or loss after tax and NCI in the subsidiaries of 
 joint venture. The financial statements of the joint venture are prepared for the same reporting period as the Group. When necessary, 
adjustments are made to bring the accounting policies in line with those of the Group.

At each reporting date, the Group determines whether there is objective evidence that the investment in the joint venture is impaired. 
If there is such evidence, the Group calculates the amount of impairment as the difference between the recoverable amount of the joint 
venture and its carrying value, and then recognises the loss as ‘share of profit of investments accounted for using the equity method’ in  
the consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income.

On loss of joint control over the joint venture, the Group measures and recognises any retained investment at its fair value. Any difference 
between the carrying amount of the joint venture upon loss of joint control and the fair value of the retained investment and proceeds 
 from disposal is recognised in the consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income.

(m) 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, sales taxes, excise duties 
and similar levies.

Revenue from the sale of oil and petroleum products is recognised on an entitlement basis when the significant risks and rewards of 
ownership have been transferred, which is considered to occur when title passes to the customer. This generally occurs when the product  
is physically transferred into a vessel, pipe or other delivery mechanism.

Revenue from the production of oil, in which the Group has an interest with other producers, is recognised based on the Group’s working 
interest and the terms of the relevant production sharing contracts.

Gains and losses on derivative contracts and the revenue and costs associated with other contracts that are classified as held for trading 
purposes are reported on a net basis in the consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income.

(n)  Cost of sales
Underlift and overlift
Lifting or offtake arrangements for oil and gas produced in certain of the Group’s jointly owned operations are such that each participant 
may not receive and sell its precise share of the overall production in each period. The resulting imbalance between cumulative entitlement 
and cumulative production is ‘underlift’ or ‘overlift’. Underlift and overlift are valued at market value and included within receivables and 
payables respectively.

Movements during an accounting period are adjusted through cost of sales such that gross profit is recognised on an entitlements basis.

109

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportNotes to the financial statements 
continued

2  Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies continued
(o)  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 net finance expense in the consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income.

(p)  Finance costs and borrowings
Finance costs of borrowings are allocated to periods over the term of the related debt at a constant rate on the carrying amount. Debt  
is shown on the consolidated statement of financial position net of arrangement fees and issue costs, and amortised through to the 
consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income as finance costs over the term of the debt.

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 prepare for their intended use or sale, are added to the cost of those assets, until such time as the assets are 
substantially ready for their intended use or sale.

All other borrowing costs are recognised in profit and loss 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 consolidated 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 consolidated statement of financial position date is recognised in the consolidated 
income statement and statement of other comprehensive income, 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 consolidated 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 consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive 
income. 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.

110

Ophir Energy plcThe assets and liabilities of foreign operations whose functional currency is other than that of the presentation currency of the Group are 
translated into the presentation currency, at the rate of exchange ruling at the consolidated 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 consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income.

(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 consolidated 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 consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income.

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.

Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences arising on acquisitions that are categorised as business combinations. Deferred tax is 
recognised at acquisition as part of the assessment of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired. Any deferred tax is charged and credited 
in the consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income as the underlying temporary difference is reversed.

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 consolidated 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 consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income.

In order to account for uncertain tax positions, management has formed an accounting policy, in accordance with IAS 8, whereby the 
ultimate outcome of legal proceedings is viewed as a single unit of account. The results of separate hearings in relation to the same matter, 
such as local tribunals and international arbitration, are not viewed separately and only the final outcome is assessed by management to 
determine the best estimate of any potential outcome. If management viewed the results of individual hearings separately an income 
statement charge could arise due to the differing recognition criteria of assets and liabilities.

(t)  Royalties, resource rent tax and revenue-based taxes
In addition to corporate taxes, the Group’s consolidated financial statements also include and recognise as taxes on income, other types  
of taxes on net income such as certain royalties, resource rent taxes and revenue-based taxes.

Royalties, resource rent taxes and revenue-based taxes are accounted for under IAS 12 when they have the characteristics of an income tax. 
This is considered to be the case when they are imposed under government tax authority and the amount payable is based on taxable 
income – rather than physical quantities produced or as a percentage of revenue – after adjustment for temporary differences. For such 
arrangements, current and deferred tax is provided on the same basis as described above for other forms of taxation. Obligations arising 
from royalty arrangements and other types of taxes that do not satisfy these criteria are accrued and included in cost of sales.

111

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportNotes to the financial statements 
continued

2  Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies continued
(u)  Impairment
The accounting policies for the impairment of intangible exploration and evaluation assets and oil and gas properties are described in more 
detail in 2.3(b), 2.3(d) and 2.4.

The Group assesses at each reporting date whether there is an indication that an intangible asset or item of property, plant and equipment 
may be impaired. If any indication exists, the Group estimates the asset’s recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an 
asset’s or (CGU’s) fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use. The recoverable amount 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 of disposal, 
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 CGU’s to which the individual assets are allocated. These budgets and forecast calculations generally cover a period of five years.

Impairment losses of continuing operations (including impairment on inventories) are recognised in the consolidated income statement  
and statement of other comprehensive income in expense categories consistent with the function of the impaired asset. In this case, the 
impairment is also recognised in other comprehensive income up to the amount of any previous revaluation. Where conditions giving rise to 
the impairment subsequently reverse, the effect of the impairment charge is also reversed, net of any depreciation that would have been 
charged since the impairment.

(v)  Non-current assets held for sale
Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to 
sell. Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for sale if their carrying amounts will be recovered through a sale transaction 
rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable and the asset or disposal group is 
available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets. Management 
must be committed to the sale, which should be expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year from the date of 
classification as held for sale, and actions required to complete the plan of sale should indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to 
the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are not depreciated or 
amortised once classified as held for sale.

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 
consolidated financial statements.

Judgements
Exploration and evaluation expenditure – accounting judgements
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. Note 13 discloses the carrying value of 
such assets. All such carried costs are subject to regular technical, commercial and management review on at least an annual basis to confirm 
the continued intent to develop, or otherwise extract value from, the asset. Where this is no longer the case, the costs are immediately 
expensed. 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. 

112

Ophir Energy plcIncome taxes – judgement of income taxes
The computation of the Group’s income tax expense and liability involves the interpretation of applicable tax laws and regulations in many 
jurisdictions throughout the world. The resolution of tax positions taken by the Group, through negotiations with relevant tax authorities or 
through litigation, can take several years to complete and in some cases it is difficult to predict the ultimate outcome. Therefore, judgement  
is required to determine provisions for income taxes. In addition, the Group has carry forward tax losses and tax credits in certain taxing 
jurisdictions that are available to offset against future taxable profit. However, deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it 
is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the unused tax losses or tax credits can be utilised. Management judgement  
is exercised in assessing whether this is the case. To the extent that actual outcomes differ from management’s estimates, income tax 
charges or credits, and changes in current and deferred tax assets or liabilities, may arise in future periods. For more information see Note 11. 
Judgement is also required when determining whether a particular tax is an income tax or another type of tax (for example a production tax). 

Balance Sheet classification and recoverability of asset carrying values – non-current assets held for sale
IFRS 5 requires an entity to classify a single non-current asset as held for sale if its carrying amount will be recovered principally through a  
sale transaction rather than through continuing use. To qualify as held for sale, the asset must be available for immediate sale in its present 
condition and its sale must be highly probable. Asset sales are often complex transactions and negotiations can be a lengthy. Management 
judgement is required to determine whether the above held for sale conditions have been met when planning to sale an asset.

A significant area of judgement was the continuing reporting of the Group’s share of the Block R licence in Equatorial Guinea as a non-current 
asset held for sale, despite FID having not taken place 1 year after initial classification. The delay in FID has been caused by circumstances 
beyond the Company’s control and the Company remains committed in its plan to form the Joint Venture with OneLNG on FID of the asset, 
therefore management is satisfied that the conditions of IFRS 5 continue to be met. For more details on the progress of the Fortuna FLNG 
project, please see Page 35. 

The key assumption made when estimating the recoverability of the Fortuna asset is that of FID itself taking place. Management believes 
this assumption reflects the progress made in 2017 as outlined on page 35. The only remaining milestone is that of project financing which 
Ophir, along with its partners will be looking to close out as quickly as possible. 

Estimates
Oil and gas properties – estimation of oil and gas reserves
The determination of the Group’s estimated oil and natural gas reserves requires significant judgements and estimates to be applied and 
these are regularly reviewed and updated. Factors such as the availability of geological and engineering data, reservoir performance data, 
acquisition and divestment activity, drilling of new wells, and commodity prices all impact on the determination of the Group’s estimates of its 
oil and natural gas reserves. The Group employs independent reserves specialists who periodically report on the Group’s level of commercial 
reserves by evaluating the estimates of the Group’s in-house reserves specialists and where necessary referencing geological, geophysical and 
engineering data together with reports, presentation and financial information pertaining to the contractual and fiscal terms applicable to 
the Group’s assets. In addition, the Group undertakes its own assessment of commercial reserves, using standard evaluation techniques and 
related future capital expenditure by reference to the same datasets using its own internal expertise. The estimates adopted by the Group 
may differ from the independent reserves specialists’ estimates where management considers that adjustments are appropriate in the 
circumstances. The last assessment by its independent reserves specialist was as at 31 December 2017.

Estimates of oil and natural gas reserves are used to calculate depreciation, depletion and amortization charges for the group’s oil and gas 
properties. The impact of changes in reserves is dealt with prospectively by amortizing the remaining carrying value of the asset over the 
expected future production. Oil and natural gas reserves also have a direct impact on the assessment of the recoverability of asset carrying 
values reported in the financial statements. If reserves estimates are revised downwards, earnings could be affected by changes in 
depreciation expense or an immediate write-down of the property’s carrying value. The 2017 movements in contingent resources and proved 
and probable reserves are reflected in the tables on page 32. Information on the carrying amounts of the group’s oil and natural gas 
properties, together with the amounts recognized in the income statement as depreciation, depletion and amortization is contained in Note 
14 and Note 6a respectively.

Impairment of oil and gas properties – estimation on the recoverability of asset carrying values
Determination as to whether, and by how much, an asset is impaired involves management estimates on highly uncertain matters such as 
future commodity prices, the effects of inflation on operating expenses, discount rates, production profiles and the outlook for regional 
market supply-and-demand conditions for crude oil and natural gas. For oil and natural gas properties, the expected future cash flows are 
estimated using management’s best estimate of future oil and natural gas prices and production and reserves volumes. The estimated future 
level of production in all impairment tests is based on assumptions about future commodity prices, production and development costs, field 
decline rates, current fiscal regimes and other factors.

113

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportNotes to the financial statements 
continued

2  Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies continued
Macro assumptions used for prices and inflation were as follows. Brent oil price of $67.50/bbl (2016: $65/bbl), with the forward curve 
increased at an average of $5/bbl in the period 2018- 2021 and a tail-end increase of above $2.50/bbl. Gas price of $5.65/MMbtu flat (2016: 
$6.50/MMbtu escalated). The annual inflation assumption is 2% (2016: 2%).

For value-in-use calculations, future cash flows are adjusted for risks specific to the cash-generating unit and are discounted using a pre-tax 
discount rate. The pre-tax discount rate is derived from the cost of funding the Group calculated using an established model. The discount 
rates applied in assessments of impairment are reassessed each year. The method adopted for year-end 2017 represents a change from 
method adopted for year-end 2016, where a generic rate of 15% was used. For 2017, the Group average WACC was determined as 10%.  
The country specific discount rates were then derived by risking the Group average WACC. Reserves assumptions for value-in-use tests are 
restricted to proved and probable reserves.

The recoverability of exploration and evaluation assets is covered under exploration and evaluation expenditure – accounting judgements above.

Details of impairment charges and reversals recognised in the income statement and details on the carrying amounts of assets are shown in 
Note 13 and Note 14.

Decommissioning – estimation of provisions
Decommissioning costs are uncertain and cost estimates can vary in response to many factors, including changes to relevant legal 
requirements, the emergence of new technology or experience at other production sites. The expected timing, extent and amount of 
expenditure may also change. Therefore significant estimates and assumptions are made in determining the provision for decommissioning. 
As a result, there could be significant adjustments to the provisions established which would affect future financial results.

The estimated decommissioning costs are reviewed annually by management and the results of this review are then used for the purposes  
of the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

Provision for environmental clean-up and remediation costs is based on current legal and contractual requirements, technology and  
price levels.

The timing and amount of future expenditures are reviewed annually, together with the interest rate used in discounting the cash flows.  
The interest rates used to determine the balance sheet obligations at the end of 2017 was 3.1% real (2016: 3.1% – 5.2%).

Provisions and contingent liabilities are discussed in Note 24. 

Special remuneratory benefit tax – estimation of tax rate
The Group is subject to a special remuneratory benefit tax in Thailand, the rate for which depends on the annual revenue per cumulative 
metre drilled. Accordingly the tax rate to be applied in calculating the Group’s deferred special remuneratory benefit tax depends on 
management’s forecast of future revenues and drilling activities.

3  Assets classified as held for sale
On 10 November 2016 Ophir and OneLNG, a joint venture between subsidiaries of Golar LNG Limited and Schlumberger, announced that 
they had signed a binding Shareholders’ Agreement to establish a Joint Venture (“JV”) to develop the Fortuna project, in Block R, offshore 
Equatorial Guinea utilising Golar’s FLNG technology. OneLNG and Ophir will have 66.2% and 33.8% ownership of the JV respectively. The  
JV will facilitate the financing, construction, development and operation of the integrated Fortuna project and, from FID, will own Ophir’s 
share of the Block R licence. Management has classified the Fortuna asset as held for sale. Please see note 2.4 Judgements, Balance Sheet 
classification and recoverability of asset carrying values – non-current assets held for sale. 

Ophir’s share of the Block R licence classified as held for sale at 31 December 2017 was:

 $’000 
2017

604,432
604,432

$’000 
2016

588,770
588,770

Assets
Exploration and evaluation assets
Assets classified as held for sale

114

Ophir Energy plc4  Segmental analysis
The Group’s reportable and geographical segments are Africa, Asia and Other. The other segment relates substantially to activities in the UK. 

Segment revenues and results
The following is an analysis of the Group’s revenue and assets by reportable segment:

Revenue sales of crude oil and gas
Depreciation and amortisation
Impairment of exploration costs
Reversal of Impairment of oil and gas properties
Impairment of investments accounted for using the equity method
Share of profit of equity-accounted joint venture

Operating profit/(loss)
Finance income
Finance expense
Other financial gains

Profit/(loss) before tax
Taxation
Profit/(loss) after tax

Total assets and total liabilities
Total assets
Total liabilities
Investments accounted for using the equity method

Additions to non-current assets

Africa
$’000

 – 
 –
(60,744)
 –
 –
 –

(58,783)
9
 148 
 –

(58,626)
 5,296
 (53,330)

729,337
(45,443)

Year ended 31 December 2017

Asia
$’000

 188,527 
 (77,529)
(15,887)
 23,681
 7,800
 4,181

34,604
 93
(994)
–

33,703
 (52,676)
 (18,973)

Other
$’000

–
(542)
(21)
 –
–
–

(29,623)
1,955
(14,118)
2,300

(39,486)
 (3)
 (39,489)

As at 31 December 2017

 1,113,555
 (479,495)
 120,964

151,740
(8,385)

Year ended 31 December 2017
8,736

62,780

13,384

Total
$’000

 188,527 
(78,071)
(76,652)
23,681
7,800
4,181

(53,802)
2,057
(14,964)
 2,300

(64,409)
(47,383)
 (111,792)

1,994,632
(533,323)
 120,964

84,900

115

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportNotes to the financial statements 
continued

4  Segmental analysis continued

Year ended 31 December 2016

Revenue sales of crude oil
Depreciation and amortisation
Impairment of exploration costs
Impairment of oil and gas properties
Impairment of investments accounted for using the equity method
Share of profit of equity-accounted joint venture

Operating (loss)/profit
Finance income
Finance expense
Other financial gains

Loss before tax
Taxation
Loss after tax

Total assets and total liabilities
Total assets
Total liabilities
Investments accounted for using the equity method

Additions to non-current assets

Africa
$’000

–
 (12)
(3,749)
–
–
–

12,404
 –
 (462)
–

 11,942
 (9,944)
 1,998

Asia
$’000

107,178
(53,197) 
(96,391)
84,100
 –
 4,417

(5,864)
97
(22,057)
–

 (27,824)
 (17,384)
(45,208)

Other
$’000

–
 (2,093)
–
–
–
–

 (35,023)
 1,862
 (1,035)
–

 (34,196)
 (40)
 (34,236)

Total
$’000

107,178
(55,302)
(100,140)
84,100
–
4,417

(28,483)
1,959
(23,554)
 –

(50,078)
(27,368)
(77,446)

As at 31 December 2016

 778,065
(111,207)
–

 1,148,674
 (517,504)
 130,736

 281,464
 (4,415)
–

 2,208,203
 (633,126)
 130,736

 100,654

Year ended 31 December 2016
 819

 24,342

125,815

Non-current operating assets
The non-current operating assets for the UK are $1.5 million (2016: $2.7 million). The non-UK, non-current operating assets are $948.3 million 
(2016: $1,010.2 million). Included in the non-UK, non-current operating assets is Thailand which makes up $414.9 million (2016: $421.3 million), 
Indonesia $284.9 million (2016: 288.4 million), Tanzania $106.0 million (2016: $120.5 million).

Revenue from major customers
All sales of crude oil are to a single customer PTT Public Company Limited (PTT). PTT is a Thai state-owned oil and gas company that is listed 
on the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

All sales of gas are to a single customer Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN). PLN is an Indonesian state owned electricity company.

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
 169,461 
 19,066 
 188,527 

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000
105,731
1,447 
107,178

5  Revenue

Sales of crude oil 
Sales of gas

116

Ophir Energy plc6  Operating (loss)/profit before taxation 
The Group’s operating (loss)/profit before taxation included the following items:

(a)  Cost of sales:
– Operating costs
– Royalty payable
– Depreciation and amortisation of oil and gas properties
– Movement in inventories of oil

(b) Exploration expenses:
– Pre-licence and other exploration costs
– Exploration expenditure written off (Note 13)
– Exploration inventory provision (reversal)/expense

(c) Other operating expense:
– Loss/(profit) on disposal of assets
– Depreciation of other property, plant & equipment
–Provision/(provision release) for exiting contract (Note 24)
– Release of litigation provisions
– Restructuring costs
– Other

(d) General & administration expenses include:
– Operating lease payments
– Share-based payment expense

7  Net finance expense

Interest income on short-term bank deposits
Interest expense on long term borrowings1
Unwinding of discount (Note 24)
Net foreign currency exchange gains/(losses)
Other Interest (expense)/income

1 

 Includes interest capitalised of $8.7 million in 2016 using a rate of 6.7% for 6 months.

8  Other financial gains

Gain relating to oil derivatives

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

 48,864
 14,057
 77,529 
 7,127 
 147,577

 15,728
 76,652
 (544)
 91,836

 (180)
 288
 8,900
 –
1,935
 756
 11,699

3,424
 3,905
7,329

43,188
9,135
52,703
 (9,583)
95,443

20,476
 100,140
 14,636
 135,252

 – 
434
(10,000)
(10,516)
–
137
(19,945)

 3,069
2,986
6,055

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
2,057 
(15,218) 
(1,449)
1,817
(114)
(12,907)

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

1,959
 (7,564)
(2,568)
(13,422)
–
(21,595)

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
2,300
2,300

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

–
–

117

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportNotes to the financial statements 
continued

9  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 the Group.

(a) Paid/payable to Ernst & Young LLP
Audit of the financial statements
Local statutory audits of subsidiaries
Total audit services

Audit related assurances services

(b) Paid/payable to Auditor if not Ernst & Young LLP
Local statutory audits of subsidiaries

10  Staff costs and Directors’ emoluments
(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 payment expense 

(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 payment (credit)/expense 

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

755
216
971

19
990

–
990

638
255
893

29
922

–
922

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
 29,096 
 4,051
 1,529
 3,905 
 38,581

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

37,207
5,539
2,031
2,984
47,761

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

 4,452
 560 
 247 

129

 673 
 6,061

7,182
887
295

–

(924)
7,440

Key management emoluments above exclude aggregate gains made by Directors on the exercise of share options of Nil (2016: $206,680).

118

Ophir Energy plc(c)  Directors’ emoluments

Aggregate compensation:
Salaries and wages
Bonuses
Social security costs
Contributions to pensions/superannuation funds
Compensation for loss of office
Other benefits

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

2,098
530
346
126
129
17
3,246

2,343
1,737
537
139
–
18
4,774

Directors’ emoluments above exclude aggregate gains made by Directors on the exercise of share options of Nil (2016 $206,680). 

Share-based payment (credit)/expense 
Number of Directors to whom superannuation or pension benefits accrued during the year

(d)  Average number of persons employed (full time equivalents):

CEO
Exploration and technical
Commercial and support

11  Taxation
(a)  Taxation (credit)/charge

Foreign tax:
Special remuneratory benefit
Other foreign tax
Special remuneratory benefit – adjustments in respect of prior periods
Other foreign tax – adjustments in respect of prior periods
Total current income tax charge
Deferred tax:
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Special remuneratory benefit
Other foreign tax
Total deferred income tax charge
Tax charge in the consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

 (503) 
 3 

 (2,628)
3

Year ended
31 Dec 2017 
 1 
 112 
 170 
 283 

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016

1
131
177
309

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

13,696
13,901
–
4,997
32,594

27,378
(12,589)
14,789
47,383

1,861
8,952
1,180
11,681
23,674

9,693
(5,999)
3,694
27,368

Special remuneratory benefit (SRB) is a tax that arises on one of the Group’s assets, Bualuang in Thailand at rates that vary from zero to 75% 
of annual petroleum profit depending on the level of annual revenue per cumulative metre drilled. The current rate for SRB for 2017 was 18% 
(2016: 4%). Petroleum profit for the purpose of SRB is calculated as revenue less a number of deductions including operating costs, royalty, 
capital expenditures, special reduction (an uplift of certain capital expenditures) and losses brought forward.

119

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportNotes to the financial statements 
continued

11  Taxation continued
(b)  Reconciliation of the total tax (credit)/charge
The tax benefit not recognised in the consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income is reconciled to the 
Group’s weighted average tax rate of 48% (2016: 25%). The weighted average tax rate for 2017 is based on profit making jurisdictions only  
as this is deemed to be the most appropriate rate. The differences are reconciled below:

(Loss)/profit on operations before taxation
(Loss)/profit on operations before taxation multiplied by the weighted average
corporate tax rate for the Group of 48% (2016: 25%)
Non-deductible expenditure
Share-based payments
Tax effect of SRB
Tax effect of equity accounted investments
Movement in unrecognised deferred tax assets
Other adjustments
Adjustment in respect of prior periods
Effect of different tax rates on loss making jurisdictions1
Total tax (credit)/charge in the consolidated income statement and statement of other comprehensive income

1  Loss making jurisdictions have been disregarded in the calculation of weighted average tax rate in 2017.

(c)  Reconciliation of SRB charge to loss from operations before taxation
The taxation charge for SRB for the year can be reconciled to the loss from operations before tax per the consolidated income statement and 
statement of other comprehensive income as follows:

Loss from operations before taxation
Add back losses from operations before taxation for activities outside of Thailand
Loss from operations before taxation for activities in Thailand
Deduct share of profit of investments accounted for using the equity method
Loss before taxation for activities in Thailand

Applicable rate of SRB
Tax at the applicable rate of SRB
Change in average SRB deferred tax rate
Effect of average SRB deferred tax rate compared to current SRB tax rate
Other non-deductible costs
Adjustment in respect of prior periods
Total SRB charge

(d)  Deferred tax 

Deferred tax balances relate to the following:
Corporation tax on fixed asset timing differences
SRB tax on fixed asset timing differences
Tax Losses

(e)  UK unrecognised temporary differences
The group has pre-trading expenditure and unused tax losses in the UK of $694 million (2016: $655 million). Of this amount, pre-trading 
expenditure of $25 million will expire in the future if the company does not commence trading within seven years of the year in which the 
expenditure was incurred. Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of these deductible temporary differences and unused tax 
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.

120

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
(64,409)

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

(50,078)

(12,502)
25,662
1,493
6,367
(2,208)
(3,115)
(1,189)
12,860
–
27,368

(50,078)
91,687
41,609
(4,417)
37,192

4%
1,488
15,397
(3,207)
(2,124)
1,179
12,733

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

(31,175)
27,229
762
20,537
(2,091)
1,096
 6,349
(5,580)
30,256
47,383

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
(64,409)
132,165
67,756
(4,181)
63,575

18%
11,443
13,697
619
8,124
7,191
41,074

As at
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

As at 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

(241,275)
(28,033)
4,817
(264,491)

(235,183)
(14,344)
–
(249,527)

Ophir Energy plc12  Earnings per share
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)/profit for the year
(Loss)/profit attributable to equity holders of the parent

Basic (loss)/earnings per ordinary share
Diluted (loss)/earnings per ordinary share

Number of shares (millions)
Basic weighted average number of shares
Potentially dilutive share options and warrants

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

(111,792)
(111,792)

Cents
(15.8)
(15.8)

(77,446)
(77,446)

Cents
(11.0)
(11.0)

As at
31 Dec 2017

As at
31 Dec 2016

706
17
723

706
19
725

No ordinary shares of 0.25p each have been issued on exercise of options and warrants between the year ended 31 December 2017 and the 
date of approval of these consolidated financial statements.

13  Exploration and evaluation assets

Cost
Balance at the beginning of the year
Additions1
Disposal of asset
Transfers to oil and gas properties
Reclassified as assets held for sale
Expenditure written off2
Balance at the end of the year

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
$’000

Year ended
31 Dec 2016
$’000

310,229 
40,788 
(150)
(10,608)
(15,663) 
(76,652) 
247,944 

879,914
119,225
–
–
(588,770)
(100,140)
310,229

1 

2 

 Additions for the year ended 31 December 2017 include exploration activities in: Equatorial Guinea – Block R ($15.7 million subsequently reclassified as an asset held for sale), Myanmar ($2.9 
million), West Papua IV ($4.6 million) and Mexico Block 5 ($8.5 million). Additions for the year ended 2016 included exploration activities in: Equatorial Guinea – Block R ($41.5 million), Côte d’Ivoire 
– 513 ($19.6 million), Tanzania – Blocks 1 & 4 ($22.7 million), Myanmar – Block AD03 ($8.7 million) and Malaysia –Block 2A ($7.7 million).
 Expenditure written off in the year was ($77 million) mainly attributable to Cote d’Ivoire ($32 million) and Gabon ($32 million). The CGU applied for the purpose of the impairment assessment is 
the Blocks. The recoverable amount of each Block was nil. This was based on management’s estimate of value in use. The trigger for expenditure write off 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 terms. 
 Expenditure written off for the year ended 31 December 2016 was $100 million. The significant write offs included within the $100.0 million was in respect of Thailand – G4/50: loss of $57.6m and 
Indonesia: loss of $37m. The CGU applied for the purpose of the impairment assessment is the Blocks. The recoverable amount of each Block was nil. This was based on management’s estimate of 
value in use. The trigger for expenditure write off 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 terms.

 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 ranging between 8% – 22% 
(2016: 15%). Adjustments to cash flows are made to reflect the risks specific to the CGU.

121

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance report 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
continued

14  Oil and gas properties

Cost
Balance at the beginning of the year
Additions1
Transfers from Exploration and evaluation assets
Balance at the end of the year

Depreciation and amortisation
Balance at the beginning of the year
Charge for the year
Impairment reversal2
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 2017
 $’000

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

875,278
43,909
10,608
929,795

(176,278)
(77,529)
23,681
(230,126)

869,852
5,426
–
875,278 

(207,675)
(52,703)
84,100
(176,278)

699,000
699,669

662,177
699,000

1  Additions in 2016 were stated net of a $19.2 million decommissioning remeasurement.
2 

 The 2017 Impairment reversal was due to further increased reserves related to the Bualuang infill drilling results in Thailand which had a recoverable amount of $424m based on management’s 
estimate of value in use. The discount rate used was 22% (pre-tax).
 The 2016 Impairment reversal was due to increased reserves related to the Bualuang oil field in Thailand which had a recoverable amount of $410.7m based on management’s estimate of value in 
use. The discount rate used was 15% (pre-tax). 

15  Other property, plant and equipment

Office furniture and equipment
Cost
Balance at the beginning of the year
Additions
Balance at the end of the year

Depreciation
Balance at the beginning of the year
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

16  Other long term receivables

Security deposits – Rental properties
Other long term receivables

122

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

11,991 
203
12,194 

(8,285)
(1,698) 
(9,983)

10,826
1,165
11,991

(5,686)
(2,599)
(8,285)

3,706
2,211

5,140
3,706

As at
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
2,356
18,849 
21,205 

As at 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

2,166
18,937
21,103

Ophir Energy plc 
17  Inventory

Oil and condensate
Materials and consumables

The inventory valuation is stated net of a provision of $10.1 million (2016: $14.6 million) to write inventories down to their net realisable value. 

18  Trade and other receivables

Trade and other debtors
Prepayments

As at
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
3,988
36,659
40,647

As at 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

11,111
35,627
46,738

As at
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
20,877
3,779
24,656

As at 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

24,342
7,977
32,319

All debtors are current. There are no receivables that are past due or impaired. Trade and other debtors primarily relate to receivables from 
joint operation partners.

Due to the short-term nature of these receivables, their carrying value is assumed to approximate their fair value.

19  Cash and cash equivalents

Cash
Cash equivalents

As at
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
99,822
123,957
223,779

As at 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

130,677
229,747
360,424

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand, deposits and other short-term money market deposit accounts that are readily convertible 
into known amounts of cash. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents is $223.8 million (2016: $360.4 million).

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2017 includes $11.5 million (2016: $8.6 million) of restricted bank guarantees.

20  Trade and other payables

Trade payables
Accruals and deferred income
Payables in relation to joint operation partners

As at
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

Within 1 year
9,058
42,219
1,097 
52,374

As at 
31 Dec 2017
$’000

As at
31 Dec 2016
 $’000

As at 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

After 1 year Within 1 year
7,658
71,196
14,544
93,398

–
15,279
–
15,279

After 1 year
–
10,285
–
10,285

Trade payables are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

123

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportNotes to the financial statements 
continued

21  Interest bearing bank loans

Long-term balance at the beginning of the year
Short-term balance at the beginning of the year
Less: amounts repaid during the year
Less: amounts due within one year
Total borrowings due after one year

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
83,915 
9,741
(93,656)
–
–

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

115,949
37,059
(59,352)
(9,741)
83,915

During the period, Ophir repaid its outstanding debt on the 2012 reserves based lending (RBL) facility. Ophir has replaced this facility with a 
new $250 million RBL facility secured against the group’s producing assets in Southeast Asia. The RBL has a seven year term and matures on 
30 June 2024. In addition to the committed $250 million, a further $100 million is available on an uncommitted “accordion” basis. Interest 
will accrue at a rate of between 4% and 4.5% plus LIBOR depending on the maturity of the facility. The new RBL facility is currently undrawn, 
with an available facility as at 31 December 2017 of $204 million (2016: $10.3 million). Of the $5.8 million of transaction costs in relation to 
the new facility, $4.4 million have been deferred as a prepayment within ‘other long term receivables’ on the balance sheet and are being 
amortised over the term of the facility.

22  Bonds payable

Balance at the beginning of the year
Coupon interest charged
Interest paid
Balance at the end of the year

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
 106,651
10,218
(10,218) 
106,651 

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

 106,651
10,218
(10,218)
106,651 

The unsecured callable bonds were issued by Salamander Energy plc in December 2013 at an issue price of $150 million. The bonds  
have a term of six years and one month and will be repaid in full at maturity. The bonds carry a coupon of 9.75% and were issued at par.  
On 5 May 2015, bond holders exercised put options at 101% for the redemption of bonds with a par value of $45.2 million.

23  Net debt

Amounts due on maturity:
Interest bearing bank loans (see Note 21)
Bonds payable (see Note 22)
Total gross debt
Less cash and cash equivalents (see Note 19)
Total net cash

At the balance sheet date, the bank borrowings are calculated to be repayable as follows:

On demand or due within one year
In the second year
In the third to fifth year inclusive
After five years
Total principal payable on maturity

124

As at
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

As at 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

–
(106,651)
(106,651)
223,779
117,128

(93,656)
 (106,651)
(200,307)
360,424
160,117

As at
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
–
–
106,651
–
106,651

As at
31 Dec 2016
$’000

 9,741
43,831
146,735
–
200,307

Ophir Energy plc24  Provisions

At 31 December 2016
Arising during the period
Utilised/paid
Unwinding of discount (Note 7)
Amounts released
Remeasurement
Additions
At 31 December 2017

Balance at the end of the year
Current
Non-current

Decommissioning
and restoration
of oil and gas
 $’000

Litigation
and other 
claims 
$’000

Other
provision
$’000

50,550
–
–
1,449
–
 (742)
–
 51,257

–
51,257

15,833
–
(14,358)
–
(1,475)
–
–
–

–
–

–
507
–
–
–
–
8,900
9,407

9,399
8

Total
$’000

66,383
 507
 (14,358)
 1,449
 (1,475)
(742)
8,900
60,664

9,399
 51,265

Decommissioning and restoration of oil and gas assets
The decommissioning of oil and gas properties is expected to fall due from 2032 onwards.

Litigation and Other Claims
Litigation and other claims consist of claims arising from trading activities, which have been settled by 31 December 2017.

Other provisions
Amounts provided at 31 December 2017 comprise $0.5 million provision representing the organisational changes as part of the Ophir Board’s 
strategy to reduce the company’s underlying cost base in recognition of lower exploration activity. 

A provision of $8.9 million was raised representing the unavoidable net cost of exiting a contract.

25  Financial instruments
Capital risk management
The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group are able to continue as going concerns while maximising the return to 
stakeholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance. The capital structure of the Group consists of debt, which includes the 
interest bearing bank loans and bonds payable as disclosed in Notes 21 and 22 of these consolidated financial statements, cash and cash 
equivalents as disclosed in Note 19 of these consolidated financial statements, and equity attributable to equity holders of the Company, 
comprising issued capital, reserves and retained earnings as disclosed in Notes 26, 29 and 30 of these consolidated financial statements and in 
the consolidated statement of changes in equity. This is further discussed in the Principal risks section of these Annual Report and Accounts.

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.

Gearing Ratio
Management reviews the capital structure on a continuing basis. The gearing ratio is defined as net debt divided by equity attributable to 
equity holders of the Company plus net debt. At the year-end it was calculated as follows:

Net cash (see Note 23)
Equity plus net debt
Gearing ratio

As at
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
117,128 
(1,344,181)
(8.7)% 

As at 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

160,117
(1,414,960)
(11.3)%

Significant Accounting Policies
Details of significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of measurement and the basis 
on which the income and expenses are recognised, in respect of each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument are 
disclosed in the statement of accounting policies.

125

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance report 
Notes to the financial statements 
continued

25  Financial instruments continued

Financial assets and liabilities
Current assets and liabilities
Management consider that due to the short-term nature of current assets and liabilities, the carrying values equates to their fair value.

Non-current assets and liabilities
The carrying value and fair values of non-current financial assets and liabilities are shown in the following tables:

Financial assets:
Security deposits

Financial liabilities:
Interest bearing bank loans
Bonds payable

As at
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

As at
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

As at 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

As at 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

Carrying
value

Estimated
fair value 

Carrying
value

Estimated
fair value

2,356

2,356

2,166

2,166

–
(106,651)

–
(109,870)

(93,656)
(106,651)

(92,760)
(108,337)

Financial risk management
The Group’s principal financial assets and liabilities comprise of trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, short-term 
investments and trade and other payables, interest bearing bank loans, bonds payable, security deposits and derivative liabilities, which arise 
directly from its operations. Details are disclosed in Notes 18 to 22 of these consolidated financial statements. The main purpose of these 
financial instruments is to manage short-term cash flow and provide finance for the Group’s operations.

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 adviser 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 commodity, credit, interest rate, 
foreign currency and liquidity risks.

(a)  Commodity price risk
The Group’s policy is to consider oil and gas price hedging when and where it is economically attractive to lock-in prices at levels that protect 
the cash flow of the Group, its business plan and debt related coverage ratios. All hedging transactions to date have been related directly to 
expected cash flows and no speculative transactions have been undertaken. 

In late 2017, the Group hedged approximately 27% of its 2018 production. The Group purchased, with a zero cost structure, a Brent swap at 
an average $59.68/bbl and a call at an average price of $68.08/bbl, both for 3,200 bpd. The hedging relationship is for a period of 12 months, 
based on forecast cash flows.

As at 31 December 2017, the fair value of outstanding commodity contracts amounted to a liability of $3.5 million. For cash flow hedges the 
group only claims hedge accounting for the intrinsic value of the contract with any fair value attributable to time value taken immediately to the 
income statement. The amount in equity at 31 December 2017 is $5.8 million maturing in 2018, with $2.3m recognised in other financial gains.

(b)  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 cash equivalents, 
short-term investments and trade and other receivables.

In respect of the Group’s trade sales, the Group manages credit risk through dealing with, whenever possible, either international energy 
companies or state owned companies based in Thailand and Indonesia and obtaining sufficient collateral where appropriate. The Group 
consistently monitors counterparty credit risk. The carrying value of financial assets recorded in these financial statements represents the 
Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk at the year-end without taking account of any collateral obtained. In addition, the Group’s 
operations are typically structured via contractual joint venture arrangements. As such the Group is reliant on joint venture partners to fund 
their capital or other funding obligations in relation to assets and operations which are not yet cash generative. The Group closely monitors 
the risks and maintains a close dialogue with those counterparties considered to be highest risk in this regard.

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.

126

Ophir Energy plc223,779
12,515
236,294

2,356
2,356

Total
$’000

360,424
19,973
380,397

2,166
2,166

Credit quality of financial assets

Year ended 31 December 2017
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

A-3 
and below
$’000

Not rated
$’000

Total
$’000

147,865
–
147,865

–
–

69,537
–
69,537

–
–

6,324
–
6,324

–
–

53
12,515
12,568

2,356
2,356

1  The equivalent S&P rating of the financial assets represents that rating of the counterparty with which the financial asset is held rather than the rating of the financial asset itself.

Year ended 31 December 2016
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

A-3 
and below
$’000

No default
 customers
$’000

136,305
–
136,305

218,720
–
218,720

–
–

–
–

5,310
–
5,310

–
–

89
19,973
20,062

 2,166
 2,166

1 

 The equivalent S&P rating of the financial assets represents that rating of the counterparty with which the financial asset is held rather than the rating of the financial asset itself.

Credit risk on cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments is managed by limiting the term of deposits to periods of less than twelve 
months and selecting counterparty financial institutions with reference to long and short-term credit ratings published by Standard & Poor’s.

(c)  Interest rate risk
The Group is exposed to interest rate movements through its interest bearing bank loans, bonds payable, cash and cash equivalent deposits 
and short-term investments, which are at rates fixed to LIBOR.

The sensitivity analysis below has been determined based on the Group’s exposure to an interest rate movement and is prepared assuming 
the amount of the net debt outstanding at the balance sheet date was outstanding for the whole year.

For net debt, if interest rates had been 0.5% higher or lower and all other variables were held constant, the Group’s loss after tax for the year 
ended 31 December 2017 would have decreased by $0.5 million (2016: loss decrease $0.8 million) or increased by $0.5 million (2016: loss 
increase $0.8 million) respectively. 

The sensitivity in 2017 was maintained at 0.5% as interest rate volatilities remain similar to those in the prior period.

(d)  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 mainly in Pounds Sterling (GBP), Australian Dollars (AUD), Euros (EUR) and Thailand Baht (THB) to meet commitments in those currencies.

As at 31 December 2017, the Group’s predominant exposure to foreign exchange rates related to cash and cash equivalents held in GBP by 
companies with US Dollar functional currencies.

127

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportNotes to the financial statements 
continued

25  Financial instruments continued
At the statement of financial position date, the Group’s net debt had the following exposure to GBP, THB and AUD foreign currency that is not 
designated in cash flow hedges:

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
AUD
GBP
THB
OTHER

Net Exposure

As at
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

As at
31 Dec 2016
$’000

224
3,143
63,916
–
67,283

522
9,540
7,359
557
17,978

67,283

17,978

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity to reasonable possible changes in GBP, AUD and THB against the US Dollar exchange rates 
with all other variables held constant, of the Group’s (loss)/profit before tax and equity (due to the foreign exchange translation of monetary 
assets and liabilities).

US Dollar to GBP +5% (2016: +5%)
US Dollar to GBP -5% (2016: -5%)
US Dollar to AUD +5% (2016: +5%)
US Dollar to AUD -5% (2016: -5%)
US Dollar to THB +5% (2016: +5%)
US Dollar to THB -5% (2016: -5%)

Loss before tax
Higher/(lower)

Equity
 Higher/(lower)

2017
$’000
87
(87)
(2)
2
3,039
(3,039) 

2016
$’000

405
(405)
(21)
21
296
 (296)

2017
$’000
87
(87)
(2)
2
3,039
(3,039)

2016
$’000

405
(405)
(21)
21
296
(296)

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 forecaster’s 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.

(e)  Liquidity risk
The Group manages its liquidity risk by maintaining adequate cash and cash equivalents, and borrowing facilities to meet its forecast short, 
medium and long-term commitments. The Group continually monitors its actual and forecast cash flows to ensure that there are adequate 
reserves and banking facilities to meet the maturing profiles of its financial assets and liabilities.

The following tables detail the Group’s remaining contractual maturities for its financial liabilities. The tables have been drawn up based on 
the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the earliest date the Group was required to pay at the balance sheet date. The 
table includes both interest and principal cash flows.

As at 31 December 2017

Non-interest bearing
Variable interest rate instruments
Fixed interest rate instruments:
– Bond payable
Oil price derivatives
Total

Within 1 year
$’000
(50,499)
–
–
–
(3,582)
(54,081)

1-2 years
$’000
–
–
–
 –
–
–

2-3 years
$’000
–
–
–
(106,651)
–
(106,651)

3-4 years
$’000
–
–
–
–
–
–

4-5 years
$’000
–
–
–
–
–
–

Greater than
5 years
$’000
–
–
–
–
–
 –

Total
$’000
(50,499)
–
–
(106,651)
(3,582)
(160,732)

128

Ophir Energy plcNon-interest bearing
Variable interest rate instruments
Fixed interest rate instruments:
– Bond payable
Total

Within 1 year
$’000

(65,039)
(9,741)

–
(74,780)

1-2 years
$’000

–
(43,831)

2-3 years
$’000

–
(40,084)

–
–

–
(43,831)

–
(40,084)

(106,651)
(106,651)

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

Total
$’000

(65,039)
(93,656)

(106,651)
(265,346)

As at 31 December 2016

3-4 years
$’000

4-5 years
$’000

Greater than
5 years
$’000

Additionally, Notes 32 and 33 of these consolidated financial statements set out the Group’s outstanding financial commitments at the year end.

(f)  Disclosure of fair values
The carrying value of security deposits, borrowings and derivative financial instruments are disclosed in the financial statements as at 31 
December 2017. The fair value of these assets and liabilities are disclosed in the table of financial assets and liabilities on page 126 of these 
consolidated financial statements.

Fair value hierarchy
The Group uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments by valuation technique: 

Level 1 
Level 2 

Level 3 

quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
 other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either 
directly or indirectly; and
 techniques which use inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable 
market data.

The fair value of the group’s long term borrowings are determined using quoted prices in active markets, and so fall within level 1 of the fair 
value hierarchy.

The fair value of commodity hedges are provided by banks using industry standard models that consider various assumptions, including  
quoted forward prices, time value and other relevant economic factors. These derivative contracts are categorised within level 2 of the fair  
value hierarchy.

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3

There were no transfers between fair value levels during the year.

(g)  Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities

Current interest-bearing bank borrowings
Non-current interest bearing bank borrowings
Bonds payable
Total liabilities from financing activities

Current interest-bearing bank borrowings
Non-current interest bearing bank borrowings
Bonds payable
Total liabilities from financing activities

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
(109,870)
(3,582)
2,356
(111,096)

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

(108,337)
–
(90,594)
(198,931)

1 January 
2017
$’000
9,741
83,915
106,651
200,307

1 January  
2016
$’000

37,059
115,949
106,651
259,659

Cash flows 
$’000
(9,741)
(83,915)
–
(93,656)

Cash flows 
$’000

(37,059)
(22,293)
–
(59,352)

Other 
$’000
–
–
–
–

Other 
$’000

9,741
(9,741)
–
–

31 December 
2017 
$’000
–
–
106,651
106,651

31 December 
2016 
$’000

9,741
83,915
106,651
200,307

The ‘Other’ column includes the effect of reclassification of non-current portion of interest-bearing loans and borrowings due to the passage 
of time.

129

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance report 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements 
continued

26  Called up share capital

(a) Authorised 
2,000,000,000 ordinary shares of 0.25p each

(b) Called up, allotted and fully paid ordinary shares of 0.25p each
In issue at the beginning of the year 746,019,407 (2016: 746,019,407)
In issue at the end of the year 746,019,407 (2016: 746,019,407)

Year ended 
31 Dec 2017
$’000

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

7,963

7,963

3,061
3,061

3,061
3,061

The balances classified as called up; allotted and fully paid share capital represents 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.

27  Investments accounted for using the equity method

Company
APICO LLC
APICO (Khorat) Holdings LLC
APICO (Khorat) Limited

As at
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

As at
31 Dec 2016
 $’000

27.18% 
27.18% 
27.18% 

27.18% 
27.18% 
27.18% 

The investments in the jointly controlled entities have been classified as joint ventures under IFRS 11 and therefore the equity method of 
accounting has been used in the consolidated financial statements.

APICO LLC is a limited liability company formed in the State of Delaware, USA. APICO LLC wholly owns APICO (Khorat) Holdings LLS a limited 
liability company formed in the State of Delaware, USA. APICO (Khorat) Holding LLC wholly owns APICO (Khorat) Limited which is a Thai 
limited company that was incorporated and has its principal place of business in the Kingdom of Thailand.

The Group’s primary business purpose is the acquisition, exploration, development and production of petroleum interests in the Kingdom  
of Thailand.

The Group’s share of the results of its joint venture and the Group share of its assets and liabilities as at 31 December 2017 are shown in the 
tables below:

Results for the year ended 

Sales and other operating revenues
Profit before interest and taxation 
Net finance costs 
Profit before taxation 
Taxation 
Profit for the period

Summarised financial information of APICO LLC

Results for the year ended 

Sales and other operating revenues
Profit before interest and taxation
Net finance costs
Profit before taxation
Taxation
Profit for the period

130

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
$’000
12,215
7,213
 (136)
7,077
(2,896)
 4,181

Year ended 
31 Dec 2017
$’000
44,941
26,537
(500)
26,037
(10,654)
15,383

Year Ended
31 Dec 2016
$’000

14,617
7,623
(219)
7,404
(2,987)
 4,417

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

53,778
28,046
(806)
27,240
(10,990)
16,250

Ophir Energy plcGroup share of assets and liabilities
Non-current assets
Current assets
Total assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets

The following table shows the movement in investments in the jointly controlled entities:

Balance at the beginning of the year
Additions
Impairment1
Share of profit of investments
Dividends received
Balance at the end of the year

Year ended 
31 Dec 2017
$’000
46,147
3,903
50,050
(4,760)
(2,077)
(6,837)
43,213

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

46,878
6,207
53,085
(5,240)
(2,414)
(7,654)
45,431

Year ended 
31 Dec 2017
$’000
 130,736
 370 
 (7,800) 
 4,181 
(6,523)
120,964

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

130,200
1,283
–
4,417
 (5,164)
130,736

1 The 2017 Impairment was due to the effect of lower nominations and reclassification of resources to reserves. The Sinphuhorm asset had a recoverable amount of $121m based on management’s 
estimate of value in use. The discount rate used was a pre-tax rate of 14% (2016:15%).

28  Treasury shares

Ordinary shares of 0.25p each held by the Group as treasury shares

Balance at the beginning of the year 39,918,385 (2016: 40,227,138)
Disposed of on exercise of share options during the year: 207,562 (2016: 308,753)
Balance at the end of the year 39,710,823 (2016: 39,918,385)

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
153
(1)
152

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

155
(2)
153

Treasury shares represent the cost of shares in the Company purchased in the market and held by the Company to satisfy options under the 
Group’s employee incentive share option plans (refer to Note 31 of these consolidated financial statements). 

29  Reserves

Treasury shares (Note 28)
Other reserves (Note 30)

Non-controlling interest1

1  The non-controlling interest relates to Dominion Uganda Ltd, where the Group acquired a 95% shareholding during 2012.

As at
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
(152)
1,458,680
1,458,528
(280)
1,458,248

As at 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

(153)
1,572,449
1,572,296
(280)
1,572,016

131

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportNotes to the financial statements 
continued

30  Other reserves

Share
premium 1
$’000

Capital
 redemption 2
 reserve
$’000

Option
 premium 3 
reserve 
$’000

Consolid-
ation 4
reserve
$’000

Merger
 reserve 5
$’000

Equity
component
on
convertible
bond 6
$’000

Foreign
currency
translation7
reserve
$’000

Cash flow
hedges8
$’000

Accumulated 
profits/
(losses) 
$’000

Total other
 reserves
$’000

As at 1 January 2016

807,427

160

54,808

(500)

667,337

669

5,538

Profit for the period,  
net of tax
Other comprehensive 
income, net of tax
Total comprehensive 
loss, net of tax
Share-based payment
As at  
31 December 2016

Profit for the period,  
net of tax
Other comprehensive 
income, net of tax
Total comprehensive 
income, net of tax
Share-based payment
Transfers within reserves
As at  
31 December 2017

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
2,986

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

31

31
–

807,427

160

57,794

(500)

667,337

669

5,569

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
3,905
–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–
 (341,792)

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

111,439

1,646,878

(77,446)

(77,446)

–

31

(77,446)
–

(77,415)
2,986

33,993

1,572,449

(111,792)

(111,792)

(5,882)

–

(5,882)

(5,882)
–
–

(111,792)
–
341,792

(117,674)
3,905
–

807,427

160

61,699

(500)

325,545

669

5,569

(5,882)

263,993

1,458,680

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 capital redemption reserve represents the nominal value of shares transferred following the Company’s purchase of them.
3  The option premium reserve represents the cost of share-based payments to Directors, employees and third parties. 
4  The consolidation reserve represents a premium on acquisition of a minority interest in a controlled entity.
5 

 In 2017, the premium arising on the 2012 Dominion Petroleum acquisition, which was classified within the merger reserves according to the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to Merger 
Relief (s612 and s613), was realised to accumulated profits/(losses)as a result of the full impairment of the Dominion Group in previous years.
 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.
 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.
 The cash flow hedge reserve records the portion of the gain or loss on a hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge that is determined to be an effective hedge. It includes $5.8 million relating to 
commodity price hedges which will only be reclassified to the income statement once the forecast sale occurs. For further information on the accounting for cash flow hedges see Note 2.3 (e) 
financial instruments.

6 

7 

8 

132

Ophir Energy plc31  Share-based compensation
(a)  Employee incentive share option plans
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 all of his/her 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 DSP 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). 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.

Ophir Energy plc Net Asset Value (NAV) Scheme
On 10 May 2016 the Board resolved to establish the Ophir Energy Long-Term value creation plan 2016, effective 1 January 2016 to all Ophir 
employees participating in the plan. The plan only rewarding if the Group delivers long-term growth in NAV per share which is measured 
based on well-defined NAV events. When an event does take place, 12.5% of the increase in NAV above the prior Benchmark NAV will be used 
to create a reward pool. NAV events will generally be monetisation events such as farm-outs and asset sales, which have defined values, and 
the risked value of development assets once a Final Investment Decision (FID) is taken or first production takes place to ensure NAV events 
are tangible and demonstrably value creating. The impact of commodity prices is factored out of the scheme so that these events are neutral 
to ensure that the reward pool is not artificially inflated or deflated by the commodity cycle. Similarly, cash distributions, fundraising or capital 
changes are also factored out of the scheme. When a reward pool is created, it will be distributed with the following features to apply to 
Executive Directors: 

•  Individual rewards are capped;
•  75% of NAV scheme rewards are delivered as deferred shares that vest after three, four and five years with a requirement for the total number 

of after tax shares to be retained for a minimum of five years; 

•  25% of rewards are delivered in cash; and 
•  recovery and withholding provisions apply to ensure that only true value creation is the basis of rewards.

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 GBP and have been translated to US Dollars using the closing exchange rate for 
presentation purposes.

Outstanding options at the beginning of year
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year
Expired during the year
Outstanding options at the end of year
Exercisable at end of year

2017
Number
19,285,299
–
(207,562)
(2,269,836)
16,807,901
2,176,460

2017
WAEP
$0.48/£0.36
–
0.34c/0.25p
$1.38/£1.02
$0.87/£0.65
$2.78/£2.07

2016
Number

12,735,270
9,542,214
(308,753)
(2,683,432)
19,285,299
3,043,906

2016
WAEP

$0.97/£0.65
0.33c/0.25p
0.33c/0.25p
$0.75/£0.56
$0.48/£0.36
$2.60/£2.11

133

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance report 
Notes to the financial statements 
continued

31  Share-based compensation continued
There were no share options granted in 2017. The weighted average exercise price of options granted in 2016 was $0.0033. The range of 
exercise prices for options outstanding at the end of the year was $0.0034 to $7.43 (2016: $0.0037 to $7.44) with a remaining exercise period 
in the range of one to nine years.

The fair value of equity-settled share options granted is estimated as at the date of grant using a Monte-Carlo simulation for the Long Term 
Incentive Plan and a binomial model for the DSP, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were granted. The 
following table lists the inputs to the model used for the year ended 31 December 2017.

Dividend yield (%)
Exercise Price
Share Volatility (%)
Risk-free interest rate (%)
Expected life of option (years)
Weighted average share price

 Long Term Incentive Plan

 2012 Deferred Share Plan

2017
–
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

2016

–
0.33c/0.25p
49%
0.64%
0-3
$0.91/£0.63

2017
–
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

2016

–
0.33c/0.25p
49%
0.64%
0-3
$1.24/£0.86

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 Directors
During the year a total of nil (2016: 2,702,158) options to acquire ordinary shares were granted to Directors under the Ophir Energy Long-Term 
Incentive Plan.

During the year nil options (2016: nil) were granted to Directors under the Ophir Energy Company 2006 Share Option Plan.

32  Operating lease commitments
At 31 December 2017 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 year
Due later than one year but within five years
Due later than five years

As at
2017
 $’000
16,623
66,820
24,037
107,480

As at 
2016
$’000

17,358
66,305
40,912
124,575

33  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 in the following table are an estimate of the net cost to the Group of performing these work programmes: 

Due within one year
Due later than one year but within two years
Due later than two years but within five years

As at
2017
 $’000
4,830
26,940
90
31,860

As at 
2016
$’000

46,870
31,805
1,240
79,915

34  Contingent liabilities
An individual has commenced claims against the Group relating to the evaluation and subsequent disposal of an interest that was held in 
exploration blocks within the portfolio. The individual’s primary claim was dismissed in February 2018. The individual has filed an appeal 
against the decision but a loss at first instance supports the Group’s view that the claims are without merit and accordingly the Group has 
estimated that no liability will arise as a result of proceedings and therefore no provision for any liability has been made in these financial 
statements.

134

Ophir Energy plc35  Subsidiary undertakings, joint ventures, associates and material joint operations
Subsidiary undertakings
A complete list of Ophir Energy plc Group companies at 31 December 2017, and Group’s percentage of share capital (to the nearest whole 
number) are set out in Appendix A to these consolidated financial statements on pages 153 to 156. All of these subsidiaries have been 
included in these consolidated financial statements on pages 97 to 135.

Material joint operations
The following joint operations are considered individually material to the Group as at 31 December 2017. 

Asset
Block R1
Block 12
Block 43
Bangkanai (Kerendan)4

Principal place of business
Equatorial Guinea
Tanzania
Tanzania
Indonesia

Activity
Exploration
Exploration
Exploration
Exploration and production

1  This concession is operated by the Group and it has an 80% interest.
2  This concession is operated by Shell in which the Group has a 20% interest.
3  This concession is operated by Shell in which the Group has a 20% interest.
4  This concession is operated by the Group and it has a 70% interest.

Capital commitments relating to these projects are included in Note 33 of these consolidated financial statements. There are no contingent 
liabilities associated with these projects. Refer to Note 2.3(l) of these consolidated financial statements for the Group’s accounting policy for 
jointly controlled assets and liabilities.

36  Related party disclosures
(a)  Identity of related parties
The Group has related party relationships with its subsidiaries (refer to Note 7 of the Company financial statements), joint ventures (refer to 
Note 20, Note 18 and Note 35 of these consolidated financial statements) and its Directors.

Recharges from the Company to subsidiaries in the year were $3,062,812 (2016: $16,536.220). Transactions between the Company and its 
subsidiaries have been eliminated on consolidation.

(b)  Other transactions with key management personnel
Compensation of key management personnel (including Directors) is disclosed in Note 10(b) of these consolidated financial statements. 

37  Events after the reporting period
There have been no events after the reporting period that require disclosure in the Group accounts. 

135

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportCompany statement of financial position 
As at 31 December 2017 

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
Taxation payable

Total liabilities
Net assets

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Treasury shares
Other reserves
Total equity

Notes

2017
 $’000

2016
 $’000

 6
7
8

9
10
11

12

14
15
16

–
1,260,298
2,079
1,262,377

–
1,578
127,934
129,512
1,391,889

2,752
1,159,571
1,887
1,164,210

6,215
2,337
265,514
274,066
1,438,276

(54)
(25)
(79)
–
(79)
1,391,810

(2,733)
(25)
(2,758)
–
(2,758)
1,435,518

3,061
(152)
1,388,901
1,391,810

3,061
(153)
1,432,610
1,435,518

The Company’s loss for the year was $47,618,000 (2016: $250,377,000)

The notes on pages 139 to 152 form part of these Company financial statements.

The Company financial statements of Ophir Energy plc (registered number 05047425) on pages 136 to 152 were approved by the Board  
of Directors on 6th March 2018.

On behalf of the Board:

Nick Cooper  
Chief Executive Officer 

Tony Rouse
Chief Financial Officer

136

Ophir Energy plc 
 
 
 
 
Company statement of changes in equity 
For the year ended 31 December 2017

As at 1 January 2016
Loss for the period, net of tax
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Total comprehensive income, net of tax

Exercise of options
Share-based payment
As at 31 December 2016

Loss for the period, net of tax
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Total comprehensive income, net of tax
Exercise of options
Share-based payment
As at 31 December 2017

1  Refer to Note 16 of these Company financial statements.

Called up
share capital
$’000

Treasury
shares
$’000

3,061
–
–
–

–
–
3,061

–
–
–
–
–
3,061

(155)
–
–
–

2
–
(153)

–
–
–
1
–
(152)

 Other1
reserves
$’000

1,680,001
(250,377)
–
(250,377)

–
2,986
1,432,610

(47,618)
–
(47,618)
–
3,909
1,388,901

Total equity
$’000

1,682,907
(250,377)
–
(250,377)

2
2,986
1,435,518

(47,618)
–
(47,618)
1
3,909
1,391,810

The notes on pages 139 to 152 form part of these Company financial statements.

137

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportCompany statement of cash flows 
For the year ended 31 December 2017

Operating activities
Loss before taxation

Adjustments to reconcile loss before tax to net cash flows:
Interest income
Foreign exchange losses/(gains)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Share-based payment expense
Allowance for impairment of investment in subsidiaries
Working capital adjustments
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables
 Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables
Cash flows used in operating activities
Interest income
Net cash flows used in operating activities

Investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Investment in subsidiaries
Decrease/(increase) in inventory
Loans to subsidiaries
Net cash flows (used in)/from investing activities

Financing activities
Proceeds from of exercise of share options
Net cash flows (used in)/from financing activities

(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents for the year
Net effect of foreign 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

The notes on pages 139 to 152 form part of these Company financial statements.

Notes

2017
 $’000

2016
$’000

(47,618)

(250,376)

(1,923)
(940)
–
(215)
44,910

(5,132)
769
(10,149)
1,923
(8,226)

–
–
–
(129,614)
(129,614)

(1,862)
1,088
2,093
2,986
492,364

 (1,581)
 2,025
246,737
1,862
248,599

(5,058)
(425)
440
(511,982)
(517,025)

1
1

2
2

 (137,839)
259
265,514
127,934

(268,424)
308
533,630
265,514

6

7

6

11

138

Ophir Energy plcNotes to the financial statements

1  Corporate information
Ophir Energy plc (the Company) is a public limited company domiciled and incorporated in England and Wales. The Company’s registered 
offices are located at 123 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6DE.

The Company’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 Africa and Southeast Asia.

The Company’s financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017 were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on  
6th March 2018 and the Statement of Financial Position was signed on the Board’s behalf by Nick Cooper and Tony Rouse.

2  Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation and statement of compliance
The Company’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board 
and adopted by the European Union (EU), IFRIC Interpretations and the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis.

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.

The Company is the ultimate parent entity of the Group. The Company’s financial statements are included in the Ophir Energy plc consolidated 
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017. As permitted by the section s408 of the Companies Act 2006 the Company has 
not presented its own income statement and statement of other comprehensive income and related notes.

Comparative figures for the period to 31 December 2016 are for the year ended on that date. 

New and amended accounting standards and interpretations
The Company has adopted relevant new and amended IFRS and IFRIC interpretations as of 1 January 2017. These are detailed in Note 2.1  
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.

139

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportNotes to the financial statements 
continued

2  Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies continued
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.

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
Cost
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 ten 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
Up to 31 October 2016, the Company did not operate its own pension plan but made pension or superannuation contributions to private funds of 
its employees which are defined contribution plans. On 1 November 2016 the Group launched its own defined contribution scheme for its executive 
directors. Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they become payable.

(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.

140

Ophir Energy plc(k)  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.

(l)  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.

(m) 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.

(n)  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.

141

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportNotes to the financial statements 
continued

2  Basis of preparation and significant accounting policies continued
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.

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.

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.

142

Ophir Energy plc3.  Loss attributable to members of the parent company
The loss attributable to the members of the parent company for the year ended 31 December 2017 is $47.6 million (2016: $250.4 million).

4  Staff numbers and costs
(a)  Staff costs
Employee costs (including payments to Directors) during the year comprised:

Salaries and wages including bonuses
Social security costs
Contributions to pension plans/superannuation funds
Compensation for loss of office
Share-based payment (credit)/expense

(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 including bonuses
Social security costs
Contributions to pensions/superannuation funds
Compensation for loss of office
Share-based payment credit

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
3,016
398
129
129
(215)
3,457

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

 20,051
2,581
771
–
2,984
 26,387

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

 3,016
398
129
129
(215)
3,457

 6,728
834
272
–
(924)
 6,910

Key management emoluments above excludes aggregate gains made by Directors on the exercise of share options of Nil (2016: $206,680).

(c)  Directors’ emoluments

Aggregate compensation:
Salaries and wages
Bonuses
Social security costs
Contributions to pensions/superannuation funds
Other benefits
Compensation for loss of office

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

2,098
530
346
126
17
129
3,246

2,186
1,737
516
139
18
–
4,596

Directors’ emoluments above excludes aggregate gains made by Directors on the exercise of share options of Nil (2016: $206,680).

Share-based payment credit
Number of Directors to whom superannuation or pension benefits accrued during the year

(d)  Average number of persons employed (full time equivalents):

CEO
Exploration and technical
Commercial and support

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
 (503)
3

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

(2,628)
3

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
1
1
2
4

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016

1
34
51
86

143

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportNotes to the financial statements 
continued

5  Share-based compensation
(a) Employee incentive share option plans
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 all of his/her 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 DSP 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). 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.

Ophir Energy plc Net Asset Value (NAV) Scheme
On 10 May 2016 the Board resolved to establish the Ophir Energy Long-Term value creation plan 2016, effective 1 January 2016 to all Ophir 
employees participating in the plan. The plan only rewarding if the Group delivers long-term growth in NAV per share which is measured based 
on well-defined NAV events. When an event does take place, 12.5% of the increase in NAV above the prior Benchmark NAV will be used to 
create a reward pool. NAV events will generally be monetisation events such as farm-outs and asset sales, which have defined values, and the 
risked value of development assets once a Final Investment Decision (FID) is taken or first production takes place to ensure NAV events are 
tangible and demonstrably value creating. The impact of commodity prices is factored out of the scheme so that these events are neutral to 
ensure that the reward pool is not artificially inflated or deflated by the commodity cycle. Similarly, cash distributions, fundraising or capital 
changes are also factored out of the scheme. When a reward pool is created, it will be distributed with the following features to apply to 
Executive Directors: 

•  Individual rewards are capped;

•  75% of NAV scheme rewards are delivered as deferred shares that vest after three, four and five years with a requirement for the total number 

of after tax shares to be retained for a minimum of five years; 

•  25% of rewards are delivered in cash; and 

•  recovery and withholding provisions apply to ensure that only true value creation is the basis of rewards.

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 GBP and have been translated to US Dollars using the closing exchange rate for 
presentation purposes.

Outstanding options at the beginning of the year
Granted during the year
Exercised during the year
Expired during the year
Outstanding options at the end of the year
Exercisable at end of year

2017
Number
19,285,299
–
(207,562)
(2,269,836)
16,807,901
2,176,460

2017
WAEP
$0.48/£0.36
–
0.34c/0.25p
$1.38/£1.02
$0.87/£0.65
$2.78/£2.07

2016
Number

12,735,270
9,542,214
(308,753)
(2,683,432)
19,285,299
3,043,906

2016 
WAEP

$0.97/£0.65
0.33c/0.25p
0.33c/0.25p
$0.75/£0.56
$0.48/£0.36
$2.60/£2.11

144

Ophir Energy plc 
There were no share options granted in 2017. The weighted average exercise price of options granted in 2016 was $0.0033. The range of 
exercise prices for options outstanding at the end of the year was $0.0034 to $7.43 (2016: $0.0037 to $7.44) with a remaining exercise period  
in the range of one to nine years.

The fair value of equity-settled share options granted is estimated as at the date of grant using a Monte-Carlo simulation for the Long Term 
Incentive Plan and a binomial model for the DSP, 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 2017. 

Dividend yield (%)
Exercise Price
Share Volatility (%)
Risk-free interest rate (%)
Expected life of option (years)
Weighted average share price

 Long Term Incentive Plan

 2013 Deferred Share Plan

2017
–
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

2016

–
0.33c/0.25p
49%
0.64%
0-3
$0.91/£0.63

2017
–
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

2016

–
0.33c/0.25p
49%
0.64%
0-3
$1.24/£0.86

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.

(c) Share-based payments to Directors
During the year a total of nil (2016: 2,702,158) nil cost options to acquire ordinary shares were granted to Directors under the Ophir Energy Long 
Term Incentive Plan.

During the year nil options were granted to Directors under the Ophir Energy Company 2006 Share Option Plan (2016: nil).

6  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

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

9,430
–
(7,188)
2,242

6,678
(4,436)
–
2,242

2,752
–

8,616
814
–
9,430

4,590
–
2,088
6,678

4,026
2,752

145

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportNotes to the financial statements 
continued

7  Investments in subsidiaries
The following table shows the movement in the investment in subsidiaries during the year

Balance at the beginning of the year

Additions during the year
Salamander Energy plc
Ophir Holdings & Services (UK) Limited
Ophir Asia Limited
Dominion Petroleum Limited
Ophir Asia Services Limited
Other

Repayments during the year
Ophir Equatorial Guinea (Block R) Limited
Ophir Equatorial Guinea Holdings Limited
Ophir Holdings Limited
Dominion Petroleum Limited
Ophir Services Pty Limited
Other
Balance at the end of the year

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

2,272,694

1,760,283

31,989
689,026
9,153
10,537
180
39,919

(231,300)
(397,533)
(130)
–
–
(6,204)
2,418,331

121,195
62,862
17,574
–
591
1,016,305

–
–
(653,392)
(43,258)
(4,148)
(5,318)
2,272,694

Foreign exchange translation gains and losses

–

–

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

(1,113,123)
(44,910)
(1,158,033)

(620,759)
(492,364)
(1,113,123)

1,159,571
1,260,298

1,139,524
1,159,571

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. The Company has indicated that it does not intend to demand repayment in the 
foreseeable future. The allowance for impairment charge primarily relates to unrecoverable intra-group funding.

A complete list of Ophir Energy plc Group companies at 31 December 2017, and Group’s percentage of share capital (to the nearest whole 
number) are set out in Appendix A to these financial statements on pages 153 to 156. All of these subsidiaries have been consolidated in  
the Group financial statements on pages 97 to 135.

8  Financial assets

Non-current
Security deposits – Rental properties

146

As at
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

As at 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

2,079
2,079

1,887
1,887

Ophir Energy plc9  Inventory

Drilling consumables

As at
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
–

As at 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

6,215

The inventory valuation is stated net of a provision of nil (2016: $0.4 million) to write inventories down to their net realisable value. 

10  Trade and other receivables

Other debtors
Prepayments

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.

11  Cash and cash equivalents

Cash
Cash equivalents

As at
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
609
969
1,578

As at 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

 711
 1,626
2,337

As at
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
3,976
123,958
127,934

As at 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

35,767
229,747
265,514

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand, deposits and other short-term money market deposit accounts that are readily convertible 
into known amounts of cash. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents is $127.9 million (2016: $265.5 million).

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2017 includes $2.2 million (2016: Nil) of restricted bank guarantees.

12  Trade and other payables

Trade creditors
Accruals

As at
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
54
–
54

As at
31 Dec 2016
 $’000

590
2,143
2,733

Trade payables are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

13  Financial instruments
The Company utilises the same financial risk and capital management as the Group. Refer to Note 25 of the Group financial statements for further details.

(a)  Credit quality of financial assets

Year ended 31 December 2017
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

A-2 
and below
$’000

Not rated
$’000

Total
$’000

127,934
–
127,934

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

–
–
–

2,079
2,079

127,934
–
127,934

2,079
2,079

147

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.

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportNotes to the financial statements 
continued

13  Financial instruments continued

Year ended 31 December 2016 
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

A-2 
and below
$’000

Not rated
$’000

Total
$’000

46,799
–
46,799

218,709
–
218,709

–
–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–

6
23
29

1,887
1,887

265,514
23
265,537

1,887
1,887

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 cash equivalents and short-term investments is managed by limiting the term of deposits to periods of less than twelve 
months and selecting counterparty financial institutions with reference to long and short-term credit ratings published by Standard & Poor’s.

Fair values
The maximum exposure to credit risk is the fair value of security deposits and receivables. Collateral is not held as security. 

The carrying amounts of non-current receivables approximate their fair value.

(b)  Interest rate risk
As of 31 December 2017, the Company has no external borrowings (2016: nil) so interest rate risk is limited to interest receivable on deposits 
and bank balances.

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.

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.

As at
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

As at
31 Dec 2016
$’000

2,079
127,934
130,013

–
130,013

1,887
265,514
267,401

–
267,401

Financial assets
Security deposits
Cash and cash equivalents

Financial liabilities
Loans from subsidiary undertakings
Net exposure

148

Ophir Energy plcThe following table demonstrates the sensitivity to a reasonably 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).

Increase/decrease in interest rate

+0.5%
-0.5%

Effect on loss 
31 Dec 2017
$’000
640
(640)

Effect on loss 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

1,328
 (1,328)

The sensitivity in 2017 was maintained at 0.5% as interest rate volatilities remained similar to those in the prior period.

(c)  Foreign currency risk
The Company adopts the same policies to manage foreign currency risk as the Group. Refer to Note 25 of the Group financial statements  
for further details.

As at 31 December 2017, 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, THB, MYR and EUR foreign currency that  
is not designated in cash flow hedges:

Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
EUR
GBP

Security deposits
GBP

Financial liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
AUD
THB
MYR
EUR
GBP

Net exposure

As at
31 Dec 2017
 $’000

As at
31 Dec 2016
$’000

–
1,397
1,397

2,079
3,476

–
–
–
–
 (21)
(21)
3,455

1
7,049
7,050

1,887
8,937

–
–
–
(12)
(2,051)
(2,063)
6,874

The table below demonstrates the sensitivity to reasonable possible changes in currencies 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% (2016: +5%)
US Dollar to GBP Sterling -5% (2016: -5%)

Loss before tax  
higher/(lower)

Equity  
higher/(lower)

2017 
$’000

173 
(173)

2016
$’000

344
(344)

2017
$’000
173
(173)

2016 
 $’000

344
(344)

149

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportNotes to the financial statements 
continued

13  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 forecaster’s 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.

(d)  Liquidity risk
The Company has a liquidity risk arising from its ability to fund its liabilities. This Company utilises the same policies to mitigate liquidity risk  
as the rest of the Group. Refer to Note 25 of the Group financial statements for further details.

All of the Company’s trade creditors and other payables (Refer to Note 12 of these Company financial statements) are payable in less than  
six months.

The Company 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 2017 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: 

quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
 other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either 
directly or indirectly; and
 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 

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3

There were no transfers between fair value levels during the year.

14  Called up share capital

(a)  Authorised 
2,000,000,000 ordinary shares of 0.25p each

(b)  Called up, allotted and fully paid ordinary shares of 0.25p each
In issue at the beginning of the year 746,019,407; (2016: 746,019,407)
In issue at the end of the year; 746,019,407; (2016: 746,019,407)

The balances classified as called up; allotted and fully paid share capital represents 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.

150

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
–
–
2,079
2,079

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

–
–
1,887
1,887

Year ended 
31 Dec 2017
$’000

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

7,963

7,963

3,061
3,061

3,061
3,061

Ophir Energy plc 
 
 
15  Treasury shares

Ordinary shares of 0.25p each held by the Group as treasury shares

Balance at the beginning of the year: 39,918,385 (2016: 40,227,138)
Disposed of on exercise of share options during the year: 207,562 (2016: 308,753)
Balance at the end of the year; 39,710,823 (2016: 39,918,385)

Year ended
31 Dec 2017
 $’000
153
(1)
152

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

155
(2)
153

Treasury shares represents the cost of shares in the Company purchased in the market and held by the Company partly to satisfy options under 
the Group’s employee incentive share option plans (refer to Note 5 of these Company financial statements). During 2017 Nil shares were 
purchased (2016: Nil).

16  Other reserves

At 1 January 2016
Profit for the period, net of tax
Other comprehensive income,
net of tax
Total comprehensive income,
net of tax
Share-based payment
As at 1 January 2017

Profit for the period, net of tax
Other comprehensive income,
net of tax
Total comprehensive income,
net of tax
Share-based payment
Transfers within reserves
As at 31 December 2017

Share 1
premium 
$’000

807,427
–

–

–
–
807,427

–

–

–
–
–
807,427

Capital2
 redemption
 reserve
$’000

Option3
 premium 
reserve 
$’000

Merger 4
reserve
$’000

667,337
–

54,808
–

160
–

–

–
–
160

–

–

–
–
–
160

–

–

–
2,986
57,794

–
–
667,337

–

–

–

–

–
3,909
–
61,703

–
–
(341,792)
325,545

Equity5
component
on
convertible
bond
$’000

Foreign 
currency
translation
reserve
$’000

Accum- 
ulated 
profits/ 
(losses) 
$’000

Total other
 reserves
$’000

669
–

–

–
–
669

–

–

–
–
–
669

11,839
–

137,761
(250,377)

1,680,001
(250,377)

–

–

–

–
–
11,839

(250,377)
–
(112,616)

(250,377)
2,986
1,432,610

–

–

(47,618)

(47,618)

–

–

–
–
(11,839)
–

(47,618)
–
353,631
193,397

(47,618)
3,909
–
1,388,901

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 capital redemption reserve represents the nominal value of shares transferred following the Company’s purchase of them.
3  The option premium reserve represents the cost of share-based payments to Directors, employees and third parties.
4 

 In 2017, the premium arising on the 2012 Dominion Petroleum acquisition, which was classified within the merger reserves according to the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to Merger 
Relief (s612 and s613), was realised to accumulated profits/(losses)as a result of the full impairment of the Dominion Group in previous years.
 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.

5 

151

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportNotes to the financial statements 
continued

17  Operating lease commitments
At 31 December 2017 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 year
Due later than one year but within five years
Due later than five years

As at 
31 Dec 2017
$’000
1,180
4,724
1,141
7,045

As at 
31 Dec 2016
$’000

1,083
4,335
2,130
7,548

18  Related party transactions
(a)  Identity of related parties
The Company has related party relationships with its subsidiaries and its Directors (refer to Note 4 of these Company financial statements).  
A complete list of Ophir Energy plc Group companies at 31 December 2017, and the Group’s percentage of share capital (to the nearest whole 
number) are set out in Appendix A to these financial statements.

(b)  Other transactions with key management personnel
Compensation of key management personnel (including Directors) is disclosed in Note 10(b) of the Group financial statements.

19  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. Interim hearings in relation to costs of the claim were held on 12 February and 23 February 2015. 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.

20  Events after reporting period
There are no events after the reporting period that require disclosure by the Company.

152

Ophir Energy plcAppendix A – Subsidiary companies

Subsidiary companies
This is a complete list of Ophir Energy plc Group companies at 31 December 2017, and Group’s percentage of share capital to the nearest 
whole number. All of these subsidiaries have been included in the consolidated financial statements on pages 97 to 135. 

Ophir Services Pty Limited *

Country of 
incorporation
Australia

Location of 
operation
Australia

Ophir Holdings & Services (UK) Limited * England  
& Wales

England  
& Wales

Ophir Holdings Limited *

Jersey C.I.

Jersey C.I.

Ophir Asia Limited *

Jersey C.I.

Jersey C.I.

Ophir Asia Services Limited*

Thailand

Thailand

Dominion Petroleum Limited *

Bermuda

Bermuda

Salamander Energy plc *

Ophir Mexico Limited

Ophir Holdings & Ventures Limited

England  
& Wales

England  
& Wales

England  
& Wales

England  
& Wales

England  
& Wales

England  
& Wales

Ophir Espana Holdings SL

Spain

Spain

Ophir Gabon (Gnondo) Limited

Jersey C.I.

Gabon

Ophir Gabon (Manga) Limited

Jersey C.I.

Gabon

Ophir Gabon (Mbeli) Limited

Jersey C.I.

Gabon

Ophir Gabon (Ntsina) Limited

Jersey C.I.

Gabon

Ophir Gabon (Nkouere) Limited

Jersey C.I.

Gabon

Ophir Gabon (Nkawa) Limited

Jersey C.I.

Gabon

Ophir Equatorial Guinea (Block R)  
Limited
Ophir Equatorial Guinea (Holdings) 
Limited
Ophir Mexico Holdings Limited

Jersey C.I.

Jersey C.I.

Jersey C.I.

Equatorial 
Guinea
Equatorial 
Guinea
Jersey C.I.

Ophir Seychelles (Area 1,2 and 3) 
Limited
Ophir Myanmar (Block AD-3) Limited

Jersey C.I.

Seychelles

Jersey C.I.

Myanmar

Ophir East Africa Holdings Limited

Jersey C.I.

Jersey C.I.

Ophir Tanzania (Block 1) Limited

Jersey C.I.

Tanzania

Registered  
Office
Level 3, 38 Station Street 
Subiaco WA 6008 Australia
Level 4, 123 Victoria Street
London SW1E 6DE
United Kingdom
12 Castle Street, St Helier
Jersey JE2 3RT Channel Islands
12 Castle Street, St Helier
Jersey JE2 3RT Channel Islands
28th Floor, Unit 2802 Q House Lumpini 
Building 1 South Sathorn Road 
Tungmahamek Sathorn District Bangkok 
10120 Thailand
Clarendon House, 2 Church Street
Hamilton HM 11 Bermuda
Level 4, 123 Victoria Street
London, SW1E 6DE
United Kingdom
Level 4, 123 Victoria Street
London, SW1E 6DE
United Kingdom
Level 4, 123 Victoria Street
London, SW1E 6DE
United Kingdom
Calle Príncipe de Vergara 131
1st floor 28002 Madrid Spain
12 Castle Street, St Helier
Jersey JE2 3RT Channel Islands
12 Castle Street, St Helier
Jersey JE2 3RT Channel Islands
12 Castle Street, St Helier
Jersey JE2 3RT Channel Islands
12 Castle Street, St Helier
Jersey JE2 3RT Channel Islands
12 Castle Street, St Helier
Jersey JE2 3RT Channel Islands
12 Castle Street, St Helier
Jersey JE2 3RT Channel Islands
12 Castle Street, St Helier
Jersey JE2 3RT Channel Islands
12 Castle Street, St Helier
Jersey JE2 3RT Channel Islands
12 Castle Street, St Helier
Jersey JE2 3RT Channel Islands
12 Castle Street, St Helier
Jersey JE2 3RT Channel Islands
12 Castle Street, St Helier
Jersey JE2 3RT Channel Islands
12 Castle Street, St Helier
Jersey JE2 3RT Channel Islands
12 Castle Street, St Helier
Jersey JE2 3RT Channel Islands

Principal 
Activity
Group Services

Holding  
31 Dec 2017
100%

Services

100%

Holding

Holding

Services

Holding

Holding

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Holding

100%

Holding

100%

Holding

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Holding

Exploration

Exploration

Holding

Exploration

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

153

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportAppendix A – Subsidiary companies 
continued

Ophir Tanzania (Block 3) Limited

Country of 
incorporation
Jersey C.I.

Location of 
operation
Tanzania

Ophir Tanzania (Block 4) Limited

Jersey C.I.

Tanzania

Ophir East Africa Ventures Limited

Jersey C.I.

Tanzania

Ophir Pipeline Limited

Jersey C.I.

Tanzania

Ophir Gas Marketing Limited

Jersey C.I.

Tanzania

Ophir LNG Limited

Jersey C.I.

Tanzania

Ophir Energy Company Nigeria (JDZ) 
Limited

Nigeria

Nigeria

Ophir Energy Indonesia (Aru) Limited

Cyprus

Indonesia

Ophir Energy Indonesia  
(Halmahera-Kofiau) 1 Limited
Ophir Energy Indonesia (Kofiau) 1 
Limited
Ophir Energy Indonesia (West Papua IV) 
1 Limited
Ophir Energy Indonesia (North Ganal) 
Limited
Ophir Indonesia (Halmahera-Kofiau)  
2 LLC

Cyprus

Indonesia

Cyprus

Indonesia

Cyprus

Indonesia

Cyprus

Indonesia

Delaware

Indonesia

Ophir Indonesia (Kofiau) 2 LLC

Delaware

Indonesia

Ophir Indonesia (West Papua IV) 2 LLC Delaware

Indonesia

Dominion Investments Limited

Tanzania

Tanzania

Dominion Oil & Gas Limited

British Virgin 
Islands

British Virgin 
Islands

Dominion Oil & Gas Limited (Tanzania) Tanzania

Tanzania

Dominion Petroleum Acquisitions  
Limited
DOMPET Limited

Bermuda

Bermuda

Bermuda

Bermuda

Dominion Tanzania Limited

Tanzania

Tanzania

Dominion Petroleum Kenya Limited

Kenya

Kenya

Registered  
Office
12 Castle Street, St Helier
Jersey JE2 3RT Channel Islands
12 Castle Street, St Helier
Jersey JE2 3RT Channel Islands
12 Castle Street, St Helier
Jersey JE2 3RT Channel Islands
12 Castle Street, St Helier
Jersey JE2 3RT Channel Islands
12 Castle Street, St Helier
Jersey JE2 3RT Channel Islands
12 Castle Street, St Helier
Jersey JE2 3RT Channel Islands
9th Floor, St Nicholas House
Catholic Mission Street  
Lagos Nigeria
Level 4, 123 Victoria Street
London SW1E 6DE United Kingdom
Level 4, 123 Victoria Street
London SW1E 6DE United Kingdom
Level 4, 123 Victoria Street
London SW1E 6DE United Kingdom
Level 4, 123 Victoria Street
London SW1E 6DE United Kingdom
Level 4, 123 Victoria Street
London SW1E 6DE United Kingdom
Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange 
Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, 
Delaware 19801 United States of America
Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange 
Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, 
Delaware 19801 United States of America
Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange 
Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, 
Delaware 19801 United States of America
Plot 1676, Hamza Aziz Road
Msasani Penninsula
Dar es Salaam Tanzania
Commerce House, Wickhams Cay I
Road Town, Tortola
British Virgin Islands VG1110 
Plot 1676, Hamza Aziz Road
Msasani Penninsula
Dar es Salaam Tanzania
Clarendon House, 2 Church Street
Hamilton HM 11 Bermuda
Clarendon House, 2 Church Street
Hamilton HM 11 Bermuda
Plot 1676, Hamza Aziz Road
Msasani Penninsula
Dar es Salaam Tanzania
Empress Plaza, 1st Floor 
Corner of Ring Road Parklands &
Jalaram Road, Westlands
P.O. Box 41968-00100
Nairobi Kenya

Principal 
Activity
Exploration

Holding  
31 Dec 2017
100%

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Exploration

100%

Exploration

100%

Exploration

100%

Holding

100%

Exploration

100%

Holding

Holding

Exploration

100%

100%

100%

Exploration

100%

154

Ophir Energy plcPHT Partners LP

Ophir Indonesia (Bangkanai) Limited

Country of 
incorporation
United States  
of America

Location of 
operation
Thailand

British Virgin 
Islands

Indonesia

Salamander Energy (Bualuang Holdings) 
Limited
Ophir Indonesia (Central Kalimantan) 
Limited

England  
& Wales
Belize

Thailand

Indonesia

Ophir Thailand (E&P) Limited

Salamander Energy (Glagah Kambuna) 
Limited

England  
& Wales
British Virgin 
Islands

England  
& Wales
Thailand

Ophir Indonesia (Kerendan) Limited

Mauritius

Indonesia

Ophir Indonesia (Kutai) Limited

Salamander Energy (Lao) Company 
Limited

England  
& Wales
Lao PDR

Indonesia

Lao

Salamander Energy (Malaysia) Limited British Virgin 

Malaysia

Islands

Ophir Indonesia (North East Bangkanai) 
Limited

British Virgin 
Islands

Indonesia

Salamander Energy (North Sumatra) 
Limited

British Virgin 
Islands

Indonesia

Salamander Energy (S.E. Asia) Limited

England  
& Wales
Ophir Indonesia (S.E. Sangatta) Limited England  
& Wales
Ophir Indonesia (South Sokang) Limited England  
& Wales
Thailand

Salamander Energy (Thailand) Co., Ltd

Indonesia

Indonesia

Thailand

Ophir Indonesia (West Bangkanai) 
Limited

British Virgin 
Islands

Indonesia

Salamander Energy Group Limited

Ophir Malaysia (Block 2A) Limited

Ophir Cote d’Ivoire (CI-513) Limited

England  
& Wales
British Virgin 
Islands

British Virgin 
Islands

England  
& Wales
Malaysia

Cote d’Ivoire

Registered  
Office
Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange 
Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, 
Delaware 19801 United States of America
Jayla Place, Wickhams Cay 1
Road Town, Tortola
VG1110 British Virgin Islands
Level 4, 123 Victoria Street
London, SW1E 6DE United Kingdom
Suite 102, Ground Floor
Blake Building  
Corner Eyre & Hutson Streets
Belize City Belize
Level 4, 123 Victoria Street
London, SW1E 6DE United Kingdom
Jayla Place, Wickhams Cay 1
Road Town, Tortola
VG1110 British Virgin Islands
Ebene Esplanade, 24 Cybercity
Ebene Mauritius
Level 4, 123 Victoria Street
London, SW1E 6DE United Kingdom
LS Horizon (Lao) Limited
Unit 4/1.1, 4th Floor Simuong Commercial 
Center, Fa Ngum Road, Phia Vat Village
Sisatanak District Vientiane
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Jayla Place, Wickhams Cay 1
Road Town, Tortola
VG1110 British Virgin Islands
Jayla Place, Wickhams Cay 1
Road Town, Tortola
VG1110 British Virgin Islands
Jayla Place, Wickhams Cay 1
Road Town, Tortola
VG1110 British Virgin Islands
Level 4, 123 Victoria Street
London, SW1E 6DE United Kingdom
Level 4, 123 Victoria Street
London, SW1E 6DE United Kingdom
Level 4, 123 Victoria Street
London, SW1E 6DE United Kingdom
28th Floor, Unit 2802 Q House Lumpini 
Building 1 South Sathorn Road 
Tungmahamek Sathorn District Bangkok 
10120 Thailand
Jayla Place, Wickhams Cay 1
Road Town, Tortola
VG1110 British Virgin Islands
Level 4, 123 Victoria Street
London, SW1E 6DE United Kingdom
Jayla Place, Wickhams Cay 1
Road Town, Tortola
VG1110 British Virgin Islands
Jayla Place, Wickhams Cay 1
Road Town, Tortola
VG1110 British Virgin Islands

Principal 
Activity
Holding

Holding  
31 Dec 2017
100%

Exploration 
and Production

Exploration

Exploration 
and Production

Holding

Exploration

Exploration 
and Production

Exploration

Exploration

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Exploration

100%

Exploration

100%

Exploration

100%

Holding

Exploration

Exploration

Exploration

100%

100%

100%

100%

Exploration

100%

Holding

Exploration

100%

100%

Exploration

100%

155

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportAppendix A – Subsidiary companies 
continued

Ophir Thailand (Bualuang) Limited

Country of 
incorporation
British Virgin 
Islands

Location of 
operation
Thailand

Salamander Energy (Holdco) Limited

Ophir Energy Indonesia Limited

Salamander Energy (JS) Limited

England  
& Wales
England  
& Wales
England  
& Wales

Ophir Equatorial Guinea (EG-24) Limited British Virgin 

Islands

England  
& Wales
Indonesia

Indonesia

Equatorial 
Guinea

Ophir Mexico Block 5 Salina, S.A de C.V Mexico

Mexico

Ophir Global New Ventures Limited

Salamander Energy (Canada)

England  
& Wales
Canada

England  
& Wales
Canada

* Shares held directly by Ophir Energy plc.

All shares are ordinary shares.

Registered  
Office
Jayla Place, Wickhams Cay 1
Road Town, Tortola
VG1110 British Virgin Islands
Level 4, 123 Victoria Street
London, SW1E 6DE United Kingdom
Level 4, 123 Victoria Street
London, SW1E 6DE United Kingdom
Level 4, 123 Victoria Street
London, SW1E 6DE United Kingdom
Jayla Place, Wickhams Cay 1
Road Town, Tortola
VG1110 British Virgin Islands
Guillermo Gonzalez Camarena No 1600,
Piso 6, Oficina “B”, Col. Centro de Ciudad 
Santa Fe, Delegacion Alvaro Obergon C.P. 
01210, Mexico City, Mexico
Level 4, 123 Victoria Street
London, SW1E 6DE United Kingdom
4500 Bankers Hall East 855 -2nd Street
SW Calgary AB T2P 4K7 Canada

Principal 
Activity
 Exploration 
and Production

Holding  
31 Dec 2017
100%

Holding

Holding

Exploration

Exploration

100%

100%

100%

100%

Exploration

100%

Exploration

Holding

100%

100%

156

Ophir Energy plcSHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

2018 Financial calendar
Annual General Meeting 
Half-year results announcement 
Full-year results announcement 

16 May 2018 
13 September 2018 
7 March 2019

Trading market and shareholder profiles
Ophir Energy plc’s shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange with 
ticker OPHR. The Company’s LEI number is 213800LAZOZTKPAV2583. 
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

Investment fraud warning
Shareholders are increasingly receiving unsolicited phone calls 
regarding different investment matters which have implied a 
connection with Ophir. These calls are typically from people claiming 
to be brokers, offering shares in US or UK investment schemes. 

As part of their ongoing campaign to raise awareness, the Financial 
Conduct Authority (FCA) has recently launched “Be ScamSmart” 
(http://scamsmart.fca.org.uk/) which is specifically targeted at 
the tell-tale signs of a scam.

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:  
www.fca.org.uk/scams. 

Registered and other offices
The Company’s registered office and head office is:

Level 4 
123 Victoria Street 
London SW1E 6DE 
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7811 2400 
Fax: +44 (0)20 7811 2421 
Website: www.ophir-energy.com  

Other offices are located in:

Jakarta 
15th floor, Indonesian Stock Exchange Building 
#15-02 Tower II 
Jl Jenderal Sudirman Kav 52-53 
Jakarta 12190 
Indonesia 
Telephone: +62 21 5291 2900 
Fax: +62 21 3000 4020

Bangkok
Q House Lumpini Building 
1 South Sathorn Road 
Tungmahamek 
Sathorn District 
Bangkok 10120 
Thailand 
Telephone: +66 2620 0800 
Fax: +66 2620 0820

We also have smaller offices in Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, 
Gabon, Malaysia, Myanmar and Tanzania.

Registrars
The Company has appointed Equiniti Limited to maintain its register 
of members. Shareholders should contact Equiniti using the details 
below in relation to all general enquiries concerning their shareholding:

Equiniti Limited* 
Aspect House 
Spencer Road 
Lancing, West Sussex BN99 6DA 
Telephone: 0371 384 2030** 
International callers: +44 121 415 7047

* 

 Equiniti Limited and Equiniti Financial Services Limited are part of the Equiniti group of 
companies. Company share registration, employee scheme and pension administration 
services are provided through Equiniti Limited, which is registered in England & Wales with 
No. 6226088. Investment and general insurance services are provided through Equiniti 
Financial Services Limited, which is registered in England & Wales with No. 6208699 
and is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority.

**     Lines are open Monday – Friday from 8.30am – 5.30pm (UK time), excluding UK public 

holidays.  

157

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance report 
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION CONTINUED

Shareholder profile by size of holding as at 31 December 2017

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 2017

Category
Private shareholders
Nominees and other institutional investors

No. 
of holders
476
352
189
133
65
18
1,233

No. of 
holders
556
677
1,233

% of 
total
38.60%
28.55%
15.33%
10.79%
5.27%
1.46%
100.00%

% of 
total
45.09%
54.91%
100.00%

Shares held 
31.12.2017
202,012
1,145,424
7,471,360
47,671,280
182,522,112
507,007,219
746,019,407

Shares held 
31.12.2017
1,837,830
744,181,577
746,019,407

% of 
total
0.03%
0.15%
1.00%
6.39%
24.47%
67.96%
100.00%

% of 
total
0.25%
99.75%
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.

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.

158

Ophir Energy plc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.

Advisers
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

Financial PR advisers:
Brunswick Group LLP 
16 Lincoln’s Inn Fields 
London WC2A 3ED 
United Kingdom

Corporate brokers:
Morgan Stanley 
20 Bank Street 
Canary Wharf 
London E14 4AD 
United Kingdom

Bank of America Merrill Lynch 
2 King Edward Street 
London EC1A 1HQ 
United Kingdom

159

Annual Report and Accounts 2017Strategic reportSupplementary informationFinancial statementsGovernance reportGLOSSARY

$
Throughout the report figures are stated in 
US Dollars

Farm-in
To acquire an interest in a licence from 
another party

2C
Best estimate of contingent resources

2P
Proven and probable reserves

Appraisal well
A well drilled to follow up a discovery and 
evaluate its commercial potential

bbl
Barrels of oil or condensate

Bcf
Billion cubic feet

bcm
Billion cubic metres

boe
Barrel of oil equivalent

Farm-out
To assign an interest in a licence to 
another party

FEED
Front end engineering and design

FID
Final Investment Decision

FLNG
Floating LNG technology

GSA
Gas Sales Agreement

LNG
Liquefied Natural Gas

LTIP
Long-Term Investment Plan

MMbtu
Million British thermal units

MMbbl
Million barrels

MMboe
Million barrels of oil equivalent

MMtpa
Million metric tonnes per annum

MMscfd
Million standard cubic feet of gas per day

G&A
General & Administration expenses

Group
The Company together with its subsidiaries

MMstb
Million stock tank barrels

NAV
Net Asset Value

bpwd
Barrels of produced water per day

GRI
Global Reporting Initiative

bscf
Billion standard cubic feet

Capex
Capital expenditure

CDP
Carbon Disclosure Project

Company
Ophir Energy plc

C&P
Contracts and Procurement

HoA
Heads of Agreement

HSE
Health, safety & environment

HSSE
Health, safety, security & environment

IAS regulation
International Accounting Standards

IFRS
International Financial Reporting Standards

NGO
Non-Governmental Organisation

OneLNG
Joint Venture between Golar LNG and 
Schlumberger

PSC
Production Sharing Contract

Spud
To commence drilling a well

Tcf
Trillion cubic feet

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

IFRIC
International Financial Reporting 
Interpretations Committee

IOGP
International Association of Oil & Gas 
Producers

CR
Corporate Responsibility

E&P
Exploration and Production

EG
Equatorial Guinea

IPO
Initial Public Offering

IRR
Internal Rate of Return

JV
Joint Venture

Exploration well
A well drilled to explore a potential discovery

KGPF
Kerendan Gas Processing Facility

160

Ophir Energy plcPrinted by Park Communications on FSC® certified paper.

Park is an EMAS certified company and its Environmental Management System is certified to ISO 14001.

100% of the inks used are vegetable oil based, 95% of press chemicals are recycled for further use and, on average 
99% of any waste associated with this production will be recycled.

This document is printed on Galerie Satin, a paper containing 15% recycled fibre and 85% virgin fibre sourced from 
well managed, responsible, FSC® certified forests. The pulp used in this product is bleached using an elemental 
chlorine free (ECF) process.

Designed and produced by SampsonMay 
Telephone: 020 7403 4099 www.sampsonmay.com

O

p

h

i

r

E

n

e

r

g

y

p

l

c

A

n

n

u

a

l

R

e

p

o

r

t

a

n

d

A

c

c

o

u

n

t

s

2

0

1

7

Ophir Energy plc
Registered office:
Level 4
123 Victoria Street
London
SW1E 6DE
United Kingdom

T +44(0)20 7811 2400
F +44(0)20 7811 2421

www.ophir-energy.com
Company registered in England and Wales No. 05047425