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Po Valley Energy Limited

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FY2017 Annual Report · Po Valley Energy Limited
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Annual
Report 22017

1

CONTENTS

1 Corporate Directory

2 Chairman’s Statement

4

Year in Summary

5 Directors’ Report

19 Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration

20 Statement of Financial Position

21 Statement of Profit or Loss and Other

Comprehensive Income

22 Statement of Changes in Equity

23 Statement of Cash Flows

24 Notes to the Financial Statements 

62 Director’s Declaration

63 Independent Audtor’s Report

68 Shareholder Information (as at 5 April 2018)

70 Technical Summary

Directors:

CORPORATE DIRECTORY

Michael Masterman – Chairman & CEO
Byron Pirola – Non-Executive Director
Kevin Bailey AM – Non-Executive Director

Chief Executive Officer:

Michael Masterman

Company Secretary:

Zoe Levendel

Registered Office:

Suite 8, 7 The Esplanade, Mt Pleasant WA 6153
Tel: + 61 8 9316 9100

Rome Office:

Share Registry:

Solicitors:

Auditors:

Banks:

Via Francesco Crispi 90, 00143 Rome, Italy
Tel: +39 06 42014968

Link Market Services Limited
Level 12, 250 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000

Steinepreis Paganin
Level 4, The Read Buildings 16 Milligan Street, Perth WA 6000

Bentleys NSW Pty Ltd 
Level 10, 10 Spring Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

Bankwest
108 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000

Lloyds Bank
10 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7AE, UK

Stock Exchange Listing:

Po Valley Energy limited shares are listed on the Australian Stock exchange
under the code PVE.

The Company is limited by shares, incorporated and domiciled in Australia.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

2

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

Dear Shareholders,

In 2017 and early 2018, Po Valley Energy has had an exceptionally productive year.

The highlight was the successful drilling and completion of the Podere Maiar 1dir well in the former Selva gas
field. The well intersected two thick gas bearing levels and was tested successfully on both levels in January 2018.
The Podere Maiar gas field is clearly commercial with high flow rates, 99% Methane, and 600 metres from the
SNAM Italian Pipeline grid connection. The well was financed primarily from 2 for 1 Joint Venture farm-in from
our two Joint Venture partners, United Oil and Gas Plc (20%) and Prospex Oil and Gas Plc (17%).

Our offshore Adriatic gas field, Teodorico, advanced substantially during the year with the pivotal grant of the
preliminary production concession in November 2016. Environmental approval documentation was filed shortly
after and the environmental approval application is advancing and expected to be granted in the second half of
2018. Following independent technical evaluation by CGG a maiden 2P reserves of 37 bcf have been declared.

In April 2017 production commenced at our new Bezzecca gas field, majority owned through Saffron Energy
PLC. This contributed strongly to the 58% increase in PVE group gas production to 7 million cubic meters per
year. The development of Bezzecca involved construction of a 7km gas pipeline from Bezzecca to the Vitalba gas
plant and installation of surface facilities at Bezzecca. Sillaro also contributed to gas production through the
year producing from the C0 level, in excess of reserve estimates from this production level.

Progress  on  regulatory  approvals  and  licence  grants  moved  at  a  healthy  pace  through  the  year  with  the
preliminary award of Teodorico’ production concession mentioned above, the grant of the large Torre del Moro
oil condensate and gas exploration licence south of Bologna, and the grant of the Sant’ Alberto production
licence. In the next 12 months, we expect to receive full environmental approval for the Teodorico gas field
development, and the grant of a preliminary production concession for Selva. 

Advancing these two gas fields into production has a targeted incremental gas production increase of 111 and
28 million cubic meters per year respectively in their first year of production. Achieving this first gas for both these
fields remains the primary priority of the Company.

On the corporate front, we listed Saffron Energy Plc on the AIM part of the London Stock Exchange on 15 February
2017 raising GBP 2.5 million. Saffron Energy holds 100% of our Bezzecca, Sillaro and Sant’ Alberto production
licences and the funds raised were used to put Bezzecca into production and advance Sant’ Alberto. Following
discussions with Sound Energy Plc in the December quarter 2107, Saffron Energy agreed to purchase Sound
Energy Italy for 187.9 million Saffron shares and complete a GBP 14 million capital raising. The company name
was changed from Saffron Energy to Coro Energy Plc. 

Following the completion of this transaction on 9 April, Po Valley Energy holds 100% of Po Valley Operations Pty
Ltd which holds Teodorico (100%), Podere Gallina (Selva) (63%) and Torre del Moro (100%) and 100 million shares,
equal to 14% of the issued capital, of Saffron Energy Plc (now Coro Energy Plc) which in turn holds Sillaro (100%),
Bezzecca (90%) and Sant’ Alberto (100%) plus the Italian assets of Sound Energy Plc. Po Valley Energy intends
to distribute all of the 100 million shares it holds in Saffron Energy to Po Valley shareholders on a prorata basis.
Details of the Saffron/Coro transaction and proposed distribution of Saffron shares to PVE shareholders have
been set out in the relevant Notice of Meetings sent to shareholders.

The successfully drilled Selva field, the Teodorico development field, and Torre del Moro exploration field are
our largest and most valuable assets, as confirmed by recent independent competent persons and expert reports.
These assets provide substantial growth and value creation opportunities for our Company and have relatively
little development costs to advance them over the next two years.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

3

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

CONTINUED

Our shareholders have been exceptionally well served by our dedicated and expert team in Italy lead by Sara
Edmonson, Giorgio Bertuzzi, and Gianluca De Rosa, and supported by dedicated Non-Executive Directors Byron
Pirola and Kevin Bailey. I wanted to thank them all for their outstanding contribution to the Company during the
last 18 months. Sara Edmonson has led Po Valley Energy as CEO since 2013 and will continue on as Deputy CEO
of Coro Energy. The Board wishes to thank Sara for her exceptional perseverance and contribution to Po Valley
Energy over this period of time.

Michael Masterman
Chairman 

Po Valley Energy Limited

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

4

YEAR IN SUMMARY

• Successful drilling of Podere Maiar 1dir – Selva Gas field

• Grant of the Teodorico preliminary production concession and filing of the Environmental

Impact Study 

• Commencement of Bezzecca production 

• Grant of Torre del Moro exploration licence

• Grant of Sant’ Alberto production licence

• Sale of Cadelbosco and Grattasasso Licences for Eur 1.13 million

• Increase of gas production by 58% to 7 million cubic meters

• Increase of annual revenue by 45% to Eur 1.39 million

• Listing of Saffron Energy Plc on the London Stock Exchange and GBP 2.5 million raising

• Merger of Saffron Energy Plc and Sound Energy Holdings Italy Limited and GBP 14 million

placement

• Planned distribution of Saffron Energy Plc shares to Po Valley Energy shareholders

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

5

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The Directors present their report together with the financial report of Po Valley Energy Limited (“the Company”
or “PVE”) and of the Group, being the Company and its controlled entities, for the year ended 31 December 2017. 

1. Directors 
The Directors of the Company at any time during or since the end of the financial year are:

Michael Masterman – Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, BEcHons, Age 55

Director since 22 June 1999

Michael is a co-founder of PVE. Michael took up the position of CEO of PVE and Northsun Italia S.p.A. in 2002 up
to October 2010 when he took up an executive position at Fortescue Metal Group where he is currently CEO of
FMG Iron Bridge iron ore company and recently completed the US$1.15bn sale of a 31% interest in the project
to Formosa Plastics Group. Prior to joining PVE, Michael was CFO and Executive Director of Anaconda Nickel
(now Minara Resources), and he spent 8 years at McKinsey & Company serving major international resource
companies principally in the area of strategy and development. He is also Chairman of W Resources Plc, an AIM
listed company with tungsten and gold assets in Spain and Portugal. Michael was appointed as Chairman of
PVE following the retirement of Graham Bradley on 22 April 2016 and took up the role of Chief Executive Officer
on 1 November 2017.

Byron Pirola – Non Executive Director, BSc, PhD, Age 57

Director since 10 May 2002

Byron is a co-founder of PVE and is based in Sydney. He is currently a Director and Managing Director of Port
Jackson Partners Limited, a Sydney based strategic management consulting firm. Prior to joining Port Jackson
Partners in 1992, Byron spent six years with McKinsey & Company working out of the Sydney, New York and
London Offices and across the Asian Region. He has extensive experience in advising CEOs and boards of both
large public and small developing companies across a wide range of industries and geographies. 

Kevin Bailey AM – Non Executive Director, DipFP, Age 57

Director since 3 May 2016

Kevin has been a shareholder of the Company since April 2008 and has brought significant business acumen and
experience to the Board. He is a highly successful businessman with a range of business interests, both local
and overseas. He worked for 28 years as a Certified Financial Planner and was a founding director of the
Shadforth  Financial  Group  Limited.  Kevin  was  a  member  of  the  Prime  Minister’s  Community  Business
Partnership and devotes considerable time to philanthropic interests. He is currently a director of Alpha Australia
and Parousia Media Pty Ltd, and is Chairman of the William Wilberforce Foundation.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

6

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

CONTINUED

2. Company Secretary 

Zoe Levendel – Company Secretary, BInSt, JD and MIB(Appointed 3 July 2017)
Zoe Levendel of Company Matters Pty Ltd was appointed to the position of Company Secretary on 3 July 2017.
Zoe joined the Company Matters team from Suncorp Group Limited, where she spent four years in the Legal and
Secretariat team. Prior to Suncorp, Zoe was a Policy Advisory at AMA Queensland.

Lisa Jones – Company Secretary, LLB(Resigned 3 July 2017)
Lisa was appointed to the position of Company Secretary in October 2009. She is a corporate lawyer with over
17 years of experience in commercial law and corporate affairs, working with large public companies and
emerging companies in Australia and in Europe. She was a senior associate in the corporate & commercial
practice of Allen Allen & Hemsley and spent several years working in Italy, including as international legal counsel
at Pirelli Cavi and as an associate in the Rome office of a national Italian firm.

3. Directors Meetings
The number of formal meetings of the Board of Directors held during the financial year and the number of
meetings attended by each director is provided below: 

No. of board meetings held
No. of board meetings attended

Michael Masterman

Byron Pirola

Kevin Bailey

6
6

6
6

6
6

Following the reduction of the size of the board to three members in 2016 the roles and responsibilities normally
undertaken by the Audit and Risk Committee and the Remunerations and Nominations Committee have been
dealt with by the full board as part of its duly convened meetings rather than through separate committees. 

4. Principal Activities 
The principal continuing activities of the Group in the course of the year were:

•

The exploration for gas and oil in the Po Valley region in Italy.

• Appraisal and development of gas and oil fields.

• Production and sale of gas from the Group’s production wells.

5. Earnings per share
The basic and diluted loss per share for the Company was 0.19 € cents (2016: loss 2.06 € cents). 

6. Operating and financial review
The Italian gas market is dominated by gas imports. According to the 2015 Annual Report prepared by the Italian
Ministry of Economic Development, the domestic exploration and production industry represents less than 10%
of total gas consumption in Italy the majority of which is produced by industry majors including Eni Spa and
Edison Spa. Consequently, the Company has few comparable peers to contrast its operations.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

7

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

CONTINUED

Strategy

PVE is focused on the European market and its assets are currently in Italy which is a high quality gas high
margin market.

In 2017 PVE successfully listed Saffron Energy Plc (“Saffron”) to fund and bring into production the assets within
its NorthSun Italia Spa subsidiary. This step also provided solid funding for the smaller gas development fields
– Sillaro, Bezzecca and Sant Alberto – while freeing PVE to advance development of its larger assets. Saffron
successfully brought the Bezzecca gas field in to production commencing in April 2017 and plans to bring the
Sant Alberto gas field which into production in late 2018. 

Saffron,  following  agreement  with  Sound  Energy  Plc,  has  purchased  Sound’s  Italian  gas  assets  and  has
completed a GBP14m placement strongly capitalizing Saffron. The company will be renamed Coro Energy Plc
(Coro) as part of this acquisition and refinancing. PVE will have a minority interest in the enlarged Coro and no
Board representation.

Following the completion of this step, PVE plans to pro-rata distribute 80% of its holding in Saffron to PVE
shareholders and continue to focus on its larger scale development assets – Selva, Teodorico, and Torre del
Morro – which have progressed significantly during the year, including the successful drilling and gas discovery
in the Selva Gas field

Operations

During 2017 gas production increased significantly with Bezzecca coming on stream in April and continued
production from Sillaro. Annual production increased 58% to 7 million cubic meters for the year.

Exploration 

In 2017 a highlight was the successful drilling of the Podere Maiar 1dir well in the Selva Gasfield in the Podere
Gallina licence. The well was successfully drilled and completed for production in December 2017 and successful
flow tests in January confirmed a successful flow test. 

Development

The key development asset of the company Teodorico in our offshore Adriatic licence advanced very substantially
to development in 2017 with the very important grant of a preliminary production concession by the Italian
Government. PVE has subsequently applied for environmental approval and this process is also advanced.

The onshore Selva gas field was also successfully drilled with a significant gas discovery being confirmed. Work
to evaluate the reserves associated with this discovery are being completed, along with the preparation of a
productions concession application. 

During the year Bezzecca was brought in to production and contirubted solidly to gas sales during the year.

Financial performance

Total revenue from the full year of gas production was €1.39m, a year on year increase 45% This increase in
revenue is attributable to the increased production from the Bezzecca field throughout the year. Earnings before
interest, tax, impairment, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for the year was a loss €2,350,981 and a slight
increase over the previous year reflecting increased corporate costs associated with the planned Coro transaction.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

8

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

CONTINUED

Net loss before impairment expense is reconciled to comprehensive loss (after impairment expense) for the
period as follows:

Comprehensive profit reconciliation table (in Euro )

2017

2016

Net loss before impairment expense (unaudited) 
Impairment on resource property costs for the Sillaro field
Impairment on resource property costs for the Sant’ Alberto licence
Impairment on resource property costs for the Bezzecca field
Exploration costs expensed 
Reversal of prior period impairment losses on resource property costs

Comprehensive loss for the year

(3,231,611)
(653,538)
(767,914)
(2,941,449)
(4,192)
3,263,661

(2,296,874)
(4,615,215)
(1,495,036)
–
(291,928)
–

(4,335,043)

(8,699,053)

Net  loss  before  impairment  expense,  which  is  not  reviewed  or  audited,  is  calculated  to  show  impact  of
impairment losses on the total comprehensive loss for the year.

Earnings  before  interest,  tax,  impairment,  depreciation  and  amortisation  (EBITDA)  amounted  to  a  loss  of
€2,350,981 for the year.

EBITDA (unaudited) is reconciled to statutory results from operating activities as follows:

EBITDA reconciliation table (in Euro)

EBITDA
Depreciation and amortisation expense – production assets
Depreciation expense
Impairment losses
Other miscellaneous income

Results from operating activities

2017

2016

(2,350,981)
(256,470)
(8,008)
(1,584,199)
366,470

(1,809,070)
(878,147)
(10,732)
(6,402,179)
193,857

(3,833,188)

(8,906,271)

The Board believes EBITDA, however not reviewed or audited, is a good measure of the operating results of the
Company but are not in accordance with IFRS.

Financial position

The Company completed a private placement during the year raising €802,930 (A$1,179,256) by the issuance of
42,882,037 fully paid ordinary shares; part of the proceeds was used as repayment of shareholders loans.

In February 2017, the Company successfully completed the spin off and listing on the AIM board of the LSE of its
subsidiary Saffron Energy Plc (‘Saffron’), raising GBP2,500,000 before costs. In September 2017, Saffron completed
a second placement raising a further GBP1,250,000 reducing the Company’s holding in Saffron from 65% to 54%. 

Cash and cash equivalents for the Group at 31 December 2017 amounted to €390,114.

Health and safety

Paramount to PVE’s ability to pursue its strategic priorities is a safe workplace and a culture of safety first. The
Company regards Environmental awareness and Sustainability as key strengths in planning and carrying out
business  activities.  PVE’s  daily  operations  are  conducted  in  a  way  that  adheres  to  these  principles  and
management  are  committed  to  their  continuous  improvement.  Whilst  growing  from  exploration  roots,  the
Company has strived to continually improve underlying safety performance. The Company has adopted an HSE
Management System which provides for a series of procedures and routine checks (including periodical audits)
to ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements and best practices in this area. In 2017, PVE
maintained its outstanding occupational health safety and environmental track record with no incidents or near
misses to report.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

9

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

CONTINUED

In addition to health and safety, Management and the Board use a number of operating and financial indicators
to measure performance overtime against our overall strategy. Refer to note 11 of the Directors report for details
of selected performance indicators. 

Principle risks and uncertainties

Oil and gas exploration and appraisal involves significant risk. The future profitability of the Company and the
value of its shares are directly related to the results of exploration and appraisal activities. There are inherent
risks in these activities. No assurances can be given that funds spent on exploration and appraisal will result in
discoveries that will be commercially viable. Future exploration and appraisal activities, including drilling and
seismic acquisition may result in changes to current perceptions of individual prospects, leads and permits. 

The Company identifies and assesses the potential consequences of strategic, safety, environmental, operational,
legal,  reputational  and  financial  risks  in  accordance  with  the  Company’s  risk  management  policy.  PVE
management continually monitors the effectiveness of the Company’s risk management, internal compliance and
control systems which includes insurance coverage over major operational activities. The principal risks and
uncertainties that could materially affect PVE future performance are described below. 

External risks

Exposure to gas pricing

Volatile oil and gas prices make it difficult to predict future price movements with
any certainty. Decline in oil or gas prices could have an adverse effect on PVE. The
Company does not currently hedge its exposures to gas price movements long
term. The profitability of the Company’s prospective gas assets will be determined
by the future market for domestic gas. Gas prices can vary significantly depending
on other European gas markets, oil and refined oil product prices, worldwide
supply and the terms under which long term take or pay arrangements are agreed.

Changes to law, regulations
or Government policy

Changes  in  law  and  regulations  or  government  policy  may  adversely  affect
PVE’s business. Examples include changes to land access or the introduction
of legislation that restricts or inhibits exploration and production. 

Uncertainty of timing of
regulatory approvals

Operating risks

Exploration, development 
and production

Similarly  changes  to  direct  or  indirect  tax  legislation  may  have  an  adverse
impact on the Company’s profitability, net assets and cash flow.

Delays in the regulatory process could hinder the Company’s ability to pursue
operational  activities  in  a  timely  manner  including  drilling  exploration  and
development  wells,  to  install  infrastructure,  and  to  produce  oil  or  gas.  In
particular,  oil  and  gas  operations  in  Italy  are  subject  to  both  Regional  and
Federal approvals. 

The future value of PVE will depend on its ability to find, develop, and produce
oil and gas that is economically recoverable. The ultimate success or otherwise
of such ventures requires successful exploration, establishment of commercial
reserves, establishment and successful effective production and processing
facilities, transport and marketing of the end product. Through this process,
the business is exposed to a wide variety of risks, including failure to locate
hydrocarbons, changes to reserve estimates or production volumes, variable
quality of hydrocarbons, weather impacts, facility malfunctions, lack of access
to appropriate skills or equipment and cost overruns.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

Estimation of reserves

Tenure security

Health, safety and
environmental matters

10

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

CONTINUED

The estimation of oil and natural gas reserves involves subjective judgments
and determinations based on geological, technical, contractual and economic
information. It is not an exact calculation. The estimate may change because of
new information from production or drilling activities.

Exploration licences held by PVE are subject to the granting and approval by
relevant  government  bodies.  Government  regulatory  authorities  generally
require the holder of the licences to undertake certain proposed exploration
commitments and failure to meet these obligations could result in forfeiture.
Exploration licences are also subject to partial or full relinquishments after the
stipulated period of tenure if no alternative licence application (e.g. production
concession  application)  is  made,  resulting  in  a  potential  reduction  in  the
Company’s overall tenure position. In order for production to commence in
relation  to  any  successful  oil  or  gas  well,  it  is  necessary  for  a  production
concession to be granted.

Exploration, development and production of oil and gas involves risks which
may  impact  the  health  and  safety  of  personnel,  the  community  and  the
environment. Industry operating risks include fire, explosions, blow outs, pipe
failures, abnormally pressured formations and environmental hazards such as
accidental  spills  or  leakage  of  petroleum  liquids,  gas  leaks,  ruptures,  or
discharge of toxic gases. Failure to manage these risks could result in injury or
loss of life, damage or destruction of property and damage to the environment.
Losses or liabilities arising from such incidents could significantly impact the
Company’s financial results.

In addition to the external and operating risks described above, the Company’s ability to successfully develop
future projects including their infrastructure is contingent on the Company’s ability to fund those projects through
operating cash flows and affordable debt and equity raisings. 

7. Dividends
No dividends have been paid or declared by the Company during the year ended 31 December 2017.

8. Significant events after the balance date
Following the balance sheet date

– Po Valley successfully tested the Podere Maiar 1dir well in the Selva gas field

–

Saffron  Energy  completed  a  restructuring  to  allow  acquisition  of  Sound  Energy’s  Italian  assets  and
completion of a GBP14m placement

Other than matters already disclosed in this report, there were no other events between the end of the financial
year and the date of this report that, in the opinion of the Directors, affect significantly the operations of the
Group, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the Group.

9.  Likely Developments
The Company plans to seek a suitable farm-out partner for selected assets. The Company also plans to continue
to invest in its current exploration portfolio through geological and geophysical studies and, subject to available
finances, in its planned drilling program for high potential gas prospects.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

11

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

CONTINUED

10.  Environmental Regulation
The Company’s operations are subject to environmental regulations under both national and local municipality
legislation in relation to its mining exploration and development activities in Italy. Company management monitor
compliance with the relevant environmental legislation. The Directors are not aware of any breaches of legislation
during the period covered by this report.

11.  Remuneration Report – audited 
The Remuneration Report outlines the remuneration arrangements which were in place during the year, and
remain in place as at the date of this report, for the Directors and executives of the Company.

Remuneration Policy

The Board is responsible for reviewing and recommending compensation arrangements for the Directors, the
Chief Executive Officer and the senior executive team. The Board assesses the appropriateness of the size and
structure of remuneration of those officers on a periodic basis, with reference to relevant employment market
conditions, with the overall objective of ensuring maximum stakeholder benefit from the retention of a high
quality board and executive team.

The Company aims to ensure that the level and composition of remuneration of its Directors and executives 
is  sufficient  and  reasonable  in  the  context  of  the  internationally  competitive  industry  in  which  the 
Company operates.

All senior executives except the company secretary are based in Rome and when setting their remuneration the
Board must have regard to remuneration levels and benefit arrangements that prevail in the European oil and
gas industry which remains highly competitive. 

Consequences of performance on shareholder wealth 

In considering the Group’s performance and benefits for shareholders wealth the Board has regard to the
following indices in respect of the current financial year and the previous financial periods.

Indices

Production (scm’000)

Average realised gas price 
(€ cents per cubic metre)

2017

7,155

2016

4,461

19

21

EBITDA (unaudited) (€’000s)

(2,350)

(1,809)

2015

9,991

25

(795)

2014

2013

2012

18,560

23,983

24,673

27

1,540

28

1,755

33

4,473

Profit/(loss) attributable to owners 
of the Company (€’000s) 

Earnings/(loss) per share 
(€ cents per share) 

Share Price at year end – AU$

(1,048)

(8,699)

(6,658)

(1,262)

(5,796)

2,373

(0.19)

0.041

(2.06)

0.025

(5.02)

0.026

(1.03)

0.10

(4.76)

0.12

2.12

0.12

In establishing performance measures and benchmarks to ensure incentive plans are appropriately structured
to align corporate behaviour with the long-term creation of shareholder wealth, the Board has regard for the
stage of development of the Company’s business and gives consideration to each of the indices outlined above
and other operational and business development achievements of future benefit to the Company which are not
reflected in the aforementioned financial measures. 

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

12

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

CONTINUED

Senior Executives and Executive Directors

The remuneration of PVE senior executives is based on a combination of fixed salary, a short term incentive
bonus which is based on performance and in some cases a long term incentive payable in cash or shares. Other
benefits include employment insurances, accommodation and other benefits, and superannuation contributions.
In relation to the payment of annual bonuses, the board assesses the performance and contribution of executives
against a series of objectives defined at the beginning of the year. These objectives are a combination of strategic
and operational company targets which are considered critical to shareholder value creation and objectives
which are specific to the individual executive. More specifically, objectives mainly refer to operating performance
from both a financial and technical standpoint and growth and development of the Company’s asset base. The
Board exercises its discretion when determining awards and exercises discretion having regard to the overall
performance and achievements of the Company and of the relevant executive during the year. No remuneration
consultants were used during the current or previous year.

The table below represents the target remuneration mix for Key Management Personnel in the current year. The
short-term incentive is provided at target levels.

Fixed remuneration

Short-term incentive

Long-term incentive

At risk

Chief Executive Officer – Sara Edmondson

95%

5%

–

Non-Executive Directors

The remuneration of PVE Non-Executive Directors comprises cash fees. There is no current scheme to provide
performance-based bonuses or retirement benefits to Non-Executive Directors. The Board of Directors and
shareholders approved the maximum agreed remuneration pool for Non-Executive Directors at the annual
general meeting in May 2011 at €250,000 per annum. 

Service contracts

The major provisions of the service contracts held with the specified Directors and executives, in addition to any
performance related bonuses and/or options are as follows:

Directors:

Michael Masterman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 
• Commencement Date: 22 June 1999 (re-elected 31 May 2017) 

•

•

Fixed remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2017: €31,200 p.a. as Chairman 

Fixed remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2017: €77,000 p.a. as Chief Executive Officer

• No termination benefits 

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

13

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

CONTINUED

Byron Pirola, Non-Executive Director 
• Commencement Date: 10 May 2002 (re-elected 24 May 2013) 

•

Fixed remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2017: €15,600

• No termination benefits 

Kevin Bailey, Non-Executive Director 
• Commencement Date: 3 May 2016

•

Fixed remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2017: €20,000

• No termination benefits 

The Non-Executive Directors are not appointed for any fixed term but rather are required to retire and stand for
re-election in accordance with the Company’s constitution and the ASX Listing Rules.

Executives:

Sara Edmonson, Chief Executive Officer (up to 31 October 2017)
• Commencement Date: 26 July 2010 as Chief Financial Officer and 13 August 2013 as Chief Executive

•

•

Term of Agreement: Indefinite but terminable by either party on three months’ notice

Fixed salary of €156,000 per annum 

• Annual  performance  based  fee  of  up  to  40%  of  her  contracted  salary  subject  to  the  achievement  of

performance criteria agreed with the Board

• Payment of termination benefit on termination by the Company (other than for gross misconduct) equal to

one year salary in accordance with the Italian National Collective Labour Agreement for executives.

On 31 October 2017, Sara took on the role as Chief Executive Officer with Saffron Energy Plc, which is 50% owned
by the Company. 

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

14

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

CONTINUED

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PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

CONTINUED

Analysis of bonuses included in remuneration

Details of the vesting profile of the short-term incentive bonus awarded as remuneration are detailed below. 

Directors and executives

S Edmonson

S Edmonson

2017

2016

Cash
Bonus
€

–

Share based 
payment 
Bonus
€

57,090*

% vested
in year

–

% vested
in year

100%

Cash
Bonus
€

7,500

Share based
payment
Bonus
€

–

% vested
in year

100%

% vested
in year

–

Amounts included in remuneration for the financial year represent the amount that vested in the financial year
based on achievement of personal goals and satisfaction of specified operational performance criteria. No
amounts vest in future financial years in respect of the bonus.

The bonus awarded to Ms. Edmonson was based on performance, and specifically for having reached the agreed
operational strategic objectives. These performance objectives are linked to financial performance and Company
value indirectly.

Options over equity instruments granted as compensation 

No options were granted as compensation to Directors or key management personnel during the reporting
period (2016: Nil). No options vested during 2017. (2016: Nil)

Modification of terms of equity-settled share-based payment transactions 

No  terms  of  equity-settled  share-based  payment  transactions  (including  options  and  rights  granted  as
compensation to a key management person) have been altered or modified by the issuing entity during the
reporting period or the prior period.

Exercise and lapse of options granted as compensation 

No options granted as compensation were exercised during 2017.

There were no options outstanding during 2017.

No options were exercised by Directors or key management personnel.

No options over ordinary shares in the Company were held by any key management personnel during 2017.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

16

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

CONTINUED

Equity holdings and transactions

The movement during the reporting period in the number of ordinary shares of the Company, held directly and
indirectly by key management personnel, including their personally-related entities is as follows:

Directors
M Masterman(i)
B Pirola
K Bailey

Executives
S. Edmonson

Held at 
31 Dec 
2016

Purchased

Share
based
payments

Options
Exercised

Sold/Other 

Held at
31 Dec
2017

147,602,085
56,818,518
117,230,533

9,090,909
2,675,617
15,497,636

329,827,216

27,264,162

1,148,224

1,818,182

1,148,224

1,818,182

–
–
–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

– 156,692,994
59,494,135
–
132,728,169

– 348,915,298

–

–

2,966,406

2,966,406

(i) Does not include shares held by family members which amount to 1,040,000 shares

Directors
M Masterman(i)
B Pirola
K Bailey
G Bradley (retired 22 Apr 2016)
K Eley (retired 22 Apr 2016
G Short (retired 25 Jan 2016)

Executives
S. Edmonson

Held at 
31 Dec 
2015

Purchased

7,112,782

33,656,222 112,284,496
46,383,002
104,753,469(ii) 12,477,064
3,697,200
2,000,000
–

1,478,880
800,000
200,000

Share
based
payments

1,661,367
3,322,734
–
–
–
–

148,001,353 176,841,762

4,984,101

28,064

1,120,160

28,064

1,120,160

–

–

Options
Exercised

Sold/Other 

Held at
31 Dec
2016

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

–

– 147,602,085
–
56,818,518
– 117,230,533
–
–
–

5,176,080(iii)
2,800,000(iii)
200,000(iii)

– 329,827,216

–

–

1,148,224

1,148,224

(i) Does not include shares held by family members which amount to 1,040,000 shares

(ii) Shares held at date of appointment.

(iii) Shares held at date of retirement. 

Other transactions and balances with KMP and their related parties

During 2016 the Company restructured its financing facility by repaying the facility with Nedbank Limited and
obtained financing through a streamlined facility provided by existing and former Directors of the Company.
Refer to Note 23 for further details.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

17

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

CONTINUED

The amounts outstanding at 31 December 2017 are as follows:

Related Party

Beronia Investments Pty Ltd

Beronia Investments Pty Ltd

K & G Bailey as trustee for 
The Bailey Family Trust

Kevin Bailey

Fuiloro Pty Ltd

G. Bradley

Loan 
Amount 
2017

Loan
Amount
2016

A$236,181

A$756,518

A$227,238

–

–

A$826.873

A$227,305

–

A$6,191

A$230,769

A$94,927

A$144,927

Interest

10% p.a.

10% p.a.

10% p.a.

10% p.a.

10% p.a.

10% p.a.

Repayment
Term

12 months

6 months

12 months

6 months

12 months

12 Months

No key management personnel have entered into a material contract, other than disclosed above, with the Group
or the Company since the year end of the previous financial year end and there were no material contracts
involving key management personnel interests existing at year-end.

12.  Directors’ interests 
At the date of this report, the direct and indirect interests of the Directors in the shares and options of the
Company, as notified by the Directors to the ASX in accordance with S205G (1) of the Corporations Act 2001, at
the date of this report is as follows:

M Masterman
B Pirola
K Bailey

13.  Share Options 

Ordinary Shares

156,692,994
59,494,135
132,728,169

Options granted to directors and executives of the Company

The Company has not granted any options over unissued ordinary shares in the Company to any directors or
specified executive during or since the end of the financial year.

Unissued shares under option

At the date of this report there are no unissued ordinary shares of the Company under option.

Shares issued on exercise of options

The Company has not issued any shares as a result of the exercise of options during or since the end of the
financial year end.

14.  Corporate Governance
In recognising the need for the highest standards of corporate behaviour and accountability, the Directors of 
PVE  support  and  have  adhered  to  the  principles  of  sound  corporate  governance.  The  Board  recognises 
the recommendations of the ASX Corporate Governance Council and considers that PVE is in compliance with
those guidelines which are of importance to the commercial operation of a junior listed gas exploration and
production company. 

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

18

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

CONTINUED

The  Company  has  elected  to  publish  its  Statement  of  Corporate  Governance  Practices  on  its  website
www.povalley.com. In addition, each year the Key to Disclosures – Corporate Governance Council Principles and
Recommendations will be available to shareholders at the same time this report is released. 

15.  Indemnification and insurance of officers 
The Company has agreed to indemnify current Directors against any liability or legal costs incurred by a Director
as an officer of the Company or entities within the Group or in connection with any legal proceeding involving the
Company  or  entities  within  the  Group  which  is  brought  against  the  director  as  a  result  of  his  capacity  as 
an officer.

During the financial year the Company paid premiums to insure the Directors against certain liabilities arising
out of the conduct while acting on behalf of the Company. Under the terms and conditions of the insurance
contract, the nature of liabilities insured against and the premium paid cannot be disclosed. 

16.  Indemnification of auditors
To the extent permitted by law, the Company has agreed to indemnify its auditors, Bentleys NSW Pty Ltd, as
part of the terms of its audit engagement agreement against claims by third parties arising from the audit (for
an unspecified amount). No payment has been made to indemnify Bentleys during or since the financial year.

17.  Non audit services
During the year Bentleys, the Group’s auditor, provided corporate taxation services. Refer to note 6 of the financial
report for details of auditor’s remuneration.

The Directors are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services during the financial year, by the auditor, is
compatible with the general standard of independence for auditors imposed by the Corporations Act 2001.

18.  Proceedings on behalf of the Company
No  person  has  applied  for  leave  of  Court,  pursuant  to  section  237  of  the  Corporations  Act  2001,  to  bring
proceedings on behalf of the Company or intervene in any proceedings to which the Company is a party for the
purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the Company for all or any part of those proceedings.

19. Lead Auditor’s independence declaration
The lead auditor’s independence declaration is set out on page 19 and forms part of the Directors’ report for the
financial year ended 31 December 2017.

This report has been made in accordance with a resolution of Directors.

Michael Masterman
Chairman

Sydney, NSW Australia

29 March 2018

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

19

LEAD AUDITORS’ INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION

Bentleys NSW Audit Pty Ltd

(cid:51)(cid:76)(cid:93)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:23)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:58)(cid:87)(cid:89)(cid:80)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:58)(cid:91)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:76)(cid:91)(cid:3)
(cid:58)(cid:96)(cid:75)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:96)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:58)(cid:62)(cid:3)(cid:25)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:3)
(cid:40)(cid:92)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:80)(cid:72)

(cid:40)(cid:41)(cid:53)(cid:3)(cid:27)(cid:32)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:27)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:29)(cid:24)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:31)(cid:32)(cid:29)

(cid:59)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:29)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:25)(cid:3)(cid:32)(cid:25)(cid:25)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:23)(cid:30)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:3)
(cid:45)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:29)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:25)(cid:3)(cid:32)(cid:25)(cid:25)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:23)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:30)

(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:91)(cid:86)(cid:89)(cid:90)(cid:39)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:96)(cid:90)(cid:85)(cid:90)(cid:94)(cid:21)(cid:74)(cid:86)(cid:84)(cid:21)(cid:72)(cid:92)(cid:3)
(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:96)(cid:90)(cid:21)(cid:74)(cid:86)(cid:84)(cid:21)(cid:72)(cid:92)

Po Valley Energy Limited 
ABN: 33 087 741 571 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration under Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 to the Directors of
Po Valley Energy Limited 

As lead auditor for the audit of Po Valley Energy Limited for the year ended 31 December 2017, I declare that, to
the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been: 

(i) no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements as set out in the Corporations Act 2001 in

relation to the audit; and 

(ii) no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. 

Bentleys NSW Audit Pty Ltd 

Robert Evett 
Director 
Sydney 

29 March 2018 

(cid:40)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:76)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:96)(cid:90)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:90)(cid:90)(cid:86)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:85)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:74)(cid:86)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:80)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:196)(cid:89)(cid:84)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:92)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:59)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:76)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:3)(cid:196)(cid:89)(cid:84)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:91)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:96)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:90)(cid:90)(cid:86)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:3)
(cid:72)(cid:77)(cid:196)(cid:83)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:76)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:91)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:90)(cid:79)(cid:80)(cid:87)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:80)(cid:91)(cid:96)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:80)(cid:84)(cid:80)(cid:91)(cid:76)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:96)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:84)(cid:76)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:87)(cid:89)(cid:86)(cid:93)(cid:76)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:89)(cid:86)(cid:77)(cid:76)(cid:90)(cid:90)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:58)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:75)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:76)(cid:78)(cid:80)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:85)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:76)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:77)(cid:3)
(cid:50)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:86)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:83)(cid:86)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:86)(cid:89)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:85)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:74)(cid:86)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:80)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:196)(cid:89)(cid:84)(cid:90)(cid:21)

(cid:40)(cid:74)(cid:74)(cid:86)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:92)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:91)(cid:86)(cid:89)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:75)(cid:93)(cid:80)(cid:90)(cid:86)(cid:89)(cid:90)

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

20

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2017

Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables

Total Current Assets

Non-Current Assets
Inventory
Other assets
Deferred tax assets
Property, plant & equipment
Resource property costs

Total Non-Current Assets

Total Assets

Liability and equity

Current Liabilities
Trade and other payables
Provisions
Interest bearing loans

Total Current Liabilities

Non-Current Liabilities
Provisions

Total Non-Current Liabilities

Total Liabilities

Equity
Issued capital
Reserve
Accumulated losses
Minority interests

Total Equity

Total Equity and liabilities

Notes

10 (a)
12

11

15
13
14

16
17
18

17

19
19

Consolidated

2017
€

2016
€

390,114
2,292,724

2,682,838

252,034
100,031
2,598,509
2,158,869
9,341,801

166,459
262,512

428,971

732,801
155,956
2,684,360
2,347,604
8,982,190

14,451,244

14,902,911

17,134,082

15,331,882

4,739,681
58,270
526,892

5,324,843

1,815,336
70,136
1,406,017

3,291,489

4,802,873

4,802,873

4,961,907

4,961,907

10,127,716

8,253,397

49,462,268
1,192,269
(43,860,729)
212,558

48,659,337
1,192,269
(42,773,120)
–

7,006,366

7,078,486

17,134,082

15,331,882

The above statement of financial position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes to the financial statements.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

21

STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

Continuing Operations
Revenue
Operating costs
Depreciation and amortisation expense

Gross Profit/(loss)

Other income
Employee benefit expenses
Depreciation expense
Corporate overheads 
Impairment losses

Operating loss

Finance income
Finance expenses

Net finance expenses

Loss before tax
Income tax (expense)/benefit

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive loss for the year, net of tax

Loss attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests

Loss for the period

Total comprehensive loss attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interests
Total comprehensive loss for the period

Basic and diluted loss per share 

Notes

3

4

5
14

7
7

8

Consolidated

2017
€

2016
€

1,389,196
(1,116,958)
(256,470)

15,768

366,470
(1,085,127)
(8,008)
(1,538,092)
(1,584,199)

958,501
(544,407)
(878,147)

(464,053)

193,857
(1,100,363)
(10,732)
(1,122,801)
(6,402,179)

(3,833,188)

(8,906,271)

97
(416,101)

(416,004)

1,017
(461,100)

(460,083)

(4,249,192)
(85,851)

(9,366,354)
667,301

(4,335,043)

(8,699,053)

–

–

(4,335,043)

(8,699,053)

(1,087,609)
(3,247,434)

(8,699,053)
–

(4,335,043)

(8,699,053)

(1,087,609)
(3,247,434)
(4,335,043)

(8,699,053)
–
(8,699,053)

9

(0.19) cents

(2.06) cents

The above statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes to the
financial statements.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

22

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

Consolidated

Attributable to equity holders of the Company

Issued
capital
€

Translation Accumulated
Losses 
€

Reserve
€

Non-
controlling
Interests
€

Total
€

Balance at 1 January 2016

46,692,830

1,192,269 (34,074,067)

-

13,811,032

Total comprehensive income:
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive loss 

Transactions with owners recorded 
directly in equity:
Contributions by and distributions
to owners – Issue of shares
Share based payments

–
–

–

1,817,466
149,041

–
–

–

–
–

(8,699,053)
–

(8,699,053)

–
–

Balance at 31 December 2016

48,659,337

1,192,269 (42,773,120)

Balance at 1 January 2017

48,659,337

1,192,269 (42,773,120)

–
–

–

–
–

–

–

(8,699,053)
–

(8,699,053)

1,817,466
149,041

7,078,486

7,078,486

Total comprehensive income:
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive loss 

Transactions with owners recorded 
directly in equity:
Contributions by and distributions 
to owners – Issue of shares
Share based payments

–
–

–

441,843
361,088

–
–

–

–
–

(1,087,609)
–

(3,247,434)
–

(4,335,043)
–

(1,087,609)

(3,247,434)

(4,335,043)

–
–

3,459,992
–

3,901,835
361,088

Balance at 31 December 2017

49,462,268

1,192,269 (43,860,729)

212,558

7,006,366

The above statement of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes to the financial statements.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

23

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2017

Operating activities
Receipts from customers
Payments to suppliers and employees
Interest received
Interest paid

Net cash used in operating activities

Notes

Consolidated

2017
€

2016
€

1,352,004
(3,684,811)
97
(75,283)

1,213,620
(3,627,381)
1,017
(17,320)

10 (b)

(2,407,993)

(2,430,064)

Investing activities
Payments for non-current assets
Receipts for resource property costs from joint operations partners
Payments for resource property costs

Net cash flows used in investing activities

Financing activities
Proceeds from the issues of shares
Payment of share issue costs
Net proceeds from issue of shares to non-controlling interests 
Proceeds from borrowings
Repayments of borrowings
Payment of borrowing costs

18
18

Net cash flows from financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 

10 (a)

–
1,263,539
(2,172,232)

(908,693)

444,377
(2,534)
3,686,750
1,076,486
(1,664,738)

(10,322)
521,741
(690,177)

(178,758)

1,833,261
(15,795)
–
1,406,017
(2,776,048)
(118,159)

3,540,341

329,276

223,655
166,459

390,114

(2,279,546)
2,446,005

166,459

The above statement of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes to the financial statements.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

24

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.1 REPORTING ENTITY
Po Valley Energy Limited (“the Company” or “PVE”) is a company domiciled in Australia. The address of the
Company’s registered office is Suite 8, 7 The Esplanade Mt Pleasant WA 6153. 

The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2017 comprises the
Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the “Group” and individually as “Group entities”) and the
Group’s interest in associates and jointly controlled entities and operations. 

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 29 March 2018.

The Group primarily is involved in the exploration, appraisal, development and production of gas properties in the
Po Valley region in Italy and is a for profit entity.

1.2 BASIS OF PREPARATION

(a) STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
The financial report is a general purpose financial report which has been prepared in accordance with Australian
Accounting Standards (AASB’s) (including Australian Interpretations) adopted by the Australian Accounting
Standards Board (AASB) and the Corporations Act 2001. The consolidated financial report of the Group also
complies with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and interpretations issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

(b) BASIS OF MEASUREMENT
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of historical cost. 

(c)  GOING CONCERN
The financial report has been prepared on the going concern basis, which contemplates the continuity of normal
business activity and the realisation of assets and the settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business.

For the year ended 31 December 2017, the Group has recorded a loss of €4,335,043, it has a cash balance of
€390,114 net current liabilities of €2,642,055 and had net cash outflows from operations of €2,407,993. 

The Directors are currently reviewing a range of financing options which may include the further issue of new
equity, convertible debt, sale of operating or non-operating interests in assets or a combination of these and
other funding instruments and options. In September 2017, the Company entered into an agreement to sell two
onshore Italian oil exploration licences, for consideration of €1,130,000. The sale is subject to formal approval
by the Italian Ministry of Economic Department is and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2018.

The Directors have reviewed the Group’s cashflow requirements for the 15 months ended 31 March 2019 and are
of the opinion that sufficient funds will be available in order to meet its ongoing obligations. 

Should the Group not achieve the matters set out above, there is uncertainty whether the Group would continue
as a going concern and therefore whether it would realise its assets and extinguish its liabilities in the normal
course of business and at the amounts stated in the financial report. The financial report does not include
adjustments relating to the recoverability or classification of the recorded assets amounts nor to the amounts
or classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Group not be able to continue as a going concern.

(d) FUNCTIONAL AND PRESENTATION CURRENCY
The consolidated financial statements are presented in Euro, which is the Company’s and each of the Group
entity’s functional currency.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

25

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

(e) USE OF ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS
The  preparation  of  the  financial  statements  requires  management  to  make  judgements,  estimates  and
assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities,
income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. 

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are
recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised and in any future periods affected.

The estimates and judgements that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

Impairment of non-current assets 
The ultimate recoupment of the value of resource property costs and property plant and equipment is dependent
on successful development and commercial exploitation, or alternatively, sale, of the underlying properties. 
The Group undertakes at least on an annual basis, a comprehensive review for indicators of impairment of 
these  assets.  Should  an  impairment  indicator  exist,  the  area  of  interest  or  CGU  is  tested  for  impairment. 
There is significant estimation involved in determining the inputs and assumptions used in determining the
recoverability amounts. 

The key areas of estimation involved in determining recoverable amounts include:

• Recent drilling results and reserves and resources estimates

• Environmental issues that may impact the underlying licences

•

•

The estimated market value of assets at the review date

Fundamental  economic  factors  such  as  the  gas  price  and  current  and  anticipated  operating  costs  in 
the industry 

•

Future production rates

The post-tax discount rate used for impairment purposes is 10%.

Rehabilitation provisions
The value of these provisions represents the discounted value of the present obligations to restore, dismantle
and rehabilitate each well site. Significant estimation is required in determining the provisions for rehabilitation
and  closure  as  there  are  many  transactions  and  other  factors  that  will  affect  ultimate  costs  necessary  to
rehabilitate the sites. The discounted value reflects a combination of management’s best estimate of the cost of
performing the work required, the timing of the cash flows and the discount rate.

A change in any, or a combination of, the key assumptions used to determine the provisions could have a material
impact on the carrying value of the provisions. The provision recognised for each site is reviewed at each reporting
date and updated based on the facts and circumstances available at that time. Changes to the estimated future
costs for operating sites are recognised in the balance sheet by adjusting both the restoration and rehabilitation
asset and provision.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

26

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Reserve estimates
Estimation of reported recoverable quantities of Proven and Probable reserves include estimates regarding
commodity prices, exchange rates, discount rates, and production and transportation costs for future cash flows.
It also requires interpretation of complex geological and geophysical models in order to make an assessment
of the size, shape, depth and quality of reservoirs, and their anticipated recoveries. The economic, geological and
technical factors used to estimate reserves may change from period to period.

A change in any, or a combination of, the key assumptions used to determine the reserve estimates could have
a material impact on the carrying value of the project via depreciation rates or impairment assessments. The
reserve estimates are reviewed at each reporting date and any changes to the estimated reserves are recognised
prospectively to depreciation and amortisation. Any impact of the change in the reserves is considered on asset
carrying values and impairment losses, if any, are immediately recognised in the profit or loss. 

Recognition of deferred tax assets
The recoupment of deferred tax assets is dependent on the availability of profits in future years. The Group
undertakes a forecasting exercise at each reporting date to assess its expected utilisation of these losses. 

The key areas of estimation involved in determining the forecasts include:

•

Future production rates

• Economic factors such as the gas price and current and anticipated operating costs in the industry

• Capital expenditure expected to be incurred in the future

A change in any, or a combination of, the key assumptions used to determine the estimates could have a material
impact on the carrying value of the deferred tax asset. Changes to estimates are recognised in the period in
which they arise.

1.3 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Group has consistently applied the accounting policies set out in notes 1.3 (a) to 1.3 (q) to all periods
presented in the consolidated financial statements.

All new and amended Accounting standards and interpretations effective from 1 January 2017 have been adopted
as listed below:

AASB2016-1

AASB2016-2

Amendments to Australian Accounting 
Standards – Recognition of Deferred Tax 
Assets for Unrealised losses AASB 112

The amendment clarify how to account for 
deferred tax assets related to debt instruments
measured at fair Value.

Amendments to Australian Accounting 
Standards – Disclosure Initiative: 
Amendments to AASB 107

This Standard amends AASB 107 Statement of
Cash Flows (August 2015) to require entities 
preparing financial statements in accordance
with Tier 1 reporting requirements to provide
disclosures that enable users of financial
statements to evaluate changes in liabilities
arising from financing activities, including 
both changes arising from cash flows and 
non-cash changes.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

27

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

(a) PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION 

(i) Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights
to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its
power  over  the  entity.  The  financial  statements  of  subsidiaries  are  included  in  the  consolidated  financial
statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. The accounting policies of
subsidiaries  have  been  changed  when  necessary  to  align  them  with  the  policies  adopted  by  the  Group.
Investments in subsidiaries are carried at cost less any impairment losses.

In  the  Company’s  separate  financial  statements,  investments  in  subsidiaries  are  carried  at  cost  less  any
impairment losses. 

(ii) Joint arrangements
The Group classifies its interests in joint arrangements as either joint operations or joint ventures (see below)
depending on the Group’s rights to the assets and obligation for the liabilities of the arrangements. When making
this assessment, the Group considers the structure of the arrangements, the legal form of any separate vehicles,
the contractual terms of the arrangements and other facts and circumstances.

Joint operation – when the Group has rights to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities, relating to an
arrangement, it accounts for each of its assets, liabilities and transactions, including its share of those held or
incurred jointly, in relation to the joint operation.

Joint venture – when the Group has rights only to the net assets of the arrangement, it accounts for its interest
using the equity method adopted for associates.

(iii) Transactions eliminated on consolidation
Intra-group balances, and any unrealised income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions, are
eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. 

(b) TAXATION 
Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax expense is recognised in profit or loss
except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity
or in comprehensive income.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantially
enacted at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. 

Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between
the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation
purposes. The following temporary differences are not provided for: the initial recognition of assets or liabilities
that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit; and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the
extent that the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable
that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected
manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities using tax rates enacted at
the balance sheet date.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

28

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available
against which the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable
that the related tax benefit will be realised.

Judgement is required to determine which arrangements are considered to be a tax on income as opposed to
an operating cost. Judgement is also required to determine whether deferred tax assets are recognised in the
statement of financial position. Deferred tax assets, including those arising from unutilised tax losses, require
management to assess the likelihood that the Company will generate sufficient taxable earnings in future
periods, in order to utilise recognised deferred tax assets. 

Assumptions about the generation of future taxable profits depend on management’s estimates of future cash
flows. These estimates of future taxable income are based on forecast cash flows from operations (which are
impacted  by  production  and  sales  volumes,  oil  and  natural  gas  prices,  reserves,  operating  costs,
decommissioning  costs,  capital  expenditure,  dividends  and  other  capital  management  transactions)  and
judgement about the application of existing tax laws in each jurisdiction. To the extent that future cash flows and
taxable income differ significantly from estimates, the ability of the Company to realise the net deferred tax
assets recorded at the reporting date could be impacted.

In addition, future changes in tax laws in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates could limit the ability
of the Company to obtain tax deductions in future periods.

(c)

IMPAIRMENT 

(i) Financial assets (including receivables)
A financial asset is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective evidence that it
is impaired. A financial asset is considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicates that one or more events
have had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that asset. 

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortised cost is calculated as the difference
between its carrying amount, and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original
effective interest rate.

Individually significant financial assets are tested for impairment on an individual basis. The remaining financial
assets are assessed in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics. 

All impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss. Any cumulative loss in respect of an available-for-sale
financial asset recognised previously in equity is transferred to profit or loss.

An  impairment  loss  is  reversed  if  the  reversal  can  be  related  objectively  to  an  event  occurring  after  the
impairment  loss  was  recognised.  For  financial  assets  measured  at  amortised  cost  and  available-for-sale
financial assets that are debt securities, the reversal is recognised in profit or loss. For available-for-sale
financial assets that are equity securities, the reversal is recognised in equity.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

29

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

(ii) Non-financial assets
The Company 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 field, which is the lowest level for which
cash inflows 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 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, 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/CGU is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount.

In calculating VIU, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount
rate (12.7%) that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the
asset/CGU. 

The Company bases its impairment calculation on detailed budgets and forecasts, which are prepared separately
for each of the Company’s CGUs to which the individual assets are allocated. These budgets and forecasts
generally cover the forecasted life of the CGUs. VIU does not reflect future cash flows associated with improving
or enhancing an asset’s performance.

Impairment losses of continuing operations, including impairment of inventories, are recognised in the statement
of profit or loss and other comprehensive income in those expense categories consistent with the function of the
impaired asset. 

For assets/CGUs, an assessment is made at each reporting date to determine whether there is an indication that
previously recognised impairment losses may no longer exist or may have decreased. If such indication exists,
the Group estimates the asset’s or CGU’s recoverable amount. A previously recognised impairment loss is
reversed only if there has been a change in the assumptions used to determine the asset’s/CGU’s recoverable
amount since the last impairment loss was recognised. The reversal is limited so that the carrying amount of
the asset/CGU does not exceed either its recoverable amount, or the carrying amount that would have been
determined, net of depreciation/amortisation, had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset/CGU in
prior years. Such a reversal is recognised in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.

Please refer to Note 14 for further details on the impairment test results for the year ended December 31, 2017.

(d) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

(i) Recognition and measurement
Items  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  are  recorded  at  cost  less  accumulated  depreciation,  accumulated
impairment losses and pre-commissioning revenue and expenses. 

The cost of plant and equipment used in the process of gas extraction are accounted for separately and are
stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment costs. 

Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to acquisition of the asset. 

Gains and losses on disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment are determined by comparing the
proceeds from disposal with the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment and are recognised within
“other income” in profit or loss. 

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

30

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

(ii) Subsequent expenditure
Subsequent expenditure is capitalised only if it is probable that the future economic benefits associated with
expenditure will flow to the Group.

(iii) Depreciation

Gas producing assets
When the gas plant and equipment is installed ready for use, cost carried forward will be depreciated on a unit-
of -production basis over the life of the economically recoverable reserve. 

The depreciation rate of gas plant and equipment incurred in the period for each project in production phase is
as follows:

Sillaro
Bezzecca

2017

5.23%
3.40%

2016

11.29%
–

Oil and gas properties are depreciated using the UOP method over total proved developed and undeveloped
hydrocarbon reserves. This results in a depreciation/amortisation charge proportional to the depletion of the
anticipated remaining production from the field.

The life of each item, which is assessed at least annually, has regard to both its physical life limitations and
present assessments of economically recoverable reserves of the field at which the asset is located. These
calculations require the use of estimates and assumptions, including the amount of recoverable reserves and
estimates of future capital expenditure. The calculation of the UOP rate of depreciation/amortisation will be
impacted to the extent that actual production in the future is different from current forecast production based
on total proved reserves, or future capital expenditure estimates change. 

Changes  to  proved  reserves  could  arise  due  to  changes  in  the  factors  or  assumptions  used  in  estimating
reserves, including:

•

The  effect  on  proved  reserves  of  differences  between  actual  commodity  prices  and  commodity  price
assumptions

• Unforeseen operational issues.

Other property, plant and equipment
Depreciation is recognised in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each part
of an item of property, plant and equipment. The depreciation will commence when the asset is installed ready
for use.

The estimated useful lives of each class of asset fall within the following ranges:

Office furniture & equipment

2017

2016

3 – 5 years

3 – 5 years

The residual value, the useful life and the depreciation method applied to an asset are reviewed at each reporting
date. 

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

31

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

(e) FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

(i) Non-derivative financial instruments
Non-derivative  financial  instruments  comprise  investments  in  equity  and  debt  securities,  trade  and  other
receivables, cash and cash equivalents, loans and borrowings and trade and other payables.

Non-derivative financial instruments are recognised initially as fair value plus, for instruments not at fair value
through profit and loss, any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition non-derivative
financial instruments are measured as described below.

A financial instrument is recognised if the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets are derecognised if the Group’s contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial assets
expire or if the Group transfers the financial asset to another party without retaining control or substantially all
risks and rewards of the asset. Regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are accounted for at trade
date, i.e. the date the Group commits itself to purchase or sell the asset. Financial liabilities are derecognised
if the Group’s obligation specified in the contract expire or are discharged or cancelled. 

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on
demand and form an integral part of the Group’s cash management are included as a component of cash and
cash equivalents for the purpose of the statement of cash flows.

Accounting for finance income and expense is discussed in note (i).

Held-to-maturity investments
If the Group has the positive intent and ability to hold debt securities to maturity, then they are classified as held-
to-maturity. Held-to-maturity investments are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method,
less any impairment losses.

Available-for-sale financial assets
The Group’s investments in equity securities and certain debt securities are classified as available-for-sale
financial assets. Subsequent to initial recognition, they are measured at fair value and changes therein, other
than impairment losses, and foreign exchange gains and losses on available-for-sale monetary items, are
recognised directly in a separate component of equity. When an investment is derecognised, the cumulative gain
or loss in equity is transferred to profit or loss as finance income or expense.

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss
An instrument is classified as at fair value through profit or loss if it is held for trading or is designated as such
upon initial recognition. Financial instruments are designated at fair value through profit or loss if the Group
manages such investments and makes purchase and sale decisions based on their fair value in accordance with
the  Group’s  documented  risk  management  or  investment  strategy.  Upon  initial  recognition  attributable
transaction costs are recognised in profit or loss when incurred. Financial instruments at fair value through
profit or loss are measured at fair value, and changes therein are recognised in profit and loss as finance income
or expense.

Other
Other non-derivative financial instruments are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method,
less any impairment losses.

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32

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

(ii)  Derivative financial instruments
Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value; attributable costs are recognised in profit or loss when incurred.
Subsequent to initial recognition, derivatives are measured at fair value and changes therein are accounted for
in the profit and loss as finance income or expense.

(iii)  Share Capital

Ordinary Shares
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to issue of ordinary shares are
recognised as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects.

Dividends
Dividends are recognised as a liability in the period in which they are declared.

INVENTORIES

(f)
Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value and includes expenditure incurred in
acquiring the inventories and other costs incurred in bringing them to their existing location and condition. Net
realisable value is the estimated selling price less selling expenses.

(g) RESOURCE PROPERTIES
Resource property costs related to drilling are accumulated in respect of each separate area of interest. 

Exploration properties
Exploration properties are carried at balance sheet date at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Exploration
properties  include  the  cost  of  acquiring  resource  properties,  mineral  rights  and  exploration,  evaluation
expenditure incurred subsequent to acquisition of an area of interest. 

Exploration properties are carried forward where right of tenure of the area of interest is current and they are
expected to be recouped through sale or successful development and exploitation of the area of interest, or,
where exploration and evaluation activities in the area of interest have not yet reached a stage that permits
reasonable  assessment  of  the  existence  of  economically  recoverable  reserves  and  active  and  significant
operations in, or in relation to, the area of interest are continuing.

Exploration and evaluation assets are assessed for impairment if sufficient data exists to determine technically
feasibility and commercial viability or facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying value amount exceeds
the recoverable amount.

Exploration and evaluation assets are tested for impairment when any of the following facts and circumstances
exist:

•

The term of the exploration license in the specific area of interest has expired during the reporting period or
will expire in the near future, and is not expected to be renewed;

• Substantive expenditure on further exploration for an evaluation of mineral resources in the specific area are

not budgeted nor planned;

• Exploration for and evaluation of mineral resources in the specific area have not led to the discovery of
commercially viable quantities of mineral resources and the decision was made to discontinue such activities
in the specific area; or

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

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33

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Areas of interest which no longer satisfy the above policy are considered to be impaired and are measured at their
recoverable amount, with any subsequent impairment loss recognised in the profit and loss.

Development properties
Development  properties  are  carried  at  balance  sheet  date  at  cost  less  accumulated  impairment  losses.
Development properties represent the accumulation of all exploration, evaluation and acquisition costs in relation
to areas where the technical feasibility and commercial viability of the extraction of gas resources in the area of
interest are demonstrable and all key project permits, approvals and financing are in place. 

When  there  is  low  likelihood  of  the  development  property  being  exploited,  or  the  value  of  the  exploitable
development property has diminished below cost, the asset is written down to its recoverable amount.

Production properties
Production properties are carried at balance sheet date at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated
impairment  losses.  Production  properties  represent  the  accumulation  of  all  exploration,  evaluation  and
development and acquisition costs in relation to areas of interest in which production licences have been granted
and the related project has moved to the production phase.

Amortisation of costs is provided on the unit-of-production basis, separate calculations being performed for
each area of interest. The unit-of-production base results in an amortisation charge proportional to the depletion
of economically recoverable reserves. The amortisation rate incurred in the period for each project in production
phase is as follows:

Sillaro
Bezzecca

2017

5.23%
3.40%

2016

11.29%
–

Amortisation of resource properties commences from the date when commercial production commences. 

When the value of the exploitable production property has diminished below cost, the asset is written down to
its recoverable amount.

The Group reviews the recoverable amount of resource property costs at each reporting date to determine
whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists then the asset’s recoverable amount
is estimated (refer Note 1.3 (c) (ii)).

(h) PROVISIONS

Rehabilitation costs
Long  term  environmental  obligations  are  based  on  the  Group’s  environmental  and  rehabilitation  plans,  in
compliance with current environmental and regulatory requirements.

Full provision is made based on the net present value of the estimated cost of restoring the environmental
disturbances that have occurred up to the balance sheet date and abandonment of well sites and production
fields. Increases due to additional environmental disturbances, relating to the development of an asset, are
capitalised and recorded in resource property costs, and amortised over the remaining useful lives of the areas
of interest. The net present value is determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate
that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and risks specific to the liability. 

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Annual increases in the provision relating to the unwinding of the discount rate are accounted for in the statement
of profit or loss as finance expense.

The estimated costs of rehabilitation are reviewed annually and adjusted against the relevant rehabilitation asset,
as appropriate for changes in legislation, technology or other circumstances including drilling activity and are
accounted for on a prospective basis. Cost estimates are not reduced by potential proceeds from the sale 
of assets.

(i) FINANCE INCOME AND EXPENSES
Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested and foreign currency gains. Interest income is
recognised as it accrues in profit or loss, using the effective interest method. 

Finance expenses comprise interest expense on borrowings or other payables and unwinding of the discount of
provisions and changes in the fair value of financial assets through profit and loss. Borrowing costs that are not
directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets are recognised in profit or
loss using the effective interest method.

Foreign currency gains and losses are reported as net amounts.

(j)  EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

(i) Long-term service benefits
The Group’s net obligation in respect of long-term service benefits is the amount of future benefit that employees
have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods. The obligation is calculated using
expected future increases in wage and salary rates including on-costs and expected settlement dates, and is
discounted using the rates attached to the Government bonds at the balance sheet date which have maturity
dates approximating to the terms of the Group’s obligations.

(ii) Wages, salaries, annual leave, sick leave and non-monetary benefits
Liabilities for employee benefits for wages, salaries, annual leave and sick leave that are expected to be settled
within 12 months of the reporting date represent present obligations resulting from employees services provided
to reporting date, are calculated at undiscounted amounts based on remuneration wage and salary rates that
the  Group  expects  to  pay  as  at  reporting  date  including  related  on-costs,  such  as  workers  compensation
insurance and payroll tax.

(iii) Superannuation
The Group contributes to defined contribution superannuation plans. Contributions are recognised as an expense
as they are due. 

(k) FOREIGN CURRENCY

(i) Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of
the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (“the functional currency”). The consolidated
financial statements are presented in Euro, which is PVE functional and presentation currency (refer note 1.2 (d)).

(ii) Foreign currency transactions
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at
the  dates  of  the  transactions.  Foreign  exchange  gains  and  losses  resulting  from  the  settlement  of  such
transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated
in foreign currencies are recognised in profit or loss as finance income or expense.

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35

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the date of transaction
or the date fair value was determined, if these assets and liabilities are measured at fair value. Foreign currency
differences arising on retranslation are recognised in profit and loss, except for differences arising on the
retranslation of available-for-sale equity instruments, a financial liability designated as a hedge of the net
investment in a foreign operation, or qualifying cash flow hedges, which are recognised directly in equity.

(iii) Foreign operations
The  assets  and  liabilities  of  foreign  operations,  including  goodwill  and  fair  value  adjustments  arising  on
consolidation are translated to Euro at foreign exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date. The revenues and
expenses of foreign operations are translated to Euro at rates approximating the foreign exchange rates ruling
at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange differences arising on retranslation are recognised directly
in a separate component of equity.

Foreign  exchange  gains  and  losses  arising  from  monetary  items  receivable  from  or  payables  to  a  foreign
operation, the settlement of which is neither planned nor likely in the foreseeable future, are considered to form
part of a net investment in a foreign operation and are recognised directly in equity in the foreign currency
translation reserve.

(l) EARNINGS/LOSS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to members of the parent
entity for the reporting period, after excluding any costs of servicing equity (other than ordinary shares and
converting preference shares classified as ordinary shares for EPS calculation purposes), by the weighted
average number of ordinary shares of the Company, adjusted for any bonus issue.

Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to members of the parent entity, adjusted by the
after tax effect of financing costs associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares and the effect on revenues
and expenses of conversion to ordinary shares associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares, by the weighted
average number of ordinary shares and dilutive potential ordinary shares adjusted for any bonus issue.

(m) OTHER INDIRECT TAXES
Revenue, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST) and value added
tax (VAT) except where the amount of GST or VAT incurred is not recoverable from the taxation authority. In these
circumstances,  the  GST  or  VAT  is  recognised  as  part  of  the  cost  of  acquisition  of  the  asset  or  as  part  of 
the expense.

Receivables and payables are stated with the amount of GST or VAT included. The net amount of GST or VAT
recoverable from, or payable to, the relevant taxation authority is included as a current asset or liability in the
balance sheet.

Cash flows are included in the statement of cash flows on a net basis. The GST and VAT components of cash flows
arising from investing and financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to, the relevant taxation
authority are classified as operating cash flows.

(n) SEGMENT REPORTING

DETERMINATION AND PRESENTATION OF OPERATING STATEMENTS
The Group determines and presents operating segments based on the information that internally is provided to
the CEO, who is the Group’s chief operating decision maker. 

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36

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
An operating segment is a component of the Group that engages in business activities from which it may earn
revenues and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of the Group’s
other  components.  An  operating  segment’s  operating  results  are  reviewed  regularly  by  the  CEO  to  make
decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and for which discrete
financial information is available.

Segment results that are reported to the CEO include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those
that can be allocated on a reasonable basis. Unallocated items comprise mainly corporate assets and income
tax assets and liabilities. Segment capital expenditure is the total cost incurred during the period to acquire
property, plant and equipment and resource property costs.

(o) REVENUE
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of the amount of value
added tax (“VAT”) payable to the taxation authority. Revenue is recognised when the significant risks and rewards
of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, recovery of the consideration is probable, the associated costs
can be estimated reliably, there is no continuing management involved with the goods, and the amount of revenue
can be measured reliably. 

Sale of gas
Gas sales revenue is recognised when control of the gas passes at the delivery point. Proceeds received in
advance of control passing are recognised as unearned revenue. 

(p) LEASED ASSETS
Leases in terms of which the Group assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified
as finance leases. Upon initial recognition the leased asset is measured at an amount equal to the lower of its
fair value and the present value of the minimum lease payments. Subsequent to initial recognition, the asset is
accounted for in accordance with the property, plant and equipment accounting policy. 

Other leases are operating leases and the leased assets are not recognised on the Group’s balance sheet.
Payments made under operating leases are recognised in profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of
the lease.

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37

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

(q) CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES, DISCLOSURES, STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS
Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations that have recently been issued or amended but are not yet
effective and have not been adopted by the Group for the annual reporting period ending 31 December 2017 are
outlined in the table below.

Reference

Title

Summary

AASB 9

Financial
Instruments

AASB  9  (December  2014)  is  a  new  Principal
standard which replaces AASB 139. This new
Principal version supersedes AASB 9 issued in
December  2009  (as  amended)  and  AASB  9
(issued  in  December  2010)  and  includes  a
model for classification and measurement, a
single, 
loss’
impairment  model  and  a  substantially-
reformed approach to hedge accounting.

forward-looking 

‘expected 

Application
date of
standard*

Impact on
Group financial
report

Application
date for
Group*

1 January
2018

1 January
2018

Adoption of
this standard
will not have a
material
impact on the
financial
report.

AASB 9 is effective for annual periods beginning
on  or  after  1  January  2018.  However,  the
Standard is available for early application. The
own  credit  changes  can  be  early  applied  in
isolation  without  otherwise  changing  the
accounting for financial instruments.

Classification and measurement
AASB  9  includes  requirements  for  a  simpler
approach for classification and measurement
of  financial  assets  compared  with 
the
requirements of AASB 139.

The main changes are described below.

a. Financial assets that are debt instruments
will be classified based on (1) the objective
of the entity’s business model for managing
the financial assets; (2) the characteristics
of the contractual cash flows.

b. Allows  an  irrevocable  election  on  initial
recognition to present gains and losses on
investments in equity instruments that are
not held for trading in other comprehensive
income.  Dividends  in  respect  of  these
that  are  a  return  on
investments 
investment can be recognised in profit or
loss  and  there  is  no  impairment  or
recycling on disposal of the instrument.

c. Financial  assets  can  be  designated  and
measured  at  fair  value  through  profit  or
loss  at  initial  recognition  if  doing  so
eliminates  or  significantly  reduces  a
measurement or recognition inconsistency
that would arise from measuring assets or
liabilities,  or  recognising  the  gains  and
losses on them, on different bases.

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38

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Reference

Title

Summary

Application
date of
standard*

Impact on
Group financial
report

Application
date for
Group*

AASB 9

Financial
Instruments
(continued)

Financial liabilities

liabilities  are 

Changes introduced by AASB 9 in respect of
financial 
the
measurement of liabilities designated at fair
value through profit or loss (FVPL) using the
fair value option

limited 

to 

Where the fair value option is used for financial
liabilities,  the  change  in  fair  value  is  to  be
accounted for as follows:

–

–

The change attributable to changes credit
risk are presented in other comprehensive
income (OCI)

The  remaining  change  is  presented  in
profit or loss

AASB 9 also removes the volatility in profit or
loss that was caused by changes in the credit
risk of liabilities elected to be measured at fair
value. This change in accounting means that
gains or losses attributable to changes in the
entity’s own credit risk would be recognised in
OCI. These amounts recognised in OCI are not
recycled to profit or loss if the liability is ever
repurchased at a discount.

Impairment

The final version of AASB 9 introduces a new
expected-loss  impairment  model  that  will
require  more  timely  recognition  of  expected
credit  losses.  Specifically,  the  new  Standard
requires entities to account for expected credit
losses  from  when  financial  instruments  are
first recognised and to recognise full lifetime
expected losses on a more timely basis.

Hedge accounting

Amendments  to  AASB  9  (December  2009  &
2010  editions  and  AASB  2013-9)  issued  in
December  2013  included  the  new  hedge
accounting requirements, including changes
to  hedge  effectiveness  testing,  treatment  of
hedging costs, risk components that can  be
hedged and disclosures.

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39

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Reference

Title

Summary

Application
date of
standard*

Impact on
Group financial
report

Application
date for
Group*

AASB 9

Financial
Instruments
(continued)

AASB 15

Revenue
from
Contracts
with
Customers

Consequential amendments were also made
to  other  standards  as  a  result  of  AASB  9,
introduced by AASB 2009-11 and superseded
by  AASB  2010-7,  AASB  2010-10  and  AASB
2014-1 – Part E. AASB 2014-7 incorporates the
consequential amendments arising from the
issuance of AASB 9 in Dec 2014.

AASB  2014-8  limits  the  application  of  the
existing  versions  of  AASB  9 
(AASB  9
(December  2009)  and  AASB  9  (December
2010))  from  1  February  2015  and  applies  to
annual  reporting  periods  beginning  on  after
1 January 2015.

AASB  15  Revenue  from  Contracts with
Customers replaces  the  existing  revenue
recognition standards AASB 111 Construction
Contracts,  AASB  118  Revenue and  related
Interpretations  (Interpretation  13  Customer
Loyalty  Programmes, 
Interpretation  15
Agreements  for  the  Construction  of  Real
Estate, Interpretation 18 Transfers of Assets
from Customers, Interpretation 131 Revenue–
Barter  Transactions  Involving  Advertising
Services and  Interpretation  1042 Subscriber
Acquisition Costs in the Telecommunications
Industry). 

AASB  15  incorporates  the  requirements  of
IFRS  15  Revenue  from  Contracts  with
Customers issued  by 
International
Accounting  Standards  Board 
(IASB)  and
developed 
jointly  with  the  US  Financial
Accounting Standards Board (FASB).

the 

AASB 15 specifies the accounting treatment
for  revenue  arising  from  contracts  with
customers  (except  for  contracts  within  the
scope of other accounting standards such as
leases  or  financial  instruments).The  core
principle  of  AASB  15 
is  that  an  entity
recognises revenue to depict the transfer of
promised goods or services to customers in an
amount  that  reflects  the  consideration  to
which  the  entity  expects  to  be  entitled  in
exchange for those goods or services. An entity
recognises  revenue  in  accordance  with  that
core principle by applying the following steps:

1 January
2018

1 January
2018

The adoption
of this
standard will
not have a
material
impact on the
financial
report as the
price and
performance
obligations
criteria under
this standard
for sales for
the Group are
determined
on the same
basis as the
current
standard
AASB111.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

40

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Reference

Title

Summary

AASB 15

Revenue
from
Contracts
with
Customers
(continued)

(a) Step  1:  Identify  the  contract(s)  with  a

customer

(b) Step  2: 

Identify 

the  performance

obligations in the contract

(c) Step 3: Determine the transaction price

Application
date of
standard*

Impact on
Group financial
report

Application
date for
Group*

(d) Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to
the

the  performance  obligations 
contract

in 

(e) Step 5: Recognise  revenue when (or as)
the  entity  satisfies  a  performance
obligation

AASB 2015-8 amended the AASB 15 effective
date so it is now effective for annual reporting
periods  commencing  on  or  after  1  January
2018. Early application is permitted.

AASB 2014-5 incorporates the consequential
to  a  number  Australian
amendments 
(including
Standards 
Accounting 
Interpretations) arising from the issuance of
AASB 15.

AASB 2014-10 amends AASB 10 Consolidated
Financial Statementsand AASB 128 to address
an inconsistency between the requirements in
AASB 10 and those in AASB 128 (August 2011),
in  dealing  with  the  sale  or  contribution  of
assets between an investor and its associate
or joint venture. The amendments require:

(a) a full gain or loss to be recognised when a
transaction involves a business (whether it is
housed in a subsidiary or not); and

(b) a partial gain or loss to be recognised when
a  transaction  involves  assets  that  do  not
constitute a business, even if these assets are
housed in a subsidiary.

AASB  2014-10  also  makes  an  editorial
correction to AASB 10.

AASB 2015-10 was issued subsequently and
deferred the application date of AASB 2014-10
to annual reporting periods beginning on or
after 1 January 2018.

AASB 
2014-10

Amendments
to Australian
Accounting
Standards –
Sale or
Contribution
of Assets
between an
Investor and
its Associate
or Joint
Venture

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

1 January
2018

1 January
2018

Adoption of
these
amendments
will not have a
material
impact on the
financial
report.

41

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Application
date of
standard*

Impact on
Group financial
report

Application
date for
Group*

1 January
2019

1 January
2019

The entity has
not yet
assessed the
full impact of
AASB16

1 January
2019

1 January
2019

The entity has
not yet
assessed the
full impact of
AASB 16.

Reference

Title

Summary

AASB 16

Leases

The key features of AASB 16 are as follows: 

Lessee accounting
Lessees are required to recognise assets and
liabilities  for  all  leases  with  a  term  of  more
than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is
of low value.

lessee  measures  right-of-use  assets
A 
similarly  to  other  non-financial  assets  and
lease  liabilities  similarly  to  other  financial
liabilities.

Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are
initially  measured  on  a  present  value  basis.
The  measurement  includes  non-cancellable
lease  payments  (including  inflation-linked
payments), and also includes payments to be
made  in  optional  periods  if  the  lessee  is
reasonably  certain  to  exercise  an  option  to
extend the lease, or not to exercise an option to
terminate the lease.

AASB 16 contains disclosure requirements for
lessees. 

AASB 16

Leases

Lessor accounting

AASB  16  substantially  carries  forward  the
lessor accounting requirements in AASB 117.
Accordingly, a lessor continues to classify its
leases as operating leases or finance leases,
and to account for those two types of leases
differently.

AASB 116 also requires enhanced disclosures
to  be  provided  by  lessors  that  will  improve
information  disclosed  about  a  lessor’s  risk
exposure, particularly to residual value risk.

AASB 16 supersedes:

a) AASB 117 Leases;

b)

c)

d)

Interpretation 4 Determining whether an
Arrangement contains a Lease;

Interpretation  115  Operating  Leases–
Incentives; and

127  Evaluating 

Interpretation 
the
Substance  of  Transactions  Involving  the
Legal Form of a Lease.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

42

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Reference

Title

Summary

AASB 16

Leases
(continued)

The new standard will be effective for annual
periods beginning on or after 1 January

Application
date of
standard*

Impact on
Group financial
report

Application
date for
Group*

2019. Early application is permitted, provided
the new revenue standard, AASB 15

Revenue from Contracts with Customers, has
been applied, or is applied at the same date as
AASB 16. 

transactions 

This  addresses  the  exchange  rate  to  use 
in 
involve  advance
that 
consideration  paid  or  received  in  a  foreign
currency.

1 January
2018

IFRIC
Interpretaion
22

IFRIC
Interpretation
22 Foreign
Currency
Transactions
and Advance
Consideration

1 January
2018

Adoption of
this
pronounce-
ment will not
have a
material
impact on the
financial
report.

NOTE 2:  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
Exposure to credit, market and liquidity risks arise in the normal course of the Group’s business. 

This note presents information about the Group’s exposure to each of the above risks, their objectives, policies
and  processes  for  measuring  and  managing  risk,  and  the  management  of  capital.  Further  quantitative
disclosures are included throughout this financial report.

Risk recognition and management are viewed as integral to the Group’s objectives of creating and maintaining
shareholder value, and the successful execution of the Group’s strategies in gas exploration and development.
The Board as a whole is responsible for oversight of the processes by which risk is considered for both ongoing
operations and prospective actions. In specific areas, it is assisted by the Audit and Risk Committee. Management
is responsible for establishing procedures which provide assurance that major business risks are identified,
consistently assessed and appropriately addressed.

(i) Credit risk 
The Group invests in short term deposits and trades with recognised, creditworthy third parties.

Cash and short-term deposits are made with institutions that have a credit rating of at least A1 from Standard
& Poor’s and A from Moody’s.

Management has a credit policy in place whereby credit evaluations are performed on all customers and parties
the Company and its subsidiaries deal with. The exposure to credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis. 

The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying amount of each financial asset. 

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

43

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 2:  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (continued)

(ii) Market Risk 

Interest rate risk 
The Group is primarily exposed to interest rate risk arising from its cash and cash equivalents and borrowings.
The Group does not hedge its exposure to movements in market interest rates. The Group adopts a policy of
ensuring that as far as possible it maintains excess cash and cash equivalents in bank accounts earning interest.

Currency risk 
The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk on purchases that are denominated in a currency other than the
respective  functional  currencies  of  consolidated  entities.  The  currency  giving  rise  to  this  risk  is  primarily
Australian dollars. 

In respect to monetary assets held in currencies other than Euro, the Group ensures that the net exposure is kept
to an acceptable level by minimising their holdings in the foreign currency where possible by buying or selling
foreign currencies at spot rates where necessary to address short term imbalances. 

(iii)  Capital Management
The Board’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence
and to sustain future development of the business. Capital consists of issued share capital plus accumulated
losses/earnings. The Board monitors accumulated losses/earnings. 

The Board seeks to encourage all employees of the Group to hold ordinary shares. 

The Board seeks to maintain a balance between the higher returns that might be possible with higher levels of
borrowings and the advantages and security afforded by a sound capital position from shareholders. 

The Group does not have a defined share buy-back plan and there were no changes in the Group’s approach to
capital management during the year.

There are no externally imposed restrictions on capital management.

(iv)  Liquidity Risk 
The Group’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient
liquidity  to  meet  its  liabilities  when  due.  Management  prepares  monthly  cash  flow  forecasts  taking  into
consideration debt facility obligations. Capital expenditures are planned around cash flow availability.

NOTE 3:  REVENUE

Gas sales

Consolidated

2017
€

2016
€

1,389,196

958,501

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

44

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 4:  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT EXPENSES

Wages and salaries
Share based payments
Contributions to defined contribution plans

NOTE 5:  CORPORATE OVERHEADS

Corporate overheads comprises:
Company administration and compliance
Professional fees
Office costs
Travel and entertainment 
Other expenses

NOTE 6:  AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION

Auditors of the Company 
Audit and review of the Group financial statements
For corporate tax services

NOTE 7:  FINANCE INCOME AND EXPENSE

Recognised in profit and loss:
Interest income

Finance income

Interest expense 
Amortisation of borrowing costs
Unwinding of discount on site restoration provision
Foreign exchange losses (net)

Finance expense

Net finance expense

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

Consolidated

2017
€

913,234
57,089
114,804

2016
€

909,221
14,506
176,636

1,085,127

1,100,363

Consolidated

2017
€

2016
€

250,522
886,242
162,051
124,317
114,960

192,770
629,059
176,719
65,749
58,504

1,538,092

1,122,301

Consolidated

2017
€

22,638
10,718

33,356

2016
€

45,185
-

45,185

Consolidated

2017
€

97

97

162,333
–
58,771
194,997

416,101

2016
€

1,017

1,017

17,320
308,640
85,769
49,371

461,100

(416,004)

(460,083)

45

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 8:  INCOME TAX (BENEFIT)/EXPENSE 

Current tax
Current year

Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Deferred tax expense/(benefit)

Total income tax expense/(benefit)

Numerical reconciliation between tax expense and 
pre-tax accounting profit/(loss)
Loss for the year before tax

Income tax (benefit)/expense using the Company’s domestic 
tax rate of 27.5 per cent (2016: 30%)

Non-deductible expenses:

Borrowing costs
Fair value adjustments
Other

Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions
Current year losses and temporary differences for which 
no deferred tax asset was recognised
Changes in temporary differences

Income tax expense/(benefit) 

Consolidated

2017
€

–

85,851

85,851

85,851

2016
€

–

(667,301)

(667,301)

(667,301)

(4,249,192)

(9,366,354)

(1,168,528)

(2,809,906)

–
(358,905)
–
327,483

1,045,880
239,921

85,851

33,338
1,995,494
130,695
63,879

546,540
(597,941)

(667,301)

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

46

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 9:  EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic loss per share (€ cents)

Consolidated

2017
€

(0.19)

2016
€

(2.06)

The calculation of earnings per share was based on the loss attributable to shareholders of €1,087,609 (2016:
€8,699,053) and a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year of 587,519,266 (2016:
421,741,568). 

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share is the same as basic earnings/(loss) per share.

The number of weighted average shares is calculated as follows:

Number of shares on issue at beginning of the year
14,526,966 shares issued on 5 April 2017
28,355,071 shares issued on 7 June 2017
350,392,300 shares issued on 20 April 2016
14,828,871 shares issued on 30 June 2016
9,272,997 shares issued on 14 September 2016
35,727,003 shares issued on 31 October 2016

NOTE 10:  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

(a) Cash and cash equivalents

(b) Reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities
Loss

Adjustment for non-cash items:
Depreciation and amortisation
Resource property costs impairment
Unwind of discount on site restoration provision
Amortisation of borrowing costs
Share based payments
Loss on sale of project
Borrowing costs paid for financing activities

Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease in receivables
Other assets
Decrease in trade and other payables
(Decrease)/Increase in provisions 
(Increase)/Decrease in deferred tax assets

Net cash inflow from operating activities

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

No. of 
days

365
271
208
256
185
109
62

2017
Weighted 
average no.

550,378,091
11,998,448
25,142,727
–
–
–
–

2016
Weighted
average no.

132,670,893
–
–
245,083,139
10,716,177
5,463,550
20,321,782

587,519,266

421,741,568

Consolidated

2017
€

2016
€

390,114

166,459

(4,335,043)

(8,699,053)

264,478
1,584,199
58,771
–
198,479
–
–

(115,191)
55,925
(193,596)
(11,866)
85,851

888,879
6,402,179
85,769
308,640
14,506
–
118,159

150,257
(125,578)
(759,445)
(147,076)
(667,301)

(2,407,993)

(2,430,064)

47

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 11:  INVENTORY

Non-Current
Well equipment – at net realisable value

Consolidated

2017
€

2016
€

252,034

732,801

Well equipment represents inventory expected to be utilised in future development of known wells with specific
characteristics. During the period, inventory was written down to net realisable value with and impairment of
€480,766 recognised in the statement of profit and loss and other comprehensive income.

NOTE 12:  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Current
Trade receivables
Accrued gas sales revenue 
Sundry debtors
Deposit 
Indirect taxes receivable (a)

Consolidated

2017
€

2016
€

1,243,696
158,507
70,697
7
819,817

2,292,724

80,189
76,008
28,696
7
77,612

262,512

The Group’s exposure to credit and currency risks and impairment losses related to trade and other receivables
are disclosed in Note 21.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

48

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 13:  PROPERTY PLANT & EQUIPMENT

Office Furniture & Equipment:
At cost
Accumulated depreciation

Gas producing plant and equipment
At cost
Accumulated depreciation and impairment losses

Reconciliations:
Reconciliation of the carrying amounts for each class of
Plant & equipment are set out below:

Office Furniture & Equipment:
Carrying amount at beginning of year
Additions 
Depreciation expense

Carrying amount at end of year

Gas Producing plant and equipment:
Carrying amount at beginning of period
Additions/Reclassification
Depreciation expense
Impairment losses

Carrying amount at end of period

Consolidated

2017
€

2016
€

221,843
(203,585)

18,258

8,509,086
(6,368,475)

2,140,611

2,158,869

217,518
(195,577)

21,941

8,503,197
(6,177,534)

2,325,663

2,347,604

21,941
4,325
(8,008)

18,258

2,356,663
5,889
(119,998)
(70,943)

2,140,611

2,158,869

22,351
10,322
(10,732)

21,941

2,592,842
–
(267,179)
–

2,325,663

2,347,604

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

49

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 14:  RESOURCE PROPERTY COSTS 

Resource Property costs
Exploration Phase
Production Phase

Reconciliation of carrying amount of resource properties

Exploration Phase
Carrying amount at beginning of period
Exploration expenditure
Change in estimate of rehabilitation assets
Transfer to production phase
Adjustment resulting from reorganisation 
Impairment losses 
Reversal of prior impairment losses

Carrying amount at end of period

Consolidated

2017
€

2016
€

9,182,411
159,390

9,341,801

8,383,017
599,173

8,982,190

8,383,017
1,466,203
(131,699)
(2,524,310)
(506,547)
(767,914)
3,263,661

9,646,269
473,923
49,789
–
–
(1,786,964)
–

9,182,411

8,383,017

Resource property costs in the exploration and evaluation phase have not yet reached a stage which permits a
reasonable assessment of the existence of or otherwise of economically recoverable reserves. The ultimate
recoupment of resource property costs in the exploration phase is dependent upon the successful development
and exploitation, or alternatively sale, of the respective areas of interest at an amount greater than or equal to
the carrying value. Where exploration permits have expired or not renewed, the costs previously capitalised are
expensed to the statement of profit and loss. 

The Group reviewed the carrying value of its assets and cash generating units using a Value in Use CGU; in
particular a valuation on Sant’ Alberto, Selva and Teodorico was calculated by CGG Services (UK) Limited (“CGG
report” for the purposes of the Admission Document used by Saffron Energy Plc for the proposed acquisition of
two entities and the readmission of Saffron to AIM of the enlarged group.

As a result of this assessment, the recoverable value of Sant’ Alberto at 31 December 2017 was €2.0million
resulting in an impairment of €767,914 being recognised in respect of this field.

The recoverable value, as determined by the CGG report, of Selva and Teodorico was €5.3million and €17.9million
respectively.  The  carrying  value  at  these  assets  was  significantly  lower  at  €2.12million  and  €1.24million
respectively.  To  account  for  the  significant  Reserve  and  Resource  upgrade  the  Board  have  determined  it
appropriate to reverse prior period impairment losses of €3,263,661.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

50

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 14:  RESOURCE PROPERTY COSTS (continued)

Production Phase
Carrying amount at beginning of period
Additions
Transfer from exploration phase
Change in estimate of rehabilitation assets
Amortisation of producing assets
Impairment losses

Carrying amount at end of period

Consolidated

2017
€

2016
€

599,173
782,529
2,524,310
(86,106)
(136,472)
(3,524,044)

5,521,279
257,573
–
46,504
(610,968)
(4,615,215)

159,390

599,173

The Group assessed each asset or cash generating unit (CGU) for the year ended 31 December 2017 to determine
whether any indication of impairment exists. When an indication of impairment exists, a formal estimate of the
recoverable amount was made, which is considered to be higher of the fair value less cost to sell and Value in
Use (VIU). The Group has used VIU method for all the CGUs identified.

Value in Use of Sillaro, Bezzecca production CGU was calculated by CGG Services (UK) Limited for the purposes
of the Admission Document used by Saffron Energy Plc for the proposed acquisition of two entities and the
readmission of Saffron to AIM of the enlarged group.

The Admission Document including the complete Competent Persons Report is available on Saffron Energy’s web
site www.saffronenergy.co.uk. As disclosed in that report, the VIU was based on the following main assumptions:

1. Future gas production is assumed sold at Italian spot gas price, the Puntodi Soambrio Virtuale (PSV) price,
unless a specifically agreed price. The PSV assumption is based on PSV forward curve for 2018 and 2019 and
thereafter escalated at 2% p.a. for inflation.

2. A post-tax discount rate of 10%;

3. Variable operating expenses as projected by the Group;

4. Reserves and production volumes determined by recent Competent Persons Report 

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

51

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 14:  RESOURCE PROPERTY COSTS (continued)
These estimates and assumptions are subject to risk and uncertainty. Therefore, there is a possibility that
changes in circumstances will impact the projections, which may impact the recoverable amounts of assets
and/or CGUs.

Impairment losses are reconciled as follows:
Impairment expense

Production phase:
Sillaro gas field
Bezzecca gas field

Exploration and Development phase:
Sant’ Alberto licence
Exploration costs
Reversal of prior year impairments

Inventory of well equipment (refer note 11)

Total impairment loss

NOTE 15:  DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Recognised deferred tax assets
Deferred tax assets have been recognised in respect of the following items:

Tax losses
Accrued expenses and liabilities

Recognised deferred tax assets

Consolidated

2017
€

2016
€

(653,538)
(2,941,449)

(4,615,215)
–

(767,914)
(4,192)
3,263,661

(480,767)

(1,495,036)
(291,928)
–

–

(1,584,199)

(6,402,179)

Consolidated

2017
€

1,970,177
628,332

2,598,509

2016
€

1,888,687
795,679

2,684,366

The tax losses in both Italy and Australia do not expire. The deductible temporary differences do not expire under
current tax legislation. Deferred tax assets have been recognised in respect of these items because it is probable
that future taxable profit will be available against which the Group can utilise the benefits therefrom.

Unrecognised deferred tax assets
Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following items:

Tax losses
Deductible temporary differences

Unrecognised deferred tax assets

Consolidated

2017
€

3,830,154
1,840,721

5,670,875

2016
€

2,745,469
2,162,878

4,908,347

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

52

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 15:  DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (continued)
Deferred tax benefit will only be obtained if:

(i)

the relevant company derives future assessable income of a nature and of an amount sufficient to enable the
benefit from the deductions for the losses to be realised;

(ii) the relevant company continues to comply with the conditions for deductibility imposed by tax legislation; and

(iii) No  changes  in  tax  legislation  adversely  affect  the  relevant  company  in  realising  the  benefit  from  the
deductions for the losses. 

Movement in recognised temporary differences during the year

Consolidated

Tax losses
Accrued expenses 
and liabilities

Total recognised deferred 
tax asset

Balance 
1 January 
2016
€

Profit
and loss
€

Balance
31 December
2016
€

Equity
€

Profit
and loss
€ 

Balance
31 December
2017
€ 

Equity
€ 

1,691,137

197,550

– 1,888,687

81,490

– 1,970,177

325,922

469,757

–

795,679

(167,341)

–

628,332

2,017,059

667,307

– 2,684,366

(85,851)

– 2,598,509

NOTE 16:  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade payables and accruals
Other payables

Consolidated

2017
€

4,555,543
184,138

4,739,681

2016
€

1,737,740
77,597

1,815,337

The Group’s exposure to currency and liquidity risks related to trade and other payables are disclosed in note 21.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

53

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 17:  PROVISIONS

Current:
Employee leave entitlements
Other provisions

Non Current:
Restoration provision

Reconciliation of restoration provision:
Opening balance
Increase in provision due to revised estimates
Increase in provision from unwind of discount rate

Closing balance 

Consolidated

2017
€

58,270
–

58,270

2016
€

50,136
20,000

70,136

4,802,873

4,961,907

4,961,907
(217,805)
58,771

4,802,873

4,779,855
96,283
85,769

4,961,907

Provision has been made based on the net present value of the estimated cost of restoring the environmental
disturbances that have occurred up to the balance sheet date and abandonment of the well site and production
fields. 

NOTE 18:  INTEREST BEARING LOANS
This note provides information about the contractual terms of the Group’s interest-bearing loans and borrowings,
which are measured at amortised cost. For more information about the Group’s exposure to interest rate, foreign
currency and liquidity risk, see note 21.

Current liabilities
Loans

Consolidated

2017
€

2016
€

526,892

526,892

1,406,017

1,406,017

Terms and debt repayment schedule
Terms and conditions of outstanding loans were as follows:

Nominal 
Interest 
rate

Year of
Maturity

Face
Value
€

Carrying
Amount
€

Face
Value
€

Carrying
Amount
€

Currency

31 December 2017

31 December 2016

Current liabilities
Unsecured loans

AUD

10%

2018

526,892

526,892 1,406,017 1,406,017

The Group obtained financing through a streamlined facility provided by existing and former Directors of the
Company and longstanding shareholders. The facility arrangement has a term of 12 months and an interest rate
of 10%. (refer note 23 for details of related party balances).

The Group’s exposure to currency, interest and liquidity risk related to interest bearing loans are disclosed in
note 21.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

54

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 19:  CAPITAL AND RESERVES

Share Capital 
Opening balance – 1 January 

Shares issued during the year:
Placement issue on 5 April 2017
Settlement of short terms loans 
by issue of shares on 5 April 2017
Placement issue on 7 June 2017
Settlement of short term loans 
by issue of shares on 7 June 2017

Rights issue on 20 April 2016
Issued on 30 June 2016 in lieu of 
Directors remuneration
Placement issue on 14 September 2016 
Placement issue on 31 October 2016

Share issue costs

Ordinary Shares

2017
Number

2016
Number

2017
€

2016
€

550,378,091

140,156,920

48,659,337

46,692,830

9,818,182

4,708,784
13,818,181

14,536,890

–

–
–
–

–

–

–
–

–

192,471

90,528
251,906

270,560

–

–
–

–

350,392,300

14,828,871
9,272,997
35,727,003

–

–
–
–

1,208,213

149,041
125,306
499,742

–

(2,534)

(15,795)

Closing balance – 31 December 

550,378,091

550,378,091

49,462,268

48,659,337

All ordinary shares are fully paid and carry one vote per share and the right to dividends. In the event of winding
up the Company, ordinary shareholders rank after creditors. Ordinary shares have no par value.

No shares were issued to employees pursuant to the employees share purchase plan (2016: Nil) 

Translation Reserve
The translation reserve comprises all foreign currency differences arising from the translation of the financial
statements of foreign operations. The historical balance comprises of translation differences prior to change in
functional currency of a foreign operation. 

Dividends 
No dividends were paid or declared during the current year (2016: Nil).

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

55

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 20:  FINANCIAL REPORTING BY SEGMENTS
The Group reportable segments as described below are the Group’s strategic business units. The strategic
business  units  are  classified  according  to  field  licence  areas  which  are  managed  separately.  All  strategic
business units are in Italy. For each strategic business unit, the CEO reviews internal management reports on a
monthly basis. Exploration, Development and Production gas and oil are the operating segments identified for
the Group. The individual exploration, development and production operation sites have been aggregated.

In euro

External revenues
Segment (loss)/profit before tax
Depreciation and amortisation
Impairment on resource 
property costs
Reportable segment assets:
Resource property costs
Plant & Equipment
Receivables
Inventory
Capital expenditure
Movement in rehabilitation 
assets
Reportable segment liabilities

Exploration

Development and Production

Total

2017
€

2016
€

2017
€

2016
€

2017
€

2016
€

–
2,491,555
–

–
(1,786,964)
–

1,389,195
(4,059,987)
(256,470)

958,501
(5,079,268)
(878,147)

1,389,195
(1,568,432)
(256,470)

958,501
(6,866,232)
(878,147)

2,491,555

(1,786,964)

(4,075,754)

(4,615,215)

(1,584,199)

(6,402,179)

9,182,411
–
1,115,084
–
1,466,203

8,383,017
–
–
–
439,620

159,390
2,140,611
267,446
252,034
782,528

599,173
2,325,663
145,461
732,801
64,283

9,341,801
2,140,611
1,382,530
252,034
2,248,731

8,982,190
2,325,663
145,461
732,801
503,903

(131,699)
(3,560,846)

49,790
(2,340,148)

(86,106)
(4,897,593)

46,504
(3,937,294)

(217,805)
(8,458,439)

96,293
(6,277,442)

Reconciliation of reportable segment profit or loss, assets and liabilities

Profit or loss:
Total profit/(loss) for reportable segments
Unallocated amounts:
Net finance expense
Other corporate expenses

Consolidated loss before income tax

Assets:
Total assets for reportable segments
Other assets

Consolidated total assets

Liabilities:
Total liabilities for reportable segments
Other liabilities

Consolidated total liabilities

2017
€

2016
€

(1,568,432)

(6,866,232)

(416,003)
(2,264,757)

(460,083)
(2,040,039)

(4,249,192)

(9,366,354)

13,116,976
4,017,106

12,186,115
3,145,767

17,134,082

15,331,882

(8,458,439)
(1,669,277)

(6,277,442)
(1,978,454)

(10,127,716)

(8,256,396)

Other Segment Information
All of the Group’s revenue is currently attributed to gas sales in Italy through an off-take agreement with Shell
Italia. For the current year, the Group’s only customer contributed the entire revenue.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

56

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 21:  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

(a)

Interest Rate Risk Exposures

Profile
At the reporting date the interest rate profile of the Group’s interest-bearing financial instruments was:

Variable rate instruments
Financial assets
Financial liabilities

Fixed rate instruments
Financial assets
Financial liabilities

Consolidated

2017
€

2016
€

390,114
–

390,114

166,459
–

166,459

–
(526,892)

–
(1,406,017)

(526,892)

(1,406,017)

Cash flow sensitivity analysis for variable rate instruments:
A strengthening of 50 basis points in interest rates at the reporting date would have increased/(decreased) equity
and profit and loss by the amounts shown below. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular
foreign currency rates, remain constant. The analysis is performed on the same basis for 2016.

Effect in €’s

31 December 
Variable rate instruments

(b) Credit Risk 

Profit or loss

Equity

2017

1,951

2016

832

2017

2016

-

-

Exposure to credit risk
The Group is not exposed to significant credit risk. Credit risk with respect to cash is held with recognised
financial intermediaries with acceptable credit ratings. 

The Group has limited its credit risk in relation to its gas sales in that all sales transactions fall under an offtake
agreement with Shell Italia which originally expired in October 2017 but was subsequently amended (in March
2017) to expire in October 2018. Shell currently has an option to extend the contract a second Gas Year from
October 2018 to September 2019.

The Group has a concentration of credit risk exposure to its one customer (Shell Italia). Payment terms are
35 days and the customer has an investment grade credit rating. 

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

57

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 21:  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)
The carrying amount of the Group’s financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure and is shown 
in the table below. No receivables are considered past due nor were any impairment losses recognised during
the period.

Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables – Current
Other assets

Notes

10
12

Consolidated
Carrying Amount

2017
€

390,114
2,292,724
100,031

2,782,869

2016
€

166,459
262,512
155,956

584,927

(c) Liquidity risk
The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities, including estimated interest payments:

31 December 2017
In €

Carrying 
amount

Contractual
cash flows

6 months
or less

6 to
12 months

1 – 2 Years

2 – 5 Years

Consolidated

Trade and other payables
Secured bank loan

(4,739,681)
(526,892)

(4,739,681)
(602,083)

(4,739,681)
(602,083)

(5,132,643)

(5,341,764)

(5,341,764)

Consolidated

–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

31 December 2016
In €

Carrying 
amount

Contractual
cash flows

6 months
or less

6 to
12 months

1 – 2 Years

2 – 5 Years

Trade and other payables
Secured bank loan

(1,815,337)
(1,406,017)

(1,815,337)
(1,546,619)

(1,815,337)
(1,114,855)

–
(431,764)

(3,221,354)

(3,361,956)

(2,930,192)

(431,764)

–
–

–

–
–

–

(d) Net Fair Values of financial assets and liabilities
The carrying amounts of financial assets and liabilities (excluding borrowing costs) as disclosed in the balance
sheet equate to their estimated net fair value.

(e) Foreign Currency Risk
The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk on purchases and borrowings that are denominated in a currency
other than Euro. The currencies giving rise to this risk is primarily Australian Dollars and Pound Sterling.

Amounts receivable/(payable) in foreign currency other than functional currency:
Cash
Current – Payables
Current – Interest bearing loans

Net Exposure

Consolidated

2017
€

2016
€

266,382
(188,370)
(526,892)

(448,880)

26,658
(69,343)
–

(42,685)

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

58

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 21:  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)
The following significant exchange rates applied during the year:

Australian Dollar ($)
Pound Sterling (£)

Average rate

Reporting date spot rate

2017

0.679
1.142

2016

0.6768
–

2017

0.651
1.126

2016

0.6840
–

Sensitivity Analysis
A 5 percent strengthening of the Australian dollar against the Euro (€) at 31 December would have increased
(decreased)  equity  and  profit  and  loss  by  the  amounts  shown  below.  This  analysis  assumes  that  all  other
variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant. The analysis for 2016 was prepared using a 10 percent
variable.

31 December 2017 
Australian Dollar to Euro (€)
Pound Sterling (£)

31 December 2016
Australian Dollar to Euro (€)
Pound Sterling (£)

Consolidated

Profit or loss
€

Equity
€

(52,526)
6,012

(1,869)
–

–
–

–
–

A 5 percent weakening of the Australian dollar against the Euro (€) at 31 December would have the equal but
opposite effect on the above currencies to the amounts shown above, on the basis that all other variables remain
constant.

NOTE 22:  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Contractual Commitments and contingencies
There are no other material commitments or contingent liabilities not provided for in the financial statements
of the Company or the Group as at 31 December 2017. 

NOTE 23:  RELATED PARTIES

KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL COMPENSATION 
The key management personnel compensation included in employee benefit expenses (see note 4) is as follows:

Consolidated

2017
€

309,143
–
–
21,989
57,090

388,222

2016
€

237,326
–
–
6,250
14,056

257,632

Short-term employee benefits
Termination benefits
Other long term benefits
Post-employment benefits 
Share-based payments

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

59

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 23:  RELATED PARTIES (continued)

INTEREST BEARING LOANS 
During 2016 the Company restructured its financing facility by repaying the facility with Nedbank Limited and
obtained financing through a streamlined facility provided by existing and former Directors of the Company. The
new facility agreement has been reached with entities associated with Byron Pirola and Kevin Bailey (current
Directors) and Graham Bradly (former director).

Related Party

Beronia Investments Pty Ltd

Beronia Investments Pty Ltd

K & G Bailey as trustee for 
The Bailey Family Trust

Kevin Bailey

Fuiloro Pty Ltd

G. Bradley

Loan Amount 
2017

Loan Amount
2016

A$236,181

A$756,518

A$227,238

–

–

A$826.873

A$227,305

–

A$6,191

A$230,769

A$94,927

A$144,927

Interest

10% p.a.

10% p.a.

10% p.a.

10% p.a.

10% p.a.

10% p.a.

Repayment
Term

12 months

6 months

12 months

6 months

12 months

12 Months

SHARE BASED PAYMENTS
The following payments for services rendered were settled by issue of shares in Saffron Energy Plc:

Recognised in profit and loss and other comprehensive income:
Sara Edmondson – bonus for completion of AIM listing
Spencer Davey – consultant to the Company
Cassiopeia – for services provided 

Recognised as share issue costs in equity of subsidiary:
Broker remuneration for completion of AIM listing
Broker fees

No of shares
‘000s

Value of service
€

1,000
1,000
720

2,720

1,000
938

1,938

57,089
57,089
41,532

155,710

57,683
42,603

100,586

In the prior year, shareholders approved the issue of shares to Directors in lieu of Directors fees unpaid for 2015
and for up to 50% of the fees accrued in the first quarter of 2016. The share price, for the issue was deemed to
be A$0.015 per share. No shares were issued to directors in 2017.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

60

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 23:  RELATED PARTIES (continued)
The following shares were issued to Directors (and former Directors) in lieu of Directors fees: 

Director

Michael Masterman
Byron Pirola
Kevin Bailey
Graham Bradley 
(retired 22 April 2016)
Kevin Eley 
(retired 22 April 2016)
Gregory Short 
(retired 25 January 2016)

No. of 
Shares

2016 Fees
€

No. of 
Shares

2015 Fees
€

No. of 
Shares

173,576
347,151
–

1,750
3,500
–

1,487,791
2,975,583
–

15,000
30,000
–

1,661,367
3,322,734
–

Total
€

16,750
33,500
–

520,727

5,250

4,463,374

45,000

4,984,101

50,250

347,151

3,500

2,975,583

30,000

3,322,734

33,500

50,146

506

1,487,789

15,000

1,537,935

15,506

Total of shares issued

1,438,751

14,506

13,390,120

135,000

14,828,871

149,506

NOTE 24:  PARENT ENTITY DISCLOSURES 

2017
€

2016
€

17,304
10,021,070

45,226
15,972,596

10,038,374

16,017,822

466,249
–

466,249

1,267,306
–

1,267,306

9,706,055

14,750,516

49,462,268
(39,890,143)

48,659,337
(33,908,821)

9,572,125

14,750,516

(5,981,321)
–

(1,027,023)
–

(5,942,391)

(1,027,023)

Financial Position
Assets
Current assets
Non-current assets

Total assets

Liabilities 
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net Assets

Equity
Issued capital
Accumulated losses

Total equity 

Financial Performance
Loss
Other comprehensive loss

Total Comprehensive loss

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

61

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

NOTE 25:  INTERESTS IN OTHER ENTITIES
Subsidiaries
The parent and ultimate controlling party of the Group is Po Valley Energy Limited. The investments held in
controlled entities are included in the financial statements of the parent at cost less any impairment losses. Set
out below is a list of the significant subsidiaries of the Group.

Name:

Northsun Italia S.p.A (“NSI”)
Po Valley Operations Pty Limited (“PVO”)
Saffron Energy Plc (“Saffron”)

Country of
Incorporation

Italy
Australia
UK

Class of
Shares

Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary

2017
Investment
€

–
2,544,225
5,227,273

2016
Investment
€

6,079,441
631,056
60,000

5,771,498

6,760,497

Holding
%

75*
100
54

*the investment in NSI was transferred to Saffron Plc during 2017.

NOTE 26:  SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Other than matters already disclosed in this report, there were no other events between the end of the financial
year and the date of this report that, in the opinion of the Directors, affect significantly the operations of the
Group, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the Group.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

62

DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION

1.

In the opinion of the Directors of PVE (“the Company”):

i)

the financial statements and notes, as set out on pages 20 to 61, and the remuneration disclosures that
are  contained  in  the  Remuneration  report  in  the  Directors’  report,  are  in  accordance  with  the
Corporations Act 2001, including:

a. giving  a  true  and  fair  view  of  the  Group’s  financial  position  as  at  31  December  2017  and  of  its

performance, for the financial year ended on that date; and

b. complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations)

and the Corporations Regulations 2001; 

ii) subject to the matters disclosed in Note 1.2(c), there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company

will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.

2. The Directors have been given the declarations required by 295A of the Corporations Act 2001by the acting

chief executive officer and chief financial officer for the financial year ended 31 December 2017.

3. The  Directors  draw  attention  to  Note  1.2  to  the  Financial  Statements  which  include  a  statement  of

compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

Dated at Sydney this 29 March 2018.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors:

Michael Masterman
Chief Executive Officer

Byron Pirola
Non-Executive Director

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

63

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

CONTINUED

Bentleys NSW Audit Pty Ltd

(cid:51)(cid:76)(cid:93)(cid:76)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:23)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:58)(cid:87)(cid:89)(cid:80)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:58)(cid:91)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:76)(cid:91)(cid:3)
(cid:58)(cid:96)(cid:75)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:96)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:58)(cid:62)(cid:3)(cid:25)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:3)
(cid:40)(cid:92)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:80)(cid:72)

(cid:40)(cid:41)(cid:53)(cid:3)(cid:27)(cid:32)(cid:3)(cid:24)(cid:27)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:29)(cid:24)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:31)(cid:32)(cid:29)

(cid:59)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:29)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:25)(cid:3)(cid:32)(cid:25)(cid:25)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:23)(cid:30)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:3)
(cid:45)(cid:3)(cid:18)(cid:29)(cid:24)(cid:3)(cid:25)(cid:3)(cid:32)(cid:25)(cid:25)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:23)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:30)

(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:91)(cid:86)(cid:89)(cid:90)(cid:39)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:96)(cid:90)(cid:85)(cid:90)(cid:94)(cid:21)(cid:74)(cid:86)(cid:84)(cid:21)(cid:72)(cid:92)(cid:3)
(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:96)(cid:90)(cid:21)(cid:74)(cid:86)(cid:84)(cid:21)(cid:72)(cid:92)

Po Valley Energy Limited 
ABN: 33 087 741 571 

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Po Valley Energy Limited and Controlled Entities

Report on the Audit of the Financial Report

We have audited the financial report of Po Valley Energy Limited (the Company) and its Controlled Entities (“the
Group”), which comprises the statement of financial position as at 31 December 2017, and the statement of
profit or loss and other comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for
the year then ended, notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies,
and the Directors’ Declaration of the Group comprising the Company and the entities it controlled at the year’s
end or from time to time during the year.

In our opinion:

a)

the financial report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001including:

i.

giving a true and fair view of the Group’s financial position as at 31 December 2017 and of its performance
for the year ended on that date; and

ii. complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.

b)

the financial report also complies with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in Note 1.

Basis of Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we
comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to
obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  the  financial  report  is  free  from  material  misstatement.  Our
responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibility section of our report.
We are independent of the Group in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of
the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants
(the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical
responsibilities in accordance with the Code.

(cid:40)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:76)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:96)(cid:90)(cid:19)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:90)(cid:90)(cid:86)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:85)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:74)(cid:86)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:80)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:196)(cid:89)(cid:84)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:92)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:89)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:59)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:76)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:3)(cid:196)(cid:89)(cid:84)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:91)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:3)(cid:41)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:96)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:90)(cid:90)(cid:86)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:3)
(cid:72)(cid:77)(cid:196)(cid:83)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:76)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:96)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:91)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:90)(cid:79)(cid:80)(cid:87)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:80)(cid:91)(cid:96)(cid:3)(cid:83)(cid:80)(cid:84)(cid:80)(cid:91)(cid:76)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:96)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:84)(cid:76)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:87)(cid:87)(cid:89)(cid:86)(cid:93)(cid:76)(cid:75)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:89)(cid:86)(cid:77)(cid:76)(cid:90)(cid:90)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:58)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:75)(cid:72)(cid:89)(cid:75)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:51)(cid:76)(cid:78)(cid:80)(cid:90)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:85)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:3)(cid:84)(cid:76)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:77)(cid:3)
(cid:50)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:86)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:48)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:91)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:21)(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:3)(cid:78)(cid:83)(cid:86)(cid:73)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:3)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:86)(cid:89)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:86)(cid:77)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:85)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:75)(cid:76)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:74)(cid:86)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:80)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:3)(cid:196)(cid:89)(cid:84)(cid:90)(cid:21)

(cid:40)(cid:74)(cid:74)(cid:86)(cid:92)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:91)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:92)(cid:75)(cid:80)(cid:91)(cid:86)(cid:89)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)
(cid:3)(cid:40)(cid:75)(cid:93)(cid:80)(cid:90)(cid:86)(cid:89)(cid:90)

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

64

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

CONTINUED

We confirm that the independence declaration required by the Corporations Act 2001, which has been given to
the directors of the Company, would be in the same terms if given to the directors as at the time of this auditor’s
report.

We  believe  that  the  audit  evidence  we  have  obtained  is  sufficient  and  appropriate  to  provide  a  basis  for 
our opinion.

Key Audit Matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit
of the financial statements of the current year. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the
financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion
on these matters.

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Carrying value of Resource Property Costs

Our procedures included, amongst others:

The  Group  has  an  exploration  asset  of  €9.2m  at
31 December 2017. The carrying value of exploration
and evaluation assets can be subjective based on the
Group’s ability, and intention, to continue to explore the
asset.

• Evaluating the Group’s assessment of the carrying

value of exploration and evaluation assets.

• We have considered the Group’s right to explore in

the relevant exploration area.

Carrying value of production assets

Our procedures included, amongst others:

The  Group  has  an  exploration  asset  of  €2.2m  at
31 December 2017. The asset may be impaired.

• We  evaluated  the  Group’s  assessment  of  the

carrying value of the production asset.

• We  considered  whether  any 

indicators  of

impairment were present.

• We  assessed  the  Group’s  future  cash  flow
forecasts included in the value in use impairment
model.

Valuation of site rehabilitation provision

Our procedures included, amongst others:

At 31 December 2017 the Group has a rehabilitation
provision of €4.8m. There is the risk that the value of
this provision is misstated.

•

•

Verified its mathematical accuracy.

Verified estimates to supporting documents where
possible.

• Challenged the estimate made.

• Ensured  all  required  rehabilitation  obligations

were included therein.

• Ensured that appropriate disclosures were made.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

65

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

CONTINUED

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Income taxes – recoverability of deferred tax assets

Our procedures included, amongst others:

At  31  December  2017  the  Group  has  deferred  tax
assets  relating  to  deductible  temporary  differences
and carry forward tax losses of €2.6m.

• We have performed audit procedures to evaluate
and test the key assumptions used to determine
the amounts recognised.

Going Concern
The  Group  has  incurred  a  loss  of  €4.3m  and  net
operating cash outflows of €2.4m for the year ended
31 December 2017.

• We  assessed  the  basis  for  the  recognition  of
deferred tax balances based on the requirements
of each local tax jurisdiction.

• We considered the recoverability of the deferred tax
assets by considering the likelihood of sufficient
estimated future taxable income being generated.

Our procedures included, amongst others:

• We have obtained the current cash flow forecasts
and budgets and discussed the assumptions with
management.

• We have examined and reviewed the agreement to
sell two onshore Italian oil exploration licences.

• We have reviewed the disclosure in Note 1.2 for
consistency  with  management’s  forecasts  and
assertions.

Other Information
The  directors  are  responsible  for  the  other  information.  The  other  information  comprises  the  information
included in the Group’s annual report for the year ended 31 December 2017, but does not include the financial
report and our auditor’s report thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of
assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial report, 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, based on the work we have
performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to
report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

66

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

CONTINUED

Directors’ responsibility for the financial report
The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in
accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 and for such internal control
as directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In Note 1, the directors also state, in accordance with Australian
Accounting Standards AASB 101 Presentation of Financial Statements, that the financial report complies with
International Financial Reporting Standards.

In preparing the financial report , the directors are responsible for assessing the Group’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 management either intends to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or has 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 report as a whole is 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 Australian Auditing Standards 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 this financial report.

As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional judgement
and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:

•

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error,
design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient
and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting
from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional
omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

• Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of
the Group’s internal control.

• Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates

and related disclosures made by the directors.

• Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based
on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may
cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material
uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the
financial report or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on
the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may
cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern.

• Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including the disclosures, and
whether the financial report represents the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves
fair presentation.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

67

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

CONTINUED

• Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business
activities within the Group to express an opinion on the financial report. We are responsible for the direction,
supervision and performance of the Group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.

We communicate with the directors regarding, amongst other matters, the planned scope and timing of the
audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify
during our audit.

We  also  provide  the  directors  with  a  statement  that  we  have  complied  with  relevant  ethical  requirements
regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and matters that may reasonably be
thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.

From the matters communicated with the directors, we determine those matters that were of most significance
in the audit of the financial report of the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these
matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when,
in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter should not be communicated in our report because
the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of
such communication.

Report on the Remuneration Report

Opinion on the Remuneration Report
We have audited the remuneration report included in pages 7 to 12 of the Directors’ Report for the year ended
31 December 2017.

In  our  opinion  the  remuneration  report  of  Po  Valley  Energy  Limited  for  the  year  ended  31  December  2017
complies with s300A of the Corporations Act 2001.

Responsibilities
The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the remuneration report
in  accordance  with  s300A  of  the Corporations Act 2001.  Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  the
remuneration report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.

Bentleys NSW Audit Pty Ltd 

Robert Evett 
Director 
Sydney 

29 March 2018 

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION (AS AT 5 APRIL 2018)

68

Shareholder Information required by the Australian Securities Exchange Limited (ASX) Listing Rules and not
disclosed elsewhere in the Report is set out below. 

1.

In accordance with the 3rd edition ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Principles and Recommendations,
the 2018 Corporate Governance Statement, as approved by the Board, is available on the Company’s website
at: www.povalley.com. The Corporate Governance Statement sets out the extent to which Po Valley Energy
Limited has followed the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s 29 Recommendations during the 2017 financial
year.

2. Substantial shareholders 
The following table shows holdings of 5% or more of voting rights as disclosed in substantial holding notices given
to the Company or, in the case of directors, information available to the Company and disclosed to ASX in
Directors Interest Notices:

Fully paid Ordinary Shares 
Name 

Michael Masterman
Kevin Bailey
Beronia Investments Pty Ltd 
Supervised Investments Australia Limited 
Greenvale Asia Limited

Number

156,692,994
132,728,169
59,494,135
42,227,073
32,328,759

%

26.41
22.37
10.03
7.12
6.20

3. Number of security holders and securities on issue 
Po Valley Energy Limited has issued the following securities 593,260,128 fully paid ordinary shares held by 
424 shareholders. 

4. Voting rights 

Ordinary shares 
The voting rights attached to ordinary shares are that on a show of hands, every member present, in person or
proxy, has one vote and upon a poll, each share shall have one vote. 

5. Distribution of security holders 

Quoted securities

Category

1 – 1,000
1,001 – 5,000
5,001 – 10,000
10,001 – 100,000
100,001 and over 

Total 

Fully paid Ordinary shares 

Holders

Shares 

81
20
33
156
134

424

7,797
50,412
268,389
6,854,650
586,078,880

593,260,128

%

0.00
0.01
0.05
1.16
98.79

100

6. Unmarketable parcel of shares 
The number of shareholders holding less than a marketable parcel of ordinary shares is 150 based on the 
Po Valley Energy Limited closing share price of $0.04, on 5 April 2018.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

69

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION (AS AT 5 APRIL 2018)

CONTINUED

7.

Twenty largest shareholders of quoted equity securities 

Fully paid ordinary shares 
Details of the 20 largest shareholders by registered shareholding are:

Name

MICHAEL MASTERMAN 
MR KEVIN BAILEY & MRS GRACE BAILEY 
SYMMALL PTY LTD 
J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA LIMITED 
BERNE NO 132 NOMINEES PTY LTD 
QUO VADIS PTY LTD 
FUILORO PTY LTD 
P & N DAIRIES PTY LTD 
MR LAURIE MARK MACRI 
BERONIA INVESTMENTS PTY LTD 
HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 
BERONIA INVESTMENTS PTY LTD 
BERONIA INVESTMENTS PTY LTD
MR CHRIS CARR & MRS BETSY CARR 
MR GRAHAM JOHN BRADLEY 
HENDERSON INTERNATIONAL PTY LIMITED 
BERONIA FS PTY LTD 
BERONIA FS PTY LTD 
TUCABIA HOLDINGS PTY LTD 
DONUS AUSTRALIA FOUNDATION LIMITED 

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

8. On market buy-back 
There is no current on market buy-back.

No. of shares

86,234,079
73,547,636
67,167,262
37,918,444
32,595,000
30,799,806
22,680,727
21,820,038
20,175,000
19,809,126
17,806,748
17,487,461
9,716,708
9,000,000
8,857,965
6,415,500
5,880,000
5,600,840
4,826,046
4,250,000

%

14.54
12.40
11.32
6.39
5.49
5.19
3.82
3.68
3.40
3.34
3.00
2.95
1.64
1.52
1.49
1.08
0.99
0.94
0.81
0.72

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

70

TECHNICAL SUMMARY

In December 2013 the ASX introduced new reporting requirements for oil and gas activities through amendments
to Chapter 5 of the Listing Rules. The new reporting requirements include general requirements applicable to
the public reporting of petroleum resources and also require specific information to be included in the oil and
gas exploration entity’s Annual Report. The following information is provided in order to comply with Chapter 5
of the Listing Rules:

1) TENEMENTS
The Company’s operations are located entirely in the north of Italy, in the Lombardy and Emilia Romagna regions.
As at 31 December 2017 the Company’s core portfolio includes a total of 10 onshore assets and 1 offshore license.
Total acreage position of the Company is circa 2,000 km2. For an illustration of each asset’s location please refer
to the map and table below. As at 31 December 2017 all tenements are 100% owned with exception of the
production concession Cascina Castello – which includes Bezzecca gas field (90%), Cadelbosco (85%) exploration
permit and Podere Gallina permit (63%).

The Farm-in Agreement for Cadelbosco was completed in June 2012 with Petrorep Italiana Spa for its 15%
interest; Petrorep committed to a promoted share of future drilling expenditures and reimbursement on past
costs. In 2014, the Company successfully concluded another farm-in with Petrorep Italiana Spa for a 10% interest
in the Cascina Castello (Bezzecca) production concession. Petrorep committed to a promoted share of future
development expenditures. In 2017 the Company farmed out the whole Cadelbosco/Grattasasso permits to Delta
Energy. To complete the sale, the Ministry has to release the final approval on the transfer of ownership between
the companies. In addition, the Company successfully concluded another farm-in with United Oil & Gas (20%)
and Prospex Oil & Gas (17%) in the Podere Gallina licence (promotion on the Podere Maiar 1 well).

December 2017

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

71

TECHNICAL SUMMARY

CONTINUED

Tenement

Sillaro

Vitalba (Cascina Castello)

GRANTED

Bezzecca (Cascina Castello)

Sant’Alberto

Location 

Interest held for 2017*

Italy, Emilia Romagna,
Bologna
Italy, Lombardia
Cremona
Italy, Lombardia
Lodi
Italy, Emilia Romagna,
Bologna

100% Northsun Italia

90% Northsun Italia

90% Northsun Italia

100% Northsun Italia

PREL.
AWARDED

GRANTED

PREL
AWARDED

Teodorico (d.40.AC-PY)

Italy, Adriatic Offshore

100% Po Valley

AR94PY
Cadelbosco di Sopra
Grattasasso
Podere Gallina
Tozzona
Torre del Moro

Italy, Adriatic Offshore
Italy, Emilia Romagna
Italy, Emilia Romagna
Italy, Emilia Romagna
Italy, Emilia Romagna
Italy, Emilia Romagna &

100% Po Valley
Sold to Delta Energy**
Sold to Delta Energy**
63% Po Valley
100% Northsun Italia
100% Po Valley

La Risorta

Italy, Emilia Romagna &

100%

I

N
O
S
S
E
C
N
O
C

.

D
O
R
P

S
T
I
M
R
E
P

.

L
P
X
E

* as at 31 December 2017
** Sale still under finalisation – waiting for final Ministry approval

2) RESERVES & RESOURCES
The following table summarises the status of the Company’s Reserves & Resources as at 31 December 2017. 

The reserves and resource estimates of the gas fields, Sillaro, Bezzecca and Sant’Alberto, were independently
evaluated by the geological and petroleum reservoir consultancy firm CGG (UK) Services Ltd in 2017 whilst the
other gas and two oil discoveries (Bagnolo and Ravizza) were reviewed by the same firm in 2013. 

Following the unsuccessful rigless campaign carried out on Sillaro in 2016 and the integrated internal study on
Bezzecca, the Company commissioned a comprehensive re-evaluation of these fields. Estimates of the revised
recoverable volumes for each field and a detailed explanation of how this review was carried out as required
under the Chapter 5 ASX Listing Rules are provided in the ASX media release entitled “Producing and Near
Production Field Reserves Revision” dated 25 November 2016. For the remaining fields a refresh of the review
carried out in 2013 was not deemed necessary as there was no new information impacting volumes estimates
at  the  reporting  date.  All  estimates  are  based  on 
in  accordance  with
SPE/WPC/AAPG/SPEE Petroleum Resource Management System. 

independent  evaluations 

Figures shown in the table on the next page are the revised reserve estimates less any production for the period.
The Podere Gallina Selva Stratigraphic resources remain classified as Contingent Resources notwithstanding the
successful testing of the Podere Maiar 1 well (drilled from November and December 2017). These are currently
under review following the recent drilling and flow test and will be upgraded from Contingent Resources to
Reserves when the preliminary production concession will be granted.

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

 
 
72

TECHNICAL SUMMARY

CONTINUED

Licence

Project

Reserves

Sillaro

Sillaro

Cascina Castello

Vitalba
West Vitalba Quaternary [Net]
West Vitalba Pliocene [Net]

Cascina Castello ext Bezzecca [Net]

Sant’Alberto

Santa Maddalena

1P

0.0

/

1.2

1.6

2P

2.2

/

2.3

2.1

Contingent 
Resources

Gas Bcf

Prospective
Resources

1C

0.6

2C

1.1

3P

2.6

/

3C

Low

Best

High

1.5

1.3
1.4

2.0
2.2

2.8
2.9

3.3 

1.8 

2.5

3.2

2.8

Teodorico outside 12miles
Teodorico Inside 12 miles
PL3-C

Zini (Qu-B) 
Canolo (Qu-A) 
Canolo (Plioc) 
Zini (Qu-A) 

Selva Strat. (Podere Maiar1)
Cembalina
Fondo Perino
East Selva [Net]

Ariano
Corcrevà
D. delle Anime

AR94PY 

Cadelbosco* 
di Sopra [Net]

Podere Gallina [Net]

La Risorta

T. del Moro

Tozzona

Licence

Project

Cadelbosco*

Bagnolo in Piano

Grattasasso*

Ravizza

26.7

36.5

47.5

7.4

10.6

13.9

0.9
0.6
0.3

2.3
0.9
3.1

3.9
1.4
8.9

7.2

10.7

14.5

7.9

15.9

25.0

1.2

1.32
6.42

2.08
2.96
9.20 12.92
18.33 21.93 25.58

10.6
7.0
13.8

16.6
8.8
18.3

24.7
11.3
24.4

UNDER REVIEW

UNDER REVIEW

Contingent 
Resources
Oil, MMbbls

1C

3.7

2.2

2C

4.3

5.7

3C

5.1

10.7

* Cadelbosco/Grattasasso farmed out to Delta Energy. To complete the sale, the Ministry has to release the final approval on the transfer of

ownership between the companies

Qualified Petroleum Reserves and Resources Evaluator:
Statements in this Annual Report regarding estimates of petroleum Reserves and Contingent and Prospective
Resources and the Reserves statement for 2016 are based on and fairly represented information and supporting
documentation reviewed by Mr Enzo Vegliante, Production and Development Manager of Po Valley Energy Ltd
since December 2014.  

Mr Vegliante holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering with 19 years of experience in petroleum
engineering and the oil and gas industry. He is a member of SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers). 

Mr Vegliante has approved the Reserves statement as a whole and has consented to: (a) the inclusion of the
estimated petroleum Reserves and Contingent and Prospective Resources and supporting information in this
Annual  Report  in  the  form  and  context  in  which  they  are  presented;  and  (b)  the  inclusion  of  the  Reserves
statement in this Annual Report in the form and context in which it appears. 

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TECHNICAL SUMMARY

CONTINUED

RESERVES are those quantities of hydrocarbon anticipated to be commercially recoverable by application of
development projects to known accumulations from a given date forward under defined conditions.

Proved Reserves are those quantities of hydrocarbon, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data,
can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be commercially recoverable, from a given date forward, from
known reservoirs and under defined economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations (1P).

Probable Reserves are those additional reserves which analysis of geoscience and engineering data indicate are
less likely to be recovered than proved reserves but more certain to be recovered than possible reserves. It is
equally  likely  that  actual  remaining  quantities  recovered  will  be  greater  than  or  less  than  the  sum  of  the
estimated Proved plus Probable Reserves (2P).

Possible Reserves are those additional reserves which analysis of geoscience and engineering data suggest
are less likely to be recoverable than probable reserves. The total quantities ultimately recovered from the project
have a low probability to exceed the sum of proved plus probable plus possible (3P) Reserves, which is equivalent
to the high estimate scenario.

CONTINGENT RESOURCES are those quantities of hydrocarbon estimated, as of a given date, to be potentially
recoverable from known accumulations, but the applied project(s) are not yet considered mature enough for
commercial development due to one or more contingencies.

PROSPECTIVE  RESOURCES are  those  quantities  of  hydrocarbon  that  may  potentially  be  recovered  by  the
application of a future development project(s) relate to undiscovered accumulations. These estimates have both
an associated risk of discovery and a risk of development. Further exploration appraisal and evaluation is required
to determine the existence of a significant quantity of potentially moveable hydrocarbons. 

For Contingent Resources, the general cumulative terms low/best/high estimates are denoted as 1C/2C/3C
respectively. For Prospective Resources, the general cumulative terms low/best/high estimates still apply. No
specific terms are defined for incremental quantities within contingent and Prospective Resources.

Company Reserves

Gas, Italy (bcf)

Developed
(Sillaro Pliocene +Bezzecca)

Undeveloped 
(Sillaro Miocene + Bezzecca [net]+ Sant’Alberto)
Teodorico 

Total Reserves

Reserves as at
31 December 2017

Reserves as at
31 December 2016

1P

0.02

3.12
26.70

29.85

2P

0.055

10.30
36.50

46.85

1P

0.5

4.2

4.7

2P

1.2

7.5

8.7

The variation in Undeveloped Reserves (1P and 2P) primarily reflects the preliminary award of the offshore
Teodorico exploitation concession. In addition, during the second half of 2017, early water arrival in the major R
completion on Bezzecca-1 led to a significant reduction in production and in the estimate of remaining reserves
as compared to the estimates originally published in the IPO Admission document dated 24 February 2017.
Following  the  preparation  of  the  Competent  Persons  Report  for  the  Re-Admission  Document  released  on
15 February 2018, the Company announced the 1P and 2P reserve estimates for Bezzecca would be reduced
compared to the original volumes and were specifically 33.9 and 65.7 MMscm [net] respectively. 

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TECHNICAL SUMMARY

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A rig-less intervention to seal off water production from the bottom most perforations of level R was carried out
at approximately the same time the revised Competent Persons Report was being prepared. The outcome of
that rigless operation was positive and since January 2018, the Bezzecca field has been producing at an average
of 15,000 standard cubic metres/day (circa 424,500 cubic feet per day) with limited associated water production.
This production, both in terms of daily rates and quantum, is above the estimations indicated in the revised
Competent Persons report. On the basis that these rates continue for a reasonable period, the Board will
consider  commissioning  a  new  competent  persons  report  for  the  Bezzecca  field.  In  accordance  with  IFRS 
the Board has impaired the carrying value of the Bezzecca field at 31 December 2017 to reflect the fair value at
that date. 

Production from the Bezzecca and Sillaro fields in 2017 was 0.246 bcf (7.13 million scm). We note that the P2
recoverable volumes for the Sillaro field mainly refer to the Miocene targets (Medium and Deep) and are therefore
based on the current development plan of drilling Sillaro-3dir by sidetracking from Sillaro-1.

We further confirmed that the Sillaro-1 sidetrack project originally announced in January 2015 remains valid and
would optimise production of the remaining resources from the Pliocene reservoirs along with the development
of the Miocene target. These reserves continue to be classified above under the “Undeveloped” category. 

As regards Vitalba, the ealier attempt to restart production was unsuccessful and a study will be undertaken in
order to evaluate any remaining potential.

In regards to the future development of the Undeveloped Reserves the Company confirms that Sillaro Miocene,
Bezzecca, and Sant’Alberto Reserves have been classified as Undeveloped under the SPE-PRMS definition as
they are expected to be recovered through future investments. 

As regards the Sant’Alberto gas field, the Company awarded a full production concession in Q4 of 2017. The
Company intends to develop this field using a small modular gas treatment plant which will be installed at the
existing well site. 

The reference point for gas flow from Vitalba & Sillaro is measured through a turbine, located on the wells site,
using non-standard cubic metres. The figure is standardised using a Fiorentini Fiomec Calculator (FFC) which
is a conversion consisting of gas temperature and pressure with gas quality parameters. The outcome of this
conversion is the actual gas volume in standard cubic meters injected in the SNAM gridline; SNAM being the
Italian natural gas infrastructure company and manages the national gas transportation network. The SNAM
entry points for Sillaro & Vitalba* are located 200 metres and 50 metres respectively from site perimeters. The
FFC prints a production report which is authenticated by the Ministry of Economic Development and this official
data is then accepted by SNAM, our customers and the Taxation Authority. 

The Company does not have unconventional petroleum Resources in its portfolio. The Company does not have
any material concentration of Undeveloped Reserves in Oil & Gas projects that remained undeveloped for more
than 5 years from the date they were initially reported. 

In reference to the Reserves & Resources estimation process, the Company commits to a regular independent
audit in order to obtain a certified update of its Reserves & Resources portfolio. The latest review took place in
the second half of 2017 for Sillaro, Bezzecca and Sant’Alberto. 

* The gas produced at Bezzecca is treated into the Vitalba plant before being injected in the SNAM gridline

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TECHNICAL SUMMARY

CONTINUED

Company Contingent Resources

Gas (bcf)

Oil (MMbbls)

Contingent Resources as at 
31 December 2017

Contingent Resources as at 
31 December 2016

1C

49.3

5.9

2C

73.1

10.0

1C

48.2

5.9

2C

74.9

10.0

As per Bezzecca, the Contingent Resource estimates refer to volumes in the Central (Bezzecca-1) and South East
Block (Bezzecca-3) for which there is evidence of gas but a physical pressure test of the layer or logging will be
required to ascertain if it is commercially producible.

The table on page 72 of the Technical Summary shows the detailed estimate for each field. 

All figures have been determined using a probabilistic method except Sillaro, Vitalba, Bezzecca, and Sant’
Alberto, which were estimated using a deterministic method. 

PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED / ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2017

January 2018, Podere Maiar1 - Flow test

January 2018, Podere Maiar1 - Flow test

Po Valley Energy Limited
ABN 33 087 741 571

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Australia
Tel: + 61 8 9316 9100