Sterling Energy plc
Annual Report 2012

Plain-text annual report

Report and Financial Statements 2012 Sterling Energy Plc (“Sterling” or the “Company”) is an upstream oil and gas company listed on AIM in London. Sterling is an experienced operator of international licences with a focus on projects in Africa and the Middle East. Sterling has high potential exploration projects in Cameroon and Madagascar, and an interest in production in Mauritania. 22 2 Sterling Energy PLC Annual Report and Financial Statements 2012 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements Year ended 31 December 2012 CONTENTS Chairman’s Statement Chief Executive’s Review Operations Review Reserves Summary Schedule of Interests Financial Review Corporate Responsibility Board of Directors Corporate Governance Remuneration Report Directors’ Report Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities Independent Auditors’ Report Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Company Statement of Financial Position Company Statement of Changes in Equity Company Statement of Cash Flows Notes to the Financial Statements Definitions and Glossary of Terms Professional Advisers Annual General Meeting 2013 4 6 10 16 17 20 24 25 27 32 38 44 45 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 56 86 90 94 3 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012OVERVIEW Chairman’s Statement Sterling remains well funded and is actively pursuing new opportunities to broaden our exploration portfolio. During 2012, we recruited several new sub-surface specialists to work under our Exploration Director who joined in November 2011; refreshment of our sub-surface team has increased the breadth and depth of our geological expertise and experience. The team has screened numerous new ventures, reviewing several in detail, and, with the additional expertise of the finance and legal functions, undertaken due diligence on several highly ranked opportunities, the more attractive being presented to the board. However those projects supported by the board either failed to pass the higher levels of due diligence undertaken prior to execution of transaction documents, or were acquired by others who appeared to be able and willing to offer considerably larger consideration to the vendors. Some of the countries we have been actively looking at over the last 12 months have become very popular with entry prices for new ventures reaching new highs. Whilst we continue to focus on Africa and the Middle East, we are now looking at other geographical areas. Our most recent news is the termination of the Sangaw North Production Sharing Agreement (PSC), bringing to an end our 5-year exploration program in the highly prospective area of Kurdistan. One of the primary advantages of the Sangaw North block was that it contained one very large prospect requiring one exploration well to determine if it was to be a potentially commercial accumulation. The downside we have now experienced is that after the disappointing results announced in 2011, in our judgment there was little potential remaining. Following the acquisition of more 2D seismic in 2012, Sterling with its joint venture partner Addax Petroleum, decided not to drill a further exploration well and to subsequently withdraw from the PSC. Whilst the outcome is disappointing, we believe the initial resource potential of the Sangaw North block, a view shared by Addax when they farmed-in and paid for our drilling costs, justified our own financial exposure in this project. Now we must look for similar ‘risk-reward’ opportunities, hopefully with a better outcome. In Cameroon we have worked with Murphy Oil, who is now the operator of the Ntem block, to refine the preferred choice of prospects to a drill-ready status. We remain excited about the prospectivity of the Ntem block and look forward to resuming our exploration of the block with the drill-bit when the resolution of the border dispute has progressed to the satisfaction of both us and our partners. In Madagascar we have made good progress with OMNIS, the state oil company, to re-phase the outstanding work commitments under the Ampasindava and Ambilobe licence agreements following the suspension of exploration activities after the change of government in March 2009. We believe the various parties involved in the roadmap towards democratic elections have agreed to reschedule the elections to later in 2013, which we expect to enable the resumption of operations in the country. FINANCIAL The Company had cash resources of $120.3 million at the end of 2012. Our work programme for 2013 is fully funded and we have substantial funds available for new venture activity. We remain pleased that the revenue from Chinguetti field operations in Mauritania continued to provide positive cash flow during 2012 in excess of Sterling’s administrative costs. 4 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012$120.3 million CASH RESOURCES We will remain focused on acquiring only those ventures which we believe will deliver real growth and value for our shareholders OUTLOOK FOR 2013 AND BEYOND We are optimistic that progress towards a resolution of the border dispute between Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea will be made in 2013 and we are ready to commence the drilling programme to evaluate the large prospects identified from 3D seismic. In Madagascar the roadmap for elections indicates a democratically elected government should be in place during 2013. We believe the Ntem and Ampasindava blocks contain significant potential value waiting to be tested with the drill-bit. During 2013 our key objective is to add to our portfolio of assets. We will look both within and beyond our legacy areas for the right opportunity but remain focused on acquiring only those ventures which we believe will deliver real growth and value for our shareholders. 2012 SUMMARY Reached agreements for the prolongation of exploration licences in Madagascar and now awaiting ratification. Completed exploration operations in the Sangaw North block in Kurdistan. Received $12.7 million of net cash flow from Chinguetti field operations during 2012 (2011: $11.2 million). Cash resources at 31 December 2012 of $120.3 million (2011: $115.8 million). I would like to thank our shareholders for their continuing interest in Sterling and all our staff for their hard work during 2012. Company remains debt free. Alastair Beardsall Chairman 15 March 2013 5 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012OVERVIEW Chief Executive’s Review Sterling is an oil and gas company currently focused on exploration in Africa and the Middle East. The Company’s strategy continues to be to build shareholder value through participation in the exploration drilling of large exploration prospects whilst retaining a material working interest. The Company’s existing portfolio consists principally of large working interests in high materiality exploration licences acquired early in the exploration of an area. The Company has then advanced understanding of the exploration play through the acquisition of data and the application of technical studies, and reduced the exploration risk to a level that is commercially viable for the drilling of exploration wells. When appropriate the Company has introduced partners, generally through a farm-down process, to pay some, or all, of Sterling’s share of the costs of exploration drilling operations. Following the completion of exploration activities in Kurdistan, the Company’s exploration portfolio consists of highly prospective interests in two areas, Cameroon and Madagascar. With this concentrated portfolio, the drilling of exploration wells is infrequent and the outcome of success or failure in any one well will greatly affect the longer term value of the Company. Success in any one exploration well has the potential for very large returns for shareholders and, by farming-down a proportion of our working interest in exchange for a third party to cover our share of the costs, the down side of our financial exposure is limited. In Kurdistan, the Company completed the exploration of the Sangaw North PSC area by acquiring and interpreting further 2D seismic data targeting the potential of a secondary prospect along the flank of the main structure, analogous to discoveries made in adjacent acreage to the south east. Sterling, along with our joint venture partner, concluded that the risked potential did not justify the cost exposure of an exploration well and elected to withdraw from the PSC. Although the outcome from our exploration activities in Kurdistan has been disappointing, this venture offered shareholders the potential of a very large addition in value in the success case, with the downside limited by the farming out of a portion of the Company’s interest in return for a carry of costs through the drilling of the first exploration well. In Cameroon, Sterling has conducted detailed interpretation of the reprocessed 3D seismic, completed in 2011, increasing the Company’s confidence in the prospects previously identified within the licence area. A stacked series of submarine fans, each having, in the Company’s best estimate, gross un-risked prospective resources of several hundred million barrels of recoverable oil, may offer the potential for multiple targets to be intersected by the first exploration well. While the overlapping maritime border claim between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon has not yet been resolved, we believe that progress continues and that the joint venture partners, Sterling and Murphy Cameroon Ntem Oil Co. Ltd (Operator), are well placed for the drilling of a very high potential exploration well. In Madagascar, significant progress has been made, in accordance with the ‘roadmap’ signed by the incumbent Government and their African neighbours in 2011, towards the holding of democratic elections scheduled to take place in 2013. Sterling has material interests in two high potential exploration licences, Ambilobe and Ampasindava, located in the deep water basins offshore north-west Madagascar. The Company has concluded discussions with OMNIS, the state agency managing the petroleum resources of Madagascar, concerning the scheduling of the exploration period in these licences, and expects that exploration activities will resume in both licences in 2013. On resumption, each licence will have the same remaining duration and obligations in the current exploration periods as existed in March 2009 when activities last took place. In Ampasindava, the large Sifaka prospect is now expected to be drilled during 2014 or 2015. 6 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012 $22.5 million REVENUE The Company has large working interest in high materiality exploration and is well placed to build the portfolio using existing resources subsequent well drilling, and the acquisition of 2D seismic data across nearby leads. However, Sterling is ready to accelerate activities in both of these areas should the opportunity arise. Sterling has a strong balance sheet with cash resources of $120.3 million at 31 December 2012 and generates cash, from production, in excess of its administrative and overhead costs. The Company is confident that the external factors adversely influencing the existing exploration assets will be resolved in due course, and that it is well placed to build on the existing portfolio in a manner consistent with the Company’s strategy, using its existing resources. Angus MacAskill Chief Executive Officer 15 March 2013 With the completion of exploration activities in Kurdistan, the Company’s exploration portfolio has become more concentrated. Sterling’s strategy includes the expansion of the existing portfolio through the addition of exploration assets offering material potential value to shareholders. During 2012, the Company strengthened its technical and commercial team, completed a preliminary screening of many exploration opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa, and evaluated a number in more detail. Through this process, the Company identified several attractive opportunities to complement its existing portfolio. However, a combination of more detailed due diligence that identified unacceptable commercial and legal risks, and more aggressive bidding terms by our peers, resulted in no new ventures being secured during the period. The Company continues to identify and evaluate a number of interesting opportunities, and the expansion of the existing portfolio will be a key area of focus during 2013. The Company also has an economic interest, approximately equivalent to 8%, in production from the Chinguetti field in Mauritania and a minor royalty interest in the surrounding exploration acreage. Chinguetti is a mature field with no further development planned. Gross oil production during 2012 averaged approximately 6,256 barrels per day. Cash flow from our interests in Chinguetti currently covers the Company’s administrative overhead costs and makes a contribution to the cost of operations. Whilst the cash flow from this project is significant, this asset is not material in comparison to the future potential of our other projects. Sterling’s exploration portfolio consists of highly prospective and material exploration projects in two emerging exploration areas, Cameroon and Madagascar. As both are progressing slower than we would like, due to external factors not controlled by Sterling, the planned exploration programme in existing assets during 2013 is relatively modest and consists of the acquisition of a site survey in the Ampasindava licence, in preparation for 7 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Sterling Energy Plc Operations Review Year ended 31 December 2012 OPERATIONS Operations Review CAMEROON Ntem (WI 50%) The Ntem concession area is a deep water block situated in the southern Douala/Rio Muni Basin and lies adjacent to the northern maritime border of the Rio Muni province of Equatorial Guinea. Water depths range from 400m to 2,000m across the block. During the first term of the concession over 2,100km of 2D and 1,500km2 of 3D seismic data were acquired. Additional seismic and gravity data were purchased. This large block is undrilled and is well placed with respect to both Tertiary and Upper Cretaceous plays, which have both proved successful in West Africa. To the north of the block, Tertiary oil, gas and condensate discoveries made by Noble Energy commenced production in 2011, and Euroil (Bowleven) continue to appraise their nearby discoveries and are progressing these towards development. During 2012 Sterling interpreted the re-processed 3D seismic data, which provided significantly improved data quality and increased Sterling’s confidence in the material exploration prospects previously identified in the block. The Company is in the process of working up a full prospect inventory for the block and considers that a stacked series of submarine fans, offering the potential for multiple targets being intersected by one exploration well, are ready to drill. Current work confirms the significant potential of these prospects, with each having gross un-risked prospective recoverable resources of several hundred million barrels. In November 2011 Sterling completed a farm-out agreement with Murphy Cameroon Ntem Oil Co. Ltd (Murphy Oil), a wholly owned subsidiary of Murphy Oil Corporation under which Murphy Oil was assigned a 50% working interest in, and operatorship of, the Ntem concession. Sterling retains a 50% non-operated working interest. As consideration, Murphy Oil paid to Sterling a contribution towards past costs and is committed to fully fund joint operations in relation to the current phase of exploration. Operations within the Ntem concession area are currently suspended under the force majeure provisions of the licence owing to an overlapping maritime border claim between Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. The Company believes that both countries are actively working to resolve this issue and that the impact of the outcome will be either neutral or positive to the Company’s position. However, it is possible that the resolution could take longer than expected and that the outcome could have a negative effect on the Company’s position. When force majeure is lifted, there will be 15 months remaining in the current exploration period which includes the drilling of one exploration well. Having introduced an experienced deep water operator, the Company is well placed for this operation when it occurs. MADAGASCAR Sterling’s Ambilobe and Ampasindava blocks are located in the Majunga and Ambilobe deep water basins, respectively, offshore north-west Madagascar. Exploration activity in these blocks continues to be delayed due to the political situation in the country following a change of Government in March 2009. The Government of Madagascar has not been recognised by the African Union or by the United Nations but in September 2011, the political parties in Madagascar agreed a process, prepared by the Southern African Development Community, which involved establishment of a Transitional Government, and with the objective of holding democratic elections which are expected to take place in 2013. During 2012, discussions continued with OMNIS, the state regulator, and formal agreement was reached to prolong the current exploration period of both the Ambilobe and Ampasindava production sharing contracts with each licence having the same remaining duration and obligations in the current exploration periods as existed in March 2009; in effect, the exploration periods will have been suspended 10 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012 from March 2009 to when they resume. These agreements now await formal ratification by the Government. Ampasindava (WI 30%) The production sharing contract (PSC) for Ampasindava is in the third phase of the exploration period with a minimum work commitment of one exploration well. The large Sifaka prospect is ready to drill and has been independently estimated to contain gross un-risked best estimate prospective recoverable resources of 1.2 billion barrels (RISC Competent Persons Report, March 2008). ExxonMobil (WI 70%, Operator) and Sterling plan to drill this well once political stability is re-established. Following the farm-in by ExxonMobil in 2005, Sterling’s costs are carried up to a fixed amount. The cost to drill the Sifaka prospect is estimated to exceed the remaining carry and the Company has started a farm-out process to introduce an additional partner, and reduce its current working interest, to cover these costs. It is currently unlikely that an exploration well will commence drilling before mid-2014. Ambilobe (WI 100% and Operator) The PSC for Ambilobe is in the second phase of the exploration period. All work commitments have been fulfilled by completing geological and geophysical studies and acquiring approximately 1,000km of 2D seismic. A number of large Cretaceous and Tertiary leads have been identified, located in both shallow and deep waters, which will require additional seismic data to develop into potential drillable prospects. The Company has started a farm-out process to introduce a partner to carry the costs of the next stage of exploration which is likely to include the acquisition of additional seismic data to define the leads that have been identified. KURDISTAN Sangaw North PSC (Relinquished) The Sangaw North block lies in the foothills region of the Zagros fold belt, approximately 140km south east of Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan region of Iraq. During 2012, Sterling completed its exploration of the Sangaw North block, having signed the Sangaw North Production Sharing Contract (“PSC”) in November 2007, targeting high-impact exploration at moderate exploration risk, and in early 2013 the Company withdrew from the PSC. In July 2008, Sterling entered into a farm-out agreement with Addax Petroleum Sangaw Limited (Addax) under which Addax paid Sterling’s past costs, seismic acquisition costs, and costs for drilling the first exploration well on the block, excluding testing. Sterling retained a 53.33% interest in the PSC. Following the acquisition of 325km of 2D seismic in November 2008, the Sangaw North-1 exploration well commenced drilling in early 2010, targeting major exploration potential in Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous aged formations within a large anticline structure. Five flow tests were conducted with gas being produced, along with formation water, in all five of the flow tests at rates that were not commercial and the well was plugged and abandoned. Having identified additional exploration potential, the joint venture partners entered the second sub-period of the exploration phase of the PSC in November 2011. The Company completed acquisition of a further 117km of 2D seismic data in mid-2012. Interpretation of the new 2D seismic data indicated that the risked potential of a secondary prospect along the flank of the main structure, analogous to the recent discoveries made in adjacent acreage to the south east of the Sangaw North PSC area, did not justify the cost exposure of an exploration well. 11 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012 OPERATIONS Operations Review (cont.) A farm-out process was conducted which did not result in any offers of participation, indicating the wider industry concurred with the Company’s view. the Company’s economic interests, of 0.475 million barrels (2011: 0.664 million barrels). No in-fill drilling or work-over activity took place on the Chinguetti field during 2012. Planned shutdowns were conducted over a total of 4 days in the second half of 2012 for maintenance of the floating production and storage facility and subsea equipment. In the event of any commercial development of existing or future discoveries within the PSC-A, PSC-B and C-10 contract areas, Sterling will be entitled to revenue, but will not have any cost obligations, under its royalty interest agreements with Premier Oil. In November 2012, the Banda field, located in PSC-A and operated by Tullow Oil Plc, was declared commercial and it is planned that the field will supply gas to a new local power station, subject to completion of a Gas Sales Agreement. Tullow Oil Plc plans to drill an exploration well in the C-10 contract area in the second half of 2013. Philip Frank Exploration Director 15 March 2013 Under the terms of the PSC, the joint venture partners were required to notify the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq (KRG) on or before 31 January 2013 whether the partnership intended to drill a further exploration well on the Sangaw North block. On 29 January 2013, Sterling notified the KRG of the joint venture partnership decision not to drill a second exploration well in the contract area and the PSC automatically terminated on that date. The work commitments under the PSC have been satisfied. MAURITANIA Chinguetti (Economic Interest via Funding and Royalty Agreements) Sterling has economic interests in the Chinguetti field through a funding agreement with Societe Mauritanienne Des Hydrocarbures, Mauritania’s national oil company, and a royalty agreement with Premier Oil. Gross production during 2012 averaged 6,256 bopd (2011: 7,250 bopd) and the average production net to Sterling, from the Company’s economic interests, during 2012 was 523 bopd (2011: 629 bopd). Production in the first half of the year was reduced by a shutdown of 17 days due to a hydrate blockage in the gas pipeline connecting Banda to Chinguetti and a further shutdown of 9 days due to a failure in the subsea instrumentation controlling the operations of the gas well in the Banda field. Gross production during the month of December 2012 averaged 6,911 bopd (December 2011: 6,800 bopd). Sterling estimates that at the end of 2012, Chinguetti held a remaining 6.9 million barrels of gross proved and probable reserves (2P) that could be accessed with the existing wells, with Sterling’s net 2P reserves, from with 12 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012 OPERATIONS Cameroon Ntem (WI 50%) OVERVIEW The Ntem concession is a deep water block situated in the southern Douala/Rio Muni Basin and lies adjacent to the northern maritime border of the Rio Muni province of Equatorial Guinea. Water depths range from 400m to 2,000m across the block. During the first term of the concession over 2,100km of 2D and 1,500km2 of 3D seismic data were acquired. Additional seismic and gravity data were also purchased. This large block is undrilled and is well placed with respect to both Tertiary and Upper Cretaceous plays. The Ntem concession is currently in force majeure as a result of overlapping maritime border claims between Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. Both countries are actively working to resolve this issue. When force majeure is lifted, there will be 15 months remaining in the current exploration period. The work commitment in this period is 1 exploration well. In November 2011, Murphy Cameroon Ntem Oil Co. Ltd (Murphy Oil), a wholly owned subsidiary of Murphy Oil Corporation, farmed into the block becoming a 50% working interest partner in, and operator of the Ntem Concession. Sterling retains a 50% non- operated working interest and Sterling’s share of costs for the remainder of the current exploration period will be paid by Murphy Oil. (cid:16)(cid:30)(cid:29)(cid:15)(cid:14)(cid:19)(cid:8) (cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:25)(cid:29)(cid:26)(cid:28)(cid:24)(cid:23) (cid:11)(cid:10)(cid:30)(cid:22)(cid:9)(cid:10)(cid:22) (cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:16)(cid:15)(cid:30) (cid:15)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:30)(cid:12)(cid:29)(cid:11)(cid:10)(cid:9)(cid:8)(cid:13)(cid:12)(cid:7)(cid:9)(cid:6)(cid:12)(cid:5)(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:2) (cid:22)(cid:14)(cid:18)(cid:13)(cid:30)(cid:9)(cid:8)(cid:13)(cid:12)(cid:7)(cid:9)(cid:6)(cid:12)(cid:5)(cid:4)(cid:3)(cid:2) (cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:22)(cid:19)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:17) (cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:29)(cid:30)(cid:28)(cid:27)(cid:26) (cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:29)(cid:28)(cid:27)(cid:29) (cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:29)(cid:30)(cid:28)(cid:27)(cid:26) (cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:29)(cid:28)(cid:29) (cid:26)(cid:25)(cid:24) (cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:29)(cid:30)(cid:28)(cid:27)(cid:26) (cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:29)(cid:28)(cid:27)(cid:30)(cid:26)(cid:25) (cid:24)(cid:25)(cid:23)(cid:28)(cid:27) (cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:29)(cid:28) (cid:25)(cid:20)(cid:30)(cid:19)(cid:18)(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:15)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:30)(cid:12)(cid:29)(cid:11)(cid:10)(cid:9)(cid:24)(cid:11)(cid:13)(cid:30)(cid:10)(cid:17) (cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:29)(cid:28) (cid:27)(cid:26)(cid:25)(cid:24)(cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:22)(cid:21) (cid:16)(cid:30)(cid:29)(cid:15)(cid:14)(cid:19)(cid:12) (cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:20)(cid:25)(cid:30)(cid:19)(cid:18)(cid:26)(cid:23)(cid:30) (cid:16)(cid:30)(cid:29)(cid:15)(cid:14)(cid:19)(cid:13) (cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:25)(cid:29)(cid:26)(cid:28)(cid:24)(cid:23) (cid:1)(cid:127)(cid:9)(cid:31)(cid:129) CONTRACT SUMMARY Contract type Contract signed Contract effective date Contract area Concession 14 March 2001 3 September 2002 2,319 km2 Participants Cameroon Ntem Oil Co. Ltd (Operator) 50% Sterling 50% Licence term remaining In force majeure, minimum work and financial obligations are suspended. Current work period 15 months to run after the lifting of force majeure. Minimum work commitment Drill 1 exploration well. a) Production Bonuses Average Production Bonus Rate 50,000 bopd 100,000 bopd $1 Million $5 Million b) Proportional Royalty Annual Production State Rate 0-50,000 bopd Entitlement 4.0% 50,000-100,000 bopd 6.0% >100,000 bopd 10.0% c) Corporation Tax 40% (on net profits) d) Additional Petroleum Duty (APD), is calculated as a percentage of the profit subject to corporation tax and is paid in addition to the corporation tax. R factor is defined as the ratio of ‘Accrued Net Income’ and ‘Accrued Investments’: R< 1.5, APD=0% 1.52.5, APD=20.0% e) State may back in for a 10% participating interest in any development and production area. f) Production concession duration 25 years, renewable for 10 years. 13 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012 (cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:29)(cid:28)(cid:27)(cid:26)(cid:25)(cid:24)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:22) (cid:31)(cid:23)(cid:28)(cid:25)(cid:21)(cid:28)(cid:20)(cid:26)(cid:19) (cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:28)(cid:19) (cid:16)(cid:15)(cid:23)(cid:28)(cid:19) (cid:23)(cid:25)(cid:24)(cid:12)(cid:26)(cid:21)(cid:30)(cid:25)(cid:30)(cid:25)(cid:30) (cid:31)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:16)(cid:27)(cid:14) (cid:12)(cid:19)(cid:10)(cid:19)(cid:28)(cid:19)(cid:6) (cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:29)(cid:28)(cid:27)(cid:26)(cid:29)(cid:25)(cid:24)(cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:21) (cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:29)(cid:28)(cid:27)(cid:26)(cid:25)(cid:24)(cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:29)(cid:28)(cid:24)(cid:21) (cid:12)(cid:127)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:28)(cid:27)(cid:30)(cid:24)(cid:22) (cid:141)(cid:143)(cid:143)(cid:23)(cid:144)(cid:10) (cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:29)(cid:28)(cid:27)(cid:26)(cid:25)(cid:24)(cid:23)(cid:5)(cid:29)(cid:27)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:1)(cid:6) (cid:127)(cid:30)(cid:129)(cid:29)(cid:28)(cid:23)(cid:5)(cid:29)(cid:27)(cid:4)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:27)(cid:19)(cid:2)(cid:1)(cid:6) (cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:29)(cid:28)(cid:27)(cid:30)(cid:26)(cid:25)(cid:24)(cid:28)(cid:23)(cid:25)(cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:20)(cid:28)(cid:19)(cid:27)(cid:31) (cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:29)(cid:28)(cid:27)(cid:29)(cid:26)(cid:25)(cid:24) (cid:1)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:26)(cid:127)(cid:26)(cid:6)(cid:129)(cid:26)(cid:24)(cid:22) (cid:7)(cid:26)(cid:8)(cid:24)(cid:14)(cid:26)(cid:19)(cid:11)(cid:6) (cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:5)(cid:18)(cid:30) (cid:3) (cid:4) (cid:22) (cid:2) (cid:18)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:22)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:30) (cid:27)(cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:21) (cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:18)(cid:28)(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:19)(cid:15)(cid:19)(cid:24)(cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:21) (cid:22)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:25)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:27)(cid:23)(cid:16) (cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:29)(cid:28)(cid:27)(cid:26)(cid:25)(cid:24)(cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:25)(cid:29)(cid:28)(cid:24)(cid:21) (cid:15)(cid:30)(cid:10)(cid:9)(cid:25)(cid:8)(cid:30)(cid:28)(cid:19)(cid:27)(cid:31) (cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:30)(cid:29)(cid:28)(cid:27)(cid:29)(cid:26)(cid:25)(cid:24) (cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:9)(cid:26)(cid:141)(cid:26)(cid:127)(cid:27)(cid:26)(cid:24)(cid:22) (cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:26)(cid:18)(cid:26)(cid:11)(cid:28)(cid:24)(cid:22) (cid:31)(cid:30)(cid:29)(cid:28)(cid:27)(cid:26)(cid:25)(cid:26)(cid:24)(cid:23)(cid:22) (cid:21)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:29)(cid:30)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:30)(cid:24)(cid:22) (cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:18)(cid:26)(cid:16)(cid:26)(cid:15)(cid:24)(cid:22) (cid:23)(cid:25)(cid:24)(cid:12)(cid:16)(cid:11)(cid:26)(cid:11)(cid:13) (cid:27)(cid:14)(cid:16)(cid:15)(cid:29)(cid:17)(cid:13)(cid:18) (cid:14)(cid:28)(cid:13)(cid:19)(cid:26)(cid:24)(cid:22) (cid:15)(cid:30)(cid:21)(cid:16)(cid:14)(cid:16)(cid:30)(cid:13) (cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:18)(cid:25)(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:31)(cid:15) (cid:10)(cid:9)(cid:28)(cid:8)(cid:15)(cid:24)(cid:22) (cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:25)(cid:26)(cid:18)(cid:26)(cid:24)(cid:22) (cid:18) (cid:15) (cid:14) (cid:15) (cid:13) (cid:15) (cid:31) (cid:12) (cid:15) (cid:11) (cid:15)(cid:10)(cid:9)(cid:8)(cid:25)(cid:8)(cid:7)(cid:19)(cid:8)(cid:25)(cid:8) (cid:143)(cid:29)(cid:30)(cid:24)(cid:14)(cid:6)(cid:30)(cid:24)(cid:17)(cid:26)(cid:18)(cid:19)(cid:30)(cid:24)(cid:22) CONTRACT SUMMARY Contract type Contract signed Contract effective date Contract area PSC 15 July 2004 28 November 2004 17,650 km2 Participants Sterling (Operator) 100% Exploration term 8 year period with possible 2 year extension. Phase 2 Phase 2 prolongation awaiting ratification. Phase 2 work commitment Completed. Production term 25 year period with possible 5-10 year extension. OPERATIONS Madagascar Ambilobe (WI 100%) OVERVIEW The Ambilobe block is located in the Ambilobe basin, offshore Madagascar. Water depths across the block range from shoreline to 3,000m. The Phase 1 and Phase 2 work programme commitments were fulfilled by conducting G&G studies, acquiring approximately 1,000km of new 2D seismic and processing more than 5,000km of new and vintage 2D seismic data. In July 2005 Sterling farmed out 70% interest to ExxonMobil. 550km of new 2D seismic data were purchased and more than 5,500km of 2D data were reprocessed. A number of large leads in Cretaceous and Tertiary plays have been identified which will require additional seismic data to evaluate as potential drillable prospects. In May 2008, Phase 2 of the exploration period was extended by 1 year. In early 2009 ExxonMobil withdrew from the PSC and their interest reverted to Sterling. Prolongation of Phase 2 of the licence has been agreed with OMNIS and awaits Government ratification. 14 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012OPERATIONS W SIFAKA PROSPECT E Madagascar (cont.) 0 5 km Seismic data courtesy of TGS-Nopec CONTRACT SUMMARY Contract type Contract signed Contract effective date Contract area PSC 15 July 2004 28 November 2004 7,379 km2 Participants ExxonMobil (Operator) Sterling 70% 30% Exploration term 8 year period with possible 2 year extension. Phase 3 Phase 3 prolongation awaits ratification. Phase 3 work commitment Drill exploration well. Production term 25 year period with possible 5-10 year extension. The drilling of the Sifaka prospect could be the first exploration well to test the deep water potential of Madagascar. Prolongation of Phase 3 of the licence has been agreed with OMNIS and awaits Government ratification. Sterling estimates that ExxonMobil’s remaining carry at the beginning of 2012 is approximately $34 million towards the gross cost of drilling. Ampasindava (WI 30%) OVERVIEW The Ampasindava block is located in the Majunga basin, offshore Madagascar. Water depths across the block range from 20m to 2,500m. Sterling, as operator, fulfilled the Phase 1 and Phase 2 work programme commitments for the block by completing G&G studies and acquiring more than 3,000km of 2D seismic. In July 2005, Sterling farmed out the block to ExxonMobil. Following acquisition, processing and interpretation of the new 2D seismic data. Sterling transferred operatorship to ExxonMobil at the end of 2006. In late 2007 the Sifaka prospect was selected as the first prospect for drilling and a site-survey was undertaken in 2008. In November 2008 the joint venture partners elected to enter Phase 3 of the exploration period which has a firm well commitment. The Sifaka Prospect is located in the inboard portion of the Ampasindava block, in water depths of 500m to 1,800m. Sifaka is mapped as a very large, simple structure with the main reservoir target, Jurassic deep-water turbidite sandstones, expected to be encountered at approximately 3,000m below the seabed. RISC (Competent Persons Report, March 2008) has estimated the gross (100%) un-risked prospective recoverable resources for the Sifaka prospect as follows: Low Estimate 150 million bbl Best Estimate 1.2 billion bbl High Estimate 4.8 billion bbl 15 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Reserves Summary Year ended 31 December 2012 Volumes of Proven plus Probable Reserves At 1 January Revision – Chinguetti Production At 31 December 1-3 2012 Oil (000 boe) 2012 Gas (mcf) 2012 Reserves (000 boe) 2011 Oil (000 boe) 2011 Gas (mcf) 2011 Reserves (000 boe) 664 - (189) 475 - - - - 664 - (189) 475 421 472 (229) 664 - - - - 421 472 (229) 664 1 The reserves stated are for Sterling’s net interests in the Chinguetti field only and are based on Sterling’s own assessment of reserves, as at 31 December 2012. Sterling’s interest in the Chinguetti field is through its Funding Agreement and Royalty Agreements; Sterling does not have a direct equity participation in the Chinguetti field. The assessment was made in accordance with the definitions as set out on page 86. 2 Sterling has not booked reserves relating to other Mauritanian discoveries, on the basis that there are no approved development plans for these discoveries. 3 In accordance with the guidelines of the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange, Dr Philip Frank, Ph.D. Geology (1977), Exploration Director of Sterling Energy Plc, who has been involved in the oil industry for over 30 years, is the qualified person that has reviewed the assessment of reserves set out above. 16 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Schedule of Interests Year ended 31 December 2012 Location Africa Mauritania: Offshore Mauritania: Offshore Size (km²) Licence Name Sterling Working Interest % Sterling Net Revenue Interest % Operated/ Non-operated 110 403 PSC A PSC B n/a n/a n/a n/a Sliding scale royalty from 3% WI 1 Sliding scale royalty from 6% WI 1 Non-operated Non-operated Sliding scale royalty from 4% (average) WI 1 Non-operated Economic interest for approximately 8% of Chinguetti project Non-operated Mauritania: Offshore 10,725 PSC C-10 Mauritania: Chinguetti 29 Funding Agreement with SMH and Royalty Agreement with Premier Oil Cameroon: Southern Douala Basin 2,319 Ntem Madagascar: Offshore NW 17,650 Ambilobe 2 Madagascar: Offshore NW 7,379 Ampasindava 2 50% 100% 30% 3 Non-operated Operator Non-operated 1 Sterling’s royalty interests derive from Premier Oil’s working interests of 3% in PSC A, 6% in PSC B and 4% (average) in PSC C-10. Sterling’s royalty is up to 6% of Premier Oil’s working interest. 2 The current exploration period was due to end in November 2010. Prolongation of the licences has been agreed with OMNIS, the State oil Company of Madagascar, and awaits Government ratification (pages 14 and 15). 3 Carried for defined $ amount. 17 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Sterling Energy Plc Financial Review Year ended 31 December 2012 Financial Review Year ended 31 December 2012 Selected Financial Data Chinguetti production 1 Year end 2P reserves 1 Revenue EBITDA 1 Loss/(profit) after tax Net cash investment in oil and gas assets Year end cash (including partner funds) Year end debt 1 Year end net cash (including partner funds) Average realised oil price (net of hedges) Total cash operating costs (produced) Year end share price Share price change 1 1 Key performance indicators bopd 000 boe $million $million $million $million $million $million $million $/bbl $/bbl Pence % 2012 523 475 22.5 11.1 (12.9) 4.4 120.3 - 120.3 102.6 50.8 39 (3) 2011 629 664 19.1 11.6 18.4 1.7 115.8 - 115.8 108.5 34.0 40 (53) Highlights • Group net loss of $12.9 million in 2012 (2011: Profit $18.4 million) • Impairment of Sangaw North licence $18.4 million following decision to relinquish • Cash balance at year end of $120.3 million (2011: $115.8 million) • Average 2012 Chinguetti production 523 bopd (2011: 629 bopd) • Debt free throughout 2012 Revenue and Cost of Sales 2012 production averaged 523 bopd, including Royalty barrels, a decrease of 17% from the 629 bopd averaged in 2011. A large proportion of the decrease was due to isolated operational factors comprising a 17 day stoppage following a hydrate blockage and a 9 day stoppage following a failure of subsea instrumentation. Currently, all of the Group’s production is from the Chinguetti field and the Group’s production was 536 bopd for the month of December 2012. Liftings (bbls) 1 Revenue ($million) Revenue / bbl ($) Lifting cost ($million) Lifting cost / bbl ($) 2012 2011 219,177 176,345 22.5 102.6 (12.0) (54.9) 19.1 108.5 (6.1) (34.7) 1 Net Sterling production during the year totalled 191,583 Gross volumes lifted and sold during the year were up by 28% to 2.6 million barrels (2011: 2.0 million barrels), due mainly to timing differences on liftings of oil stored in facilities at the Chinguetti field (2012: 3 liftings, 2011: 2 liftings). 20 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012FINANCIAL REVIEWThe lifting cost per barrel has increased in 2012 by $20.2 to $54.9 (2011: $34.7). $9.8 of this increase relates to the increased per unit depletion of the Chinguetti asset (2011: $nil) following the $8.2 million impairment reversal in 2011 with the balance of the increase due to additional maintenance costs and the payment of accumulated environmental contributions since the commencement of production in 2006. Loss for Year The 2012 loss from operations totalled $12.9 million (2011: profit $18.4 million). Profit from year 2011 Increase in revenue Increase in per unit depletion Increase in operating costs Decrease in G&A Impairment of Sangaw North Impairment reversal of Chinguetti (2011) Other impairment reversals Increase in pre-licence expenditure Decrease in finance income and expense Loss for year 2012 $ (million) 18.4 3.3 (2.2) (3.8) 0.9 (18.4) (8.2) 0.3 (1.1) (2.3) (12.9) In December 2012, the Group fully impaired its Sangaw North exploration asset following a decision to formally relinquish the licence. The impairment of Sangaw North totalled $18.4 million (total Group impairment expense $18.1 million which include reversals of $324k with respect to former assets in Gabon). The Group’s direct operating costs increased by $3.8 million and depletion increased by $2.2 million following the reversal of prior year impairment losses in 2011. Group administrative overhead decreased during the year to $2.8 million (2011: $3.7 million). Included within this charge is $1.0 million (2011: $1.9 million) relating to share-based payment charges. A portion of the Group’s staff costs and associated overheads are recharged to joint venture partners ($512k), expensed as pre-licence expenditure ($1.9 million), or capitalised ($1.9 million) where they are directly attributable to on-going capital projects. In 2012 this portion amounted to $4.3 million (2011: $5.1 million). 21 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Financial Review (cont.) Year ended 31 December 2012 A summary of these movements are provided below: Group administrative overhead (page 47) Costs capitalised Costs recharged to JV partners Pre-licence expenditure Share based payment expense Other non-cash expenditure Group cash G&A expense 2012 $ (million) 2011 $ (million) (2.8) (1.9) (0.5) (1.9) (4.3) 1.0 - (6.1) (3.7) (1.6) (2.5) (1.1) (5.1) 1.9 0.2 (6.9) EBITDA and Net Loss Group EBITDA (as defined within the Definitions and Glossary of Terms on page 86) totalled $11.1 million (2011: $11.6 million). Net loss after tax totalled $12.9 million (2011: profit $18.4 million). The basic loss per share was $0.06 per share (2011: profit $0.08 per share). Interest received and finance expenses were a net expense of $165k (2011: net income $2.2 million) reflecting foreign exchange gains of $533k (2011: loss $61k) on GBP cash balances held at 31 December 2012 which are reported in US Dollars, non-cash finance expenses of $1.0 million (2011: income $1.9 million) relate to the unwinding of the Chinguetti decommissioning provision (see note 8 on page 66), interest received totalled $350k (2011: $365k) and other finance expenses totalling $38k. No dividend is proposed to be paid for the year ended 31 December 2012 (2011: $nil). Cash Flow Net Group cash inflow generated from operating activities was $7.8 million (2011: $5.6 million). Net cash investments in oil and gas assets totalled $4.4 million (2011: $1.7 million) and are summarised below: Kurdistan Madagascar Cameroon Gabon 2012 $ (million) 2011 $ (million) 3.1 1.0 0.5 (0.2) 4.4 4.5 0.7 (3.5) - 1.7 The net cash investments in oil and gas assets in Kurdistan during 2012 were subsequently fully impaired by the end of the period. 22 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012FINANCIAL REVIEWStatement of Financial Position At the year end, cash and cash equivalents totalled $120.3 million (2011: $115.8 million) of which unrestricted funds of $1.7 million (2011: $1.0 million) were held on behalf of partners, leaving a cash balance of $118.7 million (2011: $114.8 million) available for Sterling’s own use at 31 December 2012. At the end of 2012, net assets / total equity stood at $104.6 million (2011: $116.1 million), and non-current assets were $16.7 million (2011: $31.3 million). This decrease is as a result of the impairment of the Sangaw North licence. Net current assets increased to $109.2 million (2011: $105.1 million) due to the increased lifting revenues for 2012. The Group’s Chinguetti decommissioning provision increased during the year by $1.0 million to $21.1 million (2011: $20.1million) due to the unwinding of liability to its present value. The provision continues to reflect the Group’s best estimate of this liability based on its estimate of the remaining economic field life. Cautionary Statement This financial report contains certain forward-looking statements that are subject to the usual risk factors and uncertainties associated with the oil and gas exploration and production business. Whilst the Directors believe the expectation reflected herein to be reasonable in light of the information available up to the time of their approval of this report, the actual outcome may be materially different owing to factors either beyond the Group’s control or otherwise within the Group’s control but, for example, owing to a change of plan or strategy. Accordingly, no reliance may be placed on the forward-looking statements. Andrew Smith Financial Controller 15 March 2013 Angus MacAskill Chief Executive Officer 15 March 2013 23 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012 Corporate Responsibility Year ended 31 December 2012 Sterling is committed to conducting its business in a responsible and sustainable way. Sterling recognises that it has corporate and social responsibilities to the local communities in the areas in which it operates, to its partners, to its employees and to its shareholders. In pursuing its business objectives it undertakes not to compromise its corporate or social responsibilities with any of these stakeholders. Business Integrity The highest ethical standards are the cornerstone of Sterling’s business. Sterling is committed to conducting its business with integrity, honesty and fairness. All business activities are reviewed to ensure they meet these standards. Sterling also seeks to ensure that similar standards are applied by its business partners, contractors and suppliers. All members of staff are individually accountable for their actions to ensure they apply and maintain these standards. Sterling is a member of TRACE International Inc., the anti-bribery association. The Directors have completed the TRACE training and assessment. The Company further reinforced its anti-bribery procedures, adopting amended policies and guidelines, following the enactment of the UK Bribery Act on 1 July 2011. Community Responsibility Sterling is committed to being a good partner in the communities in which the Company operates. Engagement and dialogue with our local communities is essential in ensuring, where possible, projects benefit both the Company and the communities in which the project is located. Throughout the year Sterling continued to employ local staff and contractors at both its Sulaymaniyah office and operations on the Sangaw North block. Employees Sterling is committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination where all employees are afforded equal opportunities and are rewarded upon merit and ability. In the implementation of this policy Sterling is committed to ensuring that all employees are given contracts with clear and fair terms. Staff are offered access to relevant training and encouraged to join professional bodies to enhance knowledge, competence and career development. Sterling is committed to achieving the highest possible standards of conduct, accountability and propriety and to a culture of openness in which employees can report legitimate concerns without fear of penalty or punishment. Sterling has a whistle blowing policy which empowers employees to be proactive, to stop or report any failure to comply with legal obligations or Sterling’s regulations, dangers to health and safety, financial malpractice, damage to the environment, criminal offences and actions which are likely to harm the reputation of the Company. The whistle blowing policy allows employees to make anonymous reports directly to a non-executive Director. Health, Safety, Environment and Security (‘HSES’) It is an objective of Sterling that every individual is aware of his / her responsibility towards providing for a safe and secure working environment. HSES and social responsibility leadership are core competencies throughout Sterling’s line management organisation. Sterling’s HSES risks are managed in a systematic way by utilising procedures and appropriate training of staff, with the aim to reduce these risks to as low as is reasonably practical. Sterling ensures that appropriate emergency response systems are in place to reduce and mitigate the impact and losses of any incident and any residual risks and that it is in compliance with all relevant laws, regulations and industry standards. Sterling maximises its influence with joint venture partners to share its HSES and social responsibility values. Contractors are required to demonstrate and deliver a credible HSES and social responsibility programme. In order to achieve continual improvement, Sterling is committed to reviewing its HSES and social responsibility performance each quarter. Sterling is committed to minimising its impact on the environment in both field operations and within its offices. All staff share responsibility for monitoring and improving the performance of its environmental policies with the objective of reducing our impact on the environment on a year on year basis. 24 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012FINANCIAL REVIEWBoard of Directors Year ended 31 December 2012 Alastair Beardsall, executive Chairman, aged 59 Alastair joined Sterling in September 2009. He has been involved in the oil industry for over 30 years. For the first 12 years Alastair worked on international assignments with Schlumberger, the oil-field services Company. From 1992 he began working for independent exploration and production operators, with increasing responsibility for specific exploration, development and production ventures. Between September 2003 and October 2009, Alastair was Executive Chairman of Emerald Energy Plc during which time Emerald grew from a market capitalisation of less than £8 million to a size that allowed the Company to enter the FTSE 250 index in January 2009. In October 2009 Emerald was acquired by Sinochem Resources UK Limited, for £7.50 per share in a transaction that valued Emerald at £532 million. Angus MacAskill, Chief Executive Officer, aged 53 Angus joined Sterling as Chief Executive Officer in November 2010. His career in the oil and gas industry started in 1981 with 5 years at Schlumberger on assignments in Africa. Angus joined Mobil Oil and, during 10 years with the company, held a number of production, reservoir engineering and managerial posts in UK and Norway. Since 1997, Angus has worked for a number of independent exploration and production companies, including Enterprise Oil and Elixir Petroleum, in commercial, managerial and executive positions of increasing responsibility. Angus joined Emerald Energy in 2006 as Chief Operating Officer and in December of that year was appointed Chief Executive Officer. During the following three years, the company experienced material growth following exploration successes in its assets in South America and the Middle East, prior to being acquired by Sinochem in 2009. Philip Frank, Exploration Director, aged 60 Philip joined Sterling in October 2011 as Exploration Director. Following a PhD gained at Liverpool University, he started his oil industry career in 1977 with an 11 year spell in BP, initially as a North Sea rig geologist and finally as the group-wide Assistant Chief Geologist. Since then he has held senior management positions in a range of UK-based independent exploration and production companies including Clyde, Monument and LASMO, and has gained extensive world-wide exploration experience with an emphasis on new venture generation. Philip was closely involved with Emerald Energy from 2003 through to its acquisition in 2009. Initially in a consulting role and finally as Exploration Manager, he provided the exploration direction for the company’s successes both in Colombia and in Syria. Nicholas Clayton, non-executive Director, aged 49 Nicholas was appointed a non-executive Director of Sterling in October 2009. Nicholas is chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Remuneration and Nomination Committees. Nicholas has provided strategic and corporate finance advice to a number of public and private oil and gas companies since January 2007. Between August 2005 and December 2006 he was Global Co-Head of Oil and Gas Corporate Finance for Canaccord Adams. For the previous 5 years he held the position of Global Head of Oil and Gas Corporate Finance for Dresdner Kleinwort Benson, the investment bank, having previously been Global Head of Oil and Gas Research between 1997 and 2000. Nicholas began his career at BP having obtained a first class honours degree in Business Studies, sponsored by BP, from Portsmouth Polytechnic in 1985. Nicholas serves as a non-executive Director of Circle Oil Plc and provides strategic advice to Geopark, an AIM-listed Company operating in Chile and Argentina. 25 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012FINANCIAL REVIEW Board of Directors (cont.) Year ended 31 December 2012 Keith Henry, non-executive Director, aged 68 Keith was appointed a non-executive Director of Sterling in September 2009. He chairs the Remuneration Committee and is a member of the Audit and Nominations Committees. He has over 35 years of international business experience in the development, ownership, design and construction of major facilities worldwide. He was with Brown & Root Limited for 23 years, the last five of which were as Chief Executive responsible for the Europe, Africa and FSU regions. From 1995 to 1999 he was Chief Executive of National Power Plc, and then Chief Executive of Kvaerner Engineering and Construction Ltd until June 2003. Keith serves as Chairman of Regal Petroleum Plc and Mediterranean Oil and Gas Plc, as well as serving as a non-executive Director and advisor to a number of companies in the engineering, services and energy sectors. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. Malcolm Pattinson, non-executive Director, aged 69 Malcolm was appointed a non-executive Director of Sterling in November 2010. He is chairman of the Nominations Committee and a member of the Audit and Remunerations Committees. Malcolm is a geoscientist with 40 years of experience and joined Sterling in November 2010. Until 2001 he was the vice-president of exploration for Ranger Oil (which became CNR); and prior to this he was exploration vice-president for Hamilton Oil (which became BHP). From 2001 to 2006 Malcolm was a consultant for Tullow Oil. Malcolm is an honorary life member and former chairman of the Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain, and was awarded the medal for outstanding achievement in 1996 by the Petroleum Group of the Geological Society. He is the chairman of GTO Limited and was formerly a non-executive Director of Aurelian Oil and Gas Plc. 26 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012FINANCIAL REVIEWCorporate Governance Year ended 31 December 2012 APPLICATION OF UK CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE PRINCIPLES The Directors are mindful of their duties and responsibilities to all Shareholders and of their statutory duties under the Companies Act, the core duty of which is to act in good faith and in a way most likely to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole. As an AIM listed company, the Company is not required to comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code, however, the Directors are committed to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance. This statement describes how the Company has applied the main and supporting principles of corporate governance set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code published by the Financial Reporting Council in June 2010 (“Code”). During the year, the Company has adhered to the provisions set out in the Code with the exception of the matters referred to below. Provision D.1.3 Non-executive Directors (“NED”) have been awarded share options under the non-executive Directors Long Term Incentive Plan (“NED LTIP”). The NED LTIP rules and option awards were approved by shareholders, as required under the Code, at the December 2009 extraordinary general meeting. Future NED LTIP awards will be awarded subject to approval by shareholders. Under the NED LTIP rules, shares acquired by the exercise of options were not required to be held for at least one year after the non-executive Director leaves the Board as required under the Code. Amendments to the share options previously awarded under the NED LTIP and to the NED LTIP rules for any future awards, requiring shares acquired by the exercise of options to be held for at least one year after the non-executive Director leaves the Board, have been approved. As of the date of publication of this Annual Report, the Company fully adheres to the provisions set out in the Code. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEES Board Composition, Operation and Independence The Board currently comprises the executive Chairman, two executive Directors and three non-executive Directors. Each of the executive Directors has extensive knowledge of the oil and gas industry combined with general business and financial skills. All of the Directors bring independent judgement to bear on issues of strategy, performance, resources, key appointments and standards. The Board meets regularly throughout the year and all the necessary information is supplied to the Directors on a timely basis to enable them to discharge their duties effectively. The Board is responsible to the Shareholders for the proper management of the Company. A Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in respect of the Financial Statements is set out on page 44. The Board has a formal schedule of matters specifically reserved for its decision. These include strategic planning, business acquisitions or disposals, authorisation of major capital expenditure and material contractual arrangements, changes to the Group’s capital structure, setting policies for the conduct of business, approval of budgets, remuneration policy of Directors and senior management, and taking on debt and approval of Financial Statements. Other matters are delegated to the Committees of the Board and executive Directors, supported by policies for reporting to the Board. During the year share options have been issued to non-executive Directors under the NED LTIP (Keith Henry 103,150, Malcolm Pattinson 103,150 and Nicholas Clayton 103,150) subject to the approval by shareholders at the next Annual General Meeting. In the opinion of the Board the NED LTIP aligns the objectives of the non-executive Directors with those of Shareholders. The NED LTIP is not subject to performance conditions for independence reasons. The Board considers each of the non-executive Directors to be independent. 27 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012FINANCIAL REVIEWCorporate Governance (cont.) Year ended 31 December 2012 Keith Henry is the Senior Independent Director. The Senior Independent Director is available to Shareholders if they have concerns which, through the normal channels of contact with the Chairman or CEO, have not been resolved or for which such contact is inappropriate. The Company maintains Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance cover and provides the Directors with indemnity, the level of which is reviewed annually. Meetings and Attendance The following table summarises the number of Board and committee meetings held during the year and the attendance record of the individual Directors: Number of meetings in year Alastair Beardsall Nicholas Clayton Keith Henry Angus MacAskill Malcolm Pattinson Philip Frank Board Meetings Audit Committee Remuneration Committee Nominations Committee 9 9 9 9 9 9 8 4 - 4 4 - 4 - 3 - 3 3 - 3 - 1 - 1 1 - 1 - Induction and Training New Directors, on their appointment to the Board, are briefed by the Board and management on the activities of the Group and its key business and financial risks, the Terms of Reference of the Board and its Committees, the list of Board reserved matters, and the latest financial information about the Group. The Chairman ensures that Directors update their skills, knowledge and familiarity with the Company to fulfil their roles on the Board and on Board Committees. On-going training is available as necessary and includes updates from the Company Secretary on changes to the AIM rules, the Code, requirements under the Companies Act and other regulatory matters. Directors may consult with the Company Secretary at any time on matters related to their role on the Board. All Directors have access to independent professional advice at the Company’s expense. Evaluation of the Board’s Performance Performance evaluation takes place for individual Directors, the Board and its Committees and includes assessing the effectiveness of the Board as a whole. The evaluation of the performance of Directors is carried out using peer appraisal questionnaires which combine business and personal performance and includes discussions with the Senior Independent Director and the Senior Independent Director with the Chairman. Aspects of performance include attendance and participation at Board meetings, quality of involvement in Committees, commitment and effectiveness of their contribution to Board activities (including the AGM and shareholder communications), the adequacy of training and non-executive Directors’ independence. The process is conducted and reviewed by the Senior Independent Director, on behalf of the Nomination Committee; the Company Secretary is advised of its completion. The performance of the Chairman is reviewed annually in a meeting of the non-executive Directors, led by the Senior Independent Director. This review takes into account the views of executive Directors. Retirement and Re-election The Company’s Articles of association require that any Director who has been a Director at the preceding two Annual General Meetings and who was not appointed or re-appointed by the Company, retire and stand for re-election. All new Directors appointed since the previous Annual General Meeting need to stand for election at the following Annual General Meeting. 28 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012FINANCIAL REVIEWSUB-COMMITTEES The Board has appointed the following sub-committees: Audit Committee This Committee currently comprises Nicholas Clayton, Keith Henry and Malcolm Pattinson, under the Chairmanship of Nicholas Clayton. It reviews the interim and annual financial statements, internal control matters and the scope and effectiveness of the external audit. The external auditors have unrestricted access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Audit Committee meetings are also attended by the external auditor where appropriate and, by invitation, the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, other Directors and senior management. Audit Committee Report for 2012 The Audit Committee met four times during the year. During these meetings the Audit Committee considered the following: • the integrity of the financial statements and other formal announcements relating to the Group’s financial performance and, in particular, reviewed the judgments that are contained within the financial statements; • the Group’s internal control and risk management policies and systems, and their effectiveness; • Sterling’s whistle blowing procedures to ensure that its employees are able to raise concerns, in confidence, about possible wrongdoing in financial reporting and other matters; • the requirements for an internal audit function in the context of the Group’s overall risk management system. The Committee is satisfied that the Group does not currently require an internal audit function, however, it will continue to monitor the situation; • the Committee recommends that the Board presents the resolution to the shareholders at the 2013 AGM to reappoint BDO LLP as external auditors; and • monitoring a policy on the engagement of the external auditors to supply non-audit services, taking into account relevant guidance regarding the provision of non-audit services by the external audit firm. Nominations Committee The members of this Committee are currently Nicholas Clayton, Keith Henry and Malcolm Pattinson under the Chairmanship of Malcolm Pattinson. The Nominations Committee considers the composition of the Board and makes recommendations on the appointment of new Directors and those candidates presenting themselves for re-election at the AGM. The Senior Independent Director co-ordinates the annual performance evaluation of Directors. Nominations Committee Report for 2012 The Nominations Committee met once during the year. Keith Henry and Nicholas Clayton will retire by rotation and offer themselves for re-election at the AGM. Their biographical details, provided on pages 25 and 26, demonstrate the range of experience and skill which each bring to Sterling. The Nominations Committee and the Board considers that their performance continues to be effective and that each Director has the necessary commitment to fulfil their respective roles. Remuneration Committee The Remuneration Committee met three times during the year. The members of the Committee are Keith Henry, Nicholas Clayton and Malcolm Pattinson under the Chairmanship of Keith Henry. Further details on the roles and responsibilities of the Remuneration Committee are described in greater detail in the Report on Directors’ Remuneration, set out in pages 32 to 35. 29 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012 Corporate Governance (cont.) Year ended 31 December 2012 COMMUNICATIONS WITH SHAREHOLDERS The Board is accountable to the Company’s shareholders and as such it is important for the Board to appreciate the aspirations of the shareholders and equally that the shareholders understand how the actions of the Board and short- term financial performance relate to the achievement of the Company’s longer term goals. The Board reports to the shareholders on its stewardship of the Company through the publication of interim and final results each year. Press releases are issued throughout the year and the Company maintains a website (www.sterlingenergyplc.com) on which press releases, corporate presentations and the Report and Financial Statements are available to view. Additionally this report and financial statement contains extensive information about the Company’s activities. Enquiries from individual shareholders on matters relating to the business of the Company are welcomed. Shareholders and other interested parties can subscribe to receive notification of news updates and other documents from the Company via email. In addition the executive Directors meet with major shareholders to discuss the progress of the Company. The Executive Chairman provides periodic feedback to the Board following meetings with shareholders. The Senior Independent Director also attends some shareholder meetings to ensure the Board is appraised of all feedback provided by such meetings. The Annual General Meeting provides an opportunity for communication with all Shareholders and the Board encourages the Shareholders to attend and welcomes their participation. The Directors attend the Annual General Meeting and are available to answer questions. Details of resolutions to be proposed at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 19 April 2013 can be found in the notice of the meeting, on pages 94 to 98. INTERNAL CONTROLS In September 1999 the Turnbull Guidance (Internal Control: Guidance for Directors on the Combined Code) was published, and revised in October 2005. The Directors acknowledge their responsibility for establishing and maintaining the Group and the Company systems of internal control. These are designed to safeguard the assets of the Group and to ensure the reliability of financial information for both internal use and external publication. The Group’s internal control procedures include Board approval for all significant projects. All major expenditures require either senior management or Board approval at the appropriate stages of each transaction. A system of regular reporting covering both technical progress of projects and the state of the Group’s financial affairs provides appropriate information to management to facilitate control. The Board reviews, identifies, evaluates and manages the significant risks that face the Group. Any systems of internal control can only provide reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that material financial irregularities will be detected or that the risk of failure to achieve business objectives is eliminated. The Directors, having reviewed the effectiveness of the system of internal financial, operational and compliance controls and risk management, consider that the system of internal control operated effectively throughout the financial year and up to the date the financial statements were signed. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The Company has in place procedures for the disclosure and review of any conflicts, or potential conflicts of interest which the Directors may have and for the authorisation of such conflicts by the Board. In deciding whether to authorise a conflict matter or a potential conflict the Directors must have regard to their general duties under the Companies Act 2006. 30 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012FINANCIAL REVIEWEXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE (“EITI”) In accordance with the Transparency Criteria as set-out by the EITI, Sterling has made the following payments to Government bodies during the year ended 31 December 2012: Madagascar: Ambilobe Madagascar: Ampasindava 1 Kurdistan Cameroon 2 Mauritania 3 2012 $000 191 108 5 26 599 929 2011 $000 - 108 105 26 14 253 1 Payments made by ExxonMobil. 2 2012 payment made by Murphy Oil Corporation. 3 Included within payments made to SMH (Mauritania’s national oil company) under the terms of the Chinguetti Funding Agreement, relating to Chinguetti field operating costs and PSC obligations, and totalling $9.3 million (2011: $7.9 million). Payments made in 2012 include backdated environmental commission charges accrued from 2006 totalling approximately $100k per year. 31 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Remuneration Report Year ended 31 December 2012 REMUNERATION COMMITTEE The Remuneration Committee is comprised of Keith Henry, Nicholas Clayton and Malcolm Pattinson. Keith Henry is the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. The Committee makes recommendations to the Board, within its agreed terms of reference, on the structure and overall remuneration package for executive Directors and reviews the remuneration for other senior employees. Non-executive Directors’ fees are considered and agreed by the Board. The Remuneration Committee is permitted to appoint independent advisors to assist in the determination of remuneration. REMUNERATION POLICY The Company’s policy on Directors’ remuneration is that the overall remuneration package should be sufficiently competitive to attract, retain and motivate high quality executives capable of achieving the Group’s objectives and thereby enhancing shareholder value. The package consists of salary, performance related bonus and share options awarded under the All Staff Long Term Incentive Plan, with the balance between these components being salaries at levels around the middle of the range of salaries for peer companies and material additional remuneration linked to performance and results adding materially to shareholder value. Sterling acknowledges the benefit of the executive Directors accepting appointments as non-executive Directors of other companies; if they accept more than two such appointments they are required to pass their fees for those appointments to the Company. The details of individual components of the executive remuneration package and service contracts are discussed below: Basic Salary and Benefits: The salary and benefits are reviewed annually. Currently the Remuneration Committee uses remuneration data collected from published accounts and surveys of peer companies and does not use executive remuneration consultants. The Committee reviews this method on a regular basis. Performance Related Bonuses: Performance bonuses are awarded to executive Directors by the Board, upon recommendations by the Remuneration Committee. Prior to each year the Remuneration Committee considers the levels of potential bonus payments and the corresponding set of objectives for which bonuses may be payable. Objectives are set to align the individuals’ motivation with the longer term sustainable future of the Company. These objectives may not provide short term or easily measurable results. At the end of each year the Remuneration Committee considers if the objectives have been achieved as well as individual contribution to the performance of the Group. The maximum level of performance bonus is capped at 100% of annual salary. Performance bonuses awarded to executive Directors are settled in shares in the Company which must be held for a minimum of 12 months after the award. Results Based Long Term Incentive Plans: In 2009 the Company reviewed the existing share-based incentive schemes currently in place to motivate and incentivise its employees, and also took independent advice. Based on this review the Company proposed a new All Staff Long Term Incentive Plan (“All Staff LTIP”) as being the most effective way to deliver the incentives that the Board believes will continue to align the interests of the employees and shareholders. Shareholders approved this plan at the December EGM held on 22 December 2009. With effect from 2009, awards are made in the form of options to acquire shares in the Company at the shares’ nominal value. The All Staff LTIP is designed as a three year plan and the Company intends to grant annual awards in October each year based on the recommendations of the Remuneration Committee. Awards are made on similar terms to non-executive Directors of the Company, under a separate plan the NED LTIP. Awards under the NED LTIP are made by the Board and are not subject to performance conditions for independence reasons. Pensions: The Group operates a number of defined contribution pension schemes pursuant to which it contributes 10% of pensionable salary per eligible member. 32 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012FINANCIAL REVIEWFees: The fees for non-executive Directors are determined by the Board within the limits stipulated in the Articles of Association. The non-executive Directors are not involved in any discussions or decision about their own remuneration. SERVICE CONTRACTS Each of the executive Directors has a service contract with the Company, details of which are as follows: Director Alastair Beardsall Philip Frank Angus MacAskill Commencement of appointment Date of current contract Base annual salary Notice period 8 September 2009 1 January 2011 £80,000 1 6 months 3 October 2011 3 October 2011 £231,800 6 months 9 November 2010 9 November 2010 £271,800 6 months 1 As of 1 January 2011 contracted to devote 20% of his working time to the business of Sterling Energy Plc. The salaries paid to the Directors are reviewed annually with the most recent salary review being implemented on 1 January 2013. Non-executive Directors do not have service contracts, but instead each has a letter of appointment setting out the terms and conditions of their appointment, details of which are as follows: Director Nicholas Clayton Keith Henry Commencement of appointment Date of current contract Base fees per annum 1 October 2009 1 October 2009 8 September 2009 8 September 2009 £33,000 £33,000 £33,000 Malcolm Pattinson 15 November 2010 15 November 2010 Save for the fees outlined above and the share options awarded under the NED LTIP, the non-executive Directors are not entitled to any other benefits or arrangements. Except as disclosed above, there are no service contracts or letters of appointment in force between any Director with the Company or the Group as at the date of this document. The Company has granted an indemnity to its Directors (including subsidiary undertakings) under which the Company will, to the maximum extent possible, indemnify them against all costs, charges, losses and liabilities incurred by them in the performance of their duties. The Company provides limited Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance, at a cost of approximately $27k in 2012 (2011: $26k). 33 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Remuneration Report (cont.) Year ended 31 December 2012 DIRECTORS AND THEIR INTERESTS Directors’ Remuneration and Share Options Aggregate Remuneration (Audited): Fees and basic salary Bonus Defined contribution pension Benefits in kind Total 2012 Total 2011 Executive Directors: Alastair Beardsall Jonathan Cooper (resigned 18 October 2011) Philip Frank Andrew Grosse (resigned 3 October 2011) Angus MacAskill Non-executive Directors: Nicholas Clayton Keith Henry Malcolm Pattinson £ 80,000 - 225,000 - 263,800 33,000 33,000 33,000 Aggregate remuneration 2012 (£) 667,800 £ - - - - - - - - - £ £ £ £ 8,000 3,954 91,954 91,723 - - - 172,563 22,500 7,449 254,949 61,910 - - - 214,127 26,380 5,989 296,169 365,004 - - - - - - 33,000 30,000 33,000 30,000 33,000 30,000 56,880 17,392 742,072 - Aggregate remuneration 2011 (£) 818,256 85,000 73,089 18,982 - 995,327 Aggregate remuneration 2012 (US$) 1,058,489 - 90,157 27,566 1,176,212 - Aggregate remuneration 2011 (US$) 1,311,665 136,255 117,162 30,429 - 1,595,511 No bonuses were paid to the Directors for the year ended 31 December 2012. Directors’ interests in LTIP’s are accounted for under IFRS 2 (Share-based payments), accounting charges in the period are detailed in note 26. 34 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012FINANCIAL REVIEWAll Staff Long Term Incentive Plan (audited) The Directors’ interests in the All Staff LTIP are as follows: 1 January 2012 Lapsed Granted Exercised 31 December 2012 Exercise price Earliest exercise date 1 Latest exercise date 1 Alastair Beardsall 2 1,125,000 (562,500) - (562,500) - 40p n/a n/a Philip Frank 1,097,600 Angus MacAskill 1,609,800 - - 843,750 989,250 - - 1,941,350 40p 01.10.14 30.09.17 2,599,050 40p 01.10.13 30.09.17 3,832,400 (562,500) 1,833,000 (562,500) 4,540,400 Approved by shareholders at the EGM held on 22 December 2009. 1 If the Company is in a closed period, the earliest and latest date of exercise may vary. 2 In recognition of Alastair Beardsall’s efforts in the fund raising and the September 2009 Placing, and as a means of retention, 50 per cent of the options awarded to him in 2009 vested without performance criteria in October 2012. No gains were made on the exercise of options during the year (2011: nil). Non-executive Directors Long Term Incentive Plan (audited) The non-executive Directors’ interests in the NED LTIP are as follows: 1 January 2012 2 Lapsed 3 Granted 4 Exercised 31 December 2012 Exercise price Earliest exercise date 1 Latest exercise date 1 Nicholas Clayton 125,000 Keith Henry 125,000 - - 103,150 103,150 Malcolm Pattinson 125,000 (41,667) 103,150 375,000 (41,667) 309,450 - - - - 228,150 228,150 186,483 642,783 1 If the Company is in a closed period, the earliest and latest date of exercise may vary. 2 Approved by shareholders at the EGM held on 22 December 2009 and 28 April 2011. 3 Surrendered subject to approval of 2012 grant by shareholders at next Annual General Meeting. 4 Granted subject to approval of 2012 grant by shareholders at next Annual General Meeting. The rules of the LTIP schemes are summarised in note 26. For and on behalf of the Board 40p 01.10.12 30.09.17 40p 01.10.12 30.09.17 40p 01.01.14 30.09.17 Keith Henry Chairman, Remuneration Committee 15 March 2013 35 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Sterling Energy Plc Financial Statements Year ended 31 December 2012 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Director’s Report Year ended 31 December 2012 The Directors present the Report and Financial Statements on the affairs of Sterling and its subsidiaries, together with the financial statements and auditors’ report for the year ended 31 December 2012. PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY AND BUSINESS REVIEW The principal activity of the Group and Company throughout the year remained the exploration for and production of oil and gas in Africa and the Middle East. The significant developments during 2012 and the other activities of the Group, as well as the future strategy and prospects for the Group, are reviewed in detail in the Chairman’s Statement, the Chief Executive’s Review, the Operational Review and the Financial Review. The Group operates through overseas branches and subsidiary undertakings as appropriate to the fiscal environment. Significant subsidiary undertakings of the Group are set out in note 16 to the financial statements. The Group uses a number of key performance indicators (KPI’s) to assess the business performance against strategy. These are net debt ($), reserves (million boe), EBITDA ($), production (bopd) and share price growth. Analysis of the KPI’s can be found in the Financial Review on page 20. RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS The Group loss for the financial year was $12.9 million (2011: profit of $18.4 million). This leaves an accumulated Group retained deficit of $423.1 million (2011: deficit $411.1 million) to be carried forward. The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend (2011: $nil). GOING CONCERN The Group business activities, together with the factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the Operations Review on pages 10 to 15. The financial position of the Group and Company, its cash flows and liquidity position are described in the Financial Review on pages 20 to 23. In addition, note 25 to the financial statements include the Group’s objectives, policies and processes for managing its capital financial risk: details of its financial instruments and its exposures to credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group has sufficient cash resources for its working capital needs and its committed capital expenditure programme at least for the next 12 months. As a consequence, the Directors believe that both the Group and Company are well placed to manage their business risks successfully despite the current uncertain economic outlook. The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial statements. CAPITAL STRUCTURE Details of the issued share capital, together with details of the movements in the Company’s issued share capital during the year, are shown in note 18 to the financial statements. The Company has one class of ordinary share which carries no right to fixed income. Each share carries the right to one vote at general meetings of the Company. There are no specific restrictions on the size of a holding nor on the transfer of shares, which are both governed by the general provisions of the Articles of Association and prevailing legislation. The Directors are not aware of any agreements between holders of the Company’s shares that may result in restrictions on the transfer of securities or on voting rights. Details of the employee share schemes are set out in note 26. No person has any special rights of control over the Company’s share capital and all issued shares are fully paid. 38 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012 DIRECTORS The Directors who served during the year were as follows: Mr Alastair Beardsall Mr Nicholas Clayton Dr Philip Frank Mr Keith Henry Mr Angus MacAskill Mr Malcolm Pattinson Biographical details of serving Directors can be found in the Board of Directors section of this report on pages 25 and 26. DIRECTORS’ ELECTION AND ROTATION With regard to the appointment and replacement of the Directors, the Company is governed by its Articles of Association, the Code, the Companies Acts and related legislation. The powers of Directors are described in the Corporate Governance section. In accordance with article 106 of the Company’s Articles of Association Keith Henry and Nicholas Clayton retire by rotation and offer themselves for re-election at the forthcoming AGM. DIRECTORS AND THEIR INTERESTS The Directors, who served during the year and subsequently, together with their beneficial interests in the issued share capital of the Company, were as follows: Ordinary shares of 40p each 15 March 2013 31 December 2012 31 December 2011 Alastair Beardsall 2 Nicholas Clayton 1 Philip Frank 2 Keith Henry 1 Angus MacAskill 2 Malcolm Pattinson 1 1,062,500 1,062,500 132,500 132,204 500,000 302,000 62,810 132,500 132,204 500,000 302,000 62,810 500,000 132,500 32,204 500,000 100,000 62,810 1 Non-executive Director, member of the Audit, Remuneration and Nominations Committees. 2 Executive Director. Beneficial shareholdings include the shareholdings of a Director’s spouse and infant children. 39 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Director’s Report (cont.) Year ended 31 December 2012 SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDING Except for the holdings of ordinary shares listed below, the Company has not been notified by or become aware of any persons holding 3% or more of the 220,053,520 issued ordinary shares of 40 pence each of the Company at 15 March 2013: Waterford Finance Invesco Denis O’Brien Soyuzneftegas Capital Limited Artemis Investment Management Number 65,814,217 34,592,405 16,190,433 15,494,103 10,910,174 % 29.91 15.72 7.36 7.04 4.96 SUPPLIER PAYMENT POLICY AND PRACTICE The Company’s and Group’s policy is to settle terms of payment with suppliers when agreeing each transaction, ensuring that suppliers are made aware of the terms of payment and abide by them. At the 2012 year end, the number of supplier days outstanding for the Group was 24 days (2011: 37 days). CHARITABLE AND POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS During the year the Group and Company made charitable donations of $870 (2011: $800), principally to local charities serving the communities in which the Group operates. No political contributions were made during the year (2011: $nil). BUSINESS RISK The Directors have identified the following current principal risks in relation to the Company’s future performance. The relative importance of risks faced by the Company can, and is likely to change with progress in the Company’s strategy and developments in the external business environment. Strategic: Strategy risk The Company’s strategy may not deliver the results expected by shareholders. The Directors regularly monitor the appropriateness of the strategy, taking into account both internal and external factors, and the progress in implementing the strategy, and modify the strategy as may be required based on results. Key elements of this process are annual business plans and strategy reviews, monthly reporting, and regular Board meetings. Concentration risk The Company’s portfolio of exploration assets has increased in concentration following the withdrawal from the Sangaw North PSC in Kurdistan. The Board has identified the broadening of the exploration portfolio, using the existing financial resources of the Company, as an important element of the Company’s strategy. Competition risk The addition of exploration licences to the Company’s portfolio is subject to increasing competition from other companies. Many of the Company’s larger competitors have significantly greater financial and technical resources and are able to devote more to the development of their business. The Company mitigates this risk by choosing where and when to deploy its business development resources. Operational: Exploration risk Exploration activities within the Company’s licences may not result in a commercial discovery. The historic industry average exploration drilling success rate is approximately one success for every five wells. There is no certainty of success from the existing portfolio. 40 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Sterling mitigates the exploration risk through the experience and expertise of the Company’s specialists, the application of appropriate technology, and the selection of prospective exploration assets. The Company has an objective to acquire additional exploration assets, which will diversify exploration risk. Operator risk Sterling is not the operator of the Company’s licences where exploration drilling is anticipated as the next operational activity. The Company is dependent on other operators for the performance of activities and will be largely unable to direct, control or influence the activities and costs of the operators. By farming out prior to drilling activities, the Company has reduced its cost exposure and transferred operatorship to other, normally larger and more experienced, operators for drilling activities, with a consequent increase in the Company’s dependence on other operators for the performance of these activities. Sterling carefully considers the technical and financial capability of company’s becoming operator of licences during a farm out process. Murphy Oil is the operator of the Ntem licence in Cameroon and ExxonMobil is the operator of the Ampasindava licence in Madagascar. External: Country risk The Company’s assets are located in non-OECD countries. Governments, regulations, and the security environment may change with a consequential effect on the Company’s assets. The Company’s assets in Cameroon and Madagascar are currently affected by country-specific situations. In Cameroon, the Company holds a 50% working interest in the highly prospective Ntem block. The Governments of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea are negotiating their joint maritime border, part of which runs concurrent with two of the Ntem block boundaries. The Company believes the final location of the maritime border will not impinge upon the Ntem area, however there is no certainty that, when agreement over the maritime border is reached, the Ntem acreage will remain as it is defined under the current licence agreement with the Cameroon Government. The Company has reached agreement with OMNIS, the state regulator in Madagascar, to prolong the Ampasindava and Ambilobe licences and awaits ratification by the Government of Madagascar; the existing exploration phase of each licence ended in November 2010. The Company believes the political roadmap towards elections is progressing well and expects a positive outcome. However there is no certainty of a positive outcome. Country risk is mitigated by monitoring the political, regulatory, and security environment within the countries in which Sterling holds assets, engaging in constructive discussions where and when appropriate, and introducing third-party expertise if this may assist in resolution of issues affecting the Company’s assets. The Company has an objective to acquire additional assets for the exploration portfolio, which may assist in diversifying country risk. In addition to the current principal risks identified above and general business risks, the Group’s business is subject to risks inherent in oil and gas exploration, development and production activities. There are a number of potential risks and uncertainties which could have a material impact on the Group’s long-term performance and could cause actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results. The Company has identified certain risks pertinent to its business including: 41 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Director’s Report (cont.) Year ended 31 December 2012 Category Risk Strategic and Economic Operational Commercial Human Resources and Management Processes Financial • Inappropriate or poorly conceived strategy and plans • Failure to deliver on strategy and plans • Business environment changes • Competition and barriers to entry • Operations in territories which are susceptible to political, fiscal and social instability • Limited diversification • Shareholder concentration • HSES incident or non-compliance under local rules and/or laws • Failure to add value through exploration • Poor field performance • Licences, permits and/or approvals maybe difficult to sustain • Reliance on other operators • Delays in conducting work programmes • Failure to access new opportunities • Failure to maximise value from existing interests • Loss of control of key assets • Dissatisfied stakeholders • Failure to negotiate optimal contract terms • Reserve and production estimations are not exact determinations • Regulatory compliance and legal • Failure to recruit and retain key personnel • Human error or deliberate negative action • Inadequate management processes • Insufficient timely information available to the management and the Board • Restrictions in capital markets impacting available financial resource • Oil or gas price volatility impacting both revenues and reserves • Counterparty default • Cost escalation and budget overruns • Fiscal changes • Operations under-insured • Foreign currency risk • Financial control of operated and non-operated assets • Fraud and corruption The Directors regularly monitor such risks, using information obtained or developed from external and internal sources, and will take actions as appropriate to mitigate these. Effective risk mitigation may be critical to Sterling in achieving its strategic objectives and protecting its assets, personnel and reputation. The Company has developed a business management system, including a risk management process which identifies key business risks and measures to mitigate these risks and then implements such measures considered appropriate. Other significant elements of the business management system include regular Board review of the business, defined process for preparation and approval of the annual work programme and budget, monthly management reporting, financial operating procedures, and HSES and anti-bribery management systems. 42 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Sterling reviews its business risks and management systems on a regular basis and, through this process, the Directors have identified the principal risks. The Company manages some risks by maintaining a portfolio of projects and ensuring the Company is in compliance with the terms of all its agreements, through the application of appropriate policies and procedures implemented in the business management system, and via the recruitment and retention of a team of skilled and experience professionals. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Information about the use of financial instruments, the Group’s policy and objectives for financial risk management is given in note 25 to the financial statements. AUDITORS Each of the persons who are a Director at the date of approval of this Report and Financial Statements confirms that: • so far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditors are unaware; and • the Directors have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a Director in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s auditors are aware of that information. This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of section 418 of the Companies Act 2006. BDO LLP has expressed its willingness to continue in office as auditors and a resolution to appoint BDO will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. Angus MacAskill Director 15 March 2013 43 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities Year ended 31 December 2012 The Directors are responsible for preparing the Report and Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have elected to prepare the Group and Company financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and Company and of the profit or loss of the Group and Company for that period. The Directors are also required to prepare financial statements in accordance with the rules of the London Stock Exchange for companies trading securities on the Alternative Investment Market. In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to: • select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; • make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; • state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and • prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business. The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. WEBSITE PUBLICATION The Directors are responsible for ensuring the Report and Financial Statements are made available on a website. Financial statements are published on the Company’s website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements, which may vary from legislation in other jurisdictions. The maintenance and integrity of the Company’s website is the responsibility of the Directors. The Directors’ responsibility also extends to the on going integrity of the financial statements contained therein. DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT We confirm that to the best of our knowledge: • the financial statements, prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; and • the Report and Financial Statements include a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face. For and on behalf of the Board Angus MacAskill Director 15 March 2013 44 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Independent Auditors’ Report Year ended 31 December 2012 We have audited the financial statements of Sterling Energy Plc for the year ended 31 December 2012 which comprise of the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated and company statement of financial position, the consolidated and company statement of changes in equity, the consolidated and company statement of cash flows and the related notes. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS AND AUDITORS As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s (APB’s) Ethical Standards for Auditors. The Directors have chosen to comply with the requirements of Schedule 8 part 3 of the Large and Medium-Sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports Regulations) 2008 made under Section 421 of the Companies Act 2006 (“Schedule 8”) with regard to the Directors’ Remuneration Report as if the company is a quoted company included on the official list. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on that part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited. Other than previously noted we are not responsible for auditing and expressing an opinion on the company’s compliance with the requirements of the Listing Rules. SCOPE OF THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided on the APB’s website at www.frc.org.uk/apb/ scope/private.cfm. OPINION ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS In our opinion: • the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 2012 and of the group’s loss for the year then ended; • the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; • the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union and as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; • the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006; and • the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. OPINION ON OTHER MATTERS PRESCRIBED BY THE COMPANIES ACT 2006 In our opinion the information given in the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements. 45 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Independent Auditors’ Report (cont.) Year ended 31 December 2012 MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: • adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or • the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or • certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or • we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. Scott Knight (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of BDO LLP, Statutory Auditor London United Kingdom 15 March 2013 BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127). 46 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Year ended 31 December 2012 Note 31 December 2012 $000 31 December 2011 $000 Revenue Cost of sales Gross profit Other administrative expenses Reversal of impairment of oil and gas assets Impairment of oil and gas assets Pre-licence costs Total administrative expenses Profit from operations Finance income Finance expense Profit before tax Tax 4 6 5 8 8 9 Profit for the year from continuing operations Loss for the year from discontinued operations 10 (Loss)/profit for the year attributable to the owners of the parent Other comprehensive (expense)/income Currency translation adjustments Total other comprehensive (expense)/income for the year Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year attributable to the owners of the parent Basic profit/(loss) per share (USc) From continuing operations From continuing and discontinued operations Diluted profit/(loss) per share (USc) From continuing operations From continuing and discontinued operations 22,496 (12,028) 10,468 (2,795) 347 - (2,353) (4,801) 5,667 350 (515) 5,502 - 5,502 (18,422) (12,920) (6) (6) 19,146 (6,113) 13,033 (3,728) 8,269 (33) (1,282) 3,226 16,259 3,212 (1,051) 18,420 - 18,420 - 18,420 31 31 (12,926) 18,451 2.51 (5.89) 2.51 (5.89) 8.40 8.40 8.29 8.29 12 12 12 12 47 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Year ended 31 December 2012 Note 31 December 2012 $000 31 December 2011 $000 Non-current assets Intangible royalty assets Intangible exploration and evaluation assets Property, plant and equipment Current assets Inventories Trade and other receivables Cash and cash equivalents Total assets Equity Share capital Share premium Currency translation reserve Retained deficit Total equity Non-current liabilities Long-term provisions Current liabilities Trade and other payables Total liabilities Total equity and liabilities 13 14 15 17 18 21 22 2,424 10,245 4,059 16,728 2,993 1,210 120,348 124,551 141,279 149,014 378,863 (210) (423,050) 104,617 21,274 21,274 15,388 15,388 36,662 141,279 3,221 22,455 5,643 31,319 2,872 922 115,826 119,620 150,939 148,589 378,859 (204) (411,103) 116,141 20,297 20,297 14,501 14,501 34,798 150,939 The financial statements of Sterling Energy Plc, registered number 1757721 were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 15 March 2013. Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors Angus MacAskill Director Alastair Beardsall Director 48 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity Year ended 31 December 2012 Share capital Share premium Currency translation reserve Retained deficit 1 Total $000 $000 $000 $000 $000 At 1 January 2011 Profit for the year Currency translation adjustments Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to the owners of the parent Issued share capital/premium Share option charge for the year At 31 December 2011 Loss for the year Currency translation adjustments Total comprehensive expense for the year attributable to the owners of the parent Issued share capital/premium Share option charge for the year 148,573 378,859 (235) (431,380) - - - 16 - - - - - - - 31 31 - - 18,420 - 95,817 18,420 31 18,420 18,541 - 1,857 16 1,857 148,589 378,859 (204) (411,103) 116,141 - - - 425 - - - - 4 - - (6) (6) - - (12,920) (12,920) - (6) (12,920) (12,926) - 973 429 973 At 31 December 2012 149,014 378,863 (210) (423,050) 104,617 1 The share option reserve has been included within the retained deficit reserve. 49 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Year ended 31 December 2012 Note 24 Operating activities Cash generated from operations Net cash flow from operating activities Investing activities Interest received Purchase of property, plant and equipment Exploration and evaluation costs Proceeds on disposal of PPE Net cash used in investing activities Financing activities Net proceeds from issue of ordinary shares Net cash flow generated from financing activities Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Effect of foreign exchange rate changes Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 2012 $000 7,800 7,800 350 (100) (4,446) - (4,196) 429 429 4,033 115,826 489 120,348 2011 $000 5,573 5,573 365 (41) (1,695) 22 (1,349) 16 16 4,240 111,679 (93) 115,826 50 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Company Statement of Financial Position Year ended 31 December 2012 Note 31 December 2012 $000 31 December 2011 $000 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment Investments Current assets Inventories Trade and other receivables Cash and cash equivalents Total assets Equity Share capital Share premium Retained deficit Total equity Non-current liabilities Long-term provisions Current liabilities Trade and other payables Total liabilities Total equity and liabilities 15 16 17 18 21a 22 3,977 106,668 110,645 2,993 14,349 118,565 135,907 246,552 149,014 378,863 (375,735) 152,142 21,154 21,154 73,256 73,256 94,410 246,552 5,602 105,740 111,342 2,872 21,395 114,831 139,098 250,440 148,589 378,859 (368,070) 159,378 20,144 20,144 70,918 70,918 91,062 250,440 The financial statements of Sterling Energy Plc, registered number 1757721 were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 15 March 2013. Signed on behalf of the Board of Directors Angus MacAskill Director Alastair Beardsall Director 51 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Company Statement of Changes in Equity Year ended 31 December 2012 At 1 January 2011 148,573 378,859 (371,480) 155,952 Share capital Share premium Retained deficit 1 Total $000 $000 $000 $000 Total comprehensive income for the year Issued share capital/premium Share option charge for the year At 31 December 2011 Total comprehensive expense for the year Issued share capital/premium Share option charge for the year At 31 December 2012 1 The share option reserve has been included within the retained deficit reserve. - 16 - - - - 1,553 1,553 - 16 1,857 1,857 148,589 378,859 (368,070) 159,378 - 425 - - 4 - (8,638) (8,638) - 973 429 973 149,014 378,863 (375,735) 152,142 52 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Company Statement of Cash Flows Year ended 31 December 2012 Note 24 Operating activities Cash generated from operations Net cash flow used in operating activities Investing activities Interest received Proceeds on disposal of PPE Net cash generated from investing activities Financing activities Net proceeds from issue of ordinary shares Net cash flow generated from financing activities Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Effect of foreign exchange rate changes Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 2012 $000 2,401 2,401 350 - 350 429 429 3,180 114,831 554 118,565 2011 $000 13,527 13,527 365 22 387 16 16 13,930 100,936 (35) 114,831 53 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Sterling Energy Plc Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 31 December 2012 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES a) General Information Sterling Energy Plc is a public Company incorporated in the United Kingdom under the UK Companies Act. The address of the registered office is 85 Fleet Street, London, EC4Y 1AE. The Company and the Group are engaged in the exploration for, and development and production of, oil and gas. These financial statements are presented in US dollars as this is the currency in which the majority of the Group’s revenues and expenditure are transacted and the functional currency of the Company. b) Basis of Accounting and Adoption of New and Revised Standards (i) New and amended standards adopted by the Group: The following new standards and amendments to standards are mandatory for the first time for the Group for financial year beginning 1 January 2012. Except as noted, the implementation of these standards is not expected to have a material effect on the Group. Standard Effective date Impact on initial application IFRS 7 – Amendment – Transfer of Financial Asset 1 July 2011 No impact IFRS 1 – Amendment – Severe hyperinflation and removal of fixed dates 1 July 2011 No impact No other IFRS issued and adopted but not yet effective are expected to have an impact on the Group’s financial statements. (ii) Standards, amendments and interpretations, which are effective for reporting periods beginning after the date of these financial statements which have not been adopted early: Standard Description Effective date Presentation of Items of Other Comprehensive Income 1 July 2012 IAS 1 IFRS 10 IFRS 11 IFRS 12 IFRS 13 IAS 27 IAS 28 IAS 19 IFRS 7 Consolidated Financial Statements Joint Arrangements Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities Fair Value Measurement Separate Financial Statements Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures Employee Benefits Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Improvements to IFRS (2009-2011 Cycle) IFRS 10, 11 and 12 1 Transition Guidance IAS 32 IFRS 9 1 Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities Financial Instruments 1 Not yet endorsed by the European Union 56 1 January 2013 1 January 2013 1 January 2013 1 January 2013 1 January 2013 1 January 2013 1 January 2013 1 January 2013 1 January 2013 1 January 2013 1 January 2014 1 January 2015 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Year ended 31 December 2012Notes to the Financial Statementsc) Going Concern The Directors have, at the time of approving the financial statements, a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. Further detail is contained in the Directors’ Report. d) Basis of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and the entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries) made up to 31 December each year. Control is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an invested entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by the Group. All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation. As a consolidated Group statement of comprehensive income and expense is published, a separate statement of comprehensive income and expense for the parent Company has not been published in accordance with section 408 of the Companies Act 2006. e) Jointly Controlled Operations Jointly controlled operations are arrangements in which the Group holds an interest on a long term basis which are jointly controlled by the Group and one or more ventures under a contractual arrangement. The Group’s exploration, development and production activities are sometimes conducted jointly with other companies in this way. Since these arrangements do not constitute entities in their own right, the consolidated financial statements reflect the relevant proportion of costs, revenues, assets and liabilities applicable to the Group’s interests. f) Revenue Sales of oil and gas are recognised, net of any sales taxes when goods are delivered or the title has passed to the customer. Interest income is accrued on a time basis by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable. Royalties and tariff income are recognised as earned on an entitlement basis. Dividend revenue from investments is recognised when the shareholders’ rights to receive payment have been established. g) Oil and Gas Interests Exploration and Evaluation Assets: The Group accounts for oil and gas exploration under the full cost method having regard to the requirements of IFRS 6 Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources. E&E costs are initially capitalised within intangible assets. Such E&E costs include licence acquisition costs, geological and geophysical costs, costs of drilling exploration and appraisal wells, and an appropriate share of overheads. E&E costs are capitalised and accumulated in cost pools which are not larger than a segment. Expenditures incurred before the Group has obtained the legal rights to explore a specific area are expensed in the year that they are incurred. Costs relating to the exploration and evaluation of oil and gas interests are carried forward until the existence or otherwise of commercial reserves has been determined. 57 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012If commercial reserves have been discovered, the related E&E assets are assessed for impairment and the resultant carrying value is then reclassified as oil and gas assets within property, plant and equipment, on a cost pool by cost pool basis. E&E assets that are determined not to have resulted in the discovery of commercial reserves remain capitalised as intangible E&E assets at cost, subject to the relevant cost pool meeting an impairment test as set out below. Under the full cost method, impairment tests on E&E assets are conducted on an individual cost pool basis, including any development or producing assets, when facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount in the pool may exceed its recoverable amount. Such indicators include the point at which a determination is made as to whether or not commercial reserves exist. The E&E assets are tested for impairment together with all development and production assets associated with that cost pool, as a single cash-generating unit. The aggregate carrying value is compared against the expected recoverable amount of the cost pool, generally by reference to the present value of the future cash flows expected to be delivered from production of commercial reserves. Where the E&E assets to be tested fall outside the scope of any established cost pool, there will generally be no commercial reserves and if the E&E is determined as unsuccessful the E&E assets concerned will be written off in full. Any impairment loss is separately recognised within the statement of comprehensive income. Impaired assets are reviewed annually to determine whether any substantial change to their fair value amounts previously impaired would require reversal. A previously recognised impairment loss is reversed if the recoverable amount increases as a result of a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount, but not to an amount higher than the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of depletion or amortisation) had no impairment loss been recognised in prior periods. Reversal of impairments and impairment charges are credited / (charged) to a separate line item under total costs in the Consolidated Income Statement. Refer to note 5 on page 65 for detailed disclosure of the results of impairments and impairment reviews performed. Development and Production Assets: Development and production assets are generally accumulated on a field-by-field basis and include the cost of developing the commercial reserves discovered and bringing them into production, together with the E&E expenditures, incurred in finding commercial reserves, transferred from intangible E&E assets as outlined above, which constitutes a single cash generating unit. Depletion is provided for on a cash-generating unit basis on a unit of production basis over the life of the proven and probable commercial reserves taking into account the expected future costs to extract all such reserves. An impairment test is performed on an individual cash-generating unit whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may exceed its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is assessed as the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from production of commercial reserves. The cash-generating unit basis is generally the field, however, oil and gas assets, including infrastructure assets, may be accounted for on an aggregated basis where such assets are economically inter-dependent. Property, Plant and Equipment Assets other than Oil and Gas Assets: Property, plant and equipment other than oil and gas assets are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation, and any provision for impairment. Depreciation is provided at rates estimated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, of each asset over its expected useful life as follows: Computer and office equipment – 33% straight line. 58 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Year ended 31 December 2012Notes to the Financial Statementsh) Decommissioning Provisions for decommissioning costs are recognised in accordance with IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets. Provisions are recorded at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the Group’s future obligations. Provisions are reviewed at each reporting date to reflect the current best estimate of the cost at present value. The unwinding of the discount is reflected as a finance expense. A decommissioning asset is also established, since the future cost of decommissioning is regarded as part of the total investment to gain access to future economic benefits, and included as part of the cost of the relevant development and production asset. Depletion on this asset is calculated under the unit of production method based on commercial reserves. i) Intangible Royalty Interests The carrying value of each individual royalty interest is initially stated at cost, and amortised on the unit of production basis relative to the underlying asset and assessed individually for impairment when there is an indication that an impairment event may have occurred. j) Foreign Currencies The US dollar is the functional and reporting currency of the Company and the reporting currency of the Group. Transactions denominated in other currencies are translated into US dollar at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Assets and liabilities in other currencies are translated into US dollars at the rate of exchange ruling at the reporting date. All exchange differences arising from such translations are dealt with in current year comprehensive income. The results of entities with a functional currency other than the US dollar are translated at the average rates of exchange during the period and their statement of financial position at the rates ruling at the reporting date. Exchange differences arising on translation of the opening net assets and on translation of the results of such entities are dealt with through the currency translation reserve. k) Taxation Current Tax: The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the statement of comprehensive income because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible on other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date. Deferred Tax: Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, and interests in joint ventures, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered. 59 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the statement of comprehensive income, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis. l) Investments (Company) Non-current investments in subsidiary undertakings are shown in the Company’s Statement of Financial Position at cost less any provision for permanent diminution of value. m) Operating Leases Rentals under operating leases are charged on a straight-line basis over the lease term. n) Financial Instruments The Group’s Financial Instruments comprise of cash and cash equivalents, loans and receivables. There are no other categories of financial instrument. Trade Receivables: Trade receivables are measured at amortised cost, unless the effect of the time value of money is immaterial. Appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts are recognised in profit or loss when there is objective evidence that the asset is impaired. Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents comprise demand deposits, and other short term highly liquid investments, with an original maturity of less than 3 months, and are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. The Group has the following financial liabilities, all are classified as held at amortised cost. The Group holds no other categories of financial liability. Trade Payables: Trade payables are stated at their amortised cost. Financial Liabilities and Equity: Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the asset of the Group after deducting all of its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds received net of direct issue costs. o) Pension Costs The Group operates a number of defined contribution pension schemes. The amount charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income for these schemes is the contributions payable in the year. Differences between contributions payable in the year and contributions actually paid are shown as either accruals or prepayments in the Statement of Financial Position. 60 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Year ended 31 December 2012Notes to the Financial Statementsp) Share-based Payments The Company and Group have applied the requirements of IFRS 2 Share-based payments. The Company issues equity share-based payments to certain employees. The fair value of these awards has been determined at the date of the grant of the award allowing for the effect of any market-based performance conditions. This fair value, adjusted by the estimate of the number of awards that will eventually vest as a result of non-market conditions, is expensed uniformly over the vesting period. The fair values are calculated using an option pricing model with suitable modifications to allow for employee turnover before vesting and early exercise. The inputs to the model include: the share price at the date of grant; exercise price; expected volatility; expected dividends; risk-free rate of interest; and patterns of exercise of the plan participants. Where the terms and conditions of options are modified before they vest, the increase in the fair value of the options, measured immediately before and after the modification, is also charged to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income over the remaining vesting period. q) Over/(Under) Lift Lifting or off take arrangements for oil and gas produced in certain of the Group’s operations are such that each participant may not receive and sell its precise share of the overall production in each period. The resulting imbalance between cumulative entitlement and cumulative liftings is ‘underlift’ or ‘overlift’. Underlifts and overlifts are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value and overlifts are valued at market value. Adjustments are made to cost of sales and balances included within receivables and payables as appropriate. r) Inventories The Group’s share of any material and equipment inventories is accounted for at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale. The cost of inventories comprises all costs of purchase, costs of conversion and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. s) Provisions Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation as a result of a past event and it is probable that the Group would be required to settle that obligation. Provisions are measured at the management’s best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the reporting date, and are discounted to present value where the effect is material. t) Segment Reporting Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision makers. The chief operating decision makers have been identified as the executive Board members. The operating results of each of the geographical segments are regularly reviewed by the Group’s chief operating decision makers in order to make decisions about the allocation of resources and to assess their performance. Africa has exploration and development activities, the Middle East has exploration activities (discontinued) and the United Kingdom office is an administrative cost centre. 61 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 20122. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY In the application of the Group’s accounting policies, which are described in note 1, the Directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an on-going basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date, 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. Commercial Reserves Commercial reserves are proven and probable oil and gas reserves, calculated on an entitlement basis. Estimates of commercial reserves underpin the calculation of depletion and amortisation on a unit of production basis. Estimates of commercial reserves include estimates of the amount of oil and gas in place, assumptions about reservoir performance over the life of the field and assumptions about commercial factors which, in turn, will be affected by the future oil and gas price. Impairment of Assets Management is required to assess oil and gas assets for indicators of impairment and have considered the economic value of both the Chinguetti Funding and Royalty Agreements and specifically whether further historic impairments should be reversed. The carrying value of oil and gas assets is disclosed in notes 13, 14 and 15. The carrying value of related investments in the Company statement of financial position is disclosed in note 16. As part of this assessment, management has carried out an impairment test on the Chinguetti oil and gas assets within property, plant and equipment. This test compares the carrying value at the reporting date with the expected discounted cash flows from the relevant projects. For the discounted cash flows to be calculated, management has used a production profile based on its best estimate of proven and probable reserves and a range of assumptions including a 10% pre-tax discount rate and an internally estimated oil price profile. Exploration and evaluation assets are subject to a separate review for indicators of impairment, by reference to the impairment indicators set out in IFRS 6, which is inherently judgemental. Decommissioning The Group has obligations in respect of decommissioning in Mauritania. The extent to which a provision is recognised depends on the legal requirements at the date of decommissioning, the estimated costs and timing of the work and the discount rate applied. Decommissioning estimates for the Chinguetti field are based on a range of operator estimates which are periodically reviewed by the operator and the Chinguetti partners. Sterling believes the field could be abandoned earlier than originally planned and allowance has been made for this in the calculation of the obligation. Share-based Payments Management is required to make assumptions in respect of the inputs used to calculate the fair value of share- based payment arrangements. Details of these can be found in note 26. 62 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Year ended 31 December 2012Notes to the Financial Statements3. OPERATING SEGMENTS The Group’s two operating segments are its Africa and Middle East (discontinued) segments. The UK corporate office is a technical and administrative cost centre. The operating results of each of these segments are regularly reviewed by the Group’s executive Directors and senior management in order to make decisions about the allocation of resources and to assess their performance. The accounting policies of these segments are in line with those set out in note 1. The following tables present revenue, profit and certain asset and liability information regarding the Group’s operating segments for the year ended 31 December 2012, and for the year ended 31 December 2011. Africa Middle East (Discontinued) 2012 $000 2011 $000 2012 $000 2011 $000 2012 $000 Total 2011 $000 22,496 19,146 (12,028) (6,113) 10,468 13,033 347 8,269 - - - - - (33) (18,422) (2,353) (1,282) - 8,462 19,987 (18,422) - - - - - - - Statement of Comprehensive Income Revenue 1 Cost of sales Gross profit Impairment reversal Impairment provision Pre-licence costs Segment result Unallocated corporate expenses (Loss)/profit from operations Finance income Finance expense (Loss)/profit before tax Tax (Loss)/profit attributable to owners of the parent Profit from continuing operations Loss from discontinued operations 22,496 19,146 (12,028) (6,113) 10,468 13,033 347 8,269 (18,422) (33) (2,353) (1,282) (9,960) 19,987 (2,795) (3,728) (12,755) 16,259 350 (515) 3,212 (1,051) (12,920) 18,420 - - (12,920) 18,420 5,502 18,420 (18,422) - (12,920) 18,420 63 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Corporate Africa Middle East (Discontinued) 2012 $000 2011 $000 2012 $000 2011 $000 2012 $000 2011 $000 2012 $000 Total 2011 $000 100 - 41 - - - - - 100 41 1,313 (2,786) 4,575 2 4,481 5,888 1,695 (59) (160) (2,422) (267) - - - - 347 8,269 - - - - (2,481) (427) 347 8,269 - (33) (18,422) - (18,422) (33) Other Segment Information Capital additions: Property, plant and equipment Exploration and evaluation Depreciation and amortisation Impairment reversal Impairment provision Segment Assets and Liabilities Non-current assets 3 83 41 16,645 17,432 - 13,846 16,728 31,319 Segment assets 4 119,409 115,300 3,409 3,297 1,733 1,023 124,551 119,620 Segment liabilities 5 (711) (994) (33,906) (33,088) (2,045) (716) (36,662) (34,798) 1 Revenue from continuing operations includes amounts of $21.2 million (100% external) from one single customer (2011: $17.5 million). 2 Included within $4.5 million are accruals totalling $1.4 million and net cash additions of $3.1 million. 3 Segment non-current assets include $6.5 million in Cameroon (2011: $6.0 million), $nil in Kurdistan (2011: $13.8 million), $6.4 million in Mauritania (2011: $8.8 million) and $3.8 million in Madagascar (2011: $2.6 million). 4 Carrying amounts of segment assets exclude investments in subsidiaries. 5 Carrying amounts of segment liabilities exclude intra-group financing. 4. REVENUE Revenue from the sale of oil and gas Royalty income Total operating revenue 2012 $000 21,163 1,333 22,496 Total 2011 $000 17,509 1,637 19,146 64 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Year ended 31 December 2012Notes to the Financial Statements5. PROFIT FROM OPERATIONS Profit from operations is stated after charging/(crediting): Staff costs Share-based payments Impairment reversal Impairment expense Depreciation of other non-current assets An analysis of auditor’s remuneration is as follows: Fees payable to the Group’s auditors for the audit of the Group’s annual accounts Audit of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation Audit related assurance services Total audit fees Note 7 7 14,15 14 15 2012 $000 3,616 973 (347) 18,422 59 48 55 11 114 Total 2011 $000 4,554 1,857 (8,269) 33 161 70 32 11 113 During the year the Company fully impaired all capitalised expenditure totalling $18.4 million (2011: $nil) on the Sangaw North licence following the decision to relinquish the block. Full details of the impairment and financial impact are disclosed in note 10 on pages 67 and 68. In 2011 the Company reversed impairments totalling $8.3 million in accordance with IAS 36 “Impairment of Assets” following a review by the operator of forecast field life estimations on the Chinguetti field in Mauritania. This review resulted in an extension of the economic field life to better reflect decline rates that have been regressing less aggressively than originally prognosed. Of the $8.3 million, $5.6 million relates to reversals of prior period impairment losses on the Chinguetti Funding Agreement and $2.7 million to reversals of prior period impairment losses on the Chinguetti Intangible Royalty Asset. 2011 Impairment reversals had been determined by estimating the value in use and resulted in an increase in field reserves of 0.472 million barrels of oil (Reserves Summary page 16). In calculating this impairment, management used a range of assumptions, including a long-term oil price of $85 per barrel and a 10% pre-tax discount rate. 6. COST OF SALES Amortisation of intangible royalty asset Depletion of property, plant & equipment - oil and gas Operating costs Under lift of product entitlement 2012 $000 797 1,625 9,727 (121) 12,028 2011 $000 266 - 7,814 (1,967) 6,113 65 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 20127. EMPLOYEE INFORMATION The average monthly number of employees of the Group (including executive Directors) was: Africa and Middle East Corporate support staff Group employee costs during the year (including executive Directors) amounted to: Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs Share-based payments 2012 2011 14 11 25 2012 $000 3,034 347 235 973 4,589 17 14 31 2011 $000 3,831 426 297 1,857 6,411 Key management personnel include Directors who have been paid $1.2 million (2011: $1.6 million), see Remuneration Report (pages 32 to 35) for additional detail. A portion of the Group’s staff costs and associated overheads are recharged to the joint venture partners, expensed as pre-licence expenditure or capitalised where they are directly attributable to on-going capital projects. In 2012 this portion amounted to $4.3 million (2011: $5.1 million). 8. FINANCE INCOME AND FINANCE EXPENSE Finance income: Interest revenue on short-term deposits Revisions to discount on decommissioning provision in year Finance expense: Bank charges Unwinding of discount on decommissioning provision Unwinding of discount on production royalty bonus provision Exchange differences 66 2012 $000 350 - 350 12 1,010 26 (533) 515 2011 $000 365 2,847 3,212 10 959 21 61 1,051 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Year ended 31 December 2012Notes to the Financial Statements9. TAXATION The tax charge for the year is calculated by applying the applicable standard rate of tax as follows: (Loss)/profit before tax Tax on profit on ordinary activities at standard UK corporation tax rate of 24.5% (2011: 26.5%) Effects of: Expenses not deductible for tax purposes Capital allowances in excess of depreciation Adjustment for tax losses Tax charge for the year 10. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 2012 $000 (12,920) (3,165) 5,134 (1,717) (252) - Total 2011 $000 18,420 4,881 (2,117) (2,981) 217 - On 29 January 2013, Sterling formally announced withdrawal from the Sangaw North licence in Kurdistan. The decision to relinquish was made in December 2012 following interpretation of the 2D seismic data acquired in the Sangaw North PSC earlier in 2012. This indicated that the remaining potential was insufficient to justify drilling a second exploration well in the contract area. Sterling acquired and processed 117km of 2D seismic data, supplementing the 2D seismic data previously acquired in the contract area. Interpretation of the new seismic data indicated that the risked potential of a secondary target along the flank of the main structure, analogous to the recent discoveries made in adjacent acreage to the south east of the Sangaw North PSC area, did not justify the cost exposure of an exploration well. Based on this interpretation, the joint venture partnership has decided not to drill a second exploration well in the contract area. Under the terms of the PSC, Sterling were required to notify the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq (KRG) on or before 31 January 2013 whether or not they wished to participate in the drilling of a further exploration well on the Sangaw North block before the end of the current exploration phase which ran to November 2013. On 30 December 2012, Sterling fully impaired all expenditure capitalised on the Sangaw North block following a decision by the Board to relinquish the licence. Details of the financial impact of the relinquishment are summarised below: Loss for the year from discontinued operations (page 47) Cash flows from operating activities (note 24 page 76) 2012 $000 (18,422) - 2011 $000 - - Cash flows from investing activities (note 3 page 64) (3,133) (4,481) Basic and diluted loss per share from discontinued operations (USc) (note 12 page 68) (8.38) - 67 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012 On 29 January 2013, Sterling notified the KRG of the partnership’s decision not to drill a second exploration well in the Sangaw North PSC area and the PSC automatically terminated on that date. At the date of termination, Sterling had fully satisfied the work commitment required by the Sangaw North PSC. Following the closure of Sangaw North operations, Sterling will have no remaining interests in Kurdistan. 11. PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY The loss for the financial year dealt within the Company accounts of Sterling Energy Plc was $8.6 million (2011: profit of $1.6 million). As provided by s408 of the Companies Act 2006, no individual statement of comprehensive income and expense is provided in respect of the Company. 12. EARNINGS PER SHARE The calculation of basic loss per share is based on the Group consolidated loss for the financial year of $12.9 million (2011: profit $18.4 million) and on 219,530,061 (2011: 219,382,869) ordinary shares, being the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue. For the year ended 31 December 2012, the basic loss per share were 5.89 US¢ per share (2011: profit 8.40 US¢ per share). For the year ended 31 December 2012, the fully diluted loss per share was 5.89 US¢ per share (2011: profit 8.29 US¢ per share). This is computed based on 219,530,061 (2011: 222,292,291) ordinary shares, being the total used for the computation of the basic earnings per share as adjusted in assuming the exercise of none of the 11,409,488 options outstanding as at the year end (see note 26 on pages 80 to 84). For the year ended 31 December 2012, the basic and fully diluted loss per share from discontinued operations was 8.38 US¢ per share (2011: nil US¢ per share). The loss from discontinued operations during the year was $18.4 million (2011: $nil). The profit from continuing operations was $5.5 million (2011: $18.4 million). 13. INTANGIBLE ROYALTY ASSETS Net book value at 31 December 2010 and 1 January 2011 Impairment reversal Amortisation charge for the year Net book value at 31 December 2011 Amortisation charge for the year Net book value at 31 December 2012 Group $000 824 2,663 (266) 3,221 (797) 2,424 Group net book value at 31 December 2012 comprises the value of rights to future royalties in respect of the Group’s agreements covering licences PSC A and PSC B and PSC C-10 in Mauritania. The value of these royalty interests is dependent upon future oil and gas prices and the development and production of the underlying oil and gas reserves. An impairment assessment and any subsequent charge are calculated on an individual royalty interest basis. 68 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Year ended 31 December 2012Notes to the Financial StatementsFuture recoverable amounts are estimated by management based on the present value of future cash flows expected to be derived from the production of commercial reserves in these licences and are compared against the carrying value of these assets. In 2011 impairment losses recognised in prior periods totalling $2.7 million have been reversed on the Chinguetti asset. Details of impairment losses can be found in note 1 on page 58 and note 5 on page 65. 14. INTANGIBLE EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION (E&E) ASSETS Net book value at 31 December 2010 and 1 January 2011 Additions during the year Reimbursement of back costs on farm-out Impairment charge for the year Net book value at 31 December 2011 Additions during the year Impairment charge for the year Impairment reversal for the year Net book value at 31 December 2012 Note Group $000 20,793 6,474 (4,779) (33) 22,455 5,888 10 (18,422) 324 10,245 The amount for intangible exploration and evaluation assets represents investments in respect of exploration licences (see note 1g). Impairment tests on E&E assets are conducted on an individual cost pool basis when facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount in the pool may exceed its recoverable amount. The impairment reversal recorded above relates to assets held in the Africa pool of $324k (2011: impairment $33k) where the estimated recoverable amount of the property, plant and equipment and E&E in the pool was in excess of the carrying amount. 69 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012 15. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Group Cost Oil and Gas assets Computer and office equipment Total $000 $000 $000 At 31 December 2010 and 1 January 2011 185,829 2,949 188,778 Additions during the year Disposals in the year Adjustments during the year At 31 December 2011 Additions during the year Adjustments during the year At 31 December 2012 - - (4) 41 (26) - 41 (26) (4) 185,825 2,964 188,789 - (23) 100 - 100 (23) 185,802 3,064 188,866 Accumulated depreciation and impairment At 31 December 2010 and 1 January 2011 (185,829) (2,774) (188,603) Charge for the year Disposals in the year Impairment reversal for the year At 31 December 2011 Charge for the year Impairment reversal for the year At 31 December 2012 Net book value at 31 December 2012 Net book value at 31 December 2011 Net book value at 31 December 2010 - - 5,606 (161) 12 - (161) 12 5,606 (180,223) (2,923) (183,146) (1,625) 23 (59) - (1,684) 23 (181,825) (2,982) (184,807) 3,977 5,602 - 82 41 175 4,059 5,643 175 70 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Year ended 31 December 2012Notes to the Financial StatementsCompany Cost Oil and Gas assets Computer and office equipment Total $000 $000 $000 At 31 December 2010 and 1 January 2011 185,829 176 186,005 Adjustments during the year Disposals in the year At 31 December 2011 Disposals in the year At 31 December 2012 (4) - 185,825 (23) 185,802 - (26) 150 - 150 (4) (26) 185,975 (23) 185,952 Accumulated depreciation and impairment At 31 December 2010 and 1 January 2011 (185,829) (161) (185,990) Charge for the year Disposals in the year Impairment reversal for the year At 31 December 2011 Charge for the year Impairment reversal for the year At 31 December 2012 Net book value at 31 December 2012 Net book value at 31 December 2011 Net book value at 31 December 2010 - - 5,606 (1) 12 - (1) 12 5,606 (180,223) (150) (180,373) (1,625) 23 - - (1,625) 23 (181,825) (150) (181,975) 3,977 5,602 - - - 15 3,977 5,602 15 During the year impairment reversals recognised in prior periods totalling $23k have been reversed on the Chinguetti asset (2011: $5.6 million). Details of impairment reversals can be found in note 1 on page 58 and note 5 on page 65. 71 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 201216. INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES Cost At 31 December 2010 and 1 January 2011 Additions during the year Disposals during the year on liquidation of subsidiary undertakings At 31 December 2011 Additions during the year At 31 December 2012 Company $000 223,137 1,539 (118,936) 105,740 928 106,668 The principal subsidiary undertakings at the year-end are as follows (these undertakings are included on consolidation): Sterling Energy (UK) Limited1 Sterling Energy (International) Limited 2 Country of incorporation Class of shares held Proportion of voting rights held 2012 Proportion of voting rights held 2011 Nature of business United Kingdom United Kingdom Ordinary 100% 100% Exploration for oil and gas Ordinary 100% 100% Exploration for oil and gas Sterling Northwest Africa Holdings Limited 1 Jersey, CI Ordinary 100% 100% Exploration for Sterling Cameroon Holdings Limited 3 Jersey, CI Ordinary 100% 100% oil and gas Investment holding company Sterling Cameroon Limited 3 Jersey, CI Ordinary 100% 100% Exploration for Sterling Energy (East Africa) Limited 3 Jersey, CI Ordinary 100% 4 1 Held directly by the Company, Sterling Energy Plc. 2 Held directly by Sterling Energy (UK) Limited. 3 Held directly or indirectly through Sterling Northwest Africa Limited. 4 Sterling Energy (East Africa) Ltd incorporated during 2012. oil and gas - Exploration for oil and gas 72 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Year ended 31 December 2012Notes to the Financial Statements17. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES Trade receivables Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings Other receivables Amounts due from joint venture partners Prepayments and accrued income 2012 $000 433 - 117 70 590 1,210 Group 2011 $000 428 - 51 46 397 922 Company 2011 $000 21 2012 $000 31 14,228 21,308 19 - 71 13 - 53 14,349 21,395 The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates their fair value. 18. SHARE CAPITAL 2012 $000 2011 $000 Authorised, called up, allotted and fully paid 220,053,520 (2011: 219,389,020) ordinary shares of 40p 149,014 148,589 Movements during the year included: • Issue of 102,000 Ordinary Shares of 40 pence to A MacAskill in settlement of 2011 bonus. • Issue of 562,500 Ordinary Shares of 40 pence to A Beardsall on exercise of share options under the All Staff LTIP scheme. 19. RESERVES Reserves within equity are as follows: Share Capital Amounts subscribed for share capital at nominal value. Share Premium Account The share premium account represents the amounts received by the Company on the issue of its shares which were in excess of the nominal value of the shares. Currency Translation Reserve The foreign currency translation reserve includes movements that relate to the retranslation of the subsidiaries whose functional currencies are not the US$. Retained Deficit Cumulative net gains and losses recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income less any amounts reflected directly in other reserves. 73 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 201220. DEFERRED TAX At the reporting date the Group had an unrecognised deferred tax asset of $19.0 million (2011: $22.7 million) relating primarily to unused tax losses and unutilised capital allowances. No deferred tax asset has been recognised due to the uncertainty of future profit streams against which these losses could be utilised. At the reporting date the Company had an unrecognised deferred tax asset of $17.3 million (2011: $21.9 million) relating primarily to unused losses and unutilised capital allowances. 21. LONG-TERM PROVISIONS Group Decommissioning provision (a) 2003 Production royalty bonus scheme (b) a) Decommissioning Provisions Group At 1 January Revisions in year Unwinding of discount 2012 $000 2011 $000 21,154 20,144 120 153 21,274 20,297 2012 $000 2011 $000 20,144 - 1,010 21,154 22,032 (2,847) 959 20,144 The amounts shown above for Africa represent the estimated costs for decommissioning the Group’s producing interests in respect of its economic interest in the Chinguetti field in Mauritania. The Company amount of $21.2 million (2011: $20.1 million) in Africa represents the amount provided within the Company for future decommissioning expenditure. b) 2003 Production Royalty Bonus Scheme Group At 1 January Unwinding of discount Transferred to current liabilities Foreign exchange movements 74 2012 $000 2011 $000 153 26 (67) 8 120 199 21 (69) 2 153 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Year ended 31 December 2012Notes to the Financial StatementsThis scheme was intended to reward key persons for the successful performance of certain assets after financial thresholds had been reached for the period since listing in 2002. The scheme was terminated in 2007 and replaced by the LTIP scheme (‘2007 LTIP’, and the ‘All Staff LTIP’, see note 26) and no further sums will accrue. The Company has the option to require the one remaining beneficiary to subscribe for new ordinary shares for the net amount arising after tax and national insurance from 2008 onwards. 22. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES Trade payables Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings Amounts advanced from joint venture partners Accruals 2012 $000 377 - 92 14,919 15,388 Group 2011 $000 962 - 205 13,334 14,501 Company 2011 $000 6 2012 $000 71 60,440 58,570 - 12,745 73,256 - 12,342 70,918 The Directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates their fair value. 23. OPERATING LEASES AND CAPITAL COMMITMENTS 2012 $000 Group 2011 $000 Company 2011 $000 2012 $000 Minimum lease payments under operating leases recognised as an expense in the year 4,443 4,447 3,378 3,383 At the reporting date outstanding commitments for minimum operating leases payments fall due as follows: Within one year In the second to fifth year inclusive 2012 $000 3,635 1,388 5,023 Group 2011 $000 4,395 696 5,091 Company 2011 $000 3,378 490 3,868 2012 $000 2,936 - 2,936 Operating lease payments represent the Group’s share of rentals for an FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offtake) vessel in Mauritania and rentals payable for its office properties. The current FPSO lease is due to expire in 2013 at which point the Joint Venture Partners have an option to extend the contract for a further period of time. Included within the $5.0 million is $2.9 million payable on the FPSO within one year. 75 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012 24. CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Group Operating activities: Profit before tax from continuing operations Loss before tax from discontinued operations Finance income and gains Finance expense and losses Depletion and amortisation Impairment reversal Impairment expense Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment Share-based payment charge Operating cash flow prior to working capital movements Increase in inventories (Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables Decrease in trade and other payables Cash generated from continuing operations Cash generated/(outflow) from discontinued operations Company Operating activities: (Loss)/profit before tax Finance income and gains Finance expense and losses Depletion and amortisation Impairment reversal Net movement in investment Disposal of investments Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment Share-based payment charge Operating cash flow prior to working capital movements Increase in inventories Decrease in trade and other receivables Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables Increase in provisions 76 2012 $000 5,502 (18,422) (350) 503 2,481 (347) 18,422 - 973 8,762 (121) (287) (554) 7,800 7,800 - 7,800 2012 $000 (8,638) (350) 479 1,625 (23) (928) - - 973 (6,862) (121) 7,046 19,911 (17,573) 2,401 2011 $000 18,420 - (3,212) 1,041 427 (8,269) 33 (8) 1,857 10,289 (1,971) 16,773 (19,518) 5,573 5,573 - 5,573 2011 $000 1,553 (3,212) 996 1 (5,605) (1,539) 16,569 (8) 1,857 10,612 (1,971) 25,790 (20,904) - 13,527 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Year ended 31 December 2012Notes to the Financial Statements25. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Capital Risk Management and Liquidity Risk The Group and Company is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements. The capital structure of the Group and Company consists of cash and cash equivalents held for working capital purposes and equity attributable to the equity holders of the parent, comprising issued capital, reserves and retained deficit as disclosed in the statement of changes in equity. The Group and Company uses cash flow models and budgets, which are regularly updated, to monitor liquidity risk. Significant Accounting Policies Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of measurement and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised, in respect of each material class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument are disclosed in note 1 to the financial statements. Due to the short term nature of these assets and liabilities such values approximate their fair values at 31 December 2012 and 31 December 2011. Group Financial assets (classified as loans and receivables) Cash and cash equivalents Trade and other receivables Total Financial liabilities at amortised cost Trade and other payables Total Company Financial assets (classified as loans and receivables) Cash and cash equivalents Trade and other receivables Total Financial liabilities at amortised cost Trade and other payables Total Carrying amount / Fair value 2012 $000 2011 $000 120,348 115,826 620 525 120,968 116,351 15,388 15,388 14,501 14,501 Carrying amount / Fair value 2012 $000 2011 $000 118,565 114,831 14,278 21,342 132,843 136,173 73,256 73,256 70,918 70,918 77 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Financial Risk Management Objectives The Group’s and Company’s objective and policy is to use financial instruments to manage the risk profile of its underlying operations. The Group continually monitors financial risk including oil and gas price risk, interest rate risk, equity price risk, currency translation risk and liquidity risk and takes appropriate measures to ensure such risks are managed in a controlled manner including, where appropriate, through the use of financial derivatives. The Group and Company does not enter into or trade financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, for speculative purposes. Interest Rate Risk Management The Group and Company does not have any outstanding borrowings and hence, the Group and Company is only exposed to interest rate risk on its short term cash deposits. Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis The sensitivity analysis below has been determined based on the exposure to interest rates for derivative and non-derivative instruments at the reporting date and assuming the amount of the balances at the reporting date were outstanding for the whole year. A 100 basis point change represents management’s estimate of a possible change in interest rates at the reporting date. If interest rates had been 100 basis points higher and all other variables were held constant the Group’s profits and equity would be impacted as follows: Cash and cash equivalents Group Increase Company Increase 2012 $000 1,203 2011 $000 1,158 2012 $000 1,186 2011 $000 1,148 Foreign Currency Risk The Group’s and Company’s reporting currency is the US dollar; being the currency in which the majority of the Group’s revenue and expenditure is transacted. The US dollar is the functional currency of the Company and the majority of its subsidiaries. Less material elements of its management, services and treasury functions are transacted in pounds sterling. The majority of balances are held in US dollars with transfers to pounds sterling and other local currencies as required to meet local needs. The Group does not enter into derivative transactions to manage its foreign currency translation or transaction risk. The Group and Company’s foreign currency translation risk is as follows: Financial Assets Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents held in $US Cash and cash equivalents held in GBP 2012 $000 110,791 9,557 120,348 Group 2011 $000 101,671 14,155 115,826 2012 $000 109,148 9,417 118,565 Company 2011 $000 100,862 13,969 114,831 78 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Year ended 31 December 2012Notes to the Financial StatementsTrade and other receivables Trade and other receivables held in $US Trade and other receivables held in GBP Financial Liabilities Trade and other payables Trade and other payables held in $US Trade and other payables held in GBP 2012 $000 381 239 620 2012 $000 14,857 531 15,388 Group 2011 $000 469 56 525 Group 2011 $000 13,763 738 14,501 2012 $000 19 14,259 14,278 2012 $000 67,627 5,629 73,256 Company 2011 $000 13,693 7,649 21,342 Company 2011 $000 65,676 5,242 70,918 Credit Risk Management Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group or Company. The Group and Company reviews the credit risk of the entities that it sells its products to or that it enters into contractual arrangements with and will obtain guarantees and commercial letters of credit as may be considered necessary where risks are significant to the Group or Company. The Group’s and Company’s business is diversified in terms of both region and the number of counter-parties and the Group and Company does not have significant exposure to any single counter-party or Group and Company of counter- parties with similar characteristics. In relation to its cash and cash equivalents, the Group has to manage its currency exposures and the credit risk associated with the credit quality of the financial institutions in which the Group maintains its cash resources. At the year end the Group held approximately 92% (2011: 88%) of its cash in US dollars. At the year end the Group held the majority of its balances with AA- and A+ Standard & Poors rated institutions. The Group continues to monitor its treasury management to ensure an appropriate balance of the safety of funds and maximisation of yield. During the year the Company impaired loans to Sterling Energy International Limited totalling $17.6 million (2011: $nil) following the relinquishment of its Sangaw North licence in Kurdistan. Trade and other receivables are non-interest bearing. The Group does not hold any collateral as security and the Group does not hold any significant provision in the impairment account for trade and other receivables as they relate to customers with no default history. Liquidity and Interest Rate Tables The following tables detail the remaining contractual maturity for the non-derivative financial assets and liabilities of the Group and Company. The tables have been drawn up based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the earliest date on which the Group can be required to pay. The table includes both interest and principal cash flows including rates for loan liabilities and cash deposits on actual contractual arrangements. The weighted average interest rate used in 2012 is nil% (2011: nil%). 79 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Less than six months Six months to one year One to six years $000 $000 $000 Total $000 Interest Principal $000 $000 Group 2012 Trade payables 469 2011 Trade payables 1,167 Company 2012 Trade payables 2011 Trade payables 71 6 - - - - - - - - 469 1,167 71 6 - - - - - - - - Upside Sharing Agreement Following the sale of Sterling’s U.S. operations to Atinum E&P Inc. (“Atinum”) in 2009 the Company held a three year ‘upside sharing agreement’, under which the Company is entitled to a 40% share of the annual excess net production proceeds, net of certain costs, if Atinum’s average realised oil price exceeds $90 bbl and/or the realised gas price exceeds $9 mcf in 2010-2012. The Company has modelled the value of each of the embedded derivatives (for oil and gas production) using a DCF model at prevailing oil and gas prices. The DCF model takes account of production profiles, appropriate discount factors and costs, hedges and other contractual terms. At 31 December 2012 the value of the upside sharing agreement was $nil (31 December 2011: $nil). The Group has no financial obligation in respect of this agreement, which has now fully expired, with no amounts falling due. 26. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS The Group recognised a total expense, within administration costs, in respect of share-based payments under equity-settled share option plans of $973k (2011: $1.9 million). The Company recognised a total expense, within administration costs, in respect of share-based payments under equity-settled share option plans of $184k (2011: $255k). In 2009 the Company reviewed the existing share-based incentive schemes currently in place to motivate and incentivise its employees. The Company also took independent advice to support its review. Based on this, the Company proposed a new All Staff Long Term Incentive Plan as being the most effective way to deliver the incentives that the Board believes will continue to align the interests of the employees and shareholders. Shareholders approved this plan at the December EGM held on 22 December 2009. With effect from 2009, all further awards are made under the All Staff Long Term Incentive Plan. Awards are made on similar terms to non-executive Directors of the Company, under a separate plan the NED Long Term Incentive Plan. 80 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Year ended 31 December 2012Notes to the Financial Statements Share options (2002- 2007) Movements during the year on share options were as follows: Outstanding at the beginning of period Forfeited during the period Exercised during the period Outstanding at the end of the year Exercisable at the end of the year 2012 Number of share options 2012 Weighted average exercise price (pence) 2011 Number of share options 2011 Weighted average exercise price (pence) 799,375 (562,500) - 236,875 236,875 266 231 - 348 348 1,125,625 (326,250) - 799,375 799,375 337 553 - 266 266 For all options the Group plan provides for a grant price equal to the average quoted market price of the Company’s shares on the date of grant. All options are equity settled. The vesting period for all options is generally two years. If the options remain unexercised after a period of ten years from the date of grant, the options expire. Furthermore, some options are forfeited if the employee leaves the Group before the options vest. The range of exercise prices for options outstanding at the end of the year was: Year of grant: 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2012 Number 2011 Number 2012 Weighted average exercise price (pence) n/a 160 280 500 690 830 620 - - 193,750 14,375 2,500 13,750 12,500 - 503,750 193,750 14,375 27,500 47,500 12,500 No share options were exercised during 2012 (2011: nil). The options outstanding at the end of the year have a weighted average contractual life of 0.60 years (2011: 1.18 years). The cost of share options is spread over the vesting period of two years. The weighted average fair value of options granted during the period was nil pence (2011: nil pence). Some of the options lapse if the employee leaves the Company. No further awards were made under this share option scheme post the introduction of the 2007 LTIPs. 81 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 20122007 Long Term Incentive Plan (“2007 LTIP”) Following the introduction, and approval by shareholders of the All Staff Long Term Incentive Plan (‘All Staff LTIP’) in 2009, no further awards or grants have been made under the 2007 LTIP, subsisting awards and grants remained in place and the scheme fully lapsed during the year. Movement during the year on share options were as follows: Outstanding at the beginning of period Exercised during the period Lapsed during the period Outstanding at the end of the year Exercisable at the end of the year 2012 Number of share options 2012 Exercise price (pence) 2011 Number of share options 2011 Exercise price (pence) 417,328 - (417,328) - - 40 - 40 - - 910,240 (25,513) (467,399) 417,328 417,328 40 40 40 40 40 All Staff Long Term Incentive Plan (“All Staff LTIP”) In accordance with the approved All Staff LTIP, the Group has granted options to its staff and executive Directors to acquire shares in the Company. The movement during the year on the share options were as follows: 2012 Number of share options 2012 Exercise price (pence) 2011 Number of share options 2011 Exercise price (pence) Outstanding at the beginning of the year Granted during the period Exercised during the period Lapsed during the period 7,354,868 6,270,600 (562,500) (2,533,138) Outstanding at the end of the year 10,529,830 Exercisable at the end of the year - 40 40 40 40 40 - 5,282,777 3,952,150 - (1,880,059) 7,354,868 - 40 40 - 40 40 - All options are equity settled. The vesting period is three years. If the options remain unexercised after a period of five years from the date of grant, the options expire. Options are forfeited if the employee leaves the Group before the options vest or are exercised. The options outstanding at the year end have a contractual life of 4.14 years (2011: 4.10 years). The cost of the options is spread over the vesting period of three years. The fair value of the options granted during the year was 20.4 pence (2011: 15.45 pence). If the Sterling Energy share price (“SESP”) under-performs the Index performance by 10% or more, then no share options will be earned and the share options will lapse. If the SESP performance is between matching the Index and under-performing by 10%, the amount of the share options that will be earned will be determined by extrapolating on a 2.5:1 straight line basis. 82 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Year ended 31 December 2012Notes to the Financial StatementsIf the SESP performance matches the Index performance, then 25% of the share options will be earned. If the SESP performance is between matching the Index and out-performing by 50%, the amount of the share options that will be earned will be determined by extrapolating on a 1.5:1 straight line basis. If the SESP out performs the Index performance by 50% or more, then 100% of the share options will be earned. All performance measures are defined as being the absolute share price performance or absolute index performance, and not the performance relative to each other. Fair values were measured by use of a modified binomial model. The inputs to the basic binomial model were as follows: Share price (pence) Exercise price (pence) Expected volatility at time of grant Expected life (years) Risk free rate (%) Expected dividends 2012 2011 43 40 40 40 69.53% 79.77% 3 0.24% Nil 3 0.81% Nil Expected volatility for grants in the year was estimated by calculating the historical volatility of the Company’s share price over the period 23 December 2009 to 30 September 2012 (2011: over the period 23 December 2009 to 30 September 2011). The Company has overlaid a normal distribution for the FTSE350 condition to assess a range of possible outcomes. The Company has then compared the SESP performance against the range of Index performance to estimate the vested proportions of share options in accordance with the scheme rules. Weighting factors based on probabilities under the normal distribution are then applied to the range of share option values to calculate a weighted-average share option value. Non-executive Directors Long Term Incentive Plan (‘NED LTIP’) In accordance with the approved NED LTIP, the Group has granted options to its non-executive Directors to acquire shares in the Company. The movement during the year on the share options was as follows: Outstanding at the beginning of the year Granted during the period Lapsed during the period Outstanding at the end of the year Exercisable at the end of the year 2012 Number of share options 2012 Exercise price (pence) 2011 Number of share options 2011 Exercise price (pence) 427,084 309,450 (93,751) 642,783 - 40 40 40 40 - 302,084 125,000 - 427,084 - 40 40 - 40 - 83 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012All options are equity settled. The vesting period is three years. If the options remain unexercised after a period of five years from the date of grant, the options expire. Furthermore, options are forfeited if the employee leaves the Group before the options vest or are exercised. The options outstanding at the year end have a contractual life of 3.39 years (2011: 3.20 years). The cost of the options is spread over the vesting period of three years. The fair value of the options granted during the year was 20.4 pence (2011: n/a pence). No performance criteria are attached to the outstanding options, other than the requirement that the holders must remained employed by the Group when the options are exercised, unless employment is terminated on death, or as a good leaver. Fair values were measured by use of a binomial model, using the same inputs as the basic (pre-modified) model for the All Staff Long Term Incentive Plan above. 27. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Details of Directors’ remuneration, which comprise key management personnel, are provided below: Short-term employee benefits Defined contribution pension Share-based payments 2012 $000 1,087 90 884 2,061 Group 2011 $000 1,482 117 1,089 2,688 Company 2011 $000 144 - 255 399 2012 $000 158 - 184 342 Further information on Directors’ remuneration is detailed in the Remuneration Report, on pages 32 to 35. 28. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS There have been no events subsequent to the reporting date that require disclosure. 29. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES The Group has received a claim for VAT from the Madagascan tax authority totalling $973k in respect of its Ampasindava and Ambilobe licences. Having taken professional advice the Group considers the claim to be wholly without foundation and continues to defend its position through the appropriate dispute resolution and legal processes. 84 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Year ended 31 December 2012Notes to the Financial Statements85 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Definitions and Glossary of Terms $ 2006 Act 2007 LTIP 1P 2D 2P 3D 3P AIM All Staff LTIP AGM API gravity Articles bbl bbl/d bopd boe boepd bcf Board C Capex CGR Combined Code or Code Companies Act Company or Sterling Contingent Resources COS Darcy Deg Directors DST E&E EBITDA 86 US dollars The Companies Act 2006, as amended The 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan Proven reserves or in-place quantities depending on the context Two dimensional The sum of Proven and Probable reserves or in-place quantities depending on the context Three dimensional The sum of Proven, Probable and Possible reserves or in-place quantities depending on the context Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange The All Staff Long Term Incentive Plan adopted in 2009 Annual General Meeting An American Petroleum Institute scale for crude oil density The Articles of Association of the Company Barrel, equivalent to 42 US gallons of fluid Barrel per day Barrel of oil per day Barrel of oil equivalent, a measure of the gas component converted into its equivalence in barrels of oil Barrel of oil equivalent per day Billion cubic feet of gas The Board of Directors of the Company Celsius Capital expenditure Condensate gas ratio The Combined Code on Corporate Governance. Now superseded by the UK Corporate Governance Code (see below) The Companies Act (as amended 2006) Sterling Energy Plc Those quantities of petroleum estimated, as at a given date, to be potentially recoverable from known accumulations by application of development projects but which are not currently considered to be commercially recoverable due to one or more contingencies, Contingent Resources are a class of discovered recoverable resources Chance of success Unit of permeability Degrees The Directors of the Company Drill stem test, a method of flow testing a well Exploration and evaluation assets Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation, depletion and amortisation, impairment, share-based payments and pre-licence expenditure Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012EITI EMV EUR Farm-in and farm-out FDP FPSO FSA G&G GBP GIIP GOC GOR GWC Group HMRC HSES Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Expected monetary value Economic ultimate recovery A transaction under which one party (farm-out party) transfers part of its interest to a contract to another party (farm-in party) in exchange for a consideration which may comprise the obligation to pay for some of the farm-out party costs relating to the contract and a cash sum for past costs incurred by the farm-out party Field development plan Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading vessel The Financial Services Authority of the United Kingdom Geological and geophysical Pounds Sterling Gas initially in place Gas oil contact Gas oil ratio Gas water contact The Company and its subsidiary undertakings Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs Health, Safety, Environment and Security Hydrocarbons Organic compounds of carbon and hydrogen km km2 KRG Lead Kilometre(s) Square kilometre(s) Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq Indication of a possible exploration prospect London Stock Exchange or LSE London Stock Exchange Plc m mmbbl mmstb mmboe mmcf mmcfge/d mmscf/d mss mTVDss Murphy Oil NED LTIP NPV OECD Opex Metre(s) Million barrels Million barrels of oil at stock tank conditions Million barrels of oil equivalent Million cubic feet of gas Million cubic feet of gas equivalent per day Million cubic feet at standard pressure and temperature per day Metres sub-sea Metres true vertical depth sub-sea Murphy Cameroon Ntem Oil Co. Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Murphy Oil Corporation Non-executive Director Long Term Incentive Plan adopted in 2009 Net present value of a series of cash-flows Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Operating expenditure Ordinary Shares Sterling ordinary shares of 40 pence each 87 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Definitions and Glossary of Terms (cont.) OWC P90, P50, P10 Oil water contact 90%, 50% and 10% probabilities respectively that the stated quantities will be equalled or exceeded. The P90, P50 and P10 quantities correspond to the Proved (1P), Proved + Probable (2P) and Proved + Probable + Possible (3P) confidence levels respectively Panel or Takeover Panel The Panel on Takeovers and Mergers Petroleum Petronas PP&E PRMS Prospect Oil, gas, condensate and natural gas liquids PC Mauritania I PTY LTD Property, Plant & Equipment Petroleum resource Management System as issued in March 2007 by the Society of Petroleum Engineers et al A potential sub-surface accumulation of hydrocarbons which has been identified but not drilled Prospective Resources or Prospective Recoverable Resources psi(a) Those quantities of petroleum which are estimated, as at a given date, to be potentially recoverable from undiscovered accumulations Pounds per square inch (absolute) PSC Reserves Production sharing contract Reserves are those quantities of petroleum anticipated to be commercially recoverable by application of development projects to known accumulations from a given date forward under defined conditions. Reserves must satisfy four criteria; they must be discovered, recoverable, commercial and remaining based on the development projects applied. Reserves are further categorised in accordance with the level of certainty associated with the estimates and may be sub-classified based on project maturity and/or characterised by development and production status Reservoir A porous and permeable rock capable of containing fluids RF RI RISC Scf Seismic SESP Shares Recovery factor Royalty interest RISC (UK) Limited of 53 Chandos Place, Covent Garden, London WC2N 4HS Standard cubic feet of gas (measured at 60 degree Fahrenheit and 14.7 psia) Data, obtained using a sound source and receiver, that is processed to provide a representation of a vertical cross-section through the subsurface layers Sterling Energy share price 40p Ordinary Shares Shareholders Ordinary shareholders of 40p each in the Company SMH sq km sq mi stb STOIIP Societe Mauritanienne Des Hydrocarbures Square kilometre Square mile Stock tank barrel (measured at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 14.7 psia) Stock tank oil initially in place Subsidiary A subsidiary undertaking as defined in the 2006 Act 88 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Tcf TEA TD TVD Trillion cubic feet of gas Technical evaluation agreement Total depth True vertical depth United Kingdom or UK The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland UK Corporate Governance Code or Code Formerly the Combined Code, sets out standards of good to board practice remuneration, accountability and relations with shareholders relation in leadership and effectiveness, United States or US The United States of America Water-cut Working Interest or WI That percentage of total fluid production that is water A Company’s equity interest in a project before reduction for royalties or production share owed to others under the applicable fiscal terms 89 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Professional Advisers Nominated Advisors Legal Liberum Capital Limited Ropemaker Place, Level 12 25 Ropemaker Street London EL2Y 9LY Ashurst Broadwalk Street 5 Appold Street London EC2A 2HA Corporate Brokers Auditors BDO LLP 55 Baker Street London W1U 7EU Registered Office 85 Fleet Street London EC4Y 1AE Liberum Capital Limited Ropemaker Place, Level 12 25 Ropemaker Street London EL2Y 9LY Peel Hunt Moor House, 120 London Wall London EC2Y 5ET Corporate Bankers Barclays Commercial Bank 1 Churchill Place London E14 5HP HSBC 165 Fleet Street London EC4A 2DY The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc 1 Albyn Place Aberdeen AB10 1BR 90 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 201291 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012Sterling Energy Plc Annual General Meeting 2013 Annual General Meeting 2013 THIS DOCUMENT IS IMPORTANT AND REQUIRES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. If you are in any doubt as to what action to take, you should consult your stockbroker, solicitor, accountant or other appropriate independent professional adviser authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. If you have sold or otherwise transferred all your shares in Sterling Energy Plc, please forward this document and the accompanying Form of Proxy to the person through whom the sale or transfer was effected, for transmission to the purchaser or transferee. Information relating to the appointment of a proxy may be found in the notes appended to this notice of Annual General Meeting. Sterling Energy Plc (the “Company”) Notice of Annual General Meeting Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Sterling Energy Plc will be held at Ashurst LLP, Broadwalk House, 5 Appold Street, London, EC2A 2HA on 19 April 2013, at 11.00 a.m. to consider and, if thought fit, to pass the following resolutions. Resolutions 8 and 9 shall be proposed as special resolutions and all other resolutions shall be proposed as ordinary resolutions. Ordinary Resolutions 1. To receive and adopt the Accounts for the financial year ended 31 December 2012, together with the reports of the Directors and auditors thereon. (Resolution 1) To approve the Remuneration Report contained in the Accounts for the financial year ended 31 December 2012. (Resolution 2) To re-appoint BDO LLP as auditors of the Company. (Resolution 3) To authorise the Directors to set the remuneration of the auditors. (Resolution 4) In accordance with article 106 of the Company’s Articles of Association, to re-elect Nicholas John Clayton, who retires by rotation, as a Director of the Company (Resolution 5) In accordance with article 106 of the Company’s Articles of Association, to re-elect Keith Nicholas Henry, who retires by rotation, as a Director of the Company. (Resolution 6) That the Directors be generally and unconditionally authorised for the purposes of section 551 of the Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”), to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot shares and grant rights to subscribe for, or convert any security into, shares: (a) up to an aggregate nominal amount (within the meaning of section 551(3) and (6) of the Act) of £29,340,469 (such amount to be reduced by the nominal amount allotted or granted under (b) below in excess of such sum); and comprising equity securities (as defined in section 560 of the Act) up to an aggregate nominal amount (within the meaning of Section 551(3) and (6) of the Act) of £58,680,939 (such amount to be reduced by any allotments or grants made under (a) above) in connection with or pursuant to an offer or invitation by way of a rights issue in favour of holders of ordinary shares in proportion (as nearly as practicable) to the respective number of ordinary shares held by them on the record date for such allotment (and holders of any other class of equity securities entitled to participate therein or if the Directors consider it necessary, as permitted by the rights of those securities), but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may consider necessary or appropriate to deal with fractional entitlements, treasury shares, record dates or legal, regulatory or practical difficulties which may arise under the laws of, or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange in any territory or any other matter whatsoever, (b) these authorities to expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company (or if earlier on 30 June 2014), (save that the Company may before such expiry make any offer or agreement which would or might require shares to be allotted or rights to be granted, after such expiry and the Directors may allot shares, or grant rights to subscribe for or to convert any security into shares, in pursuance of any such offer or agreement as if the authorities conferred hereby had not expired). (Resolution 7) 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 94 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012 Special Resolution 8. That subject to the passing of Resolution 7, the Directors be given power pursuant to section 570(1) and 573 of the Companies Act 2006 (the “Act”) to: (a) allot equity securities (as defined in section 560 of the Act) of the Company for cash pursuant to the authority conferred by that resolution; and sell ordinary shares (as defined in section 560(1) of the Act) held by the Company as treasury shares for cash, (b) as if section 561 of the Act did not apply to any such allotment or sale, provided that this power shall be limited to the allotment of equity securities for cash and the sale of treasury shares: (i) (ii) in connection with or pursuant to an offer or invitation to acquire equity securities (but in the case of the authority granted under Resolution 7(b), by way of a rights issue only) in favour of holders of ordinary shares in proportion (as nearly as practicable) to the respective number of ordinary shares held by them on the record date for such allotment or sale but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the Directors may consider necessary or appropriate to deal with fractional entitlements, treasury shares, record dates or legal regulatory or practical difficulties which may arise under the laws of or the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange in any territory or any other matter whatsoever; and in the case of the authority granted under Resolution 7(a) above (or in the case of any transfer of treasury shares), and otherwise than pursuant to paragraph (i) of this resolution, up to an aggregate nominal amount of £4,401,070, and shall expire at the conclusion of the next Annual General Meeting of the Company (or, if earlier, on 30 June 2014), save that the Company may before such expiry make any offer or agreement which would or might require equity securities to be allotted, or treasury shares to be sold, after such expiry and the Directors may allot equity securities, or sell treasury shares in pursuance of any such offer or agreement as if the power conferred hereby had not expired. (Resolution 8) the grant to each of Keith Nicholas Henry, Nicholas John Clayton and Malcolm Hood Pattinson of an option to acquire 103,150 ordinary shares at 40p per share under the Sterling Energy Plc Non- executive Directors Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “NED Options”) be and is hereby approved; the Directors be generally and unconditionally authorised for the purpose of section 551 of the Act (in addition to any existing authority) to exercise all powers of the Company to allot shares and grant rights to subscribe for, or convert any security into, shares pursuant to or in connection with the NED Options up to an aggregate nominal amount (within the meaning of section 551 (3) and (6) of the Act) of £123,780; and (c) the Directors be given the power pursuant to sections 570 and 573 of the Act to allot equity securities (as defined in the Act) (in addition to any existing authority) pursuant to the authority referred to in paragraph (b) above as if section 561 of the Act did not apply to any such allotment provided that any such power shall be limited to the allotment of equity securities pursuant to or in connection with the NED Options up to an aggregate nominal amount of £123,780, 9. That: (a) (b) (c) these authorities to expire on 1 October 2017 (save that the Company may before such expiry make any offer or agreement which would or might require shares to be allotted or rights to be granted, after such expiry and the Directors may allot shares, or grant rights to subscribe for or to convert any security into shares, in pursuance of any such offer or agreement as if the authorisations conferred hereby had not expired). (Resolution 9) By Order of the Board Andrew Smith Company Secretary 15 March 2013 Registered Office: Sterling Energy Plc 85 Fleet Street London EC4Y 1AE 95 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012 Annual General Meeting 2013 Explanatory Notes to the Resolutions The following explanatory information is provided by way of background to the business of the meeting: Resolution 2 This resolution is to approve the Directors’ Remuneration Report for the financial year ended 31 December 2012. You can find the report on pages 32 to 35 of the Report and Financial Statements 2012. Resolution 5 Biographical details of the Director standing for re-election (Nicholas John Clayton) appear on page 25 of the Report and Financial Statements 2012. Resolution 6 Biographical details of the Director standing for re-election (Keith Nicholas Henry) appear on page 26 of the Report and Financial Statements 2012. Resolution 7 Your Directors may allot shares and grant rights to subscribe for, or convert any security into, shares only if authorised to do so by shareholders. The authority granted at the last Annual General Meeting is due to expire at this year’s Annual General Meeting. Accordingly, Resolution 7 will be proposed as an ordinary resolution to grant new authorities to allot shares and grant rights to subscribe for, or convert any security into, shares (a) up to an aggregate nominal amount of £29,340,469 and (b) in connection with a rights issue up to an aggregate nominal amount (including allotments under part (a) of the resolution) of £58,680,939. These amounts represent approximately one third and approximately two thirds respectively of the total issued ordinary share capital of the Company at 15 March 2013, in accordance with current guidelines of the Association of British Insurers (the “ABI”) insofar as they affect the Company. If given, these authorities will expire at the next Annual General Meeting of the Company or on 30 June 2014, whichever is the earlier. Your Directors have no present intention of issuing shares pursuant to this authority. Resolution 8 Your Directors also require additional authority from shareholders to allot equity securities or sell treasury shares where they propose to do so for cash and otherwise than to existing shareholders pro rata to their holdings. The authority granted at the last Annual General Meeting is due to expire at this year’s Annual General Meeting. Accordingly, Resolution 8 will be proposed as a special resolution to grant such authority. Apart from offers or invitations in proportion to the respective number of shares held, the authority will be limited to the allotment of equity securities and sales of treasury shares for cash up to an aggregate nominal value of £4,401,070 (being 5% per cent of the Company’s issued ordinary share capital at 15 March 2013). If given, this authority will expire at the next Annual General Meeting of the Company or on 30 June 2014, whichever is the earlier. Your Directors do not have any present intention of exercising this authority, but consider it desirable to have the flexibility to use it should opportunities arise. Your Directors will have due regard to institutional guidelines in relation to any exercise of this authority, in particular, the requirement for advance consultation and explanation before making any non pre-emptive cash issue pursuant to this resolution which exceeds 7.5% of the Company’s issued share capital in any rolling 3 year period. Resolution 9 The Sterling Energy Plc Non-executive Directors Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “NED LTIP”) was approved by shareholders at the Extraordinary General Meeting held on 4 December 2009, at which time your Directors were authorised to allot shares pursuant to options to be granted under the NED LTIP up to an aggregate nominal amount of £150,000. On 30 October 2012, Keith Nicholas Henry, Nicholas John Clayton and Malcolm Hood Pattinson were each granted, subject to the approval of shareholders, an option to acquire 103,150 ordinary 96 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012shares at 40p per share (the “NED Options”). The NED Options are exercisable after three years and are not subject to performance conditions. There being insufficient headroom within the existing authority for issue of shares to satisfy the NED Options, it is proposed that your Directors be authorised to allot shares pursuant to the NED Options up to an aggregate nominal amount of £123,780, such authority to expire on 1 October 2017. Recommendation Your Directors believe that all the proposed resolutions to be considered at the Annual General Meeting as set out in this document are in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders as a whole. Accordingly, your Directors unanimously recommend that you vote in favour of them as they intend to do in respect of their own beneficial holdings. Notes: 1. Appointment of a Proxy Only holders of ordinary shares are entitled to attend and vote at this meeting. A member is entitled to appoint another person as their proxy to exercise all or any of their rights to attend to speak and to vote at the Annual General Meeting. A member may appoint more than one proxy in relation to the meeting, provided that each proxy is appointed to exercise the rights attached to a different share or shares held by them. A proxy need not be a member of the Company. A Form of Proxy for the Annual General Meeting is enclosed and should be completed and returned so as to reach the Company’s registrar, Capita Registrars, PXS, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 4TU by hand, post or courier (during normal business hours only), not later than 48 hours before the time of the Annual General Meeting. Completion of a Form of Proxy or any CREST Proxy Instruction will not preclude a member attending and voting in person at the meeting. Alternatively, you can register your proxy vote electronically by means of a website provided by the Company’s registrar (www.capitashareportal.com), where full instructions are provided. In order to register your vote on-line you will need to enter the Investor Code which is given in the enclosed Form of Proxy. This website can only be used for the purpose stated above, not for sending any other document or information. 2. CREST Electronic Proxies Alternatively, if you are a member of CREST, you may register the appointment of a proxy by using the CREST electronic proxy appointment service. CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies through the CREST electronic proxy appointment service may do so for this Annual General Meeting and any adjournment(s) thereof by using the procedures described in the CREST Manual subject to the provisions of the Company’s Articles of Association. CREST personal members or other CREST sponsored members, and those CREST members who have appointed a voting service provider(s), should refer to their CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s), who will be able to take the appropriate action on their behalf. In order for a proxy appointment or instruction made using the CREST service to be valid, the appropriate CREST message (a “CREST Proxy Instruction”) must be properly authenticated in accordance with Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited’s specifications and must contain the information required for such instructions, as described in the CREST Manual (available via www.euroclear.com/CREST). The message, regardless of whether it constitutes the appointment of a proxy or an amendment to the instruction given to a previously appointed proxy, must, in order to be valid, be transmitted so as to be received by the issuer’s agent (ID RA10) by no later than 48 hours before the start of the Annual General Meeting. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by the timestamp applied to the message by the CREST Applications Host) from which the issuer’s agent is able to retrieve the message by enquiry to 97 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012 Annual General Meeting 2013 CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST. After this time any change of instructions to proxies appointed through CREST should be communicated to the appointee through other means. CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers should note that Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited does not make available special procedures in CREST for any particular messages. Normal system timings and limitations will therefore apply in relation to the input of CREST Proxy Instructions. It is the responsibility of the CREST member concerned to take (or, if the CREST member is a CREST personal member or sponsored member or has appointed a voting service provider(s), to procure that his CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s) take(s)) such action as shall be necessary to ensure that a message is transmitted by means of the CREST system by any particular time. In this connection, CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service provider(s) are referred, in particular, to those sections of the CREST Manual concerning practical limitations of the CREST system and timings. The Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy Instruction in the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)(a) of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001. 3. Documents on Display There will be available for inspection at the registered office of the Company during normal business hours from the date of this notice until the time of the Annual General Meeting and at the place of the Annual General Meeting for at least 15 minutes prior to and during the meeting: (a) copies of service agreements under which Directors of the Company are employed, and copies of the terms and conditions of appointment of non-executive Directors; and (b) the Company’s Articles of Association. 4. 5. 6. Right to Attend and Vote Pursuant to regulation 41 of the Uncertificated Securities Regulations 2001, the Company specifies that in order to have the right to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting (and also for the purpose of determining how many votes a person entitled to attend and vote may cast), only those persons who have their name entered in the register of members’ of the Company at 6.00 p.m. on 17 April 2013 or, in the event of any adjournment, by 6.00 p.m. on the date which is two days before the day of the adjourned meeting. Changes to entries on the register after this time shall be disregarded in determining the rights of any person to attend or vote at the meeting. Corporate Members Any corporate which is a member can appoint one or more corporate representatives who may exercise on its behalf all of its powers as a member provided that they do not do so in relation to the same shares. Electronic Communication You may not use any electronic address (within the meaning of section 333(4) of the Companies Act 2006) provided in this notice (or in any related documents including the proxy form) to communicate with the Company for any purposes other than those expressly stated. 98 Sterling Energy Plc Report and Financial Statements 2012 Designed and produced by blueasterisk design Sterling Energy Plc 85 Fleet Street London EC4Y 1AE +44 (0)20 7405 4133 Tel: Fax: +44 (0)20 7440 9059 Email: info@sterlingenergyuk.com www.sterlingenergyplc.com 

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