Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
ZENITH ENERGY LTD.
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2023
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
CONTENTS
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COMPANY INFORMATION
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT
CEO STATEMENT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
DIRECTORS' REPORT
GOVERNANCE REPORT
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
COMPANY INFORMATION
Directors
Dr. Jose Ramon Lopez-Portillo (Chairman and Non-Executive Director)
Andrea Cattaneo (Chief Executive Officer & President, Executive Director)
Luca Benedetto (Chief Financial Officer & Executive Director)
Dario Ezio Sodero (Non-Executive Director)
Sergey Borovskiy (Non-Executive Director)
Registered Office
Suite 2400, 745 Thurlow Street, Vancouver BC V6E 0C5, Canada
Head Office
Suite 4000, 421 - 7th Avenue SW, Calgary, T2P 4K9, Alberta, Canada
Telephone Number: +1 (587) 315 9031
Registered Corporation Number
BC0803216
Website
www.zenithenergy.ca
Independent Auditor
RPG Crouch Chapman LLP
5th Floor, 14-16 Dowgate Hill
London, EC4R 2SU, United Kingdom
Principal Bankers
Barclays Bank PLC
1 Churchill Place
Canary Wharf
London, E14 5HP, United Kingdom
Competent Person
Chapman Petroleum Engineering Ltd
1122 4th Street S.W., Suite 700
Calgary Alberta T2R 1M1, Canada
Depositary and Registrar
Computershare Trust Company of Canada
100 University Avenue, 8th Floor
Toronto, ON M5J 2Y1, Canada
Computershare Investor Services Plc
The Pavilions Bridgwater Road
Bristol, BS99 6ZZ, United Kingdom
DNB Bank ASA
Dronning Eufemias Gate 30,
0191 Oslo, Norway
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Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT
In the 2023 financial the Group has continued to implement its African development strategy, focused on the
acquisition of prospective energy production and development assets. The notable decline in oil prices
registered during 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a positive impact on the Group’s ability to
negotiate favourable commercial terms for the acquisition of new assets.
On June 24, 2022, the Company provided an update on operational activities in the Robbana concession
(“Robbana”), located onshore Tunisia, Robbana-1 well (“ROB-1”), confirming that it had successfully been
returned to production following the installation of a new packer supplied by Weatherford and the previous
determination of major corrosion in the casing being the cause of water ingress in the wellbore.
ROB-1 is currently producing at a rate of approximately 30 barrels of oil per day (“BOPD”) with the installation
of the recently acquired new Weatherford sucker pump. It is the Company’s expectation that a production
rate of between 40-50 BOPD might be achieved once the well is given additional time to stabilise.
The Company is of the view, in consideration of the well’s age and condition, that any significant change in the
production parameters would risk compromising ROB-1’s structural integrity and long-term productivity.
On September 22, 2022, the Company announced that it presented an offer to the relevant Ministry in the
Republic of Benin for the award of an initial nine-year licence to operate Block 1 containing the Sèmè oilfield,
offshore Benin (“Block-1”).
About Block-1
• A proven oilfield, with significant unexploited potential, having estimated recoverable reserves (P2) of 22-
28 million barrels of oil and 428 billion cubic feet of natural gas (Kerr McGee 2005).
• Has produced a reported 22 million barrels of oil to date, with last production having taken place in 1998.
• Historical recovery factor of 22%, leaving significant margin for improvement of the recovery factor
utilising modern completion techniques, horizontal drilling, and improved 3D seismic.
Last produced at a rate of approximately 2,000 barrels of oil per day.
•
• 23 wells have been drilled in Block-1, with the last well having been drilled in 2009 by South Atlantic
Petroleum (SAPETRO). This well discovered oil, however, due to the prevailing oil price at the time (approx.
US$30) it was deemed uncommercial.
Located in shallow water (30m) offshore with onshore facilities and tank farm for processing of oil
production.
• Discovered in 1967 by Union Oil, Block-1 covers 551 sq. km with over 355 sq. km of recent 3D seismic
data.
•
• Significant development and exploration potential in the emerging Syn-Rift play extending from
neighbouring Nigeria.
• Production facilities comprised of three platforms, the last being installed in 2014-2015. On January 3,
2023, the Company announced that a company in which it holds a 49% interest, Zenith Energy Netherlands
B.V. (“Zenith Netherlands”) has entered into a share purchase agreement (“SPA”) with OMV Exploration
and Production GmbH (“OMV” or the “Seller”) to acquire 100% of the outstanding share capital of OMV
(Yemen Block S 2) Exploration GmbH, OMV Jardan Block 3 Upstream GmbH and OMV Block 70 Upstream
GmbH (collectively “OMV Yemen”), which are all companies incorporated and existing under the laws of
Austria.
On January 10, 2023, the Company announced that the Ministry of Water and Mines of the Republic of Benin
has awarded Zenith Energy an exclusivity (the “Exclusivity”) for a period of three months to negotiate and
finalise the terms of a Production Sharing Contract (“PSC”) for Block 1 containing the Sèmè oilfield, offshore
Benin ("Block-1").
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Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
On May 26, 2023, the Company provided an update on its recent corporate development activities.
The Company's management is currently reviewing a selection of oil production and development assets
located in Texas, Oklahoma, and California in the United States of America (the "Potential Acquisitions"). If
any of these Potential Acquisitions are completed, the Company will make further announcements, and at this
stage, no terms are finalised.
The Potential Acquisitions are all located in prolific oil and gas basins with proven petroleum systems.
It is expected that, if the Potential Acquisitions are completed, a production rate in the range of approximately
300-500 barrels of oil per day might be achieved upon completion.
Drilling activities can be performed at relatively low-cost and without significant delay in view of the ready
availability of equipment. The average total depth of production wells in the project areas of the Potential
Acquisitions ranges between 500 to 2,000 metres.
On June 2, 2023, the Company announced that it has entered into an agreement (the "Agreement") with
Stateside Energy LLC, a company registered under the laws of the State of Oklahoma, United States of America
(hereinafter "Stateside") to acquire and operate a portfolio of oil production and development licences in
Oklahoma, as well as certain other States in the USA (the "Targets").
Key Terms
• Stateside is an oil and gas operator with a portfolio of seven oil wells in the State of Oklahoma.
• Under the Agreement, Zenith will incorporate a wholly owned special purpose vehicle in the United States
of America for the purpose of acquiring oil wells and licence blocks in the State of Oklahoma and certain
other States in USA (the "Newco").
• Stateside will make available its personnel in Oklahoma for the purpose of assisting the business
development of Newco.
• Zenith will consider providing Stateside with the following incentive bonus structure based upon the
Newco reaching the following incremental average production targets: 75, 125, 175 and 225 barrels of oil
per day (the "Milestones").
• Upon the achievement of each Milestone Zenith will consider issuing Stateside certain amounts payable
by way of issuing equity securities (the "Incentive Bonus Payments").
• Stateside agrees to sell its oil production wells to Newco, subject to the completion of a satisfactory due
•
diligence by Zenith, for a nominal consideration.
It is planned that the Newco will negotiate the acquisition of approximately 70 oil production wells located
on property leases totalling approximately 3,200 acres located in the State of Oklahoma for sale by a third-
party identified by Stateside (the "Potential Vendor").
• The Potential Vendor has indicated it also intends to sell certain oilfield service equipment including, inter
alia, a pulling unit and a tank truck, for an amount to be agreed.
• Zenith has agreed to invest approximately US$2 million, subject to the completion of a satisfactory due
diligence, for the acquisition of Targets to be introduced by Stateside.
The Company formally begin its expansion in the USA by way of the Agreement with Stateside. The advantages
of operating in North America are readily apparent, and primarily include the speed of execution for
transactions, with the resulting delivery of potential immediate oil production to Zenith, and the relatively
conspicuous lack of bureaucratic delays and other detrimental impediments to corporate development seen
elsewhere.
The Company is currently negotiating the potential acquisition of various oil production assets with significant
development potential across the USA. We look forward with enthusiasm to potentially completing these in
an expeditious manner, subject to rigorous due diligence, by leveraging one of our strengths: deal-making.
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Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Directors
Dr. Jose Ramon Lopez-Portillo (Chairman and Non-Executive Director)
Mr. Lopez-Portillo has been managing Director and then Chairman of the Board since 24 September 2007. He
is an economist with a large network of business contacts worldwide, and who previously served as a Mexican
Permanent Representative in Rome, Italy. Mr. Lopez- Portillo is a leading researcher in the energy security of
Mexico and acts as Deputy Minister at Mexico’s Planning and Budget Secretariat. Mr. Lopez-Portillo holds a
Doctorate degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Oxford.
Andrea Cattaneo (Director, President and CEO)
Mr. Cattaneo has been a Director of the Company since 9 December 2008 and served as President and CEO
of the Group since 2009. He is an energy specialist with a focus on emerging countries and has 30 years’
experience in advising government in financial, industrial, and energy-related matters. Mr. Cattaneo has
strong expertise and experience in structuring and negotiating contracts in the international markets,
specifically the oil industry. He also has significant experience in former socialist countries, having arranged
the first US$ loan to Vietnam, the then third poorest country in the world at the time, towards the beginning
of his financial career in 1985. Mr. Cattaneo holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University
of Genoa and a postgraduate degree in Taxation Law from the University of Bologna. He is a former member
of the Business Advisory Council to the Great Tumen Initiative, a United Nations project for regional economic
cooperation in Northeast Asia. He is one of Zenith’s founders.
Luca Benedetto (Chief Financial Officer & Director)
Luca Benedetto is an Italian national, trained in Italy as a registered accountant with further education in IFRS
accounting and consolidation at IPSOA Milan. He has more than twenty five years of experience in accounting,
auditing, and financial administration. Mr. Benedetto began his professional career as an accountant and
computer programmer responsible for financial software development and worked for the Italian division of
IBM as an internal auditor and accountant as well as providing staff training in these aforementioned fields.
He also served for seven years as a financial and administrative officer in a well-established Italian company
specialising in the construction of fuel and water storage tanks.
He joined the Zenith Energy Ltd. group in 2013 as Chief Financial Officer of the Group's Italian subsidiary,
Canoel Italia S.r.l., and has since progressed to also hold the position of Group Financial Controller. In this
capacity he has been directly involved in the monitoring of business performance, cash flow management,
budgetary oversight, accounts team supervision, accounts preparation and strategic planning. Since January
2016 he has also been responsible for the compiling and reviewing of the quarterly Consolidated Financial
Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of the Group.
Dario Ezio Sodero (Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee)
Mr. Sodero was appointed to the Board on 24 June 2009. As an experienced energy industry executive with
47 years of experience in North America, the Sub-Arctic, North Africa and the Middle East, Mr. Sodero has
strong geological, exploration and technical expertise. Mr. Sodero has formerly acted as director and
executive of several other TSX- and TSXV-listed exploration and production companies. Mr. Sodero holds a
Doctorate degree in Geology from the University of Turin, Italy.
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Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Sergey Borovskiy (Non-Executive Director)
Sergey is an accomplished executive with a track record in investment banking, M&A projects, cross-border
transactions. Sergey offers over 30 years of China and Hong Kong experience in founding and developing
companies in a multilingual and multicultural environment. He is fluent in Russian, English and Mandarin.
Sergey studied in both China and Russia, he has a degree in Economics and an Executive MBA.
He has served as Non-Executive Director of Zenith Energy since 2017. He has also held, or currently holds, the
following roles:
• Since 1993 Chairman of SCHI Group, International trading, investment and manufacturing holding.
• Since 2002 Board Member of National Agency for Direct Investment (NAPI).
• During 2017 – 2019, he was CEO of Sanju Environmental Protection (Hong Kong) Limited, overseeing
all international projects of Sanju Group.
• 2017 - 2018 Executive Director at Jutal Offshore Oil Services (public HK company).
• Since 2020 VP of Kaisun Holdings (public HK investment holding).
• Since 2021 Head of ITI Capital Asia, an international investment company offering a variety of
investment services, capital market opportunities, including pre-IPO investment and complex financial
products.
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Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
DIRECTORS' REPORT
The Directors present their Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Group for the year ended March
31, 2023.
In addition to what was fully disclosed in the Chairman Statement, on February 28, 2023, the Company
announced that it had completed a fundraise in the United Kingdom (the "UK Financing"), and in Norway (the
"Norwegian Financing", collectively, the "Financings").
The Financings had attracted the participation of existing institutional investors, including Premier Miton
Investors, as well as Directors and employees of the Company, to raise an aggregate total amount of
approximately £2,300,000 or NOK 28,484,580, resulting in the issuance of 437,728,088 new common shares.
Issue Price
issue price of the Financings was £0.0054
The
Norwegian Financing.
for the UK Financing and NOK 0.067
for the
Use of Proceeds
The proceeds of the Financings were used to provide additional funding for the following:
Technical and managerial appointments in view of planned operations in Yemen
· Negotiation and planned finalisation of a Production Sharing Contract for Block 1, Sèmè oilfield in Benin
·
· Additional funding for the development of Zenith's Tunisian oil and Italian natural gas production portfolio
· Business development activities in Africa and the Middle East
· General working capital
Norwegian Financing
Zenith issued a total of 378,931,792 new common shares of no-par value in the capital of the Company
("Norwegian Financing Common Shares"), to be admitted to trading on the Euronext Growth Oslo (the
"Norwegian Financing Admission") raising gross proceeds of NOK 25,388,430 (approximately £2,050,000).
An application for the Norwegian Financing Common Shares to also be listed on the standard segment of the
FCA Official List and to be admitted for trading on the London Stock Exchange Main Market for listed securities
will be made within 12 months of the issue of the Norwegian Financing Common Shares.
The Norwegian Financing Common Shares rank pari passu in all respects with the existing common shares of
the Company.
The Company issued 113,679,538 share purchase warrants exercisable at a price NOK 0.094 for a duration of
3 years from the date of issue in connection with the Norwegian Financing.
UK Financing
Zenith issued a total of 46,296,296 common shares of no-par value in the capital of the Company on the London
Stock Exchange (the "UK Financing Common Shares") to raise gross proceeds of £250,000 (approximately NOK
3,096,150).
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Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
The UK Financing Common Shares are listed on the standard segment of the FCA Official List and are admitted
for trading on the London Stock Exchange Main Market for listed securities (the "UK Financing Admission").
The UK Financing Shares rank pari passu in all respects with the existing common shares of the Company.
The Company issued 13,888,889 share purchase warrants exercisable at a price £0.0076 for a duration of 3
years from the date of issue in connection with the UK Financing.
Debt Settlement
The Company has allotted 12,500,000 Common Shares ("Debt Settlement Shares") to a service provider in lieu
of cash settlement for services provided to Zenith for a total value of £67,500.
These Debt Settlement Shares are now listed on the standard segment of the FCA Official List and are admitted
for trading on the London Stock Exchange Main Market for listed securities (the "Debt Settlement Admission").
The Debt Settlement Shares rank pari passu in all respects with the existing common shares of the Company.
Financial review of activity for the period
The Group issued equity once during the financial year ended March 31, 2023, raising a combined net total
of CAD$3,966m (March 31, 2022 - CAD$7,677m) to finance the Group’s reconfigured development strategies.
During the year, 437.728.088 (March 31, 2022 - 708,685,118) new Ordinary Shares were issued, as detailed
in the financial statements (note 16) and as per the following table.
Balance – March 31, 2022
Unit private placement proceeds
Units issued in settlement of debt
Issue costs
Total for the year
Balance – March 31, 2023
Number of
Shares
1,872,574,449
425,228,088
12,500,000
-
437,728,088
2,310,302,537
Amount
CAD$’000
60,121
3,856
114
(4)
3,966
64,087
Following the issue of the new Ordinary Shares, the Company had 2,310,302,537 common shares in issue
and admitted to trading on the Euronext Growth of the Oslo Stock Exchange, of which 1,931,370,745
common share in issue and admitted to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, as of
March 31, 2023.
Furthermore, to avoid the risk of the excessive dilution of the capital, the Company issued two different sets
of EMTN (Bond) accruing interest payable semi-annually and listed on the third Vienna Stock Exchange.
Zenith EMTN Programme up to Euro 25+M
1. On January 20, 2020, the Company announced the issuance of the following unsecured, multi-currency
Euro Medium Term Notes, governed by Austrian law, at par value (the "Notes"):
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Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
o EURO 1,000,000 bearing interest of 10.125 per cent per year (the "EUR-Notes")
o GBP 1,000,000 bearing interest of 10.50 per cent per year (the "GBP-Notes")
o USD 1,000,000 bearing interest of 10.375 per cent per year (the "USD-Notes")
o CHF 1,000,000 bearing interest of 10.00 per cent per year (the "CHF-Notes")
The Notes will mature on January 27, 2024, are governed by Austrian law and are not convertible into
equity of the Company.
2. On May 16, 2022, the Company announced that it had issued a new series of unsecured, multi-currency
Euro Medium Term Notes at par value (the "Notes").
The following Notes have been issued:
·
·
·
Series No.5: EUR 2,000,000 bearing an interest of 10.125 per cent per year. ISIN: XS2478298909
Series No.6: GBP 2,000,000 bearing an interest of 10.50 per cent per year. ISIN: XS2478299030
Series No.7: USD 2,000,000 bearing an interest of 10.375 per cent per year. ISIN: XS2478299113
The Notes will mature on May 9, 2026, are governed by Austrian law and are not convertible into
equity of the Company.
These Notes were admitted to trading on the Third Market (MTF) of the Vienna Stock Exchange ("Wiener Borse
AG"). As of March 31, 2023, the Company sold Notes, as follows:
Currency
EUR
USD
GBP
CHF
EUR
GBP
USD
CAD$
equivalent
ISIN
Description
2,659,011 XS2108546735 ZEEX 10.125 01/27/24 MTN
9,274,052 XS2108546651 ZEEX 10.500 01/27/24 MTN
2,872,762 XS2108546578 ZEEX 10.375 01/27/24 MTN
41,924 XS2108546818 ZEEX 10.000 01/27/24 MTN
3,106,240 XS2478298909 ZEEX 10.125 05/09/26 MTN
980,160 XS2478299030 ZEEX 10.500 05/09/26 MTN
2,096,379 XS2478299113 ZEEX 10.375 05/09/26 MTN
The issue of the Notes is aligned with the Group’s strategy of diversifying its financing towards non-equity
dilutive funding to support its successful development.
The Company has been using the EMTN Programme to finance its activities in the Republic of the Congo,
Tunisia and Italy. The Company chose the Vienna Stock Exchange as it was viewed as a highly accessible market
in terms of simplicity of process and listing costs.
During the year, the Company announced that it had fully paid the semi-annual interest in relation to the
Notes. The most recent interest payment in relation to the Notes is the third such payment, with previous
interest payments having taken place during the months of June and December 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022
respectively.
The Group’s yearly profit was mostly impacted by the non-recurrent administrative expenses related to the
negotiation for the acquisitions.
The Group production costs for the year were CAD$5,750k, compared to CAD$2,217k in 2022 and the General
and Administrative costs for the year were CAD$8,811k, compared to CAD $12,526k in 2022.
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Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Cash flow
Cash used in investing activities totalled CAD$430k (2022 - CAD$2,165k). The cash from financing activities in
2023 totalled CAD$16,563k (2022 - CAD$14,817k), due to the share placings, issue of convertible loans and
issue of bonds.
Closing cash
As of March 31, 2023, the Group held CAD$1,442k in cash (2022 - CAD$1,153k).
Position of Group’s business at the year end
At the year end the Group's Statement of Financial Position shows current assets totaling CAD$34,566k (2022
– CAD$28,774k) and non-current assets totaling CAD$228,345k (2022 – CAD$230,526k).
Business strategy
As of the date of this report the Company’s primary activity is that of being an international oil and gas
production, development and exploration business.
The Company has a portfolio of oil and gas assets in Italy and Africa. The Group’s principal assets are held
through:
(i)
its wholly owned subsidiary, Zenith Overseas Assets Ltd (“Zenith Overseas”), which holds a 22.5%
interest in the Sidi El Kilani Concession in Tunisia;
its wholly owned subsidiary, Zenith Energy Africa Limited (“Zenith Africa”), which holds a 45%
interest in the Tunisian onshore Ezzaouia Concession ("Ezzaouia");
its wholly owned subsidiary, Compagnie Du Desert Ltd (“CDD”), which holds a 100% interest in the
El Bibane and Robbana concessions in Tunisia; and
Canoel Italia S.r.l. (in which the Company has a 98.64% shareholding), which holds various working
interests in 13 onshore exploration and production properties in Italy.
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
The Company is seeking to acquire further oil and gas assets in West Africa, the United Stated and other
areas to complement its existing assets in Italy and Tunisia.
The Company’s strategy is, among other things, to (i) grow through international acquisitions; (ii) increase the
production and reserves from its international inventory of oil and gas assets; (iii) target its operations towards
areas with advantageous access points for its exploration activities with a reasonably stable economic and
business environment; (iv) develop a balanced portfolio of short, medium and long-term opportunities; (v)
seek innovative ways to unlock value; (vi) achieve and maintain a robust, well-funded business with the
financial flexibility to fund high-impact exploration, appraisal and development programmes; and (vii) unlock
oil and gas reserves still unexploited in old and marginal oil and gas fields through the use of new technology.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The Group operates in an uncertain environment and is subject to a number of risk factors. The Directors
consider the following risk factors are of particular relevance to the Group's activities and to any investment
in the Group. It should be noted that the list is not exhaustive and that other risk factors not presently known
or currently deemed immaterial may apply. The risk factors are summarized below:
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Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
The impact of global oil prices on the Company
Demand for oil and gas is closely related to the health of the world economy while supply is determined more
by political matters. The price of oil and gas is set at a global level with small variances for local conditions.
Zenith is a very small producer and the price it receives for the oil and gas it produces is determined by global
supply and demand factors beyond its control.
Oil and gas prices depend on numerous factors over which the Group does not have any control, including
global supply, international economic trends (such as the current downturn caused by COVID-19), currency
exchange fluctuations, inflation, consumption patterns and global or regional political events.
The Group’s financial performance may therefore be substantially impacted both positively and negatively by
factors. Changes in global prices for oil and gas may result in the Group no longer being able to produce oil
and/or gas on a profitable basis. Historically, international crude oil and natural gas prices have fluctuated
widely. A material decline in the price of crude oil or natural gas would have a material adverse effect on the
Group’s financial results and reserves estimates.
Risks in connection with the war in Ukraine
The protraction of Russia’s military aggression of Ukraine commenced last February has made the outlook for
the remainder of 2022 and for the medium term all the more uncertain and unpredictable.
Zenith is exposed to a major systemic risk that a prolonged conflict, an enlargement of military operations, the
impacts of the economic sanctions imposed by the international community against Russia. The possible
unilateral interruptions of hydrocarbons exports to Europe by Russia as retaliation could dampen investors or
consumers’ confidence, causing a delay or a halt in spending decisions.
Those developments could trigger a slowdown in the macroeconomic cycle, a stagnation or, under the worst
possible outcome, a global recession. Those could negatively and significantly affect demand for hydrocarbons,
which is very sensitive to macroeconomic trends, leading to a decline in hydrocarbon prices that are the main
driver of the Group’s results of operations and cash flow.
In response to Russia’s military aggression of Ukraine, the EU, the USA, and the UK have adopted economic
and financial sanctions designed to weaken Russia’s ability to fund the war operations.
The EU sixth sanction package of restrictive measures against Russia was enacted June 3, 2022, and is
particularly relevant to the Oil & Gas sector.
The new sanctions will phase out Russian oil imports to EU in an orderly fashion. For seaborne crude oil, spot
market transactions and execution of existing contracts will be permitted for six months after entry into force,
while for petroleum products, these will be permitted for eight months after entry into force. A waiver is
granted to certain EU Member States who have a particular pipeline dependency on Russia and can continue
to receive crude oil delivered by pipeline, until the Council decides otherwise. Finally, after a wind down period
of 6 months, EU operators will be prohibited from insuring and financing the transport, particularly through
maritime routes, of Russian oil to third countries.
The EU has also adopted the REPowerEU plan to end dependence on Russian fossil fuels as soon as possible
and well before 2030 by means of an articulated set of actions and instruments targeting the energy saving,
an acceleration in the green transition, a diversification of supplies and leaner procedures to sanction capital
investments.
14
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Zenith has no direct or indirect engagement in the Russian upstream sector, being its production located in
different parts of the world, so the Group has no exposures towards Russia. In addition, Zenith is currently
taking into consideration new opportunities for development, investment, and expansion of its portfolio,
taking advantage of possible contingent market situations.
A substantial portion of the Group’s assets and operations outside of Europe are exposed to political and
economic risks, and future disruptions may have a material adverse effect on THE GROUP’s business
A significant portion of the Group’s oil and gas assets and of the Group’s supply sources is located in countries
outside of the European Union – with developing economies or unstable political environments. As a result, a
significant portion of the Group’s revenue is derived from, or is dependent on, countries in which the Group’s
operations are exposed to economic and political risks, including expropriation and nationalization of property,
civil strife and acts of war or terrorism. In addition, in certain countries in which the Group is active, it may be
difficult to repatriate investment and profits. If it is perceived that the Group is not respecting or advancing the
economic and social progress of the communities in which it operates, its reputation and shareholder value
could be damaged. Any future disruptions may have a material adverse effect on the Group’s business, results
of operations and financial condition.
Activities in the oil and gas sectors can be dangerous, posing health, safety and environmental risks
Oil and natural gas exploration, development and production operations are subject to all the risks and hazards
typically associated with such operations, including hazards such as fire, explosion, blowouts, cratering, sour
gas releases and spills, each of which could result in substantial damage to oil and natural gas wells, production
facilities, other property as well as the environment or personal injury.
In particular, the Group may produce sour natural gas in certain areas. An unintentional leak of sour natural
gas could result in personal injury, loss of life or damage to property and may necessitate an evacuation of
populated areas, all of which could result in a liability to the Group.
In accordance with industry practice, the Group is not fully insured against all of these risks, nor are all such
risks insurable. Although the Group maintains liability insurance in an amount that it considers consistent with
industry practice, the nature of these risks is such that liabilities could exceed policy limits, in which event the
Group could incur significant costs. Oil and natural gas production operations are also subject to all the risks
typically associated with such operations, including encountering unexpected formations or pressures,
premature decline of reservoirs and the invasion of water into producing formations.
Losses resulting from the occurrence of any of these risks may have a material adverse effect on the Group's
business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Risks relating to the Group's business strategy
The Group is dependent on the ability of the Directors to identify suitable investment opportunities and to
implement the Group's strategy. There is no assurance that the Group's activities will be successful in
implementing its strategy of acquiring a suitable investment that will ultimately be developed.
Environmental and other regulatory requirements
The event of a breach with any environmental or regulatory requirements may give rise to reputational,
financial or other sanctions against the Group, and therefore the Board consider these risks seriously and
designs, maintains and reviews its policies and processes so as to mitigate or avoid these risks. Whilst the
15
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Board has a good record of compliance, there is no assurance that the Group's activities will always be
compliant.
Government intervention and regulation may have a material adverse effect on Zenith’s business. Zenith
might not be able to comply with its obligations under licences.
The oil and gas industry is subject to regulation and intervention by governments, in particular in matters such
as the award of exploration and production interests, restrictions on production and exports, environmental
measures, control over the development and abandonment of fields and installations, the nationalization or
renationalization of assets, imposition of specific drilling obligations, environmental and health and safety
protection controls and other risks relating to changes in local government regimes and policies.
In addition, Zenith has to comply with conditions contained in licenses, such as operating permits. A failure by
Zenith to comply with substantial conditions might lead to governmental intervention. Any violations of
substantial conditions may therefore have a material adverse effect on Zenith’s business, results of operations
and financial condition.
Zenith buys, sells and trades oil and gas products in certain regulated commodity markets. The oil industry is
also subject to the payment of royalties and taxation, which tend to be high compared with those payable in
respect of other commercial activities and operates in certain tax jurisdictions that feature a degree of
uncertainty relating to the interpretation of, and changes to, tax law. As a result of new laws and regulations
or government interventions, Zenith could be required to curtail or cease certain operations, or Zenith could
incur additional costs, all of which may have a material adverse effect on Zenith’s business, results of
operations and financial condition.
Lack of diversification of the Company’s business activity
The Company is currently only involved in oil production in Africa and natural gas and electricity production in
Italy. Therefore, any legal, regulatory or other change of the framework conditions in one of those national
industries may have a substantial negative effect on the financial situation of the whole Group, since it will
likely not be able to compensate negative effects that appear in one field of business with its business activities
in another area of operations.
Financing
The Board are seeking to grow and acknowledge that financing could depend upon the Group's ability to
obtain financing primarily through a further raising of new equity capital. The Group's ability to raise further
funds may be affected by the success of its investments both in terms of both in terms of acquisitions and
developing its asset base. The Group may not be successful in procuring the requisite funds on terms which
are acceptable to it (or at all) and, if such funding is unavailable, the Group may be required to reduce the
scope of its operations. Further, Shareholders' holdings of Ordinary Shares may be materially diluted if debt
financing is not available.
Market conditions
Market conditions, including general economic conditions and their effect on exchange rates, interest rates
and inflations rates, may impact the ultimate value of the Group regardless of its operating performance. The
Group also faces competition from other organizations, some of which may have greater resources or be more
established in a particular territory. The Board considers and reviews all market conditions to mitigate any
risks that may arise from these.
16
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
The protraction of Russia’s military aggression of Ukraine commenced last February has made the outlook for
the remainder of 2022 and for the medium term all the more uncertain and unpredictable.
Zenith is exposed to a major systemic risk that a prolonged conflict, an enlargement of military operations, the
impacts of the economic sanctions imposed by the international community against Russia. The possible
unilateral interruptions of hydrocarbons exports to Europe by Russia as retaliation could dampen investors or
consumers’ confidence, causing a delay or a halt in spending decisions.
Those developments could trigger a slowdown in the macroeconomic cycle, a stagnation or, under the worst
possible outcome, a global recession. Those could negatively and significantly affect demand for hydrocarbons,
which is very sensitive to macroeconomic trends, leading to a decline in hydrocarbon prices that are the main
driver of the Group’s results of operations and cash flow.
Zenith has no direct or indirect engagement in the Russian upstream sector, being its production located in
different parts of the world, so the Group has no exposures towards Russia. In addition, Zenith is currently
taking into consideration new opportunities for development, investment, and expansion of its portfolio,
taking advantage of possible contingent market situations.
Substantial shareholders
As of June 6, 2022, the total number of issued Common Shares with voting rights in the Company is:
Class of share
Total number of
shares
Number of
voting rights per
share
Total number of
voting rights per class
of share
Common Shares in issue and admitted
to trading on the Main Market of the
London Stock Exchange
Common Shares in issue and admitted
to trading on the Euronext Growth
Market of the Oslo Stock Exchange
1,931,370,745
2,310,302,537
1
1
1,931,370,745
2,310,302,537
17
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Directors’ interest
This table represents the Directors’ interests in the Company, as of the date of publication of this report:
PARTY NAME
ANDREA CATTANEO
LUCA BENEDETTO
SERGEY BOROWSKIY
DARIO SODERO (1)
JOSE RAMON LOPEZ-PORTILLO
2023
2022
NUMBER OF
ORDINARY
SHARES
167,163,912
27,726,716
3,849,289
77,500
48,000
% OF SHARE
CAPITAL
NUMBER OF
ORDINARY SHARES
% OF SHARE
CAPITAL
7.24
2.20
0.17
0.01
0.01
102,468,240
-
3,849,289
77,500
48,000
5.47
-
0.21
0.01
0.01
1) Mr. Sodero controls 77,500 Common Shares of the Company in indirect ownership. The 77,500 Common Shares in which Dario
Sodero has a beneficial interest are held by Planaval Resources Ltd., a company controlled by Mr. Sodero. Mr. Sodero owns 100%
of the share capital of Planaval Resources Ltd.
The Company has been notified of the following interests of 3 percent or more in its issued share capital as at
the date of approval of this report.
2023
2022
PARTY NAME
ANDREA CATTANEO
Nordnet AB
NUMBER OF
ORDINARY SHARES
167,163,912
135,363,582
% OF SHARE
CAPITAL
7.24
5.86
NUMBER OF
ORDINARY SHARES
102,468,240
106,392,105
% OF SHARE
CAPITAL
5.47
5.68
Dividends
The Directors do not propose a dividend in respect of the year ended March 31, 2023 (March 31, 2022: nil).
Events subsequent to the year end
Details of events subsequent to the year-end are set out in note 30.
Going concern
The Group's business activities, together with facts likely to affect its future operations and financial and
liquidity positions are set out in the Chairman's Statement. In addition, note 26 to the financial statements
discloses the Group's financial risk management policy and note 2 details out further considerations made by
the Directors in respect of going concern. Their consideration has included a review of forecasts, the
repayment and the restructuring of loans, the ability for fund raise and an assessment relating to two post
year-end events that may affect the future cashflows of the Company, in particular:
18
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
1.
. On July 3, 2023, the Company announced that its fully owned subsidiary, Anglo African Oil & Gas Congo
S.A.U ("AAOGC"), has been awarded a payment of compensatory damages by the Paris Commercial Court
(the "Court") in its claim against SMP Energies ( hereafter "SMP", formerly Société de Maintenance
Pétrolière - SMP) the rig contractor that performed drilling services in wells TLP-103 and TLP-103C of the
Tilapia oilfield during 2018-2019.
In the decision, the Court rejected SMP's request for a stay of proceedings in France due to new
proceedings having been initiated in the Republic of the Congo, stating that SMP's request contained "all
the characteristics of a dilatory request", and ordered it to pay an amount of EUR 30,000 to AAOGC by way
of compensatory damages. The Court decision is immediately enforceable.
The Court has scheduled the next procedural date as September 29, 2023.
2. On July 10, 2023, the Company announced that it has successfully obtained a 'conservative seizure' for an
amount equivalent to approximately US$6.5 million deposited in a bank account in Switzerland under the
name of ETAP, Entreprise Tunisienne d'Activités Pétrolières, the national oil company of the Republic of
Tunisia (the "Conservative Seizure").
The Conservative Seizure has been undertaken to avoid the risk of funds being dissipated or diverted while
legal proceedings are ongoing.
On June 7, 2023, the Company announced that its subsidiaries had initiated various legal proceedings
against the Republic of Tunisia, with a total cumulative claimed amount of at least US$48 million.
The Directors therefore have made an informed judgment, at the time of approving the financial statements,
that there is a reasonable expectation that the Group has access to adequate resources to continue in
operational existence for the foreseeable future. As a result, the Directors have adopted the going concern
basis of accounting in the preparation of the annual financial statements. Further details on assumptions and
conclusions drawn on going concern are included in the statement of going concern included in note 2 to the
financial statements.
Auditors
RPG Crouch Chapman LLP, 5th Floor, 14-16 Dowgate Hill, London EC4R 2SU, United Kingdom, is the Issuer’s
external auditor since 15th April 2023.
Statement of Directors' responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with
applicable law and regulations.
The Directors are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year. The Directors have elected
to prepare the consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRSs) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). 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 of the profit or loss of the Group for that year. In preparing these financial statements,
the Directors are required to:
19
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
GOVERNANCE REPORT
General
As Zenith Energy Ltd has a standard listing within the United Kingdom, it is not required to comply with the
Financial Conduct Authority’s requirements report on compliance with, and application of, the UK Corporate
Governance Code. The disclosures below, however, are required by Disclosure Guidance & Transparency Rules
and NI 58-101 Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices. The board of directors (the “Board”) of Zenith
Energy Ltd. (the “Company”) has not adopted a Governance Code as the size of the Company and the number
of staff at the parent Company does not warrant the adoption of such code, however, the Board recognizes
that good corporate governance is of fundamental importance to the success of the Group and procedures are
in place in operating entities.
The Group’s governance practices are the responsibility of the Board.
Leadership
The Group is headed by an effective Board which is collectively responsible for the long-term success of the
Group. The role of the Board is to oversee the activity of management and to decide the strategy going
forward. The role of the Non-Executive Directors is to review and monitor the activity of the Directors and
managers that are involved in the operations of the Group. Acquisitions and disposals, borrowing facilities,
equity issuances and any other major decisions out of the ordinary course of business are specifically reserved
for the Board.
The Board is formed by a highly incentivized and committed group of individuals, including founders of the
Group with significant interest in the common share capital of the Group, that understand and believe in the
Group’s strategy, providing their support even without an effective remuneration, waiting for the desired
development to lead to financial conditions such that the recognition of a fee does not divert funds from
investments.
Mr Borowskiy was unable to attend certain Board meetings due to other professional commitments and time
zone differences. However, he has provided consistent support and constant interaction with the Company’s
management, specifically in relation to the Company’s fruitful new relationship with CNPC.
The Directors attendance to meetings up to the date of this report was as follows:
Andrea
Cattaneo
Dario
Ezio
Sodero
Sergey
Borowskiy
Luca
Benedetto
Date of Board
Meeting
29/08/2022 (B)
25/11/2022 (AC)
09/03/2023 (B)
Jose Ramon
Lopez-
Portillo
-
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
AC: Audit Committee Meeting – B: Board Meeting
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
✔
21
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
The Board
The Board is ultimately responsible for the effectiveness of the Group’s system of internal controls. The Board
verifies the implementation and effectiveness of the system that the top and middle management have
implemented in the Group to prevent losses, fraud, corruption and misuse of assets, human resources and
cash. Its key strategy has been to establish financial reporting procedures that provide the Board of Directors
with a reasonable basis to make judgements as to the financial position and prospects of the Group.
Executive directors and non-executive directors have been appointed by the Board to assist with the
implementation of this strategy and report progress to the Board. All the non-executive directors are
considered independent from executive directors and management.
The Group’s board of directors consists of five members namely
•
•
•
•
•
Jose Ramon Lopez-Portillo (Chairman and Non-Executive Director)
Andrea Cattaneo (President, CEO and Director)
Luca Benedetto (CFO and Director)
Dario Ezio Sodero (Non-Executive Director)
Sergey Borowskiy (Non-Executive Director)
As demonstrated by the background of the directors and managers, the Board present a large diversity in
citizenship, age, education, profession and religion. The Board is committed to equal opportunities and intends
to appoint a female Non-Executive Director in the near future.
Directorships and partnerships
In addition to their respective roles and directorships at the Group, the Directors are members of the
administrative, management or supervisory bodies (the “directorships”) or partners of the following
companies or partnerships:
Name
Jose Ramon Lopez-Portillo
Current directorships/partnerships
Hybridair Ltd
World SkyCat Ltd
Luca Benedetto
Ajax Resources Plc
Andrea Cattaneo
–
Dario Ezio Sodero
Planaval Resources Ltd
Sergey Borovskiy
ITI Capital Asia
Kaisun Holdings
General Transactions Inc.
National Agency for Direct Investment (NAPI).
South China Heavy Industries Group
22
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Orientation and continuing education
The Board is responsible for the orientation and education of new members of the board of directors and all
new directors are provided with copies of the Group’s board and committee mandates and policies, the
Group’s by-laws, documents from recent Board meetings and other reference materials relating to the duties
and obligations of directors, the business and operations of the Group. New directors are also provided with
opportunities for meeting and discussions with senior management and other directors.
Prior to joining the board, each new director will meet with the Chief Executive Officer of the Group. Such
officer is responsible for outlining the business and prospects of the Group, both positive and negative, with a
view to ensuring that the new director is properly informed to commence his duties as a director.
Each new director is also given the opportunity to meet with the auditors and counsel to the Group. As part of
the annual Board of Directors’ assessment process, the Board of Directors determines whether any additional
education and training is required for its members.
Ethical business conduct
The directors encourage and promote a culture of ethical business conduct through communication and
supervision as part of their overall stewardship responsibility. In addition, the Group has adopted a Code of
Conduct which addresses the Group’s continuing commitment to integrity and ethical behaviour. The Code of
Conduct establishes procedures that allow directors, officers and employees of the Group to confidentially
submit their concerns to the Chief Executive Officer or the Chairman of the Board regarding questionable
ethical, moral, accounting or auditing matters, without fear of retaliation. To the Group’s knowledge there
have been no departures from this Code of Conduct that would necessitate the filing of a material change
report.
A copy of the Code of Conduct is available to review at the head office of the Group during business hours.
Nomination of Directors
The Board as a whole is responsible for identifying suitable candidates to be recommended for election to the
Board by the shareholders of the Group, with the goal of ensuring that the Board consists of an appropriate
number of directors who collectively possess the competencies identified as being appropriate to the
effectiveness of the Board as a whole.
Remuneration
The Remuneration Committee is responsible for reviewing the Group’s overall compensation strategy, as well
as being responsible for reviewing and recommending for approval for the salary and compensation of the
Group’s executive officers.
The Remuneration Committee also reviews the compensation of the outside directors on an annual basis,
taking into account such matters as time commitment, responsibility and compensation provided by
comparable organizations.
The remuneration for key management personnel, specifically those persons having authority and
responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group, either directly or indirectly, are
detailed in the following note 7-(b) Key management compensation.
23
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Board Committees
The Group’s Board of Directors has three committees, the Audit Committee, the Remuneration Committee
and the Corporate Governance Committee.
(a)
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee comprises Jose Ramon Lopez-Portillo, Dario Sodero and Sergey Borowskiy and is
chaired by Dario Sodero. The Audit Committee meets at least once a year and otherwise as required. It
has responsibility for ensuring that the financial performance of the Company is properly reported on
and reviewed, and its role includes monitoring the integrity of the financial statements of the Group
(including annual and interim accounts and results announcements), reviewing the effectiveness of the
Group’s internal control review function and risk management systems, reviewing any changes in
accounting policies, reviewing and monitoring the extent of the non-audit services undertaken by
external auditors and advising on the appointment of external auditors. The Audit Committee has
unrestricted access to the Group’s external auditors. The ultimate responsibility for reviewing and
approving the annual reports and accounts and the interim reports remains with the Board. The Audit
Committee gives due consideration to laws and regulations and the requirements of the Listing Rules.
The Group has an Audit Committee Charter.
(b)
Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee comprises Jose Ramon Lopez-Portillo, Dario Sodero and Sergey
Borowskiy and is chaired by Sergey Borowskiy. The Remuneration Committee has not met during the
year ended 31 March 2023. The Remuneration Committee has responsibility for determining the
Group’s policy on the remuneration packages of the Group’s chief executive, the chairman, the
executive and non-executive directors and other senior executives. The Remuneration Committee also
has responsibility for (i) recommending to the Board a compensation policy for directors and executives
and monitoring its implementation; (ii) approving and recommending to the Board and the Group’s
Shareholders the total individual remuneration package of the chairman, each executive and non-
executive director and the chief executive officer (including bonuses, incentive payments and share
options or other share awards); and (iii) approving and recommending to the Board the total individual
remuneration package of all other senior executives (including bonuses, incentive payments and share
options or other share awards), in each case within the terms of the Group’s remuneration policy and in
consultation with the chairman of the Board and/or the chief executive officer. No Director or manager
may be involved in any discussions as to their own remuneration.
(c)
Corporate Governance Committee
The Corporate Governance Committee comprises Sergey Borovskiy, Dario Sodero and Jose Ramon
Lopez-Portillo and is chaired by Jose Ramon Lopez-Portillo. The Corporate Governance Committee has
not met during the year ended 31 March 2023. The Corporate Governance Committee ensures that the
Group has in place sufficient procedures, resources and controls to enable it to comply with its
continuing obligations as a company admitted to the Standard Segment of the Official List. The
Corporate Governance Committee also monitors the Group’s procedures to approve (a) announcements
to ensure that the information disclosed by the Group is timely, accurate, comprehensive and relevant
to the business of the Group and (b) any share dealings by directors or employees or announcements
made by the Group to ensure compliance with the Group’s policies, the Market Abuse Regulation, the
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules and the Listing Rules and such other regulations to which
the Group is subject from time to time.
24
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Assessments
The Remuneration Committee is responsible for developing an annual assessment of the overall performance
of the Board and its committees.
The objective of this review is to contribute to a process of continuous improvement in the Board’s execution
of its responsibilities. To date, the Remuneration Committee and the Board have not put into place a formal
process for assessing the effectiveness of the Board as a whole, its committees or individual directors, but will
consider implementing one in the future should circumstances warrant. Based on the Group’s size, its stage of
development and the number of individuals on the Board of Directors, the Remuneration Committee and the
Board consider a formal assessment process to be inappropriate at this time. The Remuneration Committee
and the Board plan to continue evaluating the Board’s effectiveness on an ad hoc basis.
25
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF
ZENITH ENERGY LTD. FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Zenith Energy Ltd. (the ‘group’) for the year ended 31 March 2023
which comprise the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the Consolidated statement of changes
in equity, the Consolidated statement of financial position, the Consolidated statement of cash flows and notes
to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting
framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Group financial statements is applicable law and
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IFRS).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
• give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s affairs as at 31 March 2023 and of the group’s loss for
the year then ended; and
• have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRS.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing and applicable law. Our
responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of
the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group and parent company in
accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK,
including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical
responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained
is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Emphasis of matter
We draw attention to note 13 of the financial statements which states that MARETAP has failed to provide
inventory reports as at the year-end date. The closing Oil & Gas inventory has, therefore, been estimated
based on verifiable inputs.
We also draw attention to note 14 of the financial statements, which states that the Group’s customers are
state-owned enterprises. The Group is engaged in recovering accounts receivable amounting to CAD£10.1m in
Tunisia and management have assessed that the likelihood of recovery is strong. Accordingly no provision has
been recognised in these accounts.
Our opinion is not modified with respect to these matters.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of
accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Our evaluation of the Directors’ assessment of the entity’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis
of accounting included:
• Review of managements cash flow projections for the period ended 30 December 2024;
• Review of management’s assumptions based on historical expenditure and contractual commitments;
• Sensitivity analysis on cash flow forecast to consider the available headroom under different reasonably
possible scenarios;
• Consideration of certainty of receipt of finance inflows including review of conditions precedent on
financing agreements; and
• Review of adequacy and completeness of disclosures in the financial statements in respect of the going
concern assumption.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or
conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a
going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for
issue.
26
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the
relevant sections of this report.
Our approach to the audit
In planning our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the
financial statements. In particular, we looked at where the directors made subjective judgements, for example
in respect of significant accounting estimates. As in all of our audits, we also addressed the risk of management
override of internal controls, including evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the directors that
represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed sufficient work to be able to issue an opinion
on the financial statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the group and the parent company,
the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which they operate.
Key Audit Matters
Key audit matters are those that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the
Financial Statements of the current year and include the most significant assessed risks of material
misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) we identified, including those which had the greatest effect on:
the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the audit and directing the efforts of the engagement
team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in
forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
The use of the Going Concern basis of accounting was assessed as a key audit matter and has already been
covered in the previous section of this report. The other key audit matters identified are noted below.
Key audit matter
How our work addressed this matter
Carrying value of PPE
The most significant assets of the group as
at March 2023 were PPE of CAD$227.6m
comprising oil
gas properties.
and
Management are required to use their
estimation and judgement in assessing the
carrying value of PPE for impairment.
Given the subjectivity and number of
estimates involved in any such assessment,
we consider this to be a key audit matter.
Our work included:
• Reviewing management’s assessment of recoverable
amount and critically assessing all inputs;
• Reviewing the underlying economic models used in the
Competent Persons Report (“CPR”) from which the
valuation arises and challenging the key assumptions
therein including:
• Ensuring that the Competent Person had the relevant
expertise to perform their work to the appropriate level
of skill;
• Comparing commodity price assumptions to future
prices;
• Challenging key inputs into the models including the
discount rates used and benchmarking them where
appropriate;
• Reviewing the CPR
for accuracy and performing
sensitivity analysis of the various underlying assumptions;
• Assessing the carrying value by considering the range of
valuations indicated by the differing scenarios;
• Considering the ability of the group to perform the
required site development to ensure the site can meet
production levels included in and underlying the CPR
valuation and to have access to the capital resources
required to develop projects successfully; and
• Reviewing the work performed by the component
auditors and requesting additional procedures where
required.
27
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Key audit matter
How our work addressed this matter
value of decommissioning
Carrying
provision
We expect that there will be a significant
number of
require
estimates
judgement and have therefore assessed
that this is a key audit matter.
that
Ongoing litigations
The company has various li�ga�ons and
ongoing.
arbitrations
There may be undisclosed liabilities in
relation to the litigations, hence why we
consider this to be a key audit matter.
Our work included:
• Assessing the estimated abandonment costs for key
production assets;
• Considering the professional expertise of third parties
engaged to produce these estimates; and
• Reviewing supporting data and requesting additional
procedures where required.
Our work included:
• Enquire with management all the ongoing litigations as
well as litigations which have been resolved and the
outcome;
Enquire regarding the existence of possible losses arising
from litigations and claims;
•
• Determining whether an associated contingent asset or
financial
liability needs to be recognised
statements;
in the
• Review the accounting records for the accounting year
and the period after the year end for any evidence of
future liabilities based on events which occurred during
the year;
• Contact solicitors to discuss legal cases which are ongoing
and assess the probability of an unfavourable outcome;
and
• Assess the
impact of
litigations on the financial
statements and disclosures.
Our application of materiality
We apply the concept of materiality both in planning and performing our audit and in evaluating the effect of
misstatements. We consider materiality to be the magnitude by which misstatements, including omissions
could influence the economic decisions of reasonable users that are taken on the basis of the financial
statements.
In order to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that any misstatements exceed materiality, we
use a lower materiality level, performance materiality, to determine the extent of testing needed. Importantly,
misstatements below these levels will not necessarily be evaluated as immaterial as we also take account of
the nature of identified misstatements, and the particular circumstances of their occurrence, when evaluating
their effect on the financial statements as a whole.
We consider gross assets to be the most significant determinant of the Group’s financial performance used by
the users of the financial statements. We have based materiality on 1% of reported gross assets for the group.
Overall materiality for the group was therefore set at CAD$2.6m.
28
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Other information
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information
included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our
opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise
explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information
and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial
statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we
identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine
whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other
information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of
this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the
preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such
internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that
are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the parent company's ability
to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going
concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the parent company or to cease
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Group financial reporting process.
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free
from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our
opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but it is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in
accordance with ISAs will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from
fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be
expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design
procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of
irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities,
including fraud is detailed below:
• We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks within which the Group operates
focusing on those laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the determination of material amounts
and disclosures in the financial statements.
• We identified the greatest risk of material impact on the financial statements from irregularities, including
fraud, to be the override of controls by management. Our audit procedures to respond to these risks
included enquiries of management about their own identification and assessment of the risks of
irregularities, sample testing on the posting of journals and reviewing accounting estimates for biases.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including
those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This
risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions
reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance.
The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves
intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial
Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our
Auditor's Report.
29
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME
Continuing operations
Revenue
Cost of sales
Production costs
Depletion and depreciation
Gross profit
Administrative expenses
Operating loss
Gain on business combination
Other gains and losses
Finance expense
(Loss)/Profit for the year before taxation
Financial year ended
March 31,
2023
CAD $’000
13,159
March 31,
2022
CAD $’000
8,239
(5,750)
(4,747)
2,662
(8,596)
(5,934)
-
(3,115)
(3,161)
(12,210)
(2,217)
(2,242)
3,780
(12,526)
(8,746)
75,907
(145)
(2,278)
64,738
Note
11
5
6
8
9
Taxation
(Loss)/Profit for the year from continuing operations
attributable to owners of the parent
10
(617)
(301)
(12,827)
64,437
Other comprehensive income
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss:
Exchange differences on translating foreign operations, net
of tax
Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the year, net of tax
Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year attributable
to owners of the parent
Earnings per share
(Loss)/Profit for the year - basic
(Loss)/Profit for the year – diluted
The notes on pages 35 to 85 form part of the Financial Statements.
(3,310)
(3,310)
(183)
(183)
(16,137)
64,254
21
CAD $
(0.01)
(0.01)
CAD $
0.03
0.02
31
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
CHANGES IN EQUITY
Attributable to owners of the parent
Share
capital
Share
warrants
& option
reserve
Contributed
surplus
Retained
earnings
CAD $'000 CAD $'000
CAD $'000 CAD$'000
Total
CAD
$'000
Balance as at March 31, 2021
48,017
2,465
4,643
(31,322)
23,803
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income
Share issue net of costs – debt settlement
Share issue net of costs - private placement
Value of warrants issued
Value of options issued
Exercise of warrants
Fair value of options expired
Warrants expired
Total transactions with owners recognised
directly in equity
Balance as at March 31, 2022
Loss for the year
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income
Share issue net of costs – debt settlement
Share issue net of costs - private placement
Value of warrants issued
Warrants expired
Options value adjustment
Total transactions with owners recognised
directly in equity
Balance as at March 31, 2023
Reserve
Share capital
Share warrants &
option reserve
Contributed surplus
Retained earnings
-
-
-
3,771
7,523
-
-
810
-
-
12,104
60,121
-
-
-
110
3,856
-
-
-
3,966
64,087
-
-
-
-
-
1,544
1,385
-
(64)
(46)
2,819
5,284
-
-
-
-
-
733
(572)
(116)
45
5,329
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
64
46
110
64,437
64,437
(183)
(183)
64,254
64,254
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,771
7,523
1,544
1,385
810
-
-
15,033
4,753
32,932
103,090
-
-
-
(12,827)
(3,310)
(12,827)
(3,310)
(16,137)
(16,137)
-
-
-
572
116
688
-
-
-
-
-
-
110
3,856
733
-
-
4,699
5,441
16,795
91,652
Description and purpose
Amount subscribed for share capital
Relates to increase in equity for services received – equity settled
share transactions
Expired share options and warrants issued in previous years
Cumulative net gains and losses recognised in the consolidated
statement of comprehensive income.
The notes on pages 35 to 85 form part of the Financial Statements.
33
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Financial year ended
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Profit for the year before taxation
Options/warrants charge
Foreign exchange
Gain on business combination
Depletion and depreciation
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
Impairment of inventory
Accretion of decommissioning provision
Finance expense
Change in working capital
Net cash used in operating activities
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Consideration paid on business combination (net of cash
acquired)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Net cash used in investing activities
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issue of shares, net of transaction costs
Proceeds from exercise of warrants and options
Finance Expense
Repayments of loans
Proceeds from loans
Proceeds from issue of bonds
Repayment of bonds
Net cash generated from financing activities
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
Note
17
11
11
9
15
6
11
9
19
19
19
19
March 31, 2023 March 31, 2022
CAD $’000
64,738
2,929
(1,002)
(75,907)
2,242
140
5
-
1,929
(8,204)
(13,130)
CAD $’000
(12,210)
733
(6,037)
-
4,747
1,969
1,146
642
2,764
(9,598)
(15,844)
-
(430)
(430)
3,966
-
(2,192)
(5,248)
5,432
15,156
(551)
16,563
289
1,153
1,442
(2,109)
(56)
(2,165)
5,443
810
(1,659)
(3,322)
10,322
7,860
(4,637)
14,817
(478)
1,631
1,153
34
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Notes to the financial statements
1. Corporate and Group information
The consolidated financial statements of Zenith Energy Ltd. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Group”)
have been prepared on the basis set out below. Zenith Energy Ltd are exempt from the preparation of
separate parent company financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 in line with the Canada
Business Corporations Act.
Zenith Energy Ltd. (“Zenith” or the “Group”) was incorporated pursuant to the provisions of the British
Columbia Business Corporations Act on September 20, 2007 and is domiciled in Canada. The address of
the Group’s registered office is 20th Floor, 250 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC. VC6 3R8, Canada and its
business address is 15th Floor, 850 - 2nd Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 0R8, Canada. The Group’s
primary business activity is the international development of oil and gas production and development
assets. As publicly reported, the Group is currently in the process of seeking to complete a number of
acquisitions in Africa, the United States and Middle East.
The Company's website is: www.zenithenergy.ca.
Zenith is a public company listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker
“ZEN”, and with its entire common share capital admitted to trading on the Euronext Growth Oslo under
the ticker “ZENA”.
2. Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements presented in this document have been prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards
Board (“IASB”).
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for financial
instruments which are measured at fair value through profit or loss. The financial statements are
presented in Canadian Dollars (CAD$) and have been rounded to the nearest thousand (CAD$’000) except
where otherwise indicated.
The Board has reviewed the accounting policies set out below, which have been applied consistently, and
considers them to be the most appropriate to the Group’s business activities.
Presentation and functional currency
The presentation currency of the Group is the Canadian dollar (“CAD$”).
Functional currency is the currency of the primary economic environment in which a company operates.
The functional currencies of the Group’s subsidiaries are; United States (“US$”) dollars for the subsidiaries
in Tunisia, Dubai, British Virgin Islands and Democratic Republic of Congo, Euros (“EUR”) for the subsidiary
in Italy, Sterling (“GBP”) for the subsidiary in the United Kingdom, Swiss Francs (“CHF”) for the subsidiary
in Switzerland and Norwegian Krone (“NOK”) for the subsidiary in Norway.
The functional currency is determined by the Directors by looking at a number of relevant factors including
the currency in which Group entities usually generate and spend cash and in which business transactions
are normally denominated.
35
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
All of the transactions that are not in the functional currency are treated as foreign and indicate currency
transactions.
The factors that have determined the adoption of the CAD $ as presentation currency include:
• mainly affects the prices at which the goods or services are consolidated;
• Canada is the country whose regulations, market conditions and competitive forces mainly
affect the pricing policy of the entity;
influences the costs and expenses of the entity;
the funds are usually generated in that currency; and
the receipts from operating activities are retained in that currency.
•
•
•
Going concern
These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which presumes that the Group
will continue its operations in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. In assessing
whether going concern assumption is appropriate, the Directors have taken into account all relevant
available information about the current and future position of the Group. As part of their assessment, the
Directors have also taken into account the ability to raise additional funding whilst maintaining sufficient
cash resources to meet all commitments.
The Directors have reviewed the cash flow forecasts prepared by management up to and including August
2024, which are prepared on the basis that the Group continues to hold title to the Tunisian and Italian
oil and gas asset and which takes into account the fund raises completed post year end, as well as loan
and bond repayments which fall due within 12 months of the date of the signing of the financial
statements. The cashflow forecasts also include the investments in respect of the proposed acquisitions
in the United States and provisions about its claim in Congo against SMP Energies ( hereafter "SMP",
formerly Société de Maintenance Pétrolière - SMP) the rig contractor that performed drilling services in
wells TLP-103 and TLP-103C of the Tilapia oilfield during 2018-2019, and the various legal proceedings
against the Republic of Tunisia, with a total cumulative claimed amount of at least US$48 million.
In addition the Company, as announced, is seeking to acquire new producing assets, that will deeply
modify its current cash generation situation, at the same time insuring the company from any possible
risk that may arise in Tunisia, also in the light of the ongoing arbitration which is better detailed in this
document. In particular:
On April 17, 2023, the Company confirmed that it is currently performing the necessary legal and
technical work in coordination with the Ministry of Water and Mines of the Republic of Benin for the
finalisation of a Production Sharing Contract for Block 1 containing the Sèmè oilfield, offshore Benin
("Block-1").
On June 23, 2023, The Company announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU")
with the Ministry of Petroleum in the Republic of South Sudan.
The MOU has the purpose of formalising certain negotiations currently underway with the Ministry of
Petroleum for the acquisition and development of oil and gas production licences located in the
Republic of South Sudan
On July 5, 2023, the Company announced that its newly incorporated fully owned subsidiary in the State
of Texas, Zena Oil & Gas LLC, has conditionally agreed to fully acquire a portfolio of mineral leases and oil
36
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
and gas wells in the State of Texas, United States of America (the "Acquisition") from the wholly owned
subsidiaries of Beam Earth Group Ltd. (the "Seller").
Terms of the Acquisition
The Company has conditionally agreed to fully acquire, subject to a definitive purchase and sale
agreement ("Completion") certain oil, gas, and mineral leases and oil and gas wells for a total amount of
US$1,027,500 (the "Consideration").
The Consideration will be payable 60% in cash, representing the amount of US$616,500, and the balance
of 40% will be satisfied by the issuance of equity to the Seller to be admitted to trading on the Euronext
Growth of the Oslo Stock Exchange, priced at the average closing price of the last 5 trading days prior to
the achievement of Completion (the "Equity Consideration"). Admission will also be sought within 12
months of any issue under the Equity Consideration to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange
and the Standard Segment of the UK Official List.
The Seller have agreed to retain the Equity Consideration for a minimum of three months from the date
of Completion. Zenith will hold the right of first refusal in the event of a possible disposal of the Equity
Consideration, subject to the terms to be agreed at Completion in the definitive purchase and sale
agreement.
Acquisition Highlights
·
·
·
·
·
The Acquisition comprises of 155 oil and gas wells located in the vicinity of Midland (TX) across
licences named Corsicana, Powell, BrookLaw and Sun Valley.
47 wells are currently active with a daily production of approximately 60 barrels of oil per day
("BOPD").
It is expected that production can be increased to an average rate of 100 BOPD with light workover
and field rehabilitation activities within six months from Completion.
Located in the State of Texas, a prolific oil and gas petroleum system with favourable fiscal terms,
relatively low production costs and the ready availability of technical expertise and equipment.
Zenith will commission a Competent Person's Report in compliance with Canadian securities laws,
specifically the COGE Handbook and National Instrument 51-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Oil and
Gas Activities - to obtain an updated reserves evaluation for the Acquisition.
The Group believes that this financial commitments will be covered by a combination of funding
generated by operations, funds raised post year end, funds to be received from the national oil company
of the Republic of the Congo (SNPC), as well as further planned fund raises within the going concern
period. The Directors believe that the planned fund raises via the various sources of capital available to
the Group will be successful. The Group’s ability to raise funds has been demonstrated in the year ended
March 31, 2023. However, as at the date of approval of the financial statements, these funds have not
been secured.
The Directors, having made due and careful enquiry, are of the opinion that the Group has adequate
37
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
working capital to execute its operations over the next 12 months. The Directors therefore have made an
informed judgment, at the time of approving the financial statements, that there is a reasonable
expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the
foreseeable future. As a result, the Directors have adopted the going concern basis of accounting in the
preparation of the annual financial statements.
New standards and interpretations
a. Adoption of new and revised standards
The following IFRSs or IFRIC interpretations are those that were effective for the first time for the financial
year beginning April 1, 2022, and relevant to the entity:
Title
IAS 16 —
Property, Plant
and Equipment
IAS 37 -
Provisions,
Contingent
Liabilities and
Contingent
Assets
IFRS 1 - First-
time Adoption of
International
Financial
Reporting
Standards
Description
IAS 16 "Property, Plant and Equipment" outlines he accounting treatment for most types of property,
plant and equipment.
Property, plant and equipment is initially measured at its cost, subsequently measured either using a
cost or revaluation model, and depreciated so that its depreciable amount is allocated on a systematic
basis over its useful life.
IAS 37 "Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets " outlines the ac- counting for
provisions (liabilities of uncertain timing or amount), together with contingent assets (possible assets)
and contingent liabilities (possible obligations and present obligations that are not probable or not
reliably measurable).
IFRS 1 "First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards" sets out the procedures
that an entity must follow when it adopts IFRS for the first time as the basis for preparing its general-
purpose financial statements.
The IFRS grants limited exemptions from the general requirement to comply with each IFRS effective
at the end of its first IFRS reporting period.
IFRS 3 - Business
Combinations
IFRS 3 "Business Combinations" outlines the accounting when an acquirer obtains control of a business
(e.g. an acquisition or merger). Such business combinations are accounted for using the 'acquisition
method', which generally requires assets acquired and liabilities assumed to be measured at their fair
values at the acquisition date.
The adoption of these new and revised Standards and Interpretations has not resulted in significant
changes to the Group’s accounting policies that have affected the amounts reported for the current or
prior years.
38
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
b. New standards and interpretations in issue but not yet effective
At the date of authorization of these financial statements, the Group has not applied the following new
and revised IFRSs that have been issued but are not yet effective:
Standards Issued and Effective on or after 1 January 2023
Title
IAS 1 —
Presentation
of Financial
Statements
IAS 12 — Income
Taxes
IAS 8 -
Accounting
Policies, Changes
in Accounting
Estimates and
Errors
IFRS 16 — Leases
IFRS 17 -
Insurance
Contracts
both
current
income
recognizes
taxes which
loss and other comprehensive
including how they should be structured, the minimum requirements
tax
the
future tax consequences of the
Description
IAS 1 "Presentation of Financial Statements" sets out the overall requirements for financial
statements,
for
their content and overriding concepts such as going concern, the accrual basis of accounting
and the current/non-current distinction.
The standard requires a complete set of financial statements to comprise a statement
of financial position, a statement of profit or
income, a
statement of changes in equity and a statement of cash flows.
IAS 12, "Income Taxes" implements a so called 'comprehensive balance sheet method' of accounting
consequences
for
future recovery
of transactions and events and the
or settlement of the carrying amount of an entity's assets and
liabilities. Differences
between the carrying amount and tax base of assets and liabilities, and carried forward
tax losses and credits, are recognized, with limited exceptions, as deferred tax liabilities or deferred
tax assets, with the latter also being subject to a 'probable profits' test.
IAS 8 - Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors is applied in selecting and
applying accounting policies, accounting for changes in estimates and reflecting corrections of prior
period errors.
The standard requires compliance with any specific IFRS applying to a transaction, event or condition,
and provides guidance on developing accounting policies for other items that result in relevant and
reliable information.
Changes in accounting policies and corrections of errors are generally retrospectively accounted for,
whereas changes in
accounting estimates are generally accounted for on a prospective basis.
IFRS 16 specifies how to recognize, measure, present and disclose leases. The standard provides a
single lessee accounting model, requiring the recognition of assets and liabilities for all leases, unless
the lease term is 12 months or less or the underlying asset has a low value. Lessor accounting however
remains largely unchanged from IAS 17 and the distinction between operating and finance leases is
retained
IFRS 17 establishes the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of
insurance contracts within the scope of the standard. The objective of IFRS 17 is to ensure that an
entity provides relevant information that faithfully represents those contracts. This information gives
a basis for users of financial statements to assess the effect that insurance contracts have on the
entity's financial position, financial performance and cash flows.
Narrow Scope Amendments Effective on or after 1 January 2023
STANDARD
CHANGE
IAS 1 Presentation of
Financial Statements
Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current: Narrow-scope
amendments to IAS 1 to clarify how to classify debt and other liabilities as
current or non-current.
The Directors do not expect that the adoption of the Standards listed above will have a material impact
on the financial statements of the Group in future periods.
39
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
3. Significant accounting policies
Consolidation
The following entities have been consolidated within the Group’s financial statements:
Name
Country of
incorporation and
place of business
Proportion of
ownership interest
Principal activity
Reporting period
Canoel Italia S.r.l. (1)
Genova, Italy
98.6%
Gas, electricity
and condensate
production
January -
December
Ingenieria Petrolera del
Rio de la Plata S.r.l.
Zenith Aran Oil
Company Limited
Argentina
100%
Not trading
British Virgin Islands
100%
In liquidation
Aran Oil Operating
Company Limited
British Virgin Islands
80% owned
subsidiary of Zenith
Aran Oil Company
Limited
In liquidation
January -
December
January -
December
January -
December
Zenith Energy (O&G)
Ltd
United Kingdom
Zena Drilling Limited
Incorporated in UAE
Place of business:
Azerbaijan
100%
100%
Administrative
services
April - March
Oil and gas drilling
January -
December
Altasol SA
Switzerland
100%
Oil trading
Zenith Norway AS (2)
Norway
100%
Holding Company
Anglo African Oíl & Gas
Congo S.A.S. (3)
Republic of the Congo
100%
Oil production
Zenith Energy África
Holdings (4)
United Kingdom
100%
Holding Company
Zenith Energy África Ltd
(4)
United Kingdom
100% on behalf of
Zenith Energy
Holdings
Holding Company
Ecumed Petroleum
Zarzis Ltd
Tunisia
100% on behalf of
Zenith Energy Africa
Oil production
40
January -
December
January -
December
January -
December
January -
December
January -
December
January -
December
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Compagnie du Desert
Holdings Ltd (5)
United Kingdom
Compagnie du Desert
Ltd (5)
United Kingdom
Ecumed Petroleum
Tunisia Ltd
Tunisia
Zenith Overseas Assets
Holdings Ltd (5)
United Kingdom
Zenith Overseas Assets
Ltd (6)
United Kingdom
Canadian North Africa
Oil&Gas Ltd
Tunisia
Ltd
100%
Holding Company
100% on behalf of
Compagnie du Desert
Holdings Ltd
100% on behalf of
Compagnie du Desert
Ltd
Holding Company
Oil production
100%
Holding Company
100% on behalf of
Zenith Overseas
Assets Holdings Ltd
100% on behalf of
Zenith Overseas
Assets Ltd
Holding Company
Oil production
Zenith Energy Congo SA
Republic of the Congo
100%
Oil production
January -
December
January -
December
January -
December
January -
December
January -
December
January -
December
January -
December
(1) Zenith Energy Ltd. has 100% control over Canoel Italia S.r.l. The Group granted 1.4% to the Director
managing the Italian subsidiary in order to limit the risk of any liability to that entity. Therefore, no
non-controlling interest arises from the consolidation of this subsidiary.
(2) On January 30, 2020, the Company announced the establishment of its fully owned Norwegian
subsidiary, Zenith Energy AS ("Zenith Norway"), to be used as a vehicle for intended participation in
future licensing bids to be organized by the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, as well as
to actively pursue the potential acquisition of working interests in mature energy production assets
across Northern Europe.
(3) On January 13, 2020, the Company announced the passing of a resolution by the shareholders of
Anglo African Oil & Gas plc to approve the share purchase agreement, signed between the parties on
December 27, 2019, for the acquisition of its fully owned subsidiary in the Republic of the Congo,
Anglo African Oil & Gas Congo S.A.S.
(4) On March 15, 2021, the Company announced that Zenith Energy Africa Limited ("ZEAL"), its newly
incorporated fully owned subsidiary (controlled on behalf of Zenith Energy Africa Holdings Ltd), has
entered into a share purchase agreement ("SPA") with Candax Energy Limited ("Candax") for the
acquisition of a 100 percent interest in Candax's fully owned subsidiary in Barbados, Ecumed
Petroleum Zarzis Ltd ("EPZ") (the "Acquisition"), which holds a 45% interest in the Ezzaouia Concession
("Ezzaouia").
41
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
(5) On April 30, 2021, the Company announced that Compagnie Du Desert Ltd ("CDD"), its recently
incorporated fully owned subsidiary, has entered into a share purchase agreement ("SPA") with
Candax Energy Limited ("Candax") for the acquisition of a 100 percent interest in Candax's fully owned
subsidiary in Barbados, Ecumed Petroleum Tunisia Ltd ("EPT") (the "Acquisitions"), which holds a
100% interest in the El Bibane and Robbana concessions in Tunisia.
(6) On November 22, 2021, the Company announced that Zenith Overseas Assets ("ZOA"), its fully owned
subsidiary, had entered into a sale and purchase agreement ("SPA") for the acquisition of a 100
percent interest of the issued, allotted, outstanding and fully paid-up share capital of Canadian North
Africa Oil & Gas Ltd. ("CNAOG") (previously named CNPC International (Tunisia) Ltd), a 100%
subsidiary of CNPC International Ltd.
Subsidiaries are entities over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed
to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those
returns through its power over the entity. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the
consolidated financial statements from the date on which control commences until the date on which
control ceases. Adjustments are made to the results of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used
by them, with those used by the Group.
Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated on consolidation, and any unrealized income and
expenses arising from intercompany transactions are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial
statements.
The following entities have not been consolidated within the Group’s financial statements because they
are considered to be immaterial to the Group:
Name
Leonardo Energy
Consulting S.r.l.
Zenith Energy
Netherlands BV
Country of
incorporation and
place of business
Proportion of
ownership interest
Principal activity
Genova, Italy
48%
Dormant
Netherlands
100%
Dormant
Property, plant and equipment
Development and production expenditures
Development and production (“D&P”) assets include costs incurred in developing commercial reserves
and bringing them into production. Items of property and equipment, including D&P assets, are carried
at cost less accumulated depletion and depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.
When significant parts of D&P assets have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items
(major components).
Gains and losses on disposal of D&P assets are determined by comparing the proceeds of disposal with
the carrying amount of the item and are recognised in profit or loss.
42
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Business combinations
The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for acquisitions of subsidiaries and assets that
meet the definition of a business under IFRS. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the fair value of
the assets given, equity instruments issued, and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange.
The consideration transferred includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent
consideration agreement.
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are
measured initially at fair value at the acquisition date. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair
value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired is recorded as goodwill. If the
cost of an acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, a bargain
purchase gain is recognised immediately in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
Transaction costs that are incurred in connection with a business combination other than those associated
with the issue of debt or equity instruments are expensed as incurred.
Intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated on consolidation, and any unrealised income and
expenses arising from intercompany transactions are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial
statements.
Subsequent costs
Costs incurred subsequent to the determination of technical feasibility and commercial viability, costs of
replacing parts of property and equipment and workovers of property and equipment are recognised only
if they increase the economic benefits of the assets to which they relate. All other expenditures are
recognised in profit or loss when incurred. The carrying amounts of previous inspections or any replaced
or sold components are derecognized. The costs of day-to-day servicing of an item of property and
equipment are recognised in profit or loss as incurred.
Depletion and depreciation
The net book value of producing assets is depleted on a field-by-field basis using the unit of production
method with reference to the ratio of production in the year to the related proved and probable reserves,
as determined by an independent reserve engineer, taking into account estimated future development
costs necessary to bring those reserves into production. For purposes of these calculations, relative
volumes of natural gas production and reserves are converted at the energy equivalent conversion rate
of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of crude oil.
Impairment
At the end of each reporting period, the Group reviews the D&P assets for circumstances that indicate
the assets may be impaired. Assets are grouped together into cash-generating units (“CGUs”) for the
purpose of impairment testing.
If any such indication of impairment exists, the Group makes an estimate of its recoverable amount. A
CGUs recoverable amount is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. In assessing
value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount
rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the
asset. Value in use is generally computed by reference to the present value of future cash flows expected
to be derived from the production of proved and probable reserves.
43
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Fair value less costs to sell is determined as the amount that would be obtained from the sale of a CGU in
an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable and willing parties. The fair value less cost to sell of
D&P assets is generally determined as the net present value of the estimated future cash flows expected
to arise from the continued use of the CGU, including any expansion prospects, and its eventual disposal,
using assumptions that an independent market participant may take into account.
These cash flows are discounted by an appropriate discount rate which would be applied by such a market
participant to arrive at a net present value of the CGU. When the recoverable amount is less than the
carrying amount, the asset or CGU is impaired. For impairment losses identified on a CGU, the loss is
allocated on a pro rata basis to the assets within the CGU. The impairment loss is recognised as an expense
in profit or loss.
At the end of each subsequent reporting period, these impairments are assessed for indicators of reversal.
Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset or CGU is increased
to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not
exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss have been
recognised for the asset or CGU in prior periods.
A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.
Decommissioning provision
The Group recognizes a decommissioning obligation in the period in which a well is drilled or acquired,
and a reasonable estimate of the future costs associated with removal, site restoration and asset
retirement can be made. The estimated decommissioning provision is recorded with a corresponding
increase in the carrying amount of the related cost centre.
Decommissioning provisions are measured at the present value of management’s best estimate of the
expenditures required to settle the present obligation at the statement of financial position date.
Subsequent to the initial measurement, the provision is adjusted at the end of each period to reflect the
unwinding of discount and changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation. The
increase in the provision due to the unwinding of discount is recognised as finance expenses. Actual costs
incurred upon settlement of the decommissioning obligations are charged against the provision to the
extent the provision was established.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash deposits in bank accounts and cash in hand.
Inventory
Inventory consists of crude oil which is recorded at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The cost of
producing crude oil is accounted on a weighted average basis. This cost includes all costs incurred in the
normal course of business in bringing each product to its present location and condition. The cost of crude
oil is the producing cost, including royalties. Net realisable value of crude oil and refined products is based
on estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less any expected selling costs.
44
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognized in the Group’s statement of financial position when
the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and financial
liabilities are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the
acquisition or issue of financial assets and financial liabilities are added to or deducted from the fair value
of the financial assets or financial liabilities, as appropriate, on initial recognition. Transaction costs
directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value through profit
or loss are recognized immediately in profit or loss.
Financial assets
All regular way purchases or sales of financial assets are recognized and derecognized on a trade date
basis. All recognized financial assets are measured subsequently in their entirety at either amortized cost
or fair value, depending on the classification of the financial assets.
Classification of financial assets
Debt instruments that meet the following conditions are measured subsequently at amortized cost using
the effective interest method:
•
•
the financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold financial assets in order
to collect contractual cash flows; and
the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely
payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
Debt instruments that meet the following conditions are measured subsequently at fair value through
other comprehensive income (FVTOCI):
•
•
the financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting
contractual cash flows and selling the financial assets; and
the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely
payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
By default, all other financial assets are measured subsequently at fair value through profit or loss
(FVTPL).
Despite the foregoing, the Group may make the following irrevocable election/designation at initial
recognition of a financial asset:
•
•
the Group may irrevocably elect to present subsequent changes in fair value of an equity investment
in other comprehensive income if certain criteria are met; and
the Group may irrevocably designate a debt investment that meets the amortized cost or FVTOCI
criteria as measured at FVTPL if doing so eliminates or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch.
Impairment of financial assets
The Group applies the expected credit loss model to financial assets measured at amortized cost or at
fair value through other comprehensive income. There are no financial assets other than trade
receivables.
45
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
De-recognition of financial assets
The Group derecognizes a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the
asset expire, or when it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of
ownership of the asset to another entity.
Financial liabilities and equity
Classification as debt or equity
Debt and equity instruments are classified as either financial liabilities or as equity in accordance with the
substance of the contractual arrangements and the definitions of a financial liability and an equity
instrument.
Equity instruments
An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity after
deducting all of its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by the Group are recognised at the proceeds
received, net of direct issue costs.
Repurchase of the Group’s own equity instruments is recognised and deducted directly in equity. No gain
or loss is recognised in profit or loss on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the Group’s own equity
instruments.
Financial liabilities
All financial liabilities are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Compound financial instruments
Compound financial instruments include convertible notes which can be converted into a fixed number
of common shares for a fixed amount of consideration. The compound financial instrument is bifurcated
and recorded with a liability and equity component. The liability component is initially recognised as the
fair value of the liability without the conversion feature, which is calculated using inputs that fall within
level 1 of the fair value hierarchy of IFRS 13. The equity component is recognised as the difference
between the fair value of the convertible debt and the fair value of the liability component.
Transaction costs are proportionately allocated between the components. Subsequently, the liability
component is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method and accretes up to the
principal balance at maturity.
The equity component is not re-measured after initial recognition. Upon conversion, the liability
component is reclassified to equity and no gain or loss is recognised. If the number of common shares to
which the loan can be converted is not fixed, then the loan is recorded as a liability with no debt / equity
split.
De-recognition of financial liabilities
The Group removes a financial liability (or a part of a financial liability) from its statement of financial
position when, and only when, it is extinguished-i.e., when the obligation specified in the contract is
discharged or cancelled or expires.
46
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Amortized cost and effective interest method
The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortized cost of a debt instrument and of
allocating interest income over the relevant period. For financial assets other than purchased or
originated credit-impaired financial assets (i.e. assets that are credit-impaired on initial recognition), the
effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts (including all fees
and points paid or received that form an integral part of the effective interest rate, transaction costs and
other premiums or discounts) excluding expected credit losses, through the expected life of the debt
instrument, or, where appropriate, a shorter period, to the gross carrying amount of the debt instrument
on initial recognition.
The amortized cost of a financial asset is the amount at which the financial asset is measured at initial
recognition minus the principal repayments, plus the cumulative amortization using the effective interest
method of any difference between that initial amount and the maturity amount, adjusted for any loss
allowance. The gross carrying amount of a financial asset is the amortized cost of a financial asset before
adjusting for any loss allowance.
Interest income is recognized using the effective interest method for debt instruments measured
subsequently at amortized cost. For financial assets, interest income is calculated by applying the
effective interest rate to the gross carrying amount of a financial asset, except for financial assets that
have subsequently become credit impaired. For financial assets that have subsequently become credit-
impaired, interest income is recognized by applying the effective interest rate to the amortized cost of
the financial asset. If, in subsequent reporting periods, the credit risk on the credit-impaired financial
instrument improves so that the financial asset is no longer credit-impaired, interest income is recognized
by applying the effective interest rate to the gross carrying amount of the financial asset.
The Group’s financial assets were classified as financial assets measured subsequently at amortized cost.
The Group’s financial liabilities were classified as financial liabilities measured subsequently at amortized
cost. The Group does not choose to classify any financial liabilities as measured at fair value through profit
or loss.
Share capital
Share capital is classified as equity if it is non-redeemable, and any dividends are discretionary or is
redeemable but only at the Group's option. Dividends on share capital classified as equity are recognised
as distributions within equity. Non-equity share capital is classified as a liability if it is redeemable on a
specific date or at the option of the shareholders or if dividend payments are not discretionary. Dividends
thereon are recognised in the consolidated income statement as a financial expense.
Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of common shares are recognised as a deduction from
equity.
Share-based payments
The cost of providing share-based payments to employees is charged to the statement of comprehensive
income (or treated as a share issue cost) over the vesting period of the related share options or share
allocations. The cost is based on the fair values of the options, which is determined using the Black Scholes
method. The value of the charge is adjusted to reflect expected and actual level of vesting. Charges are
not adjusted for market related conditions that are not achieved. Where equity instruments are granted
to persons other than Directors or employees the consolidated statement of comprehensive income is
charged with the fair value of the related goods or services received.
47
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Earnings per share
The Group presents basic and diluted earnings per share for its common shares. Basic earnings per share
amounts are calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to common shareholders of the Group
by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per
share amounts are determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to common shareholders and
the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, adjusted, for the effects of all dilutive
potential common shares.
Revenue from contracts with customers
The Group enters into contracts for the sale of oil and gas. Revenue is recognised when the price is
determinable, the product has been delivered in accordance with the terms of the contract, the significant
risks and rewards or ownership have been transferred to the customer and collection of the sales price is
reasonably assured. The performance obligation is identified to be the delivery of oil and gas to the
customer, and the transaction price is allocated to the amount of oil and gas delivered. These criteria for
performance obligation are assessed to have occurred once the product has been delivered to the
customer.
Foreign currency translation
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the respective functional currencies of the Group and
its subsidiaries using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange
gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at period end
exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the
consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
The financial results and position of foreign operations whose functional currency is different from the
presentation currency are translated as follows:
• Assets and liabilities are translated at period-end exchange rates prevailing at that reporting
date; and,
•
Income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the period.
Exchange differences arising on translation of foreign operations are transferred directly to the Group’s
exchange difference on translating foreign operations on the statement of comprehensive income and
are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. These differences are recognised in profit
or loss in the period in which the operation is disposed.
Accounting policy for Provisions, contingent assets and liabilities
Contingent liabilities and contingent assets are not recognised in the Statement of Financial Position but
are reported in the notes. They may arise from uncertainty as to the existence of a liability or asset or
represent an asset or liability in respect of which the amount cannot be reliably measured. Contingent
assets are disclosed when settlement is probable but not virtually certain and contingent liabilities are
disclosed when settlement is greater than remote.
Finance expense
Finance expense is comprised of interest on debt, accretion of the decommissioning obligation, accretion
of convertible notes and other miscellaneous interest charges.
48
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Taxation
Income tax expense is comprised of current and deferred tax and is recognised in profit or loss except to
the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this
case, the tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.
Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or
substantively enacted at period end, adjusted for amendments to tax payable with regards to previous
years.
Deferred tax is recorded, using the asset and liability method, on temporary differences between the tax
bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. However,
deferred tax is not recorded on taxable temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of goodwill
or on the initial recognition of assets and liabilities in a transaction other than a business combination that
affect neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the
expected manner of realization or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax
rates enacted or substantively enacted at the statement of financial position date.
A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be
available against which the asset can be utilised. 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 future taxable
profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilised. Unrecognized deferred
tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognised to the extent that it has become
probable that future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset 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.
Interest-Bearing Loans and Borrowings
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, which equates to the value of
proceeds received net of any directly attributable arrangement costs. Subsequent to initial recognition
these borrowings are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.
4. Critical accounting estimates and judgements
Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other
factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances.
The Group makes estimates and assumptions about the future. The relating accounting estimates will by
definition, seldom equal to related achieved result. The estimates and judgements that have significant
risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next
financial year are addressed below:
Going concern
Management have prepared the financial statements on a going concern basis of accounting which, as
stated in note 2, is dependent on the group being able to raise additional funding as required. This is
considered to be a critical accounting judgement.
49
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Property, plant and equipment
Management reviews the Group’s property, plant and equipment annually for impairment indicators.
The determination of recoverable amounts in any resulting impairment test requires judgement around
key assumptions. Key assumptions in the impairment models include those related to prices that are
based on forward curves and long-term corporate assumptions thereafter, discount rates, that are risked
to reflect conditions specific to individual assets, future costs, both capital and operating that are based
on management’s estimates having regard to past experience and the known characteristics of the
individual assets, reserves and future production, which are discussed further on note 11. The carrying
value of property, plant and equipment as of March 31, 2023, was CAD$ 227,565k (2022 – CAD$229,774k).
Proved and probable reserves and contingent resources
The volume of proved and probable oil and gas reserves is an estimate that affects the unit of production
depreciation of producing oil and gas property, plant and equipment as well as being a significant estimate
affecting decommissioning provisions, impairment calculations and the valuation of oil and gas properties
in business combinations. Contingent resources affect the valuation of exploration and exploration assets
acquired in business combinations and the estimation of the recoverable value of those assets in
impairment tests.
Proved and probable reserves and contingent resources are estimated using standard recognised
evaluation techniques. Estimates are reviewed at least annually and are regularly estimated by
independent consultants. Future development costs are estimated taking into account the level of
development required to produce the reserves by reference to operators, where applicable, and internal
engineers.
The Group’s reserves are evaluated and reported on by independent reserve engineers at least annually.
The engineers issue a Competent Person’s Report (“CPR”), and the latest version was issued in July 2023
in relation to the Group’s Italian and Congolese assets. Reserve estimation is based on a variety of factors
including engineering data, geological and geophysical data, projected future rates of production,
commodity pricing and timing of future expenditures, all of which are subject to significant judgement
and interpretation.
Decommissioning costs
Most of these decommissioning events are many years in the future and the precise requirements that
will have to be met when the removal event occurs are uncertain. Decommissioning technologies and
costs are constantly changing, as well as political, environmental, safety and public expectations.
The estimated cost of decommissioning at the end of the producing lives of fields is reviewed periodically
and is based on forecast price levels and technology at the Statement of Financial Position date. Provision
is made for the estimated cost at the Statement of Financial Position date, using a discounted cash flow
methodology and a risk-free rate of return. Details of the Group’s decommissioning costs are disclosed in
note 22. The carrying value of the decommissioning costs as of March 31, 2023, is CAD $32,645k (2022 –
CAD $30,901k).
50
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Recoverability of other receivables
Trade receivables qualify as financial assets and would be considered impaired if its carrying amount
exceeds its recoverable amount. An impairment loss should be regarded as incurred if there is objective
evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after initial recognition.
Congo – receivable from SNPC
As part of the business combination of AAOG, the Group acquired another receivable due from SNPC, of
approximately US$5.7 million (equivalent to approximately CAD$8M) as a result of the work conducted
to date on the License. Zenith has met with SNPC and expects to obtain the full repayment of the
aforementioned amount.
On July 3, 2023, the Company announced that its fully owned subsidiary, Anglo African Oil & Gas Congo
S.A.U ("AAOGC"), has been awarded a payment of compensatory damages by the Paris Commercial Court
(the "Court") in its claim against SMP Energies ( hereafter "SMP", formerly Société de Maintenance
Pétrolière - SMP) the rig contractor that performed drilling services in wells TLP-103 and TLP-103C of the
Tilapia oilfield during 2018-2019.
In the decision, the Court rejected SMP's request for a stay of proceedings in France due to new
proceedings having been initiated in the Republic of the Congo, stating that SMP's request contained "all
the characteristics of a dilatory request", and ordered it to pay an amount of EUR 30,000 to AAOGC by
way of compensatory damages. The Court decision is immediately enforceable.
The Court has scheduled the next procedural date as September 29, 2023.
Management has therefore not recognised an impairment in respect of this receivable.
51
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
5. Administrative expenses
During the year ended March 31, 2023, the General and Administrative costs amounted to
CAD$8,596k, compared to CAD$12,526k in 2022. Furthermore, during the same period the Group
incurred CAD$3,124k (2022 - CAD$4,463k) of non-recurring expenses which relate to the negotiation
costs for the potential acquisition of producing assets, and share based payments costs, a non-cash
item that relates to the fair value of the share options issued during the year.
Auditors’ remuneration - audit fees Group
Accounting and bookkeeping
Consultancy fees
Legal
Office
Administrative expenses
Foreign exchange (gain)/ loss
Salaries
Travel
General and administrative expenses
Non-recurring expenses
Bond issue costs
Listing costs (Norway and UK)
Negotiation costs for acquisitions
Reversal of impairment
Share based payments (see note 17)
Total non-recurring expenses
Total general and administrative expenses
Year ended
March 31, 2023
March 31, 2022
CAD$’000
CAD$’000
94
58
6,658
42
897
219
(5,974)
2,716
762
5,472
136
555
1,700
-
733
3,124
8,596
105
79
3,028
-
1,016
1,213
392
1,613
617
8,063
262
817
451
4
2,929
4,463
12,526
The increase in the consultancy fees is due to the two assets acquisition in Tunisia related professional
expenses.
6. Business combinations
There were no asset acquisitions during the year.
The deferred consideration liability, on the business combinations related to past financial years,
has been measured at the present value of contracted future cash flows. The value and timing of
contracted future cash flows has been included in note 26.
52
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
7. Staff cost
(a) Employee compensation cost
During the year the Group had an average of 38 (2022: 37) full time employees based in its offices in
London in the UK, Lugano in Switzerland, Pointe Noire in Congo, Tunis in Tunisia and Genoa in Italy.
The following table details the amounts of total employee compensation included in the consolidated
statement of comprehensive income:
Operating
General and administrative
Share based payments
Total employee compensation cost
(b) Key management compensation
March 31,2022
CAD $’000
893
2,716
733
4,342
March 31,2021
CAD $’000
4,385
1,613
2,929
8,927
Key management personnel are those people having authority and responsibility for planning,
directing and controlling the activities of an entity, either directly or indirectly. The following table
summarizes annual compensation and long-term compensation of the Group's "Named Executive
Officers" for the two most recently completed financial years that ended on March 31, 2023. The
named executive officers equate to key management personnel:
Short term
employee
benefit CAD
$’000
Other short-
term benefits
CAD $’000
Other
long-term
benefits
CAD
$’000
Other
benefits
CAD $’000
Total
CAD $’000
560
560
-
20
-
-
-
-
267
261
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
43
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
1
603
560
-
-
-
-
-
-
269
262
Name
Year(2)
Andrea Cattaneo
(1)
Jose Ramon
Lopez-Portillo
Dario Ezio Sodero
Sergey Borovskiy
Luca (2)
Benedetto
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
For the Key management personnel, no termination benefits are provided.
Notes:
53
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
1. Andrea Cattaneo was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer effective 01 January 2009. As
proposed by the Compensation Committee, Mr. Cattaneo’s annual consulting fee payment is
approximately £210k (CAD $360k), payable in equal monthly instalments, plus an annual bonus
compensation of CAD$200k from the parent Company.
2. Mr. Luca Benedetto was appointed as Chief Financial Officer from April 2017 and received
compensation of CAD$160k from the parent Company and CAD$90k from subsidiary undertakings, and
other benefits for CAD$1k for health insurance, during the year ended March 31, 2023
a. Key management non-cash compensation
During the financial year ended March 31, 2022, the Company has granted some stock options to
certain Directors, Advisory Committee members and employees of the Company in accordance with
the Company's Stock Option Plan.
The cost is based on the fair values of the options, which is determined using the Black Scholes method.
The value of the charge is adjusted to reflect expected and actual level of vesting. Charges are not
adjusted for market related conditions that are not achieved.
The following table resumes the fair value of the options issued to the management, clarifying that it
relates to non-cash amounts and not cash amounts.
Name
Year(2)
Andrea Cattaneo
Jose Ramon Lopez-Portillo
Dario Ezio Sodero
Sergey Borovskiy
Luca Benedetto
Annar Bjorn Ursin-Holm (Advisory
Committee member)
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
Jacky Flschen (Advisory Committee member) 2022
Options granted Share based payments
(Fair value cost)
CAD $’000
Total
CAD $’000
41,200,844
607
607
-
4,791,838
-
4,791,838
-
4,791,838
-
17,380,329
-
3,500,000
-
3,500,000
-
-
71
-
71
-
71
-
-
71
-
71
-
71
-
256
256
-
51
-
51
-
-
51
-
51
-
2023
54
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Mr. Annar Bjorn Ursin-Holm and Mr. Jacky Flschen were appointed as members of the Advisory Committee,
during the financial year ended March 31, 2022.
55
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
8. Other gains and losses
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
Impairment of inventory
9.
Finance expense
Interest expense
Accretion of decommissioning provision
March 31,2023
CAD $’000
(1,969)
(1,146)
(3,115)
March 31,2022
CAD $’000
(140)
(5)
(145)
March 31,2023 March 31,2022
CAD $’000
1,929
349
CAD $’000
2,764
397
3,161
2,278
10. Taxation
Income tax expense is comprised of current and deferred tax and is recognised in profit or loss except
to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In
this case, the tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.
Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or
substantively enacted at period end, adjusted for amendments to tax payable with regards to previous
years.
The Company recognizes uncertain income tax positions at the largest amount that is more likely than
not to be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position
will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. Recognition or measurement
is reflected in the period in which the likelihood changes. Any interest and penalties related to
unrecognized tax liabilities are presented within income tax expense (recovery) in the consolidated
income statement.
Deferred tax is recorded, using the asset and liability method, on temporary differences between the
tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. However,
deferred tax is not recorded on taxable temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of
goodwill or on the initial recognition of assets and liabilities in a transaction other than a business
combination that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. The amount of deferred tax
provided is based on the expected manner of realization or settlement of the carrying amount of assets
and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the statement of financial position
date.
A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be
available against which the asset can be utilised. 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 future
taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilised. Unrecognized
deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognised to the extent that it has
become probable that future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current
56
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
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.
Income tax expense is comprised of the following:
Current tax
Deferred tax
Total tax charge for the year
2023
CAD $’000
(1,708)
-
(1,708)
2022
CAD $’000
(301)
-
(301)
The provision for income taxes differs from the expense that would be obtained by applying the
Canadian statutory income tax rate. The difference between tax expense for the year and expected
income taxes based on the statutory tax rate arises as follows:
(Loss) / Profit before taxation
Expected tax at 27%
Differences on tax rates attributable to other jurisdictions
Non-deductible expenses
Changes in enacted rates and other
Temporary differences
Tax assets carried forward
Tax charge
2023
CAD $’000
277
75
(4,536)
1,133
1,620
(1,708)
2022
CAD $’000
(10,412)
(2,811)
490
376
-
96
1,548
(301)
The tax charge for the year ended March 31, 2023 comprised CAD $(1,708k) (2022 – CAD $301k) of
current tax expense and CAD $Nil deferred tax expense (2022 – CAD $Nil deferred tax expense).
Recognised deferred tax liabilities are attributable to the following:
Property and equipment
Decommissioning obliga�ons
Non-capital loss carried forward
Acquisi�on of Canoel Italia S.r.l.
Acquisi�on of Tunisia
Recognised deferred tax liabili�es
2023
2022
CAD $’000
(14,211)
3,649
10,562
(2,398)
(11,833)
(14,231)
CAD $’000
(14,211)
3,649
10,562
(2,398)
(11,833)
(14,231)
Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following temporary differences as it is
not considered probable that sufficient taxable income will allow the deferred tax assets to be utilised
and recovered:
57
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Property and equipment
Non-capital loss carried forward
Share issuance costs
Financial assets at amor�sed cost
Decommissioning obliga�ons
Capital losses
Other
Unrecognised deferred tax assets
11. Property, plant and equipment
Carrying amount at March 31, 2021
Additions
Acquired on business combination (see note 6)
Depletion and depreciation
Disposals
Depletion and depreciation on disposals
Impairment
Foreign exchange differences
Carrying amount at March 31, 2022
Additions
Depletion and depreciation
Impairment
Foreign exchange differences
Carrying amount at March 31, 2023
Impairment test for property, plant and equipment
CAD $’000
18,216
836,960
March 31,2023 March 31,2022
CAD $’000
15,204
752,148
-
16,570
-
868
-
784,790
16,598
-
907
-
856,083
D&P Assets
CAD $’000
100,482
56
132,385
(2,242)
(820)
400
(140)
(347)
229,774
430
(4,747)
(1,969)
4,077
227,565
As of March 31, 2023, a review was undertaken of the carrying amounts of property, plant and equipment
to determine whether there was any indication of a trigger that may have led to these assets suffering an
impairment loss.
As there is no readily available market for the Group’s oil and gas properties, fair value is derived as the
net present value of the estimated future cash flows arising from the continued use of the assets,
incorporating assumptions that a typical market participant would take into account. The value in use of
an oil and gas property is generally lower than its Fair Value Less Costs of Disposal (‘FVLCD’) as value in
use reflects only those cash flows expected to be derived from the asset in its current condition. FVLCD
includes appraisal and development expenditure that a market participant would consider likely to
enhance the productive capacity of an asset and optimize future cash flows. Consequently, the Group
determines recoverable amount based on FVLCD using a Discounted Cash Flow (‘DCF’) methodology.
The DCF was derived by estimating discounted after-tax cash flows for each CGU based on estimates that
58
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
a typical market participant would use in valuing such assets. The impairment tests compared the
recoverable amount of the respective CGUs noted below to the respective carrying values of their
associated assets. The estimates of FVLCD meet the definition of level three fair value measurements as
they are determined from unobservable inputs.
Italian Cash Generating Unit
Key assumptions:
• Production profiles: these were based on the latest available information from management.
• Capital and operating costs: these were based on the current operating and capital costs in Italy.
• Gas price: An average 2023 gas price of $32.63/Mscf based on information from the World Bank
European gas price forecast and information provided by management.
• Discount rate: The estimated fair value less costs to sell of the Italian CGU was based on 15%
(2022 – 15%). This was based on a Weighted Average Cost of Capital analysis consistent with that
used in previous impairment reviews.
Tunisia Cash Generating Unit
The Group controls the local results, the balance sheet amounts and asset register, checking the historical
amounts and the related depreciation, determining the carrying value of the subsidiary plant and
equipment.
The Group reviewed the fair value of the field infrastructure, geological data and associated equipment
that are owned by the Group in Tunisia and as of March 31, 2023, an impairment of CAD$ 1,969,288
(2022: CAD$ nil) was recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
Further, the Company commissioned a Competent Person’s Report (“CPR”) for the Tunisian licence
in compliance with Canadian securities laws, specifically the COGE Handbook and National Instrument 51-
101 - Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities. The field estimates of the reserves held suggest
that no further impairment is required. Details of these reserves can be found at: www.zenithenergy.ca
59
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
12. Non-current financial assets held at amortised cost
Other assets acquired on business
combination
13. Inventory
March 31, 2023
CAD $’000
March 31, 2022
CAD $’000
780
780
752
752
As of March 31, 2023, inventory consists of CAD $5,591k (2022 – CAD $5,690k) in relation to 116,391
barrels of crude oil that has been produced but not yet sold, and CAD $857k of materials (2022 – CAD
$2,756k). The variance in stock of material is due to the decision of the Company that, in a cautionary way,
decided to impair the nominal amount in the book.
The fully owned subsidiary Ecumed Petroleum Zarzis (“EPZ”) has currently a spare parts stocks balance of
2,797,577 TND (CAD$829k), which is fully impaired. It's worth noting that this stock is managed and held
by MARETAP on behalf of EPZ and ETAP. MARETAP is entitled to send monthly billing, which should include
the stock movement of the period (additions and consumptions), also MARETAP has to do at least one
annual stock take. The last stock take report received was the one of December 2021. Consequently, the
Company cannot determine accurately the value of this stock as at 31.03.2023 and that's the reason behind
a full impairment of the stock value.
The Spare part stocks was also partially booked in CAPEX for TND 2,086,026 (CAD$618k) and it was fully
provided among fixed assets' impairment for the same reason described above.
Tunisia
Tunisia – materials
14. Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables
Other receivables
Total trade and other receivables
March 31,2023
CAD $’000
5,591
857
6,448
March 31,2022
CAD $’000
5,690
2,756
8,446
March 31,2023
CAD $’000
11,770
14,906
26,676
March 31,2022
CAD $’000
4,436
14,739
19,175
The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach for measuring expected credit losses using a lifetime
expected credit loss provision for trade receivables. To measure expected credit losses on a collective
basis, trade receivables are grouped based on similar credit risk and ageing. The Group’s customer base
is of a similar bracket and share the same characteristics, as such these have been treated as one
population. The Group’s customers are all State customers, therefore, the lifetime expected losses are
considered to be CAD$ Nil.
In respect of other receivables, the Group has recognised an expected credit loss of CAD$ Nil (2022: CAD$
Nil) on a specific contract known as an equity sharing agreement.
60
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
15. Change in working capital
Trade and other receivables
Inventory
Prepaid expenses
Trade and other payables
Total change in working capital
16. Share capital
March 31,2023
CAD $’000
(7,797)
1,998
(64)
(2,735)
(8,598)
March 31,2022
CAD $’000
(2,622)
(5,777)
(253)
448
(8,204)
Zenith is authorised to issue an unlimited number of Common Shares, of which 437,728,088 were issued
at no par value and fully paid during the FY ended March 31, 2023 (2022 – 708,685,118). All Common
Shares have the right to vote and the right to receive dividends. Zenith is authorised to issue an unlimited
number of preferred shares, issuable in series, of which none have been issued as of the date of these
Financial Statements. The Directors of the Group may by resolution fix the rights, privileges, restrictions
and conditions of the preferred shares of each series.
Following the issue of the new Ordinary Shares, the Company had 2,310,302,537 common shares in
issue and admitted to trading on the Euronext Growth of the Oslo Stock Exchange, of which
1,931,370,745 common share in issue and admitted to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock
Exchange, as of March 31, 2023.
Issued
Description
Balance – 31 March 2021
Exercise of warrants (i)
Non-brokered unit private placement (ii)
Non-brokered unit private placement (iii)
Balance – 30 June 2021
Settlement of debt (iv)
Balance – 30 September 2021
Settlement of debt (v)
Non-brokered unit private placement (vi)
Settlement of debt (vii)
Settlement of debt (viii)
Balance - 31 March 2022
Non-brokered unit private placement (ix)
Settlement of debt (ix)
share issue cost
Balance - 31 March 2023
Number of
common shares
Amount
CAD $’000
1.163.889.331
45.000.000
60.000.000
108.400.000
1.377.289.331
30.422.319
1.407.711.650
3.953.708
272.727.273
108.181.818
80.000.000
1.872.574.449
425.228.088
12.500.000
-
2.310.302.537
48.017
810
871
1.574
51.272
767
52.039
73
5.078
1.591
1.340
60.121
3.856
114
- 4
64.087
61
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
i)
ii)
iii)
On March 22, 2021, the Company announced that it has completed a private placement in
Norway, to raise an aggregate total amount of approximately NOK 8,625k (approximately
£725k or EUR 846k or CAD$1,258k), issuing a total of 75,000,000 common shares of no-par
value in the capital of the Company at an issue price of NOK 0.115, equivalent to
approximately £0.01 (1 pence) or CAD$0.02 per share.
On April 30, 2021, The Company announced that an investor in the Company had exercised
warrants to acquire a total of 45,000,000 new common shares of no-par value (the "Warrant
Shares") in the capital of the Company with an exercise price of NOK 0.12 (approximately
£0.01) for a total consideration of 5,400,000 NOK (approximately £450,000)
On May 10, 2021, the Company announced that it had secured Norwegian institutional
investment in Zenith by way of a private placement in Norway which had also attracted the
participation of a high-net-worth private investor (the "Private Placement").
The Private Placement has resulted in the issuance of 60 million new common shares in the
share capital of the Company, at ac subscription price of the Placement Shares was NOK
0.10 (equivalent to approximately £0.087) (the "Private Placement Shares"), for a total
consideration of NOK 6,000,000 (approximately £522,000 or EUR 600,000).
In connection with this private placement the Company issued 60,000,000 share purchase
warrants, of which 45 million warrants with an exercise price of NOK 0.25 expiring on
01/07/20222 and 15,000,000 warrants with an exercise price of NOK 0.325 expiring on
07/07/2023.
iv)
On May 26, 2021, Zenith announced that it had entered into a loan agreement with Winance,
a Dubai registered single-family office (the "Lender"), for a total amount of EUR 2.1 million
(approximately £1.8 million or approximately NOK 21.4 million) (the "Loan Agreement").
The Loan Agreement has a duration of six months, does not attract interest and an upfront
arrangement fee, equal to 5 percent of the total drawdown amount, has been paid to the
Lender in accordance with the terms of the Loan Agreement.
During each month prior to the maturity date, Zenith shall make repayments in accordance
with the Loan Agreement ("Instalments"), with the first Instalment being payable during the
month of July 2021.
100,000,000 new common shares of no-par value (the "Reserve Shares") have been issued to
the Lender to be held in a depositary institution designated by the Lender.
Under the terms of the Loan Agreement, Zenith may elect to pay each Instalment either by
cash or by utilizing the Reserve Shares, by delivering to the Lender an amount of Reserves
Shares equivalent to the quotient obtained by dividing the Instalment Amount by 95 percent
of the applicable VWAP (volume weighted average price) for the period of ten business days
prior to the due date for each Instalment.
The Company has also issued a total of 8,400,000 new common shares at a price of NOK 0.10
(equivalent to approximately £0.085) to be held in Treasury (the "Treasury Shares").
62
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)
ix)
On July 29, 2021, the Company announced that it had concluded a debt settlement agreement
(the "Debt Settlement") in respect of the drawdown of EUR 500,000 (approximately £426k or
CAD$742k) (the "Credit Facility") made following the signing of a revolving line of credit
agreement with a financial institution announced on February 24, 2021.
The Company has issued a total of 30,422,319 new common shares at a price of NOK
0.1725 (equivalent to approximately £0.01412 or CAD$0.025) to settle the Credit Facility in
full.
On October 5, 2021, the Company issued 3,953,708 new common shares of no-par value (the
"New Common Shares") at an issue price of NOK 0.1266 (equivalent to approximately £0.011)
to Winance in respect of the Loan Agreement announced to the market on May 26, 2021.
on November 12, 2021, the Company announced that it had received approval from the UK
Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") for publication of a UK prospectus document (the
"Prospectus").
In connection with the Prospectus, the Company issued:
• 272,727,273 new common shares announced on November 2, 2021, from a successful
subscription for £3m (the "Subscription Shares").
• 108,181,8181 new Common Shares in settlement of liabilities as set out below (collectively
the "Capitalization Shares").
The Capitalization Shares are made up of 8,181,818 new Common Shares at an issue price
of £0.011 (equivalent to approximately NOK 0.13) in full and final settlement of an existing
liability of £90,000. In addition, Zenith agreed to issue a further 100,000,000 new Common
Shares at an issue price of €0.01 to Winance in full and final settlement of the €1m
outstanding in respect of the loan facility announced on May 26, 2021. The 108,181,818
Capitalization Shares were issued fully paid at Admission.
On December 6, 2021, the Company issued 80,000,000 (eighty million) new common shares
of no-par value (the "Reserve Shares") to the Winance at a price of NOK 0.12 (equivalent to
approximately £0.01) to be held in a depositary institution designated by the Lender, in
relation to the supplementary loan agreement announced on that date.
on February 28, 2023, the Company announced that it had completed a fundraise in the
United Kingdom (the "UK Financing"), and
in Norway (the "Norwegian Financing",
collectively, the "Financings").
The Financings had attracted the participation of existing institutional investors, including
Premier Miton Investors, as well as Directors and employees of the Company, to raise an
aggregate total amount of approximately £2,300,000 or NOK 28,484,580, resulting in the
issuance of 437,728,088 new common shares.
Issue Price
The issue price of the Financings was £0.0054 for the UK Financing and NOK 0.067 for the
Norwegian Financing.
63
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Norwegian Financing
Zenith issued a total of 378,931,792 new common shares of no-par value in the capital of the
Company ("Norwegian Financing Common Shares"), to be admitted to trading on the
Euronext Growth Oslo (the "Norwegian Financing Admission") raising gross proceeds of NOK
25,388,430 (approximately £2,050,000).
UK Financing
Zenith issued a total of 46,296,296 common shares of no-par value in the capital of the
Company on the London Stock Exchange (the "UK Financing Common Shares") to raise gross
proceeds of £250,000 (approximately NOK 3,096,150).
Debt Settlement
The Company has allotted 12,500,000 Common Shares ("Debt Settlement Shares") to a service
provider in lieu of cash settlement for services provided to Zenith for a total value of £67,500.
17. Warrants and options.
Number of
options
Number of
warrants
Weighted
average exercise
price
Amount
CAD$’000
Balance – March 31, 2021
94,317,858
177,851,484
0.03
Warrants issued
Warrants exercised
Warrants expired
Option Issued
Options expired
-
-
-
397,917,596
-45,000,000
-1,373,750
94,039,587
-1,100,000
-
-
0.03
0.02
0.07
0.02
0.10
Balance – March 31, 2022
187,257,445
529,395,330
0.03
Warrants issued
Warrants exercised
Warrants expired
Option Issued
Options expired
Options adjustment
-
127.568.427
-
-
-
-
-
-210,761,734
-
-
0.01
-
0.04
-
-
Balance – March 31, 2022
187,257,445
446,202,023
0.03
64
2,465
1,588
-43
-46
1,385
-64
5,284
734
-
-572
-
-
-116
5,329
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
WARRANTS
During the year ended March 31, 2023, the Company issued 127.568.427 warrants (2022 – 397,917,596), and
210,761,734 (2022 – 1,373,750) warrants expired.
The issue of 127.568.427 warrants (2022 – 397,917,596) during the year, originated a fair value amount of
CAD$734k (2022 – CAD$1,588k) that was debited as share-based payment, non-cash item cost, in the P&L.
The expiry of 210,761,734 (2022 – 1,373,750) warrants during the year was recognised in the contributed
surplus amount of Equity section.
As of March 31, 2023, the Group had 446,202,023 (2022 – 529,395,330) warrants outstanding (relating to
420,486,023 shares) and exercisable at a weighted average exercise price of CAD$0.03 per share with a
weighted average life remaining of 0.72 years.
There were no warrants in the money as of March 31, 2023.
OPTIONS
Grant Date
March 31, 2023
March 31, 2022
Number of
options
Exercise
price per
unit CAD$
Number of
options
Exercise price
per unit CAD$
Expiry Date
April 2018
6,374,511
0.12
6,374,511
0.12
April 2023
December 2020
41,428,572
January 2021
45,414,775
13 May 2021
32,571,075
06 September 2021
13,882,232
31 January 2022
47,586,280
0.03
0.03
0.02
0.02
0.02
41,428,572
45,414,775
32,571,075
13,882,232
47,586,280
TOTAL
187,257,445
0.03
187,257,445
0.03 December 2025
0.03
0.02
January 2026
May 2026
0.02 September 2026
January 2027
0.02
0.03
During the year ended March 31, 2023, the Company issued NO stock options (2022 – 94,039,587), the options
exercised were Nil (2021 - Nil) and Nil (2022 – 1,100,000) stock options expired.
As of March 31, 2023, the Group had 187,257,445 (2022 – 187,257,445) stock options outstanding (relating to
187,257,445 shares).
There were no options in the money as of March 31, 2023
65
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
STOCK OPTIONS
The Group has a stock options plan (the "Plan") for its directors, employees and consultants. The maximum
number of shares available under the Plan is limited to 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares at
the time of granting options. Granted options are fully vested on the date of grant, at which time all related
share-based payment expense is recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Share
options expire five years from the date of granting.
The table below represent the movement of the options during the FY 2023, and the comparative period 2022
Balance – March 31, 2021
Options issued
Options expired
Balance – March 31, 2022
Options issued
Options expired
Balance – March 31, 2023
Number of options
94,317,858
94,039,587
(1,100,000)
187,257,445
-
-
187,257,445
As of March 31, 2023, the Group had 187,257,445 (2022 – 187,257,445) stock options outstanding (relating to
187,257,445 shares) and exercisable at a weighted average exercise price of CAD$ 0.04 (2022 – CAD$ 0.03) per
share with a weighted average life remaining of 2.70 years.
The fair value of the options was calculated using the Black-Scholes pricing model calculations based on the
following significant assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate
Expected volatility
Expected life
Dividends
Granting of options
0.50% - 0.70%
100%
5 years
Nil
• On January 31, 2022, the Company granted a total of 47,586,280 stock options (the "Options") to certain
Directors, Advisory Committee members and employees of the Company in accordance with the
Company's Stock Option Plan. The Options have an exercise price of NOK 0.11 per Option (approximately
equivalent to £0.009), are fully vested, and have the duration of five years from the date of granting.
Expiry of options
During the year ended March 31 2023, Nil (2022 – 1,100,000) stock options expired.
66
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
WARRANTS
Type
Grant Date
Number of Warrants
Warrants
Warrants
Warrants
Warrants
Warrants
Warrants
Warrants
Warrants
Warrants
Warrants
Warrants
Warrants
Warrants
Warrants
Warrants
Warrants
Warrants
Warrants
Warrants
Warrants
11-Oct-19
24-Feb-21
24-Feb-21
23-Apr-21
10-May-21
10-May-21
21-May-21
29-Jul-21
29-Jul-21
06-Dec-21
17-Mar-22
Total warrants as of 31 March 2022
23-Apr-21
10-May-21
21-May-21
29-Jul-21
29-Jul-21
06-Dec-21
17-Mar-22
28-Feb-23
28-Feb-23
Total warrants as of 31 March 2023
6,477,734
85,000,000
85,000,000
13,593,113
34,284,000
25,716,000
89,053,125
20,000,000
23,000,000
55,176,667
92,094,691
529,395,330
13,593,113
25,716,000
89,053,125
20,000,000
23,000,000
55,176,667
92,094,691
113,679,538
13,888,889
446,202,023
Price per unit
CAD$
Expiry Date
11-Oct-22
$0.06
24-Feb-22
$0.03
24-Feb-22
$0.04
23-Apr-24
$0.02
01-Jul-22
$0.04
$0.05
01-Jul-23
$0.02 21-May-23
29-Jul-23
$0.02
29-Jul-23
$0.03
06-Dec-23
$0.02
17-Mar-24
$0.02
23-Apr-24
$0,02
$0,05
01-Jul-23
$0,02 21-May-23
29-Jul-23
$0,02
29-Jul-23
$0,03
06-Dec-23
$0,02
17-Mar-24
$0,02
28-Feb-26
$0,01
28-Feb-26
$0,01
As of March 31, 2023, the Group had 446,202,023 (2022 – 529,395,330) warrants outstanding (relating to
446,202,023 shares) and exercisable at a weighted average exercise price of CAD$0.03 per share with a
weighted average life remaining of 0.72 years.
The fair value of the warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes pricing model calculations based on the
following significant assumptions:
Risk-free interest rate
Expected volatility
Expected life
Dividends
18. Trade and other payables
Trade payables
Other payables
Total trade and other payables
0.50% - 0.70%
75-100%
2 years
Nil
March 31,2023 March 31,2022
CAD $’000
13,721
8,353
22,074
CAD $’000
12,882
6,867
19,749
67
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
19. Loans
Loan payable - current
Loan payable – non-current
Total
Loans – current
As at 1 April
Loan receipt
Conversion to shares
Interest
Repayments
Foreign Exchange
As at 31 March
Loans – non current
As at 1 April
Repayments
Loan receipt
Foreign Exchange
As at 31 March
March 31,2023 March 31,2022
CAD $’000
6,533
1,442
7,975
CAD $’000
8,697
-
8,697
2023
CAD $’000
6,533
3,848
-
572
(2,222)
(34)
8,697
2023
CAD $’000
1,442
(1,442)
-
-
-
2022
CAD $’000
4,359
9,055
(4,427)
-
(2,588)
134
6,533
2022
CAD $’000
920
(734)
1,267
(11)
1,442
a)
Loan in Tunisia TND 3,200,000
On November 24, 2021, Ecumed Petroleum Zarzis, obtained a 3,500.000 TND loan (CAD$ 1,690,000
equivalent) from Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie “BIAT”. The loan is unsecured, bears fixed
interest at 10.5% per annum. The Company has paid 300,000 TND and the scheduled repayment is
under negotiation to be part of a new loan agreement.
b)
Loan in Tunisia TND 2,400,000
On January 18, 2022, Canadian North Africa Oil & Gas Ltd obtained a 2,400.000 USD loan (CAD$
2,995,000 equivalent) from the Union Internationale des Banques ”UIB”. The loan is unsecured, bears
fixed interest at Libor +2.5% per annum, The Company has paid 100,000 USD in Marsh,7th 2023 and
100,000 USD in April 5, 2023.the scheduled repayment is currently under review to be part of a new
loan agreement.
68
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
c)
SACE/SIMEST Loan in Italy Euro 126,100
On October 13, 2020, the Group obtained a Euro 126,100 loan from SACE/SIMEST, a parastatal
organization that support Italian companies, large companies and SMEs, who wish to build a presence
in the global markets. The loan is guaranteed by the Italian State, and bears fixed interest at 0.0085%
per annum and the final repayment is due on August 7, 2026.
This liability was totally repaid in January 2023.
d) US$6,000,000 unsecured convertible loan facility
On March 17, 2022, the Company announced that it has entered into a US$6,000,000 unsecured
convertible loan facility (the "Facility") with a consortium of institutional lenders (the "Lenders"), to
provide additional funding for the Company's field development operations in Tunisia and potential
near-term business development in the Republic of the Congo.
The Facility includes an initial immediate advance of US$2,000,000 (the "Drawdown").
Under the terms of the Facility, the Company issued the Lenders with 92,094,691 share purchase
warrants (the "Warrants") to subscribe for the equivalent number of common shares of no par value
in the share capital of Zenith ("Common Shares") at a price of NOK 0.1458 per Common Share
(equivalent to approximately £0.012) for subscription at any time, with a 24-month term from the date
of issuance, and subject to the articles of the Company and the terms and conditions of the Facility.
During the term of the Note, the Lenders may, from time to time, elect to convert varying amounts of
Principal and Interest of the Facility. Half of each Drawdown may be converted at 130% of the relevant
Reference Price, and half at 150% of the relevant Reference Price, the Reference Price being the
average of the 15 daily VWAPs, on the Euronext Growth Oslo, preceding each Drawdown. The Lenders
have trading restrictions meaning they cannot sell more than 15% of monthly volume for the duration
of the Facility.
No conversions will take place for the first 2 months following each relevant drawdown. Conversions
are restricted to no more than 30% of each Drawdown for the first 4 months.
In accordance with the terms of the Facility, repayment of each Drawdown can be made in cash ("Cash
Repayment") for a charge of 2.5% of the relevant Drawdown amount outstanding.
The Facility agreement includes normal warranties and default clauses.
The Chief Executive Officer & President of the Company, Mr. Andrea Cattaneo, has agreed to act as a
third-party guarantor in support of the Company, in connection with the Facility. On March 16, 2022,
Mr. Cattaneo pledged a total of 11,228,022 common shares in the capital of the Company, in which he
has a direct beneficial interest.
As of March 31, 2023, the outstanding amount of this facility was CAD$480k (CAD$2.5M) (March 31,
2022 – CAD$2.5M) of which 50% was classified as a current liability. This facility was totally repaid in
May 2023.
69
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
e)
Loan from Ajax Resources Plc
During the Financial Year ended March 31, 2023, Ajax Resources Plc granted the Company a loan of
GBP 1,096,013 (CAD$ 1,833k), paid in more tranches and partially repaid for GBP 151,650 (CAD$ 254k).
The loan is unsecured, bears fixed interest at a flat rate of 10%. The total outstanding amount as of
March 31, 2013, was CAD$ 1,642k, that was totally repaid in April 2023.
Non-convertible bonds
Current
Non-current
Total
Non-convertible bonds
Balance – March 31, 2021
Loan notes
Interest
Repayment of bonds
Foreign exchange
Balance – March 31, 2022
Loan notes
Interest
Repayment of bonds
Foreign exchange
Balance – March 31, 2023
Loan Notes
March 31,2023
CAD $’000
-
25,247
25,247
March 31,2022
CAD $’000
284
10,076
10,360
CAD $’000
7,466
7,860
136
(4,637)
(465)
10,360
15,156
-
(551)
282
25,247
To avoid the risk of the excessive dilution of the capital, the Company issued two different sets of
EMTN (Bond) accruing interest payable semi-annually and listed on European Stock Exchanges.
Zenith EMTN Programme up to Euro 25+M
1. On January 20, 2020, the Company announced the issuance of the following unsecured, multi-currency
Euro Medium Term Notes, governed by Austrian law, at par value (the "Notes"):
o EURO 1,000,000 bearing interest of 10.125 per cent per year (the "EUR-Notes")
o GBP 1,000,000 bearing interest of 10.50 per cent per year (the "GBP-Notes")
o USD 1,000,000 bearing interest of 10.375 per cent per year (the "USD-Notes")
o CHF 1,000,000 bearing interest of 10.00 per cent per year (the "CHF-Notes")
70
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
The Notes will mature on January 27, 2024, are governed by Austrian law and are not convertible
into equity of the Company.
2. On May 16, 2022, the Company announced that it had issued a new series of unsecured, multi-
currency Euro Medium Term Notes at par value (the "Notes").
The following Notes have been issued:
·
Series No.5: EUR 2,000,000 bearing an
ISIN: XS2478298909
Series No.6: GBP 2,000,000 bearing an interest of 10.50 per cent per year. ISIN: XS2478299030
Series No.7: USD 2,000,000 bearing an
interest of 10.375 per cent per year.
ISIN: XS2478299113
interest of 10.125 per cent per year.
·
·
The Notes will mature on May 9, 2026, are governed by Austrian law and are not convertible into
equity of the Company.
These Notes were admitted to trading on the Third Market (MTF) of the Vienna Stock Exchange ("Wiener
Borse AG"). As of March 31, 2023, the Company sold Notes, as follows:
Currency
EUR
USD
GBP
CHF
EUR
GBP
USD
CAD$
equivalent
ISIN
Description
2,659,011 XS2108546735 ZEEX 10.125 01/27/24 MTN
9,274,052 XS2108546651 ZEEX 10.500 01/27/24 MTN
2,872,762 XS2108546578 ZEEX 10.375 01/27/24 MTN
41,924 XS2108546818 ZEEX 10.000 01/27/24 MTN
3,106,240 XS2478298909 ZEEX 10.125 05/09/26 MTN
980,160 XS2478299030 ZEEX 10.500 05/09/26 MTN
2,096,379 XS2478299113 ZEEX 10.375 05/09/26 MTN
The issue of the Notes is aligned with the Group’s strategy of diversifying its financing towards non-equity
dilutive funding to support its successful development.
The Company has been using the EMTN Programme to finance its activities in the Republic of the Congo,
Tunisia and Italy. The Company chose the Vienna Stock Exchange as it was viewed as a highly accessible
market in terms of simplicity of process and listing costs.
During the year, the Company announced that it had fully paid the semi-annual interest in relation to the
Notes. The most recent interest payment in relation to the Notes is the third such payment, with previous
interest payments having taken place during the months of June and December 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022
respectively.
71
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
20. Decommissioning provision
The following table presents the reconciliation of the carrying amount of the obligation associated with
the reclamation and abandonment of the Group’s oil and gas properties:
Balance – beginning of year
Accretion
On acquisition of subsidiary
Foreign currency translation
Balance – end of year
2023
CAD $’000
30,901
642
-
1,102
32,645
2022
CAD $’000
16,219
349
14,814
(481)
30,901
The provision has been made by estimating the decommissioning cost at current prices using existing
technology. The following significant weighted average assumptions were used to estimate the
decommissioning obligation:
Italy
Undiscounted cash flows – uninflated
Undiscounted cash flows - inflated
Risk free rate
Inflation rate
Expected timing of cash flows
Tunisia
A -
Decommissioning provision recalculation
Description
Start current period
Anticipated abandonment date
Years to abandonment
Undiscounted well costs
Undiscounted facilities costs
Total undiscounted obligation
TND inflation rate (as per the Tunisian Central Bank)
USD inflation rate (as per the submitted assumption
to DGH)
Inflation Rate
Inflated obligation
Discount Rate
Discounted obligation
EPZ Share in the obligation
2023
CAD $8,000
CAD $8,000
CAD $8,000
1.4%
10.5 years
2022
CAD $8,000
CAD $8,000
CAD $8,000
1.4%
11.5 years
2022
in USD
01/04/2022
31/12/2033
12,94
Comments
Minus between, economic and legal end of
date (cf. IM.7 impairment test)
5.946.000 2019 figures submitted to DGH, while
2.050.000
estimation is outdated (2014)
7.996.000
5,00%
2,00%
4,00%
13.280.608
2,00%
10.279.339
4.625.702
72
TND share in MARETAP expenses are higher
than USD
This should be recognised as asset against
provision as a 1st time recognition
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
B -
Unwinding interest recalculation
Interest unwind of the obligation for the period
92.514
The timings of the cash flows depend on the capital expenditure incurred and the development of assets
in each concession. Each concession has a license for a set number of years; however, the licenses could
be extended for longer periods if the operator incurs capital expenditure and develops the area. The
application process starts after a license is not extended or when the reserves of a particular concession
have been fully extracted.
21. Earnings per share
March 31,2023
CAD $’000
March 31,2022
CAD $’000
Net (loss)/profit from continuing operations
(12,827)
64,437
Basic weighted average number of shares
2,298,833
1,599,111
Potential dilutive effect on shares issuable under warrants
Potential diluted weighted average number of shares
Net earnings per share – basic (1) $
Net earnings per share – diluted (1) $
n/a
n/a
(0.01)
(0.01)
$
$
n/a
n/a
0.03
0.02
(1) The Group did not have any in-the-money convertible notes, warrants and stock options during
the years ended March 31, 2023, and 2022.
73
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
22. Related party transactions
Related party transactions are considered to be in the normal course of operations and are initially
recognized at fair value. The related party transactions during the Financial Year ended March 31, 2023,
and 2022 not disclosed elsewhere in these consolidated financial statements are as follows:
a) On February 28, 2023, in connection with the Financing through a capital raise, Mr. Andrea
Cattaneo, Chief Executive Officer & President of Zenith, has subscribed for 64,695,672 common
shares of no-par value in the capital of the Company.
Upon Admission, Mr. Cattaneo will be directly beneficially
in a total of
167,163,912 Common Shares in the capital of the Company, representing 7.24% percent of the
total issued and outstanding common share capital of the Company.
interested
b) On February 28, 2023, in connection with the Financing through a capital rase Mr. Luca Benedetto,
Chief Financial Officer of Zenith has subscribed for 27,726,716 common shares of no-par value in
the capital of the Company in connection with the Norwegian Financing.
Upon Admission, Mr. Benedetto will be directly beneficially interested in a total of 27,726,716
common shares in the capital of the Company, representing 1.20% percent of the total issued and
outstanding common share capital of the Company.
c) During the Financial Year ended March 31, 2023, Zenith granted Leonardo Energy Consulting S.r.l.,
an entity where Zenith holds a 48% interest on its share capital, a loan of CAD$nil (2022 - CAD$nil),
to develop its activities. The loan is unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand. The
balance outstanding on March 31, 2023, is CAD$39,690 (2023 – CAD$39,690).
d) During the year, the Group recorded payments of CAD$ 253k to other related parties (2022: CAD$
168k]
23. Financial risk management and financial instruments
Financial assets at amortised cost
Trade and other receivables (b)
Cash and cash equivalents (b)
Total financial assets
Financial liabilities at amortised cost
Trade and other payables
Loans
Non-convertible bond and notes
Deferred consideration
Total financial liabilities
March 31, 2023
CAD $’000
26,676
1,442
28,118
March 31, 2023
CAD $’000
19,749
8,697
25,247
70,084
123,777
March 31, 20221
CAD $’000
19,175
1,153
20,328
March 31, 2022
CAD $’000
22,074
7,975
10,360
70,084
110,493
74
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Zenith finances its operations through a mixture of equity, debt and retained earnings. Finance
requirements are reviewed by the Board when funds are required for acquisition, exploration and
development of projects.
Zenith’s policy is to maintain an appropriate financial position to sustain future development of the
business. There were no changes to the Group’s capital management approach during the year ended
March 31, 2023.
Zenith’s treasury functions, which are managed by the board, are responsible for managing fund
requirements and investments which include banking, cash flow management, interest and foreign
exchange exposure to ensure adequate liquidity to meet cash requirements.
Zenith’s principal financial instruments are cash and deposits, and also trade and other receivables.
These instruments are used for meeting the Group’s requirement for operations.
Zenith’s main financial risks are foreign currency risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk, commodity price
risk and credit risks. Set out below are policies that are used to manage such risks:
a) Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of an unexpected loss if a customer or counter party to a financial instrument fails
to meet its commercial obligations. The Group’s maximum credit risk exposure is limited to the carrying
amount cash of CAD $ 1,442k (2022 – CAD $1,153k) and trade and other receivables of CAD $ 25,047k
(2022 – CAD $17,250).
Deposits are, as a general rule, placed with banks and financial institutions that have credit rating of
not less than AA or equivalent which are verified before placing the deposits.
The composition of trade and other receivables is summarized in the following table:
Oil and natural gas sales
Other
March 31, 2023
CAD $’000
11,770
13,277
25,047
March 31, 2022
CAD $’000
4,436
12,814
17,250
The receivables related to the sale of oil and natural gas are due from large companies who participate in the
oil and natural gas industry in Italy, Congo and Tunisia. Oil and natural gas sales receivables are typically
collected in the month following the sales month. No expected credit losses have been recognized in respect
of trade receivables of this nature.
75
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
The Group’s receivables are aged as follows:
Current
90 + days
b) Liquidity risk
March 31, 2023 March 31, 2022
CAD $’000
4,436
-
4,436
CAD $’000
11,770
-
11,770
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will incur difficulties meeting its financial obligations as they are
due. The Group’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will have
sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, under both normal and distressed conditions
without incurring unacceptable losses or risking harm to the Group’s reputation.
The Directors have considered the recoverability of the outstanding debts of the Group and do not
consider there to be any impairment necessary.
As of March 31, 2023, the contractual cash flows, including estimated future interest, of current and
non-current financial assets mature as follows:
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Carrying
Amount
CAD $’000
25,047
1,442
Due on or
before
31 March
2024
Due on or
before 31
March
Contractual
cash flow
2025
CAD $’000 CAD $’000 CAD $’000
-
-
25,047
1,442
25,047
1,442
Due after 31
March 2025
CAD $’000
-
-
26,489
26,489
26,489
-
-
As of March 31, 2023, the contractual cash flows, including estimated future interest, of current and
non-current financial liabilities mature as follows:
Trade and other payables
Loans
Non-convertible bond
Carrying
Amount
CAD $’000
19,749
8,697
25,247
Due on or
before
31 March
2024
Due on or
before 31
March
Contractual
2025
cash flow
CAD $’000 CAD $’000 CAD $’000
-
-
5,316
19,749
8,845
29,420
19,749
8,845
17,218
Due after 31
March 2025
CAD $’000
-
-
6,886
53,693
58,014
45,812
5,316
6,886
76
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
c) Foreign currency risk
Foreign currency exchange risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows will fluctuate as a
result of changes in foreign exchange rates. Foreign exchange rates to Canadian dollars for the noted
dates and periods are as follows:
Closing rate
Average rate
US Dollars
Euro
Swiss Franc
British Pound
Norwegian Crown
Tunisian Dinar
2023
1.3529
1.4716
1.4790
1.6732
0.1296
0.4400
2022
1.2505
1.3898
1.3540
1.6422
0.1436
0.4247
2023
1.3226
1.3771
1.3856
1.5933
0.1329
0.4217
2022
1.2537
1.4571
1.3643
1.7124
0.1444
0.4416
The following represents the estimated impact on net (loss)/income of a 10% change in the closing
rates as of March 31, 2023, and 2022 on foreign denominated financial instruments held by the Group,
with other variables such as interest rates and commodity prices held constant:
Euro
Tunisian Dinar
d) Commodity price risk
March 31, 2023
CAD $’000
-
307
307
March 31, 2022
CAD $’000
18
454
472
Commodity price risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows will fluctuate as a result of
changes in commodity prices.
As of March 31, 2023, a 5% change in the price of natural gas produced in Italy would represent a
change in net loss for the year ended March 31, 2023, of approximately CAD $10k (2022 – CAD $4k)
and a 5% change in the price of electricity produced in Italy would represent a change in net loss for
the year ended March 31, 2023, of approximately CAD $209k (2022 – CAD $114K). A 5% change in the
price of oil produced in Tunisia would represent a change in net loss for the year ended March 31,
2023, of approximately CAD $431k (2022 – CAD $292k)
e) Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that future cash flows will fluctuate as a result of changes in market interest
rates. The Group has fixed interest on notes payable, loans payable and convertible notes and
therefore is not currently exposed to interest rate risk.
77
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
24. Capital management
The Group’s objective when managing capital is to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going
concern, so that it can continue to explore and develop its projects to provide returns for shareholders
and benefits for other stakeholders. The Group manages its working capital deficiency, long-term debt,
and shareholders’ equity as capital.
Working capital
Long-term debt
Shareholders’ equity
March 31, 2023
CAD $’000
(9,383)
-
91,652
March 31, 2022
CAD $’000
(8,204)
1,442
103,090
The Group’s cash flows from its Italian operations will be needed in the near term to finance the
operations and repay vendor loans. Once the acquisition in Tunisia will be completed and the license in
Congo will be renewed, it will be required to match the same goals. Zenith’s principal source of funds will
therefore remain the issuance of equity. The Group’s ability to raise future capital through equity is
subject to uncertainty and the inability to raise such capital may have an adverse impact on the Group’s
ability to continue as a going concern. The Group is not subject to any externally imposed capital
requirements.
25. Net debt reconciliation
This section sets out an analysis of net debt and the movements in net debt for each of the periods
presented.
Cash and cash equivalents
Loans – repayable within one year
Loans – repayable after one year
Non-convertible bond – repayable within one year
Non-convertible bond – repayable after one year
March 31, 2023 March 31, 2022
CAD $’000
1,153
(6,533)
(1,442)
(284)
(10,076)
CAD $’000
1,442
(8,697)
-
-
(25,247)
(32,502)
(17,182)
78
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Cash
Loans due
within
one year
Loans due
after one
year
Non-convertible
bond due within
one year
CAD $’000 CAD $’000 CAD $’000
(920)
(4,359)
1,631
CAD $’000
(4,966)
Non-
convertible
bond due after
one year
CAD $’000
(2,500)
Total
CAD $’000
(11,114)
Net debt
April 1, 2021
Issue of non-
convertibles
bonds
Interest on non-
convertible
bonds
Repayment of
non-convertible
bonds
Issue of loans
Repayment of
loans
Loan converted
into shares
Foreign
exchange
Net cash flow
March 31, 2022
Issue of non-
convertibles
bonds
Interest on non-
convertible
bonds
Repayment of
non-convertible
bonds
Issue of loans
on
Repayment of
loans
Interest
loans
Foreign
exchange
Net cash flow
March 31, 2023
7,860
(284)
(7,576)
(136)
4,637
465
(284)
(267)
-
551
-
-
-
-
-
-
(10,076)
(14,889)
-
-
-
-
-
(282)
-
(25,247)
(136)
(10,456)
4,427
476
(379)
(17,182)
-
-
-
-
-
(572)
(248)
(14,500)
(32,502)
(4,637)
(9,189)
(1,267)
(3,322)
2,588
734
(379)
1,153
15,156
-
(551)
4,427
11
(6,533)
(1,442)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,432
-5,432
(5,248)
3,806
1,442
-
-
(572)
34
(14,500)
1,442
-
(8,697)
-
`-
-
-
79
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
26. Operating segments
The Group’s operations are conducted in one business sector, the oil and natural gas industry.
Geographical areas are used to identify Group’s reportable segments. A geographic segment is considered
a reportable segment once its activities are regularly reviewed by the Board of the Directors.
The Group has four reportable segments which are as follows:
Italy, which commenced gas operations following the acquisition of assets in June 2013;
•
• The Republic of the Congo, which was acquired during the 2020 FY
• Tunisia, which was acquired during the 2021 FY
• Other, which includes corporate assets and the operations in the Canadian, Swiss, Argentinian
and Norwegian entities.
YEAR 2022
Property and equipment
Other assets
Total liabilities
Capital Expenditures
Revenue
Operating and transportation
General and Administrative
Depletion and depreciation
Gain on business
combination
Finance and other expenses
Taxation
Segment (loss)/ income
Congo
CAD $000
10
9,329
7,353
1
(5)
(926)
(14)
-
-
-
Italy
CAD $000
6,495
1,742
10,980
5
Tunisia
CAD $000
219,399
15,522
115,257
133,331
Other
CAD $000
3,870
2,933
22,620
51
Total
CAD $000
229,774
29,526
156,210
133,387
2,366
(556)
(190)
(531)
5,872
(1,101)
(2,167)
(1,077)
-
(555)
(9,243)
(620)
8,239
(2,217)
(12,526)
(2,242)
(359)
(62,766)
138,673
75,907
509
(301)
(61,031)
(2,573)
-
125,682
(2,423)
(301)
64,437
(944)
730
YEAR 2023
Property and equipment
Other assets
Total liabilities
Capital Expenditures
Congo
CAD $000
9
9,789
8,124
1
Italy
CAD $000
6,244
1,166
11,652
5
Tunisia
CAD $000
218,000
20,437
118,230
424
Other
CAD $000
3,312
3,954
33,253
-
Total
CAD $000
227,565
35,346
171,259
430
Revenue
Operating and transportation
General and Administrative
Depletion and depreciation
Finance and other expenses
Taxation
Segment (loss)/ income
-
-
(609)
-
-
-
(609)
4,392
(1,105)
(775)
(620)
(408)
(215)
1,269
8,767
(4,546)
(7,841)
(3,562)
(3,649)
(402)
(11,233)
-
(99)
629
(565)
(2,219)
-
(2,254)
13,159
(5,750)
(8,596)
(4,747)
(6,276)
(617)
(12,827)
80
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
The following customers combined have 10% or more of the Group’s revenue:
Customer A
27. Controlling party
2023
2022
CAD $000
CAD $000
4,188
2,281
At as of the end of the financial year ending March 31, 2023, the Directors do not consider there to be
a controlling party.
28.
Events subsequent to the year end
On May 26, 2023, the Company provided an update on its recent corporate development activities.
The Company's management is currently reviewing a selection of oil production and development assets
located in Texas, Oklahoma, and California in the United States of America (the "Potential Acquisitions"). If
any of these Potential Acquisitions are completed, the Company will make further announcements, and at this
stage, no terms are finalised.
The Potential Acquisitions are all located in prolific oil and gas basins with proven petroleum systems.
It is expected that, if the Potential Acquisitions are completed, a production rate in the range of approximately
300-500 barrels of oil per day might be achieved upon completion.
Drilling activities can be performed at relatively low-cost and without significant delay in view of the ready
availability of equipment. The average total depth of production wells in the project areas of the Potential
Acquisitions ranges between 500 to 2,000 metres.
On June 2, 2023, the Company announced that it has entered into an agreement (the "Agreement") with
Stateside Energy LLC, a company registered under the laws of the State of Oklahoma, United States of America
(hereinafter "Stateside") to acquire and operate a portfolio of oil production and development licences in
Oklahoma, as well as certain other States in the USA (the "Targets").
81
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
Key Terms
• Stateside is an oil and gas operator with a portfolio of seven oil wells in the State of Oklahoma.
• Under the Agreement, Zenith will incorporate a wholly owned special purpose vehicle in the United States
of America for the purpose of acquiring oil wells and licence blocks in the State of Oklahoma and certain
other States in USA (the "Newco").
• Stateside will make available its personnel in Oklahoma for the purpose of assisting the business
development of Newco.
• Zenith will consider providing Stateside with the following incentive bonus structure based upon the
Newco reaching the following incremental average production targets: 75, 125, 175 and 225 barrels of oil
per day (the "Milestones").
• Upon the achievement of each Milestone Zenith will consider issuing Stateside certain amounts payable
by way of issuing equity securities (the "Incentive Bonus Payments").
• Stateside agrees to sell its oil production wells to Newco, subject to the completion of a satisfactory due
•
diligence by Zenith, for a nominal consideration.
It is planned that the Newco will negotiate the acquisition of approximately 70 oil production wells located
on property leases totalling approximately 3,200 acres located in the State of Oklahoma for sale by a third-
party identified by Stateside (the "Potential Vendor").
• The Potential Vendor has indicated it also intends to sell certain oilfield service equipment including, inter
alia, a pulling unit and a tank truck, for an amount to be agreed.
• Zenith has agreed to invest approximately US$2 million, subject to the completion of a satisfactory due
diligence, for the acquisition of Targets to be introduced by Stateside.
The Company formally begin its expansion in the USA by way of the Agreement with Stateside. The advantages
of operating in North America are readily apparent, and primarily include the speed of execution for
transactions, with the resulting delivery of potential immediate oil production to Zenith, and the relatively
conspicuous lack of bureaucratic delays and other detrimental impediments to corporate development seen
elsewhere.
The Company is currently negotiating the potential acquisition of various oil production assets with significant
development potential across the USA. We look forward with enthusiasm to potentially completing these in
an expeditious manner, subject to rigorous due diligence, by leveraging one of our strengths: deal-making.
On June 7, 2023, the Company announced the formal submission of various legal proceedings against the
Republic of Tunisia, with a total cumulative claimed amount of at least US$48 million.
Zenith's fully owned subsidiaries (together, the "Investors") have submitted a request for arbitration against
the Republic of Tunisia before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes in Washington
DC ("ICSID") - (the "Arbitration").
The request for Arbitration before the ICSID was submitted in accordance with article 8 of the Agreement
signed between the government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the
government of the Tunisian Republic in 1989 for the Promotion and Protection of Investments.
The Arbitration has been launched following a series of actions undertaken by the Tunisian government to the
material detriment of the commercial interests of the Investors in the Republic of Tunisia, including, inter alia,
unreasonable and arbitrary obstructions in relation to the development of the Sidi El Kilani and Ezzaouia
concessions.
82
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
More specifically, these include actions in contravention to, inter alia, the terms of the Sidi El Kilani and
Ezzaouia licenses respectively, and unjustified obstructions for processing the sale of produced oil.
Prior to initiating the Arbitration, Zenith and its subsidiaries have, in good faith, applied their best efforts
towards engaging constructively with the relevant bodies in the Republic of Tunisia to address these matters.
However, in view of the unsuccessful nature of these efforts to date, the Investors have been compelled, to
safeguard their commercial interests and legal rights, to launch the Arbitration.
The Investors have engaged Gide Loyrette Nouel, a legal firm with a specialisation in high-level dispute
resolution, as legal counsel in connection with the Arbitration.
The Investors can confirm that, in the interests of preserving the Company's cash reserves at a time of intensive
expansion and development activity, they are in advanced negotiations with a specialist third-party litigation
funder for a 'no win-no fee' financing arrangement to support all the costs in connection with the Arbitration.
The Board, based on due and careful consideration surrounding the merits of the Arbitration and specialist
legal advice received, believes there will either be a successful outcome resulting from the Arbitration or there
will be an amicable settlement in due course.
Update on Tunisian production and development portfolio
The Company can confirm that it continues to operate its production and development portfolio in the
Republic of Tunisia, including the Robbana and El Bibane concessions which it holds directly with a 100%
interest, whilst negotiations are ongoing with the local authorities in Tunisia with the objective of addressing
the underlying causes of the aforementioned Arbitration.
The Robbana Concession is producing approximately 20-25 barrels of oil per day, with a total accumulation of
approximately 8,000 barrels of oil in stock which is ready for sale subject to local export permissions being
granted.
Production from the El Bibane Concession has been suspended due to necessary maintenance activities.
Further, for the avoidance of doubt, the Company maintains that its subsidiary's 50 percent ownership of
MARETAP, the joint operating company for the Ezzaouia Concession, remains unchanged.
On June 23, 2023, The Company announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with
the Ministry of Petroleum in the Republic of South Sudan.
The MOU has the purpose of formalising certain negotiations currently underway with the Ministry of
Petroleum for the acquisition and development of oil and gas production licences located in the Republic of
South Sudan.
83
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
On July 3, 2023, the Company announced that its fully owned subsidiary, Anglo African Oil & Gas Congo S.A.U
("AAOGC"), has been awarded a payment of compensatory damages by the Paris Commercial Court (the
"Court") in its claim against SMP Energies ( hereafter "SMP", formerly Société de Maintenance Pétrolière -
SMP) the rig contractor that performed drilling services in wells TLP-103 and TLP-103C of the Tilapia oilfield
during 2018-2019.
In the decision, the Court rejected SMP's request for a stay of proceedings in France due to new proceedings
having been initiated in the Republic of the Congo, stating that SMP's request contained "all the characteristics
of a dilatory request", and ordered it to pay an amount of EUR 30,000 to AAOGC by way of compensatory
damages. The Court decision is immediately enforceable.
The Court has scheduled the next procedural date as September 29, 2023.
On July 5, 2023, the Company announced that its newly incorporated fully owned subsidiary in the State of
Texas, Zena Oil & Gas LLC, has conditionally agreed to fully acquire a portfolio of mineral leases and oil and gas
wells in the State of Texas, United States of America (the "Acquisition") from the wholly owned subsidiaries of
Beam Earth Group Ltd. (the "Seller").
Terms of the Acquisition
The Company has conditionally agreed to fully acquire, subject to a definitive purchase and sale agreement
("Completion") certain oil, gas, and mineral leases and oil and gas wells for a total amount of US$1,027,500
(the "Consideration").
The Consideration will be payable 60% in cash, representing the amount of US$616,500, and the balance of
40% will be satisfied by the issuance of equity to the Seller to be admitted to trading on the Euronext Growth
of the Oslo Stock Exchange, priced at the average closing price of the last 5 trading days prior to the
achievement of Completion (the "Equity Consideration"). Admission will also be sought within 12 months of
any issue under the Equity Consideration to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange and the Standard
Segment of the UK Official List.
The Seller have agreed to retain the Equity Consideration for a minimum of three months from the date of
Completion. Zenith will hold the right of first refusal in the event of a possible disposal of the Equity
Consideration, subject to the terms to be agreed at Completion in the definitive purchase and sale agreement.
Acquisition Highlights
·
·
·
·
The Acquisition comprises of 155 oil and gas wells located in the vicinity of Midland (TX) across licences
named Corsicana, Powell, BrookLaw and Sun Valley.
47 wells are currently active with a daily production of approximately 60 barrels of oil per day ("BOPD").
It is expected that production can be increased to an average rate of 100 BOPD with light workover and
field rehabilitation activities within six months from Completion.
Located in the State of Texas, a prolific oil and gas petroleum system with favourable fiscal terms, relatively
low production costs and the ready availability of technical expertise and equipment.
84
Zenith Energy Ltd.
Annual Report & Financial Statements
For the Year Ended March 31, 2023
·
Zenith will commission a Competent Person's Report in compliance with Canadian securities laws,
specifically the COGE Handbook and National Instrument 51-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas
Activities - to obtain an updated reserves evaluation for the Acquisition.
On July 10, 2023, the Company announced that it has successfully obtained a 'conservative seizure' for an
amount equivalent to approximately US$6.5 million deposited in a bank account in Switzerland under the
name of ETAP, Entreprise Tunisienne d'Activités Pétrolières, the national oil company of the Republic of Tunisia
(the "Conservative Seizure").
The Conservative Seizure has been undertaken to avoid the risk of funds being dissipated or diverted while
legal proceedings are ongoing.
On June 7, 2023, the Company announced that its subsidiaries had initiated various legal proceedings against
the Republic of Tunisia, with a total cumulative claimed amount of at least US$48 million.
85