Final Results

RNS Number : 8085G
Bahamas Petroleum Company PLC
12 May 2014
 



 

12 May 2014

 

Bahamas Petroleum Company plc

("Bahamas Petroleum" or the "Company")

 

Final Results for the year ended 31 December 2013

 

Bahamas Petroleum Company, the oil and gas exploration company with licences in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, is pleased to announce its final results for the year ended 31 December 2013. 

 

Highlights:

·      Company maintained data room for majority of second half of year, presenting interested parties with extensive, comprehensive information and managing multiple return visits

·      Planned technical work has been accomplished and has revealed the ingredients of successful commercial oil exploration

·      Continued preparation of the required Environmental Management Plan and received more regulatory clarity through the extension of the statutory term for the Company's five licences, with an obligation to commence drilling of an exploration well by April 2015

·      Expanded the Board to include new chairman William Schrader and deputy chairman James Smith, bringing extensive experience in operations and local economics respectively

·      Maintained strong cash balance at $15 million as at 31 December 2013

 

Simon Potter, Chief Executive of Bahamas Petroleum Company, said:

"Whilst the pace of progress towards initiating drilling has been slower than I and my shareholders expect, 2013 brought about several positive movements towards achieving our goals. The Government of The Bahamas took the important decisions to proceed with exploration drilling without a referendum and extend the term for our licences, and we complemented completion of our planned technical work with continued preparation of an Environmental Management Plan. 

"The second half of the year - and what will continue to be our focus in 2014 - was concentrated on managing a data room, which saw major potential farminees visit and revisit the opportunity for commercial oil exploration in our acreage. Under the leadership of our new chairman and non-executive directors, Bahamas Petroleum will continue to take the necessary measures to realize the commencement of our first well."

- Ends -

Enquiries:

 

Bahamas Petroleum Company plc

Simon Potter, Chief Executive Officer

 

 

Tel: +44 (0) 1624 647 883

Strand Hanson Limited - Nomad

Rory Murphy / Liam Buswell

 

 

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7409 3494

 

FTI Consulting

Edward Westropp / Alex Beagley / Shannon Brushe

 

Tel: +44 (0) 20 3727 1000

 

The Accounts for the full year to 31 December 2013, as set out below, are available for download on the Company's website www.bpcplc.com.

 

 

 

Chairman's Report

I need hardly remind shareholders that the past year has not been financially rewarding.  It has been a challenging time not only for Bahamas Petroleum, but also the E&P industry as a whole - a trend that has continued into the first half of 2014.  Although progress has been made in recent months, regulatory delays in The Bahamas have nonetheless taken their toll on our share price, while at the same time the exploration sector is attempting to manage falling investor appetite and an overall global decline in standing.

 

Following a period of expansive exploration activity over many years including much success, industry focus has moved from expenditure and reserve replacement to capital efficiency, discipline and divestment.  This trend towards capital rationalization has been driven in part by a shift in the appetite of both oil majors and institutional investors away from more risk prone activities towards the more certain phases of appraisal, development and production - thus more immediate and tangible returns.

 

This re-focus of the industry, coupled with a bountiful choice of global exploration projects requiring investment, has compounded the challenges faced by small-cap E&P's around the world, including increasing competition for exploration capital.  That's not to say that exploration is ceasing to take place, as evidenced by recent licencing rounds in the Gulf of Mexico, which enjoyed an enthusiastic uptake of exploration acreage by a range of major and independent industry operators.  But major operators in such slower times will invest primarily in world class assets with significant prospectivity, scale potential, political stability and commercial upsides. Bahamas Petroleum has a robust technical case underpinning the southern licence assets and now with clearer support from the Government we believe that we are well placed in that category to attract prospective industry partners.

 

The economic slowdown has also taken its toll on the Bahamian economy.  With an unemployment rate of 15 per cent, sluggish growth and an increasing debt burden, the Government of The Bahamas continues to explore ways of restoring the country to financial health through the expansion of existing industries and creation of new ones.

 

Given this context, it is with pleasure then that I note recent significant movement by the Government in the provision of a suite of oil, environmental and health and safety regulations that have been presented to the cabinet for review ahead of implementation.  The Bahamas already has an active downstream oil sector, standing as a global leader in maritime activities and a regional force in storage and transportation of petroleum products. These new, modernized and strengthened regulations will provide the leadership, assurance and protection afforded by the adoption of modern global best practices which will allow the fledgling exploration industry to responsibly expand activities.  The management of Bahamas Petroleum is committed as ever to operating responsibly and the lengths to which the Government has gone to overhaul governing regulations indicates not only the shared commitment to responsible exploration but also a commitment to promoting activity and investment as a whole.

 

From the Company perspective, 2013 was another difficult year which saw externally imposed delays from 2012 continue into the year. However, significant progress has been made and there is a sense of forward momentum building following reinforcement of the regulations, re-establishment of our drilling mandate and obligation, confirmation of licence tenure, extension of timeframes thereto, expansion of the licence boundaries to the recently ratified Cuban maritime border and Government commitment to fully exploring the potential of its waters. Following the removal of hurdles and the impetus received, the process of negotiating a partnership to finance our first exploration well resumed afresh.  The Company continues to make progress in this regard.

 

As we prepare for the rapid expansion of the Company's operations that will follow a farm in and the start of drilling, the onus is on the Board to ensure the Company's corporate governance framework is up to task.  To this end we have determined to expand the Board to include the new and significant appointments of Mr James Smith and Mr William Schrader.

 

Mr Smith, a former minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and member of The Bahamas' Senate, is widely acknowledged as a leading expert on monetary policy and is a respected member of the greater Bahamas community. He has served as the Country's ambassador for Trade in the Office of the Prime Minister, as the Governor of the Central Bank of The Bahamas for a decade, as well as a variety of other public service and private roles. The addition of Mr Smith to the Board not only greatly augments the governance and reputation of the Company but is also a further step in our continuing goal to make ourselves a truly Bahamian institution.

 

Mr Schrader brings with him a wealth of industry experience having worked in all sectors of the oil industry for over 30 years, currently serving as a Non-executive Director of Ophir and Hess, and I am delighted to welcome him as the new Chairman of our Board.Having served as Chief Executive Officer of several country operations at BP plc, as the President of the Azerbaijan International Operating Company and as Chief Operating Officer of TNK-BP, Mr Schrader's appointment heralds a transformation in the Company, bolstering our technical oversight abilities as we approach the next phase of our exploration programme and company development.

 

Progress during the year towards completion of the proposed BDR programme to list on BISX has been frustrated by a number of prerequisite approvals which remain outstanding.  Given the offshore regulatory environment has been under review and revision, the delay in approval for investment into our industry by those charged with governance of the economy, and therefore the public good, is understandable.  We have every confidence that all such approvals shall be received once the enhanced regulations have been emplaced and we remain as committed as ever to ensuring Bahamians are able to directly participate in the potential gains of oil exploration in their waters through representation on the Company's register of shareholders.

 

The Company has continued during the year with its endeavour to become a more active member of the Bahamian community.  The Company continues to meet with numerous local stakeholder groups throughout the archipelago to ensure that the community understands how we operate, the extent of our commitment to safety and the environment and the role that we as a company may play in the Bahamian economy and society at large.  These meetings also provide a crucial opportunity for us to hear the concerns and observations of community members, allowing us to understand and adapt to the specific needs of the people of The Bahamas.  Through employment of young Bahamians in our Nassau office we both facilitate the development of understanding local issues as well as demonstrating our commitment to being a contributing member of Bahamian society.

 

During the year the Company overhauled its group structure to conform to the current alignment of operations, thus removing legacy components that had become redundant.  Subsequently, we created new Bahamian holding companies that both increase our footprint in the country and ensure a structure that is more coherent for asset delineation.

 

Looking forward, and despite industry challenges, we see 2014 as a pivotal year for the Company as we seek to bring our long planned drilling programme into fruition.  With a renewed mandate and clear support from the Government, a revitalized board, strong management team and encouraging progress towards completion of an industry partnership, we remain as confident as ever of the prospects of the Company and the future of oil exploration in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

 

With Mr Schrader having taken the chair, this is my last report to you.  I have found stewarding your Company through the last few difficult years enormously satisfying and it is with delight that I pass this role onto Mr Schrader who, with such a long and distinguished career in the global petroleum industry, is ideally placed to meet the new challenges the Company faces in developing its operations in The Bahamas.  As a continuing Non-executive Director I shall remain available to support both our new Chairman and the rest of my fellow Directors through the exciting times ahead.

 

Following increasing demands from his growing executive duties elsewhere, Mr Steve Weyel has decided to stand down as a Non-executive Board member by not presenting himself for re-election at the next AGM.  Steve has been with the Company for the last three years and has brought increased integrity and robustness to the Board during what has been a difficult period.  I would like to thank him for all of his contributions to the Company and wish him the best in his other endeavours.

 

Finally, I would like to thank all of our staff and Directors for their tireless efforts to progress this exciting project and our shareholders for their enduring patience, which we hope will be rewarded in the coming year.

 

 

 

Yours sincerely,

Adrian Collins

Non-executive Director and former Chairman

9 May 2014

 

Chief Executive Officer's Report

 

In my capacity as CEO, I can confidently say that Bahamas Petroleum continues to mitigate the technical risks associated with the venture, to introduce potential new farm in partners to the opportunity, to refresh the project for already interested parties whilst deepening the understanding and appreciation of risk management processes and the project benefits throughout the broader Bahamian community. This activity against a backdrop of having obtained a refreshed mandate and timeline from the Government to proceed with exploration drilling, including reinforced well obligations, revised licence boundaries and the continued efforts of Government to bring modernised and strengthened guiding regulations to bear - an effort the company entirely supports.  However, the pace of progress towards initiating drilling is slower than management envisioned, and shareholders expect.

 

Our employees are focused on delivery in the form of spudding an exploration well as soon as possible and realising all the enablers that will ensure this activity can be carried out safely and in a timely manner. Yet it is the timeliness of our drilling prospects that has disappointed, due in part because the determining factors are largely under the control of third parties. The Government - although it has demonstrated signs of recent progress - holds ultimate responsibility for the passage of drilling regulations, whilst discussions with potential farminees must remain confidential. Overall, this limits the extent to which the Company can communicate effectively with shareholders how far along we really are in the timeline toward drilling our first well.

 

Activities in the first half of the year were driven by gaining clarity from the Government of The Bahamas on the removal of the previously announced referendum on industry activities, the renewal of the Company's existing licences and finally, the strengthening of regulations as they pertain to petroleum exploration. On each of these matters the Company was seeking an unambiguous mandate in order to ensure progress towards exploration drilling in 2015 and to underpin the commercial basis for discussions with a significant number of potential farm in partners who continue to show interest in the project.

 

In March 2013, the Government of The Bahamas announced that it would no longer proceed with a referendum on exploration drilling in country, deciding first to acquire the data required to make an informed decision on energy development. This determination removed crucial uncertainties and provided clarity and direction for future decisions by the Government, the Company and potential partners closely watching the timing of operations.

 

In July 2013, BPC received notification that the statutory term for the five licences held by the Company had each been renewed and extended for at least a further three years until 2016, with an obligation to commence the drilling of an exploration well by April 2015. As previously noted, it is anticipated that this obligation will be met with an exploration well in the southern licences. A second exploration well is required to be commenced nominally by April 2017. Significantly, as a further part of this renewal, the southern boundaries of the four southern licences are to be adjusted to conform to the maritime boundary between The Bahamas and Cuba, thus providing clear tenure over the full extent of the existing mapped structures.

 

Together, these milestones paint a very clear mandate for the Company to proceed with drilling preparations and funding plans. Notably, the mandate will be carried out in full compliance of updated environmental and safety regulations developed by the Government with continued support from the Company. It has recently been reported that these regulations, which will provide a modern framework to manage and govern industry activities consistent with current attitudes, recent experiences and current technologies are now before Cabinet for consideration. It should therefore be anticipated that these will soon be available to both the Company and for public consultation.

 

The Company has continued its detailed preparation of the required Environmental Management Plan, which includes preparation of the Oil Spill Contingency Plan, the Emergency Response Plan (both based upon a simulated worst-case discharge calculation) and in particular a series of environmental sensitivity index maps identifying areas of high potential impact. Preparation of these maps has required extensive and wide public consultation including numerous visits to the 'family' islands to consult with fishing, environmental and community groups.

 

During the second half of the year the focus fell on the demanding activities required to maintain the data room and present interested parties with the extensive and comprehensive information available. In addition to new, interested parties, a number of companies have returned for subsequent visits, but by the very nature of these activities the extent and detail of these visits and discussions are required to remain confidential. However, shareholders will be apprised of the situation and developments as soon as is possible and appropriate. For reference, farm-outs on average can take many, many months in this industry and thus the timeline has not been unreasonably long nor does it impact our ability to complete either technical work or preparation activities for the well itself.

 

It has been observed that potential farminees could be waiting for final publication of new industry regulations prior to seriously considering final farm-in negotiations. However, all preparations for drilling undertaken so far have been compiled on the basis of international best practices, thus the introduction of new regulations is not expected to materially impact any of the work conducted to date. This work already includes Government acceptance (via the Bahamas Environmental, Science and Technology Commission) of our Environmental Impact Assessment, a Front End Engineering and Design study for the well and much of the work for the Environmental Management Plan.  The learning from the tragic incident in the Gulf

 

of Mexico has already been incorporated as the correct thing to do rather than waiting until the company is obliged to do so by Government legislation. So whilst the revised regulations are required before drilling, they are not on the critical path.

 

Some have worried that this 'delay' is somehow indicative of a lack of support by the Government for the project. But in reality, the Government has seen fit in the period under review to renew and extend the company licences, retain the extended obligation to drill a well, realign the licence boundaries and withdraw a referendum on exploration drilling - all matters directly encouraging of drilling operations by the company. As to whether these matters directly impact the timing or content of farm out discussions, the oil companies engaged in discussions do not pick and choose individual standards to apply locally but rather apply a global standard of operation to match their equally global footprint. So whilst it is necessary to know what the specific regulations are in order to ensure compliance, international standards and best practices will apply regardless. What has been directly impacted by the lack of regulations is the company's plan to seek a listing through the issue of BDR's in the local BISX register. It is not anticipated that the Securities Commission or the Central Bank of The Bahamas will be satisfied to allow consideration of this facility until the new regulations are published.

 

The upside of these timing issues is that a wane in global exploration activities has exerted commercial pressures on industry service companies and drilling rig operators who are finding rig utilization in a contracting market increasingly challenging.  This has the effect of opening up rig availability to explorers, and places ever greater pressure on rig and services pricing, such that the Company expects to move faster on rig contracting and deployment at more competitive prices, post financing, than would have previously been assumed. Indeed, additional work is ongoing to assess whether a further optimization of the well location from a well execution standpoint, in combination with these dramatically declining rig rates, might yield a further significant reduction in ultimate well costs.

 

But whilst we may not be operating at an ideal pace, these favorable market conditions contribute to our overall confidence that we will remain in compliance with all licence requirements, will discharge our obligations according to the licence and continue to progress discussions with potential partners.

 

To a large extent BPC's planned technical work has been accomplished and has revealed the ingredients for successful commercial oil exploration, with the source, faulted migration pathways, reservoir and seal in deeper targeted sections of the early Cretaceous in close juxtaposition. Most of this deeper section is below, and therefore in addition to, the intervals assessed in the previously released CPR which was based upon the 2D seismic. Having interpreted the 3D seismic the company has decided there is no need to refresh this CPR based on the similarity in the scale of the structures and improved, though consistent, technical risk assessment, thus the essential conclusions remaining the same or intact. We have determined that the maximum value is to be realised by a third party verification of the technical case through farm out, which will remain the Company's core focus.

 

With regard to the specific risking of the resources contained in the CPR it can also be concluded that significant additional charge and seal encouragement exists with the identification of deeper water Albian mudstones draped over much of the structures designated Folds B and C and access to a deeper and wider fetch area below the Cuban mainland. As currently mapped the closure of the overall Fold B structure extends some 78 kilometres along strike with a vertical closure of over 850 metres, emphasising the global scale of the targeted structures.

 

Zarubezhneft, the Russian oil company, aborted its drilling efforts in May 2013, having commenced in December 2012 at a location 15 miles from the Bahamas - Cuban border. Progress was communicated as slow due to 'hard rocks' and various mechanical failures, with reports suggesting that progress only reached 2,000 metres towards the 6,000 metres target. The Company is quoted as seeking to return to finish the well in 2014, although there has been no evidence so far of their resumption.

 

In welcoming new directors Bill and James to the Board I look forward to their contribution and support in driving Bahamas Petroleum through to the next stage in its development. Their wide-ranging contacts and familiarity with both operating and economic factors are a welcomed addition and will further challenge the executives to deliver.

 

In financial terms the overall operating loss for the year to end 2013 was down 17 per cent on the comparative year to December 2012, despite a considerable exchange rate gain in the prior year. The retained cash balance at the end of the period amounts to $15.0 million, whilst creditors in the period from December 2012 were reduced by 70 per cent, demonstrating how a substantial amount of the current period cash consumption went towards settlement of 2012 expenditure. Employee benefits expense is down 17 per cent on the year compared to December 2012 figures.

 

The outlook for the remainder of the year has the Company progressing towards several clear targets, including a Bahamian listing and working on the Environmental Management Plan with continued engagement in the communities.  But the primary focus, on the back of the clear mandate for exploration drilling from the Government, is on the data room and farm-out activities.  I look forward to brighter and successful days ahead.

 

 

Yours sincerely,

Simon Potter

Chief Executive Officer

9 May 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December 2013

 


Note

 

2013

Group

$

 

2012

Group

$

Continuing operations




 

Employee benefit expense

7

(2,041,607)

(2,468,680)

 

Depreciation expense

12

(86,641)

(153,492)

 

Other expenses

8

(3,140,068)

(3,721,786)

 





 

Operating loss


(5,268,316)

(6,343,958)

 





 

Other income


51,208

-

 

Finance income

6

       23,696

       44,272

 





 

Loss before tax


(5,193,412)

(6,299,686)

 





 

Taxation

9

                -

               -

 





 

Total comprehensive loss for the year


(5,193,412)

(6,299,686)

 





 





 





 

Loss per share for loss attributable to owners of the Company:




 

Basic and diluted loss per share (expressed in cents per share)

10

(0.42)

(0.51)

 

 

 

The notes set out below form part of these consolidated Financial Statements.



 

 

Consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2013


Note

2013

Group

$

2012

Group

$

ASSETS








Non-current assets




Intangible exploration and evaluation assets

13

46,369,976

45,716,502

Property, plant and equipment

12

109,135

223,708

Restricted cash

11

165,040

161,738





Total non-current assets


46,644,151

46,101,948





Current assets




Other receivables

15

888,451

999,904

Cash and cash equivalents

14

14,863,287

21,311,937





Total assets


62,395,889

68,413,789





LIABILITIES








Current liabilities




Trade and other payables

16

   378,319

1,278,152





Total liabilities


   378,319

1,278,152





EQUITY








Share capital

17

37,253

37,253

Share premium reserve

17

78,185,102

78,185,102

Merger reserve

17

77,130,684

77,130,684

Reverse acquisition reserve


(53,846,526)

(53,846,526)

 

Share based payment reserve

18

1,781,098

1,705,753

Retained earnings


(41,270,041)

(36,076,629)





Total equity


62,017,570

67,135,637





Total equity and liabilities


62,395,889

68,413,789





 

The Financial Statements set out below were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 9 May 2014 and signed on its behalf by:

 

 

 

                                                                               

Adrian Collins                                                                                      Simon Potter

Director                                                                                                 Director

 

 

 



 

 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year ended 31 December 2013

 


 

 

 

 

Note

 

 

Share capital

$

 

Share premium reserve

$

 

 

Merger reserve

$

 

Reverse acquisition reserve

$

Share based payment reserve

$

 

 

Retained earnings

$

 

 

Total

equity

$

Balance at 1 January 2012


 

37,253

 

78,185,102

 

77,130,684

 

(53,846,526)

 

1,424,164

 

(29,776,943)

 

73,153,734










Comprehensive

income









Total comprehensive loss for the year


 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(6,299,686)

 

 

(6,299,686)










Transactions with owners









Share options - value of services

 

18

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

281,589

 

-

 

281,589










Total transactions with owners


 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

281,589

 

 

-

 

 

281,589










Balance at 31 December 2012


 

37,253

 

78,185,102

 

77,130,684

 

(53,846,526)

 

1,705,753

 

(36,076,629)

 

67,135,637










Balance at 1 January 2013


 

37,253

 

78,185,102

 

77,130,684

 

(53,846,526)

 

1,705,753

 

(36,076,629)

 

67,135,637










Comprehensive income









Total comprehensive loss for the year


 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(5,193,412)

 

 

(5,193,412)










Transactions with owners


















Share options - value of services

 

18

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

75,345

 

-

 

75,345










Total transactions with owners


 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

75,345

 

 

-

 

 

75,345










Balance at 31 December 2013


 

37,253

 

78,185,102

 

77,130,684

 

(53,846,526)

 

1,781,098

 

(41,270,041)

 

62,017,570

 

The notes set out below form part of these consolidated Financial Statements.

 



 

 

Consolidated cash flow statement for the year ended 31 December 2013

 


Note

 

2013

Group

$

 

2012

Group

$

Cash flows from operating activities




Cash used in operations

19

(5,849,231)

(5,542,651)





Net cash used in operating activities


(5,849,231)

(5,542,651)





Cash flows from investing activities




Purchase of property, plant and equipment

12

(15,782)

(97,640)

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment


42,357

32,966

Payments for exploration and evaluation assets

13

(653,474)

(8,646,839)

Decrease/(increase) in restricted cash

11

-

318,735

Other income


51,208

-

Interest received

6

    23,696

      44,272

Net cash used in investing activities


(551,995)

(8,348,506)





Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents


(6,401,226)

(13,891,157)





Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

14

21,311,937

34,976,049





Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents


    (47,424)

    227,045





Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

14

14,863,287

21,311,937





 

 

 

The notes set out below form part of these consolidated Financial Statements.

 


 

Notes to the financial statements

 

1          General information

 

Bahamas Petroleum Company plc ("the Company") and its subsidiaries (together "the Group") is the holder of several oil & gas exploration licences issued by the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

 

The Company is a limited liability company incorporated in the Isle of Man.  The address of its registered office is IOMA House, Hope Street, Douglas, Isle of Man.  The Company's review of operations and principal activities is set out in the Directors' Report.

 

Following simplification of the Group structure during the year to remove legacy holding companies in the Falklands and Jersey, the Company has four directly and eleven indirectly 100% owned subsidiaries as follows:

 

Name

Country of Incorporation

Holding

BPC (A) Limited - Formerly BPC (Cooper) Limited

Isle of Man

100% Direct

BPC (B) Limited - Formerly BPC (Bain) Limited

Isle of Man

100% Direct

BPC (C) Limited - Formerly BPC (Donaldson) Limited

Isle of Man

100% Direct

BPC (D) Limited - Formerly BPC (Eneas) Limited

Isle of Man

100% Direct

BPC Limited

 

Bahamas

100% Indirect

BPC (A) Limited

Bahamas

100% Indirect

BPC (B) Limited

Bahamas

100% Indirect

BPC (C) Limited

Bahamas

100% Indirect

BPC (D) Limited

Bahamas

100% Indirect

Bahamas Offshore Petroleum Ltd

Bahamas

100% Indirect

Island Offshore Petroleum Ltd

Bahamas

100% Indirect

Sargasso Petroleum Ltd

Bahamas

100% Indirect

Privateer Petroleum Ltd

Bahamas

100% Indirect

Columbus Oil & Gas Limited

Bahamas

100% Indirect

Island Petroleum Limited

Bahamas

100% Indirect

 

2          Summary of significant accounting policies

 

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated Financial Statements are set out below.  These policies have been consistently applied to all the periods presented, unless otherwise stated.

 

2.1          Basis of preparation

 

The consolidated Financial Statements of Bahamas Petroleum Company plc (the "Financial Statements") reflect the results and financial position of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2013, have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the European Union ("EU") and IFRIC (International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee) interpretations.  These Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and the requirements of the Isle of Man Companies Acts 1931 to 2004.

 

The preparation of Financial Statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates.  It also requires management to exercise its judgment in the process of applying the Group's accounting policies.  The areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the Financial Statements are disclosed in note 4.


 

Going concern

 

The Directors have, at the time of approving these Financial Statements, determined that the Group has more than adequate financial reserves and therefore these Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes that the Group will be able to meet its liabilities as and when they fall due.  See note 4 for further information.

 

Adoption of new and revised Standards

 

a)            New and amended standards adopted by the Group

 

The following standards have been adopted by the group for the first time for the financial year beginning on or after 1 January 2013.

 

IFRS 13, 'Fair value measurement', aims to improve consistency and reduce complexity by providing a precise definition of fair value and a single source of fair value measurement and disclosure requirements for use across IFRS. The requirements, which are largely aligned between IFRS and US GAAP, do not extend the use of fair value accounting but provide guidance on how it should be applied where its use is already required or permitted by other standards within IFRS or US GAAP. The Group has adopted the new IFRS and it has no material impact on the Group.

 

Amendments to IFRSs 10, 11 and 12 on transition guidance provides additional transition relief to IFRS's 10,11 and 12, limiting the requirement to provide adjusted comparative information to only the preceding comparative period.  The amendments have no impact on the Group.

 

b)           Standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards that are in issue and relevant to the Group but not yet effective or adopted by the EU and have not been early adopted

 

At the date of authorisation of these Financial Statements the following standards and interpretations, which have not been applied in these Financial Statements, were in issue but not yet effective, or in some cases not yet adopted by the EU.

 

IFRS 9, 'Financial instruments', addresses the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. IFRS 9 replaces the parts of IAS 39 that relate to the classification and measurement of financial instruments. IFRS 9 requires financial assets to be classified into two measurement categories: those measured as at fair value and those measured at amortised cost. The determination is made at initial recognition. The classification depends on the entity's business model for managing its financial instruments and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the instrument. For financial liabilities, the standard retains most of the IAS 39 requirements. The main change is that, in cases where the fair value option is taken for financial liabilities, the part of a fair value change due to an entity's own credit risk is recorded in other comprehensive income rather than the income statement, unless this creates an accounting mismatch. The Group is yet to assess IFRS 9's full impact and intends to adopt IFRS 9 no later than the accounting period beginning on or after 1 January 2018, subject to endorsement by the EU. The Group will also consider the impact of the remaining phases of IFRS 9 when completed by the International Accounting Standards Board.

 

IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements', builds on existing principles by identifying the concept of control as the determining factor in whether an entity should be included within the consolidated Financial Statements of the parent company. The standard provides additional guidance to assist in the determination of control where this is difficult to assess. The Group does not expect IFRS 10 to impact the Group and the Group will adopt IFRS 10 no later than the accounting period beginning on or after 1 January 2014, the date it has been endorsed for by the EU.

 

(b)          Standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards that are relevant to the Group but not yet effective and have not been early adopted (continued)

 

               

IFRS 11, 'Joint arrangements', is a more realistic reflection of joint arrangements by focusing on the rights and obligations of the parties to the arrangement rather than its legal form. There are two types of joint arrangement: joint operations and joint ventures. Joint operations arise where a joint operator has rights to the assets and obligations relating to the arrangement and therefore accounts for its share of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Joint ventures arise where the joint venturer has rights to the net assets of the arrangement and therefore equity accounts for its interest. Proportional consolidation of joint ventures is no longer allowed.  IFRS 11 is not expected to impact the Group and the Group intends to adopt IFRS 11 no later than the accounting period beginning on or after 1 January 2014, the date it has been endorsed for by the EU.

 

IFRS 12, 'Disclosures of interests in other entities', includes the disclosure requirements for all forms of interests in other entities, including joint arrangements, associates, special purpose vehicles and other off balance sheet vehicles. The Group does not expect IFRS 12 to impact the Group and the Group will adopt IFRS 12 no later than the accounting period beginning on or after 1 January 2014, the date it has been endorsed for by the EU. 

 

IAS 27 (revised 2011), 'Separate Financial Statements', effective 1 January 2013, includes the requirements relating to separate Financial Statements, following the issue of IFRS 10. The Group is yet to fully assess IAS 27's impact and intends to adopt IAS 27 no later than the accounting period beginning on or after 1 January 2014, the date it has been endorsed for by the EU.

 

IAS 28 (revised 2011), 'Associates and joint ventures' effective 1 January 2013, includes the requirements for associates and joint ventures that have to be equity accounted following the issue of IFRS 11. The Group is yet to fully assess IAS 28's impact and intends to adopt IAS 28 no later than the accounting period beginning on or after 1 January 2014, the date it has been endorsed for by the EU.

 

2.2       Basis of consolidation

 

The consolidated Financial Statements incorporate the Financial Statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries) made up to 31 December each year.  Control is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an investee entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate.

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the Financial Statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used in line with those used by the Group.

All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses (including unrealised gains and losses on transactions between group companies) are eliminated on consolidation.

Changes in the Group's interest in a subsidiary that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions.  Any difference between the amount by which the non-controlling interests are adjusted and the fair

value of the consideration paid or received is recognised directly in equity and attributed to the Group.

 

The Financial Statements consolidate the results, cash flows and assets and liabilities of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary undertakings.

2.3       Operating segments

 

All of the Group's business activities relate to oil & gas exploration activities in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.  The business is managed as one business segment by the chief operating decision maker ("the CODM"), who has been identified as the Chief Executive Officer ("the CEO").  The CODM receives reports at a consolidated level and uses those reports to assess business performance.  It is not possible to assess performance properly using the financial information collected at the subsidiary level.

 

2.4       Foreign currency translation

 

(i)    Functional and presentation currency

 

Items included in the Financial Statements of each of the Group's entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates ("the functional currency").  The consolidated Financial Statements are presented in United States Dollars, which is the functional currency of the Company and all of the Group's entities, and the Group's presentation currency.

 

(ii)   Transactions and balances

 

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions.  Monetary assets and liabilities denoted in foreign currency are translated into the functional currency at exchange rates ruling at the year end.  Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of transactions and from the translation at year end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

 

2.5       Property, plant and equipment

 

Property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less depreciation.  Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. 

 

Subsequent costs are included in the asset's carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably.  All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income during the reporting period in which they are incurred.

 

Depreciation on assets is calculated using the straight‑line method to allocate their cost, net of their residual values, over their estimated useful economic lives, as follows:

 

- Computer equipment

3 years

-  Furniture, fittings and equipment

4 years

-  Motor vehicles

5 years

-  Leasehold improvements

Over the life of the lease

 

The assets' residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date.

 

An asset's carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset's carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount with any impairment charge being taken to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

 

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amount and are recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. 

 

2.6       Intangible assets - exploration and evaluation assets

 

            Exploration and evaluation expenditure incurred which relates to more than one area of interest is allocated across the various areas of interest to which it relates on a proportionate basis.  Exploration and evaluation expenditure incurred by or on behalf of the Group is accumulated separately for each area of interest.  The area of interest adopted by the Group is defined as a petroleum title.

 

            Expenditure in the area of interest comprises direct costs and an appropriate portion of related overhead expenditure, but does not include general overheads or administrative expenditure not linked to a particular area of interest.

 

As permitted under IFRS 6, exploration and evaluation expenditure for each area of interest, other than that acquired from the purchase of another entity, is carried forward as an asset at cost provided that one of the following conditions is met:

·      the costs are expected to be recouped through successful development and exploitation of the area of interest, or alternatively by its sale; or

·      exploration and/or evaluation activities in the area of interest have not, at the reporting date, reached a stage which permits a reasonable assessment of the existence or otherwise of economically recoverable reserves, and active and significant operations in, or in relation to, the area of interest are continuing.

 

Exploration and evaluation expenditure which fails to meet at least one of the conditions outlined above is taken to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.

 

Expenditure is not capitalised in respect of any area of interest unless the Group's right of tenure to that area of interest is current.

Intangible exploration and evaluation assets in relation to each area of interest are not amortised until the existence (or otherwise) of commercial reserves in the area of interest has been determined.

 

2.7       Impairment

 

            In accordance with IFRS 6, exploration and evaluation assets are regularly reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset's carrying value exceeds its recoverable amount.  The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs to sell and value in use.  For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash inflows which are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets (cash-generating units). 

 

2.8       Financial instruments

 

The Group classifies its financial assets in the following categories: at fair value through profit or loss, loans and receivables and available for sale.  The classification depends on the purpose for which the financial assets were acquired.  The classification of financial assets is determined at initial recognition.

 

At 31 December 2013 and 2012 the Group did not have any financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss or classified as available for sale.  Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in any active market.  They are included in current assets, except for those with maturities greater than 12 months after the balance sheet date which are classified as non‑current assets.  Loans and receivables are stated initially at their fair value and subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.  The Group's loans and receivables consist of 'cash and cash equivalents' at variable interest rates, 'restricted cash' and 'other receivables' excluding 'prepayments'.

The Group assesses at the end of each reporting period whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired and impairment losses are incurred only if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a 'loss event') and that loss event or events has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated.

The Group classifies its financial liabilities in the following categories: at fair value through profit or loss and other liabilities.  As at 31 December 2013 and 2012 the Group did not have any financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss.  Other liabilities are recognised initially at fair value and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.  Other liabilities consist of 'trade and other payables'. These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Group prior to the end of financial period which are unpaid.  The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

 

2.9       Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand and deposits held at call with financial institutions with original maturities of three months or less.  For the purposes of the cash flow statement, restricted cash is not included within cash and cash equivalents.

 

2.10     Share capital

 

Ordinary shares are classified as equity.  Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are deducted, net of tax, from the proceeds.  Net proceeds are disclosed in the statement of changes in equity.

 

2.11     Employee benefits

(i)            Wages and salaries, annual leave and sick leave

 

Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non‑monetary benefits, expected to be settled within 12 months of the

reporting date are recognised in other payables in respect of employees' services up to the reporting date and are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled.

 

(ii)           Share based payments

 

Where equity settled share options are awarded to employees or Directors, the fair value of the options at the date of grant is charged to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income over the vesting period.  Non-market vesting conditions are taken into account by adjusting the number of equity instruments expected to vest at each balance sheet date so that, ultimately, the cumulative amount recognised over the vesting period is based on the number of options that eventually vest.  Market vesting conditions are factored into the fair value of the options granted.  As long as all other vesting conditions are satisfied, a charge is made irrespective of whether the market vesting conditions are satisfied.  The cumulative expense is not adjusted for failure to achieve a market vesting condition.

 

Where equity instruments are granted to persons other than employees or Directors, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income is charged with the fair value of goods and services received.

 

(iii)          Bonuses

 

The Group recognises a liability and an expense for bonusesBonuses are approved by the Board and a number of factors are taken into consideration when determining the amount of any bonus payable, including the recipient's existing salary, length of service and merit.  The Group recognises a provision where contractually obliged or where there is a past practice that has created a constructive obligation.

 

(iv)           Pension obligations

 

For defined contribution plans, the Group pays contributions to publicly or privately administered pension insurance plans on a mandatory, contractual or voluntary basis. The Group has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognised as an employee benefit expense when they are due.

 

(v)            Termination benefits

 

Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated by the Group before the normal retirement date, or whenever an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. The Group recognises termination benefits when it is demonstrably committed to a termination and when the entity has a detailed formal plan to terminate the employment of current employees without possibility of withdrawal. Benefits falling due more than 12 months after the end of the reporting period are discounted to their present value.

 

2.12     Interest Income

 

             Interest income is recognised on a time proportion basis using the effective interest method.

 

2.13     Leases

 

            Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are not transferred to the Group as lessee are classified as operating leases.  Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the statement of comprehensive income on a straight‑line basis over the period of the lease.

 

 

3        Financial risk management in respect of financial instruments

 

3.1       Financial risk factors

 

The Group's activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: liquidity, market and credit risk.  The Group's overall risk management programme focuses on minimising potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the Group.

 

Risk management is carried out by the CEO under policies approved by the Board of Directors.  The CEO identifies, evaluates and addresses financial risks in close co‑operation with the Group's management.  The Board provides written principles for overall risk management, as well as written policies covering specific areas, such as mitigating foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk and investing excess liquidity.

(i)            Liquidity risk

 

The Group monitors its rolling cashflow forecasts and liquidity requirements to ensure it has sufficient cash to meet its operational needs.  Surplus cash is invested in interest bearing current accounts and money market deposits.

 

No profit to date  

 

The Group has incurred losses since its inception and it is therefore not possible to evaluate its prospects based on past performance.  Since the Group intends to continue investing in the exploration licences it currently holds an interest in, the Directors anticipate making further losses.  There can be no certainty that the Group will achieve or sustain profitability or achieve or sustain positive cash flows from its activities.

 

Future funding requirements

 

The Group intends to raise funding through the placing of ordinary shares and farm-outs of its licences.  There is no certainty that the Company will be able to raise funding on the equity markets or that the raising of sufficient funds through future farm outs will be possible at all or achievable on acceptable terms.  This could substantially dilute the Group's interest in the licences, however, given the size of the Group's existing holding it would be expected, although there is no guarantee, that the Group will retain a significant equity interest in the licences.

Financial liabilities

The Group's financial liabilities comprise entirely its trade and other payables which all fall due within 1 year.  The Group's payment policy is to settle amounts in accordance with agreed terms which is typically 30 days.

 

(ii)           Market risk

 

Foreign exchange risk

 

The Group operates internationally and therefore is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from currency exposures, primarily with regard to UK Sterling.  The exposure to foreign exchange risk is managed by ensuring that the majority of the Group's assets, liabilities and expenditures are held or incurred in US Dollars, the functional currency of all entities in the Group. At 31 December 2013 the Group held $1,784,266 of cash in UK Sterling (December 2012: $4,178,400) and had an immaterial amount of trade and other payables denominated in UK Sterling.

 

At 31 December 2013, if the US Dollar currency had weakened/strengthened by 10% against UK Sterling with all other variables held constant, post-tax losses for the year would have been reduced/increased by approximately $178,000 (31 December 2012: reduced/increased by $418,000), mainly as a result of foreign exchange gains/losses on translation of UK Sterling denominated bank balances.

 

The Group also has operations denominated in the Bahamian dollar.  As the Bahamian dollar is pegged to the US dollar on a one for one basis these operations do not give rise to any currency exchange exposures.

 

Interest rate risk

 

The Group's exposure to interest rate risk relates to the Group's cash deposits which are linked to short term deposit rates and therefore affected by changes in bank base rates.  At 31 December 2013 and 2012 short term deposit rates were in the range of 0% to 1% and therefore the interest rate risk is not considered significant to the Group.  An increase in interest rate of 0.25% in the year would have had an immaterial effect of the Group's loss for the year.

 

3.1       Financial risk factors (continued)

 

 (iii)         Credit risk

 

Credit risk is managed on a Group basis.  Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents and deposits with banks and financial institutions.  For banks and financial institutions, only independently rated parties with a minimum rating of 'A' are accepted.  In order to mitigate credit risk arising from cash balances the Group holds cash reserves with more than one counterparty.

 

3.2       Capital risk management

 

Capital is defined by the Group as all equity reserves, including share capital and share premium.  The Group's objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group's ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to support the Group's business operations and maximise shareholder value.  The Group is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements.

 

4        Critical accounting estimates and assumptions

 

         The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future.  The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results.  The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

 

             (a)           Going concern

 

These Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes that the Group will be able to meet its liabilities as and when they fall due.

The Directors are of the opinion that the Group has more than adequate financial resources to meet its working capital needs through to the end of 2015 based on cash flow forecasts and the Group's existing liquid cash resources.

The Group's ability to meet its obligations beyond 2015 is dependent on the level of exploration and appraisal activities undertaken.  The next step in the Group's asset development programme requires the drilling of an exploration well on its prospects.  The ability of the Group to discharge this obligation is contingent on the successful completion of a farm in arrangement or equity raise.

 

(b)           Carrying value of exploration expenditure

 

Expenditure of $46,369,976 relating to the cost of exploration licences, geological and geophysical consultancy and seismic data acquisition and interpretation has been capitalised as at 31 December 2013 (2012: $45,716,502). 

Ultimate recoupment of exploration and evaluation assets capitalised is dependent on successful development and commercial exploitation, or alternatively, sale of the respective licence areas.  The carrying value of the Group's exploration and evaluation expenditure is reviewed at each balance sheet date and, if there is any indication that it is impaired, its recoverable amount is estimated.  Estimates of impairment are limited to an assessment by the Directors of any events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be fully recoverable.  Any impairment loss arising is charged to the statement of comprehensive income.

 

On 10 March 2013, the Government of The Bahamas announced its intentions to proceed with oil and gas exploration drilling in Bahamian waters.  In addition, revised environmental regulations are being finalised and adopted which, at the time of this report, the responsible minister is reported as indicating are before the country's cabinet for final review.  Additionally, the Government clarified its intentions for a public consultation on the creation of an oil and gas extraction and production industry, noting that any such consultation process would only take place in the event that commercial reserves of hydrocarbons are discovered in Bahamian waters.  Following this decision, the future recoverability of the Group's intangible assets are contingent upon the discovery of commercial reserves and the presentation of all relevant data before the Government and thus the people of The Bahamas.

 

On 19 July 2013 the Government of The Bahamas confirmed the renewal and extension of the Group's exploration licences in Bahamian waters for at least a further three years.  As part of this renewal, the southern boundaries of the four southern licences were adjusted to conform to the maritime boundary between The Bahamas and Cuba, providing tenure over the full extent of the existing mapped structures.  Under the terms of the renewed licences, the Group is obliged to commence drilling activities by 26 April 2015 for the execution of one well in its four southern licence areas and one well in its Miami licence area.

 

(c)           Share based payments

 

Share based payments comprise equity settled share options granted in prior years to Directors, employees and consultants of the Group.  IFRS 2 requires an estimate of the fair value of all options to be undertaken at the date of grant with a charge being made to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, spread over the expected vesting period of the options.  Fair value is determined using an appropriate pricing model determined by the Directors who also determine that the assumptions applied in the calculation of the fair values of the options are appropriate.  Details of the option model and assumptions used therein are set out in note 18.

The charge for share based payments is calculated in accordance with the analysis described in note 18.  The option valuation models used require highly subjective assumptions to be made including the future volatility of the Company's share price, expected dividend yield, risk-free interest rates and expected staff turnover.  The Directors draw upon a variety of external sources to aid in the determination of the appropriate data to use in such calculations.

5        Segment information

          The Company is incorporated in the Isle of Man.  The total of non-current assets other than financial instruments located in the Isle of Man as at 31 December 2013 is $8,575 (31 December 2012: $14,080), and the total of such non-current assets located in The Bahamas is $46,470,536 (31 December 2012: $45,926,130).

 

6        Finance income


2013

Group

$

2012

Group

$




Finance income - interest income on short-term bank deposits

23,696

    44,272

 

7        Employee benefit expense

 


2013

Group

$

2012

Group

$




Directors and employees salaries and fees (including bonuses)

1,704,240

1,648,897

Social security costs

64,298

54,025

Pension costs - defined contribution

114,487

129,608

Share based payments (see note 18)

75,345

281,589

Other staff costs

83,237

354,561





2,041,607

2,468,680






8          Other expenses

         



2013

Group

$


2012

Group

$






Travel and accommodation


224,367


370,886

Operating lease payments


479,054


546,645

Legal and professional


1,704,724


2,045,470

Net foreign exchange loss/(gain)


61,656


(214,861)

Loss on disposal of fixed assets


1,357


74,049

Other


553,451


668,117






Fees payable to the Company's auditor for the audit of the parent company and consolidated Financial Statements

 

94,319


 

135,676


Fees payable to the Company's auditors for other services:





-  Audit of the parent company's subsidiaries pursuant to legislation

 

-


 

12,759


- Audit related assurance services

13,533


56,094


- Tax advisory services

7,607


19,756


- Other non-audit services

            -


    7,195


Total auditor's remuneration


115,459


231,480






Total other expenses


3,140,068


3,721,786






 

9        Taxation

 

The Company is incorporated and resident in the Isle of Man and subject to Isle of Man income tax at a rate of zero per cent.

 

All other group companies are within the tax free jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Under current Bahamian law, the Bahamian group companies are not required to pay taxes in The Bahamas on income or capital gains.

 

The Company's 100% directly held subsidiary, BPC Jersey Limited, which was wound up in the year, was treated as a zero rated company under the amended Income Tax (Jersey) Law 1961.

 

10      Basic and diluted loss per share

 

             (a)           Basic

 

           Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing the loss attributable to the equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.

 


2013

Group

2012

Group




Loss attributable to equity holders of the Company (US$)

(5,193,412)

(6,299,686)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (number)

1,230,479,096

1,230,479,096

Basic loss per share (US Cents per share)

(0.42)

(0.51)




 

(b)           Diluted

 

Diluted loss per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.  The Company had one category of dilutive potential ordinary shares: share options.  For these share options, a calculation is performed to determine the number of shares that could have been acquired at fair value (determined as the average annual market share price of the Company's shares) based on the monetary value of the subscription rights attached to outstanding share options.  The number of shares calculated as above is compared with the number of shares that would have been issued assuming the exercise of the share options. Share options outstanding at the reporting date were as follows:

 

 


2013

Group

2012

Group




Total share options in issue (number) (see note 18)

61,500,000

69,500,000




The effect of the above share options at 31 December 2013 and 2012 is anti-dilutive; as a result they have been omitted from the calculation of diluted loss per share.

 

 

11      Restricted cash

 


2013

Group

$

2012

Group

$




Non-current assets



Bank deposits

165,040

161,738







Non-current bank deposits consist of funds held as security for Company credit card facilities.

 

12      Property, plant & equipment

 

 

Group

 

Leasehold Improvements

Furniture, fittings and equipment

 

 

Motor Vehicles

 

 

Total


$

$

$

$

At 1 January 2012





Cost

               65,370

                418,928

             287,802

         772,100

Accumulated depreciation

(65,370)

(177,073)

(38,315)

(280,758)






Net book amount

            -

                241,855

             249,487

         491,342











Year ended 31 December 2012

Opening net book amount

 

-

 

241,855

 

249,487

 

491,342

Additions

20,057

77,583

-

97,640

Disposals - cost

-

(177,202)

(104,767)

(281,969)

Depreciation charge

(3,147)

(113,738)

(36,607)

(153,492)

Disposals - accumulated depreciation

           -

    70,187

             -

    70,187






Closing net book amount

16,910

98,685

108,113

223,708

 

At 31 December 2012





Cost

85,427

319,309

183,035

587,771

Accumulated depreciation

(68,517)

(220,624)

(74,922)

(364,063)






Net book amount

16,910

  98,685

108,113

223,708











Year ended 31 December 2013





Opening net book amount

16,910

98,685

108,113

223,708

Additions

-

15,782

-

15,782

Disposals - cost

(29,010)

(104,530)

(96,095)

(229,635)

Depreciation charge

(4,058)

(52,382)

(30,201)

(86,641)

Disposals - accumulated depreciation

 29,010

  104,530

   52,381

185,921






Closing net book amount

12,852

62,085

  34,198

109,135






At 31 December 2013





Cost

56,417

230,561

86,940

373,918

Accumulated depreciation

(43,565)

(168,476)

(52,742)

(264,783)






Net book amount

12,852

62,085

34,198

109,135






            


 

13      Intangible exploration and evaluation assets

 

Group


 

 

 

Licence costs

Geological, Geophysical and Technical Analysis

 

 

 

Total



$

$

$

Year ended 31 December 2012





Opening cost / net book amount


1,793,750

37,133,628

38,927,378

Additions


287,500

6,501,624

6,789,124






Closing cost / net book amount


2,081,250

43,635,252

45,716,502











Year ended 31 December 2013





Opening cost / net book amount


2,081,250

43,635,252

45,716,502

Additions


               -

     653,474

     653,474






Closing cost / net book amount


2,081,250

44,288,726

46,369,976

 

Ultimate recoupment of intangible exploration and evaluation assets capitalised is dependent on successful development and commercial exploitation, or alternatively, sale of the respective licence areas (note 4(b)).

These assets are reviewed for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  At present the Directors do not believe any such impairment indicators are present (note 4(b)).

 

14      Cash and cash equivalents


2013

Group

2012

Group


$

$




Cash at bank

14,863,287

21,311,937




             The 2013 balance includes interest bearing accounts at rates between 0% and 1% (2012: 0% to 1%).

 

 

15      Other receivables

 


2013

Group

2012

Group


$

$




Other receivables (note (a))

90,620

143,948

Prepayments (note (b))

797,831

855,956





888,451

999,904




          (a)           Other receivables

 

As at 31 December 2013 and 2012, these amounts predominantly consist of VAT recoverable.  

 

(b)           Prepayments

 

As at 31 December 2013 prepayments include $500,000 (2012: $500,000) in application fees paid to the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas for additional exploration licences, pending award.  In the event that the Group's applications are unsuccessful, 50% of this amount is refundable to the Group.  No provision has been made in the consolidated Financial Statements to write down the carrying value of these prepayments in the event that the applications are unsuccessful.



 

16      Trade and other payables

 


2013

Group

2012

Group


$

$




Accruals

216,069

500,170

Trade payables

154,250

769,124

Other payables

    8,000

      8,858





378,319

1,278,152

 

 

17      Share capital, share premium and merger reserve

 



Number of shares

 

 

Issue price

 

 

Ordinary shares

 

 

Share premium reserve

 

Merger reserve

 

 

 

Group



$

$

$

$








 

 

At 1 January 2012


 

 

1,230,479,096

 

 

-

 

     

37,253

 

 

  78,185,102

 

 

77,130,684








At 31 December 2012 and 31 December 2013


 

1,230,479,096

 

-

 

37,253

 

78,185,102

 

77,130,684








 

The total authorised number of ordinary shares at 31 December 2013 and 2012 was 5,000,000,000 shares with a par value of 0.002p per share.

 

All issued shares of 0.002 pence are fully paid.

 

 

18      Share based payments

Share options have been granted to Directors, selected employees and consultants to the Company.   

The Group had no legal or constructive obligation to repurchase or settle any options in cash.  Movements in the number of share options outstanding during the year are as follows:

 

 

 


2013

Group 

 

2012

Group 

Average exercise price per share No. Options Average exercise price per share No. Options






At beginning of year

17.77p

69,500,000

16.10p

21,500,000

Granted

-

-

18.51p

48,000,000

Relinquished

18.75p

(8,000,000)

         -

               -

At end of year

17.64p

61,500,000

17.77p

69,500,000

 

Exercisable at end of year

 

21.25p

 

6,750,000

 

21.25p

 

6,750,000

 

On 2 April 2012 the Company granted 48,000,000 share options to Directors and management.  1,000,000 options have an exercise price of 7.4 pence, an expiry period of 5 years and become exercisable should the Company share price reach 18.75 pence per share.  The remaining 47,000,000 options carry the following terms:

 

·      14,000,000 become exercisable on (a) the conclusion of a suitable farm in agreement to allow the drilling of an exploration well or (b) the securing of independent finance to drill an exploration well;

·      9,000,000 become exercisable following the spudding of the first exploration well;

·      24,000,000 become exercisable in the event of a corporate sale of the Company at a price per share equal to or exceeding 37.5 pence;

·      All 47,000,000 of these options have an exercise price of 18.75 pence and an expiry period of 5 years.

 

All 48,000,000 options require the option holder to remain in office, with the provision for this service requirement to be waived at the discretion of the Company.  In the event that the option holder ceases to hold office during the exercise period, the survivability of the options is at the explicit discretion of the Board of Directors.

 

The fair value of the options granted in the prior year is estimated using the Black Scholes model or, where there are market based vesting conditions, the Black Scholes Barrier model.  The inputs and assumptions used in calculating the fair value of options granted in the prior year were as follows:

 


2 April 2012


Tranche 1

Tranche 2

Tranche 3

Tranche 4

Number of options granted

1,000,000

14,000,000

9,000,000

24,000,000

Share price at date of grant

10.75p

10.75p

10.75p

10.75p

Exercise price

7.4p

18.75p

18.75p

18.75p

Expected volatility

25%

25%

25%

25%

Expected life

1.1 years

1.1 years

1.1 years

indeterminate

Risk free return

1.08%

1.08%

1.08%

1.08%

Dividend yield

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Hurdle rate

18.75p

n/a

n/a

37.5p

Fair value per option-tranche 1

0.17p

0.02p

0.02p

indeterminate

Fair value per option-tranche 2

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

 

Expected volatility was based on an assessment of the volatility of the share price of the Company and a selection of its peers over a period consistent with the expected life of the options.  The weighted average remaining contractual life of the options in issue at 31 December 2013 is 3.0 years (31 December 2012: 4.0 years).  The exercise price of these options range from 7.4 pence per share to 21.25 pence per share.

 

The tranche 4 options granted in the prior year only vest and become exercisable in the event of a corporate sale of the Company at a price per share equal to or exceeding 37.5 pence.  As the likelihood of such a transaction cannot be deemed to be probable at the reporting date, the number of options expected to vest has been assessed as zero and therefore no charge for this tranche has been recognised in these Financial Statements.  Consequently, no expected life or fair value for these options has been determined. 

 

On 3 July 2013, 8 million options granted on 2 April 2012 were forfeited as follows:

 

·      4 million share options becoming exercisable on (a) the conclusion of a suitable farm in agreement to allow the drilling of a well or (b) the securing of independent finance for the drilling of a well (tranche 2).

·      4 million share options becoming exercisable in the event of a corporate sale of the Company at a price per share equal to or exceeding 37.5 pence each (tranche 4).

 

No adjustment has been made to the share based payments reserve or charge for the year following the above forfeitures.

 

Expense arising from share based payment transactions

 

Total expense arising from equity-settled share based payment transactions:

 


2013

Group

2012

Group


$

$

 

Expense in relation to share options

 

   75,345

 

281,589

 

19      Cash used in operations

 


2013

Group

2012

Group


$

$




Loss after income tax

(5,193,412)

(6,299,686)

Adjustments for:



- Depreciation (note 12)

86,641

153,492

- Share based payment (note 18)

75,345

281,589

- Finance income (note 6)

(23,696)

(44,272)

- Other income

(51,208)

-

- Loss on disposal of fixed assets

1,357

74,049

- Non-cash staff benefits (note 21)

-

104,767

- Foreign exchange loss/(gain) on operating activities (note 8)

61,656

(214,861)

Changes in working capital:



- Other receivables

115,676

(22,870)

- Trade and other payables

(921,590)

    425,141

 

Cash used in operations

 

(5,849,231)

 

(5,542,651)




 

20      Contingencies and commitments

 

             (i)            Contingencies

            

As at 31 December 2013, the Group had entered into a contract with Royal Fidelity Merchant Bank and Trust Limited for services in connection with the creation of a Bahamian Depository Receipt facility.  Fees payable under this contract totalling $285,000 are contingent on completion of the facility, which had not taken place as at 31 December 2013.  Consequently, this contingent liability has not been recognised in these Financial Statements.

 

             (ii)           Expenditure commitments

 

As at 31 December 2013 the Group had discharged all of its work obligations under the terms of the existing exploration licence period.

 

The formal terms of the Group's original exploration licences required the spudding of one well in the southern licence area and one well in the Miami licence area by 26 April 2013.  On 19 July 2013 confirmation was provided by the Ministry of Environment to the Group that its exploration licences had been renewed and extended, with the revised well obligation deadline being 26 April 2015.

 

(iii)          Annual rental commitments

 

The Group is required under the exploration licences to remit annual rentals in advance to the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in respect of the licenced areas.   

 

During the year the Group's exploration licences were renewed for a further three years with the effective commencement date for the new three year term being the date of execution of the renewed licences by The Governor General of The Bahamas.  As at 31 December 2013 the formal execution of the renewed licences had not yet taken place and, as a consequence, no licence rental fees have been paid or accrued during the calendar year.  Under the renewed terms, the licences attract a rental fee of $250,000 per licence per annum, totalling $1,250,000 annually for all five licences held by the Group.  Prepaid rentals submitted to the Bahamian Government in 2012 totalling $287,500 have been agreed as offsetable against the above rental obligation, giving rise to a net cash payable of $962,500.

 

             The Group leases various premises under non-cancellable operating lease agreements.  The leases have varying terms and renewal rights.

 

The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

 


2013

Group

2012

Group


$

$




No later than 1 year

291,300

543,300

Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years

544,050

860,850


 

835,350

 

1,404,150



During the year the Group entered into a two year lease to sublet a portion of the Nassau office building, which had been unutilised, for $48,000 per annum.  On 1 January 2014 the Group entered into a four year lease to sublet the remainder of the unutilised office space for $48,000 per annum.  The above minimum lease payment obligations are shown gross of this income source which is recognised as Other Income in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year.

 

 

21      Related party transactions

         

             Key Management Personnel

 

             Details of key management personnel during the current and prior year are as follows:

 

            

Adrian Collins

Non-Executive Chairman

Simon Potter

Director and Chief Executive Officer

Ross McDonald

Non-Executive Director

Steven Weyel

Non-Executive Director

Edward Shallcross

Dursley Stott

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director - Resigned in the prior year

 

 

             Key Management Compensation

            


2013

Group

2012

Group


$

$




Short term employee benefits

1,396,709

1,734,780

Share based payments (see note 18)

     75,345

    57,154





1,472,054

1,791,934

               

 

          Key Management Compensation

 

During the prior year, non recurring amounts totalling $167,424 were reimbursed to Simon Potter for relocation costs and expat benefits following his appointment as CEO of the Company.  These amounts have been included above under short term employee benefits.

 

During the prior year, ownership of a Company motor vehicle, which had been purchased in 2011 for $104,767, was transferred to Simon Potter for $nil consideration as part of his remuneration package.

 

Simon Potter's key remunerative terms as Chief Executive Officer of the Company are as follows:

 

·           Annual salary of $1,000,000 with minimum CPI indexation.

·           Mr Potter is entitled to receive pension contributions from the Company equal to 10% of his annual salary.

·           The term of the contract expires on 16 October 2017.  Benefits arising from termination during the term range from nil to payment of salary over the full term, depending on the circumstances surrounding termination.                           

 

During the year, Simon Potter was provided with housing in Nassau, The Bahamas for his exclusive use at a cost to the Company of $144,000 (2012: $172,000).  These amounts have been recognised in the Financial Statements as premises expenses under the categorisation "other costs".

 

 

Directors' remuneration

 


2013

Group

2012

Group


$

$

Simon Potter;



   - Salary

1,000,000

1,000,000

   - Pension benefits

96,122

120,834

   - Relocation and travel costs

               -

   301,195

Total

1,096,122

1,422,029

Adrian Collins

101,940

100,868

Ross McDonald

66,038

49,840

Dursley Stott

-

26,075

Edward Shallcross

78,225

79,062

Steven Weyel

54,384

56,906

Total

1,396,709

1,734,780

 

Share options granted to Directors during the prior year are as follows:

 


Number of options granted

Exercise price per Ordinary Share

 

Date of Grant

 

Simon Potter

 

35,000,000

 

18.75p

 

2 April 2012

Ross McDonald

1,000,000

7.40p

2 April 2012

 

 

 

 

Details of share options granted are disclosed in note 18 to these Financial Statements.

 

Other related party transactions

 

During the year, disbursements totalling $1,000 were reimbursed to Royal Fidelity Merchant Bank & Trust.  Ross McDonald, a director of the Company, is also a director of Royal Fidelity Merchant Bank & Trust.  During the prior year, $50,000 was paid to Royal Fidelity Merchant Bank & Trust as an engagement fee for the provision of depository services relating to the Company's future Bahamian Depository Receipt programme. 

 

During the year the Company operated banking facilities with RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited in Nassau, The Bahamas.  Ross McDonald, a director of the Company, is also a director of RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited.   As at 31 December 2013, $50,300 was held on deposit with RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited (31 December 2012: $329,316).

 


Parent Company Independent Auditor's Report

 

Independent auditor's report to the members of Bahamas Petroleum Company plc

 

Report on the Financial Statements

We have audited the parent company Financial Statements of Bahamas Petroleum Company plc which comprise the balance sheet as at 31 December 2013 and the parent company statement of changes in equity and parent company cash flow statement for the year then ended and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes. 

 

Directors' Responsibility for the Financial Statements

The Directors are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these Financial Statements in accordance with applicable Isle of Man law and International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union, 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.

 

Auditor's Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these Financial Statements based on our audit. This report, including the opinion, has been prepared for and only for the company's members as a body in accordance with Section 15 of the Isle of Man Companies Act 1982 and for no other purpose.  We do not, in giving this opinion, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing. Those Standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the Financial Statements are free from material misstatement.

 

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the Financial Statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the Financial Statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation of the Financial Statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control.  An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the Directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the Financial Statements.

 

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

 

Opinion

In our opinion:

·      the parent company Financial Statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of the company as at 31 December 2013, and of its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Isle of Man Companies Act 1982; and

·      the parent company Financial Statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Isle of Man Companies Acts 1931 to 2004

 

Emphasis of Matter

We draw attention to note 3 to the parent company Financial Statements which describes the uncertainty related to the future recoverability of the parent company's investment in subsidiaries and loans to Group undertakings. Our opinion is not qualified in respect of this matter.

 

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Isle of Man Companies Acts 1931 to 2004 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

·      proper books of account have not been kept by the parent company or, proper returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or

·      the parent company's balance sheet is not in agreement with the books of account and returns; or

·      we have not received all the information and explanations necessary for the purposes of our audit; and

·      certain disclosures of Directors' loans and remuneration specified by law have not been complied with.

 

Other Matters

We have reported separately on the consolidated Financial Statements of Bahamas Petroleum Company plc for the year ended 31 December 2013.  That report includes an emphasis of matter.

 

 

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC

Chartered Accountants

Douglas, Isle of Man

9 May 2014



 

Parent company balance sheet as at 31 December 2013

 


 

 

Note

2013 Company

$

2012 Company

$

ASSETS








Non-current assets




Investment in subsidiary

7

29,560,465

29,560,456

Other receivables

8

52,058,973

48,190,260

Property, plant and equipment

6

8,575

14,081

Restricted cash

5

165,040

     161,738







81,793,053

77,926,535





Current assets




Other receivables

8

235,473

271,109

Cash and cash equivalents

9

14,812,600

20,988,272







15,048,073

21,259,381





Total assets


96,841,126

99,185,916





LIABILITIES








Current liabilities




Trade and other payables

10

322,556

    1,025,460





Total liabilities


322,556

    1,025,460





EQUITY








Share capital

11

37,253

37,253

Share premium reserve

11

78,185,102

78,185,102

Other reserve

11

29,535,159

29,535,159

Share based payments reserve

12

1,411,054

1,335,709

Retained earnings


(12,649,998)

(10,932,767)





Total equity


96,518,570

   98,160,456





Total equity and liabilities


96,841,126

   99,185,916

 

The Financial Statements set out below were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 9 May 2014 and signed on its behalf by:

 

 

 

 

______________                                                                               ______________

Adrian Collins                                                                                      Simon Potter

Director                                                                                                  Director

 

 



 

Parent company statement of changes in equity for the year ended 31 December 2013

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Share capital

 

 

Share premium

 

 

Other Reserve

Share based payment reserve

 

 

Retained earnings

 

 

Total equity


Note

$

$

$

$

$

$









Balance at 1 January 2012


 

37,253

 

78,185,102

 

29,535,159

 

1,054,120

 

(8,629,939)

 

100,181,695









Comprehensive income:








Total comprehensive loss for the year

 

4

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(2,302,828)

 

 

(2,302,828)









Transactions with owners








Share options - value of service

 

12

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

281,589

 

-

 

281,589



 

-

 

-

 

-

 

281,589

 

-

 

281,589

Total transactions with owners








Balance at 31 December 2012


 

37,253

 

78,185,102

 

29,535,159

 

1,335,709

 

(10,932,767)

 

98,160,456









Balance at 1 January 2013


 

37,253

 

78,185,102

 

29,535,159

 

1,335,709

 

(10,932,767)

 

98,160,456









Comprehensive income:








Total comprehensive loss for the year

 

4





 

 

(1,717,231)

 

 

(1,717,231))









Total Comprehensive Income






(1,717,231)

(1,717,231)









Transactions with owners








Share options - value of service

 

12




 

75,345


 

75,345









Total transactions with owners





 

 

75,345


 

 

75,345









Balance at 31 December 2013


 

37,253

 

78,185,102

 

29,535,159

 

1,411,054

 

(12,649,998)

 

96,518,570

 

The accompanying notes set out below form part of these Financial Statements.



 

Parent company cash flow statement for the year ended 31 December 2013

 


 

 

Note

 

2013 Company

$

 

2012 Company

$





Cash flows from operating activities




Cash used in operations

13

(2,277,547)

(1,936,196)





Net cash used in operating activities


(2,277,547)

(1,936,196)





Cash flows from investing activities




Purchase of property, plant and equipment


(5,684)

(3,784)

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment


-

2,966

Interest received


23,696

44,272

Decrease in restricted cash


-

318,735

Advances to and payments on behalf of group companies


(3,868,713)

(12,640,821)





Net cash used in investing activities


(3,850,701)

(12,278,632)









Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents


(6,128,248)

(14,214,828)





Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year


20,988,272

34,976,049





Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents


(47,424)

      227,051





Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year


14,812,600

 20,988,272

 

The accompanying notes set out below form part of these Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 


1        General information

Bahamas Petroleum Company plc ("the Company") and its subsidiaries (together "the Group") are the holders of several oil & gas exploration licences issued by the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

 

The Company is a limited liability company incorporated and domiciled in the Isle of Man.  The address of its registered office is IOMA House, Hope Street, Douglas, Isle of Man.  The Company's review of operations and principal activities is set out in the Directors' Report.

 

The accounting reference date of the Company is 31 December. 

 

 

2        Accounting policies

 

2.1       Basis of preparation

 

            The Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as adopted by the European Union ("EU") and IFRIC (International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee) interpretations.  The Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and the requirements of the Isle of Man Companies Acts 1931 to 2004.

 

            The Company's accounting policies and information regarding changes in accounting policies and disclosures are in line with those of the Group, as detailed in note 2 of the consolidated Financial Statements, in addition to those set out below.

 

             Going concern

 

            The Directors have, at the time of approving the Financial Statements, determined that the Company has more than adequate financial resources and therefore these Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which assumes that the Company will be able to meet its liabilities as and when they fall due.  See note 4 in the consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

 

2.2       Investment in subsidiaries

 

             Investments in subsidiaries are included in the Company balance sheet at cost less any provision for impairment.

 

3        Critical accounting estimates and assumptions

 

Investment in subsidiary and loans to Group undertakings

The investment in the Company's direct subsidiaries and loans to Group undertakings at 31 December 2013 stood at $29,560,465 (2012: $29,560,456) and $52,058,973 (2012: $48,190,260) respectively. 

Ultimate recoverability of investments in subsidiaries and loans to Group undertakings is dependent on successful development and commercial exploitation, or alternatively, sale of the respective licence areas.  The carrying values of the Company's investments in subsidiaries and loans to Group undertakings are reviewed at each balance sheet date and, if there is any indication that they are impaired, their recoverable amount is estimated.  Estimates of impairments are limited to an assessment by the Directors of any events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that the carrying values of the assets may not be fully recoverable.  Any impairment losses arising are charged to the statement of comprehensive income.

 

On 10 March 2013, the Government of The Bahamas announced its intentions to proceed with oil and gas exploration drilling in Bahamian waters. In addition, revised environmental regulations are being finalised and adopted which, at the time of this report, the responsible minister is reported as indicating are before the country's cabinet for final review.  Additionally, the government clarified its intentions for a public consultation on the creation of an oil and gas extraction and production industry, noting that any such consultation process would only take place in the event that commercial reserves of hydrocarbons are discovered in Bahamian waters.  

 

On 19 July 2013 the Government of The Bahamas confirmed the renewal and extension of the Group's exploration licences in Bahamian waters for at least a further three years.  As part of this renewal, the southern boundaries of the four southern licences were adjusted to conform to the maritime boundary between The Bahamas and Cuba, providing tenure over the full extent of the existing mapped structures.  Under the terms of the renewed licences, the Group is obliged to commence drilling activities by 26 April 2015 for the execution of one well in its four southern licence areas and one well in its Miami licence area.

  

 

4          Loss attributable to members of the parent company

 

         The loss dealt with in the Financial Statements of the Company for the year to 31 December 2013 is $1,717,231 (2012: $2,302,828).  As permitted by part 1 section 3(5) of the Isle of Man Companies Act 1982, the Company has elected not to present its own statement of comprehensive income for the year.

 

 

5        Restricted cash

 

Restricted cash balances for the Company are the same as those for the Group.  Please see note 11 to the consolidated Financial Statements for more details.

 

 

6        Property, plant and equipment

 

Company

Leasehold Improvements

Furniture, fittings and equipment

 

Motor Vehicles

 

 

Total


$

$

$

$

Year ended 31 December 2012

 

Opening net book amount

-

31,331

104,767

136,098

Additions

-

3,784

-

3,784

Disposals - cost

-

(8,402)

(104,767)

(113,169)

Depreciation charge

-

(15,627)

-

(15,627)

Disposals - accumulated depreciation

       -

    2,995

              -

2,995






Closing net book amount

       -

  14,081

              -

14,081






As at 31 December 2012





Cost

29,010

49,659

-

78,669

Accumulated depreciation

(29,010)

(35,578)

             -

(64,588)






Net book amount

            -

  14,081

             -

14,081











Year ended 31 December 2013

 





Opening net book amount

-

14,081

-

14,081

Additions

-

5,684

-

5,684

Disposals - cost

(29,010)

-

-

(29,010)

Depreciation charge

-

(11,190)

-

(11,190)

Disposals - accumulated depreciation

  29,010

             -

            -

  29,010






Closing net book amount

            -

    8,575

            -

   8,575






As at 31 December 2013





Cost

-

55,343

-

55,343

Accumulated depreciation

           -

(46,768)

            -

(46,768)






Net book amount

           -

    8,575

            -

    8,575






 

 



 

7        Investment in subsidiary

 



2013 Company

$

2012 Company

$









BPC (A) Limited - Formerly BPC (Cooper) Limited


29,560,456

-

BPC (B) Limited - Formerly BPC (Bain) Limited


3

-

BPC (C) Limited - Formerly BPC (Donaldson) Limited


3

-

BPC (D) Limited - Formerly BPC (Eneas) Limited


3

-

BPC Jersey Limited


                -

29,560,456



29,560,465

29,560,456

 

On 19 October 2013 BPC Jersey Limited assigned its Group undertakings to BPC (A) Limited, BPC (B) Limited, BPC (C) Limited and BPC (D) Limited ("the Isle of Man subsidiaries") and underwent members voluntary winding up, with no distribution being made to the Company.  As a consequence, the investment in BPC Jersey Limited was transferred in the year to BPC (A) Limited.

 

 

8        Other receivables

            



2013 Company

$

2012 Company

$





Non-current assets




Amount owing by group undertakings


52,058,973

48,190,260





Current assets




Prepayments


146,403

129,131

Trade and other receivables


89,070

    141,978



 

235,473

 

    271,109

 

             Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand.  The Directors have agreed that repayment of these amounts will not be called on within 12 months of the reporting date.

 

 

9        Cash and cash equivalents

 



2013 Company

$

2012 Company

$





Cash at bank


14,812,600

20,988,272

         

          The 2013 and 2012 balances include interest bearing accounts at rates between 0% and 1%.

 

 

10      Trade and other payables



2013 Company

$

2012 Company

$





Accruals


168,297

247,474

Trade payables


139,642

769,124

Other payables


14,617

      8,862







322,556

1,025,460

 



 

11      Share capital, share premium and other reserve



 

 

Number of shares

 

 

Ordinary shares

 

Share premium reserve

 

 

Other reserve

 

 

 

Total

Company


$

$

$

$

$








At 1 January 2012


1,230,479,096

37,253

78,185,102

29,535,159

107,757,514















At 31 December 2012 and 2013


1,230,479,096

37,253

78,185,102

29,535,159

107,757,514















All issued shares are fully paid.

 

The authorised share capital of the Company is 5,000,000,000 ordinary shares of 0.002 pence each.

 

The Other reserve balance arises from the issue of shares in the Company as part of the Scheme of Arrangement undertaken in 2010, which saw the shares in the then Parent Company BPC Limited replaced with shares in Bahamas Petroleum Company plc (then BPC plc), which became the new Parent Company of the Group. 

 

 

12      Share based payments

 

Share based payments for the Company are the same as those for the Group.  For further details please see note 18 to the consolidated Financial Statements.

 

13      Cash used in operations


2013

Company

$

2012

Company

$




Loss before income tax

(1,717,231)

(2,302,828)

Adjustments for:



- Depreciation (note 6)

11,190

15,627

- Finance income

(23,696)

(44,272)

- Foreign exchange loss/(gain) on operating activities

61,656

(214,924)

- Share based payment (consolidated Financial Statements note 18)

75,345

281,589

- Loss on disposal of fixed assets

-

2,441

- Non cash staff benefits (consolidated Financial Statements note 21)

-

104,767

Changes in working capital:



- Other receivables

39,857

48,960

- Trade and other payables

(724,668)

     172,444




Cash used in operations

(2,277,547)

(1,936,196)




 

14      Related party transactions

 

During the year, goods and services totalling $3,509,333 (2012: $12,629,865) were charged by the Company to BPC Limited in The Bahamas, the 100% indirectly owned subsidiary of the Company.

 

During the year, goods and services totalling $6,620 (2012: $10,956) were charged by the Company to BPC Jersey Limited, the 100% directly owned subsidiary of the Company.  During the year an intercompany loan payable to BPC Jersey Limited totalling $352,760 was forgiven ahead of this subsidiary being dissolved.

 

All other related party transactions of the Company are the same as those for the Group.  For further details see note 21 to the consolidated Financial Statements.


This information is provided by RNS
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