logo-loader
RNS
Zoltav Resources Inc

Zoltav Resources Inc - Final Results

RNS Number : 4622D
Zoltav Resources Inc
27 April 2017
 

Embargoed: 0700hrs 27 April 2017

 

Zoltav Resources Inc.

("Zoltav" or the "Company")

 

Final Results for the Year Ended 31 December 2016

 

Zoltav (AIM:ZOL), the Russia-focused oil and gas exploration and production company, announces final results for the year ended 31 December 2016 showing a 17% increase in revenues and the Company's first annual net profit. The Company has adopted RUB as its reporting currency going forward, reflecting its currency of operation.

 

Financial Highlights

 

·    Revenues from production increased by 17% to RUB 1,989 million (USD 29.7 million) (2015: RUB 1,697 million or USD 28.1 million) 

·    Zoltav delivered its first annual net profit of RUB 97 million (USD 1.4 million) (2015: RUB 247 million loss or USD 4.0 million loss) 

·    Operating profit increased 539% to RUB 441 million (USD 6.6 million) (2015: RUB 69 million or USD 1.1 million) 

·    Total cost of sales reduced by 1.5% to RUB 1,155 million (USD 17.2 million) (2015: RUB 1,172 million or USD 19.5 million) 

·    Significant reduction in G&A costs of 38% to RUB 299 million (USD 4.5 million) (2015: RUB 482 million or USD 7.9 million), mostly driven by staff reduction and optimisation of consultancy and administrative fees 

·    Reduced borrowings further through repayment of RUB 360 million of PJSC Sberbank debt (USD 5.4 million) reducing the principal amount to RUB 1,860 million (USD 30.7 million) at 31 December 2016  

·    Net cash generated from operating activities increased by 151% to RUB 719 million (USD 10.7 million) (2015: RUB 286 million or USD 4.3 million) 

·    Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2016 of RUB 294 million (USD 4.8 million) (31 December 2015: RUB 429 million or USD 5.9 million) 

·    The Group has sufficient liquidity to fund its investment programme on the Western Fields at Bortovoy and its development plans at Koltogor at least through to the end of 2018 

Operational Highlights - Bortovoy Licence

 

·    Zoltav operated the Western Gas Plant at Bortovoy at an increased capacity of 9,137 boe/d (1,296 toe/d) (2015: 8,853 boe/d (1,256 toe/d))

Average daily gas production increased by 2.4% to 47.7 mmcf/d (1.35 mmcm/d) (2015: 46.6 mmcf/d (1.32 mmcm/d))

·    Further operational performance enhancements achieved including efficient and continuous working of gas compressors and optimisation of current well stock production regime 

·    Commenced 3D seismic programme in September 2016 over Devonian structure in North Mokrousovskoye field - interpretation expected to be completed in Q3 2017 

·    Zhdanovskoye Wells 19 and 103 were put into operation in early September 2016, two months ahead of schedule, providing an additional combined 386.2 mmcf (10.94 mmcm) of gas volume 

·    Zhdanovskoye Well 108 completed in January 2017 in line with the Company's strategy to maintain full plant capacity

Operational Highlights - Koltogor Licences

·    Rosnedra, the federal government body, confirmed the discovery of the West Koltogor oil field on Koltogor Exploration Licence 10 and issued an E&P licence covering that area through to March 2036

 

·    The Company is currently considering different options for the commercialisation of the Koltogor assets including partnerships

 

Corporate Highlights

·    Changes to board composition during 2016 and post year-end:

Alastair Ferguson (Executive Chairman), Stephen Lowden (Senior Independent Non-executive Director) and Andrey Komarov (Executive Director) did not stand for re-election at the 2016 AGM (Andrey Komarov continues in an executive management position)

Lea Verny appointed as Independent Non-executive Director on 22 December 2016 and subsequently as Independent Non-executive Chairman on 22 March 2017 

·     Kirill Suetov appointed as Group Director of Finance on 1 January 2017

 

Lea Verny, Independent Non-executive Chairman, commented:

"The continuing efforts to generate operational efficiencies at the Western Gas Plant and to reduce costs across the Group have resulted in an outstanding set of financial results which show a 17% increase in revenues to RUB 1,989 million (USD 29.7 million) (2015: RUB 1,697 million or USD 28.1 million) and the Company's first annual net profit of RUB 97 million (USD 1.4 million) (2015: RUB 247 million loss or USD 4.0 million loss).

"Our focus continues to be on both maintaining full plant capacity through the implementation of optimal production enhancement activities to increase economic effectiveness; and on generating the maximum value from our existing assets, where there is scope to significantly increase our reserves."

The full annual report is available to download from the investor relations section of the Company's website at www.zoltav.com.

Enquiries:

Zoltav Resources Inc.

Tel. +44 (0)20 7830 9704

Lea Verny, Non-executive Chairman

(via Vigo Communications)



SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP (Nomad and Joint Broker)

Tel. +44 (0)20 3470 0470

John Mackay, Jeff Keating, Soltan Tagiev




Panmure Gordon (Joint Broker)

Tel. +44 (0)20 7886 2500

Adam James or Tom Salvesen




Vigo Communications

Tel. +44 (0)20 7830 9704

Patrick d'Ancona or Ben Simons

zoltav@vigocomms.com

 

About Zoltav

Zoltav is an oil and gas exploration and production company focused on Russia.

Zoltav holds the Bortovoy Licence in the Saratov region of South Western Russia, a 3,215 square kilometre area along the northern margin of the Pre-Caspian basin, one of the largest hydrocarbon basins in the CIS.

The Bortovoy Licence contains a number of productive gas fields, a processing plant and significant exploration prospectivity. It holds Proved plus Probable reserves of 750 bcf (21.3 bcm) of gas and 3.8 mmbbls (484 mT) of oil and condensate. In 2016, the Bortovoy Licence produced approximately 3.3 mmboe (450 mToe).

Zoltav also holds the Koltogor E&P Licence, a 528 square kilometre area in the Khantiy-Mansisk Autonomous Okrug of Western Siberia, one of Russian's most prolific oil producing regions. The Koltogor E&P Licence contains the Koltogor oil field with Proved plus Probable reserves of 79.2 mmboe (10.8 mToe).

Additionally, Zoltav holds Koltogor E&P Licence 10, a 167 square kilometre area due west of the Koltogor E&P Licence, containing the West Koltogor oil field.

For further information on Zoltav or to sign up for our news alert service visit: www.zoltav.com.

 

Financial Report

 

Chairman's statement

 

Notwithstanding the challenging economics of the oil and gas industry throughout 2016, I am pleased to present an outstanding set of financial results for Zoltav which show a 17% increase in revenues to RUB 1,989 million (2015: RUB 1,697 million) and the Company's first annual net profit of RUB 97 million (2015: RUB 247 million loss). This is derived from a 3% increase in daily production compared to 2015 and a significant reduction of almost 6% in the production cost per barrel of oil equivalent. The Company has elected to adopt RUB as its reporting currency going forward, consistent with Zoltav's currency of operation.

 

Our Western Gas Plant was operated at an increased capacity of 9,137 boe/d (1,296 toe/d) compared to 8,853 boe/d (1,256 toe/d) in 2015. Cost cutting initiatives enabled the Company to increase EBITDA margin from 26% to 43% and maintain a positive operating cash flow throughout the period.

 

Our focus continues to be on maintaining full plant capacity through the implementation of optimal production enhancement activities to increase economic effectiveness. We have undertaken an extensive programme of cost optimisation at Bortovoy, which we believe will produce further benefits in the current year and beyond.

 

Zoltav is developing an appraisal strategy to capitalise on the Devonian structure in both the undeveloped Western fields and in the Eastern fields of the Bortovoy Licence. The interpretation of 3D seismic data currently being acquired will enable the Company to develop its drilling strategy to target the Devonian structure.

 

At Koltogor, we completed a number of exploration-related tasks. In particular, as a result of the work undertaken to open up the West Koltogor oil field on Koltogor Exploration Licence 10, we were able to convert this in March 2016 into an Exploration and Production Licence valid through to March 2036. We will, in the future, look to bring a partner into Koltogor to assist in its commercialisation.

 

Zoltav's strategic objective remains that of generating the maximum value from our existing assets, where there is scope to significantly increase our reserves. We will achieve this through the generation of further efficiencies and through exploration, appraisal and development activities.

 

We look forward to communicating more regular operational updates and key milestones and results as we achieve them.

 

Lea Verny

Non-executive Chairman

26 April 2017

 

Review of operations

 

Bortovoy Licence

 

Zoltav operated the Western Gas Plant at an increased capacity throughout 2016 of 9,137 boe/d (1,296 toe/d) compared to 8,853 boe/d (1,256 toe/d) in 2015. This represented an increase of approximately 3% compared to 2015. A number of factors contributed to this strong performance including:

 

·     the efficient and continuous working of gas compressors; and

 

·     the optimisation of the current well stock production regime.

 

A preliminary assessment of the Devonian structure within the North Mokrousovskoye field enabled the Company to commission a 3D seismic programme in September 2016. As of the end of 2016, 120 sq km. were completed (out of 200 sq km) with a delay arising due to bad weather conditions and inaccessibility of the seismic area. The seismic interpretation is expected to be completed in Q3 2017.

 

Production

 

Average daily production from the Western Gas Plant during 2016 was 47.7 mmcf/d (1.35 mmcm/d) of gas and 487 bbls/d (62 T/d) of oil and condensate comparing to 46.6 mmcf/d (1.32 mmcm/d) and 587 bbls/d (75 T/d) in 2015.

 

In April 2016, Karpenskoye Well 117 was completed at an unstimulated rate of 3.9 mmcf/d (0.11 mmcm/d). Higher than expected water cut prevented Zoltav from stimulating the well by applying acid treatment, thus limiting its production rate. In order to balance the projected decline, in July 2016, the Company successfully acid treated the Zhanovskoye Well 107 (which was hooked-up to the Western Gas Plant in December 2015), enabling it to produce an additional 1.13 mmcf/d (0.032 mmcm/d) of gas.

 

To further offset the negative effect of Karpenskoye Well 117's underperformance, the Zhdanovskoye Wells 19 and 103 were put into operation in early September, two months ahead of schedule, providing an additional combined 386.2 mmcf (10.94 mmcm) of gas volume.

 

Development drilling and other well activity

 

The Zhdanovskoye Well 108 completed in January 2017 in line with the Company's strategy to maintain full plant capacity.

 

Koltogor Licences

 

As a result of opening up the West Koltogor oil field on Koltogor Exploration Licence 10, the Company applied to Rosnedra for an Exploration and Production Licence and was granted approval in March 2016 for the licence now valid through March 2036.

 

The Company is currently considering different options for the commercialisation of the Koltogor assets including partnerships.

 

Group Reserves under PRMS as per latest report of DeGolyer and MacNaughton (May 2014):

 



Proved

Probable

Proved and probable

Possible

Bortovoy Licence






Gas

bcf

352.9

396.8

749.7

640.0

Oil & liquids

mmbbls

2.0

1.8

3.8

2.4

Gas, oil and liquids

mmboe

62.0

69.2

131.2

111.2

Koltogor Licences






Gas

bcf

0.5

23.5

24.0

55.7

Oil

mmbbls

1.6

73.5

75.1

174.0

Total

mmboe

1.7

77.5

79.2

183.5

Total






Gas

bcf

353.4

420.3

773.7

695.7

Oil & liquids

mmbbls

3.6

75.3

78.9

176.4

Gas, oil and liquids

mmboe

63.7

146.7

210.4

294.7

 

 

Financial review

 

Management's continued focus on profit generation from the Western Gas Plant at Bortovoy, combined with Group cost optimisation, enabled Zoltav to generate RUB 441 million of operating profit in 2016. EBITDA increased by 94% and reached RUB 846 million allowing the Company to generate its first annual net profit of RUB 97 million.

 

Revenue

 

The Group's RUB revenues in 2016 increased by 17% to RUB 1,989 million, compared to RUB 1,697 million in 2015.

 

86% of revenue was derived from gas sold to Mezhregiongaz, a Gazprom subsidiary, at the transfer point on entry to the Central Asia - Centre gas pipeline system. The gas prices are fixed in a contract with Mezhregiongaz and are subject to indexation. We anticipate that an increase of 2% in gas price indexation will be approved by the Russian Government in June 2017 which will subsequently benefit the Company.

 

The remaining revenue was from oil and condensate sold directly at the Western Gas Plant through a tender process to a small number of different buyers. The Company is considering alternative channels to increase liquids realisations such as exporting to Baltic countries, commodity exchanges and electronic b2b platforms.

 

Cost of sales and G&A costs

 

Total cost of sales was RUB 1,155 million (2015: RUB 1,172 million). This comprised RUB 406 million of production based taxes (2015: RUB 389 million), RUB 405 million of depreciation and depletion of assets (2015: RUB 367 million) and RUB 344 million of other cost of sales (2015: RUB 417 million). Other cost of sales comprised operating expenses from the Bortovoy operating company, Diall Alliance, which fell by 17% primarily due to a cost optimisation programme including staff reduction, fewer well workovers required, materially more efficient purchasing of methanol fluids and fewer equipment repairs due to one-off maintenance expenditures in 2015.

 

The Group's G&A costs decreased by 38% to RUB 299 million (2015: RUB 482 million), mostly driven by staff reduction and optimisation of consultancy and administrative fees.

 

Operating profit

 

Zoltav achieved an operating profit for 2016 of RUB 441 million, compared to RUB 69 million in 2015.

 

Finance costs of RUB 268 million are mainly represented by interest on the RUB 1,860 million Sberbank facility.

 

Profit before tax

 

Zoltav generated RUB 197 million of profit before tax, compared to a loss of RUB 215 million in 2015.

 

Taxation

 

The production based tax for the period was RUB 406 million (2015: RUB 389 million) which is recognised in the cost of sales. The new gas mineral extraction ("MET") formula was implemented from 1 July 2014. This formula is based on multi-component gas composition, average gas prices and reservoir complexity and maturity. As a result of these changes the effective MET rate applicable for the period was flat at RUB 18.3/mcf or RUB 645/mcm (2015: RUB 17.8/mcf or RUB 627/mcm).

 

In addition to production taxes the Group was subject to a 2.2 per cent property tax which is based on the net book value of Russian assets calculated for property tax purposes. Property tax on the major part of the Bortovoy operating company's assets, including the Western Gas Plant, is paid at a reduced tax rate of 0.1 per cent as a part of tax incentive for regional investment projects.

 

The income tax charge for the year was RUB 100 million (2015: RUB 32 million) and represents mostly deferred tax expense. There was a significant deferred tax charge increase due to the usage of tax loss carry-forwards and the net book value differences between IFRS and statutory accounting standards relating to PPE and E&E assets.

 

Net profit

 

Zoltav generated its first annual net profit of RUB 97 million, compared to a net loss of RUB 247 million in 2015.

 

Cash

 

Net cash generated from operating activities was RUB 719 million (2015: RUB 286 million).

 

Diall Alliance successfully serviced its credit facility from PJSC Sberbank and repaid a further RUB 360 million of the principal amount (RUB 1,860 million at 31 December 2016) according to its schedule. The Company remains in line with the covenants of its credit facility agreement.

 

The Group has sufficient liquidity to fund its investment programme on the Western Fields at Bortovoy and its development plans at Koltogor at least through to the end of 2018.

 

Total cash at the end of the period was RUB 294 million.

 

Kirill Suetov

Director of Finance

26 April 2017

 

Independent auditors' report

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Zoltav Resources Inc.

 

Opinion

 

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Zoltav Resources Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Group), which comprise the consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2016, and the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for 2016, and notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies.

 

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Group as at 31 December 2016 and its financial performance and its cash flows for 2016 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs).

 

Basis for opinion

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants' Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (IESBA Code) together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the consolidated financial statements in the Russian Federation, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the IESBA Code. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

 

Other matter

 

The consolidated financial statements of Zoltav Resources Inc. for the year ended 31 December 2014 were audited by another auditor who expressed an unmodified opinion on those statements on 23 April 2015.

 

Key audit matters

 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit addressed the matter is provided in that context.

 

We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements section of our report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements. The results of our audit procedures, including the procedures performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

Assessing exploration and evaluation assets for impairment

 

We considered this matter to be one of most significance in our audit due to the high level of subjectivity in respect of assumptions underlying the impairment analysis and the significant judgements and estimates made by management. In addition, the absence of significant exploration activity at Koltogor oil field during 2015 and 2016 and the combination of uncertainty regarding sources of financing of Koltogor oil field development, future oil prices and inflation forecasts in the Russian Federation affects the Group's plans to complete exploration and evaluation and start commercial production.

 

We assessed the assumptions including forecasted oil and gas prices, planned mineral extraction tax, inflation rate projections and discount rate as well as methodology used by the Group. We analyzed sources of financing of Koltogor oil field development, which are being considered by the management. We also verified the mathematical accuracy of the model and sensitivity to changes in key estimates.

 

Information on assessing exploration and evaluation assets for impairment is disclosed in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Decommissioning and environmental restoration provision

 

The calculation of decommissioning and environmental restoration provision requires significant judgement management because of the inherent complexity in estimating future costs therefore this matter is considered to be one of most significance in our audit.

 

Our procedures on the decommissioning provision included assessing management's methodology by comparing it to common industry practices. We assessed key assumptions and compared them to available market information from industry studies and benchmark data such as recent oil price quotes, discount rates and inflation forecasts.

 

Information about decommissioning and environmental restoration provision is disclosed in Note 22 to the consolidated financial statements. A description of the accounting policy and key judgements and estimates is included in Note 3.2 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Other information included in Zoltav Resources Inc. Annual Report for 2016

 

Other information consists of the information included in Zoltav Resources Inc. Annual Report for 2016, other than the consolidated financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. Management is responsible for the other information.

 

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

 

In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the consolidated financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

 

Responsibilities of management and the Audit Committee for the consolidated financial statements

 

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRSs, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Group's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

 

The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the Group's financial reporting process.

 

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements

 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements.

 

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:

 

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

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

►               Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management.

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

►               Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The partner in charge of the audit resulting in this independent auditor's report is T.L. Okolotina.

 

T.L. OKOLOTINA

 

Partner

Ernst & Young LLC

26 April 2017

 

 

Details of the audited entity

 

Name: Zoltav Resources Inc.

Record made in the Registar of Companies, Cayman Islands on 18 November 2003, Registration Number 130605.

Address: PO Box 10008, Willow House, Cricket Square, Grand Cayman KY1-1001, Cayman Islands.

 

Details of the auditor

 

Name: Ernst & Young LLC

Record made in the State Register of Legal Entities on 5 December 2002, State Registration Number 1027739707203.

Address: Russia 115035, Moscow, Sadovnicheskaya naberezhnaya, 77, building 1.

Ernst & Young LLC is a member of Self-regulated organization of auditors "Russian Union of auditors" (Association) ("SRO RUA"). Ernst & Young LLC is included in the control copy of the register of auditors and audit organizations, main registration number 11603050648.

 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December 2016

(in '000s of Russian rubles, unless otherwise stated)

 


Note

2016

2015

(Restated)*

Revenue

5

1,989,430

1,697,276

Cost of sales




Mineral extraction tax


(406,499)

(388,521)

Depreciation and depletion


(404,684)

(366,824)

Other cost of sales


(344,104)

(416,801)

Total cost of sales

6

(1,155,287)

(1,172,146)

Gross profit


834,143

525,130

Operating, administrative and selling expenses

7

(299,346)

(481,933)

Other income

9

49,076

60,854

Other expenses

9

(142,860)

(35,405)

Operating profit


441,013

68,646

Finance income

10

24,409

51,631

Finance costs

10

(267,985)

(335,329)

Profit/(loss) before tax


197,437

(215,052)

Income tax expense

11

(100,336)

(31,606)

Profit/(loss) for the year attributable to owners of the parent


97,101

(246,658)










19

RUB

RUB

Earnings/(loss) per share attributable to owners of the parent




Basic


0.68

(1.74)

Diluted


0.67

(1.74)

 

*    The amounts shown here do not correspond to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015 due to change in presentation currency as described in Note 2.8.

 

 

 

Consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2016

(in '000s of Russian rubles, unless otherwise stated)

 


Note

31 December 2016

31 December

2015

(Restated)*

31 December 2014

(Restated)*

Assets





Non-current assets





Exploration and evaluation assets

12

4,788,314

4,690,366

4,721,317

Property, plant and equipment

13

4,211,254

4,338,270

4,622,359

Total non-current assets


8,999,568

9,028,636

9,343,676

Current assets





Inventories

14

18,830

9,766

18,171

Trade and other receivables

15

172,294

149,264

145,203

Other current non-financial assets

15

15,186

39,065

31,392

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss


-

4,737

11,027

Cash and cash equivalents

16

294,254

428,550

601,627

Total current assets


500,564

631,382

807,420

Total assets


9,500,132

9,660,018

10,151,096






Equity and liabilities





Share capital

17

970,218

970,218

970,218

Share premium


5,498,009

5,498,009

5,498,009

Other reserves


1,429,341

1,429,341

1,448,144

Accumulated losses


(1,356,179)

(1,453,280)

(1,225,425)

Total equity


6,541,389

6,444,288

6,690,946






Non-current liabilities





Borrowings

21

1,548,789

1,845,171

2,198,353

Provisions

22

359,153

358,000

599,096

Other payables

24

57,874

-

-

Deferred tax liabilities

23

433,888

333,657

302,051

Total non-current liabilities


2,399,704

2,536,828

3,099,500






Current liabilities





Borrowings

21

311,160

373,378

180,027

Other taxes payable

24

118,500

90,666

63,966

Trade and other payables

25

129,379

214,858

116,657

Total current liabilities


559,039

678,902

360,650

Total liabilities


2,958,743

3,215,730

3,460,150

Total equity and liabilities


9,500,132

9,660,018

10,151,096

 

The consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 26 April 2017.

 

* The amounts shown here do not correspond to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015 due to change in presentation currency as described in Note 2.8.

 

 

Consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended 31 December 2016

(in '000s of Russian rubles, unless otherwise stated)

 


Note

2016

2015

(Restated)*

Cash flows from operating activities




Profit/(loss) before tax


197,437

(215,052)

Adjustments for:




Depreciation and depletion


406,972

370,990

Finance costs


267,985

335,329

Finance income


(24,409)

(51,631)

Other income


(34,076)

(60,854)

Other expenses


126,894

34,446

Operating cash inflows before working capital changes


940,803

413,228

(Increase)/decrease in inventory


(6,162)

8,405

Increase in trade and other receivables


(19,022)

(11,734)

(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables


(22,298)

38,468

Increase in other taxes payables


27,834

26,700

Net cash from operating activities before tax and interests paid


921,155

475,067

Interest received


25,158

52,488

Interest paid

21

(227,138)

(241,645)

Income tax paid


(105)

-

Net cash flows from operating activities


719,070

285,910





Cash flows from investing activities




Capital expenditure on exploration and evaluation activities


(56,048)

(63,829)

Purchase of property, plant and equipment


(436,416)

(228,486)

Net cash used in investing activities


(492,464)

(292,315)





Cash flows from financing activities




Repayment of borrowings

21

(360,000)

(180,000)

Net cash used in financing activities


(360,000)

(180,000)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents


(133,394)

(186,405)

Net foreign exchange difference


(902)

13,328

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year


428,550

601,627

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

16

294,254

428,550

 

*    The amounts shown here do not correspond to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015 due to change in presentation currency as described in Note 2.8.

 

 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year ended 31 December 2016

(in '000s of Russian rubles, unless otherwise stated)

 



Attributable to owners of the Parent


Note

Share
capital

Share premium

Capital reserve

Employee share-based compensation reserve

Accumulated losses

Total
equity

At 1 January 2015 (restated*)


970,218

5,498,009

1,343,566

104,578

(1,225,425)

6,690,946

Employee share-based compensation

20

-

-

-

(18,803)

18,803

-

Transactions with owners


-

-

-

(18,803)

18,803

-

Loss for the year


-

-

-

-

(246,658)

(246,658)

Total comprehensive loss


-

-

-

(18,803)

(227,855)

(246,658)

At 31 December 2015 (restated*)


970,218

5,498,009

1,343,566

85,775

(1,453,280)

6,444,288









Profit for the year


-

-

-

-

97,101

97,101

Total comprehensive income


-

-

-

-

97,101

97,101

At 31 December 2016


970,218

5,498,009

1,343,566

85,775

(1,356,179)

6,541,389

*    The amounts shown here do not correspond to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015 due to change in presentation currency as described in Note 2.8.

 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

 

1. Background

 

1.1 The Company and its operations

 

The Zoltav Group (the "Group") comprises Zoltav Resources Inc. (the "Company"), together with its subsidiaries:

 




Share of the Group in subsidiary

Name

Place of incorporation

Function

31 December 2016

31 December 2015

31 December 2014







CenGeo Holdings Limited (hereinafter - "CenGeo Holdings")

Cyprus

Holding
company

100%

100%

100%

CJSC SibGeCo (hereinafter - "SibGeCo")

Russia

Operating company

100%

100%

100%

Royal Atlantic Energy (Cyprus) Limited (hereinafter - "Royal")

Cyprus

Holding
company

100%

100%

100%

Diall Alliance LLC (hereinafter - "Diall")

Russia

Operating company

100%

100%

100%

Zoltav Resource LLC (previously - Vostok Energy LLC)

Russia

Management company

100%

100%

100%

Zoltav Resources Holdings (Jersey) Limited

 

Jersey

Holding company

-

100%

100%

 

ZRI Services (UK) Ltd

United Kingdom

Service company

-

100%

100%

 

Zoltav Resources Holdings (Jersey) Limited and ZRI Services (UK) Ltd, 100% owned subsidiaries were dissolved via voluntary strike-off at 19 August 2016 and 20 September 2016, respectively.

 

The Company was incorporated in the Cayman Islands on 18 November 2003 which does not prescribe the adoption of any particular accounting framework. The Board has therefore adopted International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and as adopted by the European Union.

 

The principal activities of the Company and its subsidiaries are the acquisition, exploration and development of hydrocarbon assets and the production of hydrocarbons in the Russian Federation. The Company's shares are listed on the Alternative Investment Market ("AIM") of the London Stock Exchange.

 

1.2 Russian business environment

 

The Group's operations are located in the Russian Federation.

 

1.3 The Russian Federation

 

Russia continues economic reforms and development of its legal, tax and regulatory frameworks as required by a market economy. The future stability of the Russian economy is largely dependent upon these reforms and developments and the effectiveness of economic, financial and monetary measures undertaken by the government.

 

The Russian economy has been negatively impacted by a decline in oil prices and sanctions imposed on Russia by a number of countries. The ruble interest rates remained high. The combination of the above resulted in reduced access to capital, a higher cost of capital and uncertainty regarding economic growth, which could negatively affect the Group's future financial position, results of operations and business prospects. Management believes it is taking appropriate measures to support the sustainability of the Group's business in the current circumstances.

 

2. Significant accounting policies

 

2.1 Basis of preparation

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as adopted by the European Union (EU), International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) interpretations, and the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of financial assets and financial liabilities (including derivative instruments) at fair value through profit or loss.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group's accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements are disclosed in Note 3. 

 

2.2 Going concern

 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the directors have concluded that the Group will continue to have access to sufficient funds in order to meet its obligations as they fall due for at least the foreseeable future as explained further in the Directors Report. Liquidity risk is additionally disclosed in Note 27.1.

 

 

2.3 Disclosure of impact of new and future accounting standards

 

a)   Adoption of new and amended standards

 

In the preparation of these consolidated financial statements, the Group followed the same accounting policies and methods of computation as compared with those applied in the previous year, except for the adoption of new standards and interpretations and revision of the existing standards as of 1 January 2016. The Group has not early adopted any other standard, interpretation or amendment that has been issued but is not yet effective.

 

Although these new standards and amendments applied for the first time in 2016, they did not have a material impact on the annual consolidated financial statements of the Group.

 

New/revised standards and Interpretations Adopted in 2016

Effective for annual periods beginning on
or after



Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 28: Investment Entities - Applying the Consolidation Exception

1 January 2016

Amendments to IAS 27: Equity Method in Separate Financial Statements

1 January 2016

Amendments to IAS 1: Disclosure Initiative

1 January 2016

Annual improvements to IFRSs 2010-2012 Cycle

1 February 2015

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012-2014 Cycle

1 January 2016

Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38: Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation

1 January 2016

Amendments to IFRS 11: Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations

1 January 2016

Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 41: Bearer Plants

1 January 2016

Amendments to IAS 19 - Defined Benefit Plans: Employee Contributions

1 February 2015

 

b) New accounting pronouncements

 

A number of new and amended standards were not effective for the year ended 31 December 2016 and have not been applied in these consolidated financial statements.

 

Standards issued but not yet effective in the European Union

Effective for annual periods beginning on
or after



IFRS 14 Regulatory Deferral Accounts

1 January 2016*

IAS 7 Disclosure Initiative - Amendments to IAS 7

1 January 2017*

IAS 12 Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses - Amendments to IAS 12

1 January 2017*

Amendments to IAS 40 - Transfers of Investment Property

1 January 2018*

Amendments to IFRS 4 - Applying IFRS 9 Financial Instruments with IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts

1 January 2018*

Annual improvements to IFRSs 2014-2016 Cycle

1 January 2018*

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

1 January 2018

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

1 January 2018

Clarification to IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

1 January 2018*

IFRIC 22 Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration

1 January 2018*

IFRS 2 Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment Transactions - Amendments to IFRS 2

1 January 2018*

IFRS 16 Leases

1 January 2019*

Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28: Sale of Contribution of Assets between on Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture

Deferred

indefinitely *

 

* Subject to EU endorsement.

 

At present the Group is in the process of analysis of the possible impact of the application of these standards on its consolidated financial statements. The Group intends to adopt these standards, if applicable, when they become effective.

 

2.4 Basis of consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Group and its subsidiaries as at 31 December 2016. Control is achieved when the Group is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee.

 

Specifically, the Group controls an investee if, and only if, the Group has:

►               Power over the investee (i.e., existing rights that give it the current ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee);

►               Exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee;

►               The ability to use its power over the investee to affect its returns.

 

Generally, there is a presumption that a majority of voting rights results in control. To support this presumption and when the Group has less than a majority of the voting or similar rights of an investee, the Group considers all relevant facts and circumstances in assessing whether it has power over an investee, including:

►               The contractual arrangement(s) with the other vote holders of the investee;

►               Rights arising from other contractual arrangements;

►               The Group's voting rights and potential voting rights.

 

The Group re-assesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control. Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the Group obtains control over the subsidiary and ceases when the Group loses control of the subsidiary. Assets, liabilities, income and expenses of a subsidiary acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date the Group gains control until the date the Group ceases to control the subsidiary.

 

When necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies into line with the Group's accounting policies. All intra-group assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows relating to transactions between members of the Group are eliminated in full on consolidation.

 

A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary, without a loss of control, is accounted for as an equity transaction.

 

If the Group loses control over a subsidiary, it derecognises the related assets (including goodwill), liabilities and components of equity, while any resultant gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss. Any investment retained is recognised at fair value.

 

2.5 Acquisitions, asset purchases and disposals

 

Transactions involving the purchases of an individual field interest, or a group of field interests, that do not qualify as a business combination are treated as asset purchases, irrespective of whether the specific transactions involved the transfer of the field interests directly or the transfer of an incorporated entity. Accordingly, no goodwill or deferred tax gross up arises. The purchase consideration is allocated to the assets and liabilities purchased on an appropriate basis. Proceeds from the disposal are applied to the carrying amount of the specific intangible asset or development and production assets disposed of and any surplus is recorded as a gain on disposal in the statement of comprehensive income.

 

2.6 Business combinations

 

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the aggregate of the consideration transferred, which is measured at acquisition date fair value, and the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree. For each business combination, the Group elects whether to measure the non-controlling interests in the acquiree at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree's identifiable net assets. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred and included in administrative expenses.

When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as at the acquisition date. This includes the separation of embedded derivatives in host contracts by the acquiree.

 

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer will be recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Contingent consideration classified as an asset or liability that is a financial instrument and within the scope of IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement is measured at fair value with the changes in fair value recognised in the statement of profit or loss.

 

Goodwill is initially measured at cost being the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the amount recognised for non-controlling interests and any previous interest held over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. If the fair value of the net assets acquired is in excess of the aggregate consideration transferred, the Group re-assesses whether it has correctly identified all of the assets acquired and all of the liabilities assumed and reviews the procedures used to measure the amounts to be recognised at the acquisition date. If the reassessment still results in an excess of the fair value of net assets acquired over the aggregate consideration transferred, then the gain is recognised in profit or loss.

 

After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the Group's cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the acquiree are assigned to those units.

 

Where goodwill has been allocated to a cash-generating unit (CGU) and part of the operation within that unit is disposed of, the goodwill associated with the disposed operation is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the gain or loss on disposal. Goodwill disposed in these circumstances is measured based on the relative values of the disposed operation and the portion of the cash-generating unit retained.

 

2.7 Segment reporting

 

Segment reporting follows the Group's internal reporting structure.

 

Operating segments are defined as components of the Group where separate financial information is available and reported regularly to the chief operating decision maker ("CODM"), which is determined to be the Board of Directors of the Company. The Board of Directors decides how to allocate resources and assesses operational and financial performance using the information provided.

 

The CODM receives monthly IFRS-based financial information for the Group and its development and production entities. The Group has other entities that engage as either head office or in a corporate capacity, or as holding companies. Management has concluded that, due to the application of aggregation criteria, separate financial information for segments is not required. No geographic segmental information is presented, as all of the companies' operating activities are based in the Russian Federation.

 

Management has therefore determined that the operations of the Group comprise one operating segment and the Group operates in only one geographic area - the Russian Federation.

 

2.8 Foreign currency translation

 

a)   Functional and presentation currency

 

The functional currency of the Group entities is the Russian ruble ("RUB"), the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Group operates.

 

Starting from 1 January 2016, the presentation currency was changed from US dollar ("USD") to the Russian ruble, which the Board considers more representative for users of these financial statements to better assess the performance of the Group.

 

A change in presentation currency is a change in accounting policy which is accounted for retrospectively. The financial information included in the Group's consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015 and 31 December 2014 previously reported in US dollar has been restated into Russian ruble using the procedures outlined below:

►               Assets and liabilities for each balance sheet date are translated at the closing rate at the date of that balance sheet;

►               Share capital and other equity components are translated at historic rates;

►               Income and expenses are translated at exchange rates at the dates of the transactions (or at average exchange rates that approximate the translation using the rate of the actual transaction dates).

 

Translation has been performed using the exchange rates set by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation.

 

b)   Transactions and balances

 

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded by the Group's entities at their respective functional currency spot rates at the date the transaction first qualifies for recognition.

 

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the functional currency spot rates of exchange at the reporting date.

 

Differences arising on the settlement or translation of monetary items are recognised in profit or loss with the exception of monetary items that are designated as part of the hedge of the Group's net investment of a foreign operation. These are recognised in statement of comprehensive income ("OCI") until the net investment is disposed of, at which time the cumulative amount is reclassified to profit or loss. Tax charges and credits attributable to exchange differences on those monetary items are also recorded in OCI.

 

Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the dates of the initial transactions. Non-monetary items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value is determined. The gain or loss arising on translation of non-monetary items measured at fair value is treated in line with the recognition of the gain or loss on the change in fair value of the item (i.e., translation differences on items whose fair value gain or loss is recognised in OCI or profit or loss are also recognised in OCI or profit or loss, respectively).

 

c)   Group companies

 

Loans between Group entities and related foreign exchange gains or losses are eliminated upon consolidation. However, where the loan is between Group entities that have different functional currencies, the foreign exchange gain or loss cannot be eliminated in full and is recognized in the consolidated profit or loss, unless the loan is not expected to be settled in the foreseeable future and thus forms part of the net investment in foreign operation. In such a case, the foreign exchange gain or loss is recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and translated at the closing rate. Exchange differences arising are recognised in other comprehensive income.

 

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all years presented in the consolidated financial statements, and have been applied consistently by the Group.

 

The period-end exchange rates and the average exchange rates for the respective reporting periods are indicated below.

 


2016

2015

2014

RUB/USD as at 31 December

60.6569

72.8827

56.2584

RUB/USD average for the year ended 31 December

67.0349

60.9579

38.4217

 

2.9 Exploration and evaluation assets

 

The Company and its subsidiaries apply the successful efforts method of accounting for Exploration and Evaluation ("E&E") costs, in accordance with IFRS 6 Exploration for and Evaluation of Mineral Resources. Costs are accumulated on a field-by-field basis.

 

a)   Drilling, seismic and other costs

 

Costs directly associated with an exploration well, including certain geological and geophysical costs, and exploration and property leasehold acquisition costs, are capitalised until the reserves are evaluated. If it is determined that a commercial discovery has not been achieved, these costs are charged to expense after the conclusion of appraisal activities. Exploration costs such as geological and geophysical that are not directly related to an exploration well are expensed as incurred.

 

Capital expenditure is recognised as property, plant and equipment or intangible assets in the financial statements in accordance with the nature of the expenditure and the stage of development of the associated field, i.e. exploration, development, or production. Once commercial reserves are found, exploration and evaluation assets are tested for impairment and transferred to development property, plant and equipment or intangible assets. No depreciation or amortisation is charged during the exploration and evaluation phase.

 

b)   Sub-soil licences

 

Costs incurred prior to the award of oil and gas licences, concessions and other exploration rights are expensed in profit or loss. Costs incurred on the acquisition of a licence interest are initially capitalised on a licence by licence basis and are capitalised within exploration and evaluation assets and held un-depleted until the exploration phase of the licence is complete or commercial reserves have been discovered at which time the costs are transferred to development assets as part of property, plant and equipment - oil and gas assets.

 

2.10 Property, plant and equipment

 

a)   Property, plant and equipment - oil and gas assets

 

Oil and gas assets are stated at cost less accumulated depletion or accumulated depreciation and, where relevant, impairment costs.

 

Expenditure on the construction, installation or completion of infrastructure facilities such as platforms and pipelines, as well as on the drilling of development wells into commercially proved reserves, is capitalised within property, plant and equipment. When development is completed on a specific field, it is transferred to producing assets within property, plant and equipment. No depreciation or amortisation is charged during the development phase.

 

Development and production assets are accumulated generally on a field by field basis and represent the cost of developing the commercial reserves discovered and bringing them into production, together with E&E expenditures incurred in finding commercial reserves and transferred from intangible E&E assets as described above. The cost of development and production assets also includes the cost of acquisitions and purchases of such assets, directly attributable overheads, any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset into operation, and the cost of recognising provisions for future restoration and decommissioning, if any.

 

Major facilities may be capitalised separately if they relate to more than one field or to the licence area as a whole. Subsequent expenditure is capitalised only if it either enhances the economic benefits of the development/production asset or replaces part of the existing development/ production asset. Any costs remaining associated with the part replaced are expensed. Directly attributed overheads are capitalised where they relate to specific exploration and development activities.

 

i)          Depletion

 

Oil and gas properties in production, including wells and directly related pipeline costs, are depreciated using the unit-of-production method. Sub-soil licences and other licenses capitalised as part of oil and gas properties in production are amortised also using the unit-of-production method. Unit-of-production rates are based on proved reserves of the field concerned, which are oil, gas and other mineral reserves estimated to be recovered from existing facilities using current operating methods. The unit-of-production rate for the amortisation of field development costs takes into account expenditures incurred to date.

 

ii)         Depreciation

 

Major oil and gas facilities that have a shorter useful life than the lifetime of the related fields are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the expected useful life of the facility. Depreciation of items of such assets is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost to their residual values over their estimated useful lives:

 

Buildings and constructions - 15-30 years

Machinery and equipment - 5 years

 

The asset's residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted as appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.

 

b)   Property, plant and equipment - other business and corporate assets

 

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The cost of an asset comprises its purchase price and any directly attributable costs of bringing asset to the working condition and to the location for its intended use. 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 costs, such as repairs and maintenance are charged to the income statement during the financial period in which they are incurred.

 

The gain or loss arising from a retirement or disposal is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the assets, and is recognised in the income statement.

 

Depreciation is provided on buildings and facilities, motor vehicles, office equipment and furniture at rates calculated to write off the cost, less estimated residual value, evenly over the asset's expected useful life.

 

For depreciation purposes, useful lives are estimated as follows:

 

Other equipment and furniture - 5 years

Motor vehicles - 5 years

 

2.11 Impairment of non-current assets

 

i)          Impairment indicators

 

The Group assesses, at each reporting date, whether there is an indication that an asset may be impaired. If any indication exists, or when annual impairment testing for an asset is required, the Group estimates the asset's recoverable amount. An asset's recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's or CGU's fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use. The recoverable amount is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets. When the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount.

In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. In determining fair value less costs of disposal, recent market transactions are taken into account. If no such transactions can be identified, an appropriate valuation model is used. These calculations are corroborated by valuation multiples, quoted share prices for publicly traded companies or other available fair value indicators.

 

The Group bases its impairment calculation on detailed budgets and forecast calculations, which are prepared separately for each of the Group's CGUs to which the individual assets are allocated. These budgets and forecast calculations generally cover a period of five years. A long-term growth rate is calculated and applied to project future cash flows after the fifth year.

 

Impairment losses of continuing operations are recognised in the statement of profit or loss in expense categories consistent with the function of the impaired asset, except for properties previously revalued with the revaluation taken to OCI. For such properties, the impairment is recognised in OCI up to the amount of any previous revaluation.

 

For assets excluding goodwill, an assessment is made at each reporting date to determine whether there is an indication that previously recognised impairment losses no longer exist or have decreased. If such indication exists, the Group estimates the asset's or CGU's recoverable amount. A previously recognised impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the assumptions used to determine the asset's recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognised. The reversal is limited so that the carrying amount of the asset does not exceed its recoverable amount or the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years. Such reversal is recognized in the statement of profit or loss unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the reversal is treated as a revaluation increase.

 

ii)         Calculation of recoverable amount

 

The recoverable amount of assets is the greater of their value in use and fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

 

iii)        Cash generating units

 

For an asset that does not generate cash inflows largely independent of those from other assets, the recoverable amount is determined for the cash generating unit to which the asset belongs. The Group's cash generating units are the smallest identifiable groups of assets that generate cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.

 

For the purposes of assessing impairment, exploration and evaluation assets subject to testing are grouped with existing cash generating units of production fields that are located in the same geographical region. For development and production assets the cash generating unit applied for impairment test purposes is generally the field. For shared infrastructure a number of field interests may be grouped together where surface infrastructure is used by several fields in order to process production for sale.

 

iv)        Reversals of impairment

 

An impairment loss is reversed to the extent that the factors giving rise to the impairment charge are no longer prevalent. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset's carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depletion, depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

 

Taxes on income in the interim periods are accrued using the tax rate that would be applicable to expected total annual profit or loss.

 

2.12 Inventories

 

Unsold natural gas and hydrocarbon liquids and sulphur in storage are stated at the lower of cost of production or net realisable value. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses.

 

Materials and supplies inventories include chemicals necessary for production activities and spare parts for the maintenance of production facilities. Materials and supplies inventories are recorded at cost and are carried at amounts which do not exceed the expected recoverable amount from use in the normal course of business. Cost of inventory is determined on a weighted average basis. Cost of finished goods comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour plus attributable overheads based on a normal level of activity and other costs associated in bringing inventories to their present location and condition, but excludes borrowing costs. Lower value items of materials and supplies are written off directly to profit or loss.

 

2.13 Financial instruments 

 

A financial instrument is any contract that gives rise to a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or equity instrument of another entity. Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when, and only when, the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of financial assets and financial liabilities (other than financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss) are added to or deducted from the fair value of the financial assets or financial liabilities, as appropriate, on initial recognition. Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are recognised immediately in the statement of comprehensive income.

 

a)   Financial assets

 

The Group classifies its financial assets into one of the following categories: financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and loans and receivables.

 

Regular purchases of financial assets are recognised on the trade date. Management determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition depending on the purpose for which the financial assets were acquired and, where allowed and appropriate, re-evaluates this designation at every reporting date. The accounting policies adopted for each category are:

 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss include financial assets held for trading and financial assets designated upon initial recognition at fair value through profit or loss. Financial assets are classified as held for trading if they are acquired for the purpose of selling in the near term, or if they are part of a portfolio of identified financial instruments that are managed together and for which there is evidence of a recent pattern of short-term profit-taking.

 

Financial assets may be designated at initial recognition at fair value through profit or loss if the following criteria are met:

►               The designation eliminates or significantly reduces the inconsistent treatment that would otherwise arise from measuring the assets or recognising gains or losses on them on a different basis; or

►               The assets are part of a group of financial assets which are managed and their performance is evaluated on a fair value basis, in accordance with a documented risk management strategy and information about the group of financial assets is provided internally on that basis to the key management personnel.

 

Subsequent to initial recognition, the financial assets included in this category are measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognised in the statement of comprehensive income. Fair value is determined by reference to active market transactions or using a valuation technique where no active market exists. Fair value gains or losses do not include any dividend or interest earned on these financial assets. Dividend and interest income is recognised on an accruals basis.

 

Other receivables

 

Other receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are initially measured at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses. Amortised cost is calculated taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and includes fees that are an integral part of the effective interest rate and transaction cost.

 

Impairment losses on other receivables are provided for when objective evidence is received that the Group will not be able to collect amounts due to it in accordance with the original terms of the receivables. The amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, excluding future credit losses that have not been incurred, discounted at the financial asset's original effective interest rate (i.e. the effective interest rate computed at initial recognition). The amount of the loss is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income for the period in which the impairment occurs.

 

Objective evidence of impairment of individual financial assets includes observable data that comes to the attention of the Group about one or more of the following loss events:

►               Significant financial difficulty of the debtor;

►               A breach of contract, such as default or delinquency in interest or principal payments;

►               It becoming probable that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation; and

►               Significant changes in the technological, market, economic or legal environment that have an adverse effect on the debtor.

 

Loss events in respect of a group of financial assets include observable data indicating that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows from the group of financial assets. Such observable data includes but is not limited to adverse changes in the payment status of debtors in the group, and national or local economic conditions that correlate with defaults on the assets in the group.

 

If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the previously recognised impairment loss is reversed to the extent that it does not result in a carrying amount of the financial asset exceeding what the amortised cost would have been had the impairment not been recognised at the date the impairment is reversed.

 

The amount of the reversal is recognised in OCI in the period in which the reversal occurs.

 

b) Financial liabilities and equity

 

Financial liabilities and equity instruments issued by the Group are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into and the definitions of a financial liability and an equity instrument. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all of its liabilities. The accounting policies adopted in respect of financial liabilities and equity instruments are set out below.

 

Other financial liabilities

 

Other financial liabilities include trade and other payables and are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest method.

 

Equity instruments

 

Equity instruments issued by the Group are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

 

c) Derecognition

 

Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the assets expire, or the financial assets are transferred and the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial assets. On derecognition of a financial asset, the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the sum of the consideration received and the cumulative gain or loss that had been recognised directly in equity is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

 

For financial liabilities, they are removed from the balance sheet when the obligation specified in the relevant contract is discharged, cancelled or expires. The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability derecognised and the consideration paid is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income.

 

2.14 Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and short-term deposits in the statement of financial position comprise cash at banks and on hand and short-term deposits with a maturity of three months or less, which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. For the purpose of the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and short-term deposits, as defined above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts as they are considered an integral part of the Group's cash management.

 

2.15 Borrowings

 

After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the EIR method. Gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss when the liabilities are derecognised as well as through the EIR amortisation process. Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part of the EIR. The EIR amortisation is included as finance costs in the statement of profit or loss.

 

2.16 Provisions

 

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate of the amount of the obligation can be made. Where the time value of money is material, provisions are stated at the present value of the expenditure expected to settle the obligation.

 

All provisions are reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted to reflect the current best estimate.

 

Where it is not probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required, or the amount cannot be estimated reliably, the obligation is disclosed as a contingent liability, unless the probability of outflow of economic benefits is remote. Possible obligations, whose existence will only be confirmed by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more future uncertain events not wholly within the control of the Group are also disclosed as contingent liabilities unless the probability of outflow of economic benefits is remote.

 

A provision for decommissioning is made for the cost of decommissioning assets at the time when the obligation to decommission arises. Such provision represents the estimated discounted liability for costs which are expected to be incurred in removing production facilities and site restoration at the end of the producing life of each field. A corresponding item of property, plant and equipment is also created at an amount equal to the provision. This is subsequently depreciated as part of the capital costs of the production facilities. Any change in the present value of the estimated expenditure attributable to changes in the estimates of the cash flow or the current estimate of the discount rate used are reflected as an adjustment to the provision and the property, plant and equipment. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as a finance cost.

 

Provisions for environmental restoration, restructuring costs and legal claims are recognised when: the group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events; it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation; and the amount has been reliably estimated. Restructuring provisions comprise lease termination penalties and employee termination payments. Provisions are not recognised for future operating losses.

 

Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined by considering the class of obligations as a whole. A provision is recognised even if the likelihood of an outflow with respect to any one item included in the same class of obligations may be small.

 

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognised as interest expense.

 

2.17 Share capital, share premium and capital reserves

 

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Share capital is determined using the nominal value of shares that have been issued. Any transaction costs associated with the issuing of shares are deducted from the share premium (net of any related income tax benefit) to the extent they are incremental costs directly attributable to the equity transaction. Any discount on the issue of ordinary shares is deducted from the share premium account.

 

The share premium is recognized on the difference between the par value of a share and its selling price.

 

The capital reserve brought forward arose on the disposal of all the subsidiaries to its former holding company (Crosby Capital Limited), reverse acquisition of Crosby Capital Limited and on a group reorganization during the years ended 31 December 2010, 31 December 2004 and 31 December 2000 respectively.

 

2.18 Revenue recognition

 

Revenue, which is the fair value of consideration received or receivable, is recognised when it is probable that economic benefits will flow to the Group and when the revenue can be measured reliably. Revenue is shown net of value added tax, returns, rebates and discounts and after eliminating sales within the Group. The following criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised:

 

i)          Sale of goods

 

Revenue from the sale of oil, gas, and condensate is recognised when the title passes to the customer.

 

ii)         Interest income

 

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

 

2.19 Mineral extraction tax

 

In the Russian Federation MET is payable on the extraction of hydrocarbons, including natural gas, crude oil and condensate, and is levied based on quantities of natural resources extracted multiplied by the applicable MET rate for the product and field in question. MET is a production based tax (as opposed to income) and is accrued as a tax on production and recorded within cost of sales.

 

2.20 Current and deferred income tax

 

The tax expense for the period comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the statement of comprehensive income, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case the tax is also recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

 

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period in the countries where the Company's subsidiaries operate and generate taxable income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

 

Deferred income tax is recognised, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

 

Deferred income tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised.

 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a net basis.

 

2.21 Employee benefits

 

a)   Retirement benefit schemes

 

No pension contributions were payable in the year. The Group participated only in defined contribution pension schemes and paid contributions to independently administered funds on a mandatory or contractual basis. The assets of these schemes are held separately from those of the Group in independently administered funds. The retirement benefit schemes are generally funded by payments from employees and by the relevant company. The Group has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognised as an employee benefit expense on an accruals basis.

 

b)   Share-based employee compensation

 

The Group operates equity-settled share-based compensation plans to remunerate its Directors and key management.

 

All services received in exchange for the grant of any share-based compensation are measured at their fair values. These are indirectly determined by reference to the fair value of the share options and warrants awarded. Their value is appraised at the grant date and excludes the impact of any non-market vesting conditions.

 

All share-based compensation is ultimately recognised as an expense in the statement of comprehensive income unless it qualifies for recognition as an asset, with a corresponding credit to the employee share-based compensation reserve in equity. If vesting periods or other vesting conditions apply, the expense is allocated over the vesting period, based on the best available estimate of the number of share options expected to vest. Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options that are expected to become exercisable. Estimates are subsequently revised if there is any indication that the number of share options expected to vest differs from previous estimates. No adjustment to expense recognised in prior periods is made if fewer share options ultimately are exercised than vested.

 

Upon exercise of share options or warrants the proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs up to the nominal value of the shares issued are allocated to share capital and the amount previously recognised in the employee share-based compensation reserve will be transferred out with any excess being recorded as share premium.

 

When the share options or warrants have vested and then lapsed, the amount previously recognised in the employee share-based compensation reserve is transferred to retained earnings or accumulated losses.

 

c)   Bonus plans

 

The Group recognises a liability and an expense for bonuses where contractually obliged or where there is a past practice that has created a constructive obligation.

 

d)   Social obligations

 

Wages, salaries, contributions to the Russian Federation state pension and social insurance funds, paid annual leave, sick leave and bonuses are accrued in the year in which the associated services are rendered by the employees of the Group.

 

e)   Valuations of share options or warrants granted

 

Estimating fair value for share-based payment transactions requires determination of the most appropriate valuation model, which depends on the terms and conditions of the grant. This estimate also requires determination of the most appropriate inputs to the valuation model, including the expected life of the share option or appreciation right, volatility and dividend yield, and making assumptions about them. The fair value of share options or warrants granted was calculated using the Black-Scholes Pricing Model, which requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the volatility of the share price. Because changes in subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in the opinion of the Directors of the Group the existing model will not always necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of the share options. Details of the inputs are set out in Note 20 to the financial statements.

 

3. Critical accounting estimates and judgements

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

 

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the year in which the estimates are revised and in any future years affected. 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:

 

3.1 Income taxes

 

The Group is subject to income and other taxes. Significant judgement is required in determining the provision for income tax and other taxes due to the complexity of tax legislation of the Russian Federation. The taxation system in the Russian Federation continues to evolve and is characterised by frequent changes in legislation, as well as official pronouncements and court decisions which are sometimes contradictory and subject to varying interpretation by different tax authorities. Taxes are subject to review and investigation by a number of authorities which have the authority to impose severe fines, penalties and interest charges. A tax year remains open for review by the tax authorities during the three subsequent calendar years; however, under certain circumstances a tax year may remain open longer.

 

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable for each subsidiary to generate enough taxable profits to utilise deferred income tax recognised. Significant management judgement is required to determine the amount of deferred tax assets recognised, based upon the likely timing and the level of future taxable profits. Management prepares cash-flow forecasts to support the recoverability of deferred tax assets. Cash flow models are based on a number of assumptions relating to oil prices, operating expenses, production volumes, etc. These assumptions are consistent with those used by independent reserve engineers. Management also takes into account uncertainties related to future activities of the subsidiaries and going concern considerations. When significant uncertainties exist, deferred tax losses are not recognised even if the recoverability of these is supported by cash flow forecasts. Refer to further details in Note 23.

 

3.2  Provision for decommissioning and environmental restoration

 

This provision is significantly affected by changes in technology, laws and regulations which may affect the actual cost of decommissioning and environmental restoration to be incurred at a future date. The estimate is also impacted by the discount rates used in the provisioning calculations. The discount rates used are the Russian government bond rates.

 

Under the current levels of enforcement of existing legislation, management believes there are no significant liabilities in addition to amounts which are already accrued and which would have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Group.

 

The Group's exploration, development and production activities involve the use of wells, related equipment and operating sites. Generally, licenses and other regulatory acts require that such assets be decommissioned upon the completion of production. According to these requirements, the Group is obliged to decommission wells, dismantle equipment, restore the sites and perform other related activities. The Group's estimates of these obligations are based on current regulatory or license requirements, as well as actual dismantling and other related costs. These liabilities are measured by the Group using the present value of the estimated future costs of decommissioning of these assets. The discount rate is reviewed at each reporting date and reflects risk free rate. The Group adjusts specific cash flows for risk.

 

3.3 Impairment of assets

 

a)      Exploration and evaluation

 

An impairment exercise will be performed at the end of the exploration and evaluation process.

 

When, at the end of the exploration and evaluation stage, commercial reserves are determined to exist in respect of a particular field, the Group performs an impairment test in relation to costs capitalised. Where reserves are determined in sufficient quantity to justify development, the associated assets are transferred to property, plant and equipment. Until the conclusion of the exploration phase, there can be no certainty that commercial reserves exist. Where commercial reserves are determined not to exist, capitalised E&E expenditure is expensed.

 

b)   Development and production

 

When the fields enter the production phase, the recoverable amounts of cash-generating units and individual assets will be determined based on the higher of value-in-use calculations and fair values less costs to sell. These calculations will require the use of estimates and assumptions. It is reasonably possible that the oil price assumption may change which may then impact the estimated life of the field and may then require a material adjustment to the carrying value of long-term assets.

 

The Group monitors internal and external indicators of impairment relating to its tangible and intangible assets. There were no such indicators of possible impairment identified during the reporting years covered by these consolidated financial statements.

 

3.4 Evaluation of reserves and resources

 

Estimates of proved reserves are used in determining the depletion and amortization charge for the period and assessing whether any impairment charge or reversal of impairment is required for development and producing assets. As of 31 December 2016, 2015 and 2014 proved reserves were estimated by reference to an independent international oil and gas engineering firm report dated 22 May 2014, by reference to available geological and engineering data, and only include volumes for which access to market is assured with reasonable certainty.

 

When the fields enter the development and production phase, estimates of reserves are inherently imprecise, require the application of judgments and are subject to regular revision, either upward or downward, based on new information such as from the drilling of additional wells and changes in economic factors, including product prices, contract terms or development plans. Changes to the Group's estimates of proved reserves affect prospectively the amounts of the depletion and amortization charge, decommissioning assets and provisions where changes in reserve estimates cause the estimated useful lives of assets to be revised.

 

Depletion is provided for based on the production profile on a field by field basis, which may exceed the existing licence period. Licence extensions are generally awarded by the license authorities in Russia as a matter of course, provided that production plans demonstrate that additional time is required to economically produce at the field and that the development and production requirements of the initial license grant have been met.

 

3.5  Sub-soil licences

 

The Group is subject to periodic reviews of its activities by governmental authorities in Russia with respect to the requirements of its sub-soil licences, and seeks amendments to the licences when supported by the results of ongoing exploration and development activities. The requirements under the licences are subject to interpretation and enforcement policies of the relevant authorities. In management's opinion, as of 31 December 2016, there are no non-compliance issues that will have an adverse effect on the financial position or operating results of the Group.

 

4. Determination of fair value

 

Fair values have been determined for measurement and/or disclosure purposes based on the following methods. When applicable, further information about the assumptions made in determining fair values is disclosed in the notes specific to that asset or liability.

 

4.1 Other receivables

 

The fair value of other receivables is estimated as the present value of future cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the reporting date. This fair value is determined for disclosure purposes.

 

4.2 Non-derivative financial liabilities

 

Fair value, which is determined for disclosure purposes, is calculated based on the present value of future principal and interest cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the reporting date. Fair value of the non-derivative financial assets is disclosed in Note 4.3 to the financial statements.

 

4.3 Assets and liabilities not measured at fair value but for which fair value is disclosed

 

Fair values analysed by level in the fair value hierarchy of assets and liabilities of the Group not measured at fair value are as follows:

 


31 December 2016

31 December 2015

(Restated)

31 December 2014

(Restated)


Fair value

Carrying value

Fair value

Carrying value

Fair value

Carrying value

Financial assets







Trade and other receivables

172,294

172,294

149,264

149,264

145,203

145,203

Total assets

172,294

172,294

149,264

149,264

145,203

145,203

Financial liabilities







Borrowings

1,855,173

1,859,949

2,214,541

2,218,549

2,391,882

2,378,380

Trade and other payables

129,379

129,379

214,858

214,858

116,657

116,657

Other non-current payables

57,758

57,874

-

-

-

-

Total liabilities

2,042,310

2,047,202

2,429,399

2,433,407

2,508,539

2,495,037

 

The fair values of borrowings and other non-current payables are based on cash flows discounted using a market rate. For borrowings: a rate of 11.93% (31 December 2015: 12.07%, 31 December 2014: 12.15%), for other long-term payables: a rate of 8.26%. The fair values are within level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

 

5. Revenue

 

The Group's operations comprise one class of business being oil and gas exploration, development and production and all revenues are from one geographical region, Saratov Region in the Russian Federation. Companies incorporated outside of Russia provide support to the Group's operations in Russia.

 

Revenue is primarily from the sale of four products:

 


2016

2015

(Restated)

Gas sales

1,708,103

1,370,182

Oil sales

137,982

187,369

Condensate sales

136,968

139,725

Sulphur sales

6,377

-

Total sales

1,989,430

1,697,276

 

All gas sales are to one customer, Gazprom Mezhregiongaz Saratov LLC, under a long-term contract effective until 31 December 2020 with terms reviewed annually. Condensate, oil and sulphur are sold to regional buyers. The sales of all products are denominated in RUB.

 

6. Cost of sales 

 


2016

2015

(Restated)

Mineral extraction tax

406,499

388,521

Depreciation and depletion

404,684

366,824

Wages and salaries

108,238

124,460

Materials and supplies

95,310

114,467

Repair and maintenance

39,750

65,967

Other taxes and royalties

21,204

21,584

Compensation benefits to operating personnel

16,812

19,657

Other

62,790

70,666

Total cost of sales

1,155,287

1,172,146

 

 

7. Operating, administrative and selling expenses

 


2016

2015

(Restated)

Wages and salaries including director's fee

215,868

282,479

Accountancy, legal and consulting services

39,023

87,693

Rent expense

13,691

17,129

Audit services

9,848

26,420

Office expenses

3,187

4,999

Insurance

2,888

8,351

Computers and software

2,218

7,498

Travelling

1,996

9,692

Other

10,627

37,672

Total operating, administrative, selling expense

299,346

481,933

 

8. Employee benefit expenses (including directors' remuneration)

 


2016

2015

(Restated)

Salaries and other employee benefits

340,918

426,596

Total

340,918

426,596

 

Personnel expenses are included in cost of sales and operating, administrative and selling expenses.

 

Average monthly number of employees for the year (including executive directors):

 


2016

2015


Employees

Employees

Administrative

83

92

Operating

184

206

Total

267

298

 

 

9. Other income and expenses

 


2016

2015

(Restated)

Change in decommissioning and environmental restoration provision

34,076

60,854

Penalties received

15,000

-

Other income

49,076

60,854




Loss on disposal of construction in progress and other property, plant and equipment

(86,624)

(15,614)

Write-off of accounts receivable and other current assets

(26,986)

(6,357)

Penalties paid

(11,810)

-

Net foreign exchange difference

(7,982)

(12,419)

Loss on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

(4,020)

-

Charitable contributions

(3,122)

-

Bank charges

(1,034)

(959)

Other

(1,282)

(56)

Other expenses

(142,860)

(35,405)

 

 

10. Finance income and finance costs

 

Finance income

2016

2015

(Restated)

Interest on bank deposits

24,409

51,631

Total finance income

24,409

51,631

Finance costs



Interest on borrowings

(228,538)

(261,814)

Unwinding of the discount on decommissioning and environmental restoration provision (Note 22)

(35,898)

(73,515)

Unwinding of the discount on recognition non-current payables to suppliers

(3,549)

-

Total finance costs

(267,985)

(335,329)

 

 

11. Income tax expense

 

The tax charge for the year comprises:

 


2016

2015

(Restated)

Current tax expense

(105)

-

Deferred tax expense

(100,231)

(31,606)

Total income tax expense

(100,336)

(31,606)

 

Reconciliation between expected and actual taxation charge is provided below.

 


2016

2015

(Restated)

Profit/(loss) before income tax

197,437

(215,052)

Theoretical tax (charge)/benefit at applicable income tax rate of 20% (2015: 20%)

(39,467)

43,010

Effect of different foreign tax rates

(27,357)

(63,658)

Effect of unrecognized tax loss

(21,422)

(6,462)

Tax effect of expenses not deductible for tax purposes

(12,090)

(4,496)

Total income tax expense

(100,336)

(31,606)

 

The Group's income was subject to tax at the following tax rates:

 


2016

2015

The Russian Federation

20.0%

20.0%

The Republic of Cyprus

12.5%

12.5%

Cayman Islands

0%

0%

 

The Group is subject to Cayman income tax, otherwise the majority of the Group's operations are located in the Russian Federation. Thus 20% tax rate is used for theoretical tax charge calculations.

 

 

12. Exploration and evaluation assets

 


Sub-soil licences

Drilling,
seismic and other costs

Decommissioning
asset

Construction work in progress

Total

Balance at 1 January 2015 (restated)

2,051,181

2,536,354

127,650

6,132

4,721,317

Additions

43,785

19,861

-

183

63,829

Reclassification

6,096

-

-

(6,096)

-

Change in estimates of the decommissioning provision

-

-

(94,780)

-

(94,780)

Balance at 31 December 2015 (restated)

2,101,062

2,556,215

32,870

219

4,690,366







Additions

86,962

23,478

-

-

110,440

Transfer to property, plant and equipment

-

(1,217)

-

-

(1,217)

Change in estimates of the decommissioning provision

-

-

(11,275)

-

(11,275)

Balance at 31 December 2016

2,188,024

2,578,476

21,595

219

4,788,314

 

In management's opinion, as at 31 December 2016 there were no non-compliance issues in respect of the licences that would have an adverse effect on the financial position or the operating results of the Group.

 

As of 31 December 2016 management performed impairment analysis of exploration and evaluation assets. As of result of this analysis the recoverable amount of exploration and evaluation assets significantly increased their carrying amount. Accordingly as of 31 December 2016 no impairment of exploration and evaluation assets was recognized.

 

13. Property, plant and equipment

 


Oil and gas assets

Motor
vehicles

Other equipment and furniture

Construction work in progress

Total

Cost at 1 January 2015 (restated)

4,439,969

14,908

7,764

282,811

4,745,452

Additions

161,502

2,337

-

103,049

266,888

Reclassification

122,668

-

-

(122,668)

-

Transfer to Inventory

-

-

-

(2,444)

(2,444)

Disposals

(21,444)

-

(53)

(761)

(22,258)

Change in estimates of the decommissioning provision

(159,767)

-

-

(2,161)

(161,928)

Cost at 31 December 2015 (restated)

4,542,928

17,245

7,711

257,826

4,825,710

Additions

93,761

-

244

281,460

375,465

Reclassification

205,009

-

-

(205,009)

-

Transfer from exploration and evaluation assets

1,217

-

-

-

1,217

Transfer to Inventory

-

-

-

(2,902)

(2,902)

Disposals

(15,540)

-

-

(78,131)

(93,671)

Change in estimates of the decommissioning provision

(1,913)

-

-

(3,320)

(5,233)

Cost at 31 December 2016

4,825,462

17,245

7,955

249,924

5,100,586







Accumulated depreciation and impairment






Balance at 1 January 2015 (restated)

(118,256)

(1,181)

(3,657)

-

(123,094)

Depreciation and depletion

(362,124)

(8,294)

(572)

-

(370,990)

Disposals

6,583

-

61

-

6,644

Balance at 31 December 2015 (restated)

(473,797)

(9,475)

(4,168)

-

(487,440)

Depreciation and depletion

(401,790)

(6,641)

(508)

-

(408,939)

Disposals

7,047

-

-

-

7,047

Balance at 31 December 2016

(868,540)

(16,116)

(4,676)

-

(889,332)







Net book value at 1 January 2015 (restated)

4,321,714

13,727

4,107

282,811

4,622,359

Net book value at 31 December 2015 (restated)

4,069,131

7,770

3,543

257,826

4,338,270

Net book value at 31 December 2016

3,956,922

1,129

3,279

249,924

4,211,254

 

 

14. Inventories

 


31 December 2016

31 December 2015

(Restated)

31 December 2014

(Restated)

Natural gas and hydrocarbon liquids
(at lower of cost and net realisable value)

6,047

1,968

2,025

Materials and supplies (at cost)

12,783

7,798

16,146

Total inventories

18,830

9,766

18,171

 

 

15. Trade and other receivables and other current non-financial assets

 


31 December 2016

31 December 2015

(Restated)

31 December 2014

(Restated)

Trade receivables, gross

169,915

145,053

141,321

Other accounts receivable, gross

2,379

4,227

3,882

Allowance for doubtful accounts

-

(16)

-

Total trade and other receivables

172,294

149,264

145,203





Prepayments

12,783

30,101

25,484

VAT receivable

2,403

8,527

5,795

Other taxes prepaid

-

437

113

Total other current non-financial assets

15,186

39,065

31,392

 

Prepayments are advance payments for services to be rendered within the next twelve months.

 

Current VAT receivable is expected to be recovered within the next twelve months.

 

As of 31 December 2016 trade and other receivables of 172,294 were neither past due nor impaired (31 December 2015: 149,264; 31 December 2014: 145,203). As of 31 December 2015, trade and other accounts receivable of 16 were individually impaired and an impairment provision was recognised.

 

16. Cash and cash equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash at bank and the majority of cash held is denominated in RUB.

 

The Group's exposure to credit risk and impairment losses related to cash and cash equivalents are disclosed in Note 27.

 

17. Share capital

 

At 31 December 2016, 2015 and 2014

Number of ordinary shares

Nominal value, USD'000

Nominal value, RUB'000

Authorised (par value of USD 0.20 each)

250,000,000

50,000

1,708,672

Issued and fully paid (par value of USD 0.20 each)

141,955,386

28,391

970,218

 

18. Dividends

 

In accordance with the relevant legislation applicable to the Group, the Group's distributable reserves are limited to the balance of retained earnings as recorded in the Company's statutory financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. No dividends were declared or paid in 2016, 2015 and 2014.

 

19. Earnings/(loss) per share

 

Basic earnings/(loss) per share is calculated by dividing the profit/(loss) attributable to owners of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year.

 

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share are calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. As of 31 December 2016 the Company has share options as dilutive potential ordinary shares. As of 31 December 2015 share options and warrants gave antidilution effect on loss per share.

 


2016

2015

(Restated)

Earnings/(loss) attributable to owners of the Company -
Basic and diluted

97,101

(246,658)

 


Number of

shares

Number of

shares

Weighted average number of shares for calculating basic loss per share

141,955,386

141,955,386

Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares - share options

1,952,500

-

Weighted average number of shares for calculating diluted earnings/(loss) per share

143,907,886

141,955,386

 

 

 


RUB

RUB

Basic earnings/(loss) per share

0.68

(1.74)

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share

0.67

(1.74)

 

20. Share-based payments

 

20.1 Share options

 

At 31 December 2016, the Company had a total of 1,952,500 outstanding share options (2015: 1,952,500). No movements in share options took place during the year.

 

Options which are lapsed or are cancelled prior to their exercise date are deleted from the register of outstanding options and are available for re-use.

 


31 December 2016

31 December 2015

31 December 2014

Grant date

Number

Option exercise price (pence)

Number

Option exercise price (pence)

Number

Option exercise price (pence)

11 January 2005

-

-

-

-

117,500

423

23 March 2006

-

-

-

-

10,000

1,904

23 February 2007

-

-

-

-

7,500

653

11 January 2008

202,500

445

202,500

445

232,500

445

31 October 2012

1,750,000

20

1,750,000

20

1,750,000

20


1,952,500


1,952,500


2,117,500


 

No share options were granted during the year ended 31 December 2016.

 

20.2 Initial share options

 

The Company adopted an employee Share Option Scheme on 4 March 2005 (the "Share Option Scheme") in order to incentivise key management and staff at that time. The following share options were granted to former employees and directors of the Company under the Initial Share Option Scheme adopted on 4 March 2005 ("Initial Share Options") and are still in existence:

 


2016

2015


Number

Weighted average exercise price (pence)

Number

Weighted average exercise price (pence)

Outstanding at 1 January

202,500

445

367,500

445

Expired

-

-

(165,000)

-

Outstanding at 31 December

202,500

445

202,500

445

 

Share options granted under the Initial Share Option Scheme were exercisable as follows:

►               The first 30% of the options between the first and tenth anniversary of the grant date;

►               The next 30% of the options between the second and tenth anniversary of the grant date; and

►               The remaining options between the third and tenth anniversary of the grant date.

 

Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value (excluding the effect of non‑market-based vesting conditions) as determined through use of the binomial option pricing model, at the grant date. The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Company's estimate of shares that will eventually vest. The options vested immediately.

 

The binomial option pricing model is applied to the granting of share options in respect of calculating the fair values. Key inputs to the model are as follows:


Share options


11 January
2005

23 March
2006

23 February
2007

11 January

2008






Share price at grant

20.75p

93.25p

36.25p

22.25p

Option exercise price

21.15p

95.20p

32.65p

22.25p

Expected life of option

10 years

10 years

10 years

10 years

Expected volatility

60-65%

60-65%

60-65%

60-65%

Expected dividend yield

5.0%

5.0%

5.0%

5.0%

 

Volatility has been based on the historical trading performance of the Company and comparable companies. The risk free rate has been determined based on 10-year government bonds.

 

20.3 Directors Share Options

 

Share options granted to certain existing Directors of the Company on 31 October 2012 ("Directors Share Options") were exercisable at any time between the commencement of the option period and third anniversary of the grant date. Share options granted under this scheme were as follows:

 


2016

2015


Number

Weighted average exercise price (pence)

Number

Weighted average exercise price (pence)

Outstanding at 1 January

1,750,000

20

1,750,000

20

Issued in the year

-

-

-

-

Exercised

-

-

-

-

Share consolidation

-

-

-

-

Outstanding at 31 December

1,750,000

20

1,750,000

20

 

During 2014 the vesting period of the remaining options was extended from 30 October 2015 to 30 October 2017. Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value (excluding the effect of non-market-based vesting conditions) as determined through use of the Black-Scholes formula, at the grant date. The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Company's estimate of shares that will eventually vest. The options vested immediately.

 

The Black-Scholes formula is the option pricing model applied to the grant of share options in respect of calculating the fair values. Key inputs to the model are as follows:

 

 

 

 

Share options

31 October
2012

Share price at grant

3.45p

Option exercise price

1.00p

Expected life of option

3 years

Expected volatility

216.1%

Expected dividend yield

0.0%

Risk free rate

0.49%

Fair value per share option

3.342p

Exchange rate used (USD: GBP)

1.62525

 

Volatility has been based on the Company's trading performance from 1 January 2011. The risk free rate has been determined based on 5-year government bonds.

 

20.4 Warrants

 

In August 2011, the Company granted 10,550,000 warrants with an exercise price of 5.0 pence, vesting from 2 August 2011 to 2 August 2014. After share consolidation in 2013 the number of warrants became 527,500.

 

515,000 warrants were exercised during the year ended 31 December 2014. During 2015 the remaining 12,500 outstanding warrants expired.

 

21. Borrowings

 


2016

2015

(Restated)

Non-revolving credit facility as at 1 January

2,218,549

2,378,380

Including current liability

373,378

180,027




Interest accrued

228,538

261,814

Interest paid

(227,138)

(241,645)

Repayment

(360,000)

(180,000)

Non-revolving credit facility, as at 31 December

1,859,949

2,218,549

Including current liability

311,160

373,378

 

In 2014, the Group entered into non-revolving credit facility agreement No. 5878 with Sberbank of Russia OJSC with a maximum facility amount of 2,400,000. The facility was drawn down in full in 2014. The maturity date is 30 April 2021, being the 7-year anniversary of the facility entered into. The Group is obliged to repay the principal amount of the loan in 24 tranches commencing on 11 May 2015 and on a quarterly basis from then on with a final repayment tranche payable on the maturity date. In 2016 the Group repaid 360,000 (2015: 180,000). The interest rate is 10.98% per annum. Sberbank may unilaterally amend the interest rate in the event of increases in the refinancing rate of the Central Bank of Russia. The Group paid an upfront commission on the facility of 1% of the facility amount (24,000) and there is a drawdown charge of 0.25% per year on the balance of the facility not drawn by the Group within the established timeframe. The Group has the option to prepay the loan in whole or in part at any time, subject to the payment of a fee. The Group provided certain warranties and representations to Sberbank in the agreement. The agreement contains certain loan covenants and events of default which are customary for a facility of this type. In December 2015 the Group signed an amendment altering covenants. The Group is in compliance with all covenants as of 31 December 2016, 2015 and 2014. The loan is secured by the Group, such security being granted pursuant to various pledge and mortgage deeds entered into by the Group on or about the date of the Sberbank Facility. The carrying value of property, plant and equipment pledged as of 31 December 2016 amounted to 2,901,916 (2015: 3,103,133; 2014: 3,304,306).

 

The outstanding amount of the facility as of 31 December 2016 was 1,860,000. The credit facility debt is measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest method.

 

22. Decommissioning and environmental restoration provision

 

The decommissioning and environmental restoration provision represents the net present value of the estimated future obligations for abandonment and site restoration costs expected to be incurred at the end of the production lives of the gas and oil fields, which is estimated to be within 20 years.


2016

2015

(Restated)

Provision as at 1 January

358,000

599,096

Additions

15,839

2,951

Unwinding of discount

35,898

73,515

Change in estimate of decommissioning and environmental restoration provision

(50,584)

(317,562)

Provision as at 31 December

359,153

358,000

 

This provision has been created based on the Group's internal estimates. Assumptions based on the current economic environment have been made which the directors believe are a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the future liability. These estimates are reviewed regularly to take into account any material changes to the assumptions. However, actual decommissioning costs will ultimately depend upon future market prices for the necessary dismantlement works required, which will reflect market conditions at the relevant time. Furthermore, the timing is likely to depend on when the fields cease to produce at economically viable rates. This in turn will depend upon future oil prices and future operating costs, which are inherently uncertain.

 

The provision reflects two liabilities: one is to dismantle the property, plant and equipment assets and the other is to restore the environment. The decommissioning part of the provision is reversed when an oil well is abandoned and corresponding capitalised costs are expensed. The environmental part of the provision is reversed when the expenses on restoration are actually incurred.

 

The provision is reversed when the corresponding capitalised costs directly attributable to an exploration and evaluation asset are expensed as it is determined that a commercial discovery has not been achieved and the restoration of the corresponding environment has been completed.

 

The decommissioning and environmental restoration provision as of 31 December 2015 decreased in comparison with 31 December 2014 due to the change in estimate of forecasted inflation rates. The Group reviews quarterly the application of inflation rates used for the provision estimation. The inflation rate used in the estimation of the provision as of 31 December 2016 was 5.8% in 2017, decreasing to 4.0% in 2036 (in 2015: 7.4% in 2016, decreasing to 5.3% in 2036; in 2014 the flat rate of 11.4% was applied based on historical data) based on the forecast of the Economist Intelligence. The discount rates used to determine the decommissioning and environmental restoration provision are based on Russian government bond rates.

 

23. Deferred tax liabilities

 

Movements in temporary differences during the year:


31 December 2016

Recognised in profit or loss

31 December 2015

(Restated)

Decommissioning provision

44,368

2,023

42,345

Other current assets and liabilities

9,540

(4,599)

14,139

Tax loss carry-forwards

299,067

(18,046)

317,113

Deferred tax assets

352,975

(20,622)

373,597

Exploration and evaluation assets

(576,443)

(15,525)

(560,918)

Property, plant and equipment

(208,178)

(65,195)

(142,983)

Borrowings

(2,242)

1,111

(3,353)

Deferred tax liabilities

(786,863)

(79,609)

(707,254)

Net deferred tax liabilities

(433,888)

(100,231)

(333,657)

 


31 December 2015

(Restated)

Recognised in profit or loss

(Restated)

31 December 2014

(Restated)

Decommissioning provision

42,345

(31,354)

73,699

Other current assets and liabilities

14,139

6,150

7,989

Tax loss carry-forwards

317,113

64,625

252,488

Deferred tax assets

373,597

39,421

334,176

Exploration and evaluation assets

(560,918)

(410)

(560,508)

Property, plant and equipment

(142,983)

(71,596)

(71,387)

Borrowings

(3,353)

979

(4,332)

Deferred tax liabilities

(707,254)

(71,027)

(636,227)

Net deferred tax liabilities

(333,657)

(31,606)

(302,051)

 

Deferred income tax assets are not recognised for tax losses mainly carried forward for SibGeCo to the extent that the utilisation of the related tax benefit through future taxable profits is not probable. The Group has not recognised deferred income tax assets of 482,631 (2015: 461,209; 2014: 454,747). The Group has tax losses that are available indefinitely for offsetting against future taxable profits of the companies in which the losses arose.

 

Management assessed that the deferred tax assets will be fully offset against future taxable profits in 2020-2026.

 

24. Other taxes payable

 


31 December 2016

31 December 2015

(Restated)

31 December 2014

(Restated)

VAT payable

67,769

45,770

45,907

Mineral extraction tax

35,647

32,433

5,232

Property tax

4,711

2,697

5,457

Other taxes payable

10,373

9,766

7,370

Total

118,500

90,666

63,966

 

 

25. Trade and other payables

 

 

 

 


31 December 2016

31 December 2015

(Restated)

31 December 2014

(Restated)

Current trade payables

93,143

146,676

57,192

Non-current other payables

57,874

-

-

Accrued expenses

28,851

34,246

58,396

Payables to employees

7,385

33,936

1,069

Total

187,253

214,858

116,657

 

26. Operating leases

 

Operating lease payments are mainly rentals by the Group of land, office space and equipment required for use on a temporary basis. Leases are normally signed on a short term basis of one to two years with options to extend.

 

Lease payments under operating leases recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year amounted to 32,953 (2015: 20,248).

 

At the reporting date the Group's outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases fall due as follows:

 


31 December 2016

31 December 2015

(Restated)

31 December 2014

(Restated)

Within one year

1,094

6,632

3,769

In two to five years

1,444

1,312

1,238

More than five years

6,135

5,976

5,907

Total

8,673

13,920

10,914

 

 

27. Financial instruments and financial risk management

 

Overview of the Group's financial risk management

 

The Group has exposure to the following risks from its use of financial instruments:

►               Liquidity risk;

►               Market risk;

►               Credit risk.

 

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

 

The Group's risk management policies deal with identifying and analysing the risks faced by the Group, setting appropriate risk limits and controls, and monitoring risks and adherence to limits. Risk management policies and systems are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in market conditions and the Group's activities. The Group, through its internal policies, aims to develop a disciplined and constructive control environment in which all employees understand their roles and obligations.

 

27.1 Liquidity risk

 

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations as they fall due. The Group monitors the risk of cash shortfalls by means of current liquidity planning. The Group's approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when due, under both normal and stressed conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group's reputation. This approach is used to analyse payment dates associated with financial assets, and also to forecast cash flows from operating activities. The contractual maturities of financial liabilities are presented including estimated interest payments.

 

The Group's current liabilities exceed current assets at 31 December 2016 by 58,475. Starting from 2017 the Group budgeted flat sales together with further reduction of administrative and operating expenses. Management is currently working out a plan to perform all the plant maintenance within one full stop during four days, which will increase the production and cash inflow from operating activities.

 

During 2016 geologists and field development team elaborated changes to capital investments plan with potential to avoid the investment activities outflow amounted to 133,000. For additional liquidity risk mitigation, in April 2017 the Group obtained preferential term sheet for 100,000 limit credit line with Sberbank.

 

With all the above the Group management considers the liquidity risk as low.

 


Contractual amount

Less than
1 year

1-2 years

Over
2 years

Financial liabilities as at 31 December 2016





Borrowings

2,357,003

487,329

1,124,968

744,706

Trade and other payables

211,068

129,379

-

81,689

Total

2,568,071

616,708

1,124,968

826,395












Contractual amount

Less than
1 year

1-2 years

Over
2 years

Financial liabilities as at 31 December 2015 (restated)





Borrowings

2,940,525

583,499

941,717

1,415,309

Trade and other payables

214,858

214,858

-

-

Total

3,155,383

798,357

941,717

1,415,309












Contractual amount

Less than
1 year

1-2 years

Over
2 years

Financial liabilities as at 31 December 2014 (restated)





Borrowings

3,376,343

435,834

1,070,835

1,869,674

Trade and other payables

116,657

116,657

-

-

Total

3,493,000

552,491

1,070,835

1,869,674

 

27.2 Market risk

 

Market risk includes interest risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk.

 

a)         Interest risk

 

The Group has exposure to interest risk since Diall Alliance entered into a non-revolving credit facility agreement with Sberbank and, according to the terms of the agreement, Sberbank may unilaterally amend the interest rate in the event of increases in refinancing rates of the Central Bank of Russia. Sberbank had not amended the interest rate by the reporting date.

 

b)     Foreign currency exchange rate risk and the effect of translation to the presentational currency

 

The Group does not have any significant exposure to foreign currency risk, as no significant sales, purchases or borrowings are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency.

 

The Group's operations are carried in the Russian Federation, where all of its revenue, costs and financing from both Sberbank and intra-group lending are denominated in RUB. As a result there is no exposure at the operating subsidiary level to foreign currency exchange risk movements.

 

27.3 Credit risk

 

Credit risk arises principally from the Group's financial investments, trade and other receivables and cash and cash equivalents. It is the risk that the value of the Group's investments will not be recovered and the risk that the counterparty fails to discharge its obligation in respect of the Group's trade and other receivables and cash balances. The maximum exposure to credit risk equals the carrying value of these items in the financial statements.

 

The Group is largely dependent on one customer (Gazprom Mezhregiongaz Saratov LLC) for a significant portion of revenues. Gazprom Mezhregiongaz Saratov LLC accounted for 85.9% and 80.7%, of the Group's total revenue in 2016 and 2015 respectively. The loss or the insolvency of this customer for any reason, or reduced sales of the Group's principal product, could significantly reduce the Group's ongoing revenue and/or profitability, and could materially and adversely affect the Group's financial condition. The credit rating assigned to Gazprom by Standard & Poor's is BB+. To manage credit risk and exposure to the loss of the key customer, the Group has entered into a long-term contract with Gazprom Mezhregiongaz Saratov LLC, effective till 31 December 2020. As for the smaller customers, the Group imposes minimum credit standards that the customers must meet before and during the sales transaction process.

 

Credit risk related to cash and cash equivalents is reduced by placing funds with banks with acceptable credit ratings.

 

To limit exposure to credit risk on cash and cash equivalents management's policy is to hold cash and cash equivalents in reputable financial institutions. During 2016 cash was held mainly with Sberbank (rating Ba2.ru, Moody's).

 

 

 


31 December 2016

31 December 2015

(Restated)

31 December 2014

(Restated)

Ba2.ru, Moody's

291,683

422,865

522,584

Other

2,571

5,685

79,043

Total cash and cash equivalents

294,254

428,550

601,627

 

Capital management

 

The Group considers its capital and reserves attributable to equity shareholders to be the Group's capital. In managing its capital, the Group's primary long-term objective is to provide a return for its equity shareholders through capital growth. Going forward, the Group may seek additional investment funds and also maintain a gearing ratio that balances risks and returns at an acceptable level, while maintaining a sufficient funding base to enable the Group to meet its working capital needs. Details of the Group's capital are disclosed in the statement of changes in equity.

 

There have been no other significant changes to management's objectives, policies or processes in the year, nor has there been any change in what the Group considers to be capital.

 

The Group companies are in compliance with externally imposed capital requirements as of 31 December 2016, 2015 and 2014.

 

28. Commitments and contingencies

 

28.1 Capital commitments

 

Capital expenditure contracted for at 31 December 2016 but not yet incurred was 249,723, net of VAT (2015: 15,291, net of VAT, 2014: 37,769, net of VAT).

 

28.2 Insurance

 

The insurance industry in the Russian Federation is in a developing state and many forms of insurance protection common in other parts of the world are not generally available. The Group's insurance currently includes cover for damage to or loss of assets, third-party liability coverage (including employer's liability insurance) and directors and officers liability insurance, in each case subject to excesses, exclusions and limitations. However, there can be no assurance that such insurance will be adequate to cover losses or exposure to liability, or that the Group will continue to be able to obtain insurance to cover such risks. Until the Group obtains adequate insurance coverage there is a risk that the loss or destruction of certain assets could have a material adverse effect on the Group's operations and financial position.

 

28.3 Litigation

 

The Group has been involved in a number of court proceedings (both as a plaintiff and as a defendant) arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management there are no current legal proceedings or other claims outstanding which could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, financial position or cash flows of the Group and which have not been accrued or disclosed in these financial statements.

 

28.4 Taxation contingencies

 

Russian tax legislation which was enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period is subject to varying interpretations when applied to the transactions and activities of the Group. Consequently, tax positions taken by management and formal documentation supporting the tax positions may be successfully challenged by relevant authorities. Russian tax administration is gradually tightening, including a higher risk of review of tax transactions without a clear business purpose or with tax non-compliant counterparties. Fiscal periods remain open to review by the authorities in respect of taxes for three calendar years preceding the year of review. Under certain circumstances reviews may cover longer periods. As Russian tax legislation does not provide definitive guidance in certain areas, the Group adopts, from time to time, interpretations of such uncertain areas that reduce the overall tax rate of the Group. While management currently estimates that the tax positions and interpretations that it has taken can probably be sustained, there is a possible risk that outflow of resources will be required should such tax positions and interpretations be challenged by the relevant authorities. The impact of any such challenge cannot be reliably estimated; however, it may be material to the financial position and/or the overall operations of the Group.

 

The taxation system in the Russian Federation continues to evolve and is characterised by frequent changes in legislation, as well as official pronouncements and court decisions which are sometimes contradictory and subject to varying interpretation by different tax authorities. Taxes are subject to review and investigation by a number of authorities which have the authority to impose severe fines, penalties and interest charges. Recent events within the Russian Federation suggest that the tax authorities are taking a more assertive and substance-based position in their interpretation and enforcement of tax legislation.

 

These circumstances may create tax risks in the Russian Federation that are substantially more significant than in other countries. Management believes that it has provided adequately for tax liabilities based on its interpretations of applicable Russian tax legislation, official pronouncements and court decisions. However, the interpretations of the relevant authorities could differ and the impact on these consolidated financial statements if the authorities were successful in enforcing their interpretations could be significant.

 

28.5 Environmental matters

 

The Group's operations are in the upstream oil industry in the Russian Federation and its activities may have an impact on the environment. The enforcement of environmental regulations in the Russian Federation is evolving and the enforcement stance of government authorities is continually being reconsidered. The Group periodically evaluates its obligations related thereto. The outcome of environmental liabilities under proposed or future legislation, or as a result of stricter interpretation and enforcement of existing legislation, cannot reasonably be estimated at present, but could be material.

 

Under the current levels of enforcement of existing legislation, management believes there are no significant liabilities in addition to amounts already accrued as a part of the decommissioning provision and which would have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Group.

 

29. Related party transactions

 

During 2016 and 2015 there were no operations with related parties, except for key management remuneration.

 

The remuneration of key management comprised of salary and bonuses in the amount 57,175 (2015: 101,225).

 

 

30. Availability of annual report and financial statements and General Meeting

 

Copies of the Group's annual report and consolidated financial statements will be sent to Registered Shareholders but may not be sent to holders of Depository Interests. The annual report and financial statements will be available for inspection at the Group's registered office and may also be viewed on the Group's website at: www.zoltav.com. Notice of a General Meeting will be sent to shareholders in due course.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
END
 
 
FR SEEFMMFWSEFL
NO INVESTMENT ADVICE

The Company is a publisher. You understand and agree that no content published on the Site constitutes a recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of...

FOR OUR FULL DISCLAIMER CLICK HERE

87 min read