Star Phoenix Group Ltd
("Star Phoenix" or the "Company")
21 February 2023
AUDITED ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2022
Star
As a result of the publication of the Company's Annual Results, the trading in the Company's shares will be restored from 7.30am on 22 February 2023.
This announcement has been approved by Chairman Lubing Liu on behalf of the Company.
Contact Details
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Star Phoenix Group Ltd Mu Luo (Company Secretary) e. admin@starphoenixgroup.com t. +61 8 6205 3012 |
WH Ireland Limited (Nominated Adviser and Broker) James Joyce / Enzo Aliaj t. +44 (0)20 7220 1666 |
The information contained within this announcement is considered to be inside information prior to its release, as defined in Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation No. 596/2014, and is disclosed in accordance with the Company's obligations under Article 17 of those Regulations.
The following has been directly extracted from the Audited Annual Report
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An electronic version of this report is available on the Company's website www.starphoenixgroup.com
Contents
Directors' Report
Operational Review
Remuneration Report (Audited)
Auditor's Independence Declaration
Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and other Comprehensive Income as at 30 June 2022
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2022
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity as at 30 June 2022
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as at 30 June 2022
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Directors' Declaration
Independent Audit Report to the Members
Additional Information
Corporate Directory
Directors' Report
The Directors of Star Phoenix Group Ltd ("SPG" or "the Company") and the entities it controls (together, the "Group") present the financial report for the year ended 30 June 2022.
Directors
The names and details of the Company's directors in office during the financial year and until the date of this report are as follows. The directors were in office during the entire period unless otherwise stated.
Name |
Position |
Mr Lubing Liu |
Executive Chairman (Appointed on 1 June 2022), Chief Operating Officer
|
Dr Mu (Robin) Luo |
Executive Director (Ceased to be Non-Executive Director on 1 June 2022) |
Mr Zhiwei Gu |
Non-Executive Director (Ceased to be Executive Chairman on 31 May 2022) |
Mr Lubing Liu: Executive Chairman and Chief Operating Officer |
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Qualifications: |
BSc |
Interest in shares and options: |
1,726,077 ordinary shares |
Directorships held in other listed entities during the past three years |
None |
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Mr Lubing Liu has 25 years of global experience in petroleum exploration, development, production, joint venture operations and new ventures. Prior to joining the Company, Mr Liu held various subsurface leader roles, including Chief Reservoir Engineer with Melbana Energy Limited, Vice President of Exploration and Petroleum Technology with Sinopec East Puffin Pty Ltd, and principal petroleum engineering leader roles with other international exploration and production and energy service companies including ConocoPhillips, CNOOC, Woodside, RPS and LR. Mr Liu is experienced in petroleum engineering and has extensive IOR/EOR (waterflood inclusive) and gas cycling experience having worked at the Xijiang24-3/30-2/24-1 oilfields, Liuhua 11-1 oilfield and Penglai oilfield in China, the Chinguetti oilfield in Mauritania, Block 95 in Peru, Goodwyn gas field, Thylacine & Geographe gas field and Longtom gas field in Australia. Mr Liu holds a BSc in Petroleum Engineering from the Southwest Petroleum University, China. He is a Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. |
Dr Mu (Robin) Luo: Executive Director |
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Qualifications: |
BSc, MSc, PhD |
Interest in shares and options: |
None |
Directorships held in other listed entities during the past three years |
None |
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Dr Luo is a senior oil and gas professional with over 35 years' experience working for leading international E&P and oilfield services companies. He has worked on various giant conventional and unconventional projects across all levels from research to operations. He most recently worked as a principal development geophysicist to Inpex Corporation, leading a multi-billion Ichthys LNG project in Australia. Prior to that, he was a post-doc in Waseda University, Tokyo, and held principal roles with Sinopec Oil and Gas, PGS, Japan Petroleum Exploration Company Limited, and Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation. Dr Luo holds a PhD in Exploration Geophysics from the Curtin University, Australia; MSc in Geophysics from the University of Queensland, Australia; and BSc in Geophysics from the Petroleum University of China. He is a member of the Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists, the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers, and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists.
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Mr Zhiwei Gu: Non - Executive Chairman |
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Qualifications: |
LL.B, LL.M., MSc |
Interest in shares and options: |
5,489,793 ordinary shares
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Directorships held in other listed entities during the past three years |
None |
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Mr Gu is an experienced corporate lawyer, who has worked with numerous companies seeking listings on various international stock markets, including the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. He is currently a partner of Dentons, one of the largest global law firms. Mr Gu has participated in several venture capital and private equity investment cases by various funds such as London Asia Fund, Warburg Pincus, Korea Development Bank, China Venture Investment Co., and China Cinda AMC. During his time with China National Gold Group Corp., Mr Gu was in charge of mineral resources merger and acquisition activities. Mr Gu holds an LLB from Jilin University in China, an LLM from Northeast University in China, and Master of Applied Finance from Macquarie University in Australia. Mr Gu is a qualified lawyer and securities practitioner in China. |
Company Secretary
The following persons held the position of company secretary during the financial year:
• Ms Evgenia Bezruchko (Resigned on 27 August 2021)
• Mr Lubing Liu (Resigned on 1 June 2022)
• Dr Mu (Robin) Luo (Appointed on 1 June 2022)
Ms Evgenia Bezruchko: Joint Company Secretary |
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Qualifications: |
BSc, MSc, MBA |
Directorships held in other listed entities during the past three years |
None |
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Ms Evgenia Bezruchko has 10 years experience in corporate development and capital markets in natural resources sector. Prior to joining SPG in 2012, Evgenia worked in corporate broking and equity sales for an independent merchant bank Brandon Hill Capital (formerly Fox-Davies Capital Limited), covering a wide range of listed and private oil & gas and mining companies. Evgenia holds a BSc in Pharmacology from the University of Bristol, an MSc in Finance from the University of Westminster and an MBA from the American InterContinental University. |
Results of operations
The Company's loss for the year to 30 June 2022 was
Dividends
No dividend was paid or declared by the Company during the year and up to the date of this report.
Corporate structure
Star Phoenix Group Ltd is a company limited by shares, which is incorporated and domiciled in Australia.
Nature of operations and principal activities
The principal activity of the Group during the financial year was oilfield services.
The Company's key focus remains on securing new opportunities to provide future growth and value for the Company and its shareholders. Over the last year, the Company has considered, reviewed and evaluated numerous projects and investment opportunities with a view of securing attractive targets.
The Company is pleased to report that it is currently in advanced discussions on a selected number of investment and joint venture opportunities and is focusing its efforts to progress to the next stage. The Board believes these new opportunities would offer shareholders exposure to significant plays in the energy sector and looks forward to sharing the details of these potentially value enhancing opportunities should they progress to binding deals.
Operational Review
LandOcean Energy Services Co Limited litigation
On 14 July 2021, the Company advised that its legal advisers Dentons UK and Middle East LLP have now filed an arbitration request in the London Court of International Arbitration (the "Request"), which officially marks commencement of arbitration proceedings against LandOcean Energy Services Co Limited.
Pursuant to the Request, the Group is claiming various sums from LandOcean Energy Services Co Limited currently estimated in excess of
Oilfield services
Following the sale, in the prior year, of the upstream business (RRTL) which was by far the largest client of RRDSL, and given the continued challenging industry conditions, the Company completed an organizational restructure of RRDSL in order to substantially reduce overheads and the ongoing costs of the Group.
The Company has also been actively marketing the rigs and equipment. As a result, the Company sold four production rigs for a total sum of
The Company is also considering its options with regards to its interests in Indonesia.
Management changes
On 27 August 2021, the company announced that the Directors made a decision to implement changes to the management team. As a result, a mutual agreement was reached for Mr Theo Eleftheriades, the Chief Financial Officer and Ms Evgenia Bezruchko, the Group Corporate Development Manager and Joint Company Secretary to cease their employment in their current roles. The Board of Directors have approved the non-Board appointment of Mr Harry Liu as Chief Financial Officer. All of the management changes came into effect on 1 September 2021.
On 31 August 2021, the company announced that Mr Lubing Liu will continue his role as company secretary.
On 31 May 2022, the board elected and appointed Mr Lubing Liu as Executive Chairman from 1 June 2022. The board appointed Dr Mu (Robin) Luo as Company Secretary and Executive Director from 1 June 2022. The Board approved Mr Zhiwei (Kerry) Gu's appointment as Executive Chairman will cease on 31 May 2022. Mr Gu will remain as a Non-Executive Director effective from 1 June 2022.
Director's Salaries and payments
On 07 September 2021, the company announced that the Board of Directors has approved delaying all directors' salaries and payments from 1 September 2021 subject to further review at the beginning of 2022 in accordance with the cash position of the Company at that particular time.
This has been taken as a cash conservation measure to preserve the Company's cash reserves whilst it seeks the collection of the monies owed to it by LandOcean Energy Services Co Limited, as updated in the Company's announcement of 14 July 2021.
Significant changes in the state of affairs
There have been no significant changes in the state of affairs of the Group during the financial year, other than as set out in this report.
A special general meeting
Likely developments and expected results of operations
The Company continues its search of new attractive acquisition opportunities to provide future growth and value for the Company and its shareholders. The Company is also seeking to complete the sale of its rigs and equipment in Trinidad to provide additional cashflow and strengthen the Company's financial position.
Update on RRDSL Claim
RRDSL, through its attorney (Robin B. Ramoutar & Co), has submitted a claim at an amount of approximately TT$1.1 million (
Events after the reporting date
RRDSL Claim
On 28 July 2022, the company announced that RRDSL has won a claim at an amount of approximately TT$1.1 million (US
Arbitration commences against LandOcean Energy Services Co Limited
On 14 July 2021, the Company announced that its legal advisers Dentons UK and Middle East LLP have now filed an arbitration request in the London Court of International Arbitration, which officially marks commencement of arbitration proceedings against LandOcean Energy Services Co Limited.
Pursuant to the Request, the Group is claiming various sums from LandOcean Energy Services Co Limited currently estimated in excess of
Claim Against Range Resources Trinidad Limited
On 4 August 2022, the company provided following update in relation to its wholly owned subsidiary in Trinidad, Resources Drilling Services Limited ("RRDSL").
RRDSL, through its attorney (Robin B. Ramoutar & Co), has submitted three claims at a total amount of approximately TT$14.9 million (
Arbitration proceedings Against LandOcean Energy Services Co Limited
On 22 August 2022, the company announced that the London Court of International Arbitration ("LCIA") issued a consent award on 12 August 2022 in relation to two of the four Stage 1 Claims. Under the consent award, LandOcean Energy Services Co Limited is required to make payment of
The issuing of the consent award makes a successful conclusion of two of the four Stage 1 Claims. The Company will provide further updates on the remaining Stage 1 Claims in due course.
Environmental regulations and performance
The Group's operations are not regulated by any significant environmental regulation under a law of the Commonwealth or of a state or territory.
The Directors have considered compliance with the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 which requires entities to report annual greenhouse gas emissions and energy use. The directors have assessed that there is no current reporting requirements, but may be required to do so in the future.
Share options
As at 30 June 2022, the Company had no unissued ordinary shares of Star Phoenix under option. During the year ended 30 June 2022 no ordinary shares of the Company were issued on the exercise of options (2021: nil).
Indemnifying directors and officers
In accordance with the constitution, except where prohibited by the Corporations Act 2001, every director, principal executive officer and secretary of the Company shall be indemnified out of the property of the Company against any liability incurred by him/her in his/her capacity as director, principal executive officer or secretary of the Company or any related corporation in respect of any act or omission whatsoever and howsoever occurring or in defending any proceedings whether civil or criminal.
During the financial year, the Company has paid premiums of
Meetings of Directors
During the financial year, eight meetings of the board of directors were held. Attendances by each director during the year were as follows:
Director |
Board Meetings |
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Eligible to attend |
Attended |
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Zhiwei Gu |
7 |
7 |
Lubing Liu |
7 |
7 |
Mu Luo |
7 |
7 |
Proceedings on behalf of the company
No person has applied for leave of Court to bring proceedings on behalf of the Company or to intervene in any proceedings to which the Company is a party for the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of the Company for all or any part of those proceedings.
The Company was not a party to any such proceedings during the year.
Corporate governance
In recognising the need for the highest standards of corporate behaviour and accountability, the Board has adhered to the principles of sound corporate governance. The Board of the Company and its subsidiaries are committed to achieving and demonstrating robust corporate governance practices which are appropriate for the Group's size and stage of development, and which facilitate the long-term performance and sustainability of the Company as well as protecting and enhancing the interests of its shareholders and other stakeholders.
During the year, the Directors adopted the UK's QCA Corporate Governance Code for Small and Mid-Size Quoted Companies (the "QCA Code"), in replacement of the ASX's Corporate Governance Council's Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations 3rd Edition, as the basis for its corporate governance. The Corporate Governance Statement and Corporate Governance Plan are available on the Company's website www.starphoenixgroup.com.
Non-audit services
The total value of non-audit services provided by a related practice of BDO Audit (WA) Pty Ltd in respect to the Company's tax compliance is
The board of directors has considered the position and is satisfied that the provision of the non-audit services is compatible with the general standard of independence for auditors imposed by the Corporations Act 2001. The directors are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services by the auditor did not compromise the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 for the following reasons:
1. all non-audit services have been reviewed by the Board to ensure they do not impact the impartiality and objectivity of the auditor; and
2. none of the services undermine the general principles relating to auditor independence as set out in APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants.
Remuneration Report (Audited)
Remuneration policy
The remuneration policy of Star Phoenix Group has been designed to align director and executive objectives with shareholder and business objectives by providing a fixed remuneration component and offering specific long-term incentives based on key performance areas affecting the Group's financial results. The Board of Star Phoenix Group Limited believes the remuneration policy to be appropriate and effective in its ability to attract and retain the best executives and directors to run and manage the Group, as well as create alignment of goals between directors, executives and shareholders.
The Board's policy for determining the nature and amount of remuneration for Board members and senior executives of the Company is as follows:
The remuneration policy, setting the terms and conditions for the executive directors and other senior executives, was developed and approved by the Board.
Non-executive directors, executive directors and senior executives receive a base salary (which is based on factors such as length of service and experience), which is calculated on a total cost basis and includes any FBT charges related to employee benefits including motor vehicles, as well as employer contributions to superannuation funds where applicable.
Executive and non-executive directors can be employed by the Company on a consultancy basis on Board approval, with remuneration and terms stipulated in individual consultancy agreements.
The Company does not currently have a Remuneration Committee. In its absence, the full Board is responsible for the determination of the remuneration of Directors and senior executives and ensuring that such remuneration is appropriate and not excessive. Where considered necessary, the Board may engage a remuneration consultant to assist with setting and reviewing the Company's executive and non-executive remuneration policies to ensure the Company attracts and retains executives and Directors who will create value for shareholders. As the Company grows in size, it is planned that the Company will establish a separate remuneration committee with its own remuneration committee charter. No remuneration consultant has been used during the year.
The Board is also responsible for evaluating the performance of Directors and the senior executives. It is envisaged that once the Company is of a sufficient size to establish a Nomination Committee, that committee will be responsible for arranging the performance evaluation of the Board, its committees, and individual Directors on behalf of the Board. This evaluation will be based on specific criteria, including the business performance of the Company and its subsidiaries, whether strategic objectives are being achieved and the development of management and personnel. A formal performance evaluation was not undertaken during the financial year; however, the Company intends to undertake such review during the following financial year.
All remuneration paid to directors and executives is valued at the cost to the Company and expensed. Shares given to directors and executives are valued as the difference between the market price of those shares and the amount paid by the director or executive. Unlisted options are valued using the Black-Scholes methodology.
The Board policy is to remunerate non-executive directors at market rates for comparable companies taking into consideration time, commitment, and level of responsibility. Fees for non-executive directors are not linked to the performance of the Group. The directors are not required to hold any shares in the Company under the Constitution of the Company; however, to align directors' interests with shareholder interests, the directors are encouraged to hold shares in the Company.
Under the Company's share trading policy, all employees and directors of the Company and its related companies are prohibited from trading in the Company's shares or other securities if they are in possession of inside information.
The Board believes that it has implemented suitable practices and procedures that are appropriate for an organisation of this size and maturity.
Company performance, shareholder wealth and directors and executive's remuneration
No relationship exists between shareholder wealth, director and executive remuneration and Company performance.
Key Management Personnel
Name |
Position |
Appointed/Resigned |
Mr Lubing Liu |
Executive Chairman |
Appointed as an Executive Director on 1 March 2018 and as Joint Company Secretary 01 April 2020. Appointed as Executive Chairman from 1 June 2022. |
Dr Mu (Robin) Luo |
Executive Director |
Appointed as Non-Executive Director on 11 January 2019 and as Company Secretary and Executive Director on 1 June 2022 |
Mr Zhiwei Gu |
Non-Executive Director |
Appointed as Executive Chaireman on 10 December 2018. Ceased to be Executive Chaireman on 31 May 2022 and remain as a Non-Excutive Director from 1 June 2022. |
Details of remuneration
The remuneration for the Key Management Personnel of the Group during the year was as follows:
2022 |
Short Term Benefits |
Post-employment benefits |
Other Fees (iv) |
Total |
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Cash salary & fees |
One-off payment |
Termination benefits |
Superannuation / pensions |
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||
Currency |
US$ |
US$ |
US$ |
US$ |
US$ |
US$ |
Directors & Officers |
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Mr Gu (i) |
159,399 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
159,399 |
Mr L Liu (ii) |
94,867 |
- |
- |
3,525 |
- |
98,392 |
Dr Luo |
20,041 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
20,041 |
Total |
274,307 |
- |
- |
3,525 |
- |
277,832 |
(i) Fees of
(ii) Fees paid to Mr L Liu comprised
2021 |
Short Term Benefits |
Post-employment benefits |
Share based payments |
Total |
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Cash salary & fees |
One-off payment |
Termination benefits |
Superannuation / pensions |
Options |
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Currency |
US$ |
US$ |
US$ |
US$ |
US$ |
US$ |
Directors & Officers |
||||||
Mr Gu (i) |
254,251 |
- |
- |
- |
125,000 |
379,251 |
Mr L Liu (ii) |
199,463 |
- |
- |
29,397 |
39,452 |
228,860 |
Dr Luo |
55,222 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
55,222 |
Dr Meng (iii) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Total |
508,936 |
- |
- |
29,397 |
164,452 |
702,785 |
(i) Fees paid to Mr Gu comprised
(ii) Fees paid to Mr L Liu comprised
(iii) Dr Meng did not receive any remuneration in the year. Dr Meng ceased to be a director on 11 December 2020.
(iv) Other fees were directors' fees settled with the issue of shares. Please see notes above.
Equity instrument disclosures relating to Key Management Personnel
Share-based payments (year ended 30 June 2022)
No options were issued to key management personnel. All existing options expired in the financial year and there has not been an expense reversal.
Fully paid share holdings
The numbers of shares in the Company held during the financial year or at time of resignation by Key Management Personnel of the Company, including their personally related parties, are set out below.
2022 |
Balance at the start of the year |
Granted as Compensation |
Other Changes |
Balance at the end of the year |
Balance held indirectly |
Mr Gu |
5,489,793 |
- |
- |
5,489,793 |
- |
Mr L Liu |
1,726,077 |
- |
- |
1,726,077 |
- |
Dr Luo |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Total: |
7,215,870 |
- |
- |
7,215,870 |
- |
Options held by Key Management Personnel
There were no options in the company held during the financial year or at time of resignation by Key Management Personnel of the Company, including their personally related parties.
Loans to Key Management Personnel
There were no loans made to directors of SPG and other Key Management Personnel of the Group, including their personally related parties during the 2021 or 2022 financial years.
Employment contracts of Directors and other Key Management Personnel
On appointment, Executive Directors and Other Key Management Personnel enter into an employment contract with the Company (or another company within the Group). This contract sets out their duties, remuneration and other terms of employment. These contracts may be terminated by either the Company or the employee as detailed below.
All non-executive directors are eligible to receive consulting fees for services provided to the Company over and above the services expected from a non-executive director.
Mr Lubing Liu as Chief Operating Officer, Trinidad General Manager, Executive Director and Joint Company Secretary (appointed as Joint Company Secretary on 1 April 2020) |
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Chief Operating Officer and Trinidad General Manager contract |
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Contract start date: |
24 December 2019 to 31 May 2022 |
Base Payment: |
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Superannuation: |
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Notice period: |
6 months |
Termination benefits: |
Payment in lieu of notice at Company option for termination without cause
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Mr Lubing Liu as Executive Chairman |
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Executive Chairman contract (commenced 1 June 2022) |
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Contract date: |
1 June 2022 |
Base Payment: |
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Superannuation: |
10% of base |
Notice period: |
3 months |
Termination benefits: |
3 months' salary plus superannuation |
Mr Zhiwei Gu as Executive Chairman |
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Executive Chairman contract (commenced 1 March 2020) |
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Contract start date: |
1 March 2020 to 31 May 2022 |
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Base Payment: |
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Superannuation: |
No superannuation entitlement |
|
Notice period: |
6 months |
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Termination benefits: |
Payment in lieu of notice at Company option for termination without cause |
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Consulting services: |
Mr Gu provided additional executive and consulting services over, and above services rendered to the Company at a rate of |
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Mr Zhiwei Gu as Non-Executive Director (appointed 1 June 2022) |
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Contract start date: |
1 June 2022 |
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Base Payment: |
|
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Superannuation: |
No superannuation entitlement |
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Notice period: |
3 months |
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Termination benefits: |
3 months' fees |
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|
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Dr Mu Luo as Non-Executive Director (appointed 11 January 2019) |
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Non-Executive Director contract |
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Contract start date: |
11January 2019 to 31 May 2022 |
|
Base Payment: |
|
|
Superannuation: |
No superannuation entitlement |
|
Termination benefits: |
None |
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Dr Mu Luo as Company Secretary and Executive Director (appointed 1 June 2022) |
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Secretary and Executive Director contract (commenced 1 June 2022) |
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Contract start date: |
1 June 2022 |
Base Payment: |
|
Superannuation: |
10% of base |
Termination benefits: |
3 months' salary plus superannuation |
Additional information
The earnings of the consolidated entity for the five years to 30 June 2022 are summarised below:
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2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
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