2018 Annual Report
2018 Annual Report
2018 Annual Report
2018
Energy for
the future
Santos Limited ABN 80 007 550 923
CONTENTS
1 About Santos
2 Financial Overview
4 Message from the Chairman and from the
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
8 Board of Directors
10 Santos Executive Committee
12 Reserves Statement
16 Directors’ Report
31 Remuneration Report
58 Financial Report
129 Directors’ Declaration
130 Independent Auditor’s Report
135 Auditor’s Independence Declaration
136 Securities Exchange and Shareholder Information
138 Glossary
139 Corporate Directory
3,641 3,660
84.1 83.4
78.3 3,100 61.6 59.5 58.9
57.7
63.7 64.3 2,594 54.1
2,442
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Free cash flow Underlying net profit Net profit after tax
US$million after tax US$million
US$million
727 630
1,006
618
564 -630 -1,953 -1,047 -360
206
-1,591 -739
318
54 75
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
14.14 3,300
6,128
10.35
8.45 8.07 8.05 4,749
3,492 3,549
1,288 2,731
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
LNG 23.1
Own product 57.7
Oil 5.9
Third-party product 20.6
Condensate 3.0
LPG 1.2
103.4
LPG 85
2018 Results
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Sales volume mmboe 63.7 64.3 84.1 83.4 78.3
Production mmboe 54.1 57.7 61.6 59.5 58.9
Average realised oil price US$ per barrel 103.4 53.8 46.4 57.8 75.1
Net profit after tax US$million -630 -1,953 -1,047 -360 630
Underlying net profit after tax US$million 564 54 75 318 727
Sales revenue US$million 3,641 2,442 2,594 3,100 3,660
Operating cash flow US$million 1,633 811 840 1,248 1,578
Free cash flow US$million -1,591 -739 206 618 1,006
EBITDAX US$million 2,076 1,454 1,199 1,428 2,160
Total assets US$million 18,281 15,949 15,262 13,706 17,134
Earnings per share US cents -64.4 -169.5 -58.2 -17.3 30.2
Dividends declared A$0.35 A$0.20 - - US$0.097
Number of employees 3,636 2,946 2,366 2,080 2,190
Dear Shareholder, A strong operating performance across During this period we prioritised debt
our portfolio of five core assets, including repayment to restore balance sheet
Santos today is a safe, low-cost, reliable
one month’s production and sales volumes strength and position the Company for
and high performance business. The
from our Quadrant Energy acquisition in growth. It was therefore very pleasing
successful, ongoing implementation of
Western Australia, resulted in sales volumes in 2018 that we reached our net debt
our Transform, Build, Grow strategy has
of 78.3 million barrels of oil equivalent reduction target of $2 billion more than a
enabled our Company to generate strong,
(mmboe) and production of 58.9 mmboe. year ahead of plan. This milestone gave us
stable cash flows through the oil price cycle
the flexibility to not only acquire the low
and pay a sustainable dividend. Santos is With the turnaround complete and the
cost, high-margin conventional assets of
now positioned to deliver the significant strategy and Operating Model embedded,
Quadrant Energy in Western Australia but
growth across our five core long-life natural 2018 marked a significant milestone for the
also, very importantly, announce a return
gas assets. Company whereby we achieved our first
to dividends.
full-year net profit after tax since 2013 of
Consistent with our disciplined Operating
$630 million. In-line with Santos’ stated purpose
Model, Santos’ diversified portfolio of five
to provide sustainable returns to our
core assets each generate free cash flow This successful turnaround was also
shareholders through the oil price cycle,
at an oil price of less than US$40 per recognised by others in the market when in
our new sustainable Dividend Policy targets
barrel. Our focus on low-cost, efficient April we received a proposal from a private
a payout of free cash flow1 generated per
operations ensures that in a lower oil price equity firm to acquire the business. The
annum in the range of 10% to 30% as
environment Santos can continue to fund Santos Board, however, rejected this offer
well as additional returns to shareholders
the Transform, Build, Grow strategy and in as it did not represent appropriate value for
above the ordinary dividend when business
a rising oil price environment, benefit from the Company. In rejecting the bid the Board
conditions permit.
higher margins. unanimously deemed the offer price to be
too low, the control premium inadequate PNG EARTHQUAKE
Santos’ full-year results serve to highlight
and the highly-leveraged private equity
the benefits of a diversified portfolio
transaction structure to be complex, In late February we were deeply saddened
of natural gas assets underpinned by a
high-risk and uncertain. by the loss of life and injuries suffered by
disciplined, cash generative Operating
Model. In 2018 we delivered: We are of the firm view that Santos’ well- communities in the Southern Highlands
developed strategy, strong management and Hela Provinces of Papua New Guinea
• a 129% increase in underlying net profit as a result of the severe earthquake in
team, highly-skilled workforce and
after tax to a record $727 million the region and numerous aftershocks. Our
outstanding growth opportunities will
• a 63% increase in free cash flow to deliver superior shareholder value over PNG LNG expertise and resources were
a record $1 billion time. deployed to assist the humanitarian relief
effort and Santos donated $200,000 to
• an 18% increase in sales revenue to a CAPITAL MANAGEMENT help provide urgently needed food, water
record $3.7 billion, and and medical supplies to more than 30,000
• dividends of US9.7 cents per share, Since 2016 we have simplified the business, people isolated in remote villages.
fully-franked, including a final dividend reduced costs, increased efficiencies and
We would like to thank and acknowledge
of US6.2 cents per share. delivered on our clear and consistent
the efforts of our joint-venture partners,
strategy to Transform, Build and Grow.
1 Free cash flow is operating cash flow less investing cash flow (including all sustaining capital expenditure, exploration spend and interest payments). The Board will have the discretion
to adjust free cash flow for individually material items, including major growth spend (for example, capital expenditure associated with the proposed Barossa development and PNG LNG
expansion projects), and asset acquisitions and disposals.
energy to the east coast domestic market In Northern Australia, Darwin LNG remains RELIABLE, AFFORDABLE AND
and benefit from the strong demand for an important and strategic infrastructure CLEANER ENERGY SUPPLY
LNG in Asia. project for the future development of
onshore and offshore resources. Plant For more than 60 years, Santos has
At GLNG our low-cost, efficient operations
performance in 2018 was again strong with been working in partnership with local
continue to support an accelerated
LNG production higher than 2017 despite a communities to safely and sustainably
development plan to unlock more gas over
one month planned maintenance shutdown. develop Australia’s natural gas, now more
time. In 2018 we drilled a record 305 wells,
In the upstream, the 3-well Bayu Undan than ever, the fuel for the future. Between
77% higher than 2017. During the year the
infill program was delivered 40% under now and 2040, the International Energy
~480-well Roma East field development
budget and the final well was brought Agency expects natural gas to grow to a
was sanctioned with 121 wells drilled by
on-line over three months ahead schedule. market share of approximately a quarter of
year-end and the Scotia CF1 field project
The successful program resulted in higher all global energy demand. In Asia, demand
delivered 85 wells one year ahead of
liquids production and increased offshore continues to grow as countries switch from
schedule and 16% under budget. The
well capacity. With the Bayu Undan field coal to natural gas to reduce air pollution
148-well Arcadia Phase 1 development
expected to cease production early next and greenhouse gas emissions.
was also sanctioned during the year with
decade, the Barossa project is being
the first wells due to come on-line in the Leading the way is China, where air
progressed as the lead candidate to backfill
first quarter of 2019. We remain on track pollution in 62 cities tracked by the World
Darwin LNG. In 2018 we entered Front
to meet our ~6 mtpa annualised sales run- Health Organisation dropped by an average
End Engineering and Design, with detailed
rate, including LNG volumes redirected to of 30% between 2013 and 2016. Cleaner air
engineering design being advanced across
the domestic market, by the end of 2019. (with lower particulates) is being driven by
a number fronts. The development of the
large-scale replacement of coal with gas in
In New South Wales we are focused Barossa project would more than double
industry and household heating. When used
on securing approval of the Narrabri Santos’ production in Northern Australia.
for power generation, natural gas is 50%
Gas Project to unlock the wealth of this
At PNG LNG, plant optimisation activities, less emissions intensive than coal. China’s
resource for the people of NSW, delivering
including planned upgrades at both the “Blue Sky Defence” policy will continue to
natural gas to the state’s industries and
Hides Gas Conditioning Plant and LNG support coal to gas replacement and drive
providing jobs, small business opportunities
plant, were undertaken during downtime as natural gas demand through the 2020s.
and community investment for the people
a result of the earthquake. These upgrades
of the Narrabri region. The Narrabri Gas In Australia, natural gas is the perfect clean
resulted in record daily production rates
Project is currently being assessed by the energy partner for renewables, providing
equivalent to 9.2 mtpa being achieved in
NSW Department of Planning ahead of a reliable power 24/7. In line with our long-
the second half of the year.
decision of the NSW Independent Planning term aspirational target to achieve net-zero
Commission. One hundred per cent of In May 2018 we announced the sale of emissions from our operations by 2050,
Narrabri gas would go into the domestic our Asian asset portfolio for $221 million. Santos is actively identifying step-change
market, potentially supplying up to half of The sale was consistent with Santos’ technologies and pursuing projects to
NSW natural gas demand, helping to put strategy to realise value from its late-life reduce fuel use and emissions.
downward pressure on energy prices. non-core assets.
Audit and Risk Committee Nomination Committee People and Remuneration Environment, Health,
Committee Safety and Sustainability
Committee
Mr G Cowan (Chair) Mr K Spence (Chair) Ms Y Allen (Chair) Mr P Hearl (Chair)
Ms Y Allen Ms Y Allen Dr V Guthrie Mr K Gallagher
Mr H Goh Mr H Goh Mr P Hearl Mr H Goh
Mr E Shi Mr P Hearl Mr E Shi Dr V Guthrie
KEVIN GALLAGHER DAVID BANKS PHILIP BYRNE BRETT DARLEY ANGUS JAFFRAY
Managing Director Executive Vice President Executive Vice President Executive Vice President Executive Vice
and Chief Executive Onshore Upstream Marketing, Trading and Offshore President People
Officer Commercial and Sustainability
BE (Hons), MBA, GAICD BEng (Civil), SPE
Mr Gallagher’s biography MA (Natural Science), BA (Hons) Geography,
can be read on page 8. Mr Banks joined Santos in Mr Darley joined Santos
MSc, DIC (Petroleum MBA
2018 and is responsible for in December 2018. He
Geology)
Santos’ onshore upstream has more than 28 years’ Mr Jaffray joined
business. Mr Byrne joined Santos experience in the upstream Santos in 2016 and is
in August 2017 and has oil and gas industry, both responsible for Human
Mr Banks has over
responsibility for the in Australia and overseas, Resources, Remuneration
25 years’ international and
marketing and trading of with technical, operational, and Performance,
domestic experience in
all of Santos gas, LNG and commercial and Organisational and Learning
the upstream oil and gas
liquid hydrocarbon products management experience Development, Sustainability
industry. He started his
as well as the commercial across varied assets, and Organisational
career with Schlumberger
function. onshore and offshore. Integration.
in south-east Asia before
joining BHP in Australia Mr Byrne has over Before moving to Santos, He previously held the
in 1994. Whilst at BHP, 35 years’ experience in Mr Darley held senior roles of Executive Vice
Mr Banks’ roles included the international oil and leadership roles including President Organisational
operational, technical and gas industry, starting his Chief Executive Officer Integration and Executive
functional leadership roles career as a Petroleum of Quadrant Energy, Vice President Strategy,
including General Manager Geologist in the North Sea Managing Director and Business Development
Shale Oil, Vice President with Hamilton Brothers Oil Region Vice President for & Technology.
HSE, Vice President Shale & Gas. He subsequently Apache Energy Limited,
Mr Jaffray has over
Drilling and Completion spent 14 years with the BG Vice President of Drilling
20 years’ of leadership
and Bass Strait Asset Group in senior commercial and Completions at
and consulting experience
Manager. Beyond business and exploration leadership Woodside Energy and
as a Director of Azure
and function leadership, roles in the UK, Europe, Drilling Manager at Santos.
Consulting, a Partner at
Mr Banks led BHP’s Tunisia and India. He spent
Mr Darley holds a Bachelor The Boston Consulting
Petroleum Transformation a further seven years with
of Civil Engineering degree Group and a Supply Chain
and was Integration BHP Petroleum including
from the University of Manager with the global
Manager for US shale General Manager Pakistan,
Queensland and is a packaging group Crown
assets. President Gas Marketing
Chartered Engineer. He is Cork and Seal.
Asia/Australia, and Country
a current member of the
Manager Petroleum At Azure Consulting
Curtin Business School
Australia. Mr Byrne was Mr Jaffray supported
Advisory Council, an
then seconded as President companies in developing
elected member of the
of the North West Shelf strategy and driving
General Council of the
Australia LNG organisation, organisational change.
Chamber of Commerce
which is the marketing arm At BCG Angus set up
and Industry of WA, and
of the North West Shelf the Perth office, led the
a member of the Society
LNG project. Australian Operations
of Petroleum Engineers
practice and was a core
Most recently, Mr Byrne (SPE).
member of both the Mining
was Managing Director and
& Metals practice and
Chief Executive Officer of
the Energy Practice. As a
Nido Petroleum, an ASX
Supply Chain Manager Mr
listed company with oil
Jaffray was accountable
production and exploration
for procurement, planning,
acreage in the Philippines.
logistics and product
delivery.
Proved plus probable (2P) reserves increased by 20% to 1,022 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe) at the end of 2018, the highest
level in four years. The 2P reserves replacement ratio was 395%.
Net acquisitions and divestments added 192 mmboe during the year, primarily due to the acquisition of Quadrant Energy partially offset
by the sale of the non-core Asian assets.
Successful appraisal and development activity added 41 mmboe to 2P reserves during the year, primarily in the Cooper Basin,
Queensland and Western Australia.
2C contingent resources increased to 1.8 billion barrels of oil equivalent due to the acquisition of Quadrant Energy accompanied by
exploration and appraisal success in the Cooper Basin and Papua New Guinea.
KEY METRICS
All products
Sales gas Crude oil Condensate LPG mmboe
Asset PJ mmbbl mmbbl 000 tonnes Developed Undeveloped Total
Cooper Basin 287 8 4 523 47 18 65
1
Queensland and NSW 799 - - - 103 34 137
PNG 832 0 9 - 98 53 152
Northern Australia 28 - 1 39 6 - 6
Western Australia 1,177 15 9 - 154 72 226
Total 1P 3,123 23 23 562 408 178 586
Percentage of total proved reserves that are unconventional 24%
1 Queensland proved sales gas reserves include 642 PJ GLNG and 157 PJ other Santos non-operated Eastern Queensland assets.
Net
Revisions acquisitions
and and
Product Unit 2017 Production extensions divestments 2018
Sales gas PJ 2,491 (284) 201 714 3,123
Crude oil mmbbl 18 (6) 9 1 23
Condensate mmbbl 20 (3) 1 5 23
LPG 000 tonnes 577 (146) 131 - 562
Total 1P mmboe 470 (59) 46 129 586
All products
Sales gas Crude oil Condensate LPG mmboe
Asset PJ mmbbl mmbbl 000 tonnes Developed Undeveloped Total
Cooper Basin 601 18 9 1,186 98 41 139
1
Queensland and NSW 1,906 - - - 103 225 328
PNG 1,176 0 14 - 141 75 215
Northern Australia 41 - 1 73 9 - 9
Western Australia 1,685 27 15 - 235 95 331
Total 2P 5,408 45 39 1,259 586 436 1,022
Percentage of total proved plus probable reserves that are unconventional 32%
1 Queensland proved plus probable sales gas reserves include 1,463 PJ GLNG and 443 PJ other Santos non-operated Eastern Queensland assets.
Net
Revisions acquisitions
and and
Product Unit 2017 Production extensions divestments 2018
Sales gas PJ 4,496 (284) 162 1,034 5,408
Crude oil mmbbl 33 (6) 11 6 45
Condensate mmbbl 33 (3) 1 9 39
LPG 000 tonnes 1,302 (146) 103 - 1,259
Total 2P mmboe 848 (59) 41 192 1,022
2C CONTINGENT RESOURCES
Net
Revisions acquisitions
and and
Product 2017 Production extensions1 Discoveries divestments 2018
Total 2C (mmboe) 1,589 - (141) 59 294 1,800
1 Includes 31 mmboe of 2C contingent resources commercialised to 2P reserves in 2018.
4. This reserves statement is subject to risk factors B Pribyl Santos Ltd SPE
associated with the oil and gas industry. It is believed that M Laurent Santos Ltd SPE
the expectations of petroleum reserves and contingent
resources reflected in this statement are reasonable, but B Camac Santos Ltd SPE, PESA
they may be affected by a range of variables which could
cause actual results or trends to differ materially, E Klettke Santos Ltd SPE, APEGA
including but not limited to: price fluctuations, actual
N Pink Santos Ltd SPE
demand, currency fluctuations, geotechnical factors,
drilling and production results, gas commercialisation, S Lawton Santos Ltd SPE
development progress, operating results, engineering
estimates, loss of market, industry competition, C Harwood Santos Ltd PESA, AAPG
environmental risks, physical risks, legislative, fiscal and
D Smith NSAI SPE
regulatory developments, economic and financial markets
conditions in various countries, approvals and cost P Stephenson RISC SPE
estimates.
SPE: Society of Petroleum Engineers
5. All estimates of petroleum reserves and contingent
resources reported by Santos are prepared by, or under APEGA: The Association of Professional Engineers and
the supervision of, a qualified petroleum reserves and Geoscientists of Alberta
resources evaluator or evaluators. Processes are
PESA: Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia
documented in the Santos Reserves Policy which is
overseen by a Reserves Committee. The frequency of AAPG: American Association of Petroleum Geologists
reviews is dependent on the magnitude of the petroleum
reserves and contingent resources and changes indicated Abbreviations and conversion factors
by new data. If the changes are material, they are
reviewed by the Santos internal technical leaders and
Abbreviations
externally audited.
1P proved reserves
6. Santos engages independent experts Gaffney, Cline &
Associates (GCA), Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. 2P proved plus probable reserves
(NSAI) and RISC Advisory Pty Ltd (RISC) to audit and/or
evaluate reserves and contingent resources. Each auditor GJ gigajoules
found, based on the outcomes of its respective audit and
LNG liquefied natural gas
evaluation, and its understanding of the estimation
processes employed by Santos, that Santos’ 31 LPG liquefied petroleum gas
December 2018 petroleum reserves and contingent
resources quantities in aggregate compare reasonably to mmbbl million barrels
those estimates prepared by each auditor. Thus, in the
mmboe million barrels of oil equivalent
aggregate, the total volumes summarised in the tables
included in this reserves statement represent a NGLs natural gas liquids
reasonable estimate of Santos’ petroleum reserves and
contingent resources position as at 31 December 2018. PJ petajoules
7. Unless otherwise stated, all references to petroleum tcf trillion cubic feet
reserves and contingent resources quantities in this
TJ terajoules
reserves statement are Santos’ net share.
Directors’ Report
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
The Directors present their report together with the consolidated financial report of the consolidated entity, being Santos Limited
(“Santos” or “the Company”) and its controlled entities, for the financial year ended 31 December 2018, and the Auditor’s Report
thereon. Information in the Annual Report referred to in this report, including the Remuneration Report, or contained in a note to the
financial statements referred to in this report, forms part of, and is to be read as part of, this report.
Environment
Health, Safety People &
Audit & Risk & Sustainability Remuneration Nomination
Director Directors’ Meeting Committee Committee Committee Committee
Attended/Held1 Attended/Held1 Attended/Held1 Attended/Held1 Attended/Held1
Allen Yasmin A. 16 of 17 3 of 4 n/a 3 of 4 3 of 3
Coates2 Peter R. n/a 1 of 1 n/a n/a n/a
Cowan Guy M. 16 of 17 4 of 4 n/a n/a n/a
Gallagher Kevin T. 17 of 17 n/a 4 of 4 n/a n/a
Goh3 Hock 11 of 17 3 of 4 3 of 4 n/a 2 of 3
Guthrie4 Vanessa A. 17 of 17 n/a 4 of 4 3 of 3 n/a
Hearl Peter R. 17 of 17 n/a 4 of 4 4 of 4 3 of 3
Shi5 Eugene 8 of 17 3 of 4 n/a 3 of 4 n/a
Spence Keith W. 17 of 17 n/a n/a n/a 3 of 3
1 Reflects the number of meetings held during the time the Director held office, or was a member of the Committee, during the year.
2 Mr P Coates retired from the Board on 19 February 2018.
3 Mr H Goh was on a leave of absence until early March 2018 due to a conflict of interest arising from his position as a Director of Harbour Energy. Mr Goh resigned from the Board of
Harbour Energy effective 2 March 2018.
4 Dr VA Guthrie was appointed as a member of the People and Remuneration Committee on 30 March 2018.
5 Mr Shi did not attend Board meetings related to the Harbour Energy proposal due to a conflict of interest arising from his role at ENN.
Directors’ Report
continued
Santos’ principal activities during 2018 were the exploration for, and development, production, transportation and marketing of,
hydrocarbons. There were no significant changes in the nature of these activities during the year. Revenue is derived primarily from the
sale of gas and liquid hydrocarbons.
A review of the operations and of the results of those operations of the consolidated entity during the year is as follows:
Summary of results table
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Sales volumes of 78.3 million barrels of oil Sales revenue increased 18% compared to Production was 1% lower than the
equivalent (mmboe) were 6% lower than the previous year to $3.7 billion, primarily previous year primarily due to the PNG
the previous year primarily due to lower due to higher oil and LNG prices partially earthquake and sale of the non-core
third-party volumes, lower LNG volumes offset by lower sales volumes. The average Asian assets (which reduced production
due to the PNG earthquake, and the sale of realised oil price increased 30% to US$75/ by approximately 4 mmboe in aggregate),
Santos’ non-core Asian assets. bbl and the average realised LNG price partially offset by higher production in the
increased 36% to US$10.08/mmBtu. Cooper Basin and Queensland, and the
acquisition of Quadrant Energy.
Directors’ Report
continued
Western Australia EBITDAX of $283 million was 26% higher than 2017.
Santos’ share of Western Australia gas and condensate production was 63.1 PJ and 0.7 mmbbl respectively.
Asia
In May 2018, Santos announced the sale of its Asian asset portfolio to Ophir Energy plc for US$221 million. The asset sale was
completed on 6 September 2018.
Directors’ Report
continued
Net profit/(loss)
The 2018 net profit attributable to equity holders of Santos Limited of $630 million is $990 million higher than the net loss of $360
million in 2017. This increase is primarily due to lower impairment losses of $94 million after tax ($703 million in 2017) and higher sales
revenue as a result of favourable product prices and volumes.
Net profit includes items before tax of $115 million ($97 million after tax), as referred to in the reconciliation of net profit to underlying
profit below. Underlying profit was $727 million, $409 million higher than 2017.
Reconciliation of net profit/(loss) to underlying profit1
Financial position
Summary of financial position
Directors’ Report
continued
Directors’ Report
continued
Operational risks
Technical and engineering
Santos is exposed to risks in relation to its ongoing oil and gas exploration and production activities, such as failure of drilling and
completions equipment, pipeline and facilities integrity failures, major processing or transportation incidents, release of hydrocarbons
or other substances, security incidents and other well control and process safety risks, which may have an adverse effect on Santos’
profitability and results of operations.
An integrated management system is applied across all operational activities to manage and monitor operations performance and
material risk controls. The management system includes all relevant technical, operational, asset reliability and integrity standards and
incident management standards and competency requirements. The system is designed to ensure the Company meets regulatory and
industry standards in all operations.
Access and licence to operate
Santos has interests in areas which may be subject to claims by communities and landowners who may have concerns over the social or
environmental impacts of oil and gas operations or the distribution of oil and gas royalties and access to mining- and petroleum-related
benefits. This has the potential to impact on land access or result in community unrest and activism and may adversely impact on the
Company’s reputation.
A number of Santos interests are subject to one or more claims or applications for native title determination. In Australia, compliance
with the requirements of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) can delay the grant of mineral and petroleum tenements and subsequent
timing of exploration, development and production activities.
Santos and its operating joint venture partners work closely with relevant governments, communities, landowners and indigenous groups
to ensure all concerns are fairly addressed and managed, and Santos’ operations benefit from their support. In addition, Santos and its
operating joint venture partners develop and employ security and risk management plans, and are committed to conducting operations
in a way that protects the security of its personnel, facilities and operations.
Santos has a long history of safe and sustainable operations working with communities and landholders across the country. Land access
agreements are in place and a team of experienced community and land access representatives work with Aboriginal stakeholders,
landholders and communities to ensure that issues are understood and addressed appropriately.
Cyber security
Cyber security risks, including threats to information and operational systems from computer viruses, unauthorised access, cyber-attack
and other similar disruptions, have evolved rapidly and can impact all sectors of the economy, including the energy sector. The increasing
technological advances in operations require monitoring and protection to ensure cyber security threats are appropriately managed
and prevented. Cyber security risks may lead to disruption of critical business processes, a breach of privacy and theft of commercially
sensitive information. A cyber event may lead to adverse impacts on Santos’ profitability and reputation.
Focused cyber security risk management is incorporated into Santos’ risk management and assurance processes and practices across
the Company’s business and operational information management systems.
Workforce
Santos’ future success is significantly influenced by the expertise and continued service of certain key executives and technical
personnel. An inability to attract or retain such personnel could adversely affect business continuity and, as such, employment
arrangements and succession plans are designed to secure and retain the services of key personnel. Key workforce metrics and
succession plans are routinely reviewed by senior management and the Board.
Environmental, safety and sustainability risks
Health, safety and environment
The size, nature and complexity of Santos’ operations pose risks in relation to the health and safety of employees and contractors, and a
range of environmental risks exist when carrying out exploration and production activities. Environmental incidents, and real or perceived
threats to the environment or the amenity of local communities, could result in a loss of Santos’ licence to operate leading to delays,
disruption or the shut-down of exploration and production activities.
Santos has a comprehensive approach to management of health, safety and environmental risks. The Company’s management system
integrates technical and engineering requirements with personal health and safety requirements to comprehensively manage health,
safety and environmental risks within company operations.
Directors’ Report
continued
The Material Business Risks section (pages 24 to 28) refers to risks which, if materialised, may have a significant effect on the state of
affairs of the Company.
Dividends
On 20 February 2019, the Directors resolved to pay a fully franked final dividend of US6.2 cents per fully paid ordinary share on
28 March 2019 to shareholders registered in the books of the Company at the close of business on 27 February 2019 (“Record Date”).
This final dividend amounts to approximately US$128 million. The Board also resolved that the Dividend Reinvestment Plan will not be in
operation for the 2018 final dividend.
In addition, a fully franked interim dividend of US3.5 cents per share was paid to members on 27 September 2018. The DRP was not in
operation for the interim dividend.
On 20 February 2019, the Directors of Santos Limited resolved to pay a final dividend on ordinary shares in respect of the 2018 financial
year. The financial effect of these dividends has not been brought to account in the full-year financial report for the year ended 31
December 2018.
Options
Unissued ordinary shares of Santos Limited under option at the date of this report are as follows:
Date options granted Expiry date Issue price of shares1 Number of options
2 March 2009 2 March 2019 $14.81 50,549
50,549
1 This is the exercise price payable by the option holder.
Options do not confer an entitlement to participate in a bonus or rights issue, prior to the exercise of the option.
Unvested SARs
Unissued ordinary shares of Santos Limited under unvested SARs at 31 December 2018 are as follows:
Directors’ Report
continued
Options
No options were exercised during the year ended 31 December 2018 or up to the date of this report.
Vested SARs
The following ordinary shares of Santos Limited were allocated during the year ended 31 December 2018 on the vesting of SARs granted
under the Santos Employee Equity Incentive Plan (SEEIP) (formerly known as the Santos Employee Share Purchase Plan (SESPP)) and
ShareMatch Plan (ShareMatch). No amount is payable on the vesting of SARs and accordingly no amounts are unpaid on any of the
shares.
Details of the Company’s remuneration policies and the nature and amount of the remuneration of the Directors and senior management
(including shares, options and SARs granted during the financial year) are set out in the Remuneration Report commencing on page 31
of this report and in notes 7.2 and 7.3 to the financial report.
The Directors of Santos present this Remuneration Report for the consolidated entity for the year ended 31 December 2018. The
information provided in this Report has been audited as required by section 308(3C) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations
Act) and forms part of the Directors’ Report.
The Remuneration Report outlines the Company’s key remuneration activities in 2018 and remuneration information pertaining to the
key management personnel (KMP) of the consolidated entity for the purposes of the Corporations Act and Accounting Standards, as
set out below. These are the personnel who have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the
Company’s major financial, commercial and operating divisions.
Philip Ambrose Byrne EVP Marketing, Trading and Commercial Full year
Brett Anthony Darley EVP Offshore From 28 November 2018
Anthony Myles Neilson Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Full year
Vincent Santostefano Chief Operations Officer (COO) Full year
Brett Kenneth Woods EVP Developments Full year
prior to commencing in this newly created role on 1 December Mr Woods was
EVP Onshore Upstream
Bruce Clement EVP Conventional Oil and Gas From 1 February 2018 to
prior to commencing in this role Mr Clement was Vice President Asia,
NSW & WA Oil Assets
27 November 2018
1 Mr Spence was appointed to the Board on 1 January 2018 and appointed Chair on 19 February 2018.
REPORTING CURRENCY
Remuneration is disclosed in US$ (unless otherwise indicated) with all remuneration components having been converted from A$ to
US$ using an average rate of $0.7475 for 2018 and $0.7667 for 2017. This means year-on-year changes in remuneration amounts stated
in US$ may be at least partly attributable to exchange rate variations and not necessarily a change in policy intent concerning the
amount to be paid in A$.
Remuneration Report
continued
Since 2016 Santos has simplified the business, reduced costs, increased efficiencies and delivered on the clear and consistent Transform,
Build, Grow strategy. The successful execution of Santos’ strategy delivered a strong financial performance in 2018 including:
• 129% increase in underlying net profit after tax to $727 million,
• 63% increase in free cash flow to $1 billion,
• 18% increase in sales revenue to a record $3.7 billion, and
• sales volumes of 78.3 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe) and production of 58.9 mmboe across the portfolio of five core
long-life natural gas assets.
In 2018 the company achieved its net debt reduction target of $2 billion more than one year ahead of plan. This milestone provided the
flexibility to return to dividends and acquire the low-cost, high-margin conventional assets of Quadrant Energy in Western Australia. The
value accretive acquisition of Quadrant Energy in Western Australia for US$2.15 billion aligned not only with our production growth plan
but also our strategy to build on existing infrastructure positions around our core long-life natural gas assets.
Our strong operating and financial results in 2018 reflect the benefits of a cash generative core asset portfolio and low-cost, disciplined
operating model. Santos’ portfolio is now positioned for disciplined growth, targeting production of more than 100 mmboe by 2025,
almost double the levels in 2018.
While our financial performance and growth outcomes have been very strong in 2018, our results in relation to personal and process
safety have not met our high expectations, though there have been improvements made from the previous year’s performance,
particularly in personal safety. The Board and Executive team are focussed on continuing to improve this performance in 2019 and are
committed to preventing harm to people and the environment.
In 2018, we strengthened the alignment of Executive remuneration with the interests of shareholders by:
• including appropriate financial and operational performance measures in the Company Scorecard, at an overall 50% weighting of the
total result, including production, unit production costs, underlying profit and Free Cash Flow Breakeven Point (FCFBP) measures;
• setting more challenging stretch performance goals and increasing Executive STI opportunities for high performance, while holding
incentives for “on-target” performance at pre-existing levels;
• increasing the portion of Executive STI deferred in equity for two years from 30% to 50% of total STI, subject to positive free cash
flow (FCF), and requiring that the portion deferred in equity be 100% if FCF is not positive;
• focussing the CEO and Senior Executives on ongoing shareholder returns through the equity-based LTI plan, particularly through the
relative TSR and return on capital performance hurdles.
Despite strong operational performance during 2018, no Long-Term Incentive (LTI) awards vested because the Company did not achieve
the required relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR) performance over the four years since the 2015 LTI was awarded. This is the eighth
consecutive year that relative TSR-tested LTI awards have not vested, reflecting the clear link between long-term shareholder returns
and Senior Executive remuneration.
In light of the Company’s performance in 2018, the Board has approved a Company Scorecard result of 138.8% of its target performance
level, which will be used to determine Short-Term Incentive (STI) awards. Further detail on the KPIs and performance assessment is
available in Table 2: “2018 Company Scorecard – KPI performance” on page 41.
The Actually Realised Remuneration table below shows remuneration “actually realised” by the CEO and Senior Executives in relation to
2018, namely:
• cash payments on account of Total Fixed Remuneration (TFR);
• cash STI awards earned in respect of 2018 performance;
• deferred STI awards in respect of prior performance years which vested in 2018; and
• SARs granted as part of the LTI program, only if they vest, valued on the basis of their closing price on the date of vesting.
These amounts differ from the amounts reported in Table 5 and other statutory tables which are prepared in accordance with the
Corporations Act and Accounting Standards. This is because the Accounting Standards require a value to be placed on “share-based
payments” at the time of grant, and for that “accounting value” to be reported as remuneration, even though the CEO and Senior
Executives may ultimately not realise any actual value from the “share-based payments” e.g. because the performance conditions are
not satisfied, as was the case for the 2015 four-year LTI award tested at the end of 2018.
Termination payments, leave entitlements and cashing out of leave entitlements, where allowable under legislation, are not included
in the table below. The total remuneration amounts determined in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act and
Accounting Standards are set out in Table 5 “2017 and 2018 Senior Executive remuneration details” (see page 50).
The Actually Realised Remuneration shown in Table 1 will continue to be disclosed in Australian dollars to enable simpler year-on-year
comparisons without the impact of currency changes.
Table 1: Actually realised remuneration (unaudited and non-IFRS)
2016
Deferred STI Other
that vested vested
TFR1 Cash STI2 in 20183 LTI4 grants Other5 Total
Year A$ A$ A$ A$ A$ A$ A$
CURRENT
KT Gallagher 2018 1,890,000 1,175,600 608,488 – 851,2466 6,082 4,531,416
CEO 2017 1,800,000 1,159,200 – – 667,644 5,341 3,632,185
DM Banks 2018 58,333 22,300 – – – – 80,633
EVP Onshore Upstream
1 TFR comprises base salary and superannuation. The amounts shown here are actually received TFR, i.e. they are pro-rated amounts for the period that Executives were in KMP roles.
2 The “Cash STI” column reflects the 50% of the STI award for 2018 performance for continuing Executives that will be paid in cash. The remaining 50% will be awarded as equity restricted
for two years.
3 The deferred restricted equity from the 2016 STI award that vested on 31 December 2018, at a closing share price of A$5.48.
4 No LTI vested in 2018. For the value of share-based payments calculated in accordance with the Accounting Standards, see Table 5 “2017 and 2018 CEO and Senior Executive remuneration”
on page 50.
5 “Other” comprises ad hoc payments treated as remuneration, such as assignment and mobilisation allowances and other non-monetary benefits.
6 This figure represents the second tranche of the CEO’s sign-on grant (166,911 SARs) that vested on 31 January 2018. The amount reflected is based on a closing share price of A$5.10 on
31 January 2018.
7 Mr Clement’s 2018 STI will be delivered wholly in cash in accordance with his contract, as he will not be an ongoing employee.
Remuneration Report
continued
REMUNERATION GOVERNANCE
The fundamental purpose of Santos’ remuneration policy is to develop and maintain an effective remuneration framework which
supports and reinforces successful execution of the Transform, Build, Grow business strategy.
Attracting and retaining talented and Focusing executives to strive for Aligning executive and shareholder
qualified executives superior performance interests
Total Fixed Remuneration (TFR) Short-term incentive (STI) Long-term incentive (LTI)
(base plus superannuation)
• A significant component of • Long-term incentives are delivered
• Remuneration levels are market- remuneration is “at risk”. The value as Share Acquisition Rights
aligned against similar roles in to the executive is dependent on (SARs).
comparable companies. the Company and individual
• Vesting of long-term incentives is
meeting challenging targets.
• Individual remuneration is set with contingent on achieving
regard to the executive’s role and • Short-term incentive outcomes performance hurdles that are
responsibilities and also the are based on annual performance aligned with creation of long-term
individual’s experience and measures that deliver immediate shareholder value (relative total
competencies. outcomes for the Company across shareholder return, return on
a range of financial, safety, capital employed and free
• Fixed Remuneration levels ensure
environment, growth and cashflow).
that the Company offers
culture KPIs.
competitive remuneration that • Executives cannot hedge equity
enables it to attract and retain the • Half (50%) of executives’ STI incentives that are unvested or
skills it needs without paying awards is delivered as cash subject to restrictions. These
excessively, in line with its following the end of the incentives are also subject to
cost focus. performance year. clawback.
• The other 50% is delivered in
equity, subject to a further
two-year restriction period.
Remuneration timeline
The timing of Executive remuneration payments and delivery mechanisms is summarised in the following diagram.
TFR
Delivered as cash
Delivered as equity
* This is an increase in the deferred equity portion for 2018, up from 30% in previous years.
Remuneration Report
continued
What is the purpose of STI? STI aligns Executive interests to the delivery of the Company’s short-term operational and financial goals
for the year. Goals are chosen to drive outcomes and behaviours that support the safe operation and
delivery of the business and lead to long-term growth in shareholder value.
What is the relevant STI award is based on performance for a one-year period. At least 50% of the award is provided as
performance period? restricted equity held for two years. This is an increase from previous years when 30% of the award was
provided as deferred equity.
In what form is the incentive The STI award is subject to a free cash flow gate, such that:
made and when is the
• if FCF for the year was positive, 50% of STI is paid in cash in the next available payroll run. The other
incentive realised?
50% is deferred in shares or share acquisition rights (SARs) for two years;
• if FCF was negative, all of the STI is deferred in equity for two years.
Deferred STI is forfeited if the Executive leaves the Company during the vesting period due to resignation
or summary dismissal (including for fraud or misconduct). STI awards are subject to clawback.
How is the STI pool The STI pool size is capped at the sum of individuals’ maximum STI levels. The actual STI pool for the year
determined? is set by reference to the Company Scorecard result (2018 results are outlined in Table 2 on page 41). The
Scorecard result is generally applied as a percentage of the target pool size (subject to the application of
any Board discretion).
How is individual For the CEO and Senior Executives, STI awards are determined with reference to the assessment of
performance considered Company performance against the Company Scorecard, as well as individual performance in that year.
in determining STI? The CEO sets individual KPIs with each Senior Executive at the start of the performance year, as relevant
to their specific role and contribution to Company deliverables.
The CEO assesses Senior Executive performance and determines STI award proposals which are
then formally endorsed by the People and Remuneration Committee. The Board assesses the CEO’s
performance and determines his STI award.
What is the purpose of LTI? LTI aligns the interests of Executives with the creation of long-term shareholder value.
The relative TSR performance criteria provide for vesting when there are strong shareholder returns
against the relevant markets. The FCFBP and ROACE measures vest when the Company demonstrates
underlying operational efficiency to generate free cash flow throughout the oil price cycle, and disciplined
use of capital to generate shareholder returns over a four-year period.
What is the relevant SARs issued under the annual LTI program have a four-year performance period. This period represents
performance period? an appropriate balance between providing a genuine and foreseeable incentive to executives and
fostering a long-term view of shareholder interests.
In what form is the incentive LTI amounts are based on a set percentage of the executive’s TFR allocated on a face value basis, and
made and when is the delivered in SARs. SARs are a conditional entitlement to a fully paid ordinary share at zero price, subject to
incentive realised? satisfaction of the performance condition.
Nothing is payable by executives if and when SARs vest. Following vesting of SARs, shares are
automatically allocated to the executive. Trading in these shares is subject to compliance with the
Company’s Securities Dealing Policy.
The Board has discretion to settle the SARs in cash if they vest.
What performance Vesting of the LTI is assessed against four equally weighted performance measures:
measures have been
chosen and why? Weighting Performance measures Description and rationale
25% Relative TSR measured against The calculation of TSR takes into account share price
companies of the ASX100 and dividend yield and is therefore a robust and objective
measure of shareholder returns.
TSR continues to effectively align the interests of
25% Relative TSR measured against
individual Senior Executives with that of the Company’s
companies of the S&P Global
shareholders by motivating Senior Executives to achieve
Energy Index (GEI)
superior shareholder outcomes relative to Santos’
competitors for investor capital and its energy sector
peers.
25% Free Cash Flow Breakeven FCFBP is the US$ oil price at which cash flows from
Point (FCFBP) operating activities equal cash flows from investing
activities, as published in the Company’s financial
statements. As the aim of the performance hurdle is to
measure the performance of the underlying business, the
Board has discretion to adjust the FCFBP for individual
material items including asset acquisitions and disposals
that may otherwise distort the measurement.
25% Return on Average Capital ROACE is measured as the underlying earnings before
Employed (ROACE) compared interest and tax (EBIT) divided by the average capital
with Weighted Cost of Capital employed, being shareholders’ equity plus net debt, as
(WACC) published in the Company’s financial statements.
The use of ROACE as a performance measure aligns
Senior Executives with shareholder interests by focusing
on the efficient and disciplined use of capital to generate
shareholder returns.
Remuneration Report
continued
What is the vesting scale Each performance measure has a vesting scale which provides for:
for LTI?
• 0% vesting below a lower performance hurdle
• 100% vesting at or above an upper performance hurdle
• Pro rata vesting from 50% to 100% between the lower and upper hurdles.
The vesting scales below apply to both the CEO’s and Senior Executives’ 2018 LTI performance
grants. There is no re-testing of the performance condition. SARs that do not vest upon testing of the
performance condition will lapse.
Relative TSR against the ASX100 and S&P GEI
% of grant vesting
Above $US40/bbl 0%
Equal to US$40/bbl 50%
straight line pro-rata vesting in between
Equal to or below US$35/bbl 100%
% of grant vesting
Below 100% of WACC 0%
Equal to 100% of WACC 50%
straight line pro-rata vesting in between
Equal to or above 120% of WACC 100%
How is performance on Relative TSR performance, being a market-based measure, is tested by an independent third party and
these measures assessed? reviewed by the Board prior to vesting. The Board has discretion to adjust the TSR comparator groups,
for example to take account of takeovers, mergers and demergers that occur during the performance
period.
FCFBP and ROACE, being non-market measures, are tested and audited internally, and all results
externally audited as part of the Annual Report release. The Board has discretion to make adjustments to
the results on these measures, based on the agreed methodology.
What happens to on-foot Generally, if an executive resigns or is summarily dismissed their unvested SARs will lapse. In all other
equity on cessation of circumstances (including death, total and permanent disability, redundancy and termination by mutual
employment? agreement), unvested SARs remain on foot and will vest or lapse in accordance with their original terms,
unless the Board determines otherwise.
What happens to on-foot Where there is a change in control, the Board may determine whether, and the extent to which, SARs
equity on change of control? may vest.
The remuneration mix indicates the extent to which Executive remuneration is variable and “at risk” and, within this, the balance
between short-term and long-term incentives.
The charts below show the year-on-year comparison of remuneration outcomes for the CEO and Senior Executives at different
performance levels:
• target – reflecting incentive payments for achieving expected (“on-target”) annual and long-term performance1;
• stretch – reflecting incentive payments for achieving stretch performance against both short-term and long-term goals; i.e. the
maximum earning opportunity.
These charts set out the opportunity levels available within the remuneration framework. The actual remuneration mix in any year varies
with actual performance and incentive outcomes.
In summary, the charts illustrate that:
• at stretch performance the maximum STI component increased relative to TFR and LTI between 2017 and 2018, to be more in line
with market peers;
• at all levels of performance the proportion of remuneration that is deferred and delivered in equity increased between years, owing to
STI deferral increasing from 30% to 50% of STI;
• compared with the other Executives, the CEO has a higher proportion of remuneration at risk and more of the at-risk remuneration
focussed on the long term.
The charts below depict remuneration mix at target and stretch performance levels, expressed as a percentage of total remuneration.
2018 38% 14% 14% 34% 2018 48% 15% 15% 23%
At target
At target
At stretch
2018 27% 17% 17% 40% 2018 35% 18% 18% 28%
1 For this purpose “target” LTI is a notional figure of 60% of face value LTI. This approximates the average long-run vested value of allocated LTI, when the expected impact of performance
vesting conditions is taken into account.
Remuneration Report
continued
How does the Company The Company’s annual performance is monitored and assessed using the Company Scorecard. The
measure its annual Scorecard contains a balanced blend of financial and operational KPIs which support execution of the
performance? business strategy and drive business performance. In 2018 Scorecard KPIs covered a range of areas
including production, operating efficiency, safety, growth and culture.
These measures include lagging indicators to assess the Company’s past performance, as well as
forward-looking indicators to ensure the Company is positioning itself effectively for future growth. The
Board believes that this Scorecard is balanced and focuses CEO and Senior Executives on achieving the
key outcomes necessary to deliver stronger returns to shareholders.
Who assesses Company The People and Remuneration Committee formally assesses the Company’s performance against the
performance? overall Scorecard at the end of each financial year, and this forms the basis of a recommendation to the
Board.
What has changed in 2018 In the Company’s 2017 Remuneration Report it was announced that the Board had approved, effective
compared with 2017? from 2018, an increase in Executives’ maximum STI opportunities to enable greater upside opportunity
for exceptional performance and ensure competitiveness with the market. This was matched with more
challenging stretch performance goals associated with STI payouts at these higher opportunity levels.
Threshold and target performance goals and associated STI payouts remain comparable with previous
years.
As a result of the increased degree of difficulty built into the 2018 Scorecard, performance levels between
target and stretch are no longer directly comparable with previous years’ performance1, however target
performance level is still comparable over time.
To simplify year-on-year comparisons and more clearly outline the change in performance levels over
time, the Board has determined that from 2018 onwards, Company performance will be expressed relative
to the Company’s target performance level of 100%, such that:
• Scorecard results above 100% reflect performance above target, and
• Scorecard results below 100% reflect performance below target.
How is the Scorecard result The Company Scorecard is comprised of a range of KPIs with set threshold, target and stretch goals
calculated? agreed with the Board at the start of the performance year. The relative importance of each KPI is
determined and assigned a proportionate weighting of the total Scorecard result.
Each KPI receives a percentage score relative to target performance, as follows:
• 0% for performance below threshold,
• 67–100% for performance between threshold and target,
• 100–167% for performance between target and stretch, and
• 167% for performance at or above stretch.
The KPI weightings are then applied to these scores to derive a rating for each KPI. The overall Scorecard
result is a weighted average of KPI scores. The 2018 Scorecard has a maximum result of 167% of target.
This increased maximum result can only be achieved for exceptional Company performance.
The Board believes the above method of assessment is rigorous and provides a balanced assessment of
the Company’s performance.
What is the overall The Company’s performance against the 2018 Company Scorecard, as assessed by the Board on the
Scorecard result for 2018? new scoring basis, resulted in an outcome of 138.8% relative to target. This outcome is used to set the
available STI pool. Individual STI outcomes will depend on executives’ contractual entitlements and
individual performance during the year, as detailed on page 46.
Table 2 provides further details of Scorecard KPIs and the Company’s performance against them.
1 In previous years, performance was expressed as a score out of 100%, whereby 100% represented stretch performance, and the target performance level was set at 75% of that 100%
maximum.
Result
(relative
to target
KPI Rationale Performance of 100%)
Personal safety The Company is committed to providing a Lost time injury frequency rate 50%
workplace without injury or illness. (LTIFR) of 0.65. Although there have
Measured by the number of
been improvements made from the
lost time injuries per million
previous year, particularly in personal
hours worked over the
safety, threshold performance level
12-month period
was not achieved.
Safety, Environment and Culture (20%)
Environment and The integrated target for Environment and There were four Tier 1 and twelve
Process safety Process Safety represents the Company’s Tier 2 loss of containment incidents
commitment to reducing the number of (LOCI) a result that was equivalent to
Measured by the number of
process safety related incidents with potential 2017 and below the 2018 target. There
Tier 1 loss of containment
for high-impact consequences, and the were no environmental incidents of
of hydrocarbon incidents.
occurrence of significant environmental moderate or greater consequence,
Measured by the number incidents. resulting in threshold performance.
of environmental incidents
of moderate or greater
consequence.
Implementation of Included to reinforce the importance of cultural Santos Pulse survey launched
Culture Plan, including improvement and the roll-out of the Santos successfully to the entire business
Santos Values Values as a foundation for the organisation. and leader training implemented
to facilitate discussion of local
improvement opportunities. Values
are embedded in all learning
programs, employee communications
and individual performance and
development review frameworks.
Target performance level achieved.
Production (adjusted Production is critical to the Company’s Production of 58.9 mmboe exceeded 166%
for disposals) mmboe profitability, and is a key measure of the stretch performance.
Company’s overall performance, underpinning
annual earnings and cash flow.
Financial and Operating Efficiency (50%)
Free Cash Flow Included to ensure continual reduction in the Free cash flow breakeven point was
Breakeven Point Company’s cost base and to reinforce Santos’ US$31.30/bbl per barrel. Above target
(FCFBP) disciplined operating model. (near stretch) performance was
(US$/bbl) achieved.
Underlying net profit Included to deliver earning improvement for Stretch performance achieved due
after tax (NPAT) the business. to higher revenue from favourable
(not adjusted for oil price, partly offset by higher
oil price US$ third-party purchase costs and lower
production. Final underlying NPAT
result of US$727m exceeded stretch
performance.
Unit production cost Included to ensure that the Company maintains Unit production costs of US$8.05/boe
(US$/boe) its cost and efficiency focus for every unit exceeded stretch performance.
of production
Remuneration Report
continued
Result
(relative
to target
KPI Rationale Performance of 100%)
2P organic reserves The 2P organic RRR measures the amount of Year-end position of 66% 2P RRR 152%
replacement ratio (RRR) 2P added to Santos’ reserves during the year (organic two-year average) is above
two-year rolling average through exploration and development (rather threshold but did not achieve target
than by acquisition) relative to the amount of of 100%.
gas and oil produced. The RRR should be at
least 100% for the long-term sustainability of
the Company.
Growth (30%)
2C resource add two- The 2C resource replacement measures the Year-end position of 515% exceeded
year rolling average amount of 2C added during the year through stretch performance 150%.
(% of cumulative exploration, appraisal, development and
two-year production) acquisition, relative to the amount of gas and
oil produced. The 2C resources are potential
future development opportunities.
Build & Grow Initiatives This metric is focussed on increasing the value Achievement of stretch performance
of the Company’s core asset portfolio through level for the Build & Grow Initiatives
the delivery of commercial, operational and driven by strong performance on WA
efficiency improvements. Sales Growth, Cooper Production
Growth and WA Reserve and
Resource Growth.
The performance outcomes for both the ASX100 and S&P Global Energy Index tranches of the 2015 LTI grant (75% and 25% weighting
respectively) reflect performance below the 51st percentile. As a result, none of the SARs granted to the recipients in 2015 vested
as part of the four-year grant. This reflects the alignment of the Company’s LTI program with the interests and long-term returns
of shareholders.
Details about how performance targets are set and tested for the purpose of LTI awards are set out on page 38.
Table 3 sets out the Company’s performance over the past five years in respect of several key financial and non-financial indicators and
the STI and LTI awards during this period. As discussed previously, owing to the change in increased degree of difficulty applied to the
stretch performance level of the 2018 Company Scorecard. Scorecard results for 2018 are not directly comparable to previous years
when expressed relative to maximum. As such, the 2018 result is shown relative to target, and indicative results on this basis are shown
for previous years to enable some degree of year-on-year comparisons.
Table 3: Key metrics of Company performance 2014 – 2018
Remuneration Report
continued
CEO REMUNERATION
TFR
What TFR increases Following an independent external remuneration benchmarking review, and in consideration of the significant
were received in transformation of the Company over his then two-year tenure, the Board decided to increase the CEO’s TFR
2018? by 5% to A$1,890,000 (US$1,412,775) per annum, effective 1 January 2018. This was the first time the CEO
received a TFR increase since his commencement in February 2016.
STI
What is the target As foreshadowed in the 2017 Remuneration Report, the CEO’s maximum STI level was increased in 2018 to
and maximum STI address the market competitiveness of maximum STI relative to target STI. Maximum STI opportunity is now
payment the CEO 167% of target STI opportunity, compared with 133% in previous years. The increased maximum STI level enables
may receive? greater upside incentive opportunity for exceptional performance, while the target STI level remains unchanged,
as shown in the table below.
2018 2017
Target STI 75% of TFR 75% of TFR
Maximum STI 125% of TFR 100% of TFR
As part of this change for the 2018 performance year, the cash component of any STI award for the CEO was
reduced from 70% to 50%, and the deferred equity component was increased from 30% to 50%, restricted for
two years.
How is the CEO’s The CEO’s performance is primarily assessed using the Company Scorecard. In determining the CEO’s final STI
STI payment payment for 2018, the Board considered the Company’s overall performance, including outcomes outside of the
calculated? Scorecard. In consideration of these broader outcomes and the leadership shown by the CEO through 2018,
as detailed below, the Board assessed Mr Gallagher’s performance as outstanding and awarded his 2018 STI
at 99.5% of his maximum opportunity.
What individual The Board considered the CEO’s performance against a number of categories that were additional contributions
performance beyond the Company Scorecard:
outcomes were Leadership: The Board considers Mr Gallagher’s leadership as a critical factor in the Company’s success. The
considered in organisational culture has improved during the last two years and Mr Gallagher continues to create a compelling
determining the vision for the Company internally and externally. The organisation has laid a foundation for talent and succession
CEO’s STI for 2018? development and increasing diversity in the Company.
The CEO plays a key role in safety leadership, setting the tone for the organisation. There has been improvement
in personal safety and environmental performance compared with 2017, and continued focus on ‘lifting the
bar’ as reflected through the more challenging KPIs that were set. Mr Gallagher has demonstrated a resolute
commitment driving improvements, implementing company-wide safety and integrity standards and processes
and addressing unresolved legacy issues, which is setting a solid foundation for future safety performance.
Corporate activity: Mr Gallagher led the business successfully through some significant corporate events in
2018, while continuing the Company’s fundamental transformation and exceptional financial performance. Both
the Harbour Energy and Quadrant Energy corporate actions were highly significant for Santos and commanded
a significant amount of CEO leadership and attention in 2018.
Growing shareholder value: Mr Gallagher continues to lead the creation of shareholder value through
improved financial results, increased reserves, and lowering operating costs through improved efficiency, many
of which are captured in the Scorecard result. Additionally the CEO has delivered substantial value through
strategic and commercial outcomes he has driven, including asset disposals and acquisitions.
Stakeholder engagement: Mr Gallagher was very active in his stakeholder interactions in 2018, ensuring the
company has a social licence to operate and advocating for the Company and industry to improve understanding
with the community and government. In 2018, circumstances required the CEO to address some specific
stakeholder challenges to successfully manage the Harbour defence and Quadrant Energy acquisition.
Future-proofing the business: In responding to increased community concerns about climate change,
Mr Gallagher has led the business to improve emissions standards, monitoring and reporting, including improved
transparency in the Company’s climate change reporting. He has set the Company on a path to deliver
innovative projects that will lead to economic and sustainable emission reductions for the Company. These
include pilots using solar and battery energy to power wells; and investing in the appraisal of enhanced recovery
and carbon capture, utilisation and storage.
A number of these areas relating to sustainability have been incorporated in the Company Scorecard for 2019.
LTI
How much LTI was The CEO has a maximum LTI opportunity of 150% of TFR allocated on a face value basis. In accordance with the
granted to the CEO approval of shareholders at the May 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM), the CEO was granted 520,183 SARs in
in 2018? respect of his 2018 LTI.
The performance conditions of the CEO’s grant are outlined on pages 37–38 and are the same as the Senior
Executives’ grant.
Note, the CEO had no LTI scheduled to vest in 2018.
Other
remuneration
matters
What sign-on grants Mr Gallagher received a sign-on grant of SARs when he commenced employment with Santos in 2016 in
of equity were recognition of previous incentives foregone from his former employer. The second and final tranche of these
provided to the sign-on SARs vested in 2018 and have been exercised into shares. Mr Gallagher was not required to pay any
CEO at the time amount on conversion of the SARs. This completes the vesting of Mr Gallagher’s sign-on grant.
of appointment
to Santos?
Has the Board made In light of recent market benchmarking and sustained high performance by the CEO, the Board has approved an
any changes to the increase of 3.5% for the CEO’s TFR for the 2019 salary review. The review also indicated that an increase to the
CEO’s remuneration CEO’s target STI level was required to address market competitiveness. As such, the Board agreed to increase
for 2019? the CEO’s STI target for the 2019 performance year to 90% of TFR, with corresponding increase to maximum
STI opportunity to 150% of TFR (maintaining the maximum STI level at 167% of target STI).
Termination
provisions
What is the CEO’s The CEO’s contract has no fixed term and may be terminated with 12 months’ notice by either party.
notice period for
Employment may be ended immediately in certain circumstances including misconduct, incapacity, and mutual
termination of
agreement or in the event of a fundamental change in the CEO’s role or responsibility.
employment?
What entitlements The Company may elect to pay the CEO in lieu of any unserved notice period. If termination is by mutual
are associated with agreement, the CEO will receive a payment of A$1,500,000 (US$1,121,250).
termination of the
In the case of death, incapacity or fundamental change, the CEO is entitled to a payment equivalent to
CEO’s employment?
12 months’ base salary.
Remuneration Report
continued
Fixed remuneration
What TFR increases were Mr Neilson, Mr Santostefano and Mr Woods received TFR increases of between 1.5% and 4.2% as a
received in 2018? result of market benchmarking of their roles, and changes to their roles and responsibilities. All other
Senior Executive TFR levels remained the same.
STI
What are the target and In 2018, the maximum STI levels for Senior Executives was increased in response to market benchmarking
maximum STI payments which indicated maximum levels were low relative to target STI. Maximum STI opportunity is now
Executives may receive? 167% of target STI opportunity, compared with 133% in previous years. The increase to maximum STI
provides greater upside opportunity for exceptional performance, but the target STI opportunity remains
substantially unchanged from 2017, as shown in the table below.
2018 2017
Target STI 54% to 63% of TFR* 53% to 64% of TFR
Maximum STI 90% to 105% of TFR 70% to 85% of TFR
* There is a slight change in target STI for Senior Executives (<1%) due to rounding applied to the increased maximum STI value
As part of this STI change for the 2018 performance year, the cash component of any STI award for
Senior Executives was reduced from 70% to 50%, and the deferred equity component was increased
from 30% to 50%, restricted for two years.
How are STI payments All Senior Executives (except Mr Neilson) have STI based on 60% Company and 40% individual
calculated? performance. As CFO, Mr Neilson has STI based on 80% Company and 20% individual performance.
The Company performance result is based on the Company Scorecard outcomes outlined above. The
individual performance assessment is based on performance against a number of financial, operational
and qualitative objectives.
All Senior Executives had KPIs relating to environment, health, safety, culture and leadership. Role-specific
KPIs by Senior Executive are set out in Table 3 below.
How much STI will be The Company’s performance against the 2018 STI Scorecard, as assessed by the Board, resulted in a
received in respect of 2018 score of 138.8% of target.
performance?
STI outcomes for the Senior Executives ranged from 74% to 83% of their maximum opportunity,
depending on their individual performance contribution. Further details of each individual Senior
Executive’s remuneration is provided in Table 5 “2017 and 2018 CEO and Senior Executive remuneration
details” on page 50 and at Table 6 “Senior Executive 2018 STI outcomes” on page 51.
LTI
How much LTI was granted SARs to the face value of 80% of TFR.
to Executives in 2018?
What proportion of prior Nil.
year LTI grants vested in
2018?
Contractual details
What notice periods are Senior Executives’ service agreements are ongoing until termination by the Company or by the Senior
applicable for termination of Executive with the provision of six months’ notice (with the exception of Mr Clement, who is employed
employment? on a two-year fixed-term contract terminable on three months’ notice).
What termination benefits In a Company-initiated termination, the Company may make a payment in lieu of notice equivalent to the
apply to all Senior TFR that the Senior Executive would have received over the notice period.
Executives?
All Senior Executives’ service agreements may be terminated immediately for cause, whereupon no
payments in lieu of notice or other termination payments are payable under the agreement.
DM Banks EVP Onshore Upstream • KPIs as shown above for Brett Woods in same role
from 1 December
Remuneration Report
continued
With the completion of the successful acquisition of Quadrant on 27 November 2018, Santos has commenced the integration of
Quadrant’s business and staff, including the former Quadrant CEO, Brett Darley.
Santos will honour Quadrant’s obligations under Quadrant’s legacy short-term and long-term incentive plans and will make payments
under those plans in accordance with their terms, including to Mr Darley.
Following completion, Mr Darley was appointed as EVP Offshore and became a Santos Limited employee and KMP from 28 November
2018. Mr Darley has been transitioned to Santos’ remuneration arrangements. Accordingly, he will receive a pro-rated Santos STI award
and Santos intends to award him a pro-rated Santos LTI award for the period from completion to 31 December 20181.
Mr Darley and a number of other Quadrant employees were the beneficial owners of a portion of the Quadrant shares that Santos
acquired. The sale proceeds received by Mr Darley do not form part of his remuneration with Santos Limited.
In addition to upfront sale proceeds, Mr Darley’s capital ownership in Quadrant entitled him to participate in potential future contingent
and royalty payments relating to the Bedout Basin. To ensure his interests are fully aligned with those of Santos’ shareholders, Mr Darley
(and other relevant employees who transitioned to employment with Santos Limited) have been asked to extinguish their rights to
contingent consideration payments (excluding royalty payments) in exchange for grants of SARs. SARs under these grants were
not allotted in the 2018 year and hence do not appear in the audited tables in this Report. They will be shown in the 2019 Report.
Remuneration policy
The diagram below shows the key objectives of Santos’ non-executive Director remuneration policy and how these are implemented
through the Company’s remuneration framework. In 2018, the Board reviewed its minimum shareholding requirement and, in order to
better align the interests of its non-executive directors and shareholders, updated the requirement such that non-executive directors
must acquire (over a four year period) and maintain a shareholding in the Company equal in value to at least one year’s remuneration
(base fee and committee fees).
Fee levels are set with regard to: • Fee levels do not vary according • Santos encourages its non-
to the performance of the executive Directors to build a
• time commitment and workload;
Company or individual Director long-term stake in the Company
• the risk and responsibility attached performance from year to year.
• Non-executive Directors are
to the role;
• Non-executive Directors’ required to acquire and maintain
• experience and expertise; and performance is assessed at the a shareholding in the Company
time of re-election. equivalent in value to one year’s
• market benchmarking.
remuneration.
1 As part of Mr Darley’s transition to Santos’ remuneration arrangements, it has been agreed that Mr Darley’s unvested Santos SARs will remain on foot if he resigns in the first three years of
his employment with Santos.
Chair2 Member
US$ US$
Board $374,343 $123,183
Audit and Risk Committee $31,395 $15,698
Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability Committee3 $21,678 $14,203
Nomination Committee4 N/A $7,475
People and Remuneration Committee5 $29,153 $15,698
1 Fees are shown exclusive of superannuation.
2 The Chair of the Board does not receive any additional fees for serving on or chairing any Board committee.
3 EHSS Committee fees for 1 January – 31 March 2018 (prior to benchmarking adjustment) were Chair US$16,445; Member US$11,213.
4 The Chair of the Board is the Chair of the Nomination Committee, in accordance with its Charter.
5 PRC fees for 1 January – 31 March 2018 (prior to benchmarking adjustment) were: Chair US$22,425; Member US$11,960.
Directors may also be paid additional fees for special duties or exertions, and are entitled to be reimbursed for all business-related
expenses. The total remuneration provided to each non-executive Director is shown in Table 12 “2018 and 2017 non-executive Director
Remuneration details” on page 54.
Superannuation and retirement benefits
Superannuation contributions are made on behalf of non-executive Directors in accordance with the requirements of the Company’s
statutory superannuation obligations. Non-executive Directors are not entitled to retirement benefits (other than mandatory statutory
entitlements).
Table 5 presents summarised details of the remuneration for the KMPs in 2017 and 2018 as required under the Corporations Act. The current KMPs are the Executives that
Santos considers to have the requisite authority and responsibility to meet the definition of key management personnel as required under the Corporations Act.
All remuneration components have been converted from A$ to US$ using an average rate of $0.7475 for 2018 and $0.7667 for 2017.
Directors’ Report
Table 5: 2017 and 2018 CEO and Senior Executive remuneration details
continued
Post-
Short-term employee benefits employment Share-based payments1
6
PA Byrne 2018 504,563 214,308 4,546 18,688 52,900 83,609 - 136,509 - 5,907 884,521 40%
2017 198,899 99,211 7,517 9,161 - 13,530 - 13,530 - - 328,318 34%
BA Darley 2018 55,844 23,322 818 1,713 - 702 - 702 - 8,390 90,789 26%
AM Neilson 2018 596,131 259,981 - 18,688 138,018 126,918 - 264,936 - 8,528 1,148,264 46%
2017 592,276 324,774 2,013 21,084 155,046 44,274 - 199,320 - 6,649 1,146,116 46%
V Santostefano 2018 623,836 270,221 4,546 18,688 216,353 159,771 - 376,124 - 8,439 1,301,854 50%
2017 630,611 290,809 2,058 21,084 154,858 74,193 - 229,051 - 7,347 1,180,960 44%
BK Woods 2018 536,331 245,105 4,546 18,688 215,798 143,543 - 359,341 - 17,382 1,181,393 51%
2017 511,772 272,639 4,095 21,084 192,764 119,951 - 312,715 - 14,300 1,136,605 52%
B Clement 2018 419,170 334,058 - 12,511 43,453 20,573 - 64,026 31,145 5,238 866,148 46%
1 In accordance with the requirements of the Accounting Standards, remuneration includes a proportion of the value of the equity-linked compensation determined as at the grant date and progressively expensed over the vesting period.
The amount allocated as remuneration is not relative to or indicative of the actual benefit (if any) that the Executives may ultimately realise should the equity instruments vest. The value of equity-linked compensation was determined
in accordance with AASB 2 Share-based Payments applying the Monte Carlo simulation method. Details of the assumptions underlying the valuation are set out in note 7.2 to the financial statements.
2 This amount represents the cash portion of the STI performance award for 2018, which will be paid during March 2019.
3 “Other” comprises ad hoc payments treated as remuneration, such as assignment and mobilisation allowance and other non-monetary benefits.
4 This amount represents a proportion of the estimated value of the deferred STI, determined in accordance with the requirements of AASB 2 Share-based Payment and progressively expensed over a three-year vesting period being the year of
performance and a two-year period of service to which the grant relates. The amount allocated as remuneration is not relative to or indicative of the actual benefit (if any) that the Senior Executives may ultimately realise should the equity
instruments vest. The value has been calculated in accordance with AASB 2 Share-based Payment based on an estimate of the fair value of the equity instruments.
5 “Other long-term benefits” represents the movement in the Executive’s long service leave entitlements measured as the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made in respect of the Senior Executive’s service between the
respective reporting dates.
6 Figures shown for Mr Byrne in 2017 are for the period 14 August 2017 to 31 December 2017.
Table 6 presents the individual STI outcomes for Senior Executives in 2018, as a percentage of their maximum STI opportunity.
Table 6: Senior Executive 2018 STI outcomes
Tables 7 and 8 contain details of the number and value of SARs and shares granted, vested and lapsed for the CEO in 2018.
Table 7: 2018 SARs outcomes for CEO
Remuneration Report
continued
Tables 9 and 10 contain details of the number and value of SARs and shares granted, vested and lapsed for Senior Executives in 2018.
No Senior Executive had any options granted, vesting or lapsing in 2018. No options were exercised in 2018.
Table 9: 2018 SARs outcomes for Senior Executives
Performance/ vesting
Grant year Grant type Vesting condition(s) period Status
2015 Four-year Relative TSR performance against 1 January 2015 to Testing complete.
Performance Award ASX 100 companies (75%) 31 December 2018 Resulted in 0% of
the grant vesting.
Relative TSR performance against S&P
Global Energy Index (GEI) companies
(25%)
2016 Four-year Relative TSR performance against 1 January 2016 to In progress.
Performance Award ASX 100 companies (25%) 31 December 2019
Relative TSR performance against
S&P GEI companies (25%)
FCFBP (25%)
ROACE (25%)
2016 CEO sign-on grant Service based Second Tranche Vested.
(24 months) –
1 February 2016 to
31 January 2018
2017 Four-year Relative TSR performance against 1 January 2017 to In progress.
Performance Award ASX 100 companies (25%) 31 December 2020
Relative TSR performance against
S&P GEI companies (25%)
FCFBP (25%)
ROACE (25%)
2018 Four-year Performance Relative TSR performance against 1 January 2018 to In progress.
Award ASX 100 companies (25%) 31 December 2021
Relative TSR performance against
S&P GEI companies (25%)
FCFBP (25%)
ROACE (25%)
Full details of all grants made prior to 2018 can be found in note 7.2 to the financial statements and in prior Remuneration Reports.
Remuneration Report
continued
Details of the fees and other benefits paid to non-executive Directors in 2018 are set out in Table 12. Other than the committee fee
increases noted on page 49, differences in fees received between 2017 and 2018 reflect changes in roles and responsibilities (i.e. Chair
or Committee appointments), superannuation payments and currency fluctuations. No share-based payments were made to any non-
executive Directors.
Table 12: 2018 and 2017 non-executive Director remuneration details
Retirement
Director Short-term benefits benefits
Directors’ fees Fees for
(incl. committee special duties Share-based
Director Year fees) or exertions Other Superannuation1 payments Total
US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$
YA Allen 2018 174,007 - - 15,167 - 189,174
2017 156,693 - - 14,631 - 171,324
PR Coates2 2018 51,329 - - 3,746 - 55,075
2017 384,495 - - 15,205 - 399,700
GM Cowan 2018 154,759 - - 14,702 - 169,461
2017 159,085 - - 15,068 - 174,153
H Goh 2018 174,748 - - 410 - 175,158
2017 170,629 - - 489 - 171,118
V Guthrie3 2018 148,667 - - 14,123 - 162,790
2017 65,501 - - 6,223 - 71,724
PR Hearl 2018 165,971 - - 15,167 - 181,138
2017 148,734 - - 14,087 - 162,821
E Shi4 2018 153,824 - - 15,167 - 168,991
2017 71,757 - - 7,074 - 78,831
K Spence5 2018 339,523 - - 15,167 - 354,690
2017 - - - - - -
1 Includes superannuation guarantee payments. Superannuation guarantee payments are made to Mr Goh only in relation to days worked in Australia.
2 Mr Coates retired from the Board on 19 February 2018.
3 Dr Guthrie joined the Board on 1 July 2017 and was appointed as a member of the People and Remuneration Committee on 30 March 2018.
4 Mr Shi joined the Board on 26 June 2017 and was appointed as a member of the PRC on 21 September 2017 and the Audit and Risk Committee on 25 October 2017.
5 Mr Spence joined the Board on 1 January 2018 and appointed Chair on 19 February 2018.
INDEMNIFICATION
Rule 61 of the Company’s Constitution provides that the Company indemnifies, on a full indemnity basis and to the full extent permitted
by law, officers of the Company for all losses or liabilities incurred by the person as an officer of the Company, a related body corporate
or trustee of a company-sponsored superannuation fund. Rule 61 does not permit the Company to indemnify an officer for any liability
involving a lack of good faith.
Rule 61 also permits the Company to purchase and maintain a Directors’ and Officers’ insurance policy.
In conformity with Rule 61, the Company is party to Deeds of Indemnity in favour of each of the Directors referred to in this report who
held office during the year and certain Senior Executives of the consolidated entity. The indemnities operate to the full extent permitted
by law and are not subject to a monetary limit. Santos is not aware of any liability having arisen, and no claims have been made during or
since the financial year ending 31 December 2018 under the Deeds of Indemnity.
During the year, the Company paid premiums in respect of Directors’ and Officers’ Liability and Legal Expenses insurance contracts for
the year ended 31 December 2018, and since the end of the year the Company has paid, or agreed to pay, premiums in respect of such
contracts for the year ending 31 December 2019. The insurance contracts insure against certain liability (subject to exclusions) persons
who are or have been Directors or officers of the Company and its controlled entities. A condition of the contracts is that the nature of
the liability indemnified and the premium payable not be disclosed.
NON-AUDIT SERVICES
Amounts paid or payable to the Company’s auditor, Ernst & Young, for non-audit services provided during the year were:
Taxation and other services $1,708,000
Assurance services $212,000
The Directors are satisfied, based on the advice of the Audit and Risk Committee, that the provision of the non-audit services detailed
above by Ernst & Young is compatible with the general standard of independence for auditors imposed by the Corporations Act 2001
(Cth).
The reason for forming this opinion is that all non-audit services have been reviewed by the Audit and Risk Committee to ensure they do
not impact the impartiality and objectivity of the auditor.
A copy of the Auditor’s Independence Declaration as required under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) is set out on
page 135.
ROUNDING
Australian Securities and Investments Commission Corporations (Rounding in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191 applies
to the Company. Accordingly, amounts have been rounded off in accordance with that Instrument, unless otherwise indicated.
This report is made out on 20 February 2019 in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.
Director
SECTION 1 SECTION 5
BASIS OF PREPARATION PAGE FUNDING AND RISK MANAGEMENT PAGE
3.5 Commitments for expenditure 88 8.2 Events after the end of the reporting period 126
8.3 Remuneration of auditors 126
SECTION 4
WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT PAGE 8.4 Accounting policies 127
(Restated)
2018 2017
Note US$million US$million
Revenue from contracts with customers – Product sales 2.2 3,660 3,100
Cost of sales 2.3 (2,329) (2,303)
Net profit/(loss) for the period attributable to owners of Santos Limited 630 (360)
Earnings per share attributable to the equity holders of Santos Limited (¢)
Basic profit/(loss) per share 2.5 30.2 (17.3)
The consolidated income statement is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
2018 2017
US$million US$million
(317) 168
(120) 134
3 (2)
2 –
– (21)
The consolidated statement of comprehensive income is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial
statements.
2018 2017
Note US$million US$million
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 4.1 1,316 1,231
Trade and other receivables 4.2 521 440
Prepayments 32 28
Inventories 4.3 288 266
Other financial assets 5.5(g) 28 –
Tax receivable 13 7
Non-current assets
Prepayments 16 17
Contract assets 2.2(b) 137 –
Investments in joint ventures 6.3(b) 31 43
Other financial assets 5.5(g) 31 134
Exploration and evaluation assets 3.1 1,004 459
Oil and gas assets 3.2 11,224 9,536
Other land, buildings, plant and equipment 119 126
Deferred tax assets 2.4(d) 1,746 1,419
Goodwill 6.2(a) 628 –
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 4.4 661 495
Other liabilities 3 –
Contract liabilities 2.2(b) 32 8
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 5.1 967 207
Current tax liabilities 63 17
Provisions 3.4 116 142
Other financial liabilities 5.5(g) 6 82
Non-current liabilities
Other liabilities 2 1
Contract liabilities 2.2(b) 268 113
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 5.1 3,952 3,736
Deferred tax liabilities 2.4(d) 1,614 240
Provisions 3.4 2,147 1,494
Other financial liabilities 5.5(g) 24 20
Equity
Issued capital 5.3 9,031 9,034
Reserves 5.4 607 51
Accumulated losses 5.4 (2,359) (1,934)
The consolidated statement of financial position is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
2018 2017
Note US$million US$million
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 4.1 1,316 1,231
The consolidated statement of cash flows is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Financial Accum-
liabilities ulated Accum-
Issued Translation Hedging at profits ulated Total
capital reserve reserve FVOCI reserve losses equity
Note US$million US$million US$million US$million US$million US$million US$million
This section provides information about the basis of preparation of the financial report, and certain accounting policies that are
not disclosed elsewhere in the financial report. Accounting policies specific to individual elements of the financial statements
are located within the relevant section of the report.
The consolidated financial report of Santos Limited (“the Company”) for the year ended 31 December 2018 was authorised for issue in
accordance with a resolution of the Directors on 20 February 2019.
The consolidated financial report of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2018 comprises the Company and its controlled
entities (“the Group”). Santos Limited (“the Parent”) is a company limited by shares incorporated in Australia, whose shares are publicly
traded on the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”), and is the ultimate parent entity in the Group. The Group is a for-profit entity
for the purpose of preparing the financial report. The nature of the operations and principal activities of the Group are described in the
Directors’ Report.
This consolidated financial report is:
• a general purpose financial report which has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001
(Cth), Australian Accounting Standards and other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board
(“AASB”);
• compliant with Australian Accounting Standards as issued by the AASB and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”)
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, including new and amended accounting standards issued and
effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018;
• presented in United States dollars (“US$”);
• prepared on the historical cost basis except for derivative financial instruments, fixed-rate notes that are hedged by an interest
rate swap or a cross-currency swap, and financial assets not recorded at amortised cost, which are measured at fair value; and
• rounded to the nearest million dollars, unless otherwise stated, in accordance with ASIC Corporations (Rounding in Financial/
Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191.
The financial position and performance of the Group was particularly impacted by the following events and transactions during the year:
• production of 58.9 mmboe (2017: 59.5 mmboe), and sales of 78.3 mmboe (2017: 83.4 mmboe);
• sale of non-core assets resulting in $152 million in proceeds with a gain on disposal of $112 million;
• average realised oil price of $75.05 per barrel compared to $57.85 per barrel in 2017;
• net debt increased to $3,549 million at 31 December 2018, from $2,731 million at 31 December 2017; and
• acquisition of 100% of the shares in Quadrant Energy Holdings Pty Ltd (“Quadrant Energy”), which completed on 27 November
2018 for purchase consideration of $2.15 billion.
The carrying amounts of certain assets and liabilities are often determined based on management’s judgement regarding estimates
and assumptions of future events. The key judgements, estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material
adjustment to the carrying amount of certain assets and liabilities within the next annual reporting period are disclosed in the following
notes:
• Note 2.2 Revenue from contracts with customers
• Note 2.4 Taxation
• Note 3.1 Exploration and evaluation assets
• Note 3.2 Oil and gas assets
• Note 3.3 Impairment of non-current assets
• Note 3.4 Restoration obligations and other provisions
• Note 6.2 Acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries
In addition to the significant judgements referenced above, other areas of estimation and judgement are highlighted throughout the
financial report.
Foreign exchange differences resulting from translation to presentation currency are initially recognised in the foreign currency
translation reserve and subsequently transferred to the income statement on disposal of the operation.
The period-end exchange rate used was A$/US$ 1:0.7044 (2017: 1:0.7809).
Transactions and balances
Transactions in currencies other than an entity’s functional currency are initially recorded in the functional currency by applying the
exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than an entity’s
functional currency are retranslated at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the reporting date. Foreign exchange differences arising on
translation are recognised in the income statement.
Foreign exchange differences that arise on the translation of monetary items that form part of the net investment in a foreign operation
are recognised in the translation reserve in the consolidated financial statements.
Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in currencies other than an entity’s functional currency
are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the initial transaction. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in
currencies other than an entity’s functional currency that are stated at fair value are translated to the functional currency at foreign
exchange rates ruling at the dates the fair value was determined.
Group companies
The results of subsidiaries with a functional currency other than Australian dollars (the functional currency of the Parent) are translated
to Australian dollars as at the date of each transaction. The assets and liabilities are translated to Australian dollars at foreign exchange
rates ruling at the reporting date. Foreign exchange differences arising on retranslation are recognised directly in the translation reserve.
Exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations and of related hedges are recognised in the
translation reserve. They are released into the income statement upon disposal of the foreign operation.
Also refer to note 5.5(c) Foreign currency risk for further details on the net investment hedge in place.
This section focuses on the operating results and financial performance of the Group. It includes disclosures of segmental
financial information, taxes, dividends and earnings per share, including the relevant accounting policies adopted in each area.
The Group has identified its operating segments to be the five key assets/operating areas of the Cooper Basin, Queensland & NSW,
Papua New Guinea (“PNG”), Northern Australia, and Western Australia, based on the nature and geographical location of the assets,
plus Asia and “Other” non-core assets. This is the basis on which internal reports are provided to the Chief Executive Officer for
assessing performance and determining the allocation of resources within the Group.
The assets acquired as part of the Quadrant acquisition have been incorporated into the Western Australia segment, since aquisition
date of 27 November 2018.
Segment performance is measured based on earnings before interest, tax, impairment, exploration and evaluation, depletion,
depreciation and amortisation (“EBITDAX”). Corporate and exploration expenditure and inter-segment eliminations are included in the
segment disclosure for reconciliation purposes.
Changes to segment information
As at 1 January 2018, the “Other” reporting segment was restructured to comprise Santos’ Asian assets only. New South Wales entered
the core portfolio and is now reported under the segment “Queensland & NSW” and WA Oil is now reported under the segment
“Western Australia”. Comparative disclosures have been restated to a consistent basis.
Corporate,
exploration,
Cooper Queensland Northern Western eliminations
Basin & NSW PNG Australia Australia Asia & other Total
US$million 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018
Revenue
Sales to external customers 975 957 621 183 408 181 335 3,660
Inter-segment sales1 105 47 – – – – (152) –
Revenue – other from external customers 66 12 9 – 14 – 12 113
Total segment revenue 1,146 1,016 630 183 422 181 195 3,773
Costs
Production costs (127) (71) (70) (74) (108) (42) 18 (474)
Other operating costs (68) (80) (52) – (17) (11) (87) (315)
Third-party product purchases (421) (293) – – – – (133) (847)
Inter-segment purchases1 (3) (33) – – – – 36 –
Other (9) 31 (2) 7 (14) 51 (41) 23
EBITDAX 518 570 506 116 283 179 (12) 2,160
Depreciation and depletion (196) (167) (123) (51) (99) (13) (18) (667)
Exploration and evaluation expensed – – – – – – (105) (105)
Net impairment loss – (12) (33) – (8) (47) – (100)
Change in future restoration assumptions – 22 – – 24 – – 46
EBIT 322 413 350 65 200 119 (135) 1,334
Net finance costs (228) (228)
Profit before tax 1,106
Income tax expense (439) (439)
Royalty-related tax benefit/(expense) 5 6 – 1 (56) – 7 (37)
Net profit 630
Asset additions and acquisitions:
Exploration and evaluation assets 18 14 30 35 613 – 5 715
Oil and gas assets2 215 195 47 30 2,230 – 2 2,719
233 209 77 65 2,843 – 7 3,434
1 Inter-segment pricing is determined on an arm’s length basis. Inter-segment sales and purchases are eliminated on consolidation.
2 Includes impact on restoration assets following changes in future restoration provision assumptions (refer note 3.4).
2018 Revenue from external customers 2018 Non-current assets by geographical location
by geographical location (excluding financial and deferred tax assets)
US$million US$million
Australia 2,962
Australia 9,551
Papua New Guinea 630
Papua New Guinea 2,705
Vietnam 124
Other 122
Indonesia 57
Total 12,378
Total 3,773
Corporate,
exploration,
Cooper Queensland Northern Western eliminations
Basin & NSW PNG Australia Australia Asia & other Total
US$million 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017
Revenue
Sales to external customers 746 729 526 153 324 256 366 3,100
Inter-segment sales1 50 29 – – – – (79) –
Revenue – other from external customers 55 11 8 – 28 – (4) 98
Total segment revenue 851 769 534 153 352 256 283 3,198
Costs
Production costs (134) (68) (55) (75) (107) (68) 26 (481)
Other operating costs (88) (73) (46) – (20) (12) (71) (310)
Third-party product purchases (230) (275) (1) – – – (221) (727)
Inter-segment purchases1 (1) (34) – – – – 35 –
Other (69) 3 – 9 (1) 1 (195) (252)
EBITDAX 329 322 432 87 224 177 (143) 1,428
Depreciation and depletion (195) (196) (113) (54) (91) (69) (24) (742)
Exploration and evaluation expensed – – – – – – (94) (94)
Net impairment reversal/(loss) 479 (1,248) (4) – (6) (154) (5) (938)
Change in future restoration assumptions – 5 1 – 25 – – 31
EBIT 613 (1,117) 316 33 152 (46) (266) (315)
Net finance costs (270) (270)
Loss before tax (585)
Income tax benefit 211 211
Royalty-related tax benefit/(expense) 5 4 – 20 (32) – 17 14
Net loss (360)
Asset additions and acquisitions:
Exploration and evaluation assets 11 15 58 44 (1) 10 5 142
Oil and gas assets2 146 198 9 (5) 90 9 (1) 446
157 213 67 39 89 19 4 588
1 Inter-segment pricing is determined on an arm’s length basis. Inter-segment sales and purchases are eliminated on consolidation.
2 Includes impact on restoration assets following changes in future restoration provision assumptions (refer note 3.4).
2017 Revenue from external customers 2017 Non-current assets by geographical location
by geographical location (excluding financial and deferred tax assets)
US$million US$million
Australia 2,408
Australia 7,020
Papua New Guinea 534
Papua New Guinea 2,784
Vietnam 138
Other 360
Indonesia 118
Total 10,164
Total 3,198
Revenue from contracts with customers is recognised in the income statement when the performance obligations are considered met,
which is when control of the hydrocarbon products or services provided are transferred to the customer. Revenue is recognised at an
amount that reflects the consideration the Group expects to be entitled to, net of goods and services tax or similar taxes.
Product sales
Sales revenue is recognised using the “sales method” of accounting. The sales method results in revenue being recognised based
on volumes sold under contracts with customers, at the point in time where performance obligations are considered met. Generally,
regarding the sale of hydrocarbon products, the performance obligation will be met when the product is delivered to the specified
measurement point (gas) or point of loading/unloading (liquids). No adjustments are made to revenue for any differences between
volumes sold to customers and unsold volumes which the Group is entitled to sell based on its working interest.
The Group’s sales of crude oil, liquefied natural gas, ethane, condensate, LPG, and in some contractual arrangements, natural gas, are
based on market prices. In contractual arrangements with market based pricing, at the time of the delivery, there is only a minimal risk of
a change in transaction price to be allocated to the product sold. Accordingly, at the point of sale where there is not a significant risk of
revenue reversal relative to the cumulative revenue recognised, there is no constraining of variable consideration.
The Group applies the allocation exception that allows an entity to allocate the market price to product sales as delivered, rather than
recognising an average price over the term of the contract. For those contractual arrangements based on market pricing, the aggregate
transaction price allocation to unsatisified performance obligations is fully constrained at the end of the reporting period. Revenue for
existing contracts will be recognised over varying contract tenures.
During the year, revenue from one customer amounted to $489 million (2017: $358 million), arising from sales from one segment of the Group.
Contract liabilities
A contract liability for deferred revenue is recorded for obligations under sales contracts to deliver natural gas in future periods for which
payment has already been received. Where the period between when payment is received and performance obligations are considered
met, is more than 12 months, an assessment will be made for whether a significant financing component is required to be accounted for.
Deferred revenue liabilities unwind as “revenue from contracts with customers”, upon settlement of the obligation, and if a significant
financing component associated with deferred revenue exists, this will be recognised as interest expense over the life of the contract.
On acquisition of Quadrant Energy (refer note 6.2), pre-existing revenue contracts were fair valued, resulting in contract liabilities being
recognised. The contract liabilities represent the differential in contract pricing and market price, and will be realised as performance
obligations are considered met in the underlying revenue contract. To the extent the contract liability represents the fair value differential
between contract price and market price, it will be unwound through “other revenue”.
Contract assets
On acquisition of Quadrant Energy (refer note 6.2), pre-existing revenue contracts were fair valued, resulting in contract assets being
recognised. The contract assets represent the differential in contract pricing and market price, and will be realised as performance
obligations are considered met in the underlying revenue contract. The contract asset will be unwound through “other expenses”. Where
different tranches exist within a contractual arrangement, individual contracts acquired may contain both a contract liability in respect of
deferred revenue and a contract asset arising from revenue contracts being fair valued on acquisition. These amounts have been shown
separately in the table below.
(Restated)
(a) Revenue from contracts with customers 2018 2017
US$million US$million
Product sales
Gas, ethane and liquefied natural gas 2,518 2,198
Crude oil 757 579
Condensate and naphtha 300 235
Liquefied petroleum gas 85 88
Revenue – other
Liquidated damages 11 28
Pipeline tolls and tariffs 84 54
Other 18 16
Contract assets
Non-current
Acquired contract assets 137 –
Contract liabilities
Current
Deferred revenue 7 8
Acquired deferred revenue 25 –
32 8
Non-current
Deferred revenue 124 113
Acquired deferred revenue 111 –
Acquired contract liabilities 33 –
268 113
The following table illustrates the revenue recognised in the current reporting period relating to carried-forward
deferred revenue balances:
Total 4 –
2.3 EXPENSES
(Restated)
2018 2017
US$million US$million
Cost of sales
Production costs
Production expenses 436 412
Production facilities – operating leases 38 69
Other expenses
Selling 14 15
Corporate 75 84
Costs associated with aquisitions and disposals 58 –
Depreciation 2 2
Foreign exchange (gains)/losses (146) 153
Fair value hedges losses/(gains)
On the hedging instrument 17 43
On the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk (15) (57)
Fair value losses on commodity derivatives (oil hedges) 67 63
Exploration and evaluation expensed 105 94
Other 17 11
Income tax
Income tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the income statement
except in relation to items recognised directly in equity.
Current tax is the amount of income tax payable on the taxable profit or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively
enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.
Current income tax assets and liabilities for the current and prior periods are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from,
or paid to, the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantively
enacted at the reporting date in the countries where the Group operates and generates taxable income. Where applicable, provisions
include an estimate of any amounts expected to be paid to settle uncertain tax positions if it is probable that an amount will settle the
obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. When the Group expects some or all of an amount of
tax payable to be reimbursed, the expense relating to the income tax payable is presented in the statement of profit or loss net of any
reimbursement that is virtually certain. If the effect of the time value of money is material, current tax payable is discounted.
The Company and all of its wholly-owned Australian resident entities are part of a tax-consolidated group under Australian taxation law.
Santos Limited is the head entity in the tax-consolidated group. The head entity and the controlled entities in the tax-consolidated group
continue to account for their own current and deferred tax amounts. Current tax liabilities and assets and deferred tax assets arising
from unused tax losses and tax credits of the members of the tax-consolidated group are recognised by the Company (as head entity in
the tax-consolidated group).
The Company and the other entities in the tax-consolidated group have entered into a tax funding agreement and a tax sharing
agreement.
Royalty-related tax
Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (“PRRT”), Resource Rent Royalty and Timor Leste’s and PNG’s Additional Profits Tax are accounted for as
income tax.
Current income tax and royalty-related tax recognised in the income statement for the Group are as follows:
2018 2017
US$million US$million
66 139
373 (350)
36 9
1 (23)
Prima facie income tax expense/(benefit) at 30% (2017: 30%) 332 (176)
Increase/(decrease) in income tax expense/(benefit) due to:
Foreign losses not recognised 4 51
Non-deductible expenses 3 5
Exchange and other translation variations 99 (71)
Tax adjustments relating to prior years 4 (19)
Other (3) (1)
Recognised deferred tax assets 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
and liabilities US$million US$million US$million US$million US$million US$million
Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following items:
Temporary differences in relation to investments in subsidiaries 4,500 4,705
Deductible temporary differences relating to royalty-related tax (net of income tax) 5,858 5,751
Other deductible temporary differences – 162
Tax losses 228 327
10,586 10,945
Basic earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing net profit or loss for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of
Santos Limited by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.
Diluted earnings per share amounts are calculated by adjusting basic earnings per share by the weighted average number of ordinary
shares that would be issued on the conversion of all the dilutive potential ordinary shares into ordinary shares.
Earnings used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share reconciles to the net profit or loss after tax in the income
statement as follows:
2018 2017
US$million US$million
Earnings used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share 630 (360)
The weighted average number of shares used for the purpose of calculating diluted earnings per share reconciles to the number used to
calculate basic earnings per share as follows:
2018 2017
Number of shares Number of shares
Earnings per share attributable to the equity holders of Santos Limited 2018 2017
¢ ¢
1 Due to a net loss after tax in 2017, potential ordinary shares are anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
Dividends are recognised as a liability at the time the Directors resolve to pay or declare the dividend.
Dividend
Dividends recognised during the year Franked/ per share Total
unfranked US¢ US$million
2018
Interim 2018 ordinary – paid on 27 September 2018 Franked 3.5 73
3.5 73
2017
No dividends were recognised during 2017.
Dividend
Dividends declared in respect of the year Franked/ per share Total
unfranked US¢ US$million
2018
Final dividend per ordinary share Franked 6.2 129
Interim dividend per ordinary share Franked 3.5 73
9.7 202
2017
No dividends were declared in respect of 2017.
Other income is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, when significant risks and rewards have been
transferred to the buyer or when the service has been performed.
Gain or loss arising on disposal of a non-current asset is included as other income at the date control of the asset passes to the buyer.
(Restated)
2018 2017
Note US$million US$million
Other income
Change in future restoration assumptions 3.4 46 31
Gain on sale of non-current assets 56 79
Gain on disposal of subsidiaries 6.2(b) 56 –
Other 22 15
Comprising:
Net gain on sale of exploration and evaluation assets – 10
Net gain on sale of oil and gas assets 52 60
Net gain/(loss) on sale of other land, buildings, plant and equipment 4 (1)
Net gain on liquidation of controlled entities – 10
56 79
Comprising:
Proceeds from disposal of exploration and evaluation assets – 3
Proceeds from disposal of oil and gas assets 18 134
Proceeds from disposal of other land, buildings, plant and equipment 8 8
26 145
This section includes information about the assets used by the Group to generate profits and revenue, specifically information
relating to exploration and evaluation assets, oil and gas assets, associated restoration obligations and commitments for capital
expenditure not yet recognised as a liability.
The life cycle of the Group’s assets is summarised as follows:
Exploration Abandonment
Appraisal drilling Development Production Decommissioning
and evaluation and restoration
2018 2017
US$million US$million
Reconciliation of movements
Balance at 1 January 459 495
Acquisitions 628 48
Additions 87 94
Disposals (2) –
Expensed (10) (17)
Impairment losses (129) (163)
Transfer to oil and gas assets in production – (13)
Exchange differences (29) 15
Comprising:
Acquisition costs 687 95
Successful exploration wells 221 253
Pending determination of success 96 111
1,004 459
Oil and gas assets are usually single oil or gas fields being developed for future production or that are in the production phase. Where
several individual oil or gas fields are to be produced through common facilities, the individual oil or gas field and the associated
production facilities are managed and reported as a single oil and gas asset.
Assets in development
When the technical and commercial feasibility of an undeveloped oil or gas field has been demonstrated and approval of commercial
development occurs, the field enters its development phase from the exploration and evaluation phase. Expenditure on the construction,
installation or completion of infrastructure facilities such as platforms, pipelines and the drilling of development wells, as well as
exploration and evaluation costs, are capitalised as tangible assets within oil and gas assets. Other subsurface expenditures include
the costs of de-watering coal seam gas fields to provide access to coal seams to enable production from coal seam gas reserves.
De-watering costs include the costs of extracting, transporting, treating and disposing of water during the development phase of the
coal seam gas fields.
When commercial operation commences, the accumulated costs are transferred to oil and gas producing assets.
Producing assets
The costs of oil and gas assets in production are separately accounted for as tangible assets and include past exploration and evaluation
costs, pre-production development costs and the ongoing costs of continuing to develop reserves for production and to expand or
replace plant and equipment and any associated land and buildings.
Ongoing exploration and evaluation activities
Often the initial discovery and development of an oil or gas asset will lead to ongoing exploration for, and evaluation of, potential new oil
or gas fields in the vicinity with the intention of producing any near-field discoveries using the infrastructure in place.
Exploration and evaluation expenditure associated with oil and gas assets is accounted for in accordance with the policy note in 3.1.
Exploration and evaluation amounts capitalised in respect of oil and gas assets are separately disclosed in the table below.
Depreciation and depletion
Depreciation charges are calculated to write-off the value of buildings, plant and equipment over their estimated economic useful lives to
the Group. Each component of an item of buildings, plant and equipment with a cost that is significant in relation to the total cost of the
asset is depreciated separately.
Depreciation of onshore buildings, plant and equipment and corporate assets is calculated using the straight-line method of depreciation
from the date the asset is available for use, unless a units of production method represents a more reasonable allocation of the asset’s
depreciable value over its economic useful life.
The estimated useful lives for each class of onshore assets for the current and comparative periods are generally as follows:
• Buildings 20 – 50 years
• Pipelines 10 – 30 years
• Plant and facilities 10 – 50 years
Depreciation of offshore plant and equipment is calculated using the units of production method from the date of commencement of
production.
Depletion charges are calculated to amortise the depreciable value of carried forward exploration, evaluation and subsurface
development expenditure over the life of the estimated Proved plus Probable (“2P”) reserves for a hydrocarbon reserve, together with
future subsurface costs necessary to develop the respective hydrocarbon reserve.
Significant judgement – Estimates of reserve quantities
The estimated quantities of Proved plus Probable (“2P”) hydrocarbon reserves reported by the Group are integral to the calculation
of depletion and depreciation expense and incorporated into the assessment of impairment of assets. Estimated reserve quantities are
based upon interpretations of geological and geophysical models and assessments of the technical feasibility and commercial viability
of producing the reserves. These assessments require assumptions to be made regarding future development and production costs,
commodity prices, exchange rates and fiscal regimes. The estimates of reserves may change from period to period as the economic
assumptions used to estimate the reserves can change from period to period, and as additional geological data is generated during the
course of operations. Reserves estimates are prepared in accordance with the Group’s policies and procedures for reserves estimation
which conform to guidelines prepared by the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
Accounting judgement and estimate – Depletion charges
Depletion and certain depreciation charges are calculated using the units of production method. This is based on barrels of oil equivalent
which will amortise the cost of carried-forward exploration, evaluation and subsurface development expenditure (“subsurface assets”)
over the life of the estimated 2P hydrocarbon reserves for an asset or group of assets, together with future subsurface costs necessary
to develop the hydrocarbon reserves in the respective asset or group of assets.
2018 2017
Reconciliation of movements
Assets in development
Balance at 1 January 73 46 119 71 19 90
Additions1 16 73 89 1 28 29
Transfer to oil and gas assets
in production – – – (1) (1) (2)
Exchange differences (1) – (1) 2 – 2
Producing assets
Balance at 1 January 2,065 7,352 9,417 1,706 8,602 10,308
Additions1 212 177 389 297 120 417
Acquisition 1,192 1,049 2,241 – – –
Transfer from exploration and
evaluation assets – – – 13 – 13
Transfer from oil and gas assets
in development – – – 1 1 2
Disposals (148) (8) (156) – (4) (4)
Depreciation and depletion (239) (405) (644) (268) (450) (718)
Net impairment reversals/(losses) 29 – 29 255 (1,020) (765)
Exchange differences (107) (152) (259) 61 103 164
Total oil and gas assets 3,092 8,132 11,224 2,138 7,398 9,536
Comprising:
Exploration and evaluation expenditure
pending commercialisation 86 5 91 90 5 95
Other capitalised expenditure 3,006 8,127 11,133 2,048 7,393 9,441
1 Includes impact on restoration assets following changes in future restoration provision assumptions (refer note 3.4).
Forecasts of the exchange rate for foreign currencies, where relevant, are estimated with reference to observable external market data
and forward values, including analysis of broker and consensus estimates. The future estimated rate applied is A$1/US$0.75.
The discount rates applied to the future forecast cash flows are based on the weighted average cost of capital, adjusted for risks where
appropriate, including functional currency of the asset, and risk profile of the countries in which the asset operates. The range of pre-tax
discount rates that have been applied to non-current assets is between 11% and 17%.
In the event that future circumstances vary from these assumptions, the recoverable amount of the Group’s oil and gas assets could
change materially and result in impairment losses or the reversal of previous impairment losses.
Due to the interrelated nature of the assumptions, movements in any one variable can have an indirect impact on others and individual
variables rarely change in isolation. Additionally, management can be expected to respond to some movements, to mitigate downsides
and take advantage of upsides, as circumstances allow. Consequently, it is impracticable to estimate the indirect impact that a change
in one assumption has on other variables and hence, on the likelihood, or extent, of impairments, or reversals of impairments, under
different sets of assumptions in subsequent reporting periods.
Current assets
Assets held for sale, subsequently disposed of 6.2(b) 47 –
Other receivables – 5
Non-current assets
Exploration and evaluation assets 53 163
Oil and gas assets – 765
Land and buildings – 5
Recoverable amounts and resulting impairment losses recognised in the year ended 31 December 2018:
Subsurface Plant and Recoverable
assets equipment Total amount1
2018 Segment US$million US$million US$million US$million
1 Recoverable amounts represent the carrying values of assets before deducting the carrying value of restoration liabilities. All producing oil and gas asset amounts are calculated using the
VIU method, whilst all exploration and evaluation asset amounts use the FVLCD method.
2 Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets relates to certain individual licences/areas of interest that have been impaired to nil.
Recoverable amounts and resulting impairment write-downs/(reversals) recognised in the year ended 31 December 2017 were:
Subsurface Plant and Recoverable
assets equipment Total amount1
2017 Segment US$million US$million US$million US$million
1 Recoverable amounts represent the carrying values of assets before deducting the carrying value of restoration liabilities. All producing oil and gas asset amounts are calculated using the
VIU method, whilst all exploration and evaluation asset amounts use the FVLCD method.
2 Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets relates to certain individual licences/areas of interest that have been impaired to nil.
3 Cooper – unconventional resources comprises exploration and evaluation expenditure pending commercialisation within oil and gas assets – producing assets. The impairment relates to the
Basin Centered Gas exploration.
Provisions for future removal and environmental restoration costs are recognised where there is a present obligation as a result of
exploration, development, production, transportation or storage activities having been undertaken, and it is probable that future outflow
of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. The estimated future obligations include the costs of removing facilities,
abandoning wells and restoring the affected areas and is the best estimate of the present value of the future expenditure required to
settle the restoration obligation at the reporting date, based on current legal requirements or observed industry analogs. Any changes
in the estimate are reflected in the present value of the restoration provision at the reporting date, with a corresponding change in the
cost of the associated asset. In the event the restoration provision is reduced, the cost of the related oil and gas asset is reduced by an
amount not exceeding its carrying value. If the decrease in restoration provision exceeds the carrying amount of the asset, the excess is
recognised immediately in the income statement as other income.
The amount of the provision for future restoration costs relating to exploration, development and production facilities is capitalised and
depleted as a component of the cost of those activities.
Significant judgement – Provision for restoration
The Group estimates the future removal and restoration costs of oil and gas production facilities, wells, pipelines and related assets at
the time of installation of the assets and reviews these assessments periodically. In most instances the removal of these assets will
occur many years in the future. The estimate of future removal costs therefore requires management to make judgements regarding the
removal date, future environmental legislation, and the extent of restoration activities required.
The Group has recorded provisions for restoration obligations as follows:
2018 2017
US$million US$million
Current provision 59 85
Non-current provision 2,034 1,443
2,093 1,528
Movements in the provision during the financial year are set out below:
Total restoration
US$million
Payments made into escrow accounts relating to future restoration obligations of $nil (2017: $68 million) are included within other
non-current financial assets (note 5.5(g)).
Other provisions
In addition to the provision for restoration shown above, other items for which a provision has been recorded are:
2018 2017
Note US$million US$million
Current
Employee benefits 7.1 55 49
Onerous contracts 2 8
57 57
Non-current
Employee benefits 7.1 9 8
Defined benefit obligations 7.1 1 1
Onerous contracts 29 42
Other provisions 74 –
113 51
The Group has certain obligations to perform minimum exploration work and expend minimum amounts of money pursuant to the terms
of the granting of petroleum exploration permits in order to maintain rights of tenure.
These commitments may be varied as a result of renegotiations of the terms of the exploration permits, licences or contracts or
alternatively upon their relinquishment. The minimum exploration commitments are less than the normal level of exploration expenditures
expected to be undertaken by the Group.
The Group leases LNG carriers, storage and offtake facilities, marine vessels and mobile offshore production units under operating
leases. The leases typically run for a period of four to six years, and may have an option to renew after that time.
The Group also leases building office space and warehouses under operating leases. The leases are generally for a period of 10 years,
with an option to renew the lease after that date. The lease payments typically increase annually by the Consumer Price Index.
During the year ended 31 December 2018, the Group recognised $38 million (2017: $69 million) as an expense in the income statement
in respect of operating leases.
The Group has the following commitments for expenditure for which no liabilities have been recorded in the financial statements as the
goods or services have not been received, including non-cancellable operating lease rentals:
Capital Minimum exploration Operating lease
This section provides information about the Group’s working capital balances and management, including cash flow
information. Cash flow management is a significant consideration in running our business in an efficient and resourceful
manner. We also consider inventories which contribute to the business platform for generating profits and revenues.
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and short-term deposits that are readily convertible to cash, are subject to an
insignificant risk of changes in value, and generally have an original maturity of three months or less.
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents represent fair value. Bank balances and short-term deposits earn interest at floating
rates based upon market rates.
2018 2017
US$million US$million
1,316 1,231
Net cash provided by operating activities before changes in assets or liabilities 1,273 1,487
(d) Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities to financing cash flows
Liabilities Assets
Finance held to held to
Short-term Long-term lease hedge hedge
borrowings borrowings liabilities borrowings borrowings Total
US$million US$million US$million US$million US$million US$million
1 Financing cash flows consist of the net amount of proceeds from borrowings and repayments of borrowings in the statement of cash flows.
Trade and other receivables are initially recognised at transaction price, which in practice is the equivalent of cost, less any impairment
losses.
Long-term receivables are initially recognised at fair value and are subsequently stated at amortised cost, less any impairment losses.
Trade receivables are non-interest-bearing and settlement terms are generally within 30 days. Trade receivables that are neither past
due nor impaired relate to a number of independent customers for whom there is no recent history of default.
2018 2017
US$million US$million
521 440
Due to the nature of the Group’s receivables, their carrying amount is considered to approximate their fair value.
The Group applies the simplified approach to providing for expected credit losses for all trade receivables as set out in note 5.5(e).
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary
course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses. Cost is determined as follows:
• drilling and maintenance stocks, which include plant spares, consumables and maintenance and drilling tools used for ongoing
operations, are valued at weighted average cost; and
• petroleum products, which comprise extracted crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas, condensate and naphtha stored in tanks and
pipeline systems and processed sales gas and ethane stored in subsurface reservoirs, are valued using the absorption cost
method.
2018 2017
US$million US$million
Total inventories at lower of cost and net realisable value 288 266
Trade and other payables are recognised when the related goods or services are received, at the amount of cash or cash equivalents
that will be required to discharge the obligation, gross of any settlement discount offered. Trade payables are non-interest-bearing and
are settled on normal terms and conditions.
2018 2017
US$million US$million
661 495
The carrying amounts of trade and other payables are considered to approximate their fair values, due to their short-term nature.
Our business has exposure to capital, credit, liquidity and market risks. This section provides information relating to our
management of, as well as our policies for measuring and managing, these risks.
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Subsequent to initial
recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any difference between cost and redemption value
being recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest basis. The carrying values of the
Group’s interest-bearing loans and borrowings are shown below.
Fixed-rate notes that are hedged by interest rate swaps are recognised at fair value.
All borrowings are unsecured, with the exception of the secured bank loans and finance leases.
All interest-bearing loans and borrowings, with the exception of secured bank loans and finance leases, are borrowed through Santos
Finance Limited, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Santos Limited. All interest-bearing loans and borrowings by Santos Finance
Limited are guaranteed by Santos Limited.
2018 2017
Ref US$million US$million
Current
Bank loans – secured (a) 156 141
Bank loans – unsecured (b) 657 65
Long-term notes (c) 153 –
Finance leases (d) 1 1
967 207
Non-current
Bank loans – secured (a) 1,318 1,475
Bank loans – unsecured (b) 1,535 992
Long-term notes (c) 1,038 1,207
Finance leases (d) 61 62
3,952 3,736
The Group’s weighted average interest rate on interest-bearing liabilities was 5.28% for the year ended 31 December 2018 (2017: 5.15%).
(a) Bank loans – secured
Facility PNG LNG
Currency US dollars
Limit $1,537 million (2017: $1,692 million)
Drawn principal $1,537 million (2017: $1,692 million)
Accounting balance $1,474 million (2017: $1,616 million) including prepaid amounts
Effective interest rate 6.10% (2017: 5.37%)
Maturity 2024–2026
Other Loan facilities for the PNG LNG project, in which Santos entities hold an equity interest of
13.5%, were entered into by the joint venture participants on 15 December 2009 and are
provided by commercial banks and export credit agencies, bear fixed and floating rates of
interest and have final maturity dates of June 2024 and June 2026 respectively.
Assets pledged as security and restricted cash
The PNG LNG facilities include security over assets and entitlements of the participants
in respect of the project. The total carrying value of the Group’s assets pledged as
security is $2,762 million at 31 December 2018 (2017: $2,852 million).
As referred to in note 4.1, under the terms of the project financing, cash relating to the
Group’s interest in undistributed project cash flows is required to be held in secured bank
accounts.
Currency US dollars
Limit $1,200 million (2017: nil)
Drawn principal $1,200 million (2017: nil)
Accounting balance $1,194 million (2017: nil) including prepaid amounts
Effective interest rate 4.18% (2017: N/A)
Maturity 2020 and 2024
Other During 2018 Santos completed a $700 million 5.5-year syndicated term loan facility and a
$500 million 2-year bridge facility. Both facilities bear floating interest rates.
Currency US dollars
Limit $1,001 million (2017: $1,065 million)
Drawn principal $1,001 million (2017: $1,065 million)
Accounting balance $998 million (2017: $1,057 million) including prepaid amounts
Effective interest rate 3.02% (2017: 2.83%)
Maturity 2019–2024
Other Loan facilities are supported by various export credit agencies.
Currency US dollars
Limit $377 million (2017: $377 million)
Drawn principal $377 million (2017: $377 million)
Accounting balance $405 million (2017: $424 million) including fair value accounting measurement
and prepaid amounts
Effective interest rate 1.58% (2017: 1.84%)
Maturity 2019–2027
Other Long-term notes bear a fixed interest rate of 6.30% to 6.81% (2017: 6.05% to 6.81%),
which have been swapped to floating rate commitments.
Currency US dollars
Limit $800 million (2017: $800 million)
Drawn principal $800 million (2017: $800 million)
Accounting balance $786 million (2017: $783 million) including prepaid amounts
Effective interest rate 4.40% (2017: 4.39%)
Maturity 2027
Other The bond bears a fixed interest rate of 4.125%.
The Group participates in finance leases of LNG carriers and tug facilities. The leases have terms of between 10 and 20 years with
varying renewal options. Title does not pass to the Group on expiration of the relevant lease period.
Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs relating to major oil and gas assets under development are capitalised as a component of the cost of development.
Where funds are borrowed specifically for qualifying projects, the actual borrowing costs incurred are capitalised. Where the projects are
funded through general borrowings, the borrowing costs are capitalised based on the weighted average cost of borrowing. Borrowing
costs incurred after commencement of commercial operations are expensed to the income statement.
All other borrowing costs are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they are incurred.
Interest income
Interest income is recognised in the income statement as it accrues using the effective interest method.
2018 2017
US$million US$million
Finance income
Interest income 30 24
Finance costs
Interest paid to third parties 218 255
Deduct borrowing costs capitalised (6) (6)
212 249
Unwind of the effect of discounting on provisions 46 45
Included within the Group’s ordinary shares at 31 December 2018 are 10,000 (2017: 25,000) ordinary shares paid to one cent with a value
of nil (2017: nil).
Treasury shares
Treasury shares are purchased primarily for use on vesting of employee share schemes. Shares are accounted for at weighted average
cost. During the period, $10 million (2017: $8 million) of Treasury shares were purchased on-market.
Movement in Treasury shares 2018 2017
Note Number of shares Number of shares
The Group’s reserves and retained earnings balances, and movements during the period, are disclosed in the statement of changes in
equity.
Translation reserve
The translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising from the following:
• the translation of the financial statements of foreign operations where their functional currency is different from the functional
currency of the Parent entity;
• the translation of liabilities that hedge the Company’s net investment in a foreign subsidiary;
• exchange differences that arise on the translation of the monetary items that form part of the net investment in a foreign
operation; and
• the impact of translation of the Group from Australian dollar to US dollar presentation currency.
Hedging reserve
The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments
related to hedged transactions that have not yet occurred.
Financial liabilities at fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVOCI”) reserve
The financial liabilities at FVOCI reserve includes the component of fair value movements in the Group’s financial liabilities measured at
fair value that result from changes in the Group’s own credit risk.
Accumulated profits reserve
The accumulated profits reserve acts to quarantine profits generated in current and prior periods. The reserve was established during 2015.
Exposure to foreign currency risk, interest rate risk, commodity price risk, credit risk and liquidity risk arises in the normal course of the
Group’s business. The Group’s overall financial risk management strategy is to seek to ensure that the Group is able to fund its corporate
objectives and meet its obligations to stakeholders. Derivative financial instruments may be used to hedge exposure to fluctuations in
foreign exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices.
The Group uses various methods to measure the types of financial risk to which it is exposed. These methods include Cash Flow
at Risk and sensitivity analysis in the case of foreign exchange, interest rate and commodity price risk, and ageing and credit rating
concentration analysis for credit risk.
Financial risk management is carried out by a central treasury department (“Treasury”) which operates under Board-approved policies.
The policies govern the framework and principles for overall risk management and cover specific financial risks, such as foreign
exchange risk, interest rate risk and credit risk, approved derivative and non-derivative financial instruments, and liquidity management.
(a) Financial instruments
The Group classifies its financial instruments in the following categories: financial assets at amortised cost, financial assets at fair
value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”), financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVOCI”), financial
liabilities at amortised cost, financial liabilities at FVTPL and derivative instruments. The classification depends on the purpose
for which the financial instruments were acquired, which is determined at initial recognition based upon the business model of
the Group.
Financial assets at amortised cost
The Group classifies its financial assets at amortised cost if the asset is held with the objective of collecting contractual cash
flows and the contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest. These
include trade receivables and bank term deposits. Bank term deposits are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable
payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are financial assets at amortised cost and are included in current assets,
except for those with maturities greater than 12 months after the reporting date.
1,892 1,802
1 Amounts represent cash held in escrow for future restoration obligations relating to certain assets and these assets were disposed of during 2018.
5,624 4,540
The Group’s financial instruments resulted in the following income, expenses, gains and losses recognised in the income statement:
2018 2017
US$million US$million
(102) (439)
(b) Liquidity
The Group adopts a prudent liquidity risk management strategy and seeks to maintain sufficient liquid assets and available
committed credit facilities to meet short-term to medium-term liquidity requirements. The Group’s objective is to maintain flexibility
in funding to meet ongoing operational requirements, exploration and development expenditure, and other corporate initiatives.
The following tables analyse the contractual maturities of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities held to manage liquidity risk.
The relevant maturity groupings are based on the remaining period to the contractual maturity date, as at 31 December. The
amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows comprising principal and interest repayments.
Estimated variable interest expense is based upon appropriate yield curves as at 31 December.
The Group uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments by valuation
technique:
Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;
Level 2: other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable,
either directly or indirectly;
Level 3: techniques which use inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on
observable market data.
All of the Group’s financial instruments were valued using the Level 2 valuation technique.
Current assets
Commodity derivatives (oil hedges) 19 –
Interest rate swap contracts 8 –
Other 1 –
28 –
Non-current assets
Interest rate swap contracts 26 61
Equity investments 2 2
Amounts held in escrow – 68
Defined benefit surplus 3 3
31 134
Current liabilities
Commodity derivatives (oil hedges) – 79
Other 6 3
6 82
Non-current liabilities
Other 24 20
24 20
Carrying amount 34 61
Notional amount 1,577 1,577
Maturity date 2019–2027 2019–2027
Hedge ratio1 1:1 1:1
Change in value of outstanding hedging instruments since 1 January (27) (23)
Change in value of hedged item used to determine hedge effectiveness 27 23
Weighted average hedged rate 1.10% 1.10%
Carrying amount 19 –
Notional amount (mmbbl) 4.9 –
Maturity date 2019 –
Hedge ratio1 1:1 –
Change in value of outstanding hedging instruments since 1 January 19 –
Change in value of hedged item used to determine hedge effectiveness (19) –
Weighted average hedged rate $50.88 –
Balance at 1 January 21 –
Add: Change in fair value of hedging instrument recognised in OCI
for the year (effective portion) – 32
Less: Deferred tax – (11)
Balance at 31 December 21 21
This section provides information which will help users understand how the Group structure affects the financial position
and performance of the Group as a whole. Specifically, it contains information about consolidated entities, acquisitions and
disposals of subsidiaries, joint arrangements as well as parties to the Deed of Cross Guarantee under which each company
guarantees the debts of others.
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company is exposed to, or has the rights to, variable
returns from its involvement with an entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The financial
statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date
that control ceases.
Acquisitions of subsidiaries are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the
aggregate of the consideration transferred, measured at acquisition date fair value and the amount of any non-controlling interest in
the acquiree. For each business combination, the Group measures the non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the lower of either fair
value or the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets.
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.
If the business combination is achieved in stages, the previously held equity interest is remeasured at its acquisition date fair value and
any resulting gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss.
Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer will be recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent
changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration which is deemed to be an asset or liability will be recognised in accordance
with AASB 9 either in profit or loss or as a charge to other comprehensive income. If the contingent consideration is classified as equity,
it shall not be remeasured until it is finally settled within equity. In instances where the contingent consideration does not fall within the
scope of AASB 9, it is measured in accordance with the appropriate AASB standard.
A change in ownership interest of a subsidiary that does not result in the loss of control is accounted for as an equity transaction.
Intra-group balances and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions are eliminated in
preparing the consolidated financial statements.
Controlled entities of Santos QNT Pty Ltd (cont) Controlled entities of Santos WA Holdings Pty Ltd (cont)
Santos QNT (No. 1) Pty Ltd1 AUS Santos WA Kersail Pty Ltd5, 8 AUS
Controlled entities of Santos QNT (No. 1) Pty Ltd Santos WA LNG Pty Ltd5, 8 AUS
Santos Petroleum Management Pty Ltd6 AUS Santos WA Northwest Pty Ltd5, 8
TMOC Exploration Proprietary Limited AUS Santos WA Onshore Holdings Pty Ltd5, 8 AUS
Santos QNT (No. 2) Pty Ltd AUS Santos WA Southwest Pty Limited5, 8 AUS
Controlled entities of Santos QNT (No. 2) Pty Ltd Santos WA Varanus Island Pty Ltd5, 8 AUS
Moonie Oil Pty Ltd6 AUS Santos WA Management Pty Ltd5, 8 AUS
Petromin Pty Ltd AUS Controlled entities of Santos Management
Santos (299) Pty Ltd2 AUS Pty Ltd
Santos TPC Pty Ltd AUS Santos WA Finance Holdings Pty Limited5, 8 AUS
Santos Wilga Park Pty Ltd AUS Controlled entities of Santos WA Finance
Santos Resources Pty Ltd AUS Holdings Pty Limited
Santos (TGR) Pty Ltd AUS Santos WA Finance General Partnership5 AUS
Santos Timor Sea Pipeline Pty Ltd AUS Santos WA PVG Holdings Pty Ltd5, 8 AUS
Santos Ventures Pty Ltd AUS Controlled entities of Santos WA PVG
Holdings Pty Ltd
Santos WA Holdings Pty Ltd7 AUS
Santos WA PVG Pty Ltd5, 8 AUS
Controlled entities of Santos WA Holdings Pty Ltd
SESAP Pty Ltd AUS
Santos WA AEC Pty Ltd5 AUS
Shaw River Power Station Pty Ltd6 AUS
Santos WA Energy Holdings Pty Ltd5 AUS
Vamgas Pty Ltd1 AUS
Controlled entities of Santos WA Energy
Holdings Pty Ltd Notes
Santos WA Asset Holdings Pty Ltd5, 8 AUS 1 Company is party to a Deed of Cross Guarantee (refer note 6.5)
Controlled entities of Santos WA Asset 2 Liquidated 6 November 2018
Holdings Pty Ltd 3 Company struck off 4 December 2018
4 Companies sold
Santos WA Lowendal Pty Limited5, 8 AUS
5 Companies acquired through the acquisition of Quadrant Energy (refer note 6.2)
Santos WA International Pty Ltd5, 8 AUS 6 Companies deregistered
Harriet (Onyx) Pty Ltd5, 8 AUS 7 Companies incorporated
Santos WA Energy Limited5, 8 AUS 8 Company is party to a Deed of Cross Guarantee held by
Santos WA Energy Holdings Pty Ltd
Controlled entities of Santos WA Energy Limited Country of incorporation
Ningaloo Vision Holdings Pte. Ltd5 SGP AUS – Australia
Northwest Jetty Services Pty Ltd5, 8 AUS GBR – United Kingdom
NLD – Netherlands
Santos WA (Exmouth) Pty Ltd5, 8 AUS
PNG – Papua New Guinea
Santos WA East Spar Pty Limited5, 8 AUS SGP – Singapore
Santos WA Julimar Holdings Pty Ltd5, 8 AUS USA – United States of America
(a) Acquisitions
On 27 November 2018 the Group acquired 100% of the shares in Quadrant Energy, an Australian oil and gas producer. This
acquisition delivers increased ownership and operatorship of a high quality portfolio of low-cost, long-life conventional Western
Australian natural oil and gas assets, and importantly significantly strengthens the Group’s offshore operating capability and access
to exploration opportunities.
Details of the purchase consideration, the net identifiable assets acquired and goodwill are as follows:
Fair value of net identifiable assets and goodwill acquired, on acquisition date US$million
Cash 174
Trade and other receivables 148
Contract assets 104
Inventories 52
Exploration and evaluation assets 610
Oil and gas assets 2,241
Other land, buildings and equipment 23
Trade and other payables (76)
Deferred revenue (136)
Restoration provision (903)
Employee provisions (32)
Other provisions (74)
Current tax liability (24)
Interest-bearing liabilities (533)
Deferred tax assets 699
Deferred tax liabilities (1,327)
Deferred tax (628)
(b) Disposals
Following the Group’s announcement on 3 May 2018 to divest its interest in its Asian assets, the associated assets and liabilities
attributed to the Asia segment were presented as held for sale in the 2018 half-year financial statements. A net impairment loss of
$47 million attributed to the write-down/(reversal) of the Asian assets held for sale to their fair value less costs of disposal was
recognised at 30 June 2018.
On 6 September 2018 the sale of the producing assets was completed and resulted in the disposal of the following wholly-owned
subsidiaries:
• Santos Petroleum Ventures B.V.
• Santos (SPV) Pty Ltd
• Santos Madura Offshore Pty Ltd
• Santos Asia Pacific Pty Ltd
• Santos Sampang Pty Ltd
On 4 December 2018 the sale of the wholly-owned subsidiary Santos Sabah Block R Limited was also completed.
1 Represents the amount recycled into the income statement on reversal of associated amounts previously deferred in the foreign currency translation reserve.
The Group’s investments in joint arrangements are classified as either joint operations or joint ventures depending on the contractual
rights and obligations each investor has, rather than the legal structure of the joint arrangement. Santos’ exploration and production
activities are often conducted through joint arrangements governed by joint operating agreements, production sharing contracts or
similar contractual relationships.
The differences between joint operations and joint ventures are as follows:
The following are the joint ventures in which the Group has an interest, including those which are immaterial:
Joint venture 2018 2017
% Interest % Interest
At 31 December 2018 the Group reassessed the carrying amount of its investments in joint ventures for indicators of
impairment. As a result, no impairment was recorded (2017: nil).
Selected financial information of the ultimate parent entity in the Group, Santos Limited, is as follows:
2018 2017
US$million US$million
Guarantees entered into by the parent entity in relation to the debts of its subsidiaries
All interest-bearing loans and borrowings, as disclosed in note 5.1, with the exception of the finance leases and secured bank loans, are
arranged through Santos Finance Ltd, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Santos Limited. All interest-bearing loans and borrowings of
Santos Finance Ltd are guaranteed by Santos Limited.
Contingent liabilities of the parent entity
Contingent liabilities arise in the ordinary course of business through claims against Santos Limited, including contractual, third-party and
contractor claims. In most instances it is not possible to reasonably predict the outcome of these claims, and as at reporting date Santos
Limited believes that the aggregate of such claims will not materially impact the Company’s financial report.
Pursuant to ASIC Corporations (Wholly-owned Companies) Instrument 2016/785 (“the Instrument”), the Company and each of the
wholly-owned subsidiaries within the Closed Group (collectively, “the Closed Group”) are relieved from the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)
requirements for preparation, audit and lodgement of their financial reports.
As a condition of the Instrument, the Closed Group has entered into a Deed of Cross Guarantee (“the Deed”). The effect of the Deed is
that the Company has guaranteed to pay any deficiency in the event of winding up of any of the subsidiaries under certain provisions of
the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). The subsidiaries have also given a similar guarantee in the event that the Company is wound up.
Set out below is a consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income and summary of movements in
consolidated accumulated losses for the year ended 31 December 2018 of the Closed Group.
2018 2017
US$million US$million
Set out below is a consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2018 of the Closed Group.
2018 2017
US$million US$million
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 98 89
Trade and other receivables 2,856 3,121
Other current assets 147 168
Non-current assets
Other financial assets 8,221 15,736
Exploration and evaluation assets 192 166
Oil and gas assets 2,064 2,372
Other non-current assets 650 524
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 2,500 4,971
Other current liabilities 100 146
Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 3,713 9,188
Provisions 842 1,010
Other non-current liabilities 114 101
Equity
Issued capital 9,036 9,036
Reserves 183 (123)
Accumulated losses (2,260) (2,153)
This section includes information relating to the various programs the Group uses to reward and recognise our people. It
includes details of our employee benefits, share-based payment schemes and key management personnel.
Non-current assets
Defined benefit surplus 3 3
Current provisions
Employee benefits 55 49
Non-current provisions
Employee benefits 9 8
Defined benefit obligations 1 1
The Group provides benefits to employees of the Group through share-based incentives. Employees are paid for their services or
incentivised for their performance in part through shares or rights over shares.
There are two main share-based payment plans: equity-settled share-based payment plans and cash-settled share-based payment
plans. The equity-settled plans consist of the general employee share-based payment plans, Executive Long-Term Incentive share-based
payment plans and Executive Short-Term incentive share-based payment plans.
The amounts recognised in the income statement of the Group during the financial year in relation to shares issued under the share
plans are summarised as follows:
2018 2017
Note US$000 US$000
Employee expenses:
General employee share plans:
Share1000 Plan 7.2(a)(i) (824) (948)
ShareMatch Plan (matched SARs) 7.2(a)(i) (1,947) (2,300)
Executive Long-Term Incentive share-based payment plans –
equity-settled 7.2(a)(ii) (5,693) (6,120)
Executive Short-Term Incentive share-based payment plans –
equity-settled 7.2(a)(iii) (2,244) (1,005)
(10,708) (10,373)
The net impact on retained earnings from share-based payment plans, net of Treasury shares utilised in the current year, is $6 million.
The net impact on retained earnings from share-based payment plans in 2017 was $6 million.
Share1000 ShareMatch
What is it? The Share1000 Plan provides for The ShareMatch Plan allows for the
grants of fully paid ordinary shares purchase of shares through salary
up to a value determined by the sacrificing up to A$5,000 over a
Board, which in 2018 was A$1,000 per maximum 12-month period, and to
employee (2017: A$1,000). receive matched SARs at a 1:1 ratio
or as otherwise set by the Board.
The employee’s ownership and right Subject to restrictions until the earlier Upon vesting, subject to restrictions
to deal with them of the expiration of the three-year until the earlier of the expiration of the
restriction period and the time restriction period (which will be three or
when the employee ceases to be in seven years from the date of the offer,
employment. depending on any election made by the
employee) and the time when he or she
ceases to be an employee.
How is the fair value recognised? The fair value of these shares is The fair value of the shares is
recognised as an employee expense recognised as an increase in issued
with a corresponding increase in capital and a corresponding increase in
issued capital, and the fair value per loans receivable. The fair value per share
share is determined by the Volume is determined by the VWAP of ordinary
Weighted Average Price (“VWAP”) Santos shares on the ASX during the
of ordinary Santos shares on the ASX week up to and including the date of
during the week up to and including issue of the shares.
the date of issue of the shares.
The fair value of services required
in return for matched SARs granted
is measured by reference to the fair
value of matched SARs granted. The
estimate of the fair value of the services
received is measured by discounting the
share price on the grant date using the
assumed dividend yield and recognised
as an employee expense for the term of
the matched SARs.
The following shares were issued pursuant to the employee share plans during the period:
Share1000 Plan ShareMatch Plan
The SARs granted during 2018 totalling 3,300,981 were issued across the following four tranches, each with varying valuations:
Senior Executive LTI – granted 21 March 2018
2018
Performance Awards P1 P2 P3 P4
Performance Awards P1 P2 P3 P4
The above tables include the valuation assumptions used for Performance Awards SARs granted during the current year. The expected
vesting period of the SARs is based on historical data and current expectations and is not necessarily indicative of exercise patterns
that may occur. The expected volatility reflects the assumption that the historical volatility over a period similar to the life of the SARs is
indicative of future trends, which may not necessarily be the actual outcome.
On 14 March 2018 the Company issued 312,731 deferred shares to eligible executives. The share price on the grant date
was A$4.86 and the fair value was A$4.74 after applying a 1.4% dividend yield assumption to the valuation.
Share acquisition rights
On 19 April 2017 the Company issued 80,571 SARs subject to a 24-month continuous service condition starting on
1 January 2017 and ending and vested on 31 December 2018. The share price on the grant date was A$3.66 and the
fair value was A$3.57 after applying a 1.4% dividend yield assumption to the valuation. The issued SARs represented
the portion of 2016 deferred STI which was allocated to eligible executives as SARs rather than deferred shares.
(b) Options
The Company has not granted options over unissued shares under the Executive Long-Term Incentive share-based payment plans
since 2009. The information as set out below relates to options issued under the Executive Long-Term Incentive share-based
payment plans in 2009 and earlier that have vested in prior years:
Exercisable
Beginning End of at end of
of the year Lapsed Exercised the year the year
No. No. No. No. No.
2018
Vested in prior years 807,988 (757,439) – 50,549 50,549
2017
Vested in prior years 1,159,288 (351,300) – 807,988 807,988
10,860 10,146
This section provides information that is not directly related to the specific line items in the financial statements, including
information about contingent liabilities, events after the end of the reporting period, remuneration of auditors and changes to
accounting policies and disclosures.
Contingent liabilities arise in the ordinary course of business through claims against the Group, including contractual, third-party and
contractor claims. In most instances it is not possible to reasonably predict the outcome of these claims, and as at reporting date the
Group believes that the aggregate of such claims will not materially impact the Group’s financial report.
On 20 February 2019, the Directors of Santos Limited resolved to pay a final dividend of US6.2 cents in respect of the 2018 financial
year. Consequently, the financial effect of these dividends has not been brought to account in the full-year financial statements for the
year ended 31 December 2018. Refer to note 2.6 for details.
2,071 1,682
Ernst & Young (Australia) for other assurance services 212 401
Ernst & Young (Australia) for taxation and other services 1,708 341
Overseas network firms of Ernst & Young (Australia) for taxation services – 14
1,920 756
Revenue from contracts with customers – Product sales 3,107 (7) 3,100
Cost of sales (2,272) (31) (2,303)
Total –
The Group has elected to change from the “entitlements method” to the “sales method” of accounting for sales revenue. Previously
under the entitlements method, sales revenue was recognised on the basis of the Group’s interest in a producing field. Under
the sales method, revenue will be recognised based on volumes sold under contracts with customers, at the point in time where
performance obligations are considered met. Refer to note 2.2 for further details of the Group’s revenue accounting policy.
No other changes arising from the adoption of AASB 15 have had a material effect on the financial reporting of the Group.
i) AASB 16 Leases
Description AASB 16 provides a new lessee accounting model which requires a lessee to recognise a right of
use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset and lease liabilities, for all leases with a
term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of a low value. The depreciation of the
right of use asset and interest on the lease liability will be recognised in the consolidated income
statement.
Impact on Group The Group operates predominantly as a lessee. The standard will affect primarily the accounting for
financial report the Group’s operating leases, with no significant impact expected for the Group’s finance leases.
A project team was established comprising appropriate leasing subject matter specialists, with a
detailed review of AASB 16 and relevant industry guidance being performed. In addition, the Group
undertook a detailed identification and assessment exercise, to identify and quantify the impact of
leasing arrangements that existed as at the transition date of the standard.
The Group expects to apply the modified retrospective transition approach, with election of the
option to retrospectively measure the right-of-use asset using the transition discount rate.
Furthermore, the Group plans to elect the following transition practical expedients:
i. lease arrangements with a short remaining term from date of initial application;
ii. discount rates applied to a portfolio of leases with similar characteristics; and
iii. use of hindsight with regards to determination of the lease term.
The cumulative effect of adopting AASB 16 will be recognised as an adjustment to the opening
balance of retained earnings at 1 January 2019, with no restatement of comparative information.
Notwithstanding the impact of the IFRIC tentative agenda decision relating to AASB 16 Leases,
having consideration for AASB 11 Joint Arrangements, and based on the information currently
available, the Group estimates the following impact on its consolidated statement of financial
position as at 31 December 2018:
The Group does not expect the adoption of AASB 16 to impact its ability to comply with debt
covenants.
As at the reporting date, the Group has non-cancellable operating lease commitments of $242
million (refer note 3.5).
Application of standard 1 January 2019
Several other amendments to standards and interpretations will apply on or after 1 January 2019, and have not yet been applied,
however they are not expected to impact the Group’s annual consolidated financial statements or half-year condensed consolidated
financial statements.
Directors’ Declaration
for the year ended 31 December 2018
In accordance with a resolution of the Directors of Santos Limited (“the Company”), we state that:
1. In the opinion of the Directors:
(a) the financial statements and notes of the consolidated entity are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth),
including:
(i) giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 31 December 2018 and of its performance
for the year ended on that date; and
(ii) complying with Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001 (Cth); and
(b) the financial statements and notes comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in note 1.1; and
(c) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and
payable.
2. This declaration has been made after receiving the declarations required to be made to the Directors in accordance with section
295A of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) for the financial year ended 31 December 2018.
3. As at the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members of the Closed Group identified in
note 6.5 will be able to meet any obligations or liabilities to which they are or may become subject by virtue of the Deed of Cross
Guarantee between the Company and those members of the Closed Group pursuant to ASIC Corporations (Wholly owned
Companies) Instrument 2016/785.
Dated this 20th day of February 2019
On behalf of the Board:
Director
Opinion
We have audited the financial report of Santos Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries (collectively the Group), which comprises
the consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2018, the consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of
comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended,
notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies, and the directors declaration.
In our opinion, the accompanying financial report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:
a) giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 31 December 2018 and of its consolidated
financial performance for the year ended on that date; and
b) complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further
described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section of our report. We are independent of the
Group in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the
Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are
relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the
Code.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Key Audit Matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial report of
the current year. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion
thereon, but 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 Financial Report 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 financial report. 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 financial report.
Why significant How our audit addressed the key audit matter
On 27 November 2018 the Group completed the acquisition of Our audit procedures included the following:
Quadrant Energy Holdings Pty Ltd (“Quadrant”). As disclosed in • considered the accounting acquisition date applied with
Note 6.2 of the financial report, the Group acquired total assets of reference to the achievement of control over the acquired
$4,679m, assumed total liabilities of $3,105m and recognised total business interests.
goodwill of $628m.
• evaluated the Group’s determination of the purchase
As outlined in Note 6.2, the acquisition accounting remains consideration with reference to the underlying share sale
provisional as at 31 December 2018, as permitted by Australian agreements and cash consideration paid.
Accounting Standards.
• evaluated the qualifications, competence and objectivity of
The acquisition is significant and complex due to the value of the external and internal experts used by the Group to determine
assets acquired and consideration paid and the judgment required the oil and gas reserves and resources, and the fair value of oil
by the Group to measure the fair values of the following assets and gas assets, exploration and evaluation assets, and
acquired and liabilities assumed: restoration liabilities.
• oil and gas assets; • assessed the fair value of oil and gas assets and exploration
• exploration and evaluation assets; and evaluation assets, with the assistance of our valuation
• decommissioning and restoration liabilities; specialists, including:
• contractual assets and liabilities; • considered whether the modelling methodology applied
was in accordance with the requirements of Australian
• contingent liabilities, commitments and any associated
Accounting Standards;
indemnification assets;
• performed valuation cross checks on the acquired oil and
• deferred tax assets and liabilities;
gas assets and exploration and evaluation assets with
• contingent consideration; and reference to reserves and/or contingent and prospective
• working capital balances. resource multiples;
• assessed the assumptions used by comparing key
assumptions such as oil and gas prices, discount rates,
inflation rates, and foreign exchange rates to gas sales
agreements and external market data;
• assessed the operating cost forecasts and capital
expenditure forecasts against costs incurred historically
and trend analysis.
• assessed decommissioning and restoration provision fair
values, with the assistance of our restoration specialists, as
follows:
• examined third party restoration cost estimates;
• assessed the cost estimate methodologies adopted and
contingency rates included;
• assessed legislative/regulatory requirements;
• assessed the discount rate applied.
• involved our taxation specialists in the assessment of the fair
value determinations as follows:
• considered the current and deferred tax effects of both
income tax and petroleum resource rent tax on the
accounting for the acquisition;
• assessing tax contingencies.
• assessed the identification and measurement of acquired
contingent liabilities.
• agreed the working capital balances, including adjustments to
recognise these balances at fair value, to bank statements,
invoices, operator statements and underlying books and
records.
A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
Why significant How our audit addressed the key audit matter
Estimation of oil and gas reserves and resources was conducted Our audit procedures focused on the work of the Group’s experts
for the Group, by specialist engineers, requiring significant and included the following:
judgment and the use of a number of assumptions, particularly
• assessed the qualifications, competence and objectivity of
those disclosed in Note 3.2 of the financial report.
both the Group’s internal and external experts involved in the
These estimates can have a material impact on the financial estimation process.
statements and the results of the Group, primarily in the following
• evaluated the adequacy of the experts’ work to determine if
areas:
the work undertaken was appropriate.
• capitalisation and classification of expenditure as exploration • considered the Group’s reserves estimation process and
and evaluation assets (refer Note 3.1), or oil and gas assets controls, including Santos’ internal certification process for
(Note 3.2); technical and commercial experts who are responsible for
• valuation of oil and gas assets and impairment testing (Note reserves, and the design of Santos Reserves Guidelines and
3.3); Reserves Management Process and its alignment with the
guidelines prepared by the Society of Petroleum Engineers
• valuation of assets on acquisition, as was the case with the
(SPE).
acquisition of Quadrant Energy Holdings Pty Limited during
2018 (Note 6.2); • assessed the Group’s controls over the estimation process, to
assess and approve the reserves and resources volumes in
• calculation of depreciation, depletion and amortisation of
accordance with the guidelines prepared by the SPE.
assets (Note 3.2); and
• assessed whether key economic assumptions used in the
• the calculation of decommissioning and restoration provisions
estimation of reserves and resources volumes were consistent
(Note 3.4).
with those utilised by the Group in the impairment testing of
exploration and evaluation and oil and gas assets, where
applicable.
• analysed the reasons for reserve revisions or the absence of
reserves revisions where expected, and assessed changes in
reserves or lack of changes in reserves for consistency with
other information that we obtained throughout the audit.
• agreed the reserves and resources volumes to the applicable
financial information, including the calculation of depreciation,
depletion and amortisation and valuation of assets and
impairment testing, as applicable.
Why significant How our audit addressed the key audit matter
Australian Accounting Standards, require the Group to assess We evaluated the assessment of indicators performed by the
throughout the reporting period whether there is any indication Group and whether there had been any significant changes in the
that an asset may be impaired, or that reversal of a previously external and internal factors which would indicate an impairment
recognised impairment may be required. If any such indication or reversal of impairment existed.
exists, an entity shall estimate the recoverable amount of the
We involved our valuation specialists to assist in these procedures.
asset. At 31 December 2018, the Group has concluded, based
Specifically, we evaluated the following external and internal
on its impairment indicators assessment, that there were no
factors, assessing for significant changes:
indicators of impairment or reversals of previous impairments
for any of its oil and gas cash generating units (CGUs). • evaluated movements in commodity price assumptions with
reference to contractual arrangements, market prices (where
The Group identified impairment indicators during the period in
available), broker consensus, analyst views and historical
respect of certain exploration and evaluation assets. Impairment
performance.
testing was undertaken which resulted in an impairment charge of
$53m being recorded during the year, as set out in Note 3.3 of the • evaluated movements in discount rates and foreign exchange
financial report. rates with reference to risk free rates, market indices,
applicable tax rates, market risk and country risk premia,
The assessment for indicators of impairment and reversal of
broker consensus, and historical performance.
impairment is judgmental, and includes assessing a range of
external and internal factors which could impact the recoverable • understood operational performance of the cash generating
amount of the cash generating units. In determining whether units relative to plan;
there was an indicator of impairment or impairment reversal,
• compared future production profiles compared to latest
the Group considered where there was any significant changes
reserves and resources estimates, as outlined in the key audit
in external and internal factors.
matter above; and
• examined the reasons for changes to recoverable amounts
relative to previous assessments.
Our procedures focused on assessing the impact changes in these
external and internal factors would have on the conclusions drawn
by management with respect to the presence of impairment
or impairment reversal indicators, and any changes from the
impairment assessments of previous years.
For exploration and evaluation assets, we assessed whether any
impairment indicators, as set out in AASB 6: Exploration for and
Evaluation of Mineral Resources, were present, and assessed the
conclusions reached by management.
We also focused on the adequacy of the financial report
disclosures regarding the assumptions, key estimates and
judgements applied by management for the Group’s assessment
of indicators of impairment and reversal of impairment for oil and
gas and exploration and evaluation assets, and the recoverable
amount of the Group’s assets.
Why significant How our audit addressed the key audit matter
The calculation of decommissioning and restoration provisions Our audit procedures focused on the work of the Group’s experts
made by the Group is conducted using by both internal and and included the following:
external specialist engineers and requires judgment in respect
• assessed the qualifications, competence and objectivity of
of asset lives, timing of restoration work being undertaken,
both the Group’s internal and external experts involved in the
environmental legislative requirements, the extent of restoration
estimation process.
activities required and estimation of future costs.
• evaluated the adequacy of the experts’ work to determine
The judgments and estimates made can have a material impact on
whether their work was appropriate.
the financial report. The Group has recognised decommissioning
and restoration provisions of US$2.1 billion at 31 December 2018 • evaluated the Group’s decommissioning and restoration
which are disclosed in Note 3.4 of the financial report. estimation processes.
• assessed the Group’s controls over the restoration estimation
process.
• tested the consistency of the application of principles and
assumptions to other areas of the audit, such as reserves
estimation and impairment testing.
• tested the mathematical accuracy of the Group’s present
value calculations and considered the appropriateness of the
discount rate applied in the calculation.
• agreed the calculations to the financial report.
Accounting for deferred tax, Petroleum Resource Rent Tax and uncertain tax positions
Why significant How our audit addressed the key audit matter
The financial report of the Group includes deferred tax assets We assessed the Group’s determination of tax payable now and
arising from income taxes, including in respect of income in the future. We involved our taxation specialists to assist in this
tax losses, and Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT). The assessment.
determination of the quantum, likelihood and timing of the
We considered the Group’s methodologies, assumptions and
realisation of deferred tax assets arising from income taxes and
estimates in relation to the calculation of current taxes and the
PRRT is judgmental, due to the interpretation of PRRT and
generation of future taxable profits to support the recognition of
income tax legislation, as well as the estimation of future taxable
deferred tax assets. We considered forecasts of taxable profits
income.
and the consistency of these forecasts with the Group’s budgets
There may be changes in, or uncertainties with respect, to the approved by the Board and those used in the Group’s asset
application of tax legislation, which requires the Group to make impairment testing.
assumptions, judgments and estimates in assessing the impacts of
We evaluated the assessment of uncertain tax positions,
tax legislation on the Group. The actual tax outcomes may differ
estimates and assumptions made through enquiries with the
from the estimates made by management.
Group’s taxation department, reviewed correspondence with tax
The Group recognised a net deferred tax asset of US$132 million authorities and advisers, and involved our tax specialists, where
at 31 December 2018 in respect of corporate income tax, which is appropriate, to assess the associated provisions and disclosures.
disclosed in Note 2.4 of the financial report.
We assessed the Group’s disclosures in respect of PRRT and
Income Taxes, included in the summary of significant accounting
policies in Note 2.4 of the financial report.
R J Curtin L A Carr
Partner Partner
Adelaide
20 February 2019
As lead auditor for the audit of Santos Limited for the financial year ended 31 December 2018, I declare to the best of my knowledge
and belief, there have been:
a) no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and
b) no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.
This declaration is in respect of Santos Limited and the entities it controlled during the financial year.
R J Curtin
Partner
Adelaide
20 February 2019
Listed on the Australian Securities Exchange at 31 January 2019 were 2,082,911,041 fully paid ordinary shares. Unlisted were 5,000
partly paid Plan 0 shares, 5,000 partly paid Plan 2 shares, 41,250 restricted fully paid ordinary shares issued to eligible Senior Executives
pursuant to the Santos Employee Share Purchase Plan (“SESPP”) and 27,054 fully paid ordinary shares issued with further restrictions
pursuant to the ShareMatch Plan.
There were 115,810 holders of all classes of issued ordinary shares, including: 1 holder of Plan 0 shares; 1 holder of Plan 2 shares;
11 holders of restricted shares pursuant to the SESPP; and 26 holders of ShareMatch shares with further restrictions. This compared
with 132,026 holders of all classes of issued ordinary shares a year earlier.
As at the date of this report there are also: 9 holders of 50,549 Options granted pursuant to the Santos Executive Share Option Plan;
140 holders of 12,090,927 Share Acquisition Rights pursuant to the SESPP and 769 holders of 1,504,107 Share Acquisition Rights
pursuant to the ShareMatch Plan.
The listed issued ordinary shares plus the ordinary shares issued pursuant to the SESPP, and the restricted shares issued pursuant to
the SESPP and ShareMatch Plan represent all of the voting power in Santos. The holdings of the 20 largest holders of ordinary shares
represent 74.37% of the total voting power in Santos (68.41% on 31 January 2018). The largest shareholders of fully paid ordinary shares
in Santos as shown in the Company’s Register of Members at 31 January 2019 were:
Number of voting
Name shares held Date of Notice
Hony Partners Group, L.P. and others 309,734,518* 5 May 2017
ENN Ecological Holdings Co Ltd and others 314,734,518* 5 May 2017
Santos Limited 318,192,274* 27 June 2017
* At 27 June 2017, Hony held approximately 4.8% of Santos’ issued capital and ENN held approximately 10.31%. Hony and ENN have a relevant interest in each other’s shares by reason of
an Acting in Concert agreement dated 27 April 2017. Santos has a relevant interest in the shareholdings of Hony and ENN by reason of the Strategic Relationship agreement announced
by Santos on 27 June 2017.
For Directors’ shareholdings see the Directors’ Report as set out on page 16 of this Annual Report.
VOTING RIGHTS
Every member present in person or by an attorney, a proxy or a representative shall on a show of hands, have one vote and upon a poll,
one vote for every fully paid ordinary share held. Pursuant to the Rules of the Santos Executive Share Plan, Plan 2 and Plan 0 shares do
not carry any voting rights except on a proposal to vary the rights attached to Plan shares.
COMPANY SECRETARY
SHARE REGISTER