SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 6-K
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REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For March 28, 2002
CNOOC Limited
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
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65th Floor
Bank of China Tower
One Garden Road
Central, Hong Kong
(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual
reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F)
Form 20-F X Form 40-F
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(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934.)
Yes No X
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(If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the
registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): N/A.)
Company Press Release
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CNOOC LIMITED
(Incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability)
2001 ANNUAL RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENT
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Dear Shareholders,
In 2001, CNOOC Limited reached a new stage of its corporate development. On 27
and 28 February, the Company successfully listed its shares on the New York
Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and the mainboard of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong
Limited (the "HKSE") through an initial public offering. Through the listing,
the Company's operating strategy, corporate governance, management quality and
operating performance were brought to the attention of the international
capital markets for the first time. The markets appeared to embrace them
warmly, opening new horizons for the Company.
The Company's business strategy features a focus on:
1. petroleum and natural gas exploration, development and production;
2. achieving low-risk production growth through accelerated development;
3. implementing an exploration strategy that combines independent and
production sharing contracts efforts;
4. pursuing a low-cost operating policy; and
5. devising a sound natural gas business strategy.
My management team and employees were committed to this formulated strategy
and, as a result of their outstanding performance, delivered an excellent
scorecard to our shareholders.
2001 was a turbulent year for the petroleum industry: the bursting of high-
tech bubbles seriously dampened the market's appetite for risk; terrorism and
continued instability in the Middle East severely endangered global security;
and the main economies of the world were in a weak state. These factors
lowered global demand for petroleum and natural gas and created an unfavorable
business environment for the Company.
The Company introduced certain measures to mitigate the threats. Its strategy
was to focus on and implement effectively its business plan. Riding on the
crest of the Company's quality asset base and China's robust economic growth
and stable energy policies, the management remained diligent and focused. We
successfully implemented the business plan for the year and delivered on our
commitment to our shareholders at the beginning of the year.
The Company's relatively strong profit margins continued to exemplify its
sound operating performance. Profit before tax reached RMB 11,000 million
(US$1,330 million). Although slightly lower than in the previous year,
earnings exceeded expectations in an environment where the average oil price
dropped 17.3%. Low cost (total all-in-production cost was US$8.39 per
barrel-of-oil equivalent) and production growth (a production growth of more
than 9.2%) helped the Company achieve a 32.2% return on equity and an average
of 26.7% return on capital employed. Our solid operating performance continued
to deliver satisfactory returns to our shareholders. In addition to an interim
dividend of HK$0.10 per share and final dividend of HK$0.15 per share, the
Company's share prices remained at, on average, more than 20% above the offer
price. Compared to a decrease of approximately 20% in the S&P index, our
shareholders have received great value for their investment.
Looking forward to 2002, my team and I will continue to focus on growth,
efficiency, shareholder returns and corporate governance. The Company will
continue to pursue prudent management strategies. We will achieve our business
objective by taking advantage of the Company's strong asset base and
successful strategy and operating results and strive to create greater returns
and value for our shareholders.
I would like to express my appreciation to our shareholders for your
confidence in the Company in the past and I look forward to your continued
support.
I am also grateful to our employees for their great efforts. Our employees are
key to the success of the Company.
WEI Liucheng
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Hong Kong, 27 March 2002
PRESIDENT'S REVIEW
I am pleased to report that the Company has lived up to market expectations
and has kept its promises by delivering excellent operating results and
demonstrating leading management standards during the Company's first year as
a listed company.
Review of the Year 2001
The Company was listed on the NYSE and the HKSE on 27 and 28 February 2001
respectively, marking its successful entry into the international capital
markets.
1. Seven New Discoveries
During 2001, the Company continued to achieve excellent exploration
results. We made seven new oil and gas discoveries, including Caofeidian
11-2, Huizhou 9-2, Luihua 19-3 and Wenchang 15-1, as well as successful
appraisal results for ten hydrocarbon-bearing structures. With net
incremental oil and gas reserves of 125.1 million barrels of oil
equivalent, the Company's reserve replacement rate reached 131%, meeting
its commitment to investors. In particular, exploration in the Pearl River
Mouth Basin resulted in some of the most significant breakthroughs in
recent years: for the first time, the Company discovered gas in the
shallow layer of the northern slope of Zhu II Sag and oil in the deep
layer of Zhu I Sag; it also discovered the first oil field in Shenhu
Uplift. Such discoveries opened up a new horizon for future exploration
and represented a major breakthrough in exploration know-how and concepts.
2. Oil and Gas Production Increased Steadily
The Company's oil and gas production continued to increase steadily due to
strengthened measures that increased output, including improvements in
daily production management and the successful commencement of operation
of new oil and gas fields. Net daily oil and gas production increased from
239,337 per barrel-of-oil equivalent in 2000 to 261,379 per barrel-of-oil
equivalent in 2001. In 2001, the Company's net production of oil and
natural gas were 83.54 million barrels and 71.19 billion cubic feet
respectively. Total production reached 95.4 million per barrel-of-oil
equivalent, an 8.9% increase over last year.
3. Key Development Projects Completed and Brought on Stream Ahead of Schedule
During the year, the Company managed development projects scientifically
by adhering to the principle of strict control over "quality, expenditure
and progess". As a result of careful organization by the project teams and
the outstanding efforts of the engineering and technical staff, the
Company's key development projects were all completed and were brought on
stream ahead of schedule while the Company adhered strictly to guidelines
to insure safety. Platform C, G and H of Suizhong 36-1 oil field commenced
production 82 days, 70 days and 30 days ahead of schedule respectively,
and the Qinhuangdao 32-6 oil field commenced operations 23 days ahead of
schedule. The completion and commencement of operation of these new oil
and gas fields enabled the Company to achieve its production target for
2001, and also laid a solid foundation for the realization of its medium
and long-term targets for production growth.
4. Oil and Gas Sales
We explored various domestic and foreign markets for the sale of crude oil
and gas in 2001. We improved flexibility on the sale of crude oil in the
domestic market and the market for the sale of gas has become more
standardized. The sale of crude oil in the domestic market last year
accounted for 80% of the total sales, of which 50%, 12%, 38%, were sold to
PetroChina Company Limited, China Petroleum Chemical Corporation and the
other customers respectively. Exported crude oil accounted for 20% of the
total sales. Meanwhile, the Company has been successful in developing the
natural gas market. We successfully maintained a foothold in the Dongfang
1-1 and Bonan gas fields and made breakthroughs in marketing the Huizhou
21-1 gas field and Xihu Trough gas.
5. Maintenance of Sound Financial Position
International oil prices declined sharply in 2001, causing the Company's
realized average oil price to decrease by US$4.87 per barrel as compared
to the price in 2000. However, the Company's main operating indicators
remained at a comparatively high level and its financial position remained
strong due to production growth and effective cost control. In 2001, the
Company achieved sales income of RMB 20.82 billion and realized a net
profit of RMB7.96 billion. Earnings per share was RMB 1.00, return on
equity for the year was 32.2%, and return on average capital employed was
26.7%. Our debt to total capital ratio decreased to 11.9% from 26.3% as at
the end of 2000.
6. HSE Objectives Achieved
In 2001, through the establishment of a series of safety measures, the
Company achieved the HSE objectives which had been set at the beginning of
the year. During the year, there were no fatalities, incidents of material
oil spillage or incidents resulting in direct economic losses of over
US$120,000 for a single accident. The OSHA index for occupational injuries
and diseases decreased significantly compared to the year before. The
incident rate dropped from 0.24 times per 200,000 man hours to 0.20 times
per 200,000 man hours, representing a 16.5% decrease. The number of days
away decreased from 4.37 days per 200,000 man hours to 1.77 days per
200,000 man hours, representing a drop of 59.5%. Both the incident rate
and number of days away exceeded the average levels achieved by our
international peers.
Management and Development Strategy for 2002
2002 is a very important year for the Company's development and is a crucial
year for laying the foundation for realizing the rapid development of the
Company.
During this year, the Company will aim to achieve large-scale increases in
production, partly from the oil fields situated offshore China and partly from
the Indonesian oil fields the Company is acquiring from Repsol YPF. To achieve
production increases, the Company plans to:
o further strengthen day-to-day operational management to boost the well
hour rate;
o ensure that new oil fields commence operation on schedule by imposing
strict management over development projects; and
o enhance production output through overseas acquisition of oil and gas
fields in order to realize the rapid development of the Company.
The Company will rigorously implement strategies to lower costs by:
o enhancing efficiency of resource allocation, organization and management
through restructuring operational flows throughout the Company; and
o implementing production and financial management improvement schemes and
boosting operational and management standards through accelerating the use
of modern management methodologies and information technology in order to
maintain the Company's cost per barrel in the top ranks of international
oil and gas exploration and production companies, thus boosting the
Company's core competitiveness and its ability to withstand risks.
The Company will strengthen and expedite the pace of exploration activities to
establish stronger reserves as the foundation for its medium- and long-term
development. At the same time, it will study and develop policies for
international cooperation under changing circumstances and will introduce
critical technologies and new management methodologies to expedite the
exploration and development of production sharing contracts oil fields and
boost management standards.
In addition, the Company will continue to reform its employment and
compensation system. It will intensify staff training and implement a human
resources development strategy to establish an integrated employment and
compensation system suited to the Company's high-growth, high-efficiency
development in an internationally competitive environment, thus enhancing the
competitiveness of its human resources. The Company further intends to
cultivate a new corporate culture which it will capitalize on to boost its
core competitiveness and ensure that its corporate culture filters down from
the conceptual level to the organisational level and creates a new management
ethos leading to more effective management.
Reviewing our past performance will aid us in planning for the future. Our
achievements in 2001 established a solid platform for the Company's
development in 2002. In the current year, the Company's management will guide
our staff to continue to work in a diligent and motivated manner to accomplish
our strategic business plans and production objectives for 2002 and, through
improved operating performance, to further increase returns to our
shareholders.
FU Chengyu
President and Chief Operating Officer
Hong Kong, 27 March 2002
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Consolidated Income Statement (Audited)
(All amounts expressed in thousands of Renminbi, except per share data)
Note 2001 2000
Turnover
Oil and gas sales 4 17,560,788 18,819,323
Marketing revenues 5 2,537,032 5,126,015
Other income 721,737 278,580
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Total revenues 20,819,557 24,223,918
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Expenses
Operating expenses (2,329,130) (2,124,078)
Production taxes (883,768) (1,036,729)
Exploration costs (1,039,297) (552,869)
Depreciation, depletion and amortisation (2,566,920) (2,577,882)
Dismantlement and site restoration allowance (90,367) (103,569)
Impairment losses related to property,
plant and equipment (99,675) -
Crude oil and product purchases 5 (2,453,312) (5,097,765)
Selling and administrative expenses 7 (615,389) (456,002)
Other (517,876) (217,599)
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Total expenses (10,595,734) (12,166,493)
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Profit from operating acitivities 10,223,823 12,057,425
Share of profit of associated company 89,963 218,326
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Interest income 317,706 236,624
Interest, expense 8 (116,634) (475,004)
Exchange gain (loss), net 235,409 381,336
Investment income 220,650 -
Non-operating loss, net 34,941 (196,031)
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Profit before tax 11,005,858 12,222,676
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Provision for taxation (3,048,227) (1,926,076)
Net profit 7,957,631 10,296,600
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Dividends 871,194 6,426,424
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Earnings per share - basic and diluted Rmb1.00 Rmb1.63
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Dividends per share Rmb0.11 Rmb0.98
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Balance Sheet
As at 31 December, 2001
(All amounts expressed in thousands of Renminbi)
Note 2001 2000
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net 23,827,499 22,654,375
Investment in an associated company 461,990 471,027
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24,289,489 23,125,402
Current assets 20,030,159 9,472,003
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Total assets 44,319,648 32,597,405
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EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Shareholders' equity 33,310,506 16,121,803
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Non-current assets
Long-term bank loans 3,255,699 4,748,844
Disbursement and site restoration allowance 1,598,130 1,507,763
Deferred income taxes 1,763,637 1,451,220
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6,617,466 7,707,827
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Current liabilities 4,391,676 8,767,775
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Total equity and liabilities 44,319,648 32,597,405
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Notes:
1. Organisation and principal activities
CNOOC Limited (the "Company") was incorporated in the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region ("Hong Kong"), the People's Republic of China (the
"PRC") on 20 August, 1999 to hold the interests in the entities now
comprising the Company and its subsidiaries (hereinafter collectively
referred to as the "Group"). The Group is principally engaged in
exploration, development, production and sales of crude oil, natural gas
and other petroleum.
The directors of the Company considered China National Offshore Oil
Corporation ("CNOOC"), a company established in the PRC, as the ultimate
parent company.
2. Principal accounting policies
The audited financial statements of the Group are prepared in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles in Hong Kong ("Hong Kong
GAAP").
3. Production sharing contracts
The Group performs a significant amount of its oil and gas activities
through production sharing contracts with international oil and gas
companies ("foreign partners").
For most production sharing contracts, foreign partners are required to
bear all exploration costs during the exploration period and such
exploration costs can be recovered according to the production sharing
formula after commercial discoveries are made and production begins.
The development and operating costs are funded by the Group and the foreign
partners according to their respective participating interest.
The Group has the option to take a participating interest of up to 51% in a
production sharing contract and may exercise such option after the foreign
partners have independently undertaken all the exploration risks and costs
and made viable commercial discoveries. The foreign partners retain the
remaining participating interests.
After the Group exercises the option to take a participating interest in a
production sharing contract, the Group accounts for the oil and gas
properties using the "proportional method" under which the Group recognises
its share of development costs, revenues and expenses from such operations
based on its participating interest in the production sharing contract. The
Group does not account for the exploration costs incurred by its foreign
partners and their share of development costs and revenues and expenses
from such operations.
Part of the annual gross production of oil and gas is distributed to the
PRC government for the payment of royalties pursuant to a sliding scale.
The Group and the foreign partners also pay a production tax to the tax
bureau at a pre-determined rate. There is a pre-agreed portion of oil and
gas designated to recover all exploration costs, development costs,
operating costs incurred and related interests according to the
participating interest between the Group and the foreign partners. Any
remaining oil is first distributed to the PRC government as share oil on a
pre-determined ratio pursuant to a sliding scale and then distributed to
the Group and the foreign partners based on their respective participating
interests. As government share is not included in the Group's interest in
the annual production, the net sales of the Group do not include the sales
revenue of the government share oil.
The foreign partners have the right to take possession of their allocable
remainder oil for sale in the international market or to negotiate with the
Group to sell their allocable remainder oil to the Group for resale in the
PRC market.
4. Oil and gas sales
2001 2000
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Rmb'000 Rmb'000
Gross Sales 19,663,251 21,747,888
Royalties (283,014) (208,885)
Government share oil (1,819,449) (2,719,680)
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17,560,788 18,819,323
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5. Marketing profit
2001 2000
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Rmb'000 Rmb'000
Marketing revenues 2,537,032 5,126,015
Crude oil and product purchases (2,453,312) (5,097,765)
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83,720 28,250
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6. Profit before tax
Profit before tax was arrived at after charging (crediting) the following:
2001 2000
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Rmb'000 Rmb'000
Crediting:
Interest income on bank deposits (317,706) (236,624)
Unrealised gain on short-term investments (43,796) -
Realised gain on disposal of short-term
investments (176,854) -
Total investment income (220,650) -
Recovery of doubtful accounts (4,966) (57,658)
Charging:
Auditors' remuneration 7,452 2,484
Staff costs
- salaries and wages 228,782 172,593
- provision for staff and workers'
bonus and welfare funds 40,000 -
- contribution to pension scheme
(Note 26) 6,392 12,842
Depreciation, depletion and 2,602,799 2,634,988
amortization
Less: amount inventoried (35,879) (57,106)
2,566,920 2,577,882
Operating lease rentals 63,260 53,732
Loss on disposals of property, plant
and equipment 51,333 220,146
Repair and maintenance 457,414 492,328
7. Selling and administrative expenses
2001 2000
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Rmb'000 Rmb'000
Salary and staff benefits 228,782 172,593
Utility and office expenses 89,462 70,069
Recovery of doubtful accounts (4,966) (57,658)
Transportation and entertainment 64,923 60,682
Rentals and maintenance 121,483 89,184
Selling expenses 38,069 36,481
Other 77,636 84,651
615,389 456,002
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8. Interest expense
2001 2000
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Rmb'000 Rmb'000
Interest expense on bank loans which are:
- wholly repayable within five years 219,045 241,749
- not wholly repayable within five years 81,634 191,755
Interest expense to CNOOC 8,415 41,500
Other 6,510 -
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Total interest incurred during the year 315,604 475,004
Less: amount capitalised (198,970) -
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116,634 475,004
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The capitalised interest rate represented the cost of capital from
raising the related borrowings and varied from 2.35% to 9.15% per
annum for the year ended 31 December, 2001.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
Outlook
The oil industry will continue to face uncertainties in 2002. Destabilizing
factors such as those related to the global political and economic environment
may cause fluctuations in global oil prices and thereby negatively affect our
development. However, the continued steady growth and momentum of the Chinese
economy in which there is a continued growing demand for energy has provided
an environment for our rapid development.
We have drawn up a practical and progressive business development
plan for 2002 based on a careful analysis by our management of the dynamics
affecting the development of the Chinese and global economy and oil industry.
Firstly, we will focus on actively developing our current reserves to increase
oil production. We will also expand our exploration efforts in Chinese coastal
waters, particularly in relation to natural gas, in order to increase reserves
as well as prepare a firm foundation for the next phase of development.
Secondly, we will strive to maintain a low cost structure that will allow us
to thrive even in an environment of low oil prices.
In 2002, three of our oil fields in Chinese coastal waters are scheduled to
come onstream. Additionally, we announced in January 2002 the acquisition of
certain Indonesian oil and gas assets owned by Repsol YPF. These developments
will further increase our production in this year.
With the continued efforts of our management and employees and our solid
financial position, our management believes that the outlook remains positive
for 2002.
Consolidated Profit
Our consolidated profit before tax for 2001 was RMB 11,005.8 million
(US$1,329.8 million), a decrease of 10% from RMB 12,222.7 million (US$1,476.8
million) in 2000. This decrease was primarily due to the fall in crude oil
prices. Our crude oil price is fixed by reference to international crude oil
prices. There was a significant fall in international crude oil prices in 2001
compared to 2000.
Profit after tax for 2001 was RMB 7,957.6 million (US$961.5 million), a
decrease of 23% from RMB 10,296.6 million (US$1,244.1 million) in 2000. This
decrease was primarily due to the fall in oil prices and the change in the
enterprise income tax rate. The preferential enterprise income tax rate
enjoyed by our PRC subsidiary ceased to apply in 2000 and the applicable
enterprise income tax rate was adjusted from the 15% preferential rate to the
normal rate of 30% with effect from the year 2001. Provision for taxation in
2001 was RMB 3,048.2 million (US$368.3 million), an increase of RMB 1,122.1
million (US$135.6 million) or 58.3% from RMB 1,926.1 million (US$232.7
million) in 2000.
Turnover
Oil and gas sales for 2001 were RMB 17,560.8 million (US$2,121.7
million), a decrease of RMB 1,258.5 million (US$152.1 million) or 6.7%, from
RMB 18,819.3 million (US$2,273.8 million) in 2000. Due to lower oil prices,
our oil and gas sales decreased by approximately RMB 3,351.0 million (US$404.9
million), which was partially offset by an increase in oil and gas sales of
approximately RMB 2,093.0 million (US$252.9 million) due to increased oil and
gas production in 2001. Our net realized crude oil price averaged US$23.34 per
barrel in 2001, a decrease of US$4.87 or 17.3%, from US$28.21 per barrel in
2000, due to the decrease in international oil prices. Our net realized
natural gas price averaged US$3.08 per thousand cubic feet in 2001, which was
almost the same as the price of US$3.09 per thousand cubic feet in 2000. Our
net crude oil and condensate production in 2001 averaged approximately 228,874
barrels per day, rising 22,527 barrels per day or 10.9% compared with 206,347
barrels per day in 2000. The increase in production primarily resulted from
new oil fields commencing production during 2001, including Suizhong 36-1
(phase II), Qikou 17-2 and Qinhuangdao 32-6. Net natural gas production in
2001 averaged 195 million cubic feet per day, a slight decrease of
approximately 2.9 million cubic feet or 1.5%, from 197.9 million cubic feet
per day in 2000. The primary reason for the decrease was that the higher
thermal capacity of Yacheng 13-1 natural gas resulted in slightly lower
consumption of natural gas by the user.
Other income was RMB 721.7 million (US$87.2 million) in 2001, an increase of
RMB 443.1 million (US$53.5 million) or 159.0%, compared with RMB 278.6 million
(US$33.7 million) in 2000. The increase was mainly due to the increase in
project management fees and handling fees for production sharing contract
blocks.
Expenses
Operating expenses for 2001 were RMB 2,329.1 million (US$281.4 million), an
increase of RMB 205.0 million (US$24.8 million) or 9.7%, from RMB 2,124.1
million (US$256.6 million) in 2000. The increase was primarily due to new oil
and gas fields commencing production in 2001. Although production for the same
period increased by 9.2% compared to 2000, on a unit of production basis, our
operating expenses in 2001 were RMB 24.9 (US$3.01) per barrel-of-oil
equivalent, such figure being almost the same as the 2000 figure of RMB 24.76
(US$2.99) per barrel-of-oil equivalent.
Production taxes for 2001 were RMB 883.8 million (US$106.8 million), a
decrease of RMB 152.9 million (US$18.5 million) or 14.7%, from RMB 1,036.7
million (US$125.3 million) in 2000, due to the drop in oil prices in 2001.
Exploration costs for 2001 were RMB 1,039.3 million (US$125.6 million), an
increase of RMB 486.4 million (US$58.8 million) or 88.0 %, from RMB 552.9
million (US$66.8 million) in 2000, primarily due to the higher investment made
in significantly increasing exploration work in 2001 and the writing off of
expenses associated with exploration work on wells for uncertain reserves in
earlier years.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses for 2001 was RMB 2,566.9
million (US$310.1 million), a decrease of RMB 11.0 million (US$1.4 million) or
0.4%, from RMB 2,577.9 million (US$311.5 million) in 2000. The 2001 figure was
almost the same as the 2000 figure. On a per unit basis, depreciation,
depletion and amortization expenses was RMB 27.5 per barrel-of-oil equivalent
(US$3.32 per barrel-of-oil equivalent), a decrease of 8.3% as compared to RMB
30.0 per barrel-of-oil equivalent (US$3.63 per bauel-of-oil equivalent) in
2000. The primary reason for the decrease was that the increase in proven
reserves in some high-production oil and gas fields resulted in a decrease in
the unit depreciation, depletion and amortization cost of those fields,
thereby leading to the decrease in our total depreciation, depletion and
amortization cost.
Dismantlement and site restoration allowance for 2001 was RMB 90.4 million
(US$10.9 million), a decrease of RMB 13.2 million (US$1.6 million) or 12.7%,
from RMB 103.6 million (US$12.5 million) in 2000 due to full provision of the
allowance for certain mature fields in earlier years.
Impairment losses related to oil and gas assets were RMB 99.7 million (US$12.0
million), which reflected the estimated impairment resulting from two oil
fields not being expected to fully recover their net book values through
future cash flows.
Crude oil and product purchases for 2001 were RMB 2,453.3million (US$296.4
million), a decrease of RMB 2,644.5 million (US$319.5 million) or 51.9%, from
RMB 5,097.8 million (US$615.9 million) in 2000. Upon request by our foreign
partners, we purchase their share of crude oil for resale in China, since we
are one of the only three companies authorized to market and sell crude oil in
the PRC. We do not have control over our foreign partners' decisions regarding
the sale of their share of production and, therefore, have no control over the
volume that we may be asked to handle in any particular period.
Selling and administrative expenses for 2001 were RMB 615.4 million (US$74.4
million), an increase of RMB 159.4 million (US$19.3 million) or 35.0%, from
RMB 456.0 million (US$55.1 million) in 2000. On a unit of production basis,
selling and administrative expenses were RMB 6.6 (US$0.80) per barrel-of-oil
equivalent of production in 2001, an increase of 25% from RMB 5.3 (US$0.64)
per barrel-of-oil equivalent in 2000. The increase was primarily due to a
combination of the following factors: in 2000, there was a recovery of RMB
57.7 million in doubtful accounts which led to lower expenses for 2000; in
2001, we made a RMB 40.0 million provision for staff and workers bonus and
welfare funds in accordance with a resolution of our board of directors, there
was an increase of salary and staff benefits as a result of employee
compensation reform; there was also an increase of public facilities, office
administrative, telecommunication and travelling expenses as a result of
greater business volumes and higher office rents.
Net interest income for 2001 was RMB 201.1 million (US$24.3 million), down RMB
439.5 million (US$53.1 million) or 184.4%,from RMB 238.4 million (US$28.8
million) in 2000, primarily due to an increase in interest income resulting
from significantly higher cash balances after our listing and lower interest
expenses resulting from lower outstanding balances in respect of long-term
indebtedness.
Exchange gain for 2001 was RMB 235.4 million (US$28.4 million), a decrease of
RMB 145.9 million (US$17.6 million) compared to RMB 381.3 million (US$46.1
million) in 2000. The exchange gain or loss in each period mainly represents
foreign exchange gains or losses on our Japanese yen denominated debt
resulting from the depreciation or appreciation of the Japanese yen against
the Renminbi.
Other expenses for 2001 were RMB 517.9 million (US$62.6 million), an increase
of RMB 300.3 million (US$36.3 million) compared to RMB 217.6 million (US$26.3
million) in 2000, primarily due to the increase in expenses related to project
management for production sharing contracts and the provision of services for
areas covered by production sharing contracts.
Investment income for 2001 was RMB 220.7 million (US$26.7million), which
represented the income generated from investing the unused net proceeds from
our IPO in low risk short term money market funds.
Share of profit of associated company for 2001 was RMB 90.0 million (US$10.9
million), a decrease of RMB 128.3 million (US$15.5 million) or 58.8%, compared
to RMB 218.3 million (US$26.4 million) in 2000. This item reflected our share
of profit generated by Shanghai Petroleum and Natural Gas Company Limited.
This company suffered a decrease in profit in 2001 as compared to 2000
primarily due to an increase in its exploration costs and an increase in its
amortization cost resulting from lower exploitable reserves, as well as a
decline in 2001 in the realised price of its condensate.
Net non-operating income in 2001 was RMB 34.9 million ((US$4.2 million), an
increase of RMB 230.9 million (US$27.9 million) from net non-operating loss of
RMB 196.0 million (US$23.7 million) in 2000, primarily due to the losses
incurred in the disposal of certain assets in 2000.
Provision for taxation in 2001 was RMB 3,048.2 million (US$368.3 million), an
increase of RMB 1,122.1 million (US$135.6 million) or 58.3%, from RMB 1,926.1
million (US$232.7 million) in 2000. The primary reason for the increase was
that the period for which our PRC subsidiary enjoyed preferential enterprise
income tax treatment expired in 2000 and the applicable enterprise income tax
rate for our PRC subsidiary was adjusted from 15% to the normal rate of 30%
with effect from the commencement of the year 2001.
Cash Provided by Operations and Working Capital
Cash provided by operating activities in 2001 decreased by RMB 411.8 million
(US$49.8 million) or 2.9% to RMB 14,024.3 million (US$1,694.5 million), from
RMB 14,436.1 million (US$1,744.2 million) in 2000. The decrease resulted
primarily from a decrease in profit before tax of RMB 1,216.8 million
(US$147.0 million), a decrease in net interest expenses of RMB 439.5 million
(US$53.1 million) and an increase in unrealized short-term investment gains of
RMB 220.6 million (US 26.7 million). The decrease in the cash flow was partly
offset by a non-cash gain of RMB 405.9 (US$49.0 million) from the write off of
last year's exploration dry hole expenses, non-cash impairment losses related
to oil and gas assets gas of RMB 99.7 million (US$12.0 million), a decrease in
unreceived share of profit of an associated company of RMB 128.4 million
(US$15.5 million) and a decrease in unrealized foreign exchange profit of RMB
62.9 million (US$7.6 million).
In addition, our operating cash flow was favorably affected by a net decrease
in working capital. The decrease in working capital resulted from an increase
in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of RMB 267.7 million (US$32.3
million) and a decrease in accounts receivable and other current assets of RMB
314.9 million (US $38.0 million)
We had a working capital surplus of RMB 15,638.5 million (US$1,889.5 million)
as at December 31, 2001, up RMB 14,934.3 million (US$1804.4 million) compared
to RMB 704.2 million (US$85.1 million) in 2000. The increase in net working
capital mainly resulted from proceeds of RMB 10,101.6 million (US$1,220.5
million) received from our initial public offering in 2001, a decrease in
payable dividends of RMB 3,397.3 million (US$410.5 million) and a decrease in
retirement funds payable to our parent company of RMB 1,657 million
(US$200.2 million). These were partially offset by an increase in accounts
payable and accrued liabilities of RMB 404.8 million (US $48.9 million), an
increase of RMB 234.3 million (US$28.3 million) in current portion of long
term bank loans and a decrease in accounts receivable and other receivable
amounts of RMB 274.5 million (US$33.2 million).
Capital Expenditures and Investments
Our total capital expenditures were RMB 4,342.6 million (US$524.7 million) in
2001, a decrease of RMB 61.4 million (US$7.4 million) or 1.4%, from RMB
4,404.0 million (US$532.1 million) in 2000. Our capital expenditures in 2001
consisted of RMB 311.5 million (US$37.6 million) for capitalized exploration
activities and RMB 4,013.1 million (US$484.9 million) for development
activities. Our 2001 development expenditures related principally to the
development of fields including Suizhong 36-1 (Phase II), Qinhuangdao 32-6,
Wenchang 13-1/13-2 and Dongfang 1-1.
Financing
We had net cash inflows from financing of RMB 7,472.6 million (US$902.9
million) in 2001. Our net cash inflows resulted primarily from the our
proceeds of RMB10,101.6 million (US$1220.5 million) received from our inital
public offering and short term loans of RMB2,500 (US$302.1 million). We had
cash outflows of RMB3,497.5 million (US$422.6 million) for repayment of bank
loans, and cash outflows of RMB1,657.0 million (US$200.2 million) for
retirement fund payments to our parent company.
At the end of 2001, our debt to capital ratio was 11.9%. The following table
summarizes the maturities of our long-term debt outstanding as of 31 December
2001:
Maturity Date RMB (in millions)
2002 1,231.8
2003 794.6
2004 462.6
2005 483.4
After 2005 1,515.1
--------
Total 4,487.5
========
Market Risks
Our primary market risk exposures are fluctuations in oil and gas prices,
exchange rates and interest rates.
Commodity price risk: we are exposed to fluctuations in prices of crude oil
and natural gas, which are commodities whose prices are determined by
reference to international market prices. International oil and gas prices are
volatile and this volatility has a significant effect on our net sales and net
income. We do not hedge market risk resulting from fluctuations in oil and gas
prices.
Foreign exchange risk: our sales revenues are mainly denominated in RMB and US
Dollars. Due to the current stable RMB exchange rate policy and ample foreign
exchange reserves held by the PRC government, we believe that there is no
significant risk of a substantial RMB depreciation. Furthermore, our oil and
gas prices are quoted in US Dollars based on international oil and gas prices,
which can help us offset the foreign exchange risk of US Dollar capital
expenditures. As a result, we believe that we are not actually exposed to the
exchange risk between the RMB and the US Dollar. Our exposure to foreign
exchange risk arises primarily from our yen-denominated debt.
By the end of 2001, foreign currency liabilities accounted for 83.6% of our
total debts. Yen-denominated debt of JPY27,709.7 million and US Dollar -
denominated debt of 242.3 million account for 38.9% and 44.7% of the total
foreign exchange debt respectively. We have consistently and dynamically
managed our yen liability in accordance with the principle of "just hedge, no
speculation". Since April 2000, 94% of the yen liability is under exposure to
foreign exchange risk. Our only existing currency swap was entered into in
1995 in relation to a yen loan we had taken up at the beginning of the same
year. The swap locks in a rate of 95 JPY/USD compared to the drawing rate of
83.6 JPY/USD on the yen loan. In 2001, the Company gained US$28.1 million as a
result of the Japanese yen depreciating by 15%, which shows our management of
our yen liability is basically successful.
Interest rate risk: at the beginning of 2001, our foreign currency denominated
floating interest rate debt and fixed interest rate debt were US$215.7 million
and US$387.9 million respectively, which dropped to US$142.3 million and
US$311 million at the end of 2001 and accounted for 31.4% and 68% respectively
of our total foreign currency denominated debt. Of the foreign currency fixed
interest rate debt, 67.8% is denominated in yen. The remaining 32.2% is
denominated in US dollars.
Our cost of floating interest rate debt decreased by approximately 60% as a
result of last year's 11 interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve.
According to the payment schedules, our floating interest rate debt will be
repaid in the next one and a half years and, as a result, we believe that we
will not be exposed to the risk of large interest rate increases. We did not
swap any fixed rate debt to floating rate last year because the interest on
such debt had been capitalized, and the average cost of capital of only 5.66%
can be entirely supported by our oil and gas development project.
At the end of 2001, our RMB debt was RMB 736.0 million, consisting entirely of
floating interest rate debt and accounting for 16.4% of our total debt. At
present, any RMB derivative business is prohibited in the PRC. February 2002
saw the eighth downward adjustment in the RMB loan interest rate and as a
result, we expect to save 0.45% in interest expense.
We will continue to adhere to the principle of prudent debt risk management.
We will manage the foreign exchange and interest rate risk of debt dynamically
according to market movements. We will select financial institutions with good
credit as transaction counter parties, thereby doing our best to minimize
risk.
Significant Investments
In 2001, we acquired the Xihu Trough located in the East China Sea and prepaid
US$45.0 million for the acquisition. The working interests acquired included
not only the existing natural gas reserves in the Xihu Trough but also the
rights to explore and develop the area. The ODP report for the Xihu Trough has
not been completed yet.
As such, in accordance with United States Securities and Exchange Commission
rules, the reserves have not been booked as the Company's reserves.
Material Acquisitions and Disposals of Subsidiaries and Associated Companies
We have not made any material acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries and
associated companies in the course of the financial year ended 31 December
2001.
Employee Benefits
We have 1081 employees at the end of 2001. With a view to ensuring that our
compensation packages are competitive in the industry and our employees are
motivated to perform well in their jobs, we have adopted a flexible and
efficient human resources policy.
We have adopted two stock option schemes for our senior management since 4
February 2001. In 2001, four units and 44 employees were granted the
Chairman's Special Awards for outstanding performance. In 2001, we have
improved our human resources management system by establishing through the
Internet an employee performance evaluation system and a recruitment system.
We focused on customised and effective training for our employees and
conducted 325 training courses in various areas in 2001 which were attended by
more than 7,000 people.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR NORTH AMERICAN SHAREHOLDERS
The financial statements of the Group prepared under Hong Kong GAAP differ in
certain respects from those prepared under generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP").
Effects on net profit and shareholders' equity of significant differences
between Hong Kong GAAP and U.S. GAAP are summarised below:
Net Equity Net Profit
--------------------------- -------------------------
2001 2000 2001 2000
Rmb'000 Rmb'000 Rmb'000 Rmb'000
As reported under Hong Kong GAAP 33,310,506 16,121,803 7,957,631 10,296,600
Impact of U.S. GAAP adjustments:
- Reversal of revaluation surplus on land and buildings (274,671) (274,671) - -
- Reversal of additional depreciation, depletion
and amortisation arising from the revaluation
surplus on land and buildings 16,739 7,583 9,156 5,687
- Unrealised holding gains from available-for-sale
investments in marketable securities - - (43,796) -
- Recognition of share compensation cost - - (388) -
---------- ----------- ---------- ----------
As restated unde U.S. GAAP 33,052,574 15,854,715 7,922,603 10,302,287
========== ========== ========= ==========
Net income per share under U.S.GAAP
- Basic Rmb 1.00 Rmb 1.63
========= ==========
- Diluted Rmb 1.00 Rmb 1.63
========= ==========
(a) Revaluation of land and buildings
The Group revalued certain land and buildings on 31 August 1999 as part of the
Reorganisation. The Group has recorded the revaluation surplus on that date.
On 31 December 2000,. the Group revalued such properties again and the related
revaluation surplus of approximately RMB104,073,000 had been recorded on that
date.
Under Hong Kong GAAP, revaluation of property, plant and equipment is
permitted and depreciation, depletion and amortisation are based on the
revalued amount. Additional depreciation arising from the revaluation was
approximately RMB1,896,000 for the period from 1 September 1999 to 31 December
1999 and RMB5,687,000 for the year ended 31 December 2000. Under U.S. GAAP,
property, plant and equipment is required to be stated at cost. Hence, no
additional depreciation, depletion and amortisation from the revaluation is
recognised under U.S. GAAP.
(b) Investments in marketable securities
According to Hong Kong GAAP, available-for-sale investments in marketable
securities are measured at fair value and related unrealised holding gains and
losses are included in current period earnings. According to U.S. GAAP, such
investments are also measured at fair value and classified in accordance with
United States Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No.115.
Under U.S. GAAP, related unrealised gains and losses are excluded from current
period earnings and reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity.
(c) Impairment of long-lived assets
Under Hong Kong GAAP, impairment charges are recognised when a long-lived
asset's carrying amount exceeds the higher of an asset's net selling price and
value in use, which incorporates discounting the asset's estimated future cash
flows.
Under U.S. GAAP, determination of the recoverability of a long-lived asset is
based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use
of the asset and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future
cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss
is recognised. Measurement of an impairment loss for the long-lived asset is
based on the fair value of the asset.
In addition, under the Hong Kong GAAP, a subsequent increase in the
recoverable amount of an asset is reversed to the consolidated income
statement to the extent that an impairment loss on the same asset was
previously recognised as an expense when the circumstances and events that led
to the write-down or write-off cease to exist. The reversal is reduced by the
amount that would have been recognised as depreciation had the write-off not
occurred. Under U.S. GAAP, an impairment loss establishes a new cost basis for
the impaired asset and the new cost basis should not be adjusted subsequently
other than for further impairment losses.
For the year ended 31 December 2001, there was no difference on the amounts of
impairment losses recognised under Hong Kong GAAP and U.S. GAAP and no
reversal of the recovery of previous impairment charges recorded under Hong
Kong GAAP.
FINAL DIVIDEND
The Board of Directors recommend the payment of a final dividend for the year
ended 31 December 2001 of HK$0.15 per share to shareholders. The dividend is
expected to be paid on 19 June 2002 after the declaration of the dividend at
the Annual General Meeting of the Company.
CLOSURE OF REGISTER OF MEMBERS
The Register of Members will be closed from 29 May 2002 (Wednesday) to 4 June
2002 (Tuesday) (both dates inclusive). In order to qualify for the final
dividend, all transfers, accompanied by the relevant share certificates, must
be lodged with the Company's share registrar, Hong Kong Registrars Limited,
2nd Floor, Vicwood Plaza, 199 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong, not later
than 4:00 p.m. on 28 May 2002.
PURCHASE, DISPOSAL AND REDEMPTION OF THE COMPANY'S LISTED SECURITIES
The Company and its subsidiaries did not purchase, dispose of or redeem any of
the listed securities of the Company during the year.
PUBLICATION OF ANNUAL RESULTS ON THE INTERNET WEBSITE OF THE STOCK
EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG LIMITED
All the information required by paragraphs 45(1) to 45(3) inclusive of
Appendix 16 to the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock
Exchange of Hong Kong Limited will be published on the website of the HKSE in
due course.
************
Notes to Editors:
CNOOC LIMITED - BACKGROUND
Incorporated in Hong Kong in August 1999, CNOOC Limited (SEHK: 883; NYSE: CEO)
is the dominant producer of crude oil and natural gas offshore China. CNOOC
Limited is also one of the largest independent crude oil and gas exploration
and production companies in the world. As of December 31, 2000, its net proved
reserves were 1.8 billion barrels-of-oil equivalents and its net production
totaled 239,337 BOE per day.
CNOOC Limited has interests in 45 crude oil and gas properties in four major
producing areas: Bohai Bay, Western South China Sea, Eastern South China Sea
and East China Sea. The Company is a major oil and gas company in China with
approximately 1,000 employees.
CNOOC LIMITED - RELATIONSHIP WITH ITS PARENT COMPANY
CNOOC Limited, incorporated in Hong Kong, is a 70.6% held subsidiary of China
National Offshore Oil Corporation ("CNOOC"). CNOOC Limited is the sole vehicle
through which CNOOC carries out oil and gas exploration, development and
production activities offshore China and internationally.
CNOOC, the parent company, is involved in the administrative, research, and
services functions for the PRC offshore petroleum industry as well as other
mid- or downstream petroleum projects.
************
This press release contains statements that are not historical facts,
including statements about beliefs and expectations of the directors of CNOOC
Ltd. (the Company). These forward-looking statements are based on current
plans, estimates and projections, and therefore you should not place undue
reliance on them. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they
are made, and the directors of the Company undertake no obligation to update
publicly any of them in light of new information or future events.
Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. You are
cautioned that a number of important factors could cause actual results to
differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Such
factors include, but are not limited to changes, of the PRC's economic,
political and social conditions as well as government policies.
************
For further enquiries, please contact:
Mr. Xiao Zongwei
CNOOC Limited
Tel : +86 10 8452 1646
Fax: +86 10 8452 1648
E-mail: xiaozw@cnooc.com.cn
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be issued on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
CNOOC Limited
By: /s/ Cao Yunshi
------------------
Name: Cao Yunshi
Title: Company Secretary
Dated: March 28, 2002