EXHIBIT 3
---------
- ------------------------------------ -----------------------------------------
MANAGEMENT'S
REPORT AND
AUDITORS' REPORT
- ------------------------------------ -----------------------------------------
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT
The accompanying consolidated financial statements and all information in the
annual report are the responsibility of management. The consolidated financial
statements have been prepared by management in accordance with the accounting
policies in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Where necessary,
management has made informed judgements and estimates in accounting for
transactions that were not complete at the balance sheet date. In the opinion of
management, the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
Canadian generally accepted accounting principles appropriate in the
circumstances. The financial information elsewhere in the annual report has been
reviewed to ensure consistency with that in the consolidated financial
statements.
Management maintains appropriate systems of internal control. Policies and
procedures are designed to give reasonable assurance that transactions are
appropriately authorized, assets are safeguarded from loss or unauthorized use
and financial records are properly maintained to provide reliable information
for preparation of financial statements.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent firm of Chartered Accountants, has
been engaged, as approved by a vote of the shareholders at the Company's most
recent Annual General Meeting, to examine the consolidated financial statements
in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Canada and provide
an independent professional opinion. Their report is presented with the
consolidated financial statements.
The Board of Directors (the "Board") is responsible for ensuring that management
fulfills its responsibilities for financial reporting and internal controls. The
Board exercises this responsibility through the Audit Committee of the Board.
This committee, which is comprised of non-management directors, meets with
management and the external auditors to satisfy itself that management
responsibilities are properly discharged and to review the consolidated
financial statements before they are presented to the Board for approval. The
consolidated financial statements have been approved by the Board on the
recommendation of the Audit Committee.
/s/ JOHN G. LANGILLE /s/ DOUGLAS A. PROLL /s/ RANDALL S. DAVIS
JOHN G. LANGILLE CA DOUGLAS A. PROLL CA RANDALL S. DAVIS CA
President & Director Senior Vice President, Finance Financial Controller
February 19, 2004
AUDITORS' REPORT
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED,
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Canadian Natural Resources
Limited as at December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the consolidated statements of
earnings, retained earnings and cash flows for each of the years in the three
year period ended December 31, 2003. These consolidated financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain
reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2003
and 2002 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the
years in the three year period ended December 31, 2003 in accordance with
Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Chartered Accountants February 19, 2004
60 CANADIAN NATURAL
- ------------------------------------ -----------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- ------------------------------------ -----------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS AT DECEMBER 31
(millions of Canadian dollars) 2003 2002
================================================================================
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash $ 104 $ 30
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts receivable and other 751 745
================================================================================
855 775
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (note 2) 13,269 12,500
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEFERRED CHARGES 74 84
================================================================================
$ 14,198 $ 13,359
================================================================================
LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts payable $ 464 $ 337
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued liabilities 712 428
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current portion of long-term debt (note 3) 184 24
================================================================================
1,360 789
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONG-TERM DEBT (note 3) 2,645 4,074
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEFERRED CREDITS (note 4) 488 440
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUTURE INCOME TAX (note 5) 3,588 3,188
================================================================================
8,081 8,491
================================================================================
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
PREFERRED SECURITIES (note 6) 103 126
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARE CAPITAL (note 7) 2,353 2,304
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RETAINED EARNINGS 3,644 2,414
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT (note 8) 17 24
================================================================================
6,117 4,868
================================================================================
$ 14,198 $ 13,359
================================================================================
COMMITMENTS (note 11)
Signed on behalf of the Board:
/s/ GORDON D. GIFFIN /s/ N. MURRAY EDWARDS
AMBASSADOR GORDON D. GIFFIN N. MURRAY EDWARDS
Chairman of the Audit Committee Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors
and Director and Director
61 ANNUAL REPORT 2003
Consolidated financial statements
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
(millions of Canadian dollars, except per common share amounts) 2003 2002 2001
=============================================================================================================
REVENUE $ 5,972 $ 4,342 $ 3,757
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less: royalties (872) (600) (580)
=============================================================================================================
5,100 3,742 3,177
=============================================================================================================
EXPENSES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Production 1,209 931 756
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transportation 262 262 170
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 1,565 1,314 903
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administration 87 61 38
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock-based compensation (note 7) 200 -- --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest 157 159 138
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign exchange (gain) loss (312) (31) 63
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss on sale of United States assets (note 2) -- -- 24
=============================================================================================================
3,168 2,696 2,092
=============================================================================================================
EARNINGS BEFORE TAXES 1,932 1,046 1,085
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taxes other than income tax (note 5) 107 63 69
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current income tax (note 5) 92 8 77
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Future income tax (note 5) 339 400 283
=============================================================================================================
NET EARNINGS 1,394 575 656
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividend on preferred securities, net of tax (5) (6) (6)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revaluation of preferred securities, net of tax 18 1 (8)
=============================================================================================================
NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS $ 1,407 $ 570 $ 642
=============================================================================================================
NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS
PER COMMON SHARE (note 9)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic $ 10.48 $ 4.46 $ 5.30
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted $ 10.14 $ 4.31 $ 5.17
=============================================================================================================
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
(millions of Canadian dollars) 2003 2002 2001
=============================================================================================================
BALANCE - BEGINNING OF YEAR $ 2,414 $ 1,908 $ 1,391
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings 1,394 575 656
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividend on preferred securities, net of tax (5) (6) (6)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revaluation of preferred securities, net of tax 18 1 (8)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividend on common shares (note 7) (81) (64) (49)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchase of common shares (note 7) (96) -- (76)
=============================================================================================================
BALANCE - END OF YEAR $ 3,644 $ 2,414 $ 1,908
=============================================================================================================
62 CANADIAN NATURAL
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
(millions of Canadian dollars) 2003 2002 2001
=============================================================================================================
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings $ 1,394 $ 575 $ 656
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-cash items
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 1,565 1,314 903
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock-based compensation 200 -- --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss (320) (35) 64
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred petroleum revenue tax (9) 10 --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Future income tax 339 400 283
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss on sale of United States assets -- -- 24
=============================================================================================================
Cash flow provided from operations 3,169 2,264 1,930
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred charges 10 (84) --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net change in non-cash working capital (note 12) (48) (157) (42)
=============================================================================================================
3,131 2,023 1,888
=============================================================================================================
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repayment of bank credit facilities (647) (1,234) (442)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repayment of senior unsecured notes (85) (16) (16)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue of US dollar debt securities -- 1,749 615
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repayment of obligations under capital leases (8) (4) --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repayment of limited recourse loan -- -- (12)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividend on preferred securities (9) (10) (10)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividend on common shares (77) (60) (36)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue of common shares on exercise of stock options 89 84 43
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchase of common shares (144) -- (113)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net change in non-cash working capital (note 12) (11) 27 7
=============================================================================================================
(892) 536 36
=============================================================================================================
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Business combination, net of cash acquired (note 13) -- (843) --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenditures on property, plant and equipment (2,526) (1,752) (1,948)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment 20 76 63
=============================================================================================================
Net expenditures on property, plant and equipment (2,506) (2,519) (1,885)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net change in non-cash working capital (note 12) 341 (25) (52)
=============================================================================================================
(2,165) (2,544) (1,937)
=============================================================================================================
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH 74 15 (13)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH - BEGINNING OF YEAR 30 15 28
=============================================================================================================
CASH - END OF YEAR $ 104 $ 30 $ 15
=============================================================================================================
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION (note 12)
63 ANNUAL REPORT 2003
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated)
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Canadian Natural Resources Limited (the "Company") is a senior independent oil
and natural gas exploration, development and production company based in
Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Company's operations are focused in North America,
largely in western Canada, the North Sea and Offshore West Africa.
Within western Canada, the Company is developing its Horizon Oil Sands Project
(the "Horizon Project") and maintains its midstream activities. The Horizon
Project involves a plan to recover bitumen through mining operations, while the
midstream activities include the Company's pipeline operations and an
electricity co-generation system.
The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada. A summary of
differences between accounting principles in Canada and those generally accepted
in the United States ("US") is contained in note 16.
Significant accounting policies are summarized as follows:
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
all of its subsidiaries and partnerships. A significant portion of the Company's
activities are conducted jointly with others and the consolidated financial
statements reflect only the Company's proportionate interest in such activities.
MEASUREMENT UNCERTAINTY
Management has made estimates and assumptions regarding certain assets,
liabilities, revenues and expenses in the preparation to the consolidated
financial statements. Such estimates primarily relate to unsettled transactions
and events as of the date to the consolidated financial statements. Accordingly,
actual results may differ from estimated amounts.
Depletion, depreciation and amortization and amounts used for ceiling test
calculations are based on estimates of proved oil and natural gas reserves and
commodity prices, production expenses and capital costs required to develop and
produce those reserves. The majority of the Company's reserve estimates are
evaluated annually by independent engineering firms. By their nature, estimates
of reserves and the related future cash flows are subject to measurement
uncertainty, and the impact of differences between actual and estimated amounts
on the consolidated financial statements of future periods could be material.
The measurement of petroleum revenue tax expense and the related provision in
the consolidated financial statements are subject to uncertainty associated with
future recoverability of oil and natural gas reserves, commodity prices and the
timing of future events, which could result in material changes to deferred
amounts.
CASH
Cash comprises cash on hand and demand deposits. Other investments (term
deposits and certificates of deposit) with a term to maturity of three months or
less from the transaction date are reported as cash equivalents.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The Company follows the full cost method of accounting for oil and natural gas
properties and equipment as prescribed by the Canadian Institute of Chartered
Accountants ("CICA"). Accordingly, all costs relating to the exploration for and
development of oil and natural gas reserves are capitalized and accumulated in
country-by-country cost centres. Administrative overhead incurred during the
development phase of large capital projects is capitalized until commercial
production commences. Proceeds on disposal of properties are ordinarily deducted
from such costs without recognition of profit or loss except where such disposal
constitutes a significant portion of the Company's reserves in that country.
All costs associated with the Horizon Project during its development stage are
capitalized.
DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
The costs related to each cost centre from which there is production are
depleted on the unit-of-production method based on the estimated proved reserves
of that country. Volumes of net production and net reserves before royalties are
converted to equivalent units on the basis of estimated relative energy content.
In determining its depletion base, the Company includes estimated future costs
to be incurred in developing proved reserves and excludes the cost of unproved
properties. The unproved properties are assessed periodically to ascertain
whether impairment has occurred. When proved reserves are assigned or the value
of the unproved property is considered to be impaired, the cost of the unproved
property or the amount of the impairment is added to costs subject to depletion.
Certain costs in cost centres from which there has been no commercial production
are not subject to depletion until commercial production commences.
Processing and production facilities are depreciated on a straight-line basis
over their estimated lives.
The Company carries its oil and natural gas properties at the lower of net
capitalized cost and net recoverable amount (the "ceiling test"). The net
capitalized cost of each cost centre is calculated as the net book value of the
related assets less the accumulated provisions for future income taxes and
future site restoration. Net recoverable amount is limited to the sum of
undiscounted future net revenues from proved properties and the cost of unproved
properties net of provisions for impairment less estimated future financing and
administrative expenses and income taxes. Future net revenues are based on sales
prices and costs prevailing at year end.
64 CANADIAN NATURAL
The Company carries its midstream assets at the lower of net capitalized cost
and fair value. Midstream assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over
their estimated lives.
Head office capital assets are amortized on a declining balance basis over their
estimated useful lives.
DEFERRED CHARGES
Deferred charges include deferred financing costs associated with the issuance
of long-term debt and settlement costs of long-term natural gas contracts.
Deferred charges are amortized over the original term of the related instrument.
FUTURE SITE RESTORATION
Estimated future dismantlement, site restoration and abandonment costs ("site
restoration costs") for oil and natural gas properties are provided for using
the unit-of-production method. Future site restoration costs for processing and
production facilities are provided for on a straight-line basis over their
estimated lives. The estimated site restoration costs are based on engineering
estimates using current costs and technology in accordance with current
legislation and industry practice. The annual provision is included in
depletion, depreciation and amortization. Actual site restoration costs incurred
to dismantle the processing and production facilities and restore well sites are
charged against the related future site restoration liability.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
Foreign operations that are self-sustaining are translated using the current
rate method. Under this method, assets and liabilities are translated to
Canadian dollars from their functional currency using the exchange rate in
effect at the consolidated balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are
translated to Canadian dollars at the monthly average exchange rates. Gains or
losses on translation are included in the foreign currency translation
adjustment in shareholders' equity in the consolidated balance sheets.
Foreign operations that are integrated are translated using the temporal method.
For foreign currency balances and integrated subsidiaries, monetary assets and
liabilities are translated to Canadian dollars at the exchange rate in effect at
the consolidated balance sheet date and non-monetary assets and liabilities are
translated at the rate of exchange in effect when the assets were acquired or
obligations incurred. Revenues and expenses are translated to Canadian dollars
at the monthly average exchange rates. Provisions for depletion, depreciation
and amortization are translated at the same rate as the related items.
Gains or losses on the translation of long-term debt denominated in US dollars
are either recognized in net earnings immediately, or in the foreign currency
translation adjustment (note 8) for translation gains or losses on that portion
of the US dollar denominated debt designated as a hedge of self-sustaining
foreign operations
PETROLEUM REVENUE TAX
The Company accounts for future United Kingdom petroleum revenue tax ("PRT") by
the life-of-the-field method. The total future liability or recovery of PRT is
estimated using current sales prices and costs. The estimated future PRT is
apportioned to accounting periods on the basis of total estimated future
revenues. Changes in the estimated total future PRT are accounted for
prospectively.
PRODUCTION SHARING CONTRACT
Production generated from offshore Cote d'Ivoire is shared by the terms of the
Production Sharing Contract ("PSC") with the State Oil Company of Cote d'Ivoire
("Petroci"). Revenues are divided into cost recovery revenues and profit
revenues. Cost recovery revenues allow the Company to recover the capital and
operating costs carried by the Company on behalf of Petroci. These revenues are
reported as sales revenues. Profit revenues are allocated to joint venture
partners in accordance with their respective equity interests, after a portion
has been allocated to the Cote d'Ivoire Government. The Government's share of
revenues attributable to the Company's equity interest is reported as either a
royalty expense or a current tax expense in accordance with the PSC.
INCOME TAX
The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under
this method, future income tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on
the estimated tax effects of temporary differences in the carrying value of
assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and their
respective tax bases, using income tax rates substantively enacted on the
consolidated balance sheet date. The effect of a change in income tax rates on
the future income tax assets and liabilities is recognized in net earnings in
the period of the change.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenues are recognized when products have been delivered or services have been
performed.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
As a result of modifications to its Stock Option Plan (note 7) in the second
quarter of 2003, the Company prospectively adopted the following accounting
policy with respect to stock-based compensation:
65 ANNUAL REPORT 2003
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value
method. A liability for expected cash settlements under the Company's Stock
Option Plan (the "Option Plan) is accrued over the vesting period of the stock
options based on the difference between the exercise price of the stock options
and the market price of the Company's common shares. The liability is revalued
quarterly to reflect changes in the market price of the Company's common shares
and the net change is recognized in net earnings. When stock options are
surrendered for cash, the cash settlement paid reduces the outstanding
liability. When stock options are exercised for common shares under the Option
Plan, consideration paid by employees, officers or directors and the previously
recognized liability associated with the stock options is recorded as share
capital.
The Company also has an employee stock savings plan. Contributions to the
employee stock savings plan are recorded as compensation expense at the time of
the contribution.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Financial instruments are utilized by the Company to manage its commodity
prices, foreign currency and interest rate exposures. These financial
instruments are entered into solely for hedging purposes and are not used for
trading or other speculative purposes. The Company's policy is to formally
document relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, the risk
management objective, and the strategy for undertaking various hedge
transactions. The Company assesses whether the financial instruments entered
into are highly effective as fair value or cash flow hedges, both at the
inception of the hedge and over the term of the financial instrument.
The Company enters into commodity price contracts to hedge anticipated sales of
oil and natural gas production in order to protect cash flow for capital
expenditure programs. Gains or losses on these contracts are included in oil and
natural gas revenue at the time of sale of the related product. Foreign exchange
translation gains and losses on foreign currency denominated financial
instruments used to hedge anticipated US dollar denominated oil and natural gas
sales are recognized in revenue at the time of sale of the related product.
The Company enters into interest rate swap agreements to manage its fixed to
floating interest rate mix on long-term debt. The interest rate swap agreements
require the periodic exchange of payments without the exchange of the notional
principal amount on which the payments are based. Gains or losses on these
financial instruments are included in interest expense in the consolidated
statement of earnings when realized. The related amount receivable from or
payable to counterparties is included as an adjustment to accrued interest in
the consolidated balance sheets. The Company assumed, through the Rio Alto
acquisition, a foreign currency swap agreement that hedges a foreign currency
denominated long-term debt instrument through an offsetting forward exchange
contract. The foreign exchange translation gains and losses on the financial
instrument are used to offset the respective translation gains and losses
recognized on the long-term debt.
Realized gains and losses on the termination of financial instruments that have
been accounted for as hedges are deferred under non-current assets or
liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and recognized in net earnings in
the period in which the underlying hedged transaction is recognized. In the
event a designated hedged item is sold, extinguished or matures prior to the
termination of the related derivative instrument, any unrealized gain or loss is
recognized in net earnings.
PER COMMON SHARE AMOUNTS
The Company uses the treasury stock method to determine the dilutive effect of
stock options and other dilutive instruments. This method assumes that proceeds
received from the exercise of in-the-money stock options not included as a
liability and other dilutive instruments are used to purchase common shares at
the average market price during the year.
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
Certain figures provided for prior years have been reclassified to conform to
the presentation adopted in 2003.
In accordance will EIC 123 "Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal Versus Net as
an Agent" of the Emerging Issues Committee of the CICA, transportation costs are
no longer netted against revenue but are disclosed as a separate expense in the
consolidated statements of earnings.
2. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
2003
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCUMULATED
DEPLETION AND
COST DEPRECIATION NET
================================================================================
Oil and natural gas
North America $ 15,632 $ 4,791 $ 10,841
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Sea 1,642 485 1,157
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Offshore West Africa 788 137 651
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Horizon Project 381 -- 381
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Midstream 225 25 200
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Head office 70 31 39
================================================================================
$ 18,738 $ 5,469 $ 13,269
================================================================================
66 CANADIAN NATURAL
2002
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCUMULATED
DEPLETION AND
COST DEPRECIATION NET
================================================================================
Oil and natural gas
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North America $ 13,863 $ 3,611 $ 10,252
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Sea 1,621 344 1,277
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Offshore West Africa 612 94 518
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Horizon Project 229 -- 229
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Midstream 214 18 196
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Head office 50 22 28
================================================================================
$ 16,589 $ 4,089 $ 12,500
================================================================================
During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company capitalized administrative
overhead of $12 million (2002 - $13 million, 2001 - $7 million) relating to
exploration and development in the North Sea and Offshore West Africa and $23
million (2002 - $4 million, 2001 - $nil) relating to the Horizon Project in
North America. During 2001, the Company sold a large portion of its properties
in the United States and recorded a loss on sale of $24 million.
Included in property, plant and equipment are unproved land and projects under
development that are not subject to depletion or depreciation:
2003 2002
======================================================================================
Oil and natural gas
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North America $ 789 $ 667
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Sea 56 62
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Offshore West Africa 237 132
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Horizon Project 381 229
======================================================================================
$ 1,463 $ 1,090
======================================================================================
3. LONG-TERM DEBT
2003 2002
======================================================================================
Bank credit facilities
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bankers' acceptances $ -- $ 728
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
US dollar bankers' acceptances (2003 - US$207 million,
2002 - US$150 million) 268 237
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium-term notes
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.85% unsecured debentures due May 28, 2004 125 125
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.40% unsecured debentures due March 1, 2007 125 125
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senior unsecured notes
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.95% due September 30, 2003 (2003 - US$nil,
2002 - US$10 million) -- 16
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.42% due May 27, 2004 (US$40 million) 52 63
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.69% due December 19, 2005 (US$125 million) 194 194
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.50% due May 1, 2008 (2003 - US$nil ,
2002 - US$50 million) -- 79
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjustable rate due May 27, 2009 (US$93 million) 120 146
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
US dollar debt securities
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.70% due July 15, 2011 (US$400 million) 517 632
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.45% due October 1, 2012 (US$350 million) 452 553
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.20% due January 15, 2032 (US$400 million) 517 632
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.45% due June 30, 2033 (US$350 million) 452 553
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Obligations under capital leases 7 15
======================================================================================
2,829 4,098
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less: current portion of long-term debt 184 24
======================================================================================
$ 2,645 $ 4,074
======================================================================================
67 ANNUAL REPORT 2003
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
BANK CREDIT FACILITIES
The Company has unsecured bank credit facilities of $1,925 million, comprised of
a $100 million operating demand facility and a revolving credit and term loan
facility of $1,825 million. The revolving credit and term loan facility is fully
revolving for 364-day periods with an initial term to June 2004 and a provision
for extension at the mutual agreement of the Company and the lenders. If not
extended, the facility converts to a non-revolving loan with a term of two
years. The full amount of the outstanding principal would be repayable at the
end of year two following the initiation of the term period. The facility
provides that the borrowings may be made by way of operating advances, prime
loans, bankers' acceptances, US base rate loans or US dollar LIBOR advances,
which bear interest at the bank's prime rates or at money market rates plus
applicable margins. During the year, the Company repaid and cancelled a $500
million acquisition term credit facility.
The weighted average interest rate of bank credit facilities outstanding at
December 31, 2003, was 2.32% (2002 - 3.37%).
In addition to the outstanding debt, letters of credit aggregating $69 million
have been issued.
MEDIUM-TERM NOTES
In August 2003, the Company filed a short form shelf prospectus that allows for
the issue of up to $1 billion of medium term notes in Canada until September
2005. If issued, these securities will bear interest as determined at the date
of issuance. The Company has $250 million of unsecured debentures outstanding
from a previous medium-term note program.
SENIOR UNSECURED NOTES
The final principal repayment on the 6.95% senior unsecured notes was made
September 30, 2003. The 6.42% senior unsecured notes are due in full May 27,
2004. In May 2003, the Company prepaid the US$50 million 6.50% senior unsecured
notes due May 1, 2008. The adjustable rate senior unsecured notes bear interest
at 6.54% increasing to 6.64% under certain circumstances, and have annual
principal repayments of US$31 million commencing on May 27, 2007, through May
27, 2009. These debt instruments contain covenants pertaining to the Company's
net worth, certain financial ratios and the ability to grant security.
On July 1, 2002, as part of the Rio Alto acquisition, the Company assumed US$125
million of senior unsecured notes maturing December 19, 2005, bearing interest
at 7.69%. Through a currency swap, the interest and principal repayment amounts
are fixed at 7.30% and $194 million, respectively (note 10).
US DOLLAR DEBT SECURITIES
In May 2003, the Company filed a short form prospectus that allows for the issue
of up to US$2 billion of debt securities in the United States until June 2005.
If issued, these securities will bear interest as determined at the date of
issuance.
On September 16, 2002, the Company issued US$350 million of US dollar debt
securities maturing October 1, 2012, bearing interest at 5.45% and US$350.0
million of US dollar debt securities maturing June 30, 2033, bearing interest at
6.45%. Proceeds from the securities issued were used to repay bankers'
acceptances under the Company's bank credit facilities. Subsequently, the
Company entered into interest rate swap contracts that convert the fixed rate
interest coupon into a floating interest rate on the securities due October 1,
2012 (note 10).
On January 23, 2002, the Company issued US$400 million of US dollar debt
securities, maturing January 15, 2032, bearing interest at 7.20%. Proceeds from
the securities issued were used to repay bankers' acceptances under the
Company's bank credit facilities. Subsequently, the Company entered into
interest rate swap contracts that convert the fixed rate interest coupon into a
floating interest rate for a portion of the term (note 10).
OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASES
The obligations under capital leases bear interest at an average interest rate
of 6.89% and are secured by the related assets.
REQUIRED DEBT REPAYMENTS
Required debt repayments are as follows:
YEAR REPAYMENT
================================================================================
2004 $ 184
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2005 $ 194
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 $ --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2007 $ 165
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2008 $ 40
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thereafter $ 1,978
================================================================================
No debt repayments are reflected for the bank credit facilities due to the
extendable nature of the facilities.
68 CANADIAN NATURAL
4. DEFERRED CREDITS
2003 2002
==============================================================================================
Future site restoration $ 447 $ 440
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock-based compensation 41 --
==============================================================================================
$ 488 $ 440
==============================================================================================
FUTURE SITE RESTORATION
At December 31, 2003, the Company's total estimated future site restoration
costs were $2,281 million (2002 - $1,986 million, 2001 - $1,081 million). These
costs are accrued over the life of the Company's proved reserves. Effective
January 1, 2004, the Company will adopt the CICA's new accounting standard for
asset retirement obligations (note 16).
2003 2002
==============================================================================================
Future site restoration
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance - beginning of year $ 440 $ 194
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Future site restoration provision 104 67
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current year expenditures (40) (34)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acquisitions and dispositions -- 211
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign exchange (57) 2
==============================================================================================
Balance - end of year $ 447 $ 440
==============================================================================================
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
In June 2003, the Company modified its Option Plan (note 7), resulting in the
recognition of a liability for the expected cash settlements under the Option
Plan. The current portion represents the amount of the liability that may be
realized within the next 12 month period if all vested options are surrendered
for cash settlement.
2003
==============================================================================================
Stock-based compensation
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance - beginning of year $ --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock-based compensation provision 200
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current year payment for options surrendered (31)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transferred to common shares (8)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitalized with respect to Horizon Project 10
==============================================================================================
Balance - end of year 171
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less: current portion of stock-based compensation 130
==============================================================================================
$ 41
==============================================================================================
5. TAXES
TAXES OTHER THAN INCOME TAX 2003 2002 2001
==============================================================================================
Current petroleum revenue tax $ 106 $ 41 $ 59
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred petroleum revenue tax (9) 10 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Provincial capital taxes and surcharges 10 11 9
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other -- 1 1
==============================================================================================
$ 107 $ 63 $ 69
==============================================================================================
INCOME TAX
The provision for income tax is as follows:
2003 2002 2001
==============================================================================================
Current income tax expense
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current income tax - North America $ 43 $ -- $ --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Large Corporations Tax - North America 16 21 15
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current income tax - North Sea 23 (19) 62
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current income tax - Offshore West Africa 10 6 --
==============================================================================================
92 8 77
Future income tax expense 339 400 283
==============================================================================================
Income tax $ 431 $ 408 $ 360
==============================================================================================
69 ANNUAL REPORT 2003
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
The provision for income tax is different from the amount computed by applying
the combined statutory Canadian federal and provincial income tax rates to
earnings before taxes. The reasons for the difference are as follows:
2003 2002 2001
==============================================================================================
Canadian statutory income tax rate 41.1% 42.4% 42.8%
==============================================================================================
Income tax provision at statutory rate $ 794 $ 444 $ 464
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effect on income taxes of:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-deductible portion of Canadian crown payments 285 211 201
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canadian resource allowance (281) (243) (219)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Large Corporations Tax 16 21 15
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deductible UK petroleum revenue tax (40) (22) (25)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign tax rate differentials 20 (1) (19)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal income tax rate reductions (247) -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Provincial income tax rate reductions (31) (21) (63)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UK income tax rate increase -- 34 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-taxable portion of foreign exchange (99) (22) 21
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other 14 7 (15)
==============================================================================================
Income tax $ 431 $ 408 $ 360
==============================================================================================
The following table summarizes the temporary differences that give rise to the
future income tax liability:
2003 2002
==============================================================================================
Future income tax liabilities
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property, plant and equipment $ 2,701 $ 2,656
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Timing of partnership items 1,095 737
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign exchange gain on long-term debt 90 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other 14 14
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Future income tax assets
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Future site restoration (185) (161)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Attributed Canadian Royalty Income (58) (54)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock-based compensation (56) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred petroleum revenue tax (13) (4)
==============================================================================================
Future income tax liability $ 3,588 $ 3,188
==============================================================================================
A significant portion of the Company's North American taxable income is
generated by partnerships. Income taxes are incurred on the partnerships'
taxable income in the year following their inclusion in the Company's
consolidated net earnings.
During 2003, the Government of Alberta passed legislation to reduce its
corporate income tax rate by 0.5% effective April 1, 2003. Also during 2003, the
Canadian federal government passed legislation to change the taxation of
resource income. The legislation reduces the corporate income tax rate on
resource income from 28% to 21% over five years beginning January 1, 2003. Over
the same period, the deduction for resource allowance is phased out and a
deduction for actual crown royalties paid is phased in. The Company's future
income tax liability was reduced by $31 million with respect to the Alberta
corporate income tax rate reduction and by $247 million with respect to the
Federal resource income tax rate changes.
6. PREFERRED SECURITIES
The US$80 million preferred securities are in the form of 8.30% subordinated
notes. Principal repayments of US$27 million are required annually commencing
June 25, 2009. The securities may be prepaid at the option of the Company at any
time. The prepaid amount is subject to certain adjustments to compensate holders
for any potential loss of return over the original life of the securities, based
on market conditions at that time. The notes are subordinated to the long-term
debt of the Company and contain, among other things, certain financial covenants
restricting the granting of security for new borrowings and the maintenance of
specified financial ratios.
The Company has the unrestricted right to pay dividends, principal and principal
prepayment amounts by delivering common shares to the Trustee of the preferred
securities. Accordingly, the preferred securities are classified as
shareholders' equity in the consolidated balance sheets. Dividend payments, net
of tax, are charged directly to retained earnings. The semi-annual dividend
payments may be deferred at the option of the Company for up to two consecutive
periods, with a maximum of eight deferral periods over the life of the
securities.
70 CANADIAN NATURAL
7. SHARE CAPITAL
AUTHORIZED
200,000 Class 1 preferred shares with a stated value of $10.00 each.
Unlimited number of common shares without par value.
ISSUED
2003 2002
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF NUMBER OF
SHARES SHARES
COMMON SHARES (THOUSANDS) AMOUNT (THOUSANDS) AMOUNT
==============================================================================================================
Balance - beginning of year 133,776 $ 2,304 121,201 $ 1,698
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issued upon exercise of stock options 2,690 89 2,523 82
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Previously recognized liability on stock options exercised
for common shares -- 8 -- --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchase of common shares under Normal Course Issuer Bid (2,735) (48) -- --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issued upon acquisition of Rio Alto -- -- 10,008 522
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issue of flow-through shares, net of tax -- -- 60 2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cancellation of common shares -- -- (16) --
==============================================================================================================
Balance - end of year 133,731 $ 2,353 133,776 $ 2,304
==============================================================================================================
During 2002, the Company issued 10,008,218 common shares at an attributed value
of $522 million as part of the consideration to acquire Rio Alto (note 13).
During 2002, the Company issued 60,000 flow-through common shares to a director
of the Company at a price of $39.00 per common share, for total proceeds of $2
million. The value of the common shares was determined as the closing market
price of the common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the day prior to the
allotment.
During 2002, 16,288 common shares were returned to treasury and cancelled on the
expiry of the conversion period for exchanging shares of companies previously
acquired for common shares of the Company.
NORMAL COURSE ISSUER BID
During 2003, the Company purchased 2,734,800 common shares at an average price
of $52.51 per common share for a total cost of $144 million. The excess cost
over book value of the common shares purchased was applied to reduce retained
earnings.
In January 2004, the Company renewed its Normal Course Issuer Bid, allowing the
Company to purchase up to 6,690,385 common shares or 5% of the Company's
outstanding common shares on the date of announcement, during the 12-month
period beginning January 24, 2004 and ending January 23, 2005. As at February
19, 2004, the Company had not purchased any additional shares under the renewed
Normal Course Issuer Bid.
DIVIDEND POLICY
The Company pays regular quarterly dividends in January, April, July and October
of each year. On February 19, 2004, the Board of Directors set the Company's
regular quarterly dividend at $0.20 per common share (2003 - $0.15 per common
share, 2002 - $0.125 per common share, 2001 - $0.10 per common share) commencing
with the April 1, 2004 payment.
STOCK OPTIONS
The Company's Option Plan provides for granting of stock options to directors,
officers and employees. Stock options granted under the Option Plan have a
maximum term of six years to expiry and vest equally over a five-year period
starting on the first anniversary date of the grant. The exercise price of each
stock option granted is determined as the closing market price of the common
shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the day prior to the grant. Each stock
option granted permits the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at
the stated exercise price.
MODIFICATION OF STOCK OPTION PLAN
In June 2003, the Company approved a modification to its Option Plan providing
the stock option holder the right to elect to receive a cash payment equal to
the difference between the exercise price of the stock option and the market
price of the Company's common shares on the date of surrender, multiplied by the
number of common shares covered by the stock options surrendered, in lieu of
receiving common shares.
The modification to the Option Plan was accounted for prospectively and for the
year ended December 31, 2003, the Company recorded compensation expense of $200
million. As at December 31, 2003, the total liability for expected cash
settlements under the Option Plan is $171 million, of which $130 million is
included as a current liability. During the year ended December 31, 2003, cash
payments of $31 million were made for 1,337,398 stock options surrendered.
71 ANNUAL REPORT 2003
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
Prior to the modification, the Company disclosed pro-forma measures of net
earnings attributable to common shareholders and net earnings attributable to
common shareholders per common share as if stock options had been recognized as
compensation expense estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes
option pricing model. As stock-based compensation is now reflected in the
consolidated statement of earnings, the pro-forma disclosures are no longer
required.
The following table summarizes information relating to stock options outstanding
at December 31, 2003 and 2002:
2003 2002
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
AVERAGE AVERAGE
STOCK OPTIONS EXERCISE STOCK OPTIONS EXERCISE
(THOUSANDS) PRICE (THOUSANDS) PRICE
===================================================================================================================
Outstanding - beginning of year 12,882 $ 37.13 12,051 $ 34.77
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Granted 668 $ 52.31 3,845 $ 41.88
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exercised for common shares (2,690) $ 33.14 (2,523) $ 32.54
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Surrendered for cash settlement (1,337) $ 34.71 -- $ --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forfeited (629) $ 42.78 (491) $ 40.03
===================================================================================================================
Outstanding - end of year 8,894 $ 39.44 12,882 $ 37.13
===================================================================================================================
Exercisable - end of year 2,323 $ 34.65 3,508 $ 32.53
===================================================================================================================
The range of exercise prices of stock options outstanding and exercisable at
December 31, 2003 is as follows:
STOCK OPTIONS OUTSTANDING STOCK OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEIGHTED
STOCK AVERAGE WEIGHTED STOCK WEIGHTED
OPTIONS REMAINING AVERAGE OPTIONS AVERAGE
OUTSTANDING TERM EXERCISE EXERCISABLE EXERCISE
RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICES (thousands) (years) PRICE (thousands) PRICE
===================================================================================================================
$19.90 to $24.99 456 0.8 $ 22.01 427 $ 21.99
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$25.00 to $29.99 268 0.3 $ 27.25 236 $ 27.32
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$30.00 to $34.99 1,561 2.0 $ 33.65 554 $ 33.66
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$35.00 to $39.99 3,520 3.5 $ 39.04 635 $ 39.23
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$40.00 to $44.99 1,154 3.5 $ 42.92 271 $ 43.59
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$45.00 to $49.99 1,431 4.3 $ 46.71 200 $ 46.48
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$50.00 to $54.66 504 5.7 $ 53.74 -- $ --
===================================================================================================================
8,894 3.2 $ 39.44 2,323 $ 34.65
===================================================================================================================
8. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT
The foreign currency translation adjustment represents the unrealized gain
(loss) on the Company's net investment in self-sustaining foreign operations.
Effective July 1, 2002, the Company designated certain US dollar denominated
debt as a hedge against its net investment in US dollar-based self-sustaining
foreign operations. Accordingly, translation gains and losses on this US dollar
denominated debt are included in the foreign currency translation adjustment.
2003 2002
===================================================================================================================
Balance - beginning of year $ 24 $ 73
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized (loss) gain on translation of net investment (108) (12)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hedge of net investment with US dollar denominated debt, net of tax 101 (37)
===================================================================================================================
Balance - end of year $ 17 $ 24
===================================================================================================================
72 CANADIAN NATURAL
9. NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS PER COMMON SHARE
The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and diluted amounts
per common share:
(thousands of shares) 2003 2002 2001
===================================================================================================================
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 134,235 127,883 121,300
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effect of dilutive stock options (1) 1,222 2,744 2,594
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assumed settlement of preferred securities with common shares 1,954 2,681 2,883
===================================================================================================================
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 137,411 133,308 126,777
===================================================================================================================
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders $ 1,407 $ 570 $ 642
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividend on preferred securities, net of tax 5 6 6
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revaluation of preferred securities, net of tax (18) (1) 8
===================================================================================================================
Diluted net earnings attributable to common shareholders $ 1,394 $ 575 $ 656
===================================================================================================================
Net earnings attributable to common shareholders per common share
Basic $ 10.48 $ 4.46 $ 5.30
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted $ 10.14 $ 4.31 $ 5.17
===================================================================================================================
(1) The modification of the Option Plan described in note 7 results in a
liability and expense for all outstanding stock options. As such, the
potential common shares associated with the stock options are not included
in diluted earnings per share effective from June 2003, the date of the
modification.
For the year ended December 31, 2002, 319,916 stock options with a weighted
average exercise price of $48.33 (2001 - 692,790 stock options with a weighted
average exercise price of $45.78), were excluded from the calculation as their
effect on per common share amounts was anti-dilutive.
10. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
FINANCIAL CONTRACTS
The Company's financial instruments recognized in the consolidated balance
sheets consist of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued
liabilities and long-term debt.
The estimated fair values of financial instruments have been determined based on
the Company's assessment of available market information and appropriate
valuation methodologies; however, these estimates may not necessarily be
indicative of the amounts that could be realized or settled in a current market
transaction.
The carrying value of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued
liabilities and long-term debt with variable interest rates approximate their
fair value.
The estimated fair values of other financial instruments are as follows:
2003 2002
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CARRYING VALUE FAIR VALUE CARRYING VALUE FAIR VALUE
ASSET (LIABILITY)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Derivative financial instruments $ -- $ 16 $ -- $ 56
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fixed rate notes $ (2,664) $ (2,880) $ (3,259) $ (3,573)
===================================================================================================================
73 ANNUAL REPORT 2003
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
The Company uses certain derivative financial instruments to manage its
commodity prices, foreign currency and interest rate exposures. These financial
instruments are entered into solely for hedging purposes and are not used for
trading or other speculative purposes. The following summarizes transactions
outstanding as at December 31, 2003:
REMAINING TERM VOLUME AVERAGE PRICE INDEX
=================================================================================================================
OIL
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brent differential swaps Jan. 2004 - Dec. 2004 40,000 bbl/d US$1.22 WTI/Dated
Brent
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oil price collars Jan. 2004 - Mar. 2004 123,000 bbl/d US$25.24 - US$30.87 WTI
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apr. 2004 - Jun. 2004 120,000 bbl/d US$25.06 - US$29.84 WTI
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jul. 2004 - Sep. 2004 120,000 bbl/d US$25.63 - US$30.41 WTI
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oct. 2004 - Dec. 2004 60,000 bbl/d US$25.50 - US$30.32 WTI
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATURAL GAS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AECO collars Jan. 2004 - Mar. 2004 300,000 GJ/d C$6.00 - C$10.14 AECO
=================================================================================================================
AMOUNT AVERAGE EXCHANGE RATE
REMAINING TERM ($ millions) (US$/C$)
=================================================================================================================
FOREIGN CURRENCY
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Currency collars
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan. 2004 - Aug. 2004 US$20/month 1.51 - 1.59
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan. 2004 - Sep. 2004 US$5/month 1.52 - 1.59
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan. 2004 - Dec. 2004 US$3/month 1.45 - 1.54
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan. 2004 - Aug. 2005 US$10/month 1.37 - 1.49
=================================================================================================================
EXCHANGE INTEREST INTEREST
AMOUNT RATE RATE RATE
REMAINING TERM ($ millions) (US$/C$) (US$) (C$)
=================================================================================================================
Currency swap Jan. 2004 - Dec. 2005 US$125 1.55 7.69% 7.30%
=================================================================================================================
AMOUNT
REMAINING TERM ($ millions) FIXED RATE FLOATING RATE
=================================================================================================================
INTEREST RATE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swaps - fixed to floating Jan. 2004 - Jul. 2004 US$200 6.70% LIBOR + 2.09%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan. 2004 - Jul. 2006 US$200 6.70% LIBOR + 1.58%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan. 2004 - Jan. 2005 US$200 7.20% LIBOR + 3.00%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan. 2004 - Jan. 2007 US$200 7.20% LIBOR + 2.23%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan. 2004 - Oct. 2012 US$350 5.45% LIBOR + 0.81%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swaps - floating to fixed Jan. 2004 - Mar. 2007 C$16 7.36% CDOR
=================================================================================================================
CREDIT RISK
Accounts receivable are mainly with customers in the oil and natural gas
industry and are subject to normal industry credit risks. The Company minimizes
this risk by entering into sales contracts with only highly rated entities. In
addition, the Company reviews its exposure to individual companies on a regular
basis and where appropriate, ensures that parental guarantees or letters of
credit are in place to minimize the impact in the event of default. The Company
is also exposed to certain losses in the event of non-performance by
counterparties to derivative financial instruments; however, the Company
minimizes this credit risk by entering into agreements with only highly rated
financial institutions.
11. COMMITMENTS
The Company has committed to certain payments as follows:
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 THEREAFTER
=================================================================================================================
Natural gas transportation $ 180 $ 169 $ 143 $ 103 $ 77 $ 194
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oil transportation and pipeline $ 15 $ 13 $ 13 $ 15 $ 13 $ 167
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Offshore equipment operating lease $ 169 $ 129 $ 75 $ 75 $ 75 $ 367
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electricity $ 28 $ 27 $ 27 $ -- $ -- $ --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office lease $ 20 $ 20 $ 19 $ 17 $ 16 $ 50
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Processing $ 6 $ 5 $ 2 $ -- $ -- $ --
=================================================================================================================
74 CANADIAN NATURAL
12. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Changes in non-cash working capital were as follows:
2003 2002 2001
================================================================================
Decrease (increase) in non-cash working capital
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts receivable and other $ 35 $(164) $ 80
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts payable 125 (145) (60)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued liabilities 122 154 (107)
================================================================================
Net change in non-cash working capital $ 282 $(155) $ (87)
================================================================================
Relating to:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating activities $ (48) $(157) $ (42)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing activities (11) 27 7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investing activities 341 (25) (52)
================================================================================
$ 282 $(155) $ (87)
================================================================================
Other cash flow information:
2003 2002 2001
================================================================================
Interest paid $ 178 $ 132 $ 127
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taxes paid $ 51 $ 160 $ 161
================================================================================
13. BUSINESS COMBINATION
RIO ALTO EXPLORATION LTD.
In July 2002, the Company paid cash of $850 million and issued 10,008,218 common
shares with an attributed value of $522 million to acquire all of the issued and
outstanding common shares of Rio Alto Exploration Ltd. ("Rio Alto") by way of a
plan of arrangement (the "Plan of Arrangement"). Rio Alto was engaged in the
exploration for and production of oil and natural gas in western Canada and,
through wholly owned subsidiaries, in South America. Under the Plan of
Arrangement, the subsidiaries of Rio Alto that held its South American
properties were sold to a new company, Rio Alto Resources International Inc.
("Rio Alto International"), and each shareholder of Rio Alto received one common
share of Rio Alto International for each Rio Alto common share held.
The acquisition was accounted for based on the purchase method. Results of Rio
Alto are consolidated with the results of the Company since the date of
acquisition. The allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and
liabilities assumed based on their fair values is set out in the following
table:
July 1, 2002
================================================================================
Purchase price:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash consideration $ 850
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share consideration 522
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash acquired (7)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-cash working capital deficit assumed 92
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt assumed 936
================================================================================
Total purchase price $ 2,393
================================================================================
Purchase price allocated as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property, plant and equipment $ 3,412
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Future site restoration (44)
================================================================================
Future income tax (975)
================================================================================
$ 2,393
75 ANNUAL REPORT 2003
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
14. SEGMENTED INFORMATION
The Company's oil and natural gas activities are conducted in three geographic
segments: North America, the North Sea and Offshore West Africa. These
activities relate to the exploration, development, production and marketing of
oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas.
The Company's Horizon Project has been classified as a separate segment. As the
bitumen will be recovered through mining operations, this project constitutes a
distinct segment from oil and natural gas activities. There are currently no
revenues for this project and all directly related expenditures have been
capitalized.
Midstream activities include the Company's pipeline operations and an
electricity co-generation system.
OIL AND NATURAL GAS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NORTH AMERICA NORTH SEA
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003 2002 2001 2003 2002 2001
===================================================================================================================
REVENUE $ 4,829 $ 3,610 $ 3,163 $ 961 $ 612 $ 534
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less: royalties (867) (564) (551) 1 (33) (28)
===================================================================================================================
3,962 3,046 2,612 962 579 506
===================================================================================================================
EXPENSES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Production 845 656 597 314 229 123
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transportation 263 273 166 30 20 11
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 1,248 1,033 746 268 193 129
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administration 87 61 37 -- -- 1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock-based compensation 190 -- -- 7 -- --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest 153 156 130 4 3 8
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign exchange (gain) loss (345) (52) 60 39 21 2
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss on sale of United States assets -- -- 24 -- -- --
===================================================================================================================
2,441 2,127 1,760 662 466 274
===================================================================================================================
EARNINGS BEFORE TAXES 1,521 919 852 300 113 232
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taxes other than income tax 10 11 9 97 51 59
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current income tax 59 21 15 23 (19) 62
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Future income tax 246 322 290 59 82 (9)
===================================================================================================================
NET EARNINGS 1,206 565 538 121 (1) 120
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividend on preferred securities, net of tax (5) (6) (6) -- -- --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revaluation of preferred securities, net of tax 18 1 (8) -- -- --
===================================================================================================================
NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS $ 1,219 $ 560 $ 524 $ 121 $ (1) $ 120
===================================================================================================================
(1) Eliminates internal transportation and electricity charges.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
2003
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH NON-CASH CAPITAL FAIR VALUE CAPITALIZED
CONSIDERATION CONSIDERATION EXPENDITURES ADJUSTMENTS (1) COSTS
====================================================================================================================
Oil and natural gas
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North America - business combination $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North America - oil and natural gas 1,769 -- 1,769 -- 1,769
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Sea 338 -- 338 25 363
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Offshore West Africa 176 -- 176 -- 176
====================================================================================================================
2,283 -- 2,283 25 2,308
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Horizon Project 152 -- 152 -- 152
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Midstream 11 -- 11 -- 11
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abandonments (2) 40 -- 40 -- 40
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Head office 20 -- 20 -- 20
====================================================================================================================
$ 2,506 $ -- $ 2,506 $ 25 $ 2,531
====================================================================================================================
(1) Future income tax adjustments on non tax base assets and other fair value
adjustments.
(2) Abandonment expenditures were incurred in the following segments; $30
million North America, $1 million North Sea and $9 million Offshore West
Africa (2002 - $ 32 million North America, $9 million North Sea and $2
million Offshore West Africa).
76 CANADIAN NATURAL
INTERSEGMENT
MIDSTREAM ELIMINATIONS (1) TOTAL
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OFFSHORE WEST AFRICA
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003 2002 2001 2003 2002 2001 2003 2002 2001 2003 2002 2001
====================================================================================================================================
REVENUE $ 156 $ 102 $ 42 $ 61 $ 52 $ 27 $ (35) $ (34) $ (9) $ 5,972 $ 4,342 $ 3,757
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less: royalties (6) (3) (1) -- -- -- -- -- -- (872) (600) (580)
====================================================================================================================================
150 99 41 61 52 27 (35) (34) (9) 5,100 3,742 3,177
====================================================================================================================================
EXPENSES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Production 38 35 27 15 14 11 (3) (3) (2) 1,209 931 756
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transportation 1 -- -- -- -- -- (32) (31) (7) 262 262 170
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 42 80 24 7 8 4 -- -- -- 1,565 1,314 903
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administration -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 87 61 38
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock-based compensation 3 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 200 -- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 157 159 138
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign exchange (gain) loss (6) -- 1 -- -- -- -- -- -- (312) (31) 63
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss on sale of United States assets -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 24
====================================================================================================================================
78 115 52 22 22 15 (35) (34) (9) 3,168 2,696 2,092
====================================================================================================================================
EARNINGS BEFORE TAXES 72 (16) (11) 39 30 12 -- -- -- 1,932 1,046 1,085
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taxes other than income tax -- 1 1 -- -- -- -- -- -- 107 63 69
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current income tax 10 6 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 92 8 77
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Future income tax 18 (17) (3) 16 13 5 -- -- -- 339 400 283
====================================================================================================================================
NET EARNINGS 44 (6) (9) 23 17 7 -- -- -- 1,394 575 656
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividend on preferred securities, net of tax -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (5) (6) (6)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revaluation of preferred securities, net of tax -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 18 1 (8)
====================================================================================================================================
NET EARNINGS ATTRIBUTABLE TO
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS $ 44 $ (6) $ (9) $ 23 $ 17 $ 7 $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 1,407 $ 570 $ 642
====================================================================================================================================
2002
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH NON-CASH CAPITAL FAIR VALUE CAPITALIZED
CONSIDERATION CONSIDERATION EXPENDITURES ADJUSTMENTS (1) COSTS
====================================================================================================================
Oil and natural gas
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North America - business combination $ 844 $ 1,550 $ 2,394 $ 1,019 $ 3,413
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North America - oil and natural gas 1,026 -- 1,026 -- 1,026
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Sea 323 -- 323 232 555
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Offshore West Africa 186 -- 186 -- 186
====================================================================================================================
2,379 1,550 3,929 1,251 5,180
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Horizon Project 68 -- 68 -- 68
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Midstream 20 -- 20 -- 20
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abandonments (2) 43 -- 43 -- 43
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Head office 10 -- 10 -- 10
====================================================================================================================
$ 2,520 $ 1,550 $ 4,070 $ 1,251 $ 5,321
====================================================================================================================
77 ANNUAL REPORT 2003
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
SEGMENTED PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET 2003 2002
==========================================================================================================
Oil and natural gas
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North America $ 10,841 $ 10,252
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Sea 1,157 1,277
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Offshore West Africa 651 518
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Horizon Project 381 229
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Midstream 200 196
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Head office 39 28
==========================================================================================================
$ 13,269 $ 12,500
==========================================================================================================
SEGMENTED ASSETS 2003 2002
==========================================================================================================
Oil and natural gas
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North America $ 11,582 $ 10,917
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Sea 1,282 1,427
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Offshore West Africa 687 549
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Horizon Project 381 229
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Midstream 227 209
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Head office 39 28
==========================================================================================================
$ 14,198 $ 13,359
==========================================================================================================
15. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
ACQUISITION OF PETROVERA PARTNERSHIP
On February 18, 2004, the Company acquired certain resource properties located
in East Central Alberta and Saskatchewan (collectively known as the Petrovera
Partnership) for aggregate consideration of $701 million. In a separate
transaction, the Company sold specific resource properties in the Petrovera
Partnership, representing approximately one third of the total acquisition, to
another independent producer for proceeds of $234 million, resulting in a net
cost of $467 million for the retained properties. The net production from the
working interests retained by the Company is approximately 27,500 barrels per
day of heavy oil and nine million cubic feet per day of natural gas together
with volumes associated with royalty interests of 1,200 barrels per day of heavy
oil and two million cubic feet per day of natural gas.
16. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
The Company's consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada ("Canadian GAAP"). These
principles conform in all material respects with those in the United States ("US
GAAP") except for those noted below. Differences arising from US GAAP disclosure
requirements are not addressed.
The application of US GAAP would have the following effects on consolidated net
earnings as reported:
(millions of Canadian dollars, except per common share amounts) Notes 2003 2002 2001
==========================================================================================================
Net earnings - Canadian GAAP $ 1,394 $ 57 $ 656
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjustments, net of tax
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depletion (A,D) 37 5 5
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Derivative financial instruments (B) (49) 29 61
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividend on preferred securities (C) (5) (6) (6)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revaluation of preferred securities (C) 18 1 (8)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accretion of asset retirement obligation (D) (37) -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cumulative effect of change in accounting policy (D) (4) -- --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tax effect of flow-through shares (E) -- (1) --
==========================================================================================================
Net earnings - US GAAP $ 1,354 $ 603 $ 708
==========================================================================================================
Net earnings - US GAAP per common share
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic $ 10.09 $ 4.72 $ 5.84
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted $ 9.76 $ 4.56 $ 5.70
==========================================================================================================
78 CANADIAN NATURAL
Comprehensive income under US GAAP would be as follows:
(millions of Canadian dollars) Notes 2003 2002 2001
==========================================================================================================
Net earnings - US GAAP $ 1,354 $ 603 $ 708
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adoption of FAS 133 (B) -- -- (124)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amortization of FAS 133 adjustment (B) 20 31 54
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign currency translation adjustment (F) (7) (49) 73
==========================================================================================================
Comprehensive income $ 1,367 $ 585 $ 711
==========================================================================================================
The application of US GAAP would have the following effects on the consolidated
balance sheets as reported:
2003
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CANADIAN INCREASE US
(millions of Canadian dollars) Notes GAAP (DECREASE) GAAP
==========================================================================================================
Property, plant and equipment (A,D) $ 13,269 $ 385 $ 13,654
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Derivative financial instruments asset (liability) (B) $ -- $ 16 $ 16
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt (C) $ 2,645 $ 103 $ 2,748
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset retirement obligation (D) $ 447 $ 450 $ 897
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Future income tax (A,B,D) $ 3,588 $ -- $ 3,588
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' equity $ 6,117 $ (152) $ 5,965
==========================================================================================================
2002
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canadian Increase US
(millions of Canadian dollars) Notes GAAP Decrease) GAAP
==========================================================================================================
Property, plant and equipment (A) $ 2,500 $ (68) $ 12,432
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Derivative financial instruments asset (liability) (B) $ -- $ 56 $ 56
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt (C) $ 4,074 $ 126 $ 4,200
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Future income tax (A,B) $ 3,188 $ 4 $ 3,192
==========================================================================================================
Shareholders' equity $ 4,868 $ (142) $ 4,726
==========================================================================================================
NOTES:
(A) Using Canadian full cost accounting rules, costs capitalized in each cost
centre, net of future income taxes and future site restoration costs, are
limited to an amount equal to the undiscounted, unescalated future net
revenues from proved reserves plus the lower of cost or estimated fair
market value of unproved properties (the "ceiling test"). Under the full
cost method of accounting as set forth by the US Securities and Exchange
Commission, the ceiling test differs from Canadian GAAP in that future net
revenues from proved reserves are discounted at 10% and estimated future
financing and administrative expenses are not deducted from net revenues.
(B) The Company uses certain derivative financial instruments to manage its
commodity prices and foreign currency exposure in relation to future firmly
committed and anticipated sales transactions. The Company has also used
interest rate swaps to manage its interest rate exposure. Under Canadian
GAAP, these derivative financial instruments are accounted for as hedges.
Effective January 1, 2001, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("FAS") 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities" and FAS 138 "Accounting for Certain Derivative
Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities" to account for its commodity
prices and interest rate swap derivative financial instruments under US
GAAP. Under FAS 133, all derivative financial instruments are recognized in
the consolidated balance sheets at their fair value. Changes in the fair
value of derivative financial instruments are recognized in consolidated
net earnings unless specific criteria for hedging are met. In 2003, 2002
and 2001, no derivative financial instruments were designated as hedges for
US GAAP purposes.
In 2001, the adoption of FAS 133 resulted in the Company recognizing a
derivative financial instruments liability of $183 million and a charge to
comprehensive income of $124 million, net of future income tax recoveries
of $59 million. Of the initial liability recognized on January 1, 2001, a
loss of $54 million, net of future income tax recoveries of $26 million,
was reclassified to net earnings during 2001. For 2002, a loss of $31
million, net of future income tax recoveries of $15 million, was amortized
to net earnings. For 2003, a loss of $20 million, net of future income tax
recoveries of $9 million, was amortized to net earnings.
Under US GAAP, foreign currency swap contracts used to hedge foreign
currency exposure to anticipated, but not firmly committed, transactions
cannot be accounted for as hedges. Accordingly, for US GAAP reporting,
gains and losses from changes in the fair market value of foreign currency
swap contracts related to these anticipated transactions are recognized in
net earnings when those changes in market value occur.
79 ANNUAL REPORT 2003
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
(C) Under Canadian GAAP, the preferred securities are considered to be equity
because the Company has the unrestricted right to pay dividends, principal
and principal prepayments with common shares. Under US GAAP, the Company's
preferred securities would be classified as debt rather than as equity.
Accordingly, the dividend on the preferred securities would be classified
as an expense rather than a dividend and the revaluation of preferred
securities would be included in foreign exchange (gain) loss in determining
consolidated net earnings.
(D) Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted FAS 143 "Accounting for
Asset Retirement Obligations" for US GAAP reporting purposes. Under FAS
143, all statutory, contractual, and legal obligations relating to asset
retirements are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at their fair
value. The liability is adjusted for accretion of discount and any changes
in the amount or timing of the underlying cash flows. The standard requires
the cumulative effect on prior years to be included in net earnings.
Adoption of FAS 143 had the following effects on the Company's consolidated
financial statements:
(millions of Canadian dollars) DECEMBER 31, 2003
================================================================================
Consolidated balance sheet
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase property, plant and equipment $ 445
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase asset retirement obligation $ 450
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase future income tax liability $ 3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated statement of earnings, net of tax
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Decrease depletion, depreciation and amortization $ (33)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase accretion of asset retirement obligation $ 37
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase cumulative effect of change in accounting policy $ 4
================================================================================
The Company's pipelines and co-generation plant have indeterminant lives
and therefore the fair values of the related asset retirement obligations
cannot be reasonably determined. The asset retirement obligation for these
assets will be recorded in the year in which the lives of the assets are
determinable.
(E) Under Canadian GAAP, the future income tax effect of flow-through shares is
deducted from share capital. However, under US GAAP, the future income tax
effect of flow-through shares is expensed immediately. (F) Under US GAAP,
exchange gains and losses arising from the translation of self-sustaining
foreign operations are included in comprehensive income. (G) Recently
Issued Accounting Standards
FULL COST ACCOUNTING IN THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY
In September 2003, the CICA issued Accounting Guideline 16 "Oil and Gas
Accounting - Full Cost". The Guideline modifies the ceiling test, which
limits the aggregate capitalized costs that may be carried forward to
future periods. Specific new guidance was provided on several issues,
including the frequency of conducting cost centre impairment tests, the
testing for cost centre recoverability and the method of determining fair
value. The Guideline recommends that cost centre impairment tests should be
conducted at each annual balance sheet date. Recovery of costs is tested by
comparing the carrying amount of the oil and natural gas assets to the
undiscounted cash flows from those assets using proved reserves and
expected future prices and costs. If the carrying amount exceeds the
recoverable amount, then impairment should be recognized on the amount by
which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the present value of
expected cash flows using proved and probable reserves and expected future
prices and costs. The effective date of the Guideline is for fiscal years
beginning on or after January 1, 2004, with early adoption recommended.
This guideline will apply to the ceiling test relating to the impairment of
the Company's property, plant and equipment. Adoption of this standard
would not have had an impact on the Company's financial statements for the
year ended December 31, 2003.
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
In January 2003, the CICA issued Section 3110 "Asset Retirement
Obligations". The Section requires the recognition of the fair value of the
retirement obligation for related long-term assets as a liability.
Retirement costs equal to the retirement obligation are capitalized as part
of the cost of the associated capital asset and amortized to expense
through depletion over the life of the asset. In subsequent periods, the
liability is adjusted for the passage of time and any changes in the amount
or timing of the underlying future cash flows. This standard will be
adopted retroactively effective January 1, 2004, and prior period
comparative balances will be restated. Adoption of the standard will have
the following effects on the Company's financial statements:
(millions of Canadian dollars) January 1, 2004
================================================================================
Consolidated balance sheet
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase property, plant and equipment $ 445
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase asset retirement obligation $ 450
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase future income tax liability $ 3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Decrease foreign currency translation adjustment $ (14)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase retained earnings $ 6
================================================================================
80 CANADIAN NATURAL
The Company's pipelines and co-generation plant have indeterminant lives
and therefore the fair values of the related asset retirement obligations
cannot be reasonably determined. The asset retirement obligation for these
assets will be recorded in the year in which the lives of the assets are
determinable.
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
In January 2004, the CICA issued amendments to Section 3860 "Financial
Instruments". The amended Section requires the recognition of certain
financial instruments that may be settled in cash or by an issuer's own
equity instruments, at the issuer's discretion, as liabilities. This
amended Section is effective for periods ending after November 1, 2004, and
will require the Company to reclassify its preferred securities from
shareholders' equity to long-term debt. Dividends on the preferred
securities would be reclassified to interest expense.
ACCOUNTING FOR THE IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS
In January 2003, the CICA issued Section 3063 "Impairment of Long-lived
Assets" effective for fiscal years beginning on or after April 1, 2003. The
Section indicates that impairment losses occur when the carrying value of
the asset exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected from its
use and is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds its
fair value. This Section will apply to the Company's midstream operating
segment only.
HEDGING RELATIONSHIPS
In December 2001, the CICA issued Accounting Guideline 13, "Hedging
Relationships". The effective date of this Guideline was deferred to fiscal
years beginning on or after July 1, 2003. The Guideline addresses the types
of items that qualify for hedge accounting, the formal documentation
required to enable the use of hedge accounting and the requirement to
evaluate hedges for effectiveness. The Guideline does not specify how hedge
accounting should be applied but does require financial instruments that
are not designated as hedges be recorded at fair value on the Company's
consolidated balance sheet, with changes in fair value recorded in
earnings. This Guideline will be adapted prospectively effective January 1,
2004 and will have the following effects on the Company's financial
statements:
(millions of Canadian dollars) January 1, 2004
================================================================================
Consolidated balance sheet
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase derivative financial instruments asset $ 16
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase future income tax liability $ 7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase deferred revenue $ 9
================================================================================
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
In June 2003, the CICA issued Accounting Guideline 15, "Consolidation of
Variable Interest Entities" (VIEs) with the purpose of harmonizing Canadian
Standards with FASB Interpretation No. 46 "Consolidation of Variable
Interest Entities". The Guideline requires enterprises to identify VIEs in
which they have an interest, determine if they are the primary beneficiary
of such entities and if so, consolidate them. A transitional provision to
disclose VIEs prior to the effective date of the Guideline was to be
effective January 1, 2004; however, the CICA has suspended this provision
pending review of recent changes to Interpretation No. 46, which are
described in Interpretation 46R. The prospective treatment of the
consolidation requirement of the Guideline remains effective for all annual
and interim periods beginning on or after November 1, 2004. This
supplementary oil and natural gas information is provided in accordance
with the United States FAS 69, "Disclosures about Oil and Gas Producing
Activities", and where applicable is reconciled to the US GAAP financial
information.
81 ANNUAL REPORT 2003