EXHIBIT 99.1
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[GRAPHIC AND PHOTOGRAPHS OMITTED] | [LOGO - CANADIAN NATURAL]
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THE PREMIUM VALUE, | THIRD QUARTER REPORT
DEFINED GROWTH, INDEPENDENT |------------------------------
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 2006
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CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED ANNOUNCES
STRONG QUARTERLY RESULTS AND 2007 BUDGET
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In commenting on third quarter 2006 results, Canadian Natural's Chairman, Allan
Markin stated, "The third quarter was significant for us as we entered into a
timely acquisition of natural gas properties that greatly bolster and expand
our natural gas portfolio. Confidence in our ability to deliver the Horizon
Project and a confluence of industry events created a rare opportunity for
Canadian Natural to make this strategic and attractively priced acquisition. We
have also demonstrated capital discipline in our organic spending for 2007 in
this highly inflationary environment. Our natural gas project inventories have
never been stronger than they are today, and our reduced drilling activities
for next year allow us to reduce exposure to supplier inflation. We remain very
confident in our ability to deliver up to 5% natural gas volume growth and 10%
overall production growth in years beyond 2007."
John Langille, Vice-Chairman, commented "The third quarter results show the
continued strength of our asset base and the delivery of results in line with
our expectations. For 2007 our disciplined allocation of capital will slow our
organic growth profile slightly as we continue to maximize overall returns.
Cost inflation, particularly in drilling and related services, is out of line
with commodity prices. Our disciplined allocation of capital in 2007 will allow
us to high grade development projects across the portfolio and specifically in
our natural gas development, where cost inflation is the most prevalent."
Canadian Natural's President and Chief Operating Officer, Steve Laut, in
commenting on the Company's quarter end stated, "Our asset base is strong and
delivering long-term production growth and our project portfolio has never been
stronger. For 2007 we expect cash flow in excess of conventional capital
expenditures of approximately $2.7 billion. This significant free cash flow
will be largely directed to the construction of Phase 1 of the Horizon Project,
which itself will generate very significant free cash flow for decades to come.
The ability of our base conventional business to generate significant free cash
flow has enabled us to pursue strategic acquisitions as well as larger, more
sustainable development projects and, in my opinion, it is one of the unique
attributes of our large, balanced project portfolio."
HIGHLIGHTS
Quarterly Results Nine Month Results
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($ millions, except as noted) Q3/06 Q2/06 Q3/05 2006 2005
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Net earnings (loss) $ 1,116 $ 1,038 $ 151 $ 2,211 $ (54)
per common share, basic $ 2.08 $ 1.93 $ 0.28 $ 4.12 $ (0.10)
Adjusted net earnings from operations(1) $ 470 $ 514 $ 593 $ 1,252 $ 1,433
per common share, basic $ 0.87 $ 0.96 $ 1.10 $ 2.33 $ 2.67
Cash flow from operations(2) $ 1,313 $ 1,287 $ 1,386 $ 3,639 $ 3,531
per common share, basic $ 2.44 $ 2.40 $ 2.58 $ 6.77 $ 6.58
Capital expenditures, net of dispositions $ 1,661 $ 1,558 $ 1,272 $ 5,528 $ 3,253
Debt to book capitalization(3) 35% 35% 32% 35% 32%
Daily production, before royalties
Natural gas (mmcf/d) 1,437 1,475 1,423 1,449 1,444
Crude oil and NGLs (bbl/d) 321,665 338,852 334,724 328,053 304,036
Equivalent production (boe/d) 561,152 584,611 571,911 569,590 544,688
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(1) ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS IS A NON-GAAP TERM THAT THE COMPANY
UTILIZES TO EVALUATE ITS PERFORMANCE. THE DERIVATION OF THIS ITEM IS
DISCUSSED IN THE MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS ("MD&A").
(2) CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS IS A NON-GAAP TERM THAT THE COMPANY CONSIDERS
KEY AS IT DEMONSTRATES ITS ABILITY TO FUND CAPITAL REINVESTMENT AND DEBT
REPAYMENT. THE DERIVATION OF THIS ITEM IS DISCUSSED IN THE MD&A.
(3) INCLUDES CURRENT PORTION OF LONG-TERM DEBT.
o Quarterly cash flow of $1,313 million, a 2% increase over Q2/06 and 5%
decrease from Q3/05. The increase from Q2/06 reflected higher sales
revenues, primarily from strong Brent crude oil prices and production from
the Primrose thermal heavy oil operations combined with higher heavy oil
price realizations.
o Quarterly net earnings of $1,116 million, representing an 8% increase over
Q2/06 and a seven-fold increase over Q3/05. Q3/06 net earnings included a
pretax gain of $754 million for the unrealized risk management activities
relating to crude oil and natural gas hedges.
o Quarterly adjusted net earnings from operations of $470 million, 9% lower
than Q2/06 results and a 21% decrease from Q3/05 as a result of lower
production and higher DD&A.
o Entered into an agreement relating to the acquisition of Anadarko Canada
Corporation ("ACC"), a subsidiary of Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, for
aggregate consideration of US$4.075 billion. ACC's land and production
bases are located in Western Canada and are premium quality, concentrated
natural gas weighted assets with strong netbacks and long reserve lives.
The production, before royalties, from the working interests acquired by
Canadian Natural, is approximately 358 million cubic feet per day of
natural gas and 9,300 barrels per day of crude oil and NGLs. This
acquisition is expected to close early in November 2006.
o Completed the quarter with a strong balance sheet with debt to book
capitalization at 35% and debt to EBITDA at 1.0x.
o North America natural gas production in Q3/06 represented a decrease of 2%
from Q2/06 and a 1% increase over Q3/05 despite reduced natural gas
drilling activity in Q2/06 and Q3/06. ACC volumes are not included in this
result.
o Crude oil production volumes in Q3/06 represented a decrease of 5% from
Q2/06 and 4% from Q3/05 as a result of lower international production due
to scheduled maintenance turnarounds in the North Sea and sand screen
issues on four production wells at Baobab, Offshore West Africa.
o Completed a Q3/06 drilling program of 376 net wells, excluding
stratigraphic test and service wells, with a 94% success ratio, reflecting
Canadian Natural's strong, predictable, low-risk asset base.
2 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
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o Maintained strong undeveloped conventional land base in Canada of 11.1
million net acres - a key asset in today's highly competitive industry. An
additional 1.5 million net undeveloped acres will be acquired with the
closing of the ACC acquisition.
o The Horizon Oil Sands Project ("Horizon Project"), remains slightly ahead
of schedule and costs to date are as expected. Field construction itself
is about one third complete and we are transitioning into the mechanical
and piping stage. Cost pressures are causing cost estimates for certain
isolated pieces of the project to be above target cost. However, such cost
increases are not expected to, in aggregate, result in total costs of the
project being materially different than the original target cost of $6.8
billion. Further, Canadian Natural remains on track for commissioning
during the third quarter of 2008.
o Continued production improvements at Pelican Lake Field arising from new
drilling activity and expansion of enhanced crude oil recovery program.
Pelican Lake crude oil production averaged approximately 30,000 bbl/d
during the quarter, up 21% or approximately 5,000 bbl/d from Q3/05.
Production is expected to continue to increase in Q4/06 and throughout
2007.
o As part of the Company's ongoing commodity hedging program to reduce the
risk of volatility in commodity price markets and to support the Company's
cash flow for its capital expenditure program throughout the Horizon
Project construction period, greater than 70% of expected 2007 crude oil
and natural gas volumes have been price protected through puts, collars
and physical contracts. These risk management instruments provide
certainty of cash flow to the Company while in all cases, allowing the
Company to participate in price increases beyond current levels.
o Declared a quarterly dividend of $0.075 per common share for the October
1, 2006 dividend payment.
o Determined 2007 Budget initiatives as follows:
- Significant curtailment in conventional capital spending with 2007
capital expenditures of $3.1 billion, a 23% reduction compared to
2006 spending, excluding acquisitions and divestments. This includes
$2.5 billion in North America, a reduction of $0.8 billion from 2006
levels, reflecting the drilling of 423 natural gas wells and 666
crude oil wells, and $0.6 billion internationally, a reduction of
$0.2 billion, again from 2006 levels, to effect exploitation and
development work in both the North Sea and Offshore West Africa.
There is no change to capital allocated to the Horizon Project with
$3.3 billion to be expended on the construction of the Horizon
Project, including $0.5 billion relating to capitalized items as well
as engineering and construction relating to Phases 2 and 3 of the
Horizon Project.
- Equivalent production target of 581 - 637 mboe/d before royalties,
representing a midpoint increase of 5% from the midpoint of 2006
annual guidance. Natural gas production is targeted to increase by
9%, while crude oil production will increase by 2%.
- Utilizing a 2007 planning price deck of US$65/bbl WTI and C$7.35/GJ
AECO, cash flow is estimated to reach $5.6 billion to $6.0 billion.
These parameters would result in a debt to book capitalization ratio
of approximately 45% and debt to EBITDA of 1.6 times at the end of
2007.
OPERATIONS REVIEW AND CAPITAL ALLOCATION
In order to facilitate efficient operations, Canadian Natural focuses its
activities into core regions where it can dominate the land base and
infrastructure. Undeveloped land is critical to the Company's ongoing growth
and development within these core regions. Land inventories are maintained to
enable continuous exploitation of play types and geological trends, greatly
reducing overall exploration risk. By dominating infrastructure, the Company is
able to maximize utilization of its production facilities, thereby increasing
control over production costs. Further, the Company maintains large project
inventories and production diversification among each of the commodities it
produces; namely natural gas, light, medium, and heavy crude oil and NGLs. A
large diversified project portfolio enables the effective allocation of capital
to higher return opportunities.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 3
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OPERATIONS REVIEW
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NET UNDEVELOPED LAND DRILLING ACTIVITY
AS AT NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEP 30, 2006 SEP 30, 2006
(THOUSANDS OF NET ACRES) (NET WELLS)
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Canadian conventional
Northeast British Columbia 1,979 214
Northwest Alberta 1,421 138
Northern Plains 6,340 548
Southern Plains 755 102
Southeast Saskatchewan 83 65
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10,578 1,067
In-situ Oil Sands 410 226
Horizon Oil Sands Project 116 103
United Kingdom North Sea 332 7
Offshore West Africa 207 4
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11,643 1,407
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DRILLING ACTIVITY (number of wells)
Nine Months Ended Sep 30
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2006 2005
GROSS NET Gross Net
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Crude oil 471 426 490 437
Natural gas 774 581 723 611
Dry 102 91 106 94
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Subtotal 1,347 1,098 1,319 1,142
Stratigraphic test / service wells 310 309 217 215
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Total 1,657 1,407 1,536 1,357
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Success rate (excluding stratigraphic test / service wells) 92% 92%
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4 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
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NORTH AMERICA NATURAL GAS Quarterly Results Nine Month Results
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Q3/06 Q2/06 Q3/05 2006 2005
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Natural gas production (mmcf/d) 1,416 1,448 1,400 1,425 1,421
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Net wells targeting natural gas 111 48 226 658 680
Net successful wells drilled 98 43 213 581 611
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Success rate 88% 90% 94% 88% 90%
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o As a result of the strategic move to reduce natural gas drilling, which
saw a 51% decrease in Q3/06 drilling compared to Q3/05, Q3/06 saw North
America natural gas production decrease 2% over Q2/06. Despite drilling
cutbacks in Q2/06 and Q3/06 compared to the prior year, North America
natural gas production increased 1% over Q3/05 reflecting the high quality
asset base and positive results from the 2006 winter drilling program.
o High drilling success rates reflect Canadian Natural's low-risk
exploitation approach and high quality land base. The Q3/06 drilling
program represented an active program across the Company's core regions.
In Northeast British Columbia 6 net wells targeting natural gas were
drilled, while in Northwest Alberta 28 net wells were drilled, including 9
Cardium targets. In Northern and Southern Plains, a total of 9 net coal
bed methane, 20 net shallow natural gas and 48 net conventional natural
gas wells were targeted.
o Planned drilling activity for Q4/06 includes 82 wells targeting natural
gas.
NORTH AMERICA CRUDE OIL AND NGLS Quarterly Results Nine Month Results
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Q3/06 Q2/06 Q3/05 2006 2005
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Crude oil and NGLs production (bbl/d) 233,440 234,780 231,260 230,430 218,774
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Net wells targeting crude oil 263 78 184 431 451
Net successful wells drilled 253 76 175 417 427
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Success rate 96% 97% 95% 97% 95%
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o In contrast to natural gas, the crude oil program utilizes fewer third
party services and has experienced lower cost inflation while receiving
higher wellhead pricing. As such, the revised 2006 second half crude oil
drilling program reflects increased drilling of 43% at Pelican Lake and
28% for light crude oil, while heavy crude oil drilling remains unchanged
due to the lack of availability of slant drilling rigs in the basin. In
Q4/06, the Company has contracted two long-term slant drilling rigs to
ensure availability of these specialized rigs on a go forward basis to
execute the long-term drilling of heavy crude oil. Due to the timing of
crude oil production profiles, the benefit of the ramped drilling program
during the second half of the year will not be fully realized until
mid-2007.
o Q3/06 North America crude oil and NGLs production decreased slightly over
Q2/06 and increased 1% over Q3/05. This performance reflected continued
success at the Primrose thermal crude oil project, which will see new pads
moving from the steaming cycle to the production cycle in Q4/06, and
continued production improvements at Pelican Lake.
o During Q3/06, drilling activity included 126 net wells targeting heavy
crude oil, 46 net wells targeting Pelican Lake crude oil, 17 net wells
targeting Thermal crude oil and 74 net wells targeting light crude oil.
The majority of the wells were drilled in the Northern Plains core region.
Production from this crude oil drilling program will be reflected in our
Q4/06 and Q1/07 results.
o The Primrose East expansion program continues through the regulatory phase
and, when approved, will see the expansion of the crude oil processing
facility from 80,000 bbl/d to 120,000 bbl/d, as well as the construction
of a steam generation plant and new pad drilling that will add production
gains targeted at 40,000 bbl/d in 2009. Primrose East is the second phase
of the 300,000 bbl/d conventional expansion plans identified for unlocking
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 5
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the value from Canadian Natural's thermal crude oil resource base.
Detailed engineering and procurement are underway. The Company anticipates
regulatory approval for Primrose East in Q1/07, drilling and construction
to begin in Q2/07, and first production in 2009.
o At Pelican Lake, the development of land acreage and secondary recovery
implementation projects continued as planned, with 46 horizontal producing
wells drilled and conversion of 12 production wells to injection wells (2
for water and 10 for polymer injection) in Q3/06. During the quarter
another 4 production wells were shut in for polymer conversion which have
since been converted. Early results from the polymer flood pilot continue
to be positive and four polymer skid installations were implemented in
Q3/06, results will continue to be monitored. During the remainder of
2006, the Company plans to drill an additional 44 wells at Pelican Lake.
Production increased slightly in Q3/06 from Q2/06 and production gains are
anticipated to continue in Q4/06 and throughout 2007.
o Planned drilling activity for Q4/06 includes 224 net crude oil wells.
CANADIAN NATURAL UPGRADER PROJECT
Originally announced in the fall of 2005, the Company remains on track with its
plans to design, construct and operate a heavy crude oil upgrader to process a
portion of its conventional heavy and thermal heavy crude oil production. The
Scoping Study for the Canadian Natural Upgrader continued on schedule during
Q3/06. The terms of reference for this study will evaluate end product
alternatives, location, technology, gasification and integration with existing
assets. Recommendations are expected in the second half of 2007 and represent
the first stage of front end loading for the project. This is the same
disciplined approach utilized in the Horizon Project. Following this Study, the
Design Basis Memorandum and Engineering Design Specification will be completed
prior to construction and sanctioning of the project by the Board of Directors.
This upgrader will enable the Company to unlock significant shareholder value
through the development and upgrading of over 3 billion barrels of thermal
in-situ oil sands resources over the next 15 years. The project is forecast to
be undertaken in two phases, with the first phase targeting upgrading capacity
of 125,000 bbl/d of synthetic crude oil ("SCO") currently targeted to start up
in 2013.
INTERNATIONAL
The Company operates in the North Sea and Offshore West Africa where production
of lighter quality crude oil is targeted, but natural gas may be produced in
association with crude oil production.
Quarterly Results Nine Month Results
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Q3/06 Q2/06 Q3/05 2006 2005
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Crude oil production (bbl/d)
North Sea 53,988 63,703 73,543 59,473 69,198
Offshore West Africa 34,237 40,369 29,921 38,150 16,064
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Natural gas production (mmcf/d)
North Sea 11 17 18 15 19
Offshore West Africa 10 10 5 9 4
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Net wells targeting crude oil 2.2 2.8 4.3 9.2 11.4
Net successful wells drilled 2.2 2.8 4.3 9.2 10.0
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Success rate 100% 100% 100% 100% 88%
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NORTH SEA
o Canadian Natural continues to execute its exploitation strategy in the
North Sea. The first stage of this exploitation program is based upon
optimizing existing facilities and waterfloods. Canadian Natural continues
to apply this first stage of exploitation on its holdings in the North
Sea. The second stage of exploitation incorporates more near pool
development and exploration in order to maximize utilization of the common
facilities and ultimately extend all fields' economic lives. In 2006 and
beyond, increasing emphasis on this type of work is evidenced by the
ongoing development at the Columba Terraces and the Lyell Field.
6 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
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o During Q3/06, 1.0 net well was drilled with an additional 1.0 net well
drilling over quarter end. Production levels during the quarter were in
line with expectations, although down from the previous quarter,
reflecting planned maintenance shutdowns at Ninian, T-Block and B-Block.
Production at Banff was also curtailed during September to allow
compression upgrade work to be carried out on the Floating Production
Storage and Offtake vessel ("FPSO"). This work, which will increase gas
compression capacity resulting in an associated production uplift of 3,500
bbl/d net to Canadian Natural, was completed on budget and ahead of
schedule.
o Plans for the further development of the Lyell Field progressed. The
project entails drilling four net wells and working over two existing net
wells, commencing in Q4/06. During Q3/06, a new subsea manifold was
installed and the drilling rig was moved into place to commence drilling.
OFFSHORE WEST AFRICA
o During Q3/06, 1.2 net wells were drilled with an additional 0.6 net wells
drilling over quarter end.
o At the Espoir Field, crude oil production averaged approximately 18,800
bbl/d net to Canadian Natural during Q3/06, following the successful
infill drilling program completed on time and on budget during Q2/06. A
second production well was brought on stream in Q3/06, with further wells
to be delivered in 2007. Current West Espoir production is 6,300 boe/d
(field gross) and continues to ramp towards peak production of 13,500
boe/d targeted for mid 2007.
o Net production at Baobab averaged approximately 15,000 bbl/d during the
quarter, reflecting the shut-in of production from 4 of 10 production
wells throughout the quarter, due to the limitations resulting from sand
screen effectiveness. This has resulted in approximately 12,000 bbl/d of
reduced production capacity at the field. Modifications to the FPSO to
allow for sand handling are being engineered. Canadian Natural is
currently investigating the rig market to identify suitable availability
to proceed to the second phase of the field development, including
potentially redrilling the wells that are currently experiencing
production limitations due to the amount of sand included with production.
o In Gabon, evaluation of key tenders continued on the Olowi Field
development, together with engineering studies and pre-project planning
are scheduled for the remainder of 2006 and 2007. The development plan is
predicated on a one year capital deferral of the project and currently
comprises an FPSO and four drilling towers with production targeted for
2009, and an anticipated plateau of 20,000 bbl/d.
HORIZON PROJECT
o Phase 1 of the Horizon Project continues slightly ahead of schedule with
first production of 110,000 bbl/d of light, sweet SCO is targeted to
commence in the third quarter of 2008.
o Total production levels of 232,000 bbl/d are targeted for 2012, following
completion of two further phases of construction. The Company is currently
conducting the EDS stage of engineering on the next phase (Phase 2) and in
conjunction with that, is evaluating the opportunity to combine the next
two phases (Phase 2 and Phase 3).
o The progress on major milestones, a key component in achieving critical
path success, is slightly ahead of schedule and safety performance also
remained ahead of target.
o During Q3/06, the Company awarded a further C$400 million of contracts,
including several that were previously deferred in order to optimize
pricing. This brings the total awarded contracts to C$4.8 billion. To
date, over 640 modules and oversized loads are on site and over half of
them have been installed. Additionally, all major plants have been passed
through hazard/operability engineering review without requiring major
scope change, providing even greater cost certainty. The construction is
at a point where the critical foundations are complete and the site is
transitioning as steel is erected, modules are placed and equipment is
set.
o Canadian Natural continues to effectively execute well defined strategies
and at this point in time for the work done to date (engineering,
procurement and construction), which translates to a 47% overall project
completion level, the Company is at the target cost forecast. Field
construction itself is about one third complete and transitioning into the
mechanical and piping stage is underway where new challenges will be
faced, including ongoing cost pressures on non-issued contracts,
productivity on the job site and usage of overtime.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 7
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o The Company has now entered into the majority of the construction
contracts and as the last 53% of the overall project is undertaken, the
aforementioned challenges and associated cost pressures are causing cost
estimates for certain isolated pieces of the project to be above target
cost. However, such cost increases are not expected to, in aggregate,
result in total costs of the project being materially different than the
original target cost of $6.8 billion. Further, Canadian Natural remains on
track for commissioning during the third quarter of 2008.
o The quarterly update for the project is as follows:
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SEP 30, 2006 Dec 31, 2006
PROJECT STATUS SUMMARY
ACTUAL Plan Plan
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Phase 1 - Work progress (cumulative) 47% 44% 55%
Phase 1 - Construction capital spending (cumulative)* 48% 49% 58%
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* RELATES TO OVERALL PHASE 1 PROJECT CAPITAL OF $6.8 BILLION
ACCOMPLISHED DURING THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2006
DETAILED ENGINEERING
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o Completed in excess of 90% of overall detailed engineering model reviews
in all areas, reducing potential for scope changes.
o Completed 90% of the 3-D model reviews.
PROCUREMENT
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o Awarded in excess of C$400 million of contracts and purchase orders in the
quarter, bringing awards-to-date to over C$4.8 billion, with a further
C$200 million in various stages of the tender process.
o Awarded several key mechanical contracts and ordered mine shovels.
MODULARIZATION
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o To date, in excess of 640 oversized loads, or 38% of Phase 1 totals, have
been transported to site. Winter freeze up will enable transportation of
ultra heavy loads similar to last winter.
CONSTRUCTION
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o Completed approximately 33% of the construction effort.
o Set 295 piperack modules for total progress of 63% complete.
o Received and installed the first seven Inclined Plate Separator ("IPS")
units in Froth Treatment.
o Mine Overburden Administration and Maintenance Facility were completed and
occupied.
o Completed site preparation and underground facilities.
o Camp 1 occupancy at 92%, Camp 2 occupancy at 33% and Camp 3 construction
significantly complete.
o Commenced Tar River Diversion and Raw Water Pond construction project.
MILESTONES FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 2006
o Completion and occupation of the Bitumen Production Administration
building.
o Camp 3 ready for occupancy.
o Complete construction of Mechanically Stabilized Earth Shear Wall in the
Ore Preparation Plant.
o Commence installation of Primary Upgrading large bore piping.
o Mobilize R1 & R2 pump house contractor for piping corridors.
o Start Floatation Cell and Pump Box installation for Extraction.
8 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
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MARKETING Quarterly Results Nine Months Results
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Q3/06 Q2/06 Q3/05 2006 2005
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Crude oil and NGLs pricing
WTI(1) benchmark price (US$/bbl) $ 70.55 $ 70.70 $ 63.17 $ 68.29 $ 55.45
Lloyd Blend Heavy oil differential from WTI (%) 27% 25% 30% 32% 36%
Corporate average pricing before risk
management (C$/bbl) $ 62.55 $ 60.05 $ 57.35 $ 55.91 $ 47.04
Natural gas pricing
AECO benchmark price (C$/GJ) $ 5.72 $ 5.95 $ 7.73 $ 6.82 $ 7.03
Corporate average pricing before risk
management (C$/mcf) $ 5.83 $ 6.16 $ 8.61 $ 6.75 $ 7.53
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(1) REFERS TO WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE CRUDE OIL BARREL PRICED AT CUSHING,
OKLAHOMA.
o Heavy crude oil differentials remained seasonally strong in Q3/06
averaging 27% of WTI, as a result of the summer paving season and the
benefit from pipeline reversals during 2006, which now transport Canadian
heavy crude oil to the US Gulf Coast. The Company has committed to 25
mbbl/d of new pipeline capacity on the reversal of the Pegasus Pipeline
which carries heavy crude oil from the terminus of the current pipeline
sales lines at Patoka, Illinois to the east Texas refining complex near
Nederland. Canadian Natural also continues to work with various industry
groups and strategic partners to find new markets for Western Canadian
heavy crude oil in order to mitigate the impact of supply and demand
shocks on the heavy crude oil market in North America. The Company expects
a widening of this differential to the mid-30% range in the fourth quarter
due to normal seasonal factors.
o During the quarter the Company, to provide certainty on a portion of its
heavy crude oil differentials, entered into Maya-based collars which
provide a base floor price of US$50/bbl through 2007 on 15,000 bbl/d of
the Company's heavy oil production.
o During Q3/06, the Company contributed approximately 127,000 bbl/d of its
heavy crude oil streams to the Western Canadian Select ("WCS") blend as
market conditions resulted in this strategy offering the optimal pricing
for bitumen.
o Under its three phase heavy crude oil marketing plan, Canadian Natural
continues to encourage the development of additional heavy crude oil
conversion capacity. During Q3/06 Canadian Natural entered into an
agreement to sell 25,000 bbl/d of heavy crude oil production to a new
merchant upgrader to be constructed in Alberta. The agreement is for a
period of 5 years, with first deliveries anticipated to occur in 2010 upon
completion of construction of the facilities.
o AECO benchmark pricing for natural gas was 4% lower than in the previous
quarter, reflecting the impact of high regional storage levels in North
America.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
o Canadian Natural has structured its financial position so as to be able to
profitably grow its conventional crude oil and natural gas operations over
the next several years and to build the financial capacity to complete the
Horizon Project and other major projects. A brief summary of its strengths
are:
-- A diverse asset base geographically and by product - produced in
excess of 561,000 boe/d in Q3/06, comprised of approximately 43%
natural gas and 57% crude oil - with 94% of production located in G7
countries with stable and secure economies.
-- Financial stability and liquidity - approximately $3.5 billion of
bank credit facilities, of which Canadian Natural had in aggregate
$2.2 billion of unused bank lines available at September 30, 2006.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 9
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-- Strong balance sheet at September 30, 2006 - with a debt to book
capitalization ratio of 35%, debt to cash flow of 1.1x, debt to
EBITDA of 1.0x and shareholders' equity of $10.4 billion.
o During the third quarter of 2006, in anticipation of the acquisition of
ACC, the Board of Directors amended the Company's commodity hedging
program. The commodity hedging program reduces the risk of volatility in
commodity price markets and supports the Company's cash flow for its
capital expenditure program throughout the Horizon Project construction
period. This program was temporarily amended to allow for the hedging of
up to 75% of the expected production to the end of 2007 and up to 50% of
the expected 2008 production through the use of derivative financial
instruments. For the purpose of this program, the purchase of crude oil
put options is in addition to the above parameters. In accordance with the
policy, approximately 60% of expected crude oil volumes and approximately
70% of the expected natural gas volumes have been hedged for the remainder
of 2006 and 2007. In 2007 the Company will revert to the original hedging
program which allows for the hedging of up to 75% of the near 12 months
budgeted production, up to 50% of the following 13 to 24 months estimated
production and up to 25% of production expected in months 25 to 48.
o As effective as commodity hedges are against reference commodity prices, a
substantial portion of the derivative financial instruments entered into
by the Company do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting under
GAAP due to currency, product quality and location differentials (the
"non-designated hedges"). The Company is required to mark-to-market these
non-designated hedges based on prevailing forward commodity prices in
effect at the end of each reporting period. Accordingly, the unrealized
risk management liability reflects, at September 30, 2006, the implied
price differentials for the non-designated hedges for future years. The
cash settlement amount of the risk management financial derivative
instruments may vary materially depending upon the underlying crude oil
and natural gas prices at the time of final settlement of the financial
derivative instruments, as compared to their mark-to-market value at
September 30, 2006. Due to changes in the crude oil and natural gas
forward pricing and the settlement of a portion of 2006 contracts as at
September 30, 2006, the Company recorded a net pre-tax $772 million ($508
million after-tax) unrealized gain on its risk management activities for
the nine months ended September 30, 2006 (September 30, 2005 - unrealized
pre-tax loss of $1,750 million), including a pre-tax $754 million ($496
million after-tax) unrealized gain for the three months ended September
30, 2006 (September 30, 2005 - unrealized pre-tax loss of $633 million;
June 30, 2006 - unrealized pre-tax gain of $26 million).
o In addition to the risk management liability recognized on the balance
sheet at September 30, 2006, the net unrecognized asset related to the
fair value of derivative financial instruments designated as hedges was
$195 million at September 30, 2006 (December 31, 2005 - net unrecognized
liability of $990 million).
o During Q3/06 under the terms of the Normal Course Issuer Bid, which allows
for the repurchase by the Company of up to 26.9 million shares through the
facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange,
95,000 common shares were repurchased at an average price of $58.97/share.
OUTLOOK
The Company has revised its annual production guidance to include the effect of
ACC from November 2006 and currently expects 2006 production levels before
royalties to average 1,492 to 1,501 mmcf/d of natural gas and 325 to 336 mbbl/d
of crude oil and NGLs. Q4/06 production guidance before royalties is 1,620 to
1,658 mmcf/d of natural gas and 324 to 344 mbbl/d of crude oil and NGLs.
Detailed guidance on revised production levels, capital allocation and
operating costs can be found on the Company's website at
http://www.cnrl.com/investor_info/corporate_guidance/.
10 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
2007 BUDGET
o Crude oil and NGLs production target of 315,000 - 360,000 bbl/d before
royalties representing a midpoint increase of 2% from the midpoint of 2006
annual guidance. Crude oil capital has been maintained with 2006 levels as
we continue to develop long term production growth projects at Pelican
Lake and in-situ oilsands at Primrose.
o For 2007, excluding stratigraphic and service wells, Canadian Natural
expects to drill 666 North American crude oil wells, an increase of 2%
compared to 2006 drilling levels with the majority of additional drilling
targeting conventional heavy oil.
o Natural gas production target of 1,594 - 1,664 mmcf/d before royalties
representing a midpoint increase of 9% from the midpoint of 2006 annual
guidance. Natural gas capital has been reduced by approximately 40% from
2006 levels as a result of the shift in capital allocation to higher
return crude oil projects in the near term.
o Allocation of capital between Canadian Natural and newly acquired ACC
lands will be the result of a high-grading process focusing on highest
return projects. No changes to the long-term natural gas plans of the
Company are contemplated. As a result, 2007 natural gas drilling has been
reduced significantly.
o For 2007, Canadian Natural plans on drilling 423 natural gas wells in
North America, which represents a decrease of 43% compared to 2006
drilling levels. This planned reduction reflects the continuation of the
shift made earlier in 2006 to higher return crude oil projects as a result
of lower manpower intensity for crude oil drilling and completions and
higher crude oil pricing. No changes were made to the long-term natural
gas program where competitive drainage or lease expiries could impact
development.
o Equivalent production target of 581,000 - 637,000 boe/d before royalties
representing a midpoint increase of 5% from the midpoint of 2006 annual
guidance.
o Cash flow estimate of $5.6 billion - $6.0 billion ($10.40 - $11.20 per
common share) based upon a forecast average West Texas Intermediate oil
price of US$65/bbl, an AECO natural gas price of C$7.35/GJ and an exchange
rate of C$1.00 = US$0.8929.
o Strong 2007 commodity hedging program with a combination of costless
collars, put contracts and physical sales contracts on majority of total
natural gas production. Details of the hedge position are shown in note 7
of the consolidated financial statements.
o Continued strong balance sheet management with targeted debt to book
capitalization at the end of 2007 of approximately 45% and debt to EBITDA
of 1.6 times.
o The budgeted capital expenditures in 2007 are currently expected to be as
follows:
------------------------------------------
($ millions) 2007 BUDGET 2006 Forecast
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conventional oil and gas
North America natural gas $ 1,111 $ 1,914
North America crude oil and NGLs 1,350 1,296
North Sea 521 651
Offshore West Africa 114 146
Acquisition of Anadarko Canada Corporation - 4,528
Property acquisitions, dispositions and midstream 16 (28)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3,112 8,507
Horizon Oil Sands Project Phase 1 construction 2,610 (1) 2,561
Capitalized interest and other items 397 222
Horizon Oil Sands Project Phase 2/3 engineering 109 128
Canadian Natural Upgrader engineering 25 3
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 6,253 $ 11,421
==========================================================================================================
(1) FORECAST TO BE IN THE RANGE OF $2,410 MILLION TO $2,810 MILLION, THE FINAL
LEVEL OF EXPENDITURE WILL BE DEPENDENT UPON THE ABILITY OF CERTAIN
CONTRACTORS TO ADVANCE PORTIONS OF THEIR EFFORTS FROM 2008 INTO 2007 AS
WELL AS THE EXTENT OF ANY REALIZED COST PRESSURES ON CERTAIN ISOLATED
PORTIONS OF THE PROJECT.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 11
===============================================================================
The above capital expenditure budget incorporates the following levels of
drilling activity:
---------------------------------------
Drilling activity (number of net wells) 2007 BUDGET 2006 Forecast
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Targeting natural gas 423 740
Targeting crude oil 676 668
Stratigraphic test / service wells, including Horizon Project 311 365
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 1,410 1,773
==========================================================================================================
DRILLING PROGRAM
The 2007 North America drilling program is highlighted by the high-grading of
our natural gas asset base, continued development of Pelican Lake and another
strong conventional heavy program and consists of:
--------------------------------------
(number of net wells) 2007 BUDGET 2006 Forecast
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Natural gas 423 740
Crude oil
Conventional heavy crude oil 369 318
Thermal oil sands 58 67
Light crude oil 107 121
Pelican Lake crude oil 132 149
Stratigraphic test / service wells, excluding Horizon Project 147 209
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 1,236 1,604
========================================================================================================
HORIZON OIL SANDS PROJECT
o The 2007 capital for Phase 1 construction of the Horizon Project is
forecast to be in the range of $2,410 million to $2,810 million. The final
level of expenditure will be dependent upon the ability of certain of the
contractors to advance portions of their efforts from 2008 into 2007 as
well as the extent of any realized cost pressures on certain isolated
portions of the project.
o The 2007 capital budget for the Horizon Project targets the completion of
most major plants with the commissioning process to be substantially
underway. The Ore Preparation Plant and Tailings Systems are targeted to
be mechanically complete and ready to commission with the majority of
utilities and offsites systems operational. The Upgrader is targeted to be
nearing completion, with half of the related plants completed. A total of
156 stratigraphic test wells will be drilled on the Horizon Project leases
during 2007.
INTERNATIONAL
o A total of 7.4 producer wells and 7.2 service wells will be drilled in the
North Sea. Additionally, the development of the Lyell Field is targeted
for completion in late 2007.
o At West Espoir an additional 3.0 producer wells will be drilled and 1.2
service wells.
12 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this document or documents incorporated herein by
reference for Canadian Natural Resources Limited (the "Company") may constitute
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally
be identified as such because of the context of the statements including words
such as the Company "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "plans", "estimates",
"targets", or words of a similar nature.
The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are
subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may
cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or
industry results, to be materially different from any future results,
performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements. Such factors include, among others: general economic and business
conditions which will, among other things, impact demand for and market prices
of the Company's products; foreign currency exchange rates; economic conditions
in the countries and regions in which the Company conducts business; political
uncertainty, including actions of or against terrorists, insurgent groups or
other conflict including conflict between states; industry capacity; ability of
the Company to implement its business strategy, including exploration and
development activities; impact of competition, availability and cost of
seismic, drilling and other equipment; ability of the Company to complete its
capital programs; ability of the Company to transport its products to market;
potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development
projects or capital expenditures; ability of the Company to attract the
necessary labour required to build its projects; operating hazards and other
difficulties inherent in the exploration for and production and sale of crude
oil and natural gas; availability and cost of financing; success of exploration
and development activities; timing and success of integrating the business and
operations of acquired companies; production levels; uncertainty of reserve
estimates; actions by governmental authorities; government regulations and the
expenditures required to comply with them (especially safety and environmental
laws and regulations); asset retirement obligations; and other circumstances
affecting revenues and expenses. The impact of any one factor on a particular
forward-looking statement is not determinable with certainty as such factors
are interdependent upon other factors, and the Company's course of action would
depend upon its assessment of the future considering all information then
available. Statements relating to "reserves" are deemed to be forward-looking
statements as they involve the implied assessment based on certain estimates
and assumptions that the reserves described can be profitably produced in the
future. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of important factors is
not exhaustive. Although the Company believes that the expectations conveyed by
the forward-looking statements are reasonable based on information available to
it on the date such forward-looking statements are made, no assurances can be
given as to future results, levels of activity and achievements. All subsequent
forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, attributable to the
Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their
entirety by these cautionary statements. Except as required by law, the Company
assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances
or Management's estimates or opinions change.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 13
===============================================================================
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") of the financial condition and
results of operations of Canadian Natural Resources Limited (the "Company"),
should be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim consolidated financial
statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and the MD&A and the
audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005.
All dollar amounts are referenced in millions of Canadian dollars, except where
noted otherwise. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
Canadian generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). This MD&A includes
references to financial measures commonly used in the crude oil and natural gas
industry, such as adjusted net earnings from operations, cash flow from
operations, and EBITDA (net earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation,
depletion and amortization, asset retirement obligation accretion, unrealized
foreign exchange, stock-based compensation expense and unrealized risk
management activities). These financial measures are not defined by GAAP and
therefore are referred to as non-GAAP measures. The non-GAAP measures used by
the Company may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other
companies. The Company uses these non-GAAP measures to evaluate its
performance. The non-GAAP measures should not be considered an alternative to
or more meaningful than net earnings, as determined in accordance with GAAP, as
an indication of the Company's performance. The measures adjusted net earnings
from operations and cash flow from operations are reconciled to net earnings in
the "Financial Highlights" section.
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to enable comparison with
the current period's presentation.
The calculation of barrels of oil equivalent ("boe") is based on a conversion
ratio of six thousand cubic feet ("mcf") of natural gas to one barrel ("bbl")
of crude oil to estimate relative energy content. This conversion may be
misleading, particularly when used in isolation, since the 6 mcf:1 bbl ratio is
based on an energy equivalency at the burner tip and does not represent the
value equivalency at the well head.
Production volumes are presented throughout this MD&A on a "before royalty" or
"gross" basis, and realized prices exclude the effect of risk management
activities, except where noted otherwise. Production on an "after royalty" or
"net" basis is presented for information purposes only.
The following discussion refers primarily to the Company's financial results
for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2006 in relation to the
comparable periods in 2005 and the second quarter of 2006. The accompanying
tables form an integral part of this MD&A. This MD&A is dated October 27, 2006.
14 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(millions, except per common share amounts)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
----------- ----------------
SEP 30 Jun 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue, before royalties $ 2,859 $ 2,717 $ 2,918 $ 7,948 $ 7,075
Net earnings (loss) $ 1,116 $ 1,038 $ 151 $ 2,211 $ (54)
Per common share - basic $ 2.08 $ 1.93 $ 0.28 $ 4.12 $ (0.10)
- diluted $ 2.08 $ 1.93 $ 0.28 $ 4.12 $ (0.10)
Adjusted net earnings from operations(1) $ 470 $ 514 $ 593 $ 1,252 $ 1,433
Per common share - basic $ 0.87 $ 0.96 $ 1.10 $ 2.33 $ 2.67
- diluted $ 0.87 $ 0.96 $ 1.10 $ 2.33 $ 2.67
Cash flow from operations(2) $ 1,313 $ 1,287 $ 1,386 $ 3,639 $ 3,531
Per common share - basic $ 2.44 $ 2.40 $ 2.58 $ 6.77 $ 6.58
- diluted $ 2.44 $ 2.40 $ 2.57 $ 6.77 $ 6.58
Capital expenditures, net of dispositions $ 1,661 $ 1,558 $ 1,272 $ 5,528 $ 3,253
==========================================================================================================================
(1) ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS IS A NON-GAAP TERM THAT REPRESENTS
NET EARNINGS ADJUSTED FOR CERTAIN ITEMS OF A NON-OPERATIONAL NATURE. THE
COMPANY EVALUATES ITS PERFORMANCE BASED ON ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS FROM
OPERATIONS. THE FOLLOWING RECONCILIATION LISTS THE AFTER-TAX EFFECTS OF
CERTAIN ITEMS OF A NON-OPERATIONAL NATURE THAT ARE INCLUDED IN THE
COMPANY'S FINANCIAL RESULTS. ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS MAY NOT
BE COMPARABLE TO SIMILAR MEASURES PRESENTED BY OTHER COMPANIES.
THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED
------------ --------------
SEP 30 JUN 30 SEP 30 SEP 30 SEP 30
($ MILLIONS) 2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET EARNINGS (LOSS) AS REPORTED $ 1,116 $ 1,038 $ 151 $ 2,211 $ (54)
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (RECOVERY) EXPENSE, NET OF TAX(a) (92) (21) 135 (25) 406
UNREALIZED RISK MANAGEMENT (GAIN) LOSS, NET OF TAX(b) (496) (17) 430 (508) 1,190
UNREALIZED FOREIGN EXCHANGE LOSS (GAIN), NET OF TAX(c) 9 (48) (104) (31) (90)
EFFECT OF STATUTORY TAX RATE CHANGES ON FUTURE INCOME TAX
LIABILITIES(d) (67) (438) (19) (395) (19)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS $ 470 $ 514 $ 593 $ 1,252 $ 1,433
=================================================================================================================================
(a) THE COMPANY'S EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN PROVIDES FOR A CASH PAYMENT
OPTION. ACCORDINGLY, THE INTRINSIC VALUE OF THE OUTSTANDING VESTED OPTIONS
IS RECORDED AS A LIABILITY ON THE COMPANY'S BALANCE SHEET AND PERIODIC
CHANGES IN THE INTRINSIC VALUE, NET OF TAXES, FLOW THROUGH NET EARNINGS,
OR ARE CAPITALIZED TO THE HORIZON OIL SANDS PROJECT.
(b) FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS NOT DESIGNATED AS HEDGES ARE RECORDED AT FAIR VALUE
ON THE BALANCE SHEET, WITH CHANGES IN FAIR VALUE, NET OF TAXES, FLOWING
THROUGH NET EARNINGS. THE AMOUNTS ULTIMATELY REALIZED MAY BE MATERIALLY
DIFFERENT THAN REFLECTED IN THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DUE TO CHANGES IN
PRICES OF THE UNDERLYING ITEMS HEDGED, PRIMARILY CRUDE OIL AND NATURAL
GAS.
(c) UNREALIZED FOREIGN EXCHANGE GAINS AND LOSSES RESULT PRIMARILY FROM THE
TRANSLATION OF US DOLLAR DENOMINATED LONG-TERM DEBT TO PERIOD-END EXCHANGE
RATES AND ARE IMMEDIATELY RECOGNIZED IN NET EARNINGS.
(d) ALL SUBSTANTIVELY ENACTED ADJUSTMENTS IN APPLICABLE INCOME TAX RATES ARE
APPLIED TO UNDERLYING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES ON THE COMPANY'S BALANCE
SHEET IN DETERMINING ITS FUTURE INCOME TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES. THE
IMPACT OF THE TAX RATE CHANGES IS RECORDED IN NET EARNINGS IN THE PERIOD
THE LEGISLATION IS SUBSTANTIVELY ENACTED. DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF
2006, THE UK GOVERNMENT SUBSTANTIVELY ENACTED AN INCREASE TO THE
SUPPLEMENTARY CHARGE ON PROFITS FROM UK NORTH SEA CRUDE OIL AND NATURAL
GAS PRODUCTION, RESULTING IN AN INCREASE OF FUTURE TAX LIABILITIES OF $110
MILLION. DURING THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2006, THE CANADIAN FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT ENACTED REDUCTIONS TO ITS CORPORATE INCOME TAX RATES, RESULTING
IN A REDUCTION OF FUTURE INCOME TAX LIABILITIES OF APPROXIMATELY $277
MILLION. ALSO DURING THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2006, THE PROVINCES OF ALBERTA
AND SASKATCHEWAN ENACTED REDUCTIONS TO THEIR CORPORATE INCOME TAX RATES,
RESULTING IN A REDUCTION OF FUTURE TAX LIABILITIES OF APPROXIMATELY $161
MILLION. DURING THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2006, THE GOVERNMENT OF COTE D'IVOIRE
ENACTED REDUCTIONS TO ITS CORPORATE INCOME TAX RATE, RESULTING IN A
REDUCTION OF FUTURE INCOME TAX LIABILITIES OF APPROXIMATELY $67 MILLION.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 15
===============================================================================
(2) CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS IS A NON-GAAP TERM THAT REPRESENTS NET EARNINGS
ADJUSTED FOR NON-CASH ITEMS. THE COMPANY EVALUATES ITS PERFORMANCE BASED
ON CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS. THE COMPANY CONSIDERS CASH FLOW FROM
OPERATIONS A KEY MEASURE AS IT DEMONSTRATES THE COMPANY'S ABILITY TO
GENERATE THE CASH FLOW NECESSARY TO FUND FUTURE GROWTH THROUGH CAPITAL
INVESTMENT AND TO REPAY DEBT. CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS MAY NOT BE
COMPARABLE TO SIMILAR MEASURES PRESENTED BY OTHER COMPANIES.
THREE MONTHS ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED
------------ ----------
SEP 30 JUN 30 SEP 30 SEP 30 SEP 30
($ MILLIONS) 2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET EARNINGS (LOSS) $ 1,116 $ 1,038 $ 151 $ 2,211 $ (54)
NON-CASH ITEMS:
DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION 589 557 505 1,667 1,463
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION ACCRETION 17 16 18 50 53
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (RECOVERY) EXPENSE (135) (34) 199 (37) 598
UNREALIZED RISK MANAGEMENT (GAIN) LOSS (754) (26) 633 (772) 1,750
UNREALIZED FOREIGN EXCHANGE LOSS (GAIN) 11 (58) (124) (37) (108)
DEFERRED PETROLEUM REVENUE TAX (RECOVERY) EXPENSE (4) 18 (14) 40 (10)
FUTURE INCOME TAX EXPENSE (RECOVERY) 473 (224) 18 517 (161)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS $ 1,313 $ 1,287 $ 1,386 $ 3,639 $ 3,531
==================================================================================================================================
SUMMARY OF CONSOLIDATED NET EARNINGS AND CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS
For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, the Company reported record net
earnings of $2,211 million compared to a net loss of $54 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 2005. Net earnings for the nine months ended
September 30, 2006 included unrealized after-tax income of $959 million related
to the effects of risk management activities, statutory tax rate changes on
future income tax liabilities, foreign exchange gains and stock-based
compensation recovery, compared to $1,487 million of net after-tax expenses for
the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Excluding these items, adjusted net
earnings from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 decreased
to $1,252 million from $1,433 million for the nine months ended September 30,
2005, primarily due to lower natural gas pricing, higher realized risk
management losses, higher production costs and depletion, depreciation and
amortization expense, and the impact of a stronger Canadian dollar relative to
the US dollar. These factors were partially offset by stronger crude oil
pricing and higher crude oil sales volumes.
For the third quarter of 2006, the Company reported record quarterly net
earnings of $1,116 million compared to net earnings of $151 million in the
third quarter of 2005 and net earnings of $1,038 million for the prior quarter.
Net earnings in the third quarter of 2006 included unrealized after-tax income
of $646 million related to the effects of risk management activities,
stock-based compensation recovery, statutory tax rate changes on future income
tax liabilities and foreign exchange losses, compared to net after-tax expenses
of $442 million in the third quarter of 2005 and $524 million of after-tax
income in the prior quarter. Excluding these items, adjusted net earnings from
operations in the third quarter of 2006 decreased to $470 million from $593
million in the comparable period in 2005, and decreased from $514 million in
the prior quarter. The decrease from the comparable period in 2005 was
primarily due to lower natural gas pricing, higher realized losses from risk
management activities and the impact of a stronger Canadian dollar relative to
the US dollar. These factors were offset by the impact of higher crude oil
pricing and higher crude oil sales volumes. The decrease from the prior quarter
was primarily due to lower natural gas pricing and lower natural gas
production, offset by higher crude oil sales in the North Sea due to the timing
of liftings.
The Company expects that consolidated net earnings will continue to reflect
significant quarterly volatility due to the impact of risk management
activities, stock-based compensation expense and fluctuations in foreign
exchange rates.
16 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
During the third quarter of 2006, in anticipation of the acquisition of
Anadarko Canada Corporation ("ACC"), the Board of Directors amended the
Company's commodity hedging program. The commodity hedging program reduces the
risk of volatility in commodity price markets and supports the Company's cash
flow for its capital expenditure program throughout the Horizon Oil Sands
Project ("Horizon Project") construction period. This program was temporarily
amended to allow for the hedging of up to 75% of the expected production to the
end of 2007 and up to 50% of the expected 2008 production through the use of
derivative financial instruments. For the purpose of this program, the purchase
of crude oil put options is in addition to the above parameters. In accordance
with the policy, approximately 60% of expected crude oil volumes and
approximately 70% of expected natural gas volumes have been hedged for the
remainder of 2006 and 2007. In 2007, the Company will revert to the original
hedging program that allows for the hedging of up to 75% of the near 12 months
budgeted production, up to 50% of the following 13 to 24 months estimated
production and up to 25% of production expected in months 25 to 48.
As effective as the Company's hedges are against reference commodity prices, a
portion of the derivative financial instruments entered into by the Company do
not meet the requirements for hedge accounting under GAAP due to currency,
product quality and location differentials (the "non-designated hedges"). The
Company is required to mark-to-market these non-designated hedges based on
prevailing forward commodity prices in effect at the end of each reporting
period. Accordingly, the unrealized risk management liability reflects, at
September 30, 2006, the implied price differentials for the non-designated
hedges for future periods. The cash settlement amount of the risk management
financial derivative instruments may vary materially depending upon the
underlying crude oil and natural gas prices at the time of final settlement of
the financial derivative instruments, as compared to their mark-to-market value
at September 30, 2006.
Due to the changes in crude oil and natural gas forward pricing, and the
settlement of a portion of 2006 contracts, the Company recorded a net $772
million ($508 million after-tax) unrealized gain on its risk management
activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, including a $754
million ($496 million after-tax) unrealized gain for the three months ended
September 30, 2006. Mark-to-market unrealized gains and losses do not impact
the Company's current cash flow or its ability to finance ongoing capital
programs. The Company continues to believe that its risk management program
meets its objective of securing funding for its capital projects and does not
intend to alter its current strategy of obtaining price certainty for its crude
oil and natural gas sales.
The Company also recorded a $37 million ($25 million after-tax) stock-based
compensation recovery for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 in
connection with the 12% decrease in the Company's share price, and a $135
million ($92 million after-tax) stock-based compensation recovery as a result
of the 17% decrease in the Company's share price for the three months ended
September 30, 2006 (Company's share price as at: September 30, 2006 - C$50.94;
June 30, 2006 - C$61.72; December 31, 2005 - C$57.63; September 30, 2005 -
C$52.50). As required by GAAP, the Company records a liability for potential
cash payments to settle its outstanding employee stock options, based on the
difference between the exercise price of the stock options and the market price
of the Company's common shares, pursuant to a graded vesting schedule. The
liability is revalued each quarter to reflect the changes in the market price
of the Company's common shares and the options exercised or surrendered in the
period, with the net change recognized in earnings, or capitalized as part of
the Horizon Project during the construction period. The stock-based
compensation liability reflects the Company's potential cash liability should
all the vested options be surrendered for a cash payout at the market price on
September 30, 2006. In periods when substantial stock price changes occur, the
Company's net earnings are subject to significant volatility. The Company
utilizes its stock-based compensation plan to attract and retain employees in a
competitive environment. All employees participate in this plan.
Cash flow from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2006
increased to $3,639 million from $3,531 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 2005. Cash flow from operations in the third quarter of 2006
decreased to $1,313 million from $1,386 million for the third quarter of 2005
and increased 2% from $1,287 million in the prior quarter. Cash flow from
operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 increased from the
comparable period in 2005 primarily due to higher crude oil pricing and higher
crude oil sales volumes. These factors were partially offset by lower natural
gas pricing, higher realized losses from risk management activities, higher
production costs and the impact of a stronger Canadian dollar relative to the
US dollar. The decrease from the third quarter in 2005 was primarily due to
lower natural gas pricing, higher realized losses from risk management
activities and the impact of a stronger Canadian dollar relative to the US
dollar. These factors were offset by the impact of increased crude oil pricing.
The increase from the prior quarter was primarily related to the timing of
liftings in the North Sea, partially offset by lower natural gas pricing and
production.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 17
===============================================================================
Total production before royalties averaged a record 569,590 boe/d for the nine
months ended September 30, 2006, up 5% from 544,688 boe/d for the nine months
ended September 30, 2005. Production for the third quarter of 2006 decreased 2%
to 561,152 boe/d from 571,911 boe/d in the third quarter of 2005 and decreased
4% from 584,611 boe/d in the prior quarter.
In the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company expects to complete the acquisition
of ACC, a subsidiary of Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, for aggregate
consideration of US$4.075 billion, before working capital and other
adjustments. ACC's land and production base is located in Western Canada and
consists of natural gas weighted assets. The current production, before
royalties, that the Company expects to acquire is approximately 358 mmcf/d of
natural gas and 9,300 bbl/d of crude oil and NGLs.
OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
-------------- ---------------
SEP 30 Jun 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRUDE OIL AND NGLS ($/bbl)(1)
Sales price(2) $ 62.55 $ 60.05 $ 57.35 $ 55.91 $ 47.04
Royalties 5.11 5.14 5.11 4.61 4.00
Production expense 13.47 11.92 11.48 12.29 11.48
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Netback $ 43.97 $ 42.99 $ 40.76 $ 39.01 $ 31.56
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATURAL GAS ($/mcf)(1)
Sales price(2) $ 5.83 $ 6.16 $ 8.61 $ 6.75 $ 7.53
Royalties 1.11 1.11 1.93 1.31 1.57
Production expense 0.84 0.80 0.76 0.81 0.72
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Netback $ 3.88 $ 4.25 $ 5.92 $ 4.63 $ 5.24
- ------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------
BARRELS OF OIL EQUIVALENT ($/boe)(1)
Sales price(2) $ 51.21 $ 50.36 $ 54.87 $ 49.38 $ 46.17
Royalties 5.75 5.80 7.84 5.99 6.40
Production expense 10.01 8.85 8.56 9.13 8.31
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Netback $ 35.45 $ 35.71 $ 38.47 $ 34.26 $ 31.46
=================================================================================================================================
(1) AMOUNTS EXPRESSED ON A PER UNIT BASIS ARE BASED ON SALES VOLUMES.
(2) INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION COSTS AND EXCLUDING RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES.
18 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
-------------- ---------------
SEP 30 Jun 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WTI benchmark price (US$/bbl) $ 70.55 $ 70.70 $ 63.17 $ 68.29 $ 55.45
Dated Brent benchmark price (US$/bbl) $ 69.58 $ 69.63 $ 61.47 $ 67.03 $ 53.63
Differential to LLB blend (US$/bbl) $ 19.08 $ 17.79 $ 18.73 $ 21.82 $ 19.74
LLB blend differential from WTI (%) 27% 25% 30% 32% 36%
Condensate benchmark price (US$/bbl) $ 70.26 $ 71.51 $ 63.40 $ 68.49 $ 56.18
NYMEX benchmark price (US$/mmbtu) $ 6.52 $ 6.83 $ 8.23 $ 7.47 $ 7.12
AECO benchmark price (C$/GJ) $ 5.72 $ 5.95 $ 7.73 $ 6.82 $ 7.03
US / Canadian dollar average
exchange rate (US$) 0.8919 0.8918 0.8325 0.8830 0.8170
=================================================================================================================================
Average world crude oil prices continued to remain strong in the third quarter
of 2006 due to continued demand growth and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties,
despite high crude oil inventories. However, pricing significantly declined as
the quarter progressed. In September 2006, crude oil prices averaged US$63.90
per bbl, a decline of 18% from the record high of US$78.40 per bbl reached in
July 2006.
West Texas Intermediate ("WTI") averaged US$68.29 per bbl for the nine months
ended September 30, 2006, an increase of 23% compared to US$55.45 per bbl for
the nine months ended September 30, 2005. In the third quarter of 2006, WTI
averaged US$70.55 per bbl, an increase of 12% from US$63.17 per bbl in the
comparable period in 2005 and down slightly from US$70.70 per bbl in the prior
quarter. The Company's realized crude oil price increased from the comparable
periods in 2005 as a result of the increased WTI price and the narrower Heavy
Crude Oil Differential from WTI ("Heavy Differential"). Heavy Differentials
averaged 32% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to 36% for
the nine months ended September 30, 2005. For the three months ended September
30, 2006, Heavy Differentials averaged 27% compared to 30% for the third
quarter of 2005, but increased slightly from the prior quarter. The narrowing
of the Heavy Differentials in 2006 from the comparable periods in 2005 was
primarily due to strong seasonal demand for asphalt products, reduced
availability of imported grades from Venezuela and Mexico and the removal of
logistical constraints in accessing new markets in the US Gulf Coast due to the
Pegasus and Spearhead pipelines. The increase in North America realized crude
oil prices from the comparable periods in 2005 was partially offset by the
impact of a strengthening Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar. A
strengthening Canadian dollar reduces the Canadian dollar sales price the
Company receives for its crude oil sales, as crude oil prices are based on US
dollar denominated benchmarks.
The Company anticipates continued volatility in the crude oil markets as
current inventory levels remain high and geopolitical events are unpredictable.
Dated Brent ("Brent") averaged US$67.03 per bbl for the nine months ended
September 30, 2006, an increase of 25% compared to US$53.63 per bbl for the
nine months ended September 30, 2005. In the third quarter of 2006, Brent
averaged US$69.58 per bbl, an increase of 13% from US$61.47 per bbl in the
comparable period in 2005 due to increased demand. Crude oil sales contracts
for the Company's North Sea and Offshore West Africa segments are typically
based on Brent pricing, which have benefited from strong European and Asian
demand.
NYMEX natural gas prices averaged US$7.47 per mmbtu for the nine months ended
September 30, 2006, an increase of 5% from US$7.12 per mmbtu for the nine
months ended September 30, 2005. In the third quarter of 2006, the NYMEX
natural gas price decreased 21% to average US$6.52 per mmbtu from US$8.23 per
mmbtu in the comparable period in 2005, and decreased 5% from US$6.83 per mmbtu
in the prior quarter. AECO natural gas pricing for the nine months ended
September 30, 2006 decreased 3% from the nine months ended September 30, 2005
to average C$6.82 per GJ. AECO natural gas pricing for the three months ended
September 30, 2006 decreased 26% from the comparable period in 2005 and 4% from
the prior quarter to average C$5.72 per GJ. The decrease in natural gas pricing
from the comparable periods reflected the impact of exceptionally mild weather
to date in 2006, relatively low demand for electricity during the summer
cooling months and the continuing impact of high natural gas inventory levels.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 19
===============================================================================
The Company anticipates a challenging pricing environment in the near term
given the very strong storage levels. Longer term natural gas pricing will
continue to be weather dependent.
PRODUCT PRICES(1)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
---------------- ----------------
SEP 30 Jun 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRUDE OIL AND NGLS ($/bbl)(2)
North America $ 55.97 $ 54.94 $ 51.77 $ 48.82 $ 40.20
North Sea $ 78.68 $ 73.19 $ 74.46 $ 74.09 $ 66.49
Offshore West Africa $ 70.59 $ 72.97 $ 59.09 $ 69.58 $ 59.51
Company average $ 62.55 $ 60.05 $ 57.35 $ 55.91 $ 47.04
NATURAL GAS ($/mcf)(2)
North America $ 5.86 $ 6.21 $ 8.69 $ 6.81 $ 7.60
North Sea $ 2.38 $ 2.33 $ 2.64 $ 2.36 $ 3.11
Offshore West Africa $ 4.97 $ 5.30 $ 5.52 $ 5.27 $ 6.39
Company average $ 5.83 $ 6.16 $ 8.61 $ 6.75 $ 7.53
COMPANY AVERAGE ($/boe)(2) $ 51.21 $ 50.36 $ 54.87 $ 49.38 $ 46.17
PERCENTAGE OF REVENUE
(excluding midstream revenue)
Crude oil and NGLs 72% 68% 60% 65% 57%
Natural gas 28% 32% 40% 35% 43%
==================================================================================================================================
(1) INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION COSTS AND EXCLUDING RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES.
(2) AMOUNTS EXPRESSED ON A PER UNIT BASIS ARE BASED ON SALES VOLUMES.
The Company's realized crude oil prices increased 19% to average a record
$55.91 per bbl for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 from $47.04 per bbl
for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Realized crude oil prices for the
third quarter of 2006 increased 9% to average a record $62.55 per bbl from
$57.35 per bbl in the third quarter of 2005, and increased 4% from $60.05 per
bbl in the prior quarter. The increase from the comparable periods in 2005 was
due to higher benchmark crude oil prices and a narrower Heavy Differential,
partially offset by the impact of a stronger Canadian dollar. The increase from
the prior quarter was primarily due to higher benchmark crude oil prices.
The Company's realized natural gas price decreased 10% to average $6.75 per mcf
for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 from $7.53 per mcf for the nine
months ended September 30, 2005. This decrease reflected record levels of
natural gas inventory in North America, which were primarily due to the impact
of exceptionally mild weather early in 2006 that reduced seasonal heating
demand and stable summer weather that reduced cooling demand. In the third
quarter of 2006, the Company's realized natural gas price decreased 32% from
$8.61 per mcf in the third quarter of 2005 and decreased 5% from $6.16 per mcf
for the prior quarter primarily due to the above factors.
20 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
NORTH AMERICA
North America realized crude oil prices increased 21% to average $48.82 per bbl
for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 from $40.20 per bbl for the nine
months ended September 30, 2005. Realized crude oil prices in the third quarter
of 2006 averaged $55.97 per bbl, an 8% increase from $51.77 per bbl in the
comparable period in 2005, and increased slightly from $54.94 per bbl in the
prior quarter. The increase from the comparable periods in 2005 was due to
higher benchmark crude oil prices and a narrower Heavy Differential, partially
offset by the impact of a stronger Canadian dollar.
In North America, the Company continues to focus on its crude oil marketing
strategy, including the development of a blending strategy that expands markets
within current pipeline infrastructure, supporting pipeline projects that will
provide capacity to transport crude oil to new markets, and working with
refiners to add incremental heavy crude oil conversion capacity. During the
third quarter, the Company contributed approximately 127,000 bbl/d of heavy
crude oil blends to the Western Canadian Select ("WCS") stream. The Company
also continues to work with refiners to advance expansion of heavy crude oil
conversion capacity, and is working with pipeline companies to develop new
capacity to the Canadian West Coast and the US Gulf Coast where crude oil
cargos can be sold on a world-wide basis. With a view to expanding markets for
its heavy crude oil, the Company has committed to 25,000 bbl/d of capacity on
the Pegasus Pipeline, which carries crude oil to the Gulf of Mexico. The
Pegasus Pipeline is made up of a series of segments extending from Patoka,
Illinois to Nederland, Texas, near the Gulf Coast. The Company's first sales
from the Pegasus Pipeline occurred in April 2006. In the third quarter of 2006,
the Company entered into an agreement to supply 25,000 bbl/d of heavy crude oil
production to a new merchant upgrader to be constructed in Alberta. The
agreement is for a period of five years with first deliveries anticipated to
occur in 2010 upon completion of construction of the facilities.
North America realized natural gas prices decreased 10% to average $6.81 per
mcf for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 from $7.60 per mcf for the
nine months ended September 30, 2005. The realized natural gas price in the
third quarter of 2006 averaged $5.86 per mcf, a decrease of 33% from $8.69 per
mcf in the comparable period in 2005 and a decrease of 6% from $6.21 per mcf
for the prior quarter.
A comparison of the price received for the Company's North America production
by product type is as follows:
---------------
SEP 30 2006 Jun 30 2006 Sep 30 2005
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wellhead Price(1)(2)
Light / medium crude oil and NGLs (C$/bbl) $ 72.25 $ 69.25 $ 66.62
Pelican Lake crude oil (C$/bbl) $ 53.84 $ 56.01 $ 50.30
Primary heavy crude oil (C$/bbl) $ 52.15 $ 51.78 $ 48.86
Thermal heavy crude oil (C$/bbl) $ 50.36 $ 47.64 $ 44.84
Natural gas (C$/mcf) $ 5.86 $ 6.21 $ 8.69
=================================================================================================================
(1) INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION COSTS AND EXCLUDING RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES.
(2) AMOUNTS EXPRESSED ON A PER UNIT BASIS ARE BASED ON SALES VOLUMES.
NORTH SEA
North Sea realized crude oil prices increased 11% to average $74.09 per bbl for
the nine months ended September 30, 2006 from $66.49 per bbl for the nine
months ended September 30, 2005. Realized crude oil prices in the third quarter
of 2006 increased 6% to average $78.68 per bbl from $74.46 per bbl in the third
quarter of 2005 and increased 8% from $73.19 per bbl in the prior quarter. The
increase in the realized crude oil price from the comparable periods in 2005
and the prior quarter was due mainly to the impact of strong European and Asian
demand on Brent pricing, partially offset by the strengthening Canadian dollar
in 2006 compared to 2005.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 21
===============================================================================
OFFSHORE WEST AFRICA
Offshore West Africa realized crude oil prices increased 17% to average $69.58
per bbl for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 from $59.51 per bbl for
the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Realized crude oil prices for the
third quarter of 2006 increased 19% to average $70.59 per bbl from $59.09 per
bbl in the third quarter of 2005 and decreased 3% from $72.97 per bbl in the
prior quarter. The increase in the realized crude oil price from the comparable
periods in 2005 was due mainly to the impact of strong European and Asian
demand on Brent pricing, partially offset by the strengthening Canadian dollar.
The decrease from the prior quarter was primarily due to the timing of
liftings.
CRUDE OIL INVENTORY VOLUMES
The Company recognizes revenue on its crude oil production when title transfers
to the customer and delivery has taken place, referred to as "liftings" in this
MD&A. The related cumulative crude oil inventory volumes by segment, which have
not been recognized in revenue, were as follows:
--------------
(bbl) SEP 30 2006 Jun 30 Dec 31
2006 2005
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North America, related to pipeline fill 1,097,526 1,097,526 484,157
North Sea, related to timing of liftings 243,635 2,397,640 747,141
Offshore West Africa, related to timing of liftings 711,096 832,317 412,841
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,052,257 4,327,483 1,644,139
===============================================================================================================
In the third quarter of 2006, approximately 2.3 million barrels of crude oil
previously produced in the Company's international operations were sold and
included in the third quarter results of operations. This reduction in
inventory increased cash flow from operations by approximately $55 million in
the third quarter of 2006.
22 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
DAILY PRODUCTION, BEFORE ROYALTIES
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
------------- ---------------
SEP 30 Jun 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRUDE OIL AND NGLS (bbl/d)
North America 233,440 234,780 231,260 230,430 218,774
North Sea 53,988 63,703 73,543 59,473 69,198
Offshore West Africa 34,237 40,369 29,921 38,150 16,064
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
321,665 338,852 334,724 328,053 304,036
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATURAL GAS (mmcf/d)
North America 1,416 1,448 1,400 1,425 1,421
North Sea 11 17 18 15 19
Offshore West Africa 10 10 5 9 4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,437 1,475 1,423 1,449 1,444
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL BARREL OF OIL EQUIVALENT (boe/d) 561,152 584,611 571,911 569,590 544,688
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRODUCT MIX
Light/medium crude oil and NGLs 24% 26% 27% 26% 25%
Pelican Lake crude oil 5% 5% 4% 5% 4%
Primary heavy crude oil 16% 16% 16% 16% 17%
Thermal heavy crude oil 12% 11% 11% 11% 10%
Natural gas 43% 42% 42% 42% 44%
================================================================================================================================
DAILY PRODUCTION, NET OF ROYALTIES
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
------------ ----------------
SEP 30 Jun 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRUDE OIL AND NGLS (bbl/d)
North America 205,087 205,674 200,055 201,214 189,630
North Sea 53,911 63,552 73,424 59,361 69,101
Offshore West Africa 31,864 39,335 29,162 36,693 15,624
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
290,862 308,561 302,641 297,268 274,355
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATURAL GAS (mmcf/d)
North America 1,144 1,183 1,085 1,149 1,125
North Sea 11 17 18 15 19
Offshore West Africa 9 10 5 9 4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,164 1,210 1,108 1,173 1,148
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL BARREL OF OIL EQUIVALENT (boe/d) 484,872 510,243 487,292 492,759 465,675
================================================================================================================================
Daily production and per barrel statistics are presented throughout the MD&A on
a "before royalty" or "gross" basis. Production on an "after royalty" or "net"
basis is presented for information purposes only.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 23
===============================================================================
The Company's business approach is to maintain large project inventories and
production diversification among each of the commodities it produces; namely
natural gas, light/medium crude oil and NGLs, Pelican Lake crude oil, primary
heavy crude oil and thermal heavy crude oil.
Total crude oil and natural gas production averaged a record 569,590 boe/d for
the nine months ended September 30, 2006, a 5% increase from the nine months
ended September 30, 2005. Third quarter total production in 2006 averaged
561,152 boe/d, a decrease of 2% from the third quarter of 2005 and a decrease
of 4% from the prior quarter. The increase in production from the nine months
ended September 30, 2005 reflects increased production from the Company's
Primrose thermal projects, the positive results from the Pelican Lake
waterflood project, continued organic growth from the Company's North America
capital expenditure program and the full nine month impact of production from
the Baobab Field located offshore Cote d'Ivoire. Production from this Field
began in August 2005. The decrease from the third quarter of 2005 and the prior
quarter was primarily due to the impact of reduced natural gas drilling
activity in North America in 2006, planned maintenance shutdowns in the North
Sea and production curtailments at Baobab.
Total crude oil and NGLs production for the nine months ended September 30,
2006 increased 8% to 328,053 bbl/d from 304,036 bbl/d for the nine months ended
September 30, 2005. In the third quarter of 2006, production decreased 4% to
321,665 bbl/d from 334,724 bbl/d in the third quarter of 2005 and decreased 5%
from 338,852 bbl/d in the prior quarter. Crude oil and NGLs production in the
third quarter of 2006 was within the Company's previously issued guidance of
318,000 to 340,000 bbl/d.
Natural gas production continues to represent the Company's largest product
offering, accounting for over 40% of the Company's total production. Natural
gas production for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 averaged 1,449
mmcf/d compared to 1,444 mmcf/d for the nine months ended September 30, 2005.
In the third quarter of 2006, natural gas production averaged 1,437 mmcf/d
compared to 1,423 mmcf/d in the third quarter of 2005 and decreased 3% from
1,475 mmcf/d in the prior quarter. The Company's third quarter natural gas
production was also within the Company's previously issued guidance of 1,416 to
1,445 mmcf/d.
As a result of the planned acquisition of ACC, the Company has revised its
annual production guidance. In 2006, production is expected to average 325,000
to 336,000 bbl/d of crude oil and NGLs and 1,492 to 1,501 mmcf/d of natural
gas. Fourth quarter 2006 production guidance is 324,000 to 344,000 bbl/d of
crude oil and NGLs and 1,620 to 1,658 mmcf/d of natural gas.
NORTH AMERICA
North America crude oil and NGLs production for the nine months ended September
30, 2006 increased 5% to average 230,430 bbl/d from 218,774 bbl/d for the nine
months ended September 30, 2005. Production in the third quarter of 2006 was
relatively unchanged at 233,440 bbl/d compared to 231,260 bbl/d in the third
quarter of 2005 and 234,780 bbl/d in the prior quarter. The increase in crude
oil and NGLs production for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was mainly
due to increased Primrose production and the positive results from the Pelican
Lake waterflood project.
North America natural gas production of 1,425 mmcf/d for the nine months ended
September 30, 2006 remained relatively unchanged from production of 1,421
mmcf/d for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Third quarter 2006
production of 1,416 mmcf/d increased slightly from production of 1,400 mmcf/d
in the third quarter of 2005 and decreased 2% from 1,448 mmcf/d in the prior
quarter. The Company's natural gas production was impacted by its decision to
reduce its planned drilling activity for the balance of 2006 in response to
continuing low prices for natural gas and the anticipated acquisition of ACC.
NORTH SEA
North Sea crude oil production for the nine months ended September 30, 2006
averaged 59,473 bbl/d, 14% lower than the 69,198 bbl/d in the nine months ended
September 30, 2005. Crude oil production in the third quarter of 2006 decreased
to 53,988 bbl/d, 27% lower than production of 73,543 bbl/d in the comparable
period in 2005, and 15% lower than prior quarter production of 63,703 bbl/d.
Production levels for the third quarter were in line with expectations,
reflecting planned maintenance shutdowns.
24 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
OFFSHORE WEST AFRICA
Offshore West Africa crude oil production for the nine months ended September
30, 2006 increased 137% to 38,150 bbl/d from 16,064 bbl/d for the nine months
ended September 30, 2005, primarily due to the commencement of production from
the 57.61% owned and operated Baobab Field in August 2005. Production during
the third quarter of 2006 increased 14% from 29,921 bbl/d in the third quarter
of 2005 due to a full quarter of Baobab production, the delivery of first oil
from West Espoir in July and a successful infill drilling campaign at East
Espoir earlier in 2006. Production from the Baobab Field continues to be
impacted by increased sand and solids production resulting in the shut in of
four production wells for the entire third quarter that contributed to the 15%
decrease in production from the prior quarter.
ROYALTIES
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
-------------- ----------------
SEP 30 Jun 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRUDE OIL AND NGLS ($/bbl)(1)
North America $ 6.79 $ 6.81 $ 6.99 $ 6.13 $ 5.36
North Sea $ 0.11 $ 0.17 $ 0.12 $ 0.13 $ 0.10
Offshore West Africa $ 4.89 $ 1.87 $ 1.54 $ 2.74 $ 1.69
Company average $ 5.11 $ 5.14 $ 5.11 $ 4.61 $ 4.00
NATURAL GAS ($/mcf)(1)
North America $ 1.12 $ 1.13 $ 1.96 $ 1.34 $ 1.59
North Sea $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Offshore West Africa $ 0.34 $ 0.14 $ 0.13 $ 0.21 $ 0.18
Company average $ 1.11 $ 1.11 $ 1.93 $ 1.31 $ 1.57
COMPANY AVERAGE ($/boe)(1) $ 5.75 $ 5.80 $ 7.84 $ 5.99 $ 6.40
PERCENTAGE OF REVENUE(2)
Crude oil and NGLs 8% 9% 9% 8% 9%
Natural gas 19% 18% 22% 19% 21%
Company average boe 11% 12% 14% 12% 14%
=================================================================================================================================
(1) AMOUNTS EXPRESSED ON A PER UNIT BASIS ARE BASED ON SALES VOLUMES.
(2) INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION COSTS AND EXCLUDING RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES.
NORTH AMERICA
North America crude oil and NGLs royalties per bbl for the nine months ended
September 30, 2006 primarily reflect the Company's realized crude oil prices
received. A significant portion of North America crude oil royalties are
calculated as a percentage of forecasted annual net profit after capital costs.
Crude oil and NGLs royalties decreased in the third quarter of 2006 from the
previous year and the prior quarter, despite strong crude oil benchmark prices,
based on current forecasts. Partially offsetting this decrease was the payout
of the Company's Primrose oil sands project, which occurred late in the third
quarter of 2006. Upon payout, Crown royalty rates on the Primrose Field were
increased from 1% of gross revenue to 25% of net profit after capital costs.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 25
===============================================================================
Natural gas royalties per mcf fluctuated from the comparable periods in 2005
and the prior quarter in response to benchmark natural gas prices, which were
impacted by changes in demand and storage levels for natural gas.
NORTH SEA
North Sea government royalties on crude oil were eliminated effective January
1, 2003. The remaining royalty is a gross overriding royalty on the Ninian
Field.
OFFSHORE WEST AFRICA
Offshore West Africa production is governed by the terms of the various
Production Sharing Contracts ("PSCs"). Under the PSCs, revenues are divided
into cost recovery revenue and profit revenue. Cost recovery revenue allows the
Company to recover its capital and operating costs and the costs carried by the
Company on behalf of the Government State Oil Company. These revenues are
reported as sales revenue. Profit revenue is allocated to the joint venture
partners in accordance with their respective equity interests, after a portion
has been allocated to the Government. The Government's share of profit revenue
attributable to the Company's equity interest is allocated to royalty expense
and current income tax expense in accordance with the PSCs. Based on current
projections, full recovery of the Company's capital investments in the Espoir
Field is expected late 2006, which will increase royalty rates and current
income taxes in accordance with the PSCs. The Baobab Field payout is now
expected to occur around 2012 due to the ongoing production curtailments
resulting from limitations to sand screen effectiveness.
In connection with corporate income tax rate reductions enacted by the
Government of Cote d'Ivoire during the third quarter, the Company anticipates
an increase in future royalty rates in Offshore West Africa in accordance with
the terms of the PSC's.
PRODUCTION EXPENSE
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
-------------- ---------------
SEP 30 Jun 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRUDE OIL AND NGLS ($/bbl)(1)
North America $ 12.05 $ 11.71 $ 10.77 $ 11.58 $ 10.34
North Sea $ 20.28 $ 17.18 $ 15.15 $ 18.41 $ 15.75
Offshore West Africa $ 7.97 $ 5.61 $ 5.81 $ 6.53 $ 7.72
Company average $ 13.47 $ 11.92 $ 11.48 $ 12.29 $ 11.48
NATURAL GAS ($/mcf)(1)
North America $ 0.83 $ 0.79 $ 0.74 $ 0.80 $ 0.70
North Sea $ 1.30 $ 1.47 $ 2.30 $ 1.35 $ 2.57
Offshore West Africa $ 1.39 $ 0.36 $ 1.09 $ 0.92 $ 1.21
Company average $ 0.84 $ 0.80 $ 0.76 $ 0.81 $ 0.72
COMPANY AVERAGE ($/boe)(1) $ 10.01 $ 8.85 $ 8.56 $ 9.13 $ 8.31
=================================================================================================================================
(1) AMOUNTS EXPRESSED ON A PER UNIT BASIS ARE BASED ON SALES VOLUMES.
26 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
NORTH AMERICA
North America crude oil and NGLs production expense per bbl for the nine months
ended September 30, 2006 increased to $11.58 from $10.34 for the nine months
ended September 30, 2005. Crude oil and NGLs production expense per bbl for the
three months ended September 30, 2006 increased to $12.05 from $10.77 for the
third quarter in 2005 and from $11.71 for the prior quarter. The increase in
production expense from the comparable periods was primarily due to higher
industry wide service costs. The increase from the prior quarter also reflects
higher cyclic steaming costs, partially offset by reduced fuel costs.
North America natural gas production expense per mcf for the nine and three
months ended September 30, 2006 increased over the comparable periods in 2005
and the prior quarter. Natural gas production costs continued to reflect
industry wide inflationary pressures.
NORTH SEA
North Sea crude oil production expense varied on a per barrel basis from the
comparable periods due to the planned maintenance shutdowns and the lower
production volumes on a relatively fixed cost base, as well as the timing of
liftings from various fields.
OFFSHORE WEST AFRICA
Offshore West Africa crude oil production expenses varied on a per barrel basis
from the comparable periods due to the full nine month impact of production
from the Baobab Field, which commenced in August 2005, partially offset by
continuing operating challenges in the third quarter with sand and solids and
the lower production volumes, all on a relatively fixed cost base. During the
quarter four wells were shut in, impacting production levels.
MIDSTREAM
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
------------- ---------------
SEP 30 Jun 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
($ millions) 2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue $ 19 $ 17 $ 18 $ 54 $ 56
Production expense 6 6 5 17 16
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Midstream cash flow 13 11 13 37 40
Depreciation 2 2 2 6 6
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Segment earnings before taxes $ 11 $ 9 $ 11 $ 31 $ 34
============================================================================================================================
The Company's midstream assets consist of three crude oil pipeline systems and
a 50% working interest in an 84-megawatt cogeneration plant at Primrose.
Approximately 80% of the Company's heavy crude oil production is transported to
international mainline liquid pipelines via the 100% owned and operated ECHO
Pipeline, the 62% owned and operated Pelican Lake Pipeline and the 15% owned
Cold Lake Pipeline. The midstream pipeline assets allow the Company to control
the transport of its own production volumes as well as earn third party
revenue. This transportation control enhances the Company's ability to manage
the full range of costs associated with the development and marketing of its
heavier crude oil.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 27
===============================================================================
DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION (1)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
--------------- ---------------
SEP 30 Jun 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense ($ millions) $ 587 $ 555 $ 503 $ 1,661 $ 1,457
$/boe(2) $ 10.89 $ 10.66 $ 9.75 $ 10.71 $ 9.87
===========================================================================================================================
(1) DD&A EXCLUDES DEPRECIATION ON MIDSTREAM ASSETS.
(2) AMOUNTS EXPRESSED ON A PER UNIT BASIS ARE BASED ON SALES VOLUMES.
Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization ("DD&A") for the nine and three months
ended September 30, 2006 increased in total and on a boe basis from the
comparable periods in 2005 and the prior quarter. The increase in overall DD&A
expense was primarily due to higher sales volumes, higher finding and
development costs associated with natural gas exploration in North America and
higher estimated future costs to develop the Company's proved undeveloped
reserves in the North Sea. DD&A per boe in the third quarter of 2006 reflected
a higher proportion of North Sea sales volumes due in part to the timing of
liftings in this segment, which has a higher DD&A rate than other segments.
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION ACCRETION
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
-------------- ---------------
SEP 30 Jun 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense ($ millions) $ 17 $ 16 $ 18 $ 50 $ 53
$/boe(1) $ 0.31 $ 0.32 $ 0.34 $ 0.32 $ 0.36
==============================================================================================================================
(1) AMOUNTS EXPRESSED ON A PER UNIT BASIS ARE BASED ON SALES VOLUMES.
Asset retirement obligation accretion expense is the increase in the carrying
amount of the asset retirement obligation due to the passage of time. Accretion
expense on a boe basis in the third quarter of 2006 reflects the impact of
higher sales volumes due to timing of liftings in the North Sea.
ADMINISTRATION EXPENSE
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
-------------- ----------------
SEP 30 Jun 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net expense ($ millions) $ 41 $ 40 $ 38 $ 123 $ 115
$/boe(1) $ 0.76 $ 0.78 $ 0.75 $ 0.79 $ 0.78
==============================================================================================================================
(1) AMOUNTS EXPRESSED ON A PER UNIT BASIS ARE BASED ON SALES VOLUMES.
Administration expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 increased
in total and on a boe basis from the nine months ended September 30, 2005. The
increase was primarily due to increased insurance premiums and increased
staffing costs. Administration expense on a boe basis in the third quarter of
2006 reflects the impact of higher sales volumes due to timing of liftings in
the North Sea.
28 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (RECOVERY) EXPENSE
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
-------------- ---------------
SEP 30 Jun 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
($ millions) 2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock option plan (recovery) expense $ (135) $ (34) $ 199 $ (37) $ 598
=================================================================================================================================
The Company's Stock Option Plan (the "Option Plan") provides current employees
(the "option holders") with the right to elect to receive common shares or a
direct cash payment in exchange for options surrendered. The design of the
Option Plan balances the need for a long-term compensation program to retain
employees with the benefits of reducing the impact of dilution on current
Shareholders and the reporting of the obligations associated with stock
options. Transparency of the cost of the Option Plan is increased since changes
in the intrinsic value of outstanding stock options are recognized each period.
The cash payment feature provides option holders with substantially the same
benefits and allows them to realize the value of their options through a
simplified administration process.
The Company recorded a $37 million ($25 million after-tax) stock-based
compensation recovery for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 in
connection with the 12% decrease in the Company's share price, and a $135
million ($92 million after-tax) stock-based compensation recovery as a result
of the decrease in the Company's share price in the third quarter of 2006
(Company's share price as at: September 30, 2006 - C$50.94; June 30, 2006 -
C$61.72; December 31, 2005 - C$57.63; September 30, 2005 - C$52.50). As
required by GAAP, the Company's outstanding stock options are valued based on
the difference between the exercise price of the stock options and the market
price of the Company's common shares, pursuant to a graded vesting schedule.
The liability is revalued quarterly to reflect changes in the market price of
the Company's common shares and the options exercised or surrendered in the
period, with the net change recognized in net earnings, or capitalized during
the construction period in the case of the Horizon Project. For the nine months
ended September 30, 2006 the Company capitalized $38 million in stock-based
compensation on the Horizon Project (September 30, 2005 - $64 million). The
stock-based compensation liability reflects the Company's potential cash
liability should all the vested options be surrendered for a cash payout at the
market price on September 30, 2006. In periods when substantial stock price
changes occur, the Company is subject to significant earnings volatility.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, the Company paid $216 million for
stock options surrendered for cash settlement (September 30, 2005 - $175
million).
INTEREST EXPENSE
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
--------------- ----------------
SEP 30 Jun 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest expense, gross ($ millions) $ 81 $ 69 $ 58 $ 208 $ 166
Less: capitalized interest, Horizon Project $ 56 $ 41 $ 20 $ 130 $ 45
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest expense, net $ 25 $ 28 $ 38 $ 78 $ 121
$/boe(1) $ 0.48 $ 0.53 $ 0.73 $ 0.51 $ 0.82
Average effective interest rate 5.8% 5.7% 6.0% 5.8% 5.5%
===================================================================================================================================
(1) AMOUNTS EXPRESSED ON A PER UNIT BASIS ARE BASED ON SALES VOLUMES.
Gross interest expense increased from the comparable periods in 2005 and the
prior quarter primarily due to higher debt levels. Net interest expense
decreased from the comparable periods in 2005 on a total and a boe basis
primarily due to the capitalization of construction period interest related to
the Horizon Project.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 29
===============================================================================
RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
The Company utilizes various instruments to manage its commodity price,
currency and interest rate exposures. These derivative financial instruments
are not used for trading or speculative purposes. Changes in the fair value of
derivative financial instruments designated as hedges are not recognized in net
earnings until such time as the corresponding gains or losses on the related
hedged items are also recognized. Changes in the fair value of derivative
financial instruments not designated as hedges are recognized in the
consolidated balance sheets each period with the offset reflected in risk
management activities in the statement of earnings.
The Company formally documents all hedging transactions at the inception of the
hedging relationship in accordance with the Company's risk management policies.
The effectiveness of the hedging relationship is evaluated both at inception of
the hedge and on an ongoing basis.
The Company enters into commodity price contracts to manage anticipated sales
of crude oil and natural gas production in order to protect cash flow for
capital expenditure programs. Gains or losses on these contracts are included
in risk management activities.
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 contracts
require the periodic exchange of payments without the exchange of the notional
principal amounts on which the payments are based. Cross currency swap
agreements are periodically used to manage interest and currency exposure on US
denominated long-term debt. The cross currency swap contracts require the
periodic exchange of payments with the exchange at maturity of notional
principal amounts on which the payments are based. Gains or losses on interest
rate and cross currency swap contracts designated as hedges are included in
interest expense. Gains or losses on non-designated interest rate and cross
currency swap contracts are included in risk management activities.
Gains or losses on the termination or de-designation of financial instruments
that have been accounted for as hedges are deferred under Other Assets or
Liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and amortized into net earnings
in the period in which the underlying hedged item 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 derivative
gain or loss is recognized immediately in net earnings. Gains or losses on the
termination of financial instruments that have not been accounted for as hedges
are recognized in net earnings immediately.
30 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
RISK MANAGEMENT
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
--------------- ----------------
SEP 30 Jun 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
($ millions) 2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REALIZED LOSS (GAIN)
Crude oil and NGLs financial instruments $ 419 $ 421 $ 319 $ 1,172 $ 518
Natural gas financial instruments (15) (14) 49 27 41
Interest rate swaps - - - - (8)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 404 $ 407 $ 368 $ 1,199 $ 551
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNREALIZED (GAIN) LOSS
Crude oil and NGLs financial instruments $ (601) $ (10) $ 286 $ (497) $ 1,361
Natural gas financial instruments (152) (12) 348 (268) 384
Interest rate swaps (1) (4) (1) (7) 5
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ (754) $ (26) $ 633 $ (772) $ 1,750
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL $ (350) $ 381 $ 1,001 $ 427 $ 2,301
==================================================================================================================================
The net realized losses (gains) from crude oil and NGLs and natural gas
financial instruments decreased (increased) the Company's average realized
prices as follows:
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
---------------- ----------------
SEP 30 Jun 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crude oil and NGLs ($/bbl)(1) $ 13.15 $ 14.18 $ 10.69 $ 13.15 $ 6.31
Natural gas ($/mcf)(1) $ (0.11) $ (0.11) $ 0.38 $ 0.06 $ 0.10
==================================================================================================================================
(1) AMOUNTS EXPRESSED ON A PER UNIT BASIS ARE BASED ON SALES VOLUMES.
As effective as commodity hedges are against reference commodity prices, a
substantial portion of the derivative financial instruments entered into by the
Company do not meet the requirements for hedge accounting under GAAP due to
currency, product quality and location differentials (the "non-designated
hedges"). The Company is required to mark-to-market these non-designated hedges
based on prevailing forward commodity prices in effect at the end of each
reporting period. Accordingly, the unrealized risk management liability
reflects, at September 30, 2006, the implied price differentials for the
non-designated hedges for future years. The cash settlement amount of the risk
management financial derivative instruments may vary materially depending upon
the underlying crude oil and natural gas prices at the time of final settlement
of the financial derivative instruments, as compared to their mark-to-market
value at September 30, 2006. Due to changes in the crude oil and natural gas
forward pricing and the settlement of a portion of 2006 contracts as at
September 30, 2006, the Company recorded a net pre-tax $772 million ($508
million after-tax) unrealized gain on its risk management activities for the
nine months ended September 30, 2006 (September 30, 2005 - unrealized pre-tax
loss of $1,750 million), including a pre-tax $754 million ($496 million
after-tax) unrealized gain for the three months ended September 30, 2006
(September 30, 2005 - unrealized pre-tax loss of $633 million; June 30, 2006 -
unrealized pre-tax gain of $26 million).
In addition to the risk management liability recognized on the balance sheet at
September 30, 2006, the net unrecognized asset related to the fair value of
derivative financial instruments designated as hedges was $195 million at
September 30, 2006 (December 31, 2005 - net unrecognized liability of $990
million).
Details related to outstanding derivative financial instruments at September
30, 2006 are disclosed in note 7 to the Company's unaudited interim
consolidated financial statements.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 31
===============================================================================
FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
--------------- ---------------
SEP 30 Jun 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
($ millions) 2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Realized foreign exchange loss (gain) $ 1 $ 12 $ 5 $ 8 $ (13)
Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) 11 (58) (124) (37) (108)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 12 $ (46) $ (119) $ (29) $ (121)
==================================================================================================================================
The Company's results are affected by the exchange rates between the Canadian
dollar, US dollar, and UK pound sterling. A majority of the Company's revenue
is based on reference to US dollar benchmark prices. An increase in the value
of the Canadian dollar in relation to the US dollar results in lower revenue
from the sale of the Company's production. Conversely a decrease in the value
of the Canadian dollar in relation to the US dollar will result in higher
revenue from the sale of the Company's production. Production expenses are
subject to fluctuations due to changes in the exchange rate of the UK pound
sterling to the US dollar on North Sea operations. The value of the Company's
US dollar denominated debt is also impacted by the value of the Canadian dollar
in relation to the US dollar.
The realized foreign exchange loss for the nine and three months ended
September 30, 2006 was primarily the result of foreign exchange rate
fluctuations on working capital items denominated in US dollars or UK pounds
sterling. The unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) for the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2006 was related to the fluctuation of the Canadian
dollar in relation to the US dollar with respect to the US dollar debt and
working capital in North America denominated in US dollars, as well as the
re-measurement of North Sea future income tax liabilities denominated in UK
pounds sterling. The Canadian dollar ended the third quarter at US$0.8966
compared to US$0.8613 at September 30, 2005 (June 30, 2006 - US$0.8969).
In order to mitigate a portion of the volatility associated with fluctuations
in exchange rates, the Company has designated certain US dollar denominated
debt as a hedge against its net investment in US dollar based self-sustaining
foreign operations. Accordingly, translation gains and losses on this US dollar
denominated debt are included in the foreign currency translation adjustment in
Shareholders' Equity in the consolidated balance sheets.
32 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
TAXES
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
---------------- ----------------
SEP 30 Jun 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
($ millions, except income tax rates) 2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAXES OTHER THAN INCOME TAX
Current $ 81 $ 59 $ 75 $ 175 $ 153
Deferred (4) 18 (14) 40 (10)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 77 $ 77 $ 61 $ 215 $ 143
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT INCOME TAX
North America $ 52 $ 22 $ 25 $ 92 $ 91
North Sea - (1) 57 - 124
Offshore West Africa 6 16 6 35 13
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 58 $ 37 $ 88 $ 127 $ 228
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUTURE INCOME TAX EXPENSE (RECOVERY) $ 473 $ (224) $ 18 $ 517 $ (161)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EFFECTIVE INCOME TAX RATE 32.2%(3) (21.9)%(2) 41.3% 22.6%(1)(2)(3) > 100%(4)
================================================================================================================================
(1) INCLUDES THE EFFECT OF A CHARGE OF $110 MILLION RELATED TO THE INCREASED
SUPPLEMENTARY CHARGE ON OIL AND GAS PROFITS IN THE UK NORTH SEA,
SUBSTANTIVELY ENACTED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2006.
(2) INCLUDES THE EFFECT OF A RECOVERY OF $438 MILLION DUE TO CANADIAN FEDERAL,
ALBERTA AND SASKATCHEWAN CORPORATE INCOME TAX RATE REDUCTIONS ENACTED
DURING THE SECOND QUARTER.
(3) INCLUDES THE EFFECT OF A RECOVERY OF $67 MILLION DUE TO COTE D'IVOIRE
CORPORATE INCOME TAX RATE REDUCTIONS ENACTED DURING THE THIRD QUARTER.
(4) FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2005, THE COMPANY'S EFFECTIVE TAX
RATE WAS GREATER THAN 100% DUE TO THE COMBINED EFFECTS OF JURISDICTIONAL
TAX RATE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE VARIOUS BUSINESS SEGMENTS, TOGETHER WITH
A NOMINAL CONSOLIDATED NET EARNINGS BEFORE TAXES.
Taxes other than income tax includes current and deferred petroleum revenue tax
("PRT") and Canadian provincial capital taxes. PRT is charged on certain fields
in the North Sea at the rate of 50% of net operating income, after allowing for
certain deductions including abandonment expenditures.
Taxable income from the conventional crude oil and natural gas business in
Canada is primarily generated through partnerships, with the related income
taxes payable in a subsequent year. North America current income taxes have
been provided on the basis of the corporate structure and available income tax
deductions and will vary depending upon the nature and amount of capital
expenditures incurred in Canada.
During the first quarter of 2006, the UK government substantively enacted an
increase to the supplementary charge on profits from UK North Sea crude oil and
natural gas production, resulting in an increase of future tax liabilities of
$110 million.
During the second quarter of 2006, the Canadian Federal Government enacted
reductions to its corporate income tax rates, resulting in a reduction of
future income tax liabilities of approximately $277 million.
During the second quarter of 2006, the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan
enacted reductions to their corporate income tax rates, resulting in a
reduction of future tax liabilities of approximately $161 million.
During the third quarter of 2006, the Government of Cote d'Ivoire enacted
reductions to its corporate income tax rates, resulting in a reduction of
future income tax liabilities of approximately $67 million.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 33
===============================================================================
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES(1)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
--------------- ---------------
SEP 30 Jun 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
($ millions) 2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPENDITURES ON PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Net property (dispositions) acquisitions $ (6) $ 7 $ - $ 13 $ (339)
Land acquisition and retention 29 54 69 182 157
Seismic evaluations 26 35 31 113 92
Well drilling, completion and equipping 524 418 431 1,878 1,371
Pipeline and production facilities 270 233 266 1,003 981
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL NET RESERVE REPLACEMENT EXPENDITURES 843 747 797 3,189 2,262
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Horizon Project:
Phase 1 construction costs(2) 727 680 413 2,023 780
Phases 2 and 3 costs 18 6 - 25 -
Capitalized interest, stock-based
compensation and other(2) 39 96 39 204 162
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Horizon Project 784 782 452 2,252 942
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Midstream 2 6 (1) 11 3
Abandonments(3) 24 17 19 56 30
Head office 8 6 5 20 16
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL NET CAPITAL EXPENDITURES $ 1,661 $ 1,558 $ 1,272 $ 5,528 $ 3,253
==================================================================================================================================
BY SEGMENT
North America $ 667 $ 569 $ 618 $ 2,640 $ 1,668
North Sea 148 149 100 435 269
Offshore West Africa 27 27 79 104 320
Other 1 2 - 10 5
Horizon Project 784 782 452 2,252 942
Midstream 2 6 (1) 11 3
Abandonments(3) 24 17 19 56 30
Head office 8 6 5 20 16
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 1,661 $ 1,558 $ 1,272 $ 5,528 $ 3,253
==================================================================================================================================
(1) CAPITAL EXPENDITURES DO NOT INCLUDE NON-CASH PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
ADDITIONS OR DISPOSALS.
(2) CERTAIN PRIOR PERIOD AMOUNTS HAVE BEEN RECLASSIFIED WITH RESPECT TO
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION COSTS.
(3) ABANDONMENTS REPRESENT EXPENDITURES TO SETTLE ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
AND HAVE BEEN REFLECTED AS CAPITAL EXPENDITURES IN THIS TABLE.
34 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
The Company's strategy is focused on building a diversified asset base that is
balanced among various products. In order to facilitate efficient operations,
the Company focuses its activities in core regions where it can dominate the
land base and infrastructure. The Company focuses on maintaining its land
inventories to enable the continuous exploitation of play types and geological
trends, greatly reducing overall exploration risk. By dominating
infrastructure, the Company is able to maximize utilization of its production
facilities, thereby increasing control over production costs.
Net capital expenditures in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 were
$5,528 million compared to $3,253 million in the nine months ended September
30, 2005. The increase was primarily related to higher capital expenditures on
the Horizon Project, a focus on natural gas drilling in Northeast British
Columbia and Northwest Alberta and general inflationary pressures. The increase
also reflects $339 million in net property dispositions in 2005. In the nine
months ended September 30, 2006, the Company drilled a total of 1,407 net wells
consisting of 581 natural gas wells, 426 crude oil wells, 309 stratigraphic
test and service wells, and 91 wells that were dry. The 309 stratigraphic test
and service wells include 103 stratigraphic test wells related to the Horizon
Project. This compared to 1,357 net wells drilled in the nine months ended
September 30, 2005. The Company achieved an overall success rate of 92% for the
nine months ended September 30, 2006, excluding stratigraphic test and service
wells (September 30, 2005 - 92%).
Net capital expenditures in the third quarter of 2006 were $1,661 million
compared to $1,272 million in the comparable period in 2005 and $1,558 million
in the prior quarter. The increase from the third quarter of 2005 was primarily
related to capital expenditures on the Horizon Project, and increased costs
associated with natural gas drilling related to the North America conventional
operations. In the third quarter of 2006, the Company drilled a total of 376
net wells consisting of 98 natural gas wells, 255 crude oil wells and 23 wells
that were dry. The Company achieved an overall success rate of 94% for the
third quarter of 2006, excluding stratigraphic test and service wells.
NORTH AMERICA
North America (including the Horizon Project) accounted for approximately 90%
of the total capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2006
compared to approximately 82% in the comparable period in 2005.
During the first nine months of 2006, the Company targeted 658 net natural gas
wells, including 202 wells in Northeast British Columbia, 235 wells in the
Northern Plains region, 124 wells in Northwest Alberta, and 97 wells in the
Southern Plains region. The Company also targeted 431 net crude oil wells
during the first nine months. The majority of these wells were concentrated in
the Company's crude oil Northern Plains region where 182 heavy crude oil wells,
105 Pelican Lake crude oil wells, and 6 light crude oil wells were drilled.
Another 95 wells targeting light crude oil were drilled outside the Northern
Plains as well as 43 thermal crude oil wells in the Company's Insitu Oil Sands
area. In the third quarter of 2006, the Company drilled 111 net wells targeting
natural gas and 263 net wells targeting crude oil.
Due to significant changes in relative commodity prices between crude oil and
natural gas, the Company has taken the opportunity to utilize its large
drilling inventory to maximize value in both the short and long term. While
natural gas pricing has softened significantly in 2006, crude oil pricing
remains strong. Related production expenses for both commodities continue to
reflect industry wide inflationary cost pressures. Accordingly, to optimize
netbacks in the near term, the Company will continue to focus on drilling crude
oil wells and will reduce natural gas drilling activity for the balance of
2006. Deferred natural gas wells will be retained in the Company's prospect
inventory, and will be drilled as natural gas commodity prices improve. ACC
drilling in the fourth quarter will also be optimized as part of the
acquisition.
As part of the development of the Company's Insitu Oil Sands Assets, the
Company is continuing to develop its Primrose thermal projects. At the end of
the third quarter, the Company had drilled 183 stratigraphic test wells, and
had drilled 43 thermal oil wells. First steaming for the Primrose North
expansion project commenced in November 2005, resulting in production of
approximately 23,000 bbl/d in September 2006. Overall Primrose thermal
production for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 increased to
approximately 60,000 bbl/d from 50,000 bbl/d for the comparable period in 2005.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 35
===============================================================================
In November of 2005, the Company announced a phased expansion of its Insitu Oil
Sands Assets. The next phase of this development is the Primrose East
Expansion, a new facility located 15 kilometers from the existing Primrose
South steam plant and 25 kilometers from the Wolf Lake central processing
facility. This phase of the expansion is anticipated to add an additional
30,000 bbl/d and received Board sanction in the third quarter of 2006. Detailed
engineering and procurement is currently underway. The Company anticipates
regulatory approval for Primrose East in the first quarter of 2007, with
drilling and construction to begin in the second quarter of 2007, and first
production commencing in 2009.
Development of new acreage and secondary recovery conversion projects at
Pelican Lake continued as expected through the third quarter of 2006. Drilling
consisted of 46 horizontal wells, with plans to drill 44 additional horizontal
wells over the remainder of the year. The pressure response from the polymer
flood pilot continued to be positive. Based on the results of the pilot, the
Company commenced installation of a further four polymer skids as part of the
commercial polymer flood project. Pelican Lake production averaged
approximately 30,000 bbl/d for the third quarter of 2006.
In the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company's overall drilling activity in North
America is expected to be comprised of 82 natural gas wells and 224 crude oil
wells excluding stratigraphic and service wells.
HORIZON OIL SANDS PROJECT
The Horizon Project continued on schedule and on budget with construction 47%
complete at quarter end. The project status as at September 30, 2006 was as
follows:
o Completed 90% of model reviews;
o Awarded total contracts and purchase orders in excess of $4.8 billion,
with a further $200 million in various stages of the tender process;
o Awarded several key mechanical contracts;
o Set 295 piperack modules for total progress of 63% complete; and
o Site preparation and underground infrastructure completed.
Major activities for the fourth quarter of 2006 will include;
o Complete the construction of Mechanically Stabilized Earth Shear Wall in
the Ore Preparation Plant; and
o Commence installation of Primary Upgrading large bore piping.
First production of light, sweet Synthetic Crude Oil from Phase 1 construction
is targeted to commence in the second half of 2008.
NORTH SEA
In the third quarter, the Company continued with its planned program of infill
drilling, recompletions, workovers and waterflood optimizations. During the
quarter, 1.0 net wells were drilled, with an additional 2.5 net wells drilling
at quarter end.
The development of the Lyell Field progressed during the third quarter. The
Lyell Field development comprises the drilling of four net wells, including one
injector, and the workover of two existing wells in 2006 and 2007. At its peak,
new production of approximately 20,000 boe/d is forecast from the Field. The
Columba E Raw Water Injection project progressed during the third quarter.
36 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
OFFSHORE WEST AFRICA
First oil from West Espoir commenced during the third quarter at a peak rate of
approximately 5,000 bbl/d net to the Company. The West Espoir area development
drilling will continue until 2008 with producers and injectors being brought
on-line as they are completed.
The Company purchased a 90% interest in the Olowi PSC offshore Gabon in October
2005 and received approval of its development plan for this acquisition during
the first quarter of 2006. Development plans include a floating production,
storage and offtake vessel ("FPSO"), handling input from three or four
shallow-water producing platforms. During the third quarter of 2006 evaluation
of key tenders continued, together with engineering studies and optimization of
project planning.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
--------------------------------
PRO FORMA
SEP 30 SEP 30 Jun 30 Dec 31 Sep 30
($ millions, except ratios) 2006(1) 2006 2006 2005 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Working capital deficit(2) N/A $ 1,032 $ 1,554 $ 1,774 $ 2,106
Long-term debt $ 10,040 $ 5,500 $ 5,004 $ 3,321 $ 3,235
Shareholders' equity
Share capital $ 2,536 $ 2,536 $ 2,516 $ 2,442 $ 2,433
Retained earnings 7,869 7,869 6,798 5,804 4,759
Foreign currency translation adjustment (12) (12) (12) (9) (11)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 10,393 $ 10,393 $ 9,302 $ 8,237 $ 7,181
Debt to cash flow(3) N/A 1.1X 1.0x 0.7x 0.8x
Debt to EBITDA(4) N/A 1.0X 0.9x 0.6x 0.7x
Debt to book capitalization(5) 49.1% 34.6% 35.0% 28.7% 32.3%
Debt to market capitalization 26.8% 16.7% 13.1% 9.7% 10.8%
After tax return on average common
shareholders' equity(6) N/A 38.2% 29.3% 14.3% 7.4%
After tax return on average capital
employed(7) N/A 26.0% 20.2% 10.4% 5.8%
================================================================================================================================
(1) REFER TO NOTE 10 OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, ACQUISITION OF
ANADARKO CANADA CORPORATION. PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION IS BASED ON
AGGREGATE CONSIDERATION OF US$4.075 BILLION, BEFORE WORKING CAPITAL AND
OTHER ADJUSTMENTS, CONVERTED TO CANADIAN DOLLARS USING AN ESTIMATED
EXCHANGE RATE OF 0.8975. N/A MEANS THE RELEVANT ACC INFORMATION IS NOT
AVAILABLE.
(2) CALCULATED AS CURRENT ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES.
(3) CALCULATED AS CURRENT AND LONG-TERM DEBT; DIVIDED BY CASH FLOW FROM
OPERATIONS FOR THE TWELVE MONTH TRAILING PERIOD.
(4) CALCULATED AS CURRENT AND LONG-TERM DEBT; DIVIDED BY EARNINGS BEFORE
INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION, DEPLETION AND AMORTIZATION, ASSET
RETIREMENT OBLIGATION ACCRETION, UNREALIZED FOREIGN EXCHANGE, STOCK-BASED
COMPENSATION EXPENSE AND UNREALIZED RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES FOR THE
TWELVE MONTH TRAILING PERIOD.
(5) CALCULATED AS CURRENT AND LONG-TERM DEBT; DIVIDED BY THE BOOK VALUE OF
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY PLUS CURRENT AND LONG-TERM DEBT.
(6) CALCULATED AS NET EARNINGS FOR THE TWELVE MONTH TRAILING PERIOD AS A
PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE PERIOD.
(7) CALCULATED AS NET EARNINGS PLUS AFTER-TAX INTEREST EXPENSE FOR THE TWELVE
MONTH TRAILING PERIOD; AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE CAPITAL EMPLOYED FOR THE
PERIOD. AVERAGE CAPITAL EMPLOYED IS THE AVERAGE SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND
CURRENT AND LONG-TERM DEBT FOR THE PERIOD.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 37
===============================================================================
The Company's capital resources at September 30, 2006 consisted primarily of
cash flow from operations, available credit facilities and access to capital
markets. Cash flow from operations is dependent on factors discussed in the
Risks and Uncertainties section of the Company's December 31, 2005 annual MD&A.
The Company's ability to renew existing credit facilities and raise new debt is
dependent upon these factors, maintaining an investment grade debt rating and
the condition of capital and credit markets. Management believes internally
generated cash flows supported by the implementation of the Company's hedge
policy, the flexibility of its capital expenditure programs supported by its
five- and ten-year financial plans, the Company's existing credit facilities
and the Company's ability to raise new debt, will be sufficient to sustain its
operations and support its growth strategy.
At September 30, 2006, the Company had undrawn bank lines of credit of $2,185
million. These credit lines are supported by credit facilities, which if not
extended, mature in 2011.
At September 30, 2006, the working capital deficit was $1,032 million and
included the current portion of other long-term liabilities of $541 million,
comprised of stock-based compensation of $414 million and the mark-to-market
valuation of non-designated risk management financial derivative instruments of
$127 million. The repayment of the stock-based compensation liability is
dependant upon both the surrender of vested stock options for cash settlement
by employees and the value of the Company's share price at the time of
surrender. The cash settlement amount of the risk management financial
derivative instruments may vary materially depending upon the underlying crude
oil and natural gas prices at the time of final settlement of the financial
derivative instruments, as compared to their mark-to-market value at September
30, 2006.
The Company is committed to maintaining a strong financial position. In the
third quarter of 2006, strong operational results and high crude oil prices
resulted in a debt to book capitalization level of 34.6%. The Company believes
it has the necessary financial capacity to complete the Horizon Project, while
at the same time not compromising conventional crude oil and natural gas growth
opportunities. The financing of Phase 1 of the Horizon Project development is
guided by the competing principles of retaining as much direct ownership
interest as possible while maintaining a strong balance sheet. Existing proved
development projects, which have largely been funded prior to September 30,
2006, such as Baobab, Primrose and West Espoir, and the acquisition of ACC, are
anticipated to provide identified growth in production volumes in 2006 through
2008, and generate incremental free cash flows during this period.
The Company believes that its balance sheet has the strength and flexibility to
accommodate the ACC acquisition. To ensure balance sheet strength going
forward, the Company has hedged a significant portion of its natural gas and
crude oil production for 2007 and 2008 at prices that protect investment
returns. The Company may also consider the divestiture of non-strategic and
non-core properties to gain additional balance sheet flexibility.
In addition to the strategic location of the high quality assets that ACC
brings to the Company, this acquisition allows the Company to further high
grade its project inventory and significantly reduce capital expenditures in
the current highly inflationary service market. The Company has, as a result of
the acquisition, reduced its 2007 conventional crude oil and natural gas
capital budget by $900 million compared to 2006 capital spending, while
maintaining the capital expenditures to complete Phase I of the Horizon
Project.
During the third quarter of 2006, in anticipation of the acquisition of ACC,
the Board of Directors amended the Company's commodity hedging program. The
commodity hedging program reduces the risk of volatility in commodity price
markets and supports the Company's cash flow for its capital expenditure
program throughout the Horizon Project construction period. This program was
temporarily amended to allow for the hedging of up to 75% of the expected
production to the end of 2007 and up to 50% of the expected 2008 production
through the use of derivative financial instruments. For the purpose of this
program, the purchase of crude oil put options is in addition to the above
parameters. In accordance with the policy, approximately 60% of expected crude
oil volumes and approximately 70% of expected natural gas volumes have been
hedged for the remainder of 2006 and 2007. In 2007 the Company will revert to
the original hedging program which allows for the hedging of up to 75% of the
near 12 months budgeted production, up to 50% of the following 13 to 24 months
estimated production and up to 25% of production expected in months 25 to 48.
38 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt as at September 30, 2006 was $5,500 million. The debt to EBITDA
ratio was 1.0x (June 30, 2006 - 0.9x; December 31, 2005 - 0.6x; September 30,
2005 - 0.7x) and the debt to book capitalization was 34.6% (June 30, 2006 -
35.0%; December 31, 2005 - 28.7%; September 30, 2005 - 32.3%) as at September
30, 2006. At September 30, 2006, these ratios were below the Company's
guidelines for balance sheet management of debt to EBITDA of 1.8x to 2.2x and
debt to book capitalization of 35% to 45%.
BANK CREDIT FACILITIES
As at September 30, 2006, the Company had in place unsecured bank credit
facilities of $3,456 million, comprised of:
o a $100 million operating demand credit facility;
o a 5-year revolving syndicated credit and term loan facility of $1,825
million;
o a 5-year revolving syndicated credit and term loan facility of $1,500
million; and
o a (pound)15 million demand overdraft credit facility related to the
Company's North Sea operations.
During the second quarter, the syndicated revolving credit and term loan
facilities were renegotiated and are fully revolving for a period of five years
maturing June 2011. Both facilities are extendible annually for one year
periods at the mutual agreement of the Company and the lenders. If the
facilities are not extended, the full amount of the outstanding principal would
be repayable on the maturity date.
In conjunction with the closing of the acquisition of ACC, the Company expects
to execute a $3,850 million, three-year non-revolving syndicated credit
facility maturing in October 2009. This facility is subject to certain
prepayment requirements up to a maximum of $1,500 million.
In addition to the outstanding debt, letters of credit and financial guarantees
aggregating $571 million, including a $453 million deposit related to the
acquisition of ACC, were outstanding at September 30, 2006. Subsequent to
quarter end, an additional $210 million of financial guarantees related to the
Horizon Project were issued.
MEDIUM-TERM NOTES
In January 2006, the Company issued $400 million of debt securities maturing
January 2013, bearing interest at 4.50%. Proceeds from the securities issued
were used to repay bankers' acceptances under the Company's bank credit
facilities. After issuing these securities, the Company has $1.6 billion
remaining on its $2 billion shelf prospectus filed in August 2005 that allows
for the issue of medium-term notes in Canada until September 2007. If issued,
these securities will bear interest as determined at the date of issuance.
US DOLLAR DEBT SECURITIES
In August 2006, the Company issued US$250 million of unsecured notes maturing
August 2016 and US$450 million of unsecured notes maturing February 2037,
bearing interest at 6.00% and 6.50%, respectively. Concurrently, the Company
entered into cross-currency interest-rate swaps to fix the Canadian dollar
interest and principal repayment amounts on the US$250 million notes at 5.40%
and C$279 million. Proceeds from the securities issued were used to repay
bankers' acceptances under the Company's bank credit facilities. After issuing
these securities, the Company has US$1.3 billion remaining on its US$2 billion
short form prospectus filed in June 2005 that allows for the issue of debt
securities in the United States until July 2007. If issued, these securities
will bear interest as determined at the date of issuance.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 39
===============================================================================
SHARE CAPITAL
As at September 30, 2006, there were 537,447,000 common shares and 29,281,000
stock options outstanding. As at October 27, 2006, the Company had 537,499,000
common shares outstanding.
In January 2006, the Company announced the renewal of its Normal Course Issuer
Bid to purchase, through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange and the
New York Stock Exchange, during the 12-month period beginning January 24, 2006
and ending January 23, 2007, up to 26,852,545 common shares or 5% of the common
shares of the Company then outstanding on the date of the announcement. As at
September 30, 2006, the Company had purchased 485,000 common shares at an
average price of $57.33 per common share, for a total cost of $28 million. No
shares were repurchased subsequent to September 30, 2006.
In February 2006, the Board of Directors set the regular quarterly dividend at
$0.075 per common share (2005 - $0.059 per common share). The Company has paid
regular quarterly dividends in January, April, July, and October of each year
since 2001. The dividend policy undergoes a periodic review by the Board of
Directors and is subject to change.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
In the normal course of business, the Company has entered into various
contractual arrangements and commitments that will have an impact on the
Company's future operations. These contractual obligations and commitments
primarily relate to debt repayments, operating leases relating to office space
and offshore production and storage vessels, and firm commitments for
gathering, processing and transmission services, as well as expenditures
relating to asset retirement obligations. As at September 30, 2006, no entities
have been consolidated under CICA HB AcG-15, "Consolidation of Variable
Interest Entities". The following table summarizes the Company's commitments as
at September 30, 2006:
Remaining
($ millions) 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Thereafter
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Product transportation and $ 69 $ 184 $ 181 $ 128 $ 116 $ 1,117
pipeline(1)
Offshore equipment operating lease $ 12 $ 49 $ 49 $ 49 $ 49 $ 171
Offshore drilling $ 32 $ 167 $ 75 $ 11 $ 11 $ 4
Asset retirement obligations(2)(5) $ 25 $ 4 $ 4 $ 4 $ 7 $ 3,363
Long-term debt(3) $ - $ 160 $ 35 $ 35 $ - $ 4,033
Other(4)(5) $ 20 $ 68 $ 29 $ 37 $ 39 $ 21
========================================================================================================================
(1) IN 2005, THE COMPANY ENTERED INTO A 25 YEAR PIPELINE TRANSPORTATION
AGREEMENT COMMENCING IN 2008, RELATED TO FUTURE CRUDE OIL PRODUCTION. THE
AGREEMENT IS RENEWABLE FOR SUCCESSIVE 10-YEAR PERIODS AT THE COMPANY'S
OPTION. DURING THE INITIAL TERM, ANNUAL TOLL PAYMENTS BEFORE OPERATING
COSTS WILL BE APPROXIMATELY $35 MILLION.
(2) REPRESENTS MANAGEMENT'S ESTIMATE OF THE FUTURE UNDISCOUNTED PAYMENTS TO
SETTLE ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS RELATED TO RESOURCE PROPERTIES,
FACILITIES, AND PRODUCTION PLATFORMS, BASED ON CURRENT LEGISLATION AND
INDUSTRY OPERATING PRACTICES.
(3) THE LONG-TERM DEBT REPRESENTS PRINCIPAL REPAYMENTS ONLY. NO DEBT
REPAYMENTS ARE REFLECTED FOR THE BANK CREDIT FACILITIES DUE TO THE
EXTENDABLE NATURE OF THE FACILITIES.
(4) CONSISTS OF FUTURE EXPENDITURES RELATED PRIMARILY TO OFFICE LEASE,
ELECTRICITY AND CRUDE OIL PROCESSING.
(5) NO PROVISION FOR ACC RELATED AMOUNTS HAVE BEEN INCLUDED.
In February 2005, the Board of Directors approved the construction costs for
Phase 1 of the Horizon Project, which are budgeted to be $6.8 billion, with
cumulative spending of $3.3 billion to September 30, 2006, $0.6 billion
targeted to be incurred in the remainder of 2006 and $2.9 billion targeted to
be incurred in 2007 and 2008.
40 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is defendant and plaintiff in a number of legal actions that arise
in the normal course of business. The Company believes that any liabilities
that might arise pertaining to such matters would not have a material effect on
its consolidated financial position.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements requires the Company to make
judgements, assumptions and estimates in the application of generally accepted
accounting principles that have a significant impact on the financial results
of the Company. Actual results could differ from those estimates. A
comprehensive discussion of the Company's significant accounting policies is
contained in the MD&A and the audited consolidated financial statements for the
year ended December 31, 2005.
PRO FORMA SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS(1)
The following table is a representation of the annualized sensitivities of cash
flow from operations and net earnings from changes in certain key variables.
The analysis is based on business conditions and production volumes during the
third quarter of 2006, and is not necessarily indicative of future results.
Actual results will differ and these differences may be material. Each separate
item in the sensitivity analysis shows the effect of an increase in that
variable only; all other variables are held constant.
CASH FLOW
CASH FLOW FROM NET
FROM OPERATIONS NET EARNINGS
OPERATIONS (PER COMMON EARNINGS (PER COMMON
($ MILLIONS) SHARE, BASIC) ($ MILLIONS) SHARE, BASIC)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRICE CHANGES
Crude oil - WTI US$1.00/bbl(2)
Excluding financial derivatives $ 110 $ 0.21 $ 78 $ 0.14
Including financial derivatives $ 94 $ 0.17 $ 66 $ 0.12
Natural gas - AECO C$0.10/mcf(2)
Excluding financial derivatives $ 27 $ 0.05 $ 13 $ 0.02
Including financial derivatives $ 3 $ 0.00 $ 0 $ 0.00
VOLUME CHANGES
Crude oil - 10,000 bbl/d $ 137 $ 0.25 $ 76 $ 0.14
Natural gas - 10 mmcf/d $ 14 $ 0.03 $ 5 $ 0.01
FOREIGN CURRENCY RATE CHANGE
$0.01 change in C$ in relation to US$(2) $ 80-82 $ 0.15 $ 25-26 $ 0.05
INTEREST RATE CHANGE - 1%(3) $ 43 $ 0.08 $ 43 $ 0.08
==============================================================================================================================
(1) THE SENSITIVITIES ARE CALCULATED BASED ON 2006 THIRD QUARTER RESULTS
INCLUDING THE ANTICIPATED EFFECTS OF THE EXPECTED ACQUISITION OF ACC AND
EXCLUDING MARK-TO-MARKET GAINS (LOSSES) ON RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES.
(2) FOR DETAILS OF OUTSTANDING FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS IN PLACE, REFER TO NOTE 7
OF THE COMPANY'S UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
(3) PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION IS BASED ON AGGREGATE CONSIDERATION OF US
$4.075 BILLION, BEFORE WORKING CAPITAL AND OTHER ADJUSTMENTS.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 41
===============================================================================
OTHER OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
NETBACK ANALYSIS
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
--------------- ---------------
SEP 30 Jun 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
($/boe)(1) 2006 2006 2005 2006 2005
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales price(2) $ 51.21 $ 50.36 $ 54.87 $ 49.38 $ 46.17
Royalties 5.75 5.80 7.84 5.99 6.40
Production expense(3) 10.01 8.85 8.56 9.13 8.31
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NETBACK 35.45 35.71 38.47 34.26 31.46
Midstream contribution(3) (0.23) (0.23) (0.26) (0.24) (0.27)
Administration 0.76 0.78 0.75 0.79 0.78
Interest, net 0.48 0.53 0.73 0.51 0.82
Realized risk management loss 7.51 7.81 7.12 7.73 3.73
Realized foreign exchange loss (gain) 0.01 0.25 0.10 0.05 (0.09)
Taxes other than income tax - current 1.50 1.13 1.46 1.13 1.04
Current income tax - North America 0.97 0.42 0.46 0.60 0.61
Current income tax - North Sea - (0.01) 1.11 - 0.84
Current income tax - Offshore West Africa 0.11 0.30 0.12 0.22 0.09
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOW $ 24.34 $ 24.73 $ 26.88 $ 23.47 $ 23.91
============================================================================================================================
(1) AMOUNTS EXPRESSED ON A PER UNIT BASIS ARE BASED ON SALES VOLUMES.
(2) INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION COSTS AND EXCLUDING RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES.
(3) EXCLUDING INTERSEGMENT ELIMINATION.
42 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
---------------
SEP 30 Dec 31
(millions of Canadian dollars, unaudited) 2006 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 12 $ 18
Accounts receivable and other 1,430 1,546
Future income tax 182 487
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,624 2,051
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (note 9) 23,447 19,694
OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS 129 107
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 25,200 $ 21,852
========================================================================================================
LIABILITIES
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable $ 772 $ 573
Accrued liabilities 1,343 1,781
Current portion of other long-term liabilities (note 3) 541 1,471
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,656 3,825
LONG-TERM DEBT (note 2) 5,500 3,321
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (note 3) 1,340 1,434
FUTURE INCOME TAX 5,311 5,035
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14,807 13,615
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
SHARE CAPITAL (note 5) 2,536 2,442
RETAINED EARNINGS 7,869 5,804
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT (12) (9)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10,393 8,237
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 25,200 $ 21,852
========================================================================================================
COMMITMENTS (NOTE 8)
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 43
===============================================================================
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
------------------ ----------------
(millions of Canadian dollars, except per common share SEP 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
amounts, unaudited) 2006 2005 2006 2005
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVENUE $ 2,859 $ 2,918 $ 7,948 $ 7,075
Less: royalties (310) (403) (928) (945)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REVENUE, NET OF ROYALTIES 2,549 2,515 7,020 6,130
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPENSES
Production 544 446 1,430 1,240
Transportation 82 71 241 204
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 589 505 1,667 1,463
Asset retirement obligation accretion (note 3) 17 18 50 53
Administration 41 38 123 115
Stock-based compensation (recovery) expense (note 3) (135) 199 (37) 598
Interest, net 25 38 78 121
Risk management activities (note 7) (350) 1,001 427 2,301
Foreign exchange loss (gain) 12 (119) (29) (121)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
825 2,197 3,950 5,974
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS BEFORE TAXES 1,724 318 3,070 156
Taxes other than income tax 77 61 215 143
Current income tax expense (note 4) 58 88 127 228
Future income tax expense (recovery) (note 4) 473 18 517 (161)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET EARNINGS (LOSS) $ 1,116 $ 151 $ 2,211 $ (54)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (note 6)
Basic and diluted $ 2.08 $ 0.28 $ 4.12 $ (0.10)
=================================================================================================================================
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS
Nine Months Ended
----------------
SEP 30 Sep 30
(millions of Canadian dollars, unaudited) 2006 2005
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE - BEGINNING OF PERIOD $ 5,804 $ 4,922
Net earnings (loss) 2,211 (54)
Dividends on common shares (note 5) (120) (94)
Purchase of common shares under normal course issuer bid (note 5) (26) (15)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE - END OF PERIOD $ 7,869 $ 4,759
=================================================================================================================================
44 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
---------------- -----------------
SEP 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
(millions of Canadian dollars, unaudited) 2006 2005 2006 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings (loss) $ 1,116 $ 151 $ 2,211 $ (54)
Non-cash items
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 589 505 1,667 1,463
Asset retirement obligation accretion 17 18 50 53
Stock-based compensation (recovery) expense (135) 199 (37) 598
Unrealized risk management activities (754) 633 (772) 1,750
Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) 11 (124) (37) (108)
Deferred petroleum revenue tax (recovery) (4) (14) 40 (10)
Future income tax expense (recovery) 473 18 517 (161)
Deferred charges - 5 (8) (33)
Abandonment expenditures (24) (19) (56) (30)
Net change in non-cash working capital (4) 8 (362) (79)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,285 1,380 3,213 3,389
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
(Repayment) issue of bankers' acceptances (285) (168) 1,115 (509)
Issue of medium-term notes - - 400 400
Issue of US dollar debt securities 788 - 788 -
Issue of common shares on exercise of stock options 4 1 17 6
Repayment of preferred securities - (107) - (107)
Dividends on common shares (41) (32) (113) (89)
Purchase of common shares (6) (16) (28) (16)
Net change in non-cash working capital 2 (4) 8 16
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
462 (326) 2,187 (299)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Expenditures on property, plant and equipment (1,638) (1,258) (5,475) (3,576)
Net proceeds on sale of property, plant and equipment 1 5 3 353
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net expenditures on property, plant and equipment (1,637) (1,253) (5,472) (3,223)
Investment in other assets - 71 - 11
Net change in non-cash working capital (113) 109 66 106
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1,750) (1,073) (5,406) (3,106)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DECREASE IN CASH (3) (19) (6) (16)
CASH - BEGINNING OF PERIOD 15 31 18 28
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH - END OF PERIOD $ 12 $ 12 $ 12 $ 12
================================================================================================================================
INTEREST PAID $ 70 $ 61 $ 179 $ 152
TAXES PAID
Taxes other than income tax $ 106 $ 12 $ 239 $ 171
Current income tax $ 51 $ 69 $ 304 $ 192
================================================================================================================================
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 45
===============================================================================
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (tabular amounts in millions of
Canadian dollars, unaudited)
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The interim consolidated financial statements of Canadian Natural Resources
Limited (the "Company") include the Company and all of its subsidiaries and
partnerships, and have been prepared following the same accounting policies as
the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company as at December 31,
2005. The interim consolidated financial statements contain disclosures that
are supplemental to the Company's annual audited consolidated financial
statements. Certain disclosures that are normally required to be included in
the notes to the annual audited consolidated financial statements have been
condensed. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
Company's audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the
year ended December 31, 2005.
2. LONG-TERM DEBT
----------
SEP 30 Dec 31
2006 2005
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bank credit facilities
Bankers' acceptances $ 1,237 $ 122
Medium-term notes 925 525
Senior unsecured notes (2006 and 2005 - US$93 million) 104 108
US dollar debt securities (2006 - US$2,900; and 2005 - US$2,200 million) 3,234 2,566
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 5,500 $ 3,321
=================================================================================================
BANK CREDIT FACILITIES
As at September 30, 2006, the Company had in place unsecured bank credit
facilities of $3,456 million, comprised of:
o a $100 million operating demand credit facility;
o a 5-year revolving syndicated credit and term loan facility of $1,825
million;
o a 5-year revolving syndicated credit and term loan facility of $1,500
million; and
o a (pound)15 million demand overdraft credit facility related to the
Company's North Sea operations.
During the second quarter, the syndicated revolving credit and term loan
facilities were renegotiated and are fully revolving for a period of five years
maturing June 2011. Both facilities are extendible annually for one year
periods at the mutual agreement of the Company and the lenders. If the
facilities are not extended, the full amount of the outstanding principal would
be repayable on the maturity date.
In conjunction with the closing of the acquisition of Anadarko Canada
Corporation ("ACC") (note 10), the Company expects to execute a $3,850 million,
three-year non-revolving syndicated credit facility maturing in October 2009.
This facility is subject to certain prepayment requirements up to a maximum of
$1,500 million.
The weighted average interest rate of the bank credit facilities outstanding at
September 30, 2006, was 4.8% (December 31, 2005 - 4.0%).
In addition to the outstanding debt, letters of credit and financial guarantees
aggregating $571 million, including $453 million related to the acquisition of
ACC, were outstanding at September 30, 2006. Subsequent to September 30, 2006,
an additional $210 million of financial guarantees related to the Horizon
Project were issued.
46 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
MEDIUM-TERM NOTES
In January 2006, the Company issued $400 million of debt securities maturing
January 2013, bearing interest at 4.50%. Proceeds from the securities issued
were used to repay bankers' acceptances under the Company's bank credit
facilities. After issuing these securities, the Company has $1.6 billion
remaining on its $2 billion shelf prospectus filed in August 2005 that allows
for the issue of medium-term notes in Canada until September 2007. If issued,
these securities will bear interest as determined at the date of issuance.
US DOLLAR DEBT SECURITIES
In August 2006, the Company issued US$250 million of unsecured notes maturing
August 2016 and US$450 million of unsecured notes maturing February 2037,
bearing interest at 6.00% and 6.50%, respectively. Concurrently, the Company
entered into cross-currency interest-rate swaps to fix the Canadian dollar
interest and principal repayment amounts on the US$250 million notes at 5.40%
and C$279 million (note 7). Proceeds from the securities issued were used to
repay bankers' acceptances under the Company's bank credit facilities. After
issuing these securities, the Company has US$1.3 billion remaining on its US$2
billion short form prospectus filed in June 2005 that allows for the issue of
debt securities in the United States until July 2007. If issued, these
securities will bear interest as determined at the date of issuance.
3. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
------------
SEP 30 Dec 31
2006 2005
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset retirement obligations $ 1,108 $ 1,112
Stock-based compensation 597 891
Risk management (note 7) 127 885
Other 49 17
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,881 2,905
Less: current portion 541 1,471
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 1,340 $ 1,434
=====================================================================================
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 47
===============================================================================
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
At September 30, 2006, the Company's total estimated undiscounted cost to
settle its asset retirement obligations was approximately $3,407 million
(December 31, 2005 - $3,325 million). These costs will be incurred over the
lives of the operating assets and have been discounted using an average
credit-adjusted risk free rate of 6.8%. A reconciliation of the discounted
asset retirement obligations is as follows:
----------------
NINE MONTHS Year
ENDED Ended
SEP 30, 2006 Dec 31, 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance - beginning of period $ 1,112 $ 1,119
Liabilities incurred 24 47
Liabilities settled (56) (46)
Asset retirement obligation accretion 50 69
Revision of estimates 1 (56)
Foreign exchange (23) (21)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance - end of period $ 1,108 $ 1,112
============================================================================================
The Company's pipelines have indeterminant lives and therefore the fair values
of the related asset retirement obligations cannot be reasonably determined.
The asset retirement obligations for these assets will be recorded in the years
in which the lives of the assets are determinable.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company recognizes a liability for the potential cash settlements under its
Stock Option Plan. The current portion represents the maximum amount of the
liability payable within the next 12-month period if all vested options are
surrendered for cash settlement.
-----------------
NINE MONTHS Year
ENDED Ended
SEP 30, 2006 Dec 31, 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance - beginning of period $ 891 $ 323
Stock-based compensation (recovery) expense (37) 723
Current period payment for options surrendered (216) (227)
Transferred to common shares (79) (29)
Capitalized to Horizon Project 38 101
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance - end of period 597 891
Less: current portion of stock-based compensation 414 629
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 183 $ 262
============================================================================================
48 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
4. INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes is as follows:
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
------------- -----------
SEP 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
2006 2005 2006 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current income tax - North America $ 52 $ 25 $ 92 $ 91
Current income tax - North Sea - 57 - 124
Current income tax - Offshore West Africa 6 6 35 13
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current income tax expense 58 88 127 228
Future income tax expense (recovery) 473 18 517 (161)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income tax expense $ 531 $ 106 $ 644 $ 67
==============================================================================================================
A significant portion of the Company's North America taxable income is
generated through partnerships. Current income taxes are incurred on the
partnerships' taxable income in the year following their inclusion in the
Company's consolidated net earnings. North America current income tax is
dependant upon the nature and amount of capital expenditures incurred in
Canada.
During the first quarter of 2006, the UK government substantively enacted an
increase to the supplementary charge on profits from UK North Sea crude oil and
natural gas production, resulting in an increase of future tax liabilities of
$110 million.
During the second quarter of 2006, the Canadian Federal Government enacted
reductions to its corporate income tax rates, resulting in a reduction of
future income tax liabilities of approximately $277 million.
During the second quarter of 2006, the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan
enacted reductions to their corporate income tax rates, resulting in a
reduction of future tax liabilities of approximately $161 million.
During the third quarter of 2006, the Government of Cote d'Ivoire enacted
reductions to its corporate income tax rates, resulting in a reduction of
future income tax liabilities of approximately $67 million.
5. SHARE CAPITAL
----------------------------------------
Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2006
ISSUED NUMBER OF SHARES
COMMON SHARES (thousands) AMOUNT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance - beginning of period 536,348 $ 2,442
Issued upon exercise of stock options 1,584 17
Previously recognized liability on stock options exercised for
common shares - 79
Purchase of common shares under Normal Course Issuer Bid (485) (2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance - end of period 537,447 $ 2,536
==============================================================================================================
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 49
===============================================================================
NORMAL COURSE ISSUER BID
In January 2006, the Company announced the renewal of its Normal Course Issuer
Bid to purchase, through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange and the
New York Stock Exchange, during the 12-month period beginning January 24, 2006
and ending January 23, 2007, up to 26,852,545 common shares or 5% of the common
shares of the Company then outstanding on the date of the announcement. As at
September 30, 2006, the Company had purchased 485,000 common shares at an
average price of $57.33 per common share, for a total cost of $28 million.
Retained earnings was reduced by $26 million, representing the excess of the
purchase price of the common shares over their stated value. No shares were
repurchased subsequent to September 30, 2006.
DIVIDEND POLICY
In February 2006, the Board of Directors set the regular quarterly dividend at
$0.075 per common share (2005 - $0.059 per common share). The Company has paid
regular quarterly dividends in January, April, July, and October of each year
since 2001. The dividend policy undergoes a periodic review by the Board of
Directors and is subject to change.
STOCK OPTIONS
--------------------------------------------------------
Nine Months Ended Sep 30, 2006
STOCK OPTIONS WEIGHTED AVERAGE
(thousands) EXERCISE PRICE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding - beginning of period 30,510 $ 17.79
Granted 5,812 $ 59.69
Exercised for common shares (1,584) $ 10.70
Surrendered for cash settlement (4,143) $ 12.60
Forfeited (1,314) $ 33.38
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding - end of period 29,281 $ 26.52
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exercisable - end of period 9,864 $ 14.05
====================================================================================================================
6. NET EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
------------- -------------
SEP 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
2006 2005 2006 2005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average common shares outstanding (thousands)
Basic 537,292 536,958 537,296 536,688
Assumed settlement of preferred securities
with common shares(1) - 1,845 - -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted 537,292 538,803 537,296 536,688
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) $ 1,116 $ 151 $ 2,211 $ (54)
Interest on preferred securities, net of tax(1) - 1 - -
Revaluation on preferred securities, net of tax(1) - (3) - -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted net earnings (loss) $ 1,116 $ 149 $ 2,211 $ (54)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) per common share
Basic $ 2.08 $ 0.28 $ 4.12 $ (0.10)
Diluted $ 2.08 $ 0.28 $ 4.12 $ (0.10)
====================================================================================================================
(1) PREFERRED SECURITIES WERE NOT DILUTIVE FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER
30, 2005. THESE PREFERRED SECURITIES WERE REDEEMED IN SEPTEMBER 2005.
50 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
7. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage its commodity
price, 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 estimated fair values of non-designated financial derivatives were
comprised as follows:
------------------------------------
NINE MONTHS ENDED Year Ended
SEP 30, 2006 Dec 31, 2005
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk
Asset (liability) RISK MANAGEMENT DEFERRED management Deferred
MARK-TO-MARKET REVENUE mark-to-market revenue
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance - beginning of period $ (877) $ (8) $ 66 $ (26)
Net cost of outstanding put options 440 - 190 -
Net change in fair value of outstanding
derivative financial instruments 765 - (943) -
Amortization of deferred revenue - 7 - 18
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
328 (1) (687) (8)
Add: Put premium financing
obligations(1) (440) - (190) -
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance - end of period (112) (1) (877) (8)
Less: current portion 126 1 834 8
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 14 $ - $ (43) $ -
======================================================================================================================
(1) THE COMPANY HAS NEGOTIATED PAYMENT OF PUT OPTION PREMIUMS WITH VARIOUS
COUNTER-PARTIES AT THE TIME OF ACTUAL SETTLEMENT OF THE RESPECTIVE
OPTIONS. THESE OBLIGATIONS HAVE BEEN REFLECTED IN THE RISK MANAGEMENT
LIABILITY.
Net losses (gains) from risk management activities for the periods ended
September 30 were as follows:
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
----------------- ------------------
SEP 30 Sep 30 SEP 30 Sep 30
2006 2005 2006 2005
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized risk management loss $ 404 $ 368 $ 1,199 $ 551
Net unrealized risk management
mark-to-market (gain) loss (754) 633 (772) 1,750
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ (350) $ 1,001 $ 427 $ 2,301
======================================================================================================================
As at September 30, 2006, the net unrecognized asset related to the estimated
fair values of derivative financial instruments designated as hedges was $195
million (December 31, 2005 - net unrecognized liability of $990 million).
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 51
===============================================================================
The Company had the following net financial derivatives outstanding as at
September 30, 2006:
Remaining term Volume Average price Index
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRUDE OIL
Price collars(1) Oct 2006 - Dec 2006 160,000 bbl/d US$38.17 - US$48.16 WTI
Oct 2006 - Dec 2006 90,000 bbl/d US$45.00 - US$77.93 WTI
Oct 2006 - Dec 2006 22,000 bbl/d C$46.53 - C$58.67 WTI
Oct 2006 - Dec 2007 15,000 bbl/d US$50.00 - US$66.25 Maya
Jan 2007 - Dec 2007 50,000 bbl/d US$60.00 - US$90.63 WTI
Jan 2007 - Dec 2007 50,000 bbl/d US$65.00 - US$84.52 WTI
Put options Oct 2006 - Dec 2006 51,000 bbl/d US$50.00 WTI
Jan 2007 - Dec 2007 100,000 bbl/d US$45.00 WTI
Jan 2007 - Dec 2007 100,000 bbl/d US$60.00 WTI
Jan 2008 - Dec 2008 50,000 bbl/d US$55.00 WTI
WTI/Dated
Brent differential swaps Oct 2006 - Dec 2006 25,000 bbl/d US$1.29 Brent
WTI/Dated
Jan 2007 - Dec 2007 50,000 bbl/d US$1.34 Brent
================================================================================================================================
(1) SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2006, THE COMPANY ENTERED INTO 50,000 BBL/D OF
US$60.00 - US$71.49 WTI COLLARS FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 2007 TO DECEMBER
2007.
The cost of outstanding put options and their respective periods of settlement
are as follows:
Q4 2006 Q1 2007 Q2 2007 Q3 2007 Q4 2007 Q1 2008 Q2 2008 Q3 2008 Q4 2008
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost ($ millions) US$5 US$82 US$83 US$83 US$83 US$14 US$15 US$15 US$15
================================================================================================================================
52 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
Remaining term Volume Average price Index
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATURAL GAS
AECO collars(1) Oct 2006 - Oct 2006 300,000 GJ/d C$5.00 - C$7.10 AECO
Oct 2006 - Oct 2006 555,000 GJ/d C$5.50 - C$7.09 AECO
Oct 2006 - Oct 2006 150,000 GJ/d C$6.00 - C$9.53 AECO
Oct 2006 - Dec 2006 100,000 GJ/d C$7.00 - C$14.16 AECO
Nov 2006 - Mar 2007 300,000 GJ/d C$7.50 - C$18.77 AECO
Nov 2006 - Mar 2007 325,000 GJ/d(2) C$6.00 - C$14.68 AECO
Nov 2006 - Mar 2007 100,000 GJ/d C$7.00 - C$11.63 AECO
Nov 2006 - Mar 2007 400,000 GJ/d C$8.50 - C$11.22 AECO
Jan 2007 - Dec 2007 60,000 GJ/d C$8.00 - C$8.79 AECO
Apr 2007 - Oct 2007 500,000 GJ/d C$6.00 - C$10.13 AECO
Apr 2007 - Oct 2007 500,000 GJ/d C$7.00 - C$8.24 AECO
Nov 2007 - Mar 2008 500,000 GJ/d C$6.00 - C$16.39 AECO
Nov 2007 - Mar 2008 400,000 GJ/d C$7.00 - C$14.08 AECO
=========================================================================================================================
(1) SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2006, THE COMPANY ENTERED INTO 200,000 GJ/D OF
C$7.25 - C$8.38 AECO COLLARS FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 2007 TO MARCH 2007.
(2) SUBSEQUENT TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2006, THE COMPANY UNWOUND 260,000 GJ/D OF
C$6.00 - C$14.68 AECO COLLARS FOR THE PERIOD NOVEMBER 2006 TO MARCH 2007
AND ENTERED INTO 140,000 GJ/D OF C$7.25 - C$9.48 AECO COLLARS FOR THE
PERIOD JANUARY 2007 TO MARCH 2007 AND 120,000 GJ/D OF C$7.50 - C$8.91 AECO
COLLARS FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 2007 TO MARCH 2007.
The Company's outstanding financial derivatives will be settled monthly based
on the applicable index pricing for the respective contract month.
The Company has also entered into natural gas physical sales contracts for
325,000 GJ/d at an average fixed price of C$9.17 per GJ at AECO for the period
January to March 2007. Subsequent to September 30, 2006, the Company entered
into natural gas physical sales contracts for 300,000 GJ/d at an average fixed
price of C$7.33 per GJ at AECO for the period April 2007 to October 2007.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 53
===============================================================================
Amount
Remaining term ($ millions) Fixed rate Floating rate
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTEREST RATE
Swaps - fixed to floating Oct 2006 - Oct 2012 US$350 5.45% LIBOR(1) + 0.81%
Oct 2006 - Dec 2014 US$350 4.90% LIBOR(1) + 0.38%
Swaps - floating to fixed Oct 2006 - Mar 2007 C$2 7.36% CDOR(2)
================================================================================================================
(1) LONDON INTERBANK OFFERED RATE
(2) CANADIAN DEPOSIT OVERNIGHT RATE
Remaining term Amount Exchange rate Interest rate Interest rate
($ millions) (US$/C$) (US$) (C$)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENCY
Swaps Oct 2006 - Aug 2016 US$250 1.116 6.00% 5.40%
Forwards(1) Oct 2006 - Oct 2006 US$3,800 1.114 - -
=================================================================================================================
(1) AS AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2006, THE COMPANY HAD FIXED THE CANADIAN DOLLAR
EQUIVALENT OF US$3.8 BILLION OF THE ACC SHARE PURCHASE PRICE THROUGH THE
USE OF US DOLLAR CURRENCY FORWARDS.
8. COMMITMENTS
The Company has committed to certain payments as follows:
Remaining
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Thereafter
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Product transportation and $ 69 $ 184 $ 181 $ 128 $ 116 $ 1,117
pipeline(1)
Offshore equipment
operating lease $ 12 $ 49 $ 49 $ 49 $ 49 $ 171
Offshore drilling $ 32 $ 167 $ 75 $ 11 $ 11 $ 4
Asset retirement
obligations(2) $ 25 $ 4 $ 4 $ 4 $ 7 $ 3,363
Other(3) $ 20 $ 68 $ 29 $ 37 $ 39 $ 21
=====================================================================================================================
(1) THE COMPANY HAS ENTERED INTO A 25 YEAR PIPELINE TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT
COMMENCING IN 2008, RELATED TO FUTURE CRUDE OIL PRODUCTION. THE AGREEMENT
IS RENEWABLE FOR SUCCESSIVE 10-YEAR PERIODS AT THE COMPANY'S OPTION.
DURING THE INITIAL TERM, THE ANNUAL TOLL PAYMENTS BEFORE OPERATING COSTS
WILL BE APPROXIMATELY $35 MILLION.
(2) REPRESENTS MANAGEMENT'S ESTIMATE OF THE FUTURE UNDISCOUNTED PAYMENTS TO
SETTLE ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS RELATED TO RESOURCE PROPERTIES,
FACILITIES, AND PRODUCTION PLATFORMS, BASED ON CURRENT LEGISLATION AND
INDUSTRY OPERATING PRACTICES.
(3) CONSISTS OF FUTURE EXPENDITURES RELATED PRIMARILY TO OFFICE LEASE,
ELECTRICITY AND CRUDE OIL PROCESSING.
In February 2005, the Board of Directors approved the construction costs for
Phase 1 of the Horizon Project, which are budgeted to be $6.8 billion, with
cumulative spending of $3.3 billion to September 30, 2006, $0.6 billion
targeted to be incurred in the remainder of 2006 and $2.9 billion targeted to
be incurred in 2007 and 2008.
54 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
9. SEGMENTED INFORMATION
NORTH AMERICA NORTH SEA OFFSHORE WEST AFRICA
(millions of Canadian Three Months Nine Months Three Months Nine Months Three Months Nine Months
dollars, unaudited) Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended
Sep 30 Sep 30 Sep 30 Sep 30 Sep 30 Sep 30
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
2006 2005 2006 2005 2006 2005 2006 2005 2006 2005 2006 2005
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENTED REVENUE 2,052 2,293 5,954 5,556 567 513 1,264 1,288 236 104 718 205
Less: royalties (293) (399) (898) (937) (1) (1) (2) (2) (16) (3) (28) (6)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENTED REVENUE, NET OF 1,759 1,894 5,056 4,619 566 512 1,262 1,286 220 101 690 199
ROYALTIES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENTED EXPENSES
Production 368 326 1,036 889 145 106 313 311 27 10 68 27
Transportation 88 75 259 215 3 5 11 16 - - - -
Depletion, depreciation
and amortization 454 403 1,317 1,183 90 82 212 236 43 18 132 38
Asset retirement
obligation accretion 9 9 26 25 7 9 22 28 1 - 2 -
Realized risk management
activities 313 303 946 438 91 65 253 113 - - - -
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL SEGMENTED EXPENSES 1,232 1,116 3,584 2,750 336 267 811 704 71 28 202 65
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENTED EARNINGS
(LOSS) BEFORE THE
FOLLOWING 527 778 1,472 1,869 230 245 451 582 149 73 488 134
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NON-SEGMENTED EXPENSES
Administration
Stock-based compensation
(recovery) expense
Interest, net
Unrealized risk
management activities
Foreign exchange loss
(gain)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL NON-SEGMENTED
EXPENSES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS BEFORE TAXES
Taxes other than income
tax
Current income tax expense
Future income tax
expense (recovery)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET EARNINGS (LOSS)
==================================================================================================================================
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 55
===============================================================================
MIDSTREAM INTER-SEGMENT ELIMINATION AND OTHER TOTAL
(millions of Canadian Three Months Nine Months Three Months Nine Months Three Months Nine Months
dollars, unaudited) Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended
Sep 30 Sep 30 Sep 30 Sep 30 Sep 30 Sep 30
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
2006 2005 2006 2005 2006 2005 2006 2005 2006 2005 2006 2005
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENTED REVENUE 19 18 54 56 (15) (10) (42) (30) 2,859 2,918 7,948 7,075
Less: royalties - - - - - - - - (310) (403) (928) (945)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENTED REVENUE, NET OF 19 18 54 56 (15) (10) (42) (30) 2,549 2,515 7,020 6,130
ROYALTIES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENTED EXPENSES
Production 6 5 17 16 (2) (1) (4) (3) 544 446 1,430 1,240
Transportation - - - - (9) (9) (29) (27) 82 71 241 204
Depletion, depreciation
and amortization 2 2 6 6 - - - - 589 505 1,667 1,463
Asset retirement obligation
accretion - - - - - - - - 17 18 50 53
Realized risk management
activities - - - - - - - - 404 368 1,199 551
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL SEGMENTED EXPENSES 8 7 23 22 (11) (10) (33) (30) 1,636 1,408 4,587 3,511
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENTED EARNINGS (LOSS)
BEFORE THE FOLLOWING 11 11 31 34 (4) - (9) - 913 1,107 2,433 2,619
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NON-SEGMENTED EXPENSES
Administration 41 38 123 115
Stock-based compensation
(recovery) expense (135) 199 (37) 598
Interest, net 25 38 78 121
Unrealized risk management
activities (754) 633 (772) 1,750
Foreign exchange loss (gain) 12 (119) (29) (121)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL NON-SEGMENTED EXPENSES (811) 789 (637) 2,463
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS BEFORE TAXES 1,724 318 3,070 156
Taxes other than income tax 77 61 215 143
Current income tax expense 58 88 127 228
Future income tax expense
(recovery) 473 18 517 (161)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET EARNINGS (LOSS) 1,116 151 2,211 (54)
==================================================================================================================================
56 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
NET ADDITIONS TO PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Nine Months Ended
SEP 30, 2006 Sep 30, 2005
---------------------------------------------
NON-CASH/ Non-Cash/
CASH FAIR VALUE CAPITALIZED Cash Fair Value Capitalized
EXPENDITURES CHANGES(1) COSTS Expenditures Changes(1) Costs
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North America $ 2,640 $ 14 $ 2,654 $ 1,668 $ (106) $ 1,562
North Sea 435 (1) 434 268 - 268
Offshore West Africa 104 12 116 321 30 351
Other 10 - 10 5 - 5
Horizon Project(2) 2,252 - 2,252 942 - 942
Midstream 11 - 11 3 - 3
Head office 20 - 20 16 - 16
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 5,472 $ 25 $ 5,497 $ 3,223 $ (76) $ 3,147
===========================================================================================================================
(1) ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS, FUTURE INCOME TAX ADJUSTMENTS ON NON-TAX
BASE ASSETS, AND OTHER FAIR VALUE ADJUSTMENTS.
(2) CASH EXPENDITURES ALSO INCLUDE CAPITALIZED INTEREST AND STOCK-BASED
COMPENSATION.
Property, plant and equipment Total assets
------------------ ------------------
SEP 30 Dec 31 SEP 30 Dec 31
2006 2005 2006 2005
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENTED ASSETS
North America $ 15,653 $ 14,310 $ 16,838 $ 15,939
North Sea 1,841 1,681 2,078 1,950
Offshore West Africa 1,231 1,253 1,325 1,371
Other 23 13 38 30
Horizon Project 4,418 2,169 4,491 2,239
Midstream 208 203 357 258
Head office 73 65 73 65
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 23,447 $ 19,694 $ 25,200 $ 21,852
=============================================================================================================
CAPITALIZED INTEREST
Beginning in 2005, following the Board of Directors' approval of the Horizon
Project, the Company commenced capitalization of construction period interest
based on costs incurred and the Company's cost of borrowing. Interest
capitalization will cease once construction is substantially complete and the
Horizon Project is available for its intended use. For the nine months ended
September 30, 2006, pre-tax interest of $130 million was capitalized to the
Horizon Project (September 30, 2005 - $45 million).
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 57
===============================================================================
10. ACQUISITION OF ANADARKO CANADA CORPORATION
In November 2006, the Company expects to complete the acquisition of all of the
issued and outstanding common shares of ACC, a subsidiary of Anadarko Petroleum
Corporation, for aggregate cash consideration of US$4.075 billion before
working capital and other adjustments. ACC's land and production base are all
located in Western Canada.
The acquisition will be accounted for based on the purchase method. Results
from ACC will be consolidated with the results of the Company effective from
the date of acquisition and reported in the North America segment. The purchase
price allocation will be based on estimates of the fair values of the assets
acquired, the liabilities assumed and the costs to complete the acquisition.
The allocation is subject to change as actual amounts are determined.
58 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
INTEREST COVERAGE RATIOS
The following financial ratios are provided in connection with the Company's
continuous offering of medium-term notes pursuant to the short form prospectus
dated August 2005. These ratios are based on the Company's interim consolidated
financial statements that are prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in Canada.
Interest coverage ratios for the twelve month period ended September 30, 2006:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest coverage (times)
Net earnings(1) 17.6x
Cash flow from operations(2) 20.6x
===============================================================================
(1) NET EARNINGS PLUS INCOME TAXES AND INTEREST EXPENSE; DIVIDED BY THE SUM OF
INTEREST EXPENSE AND CAPITALIZED INTEREST.
(2) CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS PLUS CURRENT INCOME TAXES AND INTEREST EXPENSE;
DIVIDED BY THE SUM OF INTEREST EXPENSE AND CAPITALIZED INTEREST.
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 59
===============================================================================
CORPORATE INFORMATION
OFFICERS
Allan P. Markin* Jerry W. Harvey
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD VICE-PRESIDENT, COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS
N. Murray Edwards* Peter J. Janson
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD VICE-PRESIDENT, ENGINEERING INTEGRATION
John G. Langille* Terry J. Jocksch
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD VICE-PRESIDENT, EXPLOITATION - EAST
Steve W. Laut* Christopher M. Kean
PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER VICE-PRESIDENT, UTILITIES & OFFSITES
Douglas A. Proll* Philip A. Keele
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER & VICE-PRESIDENT, MINING
SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, FINANCE
Cameron S. Kramer
Real M. Cusson* VICE-PRESIDENT, FIELD OPERATIONS
SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, MARKETING
Richard P. Lock
Real J.H. Doucet* VICE-PRESIDENT, BITUMEN PRODUCTION
SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, OIL SANDS
Leon Miura
Allen M. Knight* VICE-PRESIDENT, UPGRADING
SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, INTERNATIONAL &
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT
S. John Parr
Tim S. McKay* VICE-PRESIDENT, PRODUCTION - EAST
SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS
David A. Payne
Lyle G. Stevens* VICE-PRESIDENT, EXPLOITATION - WEST
SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, EXPLOITATION
Bill R. Peterson
Jeff W. Wilson* VICE-PRESIDENT, PRODUCTION - WEST
SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, EXPLORATION
John C. Puckering
Mary-Jo E. Case* VICE-PRESIDENT, SITE DEVELOPMENT
VICE-PRESIDENT, LAND
Sheldon L. Schroeder
Corey B. Bieber VICE-PRESIDENT, PROJECT CONTROL
VICE-PRESIDENT, INVESTOR RELATIONS
Ken W. Stagg
Wayne M. Chorney VICE-PRESIDENT, EXPLORATION, WEST
VICE-PRESIDENT, DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS
Steve C. Suche
William R. Clapperton VICE-PRESIDENT,
VICE-PRESIDENT, REGULATORY, STAKEHOLDER & INFORMATION & CORPORATE SERVICES
ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
Lynn M. Zeidler
Gordon M. Coveney VICE-PRESIDENT,
VICE-PRESIDENT, EXPLORATION - EAST HORIZON CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Randall S. Davis* Kimberly I. McKay
VICE-PRESIDENT, FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING & CONTROLS TREASURER
Larry C. Galea Bruce E. McGrath
VICE-PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS PLANNING CORPORATE SECRETARY
*Management Committee
60 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
===============================================================================
STOCK LISTING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Toronto Stock Exchange Catherine M. Best
Trading Symbol - CNQ and CNQ.U*
N. Murray Edwards
*denotes trading in US funds Honourable Gary A. Filmon, P.C., O.M.
Ambassador Gordon D. Giffin
New York Stock Exchange John G. Langille
Trading Symbol - CNQ
Steve W. Laut
Keith A.J. MacPhail
Honourable Frank J. McKenna, P.C., O.N.B., Q.C.
REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
Allan P. Markin
Computershare Trust Company of Canada
CALGARY, ALBERTA Norman F. McIntyre
TORONTO, ONTARIO
James S. Palmer, C.M., A.O.E., Q.C.
Computershare Investor Services LLC
NEW YORK, NEW YORK Eldon R. Smith, M.D.
David A. Tuer
INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
CNR International (U.K.) Limited
Aberdeen, Scotland
INVESTOR RELATIONS
Telephone: (403) 514-7777
Facsimile: (403) 517-7370
Email: ir@cnrl.com
Website: www.cnrl.com
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 61
===============================================================================
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62 CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED
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CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LIMITED 63
===============================================================================
C A N A D I A N N A T U R A L R E S O U R C E S L I M I T E D
2500, 855 - 2 Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta T2P 4J8
Telephone: (403) 517-6700 Facsimile: (403) 517-7350
Email: ir@cnrl.com
Website: www.cnrl.com
Printed in Canada