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Santos Ltd

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FY2015 Annual Report · Santos Ltd
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Annual 
Report 
2015

Santos Limited  
ABN 80 007 550 923

CONTENTS

1  Message from the Chairman

  4 

 Introducing Kevin Gallagher, Santos Managing Director  
and Chief Executive Officer

  6  Board of Directors
  8  Santos Leadership Team
  10  Production and Sales
  11  Reserves Statement
  16 
10-year Summary
  18  Directors’ Report 
 34  Remuneration in brief
 36  Remuneration Report
 55  Financial Report
Independent Auditor’s Report
 121 
 122  Auditor’s Independence Declaration
 123 
Information for Shareholders
 124  Securities Exchange and Shareholder Information
 126 
 127  Glossary 
 128  Corporate Directory

Index

Organisation chart

This 2015 Annual Report is a summary of Santos’ operations, 
activities and financial position as at 31 December 2015.

All references to dollars, cents or $ in this document are to 
Australian currency, unless otherwise stated.

An electronic version of this report is available on Santos’ website, 
www.santos.com

Santos’ Corporate Governance Statement can be viewed at:   
www.santos.com/who-we-are/corporate-governance

BOARD COMMITTEES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Audit and Risk

Environment, Health,  
Safety and Sustainability

Nomination

People and Remuneration

MANAGING DIRECTOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

SANTOS LEADERSHIP TEAM

Comprises the Managing Director and his reports

Drive business strategy and operations

CORPORATE CENTRE

BUSINESS UNITS

TECHNICAL DISCIPLINES

Allocate capital and provide 
governance and policy

Human Resources, Health,  
Aboriginal Affairs

Finance, Strategy, Legal,  
Investor Relations, Treasury,  
Risk and Audit, Information 
Technology and Procurement 

Government and Public Affairs

Corporate Secretariat

Business execution and delivery 

Asia Pacific

Eastern Australia

GLNG

Western Australia and 
Northern Territory

Provide excellence,  
service and assurance

Exploration and Subsurface

Drilling and Completions and 
Engineering 

Safety and Environment

 
Message from  
the Chairman

Peter Coates

Dear Shareholder,

The sustained low oil price environment continues to impact oil 
and gas companies around the globe. Sharp cuts have been made 
to exploration and production programs, supply continues to 
outpace demand and the outlook for stronger global economic 
growth remains at risk. 

Despite the challenging backdrop, our confidence in the long-term 
demand for energy remains strong. Natural gas, in particular, is  
well positioned to benefit from not only a rapidly growing and 
increasingly urbanised global population but also the move toward 
cleaner burning fuels.

Whilst we are confident in the long term demand for energy, the 
volatility exhibited by external markets is beyond our control. Our 
commitment, therefore, is to ensure the company is self-sustaining 
in a low oil price environment, now and into the future. We have 
already implemented significant initiatives to drive costs out, 
improve productivity and ultimately, produce more for less, but 
there is still much to be done. The Board, senior management and 
all employees are committed and engaged to improve efficiencies 
and restore shareholder value. 

Despite the successful delivery of first LNG in September 2015  
from our GLNG project, I accept, that when key LNG investment 
decisions were made, like most in the sector, we did not fully 
anticipate the timing, speed and depth of the down cycle for oil 
prices. Santos, however, is running a long-term business. Over the 
past five years, our multi-billion dollar investments in PNG LNG 
and GLNG were made with this in mind. While they have required 
us to increase our debt level in the short-term, they are by  
no means short-term projects. Any final judgement on the  
success of our LNG strategy should be measured through the  
oil price cycle and not based on the spot price today. 

Looking to the future, one of our key advantages is that our LNG 
assets have low operating costs. They can operate effectively in a 

low oil price environment and will materially benefit shareholders  
as and when market conditions improve. These strategic assets 
are underpinned by world class resources, high quality partners 
and binding long-term offtake agreements that will generate cash 
for decades to come.

The growing demand for energy coupled with the significant cuts 
to investment by oil and gas companies globally is expected to lead 
to a recalibration of oil prices to higher levels. Santos, with its key 
infrastructure position, abundant resources and LNG exposure, is 
well-placed to benefit.

STRENGTHENING THE BALANCE SHEET

In November 2014, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting 
Countries (OPEC) announced its intention to maintain high levels 
of oil output to protect their market-share against the rise of 
non-OPEC production, particularly shale oil out of the USA. 

Following this announcement, Santos reacted quickly and sought 
to reposition the company for a lower oil price environment.

In December 2014, we announced a 25% reduction to the 2015 
capital expenditure budget and negotiated a $1 billion bilateral bank 
facility to further strengthen our balance sheet. In February 2015  
a recruitment freeze was announced, approximately 500 positions 
were removed from the company, and a 10% reduction in unit 
production costs was targeted over the remainder of the year.

Despite these early initiatives, as the year progressed, it became 
increasingly evident that oil prices were to remain under significant 
pressure for longer than we, and the market, had anticipated. 
OPEC reaffirmed their commitment to maintain high crude output, 
US shale production proved to be unexpectedly resilient, and 
market sentiment continued to be negatively impacted by the 
expectation of higher oil exports from Iran and the risk of lower 
economic growth out of China. 

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 1

With our major LNG investment 
program behind us, we are now 
firmly focused on becoming a low 
cost producer.

Against this deteriorating external backdrop, on 9 November  
2015, the company announced $3.5 billion of capital initiatives  
to strengthen the balance sheet and reduce net debt.

The first initiative was the sale of Santos’ 35% interest in the 
Kipper gas field, offshore Victoria, for $520 million. Further asset 
sales were considered at this time but the Board determined that 
it was not in the best interests of shareholders to sell tier one 
assets at prices that did not adequately reflect their long-term 
value. 

The second initiative was the $500 million private placement to 
Hony Capital. This was done at a substantial premium to the then 
share price. This share placement to Hony at $6.80 per share 
reflected a clear vote of confidence in Santos’ long-term value 
proposition.

Finally, the decision to raise equity was not taken lightly but 
ultimately, given an external environment characterised by  
extreme uncertainty, it was determined that it was in the best 
interest of shareholders. With strong shareholder support, we 
raised $2.5 billion via a 1 for 1.7 accelerated pro-rata renounceable 
entitlement offer.

As a result of these initiatives, our balance sheet today is much 
stronger. We have retained our investment grade credit rating and 
have a very strong liquidity position with $4.8 billion in cash and 
undrawn debt facilities as at 31 December 2015. The initiatives 
undertaken in 2015 were firmly focused on strengthening the 
company’s balance sheet and we now have a capital buffer to 
reinforce the company through a lower oil price environment.

NEW DIVIDEND POLICY

A revised dividend framework was also announced at this time  
to better reflect the company’s exposure to oil-linked LNG pricing 
and the cyclical characteristics of global oil markets. 

Dividends will now be set as a payout ratio of earnings. Subject to 
business conditions, this is expected to be a minimum of 40% of 
underlying net profit after tax. For the 2015 final dividend, a fully 
franked 5 cents per share dividend was declared.

MANAGEMENT RENEWAL

As a business, we have also started to change the way we  
do things. With our major LNG investment program behind us,  
we are now firmly focused on becoming a low cost producer.  
With this in mind, the Board was pleased to appoint Mr Kevin 
Gallagher as the new Managing Director and CEO. 

Mr Gallagher was previously Chief Executive Officer of the 
engineering services group, Clough Limited and has 25 years’ 
experience managing oil and gas operations in Australia, the  
USA and North and West Africa. He is widely recognised for  
his achievements in driving strong financial performance and  
is ideally suited to lead the company as the focus moves from 
major strategic developments to delivering strong operational 
results in a low oil price environment. Indeed, he has a clear 
mandate from the Board to continue to lower the cost base  
of the company’s operations and ensure Santos is sustainable  
and self-funding at low oil prices.

Mr Gallagher started at Santos on 1 February 2016.

2 / Santos Annual Report 2015

CONFIDENCE FOR THE FUTURE

Finally, in what has been an extremely challenging year, I would  
like to thank you, our shareholders, for your continued support.  
The company has gone through a significant investment phase and 
the focus now is to consolidate the business and drive efficiencies 
to ensure Santos is self-sustaining in a lower oil price environment.  
We have made material and sustainable cost reductions but there  
is a lot more to be done.

In 2016, we are scaling back our short-term investment plans  
on a number of projects as we work through funding priorities  
in response to the lower oil price. Our growth options are 
incremental, low risk and will be prioritised to ensure the best 
return for shareholders. We will continue to refine our strategy  
and update the market in due course.

We can be confident in the strong and growing demand for energy 
and our portfolio of high-quality assets is well placed to benefit. 

We are determined to restore and maximise shareholder value.

PETER COATES
Chairman

We can be confident in the strong 
and growing demand for energy 
and our portfolio of high quality 
assets is well placed to benefit.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 3

Introducing

Kevin Gallagher,  
Managing Director  
and Chief Executive Officer

Kevin joined Santos as Managing Director and Chief 
Executive Officer on 1 February 2016. 

Kevin is a senior executive with more than 25 years’ 
experience in managing oil and gas operations in Australia, 
the USA and North and West Africa.

A qualified mechanical engineer, Kevin commenced his 
career as a drilling engineer with Mobil North Sea Ltd, 
before joining Woodside Petroleum Ltd in 1998. During a  
13 year tenure with Woodside, he led the drilling organisation 
through rapid growth, delivering several Australian and 
international development projects and exploration 
campaigns. In his last role he was accountable for profit 
and loss on Australia’s largest resource project, the North 
West Shelf, where he held the positions of Executive Vice 
President, North West Shelf Business Unit and CEO of  
the North West Shelf Venture.

Appointed Managing Director and CEO of Clough Ltd in 
2011, Kevin implemented strategies that transformed the 
business. He established a strong leadership team, improved 
cost and operational performance and delivered record 
financial results. He oversaw the development of innovative 
programs to improve safety and drive productivity and 
executed an M&A and international expansion strategy 
which saw Clough enter five new regions including the  
US, UK, Canada, Africa and Asia.

In 2013 Kevin was recognised by Australia’s CEO Magazine 
as the CEO of the Year, and the Energy and Resources 
Executive of the Year.

4 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Dear Shareholder,

Since joining Santos two months ago I have focused my efforts on 
getting up to speed to understand the issues and the opportunities 
across our portfolio of assets. I am working hard to develop a clear 
strategy for the future and am determined to build an organisation 
with a reputation for delivering what we promise.

There is no question that lower oil prices present significant 
challenges to the oil and gas industry, to Santos and to you, our 
shareholders. The dynamics of supply and demand have brought 
into stark reality the need to ensure that our assets are operated  
in a disciplined and efficient manner.

If we look at the 2015 production and safety results, operationally 
we have a lot to work with. What cannot be ignored, however, is 
the steep decline in the oil price and the impact this is having on 
our business. It is clear that we must do better. 

Production of 57.7 million barrels of oil equivalent in 2015 was the 
company’s highest in seven years, underpinned by a full-year of 
production from PNG LNG, the start-up of GLNG in the third 
quarter and record annual production from Darwin LNG. 

The first cargo departed GLNG in October and marked a significant 
milestone in a project that is set to run for decades to come. Train 1 
production has regularly exceeded 10% above nameplate capacity 
and as at the end of February 2016 the project had produced 
approximately 1.2 million tonnes of LNG and shipped 18 cargoes.

The PNG LNG project shipped 101 cargoes in 2015 as strong 
upstream deliverability and reliable plant performance resulted  
in the plant operating 7% above its nameplate capacity at an 
annualised rate of 7.4 million tonnes per annum.

We recorded some exploration success in 2015, announcing  
a significant oil discovery in March 2015 from the Bestari-1 
exploration well located offshore Malaysia. Further, in the Cooper 
Basin, the first stand-alone Permian Source Rock play producer, 
the Tirrawarra South-1 well, was successfully brought online in  
May and is flowing liquids-rich gas in line with forecasts.

I am working hard to develop 
a clear strategy for the future 
and am determined to build an 
organisation with a reputation  
for delivering what we promise.

Despite this operational performance, a net loss of $2.7 billion  
was reported, reflecting after tax impairments of $2.8 billion.  
The impairment charges are primarily a result of the current  
lower oil price environment. The impairment charge is an 
accounting adjustment that relates to the historical book  
value of the company’s assets.

The impairment charge was attributed predominantly to the 
company’s Cooper Basin, GLNG and Gunnedah Basin assets. 
Although the lower oil price has resulted in a reduction of  
capital expenditure and the deferral of field development plans,  
we remain committed to meeting our contractual obligations  
from the Cooper Basin and the GLNG project, and will continue  
to progress the evaluation and approvals processes for the 
Narrabri Gas opportunity.

EBITDAX1 of $1.9 billion was down 17% on the previous year 
despite the oil price declining by almost 50%. Underlying net  
profit after tax was $50 million, 91% lower than the prior year,  
a result again impacted by the weak oil price. Operating cash  
flow was strong at $1.1 billion, due in part to the defensive  
nature of our domestic gas assets.

Over the course of 2015 we reduced capex by 54%, cut 825 
employee positions across the company and secured $230 million  
in savings across the supply chain. Unit production costs were down 
10% to $14.40 per barrel of oil equivalent. We remain committed  
to further driving costs out of the business and working closely 
with our joint venture partners to improve efficiencies. 

These savings can only be achieved through the hard work  
of all of our teams, and are reflective of a new mind-set where 
producing more for less is expected. We have made a significant 
start, but we are certainly not done and we must continue to 
improve our performance.

It is vital that we continue to take costs out of our business.  
My first priority and absolute focus is to look closely at our 
operations. I am scrutinising our portfolio of assets and the 
structure and processes that we have in place to manage them.  

I am working hard to develop the right management team, the 
right strategy and the right culture to make Santos self-sustaining 
in a low oil price environment and well positioned to take full 
advantage of rising commodity prices in the future.

We must continue to adapt to changing market conditions. 
Change is required if we are to stay competitive and I will be 
working quickly to identify further actions that are essential  
to effectively manage the business.

In a period of significant operational and cultural change, it  
was pleasing to see in 2015 the company record its best safety 
performance on record with a Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate 
(LTIFR) of 0.1 per million hours worked. We must, however, remain 
vigilant across all of our operations to ensure everyone goes home 
without injury. In addition, we were recognised for our sustainable 
operations and placed in the top 10% of the leading 2,500 
companies globally by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. 
Companies are selected for inclusion in the index based on a 
comprehensive assessment of long-term economic, environmental 
and social criteria. For further information I would encourage you 
to read our 2015 Sustainability Report, available on our website at 
www.santos.com/sustainability

I look forward to the challenges ahead and will update you on the 
progress we make in due course. 

This is a great company with a great history. It’s an incredible 
honour for me to lead and serve this company and I have high 
expectations that Santos will emerge from this period a stronger 
and more sustainable business.

KEVIN GALLAGHER
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

1 

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, depletion, amortisation and exploration.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 5

Board of Directors

PETER COATES AO

KEVIN GALLAGHER

YASMIN ALLEN

KENNETH DEAN

ROY FRANKLIN OBE

BCom FAICD

BCom (Hons), FCPA, FAICD

BSc (Hons)

Independent non-executive 
Director since 22 October 
2014. A member of the 
Environment, Health, Safety 
and Sustainability and Audit 
and Risk Committees of the 
Board. 

Ms Allen has more than 20 
years’ experience in finance 
and investment banking, 
including senior roles at 
Deutsche Bank AG, ANZ and 
HSBC Group Plc.

She is a Director of Cochlear 
Limited, chairs its Audit 
Committee and is a member 
of the Nomination and 
Remuneration Committee.

She is a member of the 
George Institute for Global 
Health Board and a Director 
of the National Portrait 
Gallery. In February 2015 Ms 
Allen was appointed non-
executive Director of the 
Board of ASX Limited.

Ms Allen was a former 
non-executive Director of 
Insurance Australia Group 
Limited, until 30 September 
2015 and a former national 
Director and acting Chair of 
the Australian Institute of 
Company Directors.

Independent non-executive 
Director since 28 September 
2006. Chair of the 
Environment, Health, Safety 
and Sustainability Committee, 
member of the People and 
Remuneration Committee of 
the Board and member of 
the Nomination Committee 
effective 25 June 2015.

Non-executive Director of 
Keller Group plc since July 
2007 and Chairman since 
August 2009 and Chairman 
of Cuadrilla Resources 
Holdings Limited since April 
2015. Appointed deputy 
Chairman of Statoil with 
effect from 1 July 2015, and 
as a Director of Amec Foster 
Wheeler plc with effect from 
1 January 2016.

Chief Executive Officer of 
Paladin Resources plc from 
1997 to 2005 and former 
Group Managing Director 
of Clyde Petroleum plc. 
Chairman of BRINDEX, the 
trade association for UK 
independent oil and gas 
companies from 2002 to 
2005 and a former member 
of PILOT, the joint industry/
UK Government task 
force set up to maximise 
hydrocarbon recovery from 
the UK North Sea 2002 to 
2005. 

In 2004, awarded the OBE 
for services to the UK oil and 
gas industry.

Independent non-executive 
Director since 23 February 
2005. Member of the Audit 
and Risk and Nomination 
Committees of the Board. 
Director of Santos Finance 
Limited since 30 September 
2005.

Non-executive Director of 
Bluescope Steel Limited 
since April 2009 and 
Chairman of Bluescope’s 
Audit and Risk Committee. 
Independent non-executive 
Director of EnergyAustralia 
Holdings Limited since June 
2012.

Appointed to the Australian 
Securities & Investment 
Commission’s Director 
Advisory Panel, effective  
1 October 2015.

Previously Chief Financial 
Officer of Alumina Limited, 
October 2005 to February 
2009, alternate Director 
of Alumina Limited, and 
non-executive Director of 
Alcoa of Australia Ltd, Alcoa 
World Alumina LLC and 
related companies. Director 
of Shell Australia Ltd from 
1997 to 2001 and Woodside 
Petroleum Ltd from 1998 to 
2004.

Over 40 years’ experience 
in the oil and gas industry. 
Fellow of the Australian 
Society of Certified 
Practising Accountants and 
Fellow of the Australian 
Institute of Company 
Directors. Former Chief 
Executive Officer of Shell 
Financial Services and 
member of the La Trobe 
University Council. In 2015 
Mr Dean was appointed 
to the Board of Mission 
Australia.

Chairman

BSc (Mining Engineering), 
FAICD, FAusIMM 

Independent non-executive 
Director. Member of the 
Board since March 2008, 
Chairman from December 
2009 to May 2013, 
reappointed Chairman 
April 2015 and appointed 
Executive Chairman from 
August 2015 to January 
2016. A Director of Santos 
Finance Ltd and Chair of the 
Nomination Committee.

Non-executive Director 
of Glencore plc since its 
float in April 2011 until its 
merger with Xstrata plc in 
May 2013. Joined the Board 
of the merged company 
in June 2013 and worked 
as an Executive Director 
assisting with the integration 
of Glencore and Xstrata 
before resuming the position 
as a non-executive Director 
from 1 January 2014. Non-
executive Chairman of 
Glencore majority owned 
Sphere Minerals Ltd since 
May 2013.

Non-executive Director 
of Event Hospitality & 
Entertainment Limited 
(formerly Amalgamated 
Holdings Limited) since  
July 2009.

Former non-executive 
Chairman of Xstrata 
Australia Pty Limited from 
January 2008 to August 
2009 and former Chairman 
and non-executive Director 
of Minara Resources Limited 
from April 2008 to April 2011. 
Previously Chief Executive 
of Xstrata Coal, Xstrata plc’s 
global coal business. Past 
Chairman of the Minerals 
Council of Australia, the 
NSW Minerals Council 
and the Australian Coal 
Association.

Made an Officer of the 
Order of Australia in June 
2009 and was awarded the 
2010 Australasian Institute 
of Mining and Metallurgy 
Medal.

Managing Director and 
Chief Executive Officer

BEng (Mechanical) Hons, 
FIEAust

Kevin joined Santos as 
Managing Director and  
Chief Executive Officer  
on 1 February 2016. 

Prior to this Kevin was CEO 
and Managing Director at 
Clough Limited. Kevin is a 
Senior Executive with more 
than 25 years’ experience 
in managing oil and gas 
operations in Australia, the 
USA and North and West 
Africa. 

A qualified mechanical 
engineer, Kevin commenced 
his career as a drilling 
engineer with Mobil North 
Sea Ltd, before joining 
Woodside in 1998. During 
his 13-year tenure with 
Woodside, Kevin led the 
drilling organisation through 
rapid growth, delivering 
several Australian and 
international development 
projects and exploration 
campaigns. He also led the 
Australian Oil Business Unit 
consisting of five floating 
production storage offload 
(FPSO) operations and east 
coast domestic gas plants. 

Kevin was also responsible 
for production on Australia’s 
largest resource project, the 
North West Shelf, where 
he held the positions of 
Executive Vice President, 
North West Shelf Business 
Unit and CEO, North West 
Shelf Venture at Woodside. 

At Clough, Kevin implemented 
strategies that transformed 
the business. He established 
a strong leadership 
team, improved cost and 
operational performance and 
delivered record financial 
results. He oversaw the 
development of innovative 
programs to improve safety 
and drive productivity and 
executed an M&A and 
international expansion 
strategy which saw Clough 
enter five new regions 
including the US, UK, 
Canada, Africa and Asia. 

6 / Santos Annual Report 2015

 
HOCK GOH

JANE HEMSTRITCH

GREGORY MARTIN

SCOTT SHEFFIELD

BEng (Hons) Mech Eng 

BSc (Hons), FCA, FAICD 

BEc, LLB, FAIM, MAICD 

BS Petroleum Engineering

COMMITTEES  
OF THE BOARD

Audit and Risk Committee

Ms J Hemstritch (Chair) 
Mr K Dean 
Mr G Martin 
Mr H Goh 
Ms Y Allen

Nomination Committee

Mr P Coates (Chair) 
Mr K Dean 
Mr R Franklin

People and Remuneration 
Committee

Mr G Martin (Chair) 
Ms J Hemstritch  
Mr R Franklin

Environment,  
Health, Safety and 
Sustainability Committee

Mr R Franklin (Chair) 
Mr H Goh 
Ms Y Allen 
Mr K Gallagher

Mr Sheffield is an 
independent non-executive 
Director, effective 24 
February 2014. He is 
Chairman and Chief 
Executive Officer of Pioneer 
Natural Resources Company, 
which is listed on the New 
York Stock Exchange and 
included in the S&P 500 
Index. He has been Chief 
Executive Officer since 1997 
and Chairman since 1999.

Serves on various industry 
and education-related 
boards, including the 
National Petroleum Council 
and the Maguire Energy 
Institute of the SMU Cox 
School of Business.

Recipient of the Permian 
Basin Association’s Top Hand 
award, which recognises 
individuals who have 
demonstrated exceptional 
leadership within the oil 
and gas industry and the 
Permian Basin community. 
He is also a 2013 inductee 
into the Permian Basin 
Petroleum Museum Hall of 
Fame.

Independent non-executive 
Director since 22 October 
2012. Member of the 
Environment, Health, Safety 
and Sustainability Committee 
and the Audit and Risk 
Committee of the Board.

More than 30 years’ 
experience in the global oil 
and gas industry, having 
spent 25 years with 
Schlumberger Limited, 
including as President of 
Network and Infrastructure 
Solutions division in 
London, President of Asia, 
and Vice President and 
General Manager of China. 
Previously held managerial 
and staff positions in Asia, 
the Middle East and Europe.

Chairman of MEC Resources 
Ltd since October 2006. 
Appointed as non-executive 
Director of Stora Enso Oyj 
(Finland) in April 2012. Also 
a non-executive Director 
of AB SKF (Sweden) since 
March 2014 and Vesuvius 
PLC (UK) since April 2015.

Previously a non-executive 
Director of BPH Energy Ltd 
from 2007 to March 2015, an 
Operating Partner of Baird 
Capital Partners Asia, based 
in China, from 2007 to June 
2012, and non-executive 
Director of Xaloy Holding 
Inc in the US from 2006 to 
2008.

Independent non-executive 
Director since 16 February 
2010. Member of the 
People and Remuneration 
Committee and Chair of the 
Audit and Risk Committee.

Broad experience 
in the oil and gas, 
telecommunications, 
government, financial 
services and manufacturing 
sectors. Former Director 
of Commonwealth Bank of 
Australia and spent 25 years 
of her career with Accenture 
and Andersen Consulting. 
Formerly Accenture’s 
Managing Director 
Resources Operating Group 
Asia Pacific, and before that, 
Country Managing Director 
Australia.

Non-executive Director 
of Lend Lease Group 
since September 2011 and 
Tabcorp Holdings Ltd since 
November 2008. Chairman 
of Victorian Opera since 
February 2013, having 
formerly been non-executive 
Director since 2010. Director 
of the Walter and Eliza 
Hall Institute of Medical 
Research since November 
2013. In July 2015 Ms 
Hemstritch was appointed 
as a non-executive member 
to the Herbert Smith 
Freehills Global Council. 

A member of the Council 
of the National Library of 
Australia. A Fellow of the 
Institutes of Chartered 
Accountants in Australia 
and in England and Wales, 
a Fellow of the Australian 
Institute of Company 
Directors and a member of 
Chief Executive Women Inc.

Independent non-executive 
Director since 29 October 
2009. Chair of the People 
and Remuneration 
Committee and a member 
of the Audit and Risk 
Committee of the Board.

Chairman of Iluka Resources 
Limited from 18 December 
2013. Chairman and Joint 
Managing Partner of 
Prostar Capital since July 
2012 and independent 
non-executive Chairman of 
Sydney Desalination Plant 
Pty Ltd from December 
2012. On 1 February 2015 
Mr Martin was appointed to 
the CoAG Energy Council 
Energy Selection Panel. 
The role of the Panel is to 
provide recommendations 
to CoAG’s Energy Council 
on appointments to the 
Australian Energy Market 
Operator, Australian Energy 
Market Commission, 
Australian Energy Regulator 
and Energy Consumers 
Australia. In April 2015 Mr 
Martin was appointed to 
the Board of Electricity 
Networks Corporation, 
trading as Western Power, 
as Deputy Chairman.

Previous non-executive 
Director of Australian Energy 
Market Operator Limited 
(July 2008–November 2014) 
and Energy Developments 
Limited (May 2006–October 
2015), Deputy Chairman 
of the Australian Gas 
Association and inaugural 
Chairman of the Energy 
Supply Association of 
Australia. Past member of 
the Business Council of 
Australia, Committee for 
the Economic Development 
of Australia, and the 
Council on Australia Latin 
America Relations. Formerly 
Managing Director and 
Chief Executive Officer 
of AGL, Chief Executive 
Infrastructure at Challenger 
Financial Services Group 
and Managing Director of 
Murchison Metals Limited.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 7

Santos Leadership Team

1/KEVIN GALLAGHER
Managing Director  
and Chief Executive Officer

1/

8/

For bio see page 6.

2/ANDREW SEATON
Chief Financial Officer
BEng Hons (Chem), GradDip 
BusAdmin

Andrew Seaton was appointed 
Chief Financial Officer in 2010, 
and is responsible for Santos’ 
corporate finance, accounting, 
taxation, treasury, investor 
relations, risk, audit, insurance, 
information systems and 
procurement functions.

Andrew has over 25 years of 
oil and gas industry experience, 
encompassing finance, banking, 
commercial and engineering 
roles. Prior to joining Santos 
in 2005, Andrew held senior 
positions in investment 
banking where he worked on 
a broad range of mergers and 
acquisitions, equity and debt 
transactions. His early career 
included 10 years of operations, 
engineering design and project 
management experience.

3/JOHN ANDERSON 
Vice President  
Asia & Western Australia 
and Northern Territory
LLB, BEc, GDCL

John Anderson is the Vice 
President responsible for 
Santos’ business in Asia, 
Western Australia and the 
Northern Territory. 

John joined Santos in 1996 as a 
Corporate Counsel in Brisbane 
having previously worked for 10 
years as a solicitor with a large 
corporate law firm in Brisbane 
and Melbourne.

John has held a number of 
senior roles in Santos including 
Vice President Commercial, Vice 
President Strategic Projects 
and Group Executive Business 
Development. 

2/

9/

3/

10/

4/

11/

5/

12/

6/

13/

7/

14/

8 / Santos Annual Report 2015

5/JAMES BAULDERSTONE
Vice President  
Corporate Development
LLB (Hons), BSc (Hons) 

James Baulderstone is 
responsible for corporate 
development, commercial and 
marketing, public affairs and 
sustainability, and the company’s 
New South Wales assets.

James joined Santos in 2007 as 
General Counsel and Company 
Secretary after previously 
holding similar roles at Mayne 
Group and BlueScope Steel. 
James has 25 years of extensive 
legal, commercial and business 
development experience and 
was responsible for Santos’ 
East Coast operations for the 
previous 5 years.

6/TREVOR BROWN
Vice President Queensland
BSc (Hons)

Trevor Brown has responsibility 
for leading all aspects of the 
development and operation of 
the gas fields and gas supply 
infrastructure of the GLNG 
project. Trevor has extensive 
international experience in 
exploration, new ventures, 
onshore and offshore 
developments and leadership 
of major projects. A geologist 
by background Trevor has over 
30 years’ experience in the 
international oil and gas industry 
including 11 years in Indonesia 
managing onshore and offshore 
exploration and development 
projects. Trevor has held 
Australian and international 
roles with Woodside, VICO and 
Unocal prior to joining Santos 
in 2001.

In 2009, John relocated to 
Perth to run Santos’ WA & NT 
operations including domestic 
gas and oil production in the 
Carnarvon Basin, exploration 
activity in the Browse and 
Bonaparte basins and the 
company’s first LNG project, 
Darwin LNG. 

In 2014, John moved 
to Singapore after his 
responsibilities were extended to 
include Santos’ Asian activities 
including the company’s second 
LNG project, PNG LNG, as 
well as oil and gas production 
assets in Indonesia and 
Vietnam, and a variety of other 
interests including exploration 
opportunities in Malaysia and 
Bangladesh. 

4/JOE ARIYARATNAM
General Manager  
Western Australia  
& Northern Territory
BE (Hons), BSc

Joe Ariyaratnam is responsible 
for Santos’ activities in Western 
Australia and its offshore 
interests in Northern Territory 
and South Australia, including 
exploration, development, 
production, commercial and 
finance, business development, 
and operated assets.

Joe joined Santos in April 2012 
and managed Santos’ assets 
across Northern Australia, 
and later also took the added 
responsibility of managing 
technical activity for the 
company’s Perth-based WA and 
NT business unit in 2013.

Joe has a subsurface and 
developments background, 
and has 18 years’ industry 
experience including senior 
management and technical 
roles. Prior to joining Santos, 
Joe most recently worked with 
BP in Australia and overseas, in 
roles spanning subsurface and 
concept development activity.

14/BRETT WOODS
Vice President  
Eastern Australia
BSc (Hons) Geology  
and Geophysics

Brett Woods is responsible 
for production, development 
and commercialisation of the 
company’s oil and gas resources 
in Central Australia.

Brett joined Santos in 
February 2013 as the 
Manager Exploration for the 
company’s Perth-based WA 
and NT business unit. Brett is a 
geologist and geophysicist, and 
has over 20 years of oil and gas 
industry experience including 
senior management, technical 
and business development roles 
with Woodside, Japan Australia 
LNG (MIMI) and UK-listed 
Sterling Resources.

He was also managing director 
of dual-listed E&P company, 
Rialto Energy, which had 
interests throughout Africa  
and Australia.

Brett has worked around the 
world in many challenging 
environments and led 
multidisciplinary teams. He is 
currently a Board member of 
APPEA.

7/ROD DUKE
Vice President  
Downstream GLNG
BEng (Hons) Chemical, GradDip 
Management

9/JOANNE FOX
Chief Human  
Resources Officer
BMgt, GradCert  
Energy & Resources, MBA

Rod Duke is responsible for 
leading the downstream 
activities of the Santos GLNG 
project, including the successful 
delivery of the GLNG gas 
transmission pipeline and the 
LNG plant and port projects, 
ongoing plant operations, 
commercial, LNG marketing and 
production planning for GLNG.

Rod has extensive global 
experience in the LNG industry 
including with Woodside and 
Singapore LNG. He has over 30 
years of experience in project 
management, engineering, 
construction, commissioning, 
operations, commercial, 
marketing and business 
development areas of the 
upstream natural gas and LNG 
industry.

8/RICHARD ELLIOTT
Head of Projects  
and Chief Engineer
BSc (Mechanical Engineering)

Richard Elliott is responsible 
for all drilling and completions 
activities and the projects, 
surface engineering, production 
engineering, safety and 
environment corporate 
functions.

Richard joined Santos in 2013 
from Hess, where he was 
project manager for Equus in 
Western Australia. Richard has 
more than 35 years’ experience 
in the oil and gas industry 
including major oil, gas, LNG  
and pipeline projects in the 
United States, Indonesia, 
Trinidad and Tobago, and  
the United Kingdom. He has 
worked with Exxon, ARCO, BP 
and Hess prior to joining Santos.

Joanne Fox is responsible 
for Santos’ human resources 
function which supports the 
company in matters relating 
to people and organisational 
effectiveness.

She has over 25 years’ 
experience working in the area 
of human resources for ASX 
listed companies in the health, 
pharmaceuticals, FMCG, and oil 
and gas sectors.

Since joining Santos in 2003, 
Joanne has been involved in all 
facets of Santos’ business and 
has been responsible for a broad 
range of roles and projects.

10/DAVID LIM
Company Secretary
BEc, LLB, Ch.Sec

David Lim is accountable to 
the Board for the effectiveness 
of corporate governance 
processes, ensuring adherence 
to the Board’s principles and 
procedures and coordinating  
all Board business, and 
provides the Santos Board with 
independent advice and support 
in relation to these matters.

David has over 20 years of 
experience in commercial and 
corporate legal practice. He 
is an accredited Chartered 
Secretary.

11/ANDREW NAIRN
Group Executive  
Investor Relations
B.Comm

Andrew Nairn is responsible  
for Santos’ investor relations.

He has over 20 years’ 
resources industry experience, 
encompassing finance, 
commercial and investor 
relations roles. Andrew joined 
Santos in 2008 from BHP 
Billiton.

Andrew is a member of the 
Board of the Australasian 
Investor Relations Association.

12/BILL OVENDEN
General Manager 
Exploration & Subsurface
BSc (Hons) (Geology and 
Geophysics)

Bill Ovenden is responsible for 
exploration budget and strategy, 
and ensuring excellence in 
subsurface activities across 
Santos’ upstream programs.

Bill is a geologist with over 
30 years of experience in the 
oil and gas industry. He has 
worked on exploration projects 
in Australia, Central and South-
East Asia, North Africa, the 
Middle East and South America, 
with companies including Sun 
Oil, Kufpec, ExxonMobil and 
Ampolex.

He joined Santos in 2002 after 
working for ExxonMobil in 
Indonesia.

13/CHRISTIAN PAECH
General Counsel
LLB (Hons) BCom

Christian Paech advises the 
Santos Board and management 
on legal matters affecting the 
company and its operations. 
He is responsible for Santos’ 
legal function, which supports 
the corporate team and 
the business units in joint 
venture agreements, project 
development, dispute resolution, 
statutory compliance, mergers 
and acquisitions, gas sales and 
production sharing contracts.

Christian has over 20 years 
of legal experience and joined 
Santos in 2004 after working 
in national and international 
firms in Australia and overseas 
where he focused on large-scale 
corporate transactions and 
corporate governance.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 9

Production and Sales

2015

2014

Field 
units mmboe

Field 
units mmboe

2015

2014

Field 
units mmboe

Field 
units mmboe

Sales gas and ethane (PJ)

Cooper

Carnarvon

Indonesia

Denison/Scotia/ 
Spring Gully/Combabula

Otway

GLNG domestic

Vietnam

Other1

Total production

Total sales volume

Total sales revenue ($million)

Sales gas to LNG (PJ)

PNG LNG

Darwin LNG

GLNG

Total production

Total sales volume  
(’000 t)

Total sales revenue ($million)

Condensate (’000 bbls)

LPG (’000 t)

10.9

Cooper

 63.0 

10.8

 51.6 

 23.8 

 14.3 

 13.0 

 4.7 

 4.0 

1.6

8.9

4.1

2.5

2.2

0.8

0.7

0.2

176.0

30.2

184

31.6

993

63.3

54.2

 25.1 

 12.4 

 16.0 

 7.9 

 3.2 

0.4 

182.5

207.0

 59.5 

10.2

 19.5 

 5.7 

3.4

1.0

34.0

16.5

-

9.3

4.3

2.1

2.8

1.4

0.5

0.1

31.4

35.6

1,028

5.9

2.8

Bayu-Undan

Total production

Total sales volume

Total sales revenue ($million)

Crude oil (’000 bbls)

Cooper

Vietnam

Mutineer-Exeter/ 
Fletcher Finucane

Stag

Barrow

Indonesia

Other3

114.2 

37.5 

151.7 

168.2

128.4

39.0

167.4

172.6

1.0

0.3

1.3

1.4

103

2,840.4 

2.8 3,230.6 

2,610.4 

2.6 2,822.0

 972.0 

1.0 1,443.6 

817.1 

0.8 1,085.5 

483.8 

162.3

259.7

0.5

0.2

0.3

526.7 

168.2 

318.1 

Total production

 8,145.7 

8.2 9,594.7

-

Total sales volume

13,746.6

13.8 16,446.1

 84.7 

14.6

50.5

8.7

Total sales revenue ($million)

982

1,484.3

766.5

14.2

925

7.3

659

TOTAL

Production (mmboe)

Sales volume (mmboe)

Sales revenue ($million)

57.7

64.3

3,246

54.1

63.7

4,037

1.1

0.3

1.4

1.5

155

3.2

2.8

1.5

1.1

0.5

0.2

0.3

9.6

16.4

1,878

PNG LNG

Cooper

Bayu-Undan

Carnarvon

Other2

1,441.9

1.4

915.6 

 943.9 

0.9 1,036.9 

682.1 

511.8 

 54.6 

0.6

0.5

695.4 

533.4 

-

60.7 

Total production

3,634.3 

3.4 3,242.0

Total sales volume 

3,574.3

3.3 3,127.4

Total sales revenue ($million)

243

0.9

1.0

0.6

0.5

-

3.0

2.9

317

1 

Amadeus and Gunnedah

2  Amadeus, Otway, Indonesia and Queensland

3  Amadeus, Queensland and PNG

10 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Reserves Statement 
for the year ended 31 December 2015

RESERVES SUMMARY

• 

• 

• 

Proved (1P) reserves at year end were 485 mmboe, 22% lower than 2014.

Proved plus probable (2P) reserves were 945 mmboe, 24% lower than 2014.

The impact of the lower oil price environment combined with asset divestments and 2015 production of 58 mmboe were 
the key factors in the reduction in booked reserves in 2015.

•  Gunnedah Basin reserves reclassified to contingent resources.

•  Developed 2P reserves represent 51% of total 2P reserves, up from 43% in 2014.

• 

2P Reserves life of 16 years, based on 2015 production of 58 mmboe.

Santos proved plus probable (2P) petroleum reserves were 945 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe) as at the end of 2015,  
24% lower than 2014.

The key movements in 2P reserves before production in 2015 were:

• 

• 

• 

133 mmboe reduction due to the reclassification of Gunnedah Basin reserves to contingent resources.

66 mmboe reduction due to the sale of interests in the Kipper, Mereenie and Stag assets.

38 mmboe reduction in Cooper Basin reserves due mainly to lower oil price assumptions and work program results.

RESERVES AND 2C CONTINGENT RESOURCES (SANTOS SHARE)

Santos share

Proved reserves

Proved plus probable reserves

Contingent resources

mmboe

mmboe

mmboe

2015

485

945

1,853

2014

622

1,245

1,721

%change

(22)

(24)

8

Proved plus probable reserves by product
%

Proved plus probable reserves by area
%

Crude oil 

NGLs 

Natural gas 

4%

6%

90%

Eastern Australia 

WA&NT 

Asia Pacific 

58%

17%

25%

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 11

 
 
 
 
Reserves Statement
continued

COOPER BASIN

Cooper Basin proved plus probable reserves by product (Santos share)

Santos share

Sales gas

Crude oil

Condensate

LPG

Total

PJ

mmbbl

mmbbl

000 tonnes

mmboe

2015

726

20

11

1,457

168

2014

972

26

15

1,791

222

%change

(25)

(22)

(23)

(19)

(24)

Sales gas proved plus probable reserves decreased by 19% before 2015 production, primarily due to the adoption of lower oil and gas 
price assumptions and the consequent removal or reclassification of sub-economic projects. Revisions were also made based on work 
program results and project updates, primarily in the Baryulah, Coonatie, Tirrawarra-Gooranie, Big Lake and Moomba fields.

GLNG

GLNG Reserves and 2C contingent resources (GLNG share)

GLNG share

Proved reserves

Proved plus probable reserves

Contingent resources

PJ

PJ

PJ

2015

2,540

5,546

1,328

2014

2,245

5,603

1,202

%change

13

(1)

10

GLNG proved reserves increased 15% before 2015 production, while proved plus probable reserves were broadly in-line with the prior year.

In addition to the reserves in the table above, GLNG has executed Santos portfolio and third party gas supply agreements for an 
aggregate of between approximately 2,100 PJ and 2,500 PJ over periods of up to 20 years.

GUNNEDAH BASIN

Santos’ focus in the current lower oil price environment is to improve the operating efficiency of its producing assets and reduce capital 
expenditure. While the company is progressing the evaluation and approvals processes for the proposed Narrabri Gas Project, reserves 
in the Gunnedah Basin have been reclassified as contingent resources.

2C CONTINGENT RESOURCES

Contingent resources increased by 8% or 132 mmboe to approximately 1.8 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

Key movements in contingent resources included:

• 

• 

• 

• 

46 mmboe addition following the integration of successful appraisal drilling results in the Barossa field.

29 mmboe addition from exploration discoveries, including the Bestari oil discovery offshore Malaysia.

50 mmboe reduction from asset divestments, including Meerenie, Sole and Stag.

83 mmboe net overall increase due to a categorisation review and the reclassification of Gunnedah Basin reserves  
to contingent resources.

OIL PRICE ASSUMPTIONS

In undertaking its 2015 reserves process, Santos has taken into account its oil price forecasts used for impairment analysis in its 2015 
full-year accounts.

12 / Santos Annual Report 2015

 
PROVED RESERVES

Year-end 2015 (Santos share)

Basin/Area

Eastern Australia

Surat/Bowen

Cooper/Eromanga

Gippsland/Otway

Gunnedah

Total EA

Western Australia & 
Northern Territory

Carnarvon

Bonaparte

Amadeus

Total WA&NT

Asia Pacific

Papua New Guinea

Vietnam

Indonesia

Total Asia Pacific

Total 1P

Sales gas  
PJ

Crude oil 
mmbbl

Condensate 
mmbbl

LPG  
000 tonnes

Developed Undeveloped

Total

All products  
mmboe

903

336

49

0

1,288

360

72

17

450

752

8

36

796

0

9

-

-

9

3

-

2

5

0

7

0

7

2,534

21

0

5

0

-

5

4

2

0

6

12

-

0

12

23

-

628

-

-

628

-

96

149

245

-

-

-

-

873

78

45

2

0

125

47

14

3

65

90

8

6

105

295

77

31

7

-

115

21

1

3

25

51

-

-

51

191

155

76

8

0

240

69

15

6

90

141

8

6

155

485

32%

Proportion of total proved reserves that are unconventional

Proved reserves reconciliation

Product

Sales gas

Crude oil

Condensate

LPG

Total 1P 

PJ

mmbbl

mmbbl

000 tonnes

mmboe

Reserves  
Year-end  
2014

3,204

28

32

1,520

622

Production

Revisions and 
extensions

Discoveries

(261)

(8)

(4)

(152)

(58)

(226) 

3

(2)

(36)

(37)

-

-

-

-

-

Net  
acquisitions  
and 
divestments

(184)

(3)

(4)

(459)

(42)

Reserves  
Year-end  
2015

2,534

21

23

873

485

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 13

 
Reserves Statement
continued

PROVED PLUS PROBABLE RESERVES

Year-end 2015 (Santos share)

Basin/Area

Eastern Australia

Surat/Bowen

Cooper/Eromanga

Gippsland/Otway

Gunnedah

Total EA

Western Australia & 
Northern Territory

Carnarvon

Bonaparte

Amadeus

Total WA&NT

Asia Pacific

Papua New Guinea

Vietnam

Indonesia

Total Asia Pacific

Total 2P

Sales gas  
PJ

Crude oil 
mmbbl

Condensate 
mmbbl

LPG 000 
tonnes

Developed Undeveloped

Total

All products  
mmboe

2,136

726

74

0

2,935

606

93

61

760

1,173

11

52

1,236

4,931

0

20

-

-

20

9

-

4

12

0

9

0

9

42

0

11

0

-

11

7

3

1

11

20

-

0

20

42

-

1,457

-

-

1,457

-

178

299

476

-

-

-

-

1,933

89

106

4

0

199

78

17

12

107

153

11

9

172

478

279

61

9

-

349

41

3

6

50

68

-

-

68

466

367

168

13

0

548

119

20

18

157

220

11

9

240

945

39%

Proportion of total proved plus probable reserves that are unconventional

Proved plus probable reserves reconciliation

Product

Sales gas

Crude oil

Condensate

LPG

Total 2P

PJ

mmbbl

mmbbl

000 tonnes

mmboe

Reserves  
Year-end  
2014

6,450

61

53

3,002

1,245

Revisions and 

Production

extensions Discoveries

Net  
acquisitions  
and 
divestments

Reserves  
Year-end  
2015

(261)

(8)

(4)

(152)

(58)

(1,028)

(3)

(2)

(221)

(184)

-

-

-

-

-

(231)

(8)

(6)

(697)

(59)

4,931

42

42

1,933

945

14 / Santos Annual Report 2015

 
2C CONTINGENT RESOURCES

Year-end 2015 (Santos share)

Basin/Area

Eastern Australia

Western Australia & Northern Territory

Asia Pacific

Total 2C

2C Contingent resources reconciliation

Sales gas  
PJ

Crude oil 
mmbbl

Condensate 
mmbbl

LPG 000 
tonnes

All products 
mmboe

5,715

3,559

273

9,547

35

20

62

118

25

42

2

69

3,370

56

-

3,426

1,070

672

111

1,853

Product

Total 2C (mmboe)

Notes

1.  This reserves statement:

a. 

 b. 

c. 

 is based on, and fairly represents, information and 
supporting documentation prepared by, or under the 
supervision of, the qualified petroleum reserves and 
resources evaluators listed in note 14 of this reserves 
statement. Details of each qualified petroleum 
reserves and resources evaluator’s employment and 
professional organisation membership are set out in 
note 14 of this reserves statement; and

 as a whole has been approved by Barbara Pribyl, 
who is a qualified petroleum reserves and resources 
evaluator and whose employment and professional 
organisation membership details are set out in note 
14 of this reserves statement; and

 is issued with the prior written consent of Barbara Pribyl 
as to the form and context in which the estimated 
petroleum reserves and contingent resources and the 
supporting information are presented.

2.  The estimates of petroleum reserves and contingent 

resources contained in this reserves statement are as at 
31 December 2015.

3.  Santos prepares its petroleum reserves and contingent 
resources estimates in accordance with the Petroleum 
Resources Management System (PRMS) sponsored by 
the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE).

4.  This reserves statement is subject to risk factors 

associated with the oil and gas industry. It is believed that 
the expectations of petroleum reserves and contingent 
resources reflected in this statement are reasonable, 
but they may be affected by a range of variables which 
could cause actual results or trends to differ materially, 
including but not limited to: price fluctuations, actual 
demand, currency fluctuations, geotechnical factors, 
drilling and production results, gas commercialisation, 
development progress, operating results, engineering 
estimates, loss of market, industry competition, 
environmental risks, physical risks, legislative, fiscal and 
regulatory developments, economic and financial markets 
conditions in various countries, approvals and cost 
estimates.

5.  All estimates of petroleum reserves and contingent 

resources reported by Santos are prepared by, or under 
the supervision of, a qualified petroleum reserves 
and resources evaluator or evaluators. Processes are 
documented in the Santos Reserves Guidelines which are 
overseen by a Reserves Committee. The frequency of 
reviews is dependent on the magnitude of the petroleum 
reserves and contingent resources and changes indicated 
by new data. If the changes are material, they are 
reviewed by the Santos internal technical leaders, prior 
to overall approval by management and the Reserves 
Committee.

Contingent 
resources 
Year-end  
2014

Revisions and 

Production

extensions Discoveries

Net 
acquisitions 
and 
divestments

Contingent 
resources 
Year-end  
2015

1,721

-

153

29

(50)

1,853

6.  Santos engages independent experts Gaffney, Cline 
& Associates, Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. 
and DeGolyer and MacNaughton to audit and/or 
evaluate reserves and contingent resources. Each 
auditor found, based on the outcomes of its respective 
audit and evaluation, and its understanding of the 
estimation processes employed by Santos, that Santos’ 
31 December 2015 petroleum reserves and contingent 
resources quantities in aggregate compare reasonably 
to those estimates prepared by each auditor. Thus, in 
the aggregate, the total volumes summarised in the 
tables included in this reserves statement represent a 
reasonable estimate of Santos’ petroleum reserves and 
contingent resources position as at 31 December 2015. 

7.  Unless otherwise stated, all references to petroleum 
reserves and contingent resources quantities in this 
reserves statement are Santos’ net share. 

8.  Reference points for Santos’ petroleum reserves and 

contingent resources and production are defined points 
within Santos’ operations where normal exploration and 
production business ceases, and quantities of produced 
product are measured under defined conditions prior to 
custody transfer. Fuel, flare and vent consumed to the 
reference points are excluded. 

9.  Petroleum reserves and contingent resources are 

aggregated by arithmetic summation by category and 
as a result, proved reserves may be a very conservative 
estimate due to the portfolio effects of arithmetic 
summation.

10.  Petroleum reserves and contingent resources are 

typically prepared by deterministic methods with support 
from probabilistic methods.

11.  Any material concentrations of undeveloped petroleum 

reserves that have remained undeveloped for more than 
5 years: (a) are intended to be developed when required 
to meet contractual obligations; and (b) have not been 
developed to date because they have not yet been 
required to meet contractual obligations.

12.  Petroleum reserves replacement ratio is the ratio of the 
change in petroleum reserves (excluding production) 
divided by production.

13. 

Information on petroleum reserves and contingent 
resources quoted in this reserves statement is rounded 
to the nearest whole number. Some totals in the tables 
may not add due to rounding. Items that round to zero 
are represented by the number 0, while items that are 
actually zero are represented with a dash “-“.

14.  Qualified Petroleum Reserves and Resources Evaluators 

Name

B Pribyl

P Lyford

B Camac

A Western

M Woolley

A Hill

E Klettke

N Pink

Employer

Santos Ltd

Santos Ltd

Santos Ltd

Santos Ltd

Santos Ltd

Santos Ltd

Santos Ltd

Santos Ltd

A Wisnugroho

Santos Ltd

J Telford

R Price

Santos Ltd

Santos Ltd

Professional 
Organisation

SPE

SPE

SPE, PESA 

SPE

SPE

PESA

SPE, APEGA

SPE

SPE

SPE

SPE

C Harwood

Santos Ltd

PESA, AAPG

D Smith

NSAI

SPE

SPE: Society of Petroleum Engineers

APEGA: The Association of Professional Engineers and 
Geoscientists of Alberta

PESA: Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia

AAPG: American Association of Petroleum Geologists

Abbreviations and conversion factors

Abbreviations

1P

2P

GJ

LNG

LPG

proved reserves

proved plus probable reserves

gigajoules

liquefied natural gas

liquefied petroleum gas

mmbbl

million barrels

mmboe

million barrels of oil equivalent

NGLs

natural gas liquids

PJ

TJ

petajoules

terajoules

Conversion factors

Sales gas and ethane, 1 PJ

Crude oil, 1 barrel

Condensate, 1 barrel

LPG, 1 tonne

171,937 boe

1 boe

0.935 boe

8.458 boe

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 15

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10-year Summary

As at 31 December

2006

2007

2008

Santos average realised oil price (A$/bbl)3

89.35

92.00

117.45

2009

78.83

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

87.35

115.29

113.78

120.96

114.21

71.44

Financial performance ($million)4,5

Product sales revenue3

Total revenue3

2,750 

2,489 

2,762 

2,181 

2,228 

2,721 

3,223 

3,602 

4,037  3,246 

2,779 

2,518 

2,805 

2,251 

2,306 

2,803 

3,289 

3,651 

4,099  3,294 

Foreign currency gains/(losses)6

Profit from ordinary activities before tax6

Income tax relating to ordinary activities6

1 

964 

321 

0 

719 

196 

164 

24 

2,533 

768 

115 

(28)

717 

205 

78 

434 

(10)

18 

793 

244 

51 

500 

1,282 

440 

91 

753 

(2)

911 

318 

75 

519 

24 

869 

296 

57 

516 

161 

251 

(1,378) (3,598)

(316)

(868)

(127)

(32)

(935) (2,698)

643 

359 

1,650 

Royalty-related taxes1

Net profit after tax attributable  
to the shareholders of Santos Ltd

Financial position ($million)4,5

Total assets

Net debt/ (cash)

Total equity

Reserves and production (mmboe)

Proven plus probable reserves (2P)

Production

Exploration2

Wells drilled (number)

Expenditure ($million)4

Other capital expenditure ($million)4,5

Delineation and development2

Buildings, plant and equipment

General

Number of employees  
(excluding contractors)

Number of shareholders

6,903 

7,320 

9,802 

11,361 

13,769 

15,814 

16,988  20,664  22,345  21,926 

1,450 

1,839 

506 

(605)

(1,201)

(205)

1,334 

4,918 

7,490  6,530 

3,356 

3,093 

4,478 

6,967 

7,603 

8,963 

9,354 

10,212 

9,413  10,202 

819

61.0 

25

259

866 

182 

879

59.1 

10

150

955 

202 

1,013

1,440

1,445

1,364 

1,406 

1,368 

1,245 

945 

54.4 

54.4 

49.9 

47.2 

52.1 

51.0 

54.1 

58.0 

13

233

6

181

3

90

4

151

4

162

12

391

9

323

4

272

1,290 

1,204 

1,684 

2,769 

2,960 

3,704 

3,247 

1,367 

105 

172 

107 

149 

231 

274 

261 

179 

1,679

1,786

1,940

2,096

2,367

2,847

3,289

3,502

3,636

2,946

83,566

77,498

78,933 107,138 112,145

113,173

111,135 112,397 140,509 161,854

Market capitalisation ($million)

5,907

8,274

8,696

11,721

11,506

11,560

10,669

14,222

8,116

6,500

Netback ($/boe)3

32.9 

32.9 

35.9 

22.9 

23.0 

27.6 

31.1 

33.9 

33.4 

27.8

16 / Santos Annual Report 2015

As at 31 December

Share information

Share issues

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Employee 
Share Plan/ 
Executive 
Share Plan/ 
Exercise of 
Options/ 
Dividend 
Reinvestment 
Plan

Employee 
Share Plan/ 
Executive 
Share Plan/ 
Non- 
executive 
Director 
Share Plan/ 
Exercise of 
Options/ 
Dividend 
Reinvestment 
Plan/ 
Buy Back

Employee 
Share Plan/ 
Executive 
Share Plan/ 
Non- 
executive 
Director 
Share Plan/ 
Exercise of 
Options/ 
Dividend 
Reinvestment 
Plan/ 
Buy Back

Employee 
Share Plan/ 
Executive 
Share Plan/ 
Exercise of 
Options/ 
Dividend 
Reinvestment 
Plan/2 for 5 
Rights Issue/ 
Redemption 
of FUELS/ 
Convertible 
Preference 
Shares

Employee 
Share Plan/ 
Executive 
Share Plan/ 
Non- 
executive 
Director 
Share Plan/ 
Exercise of 
Options/ 
Dividend 
Reinvestment 
Plan/ 
Placement 
(institutional)

Employee 
Share Plan/ 
Executive 
Share Plan/ 
Exercise of 
Options/ 
Dividend 
Reinvestment 
Plan/ 
ESG Plan/ 
ESG 
Scheme of 
Arrangement

Employee 
Share Plan/ 
Executive 
Share Plan/ 
Dividend 
Reinvestment 
Plan

Employee 
 SharePlan/
Executive 
Share Plan/ 
Dividend  
Reinvestment  
Plan/Exercise 
 of Options

Employee 
 SharePlan/
Executive 
Share Plan/ 
Dividend  
Reinvestment  
Plan/Exercise 
 of Options

Employee 
Share Plan/ 
Executive 
Share Plan/ 
Dividend 
Reinvestment 
Plan /
Placement/
Rights 
Issue/non-
executive 
Director 
Share Plan

Number of issued ordinary shares  
at year end (million)

Weighted average number of  
issued ordinary shares (million)

Dividends – ordinary shares

Paid during the period  
(cents per share)

Declared in respect of the period (cents 
per share)

Paid during the period ($million)5

Number of issued preference shares  
at year end (million)

Dividends – preference shares

Paid during the period  
($ per share)

– ordinary

– special

Declared in respect of the period  
($ per share)

– ordinary

– special

Paid during the period  
($million)5

– ordinary

– special

Earnings per share (cents)

Return on total revenue (%)1,4

Return on average ordinary equity (%)

Return on average capital employed (%)

Net debt/ (net debt + equity) (%)

Net interest cover (times)

598.5 

586.1 

584.9 

831.9 

875.1 

944.6 

961.2 

972.1 

983.8  1,766.0 

647.3 

641.2 

641.4 

781.1 

836.3 

888.7 

954.9 

967.5 

978.2  1,152.0 

40 

40 

238 

 6.0 

40 

40 

235 

 6.0 

42 

42 

248 

 6.0 

42 

42 

42 

37 

299 

350 

 - 

 - 

30 

30 

263 

 - 

30 

30 

285 

 - 

30 

30 

35 

35 

30 

20 

289 

341 

298 

-

-

-

 5.1 

 - 

 5.6 

 - 

 6.3 

 - 

 4.6 

 - 

 5.3 

 - 

 5.9 

 - 

 6.3 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 59.8 

 21.7 

 6.9 

 7.3 

 84.8 

 26.9 

 9.1 

 8.7 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 54.4 

 53.3 

 (95.6)  (234.2)

 15.7 

 5.7 

 4.4 

 12.4 

 14.6 

 14.1 

 (22.8)

 (81.9)

 5.3 

 3.8 

 (9.5)

 (27.5)

 (5.7)

 (15.2)

 32.5 

 44.3 

 38.1 

 4.8 

 (5.3)

 (8.7)

 34 

 - 

 38 

 - 

 28 

 - 

 50.8 

 251.4 

 52.0 

 14.3 

 12.4 

 9.0 

 37.3 

 58.8 

 50.6 

 34.1 

 10.2 

 19.3 

 7.5 

 7.3 

 30 

 - 

 94.7 

 23.1 

 23.9 

 15.1 

 30.2 

 10.1 

 (9.5)

 (18.7)

 (2.3)

 7.4 

 38.5 

 (45.3)

 (19.1)

 700.9 

1   From 2007, ‘Royalty related taxes’ have been accounted for as a tax.

2   Exploration expenditure includes wildcat wells. Delineation and development expenditure includes appraisal, near-field exploration wells and CSG expenditure.

3 

From 2012, Cooper Basin oil purchases have been recorded as product sales/third-party purchases on a gross basis. Previously they had been recorded as trading income on a net basis. 
Only 2011 amounts have been restated.

4   Prior year figures have been restated as whole numbers in order to achieve consistency with current year disclosures.

5   2012 figures have been restated to reflect adjustments required from the adoption of AASB 11 Joint Arrangements. Prior year amounts have not been restated.

6   2014 prior year figures have been restated to reflect a reclassification change of foreign exchange losses/(gains) on Australian dollar-denominated tax bases of group entities with functional 

currencies other than Australian dollars to be classified as tax gains/losses, as released by the IFRS Interpretations Committee during 2015  

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 17

Directors’ Report

Directors’ Report

CONTENTS

  Response to the global oil price environment 
  Actually realised remuneration 

  Directors, Directors’ shareholdings and Directors’ meetings 
  Operating and financial review 
  Significant changes in the state of affairs 
  Post balance date events 
  Shares under option and unvested share acquisition rights 
  Shares issued on the exercise of options and on the vesting of SARs 
  Directors’ and Senior Executives’ remuneration 

 18  Directors’ Report 
  19 
  21 
 30 
  31 
  31 
 32 
 33 
 34  Remuneration in brief 
 34 
 35 
 36  Remuneration Report 
  Remuneration Policy  
 36 
  Remuneration governance 
 36 
  Remuneration framework 
 37 
  CEO transition 
  41 
  Senior Executive remuneration  
 42 
  At risk remuneration summary  
 43 
  Non-executive Director remuneration  
 43 
  Detailed remuneration information 
 45 
  Key management personnel disclosures  
 49 
  Share holdings  
  51 
  Detailed information about linking company performance to incentives 
 52 
 54  Directors’ Report (continued) 
 54 
 54 
 54 

Indemnification 
  Non-audit services 
  Rounding

18 / Santos Annual Report 2015

 
Directors’ Report

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The Directors present their report together with the consolidated financial report of the consolidated entity, being Santos Limited 
(“Santos” or “the Company”) and its controlled entities, for the financial year ended 31 December 2015, and the Auditor’s Report 
thereon. Information in the Annual Report referred to in this report, including the Remuneration Report, or contained in a note to the 
financial statements referred to in this report forms part of, and is to be read as part of, this report.

DIRECTORS, DIRECTORS’ SHAREHOLDINGS AND DIRECTORS’ MEETINGS

Directors and Directors’ shareholdings

The names of Directors of the Company in office at the date of this report and details of the relevant interest of each of those Directors 
in shares in the Company at that date are as set out below:

Surname

Allen

Coates

Dean

Franklin

Gallagher

Goh

Hemstritch

Martin

Sheffield

Other names

Yasmin Anita

Peter Roland (Chairman)

Kenneth Alfred

Roy Alexander

Kevin Thomas

Hock

Jane Sharman

Gregory John Walton

Scott Douglas

Shareholdings in Santos Limited

15,883

92,872

67,581

25,104

100,000

33,407

63,482

38,912

63,529

The above-named Directors held office during and since the end of the financial year, other than Mr Gallagher who was appointed to 
the Board on 16 February 2016. Mr Kenneth Borda was a Director and Chairman until his retirement at the Annual General Meeting on 
30 April 2015. Mr David Knox was Managing Director and CEO until his retirement from the Board on 12 November 2015. There were no 
other persons who acted as Directors at any time during the financial year and up to the date of this report. All shareholdings are of fully 
paid ordinary shares. No Director holds a relevant interest in a related body corporate of Santos Limited. 

At the date of this report, Mr Gallagher holds 333,822 share acquisition rights (“SARs”). No other Director holds options or SARs.

Details of the qualifications, experience and special responsibilities of each Director and the Company Secretary are set out on the 
Directors’ and Executives’ biography pages of the Annual Report. This information includes details of other listed company directorships 
held during the last three years.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 19

Directors’ Report
continued

Directors’ meetings

The number of Directors’ meetings and meetings of committees of Directors held during the financial year and the number of meetings 
attended by each Director are set out below:

Table of Directors’ meetings

Director

Allen3

Borda4

Coates5

Dean

Franklin6

Goh

Yasmin A.

Kenneth C.

Peter R. 

Kenneth A.

Roy A.

Hock

Hemstritch

Jane S.

Knox7

Martin

David J. W.

Gregory J. W.

Sheffield

Scott D.

Directors’ 
Meeting

Audit & Risk 
Committee

Environment, 
Health, 
Safety & 
Sustainability 
Committee

People & 
Remuneration 
Committee

Finance 
Committee2

Nomination 
Committee

Attended/Held1 Attended/Held1 Attended/Held1 Attended/Held1 Attended/Held1 Attended/Held1

15 of 16

3 of 5

16 of 16

15 of 16

16 of 16

13 of 16

15 of 16

10 of 12

13 of 16

10 of 16

3 of 3

n/a

n/a

5 of 5

n/a

5 of 5

5 of 5

n/a

5 of 5

n/a

5 of 5

n/a

5 of 5

n/a

5 of 5

4 of 5

n/a

4 of 5

n/a

n/a

n/a

1 of 1

n/a

n/a

5 of 5

n/a

5 of 5

n/a

5 of 5

n/a

n/a

1 of 2

n/a

2 of 2

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

2 of 2

2 of 2

n/a

1 of 1

8 of 8

8 of 8

5 of 5

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

1 

Reflects the number of meetings held during the time the Director held office, or was a member of the Committee, during the year

2  The Finance Committee was discontinued on 1 May 2015

3  Ms YA Allen became a member of the Audit & Risk Committee on 1 May 2015

4  Mr KC Borda retired as a non-executive Director on 30 April 2015

5  Mr PR Coates was elected Chairman on 1 May 2015

6  Mr RA Franklin became a member of the Nomination Committee on 25 June 2015

7  Mr DJW Knox retired as Managing Director and CEO on 12 November 2015

20 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Directors’ Report 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

Santos’ principal activities during 2015 were the exploration for, and development, production, transportation and marketing of, 
hydrocarbons. There were no significant changes in the nature of these activities during the year. Revenue is derived primarily from the 
sale of gas and liquid hydrocarbons.

A review of the operations and of the results of those operations of the consolidated entity during the year is as follows:

Summary of results table

Production volume

Sales volume

Product sales

EBITDAX1

Exploration and evaluation expensed

Depreciation and depletion

Net impairment loss

EBIT1

Net finance costs

Taxation benefit

Net loss for the period and attributable to equity holders of Santos

Underlying profit for the period1

2015 
mmboe

57.7

64.3

2014 
mmboe

Variance 
%

54.1

63.7

$million

$million

3,246

1,919

(244)

(1,059)

(3,924)

(3,308)

(290)

900

(2,698)

50

4,037

2,319

(256)

(988)

(2,356)

(1,281)

(97)

443

(935)

533

7

1

(20)

(17)

(5)

7

67

(158)

199

103

(189)

(91)

1 

 EBITDAX (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, depletion, exploration and evaluation and impairment), EBIT (earnings before interest and tax) and underlying profit are non-IFRS 
measures that are presented to provide an understanding of the underlying performance of Santos’ operations. Underlying profit excludes the impacts of asset acquisitions, disposals and 
impairments, as well as items that are subject to significant variability from one period to the next, including the effects of fair value adjustments and fluctuations in exchange rates. Please 
refer to page 24 for the reconciliation from net loss to underlying profit for the period. The non-IFRS financial information is unaudited however the numbers have been extracted from the 
audited financial statements.

Production and sales

Santos’ 2015 full-year production of 57.7 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe) was the Company’s highest annual production since 
2007 and a 7% increase on the prior year, primarily due to a full year of production from PNG LNG, a record number of cargoes shipped 
from Darwin LNG and the start-up of GLNG in the third quarter, offset by lower crude oil production from Mutineer Exeter / Fletcher 
Finucane due to the Floating Production Storage Offloading (“FPSO”) vessel being offline for maintenance repairs.

Sales volumes were flat year on year at 64.3 mmboe as higher LNG sales volumes were offset by lower crude oil volumes due to the 
Mutineer Exeter / Fletcher Finucane FPSO being offline for maintenance repairs and lower Santos own and third party crude oil volumes 
in the Cooper Basin due to a reduction in development activity in response to lower oil prices.

Sales revenue of $3.2 billion was 20% lower than 2014 reflecting sharply lower realised oil prices. The average realised crude oil price for 
the year was A$71.44, 37% lower than 2014.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report
continued

Review of operations

Santos’ operations are reported in four business units based on the different geographic regions of the Company’s operations: Eastern 
Australia; Western Australia & Northern Territory; Asia Pacific and GLNG.

Eastern Australia

Santos is a leading producer of natural gas, gas liquids and crude oil in eastern Australia. Gas is sold primarily to domestic retailers, 
industry and for the production of liquefied natural gas, while gas liquids and crude oil are sold in the domestic and export markets.

Eastern Australia Business Unit EBITDAX was $421 million, 39% lower than 2014 primarily due to lower commodity prices. 

Santos’ share of Cooper Basin gas production of 63.0 petajoules (“PJ”) was in line with 2014 production of 63.3 PJ reflecting lower 
raw gas capacity due to the deferral of development activity, offset by lower downtime and lower fuel, flare and vent. Santos’ share of 
Cooper Basin condensate production was 943,900 barrels, 9% lower than 2014 due to lower raw gas production and lower yields due to 
the development of drier gas fields.

Santos’ share of gas production from the Otway Basin offshore Victoria was 13.0 PJ, 19% lower than 2014 due to natural well decline.

Santos’ share of Cooper Basin oil production of 2.8 million barrels (mmbbl) was 12% lower than 2014 due to reduced development 
activity and natural field decline. Volumes of third party crude oil processed at Moomba decreased as activity in the Basin was curtailed 
in response to lower oil prices.

Santos continued to progress appraisal of the unconventional gas potential in the Cooper Basin with the successful exploration 
campaign within the Patchawarra wet gas fairway resulting in seven discoveries from eight wells and the Basin’s first stand-alone deep 
coal producer, Tirrawarra South 1, brought on-line in May.

Western Australia & Northern Territory

Santos is one of the largest producers of domestic natural gas in Western Australia and is also a significant producer of gas liquids and 
crude oil. Santos also has an interest in the Bayu-Undan/Darwin LNG project.

Santos’ Western Australia gas and condensate production of 51.6 PJ and 511,800 barrels respectively, were both slightly lower than 2014 
due to lower customer nominations and outages.

Western Australia Business Unit EBITDAX was $424 million, 33% lower than 2014 primarily due to lower global oil prices, combined with 
the Mutineer Exeter / Fletcher Finucane FPSO being offline for repairs in the first half of 2015.

Santos’ share of Western Australia oil production of 2.3 mmbbl was 26% lower than 2014, primarily due to maintenance repairs on the 
Mutineer Exeter / Fletcher Finucane FPSO vessel.

First gas from Bayu-Undan Phase 3 development was delivered ahead of schedule in March. Darwin LNG continued to perform strongly, 
producing a record 3.8 million tonnes of LNG and shipping a record 58 cargoes over the course of 2015. Santos’ net entitlement to gas 
production of 19.5 PJ was 18% more than the prior year.

22 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Directors’ ReportAsia Pacific

Santos is building a material business in Asia with producing assets presently in three countries, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and 
Vietnam and exploration assets in Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Bangladesh. 

Asia Pacific Business Unit EBITDAX was $827 million, 11% higher than 2014 primarily due to a full year of production from PNG LNG.

In Papua New Guinea, the PNG LNG project (Santos 13.5% interest) shipped 101 LNG cargoes as strong upstream deliverability and 
reliable plant performance resulted in the plant operating 7% above nameplate capacity at an annualised rate of approximately 7.4 mtpa. 
Santos’ share of gas and condensate production was 59.5 PJ and 1.4 mmbbl respectively.

Also in Papua New Guinea, drilling concluded during the first quarter on the exploration component of the Hides F1 well after reaching 
a total depth of 4,633 metres. Despite intersecting thick argillaceous sandstone intervals in the Koi Iange formation, wireline logging 
confirmed poor reservoir quality. The exploration component of the well was plugged and abandoned and the development section 
completed as a gas producer for the PNG LNG project.

Santos’ net entitlement to oil production in Vietnam of 2.6 mmbbl was 7% lower than 2014 due to operations being shut down for most 
of August for repairs to the firewater system on the FPSO swivel.

Santos’ net entitlement to gas production in Indonesia of 23.8 PJ was 5% lower than 2014, primarily due to Maleo field decline and lower 
Oyong entitlement, partially offset by higher Peluang and Wortel gross gas production and contractor entitlement.

Santos and its partners made a significant oil discovery with the Bestari-1 exploration well located in the Deepwater Block R Production 
Sharing Contract offshore Malaysia. In water depths ranging from 100 metres to 1,400 metres, the Bestari-1 well encountered 67 metres 
of net oil pay in multiple sand packages within the primary Miocene age formation at true vertical subsea depths ranging from 1,860m 
to 2,702m. The oil bearing sands are of high quality with good porosity and permeability. Initial results from an appraisal well on the 
discovery drilled during the fourth quarter were in line with expectations and further evaluation will be carried out over 2016.

GLNG

Sanctioned in January 2011, the GLNG project (Santos 30% interest) produced first LNG on 24 September 2015 and shipped its first 
cargo on 16 October 2015. 

A total of seven cargoes were shipped by year end.

Average feed rate to the plant for the fourth quarter was 370 TJ/d, which includes downtime for the planned two-week shutdown 
completed during November. Average feed gas to the plant for the quarter was approximately 50 per cent GLNG-owned gas 
production, with the remaining feed gas supplied from third party and Santos portfolio-purchased quantities. Santos’ share of fourth 
quarter sales gas production of 5.4 PJ from GLNG’s upstream fields was a 218% increase on the corresponding quarter, reflecting the 
successful ramp-up of LNG Train 1 over the period.

Train 1 produced 544,000 tonnes of LNG during the fourth quarter and achieved daily LNG production rates more than 10% above 
nameplate capacity.

Commissioning work on the second LNG train is underway with first LNG expected in the second quarter of 2016. 

The GLNG Business Unit results include domestic gas production and sales from the GLNG coal seam natural gas fields in south-
western Queensland. GLNG Business Unit EBITDAX was $8 million, 180% higher than 2014 due to the commencement of LNG sales 
during the fourth quarter, partially offset by lower domestic gas nominations.

Santos’ share of GLNG domestic gas production was 4.7 PJ, 41% lower than 2014 due to lower domestic gas nominations.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 23

Directors’ Report
continued

Net loss

The 2015 net loss attributable to equity holders of Santos Limited of $2,698 million is $1,763 million higher than the net loss of $935 
million in 2014. This increase is primarily due to higher impairment losses of $2,761 million after tax ($1,563 million in 2014) and lower 
sales revenue as a result of the decline in global oil prices. 

Net loss includes items before tax of $3,725 million ($2,748 million after tax), as referred to in the reconciliation of net loss to underlying 
profit below.

Reconciliation of net loss to underlying profit1

2015  
$million

2014  
$million

Gross

Tax

Net

Gross

Tax

Net

Net loss after tax attributable to equity holders  

of Santos Limited

Add/(deduct) the following:

(2,698) 

Net gains on sales of non-current assets

(2)

1

(1)

(4)

Impairment losses

Foreign exchange (gains)/ losses

Fair value adjustments on embedded derivatives  

and hedges

Remediation (income)/costs for incidents net of related  

insurance recoveries

Other expense items2

Other tax adjustments

Underlying profit1 

3,924

(1,163)

2,761

2,356

(251)

223

(28)

(161)

(15)

–

69

–

5

–

(21)

(22)

(10)

(59)

–

48

(22)

(6)

–

–

3,725

(977)

2,748

2,126

50

1

(793)

164

17

2

–

(49)

(658)

(935) 

(3)

1,563

3

(42)

(4)

–

(49)

1,468

533

1 

 Underlying profit is a non-IFRS measure that is presented to provide an understanding of the underlying performance of Santos’ operations. The measure excludes the impacts of asset 
acquisitions, disposals and impairments, as well as items that are subject to significant variability from one period to the next, including the effects of fair value adjustments and fluctuations 
in exchange rates. The non-IFRS financial information is unaudited, however the numbers have been extracted from the financial statements which have been subject to audit by the 
Company’s auditor. 

2  Other expense items in 2015 relates to Business Unit restructure costs including redundancy payments.

Financial position

Summary of financial position

Exploration and evaluation assets

Oil and gas assets and other land, buildings, plant and equipment

Restoration provision

Other net assets/(liabilities)1

Total funds employed

Net debt2

Net tax assets/(liabilities)3

Net assets/equity

2015 
$million

2014 
$million

Variance 
$million

715

1,106

17,301

18,689

(2,443)

(2,157)

624

16,197

(207)

17,431

(6,530)

(7,490)

535

10,202

(528)

9,413

(391)

(1,388)

(286)

831

(1,234)

960

1,063

789

1 

 Other net assets/(liabilities) comprises trade and other receivables, prepayments, inventories, other financial assets, share of investments in joint ventures, offset by trade and other 
payables, deferred income, provisions and other financial liabilities.

2  Net debt reflects the net borrowings position and includes interest-bearing loans, net of cash and interest rate and cross-currency swap contracts.

3  Net tax assets/(liabilities) comprises deferred tax assets and tax receivable, offset by deferred tax liabilities and current tax payable. 

24 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Directors’ Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment of assets

During the Company’s regular review of asset carrying values, Santos undertook an impairment review against the lower oil price 
environment as part of the preparation of its 2015 full-year accounts.

Some assets were assessed to be impaired and non-cash after-tax impairment losses of $2,761 million have been recognised in the 2015 
accounts.

The impairment losses primarily relate to oil and gas assets, including in the Cooper Basin and GLNG, and certain exploration and 
evaluation assets, including the Narrabri assets.

Exploration and evaluation assets 

Exploration and evaluation assets were $715 million compared to $1,106 million at the end of 2014, a decrease of $391 million, mainly due 
to impairment losses before tax of $685 million and exploration and evaluation expensed, offset by 2015 capital expenditure, including 
drilling unconventional Cooper Basin gas wells and the Bestari wells in Malaysia in addition to acquisition costs comprising interests in 
Block R in Malaysia and PPL 269 in Papua New Guinea. 

Oil and gas assets and other land, buildings, plant and equipment

Oil and gas assets and other land and buildings, plant and equipment of $17,301 million were $1,388 million lower than in 2014 mainly due 
to impairment losses before tax of $3,201 million and depreciation and depletion charges, offset by 2015 capital expenditure, including 
GLNG, PNG LNG and the Cooper Basin. 

Restoration provision

Restoration provision balances have increased by $286 million to $2,443 million mainly due to revised restoration cost estimates, 
unfavourable exchange rate movements and unwinding the effect of discounting on the provisions.

Net debt

Net debt of $6,530 million was $960 million lower than at the end of 2014 primarily as a result of debt repayments from equity raising 
proceeds, partially offset by the impact of the AUD:USD exchange rate on US$ denominated debt.

Net tax assets/(liabilities)

Net tax assets of $535 million have increased by $1,063 million from a net tax liability of $528 million at the end of 2014 primarily as a 
result of higher carry-forward tax losses recognised by the group.

Net assets/equity

Total equity increased by $789 million to $10,202 million at year end. The increase primarily reflects the increase in shares issued from 
the rights issue and private placement during 2015 and the impact of the AUD:USD exchange rate on foreign operations ($465 million), 
partially offset by the net loss after tax attributable to owners of Santos of $2,698 million. 

Future commitments

Due to the nature of Santos’ operations, the Company has future obligations for capital expenditure, for which no amounts have been 
provided in the financial statements. Santos also has certain requirements to perform minimum exploration work and spend minimum 
amounts of money pursuant to the terms of the granting of petroleum exploration permits in order to maintain rights of tenure. The 
minimum exploration commitments are less than the normal level of exploration expenditures expected to be undertaken by the 
Company.

Santos leases LNG carriers and tug facilities under finance leases. The leases have terms of between 10 and 20 years with varying 
renewal options. At the reporting date, finance lease liabilities for a purpose-built LNG carrier and tug boats were recorded on the 
balance sheet. Santos also leases floating production, storage and offtake facilities, floating storage offloading facilities, LNG carriers 
and mobile offshore production units under operating leases. These leases typically run for a period of four to six years and may have an 
option to renew after that time. The group also leases building office space and a warehouse under operating leases. These leases are 
generally for a period of 10 years, with an option to renew the lease after that date.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 25

Directors’ Report
continued

Business strategy and prospects for future financial years 

Business strategy

Santos’ vision is to be a leading energy company in Australia and Asia. 

The Company has a three-pronged strategy to achieve this:

 • Australia: Driving value and performance in the base business and unlocking resources to meet gas demand.

 With one of the largest exploration and production acreages in Australia and an extensive infrastructure position, Santos is 
committed to supplying the domestic markets, unlocking resources and driving value and performance from its existing operations. 

 • LNG: Leveraging existing and new LNG infrastructure and capabilities.

 Santos has interests in three producing LNG projects. GLNG commenced production in 2015, PNG LNG in 2014 and Darwin LNG in 
2006. All three projects are underpinned by long-term offtake agreements to high-quality Asian buyers.

 • Asia: Building a focused, high-value position in South-East Asia.

 In South-East Asia, Santos’ business continues to grow through the successful delivery of key projects in Papua New Guinea, 
Vietnam and Indonesia, and through high impact exploration opportunities.

Between June 2014 and the end of 2015, the Brent Crude oil price deteriorated 68% from US$112 to US$36 per barrel, significantly 
impacting oil and gas companies around the globe. Substantial cuts have been made to capital expenditure budgets, and development 
and exploration programs across the industry have been either cancelled or postponed. 

The severe and protracted deterioration of the oil price is primarily due to an over-supply of oil to global markets on the back of the 
Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) resolving to maintain high levels of production in an effort to defend market 
share against the rise of non-OPEC production, particularly shale oil from the United States. 

Following the initial endorsement of this strategy by OPEC in November 2014, Santos reacted quickly and sought to reposition the 
Company for the lower oil price environment. In December 2014, the Company announced a 25% reduction in the 2015 capital 
expenditure budget from $2.7 billion to $2 billion and negotiated a $1 billion bilateral bank facility to further strengthen the balance 
sheet. At the full-year results in February 2015, Santos announced a recruitment freeze, removed approximately 500 positions from the 
Company and targeted a greater than 10% reduction in unit production costs over the course of the calendar year.

Despite these early initiatives, as 2015 unfolded it became increasingly evident that the oil price environment was to remain under 
significant pressure for longer than the market had originally anticipated. Chart 1 illustrates the downward revisions to the Brent oil price 
forward curve over the course of the year as the market became increasingly focussed on the continued growth in crude inventories, 
the easing of international sanctions on oil exports from Iran and weaker than expected growth in China. 

Chart 1: Brent oil forward curve  
US$/barrel

80

70

60

50

40

30

May/2015 Dec/2015 Jul/2016 Feb/2017 Sep/2017 Apr/2018 Nov/2018 Jun/2019 Jan/2020 Aug/2020 Mar/2021 Oct/2021 May/2022 Dec/2022

Crude Oil, Brent 30 June 2015

Crude Oil, Brent 30 September 2015

Crude Oil, Brent 31 December 2015

26 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Directors’ Report 
 
 
As any expectation of a short-term recovery in the oil price diminished, the Board announced on 21 August 2015 that it would conduct 
a full Strategic Review to examine all options to restore and maximise shareholder value, the outcome of which resulted in the following 
$3.5 billion in capital initiatives to strengthen the balance sheet and reduce net debt:

 •  $520 million from the sale of Santos’ interest in the Kipper gas field

 Santos reached agreement to sell its 35% non-operated interest in the Kipper gas field, located in the Gippsland Basin, offshore 
Victoria to Mitsui E&P Australia Pty Ltd (“Mitsui”). 

 Under the terms of the transaction, Mitsui agreed to pay Santos $520 million in cash. The sale is subject to customary consents 
and regulatory approvals and is expected to complete in the first quarter of 2016. 

 Whilst further asset sales were considered as part of the Strategic Review, the Board determined that it was not in the best 
interests of shareholders to sell tier one assets at prices that did not adequately reflect their long-term value. Further, while the 
capital initiatives announced under the Strategic Review mean that Santos is under no pressure to sell further assets, inbound 
interest may continue and the Company will respond accordingly in the normal course of business. Santos will only sell assets where 
there is a compelling value case for our shareholders and it is consistent with the Company’s strategy. 

 • $500 million private placement to Hony Capital

 Santos entered into a binding Share Subscription Agreement with an affiliate of Hony Capital (“Hony”), a major global financial 
investor. Under the terms of the agreement, Hony subscribed for 73,529,412 fully paid ordinary shares in Santos, at a price of  
$6.80 per share pre the Entitlement Offer.

 Hony provided binding commitments to take up its full pro-rata entitlement under the Entitlement Offer and not to increase its 
total holding in Santos above 9.9% for a period of three months. Hony also agreed not to divest to any unrelated party any of its 
shares in Santos acquired through the placement and Entitlement Offer for a period of 12 months, without the Company’s consent, 
subject to limited exceptions. 

The share placement to Hony reflected a clear vote of confidence in Santos’ long-term value proposition.

 • $2.5 billion fully underwritten accelerated pro-rata renounceable Entitlement Offer

 The Santos Board gave careful consideration to the question of an equity issue and agreed to take action to strengthen the Santos 
balance sheet through a $2.5 billion fully underwritten, 1 for 1.7 accelerated pro rata renounceable Entitlement Offer. 

 The decision to raise equity was not taken lightly but ultimately, given an external environment characterised by uncertainty, the Board 
determined that it was in the best interests of shareholders to safeguard the Company’s future and strengthen the balance sheet.

A revised dividend framework was also announced at completion of the Strategic Review to better reflect the Company’s exposure 
to oil-linked LNG pricing and the cyclical characteristics of global oil markets. Dividends will now be set as a payout ratio of earnings. 
Subject to business conditions, this is expected to be a minimum of 40% of underlying net profit after tax. For the 2015 final dividend 
only, a 5 cents per share dividend was declared on the expanded capital base following the placement and Entitlement Offer.

The outcome of the Strategic Review and associated capital initiatives reinforced Santos’ balance sheet, resulting in a significant liquidity 
position of more than $4.8 billion in cash and undrawn debt facilities at year end as well as making a significant step towards restoring 
long-term value for shareholders. 

In conjunction with the outcome of the Strategic Review, it was announced that Kevin Gallagher, previously Chief Executive Officer of 
the engineering services group, Clough Limited, would assume the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. With nearly  
25 years’ experience in managing oil and gas operations in Australia, the USA and North and West Africa, Mr Gallagher is widely 
recognised for his achievements in driving strong financial performance and is ideally suited to lead the Company as the focus moves 
from major strategic developments to delivering strong operational results in a low oil price environment. Mr Gallagher commenced with 
Santos on 1 February 2016. 

Throughout 2015 Santos management and employees remained focused on driving operational and capital efficiencies. Capital 
expenditure guidance was moderated further in the fourth quarter from $2 billion to $1.8 billion and at year end came in under guidance 
at $1.7 billion. Unit production costs of $14.4 / barrel of oil equivalent (boe) were 10% lower than in 2014 and production was up 7% 
year on year to 57.7 mmboe. A total of 825 employee positions were also removed from the Company in 2015 resulting in targeted gross 
labour cost savings of $160 million per annum.

Despite the initiatives undertaken to right size the business for a lower oil price environment, operational performance remained strong 
in 2015 as evidenced by the delivery of the GLNG project, strong production from PNG LNG and Darwin LNG, exploration success in 
Malaysia and the Cooper Basin and an outstanding safety record. 

The GLNG project produced first LNG from Train 1 in September on schedule and within budget and by year end had shipped seven 
commissioning cargoes. Commissioning work on the second LNG train is underway with first LNG expected in the second quarter of 2016. 

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report
continued

The PNG LNG project shipped 101 LNG cargoes as strong upstream deliverability and reliable plant performance resulted in the plant 
operating 7% above its nameplate capacity at an annualised rate of approximately 7.4 mtpa. Darwin LNG produced a record 3.8 million 
tonnes of LNG and shipped a record 58 cargoes.

On the exploration front, a significant oil discovery was announced in March from the Bestari-1 exploration well located offshore 
Malaysia, and in the Cooper Basin the first stand-alone Permian Source Rock play producer, Tirrawarra South 1, was successfully 
brought online in May and is flowing liquids-rich gas in line with forecasts.

Finally, despite a period of significant project delivery and organisational change, the Company recorded its lowest annual Lost-Time 
Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) on record of 0.1 per million hours worked.

Prospects for future financial years

Santos is well placed to withstand an extended period of low oil prices, with more than $4.8 billion in cash and committed undrawn debt 
facilities as at 31 December 2015 and no material debt maturities until 2019. Santos will continue to focus on reducing capital expenditure 
and build on the significant improvements made in 2015 to operating efficiency.

As a leading energy company in Australia and Asia, the Company’s portfolio will be increasingly leveraged to Asian energy demand and 
its revenue to Asian energy prices. Santos’ portfolio exposure to oil-linked pricing will continue to grow as GLNG ramps-up, PNG LNG 
produces at plateau and an increasing proportion of Santos’ domestic sales gas production is sold at oil-linked prices. 

Santos’ portfolio of LNG assets is backed by long-term offtake agreements which will see shareholders benefit from strong cash 
flows for decades to come. Once GLNG is fully ramped up, Santos will be exporting more than 3 million tonnes of LNG per annum to 
customers throughout Asia.

We remain focused on strengthening our balance sheet, reducing our capital expenditure and making significant improvements to our 
operating efficiency in order to withstand the lower oil price environment. 

We remain confident in the long-term underlying demand for energy on the back of Asian economic growth, the rising global population 
and rapid urbanisation in developing economies. Large cuts in capital expenditure by oil and gas companies are expected to lead to 
falling production and a recalibration of oil prices to higher levels. However, we are well on our way to resetting the cost base in order to 
operate profitably and sustainably in periods of prolonged weakness in the oil price, and are confident that in time the measures taken 
will drive better returns for shareholders. 

Material business risks

The achievement of the business strategy, production growth outlook and future financial performance is subject to various risks 
including the material business risks summarised below. Santos undertakes steps to identify, assess and manage these risks and 
operates under a Board-approved enterprise-wide Risk Management Policy. This summary refers to significant risks identified at a whole 
of entity level relevant to Santos. It is not an exhaustive list of all risks that may affect the Company nor have they been listed in any 
particular order of importance.

Volatility in oil and gas prices

 • Santos’ business relies primarily on the production and sale of oil and gas products (including LNG) to a variety of buyers under a 

range of short-term and long-term contracts. While the existence of oil-linked pricing means that downward movements in oil price 
have an effect on Santos’ revenue, the Company also receives revenue from non oil-linked contracts. Crude oil prices are affected by 
numerous factors beyond the Company’s control and have fluctuated widely historically.

 • Oil prices in 2015 saw Santos continue to manage risks associated with a lower oil price operating environment. Steps taken in 2015 
included an organisation-wide strategic review, asset interest sales, a private equity placement, an underwritten pro-rata investor 
entitlement offer and an ongoing focus on operational efficiencies and reduction of capital expenditure and production costs. 

Project development risk

 •  Santos undertakes investment in a variety of oil and gas projects to extract, process and supply oil and gas to a variety of customers 
including long-term high-volume contracts to supply feedstock gas to the GLNG project. Such projects may be delayed or be 
unsuccessful for many reasons, including unanticipated economic, financial, operational, engineering, technical, environmental, 
contractual, regulatory, community or political events. Delays, changes in scope, cost increases or poor performance outcomes pose 
risks that may impact the Company’s financial performance. 

 • Santos has comprehensive project and risk management and reporting systems in place and the progress and performance of 

material projects is regularly reviewed by senior management and the Board.

28 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Directors’ ReportOil and gas reserves 

 • Estimations of recoverable oil and gas reserves and resources contain significant uncertainties, which are inherent in the reservoir 

geology, seismic and well data available and other factors such as project development and operating costs, together with 
commodity prices. 

 • Santos has adopted a reserves management system that is consistent with the Society of Petroleum Engineers’ Petroleum Resource 
Management System. The Company’s reserves and resources estimations are subject to annual independent audits and evaluations. 

Exploration risk

 • Santos’ future long-term prospects are also directly related to the success of efforts to replace existing oil and gas reserves as they 
are depleted through production. Exploration is a high risk endeavour subject to geological and technological uncertainties and the 
failure to replace utilised reserves with additional proved reserves is a risk inherent in the oil and gas exploration and production 
industry.

 • Santos employs a well-established exploration prospect evaluation methodology and risking process to manage the risks associated 

with exploration. 

Regulatory risks

 • Santos’ business is subject to various laws and regulations, in each of the countries in which it operates, relating to the development, 
production, marketing, pricing, transportation and storage of its products. A change in the laws which apply to the Company’s 
business or the way in which it is regulated could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations and financial 
condition. For example, a change in taxation laws, environmental laws or the application of existing laws could also have a material 
effect on Santos.

 • A number of Santos’ interests are located within areas which are the subject of one or more claims or applications for native title 

determination. In Australia, compliance with the requirements of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) can delay the grant of mineral and 
petroleum tenements and consequently impact generally the timing of exploration, development and production operations.

 • Santos continually monitors legislative and regulatory developments and engages appropriately with legislative and regulatory bodies 

to manage this risk.

Litigation risks

 • The nature of Santos’ business means that it is likely to be involved in litigation or regulatory actions arising from a wide range of 

matters. Santos may also be involved in investigations, inquiries or disputes, debt recoveries, commercial and contractual disputes, 
native title claims, land tenure and access disputes, environmental claims or occupational health and safety claims. Any of these 
claims or actions could result in delays, increase costs or otherwise adversely impact Santos’ assets and operations, and adversely 
impact Santos’ financial performance and future financial prospects.

 • Santos’ legal team actively monitors and manages potential and actual claims, actions and disputes.

Environmental and safety risks and social licence to operate

 • A range of health, safety and environmental risks exists with oil and gas exploration and production activities. Accidents, 

environmental incidents and real or perceived threats to the environment or the amenity of local communities could result in a loss of 
the Company’s social licence to operate, leading to delays, disruption or the shut-down of exploration and production activities.

 • Santos has a comprehensive environmental, health and safety management system to mitigate the risk of incidents. The Company 
also has highly informed and dedicated community affairs teams who engage with local communities to ensure that issues are 
understood and addressed appropriately.

Joint venture arrangements

 • Santos’ business is carried out through joint ventures. The use of joint ventures is common in the exploration and production industry 

and serves to mitigate the risk and associated cost of exploration, production and operational failure. However, failure of agreement 
or alignment with joint venture partners or the failure of third party joint venture operators could have a material effect on Santos’ 
business. The failure of joint venture partners to meet their commitments and share costs and liabilities can result in increased costs 
to Santos.

 • Santos works closely with its joint venture partners in order to reduce the risk of misalignment in joint venture activities.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 29

Directors’ Report
continued

Financial risks

 • Foreign currency risk 

 Santos is exposed to foreign currency risk principally through the sale of products denominated in US dollars, borrowings 
denominated in US dollars and Euros and foreign currency capital and operating expenditure. 

 • Credit risk

 Credit risk for Santos represents a potential financial loss if counterparties fail to perform as contracted, and arises from 
investments in cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments and deposits with banks and financial institutions, as well 
as credit exposures to customers including outstanding receivables and committed transactions.

 • Access to capital and liquidity 

 Santos’ business and, in particular, the development of large-scale projects, relies on access to debt and equity financing. The ability 
to secure financing, or financing on acceptable terms may be adversely affected by volatility in the financial markets, globally or 
affecting a particular geographic region, industry or economic sector, or by a downgrade in its credit rating. 

Santos’ overall financial risk management strategy is to seek to ensure that Santos is able to fund its corporate objectives and meet its 
obligations to stakeholders. Financial risk management is carried out by a central treasury department which operates under Board-
approved policies. The policies govern the framework and principles for overall financial risk management and covers specific financial 
risks, such as foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk and credit risk, approved derivative and non-derivative financial instruments, and 
liquidity management.

Material prejudice 

As permitted by sections 299(3) and 299A(3) of the Corporations Act 2001, Santos has omitted some information from the above 
Operating and Financial Review in relation to the Company’s business strategy, future prospects and likely developments in operations 
and the expected results of those operations in future financial years on the basis that such information, if disclosed, would be likely to 
result in unreasonable prejudice (for example, because the information is premature, commercially sensitive, confidential or could give a 
third party a commercial advantage). The omitted information typically relates to internal budgets, forecasts and estimates, details of the 
business strategy, and contractual pricing.

Forward looking statements

This report contains forward-looking statements, including statements of current intention, opinion and predictions regarding the 
Company’s present and future operations, possible future events and future financial prospects. While these statements reflect 
expectations at the date of this report, they are, by their nature, not certain and are susceptible to change. Santos makes no 
representation, assurance or guarantee as to the accuracy or likelihood of fulfilling of any such forward-looking statements (whether 
express or implied) and, except as required by applicable law or the ASX Listing Rules, disclaims any obligation or undertaking to publicly 
update such forward-looking statements. 

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE STATE OF AFFAIRS

The Directors consider that matters or circumstances that have significantly affected, or may significantly affect, the operations, results 
of operations or the state of affairs of the Company in subsequent financial years are as follows:

Oil prices

Between June 2014 and the end of 2015, the Brent Crude oil price deteriorated by 68% from US$112 to US$36 per barrel. Despite 
significant cuts to capital expenditure budgets by oil and gas companies around the globe, in 2016 markets remain concerned that the 
continued growth in crude inventories, the easing of international sanctions on oil exports from Iran and weaker than expected growth in 
China will continue to exert downward pressure on the price of crude oil.

Over the course of 2015 Santos cut capital expenditure by 54%, made the difficult decision to reduce our headcount by over 800 
positions across the Company resulting in targeted gross labour cost savings of $160 million per annum and delivered a further $230 
million in gross savings across the supply chain. Santos will continue to focus on reducing operating costs and driving productivity gains 
so that the Company is well placed to operate profitably and sustainably in a low oil price environment.

30 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Directors’ Report 
 
 
Dividends

On 19 February 2016, the Directors resolved to pay a fully franked final dividend of 5 cents per fully paid ordinary share on 30 March 
2016 to shareholders registered in the books of the Company at the close of business on 26 February 2016 (“Record Date”). This final 
dividend amounts to approximately $88 million. The Board also resolved that the Santos Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRP”) will 
continue to be in operation for this dividend. Shares issued under the DRP will be allocated at the arithmetic average of the daily volume 
weighted-average market price over a period of seven business days commencing on the second business day after the Record Date 
less a 1.5% discount. The last date to elect to participate in the DRP is 29 February 2016. 

A fully franked final dividend of $148 million (15 cents per fully paid ordinary share) was paid on 25 March 2015 in respect of the year 
ended 31 December 2014, as disclosed in the 2014 Annual Report. In addition, a fully franked interim dividend of $150 million (15 cents 
per fully paid ordinary share) was paid to members on 30 September 2015. The DRP was in operation for both of these dividends and 
shares were allocated based on the DRP issue price that was advised to the market for each dividend. 

Environmental regulation

The consolidated entity’s Australian operations are subject to various environmental regulations under Commonwealth, State and 
Territory legislation. Applicable legislation and requisite environmental licences are specified in the consolidated entity’s EHS Compliance 
Database, which forms part of the consolidated entity’s overall Environmental Management System. Compliance performance is 
monitored on a regular basis and in various forms, including environmental audits conducted by regulatory authorities and by the 
Company, either through internal or external resources.

In 2015, the consolidated entity received $34,155 in fines relating to three Infringement Notices issued pursuant to the Environmental 
Protection Act 1994 (Qld). The consolidated entity undertook corrective measures in respect of the infringements to prevent  
re-occurrences.

POST BALANCE DATE EVENTS

Except as mentioned below or elsewhere in this report, in the opinion of the Directors there has not arisen, in the interval between 
the end of the financial year and the date of this report, any matter or circumstance that has significantly affected or may significantly 
affect the operations of the consolidated entity, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of the consolidated entity in future 
financial years.

On 19 February 2016, the Directors of Santos Limited declared a final dividend on ordinary shares in respect of the 2015 financial year. 
The dividend has not been provided for in the 31 December 2015 financial statements. Refer to note 2.6 of the financial statements for 
dividends declared after 31 December 2015.

SHARES UNDER OPTION AND UNVESTED SHARE ACQUISITION RIGHTS

Options

Unissued ordinary shares of Santos Limited under option at the date of this report are as follows:

Date options granted

Expiry date

24 October 2006

24 October 2016

4 May 2006

1 July 2007

1 July 2007

3 May 2016

30 June 2017

30 June 2017

3 September 2007

2 September 2017

3 May 2008

3 May 2008

28 July 2008

2 May 2018

2 May 2018

27 July 2018

02 March 2009

2 March 2019

Issue price of shares1

Number of options

$10.48

$11.36

$14.14

$14.14

$12.81

$15.39

$15.39

$17.36

$14.81

263,300

2,500,000

203,900

47,400

100,000

447,540

227,951

81,948

50,549

 3,922,588

1 

This is the exercise price payable by the option holder.

Options do not confer an entitlement to participate in a bonus or rights issue, prior to the exercise of the option.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report
continued

Unvested SARs

Unissued ordinary shares of Santos Limited under unvested SARs at the date of this report are as follows:

Date SARs granted

3 May 2012

6 March 2013

1 July 2013

21 January 2014

7 March 2014

1 July 2014

6 March 2015

28 July 2015

10 February 2016

Number of shares under 
unvested SARs

205,339

20,829

 321,702

 27,378

 2,921,580

 386,917

2,419,795

805,361

333,822

 7,442,723

No amount is payable on the vesting of SARs. SARs do not confer an entitlement to participate in a bonus or rights issue, prior to the 
vesting of the SAR. Further details regarding the SARs (including when they will lapse) are contained in the Remuneration Report 
commencing on page 36 of this report and in note 7.2 to the financial statements.

SHARES ISSUED ON THE EXERCISE OF OPTIONS AND ON THE VESTING OF SARS

Options

No options were exercised during the year ended 31 December 2015 or up to the date of this report.

Vested SARs

The following ordinary shares of Santos Limited were issued during the year ended 31 December 2015 on the vesting of SARs granted 
under the Santos Employee Equity Incentive Plan (“SEEIP”) (formerly known as the Santos Employee Share Purchase Plan (“SESAP”)) 
and ShareMatch Plan (“ShareMatch”). No amount is payable on the vesting of SARs and accordingly no amounts are unpaid on any of 
the shares.

Date SARs granted

15 May 2013

 2 July 2012

3 January 2013

1 July 2013

21 January 2014

1 July 2014

28 July 2015

Number of shares issued

 15,127

 381,569

 45,378

 70,619

 3,932

 74,560

20,433

 611,618

Since 31 December 2015, the following ordinary shares of Santos Limited have been issued on the vesting of SARs granted under the 
SEEIP and ShareMatch.

Date SARs granted

1 July 2013

1 July 2014

28 July 2015

32 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Number of shares issued

4,201

4,822

8,576

17,599

Directors’ Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS’ AND SENIOR EXECUTIVES’ REMUNERATION

Details of the Company’s remuneration policies and the nature and amount of the remuneration of the Directors and senior management 
(including shares, options and SARs granted during the financial year) are set out in the Remuneration Report commencing on page 36 
of this report and in note 7.2 to the financial statements.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 33

Remuneration in brief

This section is in addition to the Remuneration Report on pages 36 to 53. This section therefore does not form part of the audited 
Remuneration Report. It provides additional information in relation to the amount of remuneration paid to the Company’s former 
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), David Knox, and Senior Executives during 2015. The Company has chosen to 
do this so that investors have the benefit of this information in addition to the Remuneration Report on pages 36 to 53, which has been 
prepared in accordance with statutory requirements and accounting standards. 

RESPONSE TO THE GLOBAL OIL PRICE ENVIRONMENT 

Despite strong operational performance during 2015, including the shipment of GLNG’s first cargo on 16 October 2015 with a total of 
seven LNG cargoes shipped during the year and annual production of 57.7 mmboe being the highest since 2007, the Company’s share 
price fell sharply, in line with the severe fall in the global Brent Crude oil price. The Company has responded by repositioning the business 
for a low oil price environment, including cutting capital expenditure by 54% over the course of 2015 and driving down unit production 
costs by 10%.

The Company’s ongoing response to the low oil price environment included:

Frozen pay

Total Fixed Remuneration comprising base pay and superannuation (“TFR”) remained fixed  
at 2014 levels. No pay rises were awarded except where on account of a change in role or 
responsibilities, or other appropriate circumstances.

Zero CEO & CFO STI 

Both the CEO and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) declined to receive any Short-Term 
Incentive (“STI”) award in respect of 2015.

Reduced STI 

and 

Zero cash STI

Nil LTI vesting

Although the scorecard result would have resulted in 50% – 70% of maximum payout,  
the Board exercised its discretion so that Senior Executives did not receive any payout 
from the Company scorecard, except for the Environmental, Safety and Sustainability 
components. This reflects the importance the Company places on these targets. 

As a result, Senior Executives received a significantly reduced STI award of between  
22% and 42% of maximum.

In addition, any STI award received by Senior Executives will be deferred into equity for two 
years. No cash STI was paid to any Senior Executives.

None of the Long-Term Incentives (“LTI”) granted to the CEO and Senior Executives 
vested.

Zero Director fee increase

Fees paid to non-executive Directors (“NED”) have remained fixed since October 2013.

34 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Directors’ ReportACTUALLY REALISED REMUNERATION

The table below shows remuneration “actually realised” by the CEO and Senior Executives in relation to 2015, namely, cash payments on 
account of TFR, cash STI awards earned in respect of 2015 performance and Share Acquisition Rights (“SARs”) granted as part of the 
LTI program, only if they vest, valued on the basis of their closing price on the date of vesting.

These amounts differ from the amounts reported in the Remuneration Report which are prepared in accordance with the Corporations 
Act 2001 (Cth) (“Corporations Act”) and Accounting Standards. This is because the Accounting Standards require a value to be placed 
on “share based payments” at the time of grant, and for that “accounting value” to be reported as remuneration, even though the CEO 
and Senior Executives may ultimately NOT realise any actual value from the “share based payments” (e.g. because the performance 
conditions are not satisfied, as was the case for the 2013–2015 Total Shareholder Return LTI award tested at the end of 2015). 

Annual, long service and other leave entitlements are not included in the table below.

Actually realised remuneration (unaudited and non-IFRS) 

Year

TFR1 Cash STI2

LTI3

Other4

Total

D Knox5

MD and CEO

J Anderson

Vice President (“VP”) Asia and Western Australia  
& Northern Territory (“WA&NT”)

J Baulderstone7

VP Corporate Development

T Brown

VP Queensland

A Seaton

CFO

B Woods8

VP Eastern Australia

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

$

2015 2,421,787

$

–

$

302,4876

2014 2,421,787

983,200

712,016

–

–

–

$

–

–

$

2,724,274

3,404,987

45,000

757,016 

706,830

241,500

86,226

45,000

1,079,556

2015

775,137

–

–

17,720

792,857

2014

768,947

253,700

92,694

26,131

1,141,472

724,914

–

–

1,477

726,391

718,786

280,400

84,350

17,720

1,101,256

770,752

–

–

2014

764,596

256,800

72,338

–

–

770,752

1,093,734

2015

2014

561,167

N/A

–

N/A

–

N/A

9,804

570,971

N/A

N/A

1 

TFR comprises base salary and superannuation. There were no TFR increases in 2015 except in relation to Mr Woods (see note 8 below). The slight increase in TFR in 2015 from 2014 
reflects the first three months of 2014 being at the lower 2013 levels, as the 2014 TFR increase was effective from April 2014. 

2  Senior Executives (with the exception of the CEO and CFO, who both declined to receive any STI) will receive their STI payout as deferred equity, subject to a two-year service-based 

period. They did not receive any STI in cash. 

3  No LTI vested in 2015. The LTI which vested in 2014 related to the last of the service-based SARs which were awarded in 2011. For the value of share-based payments calculated in 

accordance with the Accounting Standards, see Table 6 “2014 and 2015 Senior Executive remuneration details” on page 45. 

4 

“Other” comprises ad hoc payments treated as remuneration, such as assignment and mobilisation allowances. 

5  Although Mr Knox ceased to be a KMP on 12 November 2015 when he stepped down as CEO (as announced to the ASX on 9 November 2015), his TFR for the entire year is included here 

for the purpose of comparison. The figures in this table do not include Mr Knox’s termination payments, details of which are set out on page 41. 

6  Mr Knox’s 2012 Strategic Grant was assessed for performance and resulted in 88,706 shares vesting (see Table 3 on page 41 for details). The amount reflected is based on the closing share 

price of $3.41 on 16 February 2016, the date the Board assessed and confirmed the final vesting outcome. This value may not reflect his actual benefit received when the shares are issued 
to Mr Knox later in February 2016.

7  Mr Baulderstone ceased to be a KMP on 2 August 2015 upon accepting the new role of VP Corporate Development. Although Mr Baulderstone was a KMP for only part of the year, his 

remuneration for the entire year is included for the purpose of comparison. 

8  Mr Woods became a KMP on 3 August 2015 when he was appointed to the role of VP Eastern Australia Business Unit. Mr Woods was formerly General Manager WA&NT and received a 
pay increase in relation to the new appointment. Although Mr Woods was a KMP for only part of the year, his remuneration for the entire year is included. 2014 details are not shown as he 
was not a KMP at that time. 

The total remuneration amounts determined in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act and Accounting Standards 
are set out in Table 6 “2014 and 2015 Senior Executive remuneration details” (see page 45).

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 35

 
 
Remuneration Report

The Directors of Santos Limited (referred to as the “Company” or “Santos”) present this Remuneration Report for the consolidated 
entity for the year ended 31 December 2015. The information provided in this Report has been audited as required by section 308(3C) 
of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (“Corporations Act”) and forms part of the Directors’ Report. 

The Remuneration Report outlines the Company’s key remuneration activities in 2015 and remuneration information pertaining to the 
Company’s Directors, former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) David Knox and Senior Executives who are the 
key management personnel (“KMP”) of the consolidated entity for the purposes of the Corporations Act and the Accounting Standards. 

REMUNERATION POLICY 

The diagram below shows the key objectives of Santos’ Remuneration Policy and how these are implemented through the Company’s 
remuneration framework. 

Attracting and retaining talented and 
qualified executives

Encouraging executives to strive for 
superior performance

Aligning executive and  
shareholder interests

•  Remuneration levels are  

market-aligned against similar 
roles in comparable companies.

• 

• 

A significant component of 
remuneration is “at risk” under 
short-term and long-term 
incentive plans. Value to the 
executive is dependent on 
meeting challenging targets. 

Short-term incentives are 
aligned to key performance 
milestones including safety, 
environment, production, 
cashflow, project delivery and 
reserves development.

• 

• 

• 

Long-term incentives and 
deferred short-term incentives 
are delivered through equity 
instruments linked to Santos 
ordinary shares.

Vesting of performance-based 
long-term incentives are 
contingent on Santos’ 
performance relative to the 
ASX100 and the S&P Global 
1200 Energy Index as measured 
by the relative total shareholder 
return at the end of the  
four-year performance period.

Long-term incentives and 
deferred short-term incentives 
are “at risk” and executives 
cannot hedge equity instruments 
that are unvested or subject to 
restrictions. These incentives are 
also subject to “clawback”.

REMUNERATION GOVERNANCE

People and Remuneration Committee

The People and Remuneration Committee (“Committee”) oversees and formulates recommendations to the Board on the remuneration 
policies and practices of the Company generally, including the remuneration of non-executive Directors, the CEO and Senior Executives. 

External advisors and remuneration advice

In performing their roles, the Board and the Committee directly commission and receive information, advice and recommendations 
from independent external advisors. This assists the Directors to make informed decisions when considering the Company’s 
remuneration policies and practices. The Board has adopted a protocol to formally record the process for engaging and seeking advice 
from remuneration consultants, which ensures remuneration recommendations in relation to KMPs are free from undue influence by 
management. 

During 2015, the Company engaged 3 degrees consulting to provide remuneration recommendations as defined under the Corporations 
Act in relation to CEO and Senior Executive remuneration levels. 3 degrees consulting was paid $39,750 for these services. 

The Board is satisfied that this advice received from 3 degrees consulting was made free from undue influence from the KMP to whom 
the recommendations relate as 3 degrees consulting was engaged by, and reported directly to, the Chair of the Committee. 

36 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Directors’ ReportIn this regard, in addition to adhering to Board-approved protocols, 3 degrees consulting provided a formal declaration to the Chair of 
the Committee. 

In addition to providing remuneration recommendations, 3 degrees consulting provided market practice data and advice on other 
aspects of the Company’s remuneration framework throughout the year, including legal and stakeholder communications. 3 degrees 
consulting also provides CEO and non-executive Director search and succession planning services. The Company engaged these 
services in relation to the appointment of non-executive Director, Yasmin Allen, in late 2014, and in relation to the search for the new 
CEO, Kevin Gallagher, in late 2015. Together, for these additional remuneration related and search services, 3 degrees consulting was 
paid $342,451. 

REMUNERATION FRAMEWORK

Benchmarking

Total Fixed Remuneration comprising base pay and superannuation (“TFR”), Short-Term Incentives (“STI”) and Long-Term Incentives 
(“LTI”) are set by reference to market comparable data in order to ensure that the Company is competitive and able to attract and retain 
the skills it needs for business operations and project delivery. In relation to Senior Executives, the Company references remuneration 
levels for similar roles in a benchmarking group comprised of peer companies in the oil and gas sector, and closely related mining and 
engineering sectors.

At risk remuneration

STI (“at risk” because the amount earned (if any) depends on the extent to which targets are met)

The Company sets a range of short-term operational and financial targets to be achieved annually. These are chosen to encourage 
outcomes and behaviours that support the safe operation and delivery of the base business while pursuing long-term growth in 
shareholder value, and are reviewed annually by the Board. Table 1 on page 38 outlines the short-term objectives used in 2015 to 
measure performance for STI purposes and the reasons why these objectives were chosen.

The Company’s policy is to deliver part of any STI award for the CEO and Senior Executives into “Deferred STI shares”. These are 
ordinary shares or SARs that will only vest at the end of a two-year deferral period. If a Senior Executive resigns during this period, they 
will ordinarily forfeit their Deferred STI shares. This promotes a focus on long-term performance as the value of the shares is linked to 
the ongoing performance of the Company.

Further details are provided in relation to the STI program on page 52.

LTI (“at risk” because the amount earned (if any) depends on the extent to which vesting conditions are met)

In order to align the interests of executives with the creation of long-term shareholder value, the Company awards SARs. The SARs are 
granted at no cost, however only vest if the Company’s relative Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) over a four year performance period 
is in the 51st percentile or more against a comparator group comprised of companies in the ASX 100 and S&P Global Energy Index 
(“GEI”). 

Prior to 2014, the performance period was three years and the comparator group comprised companies in the ASX 100 only.

Further details are provided in relation to the LTI program on page 53.

Clawback

The share plan rules give the Company the discretion to lapse or forfeit unvested LTI and deferred STI awards as well as claw back 
any vested shares or cash paid in certain circumstances. These include dishonest or fraudulent conduct, breach of material obligations, 
miscalculation or error, a material misstatement or omission in the accounts of a group company or events which require re-statement 
of the group’s financial accounts in circumstances where an LTI or deferred STI award would not otherwise have been granted or would 
not have vested. This is in addition to any rights the Company has under the plan rules and general legal principles to seek to recover 
payments made in error.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 37

 
Link between performance and remuneration 

STI

The Company’s performance against the 2015 STI scorecard as assessed by the Board resulted in a score of 67%. The table below 
summarises the short-term objectives in the scorecard, their rationale and the Company’s performance against them.

Table 1: 2015 STI scorecard performance

Rationale

Performance

The Company takes safety and the 
environment very seriously. The 
integrated targets represent the 
Company’s holistic approach aimed 
at reducing the number of injuries 
to employees and contractors, the 
likelihood of low-frequency but 
high-impact incidents such as fires 
and explosions and the incidence of 
significant environmental incidents. 

Santos’ safety record in 2015 
exceeded all targets with a Lost 
Time Injury Frequency Rate of 0.12, 
Safety Critical Maintenance of 
99%, no environmental incidents of 
moderate or greater consequence 
and a Dow Jones Sustainability 
Index score of 72, which puts the 
Company in the top 10% of the 
Index.  

Score

19.7%

The Company also recognises 
the increasing importance that 
investors and other stakeholders 
are placing on Corporate Social 
Responsibility performance. The 
Dow Jones Sustainability Indices 
serve as benchmarks for investors 
who integrate sustainability 
considerations into their portfolios. 
The world’s largest 3,400 
companies are invited to take part in 
the annual Corporate Sustainability 
Assessment.

Production is critical to the 
Company’s profitability, which is 
a key measure of the Company’s 
overall performance and underpins 
annual earnings and cash flow for 
distribution to shareholders and for 
re-investment for future growth. 

Operating cash flow was introduced 
to ensure a focus on liquidity in 2015 
against a backdrop of a declining oil 
price and its impact on revenue and 
cash inflows.

Production of 57.7 mmboe, the 
highest annual production since 
2007, was slightly below target. 

31.3%

Operating cash flow of $1,094 
million was slightly below target.

STI measure

Personnel safety 

Measured by the number of Lost-
Time Injuries per million hours 
worked.

Process safety 

Measured by the number 
of Tier 1 incidents of loss of 
containment of hydrocarbons 
and the level of Safety Critical 
Maintenance performed on plant 
and equipment in enclosed and 
open areas.

Environmental incidents

Measured by the number 
of environmental incidents 
of moderate or greater 
consequence.

Sustainability 

Measured by the Company’s 
performance as assessed by the 
Dow Jones Sustainability Index.

Production 

Operating cash flow

)

%
0
2
(
S
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E

)

%
5
4
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38 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Directors’ ReportRemuneration Reportcontinued 
 
 
 
Rationale

Performance

Score

15.7%

GLNG delivered on several major 
milestones in 2015 including 
completion of LNG Train 1 on 
schedule and within budget, 
delivery of 7 LNG cargoes and 
commencement of LNG Train 2 
commissioning.  

The 2P reserves replacement and 
2C resources growth targets were 
not achieved.

STI measure

Project delivery 

Progress against milestones in 
key projects (including GLNG) 
are identified and measured. 

Reserves Replacement  
& Resource Add 

The volume of proven and 
probable (2P) reserves and 
contingent resources (2C)  
added by the Company 
organically (through exploration 
and exploitation efforts as 
opposed to acquisitions) 
compared to the volume of 
reserves used in the current 
year’s production.

Other Value Add 

To capture any other 
achievements which were not 
covered by the rest of the 
specific objectives.

)

%
0
3
(
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t
w
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r
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e
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O

)

%
5
(
d
d
A

Project delivery underpins the 
future production, growth and 
profitability of the Company. In 
the current climate of rising costs 
and large capital expenditure 
commitments, it is essential that 
the Company delivers its long-term 
projects on time and within budget 
to achieve future production. 

The Company’s ability to replace 
the reserves it uses in production 
and to convert contingent 
resources into proven and probable 
reserves is critical to the long-term 
future of the Company.

In order to incentivise and reward 
high performance which may not be 
captured in the scorecard.

Having regard to the loss in 
shareholder value due to the 
global oil price decline, it was not 
appropriate to allocate any score for 
this item.

Total

0%

67%

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 39

 
 
 
 
LTI

The Company’s TSR for the period 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2015 ranked below the 51st percentile in the comparator group 
comprised of the companies in the ASX 100. As a result, none of the SARs granted to the CEO and Senior Executives as part of the 
2013–2015 LTI grant vested. This reflects the alignment of the Company’s LTI program with the interests and long-term returns of 
shareholders. 

More details about how performance targets are set and tested for the purposes of STI and LTI awards are set out in the section 
“Detailed Information about Linking Company Performance to Incentives” on pages 52 and 53.

Table 2 sets out the Company’s performance over the past five years in respect of several key financial and non-financial indicators and 
the STI and LTI awards during this period.

Table 2: Key metrics of company performance 2011–2015

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Injury frequency:

total recordable case frequency rate

lost time injury frequency rate

Production (mmboe)

Reserve replacement rate – 2P organic (%)

Net profit/(loss) after tax ($m)

Dividends per ordinary share (cents) 

3.3

1.2

47.2

173

751

30

5.0

0.7

52.1

136

518

30

3.8

0.6

51.0

3

516

30

3.5

0.7

54.1

0

(935)

35

Share price – closing price on first trading day of year

$13.19

$12.34

$11.11

$14.63

LTI performance (% vesting) –  

shown against final year of performance period

Average STI paid (% of maximum)

0%

69%

0%

68%

0%

60% 

0%

58%2

1  Closing share price at 31 December 2015 was $3.68.

2  Whilst the 2014 company performance result was 78%, the actual STI payout was reduced by the Board to 58%. 

2.8

0.1

57.7

0

(2,698)

20

$8.251

0%

67%

40 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Directors’ ReportRemuneration Reportcontinued 
 
 
CEO TRANSITION

Mr Knox stepped down as Managing Director and CEO on 12 November 2015 and continued to assist the Company in handover and 
transitional duties until he ceased employment on 31 December 2015. This section provides details of Mr Knox’s remuneration during the 
year, the outcomes of the Strategic Grant awarded in 2012 and his termination arrangements. 

Santos’ new Managing Director and CEO, Mr Kevin Gallagher, commenced employment on 1 February 2016. Details of Mr Gallagher’s 
remuneration and other contractual arrangements are outlined in an announcement that was made to the ASX on 9 November 2015.

During the transition period from August 2015 until the commencement of Mr Gallagher, the Chair of the Board, Mr Peter Coates, held 
the temporary position of Executive Chairman. Details of Mr Coates’ remuneration are provided in Table 12 on page 48. 

Remuneration during the year for former CEO Mr Knox

Mr Knox’s TFR did not change during 2015 and he declined to receive any STI. No LTI vested in 2015. 

In accordance with the approval of shareholders at the 2015 AGM, Mr Knox received an LTI grant in 2015 with a performance period 
from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2018.

2012–2015 Strategic Grant

As approved by shareholders at the AGM held on 3 May 2012, Mr Knox received a Strategic Grant of SARs in 2012, the vesting of 
which was conditional upon the achievement of performance conditions over the period 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2015. Mr Knox 
achieved a result of 43% of the maximum total SARs available from the Strategic Grant (57% of maximum forfeited). The key details 
and outcomes of the Strategic Grant are set out in Table 3 below.

Table 3: Former CEO Strategic Grant 2012–2015

TARGETS

NO OF SARS  
IN EACH 
TRANCHE 

VESTING PARAMETERS

PERFORMANCE

NUMBER AND 
% OF SHARES 
TO VEST FROM 
EACH TRANCHE

GLNG START-UP 

41,068 

100% if first cargo by 30 June 2015  
0% if first cargo on 31 March 2016

16-Oct-15 

25,051 
(61%)

41,068 

41,068 

41,068 

41,067 

GLNG CAPEX  
(TO END 2015)

PRODUCTION  
(BY END 2015)

R/P RATIO*  
(AT END 2015)

OPERATIONAL 
INTEGRITY 
(AVERAGE EHS 
SCORE OVER 
2012–2015)

TOTAL

205,339

Although the actual capital expenditure was within the US$18.5bn budget, the Board 
exercised discretion to lapse this tranche in full.

100% if 77 mmboe  
0% if 70 mmboe

57.7 mmboe

0

100% for R/P ratio of 18 years  
0% for R/P ratio of 12 years 

17.4 years

100% vesting for average score of 90% 
0% vesting for average score of 70% 

83% 
average score

36,961  
(90%)

26,694  
(65%)

88,706  
(43%)

 * R/P ratio refers to Organic Reserves / Production ratio calculated by dividing 2P Reserves at the end of 2015, excluding acquisitions and divestments, by total production in 2015. 

Termination arrangements

In accordance with the service agreement between the Company and Mr Knox, the shareholder approval obtained at the 2012 AGM 
and the STI and LTI Plan Rules, the following termination arrangements were agreed with Mr Knox:

• 

• 

• 

• 

a separation payment equivalent to 12 months of TFR of $2,421,787; 

a payment for accrued but untaken annual leave, pro-rata long service leave and any other statutory entitlements of $749,864;

the restrictions on his previously earned Deferred STI shares from the 2014 award were lifted; and

a pro-rata portion of his unvested LTI from the 2014 and 2015 grants will remain on foot until the expiry of the relevant performance 
periods when they will be tested against the relevant performance conditions.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 41

SENIOR EXECUTIVE REMUNERATION 

Overview of 2015 earnings

Fixed remuneration

What was the increase 
in Senior Executives’ 
TFR?

Short-term incentives

What was the 
maximum STI Senior 
Executives could 
receive?

How were STI 
payments calculated?

How was performance 
assessed for STI 
purposes?

Nil. Senior Executives’ TFR was frozen at 2014 levels.  

Mr Woods received a TFR increase on his appointment to the role of VP Eastern Australian Business Unit. 

Between 70% and 85% of TFR. 

Company performance against overall corporate scorecard (60%) 

To promote collaboration among Senior Executives and to focus their efforts towards the overall benefit of 
the Company, 60% of their STI is based on Company performance against the overall Corporate scorecard 
(see Table 1 on page 38).  

The Company’s performance against the 2015 STI scorecard as assessed by the Board resulted in a score of 
67%. However, in light of the decline in the share price and loss of shareholder value, the Board exercised its 
discretion so that Senior Executives did not receive any payment from the Company scorecard, except the 
Environmental, Safety and Sustainability components. This reflects the importance the Company places on 
these targets.  

Individual performance against specific targets (40%) 

The remaining 40% is based on each executive’s individual performance against business, operational, 
financial and qualitative objectives such as specific safety, environmental, production and profitability targets 
as well as leadership, staff development and other strategic measures in relation to their own business units 
or areas of responsibility. 

Company performance against the overall corporate scorecard was assessed by the Committee and the 
Board.  

Senior Executives’ performance against individual targets was assessed by the Executive Chairman, and 
reviewed and endorsed by the Committee.

How much STI will 
Senior Executives 
receive in respect of 
2015 performance?

Although the Company performance score would have resulted in an award of 50% to 70% of maximum 
payout, the Board exercised its discretion to reduce STI awards made to Senior Executives in respect of 2015 
performance so that they ranged from 22% to 42% of maximum (see Table 6 on page 45). This compares to 
55% to 65% of maximum awarded in respect of 2014. 

The difference between the actual STI award and maximum STI potential will not be carried forward.

Long-term incentives 

How much LTI was 
granted to Senior 
Executives in 2015?

What are the 
performance 
conditions?

What proportion of 
prior year LTI grants 
vested in 2015? 

In 2015, all Senior Executives received an LTI award equivalent to between 50% and 60% of TFR for a four-
year performance period ending on 31 December 2018. 

Vesting is based on the Company’s relative TSR performance over the relevant performance period. The 
comparator group for 75% of each grant is the ASX 100 and the comparator group for the remaining 25% is 
the S&P GEI. See the vesting schedule provided in the section “Detailed Information about Linking Company 
Performance to Incentives” on pages 52 and 53.

Nil. 

The testing of the 2013 LTI grant with a performance period 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2015 occurred 
in early 2016. As the performance hurdle was not achieved, there was no vesting of the grant and this was 
forfeited.

Further details for each individual Senior Executive’s remuneration are provided in Table 6 “2014 and 2015 Senior Executive remuneration 
details” on page 45.

42 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Directors’ ReportRemuneration ReportcontinuedService agreements and termination entitlements

The Company has entered into service agreements with the Senior Executives. For all existing Senior Executives, the service 
agreements are ongoing until termination by the Company upon giving between 6 and 12 months’ notice, or by the Senior Executive 
giving 6 months’ notice. In a Company-initiated termination, the Company may make a payment in lieu of notice equivalent to the TFR 
that the Senior Executive would have received over the notice period. All Senior Executives’ service agreements may be terminated 
immediately for cause, whereupon no payments in lieu of notice or other termination payments are payable under the agreement. 

AT RISK REMUNERATION SUMMARY 

At risk remuneration

A higher proportion of the CEO’s total remuneration package is “at risk” relative to that of the Senior Executives because the CEO has 
the greatest scope to personally influence the Company’s performance. 

Table 4: Relative weightings of remuneration components for CEO and Senior Executives1

CEO

Senior Executives

Fixed 
remuneration

At Risk Remuneration

STI2

LTI

33.33%

33.33%

40.80%

40.80%

33.33%

33.33%

34.70%

34.70%

33.33%

33.33%

24.50%

24.50%

Total  
“at risk”

66.66%

66.66%

59.20%

59.20%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

2015

2014

2015

2014

1 

These figures do not reflect the actual relative value derived by the Executive from each of the components, which is dependent on actual performance against targets for the “at risk” 
components. The figures represent maximum potential of each component.

2  Also includes deferred STI component.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REMUNERATION 

Remuneration Policy

The diagram below shows the key objectives of Santos’ non-executive Director Remuneration Policy and how these are implemented 
through the Company’s remuneration framework.

Securing and retaining talented, 
qualified Directors

Promoting independence  
and impartiality

Aligning Director and shareholder 
interests

Fee levels are set with regard to:

 • time commitment and workload;

 • the risk and responsibility  
attached to the role;

 • experience and expertise; and

 • market benchmarking.

 • Fee levels do not vary according 
to the performance of the 
Company or individual Director 
performance from year to year.

 • Santos encourages its  

non-executive Directors  
to build a long-term stake  
in the Company and established 
a Minimum Shareholding 
Requirement of 15,000 shares  
for all non-executive Directors 
within three-years.

 • Non-executive Directors can 
acquire shares through 
acquisition on market during 
trading windows and/or through 
the non-executive Director 
Share Plan.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 43

Maximum aggregate amount

Total fees paid to all non-executive Directors in a year, including Board Committee fees, must not exceed $2,600,000, being the amount 
approved by shareholders at the 2013 AGM. 

Directors may also be paid additional fees for special duties or exertions, and are entitled to be reimbursed for all business-related 
expenses. 

Remuneration 

There have been no increases in non-executive Director fees since October 2013. 

As announced to the market on 7 September 2015, Peter Coates received an additional special duties and exertions fee of $45,000  
a month inclusive of superannuation. This fee related to his additional responsibilities as Executive Chairman from 24 August 2015 to  
31 January 2016 and was not paid out of the aggregate non-executive Director fee pool. 

Remuneration details for the non-executive Directors are provided in Table 12 “2014 and 2015 non-executive Director remuneration 
details” on page 48.

Fee structure

Table 5: Non-executive Directors’ fees per annum1

Board

Audit & Risk Committee

Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability Committee

Finance Committee3

Nomination Committee4

People and Remuneration Committee

1 

Fees are shown exclusive of superannuation.

Chair2

$503,550

$42,000

$22,000

$22,000

N/A

$30,000

Member

$167,550

$21,000

$15,000

$15,000

$10,000

$16,000

2  The Chair of the Board does not receive any additional fees for serving on or chairing any Board committee. The Chair of the Board is the Chair of the Nomination Committee, in accordance 

with its Charter.

3  The Finance Committee was discontinued on 1 May 2015.

4  The Chair of the Board is the Chair of the Nomination Committee, in accordance with its Charter.

Superannuation and retirement benefits

Superannuation contributions are made on behalf of non-executive Directors in accordance with the requirements of the Company’s 
statutory superannuation obligations. Non-executive Directors are not entitled to retirement benefits (other than mandatory statutory 
entitlements).

44 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Directors’ ReportRemuneration Reportcontinued 
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Santos Annual Report 2015 / 45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tables 7 and 8 contains details of the number and value of Deferred Shares and SARs granted, vested and lapsed for Mr Knox in 2015. 
Mr Knox did not have any options granted, vesting or lapsing in 2015. Mr Knox did not exercise any options in 2015.

Table 7: 2015 SARs outcomes for CEO 

SARs

Granted

Vested

Lapsed

Number

505,509

Maximum  
Value

2,749,1561

Number2

Value3

Number4

88,706

302,487

(974,018)

1  Maximum value represents the fair value of LTI grants received in 2015 determined in accordance with AASB 2 Share-based Payments. The fair values of the grants as at the grant date of 
7 May 2015 were $5.44 and $5.43 (weighted $5.437). Details of the assumptions underlying the valuations are set out in note 7.2 to the financial statements. The minimum total value of the 
grant, if the applicable vesting conditions are not met, is nil in all cases.

2  Relates to 2012–2015 Strategic Grant as detailed in Table 3. 

3  These figures show the value of the 2012–2015 Strategy Grant, using the share price of $3.41 on 16 February 2016, the date the Board assessed and confirmed the final vesting outcome. 

4  Remuneration for Mr Knox includes SARs which lapsed after he ceased to be a KMP on 12 November 2015. The number of lapsed SARs includes 116,633 granted during 2012, 243,652 

granted during 2013, 234,453 granted during 2014 and 379,280 granted during 2015.

Table 8: 2015 Deferred Share outcomes for CEO 

Granted

Vested

Lapsed

Number1

Maximum 
Value2

Number3

Value4

 Number

Shares

55,520

408,627

55,520

204,314

–

1 

The grant relates to the 2014 deferred STI granted on 16 April 2015.

2  Maximum value represents the fair value of 2014 STI grant received in 2015 determined in accordance with AASB 2 Share-based Payments. The fair value of the grant as at the grant date 

of 16 April 2015 was $7.36.

3  The restrictions on Mr Knox’s 2014 deferred shares were lifted on 31 December 2015, the date he ceased employment with the Company. 

4  These figures show the value of the shares deferred which vested on 31 December 2015 at a closing share price of $3.68. 

Tables 9 and 10 contains details of the number and value of Deferred Shares and SARs granted, vested and lapsed for Senior Executives 
in 2015. No Senior Executive had any options granted, vesting or lapsing in 2015. No options were exercised in 2015.

Table 9: 2015 SARs outcomes for Senior Executives

JH Anderson

JL Baulderstone3

TJ Brown

AJ Seaton

BK Woods4

Total 

Granted

Vested

Lapsed

Number1

Maximum 
Value2

89,186

97,093 

90,802 

96,544 

–

356,967 

388,615 

363,435 

386,417 

–

373,625

1,495,434

Number

Value

Number5

–

–

–

–

–

– 

–

–

–

–

–

–

 (42,981)

(46,655)

(43,548)

(46,392)

(10,881)

(190,457)

1 

The grant relates to the Senior Executives’ full LTI award for the four year performance period ended on 31 December 2018.

2  Maximum value represents the fair value of LTI grants received in 2015 determined in accordance with AASB 2 Share-based Payments. The fair values of the grants as at the grant date of 
16 April 2015 were $4.13 and $3.96 (weighted $4.00). Details of the assumptions underlying the valuations are set out in note 7.2 to the financial statements. The minimum total value of the 
grant, if the applicable vesting conditions are not met, is nil in all cases. 

3  Remuneration for Mr Baulderstone includes SARs which lapsed after he ceased to be a KMP on 2 August 2015.

4  Mr Woods held 105,829 SARs before becoming a KMP however his remuneration is disclosed only as his time as a KMP. His 2013 LTI has 10,881 SARs that lapsed.

5 

Lapsed SARs relate to the 2013 LTI grant. 

46 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Directors’ ReportRemuneration Reportcontinued 
 
 
 
Table 10: 2015 share outcomes for Senior Executives 

JH Anderson

JL Baulderstone

TJ Brown

AJ Seaton

BK Woods3

Total 

Granted

Maximum 
Value2

Number1

13,636

14,321

15,823

14,505

–

100,361

105,403

116,457

106,757

–

58,285

428,978

Vested

Lapsed

Number

Value

Number

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1 

This relates to the 30% of the 2014 STI award deferred into shares for two years, granted on 16 April 2015.

2  Maximum value represents the fair value of 2014 STI shares received in 2015 determined in accordance with AASB 2 Share-based Payments. The fair value of the grant as at the grant date 

of 16 April 2015 was $7.36.

3  Remuneration disclosed for Mr Woods is for the period from 3 August 2015 when he became a KMP. None of Mr Woods’ 2014 STI award was deferred as the STI deferral program only 

applied to KMPs.

Table 11 outlines the LTI grants that were tested or still in progress in 2015.

Table 11: LTI grants

Grant year Grant type

2012

CEO Strategy Grant

Vesting condition(s)

Conditional upon the 
achievement of strategic 
performance conditions.

Performance/ 
vesting period

1 January 2012 to  
31 December 2015

Status

Testing completed. Resulted 
in 43% of the grant vesting.

Performance Award

Relative TSR performance 
against ASX 100 companies

1 January 2013 to  
31 December 2015

Testing completed. Resulted 
in 0% of the grant vesting.

2013

2014

Three-year transitionary 
Performance Award

Four-year Performance 
Award

2015

Four-year Performance 
Award

Relative TSR performance 
against ASX 100 companies 
(75%) and S&P GEI (25%)

Relative TSR performance 
against ASX 100 companies 
(75%) and S&P GEI (25%)

Relative TSR performance 
against ASX 100 companies 
(75%) and S&P GEI (25%)

1 January 2014 to  
31 December 2016

1 January 2014 to  
31 December 2017

1 January 2015 to  
31 December 2018

In progress.

In progress.

In progress.

Full details of all grants made prior to 2015 can be found in note 7.2 to the financial statements and in prior Remuneration Reports.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 47

Details of the fees and other benefits paid to non-executive Directors in 2015 are set out in Table 12. No fee increases were received 
in 2015. Differences in fees received between 2014 and 2015 reflect changes in roles and responsibilities (i.e. Chair or committee 
appointments) and superannuation payments. No share-based payments were made to any non-executive Directors.

Table 12: 2014 and 2015 non-executive Director remuneration details

Director

Director

Year

YA Allen1

KC Borda2

PR Coates3

KA Dean4

RA Franklin5

H Goh6

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

JS Hemstritch 2015

GJW Martin7

SD Sheffield8

2014

2015

2014

2015

2014

Short-term benefits

Directors’  
fees (incl. 
committee 
fees)

Fees for 
special  
duties or 
exertions

Retirement 
benefits

Other Superannuation9

Share-based 
payments

$

195,289

35,314

166,940

503,046

398,624

186,517

204,780

213,046

226,768

222,066

220,518

203,623

224,280

225,046

224,588

240,046

189,723

166,537

$

–

–

–

–

175,192

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

$

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

$

18,552

3,355

8,620

18,279

35,542

17,492

18,750

18,279

1,721

1,259

807

786

19,046

18,279

19,046

18,279

585

600

$

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total

$

213,841

38,669

175,560

521,325

609,358

204,009

223,530

231,325

228,489

223,325

221,325

204,409

243,326

243,325

243,634

258,325

190,308

167,137

1  Ms Allen was appointed to the Board in October 2014 and became a member of the Audit & Risk Committee on 1 May 2015.

2  Mr Borda retired as Chair of the Board and a non-executive Director on 30 April 2015.

3  Mr Coates was appointed as the Chair of the Board on 1 May 2015. In addition to his role as Chair of the Board Mr Coates has been acting as the Executive Chairman since 24 August 2015. 

His remuneration in this Table 12 shows his fees as both the Chair of the Board and the Executive Chairman. 

4  Mr Dean ceased to be a member of the Finance Committee when it was discontinued in May 2015.

5  Mr Franklin became a member of the Nomination Committee on 25 June 2015. 

6  Mr Goh was appointed to the Audit & Risk Committee in October 2014.

7  Mr Martin is the current Chair of the People and Remuneration Committee. Mr Martin ceased to be the Chair of the Finance Committee when it was discontinued in May 2015.

8  Mr Sheffield was appointed to the Board in February 2014 and was a member of the member of the Finance Committee until May 2015 when it was discontinued.

9 

Includes superannuation guarantee payments. Superannuation guarantee payments are made to Mr Franklin, Mr Goh and Mr Sheffield only in relation to days worked in Australia.

48 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Directors’ ReportRemuneration Reportcontinuedd
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Santos Annual Report 2015 / 49

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1

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Directors’ ReportRemuneration Reportcontinued 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Santos Annual Report 2015 / 51

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT LINKING COMPANY PERFORMANCE TO INCENTIVES

Short-term incentives 

How are the 
Company’s short-
term performance 
targets determined?

The Company’s short-term performance targets comprise a combination of strategic, financial and operational 
targets, all of which are agreed with the Board and directly related to the strategic plan. These are captured in 
the Company’s annual performance scorecard.

What is measured 
in the Company’s 
annual performance 
scorecard?

The Company’s scorecard includes a range of Company performance measures used to drive balanced business 
performance. These measures include lagging indicators to assess the Company’s past performance, as well as 
forward-looking indicators to ensure the Company is positioning itself effectively for future growth – see Table 1 
“2015 STI scorecard performance” on page 38. 

How is Company 
performance 
assessed?

The Board believes that this scorecard is balanced and focusses CEO and Senior Executive attention on 
achieving the key conditions and milestones necessary to deliver Santos’ strategic plan.

Company performance is formally assessed by the Committee against the overall Company scorecard at the end 
of each financial year, and this forms the basis of a recommendation to the Board.  

Each metric is assessed against an agreed target and assigned a percentage weighting of the total scorecard. 
The actual versus target performance of each metric is assigned a score between 0% and 100%. The weightings 
are then applied to these scores to derive a rating for that metric. The sum of each metric’s rating is used to 
determine the Company’s overall performance score.  

The Board believes the above method of assessment is rigorous and provides a balanced assessment of the 
Company’s performance. 

How does Company 
performance impact 
the STI program?

First, the Company’s overall performance score sets the budget available for STI allocations across the 
organisation in respect of that performance year. This is calculated by applying the percentage performance 
score to the maximum potential STIs of all eligible employees. 

Secondly, the Company’s overall performance score contributes to the actual STI payment made to individuals 
in a given year. For the CEO, the Company performance outcome determines 75% of his STI payment. The 
other 25% is based on performance against additional goals. For Senior Executives, the Company performance 
outcome determines 60% of their STI payment. The other 40% is based on their individual performance 
assessment.

52 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Directors’ ReportRemuneration Reportcontinued 
Long-term incentives 

How are long-
term incentives 
linked to Company 
performance?

LTI aligns the rewards received by the CEO and Senior Executives with the longer-term performance of Santos 
relative to other ASX 100 companies and international energy sector peers. Recipients also have the opportunity 
to grow the long-term value of their LTI by delivering results for the Company that increase the share price. All 
2015 LTI grants were solely performance based, ensuring further alignment with shareholder interests.

How is LTI 
awarded?

What is the 
performance 
period?

All LTI grants are delivered in the form of SARs, i.e. a conditional entitlement to a fully paid ordinary share at zero 
price, subject to satisfaction of the performance condition. Nothing is payable by Senior Executives if and when 
SARs vest. The Board has discretion to settle the SARs in cash if they vest.

SARs issued under the annual LTI program after 2014 have a four-year performance period. This period 
represents an appropriate balance between providing a genuine and foreseeable incentive to Senior Executives 
and fostering a long-term view of shareholder interests. 

What performance 
hurdles are applied 
to the LTI?

Vesting of the 2015 LTI grants is based on the Company’s relative TSR against the companies comprising the 
ASX 100 (75%) and S&P GEI (25%). The Board has discretion to adjust the comparator group; for example to 
take account of takeovers, mergers and demergers that occur during the performance period. Relative TSR 
performance is tested by an independent third party and reviewed by the Board prior to vesting. 

Why has relative 
TSR been chosen 
as the company’s 
LTI performance 
hurdle?

Why have the ASX 
100 and S&P Global 
Energy Index been 
chosen?

The Board believes that relative TSR effectively aligns the interests of individual Senior Executives with that of 
the Company’s shareholders, by motivating Senior Executives to achieve superior shareholder outcomes relative 
to Santos’ competitors for investor capital and its energy sector peers. TSR takes into account share price and 
dividend yield and is therefore a robust and objective measure of shareholder returns. Individual LTI awards in 
2015 were divided so that the TSR hurdle for 75% of the award is measured relative to companies in the ASX 
100 and 25% is measured against companies in the S&P GEI.

The ASX 100 represents the companies in which most of the Company’s shareholders would invest as an 
alternative to Santos. If Santos performs well relative to these companies, it means that Santos shareholders’ 
investments have performed well relative to alternative investments. The S&P GEI was chosen as a second 
comparator group because the global energy market is of increasing relevance to Santos. Many of the companies 
that comprise the S&P GEI have oil and gas operations and are likely to be affected by similar global cyclical 
issues as Santos. Santos’ major competitors are included in the Index, along with other leading industry players 
based in various countries.

How is vesting 
determined?

Vesting of the 2015 LTI grants will be in accordance with the following schedule:

TSR percentile ranking

% of grant vesting

< 51st percentile

= 51st percentile

52nd to 75th percentile

0%

50%

Further 2% for each percentile improvement above  
the 51st percentile

76th to 100th percentile

100%

This vesting scale applies to both the CEO and Senior Executives’ annual LTI grants. There is no re-testing of the 
performance condition. SARs that do not vest upon testing of the performance condition will lapse.

When can vested 
SARs be traded?

Upon vesting of SARs, shares will automatically be allocated to the Senior Executive. Trading in these shares is 
subject to compliance with the Company’s Securities Trading Policy.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 53

 
Directors’ Report
continued

INDEMNIFICATION

Rule 61 of the Company’s Constitution provides that the Company indemnifies, on a full indemnity basis and to the full extent permitted 
by law, officers of the Company for all losses or liabilities incurred by the person as an officer of the Company, a related body corporate 
or trustee of a company-sponsored superannuation fund. Rule 61 does not permit the Company to indemnify an officer for any liability 
involving a lack of good faith. 

Rule 61 also permits the Company to purchase and maintain a Directors’ and Officers’ insurance policy. 

In conformity with Rule 61, the Company is party to Deeds of Indemnity in favour of each of the Directors referred to in this report who 
held office during the year and certain Senior Executives of the consolidated entity. The indemnities operate to the full extent permitted 
by law and are not subject to a monetary limit. Santos is not aware of any liability having arisen, and no claims have been made, during or 
since the financial year ending 31 December 2015 under the Deeds of Indemnity.

During the year, the Company paid premiums in respect of Directors’ and Officers’ Liability and Legal Expenses insurance contracts for 
the year ended 31 December 2015 and since the end of the year the Company has paid, or agreed to pay, premiums in respect of such 
contracts for the year ending 31 December 2016. The insurance contracts insure against certain liability (subject to exclusions) persons 
who are or have been directors or officers of the Company and its controlled entities. A condition of the contracts is that the nature of 
the liability indemnified and the premium payable not be disclosed.

NON-AUDIT SERVICES

Amounts paid or payable to the Company’s auditor, Ernst & Young, for non-audit services provided during the year were: 

Taxation and other services 

$84,000

Assurance services 

$507,000

The Directors are satisfied, based on the advice of the Audit & Risk Committee, that the provision of the non-audit services detailed 
above by Ernst & Young is compatible with the general standard of independence for auditors imposed by the Corporations Act. 

The reason for forming this opinion is that all non-audit services have been reviewed by the Audit & Risk Committee to ensure they  
do not impact the impartiality and objectivity of the auditor.

A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration as required under section 307C of the Corporations Act is set out on page 122.

ROUNDING

Australian Securities and Investments Commission Class Order 98/100, dated 10 July 1998, applies to the Company. Accordingly, 
amounts have been rounded off in accordance with that Class Order, unless otherwise indicated.

This report is made out on 19 February 2016 in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.

Director 

54 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Directors’ ReportFinancial Report

Consolidated Income Statement 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

56

57

58

59

60

61

SECTION 1 
BASIS OF PREPARATION 

PAGE 62 - 63

SECTION 5 
FUNDING AND RISK MANAGEMENT 

PAGE 89 - 99

1.1  Statement of compliance 
1.2  Key events in the current period 
1.3  Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions 
1.4  Foreign currency

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

5.1 
5.2  Net finance costs 
5.3  Issued capital 
5.4  Reserves and retained earnings 
5.5  Financial risk management

SECTION 2 
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 

2.1  Segment information 
2.2  Revenue 
2.3  Expenses 
2.4  Taxation 
2.5  Earnings per share 
2.6  Dividends

PAGE 64 - 75

SECTION 6 
GROUP STRUCTURE 

PAGE 100 - 108

6.1  Consolidated entities 
6.2  Acquisitions and disposal of subsidiaries 
6.3  Joint arrangements 
6.4  Parent entity disclosures 
6.5  Deed of Cross Guarantee

SECTION 3 
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, OPERATING ASSETS  
AND RESTORATION OBLIGATIONS 

PAGE 76 - 86

SECTION 7 
PEOPLE 

PAGE 109 - 115

7.1  Employee benefits 
7.2  Share-based payment plans 
7.3  Key management personnel disclosures

SECTION 8 
OTHER  

PAGE 116 - 119

8.1  Contingent liabilities 
8.2  Events after the end of the reporting period 
8.3  Commitment on removal of shareholder cap 
8.4  Remuneration of auditors 
8.5  Accounting policies

3.1  Exploration and evaluation assets 
3.2  Oil and gas assets 
3.3  Impairment of non-current assets 
3.4  Restoration obligations 
3.5  Commitments for expenditure  
3.6  Assets held for sale

SECTION 4 
WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT 

PAGE 87 - 88

4.1  Cash and cash equivalents 
4.2  Trade and other receivables 
4.3   Inventories 
4.4  Trade and other payables

Directors’ Declaration 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

120

121

122 

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 55

 
 
Consolidated Income Statement
for the year ended 31 December 2015

Product sales   
Cost of sales   

Gross profit   
Other revenue 
Other income  
Impairment of non-current assets 
Other expenses 
Finance income 
Finance costs  
Share of net profit of joint ventures 

Loss before tax 

Income tax benefit 
Royalty-related tax benefit 

Total tax benefit 

Net loss for the period attributable to owners of Santos Limited 

Earnings per share attributable to the  
equity holders of Santos Limited (¢) 
Basic loss per share 

Diluted loss per share 

Dividends per share (¢) 
Paid during the period 

Declared in respect of the period 

Note 

2.2 
2.3 

3.3 
2.3 
5.2 
5.2 
6.3(c) 

2.4(a) 
2.4(b) 

2.5 

2.5 

2.6 

2.6 

2015 
$million 

2014
$million

3,246 
(2,513) 

733 
48 
13 
(3,924) 
(192) 
7 
(297) 
14 

(3,598) 

868 
32 

900 

(2,698) 

(234.2) 

(234.2) 

30 

20 

4,037
(2,899)

1,138
62
12
(2,356)
(154)
19 
(116)
17

(1,378)

316
127

443

(935)

(95.6)

(95.6)

35

35

The consolidated income statement is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

56 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
for the year ended 31 December 2015

Net loss for the period 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax: 

Other comprehensive income to be reclassified to profit or loss in  

subsequent periods: 
Exchange gain on translation of foreign operations 
Tax effect 

Loss on foreign currency loans designated as hedges of  

net investments in foreign operations 

Tax effect 

Loss on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges 
Tax effect 

Net other comprehensive income to be reclassified to profit  

or loss in subsequent periods 

Items not to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods: 

Remeasurement of defined benefit obligation 
Tax effect 

Net other comprehensive income not being reclassified to profit  

or loss in subsequent periods 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax 

Total comprehensive loss attributable to owners of Santos Limited 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

(2,698) 

(935)

958 
– 

958 

(704) 
211 

(493) 

7 
(2) 

5 

470 

10 
(3) 

7 

7 

477 

(2,221) 

623
–

623

(450)
135

(315)

(13)
4

(9)

299

–
–

–

–

299

(636)

The consolidated statement of comprehensive income is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
for the year ended 31 December 2015

Current assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Prepayments   
Inventories 
Other financial assets 
Tax receivable  
Assets held for sale 

Total current assets 

Non-current assets 
Receivables 
Prepayments   
Investments in joint ventures 
Other financial assets 
Exploration and evaluation assets 
Oil and gas assets 
Other land, buildings, plant and equipment 
Deferred tax assets 

Total non-current assets 

Total assets   

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Deferred income 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 
Current tax liabilities 
Provisions 
Other financial liabilities 
Liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale 

Total current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 
Deferred income 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Provisions 
Other financial liabilities 

Total non-current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity 
Issued capital   
Reserves  
Accumulated losses 

Equity attributable to owners of Santos Limited 
Non-controlling interests 

Total equity   

Note 

4.1 
4.2 

4.3 
5.5(f) 

3.6 

4.2 

6.3(b) 
5.5(f) 
3.1 
3.2 

2.4(d) 

4.4 

5.1 

3.4, 7.1 
5.5(f) 
3.6 

5.1 
2.4(d) 
3.4, 7.1 
5.5(f) 

5.3 
5.4 
5.4 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

1,154 
539 
64 
495 
1 
117 
551 

2,921 

6 
28 
98 
217 
715 
17,052 
249 
640 

19,005 

21,926 

849 
9 
210 
11 
172 
3 
19 

1,273 

218 
7,211 
211 
2,387 
424 

10,451 

11,724 

10,202 

10,192 
985 
(975) 

10,202 
– 

10,202 

775
633
91
443
66
57
–

2,065

10
189
97
166
1,106
18,422
267
23

20,280

22,345

1,382
51
327
14
169
3
–

1,946

150
7,925
594
2,136
181

10,986

12,932

9,413

6,905
346
2,166

9,417
(4)

9,413

The consolidated statement of financial position is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

58 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
for the year ended 31 December 2015

Note 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

Cash flows from operating activities 
Receipts from customers 
Dividends received  
Pipeline tariffs and other receipts 
Payments to suppliers and employees 
Exploration and evaluation seismic and studies 
Royalty and excise paid 
Borrowing costs paid 
Carbon costs paid 
Income taxes paid 
Royalty-related tax paid 
Other operating activities 

Net cash provided by operating activities 

4.1(b) 

Cash flows from investing activities 
Payments for:  

Exploration and evaluation assets 
Oil and gas assets 
Other land, buildings, plant and equipment 
Acquisitions of oil and gas assets 
Acquisitions of controlled entities 

Proceeds from disposal of non-current assets  
Borrowing costs paid 
Other investing activities 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 
Dividends paid 
Drawdown of borrowings 
Repayment of borrowings 
Proceeds from issues of ordinary shares 

Net cash provided by financing activities 

2.2 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 
Effects of exchange rate changes on the balances of cash held in foreign currencies 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 

4.1 

3,562 
17 
88 
(2,035) 
(151) 
(57) 
(219) 
(20) 
(68) 
(58) 
35 

1,094 

(370) 
(1,487) 
(22) 
(128) 
– 
77 
(146) 
(26) 

(2,102) 

(215) 
904 
(2,516) 
3,193 

1,366 

358 
775 
 21 

1,154 

4,399
18
130
(2,222)
(150)
(97)
(49)
(52)
(115)
(49)
30

1,843

(455)
(2,834)
(52)
(33)
(8)
1
(223)
(7)

(3,611)

(196)
2,167
(86)
10

1,895

127
644
4

775

The consolidated statement of cash flows is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 59

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 31 December 2015

Equity attributable to owners of Santos Limited 

Issued Translation  Hedging 
reserve 
reserve 
capital 
$million 
$million 
$million 

Note 

Accum- 
ulated 
profits 
reserve 
$million 

Accum- 
ulated 
profits/ 
(losses) 
$million 

Non- 
Total  controlling 
interests 

Total
equity
$million  $million

equity 
$million 

Balance at 1 January 2014 
Loss for the period 
Other comprehensive  

income/(loss) for the period 

Total comprehensive  

income/(loss) for the period 
Transactions with owners in their  

capacity as owners: 
Shares issued 
Dividends to shareholders 
Share-based payment  
transactions 

5.3 
2.6 

6,749 
– 

– 

– 

156 
– 

– 

57 
– 

308 

(10) 
– 

(9) 

308 

(9) 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

Balance at 31 December 2014 

6,905 

365 

(19) 

Balance at 1 January 2015 
Transfer retained profits to  

accumulated profits reserve  5.4 

Items of comprehensive income: 

Loss for the period 
Other comprehensive income  

for the period 

Total comprehensive  

income/(loss) for the period 
Transactions with owners in their  

capacity as owners: 
Shares issued 
Dividends to shareholders 
Share-based payment  
transactions 
Non-controlling interest  

exit from foreign operations   

6,905 

365 

(19) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

465 

465 

– 
– 

– 

2 

– 

– 

5 

5 

– 
– 

– 

– 

5.3 
2.6 

3,287 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

3,420 
(935) 

10,216 
(935) 

(4) 
– 

10,212
(935)

– 

299 

(935) 

(636) 

– 
(341) 

156 
(341) 

22 

22 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

299

(636)

156
(341)

22

2,166 

9,417 

(4) 

9,413

2,166 

9,417 

(4) 

9,413

167 

(167) 

– 

– 

– 

(2,698) 

(2,698) 

7 

477 

– 

– 

– 

–

(2,698)

477

– 

(2,691) 

(2,221) 

– 

(2,221)

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
(298) 

3,287 
(298) 

21 

(6) 

21 

(4) 

– 
– 

– 

4 

– 

3,287
(298)

21

–

10,202

Balance at 31 December 2015 

10,192 

832 

(14) 

167 

(975) 

10,202 

The consolidated statement of changes in equity is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

60 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015

STRUCTURE OF THE FINANCIAL REPORT

In preparing the 2015 financial report a thorough review of the content and structure has been conducted, resulting in changes to its 
layout and wording. These changes have been made to reduce complexity and increase relevance to users. The revised notes include 
information that is considered material and relevant to an understanding of the results of the Group.

The notes are organised into key sections to provide an enhanced understanding of the Group’s performance that is aligned with 
management’s view of the business, as shown below.

Significant and other accounting policies that summarise the measurement bases and that are relevant to an understanding of the 
financial statements are provided throughout the notes to the financial statements.

SECTION 1 
BASIS OF PREPARATION 

PAGE

SECTION 5 
FUNDING AND RISK MANAGEMENT 

1.1  Statement of compliance 
1.2  Key events in the current period 
1.3  Significant accounting judgements, estimates and 

assumptions 
1.4  Foreign currency 

62 
62 

62 
63

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

5.1 
5.2  Net finance costs 
5.3  Issued capital 
5.4  Reserves and retained earnings 
5.5  Financial risk management 

SECTION 2 
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 

PAGE

SECTION 6 
GROUP STRUCTURE 

2.1  Segment information 
2.2  Revenue  
2.3  Expenses  
2.4  Taxation   
2.5  Earnings per share 
2.6  Dividends 

64 
67 
69 
70 
74 
75

SECTION 3 
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, OPERATING  
ASSETS AND RESTORATION OBLIGATIONS 

PAGE

3.1  Exploration and evaluation assets 
3.2  Oil and gas assets 
3.3  Impairment of non-current assets 
3.4  Restoration obligations 
3.5  Commitments for expenditure  
3.6  Assets held for sale 

SECTION 4 
WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT 

4.1  Cash and cash equivalents 
4.2  Trade and other receivables 
4.3  Inventories 
4.4  Trade and other payables 

76 
77 
80 
84 
85 
86

PAGE

87 
88 
88 
88

6.1  Consolidated entities 
6.2  Acquisitions and disposal of subsidiaries 
6.3  Joint arrangements 
6.4  Parent entity disclosures 
6.5  Deed of Cross Guarantee 

SECTION 7 
PEOPLE 

7.1  Employee benefits 
7.2  Share-based payment plans 
7.3  Key management personnel disclosures 

SECTION 8 
OTHER  

8.1  Contingent liabilities 
8.2  Events after the end of the reporting period 
8.3  Commitment on removal of shareholder cap 
8.4  Remuneration of auditors 
8.5  Accounting policies 

PAGE

89 
92 
93 
94 
94

PAGE

100 
102 
103 
106 
107

PAGE

109 
110 
115

PAGE

116 
116 
116 
116 
117

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 61

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
Section 1: Basis of Preparation

This section provides information about the basis of preparation of the financial report, and certain accounting policies that are 
not disclosed elsewhere in the financial report. Accounting policies specific to individual elements of the financial statements 
are located with the relevant section of the report.

1.1  STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE

 The consolidated financial report of Santos Limited (“the Company”) for the year ended 31 December 2015 was authorised for issue in 
accordance with a resolution of the Directors on 19 February 2016.

 The consolidated financial report of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2015 comprises the Company and its controlled 
entities (“the Group”). Santos Limited (“the Parent”) is a company limited by shares incorporated in Australia, whose shares are publicly 
traded on the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”) and is the ultimate parent entity in the Group. The Group is a for-profit entity 
for the purpose of preparing the financial report. The nature of the operations and principal activities of the Group are described in the 
Directors’ Report.

This consolidated financial report is:

• 

• 

• 

• 

a general purpose financial report which has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001, 
Australian Accounting Standards and other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board 
(“AASB”);

compliant with Australian Accounting Standards as issued by the AASB and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, including new and amended accounting standards issued and 
effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015;

presented in Australian dollars;

prepared on the historical cost basis except for derivative financial instruments, fixed rate notes that are hedged by an interest 
rate swap or a cross-currency swap, and available-for-sale financial assets, which are measured at fair value; and

• 

rounded to the nearest million dollars, unless otherwise stated, in accordance with ASIC Class Order 98/100.

1.2  KEY EVENTS IN THE CURRENT PERIOD

 The financial position and performance of the Group was particularly impacted by the following events and transactions during the year:

• 

• 

• 

• 

first production and sale of LNG from the GLNG project in October 2015;

completion of a Strategic Review in November 2015 culminating in the raising of $3,000 million of equity and the agreement to 
sell the Group’s share in the Kipper gas project for $520 million (the sale remains subject to outstanding conditions which have 
not yet been met, and therefore has not been recorded during the 2015 year);

production of 57.7mmboe compared to 54.1mmboe in 2014; and

average realised oil price of A$71.44 per barrel compared to A$114.21 per barrel in 2014.

1.3   SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS, ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS

 The carrying amounts of certain assets and liabilities are often determined based on management’s judgement regarding estimates 
and assumptions of future events. The key judgements, estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material 
adjustment to the carrying amount of certain assets and liabilities within the next annual reporting period are disclosed in the following 
notes:

•  Note 2.4  Taxation

•  Note 3.1  Exploration and evaluation assets

•  Note 3.2  Oil and gas assets – Estimates of reserve quantities

•  Note 3.3 

Impairment of non-current assets

•  Note 3.4  Restoration obligations

 In addition to the significant judgements referenced above, other areas of estimation and judgement are highlighted throughout the 
financial report.

62 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
1.4  FOREIGN CURRENCY

Functional and presentation currency

Both the currency of the Parent and the presentation currency of the Group are Australian dollars. Some subsidiaries have a functional 
currency other than Australian dollars which is translated to the presentation currency.

Transactions and balances

 Transactions in currencies other than an entity’s functional currency are initially recorded in the functional currency by applying the 
exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than an entity’s 
functional currency are retranslated at the foreign exchange rate ruling at the reporting date. Foreign exchange differences arising on 
translation are recognised in the income statement.

 Foreign exchange differences that arise on the translation of monetary items that form part of the net investment in a foreign operation 
are recognised in the translation reserve in the consolidated financial statements.

 Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in currencies other than an entity’s functional currency 
are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the initial transaction. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in 
currencies other than an entity’s functional currency that are stated at fair value are translated to the functional currency at foreign 
exchange rates ruling at the dates the fair value was determined. 

The year-end exchange rate used was A$/US$ 1:0.7274 (2014: 1:0.8181).

Group companies

 The results of subsidiaries with a functional currency other than Australian dollars are translated to Australian dollars as at the date of 
each transaction. The assets and liabilities are translated to Australian dollars at foreign exchange rates ruling at the reporting date. 
Foreign exchange differences arising on retranslation are recognised directly in the translation reserve.

 Exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations and of related hedges are recognised in the 
translation reserve. They are released into the income statement upon disposal of the foreign operation.

Also refer to note 5.5(b) Foreign currency risk.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 63

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
Section 2: Financial Performance

This section focuses on the operating results and financial performance of the Group. It includes disclosures of segmental 
financial information, taxes, dividends, and earnings per share including the relevant accounting policies adopted in each area.

2.1  SEGMENT INFORMATION

 The Group has identified its operating segments to be the four business units of Eastern Australia; Western Australia and Northern 
Territory (“WA&NT”); Asia Pacific; and Gladstone LNG (“GLNG”), based on the nature and geographical location of the assets. This is 
the basis on which internal reports are provided to the Chief Executive Officer for assessing performance and determining the allocation 
of resources within the Group.

 The Chief Executive Officer monitors the operating results of the business units separately for the purposes of allocating resources 
and assessing performance. Segment performance is measured based on earnings before interest, tax, impairment, exploration and 
evaluation, and gains or losses on sale of non-current assets and controlled entities “EBITX”. Corporate and exploration expenditure and 
inter-segment eliminations are included in the segment disclosure for reconciliation purposes.

64 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial ReportCorporate, 
  exploration, 
GLNG  eliminations 
2015 

2015 

2.1  SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

$million  

Revenue  
Sales to external customers 
Inter-segment sales1 
Other revenue from external customers 

Total segment revenue 

Costs 
Production costs 
Other operating costs 
Third-party product purchases 
Inter-segment purchases1 

Results   
EBITDAX 
Depreciation and depletion 
Less (gains)/losses on sale of  
non-current assets 

EBITX 
Add back gains/(losses) on sale of  

non-current assets 

Exploration and evaluation expensed 
Net impairment loss  

EBIT 
Net finance costs 

Loss before tax 
Income tax benefit 
Royalty-related tax benefit  

Net loss  

Asset additions and acquisitions:  
Exploration and evaluation assets 
Oil and gas assets 

Eastern 
Australia 
2015 

WA&NT 
2015 

1,307 
18 
25 

1,350 

(305) 
(157) 
(413) 
(16) 

421 
(420) 

2 

3 

(2) 
– 
(2,774) 

(2,773) 

722 
– 
– 

722 

(304) 
(4) 
– 
– 

424 
(225) 

(4) 

195 

4 
– 
(340) 

(141) 

Asia 
Pacific 
2015 

1,123 
– 
13 

1,136 

(209) 
(78) 
(1) 
– 

827 
(278) 

– 

549 

– 
– 
(186) 

363 

94 
16 
6 

116 

(33) 
(29) 
(62) 
(18) 

8 
(92) 

– 

(84) 

– 
– 
(624) 

(708) 

70 

(40) 

– 

2 

96 
739 

835 

10 
182 

192 

287 
135 

422 

17 
614 

631 

Total
2015

3,246
–
48

3,294

(794)
(268)
(476)
–

1,919
(1,059)

(2)

858

2
(244)
(3,924)

(3,308)
(290)

(3,598)
868
32

(2,698)

410
1,670

2,080

– 
(34) 
4 

(30) 

57 
– 
– 
34 

239 
(44) 

– 

195 

– 
(244) 
– 

(49) 
(290) 

868 
– 

– 
– 

– 

1 

Inter-segment pricing is determined on an arm’s length basis. Inter-segment sales and purchases are eliminated on consolidation.

2015 Revenue from external customers 
by geographical location
$million

2015 Non-current assets by geographical location 
(excluding financial and deferred tax assets)
$million

Australia 

Papua New Guinea 

Vietnam 

Other countries 

Total 

2,157

753

199

185

3,294

Australia 

13,203

Papua New Guinea 

4,071

Other countries 

Total 

840

18,114

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
Section 2: Financial Performance

2.1  SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

$million  

Revenue  
Sales to external customers 
Inter-segment sales1 
Other revenue from external customers 

Total segment revenue 

Costs 
Production costs 
Other operating costs 
Third-party product purchases 
Inter-segment purchases1 

Results   
EBITDAX 
Depreciation and depletion 
Less (gains)/losses on sale of  
non-current assets 

EBITX 
Add back gains/(losses) on sale  
of non-current assets 

Exploration and evaluation expensed 
Net impairment loss  

EBIT 
Net finance costs 

Loss before tax 
Income tax benefit 
Royalty-related tax benefit  

Net loss  

Asset additions and acquisitions: 

Exploration and evaluation assets 
Oil and gas assets 

Eastern 
Australia 
2014 

WA&NT 
2014 

Asia 
Pacific 
2014 

Corporate, 
  exploration, 
GLNG  eliminations 
2014 

2014 

1,964 
– 
37 

2,001 

(340) 
(198) 
(749) 
(13) 

693 
(438) 

(5) 

250 

5 
– 
(1,666) 

(1,411) 

1,057 
– 
– 

1,057 

(385) 
(10) 
(1) 
– 

635 
(257) 

– 

378 

– 
– 
(456) 

(78) 

972 
– 
13 

985 

(170) 
(71) 
– 
– 

743 
(218) 

– 

525 

– 
– 
(220) 

305 

44 
13 
2 

59 

(12) 
(20) 
(36) 
– 

(10) 
(34) 

– 

(44) 

– 
– 
– 

(44) 

26 

100 

– 

1 

278 
1,255 

1,533 

61 
280 

341 

166 
435 

601 

10 
1,582 

1,592 

– 
(13) 
10 

(3) 

60 
– 
– 
13 

258 
(41) 

1 

218 

(1) 
(256) 
(14) 

(53) 

316 
– 

– 
– 

– 

Total
2014

4,037
–
62

4,099

(847)
(299)
(786)
–

2,319
(988)

(4)

1,327

4 
(256)
(2,356)

(1,281)
(97)

(1,378)
316
127

(935)

515
3,552

4,067

1 

Inter-segment pricing is determined on an arm’s length basis. Inter-segment sales and purchases are eliminated on consolidation.

2014 Revenue from external customers 
by geographical location
$million

2014 Non-current assets by geographical location 
(excluding financial and deferred tax assets)
$million

Australia 

Papua New Guinea 

Vietnam 

Other countries 

Total 

3,115

492

337

155

4,099

Australia 

15,410

Papua New Guinea 

3,561

Other countries 

Total 

921

19,892

66 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
2.2  REVENUE  

 Revenue is recognised in the income statement when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer. 
Revenue is recognised and measured at the fair value of the consideration or contributions received, net of goods and services tax or 
similar taxes, to the extent it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue can be reliably measured.

Sales revenue

 Sales revenue is recognised on the basis of the Group’s interest in a producing field (“entitlements” method), when the physical product 
and associated risks and rewards of ownership pass to the purchaser, which is generally at the time of ship or truck loading, or on the 
product entering the pipeline.

 Revenue earned under a production sharing contract (“PSC”) is recognised on a net entitlements basis according to the terms of 
the PSC. Generally, under these terms the local government retains title to the resources, and is therefore entitled to its share of the 
production and revenue, after allowing for the joint venture partners to extract and sell their share of hydrocarbons to recover specified 
costs and a profit margin.

 During the year, revenue from one customer amounted to $620 million (2014: $1,153 million from two customers), arising from sales from 
all segments of the Group.

Deferred income

 A liability is recorded for obligations under sales contracts to deliver natural gas in future periods for which payment has already been 
received. 

Sales revenue 

Product sales: 

Gas, ethane and liquefied natural gas 
Crude oil  
Condensate and naphtha 
Liquefied petroleum gas 

Total product sales1 

1 

Total product sales include third-party product sales of $589 million (2014: $932 million).

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

1,918 
982 
243 
103 

3,246 

1,687
1,878
317
155

4,037

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 67

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
Section 2: Financial Performance

2.2  REVENUE (CONTINUED) 

Sale of non-current assets 

Net gain on sale of non-current assets 
Proceeds on disposals 
Book value of oil and gas assets disposed 
Book value of other land, buildings, plant and equipment disposed 
Book value of exploration and evaluation assets disposed 
Recoupment of current year exploration and evaluation expenditure 
Book value of working capital disposed 

Total net gain on sale of non-current assets 

Comprising:  

Net gain on sale of exploration and evaluation assets 
Net (loss)/gain on sale of oil and gas assets 
Net gain/(loss) on sale of other land, buildings, plant and equipment  

Reconciliation to cash inflows from proceeds on disposal  

of non-current assets 

Proceeds after recoupment of current year exploration and evaluation expenditure 
Amounts receivable  

Amounts received from current year disposals 

Total proceeds on disposal of non-current assets 

Comprising:  

Proceeds from disposal of oil and gas assets 
Proceeds from disposal of exploration and evaluation assets 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

127 
(77) 
(3) 
(35) 
(12) 
2 

2 

4 
(4) 
2 

2 

115 
(38) 

77 

77 

42 
35 

77 

7
(2)
(1)
–
–
–

4

–
5
(1)

4

7
(6)

1

1

1
–

1

68 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
2.3  EXPENSES   

Cost of sales: 

Production costs: 

Production expenses 
Production facilities operating leases 

Total production costs 

Other operating costs: 

LNG plant costs 
Pipeline tariffs, processing tolls and other 
Royalty and excise 
Carbon costs 
Shipping costs 

Total other operating costs 

Total cash cost of production 

Depreciation of plant, equipment and buildings 
Depletion of subsurface assets 

Total depreciation and depletion 

Third-party product purchases 
Increase in product stock 

Total cost of sales 

Other expenses: 
Selling 
Corporate 
Depreciation 
Foreign exchange losses/(gains)1 
Losses from change in fair value of derivative financial assets designated  

as fair value through profit or loss 

Fair value hedges, (gains)/losses: 

On the hedging instrument 
On the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk 

Exploration and evaluation expensed 
Other 

Total other expenses 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

696 
98 

794 

39 
143 
56 
– 
30 

268 

1,062 

628 
428 

1,056 

476 
(81) 

2,513 

27 
172 
3 
(251) 

6 

65 
(86) 
244 
12 

192 

746
101

847

16
136 
99
30
18

299

1,146

529
459

988

786
(21)

2,899

25
93
–
(161)

4

(83)
20
256
–

154

1. 

 Reclassification: foreign exchange losses/(gains) previously included the effects of foreign exchange on Australian dollar-denominated tax bases of Group entities with functional 
currencies other than Australian dollars. Further accounting guidance on the matter was released by the IFRS Interpretations Committee during 2015 and early 2016 clarifying that such 
amounts are to be classified as tax gains/losses rather than foreign exchange gains/losses. Consequently a $213 million loss in 2015 has been classified as a tax expense, and a $166 
million loss in 2014 has been re-classified from foreign exchange gains to tax expense.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
Section 2: Financial Performance

2.4  TAXATION

Income tax

Income tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the income statement 
except in relation to items recognised directly in equity.

Current tax is the amount of income tax payable on the taxable profit or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively 
enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. 

Current income tax assets and liabilities for the current and prior periods are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from 
or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantively 
enacted at the reporting date in the countries where the Group operates and generates taxable income.

The Company and all of its wholly-owned Australian resident entities are part of a tax-consolidated group under Australian taxation law. 
Santos Limited is the head entity in the tax-consolidated group. The head entity and the controlled entities in the tax-consolidated group 
continue to account for their own current and deferred tax amounts. Current tax liabilities and assets and deferred tax assets arising 
from unused tax losses and tax credits of the members of the tax-consolidated group are recognised by the Company (as head entity in 
the tax-consolidated group).

The Company and the other entities in the tax-consolidated group have entered into a tax funding agreement and a tax sharing agreement.

70 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report2.4  TAXATION (CONTINUED)

Royalty-related tax

Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (“PRRT”), Resource Rent Royalty and Timor-Leste’s Additional Profits Tax are accounted for as income tax.

Recognised in the income statement 

(a)  Income tax expense/(benefit) 
Current tax expense/(benefit) 
Current year 
Adjustments for prior years 

Deferred tax benefit 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences 
Adjustments for prior years 

Total income tax benefit 

(b)  Royalty-related tax expense/(benefit) 

Current tax expense/(benefit) 
Current year 

Deferred tax benefit 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences 

Total royalty-related tax benefit 

(c)  Numerical reconciliation between pre-tax net loss and tax benefit 

Loss before tax 

Prima facie income tax benefit at 30% (2014: 30%) 
Increase/(decrease) in income tax (benefit)/expense due to: 

Foreign losses not recognised 
Non-deductible expenses 
Exchange and other translation variations 
Tax adjustments relating to prior years 
Other 

Income tax benefit 
Royalty-related tax benefit 

Total tax benefit 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

10 
22 

32 

(809) 
(91) 

(900) 

(868) 

35 

35 

(67) 

(67) 

(32) 

(3,598) 

(1,079) 

39 
11 
150 
7 
4 

(868) 
(32) 

(900) 

(156)
(4)

(160)

(144)
(12)

(156)

(316)

47

47

(174)

(174)

(127)

(1,378)

(413)

17
12
100
(6)
(26)

(316)
(127)

(443)

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
Section 2: Financial Performance

2.4  TAXATION (CONTINUED)

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

Deferred tax is determined using the statement of financial position approach, providing for temporary differences between the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the appropriate tax bases. 

The following temporary differences are not provided for: 

• 

• 

the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting or taxable profit; nor

differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent it is probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and 
liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.

Significant judgement – Deferred taxes recognised

The calculation of the Group’s tax charge involves a degree of estimation and judgement in respect of certain items 
for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. 

The Group recognises deferred tax assets only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be 
available against which the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer 
probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.

Recognised assets and liabilities 

Exploration and evaluation assets 
Oil and gas assets 
Available-for-sale financial assets 
Other assets 
Derivative financial instruments 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 
Provisions 
Royalty-related tax 
Other items 
Tax value of carry-forward  
losses recognised 

Tax assets/(liabilities) 
Set-off of tax 

Net tax assets/(liabilities) 

Assets 

Liabilities 

Net

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

– 
– 
– 
11 
80 
240 
60 
– 
8 

621 

1,020 
(380) 

640 

19 
– 
– 
3 
4 
151 
130 
– 
3 

303 

613 
(590) 

23 

(76) 
(339) 
(28) 
(58) 
– 
– 
– 
(74) 
(16) 

– 

(591) 
380 

(211) 

(274) 
(721) 
(24) 
(31) 
– 
(7) 
– 
(120) 
(7) 

– 

(1,184) 
590 

(594) 

(76) 
(339) 
(28) 
(47) 
80 
240 
60 
(74) 
(8) 

621 

429 
– 

429 

(255)
(721)
(24)
(28)
4
144
130
(120)
(4)

303

(571)
–

(571)

72 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
2.4  TAXATION (CONTINUED)

Accounting judgement and estimate – Deferred taxes unrecognised 

Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following items because it is not probable that the 
temporary differences will reverse in the future and that there will be sufficient future taxable profits against which 
the benefits can be utilised. Tax losses of $89 million (2014: $79 million) will expire between 2021 and 2028. The 
remaining deductible temporary differences and tax losses do not expire under current tax legislation.

Unrecognised deferred tax assets 

Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following items: 

Temporary differences in relation to investments in subsidiaries 
Deductible temporary differences relating to royalty-related tax (net of income tax) 
Other deductible temporary differences 
Tax losses 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

7,597 
6,090 
303 
503 

14,493 

5,536
4,817
172
443

10,968

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
Section 2: Financial Performance

2.5  EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing net profit or loss for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders of 
Santos Limited by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.

Diluted earnings per share amounts are calculated by adjusting basic earnings per share by the weighted average number of ordinary 
shares that would be issued on the conversion of all the dilutive potential ordinary shares into ordinary shares.

Earnings used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share reconciles to the net profit or loss after tax in the income 
statement as follows:

Statutory earnings used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share 

(2,698) 

Underlying earnings (refer reconciliation below) used in the calculation of underlying  

earnings per share 

50 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

(935)

533

The weighted average number of shares used for the purpose of calculating diluted earnings per share reconciles to the number used to 
calculate basic earnings per share as follows:

Basic earnings per share 
Dilutive potential ordinary shares1 

Diluted earnings per share 

Earnings per share attributable to the equity holders of Santos Limited 

Basic earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share 

Underlying earnings per share 

Underlying earnings 

2015 
  Number of shares 

2014 
Number of shares

1,151,977,771 
– 

978,166,528
–

1,151,977,771 

978,166,528

2015 
¢ 

(234.2) 

(234.2) 

4.3 

2014  
¢

(95.6)

(95.6)

54.5

Underlying earnings is presented to provide an understanding of the Group’s underlying performance as used by management. 
Underlying earnings excludes the impacts of asset acquisitions, disposals and impairments, and items that are subject to significant 
variability from one period to the next, including the effects of fair-value adjustments and fluctuations in exchange rates. 

Reconciliation of underlying profit 

Net loss after tax attributable to equity holders of Santos Limited 
Add/(deduct) the following items (after impact of tax): 

Net gain on sale of non-current assets 
Impairment losses after tax 
Foreign exchange (gains)/losses 
Fair value adjustments on embedded derivatives and hedges 
Remediation (income)/costs net of insurance recoveries 
Other expense items, including redundancy and restructure costs 
Other tax adjustments 

Underlying profit2 

2015 
$million 

(2,698) 

(1) 
2,761 
(28) 
(10) 
– 
48 
(22) 

50 

2014 
$million

(935)

(3)
1,563
3
(42)
(4)
–
(49)

533

1 

2 

Due to a net loss after tax in 2014 and 2015, potential ordinary shares are anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

 Underlying profit is a non-IFRS measure that is unaudited. However, the numbers have been extracted from the financial statements which have been subject to audit by the Company’s 
auditor. 

74 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.6  DIVIDENDS

Dividends are recognised as a liability at the time the Directors resolve to pay or declare the dividend.

Dividends recognised during the year 

2015 
Interim 2015 ordinary – paid 30 Sep 2015 
Final 2014 ordinary – paid 25 Mar 2015 

2014  
Interim 2014 ordinary – paid 30 Sep 2014 
Final 2013 ordinary – paid 26 Mar 2014 

Dividends declared in respect of the year 

2015 
Final 2015 ordinary1 – to be paid 30 Mar 2016 
Interim 2015 ordinary – paid 30 Sep 2015 

2014  
Final 2014 ordinary – paid 25 Mar 2015 
Interim 2014 ordinary – paid 30 Sep 2014 

Dividend 
per share 
¢ 

Total 
$million

15 
15 

30 

20 
15 

35 

150
148

298

195
146

341

Dividend 
per share 
¢ 

Total
$million

5 
15 

20 

15 
20 

35 

88
150

238

148
195

343

1. 

 After the reporting date, the final 2015 ordinary dividend of 5 cents per share was proposed by the Directors. The financial effect of these dividends has not been brought to account in 
the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015 and will be recognised in the subsequent period.

All dividends declared during the year were franked dividends and were franked at the tax rate of 30%.

Dividend franking account 

30% franking credits available to the shareholders of Santos Limited for future  

distribution, after adjusting for franking credits which will arise from the payment  
of the current tax liability at 31 December 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

590 

737

The impact on the dividend franking account of dividends proposed after the reporting date but not recognised as a liability is to reduce 
it by $38 million (2014: $63 million).

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 3: Capital Expenditure, Operating Assets  
and Restoration Obligations

This section includes information about the assets used by the Group to generate profits and revenue, specifically information 
relating to exploration and evaluation assets, oil and gas assets, associated restoration obligations, and commitments for capital 
expenditure not yet recognised as a liability.

The life cycle of our assets is summarised as follow:

Exploration  
and evaluation 

Appraisal drilling

Development

Production

Decomissioning

Abandonment 
and restoration

Key information to note in this section includes:

• 

• 

the carrying values of various exploration and evaluation assets and oil and gas assets were written down at 31 December 2015. 
As a result a pre-tax impairment charge of $3,924 million was recognised in impairment expenses; and

significant movements in oil and gas assets resulted from the continued construction of the GLNG and PNG LNG projects, with 
the completion of various aspects of these projects seeing the assets transition from assets in development to producing 
assets.

3.1  EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS

Exploration and evaluation expenditure

Exploration and evaluation activity involves the search for hydrocarbon resources, the determination of technical feasibility and the 
assessment of commercial viability of an identified resource. Expenditure in respect of each area of interest is accounted for using the 
successful efforts method of accounting.

The successful efforts method requires all exploration and evaluation expenditure to be expensed in the period it is incurred, except 
the costs of acquiring interests in new exploration and evaluation assets, the cost of successful wells and appraisal costs relating to 
determining development feasibility, which are capitalised as intangible exploration and evaluation assets.

Exploration and evaluation expenditure is recognised in relation to an area of interest when the rights to tenure of the area of interest are 
current and either:

• 

• 

such expenditure is expected to be recovered through successful development and commercial exploitation of the area of 
interest or, alternatively, by its sale; or

the exploration activities in the area of interest have not yet reached a stage that permits reasonable assessment of the 
existence of economically recoverable reserves and active and significant operations in, or in relation to, the area of interest are 
continuing. 

Where an ownership interest in an exploration and evaluation asset is exchanged for another, the transaction is recognised by reference 
to the carrying value of the original interest. Any cash consideration paid, including transaction costs, is accounted for as an acquisition 
of exploration and evaluation assets. Any cash consideration received, net of transaction costs, is treated as a recoupment of costs 
previously capitalised with any excess accounted for as a gain on disposal of non-current assets.

No amortisation is charged during the exploration and evaluation phase. 

Acquisition of assets

All assets acquired are recorded at their cost of acquisition, being the amount of cash or cash equivalents paid, and the fair value of 
assets given, shares issued or liabilities incurred. The cost of an asset comprises the purchase price including any incidental costs directly 
attributable to the acquisition; any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be 
capable of operating; and the estimate of the costs of dismantling and removing the asset and restoring the site on which it is located.

Exploration licence and leasehold property acquisition costs are capitalised as intangible assets. Licence costs paid in connection with a 
right to explore in an existing exploration area are capitalised and amortised over the term of the permit.

76 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report3.1  EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS (CONTINUED)

Significant judgement – Exploration and evaluation

The application of this policy requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions as to future events 
and circumstances, particularly in relation to the assessment of whether economic quantities of resources have 
been found. Any such estimates and assumptions may change as new information becomes available. If, after having 
capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure, management concludes that the capitalised expenditure is unlikely 
to be recovered by future exploitation or sale, then the relevant capitalised amount will be written off through the 
income statement.

Cost 
Less impairment 

Balance at 31 December 

Reconciliation of movements 
Balance at 1 January  
Acquisitions  
Additions  
Disposals and recoupment 
Expensed 
Impairment losses 
Transfer to oil and gas assets in development 
Transfer to oil and gas assets in production 
Exchange differences 

Balance at 31 December 

Comprising:  

Acquisition costs 
Successful exploration wells 
Pending determination of success 

3.2  OIL AND GAS ASSETS

2015 
$million 

2,521 
(1,806) 

715 

1,106 
129 
281 
(34) 
(114) 
(685) 
– 
(1) 
33 

715 

285 
320 
110 

715 

2014
$million

2,336
(1,230)

1,106

1,964
64
451
–
(95)
(1,170)
(10)
(123)
25

1,106

409
581
116

1,106

Oil and gas assets are usually single oil or gas fields being developed for future production or that are in the production phase. Where 
several individual oil or gas fields are to be produced through common facilities, the individual oil or gas field and the associated 
production facilities are managed and reported as a single oil and gas asset.

Assets in development

When the technical and commercial feasibility of an undeveloped oil or gas field has been demonstrated and approval of commercial 
development occurs, the field enters its development phase from the exploration and evaluation phase. Expenditure on the construction, 
installation or completion of infrastructure facilities such as platforms, pipelines, and the drilling of development wells, as well as 
exploration and evaluation costs, are capitalised as tangible assets within oil and gas assets. Other subsurface expenditures include  
the costs of de-watering coal seam gas fields to provide access to coal seams to enable production from coal seam gas reserves.  
De-watering costs include the costs of extracting, transporting, treating and disposing of water during the development phase of the 
coal seam gas fields.

When commercial operation commences the accumulated costs are transferred to oil and gas producing assets.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 3: Capital Expenditure, Operating Assets  
and Restoration Obligations

3.2  OIL AND GAS ASSETS (CONTINUED)

Producing assets

The costs of oil and gas assets in production are separately accounted for as tangible assets and include past exploration and evaluation 
costs, pre-production development costs and the ongoing costs of continuing to develop reserves for production and to expand or 
replace plant and equipment and any associated land and buildings.

Ongoing exploration and evaluation activities

Often the initial discovery and development of an oil or gas asset will lead to ongoing exploration for, and evaluation of, potential new oil 
or gas fields in the vicinity with the intention of producing any near-field discoveries using the infrastructure in place.

Exploration and evaluation expenditure associated with oil and gas assets is accounted for in accordance with the policy note in 3.1. 
Exploration and evaluation amounts capitalised in respect of oil and gas assets are separately disclosed in the table on page 79.

Depreciation and depletion

Depreciation charges are calculated to write off the value of buildings, plant and equipment over their estimated economic useful lives to 
the Group. Each component of an item of buildings, plant and equipment with a cost that is significant in relation to the total cost of the 
asset is depreciated separately. 

Depreciation of onshore buildings, plant and equipment and corporate assets is calculated using the straight-line method of depreciation 
from the date the asset is available for use, unless a units of production method represents a more reasonable allocation of the asset’s 
depreciable value over its economic useful life.

The estimated useful lives for each class of onshore assets for the current and comparative periods are generally as follows:

• 

• 

• 

Buildings 

Pipelines 

20 – 50 years

10 – 30 years

Plant and facilities 

10 – 50 years

Depreciation of offshore plant and equipment is calculated using the units of production method from the date of commencement of 
production.

Significant judgement – Estimates of reserve quantities

The estimated quantities of Proven plus Probable (“2P”) hydrocarbon reserves reported by the Group are integral 
to the calculation of depletion and depreciation expense and to assessments of possible impairment of assets. 
Estimated reserve quantities are based upon interpretations of geological and geophysical models and assessments 
of the technical feasibility and commercial viability of producing the reserves. These assessments require 
assumptions to be made regarding future development and production costs, commodity prices, exchange rates and 
fiscal regimes. The estimates of reserves may change from period to period as the economic assumptions used to 
estimate the reserves can change from period to period, and as additional geological data is generated during the 
course of operations. Reserves estimates are prepared in accordance with the Group’s policies and procedures for 
reserves estimation which conform to guidelines prepared by the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

Accounting judgement and estimate – Depletion charges 

Depletion and certain depreciation charges are calculated using the units of production method. This is based on 
barrels of oil equivalent which will amortise the cost of carried forward exploration, evaluation and subsurface 
development expenditure (“subsurface assets”) over the life of the estimated 2P hydrocarbon reserves for an asset 
or group of assets, together with future subsurface costs necessary to develop the hydrocarbon reserves in the 
respective asset or group of assets. 

78 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report3.2  OIL AND GAS ASSETS (CONTINUED)

2015 

2014

Subsurface 
assets 
$million 

Plant and 
equipment 
$million 

Total 
$million 

Subsurface 
assets 
$million 

Plant and 
equipment 
$million 

Total 
$million

13,278 

21,400 

34,678 

12,494 

19,259 

31,753

(9,692) 

(7,934) 

(17,626) 

(7,864) 

(5,467) 

(13,331)

Cost  
Less accumulated depreciation,  

depletion and impairment 

Balance at 31 December 

3,586 

13,466 

17,052 

4,630 

13,792 

18,422

Reconciliation of movements 
Assets in development 
Balance at 1 January 
Additions  
Capitalised depreciation 
Transfer from exploration and  

evaluation assets 

Transfer to oil and gas assets  

in production 

Transfer to oil and gas assets held for  

sale net of impairment 

Net impairment losses on assets transferred  

to held for sale 

Exchange differences 

Balance at 31 December 

Producing assets 
Balance at 1 January 
Acquisitions of oil and gas assets 
Additions  
Transfer from exploration and  

evaluation assets 

Transfer from oil and gas assets  

in development 

Disposals  
Depreciation and depletion  
Net impairment losses 
Impairment of exploration and evaluation  

expenditure pending commercialisation 

Exchange differences 

Balance at 31 December 

Total oil and gas assets 

Comprising: 

Exploration and evaluation  
expenditure pending  
commercialisation 
Other capitalised expenditure 

424 
16 
– 

– 

5,567 
363 
32 

– 

5,991 
379 
32 

– 

1,225 
248 
– 

10 

7,832 
1,637 
15 

– 

9,057
1,885
15

10

(225) 

(5,208) 

(5,433) 

(1,094) 

(4,386) 

(5,480)

(97) 

(13) 
27 

132 

(135) 

(232) 

(19) 
694 

(32) 
721 

– 

– 
35 

– 

– 
469 

–

–
504

1,294 

1,426 

424 

5,567 

5,991

4,206 
1 
536 

8,225 
– 
722 

12,431 
1 
1,258 

1 

– 

1 

225 
(70) 
(428) 
(1,227) 

(44) 
254 

3,454 

3,586 

5,208 
(32) 
(616) 
(1,930) 

– 
595 

5,433 
(102) 
(1,044) 
(3,157) 

(44) 
849 

12,172 

15,626 

13,466 

17,052 

283 
3,303 

3,586 

– 
13,466 

13,466 

283 
16,769 

17,052 

3,417 
6 
757 

123 

1,094 
(7) 
(459) 
(820) 

(70) 
165 

4,206 

4,630 

184 
4,446 

4,630 

3,349 
10 
879 

– 

4,386 
(3) 
(499) 
(273) 

– 
376 

8,225 

13,792 

6,766
16
1,636

123

5,480
(10)
(958)
(1,093)

(70)
541

12,431

18,422

– 
13,792 

13,792 

184
18,238

18,422

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 79

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 3: Capital Expenditure, Operating Assets  
and Restoration Obligations

3.3  IMPAIRMENT OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS

The carrying amounts of the Group’s oil and gas assets are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication 
of impairment. Where an indicator of impairment exists, a formal estimate of the recoverable amount is made.

Indicators of impairment – exploration and evaluation assets

The carrying amounts of the Group’s exploration and evaluation assets are reviewed at each reporting date, to determine whether any 
of the following indicators of impairment exists:

(i) 

(ii) 

 tenure over the licence area has expired during the period or will expire in the near future, and is not expected to be renewed; 
or

 substantive expenditure on further exploration for, and evaluation of, mineral resources in the specific area is not budgeted or 
planned; or

(iii)   exploration for, and evaluation of, resources in the specific area have not led to the discovery of commercially viable quantities 

of resources, and the Group has decided to discontinue activities in the specific area; or

(iv)   sufficient data exists to indicate that although a development is likely to proceed, the carrying amount of the exploration and 

evaluation asset is unlikely to be recovered in full from successful development or from sale.

Cash generating units – oil and gas assets

Oil and gas assets, land, buildings, plant and equipment are assessed for impairment on a cash-generating unit basis. A cash-generating 
unit is the smallest grouping of assets that generates independent cash inflows, and generally represents an individual oil or gas field. 
Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash-generating units are allocated to reduce the carrying amount of the assets in the unit 
on a pro-rata basis.

Individual assets within a cash-generating unit may become impaired if their ongoing use changes or that the benefits to be obtained 
from ongoing use are likely to be less than the carrying value of the individual asset. An impairment loss is recognised in the income 
statement whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. 

80 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
3.3  IMPAIRMENT OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS (CONTINUED)

Recoverable amount

The recoverable amount of an asset is the greater of its fair value less costs of disposal (“FVLCD”) (based on level 3 fair value hierarchy) 
and its value-in-use (“VIU”), using an asset’s estimated future cash flows (as described below) discounted to their present value using a 
pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

Significant judgement – Impairment of oil and gas assets

For oil and gas assets, the expected future cash flow estimation is based on a number of factors, variables and 
assumptions, the most important of which are estimates of reserves, future production profiles, commodity prices, 
costs and foreign exchange rates. In most cases, the present value of future cash flows is most sensitive to 
estimates of future oil price and discount rates. 

The estimated future cash flows for the VIU calculation are based on estimates, the most significant of which are 
2P hydrocarbon reserves, future production profiles, commodity prices, operating costs and any future development 
costs necessary to produce the reserves. Under a FVLCD calculation, future cash flows are based on estimates of 
2P hydrocarbon reserves in addition to other relevant factors such as value attributable to additional resource and 
exploration opportunities beyond 2P reserves based on production plans.

Estimates of future commodity prices are based on the Group’s best estimate of future market prices with reference 
to external market analysts’ forecasts, current spot prices and forward curves. Future commodity prices are reviewed 
at least annually. Where volumes are contracted, future prices are based on the contracted price. Future prices 
(US$/bbl) used were:

2016

40.00

2017

60.00

2018

70.00

20191

80.77

20201

82.79

20211

84.86

1. Based on US$75/bbl (2016 real) from 2019 escalated at 2.5%.

Forecasts of the foreign exchange rate for foreign currencies, where relevant, are estimated with reference to 
observable external market data and forward values, including analysis of broker and consensus estimates. The 
future estimated rate applied is A$/US$ of 0.70 in 2016 and 2017, and A$/US$ of 0.75 in all subsequent years.

The discount rates applied to the future forecast cash flows are based on the Group’s weighted average cost 
of capital, adjusted for risks where appropriate, including functional currency of the asset, and risk profile of the 
countries in which the asset operates. The range of pre-tax discount rates that have been applied to non-current 
assets is between 9.0% and 17.9%.

In the event that future circumstances vary from these assumptions, the recoverable amount of the Group’s oil and 
gas assets could change materially and result in impairment losses or the reversal of previous impairment losses.

Due to the interrelated nature of the assumptions, movements in any one variable can have an indirect impact on 
others and individual variables rarely change in isolation. Additionally, management can be expected to respond to 
some movements, to mitigate downsides and take advantage of upsides, as circumstances allow. Consequently, it 
is impracticable to estimate the indirect impact that a change in one assumption has on other variables and hence, 
on the likelihood, or extent, of impairments or reversals of impairments under different sets of assumptions in 
subsequent reporting periods.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 81

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 3: Capital Expenditure, Operating Assets  
and Restoration Obligations

3.3  IMPAIRMENT OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS (CONTINUED)

Impairment expense 

Current assets 
Assets held for sale 
Other assets   

Total impairment of current assets 

Non-current assets 
Exploration and evaluation assets 
Oil and gas assets 
Investments in joint ventures 

Total impairment of non-current assets 

Total impairment 

Note 

3.6 

6.3(b) 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

32 
6 

38 

685 
3,201 
– 

3,886 

3,924 

–
9

9

1,170
1,163
14

2,347

2,356

Recoverable amounts and resulting impairment write-downs recognised in the year ended 31 December 2015 are: 

2015 

Segment 

Exploration and evaluation assets: 

Gunnedah Basin 
Cooper – unconventional resources 
Papua New Guinea 
Malaysia 

Eastern Australia 
Eastern Australia 
Asia Pacific 
Asia Pacific 

Total impairment of exploration and evaluation assets 

Oil and gas assets-producing: 

Cooper Basin 
Mereenie 
Patricia Baleen 
Barrow 

  WA&NT oil assets 

Vietnam (Chim Sáo/Dua) 
SE Gobe 
GLNG 
Denison 

Total impairment of oil and gas assets 

Total impairment of non-current assets 

Eastern Australia 
Eastern Australia 
Eastern Australia 
WA&NT 
WA&NT 
Asia Pacific 
Asia Pacific 
GLNG 
GLNG 

Subsurface 
assets 
$million 

Plant and 
equipment 
$million 

  Recoverable 
amount1 
 $million

Total 
$million 

563 
23 
52 
22 

660 

783 
– 
10 
96 
73 
64 
1 
224 
20 

1,271 

1,931 

25 
– 
– 
– 

25 

1,312 
13 
7 
152 
19 
42 
5 
341 
39 

1,930 

1,955 

588 
23 
52 
22 

685 

2,095 
13 
17 
248 
92 
106 
6 
565 
59 

3,201 

3,886 

nil
102
112
104

1,371
62
26
64
25
162
nil
9,414
nil

1 

 Recoverable amounts represent the carrying values of assets before deducting the carrying value of restoration liabilities. All producing oil and gas asset amounts are calculated using the 
VIU method, whilst all exploration and evaluation asset amounts use the FVLCD method.

82 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.3  IMPAIRMENT OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS (CONTINUED)

The impairment charges noted above primarily result from the lower oil price environment and, in some cases, a consequential reduction 
or delay in future capital expenditure that diminishes or removes the path to commercialisation. 

As the CGUs above have been written down to their respective recoverable amounts, any change in key assumptions on which the 
valuations are based would further impact asset carrying values. When modelled in isolation, it is estimated that changes in the key 
assumptions would result in the following additional impairment in 2015 on the CGUs which are already impaired:

Sensitivity  

Cooper Basin 
Mereenie  
Patricia Baleen 
Barrow 

  WA&NT oil assets 

Vietnam (Chim Sáo/Dua)  
GLNG 

Discount rate  
increase 0.50%  
$million 

95 
4 
1 
2 
1 
2 
551 

Oil price 
decrease 
US$5/bbl 
all years  
$million

487
11
nil
18
7
27
1,010

As identified above, the impact of changes in key assumptions such as 2P reserves, production levels, commodity prices and discount 
rates are significant on the determination of recoverable amount. Due to the number of factors that could impact any of these 
assumptions, as well as any actions taken to respond to adverse changes, actual future determinations of recoverable amount may vary 
from those stated above.

Recoverable amounts and resulting impairment write-downs recognised in the year ended 31 December 2014 were:

2014 

Segment 

Exploration and evaluation assets: 

Gunnedah Basin 
Carnarvon Basin (Winchester, Zola/Bianchi)  WA&NT 
WA&NT 
Browse Basin (Bassett-West) 
Asia Pacific 
Bangladesh (Magnama) 
Asia Pacific 
Indonesia (CBM interests) 

Eastern Australia 

Total impairment of exploration and evaluation assets 

Oil and gas assets: 

Cooper Basin (specific oil assets) 
Cooper Basin (unconventional resources) 
Mereenie 
Carnarvon Basin (Stag, Barrow, Thevenard,  

Eastern Australia 
Eastern Australia 
Eastern Australia 

Mutineer-Exeter/Fletcher Finucane)  WA & NT 

Vietnam (Chim Sáo/Dua)  
SE Gobe 

Asia Pacific 
Asia Pacific 

Total impairment of oil and gas assets 

Total impairment of non-current assets 

Subsurface 
assets 
$million 

Plant and 
equipment 
$million 

  Recoverable 
amount1 
 $million

Total 
$million 

808 
198 
57 
49 
58 

1,170 

574 
70 
68 

113 
60 
5 

890 

2,060 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

114 
– 
32 

88 
37 
2 

273 

273 

808 
198 
57 
49 
58 

1,170 

688 
70 
100 

201 
97 
7 

1,163 

2,333 

543
nil
nil
nil
nil

883
70
145

456
336
nil

1 

Recoverable amounts represent the carrying values of assets before deducting the carrying value of restoration liabilities.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 83

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 3: Capital Expenditure, Operating Assets  
and Restoration Obligations

3.4  RESTORATION OBLIGATIONS

Provisions for future removal and environmental restoration costs are recognised where there is a present obligation as a result of 
exploration, development, production, transportation or storage activities having been undertaken, and it is probable that future outflow 
of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. The estimated future obligations include the costs of removing facilities, 
abandoning wells and restoring the affected areas and is the best estimate of the present value of the future expenditure required to 
settle the restoration obligation at the reporting date, based on current legal requirements. Any changes in the estimate are reflected in 
the present value of the restoration provision at the reporting date, with a corresponding change in the cost of the associated asset.

The amount of the provision for future restoration costs relating to exploration, development and production facilities is capitalised and 
depleted as a component of the cost of those activities.

Significant judgement – Provision for restoration

The Group estimates the future removal and restoration costs of oil and gas production facilities, wells, pipelines and 
related assets at the time of installation of the assets and reviews these assessments periodically. In most instances 
the removal of these assets will occur many years in the future. The estimate of future removal costs therefore 
requires management to make judgements regarding the removal date, future environmental legislation, the extent of 
restoration activities required and future removal technologies.

The Group has recorded provisions for restoration obligations as follows:

Current provision 
Non-current provision 

Movements in the provision during the financial year are set out below:

Balance at 1 January 2015 
Provisions made during the year 
Provisions used during the year 
Unwind of discount  
Disposal of provision 
Change in discount rate 
Transferred to liabilities held for sale 
Exchange differences 

Balance at 31 December 2015 

Other provisions – current

2015 
$million 

71 
2,372 

2,443 

2014 
$million

36
2,121

2,157

Total restoration 
$million

2,157
147
(34)
63
(25)
91
(18)
62

2,443

In addition to the provision for restoration shown above and employee provisions in note 7.1, other items for which a current provision 
has been recorded are carbon, nil in 2015 (2014: $20 million), and other provisions, $18 million (2014: $9 million).

84 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.5  COMMITMENTS FOR EXPENDITURE

The Group has certain obligations to perform minimum exploration work and expend minimum amounts of money pursuant to the terms 
of the granting of petroleum exploration permits in order to maintain rights of tenure.

These commitments may be varied as a result of renegotiations of the terms of the exploration permits, licences or contracts or 
alternatively upon their relinquishment. The minimum exploration commitments are less than the normal level of exploration expenditures 
expected to be undertaken by the Group.

The Group leases floating production, storage and offtake facilities, floating storage offloading facilities, LNG carriers and mobile offshore 
production units under operating leases. The leases typically run for a period of four to six years, and may have an option to renew after 
that time.

The Group also leases building office space and a warehouse under operating leases. The leases are generally for a period of 10 years, 
with an option to renew the lease after that date. The lease payments typically increase annually by the Consumer Price Index. 

During the year ended 31 December 2015, the Group recognised $98 million (2014: $101 million) as an expense in the income statement 
in respect of operating leases.

The Group has the following commitments for expenditure for which no liabilities have been recorded in the financial statements as the 
goods or services have not been received, including non-cancellable operating lease rentals:

Commitments 

Not later than one year 
Later than one year but not later  

than five years 
Later than five years 

Capital  

Minimum exploration 

Operating lease   

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

396 

45 
– 

441 

879 

229 
294 

1,402 

242 

431 
2 

675 

180 

745 
2 

927 

160 

274 
184 

618 

122

298
219

639

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 85

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 3: Capital Expenditure, Operating Assets  
and Restoration Obligations

3.6  ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

Non-current assets are classified as held for sale and measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs of disposal 
if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction. They are not depreciated or amortised. For an asset to 
be classified as held for sale, it must be available for immediate sale in its present condition and its sale must be highly probable. 

An impairment loss is recognised for any initial or subsequent write-down of the asset (or disposal group) to fair value less cost of 
disposal. A gain is recognised for any subsequent increases in fair value less cost of disposal of an asset (or disposal group) but not in 
excess of any cumulative impairment loss previously recognised. A gain or loss not previously recognised by the date of the sale of the 
non-current asset (or disposal group) is recognised at the date of derecognition.

Following agreement to sell the Group’s 35% interest in Kipper, the associated assets and liabilities have been classified as held for sale 
at 31 December 2015. The sale agreement remained subject to outstanding conditions at 31 December 2015 and will be accounted for 
upon completion or waiver of each significant condition.

The following amounts are included within the financial statements in relation to joint operations classified as held for sale:

Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale 

Prepayments 
Oil and gas assets 
Deferred tax asset 

Assets classified as held for sale 

Trade and other payables 
Restoration provisions 

Liabilities classified as held for sale 

Net assets 

An impairment loss of $32 million attributed to the write-down of Kipper assets to fair value has been recorded.

The assets and liabilities associated with Kipper are attributed to the Eastern Australia segment.

2015 
$million

263
232
56

551

1
18

19

532

86 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 4: Working Capital Management

This section provides information about the Group’s working capital balances and management, including cash flow 
information. Cash flow management is a significant consideration in running our business in an efficient and resourceful 
manner. We also consider inventories which contribute to the business platform for generating profits and revenues.

4.1  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and short-term deposits that are readily convertible to cash, are subject to an 
insignificant risk of changes in value, and generally have an original maturity of three months or less.

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents represent fair value. Bank balances and short-term deposits earn interest at floating 
rates based upon market rates.

Cash at bank and in hand 
Short-term deposits 

(a)  Restricted cash balances

2015 
$million 

504 
650 

1,154 

2014 
$million

775
–

775

 In accordance with the terms of the PNG LNG project financing, cash relating to the Group’s interest in undistributed cash flows 
of the PNG LNG project is required to be held in secured bank accounts. As at 31 December 2015, US$33 million (2014: US$35 
million) was held in these accounts. 

Cash flow activities 

(b)  Reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities

Loss after income tax 
Add/(deduct) non-cash items: 
Depreciation and depletion 
Exploration and evaluation expensed 
Net impairment loss 
Net gains on fair value hedges 
Share-based payment expense 
Unwind of the effect of discounting on provisions 
Foreign exchange (gains)/losses 
Other 

Net cash provided by operating activities before changes in assets or liabilities 
Add/(deduct) change in operating assets or liabilities, net of acquisitions  

or disposals of businesses: 
Decrease in trade and other receivables 
Increase in inventories 
Increase in other assets 
Decrease in net deferred tax liabilities 
Decrease in current tax liabilities 
Decrease in trade and other payables 
Decrease in provisions 

Net cash provided by operating activities 

(c)  Non-cash financing and investing activities 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

(2,698) 

1,059 
114 
3,924 
(21) 
23 
63 
(251) 
4 

2,217 

91 
(80) 
(31) 
(843) 
(56) 
(168) 
(36) 

1,094 

(935)

988
95
2,356
(63)
24
62
5
(4)

2,528

155
(12)
(42)
(669)
(52)
(50)
(15)

1,843

Santos Dividend Reinvestment Plan 

83 

145

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 87

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 4: Working Capital Management

4.2  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Trade and other receivables are initially recognised at fair value, which in practice is the equivalent of cost, less any impairment losses.

Long-term receivables are discounted and are stated at amortised cost, less any impairment losses.

Trade receivables are non-interest-bearing and settlement terms are generally within 30 days. Trade receivables that are neither past 
due nor impaired relate to a number of independent customers for whom there is no recent history of default.

Current   
Trade receivables 
Other receivables 

Non-current  

Other receivables 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

341 
198 

539 

6 

424
209

633

10

Of the Group’s $545 million total receivables (2014: $643 million), $529 million (2014: $630 million) is not yet due and $2 million (2014: 
$5 million) is past due by over 12 months but not impaired. No amounts are considered impaired at 31 December 2015 (2014: nil).

4.3  INVENTORIES

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary 
course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses. Cost is determined as follows:

(i) 

(ii) 

 drilling and maintenance stocks, which include plant spares, consumables and maintenance and drilling tools used for ongoing 
operations, are valued at weighted average cost; and

 petroleum products, which comprise extracted crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas, condensate and naphtha stored in tanks and 
pipeline systems and processed sales gas and ethane stored in subsurface reservoirs, are valued using the absorption cost 
method in a manner which approximates specific identification.

Petroleum products  
Drilling and maintenance stocks  

Total inventories at lower of cost and net realisable value 

Inventories included above that are stated at net realisable value  

4.4  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

362 
133 

495 

85 

293
150

443

53

Trade and other payables are recognised when the related goods or services are received, at the amount of cash or cash equivalents 
that will be required to discharge the obligation, gross of any settlement discount offered. Trade payables are non-interest-bearing and 
are settled on normal terms and conditions.

Trade payables  
Non-trade payables 

88 / Santos Annual Report 2015

2015 
$million 

738 
111 

849 

2014 
$million

1,235
147

1,382

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 5: Funding and Risk Management

Our business has exposure to capital, credit, liquidity and market risks. This section provides information relating to our 
management of, as well as, our policies for measuring and managing these risks.

Capital risk management objectives

The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, allowing returns to 
shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders to be maintained, and to retain an efficient capital structure. In order to optimise the 
capital structure, the Group may adjust its dividend distribution policy, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares, draw or repay 
debt or undertake other corporate initiatives consistent with its strategic objectives. 

In applying these objectives, the Group aims to:

•  minimise the weighted average cost of capital whilst retaining appropriate financial flexibility;

• 

ensure ongoing access to a range of debt and equity markets; and

•  maintain an investment grade credit rating. 

A range of financial metrics are used to monitor the capital structure including ratios measuring Gearing, Funds from Operations to Debt 
(“FFO-to-Debt”) and Debt to Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (“Debt-to-EBITDA”). The Group monitors 
these capital structure metrics on both an actual and forecast basis.

Santos Limited’s corporate credit rating was lowered by Standard & Poor’s to BBB- (negative outlook) on 22 January 2016.

5.1  INTEREST-BEARING LOANS AND BORROWINGS

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Subsequent to initial 
recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are stated at amortised cost with any difference between cost and redemption value 
being recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings on an effective interest basis.

Fixed-rate notes that are hedged by an interest rate swap are recognised at fair value.

All borrowings are unsecured, with the exception of the secured bank loans and finance leases. 

All interest-bearing loans and borrowings, with the exception of secured bank loans and finance leases, are borrowed through Santos 
Finance Ltd, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Santos Limited. All interest-bearing loans and borrowings by Santos Finance Ltd are 
guaranteed by Santos Limited.

Details of the contractual maturities can be found in note 5.5.

Current   
Commercial paper 
Bank loans – secured  
Bank loans – unsecured 
Medium-term notes 
Long-term notes 
Finance leases 

Non-current  
Bank loans – secured 
Bank loans – unsecured 
Long-term notes 
Subordinated notes 
Finance leases 

Ref 

(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
(e) 
(g) 

(b) 
(c) 
(e) 
(f) 
(g) 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

– 
164 
44 
– 
– 
2 

210 

2,405 
2,354 
829 
1,575 
48 

7,211 

140
–
19
102
64
2

327

2,282
3,269
777
1,590
7

7,925

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 5: Funding and Risk Management

5.1  INTEREST-BEARING LOANS AND BORROWINGS (CONTINUED)

The Group’s weighted average interest rate on interest-bearing liabilities is 4.07% as at 31 December 2015 (2014: 4.32%).

(a)  Commercial paper

Facility  

Commercial paper

Currency 
Limit 
Drawn principal 
Accounting balance 

Australian dollars
A$800 million uncommitted (2014: A$800 million)
Nil (2014: A$140 million)
Nil (2014: A$140 million)

(b)  Bank loans – secured

Facility  

PNG LNG

Currency 
Limit 
Drawn principal 
Accounting balance 
Effective interest rate 
Maturity 
Other 

US dollars 
US$1,973 million (2014: US$1,989 million)
US$1,973 million (2014: US$1,989 million) 
A$2,569 million (2014: A$2,282 million) including prepaid amounts
4.57% (2014: 4.26%)
2024–2026
 Loan facilities for the PNG LNG project, in which Santos entities hold an equity interest of 
13.5%, were entered into by the joint venture participants on 15 December 2009 and are 
provided by 17 commercial banks and six export credit agencies, bear fixed and floating 
rates of interest and have final maturity dates of June 2024 and June 2026 respectively. 
Funds were also provided by a co-venturer on a pro-rata basis with maturities matching 
those corresponding to the commercial banks and export credit agencies. 

 During 2013 supplemental loan financing was raised by the joint venture participants. 
The funds were sourced from co-venturer and commercial bank lenders, with maturities 
matching the initial loan facilities. 

 Assets pledged as security and restricted cash

 The PNG LNG facilities include security over assets and entitlements of the participants in 
respect of the project. The total carrying value of the Group’s assets pledged as security 
is A$4,001 million at 31 December 2015 (2014: A$3,674 million).

 As referred to in note 4.1, under the terms of the project financing, cash relating to the 
Group’s interest in undistributed project cash flows is required to be held in secured bank 
accounts. Funds held in these accounts attributable to the Group may be withdrawn on 
the provision of acceptable credit support to the lenders. As at 31 December 2015, letters 
of credit totalling US$100 million (A$137 million) (2014: US$290 million, A$354 million) had 
been provided under a stand-alone US$300 million facility.

(c)  Bank loans – unsecured

Facility  

Term bank loans

Currency 
Limit 
Drawn principal 
Accounting balance 
Effective interest rate 
Maturity 

US dollars
US$33 million (2014: US$48 million)
US$33 million (2014: US$48 million)
A$45 million (2014: A$59 million)
0.41% (2014: 0.40%)
2016–2017

90 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.1  INTEREST-BEARING LOANS AND BORROWINGS (CONTINUED)

(c)  Bank loans – unsecured (continued)

Facility  

Export credit agency supported loan facilities

Currency 
Limit 
Drawn principal 
Accounting balance 
Effective interest rate 
Maturity 
Other 

Facility  

Currency 
Limit 

Drawn principal 
Accounting balance 
Maturity 

(d)  Medium-term notes

US dollars
US$1,730 million (2014: US$1,730 million)
US$1,730 million (2014: US$1,730 million)
A$2,353 million (2014: A$2,083 million) including prepaid amounts
2.40% (2014: 2.79%)
2016–2024
 Loan facilities supported by various export credit agencies, which have estimated maturity 
dates subject to the date of practical completion of the GLNG project.

Bilateral bank loan facility 

Australian dollars and US dollars
 Australian dollar facility: A$1,425 million (2014: A$2,050 million)  
US dollar facility: US$1,600 million (2014: US$1,100 million)
Nil (2014: A$1,150 million)
Nil (2014: A$1,146 million)
2016–2020

Facility  

Medium-term notes

Currency  
Limit 
Drawn principal 
Accounting balance 
Effective interest rate 
Maturity 

(e)  Long-term notes

Australian dollars
A$1,000 million (2014: A$1,000 million)
Nil (2014: A$100 million)
Nil (2014: A$102 million)
2.96% (2014: 3.23%)
2015

Facility  

Long-term notes

Currency 
Limit 
Drawn principal 
Accounting balance 

Effective interest rate 
Maturity   
Other 

(f)  Subordinated notes

Facility  

Currency 
Limit 
Drawn principal 
Accounting balance 

Effective interest rate 
Maturity   
Other 

US dollars
US$577 million (2014: US$627 million)
US$577 million (2014: US$627 million)
 A$829 million (2014: A$841 million) including fair value accounting measurement  
and prepaid amounts
1.25% to 2.09% 
2015–2027
 Long-term notes bear a fixed interest rate of 6.05% to 6.81% (2014: 6.05% to 8.44%), 
which have been swapped to floating rate commitments. The Group has entered into 
interest rate swap contracts, under which it has a right to receive interest at floating US 
dollar rates and pay interest at fixed US dollar interest rates. These contracts are in place 
to cover coupon payments through to the end of 2016.

Subordinated notes

Euro
€1,000 million (2014: €1,000 million)
€1,000 million (2014: €1,000 million)
 A$1,575 million (2014: A$1,590 million) including fair value accounting measurement and 
prepaid amounts
6.12% (2014: 6.11%)
2070
 The notes mature after 60 years and can be redeemed at the Group’s option on or after 
22 September 2017.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 91

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 5: Funding and Risk Management

5.1  INTEREST-BEARING LOANS AND BORROWINGS (CONTINUED)

(g)  Finance lease commitments

Finance lease commitments are payable as follows:

Not later than one year 
Later than one year but not later than five years 
Later than five years 

Minimum lease payments 
Future finance charges 
Leases not commenced at reporting date 

Total lease liabilities 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

11 
51 
181 

243 
(75) 
(118) 

50 

8
42
173

223
(140)
(74)

9

 The Group leases LNG carriers and tug facilities under finance leases. The leases have terms of between 10 and 20 years with 
varying renewal options. The LNG carrier finance leases had not commenced at reporting date. Title does not pass to the Group on 
expiration of the relevant lease period.

5.2  NET FINANCE COSTS

Borrowing costs

Borrowing costs relating to major oil and gas assets under development are capitalised as a component of the cost of development. 
Where funds are borrowed specifically for qualifying projects the actual borrowing costs incurred are capitalised. Where the projects are 
funded through general borrowings the borrowing costs are capitalised based on the weighted average cost of borrowing. Borrowing 
costs incurred after commencement of commercial operations are expensed to the income statement.

All other borrowing costs are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they are incurred.

Interest income

Interest income is recognised in the income statement as it accrues using the effective interest method. 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

7 

7 

390 
(156) 

234 
63 

297 

290 

19

19

290
(236)

54
62

116

97

Finance income: 

Interest income 

Total finance income 

Finance costs: 

Interest paid to third parties 
Deduct borrowing costs capitalised 

Unwind of the effect of discounting on provisions 

Total finance costs 

Net finance costs 

92 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.3  ISSUED CAPITAL

Ordinary share capital

Ordinary share capital is classified as equity. The issued shares do not have a par value and there is no limit on the authorised share 
capital of the Company. 

Fully paid ordinary shares carry one vote per share, which entitles the holder to participate in dividends and the proceeds on winding 
up of the Company in proportion to the number of and amounts paid on the shares held. The market price of the Company’s ordinary 
shares on 31 December 2015 was $3.68 (2014: $8.25).

Transaction costs

Transaction costs of an equity transaction are accounted for as a deduction from equity, net of any related income tax benefit. During 
2015 transaction costs of $36 million have been deducted from equity.

Movement in ordinary shares 

Balance at 1 January 
Placement 
Rights issue 
Santos Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRP”) 
DRP underwriting 
Santos Employee Share1000 Plan 
Santos Employee ShareMatch Plan 
Shares issued on exercise of options 
Shares issued on vesting of Share Acquisition Rights 
Santos Executive Share Plan 
Non-executive Director Share Plan 

2015 
Number  
of shares 

2014 
Number 
of shares 

Note 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

  983,750,151 
73,529,412 
654,198,741 
15,052,884 
37,960,195 
180,040 
890,889 
– 
611,618 
18,000 
18,709 

7.2 
7.2 
7.2 
7.2 

972,088,279 
– 
– 
10,342,340 
– 
111,507 
536,383 
99,400 
560,742 
11,500 
– 

6,905 
500 
2,482 
83 
215 
1 
6 
– 
– 
– 
– 

6,749
–
–
145
–
2
8
1
–
–
–

Balance at 31 December 

  1,766,210,639 

983,750,151 

10,192 

6,905

Included within the Group’s ordinary shares at 31 December 2015 are 25,000 (2014: 43,000) ordinary shares paid to one cent with a 
value of nil (2014: nil).

Santos Dividend Reinvestment Plan

The Santos DRP is in operation. Shares are allocated at the arithmetic average of the daily weighted average market price of the 
Company’s shares on the ASX over a period of seven business days commencing on the second business day after the Dividend  
Record Date. At this time, the Board has determined that a 1.5% discount will apply to the Santos DRP on the final dividend for the  
year ended 31 December 2015. The last date for the receipt of an election notice to participate in the Santos DRP is the record date,  
26 February 2016.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 93

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 5: Funding and Risk Management

5.4  RESERVES AND RETAINED EARNINGS

The Group’s reserves and retained earnings balances, and movements during the period, are disclosed in the statement of changes in 
equity.

Translation reserve

The translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising from the following:

• 

• 

• 

the translation of the financial statements of foreign operations where their functional currency is different from the 
presentation currency of the reporting entity;

the translation of liabilities that hedge the Company’s net investment in a foreign subsidiary; and

exchange differences that arise on the translation of the monetary items that form part of the net investment in a foreign 
operation.

Hedging reserve

The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments 
related to hedged transactions that have not yet occurred.

Accumulated profits reserve

The accumulated profits reserve acts to quarantine profits generated in prior periods. The reserve was established during 2015.

5.5  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Exposure to foreign currency risk, interest rate risk, commodity price risk, credit risk and liquidity risk arises in the normal course of the 
Group’s business. The Group’s overall financial risk management strategy is to seek to ensure that the Group is able to fund its corporate 
objectives and meet its obligations to stakeholders. Derivative financial instruments may be used to hedge exposure to fluctuations in 
foreign exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices.

The Group uses various methods to measure the types of financial risk to which it is exposed. These methods include Cash Flow at Risk 
analysis in the case of interest rate, foreign exchange and commodity price risk, and ageing analysis for credit risk.

Financial risk management is carried out by a central treasury department (“Treasury”) which operates under Board-approved policies. 
The policies govern the framework and principles for overall risk management and covers specific financial risks, such as foreign 
exchange risk, interest rate risk and credit risk, approved derivative and non-derivative financial instruments, and liquidity management.

(a)  Liquidity

 The Group adopts a prudent liquidity risk management strategy and seeks to maintain sufficient liquid assets and available 
committed credit facilities to meet short-term to medium-term liquidity requirements. The Group’s objective is to maintain flexibility 
in funding to meet ongoing operational requirements, exploration and development expenditure, and other corporate initiatives.

94 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
5.5  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(a)  Liquidity (continued)

 The following tables analyse the contractual maturities of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities held to manage liquidity risk. The 
relevant maturity groupings are based on the remaining period to the contractual maturity date, as at 31 December. The amounts 
disclosed in the tables are the contractual undiscounted cash flows comprising principal and interest repayments. Estimated 
variable interest expense is based upon appropriate yield curves as at 31 December.

2015 

Financial assets held to manage liquidity risk 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Derivative financial assets 
Interest rate swap contracts 
Derivative financial liabilities 
Cross-currency swap contracts 
Non-derivative financial liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Obligations under finance leases 
Bank loans 
Long-term notes  
Subordinated debt 

2014 

Financial assets held to manage liquidity risk 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Derivative financial assets 
Interest rate swap contracts 
Derivative financial liabilities 
Cross-currency swap contracts 
Non-derivative financial liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Obligations under finance leases 
Commercial paper 
Bank loans 
Medium-term notes  
Long-term notes  
Subordinated debt 

Less than 
1 year 
$million 

1 to 2 
years 
$million 

2 to 5  More than 
5 years 
years 
$million
$million  

1,154 

41 

4 

(849) 
(1) 
(396) 
(50) 
(124) 

– 

36 

(444) 

– 
(1) 
(454) 
(325) 
(1,626) 

– 

51 

– 

–

24

–

– 
(3) 
(2,966) 
(294) 
– 

–
(44)
(2,350)
(360)
–

(221) 

(2,814) 

(3,212) 

(2,730)

Less than 
1 year 
$million 

1 to 2 
years 
$million 

2 to 5  More than 
5 years 
years 
$million
$million 

775 

41 

22 

(1,382) 
(2) 
(140) 
(170) 
(106) 
(111) 
(123) 

(1,196) 

– 

40 

10 

– 
– 
– 
(480) 
– 
(45) 
(123) 

(598) 

– 

60 

(241) 

– 
(7) 
– 
(4,154) 
– 
(532) 
(1,609) 

–

29

–

–
(7)
–
(2,134)
–
(338)
–

(6,483) 

(2,450)

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 5: Funding and Risk Management

5.5  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(b)  Foreign currency risk

 Foreign exchange risk arises from commercial transactions and valuations of assets and liabilities that are denominated in a 
currency that is not the entity’s functional currency. 

 The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk principally through the sale of products denominated in US dollars, borrowings 
denominated in US dollars and euros and foreign currency capital and operating expenditure. In order to economically hedge foreign 
currency risk, the Group from time to time enters into forward foreign exchange, foreign currency swap and foreign currency option 
contracts.

 The Group has certain investments in domestic and foreign operations whose net assets are exposed to foreign currency 
translation risk. Currency exposures arising from the net assets of these operations are managed primarily through borrowings 
denominated in the relevant foreign currency.

 All foreign currency denominated borrowings of Australian dollar functional currency companies are either designated as  
a hedge of US dollar denominated investments in foreign operations (2015: US$2,340 million; 2014: US$2,855 million), or swapped 
using cross-currency swaps to US dollars and designated as a hedge of US dollar denominated investments in foreign operations 
(2015: US$1,410 million; 2014: US$1,410 million). As a result, there were no net foreign currency gains or losses arising from 
translation of US dollar-denominated borrowings recognised in the income statement in 2015.

 Monetary items, including financial assets and liabilities, denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of an 
operation, are periodically restated to Australian dollar equivalents, and the associated gain or loss is taken to the income statement. 
The exception is foreign exchange gains or losses on foreign currency provisions for restoration at operating sites that are 
capitalised in oil and gas assets.

Sensitivity to foreign currency movement

 Based on the Group’s net financial assets and liabilities at 31 December 2015, the estimated impact on post-tax profit of a ±15 cent 
movement in the US dollar exchange rate (2014: ±15 cent) combined with a ±10 cent movement in the Euro exchange rate (2014: 
±10 cent), each against the Australian dollar, with all other variables held constant is $28 million (2014: $20 million).

(c)  Market risk

Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk

 The Group’s interest rate risk arises from its borrowings. Borrowings issued at variable rates expose the Group to cash flow interest 
rate risk. Borrowings issued at fixed rates expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk.

 The Group adopts a policy of ensuring that the majority of its exposure to changes in interest rates on borrowings is on a 
floating rate basis. Interest rate swaps have been entered into as fair value hedges of medium-term notes, long-term notes and 
subordinated debt. When transacted, these swaps had maturities ranging from 1 to 20 years, aligned with the maturity of the 
related notes. 

 During 2013, the Group entered into US dollar-denominated interest rate swaps, which fix the interest rate associated with the 
coupon payments on US$670 million of uncovered export credit agency supported loan through to the end of 2016. These 
instruments have been designated as cash flow hedges.

 The Group’s interest rate swaps had a notional contract amount of $2,507 million (2014: $2,452 million) and a net fair value of $125 
million (2014: $141 million). The net fair value amounts were recognised as fair value derivatives.

Sensitivity to interest rate movement

 Based on the net debt position as at 31 December 2015, taking into account interest rate swaps, it is estimated that if the US 
dollar London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) interest rates changed by ±0.50% (2014: ±0.50%), Euro Interbank Offered Rate 
(“EURIBOR”) changed by ±0.50% (2014: ±0.50%) and Australian Bank Bill Swap reference rate (“BBSW”) changed by ±0.50% 
(2014: ±0.50%), with all other variables held constant, the impact on post-tax profit is $22 million (2014: $14 million).

 This assumes that the change in interest rates is effective from the beginning of the financial year and the net debt position 
and fixed/floating mix is constant over the year. However, interest rates and the debt profile of the Group are unlikely to remain 
constant and therefore the above sensitivity analysis will be subject to change.

Commodity price risk exposure

 The Group is exposed to commodity price fluctuations through the sale of petroleum products and other oil-price-linked contracts. 
The Group may enter into commodity crude oil price swap and option contracts to manage its commodity price risk.

96 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.5  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(c)  Market risk (continued)

 At 31 December 2015, the Group has no open oil price swap contracts (2014: nil), and therefore is not exposed to movements in 
commodity prices on financial instruments. The Group continues to monitor oil price volatility and to assess whether commodity 
price hedging is appropriate.

(d)  Credit risk

 Credit risk represents the potential financial loss if counterparties fail to complete their obligations under financial instrument or 
customer contracts. Santos employs credit policies which include monitoring exposure to credit risk on an ongoing basis. The 
majority of Santos’ gas contracts are spread across major Australian energy retailers and industrial users. Contracts exist in every 
mainland state whilst the largest customer accounts for less than 30% of sales revenue.

 At 31 December 2015 there were no significant concentrations of credit risk within the Group and financial instruments are spread 
amongst a number of financial institutions to minimise the risk of counterparty default. 

 The maximum exposure to financial institution credit risk is represented by the sum of all cash deposits plus accrued interest, bank 
account balances and derivative mark-to-market gains.

(e)  Fair values 

 The financial assets and liabilities of the Group are all initially recognised in the statement of financial position at their fair values. 
The initial fair values of receivables, payables, interest-bearing liabilities and other financial assets and liabilities, which are not 
subsequently measured at fair value, approximate their carrying value. 

The following summarises the significant methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments:

Derivatives

 The fair value of interest rate swaps is calculated by discounting estimated future cash flows based on the terms of maturity 
of each contract and using market interest rates for a similar instrument at the reporting date. Where these cash flows are in 
a foreign currency, the present value is converted to Australian dollars at the foreign exchange spot rate prevailing at reporting 
date. 

Financial liabilities

 Fair value is calculated based on the present value of future principal and interest cash flows, discounted at the market rate of 
interest at the reporting date. Where these cash flows are in a foreign currency, the present value is converted to Australian 
dollars at the foreign exchange spot rate prevailing at reporting date.

Interest rates used for determining fair value

 The interest rates used to discount estimated future cash flows, where applicable, are based on the market yield curve and 
credit spreads at the reporting date. The interest rates including credit spreads used to determine fair value were as follows:

Derivatives 
Loans and borrowings 

2015 
% 

(0.1) – 4.1 
(0.1) – 4.1 

2014 
%

0.1 – 5.1
0.1 – 5.1

The Group uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments by valuation technique:

Level 1: 

quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;

 Level 2: 

 other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either 
directly or indirectly;

Level 3:  

 techniques which use inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on 
observable market data.

All of the Group’s financial instruments were valued using the Level 2 valuation technique.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 97

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 5: Funding and Risk Management

5.5  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(f)  Hedging

 The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposures to changes in foreign exchange rates, interest rates and 
commodity markets arising in the normal course of business. The principal derivatives that may be used are forward foreign 
exchange contracts, cross-currency interest rate swaps, and interest rate swaps. Their use is subject to a set of policies, procedures 
and limits approved by the Board of Directors. The Group does not trade in derivative financial instruments for speculative 
purposes. The Group’s Accounting Policy for fair value and cash flow hedges are as follows:

Types of hedges

Fair value hedges

Cash flow hedges

What is it?

A derivative or financial instrument designated 
as hedging the change in fair value of a 
recognised asset or liability.

A derivative or financial instrument to hedge the 
exposure to variability in cash flows attributable 
to a particular risk associated with an asset, 
liability or forecast transaction.

Recognition date

At the date the instrument is entered into.

At the date the instrument is entered into.

Measurement

Measured at fair value, being the estimated 
amount that the Group would receive or pay to 
terminate the contracts at the reporting date.

Measured at fair value, being the estimated 
amount that the Group would receive or pay to 
terminate the contracts at the reporting date.

Changes in fair value

The gains or losses on both the derivative or 
financial instrument and hedged asset or liability 
attributable to the hedged risk are recognised in 
the income statement immediately. 

The gain or loss relating to the effective 
portion of interest rate swaps hedging fixed 
rate borrowings is recognised in the income 
statement within finance costs, together with 
loss or gain in the fair value of the hedged fixed 
rate borrowings attributable to interest rate risk.

The gain or loss relating to the ineffective 
portion is recognised in the income statement 
within other income or other expenses.

If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for 
hedge accounting, the adjustment to the 
carrying amount of a hedged item for which the 
effective interest method is used is amortised 
to the income statement over the period to 
maturity using a recalculated effective interest 
rate.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives 
designated as cash flow hedges are recognised 
directly in other comprehensive income and 
accumulated in equity in the hedging reserve to 
the extent that the hedge is highly effective. To 
the extent that the hedge is ineffective, changes 
in fair value are recognised immediately in the 
income statement within other income or other 
expenses.

Amounts accumulated in equity are transferred 
to the income statement or the balance sheet, 
for a non-financial asset, at the same time as the 
hedged item is recognised.

When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, 
terminated or exercised, or when a hedge no 
longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, 
any cumulative gain or loss existing in equity at 
that time remains in equity and is recognised 
when the underlying forecast transaction 
occurs.

When a forecast transaction is no longer 
expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss 
that was reported in equity is immediately 
transferred to the income statement.

Hedge of monetary assets and liabilities

 When a derivative financial instrument is used to hedge economically the foreign exchange exposure of a recognised monetary 
asset or liability, hedge accounting is not applied and any gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised in the income 
statement.

98 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
5.5  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(f)  Hedging (continued)

Hedge of net investment in a foreign operation

 The gain or loss on an instrument used to hedge a net investment in a foreign operation is recognised directly in equity. On disposal 
of the foreign operation, the cumulative value of any such gains or losses recognised directly in equity is transferred to the income 
statement.

Hedges in place

The Group has issued €1,000 million subordinated notes with an average fixed interest rate of 8.25%.

 In order to reduce the variability of the cash flows arising from the Euro principal and interest payments to September 2017, the 
Group entered into cross-currency interest rate swap contracts in March 2011, under which it has a right to receive interest at fixed 
Euro rates and pay interest at floating US dollar interest rates. These contracts are in place to cover principal and interest payments 
on €950 million of the subordinated notes through to the call date in 2017.

 Subordinated notes totalling €50 million have been swapped to a fixed US dollar interest rate of 8.48% through to the call date in 
2017.

 The Group has entered into US dollar interest rate swap contracts, under which it has a right to receive interest at floating US dollar 
rates and pay interest at fixed US dollar interest rates. These contracts are in place to cover coupon payments on US$670 million of 
uncovered export credit agency supported loans through to the end of 2016.

 The cross-currency and interest rate swap contracts are recognised at fair value and all gains and losses attributable to the hedged 
risks are recognised in the hedge reserve and reclassified into the income statement when the interest expense is recognised.

 The table below contains all “other financial assets and liabilities” as shown on the balance sheet, including derivative financial 
instruments used for hedging:

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

Current assets 
Amounts held in escrow 
Interest rate swap contracts 
Other 

Non-current assets 
Interest rate swap contracts 
Embedded derivatives 
Available-for-sale financial assets 
Amounts held in escrow 
Defined benefit surplus 
Other 

Current liabilities 
Other 

Non-current liabilities 
Cross-currency swap contracts 
Embedded derivatives 
Other 

– 
– 
1 

1 

125 
– 
10 
71 
11 
– 

217 

3 

3 

388 
5 
31 

424 

61
5
–

66

136
1
10
–
–
19

166

3

3

154
–
27

181

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 99

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 6: Group Structure

This section provides information which will help users understand how the Group structure affects the financial position 
and performance of the Group as a whole. Specifically it contains information about consolidated entities, acquisitions and 
disposals of subsidiaries, joint arrangements as well as parties to the Deed of Cross Guarantee under which each company 
guarantees the debts of others.

6.1  CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company is exposed to, or has the rights to variable returns 
from its involvement with an entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The financial statements 
of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control 
ceases.

Acquisitions of subsidiaries are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, and are initially recorded in the parent entity’s 
financial statements at the cost of acquisition less any impairment charges. 

A change in ownership interest of a subsidiary that does not result in the loss of control is accounted for as an equity transaction.

Intra-group balances and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions are eliminated in 
preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Non-controlling interests

Non-controlling interests in the net assets of consolidated entities are allocated their share of net profit after tax in the income 
statement, and are identified separately from the Group’s equity in those entities. Losses are attributed to the non-controlling interests 
even if that results in a deficit balance.

100 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report6.1  CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES (CONTINUED)

Name 

Country of incorporation

Name 

Country of incorporation

Santos Limited1 (Parent Company)   
Controlled entities:  
Alliance Petroleum Australia Pty Ltd1 
Basin Oil Pty Ltd1 
Bridgefield Pty Ltd  
Bridge Oil Developments Pty Ltd1 
Bronco Energy Pty Ltd   
Canso Resources Pty Ltd 
Doce Pty Ltd   
Fairview Pipeline Pty Ltd 
Farmout Drillers Pty Ltd  
Gidgealpa Oil Pty Ltd 
Kipper GS Pty Ltd   

Controlled entities of Kipper GS Pty Ltd 
Santos Carbon Pty Ltd 

Controlled entity of Santos Carbon Pty Ltd 
SB Jethro Pty Ltd 

Moonie Pipeline Company Pty Ltd 
Reef Oil Pty Ltd1 
Santos Asia Pacific Pty Ltd 

Controlled entities of Santos Asia Pacific Pty Ltd 
Santos (Sampang) Pty Ltd 
Santos (Warim) Pty Ltd 

Santos Australian Hydrocarbons Pty Ltd 
Santos (BOL) Pty Ltd1   

Controlled entity of Santos (BOL) Pty Ltd
Bridge Oil Exploration Pty Ltd 

Santos Browse Pty Ltd   
Santos CSG Pty Ltd 
Santos Darwin LNG Pty Ltd1 
Santos Direct Pty Ltd 
Santos Facilities Pty Ltd 
Santos Finance Ltd 
Santos GLNG Pty Ltd 

Controlled entity of Santos GLNG Pty Ltd 
Santos GLNG Corp 
Santos (Globe) Pty Ltd   
Santos International Holdings Pty Ltd 

Controlled entities of Santos International  

Holdings Pty Ltd 

Barracuda Ltd  
Lavana Ltd 
Sanro Insurance Pte Ltd 
Santos Americas and Europe Corporation 

Controlled entities of Santos Americas and  

Europe Corp 
Santos TPY Corp 

Controlled entities of Santos TPY Corp 
Santos Queensland Corp 
Santos TOG Corp 

Controlled entities of Santos TOG Corp 
Santos TOGA Pty Ltd 
Santos TPY CSG Corp 

Santos Bangladesh Ltd 
Santos Baturaja Pty Ltd 

AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

USA
AUS
AUS

PNG
PNG
SGP
USA

USA

USA
USA

AUS
USA
GBR
AUS

Controlled entities of Santos International  

Holdings Pty Ltd (cont) 

Santos (BBF) Pty Ltd 

Controlled entities of Santos (BBF) Pty Ltd 
Santos (SPV) Pty Ltd 

Controlled entity of Santos (SPV) Pty Ltd 
Santos (Madura Offshore) Pty Ltd 

Santos Belida Pty Ltd 
Santos (Donggala) Pty Ltd 
Santos Egypt Pty Ltd2 
Santos EOM Pty Ltd 
Santos Hides Ltd 
Santos International Pte Ltd 
Santos International Operations Pty Ltd 
Santos OIG Pty Ltd 
Santos P’nyang Limited3 
Santos (Papalang) Pty Ltd 
Santos (Popodi) Pty Ltd 
Santos Sabah Block R Limited 
Santos Sangu Field Ltd 
Santos (UK) Limited 

Controlled entities of Santos (UK) Limited 
Santos Northwest Natuna B.V.  
Santos Petroleum Ventures B.V. 
Santos Sabah Block S Limited 

Santos Vietnam Pty Ltd 
Zhibek Resources Ltd4 

Santos (JBJ1) Pty Ltd    

Controlled entities of Santos (JBJ1) Pty Ltd 
Santos (JBJ2) Pty Ltd  

Controlled entity of Santos (JBJ2) Pty Ltd 
Shaw River Power Station Pty Ltd 

Santos (JPDA 06–104) Pty Ltd 
Santos (JPDA 91–12) Pty Ltd 
Santos (NARNL Cooper) Pty Ltd1 
Santos NSW Pty Ltd 

Controlled entities of Santos NSW Pty Ltd 
Santos NSW (Betel) Pty Ltd 
Santos NSW (Hillgrove) Pty Ltd 
Santos NSW (Holdings) Pty Ltd 

AUS

AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
PNG
SGP
AUS
AUS
PNG
AUS
AUS
GBR
GBR
GBR

NLD
NLD
GBR
AUS
GBR
AUS

AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS

Controlled entities of Santos NSW (Holdings) Pty Ltd 
Santos NSW (LNGN) Pty Ltd 
Santos NSW (Pipeline) Pty Ltd 
Santos NSW (Sales) Pty Ltd 
Santos NSW (Narrabri Energy) Pty Ltd 
Controlled entities of Santos NSW  
(Narrabri Energy) Pty Ltd 
Santos NSW (Eastern) Pty Ltd 
Santos NSW (Sulu) Pty Ltd 
Santos NSW (Tooncomet) Pty Ltd  

Santos NSW (Narrabri Power) Pty Ltd 
Santos NSW (Operations) Pty Ltd 

Santos (N.T.) Pty Ltd 

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

Controlled entity of Santos (N.T.) Pty Ltd
Bonaparte Gas & Oil Pty Ltd 

AUS

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 101

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 6: Group Structure

6.1  CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES (CONTINUED)

Name 

Country of incorporation

Name 

Country of incorporation

Santos Resources Pty Ltd 
Santos (TGR) Pty Ltd 
Santos Timor Sea Pipeline Pty Ltd 
Santos Ventures Pty Ltd  
SESAP Pty Ltd 
Vamgas Pty Ltd1 

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd1 
Santos Petroleum Pty Ltd1 
Santos QLD Upstream Developments Pty Ltd 
Santos QNT Pty Ltd1 

Controlled entities of Santos QNT Pty Ltd 
Outback Energy Hunter Pty Ltd  
Santos QNT (No. 1) Pty Ltd1 

Controlled entities of Santos QNT (No. 1) Pty Ltd 
Santos Petroleum Management Pty Ltd  
Santos Petroleum Operations Pty Ltd 
TMOC Exploration Proprietary Limited 

Santos QNT (No. 2) Pty Ltd1 

Controlled entities of Santos QNT (No. 2) Pty Ltd 
Moonie Oil Pty Ltd 
Petromin Pty Ltd  
Santos (299) Pty Ltd5 
Santos Exploration Pty Ltd  
Santos Gnuco Pty Ltd 
Santos Upstream Pty Ltd 

Santos TPC Pty Ltd 
Santos Wilga Park Pty Ltd 

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

Notes

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

Company is party to a Deed of Cross Guarantee. Refer note 6.5.

Company placed into liquidation during 2015 and deregistered on 28 January 2016.

Company changed name from Santos Niugini Exploration Limited on 10 July 2015.

Company dissolved on 10 November 2015.

In liquidation.

Country of incorporation

AUS  
GBR 
NLD  
PNG 
SGP 
USA  

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

 Australia
 United Kingdom
 Netherlands
 Papua New Guinea
 Singapore
 United States of America

6.2  ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS OF SUBSIDIARIES

There were no acquisitions or disposals of subsidiaries during 2015.

102 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.3  JOINT ARRANGEMENTS

The Group’s investments in joint arrangements are classified as either joint operations or joint ventures; depending on the contractual 
rights and obligations each investor has, rather than the legal structure of the joint arrangement. Santos’ exploration and production 
activities are often conducted through joint arrangements governed by joint operating agreements, production sharing contracts or 
similar contractual relationships. 

The differences between joint operations and joint ventures are as follows: 

Types of arrangement

Joint operation

Joint venture

Characteristics

Rights and obligations

Accounting method

A joint operation involves the joint control,  
and often the joint ownership, of assets 
contributed to, or acquired for the purpose  
of, the joint operation. The assets are used 
to obtain benefits for the parties to the joint 
operation and are dedicated to that purpose. 

Each party has control over its share of future 
economic benefits through its share of the 
joint operation, and has rights to the assets, 
and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the 
arrangement.

The interests of the Group in joint operations  
are brought to account by recognising the 
Group’s share of jointly controlled assets, share 
of expenses and liabilities incurred, and the 
income from its share of the production of  
the joint operation.

The Group has interests in joint ventures, 
whereby the venturers have contractual 
arrangements that establish joint control  
over the economic activities of the entities.

Parties that have joint control of the 
arrangement have rights to the net assets  
of the arrangement.

The Group recognises its interest in joint 
ventures using the equity method of accounting. 

Under the equity method, the investment 
in a joint venture is initially recognised in the 
consolidated statement of financial position at 
cost and adjusted thereafter to recognise the 
post-acquisition changes to the Group’s share of 
net assets of the joint venture. After application 
of the equity method, the Group determines 
whether it is necessary to recognise any 
impairment loss with respect to the Group’s net 
investment in the joint venture. 

The Group’s share of the joint venture’s post-
acquisition profits or losses is recognised in 
the income statement and its share of post-
acquisition movements in reserves is recognised 
in the statement of changes in equity and, when 
applicable, in the statement of comprehensive 
income. Dividends receivable from the joint 
venture reduce the carrying amount of the 
investment in the consolidated financial 
statements of the Group.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 103

 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 6: Group Structure

6.3  JOINT ARRANGEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(a)  Joint operations

The following are the material joint operations in which the Group has an interest:

Joint operation  

Area of cash-generating unit/  
Area of interest 

Principal activities 

2015 
% Interest 

2014 
% Interest

Oil and gas assets – Producing assets  
Barrow Island 
Bayu Undan 
Casino 
Chim Sáo 
Fairview 
GLNG Downstream 
Halyard/Spar 
John Brookes 
Madura Offshore PSC (Maleo) 
Mutineer Exeter/ 

Barrow 
Bayu Undan 
Casino 
Vietnam (Block 12W) 
GLNG 
GLNG 
Varanus Island 
Varanus Island 
Madura PSC 
Mutineer Exeter/ 

Fletcher Finucane 

Fletcher Finucane 

PNG LNG 
Reindeer 
GLNG 
Cooper Basin 
Sampang PSC 
Stag  
Cooper Basin 

PNG LNG 
Reindeer 
Roma 
SA Fixed Factor Area 
Sampang PSC (Oyong, Wortel) 
Stag  
SWQ Unit 
Oil and gas assets – Assets in development 
Kipper1 
Exploration and evaluation assets  
EPP43 
EP161, 162 and 189 
Block R 
Caldita/Barossa 
PEL1 and 12 
PEL238 and PAL2 
PPL269 
Northwest Natuna 
  WA-58-R (WA-274-P) 
  WA-323-P 
  WA-49-R 

Ceduna Basin 
McArthur Basin 
– 
– 
– 
Gunnedah Basin 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Kipper 

Oil production 
Gas and liquids production 
Gas production 
Oil and gas production 
Gas production 
LNG facilities 
Gas production 
Gas production 
Gas production 

Oil production 
Gas and liquids production 
Gas production 
Gas production 
Oil and gas production 
Oil and gas production 
Oil and gas production 
Gas production 

Gas development 

Contingent oil or gas resource 
Contingent gas resource 
Oil and gas exploration 
Contingent gas resource 
Contingent gas resource 
Contingent gas resource 
Oil and gas exploration 
Oil resource 
Gas development 
Contingent gas resource 
Contingent gas resource 

28.6 
11.5 
50.0 
31.9 
22.8 
30.0 
45.0 
45.0 
67.5 

37.5 
13.5 
45.0 
30.0 
66.6 
45.0 
66.7 
60.1 

35.0 

50.0 
50.0 
20.0 
25.0 
65.0 
80.0 
30.0 
50.0 
30.0 
75.0 
24.8 

28.6
11.5
50.0
31.9
22.8
30.0
45.0
45.0
67.5

37.5
13.5
45.0
30.0
66.6
45.0
66.7
60.1

35.0

50.0
50.0
–
25.0
65.0
80.0
–
50.0
30.0
75.0
24.8

1. Asset classified as held for sale.

(b)  Share of investments in joint ventures

 The Group’s only material joint venture is Darwin LNG Pty Ltd, which operates the Darwin LNG liquefaction facility that currently 
processes gas from the Bayu Undan gas fields. 

104 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.3  JOINT ARRANGEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(b)  Share of investments in joint ventures (continued)

 Summarised financial information of the joint venture, based on the amounts presented in its financial statements, and a 
reconciliation to the carrying amount of the investment in the consolidated financial statements, are set out below:

Share of investments in Darwin LNG Ltd 

Reconciliation to carrying amount: 
Opening net assets 1 January  
Profit for the period 
Exchange gain on translation of foreign operations 
Reduction in capital 
Dividends paid 

Closing net assets 31 December 

Group’s share (%) 
Group’s share of closing net assets ($million) 

Carrying amount of investments in joint ventures ($million) 

Summarised statement of comprehensive income:  

Profit for the period 
Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income  

Group’s share of profit 

Dividends received from joint venture 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

847 
122 
103 
(95) 
(124) 

853 

11.5% 
98 

98 

122 
103 

225 

14 

14 

844
141
67
(65)
(140)

847

11.5%
97

97

141
67

208

16

16

The following are the joint ventures in which the group has an interest, including those which are immaterial:

Joint venture 

Darwin LNG Pty Ltd 
Easternwell Drilling Services Holdings Pty Ltd 
GLNG Operations Pty Ltd 
GLNG Property Pty Ltd 
Lohengrin Pty Ltd 

(c)  Income from all joint ventures

A reconciliation of the Group’s total income from all joint ventures:

Share of Darwin LNG Pty Ltd net profits 
Share of immaterial joint venture net profits 

Total share of net profits  

2015 
% Interest 

2014 
% Interest

11.5 
50.0 
30.0 
30.0 
50.0 

11.5
50.0
30.0
30.0
50.0

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

14 
– 

14 

16
1

17

 At 31 December 2015 the Group reassessed the carrying amount of its investments in joint ventures for indicators of 
impairment. As a result no impairment was recorded (2014: impairment expense of $14 million relating to Easternwell Drilling).

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 6: Group Structure

6.4  PARENT ENTITY DISCLOSURES

Selected financial information of the ultimate parent entity in the Group, Santos Limited, is as follows: 

Net (loss)/profit for the period 

Total comprehensive (loss)/income 

Current assets 
Total assets 

Current liabilities 
Total liabilities 

Issued capital 
Reserves  
Accumulated (losses)/profits 

Total equity 

Commitments of the parent entity  

The parent entity’s capital expenditure commitments and minimum exploration commitments are:

Capital expenditure commitments 
Minimum exploration commitments 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

(3,343) 

(3,343) 

1,324 
12,771 

1,857 
4,975 

10,192 
167 
(2,564) 

7,795 

2015 
$million 

106 
23 

529

529

841
13,911

894
5,791

6,905
–
1,215

8,120

2014 
$million

222
49

Guarantees entered into by the parent entity in relation to the debts of its subsidiaries

All interest-bearing loans and borrowings, as disclosed in note 5.1, with the exception of the finance leases and secured bank loans, are 
arranged through Santos Finance Ltd, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Santos Limited. All interest-bearing loans and borrowings of 
Santos Finance Ltd are guaranteed by Santos Limited.

Contingent liabilities of the parent entity

Contingent liabilities arise in the ordinary course of business through claims against Santos Limited, including contractual, third-party and 
contractor claims. In most instances it is not possible to reasonably predict the outcome of these claims, and as at reporting date Santos 
Limited believes that the aggregate of such claims will not materially impact the Company’s financial report. 

106 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.5  DEED OF CROSS GUARANTEE

As a condition of the Class Order, the Company and each of the wholly-owned subsidiaries identified in note 6.1 (refer footnote 1) 
(collectively, “the Closed Group”) have entered into a Deed of Cross Guarantee (“the Deed”). The effect of the Deed is that the 
Company has guaranteed to pay any deficiency in the event of winding up of any of the subsidiaries under certain provisions of the 
Corporations Act 2001. The subsidiaries have also given a similar guarantee in the event that the Company is wound up.

Pursuant to Class Order 98/1418, the wholly-owned subsidiaries within the Closed Group are relieved from the Corporations Act 2001 
requirements for preparation, audit and lodgement of their financial reports.

Set out below is a consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income and summary of movements in 
consolidated retained earnings for the year ended 31 December 2015 of the Closed Group. 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

Consolidated income statement 
Product sales   
Cost of sales   

Gross profit   
Other revenue 
Other income  
Other expenses 
Interest income 
Finance costs  

Loss before tax 

Income tax benefit 
Royalty-related tax benefit 

Total tax benefit 

Net loss for the period 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
Net loss for the period 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax: 

Net exchange gain on translation of foreign operations 
Net actuarial gain on defined benefit plan 

Total comprehensive loss 

Summary of movements in the Closed Group’s retained earnings 
Retained earnings at 1 January 
Net loss for the period 
Net actuarial gain on defined benefit plan 
Dividends to shareholders 
Share-based payment transactions 

Accumulated (loss)/profit at 31 December 

1,583 
(1,469) 

114 
415 
14 
(5,412) 
6 
(55) 

(4,918) 

884 
25 

909 

(4,009) 

(4,009) 

– 
7 

(4,002) 

896 
(4,009) 
7 
(298) 
21 

(3,383) 

2,550
(2,186)

364
1,012
24
(2,167)
10
(56)

(813)

417
121

538

(275)

(275)

4
–

(271)

1,490
(275)
–
(341)
22

896

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 107

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 6: Group Structure

6.5  DEED OF CROSS GUARANTEE (CONTINUED)

Set out below is a consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2015 of the Closed Group:

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

940 
1,921 
185 

3,046 

8,270 
172 
2,976 
2,074 

13,492 

16,538 

1,771 
1,029 

2,800 

4,940 
1,777 
184 

6,901 

9,701 

6,837 

10,192 
195 
(3,550) 

6,837 

426
963
383

1,772

9,003
399
5,322
732

15,456

17,228

790
410

1,200

6,564
1,546
106

8,216

9,416

7,812

6,905
11
896

7,812

Current assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Other current assets 

Total current assets 

Non-current assets 
Other financial assets 
Exploration and evaluation assets 
Oil and gas assets 
Other non-current assets 

Total non-current assets 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Other current liabilities 

Total current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 
Provisions 
Other non-current liabilities 

Total non-current liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity 
Issued capital 
Reserves  
Accumulated (loss)/profit 

Total equity 

108 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 7: People

This section includes information relating to the various programs the Group uses to reward and recognise employees and key 
management personnel. It includes details of our employee benefits and share-based payment schemes.

7.1  EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Wages, salaries and sick leave

Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits that are expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date 
are recognised in respect of employee service up to the reporting date. They are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when 
the liabilities are settled. Expenses for non-vesting sick leave are recognised when the leave is taken and are measured at the rates paid 
or payable.

Long-term service benefits

Liabilities for long service leave and annual leave that is not expected to be taken within 12 months of the respective service being 
provided, are recognised and measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made in respect of employee 
service up to the reporting date. 

Defined benefit plan

The Group’s net obligation in respect of the defined benefit superannuation plan is calculated by estimating the discounted amount of 
future benefit that employees have earned in relation to their service in the current and prior periods and deducting the fair value of any 
plan assets.

Actuarial gains or losses that arise in calculating the Group’s obligation in respect of the plan are recognised directly in retained earnings.

Defined benefit members of the Santos Superannuation Plan receive a lump sum benefit on retirement, death, disablement and 
withdrawal. The defined benefit section of the plan is closed to new employees. All new employees receive accumulation-only benefits.

During the period an expense of $1 million (2014: $2 million) was recorded in relation to the defined benefit plan.

The Group expects to contribute $1 million to the defined benefit superannuation plan in 2016 (2015: $1 million).

Defined contribution plans

The Group makes contributions to several defined contribution superannuation plans. Obligations for contributions are recognised as an 
expense in the income statement as incurred. The amount incurred during the year was $15 million (2014: $12 million).

The following amounts are recognised on the Group’s balance sheet in relation to employee benefits:

Non-current assets 
Defined benefit surplus 

Current provisions 
Employee benefits 

Non-current provisions 
Employee benefits 
Defined benefit obligations 

Total non-current provisions 

Total employee benefits provisions 

2015 
$million 

2014 
$million

11 

83 

15 
– 

15 

98 

–

104

13
2

15

119

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 109

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 7: People

7.2  SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS

The Group provides benefits to employees of the Group through share-based incentives. Employees are paid for their services or 
incentivised for their performance in part through shares or rights over shares. 

There are two main share-based payment plans; equity-settled share-based payment plans and cash-settled share-based payment 
plans. The equity-settled plans consist of the general employee share-based payment plans and executive long-term incentive share-
based payment plans. 

The amounts recognised in the financial statements of the Group during the financial year in relation to shares issued under the share 
plans are summarised as follows:

Statement of financial position, classified as liabilities: 
General employee share plans – ShareMatch Plan 
Executive long-term incentive share-based payment plans: 

Share options 
Cash-settled 

Issued capital: 

General employee share plans: 

Share1000 Plan 
ShareMatch Plan (matched Share Acquisition Rights (“SARs”)) 
Executive long-term incentive share-based payment plans – share options 

Retained earnings: 

General employee share plans – matched SARs 
Executive long-term incentive share-based payment plans – equity-settled 
2012–2015 Four-year CEO Strategy Grant 
2013–2015 Three-year Executive Strategy Grant 

Employee expenses: 

General employee share plans: 

Share1000 Plan 
ShareMatch Plan (matched SARs) 

Executive long-term incentive share-based payment plans: 

Equity-settled 
Cash-settled 

2012–2015 Four-year CEO Strategy Grant 
2013–2015 Three-year Executive Strategy Grant 

Total equity 

2015 
$000 

6,420 

– 
– 

6,420 

1,285 
6,420 
– 

7,705 

5,765 
15,681 
(178) 
97 

21,365 

(1,285) 
(5,765) 

(15,681) 
– 
178 
(97) 

(22,650) 

6,420 

2014 
$000

7,617

1,042
68

8,727

1,580
7,617
1,042

10,239

5,090
16,557
370
68

22,085

(1,580)
(5,090)

(16,557)
68
(370)
(68)

(23,597)

8,727

110 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.2  SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS (CONTINUED)

(a)  Equity-settled share-based payment plans

 The cost of equity-settled transactions is determined by the fair value at the grant date using an appropriate valuation model. 
The cost is recognised, together with a corresponding increase in other capital reserves in equity, over the period in which the 
performance and/or service conditions are met. Currently, the Company has four equity-settled share-based payment plans in 
operation, the details of which are as follows:

i.  General employee share plans

 Santos operates two general employee share plans, the Share1000 Plan and the ShareMatch Plan. Eligible employees 
have the option to participate in either the Share1000 Plan or the ShareMatch Plan. Members of the Santos Leadership 
Team, Directors of the Company, casual employees, employees on fixed-term contracts and employees on international 
assignment are excluded from participating in the Share1000 Plan and the ShareMatch Plan.

Share1000

ShareMatch

What is it?

The Share1000 Plan provides for grants 
of fully paid ordinary shares up to a value 
determined by the Board, which in 2015 was 
$1,000 per employee (2014: $1,000).

The employee’s 
ownership and right 
to deal with them

Subject to restrictions until the earlier of the 
expiration of the three-year restriction period 
and the time when the employee ceases to be  
in employment.

How is the fair value 
recognised?

The fair value of these shares is recognised 
as an employee expense with a corresponding 
increase in issued capital, and the fair value 
per share is determined by the Volume 
Weighted Average Price (“VWAP”) of ordinary 
Santos shares on the ASX during the week 
up to and including the date of issue of the 
shares. 

The ShareMatch Plan allows for the purchase  
of shares through salary sacrificing up to 
$5,000 over a maximum 12-month period, and 
to receive matched SARs at a 1:1 ratio or as 
otherwise set by the Board.

Upon vesting, subject to restrictions until 
the earlier of the expiration of the restriction 
period (which will be three, five or seven years 
from the date of the offer, depending on any 
election made by the employee) and the time 
when he or she ceased to be an employee.

The fair value of the shares is recognised 
as an increase in issued capital and a 
corresponding increase in loans receivable. 
The fair value per share is determined by the 
VWAP of ordinary Santos shares on the ASX 
during the week up to and including the date 
of issue of the shares. 

The fair value of services required in return 
for matched SARs granted is measured by 
reference to the fair value of matched SARs 
granted. The estimate of the fair value of the 
services received is measured by discounting 
the share price on the grant date using the 
assumed dividend yield and recognised as 
an employee expense for the term of the 
matched SARs.

The following shares were issued pursuant to the employee share plans during the period:

Year 

2015 

2014 

Share1000 Plan 

ShareMatch Plan

Issued 
shares  
No. 

Fair value 
per share 
$ 

Issued 
shares 
No. 

Fair value 
 per share 
$

28 Jul 2015 

180,040 

7.1383 

890,889 

7.1383

21 Jan 2014 
1 Jul 2014 

5,037 
106,470 

111,507 

14.3508 
14.1598 

35,412 
500,971 

536,383 

14.3508
14.1598

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 111

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 7: People

7.2  SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS (CONTINUED)

i.  General employee share plans (continued)

The number of SARs outstanding, and movements throughout the financial year are:

Year 

2015 total 

2014 total 

  Beginning of  
the year 
No. 

Granted 
No. 

Lapsed 
No. 

Vested 
No. 

End of 
the year 
No.

1,361,730 

899,388 

(64,524) 

(596,491) 

1,600,103

1,226,833 

537,445 

(49,911) 

(352,637) 

1,361,730

The inputs used in the valuation of the SARs are as follows:

  Matched SARs grant 

Share price on grant date ($) 
Exercise price ($) 
Right life (weighted average, years) 
Expected dividends (% p.a.) 
Fair value at grant date ($) 

2015

7.13
–
3.0
4.21
6.30

The loan arrangements relating to the ShareMatch Plan are as follows:

 During the year the Company issued $6 million (2014: $8 million) of share capital under the ShareMatch Plan, with  
$3 million (2014: $7 million) received from employees under loan arrangements. The movements in loans receivable 
from employees were:

Employee loans at 1 January 
Ordinary share capital issued during the year 
Cash received during the year 

Employee loans at 31 December 

2015 
$000 

3,611 
6,420 
(6,326) 

3,705 

2014 
$000

2,807
7,617
(6,813)

3,611

ii.  Executive Long-Term Incentive share-based payment plans

 The Company’s Executive Long-Term Incentive (“LTI Program”) provides for invitations to be extended to eligible 
executives selected by the Board to receive SARs upon the satisfaction of set market and non-market performance 
conditions. Each SAR is a conditional entitlement to a fully paid ordinary share, subject to the satisfaction of performance 
or service conditions, on terms and conditions determined by the Board. The Board has the discretion to cash-settle 
SARs granted under the amended Santos Employee Equity Incentive Plan. 

 The fair value of SARs is recognised as an employee expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The fair value is 
measured at grant date and recognised over the period during which the executive becomes unconditionally entitled to 
the SARs. The fair value of the performance-based SARs granted is measured using a Monte Carlo simulation method, 
taking into account the terms and market conditions upon which the SARs were granted. The fair value of the deferred-
based SARs granted is measured by discounting the share price on the grant date using the assumed dividend yield for 
the term of the SAR. The amount recognised as an expense is only adjusted when SARs do not vest due to non-market-
related conditions.

 The 2015 LTI Program offers consisted only of SARs. Performance Awards were granted to eligible executives in 2015 
who were granted two three-year grants (1 January 2015 – 31 December 2017).

 In each of the grants 75% of the SARs are subject to Santos’ Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) relative to the 
performance of the ASX 100 companies (“ASX 100 comparator group”) and 25% are subject to Santos’ TSR relative to 
the performance of the Standard & Poor’s Global 1200 Energy Index companies (“S&P GEI comparator group”) over the 
performance period.

112 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.2  SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS (CONTINUED)

ii.  Executive Long-Term Incentive share-based payment plans (continued)

The numbers of SARs outstanding at the end of, and movements throughout, the financial year are:

Year 

2015 total 

2014 total 

  Beginning of  
the year 
No. 

Granted 
No. 

Lapsed 
No. 

Vested 
No. 

End of 
the year 
No.

6,631,253 

3,158,016 

(2,124,044) 

(15,127) 

7,650,098

3,775,596 

3,817,719 

(753,957) 

(208,105) 

6,631,253

 The SARs granted during 2015 totalling 3,158,016 were issued across the following four tranches, each with varying 
valuations:

2015

Performance Awards 

M1 

M2 

M3 

M4

Performance index 
Fair value at grant date ($) 
Share price on grant date ($) 
Exercise price ($) 
Expected volatility (weighted average, % p.a.) 
Right life (weighted average, years)  
Expected dividends (% p.a.) 
Risk-free interest rate (% p.a.) 
Total granted (No.) 

ASX 100 
3.96 
7.93 
nil 
29 
4 
4.4 
1.7 
1,989,338 

S&P GEI 
4.13 
7.93 
nil 
29 
4 
4.4 
1.7 
663,086 

ASX 100 
5.44 
9.03 
nil 
29 
4 
3.9 
2.2 
379,194 

S&P GEI
5.43
9.03
nil
29
4
3.9
2.2
126,398

 The above table includes the valuation assumptions used for Performance Awards SARs granted during the current year. The 
expected vesting period of the SARs is based on historical data and current expectations and is not necessarily indicative of 
exercise patterns that may occur. The expected volatility reflects the assumption that the historical volatility over a period 
similar to the life of the SARs is indicative of future trends, which may not necessarily be the actual outcome.

Vesting of Performance Awards

 All Performance Awards are subject to hurdles based on the Company’s TSR relative to both the ASX 100 and S&P GEI 
comparator group over the performance period to the end of the vesting period. There is no re-testing of performance 
conditions. Each tranche of the Performance Awards granted during 2015 vests in accordance with the following vesting 
schedule, relative to the TSR conditions:

TSR percentile ranking % of grant vesting

< 51st percentile 

= 51st percentile  

0%

50%

52nd to 75th percentile   Further 2.0% for each percentile over 51st

≥ 76th percentile 

100%

Restriction period

 Shares allocated on vesting of SARs granted in 2011 and 2012 may be subject to additional restrictions on dealing for 
five or seven years after the original grant date, depending on whether the executive elected to extend the trading 
restrictions period beyond the vesting date. Shares allocated on the vesting of SARs that were granted prior to 2012 will 
be subject to further restrictions on dealing for a maximum of 10 years after the original grant date. No amount is payable 
on grant or vesting of the SARs.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 113

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 7: People

7.2  SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS (CONTINUED)

iii.  2012–2015 Four-year CEO Strategy Grant

 In 2012 the Company granted 205,339 SARs to the CEO (2012–2015 Four-year CEO Strategy Grant). The issue of SARs 
under this arrangement was approved by shareholders at the 2012 Annual General Meeting (“AGM”).

 As described more fully in the Notice of Meeting to the 2012 AGM, the award is split into five equal tranches with 
separate performance targets that relate to the following:

Target

Measure

•  GLNG start-up

Loading of first LNG cargo on or before 30 June 2015

•  GLNG cost

Project cost within or under budget

• 

Production growth

Targeting 77 mmboe or more by 31 December 2015

•  Reserves growth 

Targeting 2P reserve/production cover of 18 years or more at 31 December 2015

•  Operations integrity

Maintaining an annual score of 90% or more against various environmental, health 
and safety metrics while ensuring no High Impact or Critical Environment incidents 
occur over the 2012–2015 period

 Each of the five performance target measures have been tested at 31 December 2015. The results of the test concluded 
that a total of 88,706 SARs vested, being 43.2%. No SARs vested in relation to the GLNG cost and production growth 
performance targets.

  The cumulative expense to this grant was $938 thousand, amortised over the four-year vesting period. This included a 
reversal of $178 thousand in the current period reflecting a true-up based on the results of testing at 31 December 2015.

iv.  2013–2015 Three-year Executive Strategy Grant

 In 2013 the Company granted 20,829 SARs under the Santos Employee Equity Incentive Plan (“SEEIP”), referred to as 
the 2013–2015 Three-year Executive Strategy Grant.

 The award is split into three equal tranches with separate performance targets that relate to GLNG start-up, GLNG cost 
and operations integrity, similar to the corresponding targets in the 2012–2015 Four-year CEO Strategy Grant.

 Each of the three performance target measures have been tested at 31 December 2015. The results of the test concluded 
that a total of 18,121 SARs vested, being 87%. No SARs vested in relation to the GLNG cost performance target.

 The cumulative expense to this grant was $214 thousand, amortised over the three-year vesting period. This included an 
expense of $97 thousand in the current period reflecting a true-up based on the results of testing at 31 December 2015.

114 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.2  SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS (CONTINUED)

(b)  Options

 The Company has not granted options over unissued shares under the Executive Long-Term Incentive share-based payment plans 
since 2009. The information as set out below relates to options issued under the Executive Long-Term Incentive share-based 
payment plans in 2009 and earlier that have vested in prior years:

  Beginning of  
the year 
No. 

Lapsed 
No. 

Exercised 
No. 

End of 
the year 
No. 

  Exercisable 
at end of 
the year 
No.

2015 
Vested in prior years 

3,992,038 

(69,450) 

  Weighted average exercise price ($) 

12.31 

8.46 

– 

– 

3,922,588 

3,922,588

12.38 

12.38

2014 
Vested in prior years 

4,142,738 

(51,300) 

(99,400) 

3,992,038 

3,992,038

  Weighted average exercise price ($) 

12.31 

15.39 

10.48 

12.31 

12.31

(c)  Cash-settled share-based payment plans

 The Group recognises the fair value of cash-settled share-based payment transactions as an employee expense with a 
corresponding increase in the liability for employee benefits. The fair value of the liability is measured initially, and at the end of 
each reporting period until settled, at the fair value of the cash-settled share-based payment transaction, by using a Monte Carlo 
simulation method.

7.3  KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL DISCLOSURES

(a)  Key management personnel compensation 

Short-term employee benefits 
Post-employment benefits 
Other long-term benefits 
Termination benefits 
Share-based payments 

2015 
$000 

7,198 
240 
63 
2,422 
4,418 

14,341 

2014 
$000

9,462
195
196
–
5,320

15,173

(b)  Loans to key management personnel

 There have been no loans made, guaranteed or secured, directly or indirectly, by the Group or any of its subsidiaries at any time 
throughout the year to any key management person, including their related parties.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 115

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 8: Other

This section provides information that is not directly related to the specific line items in the financial statements, including 
information about contingent liabilities, events after the end of the reporting period, the Group’s commitment to the removal 
of the shareholder cap, remuneration of auditors and changes to accounting policies and disclosures. 

8.1  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Contingent liabilities arise in the ordinary course of business through claims against the Group, including contractual, third-party and 
contractor claims. In most instances it is not possible to reasonably predict the outcome of these claims, and as at reporting date the 
Group believes that the aggregate of such claims will not materially impact the Group’s financial report.

8.2  EVENTS AFTER THE END OF THE REPORTING PERIOD

On 19 February 2016, the Directors of Santos Limited declared a final dividend on ordinary shares in respect of the 2015 financial year. 
Consequently, the dividend has not been provided for in the 31 December 2015 financial statements. Refer to note 2.6 for dividends 
declared after 31 December 2015.

8.3  COMMITMENT ON REMOVAL OF SHAREHOLDER CAP

Pursuant to a Deed of Undertaking to the Premier of South Australia dated 16 October 2007 and as a consequence of the enactment of 
the Santos Limited (Deed of Undertaking) Act 2007 on 29 November 2007, Santos has agreed to:

• 

• 

continue to make payments under its existing Social Responsibility and Community Benefits Program specified in the Deed 
totalling $60 million over a 10-year period from the date the legislation was enacted. As at 31 December 2015, approximately $6 
million (2014: $10 million) remains to be paid over the remainder of the 10-year period through to 29 November 2017; and

continue to maintain the South Australian Cooper Basin asset’s Head Office and Operational Headquarters together with other 
roles in South Australia for 10 years subsequent to the date the legislation was enacted. At 31 December 2015, if this condition 
had not been met, the Company would have been liable to pay a maximum of $50 million (2014: $50 million) to the State 
Government of South Australia.

Santos is required to make these payments only if the State Government of South Australia does not reintroduce a shareholder cap on 
the Company’s shares or introduce any other restriction on or in respect of the Company’s Board or senior management which has an 
adverse discriminatory effect in their application to the Company relative to other companies domiciled in South Australia.

8.4  REMUNERATION OF AUDITORS

The auditor of Santos Limited is Ernst & Young.

(a)  Audit and review services 

Amounts received or due and receivable for an audit or review of the financial report of the entity and any other entity in the Group by:

Ernst & Young (Australia) 
Overseas network firms of Ernst & Young (Australia) 

2015 
$000 

1,465 
223 

1,688 

2014 
$000

1,490
217

1,707

116 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8.4  REMUNERATION OF AUDITORS (CONTINUED)

(b)  Other services 

Amounts received or due and receivable for other services in relation to the entity and any other entity in the Group by:

Ernst & Young (Australia) for other assurance services 
Ernst & Young (Australia) for taxation and other services 
Overseas network firms of Ernst & Young (Australia) for taxation services 

2015 
$000 

507 
64 
20 

591 

2014 
$000

798
96
20

914

8.5  ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Changes in accounting policies and disclosures 

The Group applied a number of amendments to accounting standards applicable for the first time for the financial year beginning  
1 January 2015.

The below amendments did not impact the consolidated financial statements and disclosures of the Group:

• 

• 

• 

• 

AASB 2014-1 Part A – Annual Improvements 2010-2012 Cycle;

AASB 2014-1 Part A – Annual Improvements 2011-2013 Cycle;

AASB 2014-1 Part B Amendments to AASB 119 – Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Part B Defined Benefit 
Plans: Employee Contributions (Amendments to AASB 119);

AASB 2013-9 – Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Conceptual Framework, Materiality and Financial 
Instruments; and

• 

AASB 2014-2 – Amendments to AASB 1053 – Transition to and between Tiers, and related Tier 2 Disclosure Requirements.

New standards and interpretations not yet adopted

The Group has not elected to apply any pronouncements before their effective date for the annual reporting period ended 31 December 2015.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 117

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 8: Other

8.5  ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

New standards and interpretations not yet adopted (continued)

A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations are effective for annual periods beginning on or after  
1 January 2016, and have not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements. The Group’s assessment of the impact 
of these new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations is set out below:

Reference

Description

AASB 9 Financial 
Instruments

AASB 9 as issued replaces AASB 139 and includes a logical model 
for classification, measurement and derecognition of financial 
assets, a single, forward-looking ‘expected loss’ impairment model 
and a substantially reformed approach to hedge accounting. The 
main changes to the classification and measurement of financial 
assets and liabilities are: 

Application of 
standard

Impact on Group 
financial report

1 January 2018

Impact is currently 
being assessed

• 

• 

• 

financial assets that are debt instruments will be 
classified based on: (1) the objective of the entity’s 
business model for managing the financial assets; and 
(2) the characteristics of the contractual cash flows; 

allows an irrevocable election on initial recognition  
to present gains and losses on investments in equity 
instruments that are not held for trading in other 
comprehensive income. Dividends in respect of these 
investments that are a return on investment can be 
recognised in profit or loss and there is no impairment  
or recycling on disposal of the instrument; 

financial assets can be designated and measured at fair 
value through profit or loss at initial recognition if doing 
so eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement or 
recognition inconsistency that would arise from 
measuring assets or liabilities, or recognising the gains 
and losses on them, on different bases; and 

•  where the fair value option is used for financial liabilities 
the change attributable to changes in credit risk is 
presented in other comprehensive income, and the 
remaining change is presented in profit or loss.

AASB 15 as issued replaces AASB 111, AASB 118 and related IFRIC 
Interpretations. The core principle of AASB 15 is that an entity 
recognises revenue in accordance with the transfer of promised 
goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects 
the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled 
in exchange for those goods or services. An entity recognises 
revenue in accordance with that core principle by applying the 
following steps: 

Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with a customer 

Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract 

Step 3: Determine the transaction price 

Step 4:  Allocate the transaction price to the performance 

obligations in the contract 

Step 5:  Recognise revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a 

performance obligation.

AASB 15 Revenue 
from Contracts  
with Customers

118 / Santos Annual Report 2015

1 January 2018

Impact is currently 
being assessed

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
8.5  ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Reference

Description

This standard sets out the guidance on the accounting for 
acquisitions of interests in joint operations in which the activity 
constitutes a business.

Application of 
standard

Impact on Group 
financial report

1 January 2016

No impact

The 2015 financial 
statement content 
and structure has 
been reviewed and 
amended, refer to 
section “Structure 
of the Financial 
Report”.

Impact yet  
to be assessed

AASB 2014-3 
Amendments to 
Australian  
Accounting  
Standards – 
Accounting for 
Acquisitions of 
Interests in Joint 
Operations

AASB 2015-2 
Amendments  
to Australian 
Accounting  
Standards –  
Disclosure Initiative: 
Amendments  
to AASB 101

AASB 2015-2 provides clarification regarding the disclosure 
requirements in AASB 101. Specifically, the Standard proposes 
narrow-focus amendments to address some of the concerns 
expressed about existing presentation and disclosure 
requirements and to ensure entities are able to use judgement 
when applying a Standard in determining what information to 
disclose in their financial statements.

1 January 2016

IFRS 16 Leases

The key features of IFRS 16 are as follows: 

1 January 2019

Lessee accounting 

• 

• 

• 

lessees are required to recognise assets and liabilities for 
all leases with a term of more than 12 months, unless the 
underlying asset is of low value. 

a lessee measures right-of-use assets similarly to other 
non-financial assets and lease liabilities similarly to other 
financial liabilities. 

assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially 
measured on a present value basis. The measurement 
includes non-cancellable lease payments (including 
inflation-linked payments), and also includes payments  
to be made in optional periods if the lessee is reasonably 
certain to exercise an option to extend the lease, or not to 
exercise an option to terminate the lease. 

• 

IFRS 16 contains disclosure requirements for lessees.

Lessor accounting 

• 

• 

IFRS 16 substantially carries forward the lessor accounting 
requirements in IAS 17. Accordingly, a lessor continues to 
classify its leases as operating leases or finance leases, 
and to account for those two types of leases differently. 

IFRS 16 also requires enhanced disclosures to be provided 
by lessors that will improve information disclosed about a 
lessor’s risk exposure, particularly to residual value risk.

Several other amendments to standards and interpretations will apply on or after 1 January 2016, and have not yet been applied, 
however they are not expected to impact the Group’s annual consolidated financial statements or half-year condensed consolidated 
financial statements. 

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 119

 
  
Directors’ Declaration
for the year ended 31 December 2015

In accordance with a resolution of the Directors of Santos Limited (“the Company”), we state that:

1. 

In the opinion of the Directors:

(a) 

 the financial statements and notes of the consolidated entity are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), 
including:

(i) 

 giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 31 December 2015 and of its performance 
for the year ended on that date; and

(ii)  complying with Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001 (Cth); and

(b)  the financial statements and notes comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in note 1.1; and

(c) 

 there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and 
payable.

2. 

3. 

 This declaration has been made after receiving the declarations required to be made to the Directors in accordance with section 
295A of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) for the financial year ended 31 December 2015.

 As at the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members of the Closed Group identified in 
note 6.5 will be able to meet any obligations or liabilities to which they are or may become subject by virtue of the Deed of Cross 
Guarantee between the Company and those members of the Closed Group pursuant to Class Order 98/1418.

Dated this 19th day of February 2016

On behalf of the Board:

Director 

120 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report 
to the members of Santos Limited

Report on the Financial Report

Independence

We have audited the accompanying Financial Report of Santos 
Limited, which comprises the consolidated statement of financial 
position as at 31 December 2015, the consolidated income 
statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income, the consolidated statement of changes in equity and the 
consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, 
notes comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and 
other explanatory information, and the Directors’ Declaration of 
the consolidated entity comprising the company and the entities 
it controlled at the year's end or from time to time during the 
financial year.

Directors’ responsibility for the Financial Report

The Directors of the company are responsible for the preparation 
of the Financial Report that gives a true and fair view in 
accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the 
Corporations Act 2001 and for such internal controls as the 
Directors determine are necessary to enable the preparation of 
the Financial Report that is free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error. In Note 1.1, the Directors also state, 
in accordance with Accounting Standard AASB 101 Presentation 
of Financial Statements, that the financial statements comply with 
International Financial Reporting Standards.

Auditor’s responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Financial Report 
based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with 
Australian Auditing Standards. Those standards require that 
we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit 
engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable 
assurance about whether the financial report is free from material 
misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence 
about the amounts and disclosures in the Financial Report. 
The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, 
including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement 
of the Financial Report, whether due to fraud or error. In making 
those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal controls 
relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the 
Financial Report in order to design audit procedures that are 
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of 
expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal 
controls. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of 
accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting 
estimates made by the Directors, as well as evaluating the overall 
presentation of the Financial Report.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient 
and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

In conducting our audit we have complied with the independence 
requirements of the Corporations Act 2001. We have given to 
the Directors of the company a written Auditor’s Independence 
Declaration, a copy of which is referred to in the Directors’ Report.

Opinion

In our opinion:

a. 

 the Financial Report of Santos Limited is in accordance 
with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

(i) 

 giving a true and fair view of the consolidated 
entity's financial position as at 31 December 2015 
and of its performance for the year ended on that 
date; and

(ii) 

 complying with Australian Accounting Standards 
and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and

b. 

 the Financial Report also complies with International 
Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in Note 1.1.

Report on the Remuneration Report

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 36 to 
53 of the Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2015. 
The Directors of the company are responsible for the preparation 
and presentation of the Remuneration Report in accordance with 
section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our responsibility is 
to express an opinion on the Remuneration Report, based on our 
audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards.

Opinion

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Santos Limited for the 
year ended 31 December 2015, complies with section 300A of the 
Corporations Act 2001.

Ernst & Young 

 T S Hammond 
Partner 
Adelaide 
19 February 2016

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 121

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auditor’s Independence Declaration 
to the Directors of Santos Limited

As lead auditor for the audit of Santos Limited for the financial year ended 31 December 2015, I declare to the best of my knowledge and 
belief, there have been:

a) 

 no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and

b)  no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.

This declaration is in respect of Santos Limited and the entities it controlled during the financial year.

Ernst & Young 

 T S Hammond 
Partner 
Adelaide 
19 February 2016

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

122 / Santos Annual Report 2015

Financial Report 
 
 
Information  
for Shareholders

NOTICE OF MEETING

INVESTOR INFORMATION  
AND SERVICES

The Annual General Meeting of Santos 
Limited will be held in Hall L at Adelaide 
Convention Centre, North Terrace, 
Adelaide, South Australia, on Wednesday  
4 May 2016 at 10:00 am.

FINAL DIVIDEND

The 2015 final ordinary dividend will be 
paid on 30 March 2016 to shareholders 
registered in the books of the Company at 
the close of business on 26 February 2016 
in respect of fully paid shares held at  
record date.

SECURITIES EXCHANGE LISTING

Santos Limited. Incorporated in Adelaide, 
South Australia, on 18 March 1954.
Quoted on the official list of the Australian 
Securities Exchange (ordinary shares code 
STO).

DIRECTORS

PR Coates (Chairman), KT Gallagher, 
(Managing Director and CEO), YA Allen,  
KA Dean, RA Franklin, H Goh, JS Hemstritch, 
GJW Martin, SD Sheffield.

COMPANY SECRETARY

DTJ Lim

CHANGE OF SHAREHOLDER  
DETAILS

Shareholders can access their current 
shareholding details and change many  
of these details online via the website, 
www.investorcentre.com/sto.  
The website requires you to quote your 
Shareholder Reference Number (“SRN”) 
or Holder Identification Number (“HIN”) 
in order to access this information. 
Forms are also available to advise the 
Company of changes relating to change 
of address, direct crediting of dividends, 
Tax File Number and Australian Business 
Number, Annual Report and Sustainability 
Report mailing preferences and Dividend 
Reinvestment Plan participation.

Santos website

A wide range of information for  
investors is available from Santos’ website,  
www.santos.com, including Annual 
Reports, Sustainability Reports, Full-Year 
and Interim Reports and presentations, 
news announcements, Quarterly Activities 
Reports and current well information.

Comprehensive archives of these materials 
dating back to 1990 are available on the 
Santos website.

Other investor information available on the 
Santos website includes:

•  webcasts of investor briefings:

• 

• 

an email alert facility where people can 
register to be notified, free of charge, 
of Santos’ News Announcements via 
email: and

an RSS feed of Santos’ News 
Announcements, which allows people 
to view these announcements using 
RSS reader software.

The Santos website provides a full history 
of Santos’ dividend payments and equity 
issues. Shareholders can also check their 
holdings and payment history via the 
secure View Shareholding section.

Santos’ website also provides an online 
Conversion Calculator, which instantly 
computes equivalent values of the most 
common units of measurement in the oil 
and gas industry.

Publications

The Annual Report, Interim Report, 
Shareholder Review and the Sustainability 
Report are the major sources of printed 
information about Santos. Printed copies 
of the reports are available from the Share 
Registry or Investor Relations.

SHAREHOLDER ENQUIRIES

Enquiries about shareholdings should be 
directed to:

Computershare Investor Services Pty 
Limited GPO Box 2975  
Melbourne, Victoria 3001  
Phone:  1300 017 716 (within Australia) or  

+61 3 9938 4343 (outside Australia)

Investor enquiries online:

www.investorcentre.com/contact  
Website: www.investorcentre.com/sto

Investor information, other than that 
relating to a shareholding, can be 
obtained from:

Investor Relations, Santos Limited 
GPO Box 2455 
Adelaide, South Australia 5001 
Telephone: 08 8116 5000 
Email: investor.relations@santos.com

Electronic enquiries can also be submitted 
through the ‘Contact Us’ section of the 
Santos website, www.santos.com

SHAREHOLDERS’ CALENDAR

2015 full-year Results announcement  
19 February 2016

Ex-dividend date for 2015 full-year dividend 
24 February 2016

Record date for 2015 full-year dividend  
26 February 2016

Payment date for 2015 full-year dividend  
30 March 2016

Annual General Meeting  
4 May 2016

2016 interim results announcement  
19 August 2016

Ex-dividend date for 2016 interim dividend 
24 August 2016

Record date for 2016 interim dividend  
25 August 2016

Payment date for 2016 interim dividend  
30 September 2016

Dates may be subject to change.

QUARTERLY REPORTING CALENDAR

2016 First Quarter Activities Report  
22 April 2016

2016 Second Quarter Activities Report  
22 July 2016

2016 Third Quarter Activities Report  
21 October 2016

2016 Fourth Quarter Activities Report  
20 January 2017

Dates are subject to change and are 
published on the Santos website, 
www.santos.com

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 123

Securities Exchange
and Shareholder Information

Listed on the Australian Securities Exchange at 29 February 2016 were 1,765,779,105 fully paid ordinary shares. Unlisted were 12,500 
partly paid Plan 0 shares, 12,500 partly paid Plan 2 shares, 396,595 restricted fully paid ordinary shares issued to eligible Senior 
Executives pursuant to the Santos Employee Share Purchase Plan (“SESPP”), 19,775 fully paid ordinary shares issued pursuant to the 
Non-executive Director Share Plan (“NED Share Plan”), 103,382 fully paid ordinary shares issued with further restrictions pursuant 
to the ShareMatch Plan and 19,395 fully paid ordinary shares issued with further restrictions pursuant to the Santos Employee Share 
Purchase Plan (“SESPP”).

There were 162,013 holders of all classes of issued ordinary shares, including: 2 holders of Plan 0 shares; 2 holders of Plan 2 shares; 33 
holders of restricted shares pursuant to the SESPP; 2 holders of NED Share Plan shares; 88 holders of ShareMatch shares with further 
restrictions and 5 holders of SESPP shares with further restrictions. This compared with 148,740 holders of all classes of issued ordinary 
shares a year earlier.

On 29 February 2016 there were also: 38 holders of 3,922,588 Options granted pursuant to the Santos Executive Share Option Plan; 99 
holders of 5,696,026 Share Acquisition Rights pursuant to the SEEIP and 1,559 holders of 1,537,352 Share Acquisition Rights pursuant to 
the ShareMatch Plan.

The listed issued ordinary shares plus the ordinary shares issued pursuant to the SESPP, and the restricted shares issued pursuant 
to the SESPP, NED Share Plan, represent all of the voting power in Santos. The holdings of the 20 largest holders of ordinary shares 
represent 56.94% of the total voting power in Santos (51.39% on 27 February 2015). The largest shareholders of fully paid ordinary 
shares in Santos as shown in the Company’s Register of Members at 29 February 2016 were:

Name

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited

JP Morgan Nominees Australia Limited

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

United Faith Ventures Limited

National Nominees Limited

BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd 

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 

BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd 

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 

Argo Investments Limited

Morgan Stanley Australia Securities (Nominee) Pty Limited 

CS Fourth Nominees Pty Limited 

Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited

National Nominees Limited 

AMP Life Limited

Dynamic Supplies Investments Pty Ltd

UBS Wealth Management Australia Nominees Pty Ltd

Navigator Australia Ltd 

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited-GSCO ECA  

Custodial Services Limited 

No. of shares

271,866,868

169,663,246

159,395,518

138,314,170

131,351,942

32,520,645

18,790,863

13,018,931

11,690,232

10,326,884

10,109,833

7,655,348

6,739,581

6,727,999

3,233,610

3,181,868

3,054,055

2,892,987

2,510,042

2,377,479

%

15.40

9.61

9.03

7.83

7.44

1.84

1.06

0.74

0.66

0.58

0.57

0.43

0.38

0.38

0.18

0.18

0.17

0.16

0.14

0.13

Total:

1,005,422,101

56.94

124 / Santos Annual Report 2015

ANALYSIS OF SHARES – RANGE OF SHARES HELD 

1–1,000

1,001–5,000

5,001–10,000

10,001–100,000

100,001 and over

Total

Less than a marketable parcel of $500

Fully paid 
ordinary 
shares 

(holders) % of holders

% of shares 
held

55,759

73,282

18,657

13,937

378

162,013

10,285

34.42

45.23

11.52

8.60

0.23

100.00

1.54

10.38

7.61

17.21

63.26

100.00

Substantial Shareholders as disclosed by notices received by the Company as at 29 February 2016: 

Name

United Faith Ventures Limited

Number of voting 
shares held

205,196,886

For Directors’ shareholdings see the Directors’ Report as set out on page 19 of this Annual Report. 

VOTING RIGHTS

Every member present in person or by an attorney, a proxy or a representative shall on a show of hands, have one vote and upon a poll, 
one vote for every fully paid ordinary share held. Pursuant to the Rules of the Santos Executive Share Plan, Plan 2 and Plan 0 shares do 
not carry any voting rights except on a proposal to vary the rights attached to Plan shares.

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 125

Index

A

F

Annual General Meeting 
Audit & Risk Committee 
Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

123 
7, 20, 44 
122

Finance Committee 
Financial Report 
Financial Risk Management 

7, 20, 44 
55-120 
94-99

B

Board of Directors 
Board Committees 

C

Chairman’s Letter 
Consolidated Income Statement 
Consolidated Statement  
of Cash Flows 
Consolidated Statement  
of Changes in Equity 
Consolidated Statement  
of Comprehensive Income 
Consolidated Statement  
of Financial Position 

D

Directors 
Directors declaration 
Directors’ remuneration 
Directors’ report 
Dividend 
Dividend Reinvestment Plan 

6-7 
33-54 
18-54 
38-74 
27, 31, 56, 75, 123 
31, 87, 93

I

6-7 
7, 28, 44

Information for shareholders 
Independent Auditor’s report  

M

1-3 
56 

Managing Director and  
Chief Executive Officer 

123 
121

4-5

59 

60 

57 

58

N

Nomination Committee 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements 

7, 20, 44 

61-119

P

People and Remuneration Committee 

Production and Sales 

R

Remuneration Report 
Reserves Statement 
Risk management 

S

7, 20, 36, 44 
10, 21

34-53 
11-15 
28-30

E

Earnings per share 
Environment, Health, Safety  
and Sustainability committee 

15, 56, 74 

Santos Leadership Team 
Securities exchange  
and shareholder information 

8 

124-125

7, 20, 44

T

10-year Summary 
Total shareholder return (TSR) 

16-17 

37, 40, 47, 53, 112, 113

126 / Santos Annual Report 2015

 
 
 
 
Glossary

Aboriginal 
Refers to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait 
Islander people. 

joules 
Joules are the metric measurement unit for 
energy.

oil 
A mixture of liquid hydrocarbons of  
different molecular weights.

barrel/bbl 
The standard unit of measurement for all  
oil and condensate production. One barrel = 
159 litres or 35 imperial gallons.

A gigajoule (GJ) is equal to 1 joule × 109

A terajoule (TJ) is equal to 1 joule × 1012

A petajoule (PJ) is equal to 1 joule × 1015

boe 
Barrels of oil equivalent.

the company 
Santos Ltd and its subsidiaries.

condensate 
A natural gas liquid that occurs in 
association with natural gas and is mainly 
composed of pentane and heavier 
hydrocarbon fractions.

proven, probable plus possible reserves 
contingent resources (2C) 
Those quantities of hydrocarbons which are 
estimated, on a given date, to be potentially 
recoverable from known accumulations,  
but which are not currently considered to 
be commercially recoverable. Contingent 
resources may be of a significant size, but 
still have constraints to development.  
These constraints, preventing the booking 
of reserves, may relate to lack of gas 
marketing arrangements or to technical, 
environmental or political barriers. 

crude oil 
A general term for unrefined liquid 
petroleum or hydrocarbons.

CSG 
Coal seam gas. Predominantly methane  
gas stored within coal deposits or seams.

EBITDAX 
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, 
depletion, exploration and impairment.

exploration 
Drilling, seismic or technical studies 
undertaken to identify and evaluate regions 
or prospects with the potential to contain 
hydrocarbons.

hydrocarbon 
Compounds containing only the elements 
hydrogen and carbon, which may exist as 
solids, liquids or gases.

liquid hydrocarbons (liquids) 
A sales product in liquid form; for example, 
condensate and LPG.

LNG 
Liquefied natural gas. Natural gas that has 
been liquefied by refrigeration to store 
or transport it. Generally, LNG comprises 
mainly methane.

Lost-Time Injury Frequency Rate 
(LTIFR) 
A statistical measure of health and safety 
performance, calculated by the number  
of hours worked. A lost-time injury is a 
work-related injury or illness that results  
in a persons disability, or time lost from 
work of one day shift or more.

LPG 
Liquefied petroleum gas. A mixture of 
light hydrocarbons derived from oil-
bearing strata which is gaseous at normal 
temperatures but which has been liquefied 
by refrigeration or pressure to store or 
transport it. Generally, LPG comprises 
mainly propane and butane.

market capitalisation 
A measurement of a company’s stock 
market value at a given date. Market 
capitalisation is calculated as the number  
of shares on issue multiplied by the  
closing share price on that given date.

medical treatment injury 
A work-related injury or illness, other than 
a lost-time injury, that is serious enough to 
require more than minor first aid treatment. 
Santos classifies injuries that result in 
modified duties as medical treatment 
injuries.

mmbbl 
million barrels

mmboe 
million barrels of oil equivalent.

mtpa 
million tonnes per annum

proven reserves (1P) 
Reserves that, to a high degree of certainty 
(90% confidence), are recoverable. There 
is relatively little risk associated with these 
reserves. Proven developed reserves 
are reserves that can be recovered from 
existing wells with existing infrastructure 
and operating methods. Proven 
undeveloped reserves require development.

proven plus probable reserves (2P) 
Reserves that analysis of geological and 
engineering data suggests are more likely 
than not to be recoverable. There is at least 
a 50% probability that reserves recovered 
will exceed proven plus probable reserves.

sales gas 
Natural gas that has been processed by  
gas plant facilities and meets the required 
specifications under gas sales agreements.

Santos 
Santos Limited and its subsidiaries.

seismic survey 
Data used to gain an understanding  
of rock formations beneath the earth’s 
surface using reflected sound waves.

t 
tonnes

total recordable case frequency rate 
(TRCFR) 
A statistical measure of health and safety 
performance. Total recordable case 
frequency rate is calculated as the total 
number of recordable cases (medical 
treatment injuries and lost-time injuries)  
per million hours worked.

Conversion

Crude oil

1 barrel = 1 boe

Sales gas

1 petajoule = 171,937 boe

Condensate/
naphtha

1 barrel = 0.935 boe

LPG

1 tonne = 8.458 boe

For a comprehensive online conversion 
calculator tool, visit the Santos website 
at www.santos.com

Santos Annual Report 2015 / 127

Corporate Directory

Santos Limited  
ABN 80 007 550 923

REGISTERED AND HEAD OFFICE

Ground Floor Santos Centre  
60 Flinders Street 
Adelaide SA 5000 
Australia

GPO Box 2455 
Adelaide SA 5001 
Australia

Telephone:  +61 8 8116 5000 
Facsimile:  +61 8 8116 5050 
Website:   www.santos.com

SHARE REGISTER

Computershare Investor Services Pty Ltd 
Yarra Falls, 452 Johnson Street 
Abbotsford VIC 3067 
Australia

GPO Box 2975 
Melbourne VIC 3001 
Australia

Online enquiries: www.investorcentre.com/contact 
Website: 

www.investorcentre.com/sto

Telephone:   1300 017 716 (within Australia) 
+61 3 9938 4343 (international)

128 / Santos Annual Report 2015

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