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Santos Ltd

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FY2018 Annual Report · Santos Ltd
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Annual Report  
2018

Energy for  
the future

Santos Limited ABN 80 007 550 923

This 2018 Annual Report is a summary of Santos’ operations, 
activities and financial position as at 31 December 2018.

All references to dollars, cents or $ in this document are 
to US 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 

CONTENTS

1 

2 

4 

About Santos

Financial Overview

 Message from the Chairman and from the  
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

8  Board of Directors

10  Santos Executive Committee

12  Reserves Statement

16  Directors’ Report

31  Remuneration Report

58  Financial Report

129  Directors’ Declaration

130  Independent Auditor’s Report

135  Auditor’s Independence Declaration

136  Securities Exchange and Shareholder Information

138  Glossary

139  Corporate Directory

Cover images clockwise from left:

Varanus Island gas hub, WA 
Ningaloo Vision FPSO, WA 
Devil Creek gas hub, WA

An Australian  
energy pioneer

Santos is an Australian natural gas company. 
Established in 1954, the Company’s purpose is 
to provide sustainable returns for our shareholders 
by supplying reliable, affordable and cleaner energy 
to improve the lives of people in Australia and Asia.

Five core long-life natural gas assets sit at the heart of a clear and consistent strategy to 
Transform, Build and Grow the business: Western Australia, the Cooper Basin, Queensland 
& NSW, Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea. Each core asset provides stable 
production, long-term revenue streams and significant upside opportunities.

With one of the largest exploration and production acreages in Australia, a significant and 
growing footprint in Papua New Guinea and a strategic infrastructure position, Santos is 
well positioned to benefit from the growing global demand for energy.

To deliver our vision to be Australia’s leading natural gas company by 2025, we will aspire to:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

reduce emissions and improve air quality across Asia and Australia by displacing coal 
with natural gas, and support the economic development of combined gas and 
renewable energy solutions

be the leading national supplier of domestic gas in Australia

be a leading regional LNG supplier by increasing LNG sales to our Asian customers to 
over 4.5 million tonnes per annum

be recognised as the safest and lowest-cost onshore gas developer in Australia

become the market leader in running the safest and lowest-cost facilities and 
infrastructure operations 

contribute positively to the communities in which we operate by providing jobs, 
energy supply and local partnerships

• 

develop our people and culture to deliver our vision

Santos today is a safe, low-cost, reliable and high performance business, proudly 
delivering the economic and environmental benefits of natural gas to homes and 
businesses throughout Australia and Asia.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 1

Financial overview

Sales volume 
mmboe

Sales volume

84.1 83.4

78.3

63.7 64.3

Sales revenue 
US$million

Sales revenue

3,641

2,594

2,442

Production 
mmboe

3,660

3,100

Production

57.7

54.1

61.6 59.5 58.9

2014

2015

2016

2017 2018

2014

2015

2016

2017 2018

2014

2015

2016

2017 2018

Free cash flow 
US$million

Underlying net profit  
after tax 
US$million

Net profit after tax 
US$million

Free cash flow

Underlying net profit after tax

Net profit after tax

1,006

618

-1,591 -739

206

727

727

630

564

-630 -1,953 -1,047 -360

318

2014

2015

2016

2017 2018

54
2015

75
2016

2014

2017 2018

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017 2018

Unit production costs 
US$ per boe

Capital expenditure 
US$million

Net debt 
US$million

Unit production costs

Capital expenditure

Net debt

14.14

10.35

8.45 8.07 8.05

8.05

3,300

6,128

4,749

3,492

3,549

2,731

1,288

625 682 759

2014

2015

2016

2017 2018

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017 2018

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017 2018

2 / Santos Annual Report 2018

2018 Sales volumes 
mmboe

2018 Production 
mmboe

Own product 

Third-party product 

57.7

20.6

Sales gas and ethane 

LNG 

Oil 

Condensate 

LPG 

25.7

23.1

5.9

3.0

1.2

2018 Sales revenue 
US$million

Average realised oil price 
US$ per barrel

Sales gas, ethane and LNG  2,518

Oil 

Condensate 

LPG 

757

300

85

Oil

103.4

75.1

53.8

46.4

57.8

2014

2015

2016

2017 2018

2018 Results

Sales volume
Production
Average realised oil price
Net profit after tax
Underlying net profit after tax
Sales revenue
Operating cash flow
Free cash flow
EBITDAX
Total assets
Earnings per share
Dividends declared
Number of employees

mmboe
mmboe
US$ per barrel
US$million
US$million
US$million
US$million
US$million
US$million
US$million
US cents

2014
 63.7 
 54.1 
 103.4 
-630 
 564 
 3,641 
 1,633 
-1,591 
 2,076 
 18,281 
-64.4 
 A$0.35 
 3,636 

2015
 64.3 
 57.7 
 53.8 
-1,953 
 54 
 2,442 
 811 
-739 
 1,454 
 15,949 
-169.5 
 A$0.20 
 2,946 

2016
 84.1 
 61.6 
 46.4 
-1,047 
 75 
 2,594 
 840 
 206 
 1,199 
 15,262 
-58.2 
 - 
 2,366 

2017
 83.4 
 59.5 
 57.8 
-360 
 318 
 3,100 
 1,248 
 618 
 1,428 
 13,706 
-17.3 

2018
 78.3 
 58.9 
 75.1 
 630 
 727 
 3,660 
 1,578 
 1,006 
 2,160 
 17,134 
 30.2 
 -  US$0.097 
 2,190 

2,080

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 3

Message from the Chairman and from the  
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

We are of the firm view that Santos’ well-
developed strategy, strong management team, 
highly-skilled workforce and outstanding growth 
opportunities will deliver superior shareholder 
value over time.

Dear Shareholder,

Santos today is a safe, low-cost, reliable 
and high performance business. The 
successful, ongoing implementation of 
our Transform, Build, Grow strategy has 
enabled our Company to generate strong, 
stable cash flows through the oil price cycle 
and pay a sustainable dividend. Santos is 
now positioned to deliver the significant 
growth across our five core long-life natural 
gas assets. 

Consistent with our disciplined Operating 
Model, Santos’ diversified portfolio of five 
core assets each generate free cash flow 
at an oil price of less than US$40 per 
barrel. Our focus on low-cost, efficient 
operations ensures that in a lower oil price 
environment Santos can continue to fund 
the Transform, Build, Grow strategy and in 
a rising oil price environment, benefit from 
higher margins. 

Santos’ full-year results serve to highlight 
the benefits of a diversified portfolio 
of natural gas assets underpinned by a 
disciplined, cash generative Operating 
Model. In 2018 we delivered:

• 

• 

• 

• 

a 129% increase in underlying net profit 
after tax to a record $727 million

a 63% increase in free cash flow to  
a record $1 billion

an 18% increase in sales revenue to a 
record $3.7 billion, and 

dividends of US9.7 cents per share, 
fully-franked, including a final dividend 
of US6.2 cents per share.

4 / Santos Annual Report 2018

A strong operating performance across 
our portfolio of five core assets, including 
one month’s production and sales volumes 
from our Quadrant Energy acquisition in 
Western Australia, resulted in sales volumes 
of 78.3 million barrels of oil equivalent 
(mmboe) and production of 58.9 mmboe. 

With the turnaround complete and the 
strategy and Operating Model embedded, 
2018 marked a significant milestone for the 
Company whereby we achieved our first 
full-year net profit after tax since 2013 of 
$630 million.

This successful turnaround was also 
recognised by others in the market when in 
April we received a proposal from a private 
equity firm to acquire the business. The 
Santos Board, however, rejected this offer 
as it did not represent appropriate value for 
the Company. In rejecting the bid the Board 
unanimously deemed the offer price to be 
too low, the control premium inadequate 
and the highly-leveraged private equity 
transaction structure to be complex,  
high-risk and uncertain. 

We are of the firm view that Santos’ well-
developed strategy, strong management 
team, highly-skilled workforce and 
outstanding growth opportunities will 
deliver superior shareholder value over 
time.

CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

Since 2016 we have simplified the business, 
reduced costs, increased efficiencies and 
delivered on our clear and consistent 
strategy to Transform, Build and Grow.

During this period we prioritised debt 
repayment to restore balance sheet 
strength and position the Company for 
growth. It was therefore very pleasing 
in 2018 that we reached our net debt 
reduction target of $2 billion more than a 
year ahead of plan. This milestone gave us 
the flexibility to not only acquire the low 
cost, high-margin conventional assets of 
Quadrant Energy in Western Australia but 
also, very importantly, announce a return 
to dividends.

In-line with Santos’ stated purpose 
to provide sustainable returns to our 
shareholders through the oil price cycle, 
our new sustainable Dividend Policy targets 
a payout of free cash flow1 generated per 
annum in the range of 10% to 30% as 
well as additional returns to shareholders 
above the ordinary dividend when business 
conditions permit.

PNG EARTHQUAKE

In late February we were deeply saddened 
by the loss of life and injuries suffered by 
communities in the Southern Highlands 
and Hela Provinces of Papua New Guinea 
as a result of the severe earthquake in 
the region and numerous aftershocks. Our 
PNG LNG expertise and resources were 
deployed to assist the humanitarian relief 
effort and Santos donated $200,000 to 
help provide urgently needed food, water 
and medical supplies to more than 30,000 
people isolated in remote villages.

We would like to thank and acknowledge 
the efforts of our joint-venture partners, 

ExxonMobil and Oil Search, on a 
coordinated humanitarian relief and 
recovery program in conjunction with our 
community partners, aid agencies and the 
PNG and Australian governments.

The gas plant maintained integrity 
throughout the earthquake period and 
there were no releases of hydrocarbons 
and no significant injuries to personnel. 
Production was safely resumed within two 
months of the first earthquake and full 
rates were achieved by the end of April.

QUADRANT ENERGY ACQUISITION

On 22 August 2018, Santos announced 
the acquisition of Quadrant Energy in 
Western Australia for $2.15 billion. Prior 
to the acquisition, Santos had enjoyed 
a long-established joint-venture partner 
relationship with Quadrant. The acquisition 
is fully aligned with Santos’ Transform, 
Build, Grow strategy to pursue strategically 
aligned, value accretive acquisition 
opportunities – it builds on our existing  
core Western Australian natural gas assets 
and brings strong growth potential.

optimise operations and positions Santos 
to capture value from backfill and third-
party gas opportunities. Santos knows 
Quadrant and its assets well. Quadrant has 
excellent offshore conventional operations 
experience that Santos can leverage 
as we grow. Specifically, it strengthens 
Santos’ offshore operating expertise and 
capabilities to drive growth in our offshore 
Western Australia and Northern Australian 
assets.

Quadrant’s portfolio also includes a large 
inventory of discovered resources to 
backfill existing infrastructure and a leading 
position in an emerging exploration play in 
the highly prospective Bedout Basin. This 
inventory includes the recent significant oil 
discovery at Dorado which provides near-
term development opportunity and the 
basis for material exploration upside.

OPERATING PERFORMANCE

With a focus on operational excellence  
we are constantly looking at ways to 
eliminate waste and inefficiency and set 
new, higher standards and ways of working. 

Acquiring Quadrant gives Santos increased 
ownership and operatorship of a high 
quality portfolio of low-production cost, 
long-life Western Australian natural 
gas and oil assets. Quadrant delivers 
operatorship of Santos’ existing gas hubs 
in Western Australia, providing flexibility to 

In Western Australia, production and 
sales volumes were higher in 2018 due 
to a strong operating performance and 
the commencement of two new sales 
contracts. The acquisition of Quadrant 
Energy further strengthens the Santos 
portfolio as the assets are backed by 

medium to long-term CPI-linked offtake 
agreements. As Santos enters a period 
of major growth project delivery, these 
agreements provide strong and stable 
cash flows and provide balance and 
diversification to Santos’ predominantly  
oil-linked revenues.

In the Cooper Basin our low-cost, efficient 
operations have not only halted long-term 
production decline but contributed to 8% 
production growth in 2018, including our 
highest daily oil production rates since 
2009. Drilling activity increased 40% 
over the course of the year to 85 wells 
and a fourth rig was added within the 
disciplined framework of our Operating 
Model. A renewed focus on exploration and 
appraisal remains in place as we seek to 
commercialise the vast discovered resource 
that remains undeveloped.

In line with our plans to grow the Cooper 
Basin, we successfully executed the 
‘Moomba South’ appraisal drilling campaign, 
the first of several large scale project 
appraisal programs focused on delivering 
resource conversion to support future 
production growth. 

With improved capital efficiency, in 2019 we 
expect to drill ~100 wells, targeting higher 
production and reserves additions over 
time. Strong fundamentals in the Cooper 
Basin continue to support our purpose 
to supply reliable, affordable and cleaner 

1 

Free cash flow is operating cash flow less investing cash flow (including all sustaining capital expenditure, exploration spend and interest payments). The Board will have the discretion  
to adjust free cash flow for individually material items, including major growth spend (for example, capital expenditure associated with the proposed Barossa development and PNG LNG 
expansion projects), and asset acquisitions and disposals.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 5

Message from the Chairman and from the  
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
continued

With a focus on operational excellence we are 
constantly looking at ways to eliminate waste 
and inefficiency and set new, higher standards 
and ways of working.

energy to the east coast domestic market 
and benefit from the strong demand for 
LNG in Asia.

At GLNG our low-cost, efficient operations 
continue to support an accelerated 
development plan to unlock more gas over 
time. In 2018 we drilled a record 305 wells, 
77% higher than 2017. During the year the 
~480-well Roma East field development 
was sanctioned with 121 wells drilled by 
year-end and the Scotia CF1 field project 
delivered 85 wells one year ahead of 
schedule and 16% under budget. The 
148-well Arcadia Phase 1 development 
was also sanctioned during the year with 
the first wells due to come on-line in the 
first quarter of 2019. We remain on track 
to meet our ~6 mtpa annualised sales run-
rate, including LNG volumes redirected to 
the domestic market, by the end of 2019.

In New South Wales we are focused 
on securing approval of the Narrabri 
Gas Project to unlock the wealth of this 
resource for the people of NSW, delivering 
natural gas to the state’s industries and 
providing jobs, small business opportunities 
and community investment for the people 
of the Narrabri region. The Narrabri Gas 
Project is currently being assessed by the 
NSW Department of Planning ahead of a 
decision of the NSW Independent Planning 
Commission. One hundred per cent of 
Narrabri gas would go into the domestic 
market, potentially supplying up to half of 
NSW natural gas demand, helping to put 
downward pressure on energy prices.

In Northern Australia, Darwin LNG remains 
an important and strategic infrastructure 
project for the future development of 
onshore and offshore resources. Plant 
performance in 2018 was again strong with 
LNG production higher than 2017 despite a 
one month planned maintenance shutdown. 
In the upstream, the 3-well Bayu Undan 
infill program was delivered 40% under 
budget and the final well was brought 
on-line over three months ahead schedule. 
The successful program resulted in higher 
liquids production and increased offshore 
well capacity. With the Bayu Undan field 
expected to cease production early next 
decade, the Barossa project is being 
progressed as the lead candidate to backfill 
Darwin LNG. In 2018 we entered Front 
End Engineering and Design, with detailed 
engineering design being advanced across 
a number fronts. The development of the 
Barossa project would more than double 
Santos’ production in Northern Australia. 

At PNG LNG, plant optimisation activities, 
including planned upgrades at both the 
Hides Gas Conditioning Plant and LNG 
plant, were undertaken during downtime as 
a result of the earthquake. These upgrades 
resulted in record daily production rates 
equivalent to 9.2 mtpa being achieved in 
the second half of the year. 

In May 2018 we announced the sale of 
our Asian asset portfolio for $221 million. 
The sale was consistent with Santos’ 
strategy to realise value from its late-life 
non-core assets. 

RELIABLE, AFFORDABLE AND 
CLEANER ENERGY SUPPLY

For more than 60 years, Santos has 
been working in partnership with local 
communities to safely and sustainably 
develop Australia’s natural gas, now more 
than ever, the fuel for the future. Between 
now and 2040, the International Energy 
Agency expects natural gas to grow to a 
market share of approximately a quarter of 
all global energy demand. In Asia, demand 
continues to grow as countries switch from 
coal to natural gas to reduce air pollution 
and greenhouse gas emissions.

Leading the way is China, where air 
pollution in 62 cities tracked by the World 
Health Organisation dropped by an average 
of 30% between 2013 and 2016. Cleaner air 
(with lower particulates) is being driven by 
large-scale replacement of coal with gas in 
industry and household heating. When used 
for power generation, natural gas is 50% 
less emissions intensive than coal. China’s 
“Blue Sky Defence” policy will continue to 
support coal to gas replacement and drive 
natural gas demand through the 2020s. 

In Australia, natural gas is the perfect clean 
energy partner for renewables, providing 
reliable power 24/7.  In line with our long-
term aspirational target to achieve net-zero 
emissions from our operations by 2050, 
Santos is actively identifying step-change 
technologies and pursuing projects to 
reduce fuel use and emissions. 

6 / Santos Annual Report 2018

program in the McArthur Basin, onshore 
Northern Territory, to test the deliverability 
of the largest and most promising shale 
gas opportunity in Australia, subject to 
regulatory approval.

Finally, we would like to thank you, our 
shareholders for your ongoing support. 
Santos is now positioned for disciplined 
growth across each of our five core 
long-life natural gas assets as we target 
production of more than 100 mmboe by 
2025, almost double the levels in 2018.

Yours sincerely,

KEITH SPENCE 
Chairman

KEVIN GALLAGHER 
Managing Director and Chief Executive 
Officer

In 2018 we announced a new program to 
convert more than 200 oil well pumps in 
the Cooper Basin to run on solar power 
and batteries. Using solar power will deliver 
environmental and commercial benefits 
by reducing crude oil consumption, long 
distance fuel haulage and emissions 
associated with burning crude oil. Also 
in the Cooper Basin, we announced 
an appraisal program that could lead 
to the development of Australia’s first 
commercial-scale use of carbon capture, 
utilisation and storage (CCUS) for 
enhanced oil recovery and contribute to 
a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.
To find out more about these projects 
and our approach to climate change, we 
would encourage you to download our 2019 
Climate Change Report, available on our 
website at www.santos.com/sustainability

Santos remains focused on the delivery 
of natural gas because we believe it 
has a critical role to play in delivering 
clean and reliable energy for Australian 
households and manufacturers alongside 
a thriving gas export industry. Our active 
participation in the domestic wholesale 
commercial and industrial markets adds 
to competition and helps to deliver 
more competitive natural gas prices and 
terms for Australian industry. In 2018 two 
new gas sales contracts commenced in 
Western Australia and three significant 
new direct-sales agreements were signed 
with companies on the east coast, further 
demonstrating our commitment to secure 
the future of Australian resource and 
manufacturing jobs.

LOOKING AHEAD

We are excited about the company’s 
future prospects and remain dedicated 
to providing an inclusive workplace and 
organisational culture that embraces 
diversity. In 2019, we will continue 
to execute our clear and consistent 
Transform, Build, Grow strategy to 
deliver a safe, low-cost, reliable and high 
performance business. 

In PNG we will seek to complete the  
farm-in to the P’nyang acreage, further 
aligning Santos with our joint-venture 
partners in the PNG LNG project, and 
evaluate potential brownfield LNG plant 
expansion opportunities. In Northern 
Australia we are working toward the 
Final Investment Decision in late 2019 / 
early 2020 on the Barossa project in the 
Bonaparte Basin to backfill Darwin LNG 
from around 2023. In onshore Australia we 
will continue to implement our development 
plans as we target ramping-up GLNG 
sales to ~6 mtpa by 2019 year-end. In the 
Cooper Basin we will leverage our strong 
technical expertise and subsurface focus 
to drill ~100 wells. In Western Australia we 
will continue to realise significant synergies 
following the acquisition of Quadrant 
Energy and will appraise the exciting 
Dorado oil discovery in the Bedout Basin. 

In addition, our renewed exploration focus 
will see the drilling of the Roc South-1 
near field exploration well adjacent the 
Dorado well, offshore Western Australia, 
the Dukas-1 wildcat well in the Amadeus 
Basin, central Australia, and a 2-well 

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 7

Board of Directors

KEITH SPENCE

KEVIN GALLAGHER

YASMIN ALLEN 

GUY COWAN

BSc (Hons), Engineering, 
FCA (UK) MAICD

Mr Cowan is an independent non-
executive Director. He joined the Board 
on 10 May 2016 and is the Chair of 
the Audit and Risk Committee and a 
Director of Santos Finance Limited.

Mr Cowan had a 23-year career with 
Shell International in various senior 
commercial and financial roles. His last 
two roles were as CFO and Director of 
Shell Oil US and CFO of Shell Nigeria. 
He was CFO of Fonterra Co-operative 
Limited between 2005 and 2009.  
Mr Cowan was a Director of Ludowici 
Limited (2009 to 2012) where he 
chaired the Audit and Risk Committee 
and was also a Shell appointed 
alternative Director of Woodside 
between 1992 and 1995. 

Other Current Directorships: 
Chairman of Queensland Sugar Limited 
(since 2015) and Buderim Ginger 
Limited (since 2018) and Director of 
Winson Group Pty Ltd (since 2014). 

Former Directorships in the 
last 3 years: Director of UGL 
Limited (2008 to 2017) and Coffey 
International (2012 to 2016).

BCom FAICD

Ms Allen is an independent non-
executive Director. She joined the 
Board on 22 October 2014 and is the 
Chair of the People and Remuneration 
Committee and a member of the Audit 
and Risk Committee and Nomination 
Committee.

Ms Allen has extensive experience 
in finance and investment banking, 
including senior roles at Deutsche Bank 
AG, ANZ and HSBC Group Plc, as 
former Chairman of Macquarie Global 
Infrastructure Funds, and a former 
Director of EFIC (Export, Finance and 
Insurance Corporation). Ms Allen was 
appointed a member of the Australian 
Government Takeovers Panel in March 
2017, is a member (and former Council 
member) of Chief Executive Women 
and a former non-executive Director 
of Insurance Australia Group (2004 
to 2015).

Other Current Directorships: 
Director of Cochlear Limited (since 
2010), National Portrait Gallery (since 
2013), The George Institute for Global 
Health (since 2014), ASX Limited and 
ASX Clearing and Settlement boards 
(since 2015) and Chair of Advance 
(since 2018). 

Former Directorships in the last 
3 years: National Director (2010 to 
2016) and acting Chair (2015 to 2016) 
of the Australian Institute of Company 
Directors.

Chairman

BSc (First Class Honours in 
Geophysics), FAIM

Mr Spence is an independent non-
executive Director. He joined the 
Board on 1 January 2018 and became 
Chairman on 19 February 2018. 
He is Chairman of Santos Finance 
Limited and Chair of the Nomination 
Committee.

Mr Spence has over 40 years’ 
experience in managing and governing 
oil and gas operations in Australia, 
Papua New Guinea, the Netherlands 
and Africa.

A geologist and geophysicist by 
training, Mr Spence commenced his 
career as an exploration geologist 
with Woodside Petroleum Limited in 
1977. He subsequently joined Shell 
(Development) Australia, where he 
worked for 18 years. In 1994 he was 
seconded to Woodside to lead the 
North West Shelf Exploration team. 
In 1998, he left Shell to join Woodside. 
He retired from Woodside in 2008 
after a 14-year tenure in top executive 
positions in the company. He has 
expertise in exploration and appraisal, 
development, project construction, 
operations and marketing.

Upon his retirement he took up several 
board positions, working in oil and gas, 
energy, mining, and engineering and 
construction services and renewable 
energy. This included Clough Limited, 
where he served as Chairman from 
2010 to 2013, Geodynamics Limited 
where he served as a non-executive 
Director from 2008 to 2016 (including 
as Chairman from 2010 to 2016) and 
Oil Search Limited, where he served 
as a non-executive Director from 
2012 to 2017. Mr Spence is also a 
past Chair of the National Offshore 
Petroleum Safety and Environmental 
Management Authority Board and led 
the Commonwealth Government’s 
Carbon Storage Taskforce.

Other Current Directorships: 
Chairman of Base Resources Limited 
(since 2015); Non-executive Director 
of Independence Group NL (since 
2014) and Murray and Roberts 
Holdings Limited (since 2015).

Former Directorships in the last 
3 years: Oil Search Limited (2012 to 
2017)

8 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Managing Director and Chief 
Executive Officer

BEng (Mechanical) Hons, FIEAust

Mr Gallagher joined Santos as 
Managing Director and Chief Executive 
Officer on 1 February 2016, bringing 
more than 25 years’ international 
experience in managing oil and gas 
operations. Mr Gallagher is a member 
of the Environment, Health, Safety and 
Sustainability Committee and is also a 
Director of Santos Finance Limited. 

Mr Gallagher commenced his career 
as a drilling engineer with Mobil 
North Sea, before joining Woodside 
in Australia in 1998.

At Woodside, Mr Gallagher led the 
drilling organisation through rapid 
growth, delivering several Australian and 
international development projects and 
exploration campaigns, before leading 
the Australian oil business. Then, as 
CEO of the North West Shelf Venture, 
he was responsible for production 
from Australia’s first ever LNG project, 
which underpinned a new domestic gas 
market, fuelling the mining sector and 
other industries in Western Australia.

In 2011 Mr Gallagher joined Clough 
Limited as CEO and Managing Director 
where, over four years, he transformed 
the business and delivered record 
financial results. He oversaw the 
development of innovative programs to 
improve safety and drive productivity 
and executed an international 
expansion strategy.

Since joining Santos with a strong 
track record in transforming 
underperforming operations, 
Mr Gallagher has restructured 
the company and implemented a 
disciplined low-cost operating model. 
He has significantly strengthened 
the balance sheet, improved 
production and financial performance, 
and positioned the company on a 
sustainable growth trajectory. Under 
Mr Gallagher’s leadership, Santos is 
focussed on a long-life portfolio of 
natural gas assets with some exciting 
oil and liquids opportunities, and is well 
positioned with strong cash flows to 
fund debt reduction, sustaining capital, 
growth, exploration, and sustainable 
returns to shareholders throughout the 
oil price cycle.

Other Current Directorships: Nil

Former Directorships in the last 
3 years: Nil

HOCK GOH 

DR VANESSA GUTHRIE 

PETER HEARL 

EUGENE SHI 

BEng (Hons) Mech Eng

Hon DSc, PhD, BSc (Hons)

BCom. (UNSW With Merit), FAICD

MBA in International Business

Mr Goh is an independent non-
executive Director. He joined the Board 
on 22 October 2012 and is a member 
of the Environment, Health, Safety 
and Sustainability Committee, Audit 
and Risk Committee and Nomination 
Committee.

Mr Goh has more than 35 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. He previously held managerial 
and staff positions in Asia, the Middle 
East and Europe. Mr Goh commenced 
his career as a field engineer on the 
rigs in Indonesia and subsequently in 
Roma and Sale in Australia. Mr Goh is 
a former Operating Partner of Baird 
Capital Partners Asia, based in China, 
(2007 to 2012) and non-executive 
Director of Xaloy Holding Inc in the US 
(2006 to 2008) and BPH Energy Ltd 
(2007 to 2015).

Other Current Directorships: 
Non-executive Director of Stora Enso 
Oyj (Finland) (since 2012), AB SKF 
(Sweden) (since 2014) and Vesuvius 
PLC (UK) (since 2015).

Former Directorships in the last 
3 years: Chairman of MEC Resources 
(2005 to 2018) and Director of 
Harbour Energy (2015 to 2018).

Dr Guthrie is an independent non-
executive Director. She joined the 
Board on 1 July 2017 and is a member 
of the People and Remuneration 
Committee and Environment, Health, 
Safety and Sustainability Committee.

Dr Guthrie has more than 30 
years’ experience in the resources 
sector in diverse roles such as 
operations, environment, community 
and indigenous affairs, corporate 
development and sustainability.

She has qualifications in geology, 
environment, law and business 
management including a PhD in 
Geology. She was awarded an 
Honorary Doctor of Science from 
Curtin University in 2017 for her 
contribution to sustainability, 
innovation and policy leadership in the 
resources industry. She is an active 
member of the Australian Institute 
of Company Directors and Chief 
Executive Women, and a Fellow of the 
Australian Academy of Technological 
Sciences and Engineering.

Other Current Directorships: 
Director of Australian Broadcasting 
Corporation (since 2017) and Adelaide 
Brighton Limited (since 2018), Chair of 
Minerals Council of Australia, Deputy 
Chair of Western Australian Cricket 
Association, Council member of Curtin 
University. 

Former Directorship in the last  
3 years: Managing Director and CEO  
of Toro Energy Limited (2013 to 2016), 
Director of Vimy Resources Limited 
(October 2017 to November 2018). 

Mr Hearl is an independent non-
executive Director. He joined the 
Board on 10 May 2016 and is Chair of 
the Environment, Health, Safety and 
Sustainability Committee, a member 
of the People and Remuneration 
Committee and the Nomination 
Committee; having earlier served 
on the Company’s Audit and Risk 
Committee.

During an 18-year career in the oil 
industry with Exxon in Australia and 
the USA, he held a variety of senior 
marketing, operations, logistics 
and strategic planning positions. 
Mr Hearl joined YUM Brands 
(formerly PepsiCo) as KFC Australia’s 
Director of Operations in 1991 and 
subsequently had several senior 
international leadership roles as well 
as being President of Pizza Hut USA, 
before assuming the global role of 
YUM Brands’ Chief Operations and 
Development Officer in 2006, based in 
Dallas, Texas and Louisville, Kentucky, 
and from where he retired in 2008.

Other Current Directorships: 
Director of Telstra Limited (since 2014)  
and Member of Investment Committee 
of the Stepping Stone Foundation, a 
Sydney based NFP (since 2018).

Former Directorships in the last 
3 years: Director of Treasury Wine 
Estates (2012 to 2017).

Mr Shi is a non-executive Director. He 
joined the Board on 26 June 2017 as a 
nominee of a substantial shareholder. 
Mr Shi is a member of the People and 
Remuneration Committee and the 
Audit and Risk Committee.

Mr Shi has more than 20 years of 
professional experience, including five 
years in management consultancy and 
15 years in senior management roles. 
His industry experience covers energy, 
health care, retail and finance in 
Europe and Asia-Pacific. His specialties 
include M&A and restructuring, 
strategy, value management, and cost 
optimisation. 

Mr Shi has held the role of Vice 
President, ENN Ecological since 
February 2017. His previous roles 
include Department Head of Business 
Performance Service with KPMG 
China and Transformation Service with 
KPMG Europe.

Other Current Directorships: Nil. 

Former Directorships in the last 
3 years: Nil. 

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD

Audit and Risk Committee 

Nomination Committee 

People and Remuneration 
Committee 

Environment, Health, 
Safety and Sustainability 
Committee

Mr G Cowan (Chair) 
Ms Y Allen 
Mr H Goh 
Mr E Shi

Mr K Spence (Chair) 
Ms Y Allen 
Mr H Goh 
Mr P Hearl

Ms Y Allen (Chair) 
Dr V Guthrie 
Mr P Hearl 
Mr E Shi

Mr P Hearl (Chair) 
Mr K Gallagher 
Mr H Goh 
Dr V Guthrie

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 9

 
 
Santos Executive Committee

KEVIN GALLAGHER

DAVID BANKS

PHILIP BYRNE

BRETT DARLEY

ANGUS JAFFRAY

Managing Director  
and Chief Executive 
Officer

Mr Gallagher’s biography 
can be read on page 8.

Executive Vice President 
Onshore Upstream

BE (Hons), MBA, GAICD

Mr Banks joined Santos in 
2018 and is responsible for 
Santos’ onshore upstream 
business.

Mr Banks has over 
25 years’ international and 
domestic experience in 
the upstream oil and gas 
industry. He started his 
career with Schlumberger 
in south-east Asia before 
joining BHP in Australia 
in 1994. Whilst at BHP, 
Mr Banks’ roles included 
operational, technical and 
functional leadership roles 
including General Manager 
Shale Oil, Vice President 
HSE, Vice President Shale 
Drilling and Completion 
and Bass Strait Asset 
Manager. Beyond business 
and function leadership, 
Mr Banks led BHP’s 
Petroleum Transformation 
and was Integration 
Manager for US shale 
assets.

Executive Vice President 
Offshore

BEng (Civil), SPE

Mr Darley joined Santos 
in December 2018. He 
has more than 28 years’ 
experience in the upstream 
oil and gas industry, both 
in Australia and overseas, 
with technical, operational, 
commercial and 
management experience 
across varied assets, 
onshore and offshore.

Before moving to Santos, 
Mr Darley held senior 
leadership roles including 
Chief Executive Officer 
of Quadrant Energy, 
Managing Director and 
Region Vice President for 
Apache Energy Limited, 
Vice President of Drilling 
and Completions at 
Woodside Energy and 
Drilling Manager at Santos.

Mr Darley holds a Bachelor 
of Civil Engineering degree 
from the University of 
Queensland and is a 
Chartered Engineer. He is 
a current member of the 
Curtin Business School 
Advisory Council, an 
elected member of the 
General Council of the 
Chamber of Commerce 
and Industry of WA, and 
a member of the Society 
of Petroleum Engineers 
(SPE).

Executive Vice President 
Marketing, Trading and 
Commercial

MA (Natural Science), 
MSc, DIC (Petroleum 
Geology)

Mr Byrne joined Santos 
in August 2017 and has 
responsibility for the 
marketing and trading of 
all of Santos gas, LNG and 
liquid hydrocarbon products 
as well as the commercial 
function.

Mr Byrne has over 
35 years’ experience in 
the international oil and 
gas industry, starting his 
career as a Petroleum 
Geologist in the North Sea 
with Hamilton Brothers Oil 
& Gas. He subsequently 
spent 14 years with the BG 
Group in senior commercial 
and exploration leadership 
roles in the UK, Europe, 
Tunisia and India. He spent 
a further seven years with 
BHP Petroleum including 
General Manager Pakistan, 
President Gas Marketing 
Asia/Australia, and Country 
Manager Petroleum 
Australia. Mr Byrne was 
then seconded as President 
of the North West Shelf 
Australia LNG organisation, 
which is the marketing arm 
of the North West Shelf 
LNG project.

Most recently, Mr Byrne 
was Managing Director and 
Chief Executive Officer of 
Nido Petroleum, an ASX 
listed company with oil 
production and exploration 
acreage in the Philippines.

Executive Vice 
President People 
and Sustainability

BA (Hons) Geography, 
MBA

Mr Jaffray joined 
Santos in 2016 and is 
responsible for Human 
Resources, Remuneration 
and Performance, 
Organisational and Learning 
Development, Sustainability 
and Organisational 
Integration.

He previously held the 
roles of Executive Vice 
President Organisational 
Integration and Executive 
Vice President Strategy, 
Business Development 
& Technology.

Mr Jaffray has over 
20 years’ of leadership 
and consulting experience 
as a Director of Azure 
Consulting, a Partner at 
The Boston Consulting 
Group and a Supply Chain 
Manager with the global 
packaging group Crown 
Cork and Seal.

At Azure Consulting 
Mr Jaffray supported 
companies in developing 
strategy and driving 
organisational change. 
At BCG Angus set up 
the Perth office, led the 
Australian Operations 
practice and was a core 
member of both the Mining 
& Metals practice and 
the Energy Practice. As a 
Supply Chain Manager Mr 
Jaffray was accountable 
for procurement, planning, 
logistics and product 
delivery.

10 / Santos Annual Report 2018

 
 
 
 
 
NAOMI JAMES

ANTHONY NEILSON

BILL OVENDEN

Executive Vice President 
Exploration and  
New Ventures

BSc (Hons) Geology and 
Geophysics

Mr Ovenden joined 
Santos in 2002, and is 
accountable for developing 
and executing a targeted 
exploration and appraisal 
strategy across Santos’ 
core asset hubs, while 
identifying new high-value 
exploration targets.

Mr Ovenden 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 Sun 
Oil, Kufpec, ExxonMobil 
and Ampolex. He joined 
Santos after working for 
ExxonMobil in Indonesia. 
Mr Ovenden is a member 
of the APPEA Exploration 
Committee.

Chief Financial Officer

BComm, MBA, FFin, FACA

Mr Neilson joined Santos 
as Chief Financial Officer 
in 2016, and is responsible 
for the finance, tax, 
treasury, planning, business 
development, investor 
relations and IT functions. 
He brings over 20 years’ 
experience in chartered 
accounting, banking 
and corporate financial 
roles including 15 years’ 
experience in the upstream 
and downstream oil and 
gas industry.

Prior to joining Santos, 
Mr Neilson was CEO of 
Roc Oil Company Limited 
(ROC), which was acquired 
in 2014 by Hong Kong-
listed investor Fosun 
International Limited. 
Previously, Mr Neilson was 
Chief Financial Officer of 
ROC (ASX listed) and has 
held commercial, finance 
and business services 
roles at Caltex Australia, 
Credit Suisse First Boston 
(London) and Arthur 
Andersen (Sydney).

Mr Neilson holds a Masters 
of Business Administration 
from AGSM and is a Fellow 
of the Financial Services 
Institute of Australasia 
and a Fellow of Chartered 
Accountants Australia and 
New Zealand.

Executive Vice 
President Midstream 
Infrastructure

LLB (Hons), MLM

Ms James joined Santos 
in 2016 and is responsible 
for maximising the 
utilisation and value 
of Santos’ midstream 
infrastructure, including 
oil and gas processing 
facilities at Moomba and 
Port Bonython and LNG 
facilities in the GLNG and 
DLNG projects.

Previously Ms James was 
Executive Vice President 
EHS and Governance, 
with responsibility for 
Santos’ risk and audit, 
legal, company secretary, 
sustainability, safety, 
environment and access 
functions.

Prior to joining Santos, 
Ms James held a range 
of functional and line 
leadership roles with Arrium 
including Chief Executive 
of the Group’s non-
integrated steel businesses, 
Chief Legal Officer and 
Chief Executive, Strategy, 
leading major acquisitions 
and divestments, 
business restructuring 
and turnaround and the 
legal, company secretary, 
government affairs and 
strategy functions. 

Ms James has previously 
worked in private practice 
at law firms in Australia and 
the UK.

VINCE 
SANTOSTEFANO

BRETT WOODS 

Chief Operations Officer 
Operations Services

Executive Vice President 
Developments

BEng (Civil), SPE

Mr Santostefano joined 
Santos in March of 2016 
and is responsible for the 
provision of technical and 
operational services to 
increase the scale and 
strategic value of Santos’ 
assets.

Mr Santostefano retired 
from Woodside Energy in 
November 2013 as Chief 
Operating Officer. As 
COO he was responsible 
for Woodside’s producing 
business units; the 
Production Function 
including 6 LNG trains 
with associated offshore 
infrastructure, four FPSOs, 
the Marine Division and 
the Brownfields Projects 
Group. During 2014 and 
2015, Mr Santostefano was 
engaged in Board work as 
a non-executive Director 
and various management-
consulting assignments. 
Mr Santostefano has 
a deep and respected 
knowledge of the industry, 
with significant experience 
in onshore and offshore 
operations and asset 
management. He has 
a proven capability to 
manage a demanding 
workload and to drive 
cultural change.

BSc (Hons) Geology 
and Geophysics

Mr Woods joined Santos 
in February 2013 and 
is accountable for 
Development across 
Santos’ onshore and 
offshore assets, including 
major capital projects, 
drilling and completions, 
and reservoir development, 
as well as Energy Solutions 
and Technology and 
overseeing Santos’ joint 
venture in PNG LNG.

At Santos, Mr Woods has 
previously held the roles of 
Executive Vice President 
Onshore Upstream, and 
Vice President, Eastern 
Australia. Mr Woods 
has held other roles 
within Santos including 
responsibilities for 
exploration in Western 
Australia and the Northern 
Territory, leading the 
Western Australian offshore 
operations including 
development of Fletcher 
Finucane, Darwin LNG and 
the domestic gas business.

Mr Woods has over 24 years 
of oil and gas industry 
experience including senior 
management, technical and 
business development roles 
at Woodside Energy and as 
CEO and Managing Director 
of Rialto Energy. He has a 
track record of delivering 
projects and efficient E&P 
operations and has both 
domestic and international 
experience. Mr Woods is 
a graduate of the Harvard 
Business School Advanced 
Management Program, an 
APPEA Board Director and 
Chairman of the APPEA 
Exploration Committee.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 11

 
  
 
 
Reserves Statement 
for the year ended 31 December 2018

RESERVES AND RESOURCES

Proved plus probable (2P) reserves increased by 20% to 1,022 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe) at the end of 2018, the highest 
level in four years. The 2P reserves replacement ratio was 395%.

Net acquisitions and divestments added 192 mmboe during the year, primarily due to the acquisition of Quadrant Energy partially offset 
by the sale of the non-core Asian assets.

Successful appraisal and development activity added 41 mmboe to 2P reserves during the year, primarily in the Cooper Basin, 
Queensland and Western Australia.

2C contingent resources increased to 1.8 billion barrels of oil equivalent due to the acquisition of Quadrant Energy accompanied by 
exploration and appraisal success in the Cooper Basin and Papua New Guinea.

RESERVES AND 2C CONTINGENT RESOURCES (SANTOS SHARE AS AT 31 DECEMBER)

Santos share

Proved reserves

Proved plus probable reserves

2C contingent resources

Unit

mmboe

mmboe

mmboe

2018

586

1,022

1,800

2017

% change

470

848

1,589

25

20

13

RESERVES AND 2C CONTINGENT RESOURCES BY PRODUCT (SANTOS SHARE AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2018)

Santos share

Proved reserves

Proved plus probable reserves

2C contingent resources

KEY METRICS

Sales gas 
PJ

Crude oil 
mmbbl

Condensate 
mmbbl

LPG 
000 tonnes

3,123

5,408

9,055

23

45

116

23

39

116

562

1,259

2,281

Annual proved reserves replacement ratio

Annual proved plus probable reserves replacement ratio

Two-year proved plus probable reserves replacement ratio

Organic annual proved plus probable reserves replacement ratio

Organic two-year proved plus probable reserves replacement ratio

Developed proved plus probable reserves as a proportion of total reserves

Reserves life1

1 

2P reserves life as at 31 December 2018 using proforma 2018 Santos and Quadrant Energy production of 75 mmboe.

Total 
mmboe

586

1,022

1,800

298%

395%

213%

69%

66%

57%

14 years

12 / Santos Annual Report 2018

 
PROVED RESERVES

Santos share as at 31 December 2018

Asset

Cooper Basin

Queensland and NSW1

PNG

Northern Australia

Western Australia

Total 1P

Sales gas 
PJ

Crude oil 
mmbbl

Condensate 
mmbbl

LPG 
000 tonnes

All products 
mmboe

Developed Undeveloped

287

799

832

28

1,177

3,123

8

-

0

-

15

23

4

-

9

1

9

23

523

-

-

39

-

562

47

103

98

6

154

408

18

34

53

-

72

178

Percentage of total proved reserves that are unconventional

1  Queensland proved sales gas reserves include 642 PJ GLNG and 157 PJ other Santos non-operated Eastern Queensland assets.

Proved reserves reconciliation

Product

Sales gas

Crude oil

Condensate

LPG

Total 1P 

Unit

PJ

mmbbl

mmbbl

000 tonnes

mmboe

2017

Production

2,491

18

20

577

470

(284)

(6)

(3)

(146)

(59)

Revisions  
and 
extensions

Net 
acquisitions 
and 
divestments

201

9

1

131

46

714

1

5

-

129

Total

65

137

152

6

226

586

24%

2018

3,123

23

23

562

586

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 13

Reserves Statement 
for the year ended 31 December 2018

PROVED PLUS PROBABLE RESERVES

Santos share as at 31 December 2018

Asset

Cooper Basin

Queensland and NSW1

PNG

Northern Australia

Western Australia

Total 2P

Sales gas 
PJ

Crude oil 
mmbbl

Condensate 
mmbbl

LPG 
000 tonnes

All products 
mmboe

Developed  Undeveloped 

601

1,906

1,176

41

1,685

5,408

18

-

0

-

27

45

9

-

14

1

15

39

1,186

-

-

73

-

1,259

98

103

141

9

235

586

41

225

75

-

95

436

Percentage of total proved plus probable reserves that are unconventional

1  Queensland proved plus probable sales gas reserves include 1,463 PJ GLNG and 443 PJ other Santos non-operated Eastern Queensland assets.

Proved plus probable reserves reconciliation

Unit

PJ

mmbbl

mmbbl

000 tonnes

mmboe

2017

Production

4,496

33

33

1,302

848

(284)

(6)

(3)

(146)

(59)

Revisions  
and 
extensions

Net 
acquisitions 
and 
divestments

162 

11

1

103

41

1,034

6

9

-

192

Total

139

328

215

9

331

1,022

32%

2018

5,408

45

39

1,259

1,022

Sales gas 
PJ

Crude oil 
mmbbl

Condensate 
mmbbl

LPG 
000 tonnes

All products 
mmboe

1,355

2,572

419

2,934

1,775

9,055

29

0

-

-

87

116

19

0

3

41

53

116

2,281

-

-

-

-

299

442

75

543

442

2,281

1,800

2C Contingent resources reconciliation

Product

Total 2C (mmboe)

2017

1,589

Revisions  
and 

Production

extensions1 Discoveries

Net 
acquisitions 
and 
divestments

-

(141)

59

294

2018

1,800

1 

Includes 31 mmboe of 2C contingent resources commercialised to 2P reserves in 2018.

14 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Product

Sales gas

Crude oil

Condensate

LPG

Total 2P 

2C CONTINGENT RESOURCES

Santos share as at 31 December 2018

Asset

Cooper Basin

Queensland and NSW

PNG

Northern Australia

Western Australia

Total 2C

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 2018.

3.  Santos prepares its petroleum reserves and contingent 
resources estimates in accordance with the 2007 
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 Policy which is 
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 and 
externally audited.

6.  Santos engages independent experts Gaffney, Cline & 

Associates (GCA), Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. 
(NSAI) and RISC Advisory Pty Ltd (RISC) 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 2018 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 2018. 

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. Organic reserves replacement 
ratio excludes net acquisitions and divestments.

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

Employer

Santos Ltd

M Laurent

Santos Ltd

Professional 
organisation

SPE

SPE

B Camac

E Klettke

N Pink

S Lawton

Santos Ltd

SPE, PESA 

Santos Ltd

SPE, APEGA

Santos Ltd

Santos Ltd

SPE

SPE

C Harwood

Santos Ltd

PESA, AAPG

D Smith

P Stephenson

NSAI

RISC

SPE

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

mmbbl

mmboe

NGLs

PJ

tcf

TJ

proved reserves

proved plus probable reserves

gigajoules

liquefied natural gas

liquefied petroleum gas

million barrels

million barrels of oil equivalent

natural gas liquids

petajoules

trillion cubic feet

terajoules

Conversion factors

Sales gas and ethane, 1 PJ

171,937 boe

Crude oil, 1 barrel

1 boe

Condensate, 1 barrel

0.935 boe

LPG, 1 tonne

8.458 boe

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 15

 
 
 
Directors’ Report

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The Directors present their report together with the consolidated financial report of the consolidated entity, being Santos Limited 
(“Santos” or “the Company”) and its controlled entities, for the financial year ended 31 December 2018, and the Auditor’s Report 
thereon. Information in the Annual Report referred to in this report, including the Remuneration Report, or contained in a note to the 
financial statements referred to in this report, forms part of, and is to be read as part of, this report.

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

Other Names

Allen

Cowan

Yasmin Anita

Guy Michael

Gallagher

Kevin Thomas

Goh

Guthrie

Hearl

Shi

Spence

Hock

Vanessa Ann

Peter Roland

Eugene

Keith William (Chairman)

Shareholdings in Santos Limited

48,883

25,000

619,563

67,215

5,000

48,808

-

65,000

The above-named Directors held office during the financial year. Mr Keith Spence was appointed as a Director on 1 January 2018, and as 
Chairman on 19 February 2018. Mr Peter Coates was a Director and Chairman until his retirement on 19 February 2018. 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 2,093,144 share acquisition rights (SARs) and 93,735 Restricted Deferred Shares. No other 
Director holds options or SARs.

Details of the qualifications, experience and special responsibilities of each Director are set out in the Directors’ biographies on pages 
8 and 9 of this Annual Report. This information includes details of other listed company directorships held during the last three years.

16 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Directors’ Report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

Allen

Coates2

Cowan

Yasmin A.

Peter R.

Guy M.

Gallagher

Kevin T.

Goh3

Hock

Guthrie4

Vanessa A.

Hearl

Shi5

Spence

Peter R.

Eugene

Keith W.

Directors’ Meeting

Audit & Risk 
Committee

Environment 
Health, Safety 
& Sustainability 
Committee

People & 
Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Attended/Held1

Attended/Held1

Attended/Held1

Attended/Held1

Attended/Held1

16 of 17

n/a

16 of 17

17 of 17

11 of 17

17 of 17

17 of 17

8 of 17

17 of 17

3 of 4

1 of 1

4 of 4

n/a

3 of 4

n/a

n/a

3 of 4

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

4 of 4

3 of 4

4 of 4

4 of 4

n/a

n/a

3 of 4

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

3 of 3

4 of 4

3 of 4

n/a

3 of 3

n/a

n/a

n/a

2 of 3

n/a

3 of 3

n/a

3 of 3

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

2  Mr P Coates retired from the Board on 19 February 2018.

3  Mr H Goh was on a leave of absence until early March 2018 due to a conflict of interest arising from his position as a Director of Harbour Energy. Mr Goh resigned from the Board of 

Harbour Energy effective 2 March 2018.

4  Dr VA Guthrie was appointed as a member of the People and Remuneration Committee on 30 March 2018.

5  Mr Shi did not attend Board meetings related to the Harbour Energy proposal due to a conflict of interest arising from his role at ENN.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 17

Directors’ Report
continued

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

Santos’ principal activities during 2018 were the exploration for, and development, production, transportation and marketing of, 
hydrocarbons. There were no significant changes in the nature of these activities during the year. Revenue is derived primarily from the 
sale of gas and liquid hydrocarbons.

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

Summary of results table

Production volume 

Sales volume

Product sales 

EBITDAX1 

Exploration and evaluation expensed

Depreciation and depletion

Net impairment loss

Change in future restoration assumptions

EBIT1

Net finance costs

Taxation (expense)/benefit

Net profit/(loss) for the period and attributable to equity holders of Santos Limited

Underlying profit for the period1

Underlying earnings per share (cents)1

2018 
mmboe

58.9

78.3

2017 
mmboe

59.5

83.4

US$million

US$million

3,660

2,160

(105)

(667)

(100)

46

1,334

(228)

(476)

630

727

34.9

3,100

1,428

(94)

(742)

(938)

31

(315)

(270)

225

(360)

318

15.3

Variance 
%

(1)

(6)

18

51

12

(10)

(89)

48

523

(16)

312

275

129

128

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 22 for the reconciliation from net loss to underlying profit for the period. Underlying earnings per share represents underlying profit for the period divided by the weighted 
average number of shares on issue during the year. The non-IFRS financial information is unaudited, however the numbers have been extracted from the audited financial statements.

Sales volumeSales volume

Product sales revenue

Sales revenue

Production volume
Production

84.1 83.4

78.3

63.7 64.3

3,641

3,660

3,100

2,594

2,442

57.7

54.1

61.6 59.5 58.9

2014

2015

2016

2017 2018

2014

2015

2016

2017 2018

2014

2015

2016

2017 2018

Sales volumes of 78.3 million barrels of oil 
equivalent (mmboe) were 6% lower than 
the previous year primarily due to lower 
third-party volumes, lower LNG volumes 
due to the PNG earthquake, and the sale of 
Santos’ non-core Asian assets.

Sales revenue increased 18% compared to 
the previous year to $3.7 billion, primarily 
due to higher oil and LNG prices partially 
offset by lower sales volumes. The average 
realised oil price increased 30% to US$75/
bbl and the average realised LNG price 
increased 36% to US$10.08/mmBtu.

Production was 1% lower than the 
previous year primarily due to the PNG 
earthquake and sale of the non-core 
Asian assets (which reduced production 
by approximately 4 mmboe in aggregate), 
partially offset by higher production in the 
Cooper Basin and Queensland, and the 
acquisition of Quadrant Energy.

18 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Directors’ ReportReview of Operations

Santos’ operations are focused on five core, long-life natural gas assets: Cooper Basin, Queensland & NSW, Papua New Guinea, 
Northern Australia and Western Australia. 

Cooper Basin

The Cooper Basin produces natural gas, gas liquids and crude oil. 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 domestic and export markets.

Santos’ strategy in the Cooper Basin is to deliver future production growth by being a low-cost business, increasing reserves, investing 
in new technology to lower development and exploration costs, and increasing utilisation of infrastructure including the Moomba plant.

Cooper Basin

Production (mmboe)

Sales volume (mmboe)

Revenue (US$m) 

Production cost (US$/boe)

EBITDAX (US$m) 

Capex (US$m)

2018

15.5

21.6

1,146

 8.17 

518

245

2017

14.4

21.0

851

 9.31 

329

198

Cooper Basin EBITDAX was $518 million, 57% higher than 2017 primarily due to higher sales revenue impacted by higher oil prices, in 
addition to lower production costs resulting from cost efficiencies.

Santos’ share of Cooper Basin sales gas and ethane production of 60.6 petajoules (PJ) was 4% higher than the previous year (58.4 PJ) 
as new development activity more than offset the impact of natural field decline.

Queensland & NSW

GLNG produces liquefied natural gas (LNG) for export to global markets from the LNG plant at Gladstone. Gas is also sold into the 
domestic market. Santos has a 30% interest in GLNG.

The LNG plant has two LNG trains with a combined nameplate capacity of 7.8 mtpa. Production from Train 1 commenced in September 
2015 and Train 2 in May 2016. Feed gas is sourced from GLNG’s upstream fields, Santos portfolio gas and third-party suppliers.

The LNG plant produced 4.8 million tonnes of LNG in 2018 and shipped 80 cargoes. Annual LNG production was lower than the previous 
year (5.4 million tonnes) as the GLNG joint venture partners diverted gas originally slated for export to the domestic market.

Santos aims to build GLNG gas supply through upstream development, seek opportunities to extract value from existing infrastructure 
and drive efficiencies to operate at lowest cost.

Queensland and NSW

Production (mmboe)

Sales volume (mmboe)

Revenue (US$m) 

Production cost (US$/boe)

EBITDAX (US$m) 

Capex (US$m)

2018

12.2

22.0

1,016 

5.77 

570

 244

2017

11.7

22.6

769

5.81 

322

190

Queensland and NSW EBITDAX of $570 million increased 77% compared to 2017. This was a result of higher sales revenue reflecting the 
ramp-up of upstream production and higher LNG prices and lower costs. 

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 19

Directors’ Report
continued

Papua New Guinea

Santos’ business in PNG is centred on the PNG LNG project. Completed in 2014, PNG LNG produces LNG for export to global markets, 
as well as sales gas and gas liquids. Santos has a 13.5% interest in PNG LNG.

The LNG plant near Port Moresby has two LNG trains with the combined capacity to produce more than eight million tonnes per 
annum. Production from both trains commenced in 2014. 

PNG LNG production and sales were significantly impacted by a severe earthquake that struck the PNG Highlands region in February 
2018. PNG LNG was safely shut-in and there were no releases of hydrocarbons or significant injuries to personnel. Production 
recommenced in April and resumed full rates in May.

The LNG plant produced 7.4 million tonnes of LNG in 2018 and shipped 98 cargoes. Annual LNG production was lower than the previous 
year (8.3 million tonnes) due to the earthquake.

Santos’ strategy in PNG is to work with its partners to align interests, and support and participate in backfill and expansion opportunities 
at PNG LNG. Santos, along with the other PNG LNG parties, are in discussions to build alignment for the proposed construction of 
three additional LNG trains at the PNG LNG site, one for the PNG LNG project (Santos 13.5% interest) and two for the Papua LNG 
project (in which Santos does not have an equity interest). Santos expects to earn an access fee from the Papua LNG project for use 
of existing PNG LNG infrastructure. Santos is also in discussions regarding a proposal received for Santos to farm-in to PRL 3 which 
contains the multi-tcf P’nyang field.

PNG

Production (mmboe)

Sales volume (mmboe)

Revenue (US$m) 

Production cost (US$/boe)

EBITDAX (US$m) 

Capex (US$m)

2018

11.2

10.8

630

6.23

506

39

2017

12.6

12.0

534

 4.37 

432

32

PNG EBITDAX of $506 million increased 17% compared to 2017, mainly due to higher LNG prices.

Northern Australia

Santos’ business in Northern Australia is focused on the Bayu-Undan/Darwin LNG (DLNG) project. In operation since 2006, DLNG 
produces LNG and gas liquids for export to global markets. Santos has an 11.5% interest in DLNG.

The LNG plant near Darwin has a single LNG train with a nameplate capacity of 3.7 mtpa. The plant produced 3.3 million tonnes of LNG 
in 2018 and shipped 54 cargoes. Annual LNG production was in line with the previous year.

Santos’ strategy in Northern Australia is to support plans to progress Darwin LNG backfill, expand the Company’s acreage footprint and 
appraise the onshore McArthur Basin.

In April 2018, Santos announced that agreement had been reached with its joint venture partners to enter the front-end engineering and 
design (FEED) phase for the development of the Barossa project to backfill Darwin LNG. A final investment decision is targeted towards 
the end of 2019 or early 2020. Santos has a 25% interest in Barossa and successful development would extend the operating life of 
Darwin LNG by more than 20 years, and more than double Santos’ current production in Northern Australia.

Northern Australia

Production (mmboe)

Sales volume (mmboe)

Revenue (US$m) 

Production cost (US$/boe)

EBITDAX (US$m) 

Capex (US$m)

Northern Australia EBITDAX of $116 million was 33% higher than 2017.

2018

3.7

3.6

183

 20.17 

116

66

2017

4.0

4.0

153

18.75

87

63

20 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Directors’ ReportWestern Australia

Santos is one of the largest producers of domestic natural gas in Western Australia and is also a significant producer of oil and natural 
gas liquids.

In August 2018, Santos announced the acquisition of Quadrant Energy for US$2.15 billion plus potential contingent payments related to 
the Bedout Basin. The acquisition was completed on 27 November 2018.

Quadrant Energy held natural gas and oil production, and near- and medium-term development, appraisal and exploration assets, 
predominantly in the Carnarvon Basin, offshore Western Australia. Quadrant’s conventional natural gas assets included significant 
portfolio overlap with Santos, including the Varanus Island and Devil Creek gas hubs, providing opportunity to realise significant 
combination synergies.

Quadrant’s portfolio also included a leading position in the highly prospective Bedout Basin, including the significant oil discovery at 
Dorado (Santos 80%) which provides near-term development opportunity, subject to appraisal.

Western Australia

Production (mmboe)

Sales volume (mmboe)

Revenue (US$m) 

Production cost (US$/boe)

EBITDAX (US$m) 

Capex (US$m)

2018

12.5

13.0

422

8.68

283

93

Quadrant Energy included from completion of the acquisition on 27 November 2018.

Western Australia EBITDAX of $283 million was 26% higher than 2017. 

Santos’ share of Western Australia gas and condensate production was 63.1 PJ and 0.7 mmbbl respectively. 

Asia

In May 2018, Santos announced the sale of its Asian asset portfolio to Ophir Energy plc for US$221 million. The asset sale was 
completed on 6 September 2018.

Asia

Production (mmboe)

Sales volume (mmboe)

Revenue (US$m) 

Production cost (US$/boe)

EBITDAX (US$m) 

Capex (US$m)

Asia production was lower than 2017 due to the completion of the sale of the assets in September 2018. 

2018

3.7

3.6

181

 11.36 

179

 8 

2017

10.5

10.8

352

 10.19 

224

79

2017

6.1

6.1

256

 11.15 

 177 

 34 

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 21

Directors’ Report
continued

Net profit/(loss)

The 2018 net profit attributable to equity holders of Santos Limited of $630 million is $990 million higher than the net loss of $360 
million in 2017. This increase is primarily due to lower impairment losses of $94 million after tax ($703 million in 2017) and higher sales 
revenue as a result of favourable product prices and volumes.

Net profit includes items before tax of $115 million ($97 million after tax), as referred to in the reconciliation of net profit to underlying 
profit below. Underlying profit was $727 million, $409 million higher than 2017.

Reconciliation of net profit/(loss) to underlying profit1

Net profit/(loss) after tax attributable to equity 

holders of Santos Limited 

Add/(deduct) the following:

Net gains on sales of non-current assets

Impairment losses

Fair value adjustments on embedded 

derivatives and hedges

Fair value adjustments on commodity hedges

Costs associated with acquisitions 

and disposals

Underlying profit1

2018 US$million

Gross

Tax

(112)

100

2

67

58

115

18

(6)

-

(21)

(9)

(18)

Net

630

(94)

94

2

46

49

97

727

2017 US$million

Gross

Tax

Net

(79)

938

(14)

63

-

20

(235)

4

(19)

-

908

(230)

(360)

(59)

703

(10)

44

-

678

318

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, and the impact of hedging. The calculation of underlying profit has changed from prior periods, to simplify the definition of underlying profit to 
enhance comparability to peer companies. Prior period underlying profit has been restated to a like-for-like basis. 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. 

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

2018 
US$million

2017 
US$million

Variance 
US$million

1,004

11,343

459

9,662

(2,093)

(1,528)

492

10,746

(3,549)

82

7,279

120

8,713

(2,731)

1,169

7,151

545

1,681

(565)

372

2,033

(818)

(1,087)

128

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.

22 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Directors’ Report 
Impairment of assets

During the Company’s regular review of asset carrying values, Santos undertook an impairment review as part of the preparation of its 
2018 full-year accounts.

At 31 December 2018, non-cash after-tax impairment losses of $18 million were recognised in addition to the non-cash after-tax 
impairment of $76 million recognised at 30 June 2018. The total after-tax impairment losses of $94 million for the year mainly relate to 
the impairment of exploration and evaluation assets.

Exploration and evaluation assets 

Exploration and evaluation assets were $1,004 million compared to $459 million at the end of 2017, an increase of $545 million, due 
to the acquisition of Quadrant Energy, 2018 capital expenditure, including drilling in Papua New Guinea, Cooper Basin and Barossa 
Caldita, along with evaluation studies, in addition to acquisition costs comprising interests in Tern Frigate and Muruk Farm-in; offset 
by impairment losses before tax of $129 million and exploration and evaluation expenses of $10 million. 

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

Oil and gas assets and other land and buildings, plant and equipment of $11,343 million were $1,681 million higher than in 2017 mainly due 
to the acquisition of Quadrant Energy and 2018 capital expenditure, offset by depreciation and depletion charges. 

Restoration provision

Restoration provision balances have increased by $565 million to $2,093 million mainly due to the acquisition of Quadrant Energy, offset 
by revised restoration cost estimates and favorable exchange differences.

Net debt

Net debt of $3,549 million was $818 million higher than at the end of 2017 primarily as a result of additional funding for the acquisition of 
Quadrant Energy, offset by free cash flow before asset acquisitions and divestments of $1,006 million and proceeds from asset sales of 
$152 million. 

Net tax assets/(liabilities)

Net tax assets of $82 million have decreased by $1,087 million primarily as a result of the acquisition of Quadrant Energy and the 
utilisation of carry-forward tax losses recognised by the Group.

Net assets/equity

Total equity increased by $128 million to $7,279 million at year end. The increase primarily reflects the net profit after tax attributable to 
owners of Santos of $630 million, partially offset by the movements in the translation reserve of $437 million and payments of dividends 
to shareholders of $73 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.

Oil price hedging

The objectives of Santos’ Oil Price Hedging Policy are to reduce the effect of commodity price volatility and support annual capital 
expenditure plans. The Company will continue to monitor commodity market conditions and will enter hedging transactions as 
appropriate.

As at 31 December 2018, the Company had total combined 2019 hedging of 4.9 million barrels. Of this, 3.4 million barrels of production 
is hedged using zero cost collars with a floor price of $45.00/bbl and a ceiling price of $79.27/bbl. In addition, Quadrant Energy 2019 
hedging of 1.5 million barrels via swaps and participating forwards with an average floor price of $64.59/bbl has been novated to Santos.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 23

Directors’ Report
continued

Business strategy and prospects for future financial years 

Business strategy

Santos has a clear and consistent strategy to drive shareholder value which sees five core, long-life natural gas assets at the heart of 
the Company’s operations, each with significant upside potential. 

The Company’s strategy has three phases:

Transform

•  Diverse and balanced portfolio of five core, long-life natural gas assets;

•  Robust balance sheet;

• 

Lowest-cost onshore operator in Australia; and

•  Disciplined, low-cost operating model, portfolio free cash flow breakeven at <$40 oil price.

Build

•  Develop low-risk, brownfield growth prospects across the core portfolio;

• 

• 

Pursue strategically aligned, value-accretive acquisition opportunities;

Leverage facilities and infrastructure operations strategic capability; and

•  Maximise margins through Marketing and Trading business.

Grow

• 

• 

Execute and bring on-line growth opportunities across the core portfolio;

Focused exploration strategy to identify new high-value targets and unlock future core assets; and

•  Generate new revenue through low-carbon Energy Solutions projects.

Prospects for future financial years

Santos has a clear strategy and a solid platform for growth. The business focus is aligned with the strategy as the Company continues 
to drive efficiencies through the low-cost operating model and progress growth opportunities across the five core assets. This focus will 
enable Santos to remain a low-cost and high-performing business with significant upside opportunities across the portfolio. 

The Company will increasingly focus on disciplined growth by:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

completing the P’nyang farm-in in PNG and entering FEED for expansion;

completing FEED on Barossa backfill for Darwin LNG and progressing to FID;

delivering the Dorado appraisal program and entering FEED;

driving synergies in Western Australia resulting from the Quadrant acquisition;

growing production in the onshore assets consistent with the disciplined operating model; and

optimising the portfolio through strategically aligned acquisitions, farm-outs and disposals.

Santos expects 2019 sales volumes to be in the range of 88-98 mmboe and production to be in the range of 71-78 mmboe. Capital 
expenditure is expected to be approximately $1.1 billion.

Santos remains confident in the long-term underlying demand for energy and particularly natural gas on the back of Asian economic 
growth, the rising global population and rapid urbanisation in developing economies. 

Material business risks

The achievement of Santos’ purpose and vision, 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.

24 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Directors’ ReportStrategic risks

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. The majority of oil and gas produced (or to be produced) in Santos’ portfolio has been sold under 
sales contracts where the sale price is linked to the global price of oil. Lower global oil prices will therefore reduce Santos’ revenues and 
the profitability of its operations. 

Global oil prices are affected by numerous factors beyond the Company’s control and historically these have fluctuated widely. Santos’ three-
tiered strategy, Operating Model and Hedging Policy introduced in 2016 directly address oil price risk to build resilience to oil price fluctuations. 
This includes a clear focus on cash flow management, operational and cost efficiencies, debt reduction and production growth opportunities. 

Santos’ acquisition of Quadrant in 2018 adds conventional domestic natural gas assets backed by medium to long-term CPI-linked 
offtake contracts to compliment Santos’ predominantly oil-linked revenues.

Oil and gas reserves development

Calculations 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. 
A failure to successfully develop existing reserves may impact Santos’ ability to fully supply LNG, gas or oil under customer contracts.

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

Santos applies an integrated management system across all aspects of business performance, including reserves estimation and delivery. 
Progress against key reserves metrics is routinely reviewed by senior management and the Board and reserves estimates are published 
annually (pages 12–15).

Exploration and reserves replacement

Santos’ 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, from either exploration or acquisition. Exploration activities are subject to geological and technological 
uncertainties and the failure to replace utilised reserves is a risk inherent in the industry.

Exploration risks are managed through an established exploration prospect evaluation methodology and risking process. In addition, 
business development processes identify, review and progress opportunities to build reserves through acquisition in support of the 
Company’s strategy to Transform, Build and Grow the business.

Demand and market

The demand for oil, gas, LNG and other products Santos markets may be adversely affected by a range of external factors including 
competition from alternative suppliers or other sources of energy supply, and changes in consumer behaviour or government policy. 

A robust business strategy development and review processes considers independent oil, gas and LNG market forecasts, and other 
relevant macro-economic factors, to assess the company’s portfolio under a range of scenarios, to enable the delivery of plans in 
support of the Company’s purpose and vision.

Project development

Investment is undertaken 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. Failure to deliver or protracted delays in 
delivering projects may occur 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. Progress and performance of material projects 
is regularly reviewed by senior management and the Board.

Joint venture arrangements

Much of Santos’ business is carried out through joint ventures. The use of joint ventures is common in the oil and gas 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 
impact 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 has defined critical expectations and requirements for participation in and operation of joint ventures in order to optimise the 
Company’s commercial and operational interests. The Company works closely with its joint venture partners to reduce the risk of 
misalignment in joint venture activities.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 25

Directors’ Report
continued

Operational risks

Technical and engineering

Santos is exposed to risks in relation to its ongoing oil and gas exploration and production activities, such as failure of drilling and 
completions equipment, pipeline and facilities integrity failures, major processing or transportation incidents, release of hydrocarbons 
or other substances, security incidents and other well control and process safety risks, which may have an adverse effect on Santos’ 
profitability and results of operations.

An integrated management system is applied across all operational activities to manage and monitor operations performance and 
material risk controls. The management system includes all relevant technical, operational, asset reliability and integrity standards and 
incident management standards and competency requirements. The system is designed to ensure the Company meets regulatory and 
industry standards in all operations.

Access and licence to operate 

Santos has interests in areas which may be subject to claims by communities and landowners who may have concerns over the social or 
environmental impacts of oil and gas operations or the distribution of oil and gas royalties and access to mining- and petroleum-related 
benefits. This has the potential to impact on land access or result in community unrest and activism and may adversely impact on the 
Company’s reputation. 

A number of Santos interests are subject to one or more claims or applications for native title determination. In Australia, compliance 
with the requirements of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) can delay the grant of mineral and petroleum tenements and subsequent 
timing of exploration, development and production activities.

Santos and its operating joint venture partners work closely with relevant governments, communities, landowners and indigenous groups 
to ensure all concerns are fairly addressed and managed, and Santos’ operations benefit from their support. In addition, Santos and its 
operating joint venture partners develop and employ security and risk management plans, and are committed to conducting operations 
in a way that protects the security of its personnel, facilities and operations. 

Santos has a long history of safe and sustainable operations working with communities and landholders across the country. Land access 
agreements are in place and a team of experienced community and land access representatives work with Aboriginal stakeholders, 
landholders and communities to ensure that issues are understood and addressed appropriately.

Cyber security

Cyber security risks, including threats to information and operational systems from computer viruses, unauthorised access, cyber-attack 
and other similar disruptions, have evolved rapidly and can impact all sectors of the economy, including the energy sector. The increasing 
technological advances in operations require monitoring and protection to ensure cyber security threats are appropriately managed 
and prevented. Cyber security risks may lead to disruption of critical business processes, a breach of privacy and theft of commercially 
sensitive information. A cyber event may lead to adverse impacts on Santos’ profitability and reputation.

Focused cyber security risk management is incorporated into Santos’ risk management and assurance processes and practices across 
the Company’s business and operational information management systems.

Workforce

Santos’ future success is significantly influenced by the expertise and continued service of certain key executives and technical 
personnel. An inability to attract or retain such personnel could adversely affect business continuity and, as such, employment 
arrangements and succession plans are designed to secure and retain the services of key personnel. Key workforce metrics and 
succession plans are routinely reviewed by senior management and the Board.

Environmental, safety and sustainability risks

Health, safety and environment 

The size, nature and complexity of Santos’ operations pose risks in relation to the health and safety of employees and contractors, and a 
range of environmental risks exist when carrying out exploration and production activities. Environmental incidents, and real or perceived 
threats to the environment or the amenity of local communities, could result in a loss of Santos’ licence to operate leading to delays, 
disruption or the shut-down of exploration and production activities.

Santos has a comprehensive approach to management of health, safety and environmental risks. The Company’s management system 
integrates technical and engineering requirements with personal health and safety requirements to comprehensively manage health, 
safety and environmental risks within company operations.

26 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Directors’ ReportClimate change

Santos anticipates its activities will be subject to increasing regulation and costs associated with climate change and the management of 
carbon emissions.

Strategic, regulatory and operational risks and opportunities associated with climate change are incorporated into policy, strategy and 
risk management processes and practices. The Company actively monitors current and emerging climate change risk and proactively 
takes steps to prevent and mitigate any impacts on its objectives and activities. Reduction of waste and emissions is an integral part of 
delivery of cost efficiencies and forms part of the Company’s routine operations.

Financial risks

The financial risk management strategy seeks 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 in line with a Board-approved 
policy and framework. The framework and principles for overall financial risk management address specific financial risks, such as foreign 
exchange risk, interest rate risk and credit risk, approved derivative and non-derivative financial instruments, and liquidity management.

An Oil Price Hedging Policy is in place with the objective of reducing the effect of commodity price volatility and to support annual 
capital expenditure plans. Santos continues to monitor commodity market conditions and will enter hedging transactions as appropriate.

Foreign currency

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.

Exposure to foreign currency risk arises principally through the sale of products denominated in currencies other than the functional 
currency, borrowings denominated in currencies other than US$ and capital and operating expenditure incurred in currencies other than 
US$, principally A$. Santos also holds investment interests in domestic and foreign operations whose net assets are exposed to foreign 
currency translation risk.

A foreign currency hedging policy is in place with the objective of reducing the effect of foreign currency exchange rate volatility and 
to support annual capital expenditure plans. Santos continues to monitor foreign currency market conditions and will enter hedging 
transactions as appropriate.

Credit

Credit risk 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. Credit exposures exist to customers 
in the form of 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. These affects may 
be global or affecting a particular geographic region, industry or economic sector. Access to debt and equity funding may also be unduly 
affected by a downgrade in its credit rating. 

Santos had $3.3 billion in liquidity (cash and undrawn bilateral bank facilities) available as at 31 December 2018.

Contract and counterparty risks

As part of its ongoing commercial activities, Santos is party to a number of material contracts including finance agreements, 
infrastructure access agreements, agreements for the sale and purchase of hydrocarbon, transportation agreements, joint venture 
agreements, and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts. Santos also enters into sale and purchase contracts with 
third parties for the sale and purchase of natural gas, LNG and other products. 

The economic effects of these contracts over their term may be impacted by fluctuations in commodity prices, price reviews, 
operational performance and other market conditions. Failure to perform material obligations under these contracts by Santos and/or 
the applicable counterparties, or to secure any extensions or amendments to these contracts, may result in a material impact on Santos’ 
operations and financial results. 

Santos tracks key contractual obligations and monitors performance across its material contracts.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 27

Directors’ Report
continued

Political and legal risks

Political, legal and regulatory

Santos’ business is subject to various laws and regulations in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates that relate 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 materially adverse effect on Santos’ business, on the results of 
operations and the Company’s financial performance. For example, a change in taxation laws, environmental laws or land access laws 
could have a material effect on the Company.

The domestic gas business and GLNG project, including its ability to purchase gas, develop future growth projects and meet supply 
commitments’ may also be adversely impacted by any governmental intervention, including limitations on LNG export volumes and the 
redirection of gas from export to domestic markets. Any such intervention may also have broader implications for the future of the gas 
industry in Australia. 

Continuous monitoring of legislative and regulatory changes and associated risks is undertaken and regular engagement with regulators 
and governments supports the management of risks arising from these changes. 

Litigation and dispute 

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 has an experienced legal team that monitors and manages potential and actual claims, actions and disputes.

Material prejudice 

As permitted by sections 299(3) and 299A(3) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), 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 Material Business Risks section (pages 24 to 28) refers to risks which, if materialised, may have a significant effect on the state of 
affairs of the Company.

Dividends

On 20 February 2019, the Directors resolved to pay a fully franked final dividend of US6.2 cents per fully paid ordinary share on  
28 March 2019 to shareholders registered in the books of the Company at the close of business on 27 February 2019 (“Record Date”). 
This final dividend amounts to approximately US$128 million. The Board also resolved that the Dividend Reinvestment Plan will not be in 
operation for the 2018 final dividend.

In addition, a fully franked interim dividend of US3.5 cents per share was paid to members on 27 September 2018. The DRP was not in 
operation for the interim dividend. 

28 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Directors’ Report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. Environmental compliance 
performance is monitored on a regular basis and in various forms, including audits conducted by regulatory authorities and by the 
Company, either through internal or external resources.

On 4 May 2018, Santos received a penalty infringement notice and $12,615 fine from the Queensland Department of Environment and 
Science for a release of effluent to the environment.

On 19 July 2018, Santos received a $68,000 fine from the Queensland Department of Environment and Science for the unauthorised 
release of hydrocarbons to land.

On 12 October 2018, Santos received a penalty infringement notice and $1,500 fine from the New South Wales Environment Protection 
Authority for using produced water treated at the Leewood Treatment Plant for irrigation. 

The consolidated entity undertook corrective measures in respect of the infringements to prevent re-occurrences.

POST BALANCE DATE EVENTS

On 20 February 2019, the Directors of Santos Limited resolved to pay a final dividend on ordinary shares in respect of the 2018 financial 
year. The financial effect of these dividends has not been brought to account in the full-year financial report for the year ended 31 
December 2018. 

SHARES UNDER OPTION AND UNVESTED SHARE ACQUISITION RIGHTS (SARS)

Options

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

Date options granted

Expiry date

2 March 2009

2 March 2019

1 

This is the exercise price payable by the option holder.

Issue price of shares1

Number of options

$14.81

50,549

50,549

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

Unvested SARs

Unissued ordinary shares of Santos Limited under unvested SARs at 31 December 2018 are as follows:

Date SARs granted

14 June 2016

31 August 2016

21 March 2017

19 May 2017

29 September 2017

21 March 2018

1 April 2018

7 May 2018

9 July 2018

5 November 2018

Number of shares under unvested SARs

3,862,734

570,071

3,522,051

671,641

516,328

2,755,941

743,078

520,183

427,344

15,299

13,604,670

Since 31 December 2018, no additional SARs have been granted over unissued ordinary shares of Santos Limited and 9,636 SARs 
pursuant to the ShareMatch plan have lapsed.

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 31 of this report and in note 7.2 to the financial report.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 29

Directors’ Report
continued

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

Options

No options were exercised during the year ended 31 December 2018 or up to the date of this report. 

Vested SARs

The following ordinary shares of Santos Limited were allocated during the year ended 31 December 2018 on the vesting of SARs granted 
under the Santos Employee Equity Incentive Plan (SEEIP) (formerly known as the Santos Employee Share Purchase Plan (SESPP)) and 
ShareMatch Plan (ShareMatch). No amount is payable on the vesting of SARs and accordingly no amounts are unpaid on any of the 
shares.

Date SARs granted

28 July 2015

1 February 2016

11 July 2016

31 August 2016

19 April 2017

29 September 2017

9 July 2018

Number of shares allocated

568,170

166,911

42,585

 28,083

80,571

14,300

4,918

905,538 

Since 31 December 2018, no ordinary shares of Santos Limited have been allocated on the vesting of SARs granted under the SEEIP and 
ShareMatch.

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 31 
of this report and in notes 7.2 and 7.3 to the financial report.

30 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Directors’ ReportRemuneration Report

The Directors of Santos present this Remuneration Report for the consolidated entity for the year ended 31 December 2018. The 
information provided in this Report has been audited as required by section 308(3C) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations 
Act) and forms part of the Directors’ Report. 

The Remuneration Report outlines the Company’s key remuneration activities in 2018 and remuneration information pertaining to the 
key management personnel (KMP) of the consolidated entity for the purposes of the Corporations Act and Accounting Standards, as 
set out below. These are the personnel who have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the 
Company’s major financial, commercial and operating divisions. 

KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL COVERED BY THE REMUNERATION REPORT

Name

Position 

Non-executive Directors 

Term as KMP in FY2018

Keith William Spence1

Independent non-executive Chair

Full year 

Peter Roland Coates

Independent non-executive Chair 

1 January 2018 to 19 February 2018

Yasmin Anita Allen

Independent non-executive Director

Guy Michael Cowan

Independent non-executive Director

Hock Goh

Independent non-executive Director

Vanessa Ann Guthrie

Independent non-executive Director

Peter Roland Hearl

Independent non-executive Director

Eugene Shi

Non-executive Director

Executive Director

Full year

Full year

Full year

Full year

Full year

Full year

Kevin Thomas Gallagher 

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Full year 

Senior Executives 

David Maxwell Banks

Executive Vice President (EVP) Onshore Upstream 
prior to commencing in this role Mr Banks was Vice President Onshore 
Upstream Projects

From 1 December 2018

Philip Ambrose Byrne

EVP Marketing, Trading and Commercial

Full year

Brett Anthony Darley

EVP Offshore

From 28 November 2018

Anthony Myles Neilson

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Vincent Santostefano

Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Brett Kenneth Woods

Bruce Clement

EVP Developments 
prior to commencing in this newly created role on 1 December Mr Woods was 
EVP Onshore Upstream

EVP Conventional Oil and Gas 
prior to commencing in this role Mr Clement was Vice President Asia,  
NSW & WA Oil Assets

From 1 February 2018 to 
27 November 2018 

Full year

Full year

Full year

1  Mr Spence was appointed to the Board on 1 January 2018 and appointed Chair on 19 February 2018. 

REPORTING CURRENCY 

Remuneration is disclosed in US$ (unless otherwise indicated) with all remuneration components having been converted from A$ to 
US$ using an average rate of $0.7475 for 2018 and $0.7667 for 2017. This means year-on-year changes in remuneration amounts stated 
in US$ may be at least partly attributable to exchange rate variations and not necessarily a change in policy intent concerning the 
amount to be paid in A$. 

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 31

 
Remuneration Report
continued

OVERVIEW OF RESULTS - DELIVERING STRONG PERFORMANCE 

Since 2016 Santos has simplified the business, reduced costs, increased efficiencies and delivered on the clear and consistent Transform, 
Build, Grow strategy. The successful execution of Santos’ strategy delivered a strong financial performance in 2018 including:

• 

• 

• 

• 

129% increase in underlying net profit after tax to $727 million,

63% increase in free cash flow to $1 billion, 

18% increase in sales revenue to a record $3.7 billion, and

sales volumes of 78.3 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe) and production of 58.9 mmboe across the portfolio of five core 
long-life natural gas assets.

In 2018 the company achieved its net debt reduction target of $2 billion more than one year ahead of plan. This milestone provided the 
flexibility to return to dividends and acquire the low-cost, high-margin conventional assets of Quadrant Energy in Western Australia. The 
value accretive acquisition of Quadrant Energy in Western Australia for US$2.15 billion aligned not only with our production growth plan 
but also our strategy to build on existing infrastructure positions around our core long-life natural gas assets. 

Our strong operating and financial results in 2018 reflect the benefits of a cash generative core asset portfolio and low-cost, disciplined 
operating model. Santos’ portfolio is now positioned for disciplined growth, targeting production of more than 100 mmboe by 2025, 
almost double the levels in 2018.

While our financial performance and growth outcomes have been very strong in 2018, our results in relation to personal and process 
safety have not met our high expectations, though there have been improvements made from the previous year’s performance, 
particularly in personal safety. The Board and Executive team are focussed on continuing to improve this performance in 2019 and are 
committed to preventing harm to people and the environment. 

ALIGNING REMUNERATION AND COMPANY PERFORMANCE 

In 2018, we strengthened the alignment of Executive remuneration with the interests of shareholders by:

• 

• 

• 

• 

including appropriate financial and operational performance measures in the Company Scorecard, at an overall 50% weighting of the 
total result, including production, unit production costs, underlying profit and Free Cash Flow Breakeven Point (FCFBP) measures;

setting more challenging stretch performance goals and increasing Executive STI opportunities for high performance, while holding 
incentives for “on-target” performance at pre-existing levels;

increasing the portion of Executive STI deferred in equity for two years from 30% to 50% of total STI, subject to positive free cash 
flow (FCF), and requiring that the portion deferred in equity be 100% if FCF is not positive;

focussing the CEO and Senior Executives on ongoing shareholder returns through the equity-based LTI plan, particularly through the 
relative TSR and return on capital performance hurdles.

Despite strong operational performance during 2018, no Long-Term Incentive (LTI) awards vested because the Company did not achieve 
the required relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR) performance over the four years since the 2015 LTI was awarded. This is the eighth 
consecutive year that relative TSR-tested LTI awards have not vested, reflecting the clear link between long-term shareholder returns 
and Senior Executive remuneration.

In light of the Company’s performance in 2018, the Board has approved a Company Scorecard result of 138.8% of its target performance 
level, which will be used to determine Short-Term Incentive (STI) awards. Further detail on the KPIs and performance assessment is 
available in Table 2: “2018 Company Scorecard – KPI performance” on page 41.

32 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Directors’ ReportACTUALLY REALISED REMUNERATION 

The Actually Realised Remuneration table below shows remuneration “actually realised” by the CEO and Senior Executives in relation to 
2018, namely: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

cash payments on account of Total Fixed Remuneration (TFR); 

cash STI awards earned in respect of 2018 performance;

deferred STI awards in respect of prior performance years which vested in 2018; and 

SARs granted as part of the LTI program, only if they vest, valued on the basis of their closing price on the date of vesting. 

These amounts differ from the amounts reported in Table 5 and other statutory tables which are prepared in accordance with the 
Corporations Act and Accounting Standards. This is because the Accounting Standards require a value to be placed on “share-based 
payments” at the time of grant, and for that “accounting value” to be reported as remuneration, even though the CEO and Senior 
Executives may ultimately not realise any actual value from the “share-based payments” e.g. because the performance conditions are 
not satisfied, as was the case for the 2015 four-year LTI award tested at the end of 2018. 

Termination payments, leave entitlements and cashing out of leave entitlements, where allowable under legislation, are not included 
in the table below. The total remuneration amounts determined in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act and 
Accounting Standards are set out in Table 5 “2017 and 2018 Senior Executive remuneration details” (see page 50).

The Actually Realised Remuneration shown in Table 1 will continue to be disclosed in Australian dollars to enable simpler year-on-year 
comparisons without the impact of currency changes.

Table 1: Actually realised remuneration (unaudited and non-IFRS) 

 2016 
Deferred STI 
that vested 
3 
in 2018 
A$

4 
LTI 
A$

TFR 
A$

2 
1  Cash STI 
A$

Year

2018

2017

2018

2018

2017

2018

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

CURRENT

KT Gallagher

CEO

DM Banks

EVP Onshore Upstream

PA Byrne

EVP Marketing, Trading and Commercial

BA Darley

EVP Offshore

AM Neilson

Chief Financial Officer

V Santostefano

Chief Operations Officer 

BK Woods

EVP Developments 

FORMER

B Clement

EVP Conventional Oil and Gas

1,890,000

1,175,600

608,488

1,800,000

1,159,200

58,333

22,300

700,000

271,370

77,000

822,500

800,000

859,562

850,000

742,500

695,000

286,700

129,400

31,200

347,800

423,600

361,500

379,300

327,900

355,600

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

207,528

–

172,938

297,330

2018

577,500

446,9007

–

Other 
vested 
grants 
A$

851,2466

667,644

– 

–

–

–

–

122,214

–

–

5 
Other 
A$

Total 
A$

6,082

5,341

 4,531,416

3,632,185

–

 80,633

6,082

9,804

1,094

 992,782

410,574

109,294

–

 1,170,300

2,626

6,082

2,684

6,082

6,408

1,348,440

 1,434,672

1,231,984

 1,249,420

1,354,338

–

1,024,400

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1 
TFR comprises base salary and superannuation. The amounts shown here are actually received TFR, i.e. they are pro-rated amounts for the period that Executives were in KMP roles. 
2  The “Cash STI” column reflects the 50% of the STI award for 2018 performance for continuing Executives that will be paid in cash. The remaining 50% will be awarded as equity restricted 

for two years. 

3  The deferred restricted equity from the 2016 STI award that vested on 31 December 2018, at a closing share price of A$5.48.
4  No LTI vested in 2018. For the value of share-based payments calculated in accordance with the Accounting Standards, see Table 5 “2017 and 2018 CEO and Senior Executive remuneration” 

on page 50. 
“Other” comprises ad hoc payments treated as remuneration, such as assignment and mobilisation allowances and other non-monetary benefits.

5 
6  This figure represents the second tranche of the CEO’s sign-on grant (166,911 SARs) that vested on 31 January 2018. The amount reflected is based on a closing share price of A$5.10 on 

31 January 2018.

7  Mr Clement’s 2018 STI will be delivered wholly in cash in accordance with his contract, as he will not be an ongoing employee. 

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 33

 
Remuneration Report
continued

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) and reviewing whether they are aligned to the Company’s values, strategic direction and risk appetite. 

The Committee operates under a Charter approved by the Board and regularly conducts a review of its performance, structure, 
objectives and purpose. The Committee Charter is available on the Company’s website at www.santos.com. 

External advisors and remuneration advice

The Board has adopted a protocol for engaging and seeking advice from remuneration consultants. In 2018 some remuneration 
benchmarking exercises were undertaken to provide information on market remuneration levels for KMP, however no remuneration 
recommendations were provided by remuneration consultants.

Clawback

The share plan rules give the Company the discretion to lapse or forfeit unvested deferred shares or SARs awarded under the STI or LTI 
programs, and claw back any vested shares or cash paid in certain circumstances. 

These circumstances 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.

Securities hedging

Under the Company’s Securities Dealing Policy, Directors, executives and employees cannot enter into hedging or other financial 
arrangements which operate to limit the economic risk associated with holding Santos securities prior to the vesting of those securities 
or while they are subject to a holding lock or restriction on dealing.

34 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Directors’ ReportREMUNERATION APPROACH 

The fundamental purpose of Santos’ remuneration policy is to develop and maintain an effective remuneration framework which 
supports and reinforces successful execution of the Transform, Build, Grow business strategy.

Remuneration policy objective

Attracting and retaining talented and 
qualified executives

Focusing executives to strive for 
superior performance

Aligning executive and shareholder 
interests

Enabled through the Company’s remuneration framework

Total Fixed Remuneration (TFR) 
(base plus superannuation)

•  Remuneration levels are market-
aligned against similar roles in 
comparable companies. 

• 

• 

Individual remuneration is set with 
regard to the executive’s role and 
responsibilities and also the 
individual’s experience and 
competencies.

Fixed Remuneration levels ensure 
that the Company offers 
competitive remuneration that 
enables it to attract and retain the 
skills it needs without paying 
excessively, in line with its 
cost focus.

Short-term incentive (STI)

Long-term incentive (LTI)

• 

• 

A significant component of 
remuneration is “at risk”. The value 
to the executive is dependent on 
the Company and individual 
meeting challenging targets.

Short-term incentive outcomes 
are based on annual performance 
measures that deliver immediate 
outcomes for the Company across 
a range of financial, safety, 
environment, growth and 
culture KPIs.

•  Half (50%) of executives’ STI 
awards is delivered as cash 
following the end of the 
performance year.

• 

The other 50% is delivered in 
equity, subject to a further 
two-year restriction period.

• 

• 

• 

Long-term incentives are delivered 
as Share Acquisition Rights 
(SARs). 

Vesting of long-term incentives is 
contingent on achieving 
performance hurdles that are 
aligned with creation of long-term 
shareholder value (relative total 
shareholder return, return on 
capital employed and free 
cashflow).

Executives cannot hedge equity 
incentives that are unvested or 
subject to restrictions. These 
incentives are also subject to 
clawback.

Remuneration timeline

The timing of Executive remuneration payments and delivery mechanisms is summarised in the following diagram.

TFR

STI*

LTI

50% cash

50% equity

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

100% equity

Delivered as cash

Delivered as equity

* This is an increase in the deferred equity portion for 2018, up from 30% in previous years. 

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 35

Remuneration Report
continued

Key questions relating to Incentives Framework

Short-term incentive

What is the purpose of STI? STI aligns Executive interests to the delivery of the Company’s short-term operational and financial goals 

for the year. Goals are chosen to drive outcomes and behaviours that support the safe operation and 
delivery of the business and lead to long-term growth in shareholder value. 

What is the relevant 
performance period?

STI award is based on performance for a one-year period. At least 50% of the award is provided as 
restricted equity held for two years. This is an increase from previous years when 30% of the award was 
provided as deferred equity.

In what form is the incentive 
made and when is the 
incentive realised?

How is the STI pool 
determined?

The STI award is subject to a free cash flow gate, such that: 

• 

if FCF for the year was positive, 50% of STI is paid in cash in the next available payroll run. The other 
50% is deferred in shares or share acquisition rights (SARs) for two years;

• 

if FCF was negative, all of the STI is deferred in equity for two years.

Deferred STI is forfeited if the Executive leaves the Company during the vesting period due to resignation 
or summary dismissal (including for fraud or misconduct). STI awards are subject to clawback.

The STI pool size is capped at the sum of individuals’ maximum STI levels. The actual STI pool for the year 
is set by reference to the Company Scorecard result (2018 results are outlined in Table 2 on page 41). The 
Scorecard result is generally applied as a percentage of the target pool size (subject to the application of 
any Board discretion). 

How is individual 
performance considered 
in determining STI?

For the CEO and Senior Executives, STI awards are determined with reference to the assessment of 
Company performance against the Company Scorecard, as well as individual performance in that year. 
The CEO sets individual KPIs with each Senior Executive at the start of the performance year, as relevant 
to their specific role and contribution to Company deliverables.

The CEO assesses Senior Executive performance and determines STI award proposals which are 
then formally endorsed by the People and Remuneration Committee. The Board assesses the CEO’s 
performance and determines his STI award.

36 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Directors’ ReportLong-term incentive 

What is the purpose of LTI? LTI aligns the interests of Executives with the creation of long-term shareholder value. 

The relative TSR performance criteria provide for vesting when there are strong shareholder returns 
against the relevant markets. The FCFBP and ROACE measures vest when the Company demonstrates 
underlying operational efficiency to generate free cash flow throughout the oil price cycle, and disciplined 
use of capital to generate shareholder returns over a four-year period. 

What is the relevant 
performance period?

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

In what form is the incentive 
made and when is the 
incentive realised?

LTI amounts are based on a set percentage of the executive’s TFR allocated on a face value basis, and 
delivered in SARs. SARs are a conditional entitlement to a fully paid ordinary share at zero price, subject to 
satisfaction of the performance condition. 

Nothing is payable by executives if and when SARs vest. Following vesting of SARs, shares are 
automatically allocated to the executive. Trading in these shares is subject to compliance with the 
Company’s Securities Dealing Policy.

What performance 
measures have been 
chosen and why?

The Board has discretion to settle the SARs in cash if they vest.

Vesting of the LTI is assessed against four equally weighted performance measures:

Weighting Performance measures

Description and rationale

Relative TSR measured against 
companies of the ASX100

The calculation of TSR takes into account share price 
and dividend yield and is therefore a robust and objective 
measure of shareholder returns. 

25%

25%

Relative TSR measured against 
companies of the S&P Global 
Energy Index (GEI)

25%

Free Cash Flow Breakeven 
Point (FCFBP)

TSR continues to effectively align 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. 

FCFBP is the US$ oil price at which cash flows from 
operating activities equal cash flows from investing 
activities, as published in the Company’s financial 
statements. As the aim of the performance hurdle is to 
measure the performance of the underlying business, the 
Board has discretion to adjust the FCFBP for individual 
material items including asset acquisitions and disposals 
that may otherwise distort the measurement. 

25%

Return on Average Capital 
Employed (ROACE) compared 
with Weighted Cost of Capital 
(WACC)

ROACE is measured as the underlying earnings before 
interest and tax (EBIT) divided by the average capital 
employed, being shareholders’ equity plus net debt, as 
published in the Company’s financial statements.

The use of ROACE as a performance measure aligns 
Senior Executives with shareholder interests by focusing 
on the efficient and disciplined use of capital to generate 
shareholder returns.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 37

Remuneration Report
continued

What is the vesting scale 
for LTI?

Each performance measure has a vesting scale which provides for:

• 

• 

• 

0% vesting below a lower performance hurdle

100% vesting at or above an upper performance hurdle

Pro rata vesting from 50% to 100% between the lower and upper hurdles.

The vesting scales below apply to both the CEO’s and Senior Executives’ 2018 LTI performance 
grants. There is no re-testing of the performance condition. SARs that do not vest upon testing of the 
performance condition will lapse. 

Relative TSR against the ASX100 and S&P GEI

TSR percentile ranking

Below 51st percentile

51st percentile

% of grant vesting

0%

50%

76th percentile and above

100%

straight line pro-rata vesting in between

Free Cash Flow Breakeven Point (FCFBP)

Above $US40/bbl 

Equal to US$40/bbl 

% of grant vesting

0%

50%

Equal to or below US$35/bbl

100%

straight line pro-rata vesting in between

Return On Average Capital Employed (ROACE) 

Below 100% of WACC

Equal to 100% of WACC

% of grant vesting

0%

50%

Equal to or above 120% of WACC

100%

straight line pro-rata vesting in between

How is performance on 
these measures assessed?

Relative TSR performance, being a market-based measure, is tested by an independent third party and 
reviewed by the Board prior to vesting. The Board has discretion to adjust the TSR comparator groups, 
for example to take account of takeovers, mergers and demergers that occur during the performance 
period. 

FCFBP and ROACE, being non-market measures, are tested and audited internally, and all results 
externally audited as part of the Annual Report release. The Board has discretion to make adjustments to 
the results on these measures, based on the agreed methodology. 

What happens to on-foot 
equity on cessation of 
employment?

Generally, if an executive resigns or is summarily dismissed their unvested SARs will lapse. In all other 
circumstances (including death, total and permanent disability, redundancy and termination by mutual 
agreement), unvested SARs remain on foot and will vest or lapse in accordance with their original terms, 
unless the Board determines otherwise. 

What happens to on-foot 
equity on change of control?

Where there is a change in control, the Board may determine whether, and the extent to which, SARs 
may vest.

38 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Directors’ Report 
 
LINK BETWEEN PERFORMANCE AND REMUNERATION 

The remuneration mix indicates the extent to which Executive remuneration is variable and “at risk” and, within this, the balance 
between short-term and long-term incentives. 

The charts below show the year-on-year comparison of remuneration outcomes for the CEO and Senior Executives at different 
performance levels:

• 

• 

target – reflecting incentive payments for achieving expected (“on-target”) annual and long-term performance1;

stretch – reflecting incentive payments for achieving stretch performance against both short-term and long-term goals; i.e. the 
maximum earning opportunity.

These charts set out the opportunity levels available within the remuneration framework. The actual remuneration mix in any year varies 
with actual performance and incentive outcomes.

In summary, the charts illustrate that:

• 

• 

• 

at stretch performance the maximum STI component increased relative to TFR and LTI between 2017 and 2018, to be more in line 
with market peers;

at all levels of performance the proportion of remuneration that is deferred and delivered in equity increased between years, owing to 
STI deferral increasing from 30% to 50% of STI;

compared with the other Executives, the CEO has a higher proportion of remuneration at risk and more of the at-risk remuneration 
focussed on the long term.

The charts below depict remuneration mix at target and stretch performance levels, expressed as a percentage of total remuneration.

CEO remuneration

Senior Executive remuneration

t
e
g
r
a
t

t
A

h
c
t
e
r
t
s

t
A

2018

2017

38%

14%

14%

38%

20%

8%

2018

27%

17%

17%

2017

29%

20%

9%

34%

34%

40%

43%

t
e
g
r
a
t

t
A

h
c
t
e
r
t
s

t
A

2018

2017

2018

2017

48%

15%

15%

23%

48%

21%

9%

23%

35%

18%

18%

38%

22%

9%

28%

30%

TFR

STI cash

STI equity

LTI

Note: The whole numbers shown in these charts may not total 100% exactly, due to rounding.

1 

For this purpose “target” LTI is a notional figure of 60% of face value LTI. This approximates the average long-run vested value of allocated LTI, when the expected impact of performance 
vesting conditions is taken into account.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 39

 
 
 
 
Remuneration Report
continued

COMPANY PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES 

Performance against 2018 Company Scorecard 

How does the Company 
measure its annual 
performance?

The Company’s annual performance is monitored and assessed using the Company Scorecard. The 
Scorecard contains a balanced blend of financial and operational KPIs which support execution of the 
business strategy and drive business performance. In 2018 Scorecard KPIs covered a range of areas 
including production, operating efficiency, safety, growth and culture.

These measures include lagging indicators to assess the Company’s past performance, as well as 
forward-looking indicators to ensure the Company is positioning itself effectively for future growth. The 
Board believes that this Scorecard is balanced and focuses CEO and Senior Executives on achieving the 
key outcomes necessary to deliver stronger returns to shareholders.

Who assesses Company 
performance?

The People and Remuneration Committee formally assesses the Company’s performance against the 
overall Scorecard at the end of each financial year, and this forms the basis of a recommendation to the 
Board. 

What has changed in 2018 
compared with 2017?

In the Company’s 2017 Remuneration Report it was announced that the Board had approved, effective 
from 2018, an increase in Executives’ maximum STI opportunities to enable greater upside opportunity 
for exceptional performance and ensure competitiveness with the market. This was matched with more 
challenging stretch performance goals associated with STI payouts at these higher opportunity levels. 
Threshold and target performance goals and associated STI payouts remain comparable with previous 
years.

As a result of the increased degree of difficulty built into the 2018 Scorecard, performance levels between 
target and stretch are no longer directly comparable with previous years’ performance1, however target 
performance level is still comparable over time. 

To simplify year-on-year comparisons and more clearly outline the change in performance levels over 
time, the Board has determined that from 2018 onwards, Company performance will be expressed relative 
to the Company’s target performance level of 100%, such that:

• 

• 

Scorecard results above 100% reflect performance above target, and

Scorecard results below 100% reflect performance below target. 

How is the Scorecard result 
calculated?

The Company Scorecard is comprised of a range of KPIs with set threshold, target and stretch goals 
agreed with the Board at the start of the performance year. The relative importance of each KPI is 
determined and assigned a proportionate weighting of the total Scorecard result.

Each KPI receives a percentage score relative to target performance, as follows:

• 

• 

• 

• 

0% for performance below threshold,

67–100% for performance between threshold and target,

100–167% for performance between target and stretch, and

167% for performance at or above stretch.

What is the overall 
Scorecard result for 2018?

The KPI weightings are then applied to these scores to derive a rating for each KPI. The overall Scorecard 
result is a weighted average of KPI scores. The 2018 Scorecard has a maximum result of 167% of target. 
This increased maximum result can only be achieved for exceptional Company performance.

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

The Company’s performance against the 2018 Company Scorecard, as assessed by the Board on the 
new scoring basis, resulted in an outcome of 138.8% relative to target. This outcome is used to set the 
available STI pool. Individual STI outcomes will depend on executives’ contractual entitlements and 
individual performance during the year, as detailed on page 46.

Table 2 provides further details of Scorecard KPIs and the Company’s performance against them.

1 

In previous years, performance was expressed as a score out of 100%, whereby 100% represented stretch performance, and the target performance level was set at 75% of that 100% 
maximum. 

40 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Directors’ ReportTable 2: 2018 Company Scorecard – KPI performance 

Result 
(relative 
to target 
of 100%) 

50% 

KPI

Personal safety

Measured by the number of 
lost time injuries per million 
hours worked over the 
12-month period 

Environment and 
Process safety

Measured by the number of 
Tier 1 loss of containment 
of hydrocarbon incidents.

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

Rationale

Performance

The Company is committed to providing a 
workplace without injury or illness. 

Lost time injury frequency rate 
(LTIFR) of 0.65. Although there have 
been improvements made from the 
previous year, particularly in personal 
safety, threshold performance level 
was not achieved.

The integrated target for Environment and 
Process Safety represents the Company’s 
commitment to reducing the number of 
process safety related incidents with potential 
for high-impact consequences, and the 
occurrence of significant environmental 
incidents. 

There were four Tier 1 and twelve 
Tier 2 loss of containment incidents 
(LOCI) a result that was equivalent to 
2017 and below the 2018 target. There 
were no environmental incidents of 
moderate or greater consequence, 
resulting in threshold performance. 

Implementation of 
Culture Plan, including 
Santos Values 

Included to reinforce the importance of cultural 
improvement and the roll-out of the Santos 
Values as a foundation for the organisation.

Santos Pulse survey launched 
successfully to the entire business 
and leader training implemented 
to facilitate discussion of local 
improvement opportunities. Values 
are embedded in all learning 
programs, employee communications 
and individual performance and 
development review frameworks. 
Target performance level achieved. 

Production (adjusted 
for disposals) mmboe

Production is critical to the Company’s 
profitability, and is a key measure of the 
Company’s overall performance, underpinning 
annual earnings and cash flow. 

Production of 58.9 mmboe exceeded 
stretch performance. 

166%

Free Cash Flow 
Breakeven Point 
(FCFBP)  
(US$/bbl) 

Underlying net profit 
after tax (NPAT) 
(not adjusted for 
oil price US$

Included to ensure continual reduction in the 
Company’s cost base and to reinforce Santos’ 
disciplined operating model. 

Free cash flow breakeven point was 
US$31.30/bbl per barrel. Above target 
(near stretch) performance was 
achieved. 

Included to deliver earning improvement for 
the business. 

Stretch performance achieved due 
to higher revenue from favourable 
oil price, partly offset by higher 
third-party purchase costs and lower 
production. Final underlying NPAT 
result of US$727m exceeded stretch 
performance.  

Unit production cost 
(US$/boe)

Included to ensure that the Company maintains 
its cost and efficiency focus for every unit 
of production

Unit production costs of US$8.05/boe 
exceeded stretch performance. 

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 41

)

%
0
2
(
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C
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a

t
n
e
m
n
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,
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t
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)

i

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F

i

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remuneration Report
continued

Result 
(relative 
to target 
of 100%) 

152%

KPI

Rationale

Performance

2P organic reserves 
replacement ratio (RRR) 
two-year rolling average 

2C resource add two-
year rolling average  
(% of cumulative  
two-year production) 

)

%
0
3
(
h
t
w
o
r
G

Build & Grow Initiatives 

The 2P organic RRR measures the amount of 
2P added to Santos’ reserves during the year 
through exploration and development (rather 
than by acquisition) relative to the amount of 
gas and oil produced. The RRR should be at 
least 100% for the long-term sustainability of 
the Company.   

The 2C resource replacement measures the 
amount of 2C added during the year through 
exploration, appraisal, development and 
acquisition, relative to the amount of gas and 
oil produced. The 2C resources are potential 
future development opportunities.  

This metric is focussed on increasing the value 
of the Company’s core asset portfolio through 
the delivery of commercial, operational and 
efficiency improvements.

Year-end position of 66% 2P RRR 
(organic two-year average) is above 
threshold but did not achieve target 
of 100%. 

Year-end position of 515% exceeded 
stretch performance 150%. 

Achievement of stretch performance 
level for the Build & Grow Initiatives 
driven by strong performance on WA 
Sales Growth, Cooper Production 
Growth and WA Reserve and 
Resource Growth. 

PERFORMANCE RESULTS FOR 2015 LTI 

The performance outcomes for both the ASX100 and S&P Global Energy Index tranches of the 2015 LTI grant (75% and 25% weighting 
respectively) reflect performance below the 51st percentile. As a result, none of the SARs granted to the recipients in 2015 vested 
as part of the four-year grant. This reflects the alignment of the Company’s LTI program with the interests and long-term returns 
of shareholders. 

Details about how performance targets are set and tested for the purpose of LTI awards are set out on page 38. 

42 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Directors’ Report 
 
SUMMARY OF 5-YEAR COMPANY PERFORMANCE

Table 3 sets out the Company’s performance over the past five years in respect of several key financial and non-financial indicators and 
the STI and LTI awards during this period. As discussed previously, owing to the change in increased degree of difficulty applied to the 
stretch performance level of the 2018 Company Scorecard. Scorecard results for 2018 are not directly comparable to previous years 
when expressed relative to maximum. As such, the 2018 result is shown relative to target, and indicative results on this basis are shown 
for previous years to enable some degree of year-on-year comparisons.

Table 3: Key metrics of Company performance 2014 – 2018

Injury frequency

total recordable case frequency rate

 lost time injury frequency rate  
(three-year1 rolling average) 

Production (mmboe)

Reserve replacement rate – 2P organic (one-year average %)

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

3.5

0.7

54.1

0

2.8

0.5

57.7

0

2.2

0.4

61.6

19

3.5

0.4

59.5

62

4.5

0.6

58.9

69

Net profit/(loss) after tax2 ($m)

US$(630)

US$(1,953)

US$(1,047)

US$(360)

US$630

Dividends per ordinary share (cents) A$ 

35

20

0

0

5

Share price – closing price on first trading day of year 

A$14.63

A$8.25

A$3.68

A$4.02

A$5.453

LTI performance (% vesting) –  
shown against final year of performance period

Company Scorecard result  
expressed as % of target of 100%4,5

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

77.3%

89.3%

115.3%

118.0%

138.8%

1 

2 

From the 2015 performance year onwards the figures reflect a rolling three-year average.

2014 – 2015 NPAT figures have been translated from A$ to US$ at an applicable exchange rate for the year for comparison purposes following the change in the Company’s presentation 
currency in 2016.

3  Closing share price at 31 December 2018 was A$5.48.

4 

From 2018, the Company will report its performance relative to a target of 100% (with a maximum score of 167% of target). For comparative purposes in this transitionary year, Table 3 
presents prior year results for 2014 to 2017 restated relative to target (noting that prior years the maximum score was 133% of target). The previously reported scores were 2014: 58%; 
2015: 67%; 2016: 86.5% and 2017: 88.5%. For 2018, the equivalent outcome would be 89.5%.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 43

 
 
Remuneration Report
continued

CEO REMUNERATION

TFR

What TFR increases 
were received in 
2018?

STI

What is the target 
and maximum STI 
payment the CEO 
may receive?

Following an independent external remuneration benchmarking review, and in consideration of the significant 
transformation of the Company over his then two-year tenure, the Board decided to increase the CEO’s TFR 
by 5% to A$1,890,000 (US$1,412,775) per annum, effective 1 January 2018. This was the first time the CEO 
received a TFR increase since his commencement in February 2016.

As foreshadowed in the 2017 Remuneration Report, the CEO’s maximum STI level was increased in 2018 to 
address the market competitiveness of maximum STI relative to target STI. Maximum STI opportunity is now 
167% of target STI opportunity, compared with 133% in previous years. The increased maximum STI level enables 
greater upside incentive opportunity for exceptional performance, while the target STI level remains unchanged, 
as shown in the table below.

Target STI

Maximum STI

2018

75% of TFR

125% of TFR

2017

75% of TFR

100% of TFR

As part of this change for the 2018 performance year, the cash component of any STI award for the CEO was 
reduced from 70% to 50%, and the deferred equity component was increased from 30% to 50%, restricted for 
two years.

How is the CEO’s 
STI payment 
calculated?

The CEO’s performance is primarily assessed using the Company Scorecard. In determining the CEO’s final STI 
payment for 2018, the Board considered the Company’s overall performance, including outcomes outside of the 
Scorecard. In consideration of these broader outcomes and the leadership shown by the CEO through 2018, 
as detailed below, the Board assessed Mr Gallagher’s performance as outstanding and awarded his 2018 STI 
at 99.5% of his maximum opportunity.

What individual 
performance 
outcomes were 
considered in 
determining the 
CEO’s STI for 2018?

The Board considered the CEO’s performance against a number of categories that were additional contributions 
beyond the Company Scorecard:

Leadership: The Board considers Mr Gallagher’s leadership as a critical factor in the Company’s success. The 
organisational culture has improved during the last two years and Mr Gallagher continues to create a compelling 
vision for the Company internally and externally. The organisation has laid a foundation for talent and succession 
development and increasing diversity in the Company. 

The CEO plays a key role in safety leadership, setting the tone for the organisation. There has been improvement 
in personal safety and environmental performance compared with 2017, and continued focus on ‘lifting the 
bar’ as reflected through the more challenging KPIs that were set. Mr Gallagher has demonstrated a resolute 
commitment driving improvements, implementing company-wide safety and integrity standards and processes 
and addressing unresolved legacy issues, which is setting a solid foundation for future safety performance.

Corporate activity: Mr Gallagher led the business successfully through some significant corporate events in 
2018, while continuing the Company’s fundamental transformation and exceptional financial performance. Both 
the Harbour Energy and Quadrant Energy corporate actions were highly significant for Santos and commanded 
a significant amount of CEO leadership and attention in 2018. 

Growing shareholder value: Mr Gallagher continues to lead the creation of shareholder value through 
improved financial results, increased reserves, and lowering operating costs through improved efficiency, many 
of which are captured in the Scorecard result. Additionally the CEO has delivered substantial value through 
strategic and commercial outcomes he has driven, including asset disposals and acquisitions.

Stakeholder engagement: Mr Gallagher was very active in his stakeholder interactions in 2018, ensuring the 
company has a social licence to operate and advocating for the Company and industry to improve understanding 
with the community and government. In 2018, circumstances required the CEO to address some specific 
stakeholder challenges to successfully manage the Harbour defence and Quadrant Energy acquisition.

Future-proofing the business: In responding to increased community concerns about climate change, 
Mr Gallagher has led the business to improve emissions standards, monitoring and reporting, including improved 
transparency in the Company’s climate change reporting. He has set the Company on a path to deliver 
innovative projects that will lead to economic and sustainable emission reductions for the Company. These 
include pilots using solar and battery energy to power wells; and investing in the appraisal of enhanced recovery 
and carbon capture, utilisation and storage. 

A number of these areas relating to sustainability have been incorporated in the Company Scorecard for 2019. 

44 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Directors’ Report 
STI (Continued)

How much STI will 
the CEO receive 
in respect of 2018 
performance?

LTI

The STI amount for 2018 awarded to the CEO is US$1,757,522, which represents 99.5% of maximum STI 
opportunity. 

Half (50%) of this STI will be delivered as cash, and the other 50% will be awarded as Deferred Shares, 
restricted for two years.

How much LTI was 
granted to the CEO 
in 2018?

The CEO has a maximum LTI opportunity of 150% of TFR allocated on a face value basis. In accordance with the 
approval of shareholders at the May 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM), the CEO was granted 520,183 SARs in 
respect of his 2018 LTI.

The performance conditions of the CEO’s grant are outlined on pages 37–38 and are the same as the Senior 
Executives’ grant. 

Note, the CEO had no LTI scheduled to vest in 2018. 

Other 
remuneration 
matters

What sign-on grants 
of equity were 
provided to the 
CEO at the time 
of appointment 
to Santos?

Has the Board made 
any changes to the 
CEO’s remuneration 
for 2019?

Termination 
provisions

What is the CEO’s 
notice period for 
termination of 
employment?

What entitlements 
are associated with 
termination of the 
CEO’s employment?

Mr Gallagher received a sign-on grant of SARs when he commenced employment with Santos in 2016 in 
recognition of previous incentives foregone from his former employer. The second and final tranche of these 
sign-on SARs vested in 2018 and have been exercised into shares. Mr Gallagher was not required to pay any 
amount on conversion of the SARs. This completes the vesting of Mr Gallagher’s sign-on grant.

In light of recent market benchmarking and sustained high performance by the CEO, the Board has approved an 
increase of 3.5% for the CEO’s TFR for the 2019 salary review. The review also indicated that an increase to the 
CEO’s target STI level was required to address market competitiveness. As such, the Board agreed to increase 
the CEO’s STI target for the 2019 performance year to 90% of TFR, with corresponding increase to maximum 
STI opportunity to 150% of TFR (maintaining the maximum STI level at 167% of target STI).

The CEO’s contract has no fixed term and may be terminated with 12 months’ notice by either party.

Employment may be ended immediately in certain circumstances including misconduct, incapacity, and mutual 
agreement or in the event of a fundamental change in the CEO’s role or responsibility.

The Company may elect to pay the CEO in lieu of any unserved notice period. If termination is by mutual 
agreement, the CEO will receive a payment of A$1,500,000 (US$1,121,250). 

In the case of death, incapacity or fundamental change, the CEO is entitled to a payment equivalent to 
12 months’ base salary.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 45

 
 
 
Remuneration Report
continued

SENIOR EXECUTIVE REMUNERATION

Fixed remuneration

What TFR increases were 
received in 2018?

STI

What are the target and 
maximum STI payments 
Executives may receive?

Mr Neilson, Mr Santostefano and Mr Woods received TFR increases of between 1.5% and 4.2% as a 
result of market benchmarking of their roles, and changes to their roles and responsibilities. All other 
Senior Executive TFR levels remained the same.

In 2018, the maximum STI levels for Senior Executives was increased in response to market benchmarking 
which indicated maximum levels were low relative to target STI. Maximum STI opportunity is now 
167% of target STI opportunity, compared with 133% in previous years. The increase to maximum STI 
provides greater upside opportunity for exceptional performance, but the target STI opportunity remains 
substantially unchanged from 2017, as shown in the table below.

Target STI

Maximum STI

2018

2017

54% to 63% of TFR*

53% to 64% of TFR

90% to 105% of TFR

70% to 85% of TFR

* There is a slight change in target STI for Senior Executives (<1%) due to rounding applied to the increased maximum STI value

As part of this STI change for the 2018 performance year, the cash component of any STI award for 
Senior Executives was reduced from 70% to 50%, and the deferred equity component was increased 
from 30% to 50%, restricted for two years.

How are STI payments 
calculated?

All Senior Executives (except Mr Neilson) have STI based on 60% Company and 40% individual 
performance. As CFO, Mr Neilson has STI based on 80% Company and 20% individual performance. 

How much STI will be 
received in respect of 2018 
performance?

The Company performance result is based on the Company Scorecard outcomes outlined above. The 
individual performance assessment is based on performance against a number of financial, operational 
and qualitative objectives. 

All Senior Executives had KPIs relating to environment, health, safety, culture and leadership. Role-specific 
KPIs by Senior Executive are set out in Table 3 below.

The Company’s performance against the 2018 STI Scorecard, as assessed by the Board, resulted in a 
score of 138.8% of target. 

STI outcomes for the Senior Executives ranged from 74% to 83% of their maximum opportunity, 
depending on their individual performance contribution. Further details of each individual Senior 
Executive’s remuneration is provided in Table 5 “2017 and 2018 CEO and Senior Executive remuneration 
details” on page 50 and at Table 6 “Senior Executive 2018 STI outcomes” on page 51. 

LTI

How much LTI was granted 
to Executives in 2018?

SARs to the face value of 80% of TFR.

What proportion of prior 
year LTI grants vested in 
2018? 

Nil.

Contractual details

What notice periods are 
applicable for termination of 
employment?

Senior Executives’ service agreements are ongoing until termination by the Company or by the Senior 
Executive with the provision of six months’ notice (with the exception of Mr Clement, who is employed 
on a two-year fixed-term contract terminable on three months’ notice).

What termination benefits 
apply to all Senior 
Executives? 

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.

46 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Directors’ Report 
 
 
Table 3: Senior Executive role-specific KPIs 

Note, some KPIs contain commercially sensitive information that cannot be detailed here.

Senior Executive

KMP role

Role-specific KPIs

BK Woods

EVP Onshore Upstream 

From 1 Jan to 30 November

• 

• 

Production volume

Production cost

•  Development cost

• 

2C to 2P conversion rate

•  Wells drilled and connected 

•  Growth strategy implementation 

From 1 December, Mr Woods transitioned into new role of EVP Developments 

DM Banks

BA Darley

EVP Onshore Upstream  
from 1 December

EVP Offshore  
from 28 November

• 

• 

• 

KPIs as shown above for Brett Woods in same role

Production volume

Production cost

B Clement

EVP Conventional Oil and Gas  
from 1 February to 27 November

PA Byrne

EVP Marketing, 
Trading and Commercial

•  Capex

• 

• 

• 

Transition of Quadrant to Santos

Production volume

Production cost

•  Capex

•  Capital project milestone delivery

•  Growth strategy implementation 

• 

• 

• 

Sales (LNG, Domestic Gas and Liquids)

LNG trading 

Improvements in commercial arrangements

AM Neilson

Chief Financial Officer

•  Corporate cost reduction

• 

Balance sheet improvement

•  Capital management

• 

• 

Finance and supply chain systems and structure 

Investor relations outcomes

V Santostefano

Chief Operations Officer

•  Operated processing costs 

• 

• 

• 

Low-cost operations and maintenance service delivery 

Emissions and wastage reduction programs

Implement operations services functional model

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 47

Remuneration Report
continued

TRANSITION OF QUADRANT EMPLOYEES

With the completion of the successful acquisition of Quadrant on 27 November 2018, Santos has commenced the integration of 
Quadrant’s business and staff, including the former Quadrant CEO, Brett Darley. 

Santos will honour Quadrant’s obligations under Quadrant’s legacy short-term and long-term incentive plans and will make payments 
under those plans in accordance with their terms, including to Mr Darley. 

Following completion, Mr Darley was appointed as EVP Offshore and became a Santos Limited employee and KMP from 28 November 
2018. Mr Darley has been transitioned to Santos’ remuneration arrangements. Accordingly, he will receive a pro-rated Santos STI award 
and Santos intends to award him a pro-rated Santos LTI award for the period from completion to 31 December 20181. 

Mr Darley and a number of other Quadrant employees were the beneficial owners of a portion of the Quadrant shares that Santos 
acquired. The sale proceeds received by Mr Darley do not form part of his remuneration with Santos Limited. 

In addition to upfront sale proceeds, Mr Darley’s capital ownership in Quadrant entitled him to participate in potential future contingent 
and royalty payments relating to the Bedout Basin. To ensure his interests are fully aligned with those of Santos’ shareholders, Mr Darley 
(and other relevant employees who transitioned to employment with Santos Limited) have been asked to extinguish their rights to 
contingent consideration payments (excluding royalty payments) in exchange for grants of SARs. SARs under these grants were 
not allotted in the 2018 year and hence do not appear in the audited tables in this Report. They will be shown in the 2019 Report.

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. In 2018, the Board reviewed its minimum shareholding requirement and, in order to 
better align the interests of its non-executive directors and shareholders, updated the requirement such that non-executive directors 
must acquire (over a four year period) and maintain a shareholding in the Company equal in value to at least one year’s remuneration 
(base fee and committee fees).

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.

•  Non-executive Directors’ 

performance is assessed at the 
time of re-election. 

• 

Santos encourages its non-
executive Directors to build a 
long-term stake in the Company 

•  Non-executive Directors are 

required to acquire and maintain 
a shareholding in the Company 
equivalent in value to one year’s 
remuneration. 

1 

As part of Mr Darley’s transition to Santos’ remuneration arrangements, it has been agreed that Mr Darley’s unvested Santos SARs will remain on foot if he resigns in the first three years of 
his employment with Santos.

48 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Directors’ Report 
Maximum aggregate amount

Total fees paid to all non-executive Directors in a year, including Board Committee fees, must not exceed A$2,600,000 (US$1,943,500), 
being the amount approved by shareholders at the 2013 AGM. 

Remuneration

In 2018 a benchmarking review of non-executive Director fees was undertaken by an external remuneration provider to ensure market 
competitiveness, given fees had been unchanged since October 2013. As a result of the benchmarking review, the Directors resolved 
to increase the fees for Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability (EHSS) Committee and People and Remuneration Committee 
(PRC) Chair and members with effect from 1 April 2018, as shown in Table 4 below.

Table 4: Non-executive Directors’ annual fee structure1

Board

Audit and Risk Committee

Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability Committee3

Nomination Committee4

People and Remuneration Committee5

1 

Fees are shown exclusive of superannuation.

Chair2

US$

Member

US$

$374,343

$123,183

$31,395

$21,678

N/A

$29,153

$15,698

$14,203

$7,475

$15,698

2  The Chair of the Board does not receive any additional fees for serving on or chairing any Board committee. 

3  EHSS Committee fees for 1 January – 31 March 2018 (prior to benchmarking adjustment) were Chair US$16,445; Member US$11,213.

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

5  PRC fees for 1 January – 31 March 2018 (prior to benchmarking adjustment) were: Chair US$22,425; Member US$11,960.

Directors may also be paid additional fees for special duties or exertions, and are entitled to be reimbursed for all business-related 
expenses. The total remuneration provided to each non-executive Director is shown in Table 12 “2018 and 2017 non-executive Director 
Remuneration details” on page 54.

Superannuation and retirement benefits

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

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 49

Remuneration Report
continued

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50 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Directors’ Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 6 presents the individual STI outcomes for Senior Executives in 2018, as a percentage of their maximum STI opportunity.

Table 6: Senior Executive 2018 STI outcomes

Senior Executive

DM Banks

PA Byrne

BA Darley 

AM Neilson

V Santostefano

BK Woods

B Clement

Company : Individual weighting  
of total performance outcome

Company 
Component

Individual 
Component

STI outcome as a  
% of maximum STI

60%

60%

60%

80%

60%

60%

60%

40%

40%

40%

20%

40%

40%

40%

83%

78%

76%

80%

80%

83%

74%

Tables 7 and 8 contain details of the number and value of SARs and shares granted, vested and lapsed for the CEO in 2018. 

Table 7: 2018 SARs outcomes for CEO 

SARs

Granted

Vested3

Number1

Maximum 
value2

US$

Number 

Value

US$

Lapsed

Number

520,183

1,967,514

166,911

636,306

-

1 

The number of SARs granted to the CEO relate to his 2018 LTI performance grant as approved at the 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM). This grant relates to the LTI award for the 
four-year performance period ending on 31 December 2021.

2  Maximum value represents the fair value of LTI grants received in 2018 determined in accordance with AASB 2 Share-based Payment. The fair values of the grant as at the grant date 

of 7 May 2018 is weighted at a fair value of A$5.06. Details of the assumptions underlying the valuations are set out in note 7.2 to the financial statements. The minimum total value of the 
grant to the CEO, if the applicable vesting conditions are not met, is nil in all cases. All values have been converted to US$. 

3  The SARs vested for the CEO relate to the second tranche of his 2016 sign-on grant (vested on 1 February 2018) of which 100% vested. The value of SARs uses the share price of 

A$5.10 on the vesting date. All values have been converted to US$. 

Table 8: 2018 Share outcomes for CEO 

Granted

Vested

Shares

Number1

93,735

Maximum 
value

US$

332,117

Lapsed

Number

Number2

Value

US$

111,038

454,845

-

1 

The restricted shares granted to the CEO relate to his 2017 STI award. The maximum value is the fair value of the 2017 STI grant of deferred shares received in 2018 determined with 
AASB 2 Share-based Payment. The fair value of the deferred 2017 STI grant as at the grant date of 14 March 2018 was A$4.74. The minimum total value of the restricted shares granted 
to the CEO is nil. All values have been converted to US$. 

2  This relates to the 2016 STI grant that was deferred for two years from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2018 and vested in full on 31 December 2018.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 51

 
 
Remuneration Report
continued

Tables 9 and 10 contain details of the number and value of SARs and shares granted, vested and lapsed for Senior Executives in 2018. 
No Senior Executive had any options granted, vesting or lapsing in 2018. No options were exercised in 2018.

Table 9: 2018 SARs outcomes for Senior Executives 

Granted1

Vested3

Lapsed

1 

This relates to the 2018 LTI award.

2  Maximum value represents the fair value of LTI grants received in 2018 determined in accordance with AASB 2 Share-based Payment. The fair values of the grant as at the grant date of 
21 March 2018 is weighted at a fair value of A$3.97. Details of the assumptions underlying the valuations are set out in note 7.2 to the financial statements. The minimum total value of the 
grant to the Senior Executives, if the applicable vesting conditions are not met, is nil in all cases. All values have been converted to US$. 

3  The number vested is the 2016 STI deferred equity component delivered to Mr Santostefano as SARs, which vested on 31 December 2018. The value of Mr Santostefano’s 2016 deferred 

STI is based on the share price of A$5.48 at the vesting date of 31 December 2018, converted to US$.

4 

Lapsed SARs relate to the 2015 four-year LTI grant. 

Table 10: 2018 share outcomes for Senior Executives 

Number

Maximum 
value2

Number

102,752

102,752

-

121,834

126,642

110,091

102,752

US$

304,924

304,924

-

361,552

375,820

326,703

304,924

Value

US$

-

-

-

-

Number4

-

-

-

-

-

37,870

155,127

-

-

-

-

(53,444)

-

666,823

1,978,847

37,870

155,127

(53,444)

Granted1

Vested3

Number

Maximum 
value2

Number

-

10,471

-

34,264

30,679

28,754

21,245

US$

-

37,100

-

121,402

108,700

101,880

75,274

31,558

129,271

-

-

125,413

444,356

31,558

129,271

Value

US$

-

-

-

-

-

Lapsed

Number

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

DM Banks

PA Byrne

BA Darley

AM Neilson

V Santostefano

BK Woods 

B Clement

Total 

DM Banks 

PA Byrne

BA Darley

AM Neilson

V Santostefano

BK Woods

B Clement

Total 

1 

2 

This relates to the 2017 STI award delivered as restricted shares.

For the restricted shares, maximum value represents the fair value of 2017 STI shares determined in accordance with AASB 2 Share-based Payment. The fair value of the deferred STI grant 
as at the grant date of 14 March 2018 was A$4.74. The minimum total value of the grant, if the applicable vesting conditions are not met, is nil. All values have been converted to US$.

3  This relates to the 2016 STI grant that was deferred for two years from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2018 and vested in full on 31 December 2018. The value of the 2016 deferred STI 

grant is shown using a share price of A$5.48 on 31 December 2018 converted to US$.

52 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Directors’ ReportTable 11 outlines the LTI grants that were tested or still in progress in 2018.

Table 11: LTI grants

Grant year

Grant type

Vesting condition(s)

Performance/ vesting 
period

Status

2015

2016

Four-year  
Performance Award

Relative TSR performance against 
ASX 100 companies (75%) 

1 January 2015 to 
31 December 2018

Relative TSR performance against S&P 
Global Energy Index (GEI) companies 
(25%)

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

Four-year  
Performance Award

Relative TSR performance against  
ASX 100 companies (25%)

1 January 2016 to 
31 December 2019

In progress.

Relative TSR performance against 
S&P GEI companies (25%)

FCFBP (25%)

ROACE (25%)

2016

CEO sign-on grant 

Service based

2017

Four-year  
Performance Award

Relative TSR performance against 
ASX 100 companies (25%) 

Relative TSR performance against 
S&P GEI companies (25%)

FCFBP (25%)

ROACE (25%)

Second Tranche  
(24 months) –  
1 February 2016 to  
31 January 2018

1 January 2017 to 
31 December 2020

Vested. 

In progress.

2018

Four-year Performance 
Award

Relative TSR performance against 
ASX 100 companies (25%) 

1 January 2018 to 
31 December 2021

In progress.

Relative TSR performance against 
S&P GEI companies (25%)

FCFBP (25%)

ROACE (25%)

Full details of all grants made prior to 2018 can be found in note 7.2 to the financial statements and in prior Remuneration Reports.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 53

Remuneration Report
continued

Details of the fees and other benefits paid to non-executive Directors in 2018 are set out in Table 12. Other than the committee fee 
increases noted on page 49, differences in fees received between 2017 and 2018 reflect changes in roles and responsibilities (i.e. Chair 
or Committee appointments), superannuation payments and currency fluctuations. No share-based payments were made to any non-
executive Directors.

Table 12: 2018 and 2017 non-executive Director remuneration details

Director

Director

YA Allen

PR Coates2

GM Cowan

H Goh

V Guthrie3

PR Hearl

E Shi4

K Spence5

Short-term benefits

Directors’ fees 
(incl. committee 
fees)

Fees for 
special duties 
or exertions

Retirement 
benefits

Other Superannuation1

US$

174,007

156,693

51,329

384,495

154,759

159,085

174,748

170,629

148,667

65,501

165,971

148,734

153,824

71,757

339,523

-

US$

US$

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

US$

15,167

14,631

3,746

15,205

14,702

15,068

410

489

14,123

6,223

15,167

14,087

15,167

7,074

15,167

-

Year

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

Share-based 
payments

US$

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Total

US$

189,174

171,324

55,075

399,700

169,461

174,153

175,158

171,118

162,790

71,724

181,138

162,821

168,991

78,831

354,690

-

1 

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

2  Mr Coates retired from the Board on 19 February 2018. 

3  Dr Guthrie joined the Board on 1 July 2017 and was appointed as a member of the People and Remuneration Committee on 30 March 2018. 

4  Mr Shi joined the Board on 26 June 2017 and was appointed as a member of the PRC on 21 September 2017 and the Audit and Risk Committee on 25 October 2017.

5  Mr Spence joined the Board on 1 January 2018 and appointed Chair on 19 February 2018. 

54 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Directors’ ReportKEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL EQUITY 

(a)  Options, SARs and deferred shareholdings 

 There are no options held by KMPs. Table 13 sets out the movement during the reporting period in the number of SARs and 
deferred shares of the Company held directly, indirectly or beneficially, by each KMP, including their related parties:

Table 13: 2018 movements in SARs and deferred shareholdings for KMPs 

Opening 
balance

Granted1

2 
Equity  
vested

Other 
changes3

Sold/ 
transferred

Closing 
balance

SARs

Executive Director

KT Gallagher

Senior Executives

DM Banks4

PA Byrne

BA Darley

AM Neilson

V Santostefano

BK Woods

B Clement

Total

Deferred shares
Executive Director

KT Gallagher

Senior Executives

DM Banks

PA Byrne

BA Darley

AM Neilson

V Santostefano

BK Woods

B Clement

Total

1,739,872

520,183

(166,911)

-

-

-

199,004

383,644

326,697

-

103,552

102,752

-

121,834

126,642

110,091

102,752

-

-

-

-

(37,870)
(700)5

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(53,444)

(102,752)

2,649,217

1,187,806

(205,481)

(156,196)

111,038

93,735

(111,038)

-

-

-

-

-

31,558

-

-

10,471

-

34,264

30,679

28,754

21,245

-

-

-

-

-

(31,558)

-

142,596

219,148

(142,596)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(21,245)

(21,245)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2,093,144

103,552

102,752

-

320,838

472,416

382,644

-

3,475,346

93,735

-

10,471

-

34,264

30,679

28,754

-

197,903

SARs and deferred shares granted to the CEO and Senior Executives are disclosed in Tables 6 and 7. 

1 
2  All SARs that vested during the year were automatically vested into ordinary shares, with the exception of 116,911 SARs that vested for the CEO. These SARs vested on 1 February 2018 and 

were subsequently exercised by the CEO.

3  Other changes include SARs that did not vest due to the non-fulfilment of vesting conditions and were forfeited during the year, deferred shares that were forfeited, and changes resulting 

from individuals ceasing to be and becoming KMPs during the period. 

4  Mr Banks previously participated in the Company’s general employee share plan prior to becoming a KMP on 1 December 2018, receiving 800 SARs.
5  Mr Woods previously participated in the Company’s general employee share plan prior to becoming a KMP in August 2015. In 2018 a total of 700 SARs vested.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 55

 
Remuneration Report
continued

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Directors’ Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2018 under the Deeds of Indemnity.

During the year, the Company paid premiums in respect of Directors’ and Officers’ Liability and Legal Expenses insurance contracts for 
the year ended 31 December 2018, and since the end of the year the Company has paid, or agreed to pay, premiums in respect of such 
contracts for the year ending 31 December 2019. The insurance contracts insure against certain liability (subject to exclusions) persons 
who are or have been Directors or officers of the Company and its controlled entities. A condition of the contracts is that the nature of 
the liability indemnified and the premium payable not be disclosed.

NON-AUDIT SERVICES

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

Taxation and other services  $1,708,000

Assurance services   

$212,000

The Directors are satisfied, based on the advice of the Audit and Risk Committee, that the provision of the non-audit services detailed 
above by Ernst & Young is compatible with the general standard of independence for auditors imposed by the Corporations Act 2001 
(Cth). 

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

A copy of the Auditor’s Independence Declaration as required under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) is set out on 
page 135.

ROUNDING

Australian Securities and Investments Commission Corporations (Rounding in Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191 applies 
to the Company. Accordingly, amounts have been rounded off in accordance with that Instrument, unless otherwise indicated.

This report is made out on 20 February 2019 in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.

Director

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 57

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 

59

60

61

62

63

64

SECTION 1 
BASIS OF PREPARATION 

PAGE

SECTION 5 
FUNDING AND RISK MANAGEMENT 

PAGE

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 

SECTION 2 
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 

2.1 Segment information 

2.2 Revenue from contracts with customers 

2.3 Expenses   

2.4 Taxation 

2.5 Earnings per share 

2.6 Dividends   

2.7 Other income 

SECTION 3 
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, OPERATING ASSETS 
AND RESTORATION OBLIGATIONS 

3.1 Exploration and evaluation assets 

3.2 Oil and gas assets 

3.3 Impairment of non-current assets 

3.4 Restoration obligations and other provisions  

3.5 Commitments for expenditure 

SECTION 4    
WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT 

64

64

65

66

5.1 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

5.2 Net finance costs 

5.3 Issued capital 

5.4 Reserves and retained earnings 

5.5 Financial risk management 

PAGE

SECTION 6 
GROUP STRUCTURE 

67

70

72

73

76

77

78

6.1 Consolidated entities 

6.2 Acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries 

6.3 Joint arrangements 

6.4 Parent entity disclosures 

6.5 Deed of Cross Guarantee 

SECTION 7 
PEOPLE 

7.1 Employee benefits 

PAGE

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 

79

80

83

87

88

8.3 Remuneration of auditors  

PAGE

8.4 Accounting policies  

92

95

96

97

97

PAGE

106

109

112

115

116

PAGE

118

119

125

PAGE

126

126

126

127

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 

58 / Santos Annual Report 2018

89

90

91

91

129

130

135

 
 
Consolidated Income Statement
for the year ended 31 December 2018

Revenue from contracts with customers – Product sales 
Cost of sales   

Gross profit   
Revenue from contracts with customers – Other 
Other income  
Impairment of non-current assets 
Other expenses 
Finance income 
Finance costs  
Share of net profit of joint ventures 

Profit/(loss) before tax 

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

Total tax (expense)/benefit 

Net profit/(loss) for the period attributable to owners of Santos Limited 

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

Diluted profit/(loss) per share 

Dividends per share (¢) 
Paid during the period 

Declared in respect of the period 

2018 
US$million 

3,660 
(2,329) 

(Restated) 

2017
US$million

 3,100
(2,303)

1,331  
113 
180  
(100)  
(194) 
30 
(258) 
4 

1,106  

(439)  
(37) 

(476)  

630 

30.2 

30.0 

3.5 

9.7 

797
98
125
(938)
(408)
24
(294)
11

(585)

211
14

225

(360)

(17.3)

(17.3)

–

–

Note 

2.2 
2.3 

2.2 
2.7 
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 

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

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
for the year ended 31 December 2018

Net profit/(loss) for the period 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax 

Items to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods 
Exchange (loss)/gain on translation of foreign operations 
Foreign currency translation reserve recycled to the income statement 
Tax effect 

(Loss)/gain on foreign currency loans designated as hedges of  

net investments in foreign operations 

Tax effect 

Gain/(loss) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges 
Tax effect 

Net other comprehensive (loss)/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 

Loss on financial liabilities at fair value through other  

comprehensive income (FVOCI) 

Tax effect 

Net other comprehensive income/(loss) not to be reclassified  

to profit or loss in subsequent periods 

Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax 

Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to owners of Santos Limited 

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

630 

(360)

(245) 
(72) 
– 

(317) 

(171) 
51 

(120) 

4 
(1) 

3 

168
– 
–

168

191
(57)

134

(3)
1

(2)

(434) 

300

3 
(1) 

2 

– 
– 

– 

2 

(432) 

198 

–
–

–

(32)
11

(21)

(21)

279

(81)

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

60 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
as at 31 December 2018

Current assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Prepayments   
Inventories 
Other financial assets 
Tax receivable  

Total current assets 

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

Total non-current assets 

Total assets   

Current liabilities  
Trade and other payables 
Other liabilities 
Contract liabilities   
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 
Current tax liabilities 
Provisions 
Other financial liabilities 

Total current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 
Other liabilities 
Contract liabilities   
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 

Total equity   

Note 

4.1 
4.2 

4.3 
5.5(g) 

2.2(b) 
6.3(b) 
5.5(g) 
3.1 
3.2 

2.4(d) 
6.2(a) 

4.4 

2.2(b) 
5.1 

3.4 
5.5(g) 

2.2(b) 
5.1 
2.4(d) 
3.4 
5.5(g) 

5.3 
5.4 
5.4 

2018 
 US$million 

2017
US$million

1,316 
521 
32 
288 
28 
13 

2,198 

16 
137 
31 
31 
1,004 
11,224 
119 
1,746 
628 

14,936 

17,134 

661 
3 
32 
967 
63 
116 
6 

1,848 

2 
268 
3,952 
1,614 
2,147 
24 

8,007 

9,855 

7,279 

9,031 
607 
(2,359) 

7,279 

7,279 

1,231
440
28
266
–
7

1,972

17
–
43
134
459
9,536
126
1,419
–

11,734

13,706

495
–
8
207
17
142
82

951

1
113
3,736
240
1,494
20

5,604

6,555

7,151

9,034
51
(1,934)

7,151

7,151

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

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
for the year ended 31 December 2018

Note 

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

Cash flows from operating activities 
Receipts from customers 
Dividends received  
Pipeline tariffs and other receipts 
Payments to suppliers and employees 
Restoration expenditure 
Exploration and evaluation seismic and studies 
Royalty and excise paid 
Borrowing costs paid 
Income taxes paid   
Royalty-related taxes 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 
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired 
Costs associated with acquisition of subsidiaries 

Proceeds from disposal of non-current assets  
Proceeds from disposal of subsidiaries 
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 
Net proceeds from issues of ordinary shares 
Purchase of shares on-market (Treasury shares) 

6.2(a) 

2.7 
6.2(b) 

Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities 

Net increase/(decrease) 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 

3,740 
6 
106 
(1,816) 
(36) 
(98) 
(85) 
(194) 
(69) 
(13) 
37 

1,578 

(66) 
(490) 
(10) 
(10) 
(1,933) 
(10) 
26 
126 
(6) 
– 

(2,373) 

(73) 
1,193 
(220) 
– 
(10) 

890 

95 
1,231 
(10) 

1,316 

3,217
12
66
(1,611)
(37)
(71)
(57)
(254)
(28)
(15)
26

1,248

(146)
(483)
(5)
(49)
–
–
145
–
(6)
10

(534)

–
783
(2,442)
149
(8)

(1,518)

(804)
2,026
9

1,231

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

62 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 31 December 2018

Equity attributable to owners of Santos Limited

Issued  Translation 
reserve 
capital 

Hedging 
reserve 

Financial 
liabilities 
at 
FVOCI 

Accum- 
ulated 
profits 
reserve 

Accum-
ulated 
losses 

Total
equity

Note  US$million  US$million  US$million  US$million  US$million  US$million  US$million

Balance at 1 January 2017 
Transfer retained profits to accumulated  

profits reserve 

Items of comprehensive income 

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 
On-market share purchase  
(Treasury shares) 

Share-based payment transactions 

Balance at 31 December 2017 

Balance at 1 January 2018 
Transfer retained profits to accumulated  

profits reserve 

Items of comprehensive income 
Profit for the period 
Other comprehensive (loss)/income  

for the period 

Total comprehensive (loss)/income  

for the period 

Transactions with owners in their  
capacity as owners 
Dividends paid 
On-market share purchase  
(Treasury shares) 

Share-based payment transactions 

5.4 

5.3 

5.3 
7.2 

5.4 

2.6 

5.3 
7.2 

8,883 

(830) 

7 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

302 

(2) 

(21) 

302 

(2) 

(21) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

151 

(8) 
8 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

313 

(1,298) 

7,075

282 

(282) 

–

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

(360) 

(360)

– 

279

(360) 

(81)

– 

– 
6 

151

(8)
14

9,034 

9,034 

(528) 

(528) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(10) 
7 

– 

– 

(437) 

(437) 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

5 

5 

– 

– 

3 

3 

– 

– 
– 

8 

(21) 

(21) 

595 

595 

(1,934) 

(1,934) 

7,151

7,151

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

1,063 

(1,063) 

–

– 

– 

– 

(73) 

– 
– 

630 

630

2 

(432)

632 

198

– 

– 
6 

(73)

(10)
13

(21) 

1,585 

(2,359) 

7,279

Balance at 31 December 2018 

9,031 

(965) 

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

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2018
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 within 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 2018 was authorised for issue in 
accordance with a resolution of the Directors on 20 February 2019.

The consolidated financial report of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2018 comprises the Company and its controlled 
entities (“the Group”). Santos Limited (“the Parent”) is a company limited by shares incorporated in Australia, whose shares are publicly 
traded on the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”), and is the ultimate parent entity in the Group. The Group is a for-profit entity 
for the purpose of preparing the financial report. The nature of the operations and principal activities of the Group are described in the 
Directors’ Report.

This consolidated financial report is:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

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

 compliant with Australian Accounting Standards as issued by the AASB and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) 
as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, including new and amended accounting standards issued and 
effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018;

 presented in United States dollars (“US$”);

 prepared on the historical cost basis except for derivative financial instruments, fixed-rate notes that are hedged by an interest 
rate swap or a cross-currency swap, and financial assets not recorded at amortised cost, which are measured at fair value; and

 rounded to the nearest million dollars, unless otherwise stated, in accordance with ASIC Corporations (Rounding in Financial/
Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191. 

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:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 production of 58.9 mmboe (2017: 59.5 mmboe), and sales of 78.3 mmboe (2017: 83.4 mmboe); 

 sale of non-core assets resulting in $152 million in proceeds with a gain on disposal of $112 million; 

 average realised oil price of $75.05 per barrel compared to $57.85 per barrel in 2017; 

 net debt increased to $3,549 million at 31 December 2018, from $2,731 million at 31 December 2017; and

 acquisition of 100% of the shares in Quadrant Energy Holdings Pty Ltd (“Quadrant Energy”), which completed on 27 November 
2018 for purchase consideration of $2.15 billion.

64 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report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 2.2 Revenue from contracts with customers

 Note 2.4 Taxation

 Note 3.1 Exploration and evaluation assets

 Note 3.2 Oil and gas assets

 Note 3.3 Impairment of non-current assets

 Note 3.4 Restoration obligations and other provisions

 Note 6.2 Acquisitions and disposals of subsidiaries

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

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 65

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

1.4  FOREIGN CURRENCY

Functional and presentation currency

The Group’s financial statements are presented in United States dollars (“US$”), as that presentation currency most reliably reflects the 
global business performance of the Group as a whole and is more comparable with our peers. 

The functional currency of the Parent is Australian dollars (“A$”). 

The assets, liabilities, income and expenses of non-US dollar denominated functional operations are translated into US dollars using the 
following applicable exchange rates:

Foreign currency amount
Income and expenses
Assets and liabilities
Equity
Reserves
Statement of cash flows

Applicable exchange rate
Average rate prevailing for the relevant period 
Period-end rate
Historical rate
Historical and period-end rate 
Average rate prevailing for the relevant period

Foreign exchange differences resulting from translation to presentation currency are initially recognised in the foreign currency 
translation reserve and subsequently transferred to the income statement on disposal of the operation.

The period-end exchange rate used was A$/US$ 1:0.7044 (2017: 1:0.7809).

Transactions and balances

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

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

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

Group companies

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

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

Also refer to note 5.5(c) Foreign currency risk for further details on the net investment hedge in place.

66 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
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 five key assets/operating areas of the Cooper Basin, Queensland & NSW, 
Papua New Guinea (“PNG”), Northern Australia, and Western Australia, based on the nature and geographical location of the assets, 
plus Asia and “Other” non-core assets. This is the basis on which internal reports are provided to the Chief Executive Officer for 
assessing performance and determining the allocation of resources within the Group. 

The assets acquired as part of the Quadrant acquisition have been incorporated into the Western Australia segment, since aquisition 
date of 27 November 2018.

Segment performance is measured based on earnings before interest, tax, impairment, exploration and evaluation, depletion, 
depreciation and amortisation (“EBITDAX”). Corporate and exploration expenditure and inter-segment eliminations are included in the 
segment disclosure for reconciliation purposes.

Changes to segment information

As at 1 January 2018, the “Other” reporting segment was restructured to comprise Santos’ Asian assets only. New South Wales entered 
the core portfolio and is now reported under the segment “Queensland & NSW” and WA Oil is now reported under the segment 
“Western Australia”. Comparative disclosures have been restated to a consistent basis.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 67

 
Northern 
Australia 
2018 

Western 
Australia 
2018 

  Corporate,
  exploration,
  eliminations
& other 
2018 

Asia 
2018 

Total
2018

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 2: Financial Performance

2.1 SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

US$million 

Cooper  Queensland 
& NSW 
2018 

Basin 
2018 

Revenue  
Sales to external customers 
Inter-segment sales1 
Revenue – other from external customers 

975 
105 
66 

957 
47 
12 

Total segment revenue 

1,146 

1,016 

(127) 
(68) 
(421) 
(3) 
(9) 

518 
(196) 
– 
– 
– 

322 

(71) 
(80) 
(293) 
(33) 
31 

570 
(167) 
– 
(12) 
22 

413 

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

EBITDAX 
Depreciation and depletion 
Exploration and evaluation expensed 
Net impairment loss 
Change in future restoration assumptions  

EBIT 
Net finance costs 

Profit before tax 
Income tax expense 
Royalty-related tax benefit/(expense)  

Net profit 

Asset additions and acquisitions:    
Exploration and evaluation assets 
Oil and gas assets2 

PNG 
2018 

621 
– 
9 

630 

(70) 
(52) 
– 
– 
(2) 

506 
(123) 
– 
(33) 
– 

350 

183 
– 
– 

183 

(74) 
– 
– 
– 
7 

116 
(51) 
– 
– 
– 

65 

408 
– 
14 

422 

(108) 
(17) 
– 
– 
(14) 

283 
(99) 
– 
(8) 
24 

200 

5  

6  

– 

 1  

(56) 

18 
215 

233 

14 
195 

209 

30 
47 

77 

35  
30  

613 
2,230 

 65 

2,843 

181 
– 
– 

181 

(42) 
(11) 
– 
– 
51 

179 
(13) 
– 
(47) 
– 

119 

– 

– 
– 

– 

335 
(152) 
12 

3,660
–
113

195 

3,773

18 
(87) 
(133) 
36 
(41) 

 (12) 
(18) 
(105) 
– 
– 

(135) 
(228) 

(439) 
7  

(474)
(315)
(847)
–
23

2,160
(667)
(105)
(100)
46

1,334
(228)

1,106
(439)
(37)

630

5 
2 

7 

715
2,719

3,434

1 

2 

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

Includes impact on restoration assets following changes in future restoration provision assumptions (refer note 3.4). 

2018 Revenue from external customers 
by geographical location
US$million

2018 Non-current assets by geographical location 
(excluding financial and deferred tax assets)
US$million

Australia 

Papua New Guinea 

Vietnam 

Indonesia 

Total 

2,962

630

124

57

3,773

Australia 

9,551

Papua New Guinea 

2,705

Other  

Total 

122

12,378

68 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.1 SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

US$million 

Revenue  
Sales to external customers 
Inter-segment sales1 
Revenue – other from external customers 

Total segment revenue 

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

EBITDAX 
Depreciation and depletion 
Exploration and evaluation expensed 
Net impairment reversal/(loss) 
Change in future restoration assumptions  

EBIT 
Net finance costs 

Loss before tax 
Income tax benefit 
Royalty-related tax benefit/(expense)   

Net loss  

Asset additions and acquisitions:    
Exploration and evaluation assets 
Oil and gas assets2 

Cooper  Queensland 
& NSW 
2017 

Basin 
2017 

Northern 
Australia 
2017 

Western 
Australia 
2017 

PNG 
2017 

  Corporate,
  exploration,
  eliminations
& other 
2017 

Asia 
2017 

Total
2017

 729  
 29  
 11  

 526  
– 
 8  

 769  

 534  

 324  
– 
 28  

 256  
– 
– 

 366  
(79) 
(4) 

 3,100 
–
 98 

 352  

 256  

 283  

 3,198 

 746  
 50  
 55  

 851  

(134) 
(88) 
(230) 
(1) 
(69) 

329  
(195) 
– 
479 
– 

(68) 
(73) 
(275) 
(34) 
 3  

 322  
(196) 
– 
(1,248) 
5 

(55) 
(46) 
(1) 
– 
– 

 432  
(113) 
– 
(4) 
1 

 316  

 613  

(1,117) 

 153  
– 
– 

 153  

(75) 
– 
– 
– 
 9  

 87  
(54) 
– 
– 
– 

 33  

(107) 
(20) 
– 
– 
 (1)  

 224  
(91) 
– 
(6) 
25 

 152  

(68) 
(12) 
– 
– 
 1  

 177  
(69) 
– 
(154) 
– 

(46) 

5  

 4  

– 

 20  

(32) 

– 

 11  
 146  

 157  

 15  
 198  

 213  

 58  
 9  

 67  

 44  
(5) 

 39  

(1) 
 90  

 89  

 10  
 9  

 19  

 5  
(1) 

 4  

 26  
(71) 
(221) 
 35  
(195) 

(143) 
(24) 
(94) 
(5) 
– 

(266) 
(270) 

 211  
 17  

(481)
(310)
(727)
–
(252)

 1,428 
(742)
(94)
(938)
31

(315)
(270)

(585)
 211 
 14 

(360)

 142 
 446 

 588 

1 

2 

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

Includes impact on restoration assets following changes in future restoration provision assumptions (refer note 3.4). 

2017 Revenue from external customers 
by geographical location
US$million

2017 Non-current assets by geographical location 
(excluding financial and deferred tax assets)
US$million

Australia 

Papua New Guinea 

Vietnam 

Indonesia 

Total 

2,408

534

138

118

3,198

Australia 

7,020

Papua New Guinea 

2,784

Other  

Total 

360

10,164

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 2: Financial Performance

2.2  REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS 

Revenue from contracts with customers is recognised in the income statement when the performance obligations are considered met, 
which is when control of the hydrocarbon products or services provided are transferred to the customer. Revenue is recognised at an 
amount that reflects the consideration the Group expects to be entitled to, net of goods and services tax or similar taxes.

Product sales

Sales revenue is recognised using the “sales method” of accounting. The sales method results in revenue being recognised based 
on volumes sold under contracts with customers, at the point in time where performance obligations are considered met. Generally, 
regarding the sale of hydrocarbon products, the performance obligation will be met when the product is delivered to the specified 
measurement point (gas) or point of loading/unloading (liquids). No adjustments are made to revenue for any differences between 
volumes sold to customers and unsold volumes which the Group is entitled to sell based on its working interest.

The Group’s sales of crude oil, liquefied natural gas, ethane, condensate, LPG, and in some contractual arrangements, natural gas, are 
based on market prices. In contractual arrangements with market based pricing, at the time of the delivery, there is only a minimal risk of 
a change in transaction price to be allocated to the product sold. Accordingly, at the point of sale where there is not a significant risk of 
revenue reversal relative to the cumulative revenue recognised, there is no constraining of variable consideration. 

The Group applies the allocation exception that allows an entity to allocate the market price to product sales as delivered, rather than 
recognising an average price over the term of the contract. For those contractual arrangements based on market pricing, the aggregate 
transaction price allocation to unsatisified performance obligations is fully constrained at the end of the reporting period. Revenue for 
existing contracts will be recognised over varying contract tenures.

During the year, revenue from one customer amounted to $489 million (2017: $358 million), arising from sales from one segment of the Group. 

Contract liabilities

A contract liability for deferred revenue is recorded for obligations under sales contracts to deliver natural gas in future periods for which 
payment has already been received. Where the period between when payment is received and performance obligations are considered 
met, is more than 12 months, an assessment will be made for whether a significant financing component is required to be accounted for. 
Deferred revenue liabilities unwind as “revenue from contracts with customers”, upon settlement of the obligation, and if a significant 
financing component associated with deferred revenue exists, this will be recognised as interest expense over the life of the contract.

On acquisition of Quadrant Energy (refer note 6.2), pre-existing revenue contracts were fair valued, resulting in contract liabilities being 
recognised. The contract liabilities represent the differential in contract pricing and market price, and will be realised as performance 
obligations are considered met in the underlying revenue contract. To the extent the contract liability represents the fair value differential 
between contract price and market price, it will be unwound through “other revenue”.

Contract assets

On acquisition of Quadrant Energy (refer note 6.2), pre-existing revenue contracts were fair valued, resulting in contract assets being 
recognised. The contract assets represent the differential in contract pricing and market price, and will be realised as performance 
obligations are considered met in the underlying revenue contract. The contract asset will be unwound through “other expenses”. Where 
different tranches exist within a contractual arrangement, individual contracts acquired may contain both a contract liability in respect of 
deferred revenue and a contract asset arising from revenue contracts being fair valued on acquisition. These amounts have been shown 
separately in the table below.

70 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
2.2  REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (CONTINUED) 

(a)  Revenue from contracts with customers 

Product sales 

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

Total product sales1 

Revenue – other   

Liquidated damages 
Pipeline tolls and tariffs 
Other 

Total revenue – other 

2018 
US$million 

(Restated)
2017
US$million

2,518 
757 
300 
85 

3,660 

11 
84 
18 

113 

2,198
579
235
88

3,100

28
54
16

98

Total revenue from contracts with customers 

3,773 

3,198

1 

Total product sales include third-party product sales of $997 million (2017: $926 million).

(b)  Assets and liabilities related to contracts with customers

The Group has recognised the following assets and liabilities related to contracts with customers:

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

Contract assets
Non-current
Acquired contract assets 

Total contract assets 

Contract liabilities
Current
Deferred revenue 
Acquired deferred revenue 

Non-current
Deferred revenue 
Acquired deferred revenue 
Acquired contract liabilities 

Total contract liabilities 

137 

137 

7 
25 

32 

124 
111 
33 

268 

300 

–

–

8
–

8

113
–
–

113

121

 The following table illustrates the revenue recognised in the current reporting period relating to carried-forward  
deferred revenue balances:

Deferred revenue 

Revenue recognised that was included in the deferred revenue balances  

at the beginning of the period: 
Gas, ethane and liquefied natural gas 

Total 

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

4 

4 

–

–

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 2: Financial Performance

2018  
US$million 

(Restated)
2017
US$million

436 
38 

474 

64 
133 
18 
82 
18 

315 

789 

417 
248 

665 

847 
28 

412
69

481

63
181
(16)
64
18

310

791

472
268

740

727
45

2,329 

2,303

14 
75 
58 
2 
(146) 

17 
(15) 
67 
105 
17 

194 

15
84
–
2
153

43
(57)
63
94
11

408

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 
Movements in onerous contracts 
Royalty and excise 
Shipping costs 

Total other operating costs 

Total cash cost of production 

Depreciation and depletion

Depreciation of plant, equipment and buildings 
Depletion of subsurface assets 

Total depreciation and depletion 

Third-party product purchases 
Decrease in product stock 

Total cost of sales 

Other expenses   

Selling 
Corporate 
Costs associated with aquisitions and disposals 
Depreciation 
Foreign exchange (gains)/losses  
Fair value hedges losses/(gains) 
On the hedging instrument  
On the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk 
Fair value losses on commodity derivatives (oil hedges) 
Exploration and evaluation expensed 
Other 

Total other expenses 

72 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. Where applicable, provisions 
include an estimate of any amounts expected to be paid to settle uncertain tax positions if it is probable that an amount will settle the 
obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. When the Group expects some or all of an amount of 
tax payable to be reimbursed, the expense relating to the income tax payable is presented in the statement of profit or loss net of any 
reimbursement that is virtually certain. If the effect of the time value of money is material, current tax payable is discounted.

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

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

Royalty-related tax

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

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 73

 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 2: Financial Performance

2.4  TAXATION (CONTINUED)

Current income tax and royalty-related tax recognised in the income statement for the Group are as follows:

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

(a)  Income tax expense/(benefit)  

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

Deferred tax expense/(benefit) 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences 
Adjustments for prior years 

Total income tax expense/(benefit) 

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

Current tax expense 
Current year 

Deferred tax expense/(benefit) 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences 

Total royalty-related tax expense/(benefit) 

(c)   Numerical reconciliation between pre-tax net profit/(loss)  

and tax expense/(benefit) 

Profit/(loss) before tax 

Prima facie income tax expense/(benefit) at 30% (2017: 30%) 
Increase/(decrease) in income tax expense/(benefit) due to: 

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

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

Total tax expense/(benefit) 

74 / Santos Annual Report 2018

70 
(4) 

66 

365 
8 

373 

439 

36 

36 

1 

1 

37 

1,106 

332 

4 
3 
99 
4 
(3) 

439 
37 

476 

144
(5)

139

(336)
(14)

(350)

(211)

9

9

(23)

(23)

(14)

(585)

(176)

51
5
(71)
(19)
(1)

(211)
(14)

(225)

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.4  TAXATION (CONTINUED)

(d)  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. Future taxable profits are estimated by internal budgets and forecasts. Deferred tax assets are 
reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.

 Assets 

Liabilities 

Net

Recognised deferred tax assets 
and liabilities 

2018 
US$million 

2017 

2018 
US$million  US$million 

2017 

2018 
US$million  US$million 

2017
US$million

Exploration and evaluation assets 
Oil and gas assets 
Other assets 
Derivative financial instruments 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 
Provisions 
Royalty-related tax 
Other items 
Provisional deferred tax arising  

on acquisition 

Tax value of carry-forward  
losses recognised 

Tax assets/(liabilities) 
Set-off of tax 

Net tax assets 

57 
1 
26 
– 
126 
56 
– 
– 

699 

882 

1,847 
(101) 

1,746 

49  
116  
75  
6  
66  
51  
– 
– 

– 

1,046  

1,409  
10  

1,419  

(47) 
(179) 
(52) 
(16) 
– 
– 
(25) 
(69) 

(1,327) 

– 

(1,715) 
101 

(1,614) 

(46) 
– 
(115) 
– 
– 
– 
(15) 
(54) 

– 

– 

(230) 
(10) 

(240) 

10 
(178) 
(26) 
(16) 
126 
56 
(25) 
(69) 

(628) 

882 

132 
– 

132 

3  
116  
(40)
6  
66 
51  
(15)
(54)

–

1,046  

1,179  
–

1,179  

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 2: Financial Performance

2.4  TAXATION (CONTINUED)

(d)  Deferred tax assets and liabilities (continued)

Accounting judgement and estimate – Deferred taxes unrecognised 

 Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following items set out below, 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. There are no tax losses (2017: $65 million) which 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 

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

4,500 
5,858 
– 
228 

10,586 

4,705
5,751
162
327

10,945

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:

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

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

630 

(360)

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

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 

2018 
  Number of shares 

2017
Number of shares

2,083,028,582 
15,065,580 

2,078,858,067
–

2,098,094,162 

2,078,858,067

2018 
¢ 

30.2 
30.0 

2017
¢

(17.3)
(17.3)

1  Due to a net loss after tax in 2017, potential ordinary shares are anti-dilutive and therefore excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

76 / Santos Annual Report 2018

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 

2018 
Interim 2018 ordinary – paid on 27 September 2018 

2017  
No dividends were recognised during 2017. 

Dividends declared in respect of the year 

2018  
Final dividend per ordinary share 
Interim dividend per ordinary share 

2017  
No dividends were declared in respect of 2017. 

Dividend franking account 

Franked/ 
unfranked 

Franked 

Franked/ 
unfranked 

Franked 
Franked 

30% franking credits available to the shareholders of Santos Limited  

for future distribution, after adjusting for franking credits which will  
arise from the refund of the current tax receivable at 31 December 

Dividend  
per share 
US¢ 

Total
US$million

3.5 

3.5 

73

73

Dividend  
per share 
US¢ 

Total
US$million

6.2 
3.5 

9.7 

129
73

202

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

331 

399

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 2: Financial Performance

2.7  OTHER INCOME

Other income is recognised at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, when significant risks and rewards have been 
transferred to the buyer or when the service has been performed. 

Gain or loss arising on disposal of a non-current asset is included as other income at the date control of the asset passes to the buyer.

Other income 
Change in future restoration assumptions 
Gain on sale of non-current assets 
Gain on disposal of subsidiaries 
Other 

Total other income 

Net gain on sale of non-current assets: 

Proceeds on disposals 
Adjusted for:   

Note 

3.4 

6.2(b) 

Book value of exploration and evaluation liabilities disposed 
Book value of oil and gas liabilities/(assets) disposed 
Book value of other land, buildings, plant and equipment disposed 
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 gain on sale of oil and gas assets 
Net gain/(loss) on sale of other land, buildings, plant and equipment  
Net gain on liquidation of controlled entities 

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 disposals 

Total proceeds on disposal of non-current assets 

Comprising:  

Proceeds from disposal of exploration and evaluation assets 
Proceeds from disposal of oil and gas assets 
Proceeds from disposal of other land, buildings, plant and equipment 

2018 
US$million 

(Restated)
2017
US$million

46 
56 
56 
22 

180 

26 

– 
34 
(4) 
– 

56 

– 
52 
4 
– 

56 

26 
– 

26 

26 

– 
18 
8 

26 

31
79
–
15

125

145

2
(62)
(4)
(2)

79

10
60
(1)
10

79

145
–

145

145

3
134
8

145

78 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 the Group’s assets is summarised as follows: 

Exploration  
and evaluation 

Appraisal drilling

Development

Production

Decommissioning

Abandonment 
and restoration

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.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 79

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

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 impaired through the income statement. 

Cost 
Less: Impairment 

Balance at 31 December 

Reconciliation of movements 
Balance at 1 January  
Acquisitions  
Additions  
Disposals  
Expensed 
Impairment losses   
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

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

1,546 
(542) 

1,004 

459 
628 
87 
(2) 
(10) 
(129) 
– 
(29) 

1,004 

687 
221 
96 

1,004 

2,012
(1,553)

459

495
48
94
–
(17)
(163)
(13)
15

459

95
253
111

459

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

Assets in development

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

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

80 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 below.

Depreciation and depletion

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

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

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

• 

• 

• 

 Buildings  

 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.

Depletion charges are calculated to amortise the depreciable value of carried forward exploration, evaluation and subsurface 
development expenditure over the life of the estimated Proved plus Probable (“2P”) reserves for a hydrocarbon reserve, together with 
future subsurface costs necessary to develop the respective hydrocarbon reserve.

Significant judgement – Estimates of reserve quantities

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

Accounting judgement and estimate – Depletion charges 

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

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 81

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

3.2  OIL AND GAS ASSETS (CONTINUED)

2018 

2017

Subsurface 
assets 

Plant and 
Total 
equipment 
US$million  US$million  US$million 

Subsurface 
assets 
US$million 

Plant and 
equipment 
US$million 

Total
US$million

9,457 

16,112 

25,569 

8,985 

15,442 

24,427

(6,365) 

(7,980) 

(14,345) 

(6,847) 

(8,044) 

(14,891)

Cost 
Less: Accumulated depreciation,  
depletion and impairment 

Balance at 31 December 

3,092 

8,132 

11,224 

2,138 

7,398 

9,536

Reconciliation of movements 
Assets in development 
Balance at 1 January 
Additions1 
Transfer to oil and gas assets  

in production 
Exchange differences 

Balance at 31 December 

Producing assets 
Balance at 1 January 
Additions1  
Acquisition 
Transfer from exploration and  

evaluation assets 

Transfer from oil and gas assets  

in development 

Disposals  
Depreciation and depletion  
Net impairment reversals/(losses) 
Exchange differences 

Balance at 31 December 

Total oil and gas assets 

Comprising: 

Exploration and evaluation expenditure  

pending commercialisation 

Other capitalised expenditure 

73 
16 

– 
(1) 

88 

46 
73 

– 
– 

119 

2,065 
212 
1,192 

7,352 
177 
1,049 

– 

– 

– 
(148) 
(239) 
29 
(107) 

3,004 

3,092 

86 
3,006 

3,092 

– 
(8) 
(405) 
– 
(152) 

8,013 

8,132 

5 
8,127 

8,132 

119 
89 

– 
(1) 

207 

9,417 
389 
2,241 

– 

– 
(156) 
(644) 
29 
(259) 

11,017 

11,224 

91 
11,133 

11,224 

71 
1 

(1) 
2 

73 

1,706 
297 
– 

13 

1 
– 
(268) 
255 
61 

2,065 

2,138 

90 
2,048 

2,138 

19 
28 

(1) 
– 

46 

8,602 
120 
– 

– 

1 
(4) 
(450) 
(1,020) 
103 

7,352 

7,398 

5 
7,393 

7,398 

90
29

(2)
2

119

10,308
417
–

13

2
(4)
(718)
(765)
164

9,417

9,536

95
9,441

9,536

1 

Includes impact on restoration assets following changes in future restoration provision assumptions (refer note 3.4).

82 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.3  IMPAIRMENT OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Impairment of oil and gas 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 or impairment reversal. Where an indicator of impairment exists, a formal estimate of the recoverable amount is made.

a) 

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:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 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

 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

 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.

b)  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 (“CGU”) basis. A 
CGU is the smallest grouping of assets that generates independent cash inflows, and generally represents an individual oil or gas 
field, or oil and gas fields, that are being produced through a common facility. Impairment losses recognised in respect of CGUs are 
allocated to reduce the carrying amount of the assets in the CGU on a pro-rata basis.

 Individual assets within a CGU may become impaired if their ongoing use changes or if 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 CGU exceeds its recoverable amount.

Impairment of goodwill

Goodwill arises as a result of a business combination, and has an indefinite useful life which is not subject to amortisation. It is tested at 
least annually for impairment and more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired.

Recoverable amount

The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU 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. 

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 83

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

3.3  IMPAIRMENT OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS (CONTINUED)

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 hydrocarbon reserves, 
future production profiles, commodity prices, operating costs including third-party gas purchases and any future development costs 
necessary to produce the reserves. Under a FVLCD calculation, future cash flows are based on estimates of hydrocarbon reserves in 
addition to other relevant factors such as value attributable to additional resource and exploration opportunities beyond 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 Brent prices (US$/bbl) used were:

2019

65.00

2020

66.30

2021

67.63

20221

74.28

20231

75.77

20241

77.29

1 

Based on US$70/bbl (2019 real) from 2022 escalated at 2.0% p.a.

Forecasts of the exchange rate for foreign currencies, where relevant, are estimated with reference to observable external market data 
and forward values, including analysis of broker and consensus estimates. The future estimated rate applied is A$1/US$0.75.

The discount rates applied to the future forecast cash flows are based on the weighted average cost of capital, adjusted for risks where 
appropriate, including functional currency of the asset, and risk profile of the countries in which the asset operates. The range of pre-tax 
discount rates that have been applied to non-current assets is between 11% and 17%.

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

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

84 / Santos Annual Report 2018

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

Impairment expense 

Current assets 
Assets held for sale, subsequently disposed of 
Other receivables  

Total impairment of current assets 

Non-current assets 
Exploration and evaluation assets 
Oil and gas assets   
Land and buildings 

Total impairment of non-current assets 

Total impairment  

6.2(b) 

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

47 
– 

47 

53 
– 
– 

53 

100 

–
5

5

163
765
5

933

938

Recoverable amounts and resulting impairment losses recognised in the year ended 31 December 2018:

2018 

Segment 

Exploration and evaluation assets: 

Gunnedah Basin 
PNG – PPL 426 
PNG – PPL 261 

  WA-214 (Davis 1) 

Queensland & NSW 
PNG 
PNG 
Western Australia 

Total impairment of exploration  
and evaluation assets 

Subsurface 
assets 

  Recoverable 
amount1 
US$million  US$million  US$million  US$million

Plant and 
equipment 

Total 

12 
29 
4 
8 

53 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

12 
29 
4 
8 

53 

nil2
nil2
nil2
nil2

1  Recoverable amounts represent the carrying values of assets before deducting the carrying value of restoration liabilities. All producing oil and gas asset amounts are calculated using the 

VIU method, whilst all exploration and evaluation asset amounts use the FVLCD method.

2 

Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets relates to certain individual licences/areas of interest that have been impaired to nil.

Exploration and evaluation assets

The impairment of PNG – PPL 426 and PNG – PPL 261 has arisen mainly from the impact of uncertainty around access to necessary 
infrastructure and viability and timing of future third-party export routes.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 85

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

3.3  IMPAIRMENT OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS (CONTINUED)

Recoverable amounts and resulting impairment write-downs/(reversals) recognised in the year ended 31 December 2017 were:

2017 

Segment 

Exploration and evaluation assets: 
Ande Ande Lumut – Indonesia 
Gunnedah Basin 
PNG – PPL 287 

Total impairment of exploration  
and evaluation assets 

Oil and gas assets – producing: 

Asia  
Queensland & NSW  
PNG 

GLNG 
Barrow 
Cooper – unconventional resources3 
Cooper Basin 

Queensland & NSW 
Western Australia 
Cooper Basin 
Cooper Basin 

Total impairment of oil and gas assets 

Total impairment of exploration and  
evaluation and oil and gas assets 

Subsurface 
assets 

  Recoverable 
amount1 
US$million  US$million  US$million  US$million

Plant and 
equipment 

Total 

149 
10 
4 

163 

–  
– 
1 
(256) 

(255) 

– 
– 
– 

– 

1,238 
6 
– 
(224) 

1,020 

149 
10 
4 

163 

1,238 
6 
1 
(480) 

765 

(92) 

1,020 

928 

nil2
nil2
nil2

4,099
nil
nil
1,388

1  Recoverable amounts represent the carrying values of assets before deducting the carrying value of restoration liabilities. All producing oil and gas asset amounts are calculated using the 

VIU method, whilst all exploration and evaluation asset amounts use the FVLCD method.

2 

Impairment of exploration and evaluation assets relates to certain individual licences/areas of interest that have been impaired to nil.

3  Cooper – unconventional resources comprises exploration and evaluation expenditure pending commercialisation within oil and gas assets – producing assets. The impairment relates to the 

Basin Centered Gas exploration.

86 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.4  RESTORATION OBLIGATIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS 

Provisions for future removal and environmental restoration costs are recognised where there is a present obligation as a result of 
exploration, development, production, transportation or storage activities having been undertaken, and it is probable that future outflow 
of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. The estimated future obligations include the costs of removing facilities, 
abandoning wells and restoring the affected areas and is the best estimate of the present value of the future expenditure required to 
settle the restoration obligation at the reporting date, based on current legal requirements or observed industry analogs. Any changes 
in the estimate are reflected in the present value of the restoration provision at the reporting date, with a corresponding change in the 
cost of the associated asset. In the event the restoration provision is reduced, the cost of the related oil and gas asset is reduced by an 
amount not exceeding its carrying value. If the decrease in restoration provision exceeds the carrying amount of the asset, the excess is 
recognised immediately in the income statement as other income.

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

Significant judgement – Provision for restoration

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

The Group has recorded provisions for restoration obligations as follows:

Current provision 
Non-current provision 

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

Balance at 1 January 2018 
Provisions made and changes to assumptions during the year 
Provisions used during the year 
Provisions disposed of 
Provisions acquired 
Unwind of discount  
Change in discount rate 
Exchange differences 

Balance at 31 December 2018 

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

59 
2,034 

2,093 

85
1,443

1,528

Total restoration
US$million

1,528
(140)
(37)
(125)
903
46
43
(125)

2,093

Payments made into escrow accounts relating to future restoration obligations of $nil (2017: $68 million) are included within other 
non-current financial assets (note 5.5(g)).

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 87

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

3.4  RESTORATION OBLIGATIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS (CONTINUED)

Other provisions

In addition to the provision for restoration shown above, other items for which a provision has been recorded are:

Current   
Employee benefits 
Onerous contracts  

Non-current  
Employee benefits 
Defined benefit obligations  
Onerous contracts  
Other provisions 

Note 

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

7.1 

7.1 
7.1 

55 
2 

57 

9 
1 
29 
74 

113 

49
8

57

8
1
42
–

51

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

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

During the year ended 31 December 2018, the Group recognised $38 million (2017: $69 million) as an expense in the income statement 
in respect of operating leases.

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

Capital  

Minimum exploration  

 Operating lease 

Commitments 

2018 
US$million 

2017 

2018 
US$million  US$million 

2017 

2018 
US$million  US$million 

2017
US$million

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

than five years 
Later than five years 

112 

12 
– 

124 

124 

18 
– 

142 

180 

417 
3 

600 

46 

334 
13 

393 

34 

106 
102 

242 

65

128
78

271

88 / Santos Annual Report 2018

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

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

467 
849 

1,316 

384
847

1,231

 In accordance with the terms of the PNG LNG project financing, cash relating to the Group’s interest in undistributed cash 
flows from the PNG LNG project is required to be held in restricted bank accounts. As at 31 December 2018 $147 million 
(2017: $135 million) was held in these accounts.

(b)  Reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities 

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

Profit/(loss) after income tax 
Add/(deduct) non-cash items: 
Depreciation and depletion 
Exploration and evaluation expensed 
Net impairment loss 
Net loss on fair value derivatives  
Share-based payment expense 
Unwind of the effect of discounting on provisions 
Foreign exchange (gain)/losses  
Gain on sale of sale of non-current assets and subsidiaries 
Other 

630 

667 
10 
100 
69 
11 
46 
(146) 
(112) 
(2) 

(360)

742
17
938
49
10
45
153
(79)
(28)

Net cash provided by operating activities before changes in assets or liabilities 

1,273 

1,487 

Add/(deduct) change in operating assets or liabilities, net of acquisitions  
or disposals of businesses: 

Increase in trade and other receivables 
Decrease in inventories 
Decrease in other assets 
Increase/(decrease) in net deferred tax assets 
Increase in current tax liabilities 
(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables 
Decrease in provisions 

Net cash provided by operating activities 

– 
13 
4 
336 
25 
(60) 
(13) 

1,578 

(62)
55
14
(292)
21
46
(21)

1,248

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 4: Working Capital Management

4.1  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (CONTINUED)

(d) Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities to financing cash flows 

Short-term 
borrowings 
Total 
US$million  US$million  US$million  US$million  US$million  US$million 

Long-term 
borrowings 

Finance 
lease 
liabilities 

Liabilities 
held to 
hedge 
borrowings 

Assets 
held to 
hedge 
borrowings 

Balance at 1 January 2017 
Financing cash flows1 
Non-cash changes: 

Effect of changes in exchange rates 
Changes in fair values 
Reclassification to current liability 
Other  

Balance at 31 December 2017 

Balance at 1 January 2018 
Financing cash flows1 
Non-cash changes: 

Changes in fair values 
Reclassification to current liability 
Other  

Balance at 31 December 2018 

419 
(432) 

– 
(6) 
222 
3 

206 

206 
(220) 

– 
977 
3 

966 

4,755 
(1,010) 

144 
(14) 
(222) 
21 

3,674 

3,674 
1,193 

(19) 
(977) 
20 

3,891 

65 
– 

– 
(2) 
– 
– 

63 

63 
– 

(1) 
– 
– 

62 

349 
(217) 

(144) 
12 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

(84) 
– 

– 
23 
– 
– 

(61) 

(61) 
– 

27 
– 
– 

5,504
(1,659)

–
13
–
24

3,882

3,882
973

7
–
23

(34) 

4,885

1 

Financing cash flows consist of the net amount of proceeds from borrowings and repayments of borrowings in the statement of cash flows. 

4.2  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Trade and other receivables are initially recognised at transaction price, which in practice is the equivalent of cost, less any impairment 
losses.

Long-term receivables are initially recognised at fair value and are subsequently stated at amortised cost, less any impairment losses.

Trade receivables are non-interest-bearing and settlement terms are generally within 30 days. Trade receivables that are neither past 
due nor impaired relate to a number of independent customers for whom there is no recent history of default.

Trade receivables 
Other receivables 

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

368 
153 

521 

334
106

440

Due to the nature of the Group’s receivables, their carrying amount is considered to approximate their fair value. 

The Group applies the simplified approach to providing for expected credit losses for all trade receivables as set out in note 5.5(e).

90 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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:

• 

• 

 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.

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

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

173 
115 

288 

37 

167
99

266

29

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 

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

503 
158 

661 

416
79

495

The carrying amounts of trade and other payables are considered to approximate their fair values, due to their short-term nature. 

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 91

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

At 31 December 2018 Santos Limited’s corporate credit rating was BBB- (stable outlook) from Standard & Poor’s.

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. The carrying values of the 
Group’s interest-bearing loans and borrowings are shown below. 

Fixed-rate notes that are hedged by interest rate swaps are recognised at fair value.

All borrowings are unsecured, with the exception of the secured bank loans and finance leases. 

All interest-bearing loans and borrowings, with the exception of secured bank loans and finance leases, are borrowed through Santos 
Finance Limited, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Santos Limited. All interest-bearing loans and borrowings by Santos Finance 
Limited are guaranteed by Santos Limited.

Ref  

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 

(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 

156 
657 
153 
1 

967 

1,318 
1,535 
1,038 
61 

3,952 

141
65
–
1

207

1,475
992
1,207
62

3,736

Current   
Bank loans – secured  
Bank loans – unsecured 
Long-term notes 
Finance leases 

Non-current  
Bank loans – secured 
Bank loans – unsecured 
Long-term notes 
Finance leases 

92 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.1  INTEREST-BEARING LOANS AND BORROWINGS (CONTINUED)

The Group’s weighted average interest rate on interest-bearing liabilities was 5.28% for the year ended 31 December 2018 (2017: 5.15%).

(a)  Bank loans – secured

Facility  

PNG LNG

Currency  
Limit 
Drawn principal 
Accounting balance 
Effective interest rate 
Maturity   
Other 

US dollars 
$1,537 million (2017: $1,692 million) 
$1,537 million (2017: $1,692 million)  
$1,474 million (2017: $1,616 million) including prepaid amounts 
6.10% (2017: 5.37%) 
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 commercial banks and export credit agencies, bear fixed and floating rates of 
interest and have final maturity dates of June 2024 and June 2026 respectively.

Assets pledged as security and restricted cash

 The PNG LNG facilities include security over assets and entitlements of the participants 
in respect of the project. The total carrying value of the Group’s assets pledged as 
security is $2,762 million at 31 December 2018 (2017: $2,852 million).

 As referred to in note 4.1, under the terms of the project financing, cash relating to the 
Group’s interest in undistributed project cash flows is required to be held in secured bank 
accounts. 

(b)  Bank loans – unsecured

Facility  

Term bank loans

Currency  
Limit 
Drawn principal 
Accounting balance 
Effective interest rate 
Maturity   
Other 

US dollars 
$1,200 million (2017: nil) 
$1,200 million (2017: nil) 
$1,194 million (2017: nil) including prepaid amounts 
4.18% (2017: N/A) 
2020 and 2024 
 During 2018 Santos completed a $700 million 5.5-year syndicated term loan facility and a 
$500 million 2-year bridge facility. Both facilities bear floating interest rates.

Facility  

Export credit agency supported loan facilities

Currency  
Limit 
Drawn principal 
Accounting balance 
Effective interest rate 
Maturity   
Other 

US dollars 
$1,001 million (2017: $1,065 million) 
$1,001 million (2017: $1,065 million) 
$998 million (2017: $1,057 million) including prepaid amounts 
3.02% (2017: 2.83%) 
2019–2024 
Loan facilities are supported by various export credit agencies.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 93

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 5: Funding and Risk Management

5.1  INTEREST-BEARING LOANS AND BORROWINGS (CONTINUED)

(c)  Long-term notes

Facility  

US private placement notes

Currency  
Limit 
Drawn principal 
Accounting balance 

Effective interest rate 
Maturity   
Other 

US dollars 
$377 million (2017: $377 million) 
$377 million (2017: $377 million) 
 $405 million (2017: $424 million) including fair value accounting measurement  
and prepaid amounts
1.58% (2017: 1.84%) 
2019–2027 
 Long-term notes bear a fixed interest rate of 6.30% to 6.81% (2017: 6.05% to 6.81%), 
which have been swapped to floating rate commitments.

Facility  

Regulation-S bond

Currency  
Limit 
Drawn principal 
Accounting balance 
Effective interest rate 
Maturity   
Other 

(d)  Finance leases

US dollars
$800 million (2017: $800 million)
$800 million (2017: $800 million)
 $786 million (2017: $783 million) including prepaid amounts
4.40% (2017: 4.39%)
2027
The bond bears a fixed interest rate of 4.125%.

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 

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

9 
37 
106 

152 

(90) 
– 

62 

10
37
115

162

(99)
–

63

 The Group participates in finance leases of LNG carriers and tug facilities. The leases have terms of between 10 and 20 years with 
varying renewal options. Title does not pass to the Group on expiration of the relevant lease period.

94 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 

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 

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

30 

30 

218 
(6) 

212 
46 

258 

228 

24

24

255
(6)

249
45

294

270

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 5: Funding and Risk Management

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 2018 was A$5.48 (2017: A$5.45).

Transaction costs

Transaction costs of an equity transaction are accounted for as a deduction from equity, net of any related income tax benefit. During 
2018 no transaction costs in respect of capital raisings completed have been deducted from equity (2017: $2 million).

Movement in ordinary shares 

Balance at 1 January 
Share purchase plan, net of costs 
Shares purchased on-market (Treasury shares) 
Utilisation of Treasury shares on vesting of employee  

share schemes 

Shares issued on vesting of Share Acquisition Rights (“SARs”) 
Replacement of ordinary shares with shares  

7.2 

purchased on-market  

Balance at 31 December 

2018 
Number of 
shares 

2017 
Number of  

2018 
shares  US$million 

2017
US$million

Note 

  2,083,070,879  2,032,389,675 
50,847,537 
– 
– 
– 

9,034 
– 
(10) 

8,883
151
(8)

– 
– 

– 
5,365 

(91,534) 

(171,698) 

7 
– 

– 

8
–

–

  2,082,979,345  2,083,070,879 

9,031 

9,034

Included within the Group’s ordinary shares at 31 December 2018 are 10,000 (2017: 25,000) ordinary shares paid to one cent with a value 
of nil (2017: nil).

Treasury shares 

Treasury shares are purchased primarily for use on vesting of employee share schemes. Shares are accounted for at weighted average 
cost. During the period, $10 million (2017: $8 million) of Treasury shares were purchased on-market.

Movement in Treasury shares 

Balance at 1 January 
Shares purchased on-market  
Treasury shares utilised: 

2018 
Note  Number of shares 

2017
Number of shares

587,993 
2,500,000 

–
2,600,000

Santos Employee Share1000 Plan 
Santos Employee ShareMatch Plan 
Utilised on vesting of SARs 
Executive STI (deferred shares) 
Executive STI (ordinary shares) 
2016 Executive sign-on grants 
Santos Employee Share1000 Plan (relinquished shares) 
Replacement of partially paid shares with shares purchased on-market 
Replacement of ordinary shares with shares purchased on-market  

7.2 
7.2 
7.2 
7.2 

Balance at 31 December 

(176,480) 
(439,664) 
(615,471) 
(312,731) 
– 
(209,496) 
4,093 
(15,000) 
(91,534) 

1,231,710 

(301,584)
(553,416)
(378,945)
(261,011)
(193,977)
(190,688)
39,312
–
(171,698)

587,993

96 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 functional 
currency of the Parent entity;

 the translation of liabilities that hedge the Company’s net investment in a foreign subsidiary; 

 exchange differences that arise on the translation of the monetary items that form part of the net investment in a foreign 
operation; and

• 

 the impact of translation of the Group from Australian dollar to US dollar presentation currency. 

Hedging reserve

The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging instruments 
related to hedged transactions that have not yet occurred.

Financial liabilities at fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVOCI”) reserve

The financial liabilities at FVOCI reserve includes the component of fair value movements in the Group’s financial liabilities measured at 
fair value that result from changes in the Group’s own credit risk. 

Accumulated profits reserve 

The accumulated profits reserve acts to quarantine profits generated in current and prior periods. The reserve was established during 2015.

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 and sensitivity analysis in the case of foreign exchange, interest rate and commodity price risk, and ageing and credit rating 
concentration analysis for credit risk.

Financial risk management is carried out by a central treasury department (“Treasury”) which operates under Board-approved policies. 
The policies govern the framework and principles for overall risk management and cover specific financial risks, such as foreign 
exchange risk, interest rate risk and credit risk, approved derivative and non-derivative financial instruments, and liquidity management.

(a)  Financial instruments

 The Group classifies its financial instruments in the following categories: financial assets at amortised cost, financial assets at fair 
value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”), financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (“FVOCI”), financial 
liabilities at amortised cost, financial liabilities at FVTPL and derivative instruments. The classification depends on the purpose 
for which the financial instruments were acquired, which is determined at initial recognition based upon the business model of 
the Group.

Financial assets at amortised cost

 The Group classifies its financial assets at amortised cost if the asset is held with the objective of collecting contractual cash 
flows and the contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest. These 
include trade receivables and bank term deposits. Bank term deposits are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable 
payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are financial assets at amortised cost and are included in current assets, 
except for those with maturities greater than 12 months after the reporting date.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 97

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 5: Funding and Risk Management

5.5  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(a)  Financial instruments (continued)

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

 The Group classifies its financial assets at fair value through profit or loss if they are acquired principally for the purpose of selling 
in the short term, i.e. are held for trading. The Group has not elected to designate any financial assets at fair value through profit 
or loss. 

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income

 Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income comprise debt securities where the contractual cash flows are 
solely principal and interest and the objective of the Group’s business model is achieved both by collecting contractual cash flows 
and selling financial assets. Upon disposal, any balance within the OCI reserve for these debt investments is reclassified to retained 
earnings. 

Financial liabilities 

 On initial recognition, the Group measures a financial liability at its fair value minus, in the case of a financial liability not at fair value 
through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the issue of the financial liability.

 After initial recognition, trade payables and interest-bearing loans and borrowings are stated at amortised cost. Fixed-rate notes 
that are hedged by an interest rate swap are recognised at fair value. For liabilities classified at fair value through profit or loss, the 
element of gains or losses attributable to changes in the Group’s own credit risk are recognised in other comprehensive income.

Policies for the recognition and subsequent measure of derivative liabilities are as outlined below. 

Derivative instruments 

 Derivative financial instruments entered into by the Group for the purpose of managing its exposures to changes in foreign 
exchange rates and interest rates arising in the normal course of business qualify for hedge accounting. The principal derivatives 
that may be used are forward foreign exchange contracts, cross-currency swaps and interest rate swaps. Commodity derivatives 
are also used to manage the Group’s exposure to changes in oil prices. The use of derivative financial instruments 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 holds the following financial instruments:

Financial assets 

Financial assets at amortised cost 

Cash and cash equivalents  
Trade receivables 
Amounts held in escrow1 

Financial assets at FVTPL 

Equity investments 

Derivative financial instruments  

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

1,316 
521 
– 

2 
53 

1,892 

1,231
440
68

2
61

1,802

1 

Amounts represent cash held in escrow for future restoration obligations relating to certain assets and these assets were disposed of during 2018.

98 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.5  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(a)  Financial instruments (continued)

Financial liabilities 

Financial liabilities at amortised cost 
Trade and other payables 
Borrowings at amortised cost 

Financial liabilities at FVTPL 

Borrowings at FVTPL 
Derivative financial instruments  
Other 

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

675 
4,514 

405 
– 
30 

5,624 

495
3,519

424
79
23

4,540

The Group’s financial instruments resulted in the following income, expenses, gains and losses recognised in the income statement: 

Interest on cash investments 
Interest on debt held at FVTPL 
Interest on debt held at amortised cost 
Interest on derivative financial instruments 
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income to profit or loss  
Fair value gains on debt held at FVTPL 
Fair value gains on debt held at amortised cost 
Fair value losses on derivative financial instruments 
Net impairment expense recognised on trade receivables 
Net foreign exchange gains/(losses)  

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

30 
(24) 
(218) 
30 
– 
15 
– 
(81) 
– 
146 

(102) 

24
(29)
(277)
57
(7)
31
26
(106)
(5)
(153)

(439)

(b)  Liquidity

 The Group adopts a prudent liquidity risk management strategy and seeks to maintain sufficient liquid assets and available 
committed credit facilities to meet short-term to medium-term liquidity requirements. The Group’s objective is to maintain flexibility 
in funding to meet ongoing operational requirements, exploration and development expenditure, and other corporate initiatives.

 The following tables analyse the contractual maturities of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities held to manage liquidity risk.  
The relevant maturity groupings are based on the remaining period to the contractual maturity date, as at 31 December. The 
amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows comprising principal and interest repayments. 
Estimated variable interest expense is based upon appropriate yield curves as at 31 December.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 99

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 5: Funding and Risk Management

5.5  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(b)  Liquidity (continued)

Financial assets and liabilities held to manage liquidity risk   
2018 

Less than 
1 year 

2 to 5  More than
5 years
years 
  US$million  US$million  US$million   US$million

1 to 2 
years 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Derivative financial assets 
Interest rate swap contracts 
Non-derivative financial liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Obligations under finance leases 
Bank loans 
Long-term notes  

1,316 

24 

(675) 
(9) 
(933) 
(207) 

(484) 

– 

15 

– 
(9) 
(797) 
(48) 

– 

31 

– 
(28) 
(1,024) 
(342) 

–

4

–
(106)
(1,414)
(951)

(839) 

(1,363) 

(2,467)

Financial assets and liabilities held to manage liquidity risk   
2017 

Less than 
1 year 

2 to 5  More than
5 years
years 
  US$million  US$million  US$million   US$million

1 to 2 
years 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Derivative financial assets 
Interest rate swap contracts 
Non-derivative financial liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Obligations under finance leases 
Bank loans 
Long-term notes  

(c)  Foreign currency risk

1,231 

16 

(495) 
(10) 
(305) 
(57) 

380 

– 

20 

– 
(10) 
(898) 
(207) 

– 

45 

– 
(27) 
(920) 
(356) 

(1,095) 

(1,258) 

–

5

–
(115)
(1,070)
(985)

(2,165)

 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, borrowings and capital and operating 
expenditure incurred in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency. In order to economically hedge foreign currency risk, 
the Group may enter into forward foreign exchange, foreign currency swap and foreign currency option contracts.

 The Group also has certain investments in domestic and foreign operations whose net assets are exposed to foreign currency 
translation risk. 

 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 (2018: $2,607 million; 2017: $1,407 million), or offset by US dollar-
denominated cash balances (2018: $771 million; 2017: $835 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 2018.

 Monetary items, including financial assets and liabilities, denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of an 
operation, are periodically restated to US 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 2018, the estimated impact of a ±15 cent movement in the 
Australian dollar exchange rate (2017: ±15 cent) against the US dollar, with all other variables held constant, is $21 million (2017: $22 
million) on post-tax profit and $1,550 million (2017: $1,374 million) on equity.

100 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.5  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(d)  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 long-term notes. When transacted, these swaps had 
maturities ranging from 1 to 20 years, aligned with the maturity of the related notes. 

 The Group’s interest rate swaps have a notional contract amount of $1,577 million (2017: $1,577 million) and a net fair value of  
$34 million (2017: $61 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 2018, 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% (2017: ±0.50%), and the Australian Bank Bill Swap 
reference rate (“BBSW”) changed by ±0.50% (2017: ±0.50%), with all other variables held constant, the impact on post-tax profit 
is $4 million (2017: nil).

 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 crude oil price swap and option contracts to manage its commodity price risk. At 31 December 2018, the 
Group has 4.9 million barrels of open oil price swap and option contracts (2017: 12.5 million), covering 2019 exposures, which are 
designated in cash flow hedge relationship. The 3-way collar option structure utilised to hedge 2018 oil exposures did not qualify for 
hedge accounting, resulting in movement in fair value being recorded in the income statement.

(e)  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 through 
management of concentration risk and ageing analysis. 

 The majority of Santos’ gas contracts are spread across major energy retailers and industrial users. Contracts exist in every 
mainland state, whilst the largest customer accounts for less than 13% of sales revenue.

 The Group considers the probability of default upon initial recognition of the asset and whether there has been a significant 
depreciation in credit quality on an ongoing basis throughout each reporting period. A significant decrease in credit quality is defined 
as a debtor being greater than 30 days past due in making a contractual payment. 

A default on a financial asset is when the counterparty fails to make contractual payments within 60 days of when they fall due. 

 Financial assets are written-off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. The Group categorises a loan or receivable 
for write-off when a debtor fails to make contractual repayments greater than 120 days past due. Where loans or receivables 
have been written-off, the Group continues to engage in enforcement activity to attempt to recover the receivable due. Where 
recoveries are made, these are recognised in profit or loss.

 At 31 December 2018 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 fair value of derivative assets.

 The Group applies the simplified approach to providing for expected credit losses prescribed by AASB 9, which permits the use of 
the lifetime expected loss provision for all trade receivables. Under this method, determination of the loss allowance provision and 
expected loss rate incorporates past experience and forward-looking information, including the outlook for market demand and 
forward-looking interest rates. As the expected loss rate at 31 December 2018 is nil (2017: nil), no loss allowance provision has been 
recorded at 31 December 2018 (2017: nil).

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 101

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 5: Funding and Risk Management

5.5  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) 

(f)  Fair values

 The financial assets and liabilities of the Group are all initially recognised in the statement of financial position at their fair values. 
Receivables, payables, interest-bearing liabilities and other financial assets and liabilities, which are not subsequently measured at 
fair value, are carried at amortised cost. 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, 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 US dollars at the foreign exchange spot rate prevailing at the 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 US dollars at 
the foreign exchange spot rate prevailing at the 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 

2018 
% 

1.5 – 2.8 
1.5 – 2.8 

2017
%

1.4 – 2.5
1.4 – 2.5

 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.

102 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.5  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(g)  Derivatives and hedging activity

The Group’s Accounting Policy for fair value and cash flow hedges are as follows:

Types of hedges

  What is it?

Fair value hedges
A derivative or financial instrument designated 
as hedging the change in fair value of a 
recognised asset or liability.

Recognition date
Measurement

Changes in fair value

At the date the instrument is entered into.
Measured at fair value, being the estimated 
amount that the Group would receive or pay to 
terminate the contracts at the reporting date.
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 
the 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.

Cash flow hedges
A derivative or financial instrument designated 
to hedge the exposure to variability in cash flows 
attributable to a particular risk associated with 
an asset, liability or forecast transaction.
At the date the instrument is entered into.
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 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 effective.

Ineffectiveness is recognised on a cash flow 
hedge where the cumulative change in the 
designated component value of the hedging 
instrument exceeds on an absolute basis the 
change in value of the hedged item attributable 
to the hedged risk. In hedges of foreign currency 
purchases this may arise if the timing of the 
transaction changes from what was originally 
estimated.

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 statement of 
financial position, 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 effectiveness is determined at the inception of the hedge relationship, and through periodic prospective effectiveness 
assessments to ensure that an economic relationship exists between the hedged item and hedging instrument. The Group 
enters into hedge relationships where the critical terms of the hedging instrument match exactly with the terms of the hedged 
item, and so a qualitative assessment of effectiveness is performed. If changes in circumstances affect the terms of the hedged 
item such that the critical terms no longer match exactly with the critical terms of the hedging instrument, the Group uses the 
hypothetical derivative method is to assess effectiveness.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 103

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 5: Funding and Risk Management

5.5  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(g)  Derivatives and hedging activity (continued)

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.

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.

 The table below contains all “other financial assets and liabilities” as shown in the statement of financial position, including 
derivative financial instruments used for hedging:

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

19 
8 
1 

28 

26 
2 
– 
3 

31 

– 
6 

6 

24 

24 

–
–
–

–

61
2
68
3

134

79
3

82

20

20

Current assets 
Commodity derivatives (oil hedges) 
Interest rate swap contracts  
Other 

Non-current assets 
Interest rate swap contracts 
Equity investments 
Amounts held in escrow 
Defined benefit surplus 

Current liabilities 
Commodity derivatives (oil hedges) 
Other 

Non-current liabilities 
Other 

104 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.5  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(g)  Derivatives and hedging activity (continued)

The effects of applying hedge accounting on the Group’s financial position and performance are as follows: 

Derivative financial instruments – Interest rate swap contracts 

Carrying amount  
Notional amount 
Maturity date 
Hedge ratio1 
Change in value of outstanding hedging instruments since 1 January  
Change in value of hedged item used to determine hedge effectiveness  

  Weighted average hedged rate 

Derivative financial instruments – Oil derivative contracts 

Carrying amount  
Notional amount (mmbbl) 
Maturity date 
Hedge ratio1 
Change in value of outstanding hedging instruments since 1 January  
Change in value of hedged item used to determine hedge effectiveness  

  Weighted average hedged rate 

Reserves – Cash flow hedge reserve 

Balance at 1 January  
Add:  Change in fair value of hedging instrument recognised in OCI  

for the year (effective portion)  

Less: Deferred tax  

Balance at 31 December  

Reserves – FVOCI reserve 

Balance at 1 January  
Add:  Change in fair value of hedging instrument recognised in OCI  

for the year (effective portion)  

Less: Deferred tax  

Balance at 31 December  

Reserves – Foreign currency hedge reserve 

Balance at 1 January  
Add:  Change in fair value of hedging instrument recognised in OCI  

for the year (effective portion)  

Less: Deferred tax  

Balance at 31 December  

2018 
US$million 

34 
1,577 
2019–2027 
1:1 
(27) 
27 
1.10% 

2018 
US$million 

19 
4.9 
2019 
1:1 
19 
(19) 
$50.88 

2017
US$million

61
1,577
2019–2027
1:1
(23)
23
1.10%

2017
US$million

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

(5) 

(4) 
1 

(8) 

(7)

3
(1)

(5)

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

21 

– 
– 

21 

–

32
(11)

21

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

573 

171 
(51) 

693 

707

(191)
57

573

1 

The value of the derivative contract is the same as the value of the underlying instrument that is being hedged. Therefore, the hedge ratio is 1:1. 

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. The cost of an acquisition is measured as the 
aggregate of the consideration transferred, measured at acquisition date fair value and the amount of any non-controlling interest in 
the acquiree. For each business combination, the Group measures the non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the lower of either fair 
value or the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets.

When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and designation 
in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as at the acquisition date.

If the business combination is achieved in stages, the previously held equity interest is remeasured at its acquisition date fair value and 
any resulting gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss.

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer will be recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent 
changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration which is deemed to be an asset or liability will be recognised in accordance 
with AASB 9 either in profit or loss or as a charge to other comprehensive income. If the contingent consideration is classified as equity, 
it shall not be remeasured until it is finally settled within equity. In instances where the contingent consideration does not fall within the 
scope of AASB 9, it is measured in accordance with the appropriate AASB standard.

A change in ownership interest of a subsidiary that does not result in the loss of control is accounted for as an equity transaction.

Intra-group balances and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions are eliminated in 
preparing the consolidated financial statements.

106 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report6.1  CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES (CONTINUED)

Name 

Country of incorporation

Name 

Country of incorporation

AUS

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 
Doce Pty Ltd 
Fairview Pipeline Pty Ltd1 
Gidgealpa Oil Pty Ltd 
Moonie Pipeline Company Pty Ltd 
Reef Oil Pty Ltd1 
Santos Asia Pacific Pty Ltd4 
  Controlled entities of Santos Asia Pacific Pty Ltd 
  Santos (Sampang) Pty Ltd4 
  Santos (Warim) Pty Ltd6 
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 Ltd 
Santos Direct Pty Ltd 
Santos Finance Ltd 
Santos GLNG Pty Ltd 
  Controlled entity of Santos GLNG Pty Ltd 
  Santos GLNG Corp 
Santos (Globe) Pty Ltd6 
Santos International Holdings Pty Ltd 
  Controlled entities of Santos International Holdings Pty Ltd 
  Barracuda Ltd 
Lavana Ltd   

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

  Sanro Insurance Pte Ltd 
  Santos Americas and Europe Corporation 
 Controlled entities of Santos Americas  
and Europe Corporation 

  Santos TPY Corp 

  Controlled entities of Santos TPY Corp 
  Santos Queensland Corp 
  Santos TOG Corp 

  Controlled entities of Santos TOG Corp 
  Santos TPY CSG Corp 

  Santos TOGA Pty Ltd 
  Santos Bangladesh Ltd 
  Santos Baturaja Pty Ltd6 

PNG
PNG
SGP
USA

USA

USA
USA

USA
AUD
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 Ltd4 

  Controlled entity of Santos (SPV) Pty Ltd 
  Santos (Madura Offshore) Pty Ltd4 

  Santos Belida Pty Ltd6 
  Santos EOM Pty Ltd6 
  Santos Hides Ltd 
  Santos International Pte Ltd3 
  Santos International Operations Pty Ltd6 
  Santos OIG Pty Ltd6 
  Santos P’nyang Ltd 
  Santos Sabah Block R Limited4 
  Santos Sangu Field Ltd 
  Santos (UK) Limited 

  Controlled entities of Santos (UK) Limited 
  Santos Northwest Natuna B.V.  
  Santos Petroleum Ventures B.V.4 

  Santos Vietnam 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 

  Controlled entities of Santos NSW (Holdings) Pty Ltd 
  Santos NSW (LNGN) Pty Ltd 
  Santos NSW (Pipeline) Pty Ltd 
  Santos NSW (Narrabri Energy) Pty Ltd 
  Controlled entity of Santos NSW  

(Narrabri Energy) Pty Ltd 
  Santos NSW (Eastern) Pty Ltd 
  Santos NSW (Narrabri Power) Pty Ltd 
  Santos NSW (Operations) Pty Ltd 
Santos (N.T.) Pty Ltd 
  Controlled entity of Santos (N.T.) Pty Ltd 
  Bonaparte Gas & Oil Pty Ltd 
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 

AUS

AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS
PNG
SGP
AUS
AUS
PNG
GBR
GBR
GBR

NLD
NLD
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 107

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 6: Group Structure

6.1  CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES (CONTINUED)

Name 

Country of incorporation

Name 

Country of incorporation

  Controlled entities of Santos QNT Pty Ltd (cont) 
  Santos QNT (No. 1) Pty Ltd1 

  Controlled entities of Santos QNT (No. 1) Pty Ltd 
  Santos Petroleum Management Pty Ltd6 
  TMOC Exploration Proprietary Limited 

  Santos QNT (No. 2) Pty Ltd 

  Controlled entities of Santos QNT (No. 2) Pty Ltd 
  Moonie Oil Pty Ltd6 
  Petromin Pty Ltd 
  Santos (299) Pty Ltd2 

  Santos TPC Pty Ltd 
  Santos Wilga Park Pty Ltd 
Santos Resources Pty Ltd 
Santos (TGR) Pty Ltd 
Santos Timor Sea Pipeline Pty Ltd 
Santos Ventures Pty Ltd 
Santos WA Holdings Pty Ltd7 
  Controlled entities of Santos WA Holdings Pty Ltd 
  Santos WA AEC Pty Ltd5 
  Santos WA Energy Holdings Pty Ltd5 

 Controlled entities of Santos WA Energy  
Holdings Pty Ltd 

  Santos WA Asset Holdings Pty Ltd5, 8 

 Controlled entities of Santos WA Asset  
Holdings Pty Ltd 

  Santos WA Lowendal Pty Limited5, 8 
  Santos WA International Pty Ltd5, 8 
  Harriet (Onyx) Pty Ltd5, 8 
  Santos WA Energy Limited5, 8 

AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS

AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

  Controlled entities of Santos WA Energy Limited 
  Ningaloo Vision Holdings Pte. Ltd5 
  Northwest Jetty Services Pty Ltd5, 8 
  Santos WA (Exmouth) Pty Ltd5, 8 
  Santos WA East Spar Pty Limited5, 8 
  Santos WA Julimar Holdings Pty Ltd5, 8 

SGP
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

  Controlled entities of Santos WA Holdings Pty Ltd (cont) 

  Santos WA Kersail Pty Ltd5, 8 
  Santos WA LNG Pty Ltd5, 8 
  Santos WA Northwest Pty Ltd5, 8 
  Santos WA Onshore Holdings Pty Ltd5, 8 
  Santos WA Southwest Pty Limited5, 8 
  Santos WA Varanus Island Pty Ltd5, 8 
  Santos WA Management Pty Ltd5, 8 

AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

 Controlled entities of Santos Management  
Pty Ltd 

  Santos WA Finance Holdings Pty Limited5, 8  AUS
 Controlled entities of Santos WA Finance 
Holdings Pty Limited 

  Santos WA Finance General Partnership5  AUS
AUS

  Santos WA PVG Holdings Pty Ltd5, 8 

 Controlled entities of Santos WA PVG  
Holdings Pty Ltd 

  Santos WA PVG Pty Ltd5, 8 

SESAP Pty Ltd   
Shaw River Power Station Pty Ltd6 
Vamgas Pty Ltd1 

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS 

Notes

1  Company is party to a Deed of Cross Guarantee (refer note 6.5)

2 

Liquidated 6 November 2018

3  Company struck off 4 December 2018

4  Companies sold

5  Companies acquired through the acquisition of Quadrant Energy (refer note 6.2)

6  Companies deregistered

7  Companies incorporated

8  Company is party to a Deed of Cross Guarantee held by  

Santos WA Energy Holdings Pty Ltd 

Country of incorporation

AUS  

GBR 

NLD  

PNG 

SGP 

USA  

– 

Australia

–  United Kingdom

–  Netherlands

– 

– 

Papua New Guinea

Singapore

–  United States of America

108 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.2  ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS OF SUBSIDIARIES 

(a)  Acquisitions

 On 27 November 2018 the Group acquired 100% of the shares in Quadrant Energy, an Australian oil and gas producer. This 
acquisition delivers increased ownership and operatorship of a high quality portfolio of low-cost, long-life conventional Western 
Australian natural oil and gas assets, and importantly significantly strengthens the Group’s offshore operating capability and access 
to exploration opportunities.

Details of the purchase consideration, the net identifiable assets acquired and goodwill are as follows: 

Fair value of net identifiable assets and goodwill acquired, on acquisition date 

US$million

Cash 
Trade and other receivables 
Contract assets 
Inventories 
Exploration and evaluation assets 
Oil and gas assets 
Other land, buildings and equipment 
Trade and other payables 
Deferred revenue 
Restoration provision 
Employee provisions 
Other provisions 
Current tax liability 
Interest-bearing liabilities 
Deferred tax assets 
Deferred tax liabilities 

Deferred tax 

Net identifiable assets acquired 
Goodwill arising on acquisition (provisional) 

Purchase consideration transferred 

Purchase consideration 

Purchase consideration transferred 
Less: Cash acquired on acquisition 
Add: Debt repaid on acquisition 

Net cash flow on acquisition 

Revenue and contribution to the Group

699
(1,327)

174
148
104
52
610
2,241
23
(76)
(136)
(903)
(32)
(74)
(24)
(533)

(628)

946
628

1,574

US$million

1,574
(174)
533

1,933

 The acquired business contributed revenues of $80 million and EBITDAX of $60 million to the Group for the period from 
27 November 2018 to 31 December 2018.

 If the acquisition had occurred on 1 January 2018, the acquired business’ contribution to the consolidated pro-forma revenue and 
EBITDAX for the year ended 31 December 2018 would have been $714 million and $590 million respectively. It is impractical to 
estimate the impact the acquisition would have had if applied from 1 January 2018, at a net profit after tax level, due to the impact 
of deferred taxes and depreciation.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 109

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 6: Group Structure

6.2  ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS OF SUBSIDIARIES (CONTINUED)

(a)  Acquisitions (continued)

 Goodwill

 Goodwill arising from the acquisition has been recognised as the excess of consideration paid above the fair value of the assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed as part of the business combination. The goodwill is attributable solely to the net deferred tax 
liability recognised on acquisition, in accordance with accounting standards. The deferred tax liability that leads to the goodwill 
being created primarily arises as a consequence of PRRT being treated as an income tax in accordance with Australian Accounting 
Standards. The deferred income tax liability arises because there is minimal tax base acquired on acquisition, as the assets acquired 
are subject to the PRRT regime, and the historical expenditure incurred has already been deducted for PRRT purposes. The PRRT 
deferred tax liability is deductible for income tax purposes and a corresponding income tax deferred tax asset arises on acquisition.

 Goodwill is initially measured at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. For the 
purposes of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the 
Group’s cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities 
of the acquiree are assigned to those units. Goodwill that is created on acquisition as a consequence of deferred tax balances is 
tested for impairment net of those associated deferred tax balances.

 Where goodwill has been allocated to a cash-generating unit (CGU) and part of the operation within that unit is disposed of, the 
goodwill associated with the disposed operation is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the gain or 
loss on disposal. Furthermore goodwill is not amortised for accounting but will be annually assessed for impairment in accordance 
with the accounting policy set out in Note 3.3.

Business combination accounting

 The Company typically uses a discounted cash flow model to estimate the expected future cash flows of the oil and gas assets 
acquired, based on 2P reserves at acquisition date. The expected future cash flows are based on estimates of future production 
and commodity prices, operating costs, and forecast capital expenditures using the life-of-field models as at the acquisition date.

 Contingent and prospective resources are separately valued using methods including expected future cash flow models and 
resource multiples established by evaluating recent comparable transactions. These amounts are included in ’Exploration and 
evaluation assets’.

 Contractual assets and liabilities are recognised in respect of gas sales agreements (GSAs) and other contractual arrangements, 
which are required to be recognised at fair value under the accounting standards. Valuations of contracts are calculated taking into 
account the difference between the market prices and contract prices, adjusted for the time value of money. 

 Restoration provisions are recognised on acquisition fair value, taking into account the risks associated with the specific restoration 
obligations. Other provisions are measured by estimating amounts expected to be paid to settle the obligations if it is probable that 
an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made 
of the amount of the obligation. 

 Contingent assets and liabilities arising in a business combination are accounted for in accordance with AASB 3 Business 
Combinations. For contingent liabilities an amount is recognised at fair value at acquisition date if there is a present obligation, 
arising from a past event that can be reliably measured, even if it is not probable that an outflow of resources will be required 
to settle the obligation. Under AASB 3 an indemnification asset in a business combination is measured on the same basis as the 
indemnified item, subject to any valuation allowance recorded.

 A number of performance guarantees were in place, over subsidiaries acquired, for fulfilment of obligations on contracts. In addition, 
under one of the customer contracts, security is in place by way of a subordinated floating charge over certain assets of Quadrant 
Energy subsidiaries. As at the date of this report the Group expects to meet all current obligations under the contracts and as a 
result, no provision has been recognised in the financial statements for these guarantees.

 Due to the size, complexity and timing of the acquisition, the acquisition accounting is not yet finalised and accordingly the assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed are measured on a provisional basis. If new information obtained within the twelve months from 
acquisition date about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date identifies adjustments to fair values; or any 
additional provisions that existed at the acquisition date; then the accounting for the acquisition will be revised.

There were no acquisitions of subsidiaries during 2017.

110 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.2  ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS OF SUBSIDIARIES (CONTINUED)

(b)  Disposals

 Following the Group’s announcement on 3 May 2018 to divest its interest in its Asian assets, the associated assets and liabilities 
attributed to the Asia segment were presented as held for sale in the 2018 half-year financial statements. A net impairment loss of 
$47 million attributed to the write-down/(reversal) of the Asian assets held for sale to their fair value less costs of disposal was 
recognised at 30 June 2018. 

 On 6 September 2018 the sale of the producing assets was completed and resulted in the disposal of the following wholly-owned 
subsidiaries:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Santos Petroleum Ventures B.V.

 Santos (SPV) Pty Ltd

 Santos Madura Offshore Pty Ltd

 Santos Asia Pacific Pty Ltd

 Santos Sampang Pty Ltd

On 4 December 2018 the sale of the wholly-owned subsidiary Santos Sabah Block R Limited was also completed.

Disposals of subsidiaries 

Consideration received or receivable: 

Cash 
Disposal costs 

Total net proceeds on disposal of subsidiaries 
Carrying amount of net assets sold 

Loss on sale before income tax and reclassification  

of foreign currency translation reserve 

Foreign currency translation reserve1 

Net gain on disposal before tax 
Income tax expense on gain 

Gain on sale after income tax 

Note 

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

146 
(20) 

126 
142 

(16) 
72 

56 
– 

56 

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–

2.7 

1  Represents the amount recycled into the income statement on reversal of associated amounts previously deferred in the foreign currency translation reserve.

There were no disposals of subsidiaries during 2017.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 111

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 6: Group Structure

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 
Group’s 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.

112 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
6.3  JOINT ARRANGEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(a)  Joint operations

The following are the material joint operations in which the Group has an interest:

Joint operation 

Barrow Island 
Bayu-Undan 
Chim Sáo/Dua1 
Fairview   
GLNG Downstream 
Halyard/Spar3 
Harriet4 
John Brookes3 
Madura Offshore1 
Macedon/ Pyrenees4 
PNG LNG 
Reindeer3 
Roma 
SA Fixed Factor Area 
Sampang1 
SWQ Unit 

Exploration and evaluation assets   
Block R2   
Caldita/Barossa 
EP161, EP162 and EP189 

  WA-435-P, WA-437-P4 
  WA-436-P, WA-438-P4 
  WA-58-R (WA-274-P) 
  WA-80-R 
  WA-281-P5 

Muruk 1   
Petrel 
PRL-9 
Tern, Frigate6 

1  Company sold 6 September 2018

2  Company sold 4 December 2018

Area of cash-generating 
unit/area of interest 

Principal activities 

2018 
% Interest 

2017
% Interest

Barrow 
Bayu-Undan 
Vietnam (Block 12W) 
GLNG 
GLNG 
Varanus Island 
Barrow-HJV 
Varanus Island 
Madura PSC 
North Carnarvon 
PNG LNG 
Reindeer 
GLNG 
Cooper Basin 
Sampang PSC 
Cooper Basin 

Sabah Block R PSC 
Bonaparte Basin 
McArthur Basin 
Bedout 
Bedout 
Bonaparte Basin 
Browse 
Browse 
PNG 
Bonaparte Basin 
PNG 
Bonaparte Basin 

Oil production 
Gas and liquids production 
Oil and gas production 
Gas production 
LNG facilities 
Gas production 
Oil and gas production 
Gas production 
Gas production 
Oil and gas production 
Gas and liquids production 
Gas production 
Gas production 
Oil and gas production 
Oil and gas production 
Gas production 

Oil and gas exploration 
Contingent gas resource 
Contingent gas resource 
Contingent oil and gas 
Oil and gas exploration 
Gas development 
Contingent gas resource 
Gas and liquids exploration 
Gas and liquids exploration 
Contingent gas resource 
Gas and liquids exploration 
Contingent gas resource 

28.6 
11.5 
– 
22.8 
30.0 
100.0 
100.0 
100.0 
– 
28.6 
13.5 
100.0 
30.0 
66.6 
– 
60.1 

– 
25.0 
75.0 
80.0 
70.0 
30.0 
47.8 
70.5 
20.0 
40.3 
40.0 
46.0 

28.6
11.5
31.9
22.8
30.0
45.0
–
45.0
67.5
-
13.5
45.0
30.0
66.6
45.0
60.1

20.0
25.0
75.0
–
–
30.0
47.8
47.8
20.0
35.0
40.0
40.0

3  Through acquisition of Quadrant Energy on 27 November 2018, the interest in this joint operation became 100% owned by Santos

4  Participation in joint operation is as a result of the acquisition of Quadrant Energy on 27 November 2018

5  Two joint venture partners resolved to withdraw from the permit in 2018 resulting in Santos’ interest increasing to 70.5%

6  Santos acquired an additional 6% interest in Tern and Frigate during 2018 resulting in Santos’ interest increasing to 46%

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 113

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 6: Group Structure

6.3  JOINT ARRANGEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(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. 

 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 investment in Darwin LNG Pty Ltd 

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

Reconciliation to carrying amount: 
Opening net assets 1 January  
Profit for the period 
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 

375 
38 
(120) 
(26) 

267 

11.5% 
31 

31 

38 
– 
38 

4 

3 

490
93
(115)
(93)

375

11.5%
43

43

93
–
93

11

11

The following are the joint ventures in which the Group has an interest, including those which are immaterial:

Joint venture 

Darwin LNG Pty Ltd 
GLNG Operations Pty Ltd 
GLNG Property 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 

Total share of net profits  

2018 
% Interest 

2017
% Interest

11.5 
30.0 
30.0 

11.5
30.0
30.0

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

4 

4 

11

11

 At 31 December 2018 the Group reassessed the carrying amount of its investments in joint ventures for indicators of 
impairment. As a result, no impairment was recorded (2017: nil).

114 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.4  PARENT ENTITY DISCLOSURES

Selected financial information of the ultimate parent entity in the Group, Santos Limited, is as follows: 

Net profit for the period 

Total comprehensive income 

Current assets 
Total assets 

Current liabilities 
Total liabilities 

Issued capital   
Accumulated profits reserve 
Other reserves 
Accumulated losses 

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 

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

1,082 

1,084 

353 
10,512 

309 
2,912 

9,036 
1,585 
(1,306) 
(1,715) 

7,600 

42 
25 

282

282

344
11,897

474
4,564

9,034
595
(556)
(1,740)

7,333

44
10

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. 

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 115

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 6: Group Structure

6.5  DEED OF CROSS GUARANTEE

Pursuant to ASIC Corporations (Wholly-owned Companies) Instrument 2016/785 (“the Instrument”), the Company and each of the 
wholly-owned subsidiaries within the Closed Group (collectively, “the Closed Group”) are relieved from the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) 
requirements for preparation, audit and lodgement of their financial reports.

As a condition of the Instrument, the Closed Group has entered into a Deed of Cross Guarantee (“the Deed”). The effect of the Deed is 
that the Company has guaranteed to pay any deficiency in the event of winding up of any of the subsidiaries under certain provisions of 
the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). The subsidiaries have also given a similar guarantee in the event that the Company is wound up.

Set out below is a consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income and summary of movements in 
consolidated accumulated losses for the year ended 31 December 2018 of the Closed Group. 

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

Consolidated income statement 
Product sales   
Cost of sales   

Gross profit   
Other revenue 
Other income  
Other expenses 
Impairment of non-current assets 
Interest income 

Profit before tax 

Income tax expense 
Royalty-related tax expense 

Total tax expense 

Net profit for the period 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
Net profit for the period 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax: 
Net actuarial gain on defined benefit plan 

Total comprehensive income 

Summary of movements in the Closed Group’s accumulated losses: 

Accumulated losses at 1 January 
Opening balance adjustment on adoption of new accounting standard 

Adjusted accumulated losses at 1 January 
Transfer to accumulated profits reserve 
Net profit for the period 
Net actuarial gain on defined benefit plan 
Share-based payment transactions 
Less: Accumulated losses of companies removed during the period  

Accumulated losses at 31 December 

116 / Santos Annual Report 2018

1,585 
(1,149) 

436 
95 
465 
(187) 
242 
43 

1,094 

(123) 
(23) 

(146) 

948 

948 

2 

950 

(2,153) 
– 

(2,153) 
(1,063) 
948 
2 
6 
– 

(2,260) 

1,193
(1,038)

155
122
98
(130)
328
15

588

(232)
(1)

(233)

355

355

–

355

(2,256)
5

(2,251)
(282)
355
–
6
19

(2,153)

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.5  DEED OF CROSS GUARANTEE (CONTINUED)

Set out below is a consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2018 of the Closed Group.

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

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 losses 

Total equity   

98 
2,856 
147 

3,101 

8,221 
192 
2,064 
650 

11,127 

14,228 

2,500 
100 

2,600 

3,713 
842 
114 

4,669 

7,269 

6,959 

9,036 
183 
(2,260) 

6,959 

89
3,121
168

3,378

15,736
166
2,372
524

18,798

22,176

4,971
146

5,117

9,188
1,010
101

10,299

15,416

6,760

9,036
(123)
(2,153)

6,760

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 117

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 our people. It 
includes details of our employee benefits, share-based payment schemes and key management personnel. 

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 benefits 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 or 
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 $4 million (2017: $1 million) was recorded in relation to the defined benefit plan.

The Group expects to contribute $nil to the defined benefit superannuation plan in 2019 (2018: $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 $8 million (2017: $10 million).

The following amounts are recognised in the Group’s statement of financial position in relation to employee benefits:

2018 
US$million 

2017
US$million

3 

55 

9 
1 

10 

65 

3

49

8
1

9

58

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 

118 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, Executive Long-Term Incentive share-based 
payment plans and Executive Short-Term incentive share-based payment plans. 

The amounts recognised in the income statement of the Group during the financial year in relation to shares issued under the share 
plans are summarised as follows:

Note 

2018 
US$000 

2017
US$000

Employee expenses: 

General employee share plans: 

Share1000 Plan  
ShareMatch Plan (matched SARs)  

Executive Long-Term Incentive share-based payment plans –  

equity-settled  

Executive Short-Term Incentive share-based payment plans –  

equity-settled  

7.2(a)(i) 
7.2(a)(i) 

7.2(a)(ii) 

7.2(a)(iii) 

(824) 
(1,947) 

(5,693) 

(2,244) 

(10,708) 

(948)
(2,300)

(6,120)

(1,005)

(10,373)

The net impact on retained earnings from share-based payment plans, net of Treasury shares utilised in the current year, is $6 million. 
The net impact on retained earnings from share-based payment plans in 2017 was $6 million. 

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 119

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 7: People

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 Executive 
Committee (“Excom”), 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 employee’s ownership and right 
to deal with them

How is the fair value recognised?

The Share1000 Plan provides for 
grants of fully paid ordinary shares 
up to a value determined by the 
Board, which in 2018 was A$1,000 per 
employee (2017: A$1,000).

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.

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 A$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 or 
seven years from the date of the offer, 
depending on any election made by the 
employee) and the time when he or she 
ceases 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 

Issue date 

2018 
2017  
2017  

9 July 2018 
20 October 2017 
28 September 2017 

120 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Share1000 Plan 

ShareMatch Plan

Issued 
shares 
No. 

176,480 
244 
301,340 

Fair value 
per share 
A$ 

6.24 
4.23 
4.10 

Issued 
shares 
No. 

439,664 
– 
553,416 

Fair value 
per share
A$

6.24
–
4.10

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

2018 Total 

2017 Total 

Beginning of 
the year 
No. 

Granted  
No. 

Lapsed 
No. 

Vested 
No.  

End of 
the year
No.

1,764,952 

439,664 

(75,402) 

(615,471) 

1,513,743

1,665,931 

553,416 

(70,085) 

(384,310) 

1,764,952

The inputs used in the valuation of the SARs are as follows:

  Matched SARs grant 

Share price on grant date (A$) 
Exercise price (A$) 
Right life (weighted average, years) 
Expected dividends (% p.a.) 
Fair value at grant date (A$) 

2018

6.37
nil
3
1.3
6.13

The loan arrangements relating to the ShareMatch Plan are as follows:

 During the year the Company utilised $2 million of Treasury shares (2017: $2 million) under the ShareMatch Plan, 
with $2 million (2017: $2 million) received from employees under loan arrangements. The movements in loans 
receivable from employees are:

Employee loans at 1 January 
Treasury shares utilised during the year 
Cash received during the year 
Foreign exchange movement 

Employee loans at 31 December 

2018 
US$000 

2017
US$000

1,327 
2,040 
(2,152) 
(111) 

1,104 

1,350
1,779
(1,869)
67

1,327

ii.  Executive Long-Term Incentive share-based payment plans

 The Company’s Executive Long-Term Incentive Program (“LTI Program”) provides for 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 
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 2018 LTI Program offers consisted only of SARs. Performance Awards were granted to eligible executives in 2018 
who were granted one four-year grant (1 January 2018 – 31 December 2021).

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 121

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 7: People

7.2  SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS (CONTINUED)

ii.  Executive Long-Term Incentive share-based payment plans (continued)

Vesting of the grants is based on the following performance targets:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 25% of the SARs are subject to Santos’ Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) relative to the performance of the  
ASX 100 companies (“ASX 100 comparator group”);

 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”);

 25% are subject to Santos’ Free Cash Flow Breakeven Point (“FCFBP”) relative to internal targets; and

 25% are subject to Santos’ Return on Average Capital Employed (“ROACE”) relative to internal targets, measured 
at the end of the performance period.

The numbers of SARs outstanding at the end of, and movements throughout, the financial year are:

Year 

2018 Total 

2017 Total 

  Beginning of 
the year 
No. 

Granted  
No. 

Lapsed 
No. 

Vested 
No. 

End of  

the year
No.

11,498,252 

3,300,981 

(3,466,683) 

9,402,644 

4,291,977 

(2,196,369) 

– 

– 

11,332,550

11,498,252

 The SARs granted during 2018 totalling 3,300,981 were issued across the following four tranches, each with varying valuations:

Senior Executive LTI – granted 21 March 2018

2018

Performance Awards 

P1 

P2 

P3 

P4

Performance index 
Fair value at grant date (A$) 
Share price on grant date (A$) 
Exercise price (A$) 
Expected volatility (weighted average, % p.a.) 
Right life (weighted average, years) 
Expected dividends (% p.a.) 
Risk-free interest rate (% p.a.) 
Total granted (No.) 

CEO LTI – granted 7 May 2018

ASX 100 
3.05 
5.07 
nil 
46 
4 
1.3 
2.2 
695,221 

S&P GEI 
3.18 
5.07 
nil 
46 
4 
1.3 
2.2 
695,209 

FCFBP 
4.82 
5.07 
nil 
46 
4 
1.3 
2.2 
695,192 

ROACE
4.82
5.07
nil
46
4
1.3
2.2
695,176

2018

Performance Awards 

P1 

P2 

P3 

P4

Performance index 
Fair value at grant date (A$) 
Share price on grant date (A$) 
Exercise price (A$) 
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 
4.18 
6.12 
nil 
47 
4 
1.3 
2.2 
130,046 

S&P GEI 
4.39 
6.12 
nil 
47 
4 
1.3 
2.2 
130,046 

FCFBP 
5.84 
6.12 
nil 
47 
4 
1.3 
2.2 
130,046 

ROACE
5.84
6.12
nil
47
4
1.3
2.2
130,045

The above tables include the valuation assumptions used for Performance Awards SARs granted during the current year. The expected 
vesting period of the SARs is based on historical data and current expectations and is not necessarily indicative of exercise patterns 
that may occur. The expected volatility reflects the assumption that the historical volatility over a period similar to the life of the SARs is 
indicative of future trends, which may not necessarily be the actual outcome.

122 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.2  SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS (CONTINUED)

ii.  Executive Long-Term Incentive share-based payment plans (continued)

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, as well as the FCFBP and ROACE at the end of the vesting period. There 
is no re-testing of performance conditions. Each tranche of the Performance Awards subject to TSR granted during 2018 
vests in accordance with the following vesting schedule:

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 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.

iii.  Executive Deferred Short-Term Incentives (“STIs”)

Deferred shares 

 Deferred STIs represent a proportion of the total executive STI of the applicable year that has been deferred into shares. 
The deferred shares are subject to a 24-month continuous service period following the year to which the STI related. The 
number of deferred STIs outstanding at the end of, and movements throughout, the financial year are:

Year 

2018 Total 

2017 Total 

Beginning of 
the year 
No. 

Granted  
No. 

Lapsed 
No. 

Vested 
No.  

End of 
the year
No.

261,011 

312,731 

308,163 

261,011 

– 

– 

(261,011) 

312,731

(308,163) 

261,011

 On 14 March 2018 the Company issued 312,731 deferred shares to eligible executives. The share price on the grant date 
was A$4.86 and the fair value was A$4.74 after applying a 1.4% dividend yield assumption to the valuation.

Share acquisition rights 

 On 19 April 2017 the Company issued 80,571 SARs subject to a 24-month continuous service condition starting on 
1 January 2017 and ending and vested on 31 December 2018. The share price on the grant date was A$3.66 and the 
fair value was A$3.57 after applying a 1.4% dividend yield assumption to the valuation. The issued SARs represented 
the portion of 2016 deferred STI which was allocated to eligible executives as SARs rather than deferred shares.

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 123

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 7: People

7.2  SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS (CONTINUED)

iv.  Executive and other equity grants

a. 

 On 11 February 2016 the Company issued 166,911 SARs subject to a 24-month continuous service condition starting 
on 1 February 2016 and ending on 31 January 2018, which vested on 1 February 2018.

 The share price on the grant date was A$3.05 and the fair value was A$2.86 after applying a 3.3% dividend yield 
assumption to the valuation.

b. 

 On 11 July 2016 the Company issued 42,585 SARs subject to a 24-month continuous service condition starting on 
1 May 2016 and ending on 30 April 2018, which vested on 1 May 2018.

 The share price on the grant date was A$4.80 and the fair value was A$4.61 after applying a 2.2% dividend yield 
assumption to the valuation.

c. 

 On 1 April 2018 the Company issued 235,878 SARs, subject to a 24-month continuous service condition starting on 
1 April 2018 and ending on 31 March 2020. During 2018, 7,981 SARs lapsed, leaving 227,897 SARs remaining at the 
end of 2018. If this service condition is satisfied, the remaining SARs will vest on 1 April 2020.

 The share price on the grant date was A$5.89 and the fair value was A$5.76 after applying a 1.3% dividend yield 
assumption to the valuation.

d. 

 On 1 April 2018 the Company issued 515,181 SARs, subject to a 36-month continuous service condition starting on 
1 April 2018 and ending on 31 March 2021. If this service condition is satisfied, the SARs will vest on 1 April 2021.

e. 

f. 

 The share price on the grant date was A$5.89 and the fair value was A$5.68 after applying a 1.3% dividend yield 
assumption to the valuation.

 On 5 November 2018 the Company issued 7,650 SARs, subject to a 12-month continuous service condition starting 
on 5 November 2018 and ending on 4 November 2019. If this service condition is satisfied, the SARs will vest on 
5 November 2019.

 The share price on the grant date was A$6.37 and the fair value was A$6.28 after applying a 1.3% dividend yield 
assumption to the valuation.

 On 5 November 2018 the Company issued 7,649 SARs, subject to a 24-month continuous service condition starting 
on 5 November 2018 and ending on 4 November 2020. If this service condition is satisfied, the SARs will vest on 
5 November 2020.

 The share price on the grant date was A$6.37 and the fair value was A$6.20 after applying a 1.3% dividend yield 
assumption to the valuation.

124 / Santos Annual Report 2018

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.

2018 
Vested in prior years 

807,988 

(757,439) 

  Weighted average exercise price (A$) 

15.55 

15.60 

2017 
Vested in prior years 

1,159,288 

(351,300) 

  Weighted average exercise price (A$) 

15.01 

13.76 

– 

– 

– 

– 

50,549 

50,549

14.81 

14.81

807,988 

807,988

15.55 

15.55

(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 

2018 
US$000 

2017
US$000

7,794 
205 
73 
31 
2,757 

10,860 

7,306
195
80
288
2,277

10,146

(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 2018 / 125

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 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 20 February 2019, the Directors of Santos Limited resolved to pay a final dividend of US6.2 cents in respect of the 2018 financial 
year. Consequently, the financial effect of these dividends has not been brought to account in the full-year financial statements for the 
year ended 31 December 2018. Refer to note 2.6 for details.

8.3  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) 

2018 
US$000 

2,014 
57 

2,071 

2017
US$000

1,566
116

1,682

(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 

2018 
US$000 

2017
US$000

212 
1,708 
– 

1,920 

401
341
14

756

126 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8.4  ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(a)  Changes in accounting policies and disclosures 

 The Group applied the following amendments to accounting standards applicable for the first time for the financial year beginning  
1 January 2018:

• 

 AASB 2016-5 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Classification and Measurement of Share-based 
Payment Transactions

 The adoption of this amendment did not have any impact on the amounts recognised in prior periods and will also not affect the 
current or future periods.

 In addition, several other standard amendments and interpretations were applicable for the first time in 2018, but were not 
relevant to the Company and do not impact the Group’s annual consolidated financial statements or half-year condensed financial 
statements.

(b)  Adoption of AASB 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers 

 AASB 15 establishes a comprehensive framework for determining whether, how much, and when revenue is recognised. AASB 15 
establishes a five-step model to be applied to all contracts with customers. The Group has adopted AASB 15 from 1 January 2018.

 In accordance with the transition provisions of AASB 15, the Group has adopted the full retrospective transition approach, where 
any adjustment to historical revenue transactions (that impacts net profit) has been recorded against opening retained earnings as 
at 1 January 2017. Comparatives for the 2017 reporting period have been restated.

 The Group undertook a detailed review of its revenue contracts that were entered into during the transition period and concluded 
that there were no adjustments required to net profit or opening retained earnings on transition. No transition practical expedients 
were applied.

 Application of AASB 15 has resulted in the following insignificant transition adjustments:  

i. 

ii. 

reclassification of other income and other revenues to revenue from contracts with customers; and 

adjustments of equal or similar amounts to product sales and cost of sales line items, arising from gas swap arrangements. 

The total impact of transition adjustments on 31 December 2017 reported revenue is as follows:

Revenue from contracts with customers – Product sales 
Cost of sales 

Gross profit   
Revenue from contracts with customers – Other 
Other income  
Other expenses 

Total 

31 December 
2017 

Transition 
adjustment 

(Restated)
31 December
2017

3,107 
(2,272) 

835 
65 
123 
(411) 

(7) 
(31) 

(38) 
33 
2 
3 

– 

3,100
(2,303)

797
98
125
(408)

 The Group has elected to change from the “entitlements method” to the “sales method” of accounting for sales revenue. Previously 
under the entitlements method, sales revenue was recognised on the basis of the Group’s interest in a producing field. Under 
the sales method, revenue will be recognised based on volumes sold under contracts with customers, at the point in time where 
performance obligations are considered met. Refer to note 2.2 for further details of the Group’s revenue accounting policy.

No other changes arising from the adoption of AASB 15 have had a material effect on the financial reporting of the Group. 

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 127

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 8: Other

8.4  ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

(b)  New standards and interpretations not yet adopted 

 A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on 
or after 1 January 2019, 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.

i) AASB 16 Leases

Description

AASB 16 provides a new lessee accounting model which requires a lessee to recognise a right of 
use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset and lease liabilities, for all leases with a 
term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of a low value. The depreciation of the 
right of use asset and interest on the lease liability will be recognised in the consolidated income 
statement.

 Impact on Group 
financial report

The Group operates predominantly as a lessee. The standard will affect primarily the accounting for 
the Group’s operating leases, with no significant impact expected for the Group’s finance leases.

A project team was established comprising appropriate leasing subject matter specialists, with a 
detailed review of AASB 16 and relevant industry guidance being performed. In addition, the Group 
undertook a detailed identification and assessment exercise, to identify and quantify the impact of 
leasing arrangements that existed as at the transition date of the standard.

The Group expects to apply the modified retrospective transition approach, with election of the 
option to retrospectively measure the right-of-use asset using the transition discount rate.

Furthermore, the Group plans to elect the following transition practical expedients:

i. 

ii. 

lease arrangements with a short remaining term from date of initial application;

discount rates applied to a portfolio of leases with similar characteristics; and

iii.  use of hindsight with regards to determination of the lease term.

The cumulative effect of adopting AASB 16 will be recognised as an adjustment to the opening 
balance of retained earnings at 1 January 2019, with no restatement of comparative information.

Notwithstanding the impact of the IFRIC tentative agenda decision relating to AASB 16 Leases, 
having consideration for AASB 11 Joint Arrangements, and based on the information currently 
available, the Group estimates the following impact on its consolidated statement of financial 
position as at 31 December 2018:

Estimated impact on Consolidated Statement of Financial Position1

US$million

Right-of-use assets

Lease liabilities

264

294

1 

The net effect of the lease liabilities and right-of-use assets, adjusted for deferred tax will be recognised against retained earnings.

The Group does not expect the adoption of AASB 16 to impact its ability to comply with debt 
covenants.

As at the reporting date, the Group has non-cancellable operating lease commitments of $242 
million (refer note 3.5).

Application of standard

1 January 2019

128 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
8.4  ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

(b)  New standards and interpretations not yet adopted (continued)

ii)  AASB 2018–6 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Definition of a Business

Description

This standard applies to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2020 but is 
available for early adoption.

 Impact on Group 
financial report

This is a prospective application of the standard and will provide further clarity on the accounting 
treatment for future acquisition transactions.

Application of standard

1 January 2019 (early adoption)

 Several other amendments to standards and interpretations will apply on or after 1 January 2019, and have not yet been applied, 
however they are not expected to impact the Group’s annual consolidated financial statements or half-year condensed consolidated 
financial statements. 

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 129

 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Declaration
for the year ended 31 December 2018

In accordance with a resolution of the Directors of Santos Limited (“the Company”), we state that:

1. 

In the opinion of the Directors:

(a) 

 the financial statements and notes of the consolidated entity are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), 
including:

(i) 

 giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 31 December 2018 and of its performance 
for the year ended on that date; and

(ii)  complying with Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001 (Cth); and

(b)  the financial statements and notes comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in note 1.1; and

(c) 

 there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and 
payable.

2. 

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 2018.

 As at the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members of the Closed Group identified in 
note 6.5 will be able to meet any obligations or liabilities to which they are or may become subject by virtue of the Deed of Cross 
Guarantee between the Company and those members of the Closed Group pursuant to ASIC Corporations (Wholly owned 
Companies) Instrument 2016/785.

Dated this 20th day of February 2019 

On behalf of the Board:

Director 

130 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report
to the Members of Santos Limited

REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL REPORT

Opinion

We have audited the financial report of Santos Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries (collectively the Group), which comprises 
the consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2018, the consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, 
notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies, and the directors declaration.

In our opinion, the accompanying financial report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

a) 

 giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 31 December 2018 and of its consolidated 
financial performance for the year ended on that date; and

b)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001.

Basis for Opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further 
described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section of our report. We are independent of the 
Group in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the 
Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are 
relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the 
Code.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Key Audit Matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial report of 
the current year. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion 
thereon, but we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit addressed 
the matter is provided in that context.

We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section of our 
report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our 
assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report. The results of our audit procedures, including the procedures 
performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the accompanying financial report.

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 131

Independent Auditor’s Report
to the Members of Santos Limited 
(continued)

Acquisition of Quadrant Energy Holdings Pty Ltd

Why significant

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

On 27 November 2018 the Group completed the acquisition of 
Quadrant Energy Holdings Pty Ltd (“Quadrant”). As disclosed in 
Note 6.2 of the financial report, the Group acquired total assets of 
$4,679m, assumed total liabilities of $3,105m and recognised total 
goodwill of $628m.

As outlined in Note 6.2, the acquisition accounting remains 
provisional as at 31 December 2018, as permitted by Australian 
Accounting Standards.

The acquisition is significant and complex due to the value of the 
assets acquired and consideration paid and the judgment required 
by the Group to measure the fair values of the following assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

oil and gas assets;

exploration and evaluation assets;

decommissioning and restoration liabilities;

contractual assets and liabilities;

contingent liabilities, commitments and any associated 
indemnification assets;

deferred tax assets and liabilities;

contingent consideration; and

•  working capital balances.

Our audit procedures included the following:

• 

• 

• 

• 

considered the accounting acquisition date applied with 
reference to the achievement of control over the acquired 
business interests.

evaluated the Group’s determination of the purchase 
consideration with reference to the underlying share sale 
agreements and cash consideration paid.

evaluated the qualifications, competence and objectivity of 
external and internal experts used by the Group to determine 
the oil and gas reserves and resources, and the fair value of oil 
and gas assets, exploration and evaluation assets, and 
restoration liabilities.

assessed the fair value of oil and gas assets and exploration 
and evaluation assets, with the assistance of our valuation 
specialists, including:

• 

• 

• 

• 

considered whether the modelling methodology applied 
was in accordance with the requirements of Australian 
Accounting Standards;

performed valuation cross checks on the acquired oil and 
gas assets and exploration and evaluation assets with 
reference to reserves and/or contingent and prospective 
resource multiples;

assessed the assumptions used by comparing key 
assumptions such as oil and gas prices, discount rates, 
inflation rates, and foreign exchange rates to gas sales 
agreements and external market data;

assessed the operating cost forecasts and capital 
expenditure forecasts against costs incurred historically 
and trend analysis.

• 

assessed decommissioning and restoration provision fair 
values, with the assistance of our restoration specialists, as 
follows:

• 

• 

• 

• 

examined third party restoration cost estimates;

assessed the cost estimate methodologies adopted and 
contingency rates included;

assessed legislative/regulatory requirements;

assessed the discount rate applied.

• 

involved our taxation specialists in the assessment of the fair 
value determinations as follows:

• 

considered the current and deferred tax effects of both 
income tax and petroleum resource rent tax on the 
accounting for the acquisition;

• 

assessing tax contingencies.

• 

• 

assessed the identification and measurement of acquired 
contingent liabilities.

agreed the working capital balances, including adjustments to 
recognise these balances at fair value, to bank statements, 
invoices, operator statements and underlying books and 
records.

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

132 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial ReportEstimation of oil and gas reserves and resources

Why significant

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Estimation of oil and gas reserves and resources was conducted 
for the Group, by specialist engineers, requiring significant 
judgment and the use of a number of assumptions, particularly 
those disclosed in Note 3.2 of the financial report.

These estimates can have a material impact on the financial 
statements and the results of the Group, primarily in the following 
areas:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

capitalisation and classification of expenditure as exploration 
and evaluation assets (refer Note 3.1), or oil and gas assets 
(Note 3.2);

valuation of oil and gas assets and impairment testing (Note 
3.3);

valuation of assets on acquisition, as was the case with the 
acquisition of Quadrant Energy Holdings Pty Limited during 
2018 (Note 6.2);

calculation of depreciation, depletion and amortisation of 
assets (Note 3.2); and

the calculation of decommissioning and restoration provisions 
(Note 3.4).

Our audit procedures focused on the work of the Group’s experts 
and included the following:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

assessed the qualifications, competence and objectivity of 
both the Group’s internal and external experts involved in the 
estimation process.

evaluated the adequacy of the experts’ work to determine if 
the work undertaken was appropriate.

considered the Group’s reserves estimation process and 
controls, including Santos’ internal certification process for 
technical and commercial experts who are responsible for 
reserves, and the design of Santos Reserves Guidelines and 
Reserves Management Process and its alignment with the 
guidelines prepared by the Society of Petroleum Engineers 
(SPE).

assessed the Group’s controls over the estimation process, to 
assess and approve the reserves and resources volumes in 
accordance with the guidelines prepared by the SPE.

assessed whether key economic assumptions used in the 
estimation of reserves and resources volumes were consistent 
with those utilised by the Group in the impairment testing of 
exploration and evaluation and oil and gas assets, where 
applicable.

analysed the reasons for reserve revisions or the absence of 
reserves revisions where expected, and assessed changes in 
reserves or lack of changes in reserves for consistency with 
other information that we obtained throughout the audit.

agreed the reserves and resources volumes to the applicable 
financial information, including the calculation of depreciation, 
depletion and amortisation and valuation of assets and 
impairment testing, as applicable.

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 133

Independent Auditor’s Report
to the Members of Santos Limited 
(continued)

Recovery of carrying value of exploration and evaluation and oil and gas assets

Why significant

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Australian Accounting Standards, require the Group to assess 
throughout the reporting period whether there is any indication 
that an asset may be impaired, or that reversal of a previously 
recognised impairment may be required. If any such indication 
exists, an entity shall estimate the recoverable amount of the 
asset. At 31 December 2018, the Group has concluded, based 
on its impairment indicators assessment, that there were no 
indicators of impairment or reversals of previous impairments 
for any of its oil and gas cash generating units (CGUs).

The Group identified impairment indicators during the period in 
respect of certain exploration and evaluation assets. Impairment 
testing was undertaken which resulted in an impairment charge of 
$53m being recorded during the year, as set out in Note 3.3 of the 
financial report.

The assessment for indicators of impairment and reversal of 
impairment is judgmental, and includes assessing a range of 
external and internal factors which could impact the recoverable 
amount of the cash generating units. In determining whether 
there was an indicator of impairment or impairment reversal, 
the Group considered where there was any significant changes 
in external and internal factors.

We evaluated the assessment of indicators performed by the 
Group and whether there had been any significant changes in the 
external and internal factors which would indicate an impairment 
or reversal of impairment existed.

We involved our valuation specialists to assist in these procedures. 
Specifically, we evaluated the following external and internal 
factors, assessing for significant changes:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

evaluated movements in commodity price assumptions with 
reference to contractual arrangements, market prices (where 
available), broker consensus, analyst views and historical 
performance.

evaluated movements in discount rates and foreign exchange 
rates with reference to risk free rates, market indices, 
applicable tax rates, market risk and country risk premia, 
broker consensus, and historical performance.

understood operational performance of the cash generating 
units relative to plan;

compared future production profiles compared to latest 
reserves and resources estimates, as outlined in the key audit 
matter above; and

examined the reasons for changes to recoverable amounts 
relative to previous assessments.

Our procedures focused on assessing the impact changes in these 
external and internal factors would have on the conclusions drawn 
by management with respect to the presence of impairment 
or impairment reversal indicators, and any changes from the 
impairment assessments of previous years.

For exploration and evaluation assets, we assessed whether any 
impairment indicators, as set out in AASB 6: Exploration for and 
Evaluation of Mineral Resources, were present, and assessed the 
conclusions reached by management.

We also focused on the adequacy of the financial report 
disclosures regarding the assumptions, key estimates and 
judgements applied by management for the Group’s assessment 
of indicators of impairment and reversal of impairment for oil and 
gas and exploration and evaluation assets, and the recoverable 
amount of the Group’s assets.

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

134 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial ReportDecommissioning and restoration provisions

Why significant

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

The calculation of decommissioning and restoration provisions 
made by the Group is conducted using by both internal and 
external specialist engineers and requires judgment in respect 
of asset lives, timing of restoration work being undertaken, 
environmental legislative requirements, the extent of restoration 
activities required and estimation of future costs.

The judgments and estimates made can have a material impact on 
the financial report. The Group has recognised decommissioning 
and restoration provisions of US$2.1 billion at 31 December 2018 
which are disclosed in Note 3.4 of the financial report.

Our audit procedures focused on the work of the Group’s experts 
and included the following:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

assessed the qualifications, competence and objectivity of 
both the Group’s internal and external experts involved in the 
estimation process.

evaluated the adequacy of the experts’ work to determine 
whether their work was appropriate.

evaluated the Group’s decommissioning and restoration 
estimation processes.

assessed the Group’s controls over the restoration estimation 
process.

tested the consistency of the application of principles and 
assumptions to other areas of the audit, such as reserves 
estimation and impairment testing.

tested the mathematical accuracy of the Group’s present 
value calculations and considered the appropriateness of the 
discount rate applied in the calculation.

• 

agreed the calculations to the financial report.

Accounting for deferred tax, Petroleum Resource Rent Tax and uncertain tax positions

Why significant

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

The financial report of the Group includes deferred tax assets 
arising from income taxes, including in respect of income 
tax losses, and Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT). The 
determination of the quantum, likelihood and timing of the 
realisation of deferred tax assets arising from income taxes and 
PRRT is judgmental, due to the interpretation of PRRT and 
income tax legislation, as well as the estimation of future taxable 
income.

There may be changes in, or uncertainties with respect, to the 
application of tax legislation, which requires the Group to make 
assumptions, judgments and estimates in assessing the impacts of 
tax legislation on the Group. The actual tax outcomes may differ 
from the estimates made by management.

The Group recognised a net deferred tax asset of US$132 million 
at 31 December 2018 in respect of corporate income tax, which is 
disclosed in Note 2.4 of the financial report.

We assessed the Group’s determination of tax payable now and 
in the future. We involved our taxation specialists to assist in this 
assessment.

We considered the Group’s methodologies, assumptions and 
estimates in relation to the calculation of current taxes and the 
generation of future taxable profits to support the recognition of 
deferred tax assets. We considered forecasts of taxable profits 
and the consistency of these forecasts with the Group’s budgets 
approved by the Board and those used in the Group’s asset 
impairment testing.

We evaluated the assessment of uncertain tax positions, 
estimates and assumptions made through enquiries with the 
Group’s taxation department, reviewed correspondence with tax 
authorities and advisers, and involved our tax specialists, where 
appropriate, to assess the associated provisions and disclosures.

We assessed the Group’s disclosures in respect of PRRT and 
Income Taxes, included in the summary of significant accounting 
policies in Note 2.4 of the financial report.

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 135

Independent Auditor’s Report
to the Members of Santos Limited 
(continued)

Information Other than the Financial Report and Auditor’s Report Thereon

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Company’s 2018 
Annual Report, but does not include the financial report and our auditor’s report thereon.

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and accordingly we do not express any form of assurance 
conclusion thereon, with the exception of the Remuneration Report and our related assurance opinion.

In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether 
the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial report or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to 
be materially misstated.

If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required 
to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Responsibilities of the Directors 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 control as the directors determine is 
necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, 
as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to 
liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of 
assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a 
material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the 
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial report.

As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional 
scepticism throughout the audit. We also:

• 

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit 
procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 
The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may 
involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

•  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit 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 Group’s internal control.

• 

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures 
made by the directors.

•  Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence 

obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability 
to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s 
report to the related disclosures in the financial report or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions 
are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause 
the Group to cease to continue as a going concern.

• 

Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including the disclosures, and whether the financial 
report represents the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

•  Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the Group 
to express an opinion on the financial report. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the Group audit. 
We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.

We communicate with the directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit 
findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

136 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial ReportWe also provide the directors with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and 
to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where 
applicable, related safeguards.

From the matters communicated to the directors, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the 
financial report of the current year and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law 
or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter should 
not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the 
public interest benefits of such communication.

REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE REMUNERATION REPORT

Opinion on the Remuneration Report

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 31 to 56 of the directors’ report for the year ended 31 December 2018. 

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Santos Limited for the year ended 31 December 2018, complies with section 300A of the 
Corporations Act 2001.

Responsibilities

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.

Ernst & Young

R J Curtin 
Partner 

Adelaide 
20 February 2019

L A Carr 
Partner

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 137

 
 
 
 
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 2018, I declare to the best of my knowledge  
and belief, there have been:

a)  no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and

b)  no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.

This declaration is in respect of Santos Limited and the entities it controlled during the financial year.

Ernst & Young

R J Curtin 
Partner

Adelaide 
20 February 2019

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

138 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Financial ReportSecurities Exchange
and Shareholder Information

Listed on the Australian Securities Exchange at 31 January 2019 were 2,082,911,041 fully paid ordinary shares. Unlisted were 5,000 
partly paid Plan 0 shares, 5,000 partly paid Plan 2 shares, 41,250 restricted fully paid ordinary shares issued to eligible Senior Executives 
pursuant to the Santos Employee Share Purchase Plan (“SESPP”) and 27,054 fully paid ordinary shares issued with further restrictions 
pursuant to the ShareMatch Plan. 

There were 115,810 holders of all classes of issued ordinary shares, including: 1 holder of Plan 0 shares; 1 holder of Plan 2 shares; 
11 holders of restricted shares pursuant to the SESPP; and 26 holders of ShareMatch shares with further restrictions. This compared 
with 132,026 holders of all classes of issued ordinary shares a year earlier.

As at the date of this report there are also: 9 holders of 50,549 Options granted pursuant to the Santos Executive Share Option Plan;  
140 holders of 12,090,927 Share Acquisition Rights pursuant to the SESPP and 769 holders of 1,504,107 Share Acquisition Rights 
pursuant to the ShareMatch Plan.

The listed issued ordinary shares plus the ordinary shares issued pursuant to the SESPP, and the restricted shares issued pursuant to 
the SESPP and ShareMatch Plan represent all of the voting power in Santos. The holdings of the 20 largest holders of ordinary shares 
represent 74.37% of the total voting power in Santos (68.41% on 31 January 2018). The largest shareholders of fully paid ordinary shares 
in Santos as shown in the Company’s Register of Members at 31 January 2019 were:

Name/Address 1

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

J P Morgan Nominees Australia Pty Limited

National Nominees Limited

BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd 

BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd 

Argo Investments Limited

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited  

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 

AMP Life Limited

UBS Nominees Pty Ltd

UBS Nominees Pty Ltd

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited-GSCO ECA

BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd 

UBS Nominees Pty Ltd

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited - A/c 2

Netwealth Investments Limited 

BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd 

Nulis Nominees (Australia) Limited 

Custodial Services Limited 

Total Securities of Top 20 Holdings

Total of Securities

Balance as at 31-01-2019

534,293,017

453,437,737

329,555,521

109,068,250

50,807,710

13,088,315

10,942,014

9,702,469

9,470,777

5,693,227

3,391,011

2,660,000

2,423,684

2,416,578

2,321,154

2,097,409

2,096,690

2,094,245

1,830,848

1,695,133

1,549,085,789

2,082,911,041

%

25.65%

21.77%

15.82%

5.24%

2.44%

0.63%

0.53%

0.47%

0.45%

0.27%

0.16%

0.13%

0.12%

0.12%

0.11%

0.10%

0.10%

0.10%

0.09%

0.08%

74.37%

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 139

ANALYSIS OF SHARES – RANGE OF SHARES HELD 

Holdings Ranges

1-1,000

1,001-5,000

5,001-10,000

10,001-100,000

100,001-99,999,999,999

Totals

Holders

40,680

49,828

14,305

10,447

285

Total Units

19,099,069

125,437,961

103,198,055

220,389,054

1,614,786,902

%

0.917

6.022

4.955

10.581

77.525

115,545

2,082,911,041

100.000

Substantial Shareholders as disclosed by notices received by the Company as at 20 February 2019:

Name

Hony Partners Group, L.P. and others

ENN Ecological Holdings Co Ltd and others

Santos Limited

Number of voting 
shares held 

309,734,518*

314,734,518*

318,192,274*

Date of Notice

5 May 2017 

5 May 2017

27 June 2017

*  At 27 June 2017, Hony held approximately 4.8% of Santos’ issued capital and ENN held approximately 10.31%. Hony and ENN have a relevant interest in each other’s shares by reason of 
an Acting in Concert agreement dated 27 April 2017. Santos has a relevant interest in the shareholdings of Hony and ENN by reason of the Strategic Relationship agreement announced 
by Santos on 27 June 2017.

For Directors’ shareholdings see the Directors’ Report as set out on page 16 of this Annual Report. 

VOTING RIGHTS

Every member present in person or by an attorney, a proxy or a representative shall on a show of hands, have one vote and upon a poll, 
one vote for every fully paid ordinary share held. Pursuant to the Rules of the Santos Executive Share Plan, Plan 2 and Plan 0 shares do 
not carry any voting rights except on a proposal to vary the rights attached to Plan shares. 

140 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Glossary

barrel/bbl 
The standard unit of measurement for all 
oil and condensate production. One barrel 
= 159 litres or 35 imperial gallons.

Boe 
Barrels of oil equivalent.

the company 
Santos Ltd and all its subsidiaries.

condensate 
A natural gas liquid that occurs in 
association with natural gas and is mainly 
composed of pentane and heavier 
hydrocarbon fractions.

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.

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 oilbearing 
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.

crude oil 
A general term for unrefined liquid 
petroleum or hydrocarbons.

mmbbl 
million barrels

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.

joules 
Joules are the metric measurement unit 
for energy.

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

liquid hydrocarbons (liquids) 
A sales product in liquid form; for example, 
condensate and LPG.

mmboe 
million barrels of oil equivalent.

mmBtu 
million British thermal units

mtpa 
million tonnes per annum

oil 
A mixture of liquid hydrocarbons of 
different molecular weights. 

proved reserves (1P) 
Reserves that, to a high degree of 
certainty (90% confidence), are 
recoverable. There is relatively little risk 
associated with these reserves. Proved 
developed reserves are reserves that 
can be recovered from existing wells 
with existing infrastructure and operating 
methods. Proved undeveloped reserves 
require development.

proved 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 proved 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

Conversion factors

Sales gas  
and ethane

Crude oil

1 PJ = 171.937 boe x 10³

1 barrel = 1 boe

Condensate

1 barrel = 0.935 boe 

LPG

LNG

LNG

1 tonne = 8.458 boe 

1 PJ = 18,040 tonnes 

1 tonne = 52.54 mmBtu

For a comprehensive online conversion 
calculator tool, please visit our homepage at 
www.santos.com

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 141

Corporate Directory

Santos Limited ABN 80 007 550 923

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).

COMPANY SECRETARY

Christian Paech joined Santos in 2004 and was appointed to the 
role of General Counsel in 2010 and Company Secretary in 2017. 
He has over 20 years’ experience in commercial and corporate law 
and governance, including in private practice with Herbert Smith 
Freehills and Ashurst. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a 
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Adelaide.

Amanda Devonish joined Santos in 2012 and was appointed to 
the role of Company Secretary in 2017. She has over 15 years’ 
experience in commercial and corporate legal practice. She holds a 
Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws from the University 
of Adelaide.

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

Boardroom Pty Limited 
Grosvenor Place 
Level 12, 225 George Street 
Sydney NSW 2000 
Australia

GPO Box 3993 
Sydney NSW 2001 
Australia 

Website: www.boardroomlimited.com.au 
Shareholder Access: www.investorserve.com.au 
Telephone:  1300 096 259 (within Australia) 
+61 2 8016 2832 (International)

142 / Santos Annual Report 2018

Designed and produced at www.twelvecreative.com.au

Santos Annual Report 2018 / 143