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Santos Ltd

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FY2020 Annual Report · Santos Ltd
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Annual Report 2020

A clear pathway to net zero 
emissions by 2040

Santos Limited ABN 80 007 550 923

This Annual Report 2020 is a summary of Santos’ operations, 
activities and financial position as at 31 December 2020.

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/about-us/corporate-governance 

CONTENTS

1 

2 

4 

About Santos

Financial Overview

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

6  Board of Directors

9 

Santos Leadership Team

12  Reserves Statement

16  Directors’ Report

31  Remuneration Report

59  Financial Report

133  Directors’ Declaration

134  Independent Auditor’s Report

140  Auditor’s Independence Declaration

141  Securities Exchange and Shareholder Information

143  Glossary

144  Corporate Directory

Cover image:

Santos has a number of natural advantages to deliver carbon 
capture and storage at scale and zero-emissions hydrogen from 
our position in the Cooper Basin.

About Santos
An Australian energy pioneer

A proudly Australian company, Santos is a leading supplier of 
natural gas, a fuel for the future, providing clean energy to improve 
the lives of people in Australia and Asia.

Santos is already Australia’s biggest domestic gas supplier, a leading Asia–Pacific LNG 
supplier and aims to be a world-leading clean fuels company, achieving net zero emissions  
by 2040.

Santos will grow its clean fuels capability as customer demand evolves for zero-emissions 
LNG, hydrogen and other products through carbon capture and storage, nature-based 
offsets, energy efficiency and use of renewables in its operations.

Underpinned by a diverse portfolio of high-quality natural gas, oil and strategic infrastructure 
assets in the Cooper Basin, Western Australia, Northern Australia and Timor–Leste, Papua 
New Guinea, Queensland and New South Wales, Santos seeks to deliver long-term value 
to shareholders.

Recognised for its disciplined, low-cost operating model, Santos is resilient throughout 
the commodity price cycle.

For more than 65 years, Santos has been working in partnership with local communities, 
providing Australian jobs and business opportunities, safely and sustainably developing 
Australia’s natural gas resources, and powering Australian industries and households.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 1

Financial Overview

Sales volume 
mmboe

Sales revenue 
US$million

Production volume 
mmboe

84.1

83.4

78.3

94.5

107.1

2,594

3,100 3,660 4,033 3,387

61.6

59.5

58.9

75.5

89.0

2016

2017

2018

2019 2020

2016

2017

2018

2019 2020

2016

2017

2018

2019 2020

Free cash flow 
US$million

Underlying net profit  
after tax 
US$million

Net (loss)/profit after tax 
US$million

206

618

1,006 1,138

740

75

318

727

719

287

(1,047)

(360)

630

674

(357)

2016

2017

2018

2019 2020

2016

2017

2018

2019 2020

2016

2017

2018

2019 2020

Unit production costs 
US$ per boe

Capital expenditure 
US$million

Net debt 
US$million

8.45

8.07

8.05

7.24

8.04

625

682

759

1,016

858

3,492

2,731 3,550 3,325 3,664

2016

2017

2018

2019 2020

2016

2017

2018

2019 2020

2016

2017

2018

2019 2020

2 / Santos Annual Report 2020

2020 Sales volumes 
mmboe

2020 Production 
mmboe

Own product 

Third-party product 

87.6

19.5

LNG 

36.9

Sales gas and ethane 

40.0

Oil 

Condensate 

LPG 

5.1

5.1

1.9

2020 Sales revenue 
US$million

Average realised oil price 
US$ per barrel

Sales gas and ethane 

1,068

LNG 

Oil 

Condensate 

LPG 

1,437

531

256

95

46.4

57.8

75.1

72.0

47.7

2016

2017

2018

2019 2020

2020 Results

Sales volume
Production
Average realised oil price
Net (loss)/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
US cps

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) 
 –   
2,080

2018
 78.3 
 58.9 
 75.1 
 630 
 727 
 3,660 
 1,578 
 1,006 
 2,160 
 16,811 
 30.2 
 9.7 
 2,190 

2019
 94.5 
 75.5 
 72.0 
 674 
 719 
 4,033 
 2,046 
 1,138 
 2,457 
16,509
32.4
 11.0 
 2,178 

2020
 107.1 
 89.0 
 47.7 
(357)
287
 3,387 
1,476
740
1,898
17,656
(17.1)
7.1
 2,722 

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 3

Message from the Chairman and  
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

Dear Shareholder,

Despite challenging conditions and lower 
commodity prices, as a result of lower 
demand during the global pandemic, 
Santos has delivered another year of 
record annual production and strong free 
cash flow. 

In 2020, the base business delivered: 

• 

• 

• 

 Annual production of 89.0 mmboe 
which is a record for Santos and  
18% above the prior year.

 US$740 million in free cash flow and  
a free cash flow breakeven oil price  
of US$24 per barrel (before hedging) 
and US$17 per barrel (after hedging). 

The Board declared a final dividend  
of US5.0 cents per share, fully franked, 
bringing the total dividend for 2020 
to US7.1 cents per share, which is 
consistent with the Company’s free 
cash flow-based dividend policy.

The resilience of our business is best 
highlighted through free cash flow 
generation. The business generated  
3.5 times more in free cash flow than it 
did in 2016 at similar oil prices, resulting 
in US$740 million for the full year. This is 
a testament to our consistent successful 
strategy, our disciplined low-cost operating 

model and our diversified portfolio of long-
life natural gas assets.

Consistent and successful strategy

Our Transform, Build and Grow strategy 
has not changed since its implementation 
in 2016. The clarity of this strategy and 
consistency of execution over the past 
five years have been critical in growing the 
business and driving shareholder value. 

Disciplined, low-cost operating 
model continues to drive value

This strategy is supported by Santos’ 
disciplined operating model which is 
designed to deliver strong and consistent 
free cash flow through the commodity 
price cycle. The operating model sets 
a framework where each core asset is 
required to be free cash flow positive at 
an oil price less than US$35 per barrel. 
Importantly, the portfolio, including 
corporate costs, also needs to generate  
free cash flow at this price. 

Disciplined and phased growth  
to 120 mmboe

In 2020, significant milestones were 
achieved on the world-class Barossa LNG 
project including the signing of a binding 
long-term LNG offtake agreement with 
Mitsubishi at a price based on Platts Japan 
Korea Marker (JKM) and execution of 
the gas transportation and processing 
agreements with Darwin LNG. Consents 
were also received for our sell-downs to 
SK E&S. Barossa is on-track for a final 
investment decision in the first half of 2021. 
Two other major growth projects, Dorado 
and Narrabri, will be phased, consistent 
with our disciplined approach to capital 
management and the operating model, as 
we target annual production of 120 mmboe.

KEITH SPENCE 
Chairman

KEVIN GALLAGHER 
Managing Director and 
Chief Executive Officer

4 / Santos Annual Report 2020

Through large-scale carbon capture and storage, world-leading 
nature-based offsets, increased use of renewables and energy 
efficiency projects, Santos will continue to be a leading clean 
fuels company at the forefront of the energy transition to a 
lower-carbon future.

New ambitious roadmap to net zero 
emissions by 2040

In December 2020, we announced 
ambitious new industry-leading emission 
reduction targets. Importantly, our net zero 
by 2040 target is supported by a transition 
roadmap which is clear and credible. Core 
to the decarbonisation strategy for our 
existing business is the Moomba carbon 
capture and storage (CCS) project. Once 
operational, the project will inject 1.7 million 
tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, providing 
a step-change in emission reduction. 

In addition to reducing our own emissions, 
Santos has committed to working with our 
customers to reduce their emissions. In 
the near term, this means switching from 
heavier emitting fuels, such as coal and 
diesel, to cleaner fuels such as natural gas. 
Longer term, Santos’ strategy will focus 
on zero-emissions hydrogen enabled by 
CCS, which can be scaled-up across the 
Cooper Basin. The Cooper Basin has a 
natural competitive advantage in delivering 
zero-emissions hydrogen including existing 
infrastructure, access to produced water, 
natural gas and existing pipeline connections 
to domestic and export markets. 

In summary, Santos is in a strong 
position. Our consistent and successful 
strategy combined with our disciplined, 
low-cost operating model continue 
to drive performance across our 
diversified asset portfolio and position 
us for disciplined growth. 

On behalf of the Board and 
Management team, we would like  
to thank you, our shareholders, for  
your continued trust and support. 

Yours sincerely,

KEITH SPENCE 
Chairman

KEVIN GALLAGHER 
Managing Director  
and Chief Executive Officer

MARKET-LED ENERGY 
TRANSITION TO CLEANER FUELS

Santos is a clean fuels business that will 
transition from natural gas to hydrogen 
as our customers transition over the next 
two decades

2020 
Current state: natural gas

Carbon capture and storage

Hydrogen

2040 
Future state: clean fuels

2025 target

Reduce emissions >5% across the 
Cooper Basin and Queensland operations

Ahead of plan

2030 target

 Reduce Scope 1 and 2 absolute emissions 
by 26–30% by 2030 from 2020 baseline

New target

2030 Scope 3 emissions target

Santos will actively work with customers  
to reduce their Scope 1 and 2 emissions 
by >1 mtCO2e per year by 2030

2040 target

Net zero Scope 1 and 2 
absolute emissions by 2040

   For more on our 2040 plan go to:  
www.santos.com

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 5

Board of Directors

KEITH SPENCE

KEVIN GALLAGHER

YASMIN ALLEN 

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, 
Remuneration and Culture 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), Chair of Advance (since 
2018), Acting President of the Australian 
Government Takeovers Panel (since 2017), 
Chair of Digital Skills Organisation and Chair  
of Faethm.ai (both since 2020). 

Former Directorships in the last 3 years: 
Nil.

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), Oil Search Limited, where he served as  
a non-executive Director from 2012 to 2017 and 
Murray and Roberts Holdings Limited, where 
he served as a non-executive Director from 
2015 to 2020. 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: Chair of Base 
Resources Limited (since 2015) and non-
executive Director of Independence Group NL 
(since 2014).

Former Directorships in the last 3 years: 
Murray and Roberts Holdings Limited  
(2015 to 2020).

6 / Santos Annual Report 2020

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. Following the 
successful turnaround at Clough, Mr Gallagher 
led the eventual sale of Clough Limited to their 
major shareholder Murray and Roberts.

Since joining Santos, Mr Gallagher has 
delivered the Transform, Build and Grow 
strategy focused on five core asset hubs, 
significantly reduced costs and instituted a 
disciplined operating model, strengthened 
the balance sheet and improved production. 
Under Mr Gallagher’s leadership, Santos is 
now focussed on a long-life portfolio of natural 
gas assets with some exciting oil and liquids 
opportunities and is progressing a world-
leading carbon capture and storage project in 
the Cooper Basin that can be an enabler for a 
transition to a future hydrogen business. The 
company is well positioned to deliver significant 
growth and sustainable returns to shareholders 
throughout the commodity price cycle.

Other Current Directorships: Chair of 
APPEA (since 2019).

Former Directorships in the last 3 years: 
Nil.

GUY COWAN

HOCK GOH 

VANESSA GUTHRIE 

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

BEng (Hons) Mech Eng

Hon DSc, PhD, BSc (Hons)

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 
Ltd 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: Chair of 
Queensland Sugar Limited (since 2015), 
Buderim Ginger Ltd (since 2018), the 
Stahmann Webster Group (effective  
17 February 2021) and Port of Brisbane 
(effective 10 March 2021), Director of Winson 
Group Pty Ltd (since 2014). 

Former Directorships in the last 3 years: 
Nil.

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: 
Chair 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, Remuneration 
and Culture 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), Adelaide Brighton Limited (since 2018), 
Tronox Holding PLC (since 2019), Lynas Rare 
Earths Ltd (since 2020) and Cricket Australia 
(effective 28 February 2021), Pro-Chancellor 
of Curtin University, member of the Australia-
India Council and member of the Vocational 
Education and Training Expert Skills Panel. 

Former Directorships in the last 3 years: 
Director of Vimy Resources Limited  
(2017 to 2018). 

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 7

Board of Directors
continued

PETER HEARL 

JANINE MCARDLE

EUGENE SHI 

BCom. (UNSW With Merit), FAICD, MAIM, 
MAMA

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, Remuneration and 
Culture 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 Restaurants) 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 Ltd (since 2014), Chairman-Elect of 
Endeavour Group Ltd (since 2019), Trustee  
of the Stepping Stone Foundation, a Sydney-
based NFP (since 2020) and Member of its 
Investment Committee (since 2018).

Former Directorships in the last 3 years: 
Chair of Woolworths Petrol Pty Ltd (2018).

BS (Chemical Engineering), MBA

MBA in International Business

Ms McArdle is an independent non-executive 
Director. She joined the Board on 23 October 
2019 and is a member of the Audit and Risk 
Committee and the Environment, Health, 
Safety and Sustainability Committee. 

Mr Shi is a non-executive Director.  
He was re-appointed to the Board on  
31 December 2020 as the nominee of a 
substantial shareholder after being on the 
Santos Board from June 2017 to May 2019. 

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, 
automobile, 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 is currently the ENN Group Chief 
Director in Finance, M&A and Value Operation. 
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.

Ms McArdle has more than 30 years’ 
experience in the global oil and gas industry. 
She most recently spent 13 years with  
Apache Corporation in the United States, 
where she held roles including Executive 
Officer, Senior Vice President of Global Gas 
Monetization, President of Kitimat LNG Co, 
and Vice President, Worldwide Oil and Gas 
Marketing. Prior to joining Apache, she worked 
with Aquila Energy for nine years in the United 
States in senior leadership positions and in the 
United Kingdom as Managing Director, with 
P&L responsibilities across trading, mergers 
and acquisition and e-commerce. Ms McArdle 
is also the Founder, CEO and President of 
Apex Strategies, a global consultancy business 
providing advisory services to companies 
engaged in midstream and downstream 
operations within the energy industry. 

Other Current Directorships: Member 
of University of Nebraska’s College of 
Engineering Advisory Board (since 2017), 
non-executive Director of Antero Midstream 
Corp (since 2020) and committee member 
of TruMarx Data Partners’ LNG Advisory 
Committee (since 2020).

Former Directorships in the last 3 years: 
Director of Halcon Resources (2018 to 2019) 
and Palmer Drug Abuse Program in Houston 
TX (2003 to 2018).

8 / Santos Annual Report 2020

Santos Leadership Team 

KEVIN GALLAGHER

DAVID BANKS

BRETT DARLEY

JODIE HATHERLY

Managing Director and  
Chief Executive Officer

BEng (Mechanical) Hons, FIEAust

Mr Gallagher’s biography can  
be read on page 6.

Chief Operations Officer

BE (Hons), MBA, GAICD

Mr Banks joined Santos in 2018 
and is the Chief Operations 
Officer. Mr Banks previously led 
the Onshore Operating Division as 
Executive Vice President Onshore 
Oil and Gas.

Mr Banks has 30 years of 
international and domestic 
experience in the 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 Oil and Gas

BEng (Civil), FIEAust Eng Exec

Mr Darley joined Santos in 
December 2018. He has 30 years 
of 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 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 
and an elected member of the 
General Council of the Chamber 
of Commerce and Industry of WA.

Vice President 
Environment, Social 
Responsibility and 
Governance

BA, LLB

Ms Hatherly joined Santos in 
2019. She is responsible for 
Environment, Social Responsibility 
and Governance. She is also the 
General Counsel and Company 
Secretary of the Santos Group, 
overseeing the Company’s Legal, 
Company Secretariat and Risk 
functions. Ms Hatherly joined 
Santos from INPEX Australia, 
where she was General Counsel  
and General Manager Legal for  
the Ichthys LNG project and 
INPEX’s Australia business.  
Ms Hatherly brings to the table a 
demonstrated history of delivering 
some of the biggest projects in 
the oil and gas industry.

Ms Hatherly commenced her 
career in the legal private sector, 
working in the UK and Australia, 
before taking on senior in-house 
roles in the oil and gas industry. 
Ms Hatherly has served on the 
advisory board of the Curtin 
University Law School as well 
as Muscular Dystrophy WA. Ms 
Hatherly was recognised on The 
Legal 500 GC Powerlist Australia 
in 2018.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 9

Santos Leadership Team
continued

ANGUS JAFFRAY

ANTHONY NEILSON

JANE NORMAN 

ROB SIMPSON

Chief Financial Officer

B.Comm, MBA, FFin, FCA

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

Prior to joining Santos, Mr Neilson 
was CEO of Roc Oil Company 
Ltd (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.

Chief of Staff and  
Vice President Strategy

Executive Vice President 
Onshore Oil and Gas

BSc, BEng (Chemical) Hons, 
GAICD

Ms Norman joined Santos in 
2005 and has responsibility for 
developing Santos’ corporate 
strategy and leading the 
CEO Office including media, 
communications, sponsorship, 
brand and events. Ms Norman 
has previously led roles in Santos’ 
Strategy and Planning and Gas 
Commercialisation functions, 
where she had responsibility 
for the Company’s economics 
analysis and market analysis for 
Oil, LNG and Domestic Gas.

Ms Norman has over 25 years’ 
experience in the international 
oil and gas industry, starting her 
career as Process Engineer in  
the North Sea with Shell 
International Exploration and 
Production. Ms Norman held 
various technical and commercial 
roles with Shell UK, based in 
both Aberdeen and London. She 
subsequently worked in various 
corporate finance and equity 
capital market roles in the City 
of London with Cazenove and  
Co (now JP Morgan Cazenove) 
and Goldman Sachs, where  
she specialised in the oil  
and gas sector.

BEng (Mech), MIEAust CPEng 
Eng Exec APEC Engineer 
IntPE(Aus)

Mr Simpson joined Santos in 1996 
and is responsible for Santos’ 
onshore oil and gas business.

Mr Simpson has over 34 years 
of experience in the Australian oil 
and gas industry, both in Australia 
and overseas, with operational, 
commercial, technical and 
management experience across 
varied assets both onshore and 
offshore including previous roles 
on the North West Shelf LNG and 
the Shell Geelong Refinery.

Mr Simpson has previously 
held senior leadership roles 
with Santos including Vice 
President Queensland, Director 
of Developments and General 
Manager of Operations. Mr 
Simpson has had a diverse career 
with Santos including operation 
and development of its then 
Indonesian assets and with over 
15 years’ association with CSG.

Mr Simpson is recognised by 
Engineers Australia as a leading 
Engineering Executive. He 
holds a Bachelor of Mechanical 
Engineering from the University 
of Queensland, is a Chartered 
Engineer and a member of the 
Society of Petroleum Engineers. 

Executive Vice President 
People and Culture

BA (Hons) Geography, MBA

Mr Jaffray joined Santos in 2016 
and was appointed Executive Vice 
President People and Culture in 
January 2021, with responsibility 
for human resources, 
remuneration and performance, 
organisational and learning 
development, and organisational 
integration.

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

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, Angus 
supported companies in 
developing strategy and driving 
organisational change. At BCG, 
Mr Jaffray set up the Perth office, 
led the Australian Operations 
practice and was a core member 
of both the Mining and Metals 
practice and the Energy Practice. 
He served clients in Australia, 
New Zealand, Asia, Europe 
and North America building 
strong capabilities in strategy, 
operational efficiency and running 
transformation programs. As a 
Supply Chain Manager, Mr Jaffray 
was accountable for procurement, 
planning, logistics and product 
delivery.

10 / Santos Annual Report 2020

PETTER UNDEM

TRACEY WINTERS

BRETT WOODS

Executive Vice President 
Commercial

Strategic Adviser External 
Affairs

BSc (Australian Environmental 
Studies)

Ms Winters joined Santos in 2017 
and is responsible for government 
engagement and strategic 
communications.

Ms Winters joined Santos with 
30 years of experience in the 
oil and gas industry, in diverse 
roles including government 
and regulatory affairs, 
media and communications, 
environment, land access, project 
commercialisation, construction 
and asset management. Ms 
Winters held a senior role in 
federal resources and energy 
policy and politics for seven years 
and over more than a decade built 
and ran a successful consultancy 
serving some of Australia’s 
biggest resources companies and 
delivering major project approvals 
for some of the nation’s biggest 
gas and pipeline projects. From 
2011 to 2016, Ms Winters drove 
the environmental approvals and 
land access processes to deliver 
the QCLNG project.

Prior to joining Santos,  
Ms Winters was an adviser 
to Caltex on public affairs and 
strategic issues management,  
in particular wage underpayment 
by franchisees.

MSc (PE), MBA (High Hons)

Mr Undem joined Santos in 
August 2019 and has responsibility 
for the marketing and trading 
of all gas, LNG and liquid 
hydrocarbon products as well as 
the commercial and procurement 
functions.

Mr Undem has over 34 years’ 
experience in the oil and gas 
industry both overseas and 
in Australia and joined Santos 
from Total, Paris, where he 
held the position of Deputy 
Vice President New Ventures 
E&P. Mr Undem commenced 
his career as a Petroleum 
Engineer with Total and held 
engineering and management 
positions in the Exploration 
and Production Branch. From 
2009 to 2011, Mr Undem was 
Business Development Director 
of Total E&P UK before joining 
Total Austral in Argentina in 
the same position, where he 
was responsible for technical 
studies for new development 
projects, corporate planning 
and strategy, new business 
ventures, joint venture partners, 
commercial sales and commercial 
gas strategy. From 2015 to 
2018, Mr Undem was Managing 
Director and Country Chair for 
Total E&P Australia.

Mr Undem has a Masters of 
Science in Petroleum Engineering 
from the Norwegian Institute 
of Technology, University of 
Trondheim, Norway and a  
Masters of Business 
Administration in General 
Administration and Finance from 
the Booth School of Business, 
University of Chicago, USA.

Executive Vice President 
Midstream Infrastructure  
and Low Carbon Operations

BSc (Hons) Geology and 
Geophysics

Mr Woods joined Santos in 
February 2013 and is accountable 
for the Midstream Infrastructure 
and Low Carbon Division. His 
remit includes overseeing Santos’ 
midstream gas processing facilities 
at Moomba, Port Bonython and 
Darwin LNG, its Energy Solutions 
capabilities and Carbon Capture 
and Storage project, as well as 
accountability for Santos’ Joint 
Venture in PNG LNG.

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

Mr Woods has over 25 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.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 11

Reserves Statement
for the year ended 31 December 2020

RESERVES AND RESOURCES

Proved plus probable (2P) reserves increased by 34 million barrels of oil equivalent before production in 2020. The annual 2P reserves 
replacement ratio (RRR) was 38% and the three-year RRR 138%.

Reserves were added in Northern Australia and Timor-Leste (+41 mmboe) through the acquisition of ConocoPhillips’ assets and sanction 
of infill drilling in the Bayu-Undan field.

Consistent application of Santos’ disciplined operating model delivered reserves increases in the onshore assets in 2020. The Cooper 
Basin achieved 102 per cent three-year 2P reserves replacement and reserves upgrades were delivered in GLNG’s Fairview, Roma and 
Arcadia fields. GLNG achieved 184 per cent 2P reserves replacement in 2020.

These reserve additions were partially offset by a reclassification of 16 mmboe of Juha 2P reserves in PNG to contingent resources and a 
27 mmboe 2P reserves write-down at the Reindeer gas field offshore Western Australia. The revision at Reindeer is due to water ingress 
occurring earlier than previously modelled combined with seismic analysis showing a lower structure across a portion of the field. The 
Reindeer revision was partially offset by reserves increases at the Spar-Halyard and Van Gogh fields in WA of nine mmboe in aggregate.

After production of 89 mmboe, 2P reserves at the end of 2020 were 933 mmboe. 

2C contingent resources increased to over 2.2 billion barrels of oil equivalent, primarily due to the acquisition of ConocoPhillips’ business 
in Northern Australia and Timor-Leste.

A final investment decision on the Barossa project is expected in the first half of 2021, which would see approximately 380 mmboe 
commercialised to 2P reserves at Santos’ expected 50% interest level in the project.

RESERVES AND 2C CONTINGENT RESOURCES (SANTOS SHARE AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020)

Santos share

Proved reserves

Proved plus probable reserves

2C contingent resources

Unit

mmboe

mmboe

mmboe

2020

496

933

2,282

2019

% change

548

989

1,920

(9%)

(6%)

19%

RESERVES AND 2C CONTINGENT RESOURCES BY PRODUCT (SANTOS SHARE AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020)

Santos share

Proved reserves

Proved plus probable reserves

2C contingent resources

KEY METRICS

Sales gas  
PJ

Crude oil 
mmbbl

Condensate 
mmbbl

LPG  
000 tonnes

2,650

4,960

11,361

22

39

165

16

33

148

466

1,269

3,014

Total  
mmboe

496

933

2,282

Annual proved reserves replacement ratio

Annual proved plus probable reserves replacement ratio

Three-year proved plus probable reserves replacement ratio

Organic annual proved plus probable reserves replacement ratio

Organic three-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 2020 using annual production of 89 mmboe.

12 / Santos Annual Report 2020

42%

38%

138%

11%

41%

52%

10 years

PROVED RESERVES

Santos share as at 31 December 2020

Asset

Cooper Basin

Queensland & NSW1

PNG

Northern Australia  
& Timor-Leste

Western Australia

Total 1P

Sales gas 

Crude oil Condensate

LPG 

All products  
mmboe

PJ

243

956

647

72

733

2,650

mmbbl

mmbbl

000 tonnes

Developed Undeveloped

7

-

0

-

15

22

3

-

5

0

7

16

441

-

-

25

-

466

45

108

75

13

108

349

11

56

41

-

39

147

Proportion of total proved reserves that are unconventional

1  Queensland proved sales gas reserves include 792 PJ GLNG and 157 PJ other Santos non-operated Eastern Queensland assets.

Proved reserves reconciliation

Product

Sales gas

Crude oil

Condensate

LPG

Total 1P 

Revisions  
and  
extensions

Net  
acquisitions  
and 
divestments

102

7

(1)

74

24

65

-

2

87

14

2019

Production

2,930

20

21

526

548

(448)

(5)

(5)

(221)

(89)

Unit

PJ

mmbbl

mmbbl

000 tonnes

mmboe

Total

56

164

116

13

147

496

33%

2020

2,650

22

16

466

496

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 13

Reserves Statement
for the year ended 31 December 2020
continued

PROVED PLUS PROBABLE RESERVES

Santos share as at 31 December 2020

Asset

Cooper Basin

Queensland & NSW1

PNG

Northern Australia  
& Timor-Leste

Western Australia

Total 2P

Sales gas

Crude oil Condensate

LPG

All products  
mmboe

PJ

652

1,906

964

162

1,277

4,960

mmbbl

mmbbl

000 tonnes

Developed Undeveloped 

16

-

0

-

23

39

8

-

9

3

12

33

1,084

-

-

186

-

1,269

93

108

116

18

154

490

52

220

58

14

100

443

Proportion of total proved plus probable reserves that are unconventional

1  Queensland proved plus probable sales gas reserves include 1,491 PJ GLNG and 405 PJ other Santos non-operated Eastern Queensland assets.

Proved plus probable reserves reconciliation

Product

Sales gas

Crude oil

Condensate

LPG

Total 2P 

Unit

PJ

mmbbl

mmbbl

000 tonnes

mmboe

2019

5,277

38

36

1,169

989

Production

(448)

(5)

(5)

(221)

(89)

Revisions  
and  
extensions

Net  
acquisitions  
and 
divestments

14

6

(1)

170

9

117

-

3

152

24

Total

145

328

174

32

254

933

35%

2020

4,960

39

33

1,269

933

2C CONTINGENT RESOURCES

Santos share as at 31 December 2020

Asset

Cooper Basin

Queensland & NSW

PNG

Northern Australia & Timor-Leste

Western Australia

Total 2C

2C Contingent resources reconciliation

Product

Total 2C (mmboe)

2019

1,920

14 / Santos Annual Report 2020

Sales gas  
PJ

Crude oil 
mmbbl

Condensate 
mmbbl

LPG  
000 tonnes

All products 
mmboe

1,291

2,523

293

5,979

1,275

11,361

31

0

-

-

134

165

19

0

5

83

41

148

1,839

-

-

4

1,171

3,014

Revisions and 

Production

extensions Discoveries

Net 
acquisitions  
and 
divestments

-

(79)

2

439

286

434

55

1,106

401

2,282

2020

2,282

8.  Reference points for Santos’ petroleum reserves and 

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

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

P Lyford

N Pink

A White

Employer

Santos Ltd

Santos Ltd

Santos Ltd

D Nicolson

Santos Ltd

S Lawton

Santos Ltd

Professional 
organisation

SPE

SPE

SPE

SPE

SPE

J Hattner

NSAI

SPE, AAPG

SPE: Society of Petroleum Engineers

AAPG: American Association of Petroleum Geologists

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 Paul Lyford, 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 Paul 
Lyford 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 2020.

3.  Santos prepares its petroleum reserves and contingent 
resources estimates in accordance with the 2018 
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, Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. and 
RISC Advisory Pty Ltd 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 2020 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 2020. 

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

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 15

 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ Report

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 2020, 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 during the year ended 31 December 2020 and up to the date of this report and details of the 
relevant interest of each of those Directors in shares in the Company at the date of this report are as set out below: 

Surname

Allen

Cowan

Gallagher

Goh

Guan

Guthrie

Hearl

McArdle

Shi

Spence

Other names

Shareholdings in Santos Limited

Yasmin 

Guy 

Kevin 

Hock

Yu

Vanessa

Peter 

Janine 

Eugene

Keith (Chairman)

48,883

45,487

1,930,153

67,215

–

39,188

48,808

18,000

–

90,000

The above-named Directors held office during the financial year. Mr Yu Guan retired as a Director on 31 December 2020. Mr Eugene Shi 
was appointed as a Director on 31 December 2020. 

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 1,499,719 share acquisition rights (SARs) and 143,844 restricted 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 
6 to 8 of this Annual Report. This information includes details of other listed company directorships held during the last three years.

16 / Santos Annual Report 2020

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

Cowan

Gallagher

Goh

Guan2

Guthrie

Hearl

McArdle3

Shi4

Spence

Yasmin 

Guy 

Kevin 

Hock

Yu

Vanessa 

Peter 

Janine 

Eugene

Keith 

Directors’ 
meeting

Audit & Risk 
Committee

Environment, 
Health, Safety 
& Sustainability 
Committee

People, 
Remuneration 
& Culture 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

Attended/Held1

Attended/Held1

Attended/Held1

Attended/Held1

Attended/Held1

9 of 9

9 of 9

9 of 9

9 of 9

9 of 9

8 of 9

9 of 9

9 of 9

n/a

9 of 9

5 of 5

5 of 5

n/a

5 of 5

n/a

n/a

n/a

5 of 5

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

4 of 4

4 of 4

n/a

4 of 4

4 of 4

n/a

n/a

n/a

4 of 4

n/a

n/a

n/a

4 of 4

4 of 4

4 of 4

n/a

n/a

n/a

2 of 3

n/a

n/a

3 of 3

n/a

n/a

3 of 3

n/a

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 Yu Guan retired as a Director on 31 December 2020.

3  Ms Janine McArdle was appointed as a member of the Environment, Health, Safety & Sustainability Committee Committee on 16 December 2020. 

4  Mr Eugene Shi was appointed as a Director on 31 December 2020. 

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 17

Directors’ Report

Directors’ Report
continued

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

Santos’ principal activities during 2020 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

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

Underlying profit for the period1

Underlying earnings per share (cents)1

2020

mmboe

89.0

107.1

2019

mmboe

75.5

94.5

US$million

US$million

3,387

1,898

(59)

(1,015)

(895)

(1)

(72)

(234)

(51)

(357)

287

13.8

4,033

2,457

(103)

(1,000)

(61)

2

1,295

(277)

(344)

674

719

34.5

Variance

%

18

13

(16)

(23)

(43)

1

nm

(150)

(106)

(16)

(85)

(153)

(60)

(60)

1 

EBITDAX (earnings before interest, tax, impairment, 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 profit 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 financial statements 
which have been subject to audit by the Company’s auditor.

Sales volume 
mmboe

Product sales revenue
$million

Production volume
mmboe

84.1

83.4

78.3

94.5

107.1

2,594

3,100 3,660 4,033 3,387

61.6

59.5

58.9

75.5

89.0

2016

2017

2018

2019 2020

2016

2017

2018

2019 2020

2016

2017

2018

2019 2020

Sales volumes of 107.1 million barrels of oil 
equivalent (mmboe) were 13% higher than 
the previous year primarily due to a higher 
Santos interest in Bayu-Undan and Darwin 
LNG following completion in May 2020 of 
the acquisition of ConocoPhillips’ assets 
in northern Australia and Timor-Leste.

Sales revenue was down 16% compared  
to the previous year to $3.4 billion, primarily 
due to lower realised prices partially 
offset by higher sales volumes due to the 
ConocoPhillips’ acquisition. The average 
realised oil price decreased 34% to US$48/
bbl and the average realised LNG price 
decreased 35% to US$6.39/mmBtu due to 
lower customer demand resulting from the 
COVID-19 pandemic.

Production was up 18% to a record  
89 mmboe primarily due to the higher 
Santos interest in Bayu-Undan from 
May 2020 combined with stronger 
gas production in Western Australia, 
Queensland and the Cooper Basin.

18 / Santos Annual Report 2020

Review of operations

Santos’ business in 2020 was impacted by the twin economic shocks of significantly lower oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Santos committed to supporting government and community efforts to limit the impact of the pandemic and ensure business continuity. 
The Company implemented a series of measures to protect the health and safety of its people, including restricting travel, implementing 
social distancing measures across all of our operations and making changes to field and office working arrangements. We have been able 
to have continued operations at all our sites as a result of these measures to date.

Santos also implemented financial measures appropriate to the business environment to ensure the Company remains a low-cost, 
reliable and sustainable business through the oil price cycle. These included a $550 million (38%) reduction in budgeted 2020 capital 
expenditure, the deferral of major growth projects, a $50 million reduction in budgeted 2020 production costs and a target free cash 
flow breakeven oil price of less than $25 per barrel.

Santos recognised net impairments of $895 million (before tax) in 2020, mainly relating to revised oil price assumptions resulting from 
the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on energy market demand fundamentals, as well as, the revision of reserves in Western Australia.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, Santos sought to act to protect its balance sheet, cash flows and the retention 
of its permanent employees. As a precaution, Santos applied for and received A$4 million in JobKeeper payments from the Australian 
government up to September 2020. By November 2020, it was clear the impact of COVID-19 on Santos would be less than expected  
so, in line with community expectations, Santos repaid this amount in full to the government during December 2020.

Santos’ disciplined, low-cost operating model is designed to ensure the Company is well-positioned to leverage its growth opportunities 
as business conditions improve.

Santos’ operations are focused on five core, long-life asset hubs: Cooper Basin, Queensland and NSW, Papua New Guinea, Northern 
Australia and Timor-Leste, 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 production growth by being a low-cost business, increasing reserves, investing in  
new technology to lower development and exploration costs, reducing emissions and increasing utilisation of infrastructure including 
the Moomba and Port Bonython plants (Santos 66.7% interest).

Santos is also focussed on reducing emissions by investing in carbon capture and storage (CCS). The 1.7 million tonne per annum 
Moomba CCS project was investment-ready at the end of 2020, subject to eligibility for Australian Carbon Credit Units which is 
expected in 2021.

Cooper Basin

Production (mmboe)

Sales volume (mmboe)

Revenue (US$m) 

Production cost (US$/boe)

EBITDAX (US$m) 

Capex (US$m)

2020

16.8

24.2

919

 7.80

390

313

2019

15.8

23.2

1,164

 7.77

529

308

Cooper Basin EBITDAX was $390 million, 26% lower than 2019 primarily due to lower realised prices and higher costs, partially offset by 
higher volumes.

Cooper Basin production increased for the third consecutive year to 16.8 mmboe. Santos’ share of sales gas and ethane production 
of 68.5 petajoules (PJ) was 11% higher than the previous year (61.5 PJ) as new development activity more than offset the impact of 
natural field decline. Santos’ share of crude oil production of 2.6 mmbbl was 17% lower than the previous year due to lower development 
activity due to lower oil prices and natural field decline.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 19

Directors’ Report

Directors’ Report
continued

Queensland and 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 capacity of 8.6 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 six million tonnes of LNG in 2020 and shipped 101 cargoes. Annual LNG production was higher than the 
previous year (5.2 million tonnes) due to the ramp-up in GLNG upstream equity gas supply.

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.

Santos is also progressing the proposed Narrabri domestic gas project in NSW. The project received environmental approvals from the 
state and federal governments in 2020, and Santos plans to commence a two-year appraisal program in 2021.

Queensland and NSW

Production (mmboe)

Sales volume (mmboe)

Revenue (US$m) 

Production cost (US$/boe)

EBITDAX (US$m) 

Capex (US$m)

2020

13.4

22.0

 793 

 5.70 

428

193

2019

13.0

22.4

 1,055 

 5.51 

624

260

Queensland and NSW EBITDAX of $428 million decreased by 31% compared to 2019. This was a result of lower realised prices and 
higher costs, partially offset by higher volumes.

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. 

The LNG plant produced a record 8.8 million tonnes of LNG in 2020 and shipped 115 cargoes. Annual LNG production was higher than 
the previous year (8.5 million tonnes) due to high plant uptime and throughput.

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. 

PNG

Production (mmboe)

Sales volume (mmboe)

Revenue (US$m) 

Production cost (US$/boe)

EBITDAX (US$m) 

Capex (US$m)

PNG EBITDAX of $354 million decreased 34% compared to 2019, mainly due to lower realised prices.

2020

13.2

12.5

451

4.21

354

39

2019

12.8

12.1

663

6.23

540

51

20 / Santos Annual Report 2020

Northern Australia and Timor–Leste

Santos’ business in northern Australia and Timor-Leste 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.

The LNG plant near Darwin has a single LNG train with a capacity of 3.7 mtpa. The plant produced three million tonnes of LNG in 2020, 
in-line with 2019, and shipped 48 cargoes.

In May 2020, Santos completed the acquisition of the ConocoPhillips assets in northern Australia and Timor-Leste, including DLNG, 
Barossa and Poseidon. The acquisition provided Santos with operating interests in long-life, low-cost natural gas assets and strategic 
LNG infrastructure with expansion potential.

The acquisition increased Santos’ interest in DLNG to 68.4% and Barossa to 62.5%, and Santos operates both projects. Santos’ interest 
in DLNG will reduce to 43.4% upon completion of the planned 25% sell-down to SK E&S and in Barossa to 50% upon the planned 
12.5% sell-down to JERA. Both sell-downs are subject to a final investment decision on Barossa.

The Barossa project is planned to backfill DLNG and extend its life for more than 20 years. A final investment decision on Barossa was 
planned for the first half of 2020, but was deferred due to the economic impact of COVID-19 combined with lower oil prices, and is now 
expected in the first half of 2021.

Santos also intends to appraise the onshore gas potential of the McArthur Basin in the Northern Territory in 2021 with two horizontal 
wells planned.

Northern Australia and Timor–Leste

Production (mmboe)

Sales volume (mmboe)

Revenue (US$m) 

Production cost (US$/boe)

EBITDAX (US$m) 

Capex (US$m)

2020

14.5

14.6

466

2019

3.1

3.1

165

 19.59 

 21.75 

205

93

102

50

Northern Australia and Timor-Leste EBITDAX of $205 million was $103 million higher than 2019 due to the acquisition of the 
ConocoPhillips northern Australia assets in May 2020. 

Western Australia

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

Santos’ assets include 100% ownership and operatorship of the Varanus Island and Devil Creek domestic gas hubs, a 28.6% interest in 
the Macedon gas hub and a leading position in the highly prospective Bedout Basin.

A FEED-entry decision for a potential oil and liquids development of the Dorado field (Santos 80% interest) in the Bedout Basin is 
targeted for the first half of 2021. Dorado opens a new basin with high prospectivity in permits where Santos has high equity positions 
and further drilling is planned on the Apus and Pavo prospects in 2021–22.

Western Australia

Production (mmboe)

Sales volume (mmboe)

Revenue (US$m) 

Production cost (US$/boe)

EBITDAX (US$m) 

Capex (US$m)

2020

31.1

31.1

742

6.34

546

171

2019

30.9

30.4

955

7.30

684

270

Western Australia EBITDAX of $546 million was 20% lower than 2019, predominantly driven by lower realised prices. 

Santos’ share of gas production in Western Australia was up 10% to 159 PJ due to strong customer demand and the commencement of 
a new 12-year contract with Alcoa. Santos’ share of crude oil production was 2.4 mmbbl, significantly lower than the previous year due 
to the Ningaloo Vision FPSO (Van Gogh, Coniston and Novara fields) being off-station for planned shipyard maintenance. 

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 21

 
Directors’ Report

Directors’ Report
continued

Net loss

The 2020 net loss attributable to equity holders of Santos Limited of $357 million is $1,031 million lower than the net profit of $674 million 
in 2019. This decrease is primarily due to higher impairment losses of $653 million after tax ($46 million in 2019) and lower realised pricing, 
partly offset by higher volumes and lower costs.

Net loss includes items before tax of $859 million ($644 million after tax), as referred to in the reconciliation of net profit to underlying 
profit below. Underlying profit was $287 million, $432 million lower than 2019.

Reconciliation of net (loss)/profit to underlying profit1

Net (loss)/profit 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 

2020 US$million

2019 US$million

Gross

Tax

Net

Gross

Tax

–

895

2

(45)

7

859

–

(242)

(1)

14

14

(215)

(357)

–

653

1

(31)

21

644

287

(12)

61

4

6

–

59

4

(15)

(1)

(2)

–

(14)

Net

674

(8)

46

3

4

–

45

719

1  Underlying profit is a non-IFRS measure that is presented to provide an understanding of the underlying performance of Santos’ operations. The measure excludes the impacts of asset 

acquisitions, disposals and impairments, as well as items that are subject to significant variability from one period to the next, including the effects of fair value adjustments and fluctuations 
in exchange rates. The non-IFRS financial information is unaudited; however, the numbers have been extracted from the financial statements which have been subject to audit by the 
Company’s auditor. 

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 assets1 

Total funds employed 

Net debt2

Net tax assets3

Net assets/equity

2020 
US$million

2019 
US$million

Variance 
US$million

1,818

11,173

(3,021)

815

10,785

(3,664)

106

7,227

1,187

11,619

(2,282)

456

10,980

(3,325)

21

7,676

631

(446)

(739)

359

(195)

(339)

85

(449)

1  Other net assets comprises trade and other receivables, prepayments, inventories, contract assets, other financial assets, share of investments in equity accounted associates and joint 

ventures, goodwill, offset by trade and other payables, contract liabilities, 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 comprises deferred tax assets and tax receivable, offset by deferred tax liabilities and current tax payable. 

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 
2020 full-year accounts.

At 31 December 2020, non-cash after-tax impairment losses of $653 million were recognised. The total after-tax impairment losses 
relate to the impairment of goodwill, late-life producing assets and exploration and evaluation assets.

Exploration and evaluation assets 

Exploration and evaluation assets were $1,818 million compared to $1,187 million at the end of 2019, an increase of $631 million, due to 
the acquisition of ConocoPhillips’ northern Australia assets, 2020 capital expenditure, including drilling in Dorado and Barossa Caldita, 
along with evaluation studies, in addition to acquisition costs comprising interests in Muruk and South Nicholson; offset by impairment 
losses before tax of $114 million and exploration and evaluation expenses of $59 million. 

22 / Santos Annual Report 2020

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

Oil and gas assets and other land and buildings, plant and equipment of $11,173 million were $446 million lower than in 2019 mainly due to 
impairment losses before tax of $683 million and depreciation and depletion charges, partially offset by 2020 capital expenditure across 
Cooper Basin, GLNG, WA Offshore and PNG and acquisition of ConocoPhillips’ northern Australia assets.

Restoration provision

Restoration provision balances have increased by $739 million to $3,021 million mainly due to the acquisition of ConocoPhillips’ northern 
Australia assets, change in discount rates, unfavourable exchange differences and revised restoration cost estimates.

Net debt

Net debt of $3,664 million was $339 million higher than at the end of 2019. 

Net tax assets

Net tax assets of $106 million have increased by $85 million in comparison to 2019.

Net assets/equity

Total equity decreased by $449 million to $7,227 million at year end. The decrease primarily reflects the net-loss after tax attributable to 
owners of Santos of $357 million and payments of dividends to shareholders of $136 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.

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 2020, the Company has hedged 11.0 million barrels of production, using zero premium collars with an average floor 
price of $41/bbl and an average ceiling price of $53/bbl.

Business strategy and prospects for future financial years

Business strategy

Santos’ clear and consistent Transform, Build, Grow strategy drives shareholder value by utilising a disciplined, low-cost operating model 
to deliver strong cash flows through the oil price cycle. Five core, long-life asset hubs sit at the heart of the Company’s operations, each 
with significant upside potential.

The successful execution of the strategy since 2016 has transformed Santos into a safe, reliable and low-cost producer positioned for 
disciplined growth and sustainable shareholder returns.

Disciplined execution combined with targeted acquisitions have reduced the Company’s breakeven oil price, which was less than  
US$25 per barrel before hedging in 2020, and delivered operated interests in long-life, low-cost assets and strategic LNG infrastructure.

Santos is now positioned for disciplined growth leveraging existing infrastructure in all five core asset hubs and is targeting annual 
production of 120 mmboe by 2026, more than double the output in 2018.

This disciplined growth portfolio includes:

• 

Barossa LNG – targeting FID in the first half of 2021

•  Moomba carbon capture and storage – targeting FID in 2021

•  Dorado liquids phase 1 – targeting FEED-entry in the first half of 2021

•  Narrabri gas project phase 1 – appraisal targeted for 2021–22

The Company is also focused on generating new revenue through maximising utilisation of its infrastructure and implementing low-
carbon Energy Solutions projects such as carbon capture and storage.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 23

Directors’ Report

Directors’ Report
continued

As the world transitions to a lower carbon future, Santos has a plan to become a clean fuels company, has set ambitious emission 
reduction targets and outlined a clear and credible roadmap to achieve them. Further information is available in Santos’ 2021 Climate 
Change Report available on the Company’s website.

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 asset hubs. This focus 
will enable Santos to remain a low-cost and high-performing business with significant upside opportunities across the portfolio. 

Natural gas is expected to supply a quarter of the world’s total energy demand by 2040, according to forecasts from the International 
Energy Agency. Santos remains confident in the long-term underlying demand for energy and particularly natural gas due to Asian 
economic growth, the rising global population, rapid urbanisation in developing economies and growing demand for lower-emissions 
fuels. Through its Energy Solutions business, Santos is also investing in projects to lower emissions such as Moomba carbon capture and 
storage in the Cooper Basin.

Santos expects 2021 sales volumes to be in the range of 98–105 mmboe and production to be in the range of 84–91 mmboe. Capital 
expenditure is expected to be approximately $1.6 billion. 2021 guidance assumes the expected sell-down of 25% interests in Bayu-Undan 
and Darwin LNG, and 12.5% interest in Barossa, to occur in the first half of 2021.

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 Framework.

This summary is not an exhaustive list of all risks that may affect the Company, nor have they been listed in any particular order of 
materiality.

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 Barossa LNG project offtake volumes have been marketed on a price based on the Platts 
Japan Korea Marker (JKM), which improves portfolio balance to our existing oil-linked LNG offtake agreements from GLNG and PNG 
LNG. The majority of oil and gas produced (or to be produced) in Santos’ portfolio will be 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 complement 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 support 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.

24 / Santos Annual Report 2020

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 process 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 various reasons, including unanticipated economic, financial, operational, engineering, technical, 
environmental, contractual, regulatory, community and/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 management and governance, risk management and reporting practices 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.

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 that 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 all relevant stakeholders, including 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.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 25

Directors’ Report

Directors’ Report
continued

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.

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 that 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 commodity price risk, 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, and capital and operating expenditure incurred in currencies other than US$, principally A$. Santos also holds investment 
interests in domestic 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. 

26 / Santos Annual Report 2020

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 effects may be 
global or affecting a particular geographic region, industry or economic sector. Access to debt and equity funding may also be negatively 
affected by a downgrade in its credit rating. 

Santos had $3.2 billion in liquidity (cash and undrawn bilateral bank facilities) available as at 31 December 2020.

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 hydrocarbons, 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.

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 of or likelihood of fulfilling 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. 

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 27

Directors’ Report

Directors’ Report
continued

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE STATE OF AFFAIRS

The Material Business Risks section (pages 24 to 27) refers to risks which, if materialised, may have a significant effect on the state of 
affairs of the Company.

Dividends

On 17 February 2021, the Directors resolved to pay a fully franked final dividend of US5.0 cents per fully paid ordinary share on  
25 March 2021 to shareholders registered in the books of the Company at the close of business on 24 February 2021 (“Record Date”). 
This final dividend amounts to approximately US$104.2 million. The Board also resolved that the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) will 
not be in operation for the 2020 final dividend.

In addition, a fully franked interim dividend of US2.1 cents per fully paid ordinary share was paid to members on 24 September 2020. The 
DRP was not in operation for the interim dividend. 

Environmental regulation

The consolidated entity’s Australian operations are subject to various environmental regulations under Commonwealth, state and 
territory legislation. Applicable legislation and requisite environmental licences are specified in the consolidated entity’s EHS Compliance 
Database, which forms part of the consolidated entity’s overall 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.

During the financial year no penalty infringement notices or fines were imposed and no prosecutions were instituted by the regulatory 
authorities regarding environmental performance.

POST BALANCE DATE EVENTS

On 17 February 2021, the Directors of Santos Limited resolved to pay a final dividend on ordinary shares in respect of the 2020 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 2020. 

28 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
SHARES UNDER OPTION AND UNVESTED SHARE ACQUISITION RIGHTS (SARS)

Options

There are no unissued ordinary shares of Santos Limited under options at the date of this report.

Unvested SARs

Unissued ordinary shares of Santos Limited under unvested SARs at 31 December 2020 are as follows:

Date SARs granted

17 March 2017

19 May 2017

21 March 2018

1 April 2018

7 May 2018

9 July 2018

15 March 2019

12 April 2019

18 April 2019

9 May 2019

7 June 2019

18 July 2019

24 July 2019

20 August 2019

30 August 2019

4 October 2019

20 December 2019

10 January 2020

19 March 2020

26 March 2020

9 April 2020

11 June 2020

31 August 2020

3 December 2020

Number of shares under 
unvested SARs

3,321,185

671,641

2,687,800

472,555

520,183

399,736

2,391,067

39,117

469,987

637,631

49,772

10,734

553,188

26,364

1,255,750

238,023

14,112

14,461

2,189,834

7,328

442,298

404,758

1,710,197

9,658

 18,537,379

Since 31 December 2020, no SARs have been granted over unissued ordinary shares of Santos Limited.

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 2020 / 29

Directors’ Report

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 2020 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 2020 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

14 June 2016

29 September 2017

1 April 2018

9 July 2018

14 November 2018

12 April 2019

24 July 2019

20 December 2019

10 January 2020

31 August 2020

Number of shares allocated

3,828,286

486,072

227,897

2,000

7,649

9,117

6,806

720

14,462

13,740

4,596,749

Since 31 December 2020, 40,294 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 2020

Remuneration Report

MESSAGE FROM YASMIN ALLEN, PEOPLE, REMUNERATION AND CULTURE COMMITTEE CHAIR

Dear fellow Shareholders,

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to introduce Santos’ Remuneration Report for 2020 and to summarise key elements of Santos’ 
performance and the impact on remuneration outcomes.

CEO fixed remuneration frozen for 2021

Fixed remuneration for the CEO and other Executive Key Management Personnel was frozen for 2021, with the exception of EVP 
Onshore Oil and Gas who received a modest increase to reflect an increased role remit.

Strong performance on the Company Scorecard, but pool cap introduced to ensure STI awards reflect 
shareholder experience

The social and economic disruption of COVID-19, including the impact on oil prices, has tested Santos’ resilience and the disciplined 
operating model during 2020. Despite the dynamic and unpredictable conditions, the Board continues to be impressed by the business’ 
flexibility to ensure continued safe and reliable operations and the prevention of COVID-19 from making its way into our operations. 
Santos continued to generate positive free cash flow from our core assets throughout the year and no Santos employees were laid off 
because of COVID-19.

Against this backdrop, your Company delivered:

• 

• 

• 

• 

improved safety and environmental performance

record annual production of 89.0 mmboe (18% higher than in 2019, and 54% more than in 2015) and record sales volumes

reduced unit production costs of US$8.04/boe including the acquired ConocoPhillips northern Australia assets (from US$9.12 in 2019 
on a comparative basis)

strong free cash flow of US$740m and a record low free cash flow breakeven oil price approximately US$24 per barrel (before 
hedging) and approximately US$17 per barrel (after hedging).

During the year, ConocoPhillips’ northern Australia and Timor Leste assets were integrated into Santos, with acquisition synergies upgraded 
to $90–$105million per annum (from targeted synergies of $50m–$75m when the acquisition was announced in October 2019).

The Company’s important growth projects are progressing well, while maintaining capital discipline and flexibility in commitment timing. 

We recently took Final Investment Decision on the US$235 million Phase 3C infill drilling program at Bayu-Undan. Santos has made 
significant progress towards FID on the Barossa project with key milestones achieved including the signing of a binding, long-term LNG 
Supply and Purchase Agreement. The Narrabri Gas Project has achieved New South Wales and Commonwealth approval, and appraisal 
work is planned to commence in 2021.

During 2020, Santos set a target to achieve net zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2040. Importantly Santos has outlined a tangible 
roadmap to achieve these reduction targets. Through large-scale carbon capture and storage, world-leading nature-based offsets, 
increased use of renewables and energy efficiency projects, Santos will continue to be a leading clean fuels company at the forefront 
of the energy transition to a lower-carbon future. Following a successful injection trial in October, we have continued to progress our 
Moomba carbon capture & storage project, which will be ready for FID subject to the project qualifying for Australian carbon credits. 

These strong achievements contributed to a Company Scorecard outcome of 111.3% of target (out of a possible 167%). Outcomes 
against individual measures are detailed later in the report in Table 3 on pages 39–40. Pleasingly, the drivers of the outcome included 
stretch performance on safety and cost, and a production outcome which was very close to stretch. 

However, the Board retains full discretion in relation to incentive awards and, in conjunction with the CEO, reviewed the 2020 outcome 
to ensure alignment with shareholder experience in the year. While the Short-Term Incentive (‘STI’) plan already has a positive free cash 
flow gate-opener, the Board determined to introduce an overall cap to the STI pool of 5% of free cash flow, excluding growth CAPEX. 

Applying this cap to the 2020 STI pool ensured outcomes were better aligned year on year with the reduction in the Company’s free 
cash flow (which was impacted by lower realised commodity prices). Overall, the application of the cap led to a circa 28.5% reduction to 
the cash STI pool for 2020 from the Company Scorecard outcome. This reduced pool has been used to determine individual STI awards. 

Outstanding performance on Long-Term Incentive measures leads to high vesting outcomes

Long-Term Incentive (LTI) awards granted in 2017 were tested following the end of their four-year performance period at 31 December 2020. 

The Santos share price increased from $4.02 at the start of the performance period to $6.27 at 31 December 2020. Total Shareholder 
Return including the reinvestment of dividends during the performance period was 67.3%. 

Santos ranked second in the S&P Global 1200 Energy Index, placing it at the 99th percentile against this group. Santos also performed 
strongly against the ASX100 comparator group, and was at the 74.1 percentile against that group. The Company’s average Free Cash 

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 31

Directors’ Report

Remuneration Report
continued

Flow Breakeven Point over 2017 to 2020 was US$25.98, 29% lower than at the start of the performance period (US$36.50). Return on 
Average Capital Employed over 2019 and 2020 was 106.8% of Weighted Average Cost of Capital.  

These outstanding long-term performance outcomes contributed to an overall 90.7% vesting outcome for the 2017 LTI awards.

Performance-related long-term equity makes up a significant component of realised remuneration

Realised Remuneration outcomes for 2020 are shown in Table 10 on page 46. Realised Remuneration includes the value of equity-related 
awards which vested during the year, valued at the share price on the vesting date, which includes the value of share price appreciation 
between award and vesting.

Almost two-thirds of the CEO’s Realised Remuneration for 2020 resulted from performance-related equity awards. The value at vesting 
included significant share price appreciation between the awards being granted and vesting, demonstrating strong alignment with 
shareholders.

Long-Term Equity compensation comprises a significant share of remuneration for the Company’s CEO and Senior Executives. As 
noted in last year’s Remuneration Report, the Company introduced a Minimum Shareholding Requirement which requires the CEO and 
Executive Vice Presidents to build over a five-year period and then maintain, a minimum shareholding of Santos shares which for the 
CEO is approximately three times annual Total Fixed Remuneration (TFR) and for Executive Vice Presidents is approximately one and 
a half times the average TFR. These levels of minimum shareholdings are significant, compared to typical market practice and ensure 
ongoing alignment with shareholders by requiring the CEO and Senior Executives to hold shares beyond vesting until the minimum 
holding is achieved. 

The Minimum Shareholding Policy does allow the CEO and Senior Executives to sell shares to manage arising tax liabilities which occur 
on the vesting of awards. Disposals to manage tax liabilities are encouraged to occur as closely as possible to the end of the deferred 
taxing point for the relevant award.

Changes to arrangements for 2021 onwards

The Company’s Short Term Incentive Scorecard is set by the Board each year to incentivise and reward the execution of the business 
strategy and to drive business performance. Santos has a strong future as a clean fuels company and has already announced a credible 
pathway to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040. For 2021 the Company Scorecard has been rebalanced to recognise 
the criticality of delivering the initiatives that will achieve the Company’s target of net-zero emissions by 2040 increasing the weighting 
from 5% in 2020 to 12.5%. This includes a new metric that makes up 7.5% of the scorecard for delivery of a set of key Low Carbon 
Fuels initiatives which are critical to the Company’s significant ambitions to drive sustainable returns in a lower carbon future. This is in 
addition to the existing carbon emissions reduction metrics which makes up 5% of the Scorecard.

The Free Cash Flow Breakeven Point (FCFBP) performance condition attaching to the 2021 award is also being made more challenging 
to reflect continuing improvements in Company performance and the Company’s cost base. For the 2021 LTI award, the FCFBP at 
which full vesting is achieved will be reduced from US$30/boe to US$25/boe. This follows a reduction from US$35/boe to US$30/boe 
which was applied for the 2020 LTI award.

The Board believes that total remuneration outcomes are aligned with the Company’s performance in 2020 and the significant value 
which has been generated for shareholders.

Thank you for taking the time to review our Remuneration Report.

Yasmin Allen
Chair, People, Remuneration and Culture Committee

The Directors of Santos present this Remuneration Report for the consolidated entity for the year ended 31 December 2020. 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 2020 and remuneration information for key 
management personnel (KMP) of the consolidated entity for the purposes of the Corporations Act and Accounting Standards, as set 
out below.

Remuneration is disclosed in US$ (unless otherwise indicated) with all remuneration components having been converted from A$ to 
US$ using an average rate of $0.6904 for 2020 and $0.6880 for 2019. This means year-on-year changes in remuneration amounts when 
stated in US$ are partly attributable to exchange rate variations and not necessarily a change in the amount paid in A$.

32 / Santos Annual Report 2020

Report structure

The Remuneration Report is set out in the following sections:

1. KMP covered by the Remuneration Report and summary of 5-year Company performance

2. Remuneration governance

3. Executive remuneration approach

4. Remuneration mix

5. Short-Term Incentive framework and 2020 outcomes

6. Long-Term Incentive and vesting outcomes

7. Realised Remuneration (non-IFRS and non-audited)

8. Statutory remuneration for Executive KMP

9. KMP equity

10. Key terms of Executive KMP employment contracts

11. Non-executive Director (NED) remuneration

 1. KMP COVERED BY THE REMUNERATION REPORT AND SUMMARY OF 5-YEAR COMPANY PERFORMANCE

KMP are the personnel who had authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company’s major 
financial, commercial and operating divisions during 2020. The KMP for 2020 are set out in Table 1.

Table 1: 2020 Key management personnel

Executive KMP

Non-executive Directors

Kevin Thomas Gallagher,  
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

David Maxwell Banks, Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Brett Anthony Darley, EVP Offshore Oil and Gas

Anthony Myles Neilson, Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Vincent Santostefano, EVP Production Operations1

Robert Francis Simpson, EVP Onshore Oil and Gas2

Petter Undem, EVP Commercial

Keith William Spence, Independent non-executive Chair

Yasmin Anita Allen, Independent non-executive Director

Guy Michael Cowan, Independent non-executive Director

Hock Goh, Independent non-executive Director

Yu Guan, Non-executive Director3

Vanessa Ann Guthrie, Independent non-executive Director

Peter Roland Hearl, Independent non-executive Director

Janine Marie McArdle, Independent non-executive Director 

Brett Kenneth Woods,  
EVP Midstream Infrastructure and Low Carbon Operations

Eugene Shi, Non-executive Director4

1 

Vincent Santostefano ceased as KMP on 30 June 2020

2  Robert Simpson commenced as KMP on 17 August 2020

3  Yu Guan ceased as KMP on 31 December 2020

4  Eugene Shi commenced as KMP on 31 December 2020

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 33

Directors’ Report

Remuneration Report
continued

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

Table 2: Key metrics of Company performance 2016–2020

Injury frequency:

Total recordable case frequency

Lost time injury rate1

Moderate harm rate2

Production (mmboe)

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

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

Dividends per ordinary share3 (US$cents)

Share price – closing price on last trading day of year4 (A$)

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2.2

0.4

–

61.6

19

3.5

0.4

–

59.5

62

(1,047)

(360)

–

4.02

–

5.45

4.5

0.6

0.4

58.9

69

630

9.7

5.48

4.3

0.6

0.3

75.5

56

674

11.0

8.18

3.5

0.24

0.08

89.0

11

(357)

7.1

6.27

Company Scorecard result expressed as % of target of 100%

115.3%

118.0%

138.8%

120.0%

111.3%

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

0%

0%

0%

100%

90.7%

1 

The outcome for 2018 and prior years is presented as a 3-year average. Annual performance reporting applied in 2019.

2  Moderate harm rate was introduced in 2018 as the Company adopted a harm-based approach, in addition to lost time reporting for injury classification.

3   2018 dividend per ordinary share was previously reported incorrectly as US$0.05.

4  The closing share price on the last trading day of 2015 was A$3.68.

2. REMUNERATION GOVERNANCE

The People, Remuneration and Culture Committee (Committee), formerly known as the People and Remuneration 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’s was updated during 2020 to better reflect the role of the Committee in relation to 
strategies related to the Company’s culture, including employee engagement surveys and other indicators. 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 independent remuneration consultants from time to time.  
In 2020, no remuneration recommendations were provided by remuneration consultants.

34 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
3. EXECUTIVE REMUNERATION APPROACH

The fundamental purpose of Santos’ remuneration policy is to develop and maintain an effective remuneration framework which 
supports and reinforces the ongoing successful execution of the Transform, Build, Grow business strategy and the delivery of Vision 
2025.

Remuneration policy objectives

Attracting, motivating and retaining 
talented and qualified Executives

Focusing Executives to deliver  
superior performance

Align Executive and shareholder 
interests

Enabled through the Company’s Executive remuneration framework

Total Fixed Remuneration (TFR)
(base salary 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.

The target market position for 
fixed remuneration for Executives 
is below market medial in line with 
the Company’s cost focus.

Short-term incentive (STI)  

Long-term incentive (LTI) 

• 

• 

• 

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 
Average Capital Employed and the 
generation of strong stable cash 
flows through the oil price cycle).

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

• 

• 

• 

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

STI levels are set to ensure that 
total compensation appropriately 
rewards the delivery of Santos’ 
operating model and the 
increasingly demanding STI 
scorecard metrics.

STI outcomes are based on a 
balanced scorecard of annual 
performance measures aimed at 
delivering challenging outcomes 
for the Company across a range 
of financial, safety, environment, 
growth and culture KPIs.

•  Half (50%) of Executives’ STI 
award 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.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 35

Directors’ Report

Remuneration Report
continued

4. REMUNERATION MIX

The remuneration mix indicates the extent to which Executive remuneration is:

• 

• 

fixed and not at risk;

variable and at risk.

The charts below show the remuneration mix for the CEO and Senior Executives at the following performance levels:

•  Minimum comprises TFR for the year only;

• 

Target comprises TFR for the year, STI at the target level (provided half in cash and half in deferred equity vesting two years after 
the end of the performance year) and target LTI. LTI awards are allocated on a face value basis. Vesting of awards is subject to the 
achievement of the relevant performance conditions. The target LTI values in the charts below are shown on a “fair value” basis by 
applying a 40% discount to the face value of the award; and

•  Maximum comprises TFR, STI at the maximum level (provided half in cash and half in deferred equity vesting two years after the end 

of the performance year) and the maximum LTI being the face value of the award.

The value of the STI deferred equity award and LTI does not include the impact of future share price movements or dividend payments.

The actual remuneration mix in any year varies with actual performance and incentive outcomes.

CEO remuneration quantum and mix

The remuneration quantum and mix for the CEO at minimum, target and maximum performance is shown in Chart 1.

Chart 1: CEO remuneration quantum and mix

Minimum

100%

2,010 

Target

32%

16%

16%

35%

6,191 

Maximum

22%

19%

19%

40%

8,985 

0

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

TFR

STI Cash

STI Deferred Equity

LTI

A$’000

•  Minimum: TFR of A$2,010,000.

• 

Target: TFR, STI at the target level (a cash award of 50% of TFR and a deferred equity award of 50% of TFR) and target LTI of 
108% of TFR.

•  Maximum: TFR, STI at the maximum level (a cash award of 83.5% of TFR and a deferred equity award of 83.5% of TFR) and the 

maximum LTI award of 180% of TFR.

36 / Santos Annual Report 2020

Senior Executive remuneration mix and quantum

The remuneration quantum and mix for Senior Executives at minimum, target and maximum performance is shown in Chart 2.

Chart 2: Senior Executive remuneration quantum and mix

Minimum

Target

Maximum

100%

1.00 

43%

16%

16%

25%

2.35 

0.00

0.50

1.00

31%

19%

1.50

Multiple of TFR

19%

31%

3.25 

2.00

2.50

3.00

3.50

TFR

STI Cash

STI Deferred Equity

LTI

Quantum is expressed as a multiple of TFR as Senior Executives have different TFRs

•  Minimum: TFR only.

• 

Target: TFR, STI at the target level (a cash award of 37.5% of TFR and a deferred equity award of 37.5% of TFR) and target LTI of 
60% of TFR.

•  Maximum: TFR, STI at the maximum level (a cash award of 62.5% of TFR and a deferred equity award of 62.5% of TFR) and the 

maximum LTI award of 100% of TFR. 

The STI opportunity in Mr Simpson’s 2020 incentive structure differs from other Senior Executives. This is set out in Table 5. 

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 37

Directors’ Report

Remuneration Report
continued

5. SHORT-TERM INCENTIVE FRAMEWORK AND 2020 OUTCOMES

The Short-Term Incentive (‘STI’) framework aligns Executive interests with the delivery of the operating model and the Company’s 
challenging short-term operational and financial goals for the year. Goals are chosen to drive outcomes and behaviours that support safe 
operations and the achievement of the business outcomes which contribute to the delivery of long-term growth in shareholder value.

STI award is based on performance for a one-year period. Half (50%) of the award is provided as deferred equity, restricted for two 
years. Deferral provides increased alignment with shareholders and encourages longer-term thinking given the equity exposure.

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 also subject to clawback.

The Company’s annual performance is assessed using the Company Scorecard. The Scorecard contains a balance of challenging 
financial and operational KPIs which support the execution of the business strategy and which drive business performance. In 2020, 
Scorecard KPIs covered a range of areas including production, operating efficiency, safety, growth and culture.

The 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 the CEO and 
Senior Executives on achieving the key outcomes necessary to deliver stronger returns to shareholders.

The STI award is subject to a free cash flow gate that requires that the Company is free cash flow positive for an STI award to be made, 
regardless of performance against all other KPIs. This is aligned with the Company’s position to its shareholders under the Dividend 
Policy which is to deliver strong cash flows through the oil price cycle.

The actual STI pool for the year is set by reference to the Company Scorecard result (2020 results are outlined in Table 3 on pages 39–40). 
The Scorecard result is generally applied as a percentage of the target pool size (subject to the application of any Board discretion).

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.

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 Scorecard has a maximum result of 167% of target. This 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 People, Remuneration and Culture 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.

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

38 / Santos Annual Report 2020

Performance against the 2020 Company Scorecard

The Company’s performance against the 2020 Company Scorecard as assessed by the Board resulted in an outcome of 111.3% of 
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 in Table 5 on page 42.

Table 3 provides further details of Scorecard KPIs and the Company’s performance against them.

Table 3: 2020 Company Scorecard – KPI performance

KPI

Rationale

Performance

Result 
(relative to 
target of 
100%)

Heath, Safety  
and Environment

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

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

Culture and Capability

Included to reinforce the importance 
of cultural improvement and employee 
engagement as well as the development 
of capability to support future business 
growth.

Carbon Emissions

Production (mmboe)  
(adjusted for disposals)

The Company is held to account on 
emissions to air, land and water within 
targets and transparent reporting, in line 
with the recommendations of the G20 
Task Force on Climate-related Financial 
Disclosures.

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

Moderate harm rate of 0.08 and lost time 
injury rate of 0.24 and no severe harm 
incidents yielded stretch performance. 
Moderate harm is defined as temporary 
disablement or medium-term impairment. 
Outcome was capped at stretch 
performance.

There were two Tier 1 and seven Tier 
2 loss of containment incidents, which 
while a significant improvement on 2018 
was slightly behind 2019. There were no 
environmental incidents of moderate or 
greater consequence. Outcome was at 
threshold performance.

The Company implemented a risk and 
compliance survey, to complement the 
regular engagement “pulse” surveys. The 
Code of Conduct was also updated. While 
all employees completed the mandatory 
training by the end of 2020, this was 
below the threshold performance date. 
The outcome of this measure overall was 
therefore below threshold performance.

Projects implemented within operations 
resulted in a 1.5% (98 ktCO2e) emissions 
reduction. FEED has been completed for 
carbon capture and storage, a step change 
emissions reduction project. Outcome was 
at target performance.

Production of 89.0 mmboe was ahead of 
budget and delivered an outcome very 
close to stretch performance.

90.2%

165.5%

Unit production cost  
(US$/boe) (adjusted 
for disposals)

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

Sustaining and Exploration 
CAPEX

Included to ensure the focussed and cost 
effective delivery of necessary capital 
programs to sustain the base business.

Unit Production Cost US$8.04/boe 
exceeds stretch performance.

Stretch performance on the Sustaining 
and Capital Expenditure was achieved.

167% 
(capped)

Free cash flow breakeven 
point (FCFBP) (US$/bbl)

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

Free Cash Flow Breakeven Point of 
US$17/bbl (including impact of hedging) 
exceeds stretch performance.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 39

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Directors’ Report

Remuneration Report
continued

h
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2
(

Company 2P reserves life 
(years)

Cooper 2P + 2C reserves 
and resources life (years)

A viable reserves position and track record 
for maintaining and growing reserves life 
ensures the Company is a more attractive 
and sustainable business.

Build and Grow Initiatives This metric is focussed on increasing the 

value of the Company’s core asset portfolio 
through the delivery of exploration, 
appraisal, development, production and 
marketing initiatives which are aligned to 
the delivery of Vision 2025.

Company 2P Reserves Life is 10 years and 
below threshold.

Cooper Reserves and Resources Life is 21 
years, which is between target and stretch 
performance.

While significant progress was made 
against the 2020 Build and Grow 
initiatives, threshold measures were  
not achieved.

22.7%

Capping STI outcomes to ensure alignment with shareholder experience

The Company Scorecard result has historically set the maximum amount that can be spent on STI payments for a performance 
year. The Scorecard result is generally applied as a percentage of the target pool size (being the sum of target short-term incentives 
for eligible employees). As noted above, the STI plan has a positive free cash flow gate opener which must be achieved before any 
payments can be made and the Board retains full discretion in relation to the operation of the STI plan.

To ensure greater alignment with the shareholder experience and to ensure awards under the STI Plan are reasonable relative to free 
cash flow generated, the Board has determined to introduce and apply an additional overall cap on STI pool to ensure that in aggregate 
it does not exceed 5% of the Company’s free cashflow. This cap has been applied in determining the outcome for 2020, and has led to 
an overall 28.5% reduction in the size of the cash 2020 STI pool compared to applying the 111.3% Company Scorecard outcome.

The Board considers that this is appropriate and reflects lower free cashflow generation in 2020. Applying the cap brings the STI pool 
into line with the shareholders dividend payment when compared with the previous year.

2020 STI OUTCOME FOR THE CEO

The CEO’s performance is primarily assessed using the Company Scorecard. In determining the CEO’s final STI payment for 2020, 
the Board also consider outcomes outside of the Scorecard and the impact of the CEO’s personal performance and leadership on 
five dimensions: corporate activity, growing shareholder value, future proofing the business, leadership and culture and stakeholder 
engagement.

Key elements that comprise the CEO’s performance include:

• 

• 

• 

• 

the successful integration of the ConocoPhillips acquisition into Santos and the realisation of significant value accretive synergies 
above the acquisition case;

future proofing the business through relentless focus on cost and development of tangible roadmap to net zero emissions;

strong stakeholder engagement and continued industry thought leadership; and

improvement of organisational capability and safety leadership.

The initial STI amount for 2020 represents an outcome which is 123.5% of the target amount (74% of maximum STI opportunity). This 
represents a moderated amount which is slightly above the Company Scorecard outcome of 111.3% of target.

However, consistent with other participants in the STI Plan, the CEO’s cash STI outcome was reduced by 28.5%.

This delivers an aggregate STI amount for 2020 of A$2,129,356, of which A$887,749 (42%) will be awarded as cash, and A$1,241,607 
(58%) will be awarded as Deferred Shares, restricted for two years.

This final outcome is 106% of the CEO’s 2020 STI Target (63% of the maximum STI opportunity).

2020 STI outcomes for Senior Executives

The Company performance result based on the Company Scorecard outcomes outlined above sets the size of the pool. Individual 
allocations of the pool are then modified to reflect individual performance and demonstration of the Santos Values.

The 2020 STI outcomes for ongoing Senior Executives ranged from 51% to 66% of their maximum opportunity, depending on their 
individual performance contribution. 

Further detail of each individual Senior Executive’s outcome is provided in Table 5 on page 42. 

40 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
All Senior Executives had KPIs relating to environment, health, safety, culture and leadership. Role-specific KPIs by Senior Executive are 
set out in Table 4 below.

Table 4: Senior Executive role-specific KPIs

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

Senior Executive

KMP Role

Role-specific KPIs

D Banks

Chief Operations Officer

• 

Technical and operations governance across 
the business

• 

Provide capability to deliver Santos’ growth program

•  Reserves replacement

B Darley

EVP Offshore Oil and Gas

• 

Production volume and cost

•  Health, Safety and Environment outcomes

• 

Emissions reductions

A Neilson

Chief Financial Officer

•  Corporate cost reduction

B Woods

EVP Midstream Infrastructure  
and Low Carbon Operations

• 

• 

• 

Balance sheet improvement and capital management 

Finance and IT integration activities

Investor relations outcomes

•  Operational cost efficiency

•  Health, Safety and Environment outcomes

• 

Progression of low carbon operations including  
carbon capture and storage

P Undem 

EVP Commercial

•  Group sales (LNG, Domestic Gas and Liquids)

R Simpson  
From 17 August 2020

V Santostefano  
From 1 January  
to 30 June 2020

•  Commercial support for growth projects

•  Commercial arrangements

EVP Onshore Oil and Gas

• 

Production volume and cost

•  Wells drilled and connected

•  Health, Safety and Environment outcomes

EVP Production Operations

•  Operating processing cost

• 

Production support and optimisation

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 41

Directors’ Report

Remuneration Report
continued

Table 5 sets out the individual STI outcomes for Senior Executives in 2020, as a percentage of their STI target and maximum STI 
opportunity.

Table 5: Senior Executive 2020 STI outcomes

Target 2020 STI  
(% of TFR)

Actual 2020 STI  
(% of TFR)

2020 STI as a  
% of Maximum

% of Maximum  
STI forfeited

Directors

K Gallagher

Senior Executives

D Banks

B Darley

A Neilson

R Simpson1

P Undem

B Woods

Former Senior Executive

V Santostefano2

100%

106%

75%

75%

75%

60%

75%

75%

75%

66%

72%

82%

44%

64%

72%

24%

63%

63%

57%

66%

57%

51%

57%

38%

37%

37%

43%

34%

43%

49%

43%

62%

1  Mr Simpson’s 2020 STI award is pro-rated based on his appointment terms.

2  Mr Santostefano’s 2020 STI award incentive is pro-rated for six months based on his termination terms.

42 / Santos Annual Report 2020

6. LONG-TERM INCENTIVE AND VESTING OUTCOMES

The LTI aligns the interests of Senior Executives with the creation of long-term shareholder value.

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

LTI amounts are based on a set percentage of the Executive’s TFR allocated on a face value basis and provided in the form of Share 
Acquisition Rights (SARs). SARs are a conditional entitlement to a fully paid ordinary share at zero price, subject to satisfaction of the 
relevant performance conditions.

If SARs vest, shares are automatically allocated to the Executive. Nothing is payable by Executives if SARs vest. Trading in these shares 
is subject to compliance with the Company’s Securities Dealing Policy and the Minimum Shareholding Requirement.

The Board has discretion to settle the value of vesting SARs in cash.

Share Acquisition Rights have a four-year performance period. This period represents an appropriate balance between providing a 
genuine and foreseeable incentive to Senior Executives and fostering a long-term view of shareholder interests.

Vesting of the 2020 LTI is assessed against four equally weighted performance measures described in Table 6.

Table 6: LTI performance measures and rationale

Weighting

Performance measures

Description and rationale

25%

25%

25%

25%

Relative TSR measured against 
companies of the ASX100

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

Relative TSR measured against 
companies of the S&P Global 1200 
Energy Index (GEI)

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.

Free Cash Flow Breakeven Point 
(FCFBP)

Return on Average Capital 
Employed (ROACE) compared  
with weighted average cost of 
capital (WACC)

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.

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 interest by focusing on the efficient and disciplined use of capital to 
generate shareholder returns.

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

Table 7: Relative TSR against the ASX100 and S&P GEI

TSR percentile ranking

Below 51st percentile

51st percentile

76th percentile and above

Straight line pro-rata vesting in between

% of grant vesting

0%

50%

100%

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 43

Directors’ Report

Remuneration Report
continued

Table 8: Free Cash Flow Breakeven Point (FCFBP)

FCFBP

Above US$40/bbl

Equal to US$40/bbl

Equal to or below US$30/bbl

Straight line pro-rata vesting in between

% of grant vesting

0%

50%

100%

When the FCFBP hurdle was introduced in 2016, Santos’ FCFBP was approximately US$50/bbl. There was concern from some 
shareholders that this KPI could result in under-investment in onshore drilling activity leading to further production decline and reserves 
liquidation. However, over the past four years Santos has increased investment in drilling across Queensland and Cooper Basin onshore 
operations year on year and in 2019 achieved a record drilling activity level of more than 500 wells drilled. Production has also increased 
in Queensland and the Cooper Basin during this period with resource and reserves growth also achieved in the Cooper Basin.

FCFBP being a non-market measure is tested and audited internally and all results externally audited as part of the Annual Report 
release. The Board has discretion to adjust the results on this measure, based on the agreed methodology.

Table 9: Return On Average Capital Employed (ROACE)

ROACE percentile ranking

Santos ROACE <= 110% of WACC

Santos ROACE > 110% of WACC then:

Santos ROACE >= 140% of WACC

Straight line pro-rata vesting in between

% of grant vesting

0%

50%

100% vesting

ROACE being a non-market measure is tested and audited internally and all results externally audited as part of the Annual Report 
release. The Board has discretion to adjust the results on this measure, based on the agreed methodology.

Changes to vesting schedules for 2021 awards

For 2021 LTI awards, the stretch level to achieve full vesting of the FCFBP component will be set at equal to or below US$25/bbl. This 
reflects further improvement in the cost base of the business but recognises that there is an optimal level of investment required to 
sustain the business.

Treatment on termination and change of control

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.

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

Clawback

The share plan rules give the Company the discretion to lapse or forfeit unvested equity awards 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.

Performance results for the 2017 LTI award

The 2017 LTI award was tested over the four-year performance period 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2020.

The 2017 LTI grant was allocated at a base share price of A$4.02.

Santos achieved an adjusted Total Shareholder Return of 67.3% over the performance period, placing it at the 74.1 percentile against the 
ASX100 comparator group and at the 98.6 percentile against the S&P Global 1200 Energy Index comparator group.

44 / Santos Annual Report 2020

Chart 3: TSR performance against ASX100 and S&P Global 1200 Energy Index

250

200

150

100

50

0

Santos $6.27
TSR 67.3%
S&P ASX100

S&P Global Energy Index

Dec 16

Jun 17

Dec 17

Jun 18

Dec 18

Jun 19

Dec 19

Jun 20

Dec 20

Santos’ FCFBP for the FCFBP component (averaged over 2017-2020) was US$25.98. ROACE was 106.8% of WACC. 
This means 100% the FCFBP component vested and 66.9% of the ROACE component vested.

As a result, 90.7% of the 2017 LTI awards vested. 

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 45

Directors’ Report

Remuneration Report
continued

7. REALISED REMUNERATION

Table 10 shows Realised Remuneration for the CEO and Senior Executives in 2019 and 2020.

Realised Remuneration differs from statutory remuneration reported in Table 11 and other statutory tables which are prepared in 
accordance with the Corporations Act and Accounting Standards which require a value to be placed on share-based payments at the 
time of grant, and to be reported as remuneration, even though the CEO and Senior Executives may ultimately not realise any actual 
value from the share-based payments.

The Realised Remuneration table is shown in Australian dollars (the currency in which remuneration is paid), whereas the statutory 
tables are shown in US dollars which is the Company’s reporting currency. Showing remuneration in Australian dollars removes the 
impact of exchange rate movements.

Realised Remuneration has been calculated as:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 TFR paid in the year;

 Cash STI awards earned in respect of performance for the year (albeit paid after the end of the year);

 Deferred STI awards from prior years which vested in the year; and

 LTI SARs which were tested at 31 December in the year.

Vesting deferred STI awards and SARs are valued at the closing share price on 31 December of the respective year. Termination 
payments and leave movements are not included in the table below.

Table 10: Realised Remuneration (non-IFRS and non-audited)

Year

TFR1

Cash STI2

2018 
Deferred  
STI that 
vested in 
20203

A$

A$

A$

Other  
vested 
grants

A$

LTI4

A$

Executive Director

K Gallagher
Managing Director and  
Chief Executive Officer

Senior Executives

D Banks
Chief Operations Officer (COO)

B Darley
EVP Offshore Oil and Gas

A Neilson
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

R Simpson
EVP Onshore Oil and Gas 
(for part year)

P Undem
EVP Commercial

B Woods
EVP Midstream Infrastructure  
and Low Carbon Operations

Former Senior Executive

V Santostefano
EVP Production Operations

2020

2,010,000

887,749

1,380,334

3,820,593

2019

1,956,150

1,161,953

766,752

7,372,798

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

760,724

715,755

840,000

840,000

916,875

853,771

256,605

–

750,000

307,853

768,750

764,063

221,507

290,600

250,679

333,400

316,602

408,200

44,187

–

201,416

56,700

229,444

290,600

284,376

–

36,510

–

408,252

280,280

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,132,017

–

–

–

–

385,003

235,208

758,451

1,138,820

720,658

878,927

211,068

317,600

424,335

250,954

962,219

1,444,752

Other5

A$

Total

A$

6,326

6,069

8,105,002

11,263,722

–

–

11,985

11,614

–

–

1,266,607

1,006,355

1,139,174

1,185,014

2,773,746

1,542,251

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

60,417

6,326

6,069

–

951,416

424,970

2,147,974

2,434,760

5,207

6,069

2,323,487

2,898,302

390,746

6,198

1,970

699,706

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 2020 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 2018 STI award that vested on 31 December 2020, at a closing share price of A$6.27.

4  The 2017 LTI was tested at the end of its performance period on 31 December 2020 and 90.7% of awards vested. The value shown in the table is based on the closing share price on 31 December 

2020 of A$6.27. For the value of share-based payments calculated in accordance with the Accounting Standards, see Table 11 “Statutory Executive KMP remuneration details” on page 48.

5 

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

46 / Santos Annual Report 2020

Notes on Mr Gallagher’s Realised Remuneration for 2020

Mr Gallagher’s Realised Remuneration for 2020 included the following at-risk performance related elements:

• 

• 

• 

 The cash component of Mr Gallagher’s STI award based on 2020 performance;

 The value of Mr Gallagher’s deferred STI award from 2018 which vested on 31 December 2020; and

 The value of Mr Gallagher’s Long-Term Incentive award from 2017 which was tested at 31 December 2020.

As noted above, the CEO was awarded a cash STI for 2020 of $887,749, following the 28.5% reduction applied consistent with  
that applied to other participants. The basis for this award is described in section 5 above.

Mr Gallagher’s 2018 STI was awarded two thirds in cash and one third in Restricted Shares. The Restricted Shares vested on  
31 December 2020. The share price appreciated 14% between allocation (A$5.48) and vesting (A$6.27).

Chart 4: Realised value of Mr Gallagher’s 2018 deferred STI   Chart 5: Realised value of Mr Gallagher’s 2017 LTI

2.00

1.50

m
$
A

1.00

0.50

0.00

1.21

0.17

1.38

1.5

(0.39)

3.82

2.7

m
$
A

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

0.0

Value at grant

Share price growth

Value at vesting

Value at grant Share price growth

Forfeited

Value at vesting

Mr Gallagher’s 2017 LTI allocation had a face value at grant of A$2.7m, being 150% of his then TFR. The Santos share price appreciated 
56% between award and vesting. The value based on the closing share price on 31 December 2020 of A$6.27 was A$4.21m. The 
vesting outcome of the 2017 LTI was 90.7%, meaning the value of the final vesting award was $3.82m.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 47

 
 
Directors’ Report

Remuneration Report
continued

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1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tables 12 and 13 contain details of the number and value of SARs and shares granted, vested and lapsed for the CEO in 2020.

Table 12: 2020 SARs outcomes for the CEO

LTI SARs

ShareMatch SARs4

Granted

Vested

Number

Maximum 
value

US$

Number

Value

US$

Lapsed

Number

442,2981

1,028,3082

609,3453

2,637,738

62,296

1,796

7,031

–

–

–

1 

The SARs granted to the CEO relate to his 2020 LTI performance grant as approved at the 2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM), under Listing Rule 10.14. This grant relates to the LTI award 
for the four-year performance period ending on 31 December 2023.

2  Maximum value represents the fair value of LTI grants received in 2020 determined in accordance with AASB 2 Share-based Payment. The weighted average fair value of each SAR as at 

the grant date of 9 April 2020 is A$3.37. Details of the assumptions underlying the valuations are set out in Note 7.2 to the financial statements. The minimum total value of the grant to the 
CEO, if the applicable vesting conditions are not met, is nil in all cases. All values have been converted to US$.

3  The number of SARs vested for the CEO relates to the CEO’s 2017 LTI performance grants as approved at the 2017 Annual General Meeting. This was tested based on performance to  

31 December 2020 with 90.7% of the award vested as described in section 6.

4  This relates to the grant of 2020 ShareMatch SARs at a grant price of A$5.67 on the date of grant at 31 August 2020. The 2020 ShareMatch provides the opportunity for participants to 

acquire up to A$10,000 in Santos shares, with the Company matching acquired shares on a one for one basis with those matching shares subject to a 3 and 4 year vesting period.

Table 13: 2020 Restricted Shares outcomes for the CEO

Deferred STI 

ShareMatch3

Granted

Vested

Number

142,0481

1,796

Maximum 
value

US$

420,710

7,031

Number

Value

US$

220,1492

952,983

–

–

Lapsed

Number

–

–

1 

The Restricted Shares granted to the CEO relate to his 2019 STI award. The maximum value is the fair value of the 2019 STI grant of deferred shares received in 2019 determined with 
AASB 2 Share-based Payment. The fair value of the deferred 2019 STI grant as at the grant date of 12 March 2020 was A$4.29. The minimum total value of the Restricted Shares granted 
to the CEO is nil. All values have been converted to US$.

2  This relates to the 2018 STI grant that was deferred for two years from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020 and vested in full on 31 December 2020.

3  This relates to the grant of 2020 ShareMatch restricted shares at a grant price of A$5.67 on the date of grant at 31 August 2020. 

Tables 14 and 15 contain details of the number and value of SARs and shares granted, vested and lapsed for Senior Executives in 2020. 
No Senior Executive had any options granted, vesting or lapsing in 2020.

Table 14: Movements in SARs for Senior Executives

Senior Executives

D Banks

B Darley

A Neilson

R Simpson

P Undem

B Woods

Former Senior Executive

V Santostefano

Total

Granted1

Vested3

LTI SARs

Number

91,687

102,689

112,775

36,815

91,687

93,979

Maximum  
value2

US$

119,638

133,994

147,155

48,038

119,638

122,629

Number

–

–

180,545

62,320

–

Value

US$

–

–

781,545

269,771

–

120,965

523,634

Lapsed

Number

–

–

18,459

6,371

–

12,368

108,107

637,739

141,064

832,156

153,464

664,316

517,294

2,239,266

15,690

52,888

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 49

Directors’ Report

Remuneration Report
continued

Table 14: Movements in SARs for Senior Executives (continued)

ShareMatch SARs

Granted4

Vested5

Number

Maximum  
value

Number

Senior Executives

D Banks

B Darley

A Neilson

R Simpson

P Undem

B Woods

Former Senior Executive

V Santostefano

Total

1 

This relates to the 2020 LTI award.

US$

3,515

7,031

3,515

–

7,031

7,031

–

28,123

898

1,796

898

–

1,796

1,796

–

7,184

Value

US$

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,220

4,279

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,220

4,279

Lapsed

Number

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2  Maximum value represents the fair value of LTI grants received in 2020 determined in accordance with AASB 2 Share-based Payment. The weighted average fair value of each SAR as at 
the grant date of 19 March 2020 is A$1.89. Details of the assumptions underlying the valuations are set out in Note 7.2 to the financial statements. The minimum total value of the grant to 
the Senior Executives, if the applicable vesting conditions are not met, is nil in all cases. All values have been converted to US$.

3  Vesting of LTI SARs that relates to the 2017 LTI award. The value is determined by the share price of A$6.27 on the date of vesting at 31 December 2020.

4  This relates to the grant of 2020 ShareMatch SARs at a grant price of A$5.67 on the date of grant at 31 August 2020.

5  Vesting of ShareMatch SARs that relates to the 2017 share purchase. The value is determined by the share price of A$5.08 on the date of vesting at 29 September 2020.

50 / Santos Annual Report 2020

Table 15: Movements in Restricted Shares for Senior Executives

Granted1

Deferred STI

Vested

Number

Maximum 
value2

Number

D Banks

B Darley

A Neilson

V Santostefano

R Simpson

P Undem

B Woods

Total

Senior Executives

D Banks

B Darley

A Neilson

R Simpson

P Undem

B Woods

Former Senior Executive

V Santostefano

Total

Value

US$

196,333

25,207

281,857

292,961

–

–

Value

US$

–

–

–

35,513

40,745

49,902

38,814

–

20,794

35,513

US$

105,181

120,676

147,797

114,957

–

61,587

105,181

45,355

5,823

65,112

67,6773

–

–

221,281

655,379

245,371

1,062,164

61,404

265,806

ShareMatch

Granted4

Vested5

Lapsed

Number

 Maximum 
value

Number

US$

3,515

7,031

3,515

701

7,031

7,031

–

898

1,796

898

179

1,796

1,796

–

7,363

–

–

–

1,220

4,279

–

–

–

–

–

–

Lapsed

Number

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

28,824

1,220

4,279

1 

This relates to the 2019 STI award delivered as Restricted Shares.

2  For the Restricted Shares, maximum value represents the fair value of 2019 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 12 March 2020 was A$4.29. The minimum total value of the grant, if the applicable vesting conditions are not met, is nil. All values have been converted to US$.

3  This relates to the 2018 STI grant that was deferred for two years from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020 and vested in full on 31 December 2020 after cessation of Mr Santostefano’s 

term as KMP on 30 June 2020.

4  This relates to the grant of 2020 ShareMatch restricted shares at a grant price of A$5.67 on the date of grant at 31 August 2020.

5  Vesting of ShareMatch restricted shares that relates to the 2017 share purchase. The value is determined by the share price of A$5.08 on the date of vesting at 29 September 2020.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 51

 
Directors’ Report

Remuneration Report
continued

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1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Executive KMP SARs and Restricted Shares

Tables 17 and 18 set 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. There are no options held by KMPs.

Table 17 – Movement in Executive KMP SARs

Grant 
date

Balance at  
1 Jan 2020

Rights  
granted

Rights   
vested 1

Rights  
lapsed

Balance at  
31 Dec 2020

%  
Vested  
in the year

%  
Forfeited  
in the year

Financial  
year of  
vesting

Executive Director
K Gallagher

19/5/17
7/5/18
9/5/19
9/4/20
31/8/20
31/8/20
Total

671,641
520,183
535,442
–
–
–
1,727,266

–
–
–
442,298
898
898
444,094

(609,345)
–
–
–
–
–
(609,345)

Senior Executives
D Banks

B Darley

A Neilson

R Simpson

21/3/18
9/7/18
15/3/19
19/3/20
31/8/20
Total
18/4/19
18/4/19
18/4/19
19/3/20
31/8/20
31/8/20
Total
17/3/17
21/3/18
15/3/19
19/3/20
31/8/20
Total
21/3/17
29/9/17
8/5/18
18/3/19
19/3/20
Total
4/10/19
19/3/20
31/8/20
31/8/20
Total
17/3/17
21/3/18
15/3/19
19/3/20
31/8/20
31/8/20
Total
Former Senior Executive
V Santostefano

P Undem

B Woods

17/3/17
21/3/18
15/3/19
19/3/20
Total

102,752
800
104,744
–
–
208,296
88,879 2
95,367 3
122,627 4
–
–
–
306,873
199,004
121,834
124,197
–
–
445,035
68,691
1,220
53,200
54,089
–
177,200
109,489
–
–
–
109,489
133,333
110,091
112,226
–
–
–
355,650

169,154
126,642
129,097
–
424,893

–
–
–
91,687
898
92,585
–
–
–
102,689
898
898
104,485
–
–
–
112,775
898
113,673
–
–
–
–
36,815
36,815
–
91,687
898
898
93,483
–
–
–
93,979
898
898
95,775

–
–
–
108,107
108,107

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(180,545)
–
–
–
–
(180,545)
(62,320)
(1,220)
–
–
–
(63,540)
–
–
–
–
–
(120,965)
–
–
–
–
–
(120,965)

(153,464)
–
–
–
(153,464)

90.7%

9.3%

90.7%

9.3%

90.7%
100%

9.3%
0%

90.7%

9.3%

90.7%

9.3%

(62,296)
–
–
–
–
–
(62,296)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(18,459)
–
–
–
–
(18,459)
(6,371)
–
–
–
–
(6,371)
–
–
–
–
–
(12,368)
–
–
–
–
–
(12,368)

(15,690)
–
–
–
(15,690)

–
520,183
535,442
442,298
898
898
1,499,719

102,752
800
104,744
91,687
898
300,881
88,879
95,367
122,627
102,689
898
898
411,358
–
121,834
124,197
112,775
898
359,704
–
–
53,200
54,089
36,815
144,104
109,489
91,687
898
898
202,972
–
110,091
112,226
93,979
898
898
318,092

–
126,642
129,097
108,107
363,846

2020
2021
2022
2023
2023
2024

2021
2021
2022
2023
2023

2021
2021
2022
2023
2023
2024

2020
2021
2022
2023
2023

2020
2020
2021
2022
2023

2022
2023
2023
2024

2020
2021
2022
2023
2023
2024

2020
2021
2022
2023

1  Rights vested represents SARs that had satisfied their vesting performance conditions at 31 December 2020. The rights vested do not convert to ordinary shares until 2021.

2  Mr Darley received a sign-on award to compensate him for interests forgone upon commencement with Santos which will vest three years after his commencement subject to continued 

employment at vesting date.

3  Mr Darley commenced employment with Santos following the acquisition of Quadrant Energy. Mr Darley received an LTI award for 2018 from Santos which was granted following his 

commencement on similar terms to other Santos executives. Mr Darley did not receive an LTI award from Quadrant Energy in respect of 2018.

4  Mr Darley’s LTI award for 2019.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 53

Directors’ Report

Remuneration Report
continued

Table 18 – Movements in Executive KMP Restricted Shares

Grant date

Balance at  
1 Jan 2020

Restricted 
Shares 
granted

Restricted 
Shares 
vested

Restricted 
Shares 
forfeited

Balance at 
31 Dec  
2020

%  
Vested in 
the year

%  
Forfeited  
in the  
year

Financial 
year of 
vesting

Executive Director

K Gallagher

15/3/19

220,149

–

(220,149)

12/3/20

31/8/20

31/8/20

Total

–

–

–

142,048

898

898

–

–

–

220,149

143,844

(220,149)

Senior Executives

D Banks

B Darley

A Neilson

R Simpson

P Undem

B Woods

15/3/19

12/3/20

31/8/20

Total

15/3/19

12/3/20

31/8/20

31/8/20

Total

15/3/19

12/3/20

31/8/20

Total

29/9/17

31/8/20

Total

12/3/20

31/8/20

31/8/20

Total

15/3/19

12/3/20

31/8/20

31/8/20

Total

Former Senior Executive

V Santostefano 15/3/19

12/3/20

Total

45,355

–

(45,355)

–

–

35,513

898

–

–

45,355

5,823

36,411

(45,355)

–

(5,823)

–

–

–

5,823

65,112

–

–

65,112

1,220

–

1,220

–

–

–

–

40,745

898

898

42,541

–

49,902

898

–

–

–

(5,823)

(65,112)

–

–

50,800

(65,112)

–

179

179

20,794

898

898

22,590

(1,220)

–

(1,220)

–

–

–

–

61,404

–

(61,404)

–

–

–

35,513

898

898

–

–

–

61,404

37,309

(61,404)

67,677

–

67,677

–

(67,677)1

38,814

38,814

–

(67,677)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

100%

0%

142,048

898

898

143,844

–

100%

0%

35,513

898

36,411

–

100%

0%

40,745

898

898

42,541

–

100%

0%

100%

0%

49,902

898

50,800

–

179

179

20,794

898

898

22,590

–

100%

0%

35,513

898

898

37,309

–

100%

0%

38,814

38,814

2020

2021

2023

2024

2020

2021

2023

2020

2021

2023

2024

2020

2021

2023

2020

2023

2021

2023

2024

2020

2021

2023

2024

2020

2021

1  Mr Santostefano’s 2018 Deferred STI grant vested on 31 December 2020 after cessation of his term as KMP on 30 June 2020.

54 / Santos Annual Report 2020

Loans to key management personnel

In 2020, key management personnel were able to participate in the Santos ShareMatch employee share plan. The 2020 ShareMatch 
offer provided the opportunity for participants to acquire up to A$10,000 in Santos shares, with the Company matching acquired shares 
on a one-for-one basis with those matching shares subject to a 3 and 4 year vesting period. Acquired shares were funded through 
pre-tax and post-tax deductions from salary which conclude in June 2021. During 2020, loans totalling US$36,816 were granted to key 
management personnel under the ShareMatch offer, of which US$25,398 remains outstanding at 31 December 2020.

No other loans have been made, guaranteed or secured, directly or indirectly, by the Company or any of its subsidiaries at any time 
throughout the year to any key management personnel, including their related parties. 

10. KEY TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS FOR EXECUTIVE KMP

The main terms of employment contracts for Executive KMP are set out in Table 19.

Table 19 – Executive KMP contract terms

Contract duration

Notice period – 
Company

Notice period – 
Individual

K Gallagher

Ongoing

12 months

12 months

Other KMP

Ongoing

6 months

6 months

Termination provision

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 $1.5m. 

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

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 of 
other termination payments are 
payable under the agreement.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 55

Directors’ Report

Remuneration Report
continued

11. NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REMUNERATION

Remuneration policy

The key objectives of Santos’ non-executive Director remuneration policy and how these are implemented through the Company’s 
remuneration framework are as follows:

Remuneration policy objectives

Securing and retaining talented, 
qualified Directors

Promoting independence and 
impartiality

Aligning Director and shareholder 
interest

Enabled through the non-executive Director remuneration framework

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 Director’s 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.

Under the Minimum Shareholding Requirement, 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).

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, being the 
amount approved by shareholders at the 2013 AGM.

Remuneration

Fees paid to non-executive Directors are reviewed periodically and are fixed by the Board. Table 20 summarises the current fee  
structure for main Board and committees.

Table 20: Non-executive Directors’ annual fee structure1

Board

Audit and Risk Committee

Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability Committee

Nomination Committee3

People, Remuneration and Culture Committee

1 

Fees are shown inclusive of superannuation.

Chair  
A$2

521,325

42,000

29,000

N/A

39,000

Member  
A$

185,325

21,000

19,000

10,000

21,000

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

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

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 in 2019 and 2020 is shown in Table 21.

56 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
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).

Statutory remuneration for non-executive Directors

Details of the fees and other benefits paid to non-executive Directors in 2020 are set out in Table 21. Differences in fees received 
between 2019 and 2020 reflect changes in roles and responsibilities (i.e. Chair or committee appointments) and currency movements 
as fees are paid in Australian dollars but disclosed in US dollars.

No share-based payments were made to any non-executive Director.

Table 21: 2020 and 2019 non-executive Director remuneration

Director

Year

Directors’ fees  
(incl. committee fees)

Fees for  
special duties or 
exertions

Other

Superannuation1

Short-term benefits

Retirement benefits

Y Allen

G Cowan

H Goh

V Guthrie

P Hearl

J McArdle2

E Shi3

K Spence

Former Director

Y Guan4

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

US$

161,776

161,376

144,711

142,112

154,941

161,312

143,331

140,736

154,872

154,496

145,187

21,682

344

48,042

345,423

344,384

139,272

80,444

US$

US$

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

US$

14,739

14,288

13,748

13,501

9,714

591

13,616

13,370

14,739

14,288

–

2,060

33

4,716

14,739

14,288

6,465

8,407

1 

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

2  Ms McArdle was appointed as a member of the Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability Committee on 16 December 2020.

3  Mr Shi joined the Board on 31 December 2020. 

4  Mr Guan retired from the Board on 31 December 2020.

Share-based  
payments

US$

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total

US$

176,515

175,664

158,459

155,613

164,655

161,903

156,947

154,106

169,611

168,784

145,187

23,742

377

52,758

360,162

358,672

145,737

88,851

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 57

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 Company. 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 2020 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 2020, 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 2021. 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  

Assurance services not required to be 
performed by the Company’s auditor  

Other assurance services required by legislation 
to be performed by the Company’s auditor  

$1,300,000

$636,000

$247,000

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 140.

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 17 February 2021 in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.

Director

58 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

60

61

62

63

64

65

SECTION 1  
BASIS OF PREPARATION 

PAGE

SECTION 5  
FUNDING AND RISK MANAGEMENT 

1.1 Statement of compliance 

1.2 Key events in the current period 

1.3  Significant accounting judgements,  

estimates and assumptions 

1.4 Foreign currency 

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 

65

65

66

67

5.1 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 

5.2 Net finance costs 

5.3 Issued capital 

5.4 Reserves and accumulated losses 

5.5 Financial risk management 

PAGE

SECTION 6  
GROUP STRUCTURE 

68

71

74

75

78

79

80

6.1 Consolidated entities 

6.2 Acquisitions and disposals 

6.3 Assets held for sale 

6.4 Joint arrangements 

6.5 Parent entity disclosures 

6.6 Deed of Cross Guarantee 

SECTION 7  
PEOPLE 

PAGE

7.1 Employee benefits 

3.1 Exploration and evaluation assets 

3.2 Oil and gas assets 

3.3 Goodwill 

3.4 Impairment of non-current assets 

3.5 Restoration obligations and other provisions  

3.6 Leases 

3.7 Commitments for expenditure 

81

82

85

85

89

91

94

SECTION 4 WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT  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 

8.3 Remuneration of auditors  

8.4 Accounting policies  

4.1 Cash and cash equivalents 

4.2 Trade and other receivables 

4.3 Inventories 

4.4 Trade and other payables 

95

96

97

97

Directors’ Declaration 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration 

PAGE

98

101

102

103

103

PAGE

112

115

116

117

120

121

PAGE

123

124

129

PAGE

130

130

130

131

133

134

140

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 59

 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

Consolidated Income Statement
for the year ended 31 December 2020

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 associates 

(Loss)/Profit before tax 

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

Total tax expense 

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

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

Diluted (loss)/profit per share 

Dividends per share (¢) 
Paid during the period 

Declared in respect of the period 

Note 

2.2 
2.3 

2.2 
2.7 
3.4 
2.3 
5.2 
5.2 
6.4(b) 

2.4(a) 
2.4(b) 

2.5 

2.5 

2.6 

2.6 

2020 
US$million 

2019
US$million

3,387 
(2,642) 

745 
125 
65 
(895) 
(145) 
15 
(249) 
33 

(306) 

63 
(114) 

(51) 

(357) 

(17.1) 

(17.1) 

7.1 

7.1 

4,033
(2,714)

1,319
153
109
(61)
(233)
37
(314)
8

1,018

(341)
(3)

(344)

674

32.4

32.1

12.2

11.0

The Consolidated Income Statement is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

60 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
for the year ended 31 December 2020

Net (loss)/profit for the period 

Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax 

Items to be reclassified to the income statement in subsequent periods 

Exchange gain on translation of foreign operations 
Foreign currency translation reserve recycled to the income statement 

Loss on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges 
Tax effect 

Net other comprehensive income/(loss) to be reclassified  

to the income statement in subsequent periods 

Items not to be reclassified to the income statement in subsequent periods 
Fair value changes on financial liabilities designated at fair value due to  

own credit risk 

Tax effect 

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

to the income statement in subsequent periods 

Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax 

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

2020 
US$million 

2019
US$million

(357) 

674

55 
– 

55 

(3) 
1 

(2) 

53 

2 
(1) 

1 

1 

54 

(303) 

–
–

–

(8)
2

(6)

(6)

(6)
1

(5)

(5)

(11)

663

The Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial 
statements.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
as at 31 December 2020

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

Total current assets 

Non-current assets 
Contract assets 
Investments in associate and joint ventures 
Other financial assets 
Prepayments   
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 
Contract liabilities   
Lease liabilities 
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Current tax liabilities 
Provisions 
Other financial liabilities 
Liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale 

Total current liabilities 

Non-current liabilities 
Contract liabilities   
Lease liabilities 
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Provisions 
Other liabilities 
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 

2.2(b) 
4.3 
5.5(g) 
6.3 

2.2(b) 
6.4(b) 
5.5(g) 

3.1 
3.2 

2.4(d) 
3.3 

4.4 
2.2(b) 
3.6 
5.1 

3.5 
5.5(g) 
6.3 

2.2(b) 
3.6 
5.1 
2.4(d) 
3.5 

5.5(g) 

5.3 
5.4 
5.4 

2020 
 US$million 

2019
 US$million

1,319 
560 
39 
23 
288 
29 
438 

2,696 

106 
413 
24 
2 
1,818 
10,925 
248 
1,041 
383 

14,960 

17,656 

558 
64 
121 
233 
31 
177 
39 
312 

1,535 

281 
336 
4,309 
904 
3,039 
1 
24 

8,894 

10,429 

7,227 

9,013 
1,107 
(2,893) 

7,227 

7,227 

1,067
554
40
23
301
195
–

2,180

130
13
29
–
1,187
11,396
223
870
481

14,329

16,509

719
125
114
196
38
122
5
–

1,319

233
311
3,800
811
2,329
1
29

7,514

8,833

7,676

9,010
759
(2,093)

7,676

7,676

The Consolidated Statement of Financial Position is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

62 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
for the year ended 31 December 2020

Note 

2020 
US$million 

2019
US$million

Cash flows from operating activities 
Receipts from customers 
Interest received 
Dividends received  
Pipeline tariffs and other receipts 
Payments to suppliers and employees 
Restoration expenditure 
Exploration and evaluation seismic and studies 
Royalty and excise paid 
Proceeds from commodity hedging 
Borrowing costs paid 
Income taxes paid   
Royalty-related taxes paid 
Insurance proceeds 
Overriding royalty 

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 exploration and evaluation assets 
Acquisitions of a group of assets, net of cash acquired 
Costs associated with acquisition of subsidiaries 

Proceeds from disposal of non-current assets 
Net (payments)/proceeds associated with disposal 
Borrowing costs paid 
Return of capital – Investments in associate 

Net cash used in investing activities  

Cash flows from financing activities 
Dividends paid 
Drawdown of borrowings 
Repayment of borrowings 
Repayment of lease liabilities 
Purchase of shares on-market (Treasury shares) 

3,503 
15 
41 
218 
(1,899) 
(37) 
(48) 
(59) 
54 
(176) 
(5) 
(154) 
13 
10 

1,476 

(130) 
(584) 
(47) 
(9) 
(695) 
(19) 
– 
(11) 
(29) 
63 

4,266
37
15
146
(1,892)
(24)
(83)
(90)
–
(227)
(30)
(97)
28
(3)

2,046

(222)
(619)
(18)
(18)
(177)
(5)
10
18
(15)
13

2.7 

6.4(b) 

(1,461) 

(1,033)

(136) 
1,492 
(960) 
(119) 
(31) 

246 

261 
1,067 
(9) 

1,319 

(251)
592
(1,474)
(87)
(31)

(1,251)

(238)
1,316
(11)

1,067

2.6 

5.3 

4.1 

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 

The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
for the year ended 31 December 2020

Equity attributable to owners of Santos Limited

US$million 

Note 

Balance at 1 January 2019 
Transfer retained profits to accumulated  

profits reserve 

Reclassification of own credit risk reserve 
Items of comprehensive income 
Net profit for the period 
Other comprehensive loss for the period 

Total comprehensive (loss)/income  

for the period 

Transactions with owners in their capacity  

as owners 
Shares issued 
Dividends paid 
On-market share purchase (Treasury shares) 
Share-based payment transactions 

5.3 
2.6 
5.3 
5.3 

Balance at 31 December 2019 

Balance at 1 January 2020 
Transfer retained profits to accumulated  

profits reserve 

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

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 

2.6 
5.3 
5.3 

Foreign 
  currency 
trans- 
lation  Hedging 
reserve 

reserve 

Issued 
capital 

Accum- 
ulated 
profits  
reserve 

Accum- 
ulated 
losses 

Total 
equity

9,031 

(965) 

(13) 

1,585 

(2,365) 

7,273

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

1 
– 
(31) 
9 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
14 

– 
(11) 

(11) 

– 
– 
– 
– 

400 
– 

– 
– 

– 

– 
(251) 
– 
– 

(400) 
(14) 

674 
– 

–
–

674
(11)

674 

663

– 
– 
– 
12 

1
(251)
(31)
21

7,676

7,676

9,010 

9,010 

(965) 

(965) 

(10) 

(10) 

1,734 

(2,093) 

1,734 

(2,093) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
(31) 
34 

– 

– 

55 

55 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

(1) 

(1) 

– 
– 
– 

430 

(430) 

–

– 

– 

– 

(357) 

(357)

– 

54

(357) 

(303)

(136) 
– 
– 

– 
– 
(13) 

(136)
(31)
21

Balance at 31 December 2020 

9,013 

(910) 

(11) 

2,028 

(2,893) 

7,227

The Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity is to be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements. 

64 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2020
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 2020 was authorised for issue in 
accordance with a resolution of the Directors on 17 February 2021.

The consolidated Financial Report of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2020 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 of 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 that 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 2020;

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

prepared on the historical cost basis except for derivative financial instruments and other financial instruments 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 89.0 mmboe (2019: 75.5 mmboe), and sales of 107.1 mmboe (2019: 94.5 mmboe); 

average realised oil price of $47.70 per barrel compared to $71.99 per barrel in 2019; 

 net loss after tax of $357 million for 2020 (2019: $674 million);

 free cash flow generated of $740 million for 2020 (2019: $1,138 million); 

 net debt increased to $3,664 million at 31 December 2020, from $3,325 million at 31 December 2019; and

completion of the ConocoPhillips northern Australia assets acquisition on 28 May 2020.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 65

 
Financial Report

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

1.3  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS, ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS

The carrying amount 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 significant risk of causing material 
adjustment to the carrying amount of certain assets and liabilities within the next annual reporting period are highlighted throughout 
the Financial Report. 

In addition, significant judgements, estimates and assumptions include consideration to the COVID-19 pandemic. The carrying value 
of certain assets and liabilities have been measured with revised corporate assumptions resulting from the effects of the COVID-19 
pandemic on energy market demand fundamentals, in particular a lower oil price. 

Other than disclosures specifically in note 3.4 Impairment of non-current assets, the Group has attempted, wherever possible, to reflect 
the changed operating conditions apparent with COVID-19, with specific consideration given to estimates and judgements applied in the 
following key areas:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Exploration and evaluation assets

 Oil and gas assets

 Acquisitions and disposals

 Leases

 Taxation

The Group has implemented financial measures appropriate to the business environment to ensure that the Group continues to remain 
reliable and sustainable, under COVID-19 economic conditions. This includes ensuring the Group is well-positioned to leverage growth 
opportunities when business conditions improve. 

The full-year Financial Report has been prepared using a going concern basis of preparation and the Group continues to be able to pay 
its debts as they fall due.

66 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
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 and the majority of subsidiaries is United States dollars.

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

Foreign currency amount 

Applicable exchange rate

Income and expenses 

Assets and liabilities  

Equity 

Reserves  

 Average rate prevailing for the relevant period 

Period-end rate

Historical rate

Historical and period-end rate 

Statement of cash flows  

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$/US$ 1:0.7683 (2019: 1:0.7000).

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 translated 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 at 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 US$ (the functional currency of the Parent) are translated to US$ as 
at the date of each transaction. The assets and liabilities are translated to US$ at foreign exchange rates ruling at the reporting date. 
Foreign exchange differences arising on translation 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) for further details on the net investment hedge in place.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 67

 
 
 
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 and NSW, 
Papua New Guinea (“PNG”), Northern Australia and Timor-Leste, and Western Australia, based on the nature and geographical location 
of the assets, 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 ConocoPhillips northern Australia asset acquisition have been incorporated into the Northern 
Australia and Timor-Leste segment, since acquisition date of 28 May 2020.

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. 

68 / Santos Annual Report 2020

2.1  SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

US$million 

Revenue  
Product 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 loss 
Change in future restoration assumptions 

EBIT 
Net finance costs 

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

Net loss  

Asset additions and acquisitions:  
Exploration and evaluation assets 
Oil and gas assets2,3 

  Northern 
 Australia & 

Timor-  Western 
Leste  Australia 
2020 
2020 

 Corporate,
 exploration, 
elimin-
ations 
& other 
2020 

  Queens- 
land 
& NSW 
2020 

Cooper 
Basin 
2020 

643  
204  
72  

919  

(131) 
(60) 
(303) 
– 
(35) 

390  
(234) 
– 
(42) 
–  

704  
81  
8  

793  

(76) 
(78) 
(173) 
(69) 
31  

428  
(237) 
– 
(669) 
–  

114  

(478) 

PNG 
2020 

444  
–  
7  

451  

(56) 
(41) 
(1) 
– 
1  

354  
(141) 
– 
(17) 
4  

200  

466  
–  
–  

466  

(284) 
–  
–  
–  
23  

205  
(113) 
– 
(13) 
– 

79  

723  
–  
19  

742  

(198) 
(4) 
(1) 
– 
7  

546  
(276) 
– 
(125) 
(4) 

141  

Total
2020

3,387 
– 
125 

407  
(285) 
19  

141  

3,512 

29  
(91) 
(134) 
69  
(39) 

(25) 
(14) 
(59) 
(29) 
(1) 

(128) 
(234) 

63  
184  

(716)
(274)
(612)
–
(12)

1,898 
(1,015)
(59)
(895)
(1)

(72) 
(234)

(306)
63 
(114)

(357)

–  

–  

–  

(8) 

(290) 

21  
450  

471  

25  
254  

279  

2  
71  

73  

656  
262  

918  

25  
234  

259  

24  
–  

24  

753 
1,271 

2,024

1 

2 

3 

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 3.5).

Includes impact of AASB 16 recognition of right-of-use assets (refer note 3.6).

2020 Revenue from external customers 
by geographical location
US$million

2020 Non-current assets by geographical location 
(excluding financial and deferred tax assets)
US$million

Australia 

3,061

Papua New Guinea 

451

Total 

3,512

Australia 

10,828

Papua New Guinea 

2,606

Other  

Total 

78

13,512

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 2: Financial Performance 

2.1  SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

US$million 

Revenue  
Product sales to external customers 
Inter-segment sales1 
Revenue – other from external customers 

  Queens- 
land 
& NSW 
2019 

Cooper 
Basin 
2019 

951 
151 
62 

960 
62 
33 

Total segment revenue 

1,164 

1,055 

(123) 
(74) 
(475) 
(2) 
39 

529 
(207) 
– 
(2) 
– 

320 

(71) 
(87) 
(242) 
(72) 
41 

624 
(274) 
– 
(11) 
– 

339 

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 (expense)/benefit 

Net profit 

Asset additions and acquisitions:  
Exploration and evaluation assets 
Oil and gas assets2,3 

  Northern 
 Australia & 

Timor-  Western 
Leste  Australia 
2019 
2019 

 Corporate,
 exploration, 
elimin-
ations 
& other 
2019 

PNG 
2019 

652 
– 
11 

663 

(80) 
(51) 
(1) 
– 
9 

540 
(135) 
– 
(10) 
– 

395 

165 
– 
– 

165 

(67) 
– 
– 
– 
4 

102 
(48) 
– 
– 
– 

54 

921 
– 
34 

955 

(225) 
(13) 
– 
– 
(33) 

684 
(320) 
– 
(36) 
2 

330 

Total
2019

4,033
–
153

4,186

(546)
(306)
(885)
–
8

2,457
(1,000)
(103)
(61)
2

1,295
(277)

1,018
(341)
(3)

674

260
1,143

1,403

384 
(213) 
13 

184 

20 
(81) 
(167) 
74 
(52) 

(22) 
(16) 
(103) 
(2) 
– 

(143) 
(277) 

(341) 
– 

55 
– 

55 

(13) 

(1) 

– 

5 

6 

8 
418 

426 

13 
401 

414 

12 
119 

131 

52 
5 

57 

120 
200 

320 

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

2 Includes impact on restoration assets following changes in future restoration provision assumptions (refer note 3.5).

3 Includes impact of AASB 16 recognition of right-of-use assets (refer note 3.6).

2019 Revenue from external customers 
by geographical location
US$million

2019 Non-current assets by geographical location 
(excluding financial and deferred tax assets)
US$million

Australia 

3,519

Papua New Guinea 

663

Other  

Total 

4

4,186

Australia 

10,176

Papua New Guinea 

2,691

Other  

Total 

82

12,949

70 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.

Revenue from contracts with customers – Product sales

Revenue from contracts with customers – product sales is 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 that 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 unsatisfied 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 $397 million (2019: $651 million), arising from sales from one segment of the 
Group. 

Contract assets

In a business combination, pre-existing revenue contracts are fair valued, resulting in contract assets being recognised. 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.

Contract liabilities

In a business combination, 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 “revenue – other”, upon satisfaction of the performance obligation.

Contract liabilities – Deferred revenue

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 satisfaction of the performance 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.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 71

 
 
Financial Report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 2: Financial Performance 

(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 
Unwind of acquired contract liabilities 
Other 

Total revenue – other 

Total revenue from contracts with customers 

1 

Total product sales include third-party product sales of $753 million (2019: $1,022 million). 

(b)  Assets and liabilities related to contracts with customers

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

Acquired contract assets 

Current   

Acquired contract assets 

Non-current  

Acquired contract assets 

Total acquired contract assets 

Contract liabilities 

Current   

Acquired contract liabilities 
Deferred revenue 

Non-current  
Acquired contract liabilities 
Deferred revenue 

Total contract liabilities 

72 / Santos Annual Report 2020

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

2,505 
531 
256 
95 

3,387 

13 
91 
6 
15 

125 

3,512 

2,687
927
335
84

4,033

26
76
7
44

153

4,186

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

23 

23 

106 

106 

129 

6 
58 

64 

14 
267 

281 

345 

23

23

130

130

153

6
119

125

20
213

233

358

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.2  REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (CONTINUED)

(b) Assets and liabilities related to contracts with customers (continued)

The following table illustrates the movement in contract asset and contract liability balances for the current reporting period:

Acquired contract assets 
Opening balance 
Other expenses 

Total acquired contract assets 

Acquired contract liabilities 

Opening balance 
Revenue – other 

Contract liabilities – Deferred income 

Opening balance 
Additional receipts in advance 
Revenue from contracts with customers – product sales 
Interest accretion for financing component 
Other 

Total contract liabilities 

Note 

2.3 

2.2(a) 

5.2 

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

153 
(24) 

129 

26 
(6) 

20 

332 
48 
(67) 
17 
(5) 

325 

345 

185
(32)

153

33
(7)

26

340
45
(65)
18
(6)

332

358

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 2: Financial Performance 

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

716 

63 
145 
(1) 
58 
9 

274 

990 

587 
427 

1,014 

612 
26 

2,642 

10 
83 
(5) 
1 
13 
2 
(45) 
59 
24 
3 

145 

546

56
158
(16)
97
11

306

852

622
377

999

885
(22)

2,714

12
54
–
1
11
4
6
103
32
10

233

2.3  EXPENSES   

Cost of sales: 

Production costs 

Other operating costs: 

LNG plant costs 
Pipeline tariffs, processing tolls and other 
Movements in onerous pipeline 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/(increase) in product stock 

Total cost of sales 

Other expenses   

Selling 
General and administration 
Costs associated with acquisition and disposals 
Depreciation 
Foreign exchange losses  
Fair value hedges, losses on the hedging instrument 
Fair value losses on commodity derivatives (oil hedges) 
Exploration and evaluation expensed 
Unwind of acquired contract assets 
Other 

Total other expenses 

74 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, tax balances 
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 income statement 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 or royalty tax.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 75

Financial Report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 2: Financial Performance 

2.4  TAXATION (CONTINUED)

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

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

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

Total income tax (benefit)/expense 

(b)  Royalty-related tax expense 

Current tax expense 
Current year 

Deferred tax benefit 
Origination and reversal of temporary differences 

Total royalty-related tax expense (net of income tax benefit) 

(c)  Numerical reconciliation between pre-tax net profit and tax expense 

(Loss)/profit before tax 

Prima facie income tax (benefit)/expense at 30% (2019: 30%) 
Increase/(decrease) in income tax expense due to: 

Foreign losses not recognised 
Non-deductible expenses 
Tax adjustments relating to prior years 
Other 

Income tax (benefit)/expense 
Royalty-related tax expense (net of income tax benefit) 

Total tax expense 

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

(23) 
2 

(21) 

(59) 
17 

(42) 

(63) 

145 

145 

(31) 

(31) 

114 

(306) 

(91) 

– 
8 
19 
1 

(63) 
114 

51 

44
(3)

41

264
36

300

341

78

78

(75)

(75)

3

1,018

305

(4)
6
33
1

341
3

344

76 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 – Uncertain tax positions

 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 

2020 
US$million 

2019 

2020 
US$million  US$million 

2019 

2020 
US$million  US$million 

2019 
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 
Tax value of carry forward  
Losses recognised 

Tax assets/(liabilities) 
Set-off of tax 

Net tax assets 

58 
771 
– 
42 
186 
86 
– 
– 

626 

1,769 
(728) 

1,041 

58 
647 
34 
18 
184 
44 
– 
2 

751 

1,738 
(868) 

870 

(272) 
(842) 
(54) 
(5) 
– 
– 
(448) 
(11) 

– 

(1,632) 
728 

(904) 

(289) 
(801) 
(90) 
(20) 
– 
– 
(479) 
– 

– 

(1,679) 
868 

(811) 

(214) 
(71) 
(54) 
37 
186 
86 
(448) 
(11) 

626 

137 
– 

137 

(231)
(154)
(56)
(2)
184
44
(479)
2

751

59
–

59

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 which are expected to expire. 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) 
Tax losses 

2020 
US$million 

2019
US$million

3,829 
1,647 
132 

5,608 

3,814
1,428
440

5,682

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 77

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 2: Financial Performance 

2.5  EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

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

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

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

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

(357) 

674

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 shares 
Diluted earnings per share 

Earnings per share attributable to the equity holders of Santos Limited 

Basic (loss)/earnings per share 
Diluted (loss)/earnings per share 

2020 
  Number of shares 

2019 
Number of shares

2,083,074,902 
– 
2,083,074,902 

2,083,007,100
16,499,100
2,099,506,200

2020 
US¢ 

(17.1) 
(17.1) 

2019 
US¢

32.4
32.1

78 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

2020
2019 Final ordinary dividend – paid on 26 March 2020 
2020 Interim ordinary dividend – paid on 24 September 2020 

2019  
2018 Final ordinary dividend – paid on 28 March 2019 
2019 Interim ordinary dividend – paid on 26 September 2019 

Dividends declared in respect of the year 

2020 
Final ordinary dividend 
Interim ordinary dividend 

2019  
Final ordinary dividend 
Interim ordinary dividend 

Dividend franking account 

30% franking credits available to the shareholders of Santos Limited  

for future distribution 

Franked/ 
unfranked  

Dividend
per share 
US¢ 

Total
US$million

Franked 
Franked 

Franked 
Franked 

5.0 
2.1 

7.1 

6.2 
6.0 

12.2 

92
44

136

127
124

251

Franked/ 
unfranked 

Dividend
per share 
US¢ 

Total
US$million

Franked 
Franked 

Franked 
Franked 

5.0 
2.1 

7.1 

5.0 
6.0 

11.0 

104
44

148

104
124

228

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

194 

232

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 79

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 2: Financial Performance 

2.7  OTHER INCOME

Note 

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

Other income 
Change in future restoration assumptions for non-producing assets 
Gain on sale of non-current assets 
Other income associated with lease arrangements 
Insurance recoveries 
Overriding royalties 
Dividend income 
Other 

3.6 

Total other income 

Net gain on sale of non-current assets: 

Proceeds on disposals 
Adjusted for:   

Book value of working capital disposed 

Total net gain on sale of non-current assets 

Comprising:  

Net gain on sale of oil and gas assets 

Reconciliation to cash inflows from proceeds on disposal of non-current assets:   

Proceeds after recoupment of current year exploration and  

evaluation expenditure 

Amounts received from disposals 

Total proceeds on disposal of non-current assets 

Comprising:  

Proceeds from disposal of oil and gas assets 
Proceeds from disposal of working capital 

(1) 
– 
43 
13 
4 
2 
4 

65 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

2
12
42
28
13
2
10

109

10

2

12

12

12

10

10

10

12
(2)

10

80 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2020 / 81

Financial Report

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.

2020 
US$million 

2019
US$million

Cost 
Less: Accumulated impairment 

Balance at 31 December 

Reconciliation of movements 
Balance at 1 January  
Acquisitions  
Additions  
Expensed relating to unsuccessful wells 
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

3,280 
(1,462) 

1,818 

1,187 
604 
149 
(11) 
(72) 
(53) 
14 

1,818 

1,299 
490 
29 

1,818 

2,527
(1,340)

1,187

981
18
242
(24)
(24)
(6)
–

1,187

675
440
72

1,187

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.

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.

82 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.2  OIL AND GAS ASSETS (CONTINUED)

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 in note 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. The 2P hydrocarbon reserves are incorporated into the assessment of impairment of assets, 
along with contingent resources (“2C”) as appropriate. 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 2020 / 83

Financial Report

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

3.2  OIL AND GAS ASSETS (CONTINUED)

2020  

2019

Subsurface 
assets 

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

Subsurface 
assets 
US$million 

Plant and 
equipment 
US$million 

Total
US$million

10,325 

17,090 

27,415 

9,646 

16,544 

26,190

(7,156) 

(9,334) 

(16,490) 

(6,506) 

(8,288) 

(14,794)

Cost 
Less: Accumulated depreciation,  
depletion and impairment 

Balance at 31 December 

3,169 

7,756 

10,925 

3,140 

8,256 

11,396

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

in production 

Balance at 31 December 

Producing assets 
Balance at 1 January 
Additions1,2  
Acquisition 
Transfer from exploration and  

evaluation assets 

Transfer from oil and gas assets  

in development 

Remeasurement of lease arrangements  
Depreciation and depletion  
Transfer to assets held for sale 
Net impairment losses 
Exchange differences 

Balance at 31 December 

Total oil and gas assets 

Comprising: 

Exploration and evaluation  
expenditure pending  
commercialisation 
Other capitalised expenditure 

54 
19 

– 

73 

54 
13 

– 

67 

108 
32 

– 

140 

3,086 
512 
207 

8,202 
520 
– 

11,288 
1,032 
207 

32 

21 

53 

– 
(17) 
(466) 
(74) 
(213) 
29 

3,096 

3,169 

– 
(8) 
(544) 
– 
(512) 
10 

7,689 

7,756 

– 
(25) 
(1,010) 
(74) 
(725) 
39 

10,785 

10,925 

11 
3,158 

3,169 

– 
7,756 

7,756 

11 
10,914 

10,925 

134 
10 

(90) 

54 

2,942 
428 
– 

6 

90 
– 
(377) 
– 
(3) 
– 

3,086 

3,140 

55 
3,085 

3,140 

156 
21 

(123) 

54 

8,051 
684 
– 

– 

123 
– 
(622) 
– 
(34) 
– 

8,202 

8,256 

6 
8,250 

8,256 

290
31

(213)

108

10,993
1,112
–

6

213
–
(999)
–
(37)
–

11,288

11,396

61
11,335

11,396

1 

2 

Includes impact on restoration assets following changes in future restoration provision assumptions (refer note 3.5).

Includes impact of AASB 16 recognition of right-of-use assets (refer note 3.6).

84 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.3  GOODWILL

Goodwill arises as a result of a business combination and has an indefinite useful life which is not subject to amortisation. Goodwill is 
initially measured at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.

Where goodwill has been allocated to a 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.

Goodwill of $383 million after impairment as at 31 December 2020 (2019: $481 million) is allocated to the Western Australia gas cash-
generating unit (“Goodwill – WA Gas”), which is within the Western Australia reporting segment.

Cost 
Less: Impairment 

Balance at 31 December 

3.4  IMPAIRMENT OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Impairment of goodwill

Note 

3.4 

2020 
US$million 

2019
US$million

481 
98 

383 

481
–

481

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 (“CGU”) 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. Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment and more 
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired.

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 or impairment reversal 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 CGU basis. A CGU is the smallest 
grouping of assets that generates independent cash inflows, and generally represents oil or gas fields that are being produced 
through a common facility. 

 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. 

Impairment losses or reversal of impairment losses

An impairment loss is recognised in the income statement whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its CGU (including any amount 
of allocated goodwill) exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses recognised in respect of CGUs are allocated to reduce goodwill 
first (if goodwill is included within the carrying amount of the CGU) and then allocated to reduce the carrying amount of the assets in 
the CGU on a pro-rata basis. 

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 85

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

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

3.4  IMPAIRMENT OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS (CONTINUED)

Impairment losses or reversal of impairment losses (continued)

A reversal of impairment losses is recognised in the income statement when the recoverable amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its 
carrying amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount 
that would have been determined, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

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. 

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 and resources, future production profiles, commodity prices, costs and foreign exchange 
rates. Additionally, risks associated with climate change are factored into the value-in-use (“VIU”) calculation and will continue to be 
monitored. 

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 and resources, 
future production profiles, commodity prices, operating costs including third-party gas purchases and any future development costs 
necessary to produce the reserves and resources. Under a fair value less costs of disposal (“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; however, in light of 
the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, corporate assumptions have been revised for the reporting period ended 31 December 2020. 
Where volumes are contracted, future prices are based on the contracted price.

The nominal future Brent prices (US$/bbl) used were:

31 December 2020

2021

50.00

2022

55.00

2023

62.50

2024

67.651

2025

69.001

1 

Based on US$62.50/bbl (2020 real) from 2024 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 long-term exchange rate applied was 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 10% and 24%.

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.

86 / Santos Annual Report 2020

3.4  IMPAIRMENT OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS (CONTINUED)

Impairment expense 

Exploration and evaluation assets 
Oil and gas assets   
Goodwill – WA Gas 

Total impairment  

2020 
US$million 

2019
US$million

114 
683 
98 

895 

24
37
–

61

Recoverable amounts and resulting impairment write-downs recognised in the year ended 31 December 2020:

2020

Goodwill:

Segment

Goodwill – WA Gas

Western Australia

Total impairment of goodwill

Oil and gas assets – producing:

GLNG

Barrow

Other

Queensland and NSW

Western Australia

Western Australia

Total impairment of oil and gas assets

Exploration and evaluation assets:

Amadeus

Cooper Basin 

Exploration

Cooper Basin

Unconventional  
Resource

PEL 100

Burnside

Cooper Basin

Northern Australia    
and Timor-Leste

Gunnedah Basin

Queensland and NSW

Barikewa-3 PRL-9

PNG

Total impairment of exploration and evaluation

Total impairment

Subsurface 
assets 
US$million

Plant and 
equipment 
US$million

Goodwill 
US$million

Total 
US$million

Recoverable 
1
amount 
US$million

–

–

161

–

10

171

28

30

12

14

13

17

114

285

–

–

494

16

2

512

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

98

98

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

512

98

383

3,640

nil

nil

nil2

nil2

nil2

nil2

nil2

nil2

98

98

655

16

12

683

28

30

12

14

13

17

114

895

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 licenses/areas of interest that have been impaired to nil.

Goodwill

The primary driver of the impairment recognised on Goodwill – WA Gas was the write-down of 2P reserves in the Reindeer gas field, 
Offshore Western Australia (-27 mmboe), that impacted the recoverable amount of the CGU. As the CGU carries goodwill arising from 
the acquisition of Quadrant in 2018, goodwill has been impaired by $98 million.

Oil and gas assets

The primary driver of the impairment recognised was the revised corporate assumptions resulting from the effects of the COVID-19 
pandemic on energy market demand fundamentals, in particular a lower oil price.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 87

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

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

3.4  IMPAIRMENT OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS (CONTINUED)

GLNG

The change in macroeconomic assumptions reduced GLNG’s recoverable amount from 31 December 2019. The impact of lower oil 
price assumptions on the recoverable amount, is partly offset by a lower discount rate and changes to corporate assumptions of foreign 
exchange rates.

Barrow

The impairment of Barrow has arisen due to an increase in oil and gas asset carrying values, following remeasurement of restoration 
obligations. The recoverable amount of the asset is nil.

Exploration and evaluation assets

The impairment of exploration and evaluation assets have arisen primarily from the lower oil price environment, and in some cases, a 
consequential delay or reduction in future capital expenditure that diminishes the path to commercialisation.

Sensitivity

To the extent oil and gas cash generating units have been written down to their respective recoverable amounts in the current and prior 
years, any change in key assumptions on which the valuations are based would further impact asset carrying values. When modelled in 
isolation, it is estimated that changes in the key assumptions would result in the following additional impairment: 

Oil and gas assets 

Goodwill – WA Gas 
GLNG 

Production 
decrease 5% 
US$million 

Discount rate  
increase 0.5%  
 US$million 

149 
256 

54 
181 

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

26
492

Recoverable amounts and resulting impairment write-downs recognised in the year ended 31 December 2019 were: 

2019 

Segment 

Oil and gas assets – producing: 

Barrow 
Other 

Western Australia 
Various 

Total impairment of oil and gas assets 

Exploration and evaluation assets: 

Gunnedah Basin 
PNG – PPL 395 & PPL 464 
Other 

Queensland and NSW 
PNG 
Various 

Total impairment of exploration and  

evaluation assets 

Total impairment of oil and gas assets  

and exploration and evaluation assets 

Subsurface 
assets 

  Recoverable
amount
US$million  US$million  US$million  US$million

Plant and 
equipment 

Total 

1

– 
3 

3 

11 
9 
4 

24 

27 

34 
– 

34 

– 
– 
– 

– 

34 

34 
3 

37 

11 
9 
4 

24 

61 

nil
nil

2 
2 

2

nil
nil
nil

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

value-in-use (“VIU”) method, whilst all exploration and evaluation asset amounts use the fair value less costs of disposal (“FVLCD”) method.

2 

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

88 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.5  RESTORATION OBLIGATIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS 

Provisions recognised for the period are as follows:

Current   
Restoration obligations 
Other provisions 

Non-current  
Restoration obligations 
Other provisions 

Restoration obligations

Note 

2020 
US$million 

2019
US$million

69 
108 

177 

2,952 
87 

3,039 

59
63

122

2,223
106

2,329

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 

2020 
US$million 

2019
US$million

69 
2,952 

3,021 

59
2,223

2,282

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

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

3.5  RESTORATION OBLIGATIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS (CONTINUED)

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

Balance at 1 January 2020 
Provisions acquired 
Provisions made and changes to assumptions during the year 
Provisions used during the year 
Provisions transferred to held for sale 
Unwind of discount  
Change in discount rate 
Exchange differences 

Balance at 31 December 2020 

Other provisions

Note 

6.3 

Total restoration 
US$million

2,282
669
68
(37)
(299)
36
105
197

3,021

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

Note 

7.1 

7.1 

2020 
US$million 

2019
US$million

92 
3 
2 
11 

108 

7 
5 
13 
62 

87 

56
2 
2
3

63

12
8
21
65

106

Current   
Employee benefits 
Onerous contracts  
Remediation provision 
Other provisions 

Non-current  
Employee benefits 
Onerous contracts  
Remediation provision 
Other provisions 

90 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.6  LEASES

The Group as a lessee

Recognition of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets

Under AASB 16, as a lessee the Group will recognise a right-of-use asset, representing its right to use the underlying asset, and a lease 
liability, for all leases with a term of more than 12 months; exempting those leases where the underlying asset is deemed to be of a low 
value.

The Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date, i.e. when the underlying asset is 
first available for use. The right-of-use asset is initially measured to be equal to the lease liability and adjusted for any lease incentives 
received, initial direct costs and estimates of costs to dismantle or remove the underlying leased asset. Subsequently, the right-of-use 
asset is measured at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the 
lease liability.

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, 
discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Group’s incremental borrowing 
rate, adjusted for asset-specific factors.

The lease liability is subsequently increased by the interest cost on the lease liability and decreased by lease payments made. It is 
remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, a change in the estimate of the 
amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee, or as appropriate, changes in the assessment of whether purchase, 
renewal or termination options are reasonably certain to be exercised.

The Group has applied judgement to determine the lease term for some lease contracts in which it is a lessee that include purchase, 
renewal or termination options. The assessment of whether the Group is reasonably certain to exercise such options impacts the lease 
term, which affects the value of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets recognised.

Modifications to lease arrangements

In the event that there is a modification to a lease arrangement, a determination of whether the modification results in a separate lease 
arrangement being recognised needs to be made. Where the modification does result in a separate lease arrangement needing to be 
recognised, due to an increase in scope of a lease through additional underlying leased assets and a commensurate increase in lease 
payments, the measurement requirements as described above need to be applied.

Where the modification does not result in a separate lease arrangement, from the effective date of the modification, the Group 
will remeasure the lease liability using the redetermined lease term, lease payments and applicable discount rate. A corresponding 
adjustment will be made to the carrying amount of the associated right-of-use asset. Additionally, where there has been a partial  
or full termination of a lease, the Group will recognise any resulting gain or loss in the income statement.

Lease impact on joint operating arrangements

Where lease arrangements impact the Group’s joint operating arrangements (“JOA”), the facts and circumstances of each lease 
arrangement in a JOA are assessed to determine the Group’s rights and obligations associated with the lease arrangement. 

The Group applies judgement in its determination of which party directs the use of a leased asset. Outlined below are a number of 
scenarios that could exist for lease arrangements which impact the Group’s JOAs:

1) 

2) 

3) 

 Where it has been determined that the Group directs the use of the leased asset, and is the only party with legal obligation to pay 
the lessor, the Group will recognise the full lease liability and right-of-use asset on its statement of financial position. Depreciation 
is then recognised on the entire right-of-use asset; however, other income would be recognised for any amount of the lease 
payments that are recoverable from other parties, representing other income associated with lease arrangements; or

 If it has been determined that the leased asset is either jointly controlled by all parties in a joint operation, or is utilised by a single 
joint operation, and the Group is the only party with a legal obligation to pay the lessor; the Group will recognise the full lease 
liability; its net share of the right-of-use asset and a receivable for the amounts recoverable from other parties; or

 In instances where it has been determined that all parties to the joint arrangement jointly have the right to control the leased asset 
and all parties have a legal obligation to make lease payments to the lessor, the Group will recognise only its net share of the lease 
liability and right-of-use asset on its consolidated statement of financial position.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 91

Financial Report

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

3.6  LEASES (CONTINUED)

The Group’s leasing activities

The Group leases a number of different types of assets, including properties and plant and production equipment, such as oil rigs. The 
lease arrangements have varying renewal and termination options. Lease terms for major categories of leased asset are shown below: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Oil rigs 

1 – 5 years

 Marine vessels, including LNG tankers 

3 – 30 years

 Helicopters 

 Building office space  

1 – 5 years

10 – 20 years

 Other plant and production equipment 

2 – 20 years

The Group presents the following in relation to AASB 16, within its consolidated statement of financial position:

• 

• 

• 

 “Other land, buildings, plant and equipment” or “Oil and gas assets” – right-of-use assets are presented in either depending on 
the type of leased asset;

 “Lease liabilities” – Lease liabilities; and

 “Other financial assets” – Sublease receivables.

Set out below are the carrying amounts of right-of-use assets recognised and their movements during the period: 

US$million

Balance at 31 December 2019
Acquisitions
Additions
Remeasurements of lease arrangements
Depreciation

Balance at 31 December 2020

Oil and gas assets

Other land, buildings, 
plant and equipment

295
23
90
(24)
(96)

288

105
13
8
(2)
(9)

115

Total

400
36
98
(26)
(105)

403

Where the payments made under a lease contract would previously have been capitalised, the depreciation on the corresponding right-
of-use asset is capitalised in lieu. During the period, $28 million of depreciation on right-of-use assets has been capitalised and forms a 
component of additions to “Oil and gas assets”. This capitalisation results in a difference between the amount of depreciation expense 
recorded during the period and the movement in accumulated depreciation. 

Set out below are the carrying amounts of lease liabilities and the movements during the period: 

Balance at 31 December 2019
Acquired lease liabilities
Additions
Remeasurements of lease arrangements
Accretion of interest
Payments
Foreign exchange gain on lease liabilities

Balance at 31 December 2020

92 / Santos Annual Report 2020

Lease liabilities 
US$million

425
35
98
(25)
17
(119)
26

457

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.6  LEASES (CONTINUED)

Short-term and low-value lease asset exemptions

The Group had total cash outflows for leases of $297 million in 2020, including outflows for short-term leases, leases of low-value 
assets, and variable lease payments. 

For the 12-month period ended 31 December 2020, the following payments have been made for lease arrangements that have been 
classified as short-term or for low-value assets:

Short-term leases   
Leases for low-value assets 

Total payments made  

Variable lease payments

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

14 
43 

57 

55
56

111

The Group holds lease contracts which contain variable payments based on the usage profile of the leased asset. The type and 
quantum of activities undertaken utilising these assets (primarily oil rigs) is entirely at the Group’s discretion in response to operational 
requirements.

The lease liability and corresponding right-of-use asset for these lease contracts is calculated based on the fixed rental payment 
components of the contracts. The table below indicates the relative magnitude of variable payments to fixed payments made during the 
year ended 31 December 2020, for those lease contracts which contain a variable payment component.

Fixed payments (included in calculation of lease liability) 
Variable payments  

Total payments made for leases with a variable payment component 

Other income associated with lease arrangements

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

94 
123 

217 

105
70

175

Where it has been determined that the Group directs the use of the leased asset, and is the only party with legal obligation to pay the 
lessor, the Group recognises other income for any amount of the lease payments that are recoverable from other parties, representing 
“other income associated with lease arrangements” in the income statement. For the year ending 31 December 2020, the amount 
recognised was $43 million (2019: $42 million).

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 93

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

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

3.7  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 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 commitments for non-cancellable lease arrangements where the lease term has not 
commenced:

Capital 

Minimum exploration 

Leases

Commitments 

2020 
US$million 

2019 

2020 
US$million  US$million 

2019 

2020 
US$million  US$million 

2019 
US$million

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

than five years 
Later than five years 

148 

85 
– 

233 

106 

98 
– 

204 

57 

233 
7 

297 

71 

251 
2 

324 

43 

101 
1 

145 

1

3
–

4

94 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

2020 
US$million 

2019
US$million

678 
641 

1,319 

344
723

1,067

 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 2020, $135 million (2019: $99 
million) was held in these accounts.

(b) Reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities 

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

Net (loss)/profit after income tax 
Add/(deduct) non cash items: 

Depreciation and depletion 
Exploration and evaluation expensed – unsuccessful wells 
Net impairment loss 
Net loss on fair value derivatives  
Share-based payment expense 
Unwind of the effect of discounting on provisions 
Foreign exchange losses 
Gain on sale of non-current assets and subsidiaries 
Share of net profit of associates 
Other income associated with disposal 
Other 

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

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

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

(357) 

1,015 
11 
895 
– 
21 
36 
13 
– 
(33) 
– 
– 

1,601 

(30) 
8 
38 
(72) 
(30) 
63 
(102) 

674

1,000
24
61
10
12
53
11
(12)
(8)
(7)
(2)

1,816

(1)
(13)
8
221
(12)
(13)
40

Net cash provided by operating activities 

1,476 

2,046

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

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

4.1  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (CONTINUED)

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

US$million 

Balance at 1 January 2019 
Lease liabilities recognised on transition to AASB 16 
Financing cash flows1 
Non-cash changes: 

Changes in fair values 
Reclassification to current liability 
Additions to lease liabilities 
Other  

Balance at 31 December 2019 

Balance at 1 January 2020 
Financing cash flows1 
Non-cash changes: 

Changes in fair values 
Reclassification to current liability 
Additions to lease liabilities 
Other  

Balance at 31 December 2020 

Short-term 
borrowings 

Long-term 
borrowings 

Lease 
liabilities 

  Assets held
to hedge
borrowings 

966 
– 
(974) 

7 
210 
– 
(13) 

196 

196 
(210) 

– 
247 
– 
– 

233 

3,891 
– 
92 

(3) 
(210) 
– 
30 

3,800 

3,800 
742 

3 
(247) 
– 
11 

4,309 

62 
280 
(87) 

– 
– 
172 
(2) 

425 

425 
(102) 

– 
– 
113 
21 

457 

Total 

4,885
280
(969)

12
–
172
15

4,395

4,395
430

5
–
113
32

(34) 
– 
– 

8 
– 
– 
– 

(26) 

(26) 
– 

2 
– 
– 
– 

(24) 

4,975

1 

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

4.2  TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Trade and other receivables are initially recognised at fair value, which in practice is the equivalent of transaction price, and subsequently 
measured at 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 
Other receivables 

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

393 
167 

560 

348
206

554

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).

96 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

156 
132 

288 

23 

186
115

301

20

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 

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

365 
193 

558 

507
212

719

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

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 97

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

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

Our business has exposure to capital, credit, liquidity and market risks. This section provides information relating to our 
management of, as well as our policies for measuring and managing, these risks. 

Capital risk management objectives

The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, allowing returns to 
shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders to be maintained, and to retain an efficient capital structure. In order to optimise the 
capital structure, the Group may adjust its dividend distribution policy, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares, draw or repay 
debt or undertake other corporate initiatives consistent with its strategic objectives. 

In applying these objectives, the Group aims to:

•  minimise the weighted average cost of capital whilst retaining appropriate financial flexibility;

• 

ensure ongoing access to a range of debt and equity markets; and

•  maintain an investment-grade credit rating. 

A range of financial metrics are used to monitor the capital structure including ratios measuring gearing, funds from operations to debt 
(“FFO to Debt”) and debt to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (“Debt to EBITDA”). The Group monitors these 
capital structure metrics on both an actual and forecast basis. 

At 31 December 2020, 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 lease liabilities. 

All interest-bearing loans and borrowings, with the exception of secured bank loans and lease liabilities, are borrowed through Santos 
Finance Ltd, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Santos Limited. All interest-bearing loans and borrowings by Santos Finance Ltd are 
guaranteed by Santos Limited. Refer to note 3.6 for disclosures related to leases.

Ref 

(a) 
(b) 

(a) 
(b) 
(c) 

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

171 
62 

233 

1,013 
1,662 
1,634 

4,309 

136
60

196

1,187
978
1,635

3,800

Current   
Bank loans – secured  
Bank loans – unsecured 

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

98 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.1  INTEREST-BEARING LOANS AND BORROWINGS (CONTINUED)

The Group’s weighted average interest rate on interest-bearing liabilities was 4.70% for the year ended 31 December 2020 (2019: 
5.47%).

(a)  Bank loans – secured

Facility 

Currency

Limit

Drawn principal

Accounting balance

Effective interest rate

Maturity

Other

(b)  Bank loans – unsecured

Facility 

Currency

Limit

Drawn principal

Accounting balance

Effective interest rate

Maturity

Other

Facility 

Currency

Limit

Drawn principal

Accounting balance

Effective interest rate

Maturity

Other

PNG LNG

US dollars

$1,221 million (2019: $1,371 million)

$1,221 million (2019: $1,371 million) 

$1,184 million (2019: $1,323 million) including prepaid amounts

5.38% (2019: 6.45%)

2024 and 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 $2,695 million at 31 December 2020 (2019: $2,738 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 restricted 
bank accounts.

Term bank loans

US dollars

$1,450 million (2019: $700 million)

$1,450 million (2019: $700 million)

$1,441 million (2019: $695 million) including prepaid amounts

2.20% (2019: 4.08%)

2024 and 2026

Term bank loans bear a floating interest rate. During 2020 Santos completed a 
$750 million 5-year syndicated facility consisting of a $550 million term loan tranche 
and a $200 million revolving tranche.

Export credit agency supported loan facilities

US dollars

$283 million (2019: $343 million)

$283 million (2019: $343 million)

$283 million (2019: $343 million) including prepaid amounts

2.78% (2019: 3.75%)

2021–2026

Loan facilities are supported by various export credit agencies and bear a floating 
interest rate. 

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 99

 
 
Financial Report

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 

Currency

Limit

Drawn principal

Accounting balance

Effective interest rate

Maturity

Other

Facility 

Currency

Limit

Drawn principal

Accounting balance

Effective interest rate

Maturity

Other

US private placement notes

US dollars

$227 million (2019: $227 million)

$227 million (2019: $227 million)

$252 million (2019: $255 million) including fair value accounting measurement and 
prepaid amounts

1.84% (2019: 2.89%)

2022 and 2027

Long-term notes bear a fixed interest rate of 6.45% to 6.81% (2019: 6.45% to 6.81%), 
which have been swapped to floating rate commitments.

Regulation-S bond

US dollars

$1,400 million (2019: $1,400 million)

$1,400 million (2019: $1,400 million)

$1,382 million (2019: $1,380 million) including prepaid amounts

4.84% (2019: 4.79%)

2027 and 2029

Both bonds bear fixed-interest rates.

100 / Santos Annual Report 2020

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 
Interest on lease liabilities 
Deduct borrowing costs capitalised 

Unwind of the effect of discounting on contract liabilities – deferred revenue 
Unwind of the effect of discounting on provisions 

Total finance costs 

Net finance costs 

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

15 

15 

208 
17 
(29) 

196 

17 
36 

249 

234 

37

37

239
19
(15)

243

18
53

314

277

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 101

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

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 2020 was A$6.27 (2019: A$8.18).

Transaction costs

Transaction costs of an equity transaction are accounted for as a deduction from equity, net of any related income tax benefit. During 
2020 no transaction costs in respect of capital raisings completed have been deducted from equity (2019: $nil).

Movement in ordinary shares 

Balance at 1 January 
Issue of new shares 
Shares purchased on-market (Treasury shares) 
Utilisation of Treasury shares on vesting of  

employee share schemes 

Replacement of ordinary shares with shares  

purchased on-market  

Balance at 31 December 

2020 
  Number of 
shares 

2019
Number of 

2020 
shares  US$million 

2019
US$million

 2,083,096,626  2,082,979,345 
155,000 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

(30,585) 

(37,719) 

9,010 
– 
(31) 

34 

– 

9,031
1
(31)

9

–

 2,083,066,041  2,083,096,626 

9,013 

9,010

Included within the Group’s ordinary shares at 31 December 2020 are 10,000 (2019: 10,000) ordinary shares paid to one cent with a 
value of $nil (2019: $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, $31 million (2019: $31 million) of Treasury shares were purchased on-market.

Movement in Treasury shares 

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

Santos Employee Share1000 Plan 
Santos Employee ShareMatch Plan 
Utilised on vesting of SARs 
Executive STI (deferred shares) 
Executive STI (ordinary shares) 
Executive LTI (ordinary shares) 
Santos Employee Share1000 Plan (relinquished shares) 
Issue of new shares 
Replacement of ordinary shares with shares purchased on-market  

Note 

7.2 
7.2 

7.2 

2020 
Number of 
shares 

5,005,588 
8,500,000 

(202,598) 
(1,755,453) 
(768,463) 
(471,090) 
– 
(3,828,286) 
15,789 
– 
(30,585) 

2019 
Number of 
shares

1,231,710
5,750,000

(150,192)
(572,196)
(588,100)
(696,921)
(88,221)
–
2,227
155,000
(37,719)

Balance at 31 December 

6,464,902 

5,005,588

102 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.4  RESERVES AND ACCUMULATED LOSSES

The balance of the Group’s reserves and accumulated losses, and movements during the period, are disclosed in the Statement  
of Changes in Equity.

Foreign currency translation reserve

The Foreign currency translation reserve is used to record foreign exchange differences arising from the translation of the financial 
statements of foreign entities from their functional currency to the Group’s presentation currency.

Santos Limited and the majority of its wholly owned subsidiaries within the Group have a functional currency of US dollars, the same 
currency as the presentation currency of the Group. Foreign exchange differences resulting from translation to presentation currency 
are recognised in the foreign currency translation reserve, and subsequently transferred to the income statement on disposal of 
the operation. The difference in the ruling foreign exchange rate at 31 December 2020 to 31 December 2019 resulted in the Group 
recognising a foreign currency gain in the translation reserve of $55 million for non-USD functional currency companies.

Hedging reserve

The hedging reserve comprises of the cash flow hedge reserve and the own credit revaluation reserve. The cash flow hedge 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. The own credit risk revaluation reserve comprises the cumulative changes in the fair value of 
the financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss attributable to changes in the Group’s own credit risk. Refer to note 
5.5(g) for a reconciliation and movement of cash flow hedge reserve and own credit risk revaluation reserve.

Accumulated profits reserve 

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

Accumulated losses 

Accumulated losses represents the cumulative net profits/(losses) that have been generated across the Group.

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 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. 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 2020 / 103

 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

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 
accumulated losses. 

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 financial liabilities classified as 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 escrow – acquisitions1 
Amounts related to acquisitions 
Other 

Financial assets at FVTPL 

Derivative financial instruments  

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

1,319 
560 
– 
– 
2 

51 

1,932 

1,067
554
150
39
7

28

1,844

1 

Amounts represent cash held in escrow for pending acquisitions of assets that have yet to complete as at 31 December 2019.

104 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
Lease liabilities 

Financial liabilities at FVTPL 

Borrowings designated at FVTPL 
Commodity derivatives  
Other 

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

558 
4,290 
457 

252 
35 
28 

5,620 

719
3,741
425

255
–
34

5,174

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 
Interest accretion on lease liabilities 
Fair value gains on debt held at FVTPL 
Fair value gains/(losses) on derivative financial instruments 
Net foreign exchange losses  

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

15 
(15) 
(175) 
11 
(17) 
3 
40 
(13) 

(151) 

37
(20)
(219)
15
(19)
5
(15)
(11)

(227)

(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 2020 / 105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

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   

2020 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Derivative financial assets 
Interest rate swap contracts 
Non-derivative financial liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Lease liabilities 
Bank loans 
Long-term notes  

2019 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Derivative financial assets 
Interest rate swap contracts 
Non-derivative financial liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Lease liabilities 
Bank loans 
Long-term notes  

(c)  Foreign currency risk

Less than 
1 year 

2 to 5  More than
5 years
years 
  US$million  US$million  US$million   US$million

1 to 2 
years 

1,319 

14 

(558) 
(123) 
(306) 
(79) 

267 

– 

15 

– 
(101) 
(327) 
(291) 

– 

3 

– 
(171) 
(1,634) 
(196) 

–

2

–
(198)
(876)
(1,593)

(704) 

(1,998) 

(2,665)

1,067 

13 

(719) 
(117) 
(289) 
(79) 

(124) 

– 

15 

– 
(87) 
(305) 
(79) 

(456) 

– 

17 

– 
(154) 
(1,697) 
(422) 

–

3

–
(217)
(391)
(1,659)

(2,256) 

(2,264)

Financial assets and liabilities held to manage liquidity risk   

Less than 
1 year 

2 to 5  More than
5 years
years 
  US$million  US$million  US$million   US$million

1 to 2 
years 

 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 external borrowings of the Group are denominated in US$.

 The Group has lease liabilities, and other monetary items, including financial assets and liabilities, denominated in currencies other 
than the functional currency of an operation. These items are restated to US$ equivalents at each period end, 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 2020, the estimated impact of a ±15 cent movement in the 
Australian dollar exchange rate (2019: ±15 cent) against the US dollar, with all other variables held constant is $9 million  
(2019: $13 million) on post-tax profit and $41 million (2019: $13 million) on equity.

106 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 $227 million (2019: $227 million) and a net fair value of  
$23 million (2019: $26 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 2020, 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% (2019: ±0.50%) and Australian Bank Bill Swap 
reference rate (“BBSW”) changed by ±0.50% (2019: ±0.50%), with all other variables held constant, the impact on post-tax profit 
is $5 million (2019: $3 million).

 This assumes that the change in interest rates is effective from the beginning of the financial year and the net debt position 
and fixed/floating mix is constant over the year. However, interest rates and the debt profile of the Group are unlikely to remain 
constant and therefore the above sensitivity analysis will be subject to change.

Commodity price risk exposure 

 The Group is exposed to commodity price fluctuations through the sale of petroleum products and other oil price linked contracts. 
The Group may enter into crude oil price swap and option contracts to manage its commodity price risk. At 31 December 2020, the 
Group has 11.0 million barrels of open oil price swap and option contracts (2019: 6.2 million), covering 2021 exposures, which are 
designated in cash flow hedge relationships. 

(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 12% 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. 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 and contract assets.

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 the income statement.

 At 31 December 2020, 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’s counterparty credit policy limits this exposure to commercial and 
investment banks, according to approved credit limits based on the counterparty’s credit rating. The minimum credit rating is A- 
from Standard & Poor’s.

 Under the simplified approach, 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 2020 is nil (2019: nil), no loss allowance provision has been recorded at 31 December 2020 (2019: nil).

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 107

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

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

5.5  FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

(f)  Fair values

 Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or the price that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly 
transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that 
the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either:

• 

• 

in the principal market for the asset or liability; or

in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability, that is accessible by  
the Group.

 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.

 The fair value of oil derivative contracts is determined by estimating the difference between the relevant market prices and 
the contract strike price, for the notional volumes of the derivative contracts. 

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 

2020 
% 

0.1 – 1.4 
0.1 – 1.4 

2019
%

1.5 – 2.1
1.5 – 2.1

 The Group uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments by valuation 
technique:

Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;

 Level 2: other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, 
either directly or indirectly;

 Level 3: techniques which use inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on 
observable market data.

All of the Group’s financial instruments were valued using the Level 2 valuation technique.

108 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

Fair value hedges

Cash flow hedges

What is it?

A derivative or financial instrument designated as 
hedging the change in fair value of a recognised 
asset or liability.

A derivative or financial instrument designated 
to hedge the exposure to variability in cash flows 
attributable to a particular risk associated with an 
asset, liability or forecast transaction.

Recognition date

At the date the instrument is designated as a 
hedging instrument.

At the date the instrument is designated as a 
hedging instrument.

Measurement

Measured at fair value (refer to note 5.5(f)).

Measured at fair value (refer to note 5.5(f)).

Changes in fair value

The gains or losses on both the derivative or 
financial instrument and hedged asset or liability 
attributable to the hedged risk are recognised in 
the income statement immediately. 

The gain or loss relating to the effective portion 
of interest rate swaps hedging fixed-rate 
borrowings is recognised in the income statement 
within finance costs, together with 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.

Movements in fair value of liabilities designated 
at FVTPL due to changes in the Group’s own 
credit risk are recorded in the Own credit risk 
revaluation reserve through OCI and do not get 
recycled to the income statement.

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 to assess effectiveness.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 109

 
 
Financial Report

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. There was no such hedging activity during 2020.

Other financial assets and liabilities

 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:

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

– 
28 
– 
– 
1 

29 

23 
1 

24 

35 
4 

39 

– 
24 

24 

2
–
150
39
4

195

26
3

29

–
5

5

7
22

29

Current assets 
Commodity derivatives (oil hedges) 
Foreign exchange contracts 
Amounts held in escrow – acquisitions 
Amounts related to acquisitions 
Other 

Non-current assets 
Interest rate swap contracts 
Other 

Current liabilities 
Commodity derivatives (oil hedges) 
Other 

Non-current liabilities 
Lease incentive 
Other 

110 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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: 

Fair value hedge: 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 

Cash flow hedge: 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 – Own credit risk revaluation reserve 

Balance at 1 January  
Add: Fair value changes on financial liabilities designated at fair value due  

to own credit risk  

Less: Deferred tax  
Less: Reclassified to accumulated losses 

Balance at 31 December  

2020 
US$million 

23 
227 
2022–2027 
1:1 
(2) 
2 
1.84% 

2019 
US$million

26
227
2022–2027
1:1
(8)
8
1.75%

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

(35) 
11.0 
2021 
1:1 
(37) 
37 
$41.09 

2
6.2 
2020
1:1 
(17)
17
$54.19 

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

(2) 

3 
(1) 

– 

(8)

8
(2)

(2)

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

12 

(2) 
1 
– 

11 

21

6
(1)
(14)

12

1 

The Group has established a hedge ratio of 1:1 for the hedging relationships in the underlying risk of the hedging instrument being identical to the hedged risk component of the hedged item.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 111

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

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 the income statement.

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 the income statement 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.

All subsidiaries in the group are wholly-owned.

112 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
6.1  CONSOLIDATED ENTITIES (CONTINUED)

Name 

Country of incorporation

Name 

Country of incorporation

Santos Limited1 (Parent Company) Controlled entities:  AUS
Alliance Petroleum Australia Pty Ltd1 
AUS
Basin Oil Pty Ltd1 
AUS
AUS
Bridgefield Pty Ltd 
Bridge Oil Developments Pty Ltd1 
AUS
Bronco Energy Pty Ltd1 
AUS
AUS
Doce Pty Ltd   
Fairview Pipeline Pty Ltd1 
AUS
AUS
Gidgealpa Oil Pty Ltd 
AUS
Moonie Pipeline Company Pty Ltd 
Reef Oil Pty Ltd1  
AUS
AUS
Santos Australian Hydrocarbons Pty Ltd 
Santos (BOL) Pty Ltd1 
AUS
  Controlled entity of Santos (BOL) Pty Ltd 
  Bridge Oil Exploration Pty Ltd 
Santos Browse Pty Ltd 
Santos CSG Pty Ltd1 
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 Infrastructure WA Holdings Pty Ltd1 

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

USA
AUS

 Controlled entities of Santos Infrastructure WA  
Holdings Pty Ltd 

  Santos Devil Creek Pty Ltd1 
  Santos Resources Pty Ltd 
Santos International Holdings Pty Ltd 

AUS
AUS
AUS

 Controlled entities of Santos International Holdings Pty Ltd 

  Barracuda Ltd  
  Lavana Ltd   
  Sanro Insurance Pte Ltd 
  Santos Americas and Europe LLC 

 Controlled entity of Santos Americas and Europe LLC 

  Santos TPY LLC 

  Controlled entities of Santos TPY LLC 
  Santos Queensland LLC 
  Santos TOG LLC 

  Controlled entities of Santos TOG LLC 
  Santos TPY CSG LLC 

  Santos TOGA Pty Ltd 
  Santos Bangladesh Ltd 
  Santos (BBF) Pty Ltd 
  Santos Hides Ltd 
  Santos P’nyang Ltd 
  Santos Sangu Field Ltd 
  Santos (UK) Limited 

  Controlled entities of Santos (UK) Limited 
  Santos Northwest Natuna B.V.  
  Santos NA (19-12) Pty Ltd3 
  Santos NA (19-13) Pty Ltd3 
  Santos Bayu Undan Pty Ltd3 
  Santos NA Emet Pty Ltd3 
  Santos NA Timor Sea Pty Ltd3 

PNG
PNG
SGP
USA

USA

USA
USA

USA
AUS
GBR
AUS
PNG
PNG
GBR
GBR

NLD
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

  Santos NA Timor Leste Pty Ltd3 

  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 
  Santos QNT (No. 1) Pty Ltd1 

  Controlled entities of Santos QNT (No. 1) Pty Ltd 
  TMOC Exploration Proprietary Limited 

  Santos QNT (No. 2) Pty Ltd 

  Controlled entity of Santos QNT (No. 2) Pty Ltd 
  Petromin Pty Ltd 
  Santos TPC Pty Ltd 
  Santos Wilga Park Pty Ltd 
Santos (TGR) Pty Ltd 
Santos Timor Sea Pipeline Pty Ltd 
Santos Ventures Pty Ltd 
Santos WA Holdings Pty Ltd1 
  Controlled entities of Santos WA Holdings Pty Ltd 
  Santos KOTN Holdings Pty Ltd1 

  Controlled entities of Santos KOTN  
  Holdings Pty Ltd 
  Santos KOTN Pty Ltd1 

  Controlled entities of Santos KOTN Pty Ltd 
  Santos Agency Pty Ltd2 
  Santos NA Barossa Pty Ltd 
  Santos NA Browse Basin Pty Ltd 
  Santos NA Energy Holdings Pty Ltd1,3 

 Controlled entities of Santos NA Energy Holdings  
Pty Ltd 

  Santos NA Energy Pty Ltd1,3 

 Controlled entities of Santos NA Energy Pty Ltd 
 Santos NA Asset Holdings Pty Ltd1,3 

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS

AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS

AUS

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 113

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 6: Group Structure

Name 

Country of incorporation

Name 

Country of incorporation

 Controlled entity of Santos NA Asset  
Holdings Pty Ltd 
 Santos NA Assets Pty Ltd1,3 

 Controlled entities of Santos NA Assets  
Pty Ltd 
 Santos NA Darwin Pipeline Pty Ltd3 

  Santos Singapore Management Pte Ltd2 

  Santos WA AEC Pty Ltd1 

  Santos WA Energy Holdings Pty Ltd1 

 Controlled entity of Santos WA Energy Holdings  
Pty Ltd 

  Santos WA Asset Holdings Pty Ltd1 

 Controlled entities of Santos WA Asset Holdings  
Pty Ltd 

  Santos WA Lowendal Pty Limited 
  Santos WA International Pty Ltd 
  Harriet (Onyx) Pty Ltd1 
  Santos WA Energy Limited1 

  Controlled entities of Santos WA Energy Limited 
  Ningaloo Vision Holdings Pte. Ltd 
  Northwest Jetty Services Pty Ltd 
  Santos WA DC Pty Ltd 

Notes

1  Company is party to a Deed of Cross Guarantee (refer note 6.6)

2  Companies incorporated during the 2020 financial year

AUS

AUS
SGP
AUS
AUS

AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

SGP
AUS
AUS

  Santos WA (Exmouth) Pty Ltd 
  Santos WA East Spar Pty Limited1 
  Santos WA Julimar Holdings Pty Ltd 
  Santos WA Kersail Pty Ltd1 
  Santos WA LNG Pty Ltd 
  Santos WA Management Pty Ltd 

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

 Controlled entity of Santos Management  
Pty Ltd 

  Santos WA Finance Holdings Pty Limited 

AUS

 Controlled entity of Santos WA Finance  
Holdings Pty Limited 
 Santos WA Finance General Partnership 

  Santos WA Northwest Pty Ltd1 
  Santos WA Onshore Holdings Pty Ltd 
  Santos WA PVG Holdings Pty Ltd1 

   Controlled entity of Santos WA PVG  
  Holdings Pty Ltd 
  Santos WA PVG Pty Ltd1 

  Santos WA Southwest Pty Limited1 
  Santos WA Varanus Island Pty Ltd 

SESAP Pty Ltd 
Vamgas Pty Ltd1 

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS
AUS

3  Companies acquired through the acquisition of ConocoPhillips northern Australian assets (refer note 6.2)

Country of incorporation

AUS  

– 

Australia

GBR  

–  United Kingdom

NLD  

–  Netherlands

PNG   –   Papua New Guinea

SGP  

–   Singapore

USA  

–   United States of America

114 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.2  ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS 

(a)  Acquisitions

 On 28 May 2020, the Group successfully completed the acquisition of ConocoPhillips’ northern Australian assets, for a purchase 
price of $1,265 million plus contingent consideration of $200 million payable on the Barossa project achieving final investment 
decision. In accordance with Group accounting policy, the contingent consideration will not be recognised until conditions for 
payment have been achieved. The net cash settlement on completion of the transaction was $879 million, inclusive of transaction 
costs of $39 million, which have been capitalised.

Under the terms of the Sale and Purchase Agreement, Santos has acquired interests in the following:

• 

• 

• 

• 

56.9% equity accounted investment in Darwin LNG Pty Ltd

56.9% undivided interest in the Bayu-Undan project and associated pipeline

37.5% joint operation interest in the Barossa project

40% joint operation interest in the Poseidon project

 With the exception of the acquisition of an additional interest in the equity accounted investment in Darwin LNG Pty Ltd, which is 
accounted for as a step-up acquisition of an investment in an equity accounted associate, all other assets have been accounted for 
as asset acquisitions. Refer to note 6.4(b) for additional details related to the step-up acquisition in Darwin LNG Pty Ltd.

 Purchase consideration, including capitalised transaction costs, has been allocated against identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, 
based on their relative fair values determined on acquisition date.

Details of the purchase consideration and purchase price allocation to net identifiable assets acquired are as follows:

Note 

2020 
US$million

Cash and cash equivalents 
Lease liabilities 
Current tax liabilities 
Exploration and evaluation assets 
Oil and gas assets 
Other land, buildings, plant and equipment 
Restoration liabilities 
Investment in associate 
Net other assets and liabilities acquired 

Net identifiable assets acquired 

Purchase consideration 

Purchase consideration transferred 
Add: Transaction costs 

Total purchase consideration 

Less: Cash acquired on acquisition 
Less: Accrued estimated transaction costs 

Net cash flow on acquisition 

Cash flow recorded for period ended 31 December 2019 
Cash flow recorded for period ended 31 December 2020 – purchase consideration 
Cash flow recorded for period ended 31 December 2020 – transaction costs 

Total cash flow 

(b)  Disposals

There were no disposals of subsidiaries during 2020.

3.2 

3.5 
6.4 

420
(35)
(23)
587
207
13
(669)
790
14

1,304

1,265
39

1,304

(420)
(5)

879

177
695
7

879

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 115

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 6: Group Structure

6.3  ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

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

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

During the year, the Group entered into an agreement to sell a 25% interest in Darwin LNG and Bayu-Undan to SK E&S for $390 million 
with effect from 1 October 2019, with customary adjustments on completion.

Following the Group’s decision to divest its interests in Darwin LNG and Bayu-Undan, assets attributed to the Northern Australia and 
Timor–Leste segment have been classified as held for sale at 31 December 2020. The sale and purchase agreements remained subject 
to outstanding conditions at 31 December 2020 and will be accounted for upon completion or waiver of each significant condition.

The following amounts are included within the financial statements in relation to assets and liabilities classified as held for sale:

Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale  

Trade and other receivables 
Inventories 
Investment in associate 
Oil and gas assets 

Assets classified as held for sale 

Trade and other payables 
Restoration provisions 

Liabilities classified as held for sale 

Net assets 

Impairment 

2020 
$million

38
5
321
74

438

13
299

312

126

At 31 December 2020 the Group assessed the carrying amount of the assets held for sale for indicators of impairment with no resultant 
impairment recorded.

116 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.4  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.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 117

Financial Report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 6: Group Structure

6.4  JOINT ARRANGEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(a)  Joint operations

The following are the material joint operations in which the Group has an interest:

Joint operation 

Area of cash 
generating unit/  
area of interest 

Principal activities 

2020 
% interest 

2019 
% interest

Oil and gas assets – Producing assets 

Barrow Island 
Bayu-Undan1 
Combabula 
Fairview   
GLNG Downstream 
Macedon/Pyrenees 
PNG LNG 
Roma 
SA Fixed Factor Area 
SWQ Unit 

Barrow 
Bayu-Undan 
GLNG 
GLNG 
GLNG 
North Carnarvon 
PNG LNG 
GLNG 
Cooper Basin 
Cooper Basin 

Oil production 
Gas and liquids production 
Gas production 
Gas production 
LNG facilities 
Oil and gas production 
Gas and liquids production 
Gas production 
Oil and gas production 
Gas production 

Exploration and evaluation assets  

Caldita/Barossa2 
EP161, EP162 and EP189 

  WA-435-P, WA-437-P 
  WA-436-P, WA-438-P 
  WA-58-R (WA-274-P) 
  WA-80-R 
  WA-281-P 
  WA-90-R, WA-91-R, WA-92-R3 

Muruk 1   
Petrel 
PRL-9 

Bonaparte Basin 
McArthur Basin 
Bedout 
Bedout 
Bonaparte Basin 
Browse 
Browse 
Browse 
PNG 
Bonaparte Basin 
PNG 

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 
Gas and liquids exploration 
Contingent gas resource 
Gas and liquids exploration 

28.6 
68.4 
7.3 
22.8 
30.0 
28.6 
13.5 
30.0 
66.6 
60.1 

62.5 
75.0 
80.0 
70.0 
30.0 
47.8 
70.5 
40.0 
20.0 
40.3 
40.0 

28.6
11.5
7.3
22.8
30.0
28.6
13.5
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

1 

Santos acquired an additional 56.9% interest in the Bayu-Undan area of interest during 2020, as part of the ConocoPhillips’ northern Australia asset acquisition, resulting in Santos’ interest 
increasing to 68.4% (refer note 6.2)

2  Santos acquired an additional 37.5% interest in the Barossa and Caldita permits during 2020, as part of the ConocoPhillips’ northern Australia asset acquisition, resulting in Santos’ interest 

increasing to 62.5% (refer note 6.2)

3  Santos acquired an additional 40% interest in these permits as part of the ConocoPhillips’ northern Australia asset acquisition, which occurred during 2020 (refer note 6.2)

118 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.4  JOINT ARRANGEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(b)  Investments in equity accounted associates and joint ventures

 The Group’s only material associate is Darwin LNG Pty Ltd, which operates the Darwin LNG liquefaction facility that currently 
processes gas from the Bayu-Undan gas fields. As described in note 6.2(a) of the consolidated financial statements, an additional 
interest of 56.9% was acquired in Darwin LNG Pty Ltd, bringing the Group’s total interest to 68.4%. The investment will continue to 
be accounted for as an equity accounted investment in an associate, given the Group is deemed to have only significant influence 
over the separately incorporated company, based on the structure of voting and decision making rights.

 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 

Note 

Group’s equity interest 

Summarised net asset position 
Current assets 
Non-current assets 
Current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 

Closing net assets 

Group’s share of net assets 

Equity accounted investment held for sale 
Equity accounted investment not subject to sale 

Summarised income statement 
Gross profit 
Other income and expenses 
Depreciation and amortisation 

Profit before tax 
Income tax expense 

Net profit after tax for the period 

Group’s share of net profit of associates1 

Reconciliation to carrying amount 
Opening balance 
Add: Group’s share of net profit 
Add: Additional equity investment in Darwin LNG Pty Ltd 

Dividends received 
Return of capital 

Carrying amount of investments in associate 

6.3 

6.2 

1 

The Group is only entitled to 68.4% of the associate’s net profit after tax from the date of acquisition, being 28 May 2020.

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

68.4% 

11.5%

150 
1,484 
(109) 
(452) 

1,073 

734 
321 
413 

270  
3 
(191) 

82 
(16) 

66 

33 

13  
33 
790 

836 
(39) 
(63) 

734 

141
230
(137)
(118)

116

13
–
13

 142
91
(123)

110
(40)

70

8

31
8
–

39
 (12)
(14)

13

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 119

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 6: Group Structure

6.4  JOINT ARRANGEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(c)  Investments in equity accounted associates and joint ventures (continued)

 The following are the equity accounted associates and joint ventures in which the Group has an interest, including those which are 
immaterial:

Equity accounted associate or joint venture 

Darwin LNG Pty Ltd 
GLNG Operations Pty Ltd 
GLNG Property Pty Ltd 

2020 
% interest 

2019 
% interest

68.4 
30.0 
30.0 

11.5
30.0
30.0

At 31 December 2020 the Group reassessed the carrying amount of its investments in equity accounting associates and joint ventures 
for indicators of impairment. As a result, no impairment was recorded (2019: $nil).

6.5  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 commitments are: 
Capital expenditure commitments 
Minimum exploration commitments 

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

416 

416 

640 
9,038 

333 
820 

9,037 
2,028 
(1,306) 
(1,541) 

8,218 

9 
22 

594

594

632
8,608

241
652

9,037
1,734
(1,306)
(1,509)

7,956

38
12

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 lease liabilities 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.

120 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6.6  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 identified in note 6.1 (collectively, “the Closed Group”) are relieved from the Corporations Act 2001 
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. 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 2020 of the Closed Group. 

Consolidated income statement 
Product sales   
Cost of sales   

Gross profit   
Other revenue 
Other income  
Other expenses 
(Impairment)/reversal of impairment of non-current assets 
Interest income 
Finance costs  

(Loss)/profit before tax 

Income tax expense 
Royalty-related tax expense 

Total tax expense 

Net (loss)/profit for the period 

Total comprehensive (loss)/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 (loss)/profit for the period 
Share-based payment transactions 
Adjustments for companies added to the Deed during the year 

Accumulated losses at 31 December 

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

1,845 
(1,506) 

2,288
(1,683)

339 
116 
109 
(138) 
(343) 
22 
(280) 

(175) 

(6) 
(68) 

(74) 

(249) 

(249) 

(2,581) 
– 

(2,581) 
(430) 
(249) 
(13) 
– 

(3,273) 

605
101
176
(111)
342
12
(217)

908

(108)
(22)

(130)

778

778

(2,260)
(6)

(2,266)
(400)
778
12
(705)

(2,581)

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 121

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 6: Group Structure

6.6  DEED OF CROSS GUARANTEE (CONTINUED)

Set out below is a consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2020 of the Closed Group.

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

302 
5,858 
246 

6,406 

5,078 
1,030 
4,650 
1,321 

12,079 

18,485 

8,955 
342 

9,297 

144 
2,204 
494 

2,842 

12,139 

6,346 

9,037 
582 
(3,273) 

6,346 

119
4,159
245

4,523

6,768
986
4,440
1,422

13,616

18,139

6,072
269

6,341

2,817
1,926
281

5,024

11,365

6,774

9,037
318
(2,581)

6,774

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   

122 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 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 $13 million (2019: $10 million).

The following amounts are recognised in the Group’s statement of financial position in relation to employee benefits:

Current assets 
Defined contribution surplus 

Current provisions 
Employee benefits 

Non-current provisions 
Employee benefits 

Total employee benefits provisions 

2020 
US$million 

2019 
US$million

– 

92 

7 

99 

3

56

12

68

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 123

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 7: People

7.2  SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS

The Group provides benefits to employees of the Group through share-based incentives. Employees are paid for their services or 
incentivised for their performance in part through shares or rights over shares. 

There are two main share-based payment plans: equity-settled share-based payment plans and cash-settled share-based payment 
plans. The equity-settled plans consist of the general employee share-based payment plans, 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:

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  
Other equity grants 

2020 
US$000 

2019 
US$000

(785) 
(2,585) 
(9,499) 
(2,430) 
(2,722) 

(18,021) 

(724)
(1,857)
(8,287)
(2,438)
(3,537)

(16,843)

The net impact from share-based payment plans, net of Treasury shares utilised in the current year, is an increase in accumulated losses 
of $13 million. The net impact on accumulated losses from share-based payment plans in 2019 was a decrease of $12 million. 

124 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. Directors of the Company, casual employees, 
employees on fixed-term contracts and employees on international assignment are excluded from participating in the 
Share1000 Plan and the ShareMatch Plan.

Share1000

ShareMatch

What is it?

The Share1000 Plan provides for grants of fully 
paid ordinary shares up to a value determined 
by the Board, which in 2020 was A$1,000 per 
employee (2019: A$1,000).

The employee’s 
ownership and right 
to deal with them

Subject to restrictions until the earlier of the 
expiration of the three-year restriction period 
and the time when the employee ceases to  
be in employment.

How is the fair value 
recognised?

The fair value of these shares is recognised 
as an employee expense with a corresponding 
increase in issued capital, and the fair value per 
share is determined by the Volume Weighted 
Average Price (“VWAP”) of ordinary Santos 
shares on the ASX during the week up to and 
including the date of issue of the shares.

The ShareMatch Plan allows for the purchase of 
shares up to A$10,000, comprising up to $5,000 
pre-tax and up to $5,000 post-tax. Shares are 
provided via an employee loan, repaid over a 
maximum 12-month period, and to receive SARs 
at a ratio of 1:1 or as otherwise set by the Board.

Upon vesting, subject to restrictions until 
the earlier of the expiration of the three-year 
restriction period for the first A$5,000 and four 
years for the balance, 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 

2020 

2020 

2019 

Share1000 Plan 

ShareMatch Plan

Issue date 

  Issued shares 
No. 

Fair value  
per share 
A$ 

Issued shares 
No. 

Fair value
per share
A$

  4 September 

195,110 

5.56 

1,740,621 

6 January 

7,488 

24 July 

150,192 

6.94 

6.94 

14,832 

572,196 

5.56

6.94

6.94

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 125

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 7: People

7.2  SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS (CONTINUED)

i.  General employee share plans (continued)

The number of SARs outstanding, and movements throughout the financial year are:

Year 

2020 Total 

2019 Total 

  Beginning of 
the year 
No. 

Granted 
No. 

Lapsed 
No. 

Vested 
No. 

End of the
year
No.

1,467,872 

1,755,453 

(37,474) 

(508,618) 

2,677,233

1,513,743 

572,196 

(29,967) 

(588,100) 

1,467,872

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$) 

6 January 2020  4 September 2020
5.67
nil
3.3
–
5.67

8.37 
nil 
2.5 
1.9 
7.97 

The loan arrangements relating to the ShareMatch Plan are as follows:

 During the year the Company utilised $7 million of Treasury shares (2019: $3 million) under the ShareMatch Plan, with 
$4 million (2019: $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 

2020 
US$000 

2019 
US$000

1,671 

7,095 

(4,006) 

137 

4,897 

1,104

2,798

(2,188)

(43)

1,671

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 2020 LTI Program offers consisted only of SARs. Performance Awards were granted to eligible executives in 2020 who 
were granted one four-year grant (1 January 2020 – 31 December 2023).

126 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

2020 Total 

2019 Total 

  Beginning of 
the year 
No. 

Granted 
No. 

Lapsed 
No. 

Vested 
No. 

End of the
year
No.

11,218,859 

2,667,841 

(940,796) 

(3,662,439) 

9,323,465

11,332,550 

3,783,073 

(68,478) 

(3,828,286) 

11,218,859

The SARs granted during 2020 totalling 2,667,841 were issued across the following four tranches, each with varying valuations:

Senior Executive LTI – granted 19 March 2020

2020

Performance Awards 

Q1 

Q2 

Q3 

Q4

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) 
Risk-free interest rate (% p.a.) 
Total granted (No.) 

ASX 100 
$0.98 
$2.75 
nil 
41% 
4 
0.4% 
556,417 

S&P GEI 
$1.08 
$2.75 
nil 
41% 
4 
0.4% 
556,395 

FCFBP 
$2.75 
$2.75 
nil 
41% 
4 
0.4% 
556,375 

ROACE
$2.75
$2.75
nil
41%
4
0.4%
556,356

Senior Executive LTI – granted 9 April 2020

2020

Performance Awards 

Q1 

Q2 

Q3 

Q4

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) 
Risk-free interest rate (% p.a.) 
Total granted (No.) 

ASX 100 
$2.06 
$4.61 
nil 
43% 
4 
0.3% 
110,575 

S&P GEI 
$2.19 
$4.61 
nil 
43% 
4 
0.3% 
110,575 

FCFBP 
$4.61 
$4.61 
nil 
43% 
4 
0.3% 
110,574 

ROACE
$4.61
$4.61
nil
43%
4
0.3%
110,574

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.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 127

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

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 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 2020 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 2014 onwards are subject to additional restrictions on dealing for four 
years after the original grant date. Shares allocated on vesting of SARs granted in 2013 may be subject to additional 
restrictions on dealing for three 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 2010 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 

2020 Total 

2019 Total 

  Beginning of 
the year 
No. 

Granted 
No. 

Lapsed 
No. 

Vested 
No. 

End of the
year
No.

696,921 

471,090 

312,731 

696,921 

– 

– 

(696,921) 

471,090

(312,731) 

696,921

 On 12 March 2020, the Company issued 471,090 deferred shares to eligible executives. The share price and the fair value on 
grant date was A$4.29, measured with reference to the share price on grant date, with no discounting for a dividend yield 
assumption.

iv. Other equity grants

 The SARs in the table below are subject to varying continuous service periods, depending on the specific grant. The number of 
other equity grants outstanding at the end of, and movements throughout, the financial year are:  

Year 

2020 Total  

2019 Total  

  Beginning of 
the year 
No. 

Granted 
No. 

Lapsed 
No. 

Vested 
No. 

End of the
year
No.

2,272,745  

450,667  

(15,799)  

(259,125)  

2,448,488 

2,686,833  

1,564,644  

(1,890,511)  

(88,221)  

2,272,745 

128 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.2  SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS (CONTINUED)

iv. Other equity grants (continued)

The other SARs granted during the year are as follows:

2020
Continuous service period

Grant date

Grant date
10 Jan 2020
10 Jan 2020
26 Mar 2020
11 Jun 2020
3 Dec 2020

SARs 

granted Commencing
17 Dec 2019
17 Dec 2019
17 Feb 2020
12 Jun 2020
19 Oct 2020

14,462
14,461
7,328
404,758
9,658

Expiring
16 Dec 2020
16 Dec 2021
16 Feb 2022
10 Feb 2023
18 Oct 2022

Vesting  
date
17 Dec 2020
17 Dec 2021
17 Feb 2022
11 Feb 2023
19 Oct 2022

Share  
price
8.88 
8.88 
3.79 
5.60 
6.29 

Fair  
value
8.64 
8.47 
3.79 
5.60 
6.29 

Dividend  
yield
2.5% 
2.5% 
– 
– 
– 

(b)  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 benefits 
Retirement benefits 
Other long-term benefits 
Termination benefits 
Share-based payments 

2020 
US$000 

2019 
US$000

7,765 
215 
202 
100 
5,148 

13,430 

7,932
236
115
43
4,739

13,065

(b)  Loans to key management personnel

 In 2020 key management personnel were able to participate in the Santos ShareMatch employee share plan. The 2020 ShareMatch 
offer provided the opportunity for participants to acquire up to A$10,000 in Santos shares, with the Company matching acquired 
shares on a one for one basis with those matching shares subject to a 3 and 4 year vesting period. Acquired shares were funded 
through pre-tax and post-tax deductions from salary which conclude in June 2021. During 2020, loans totalling $36,816 were granted 
to key management personnel under the ShareMatch offer, of which $25,398 remains outstanding at 31 December 2020.

 No other loans have been made, guaranteed or secured, directly or indirectly, by the Company or any of its subsidiaries at any time 
throughout the year to any key management personnel, including their related parties.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 129

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

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. Other than as disclosed in note 
6.2(a), 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 17 February 2021, the Directors of Santos Limited resolved to pay a final dividend of US5.0 cents in respect of the 2020 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 2020. 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:

Audit of statutory report of Santos Limited Group 
Audit of statutory report of controlled entities 

2020 
US$000 

1,945 
155 

2,100 

2019 
US$000

1,844
100

1,944

(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 for other assurance services required by legislation,  

to be performed by the auditor 

Ernst & Young (Australia) for other assurance services, not required  

to be performed by the auditor 

Ernst & Young (Australia) for taxation and other services 

2020 
US$000 

2019 
US$000

247 

636 
1,300 

2,183 

47

226
2,592

2,865

130 / Santos Annual Report 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 2020:

• 

• 

• 

AASB 2018-7 Amendment to Australian Accounting Standards – Definition of Material

AASB 2019-1 Amendments to References to Conceptual Framework in AASB Standards

AASB 2019-3 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards – Interest Rate Benchmark Reform

 These have not had a significant or immediate impact on the Group’s annual consolidated financial statements or half-year 
condensed financial statements.

 In addition, several other standard amendments and interpretations were applicable for the first time in 2020, but were not relevant 
to the Company.

(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 2021, 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) 

Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2

Description

The amendments provide the following mandatory temporary reliefs or practical expedients:

• 

It allows hedging relationships to continue in the event there are amendments or modifications to 
hedging instruments, directly as a result of the interbank Offered rate (“IBOR”) reform.

•  Contractual changes, or changes to cash flows that are directly required by the reform, to be 

treated as changes to a floating interest rate, equivalent to a movement in a market rate of 
interest.

• 

The amendments provide temporary relief to entities from having to meet the ‘separately 
identifiable’ requirement of AASB 9.

The amendments to IFRS 7 require additional disclosures related to the transition progress and 
exposure of an entity to the IBOR reform programme.

Impact on Group Financial 
Report

There is not expected to be an immediate impact on the Group’s results as a result of the 
amendments to the standards.

Application of standard

1 January 2021 
(with retrospective application from the first year these amendments are adopted, without 
restatement of prior periods).

ii)  Amendments to IAS 16 – Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before intended use

Description

The amendment prohibits entities from deducting from the cost of an item of property, plant 
and equipment (PP&E), any proceeds of the sale of items produced while bringing that asset to 
the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by 
management. Instead, an entity recognises the proceeds from selling such items, and the costs of 
producing those items, in profit or loss.

Impact on Group  
Financial Report

It is yet to be determined what the impact on the Group would be as a result of this amendment to 
the standard.

Application of standard

1 January 2022 
(with retrospective application from the first year these amendments are adopted, without 
restatement of prior periods).

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 131

 
 
 
 
Financial Report

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Section 8: Other

8.4  ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) 

(b)  New standards and interpretations not yet adopted (continued)

iii)  Amendments to IAS 37 – Onerous Contracts – Costs of Fulfilling a Contract

Description

The amendments provide clarification on which costs an entity needs to include when assessing 
whether a contract is onerous or loss-making. The amendments apply a “directly related cost 
approach”.

Impact on Group Financial 
Report

It is yet to be determined what the impact on the Group would be as a result of this amendment to 
the standard.

Application of standard

1 January 2022

Several other amendments to standards and interpretations will apply on or after 1 January 2021, and have not yet been applied; 
however they are not expected to impact the Group’s annual consolidated financial statements. 

132 / Santos Annual Report 2020

Directors’ Declaration
for the year ended 31 December 2020

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 2020 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 2020.

 As at the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members of the Closed Group identified in 
note 6.6 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 17th day of February 2021 

On behalf of the Board:

Director 

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 133

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

Independent Auditor’s Report
to the Members of Santos Limited

Ernst & Young 
121 King William Street 
Adelaide SA 5000 Australia 
GPO Box 1271 Adelaide SA 5001

Tel: +61 8 8417 1600 
Fax: +61 8 8417 1775 
ey.com/au

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 2020, 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 2020 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 (including Independence 
Standards) (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

134 / Santos Annual Report 2020

Recovery of carrying value of exploration and evaluation, goodwill 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.

The Group identified impairment 
indicators in respect of certain oil and gas 
cash generating units (CGUs). Impairment 
testing was undertaken which resulted 
in an impairment charge of $781m being 
recorded during the year, as set out in 
Note 3.4 of the financial report. 

In addition, the Group identified 
impairment indicators in respect of 
certain exploration and evaluation assets. 
The impairment testing of those assets 
resulted in an impairment charge of $114m 
being recorded during the year, as set out 
in Note 3.4 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 CGUs and individual assets.

Where impairment indicators are 
identified, the impairment testing process 
can be complex and requires estimation. 
Assumptions and estimates are affected 
by expected future performance and 
market conditions. Key assumptions, 
judgments and estimates used in the 
formulation of the Group’s impairment 
assessment are set out in the financial 
report in Note 3.4.

Where impairment indicators existed for oil and gas assets, we focussed on the 
composition of the forecast cash flows and the inputs used to formulate any 
recoverable amounts. Depending on the CGU these procedures included:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 we reconciled future production profiles compared to latest reserves and resources 
estimates (discussed further below), current sanctioned development budgets, 
long-term asset plans, and historical operations
 we independently developed a reasonable range of forecast oil and gas price, based 
on external data and, with input from EY valuation specialists. We compared this 
range to the company’s forecast oil and gas price assumptions in order to challenge 
whether they were reasonable. In developing this range, we obtained a variety of 
reputable third-party forecasts, peer information and market data.
 we independently evaluated discount rates used in impairment tests with input from 
EY valuation specialists.
 we understood the operational performance of the CGUs relative to plan, comparing 
future operating and development expenditure to current sanctioned budgets, 
historical expenditure and long-term asset plans, and ensured variations were in 
accordance with our expectations based upon other information obtained 
throughout the audit.
 we examined the reasons for changes to recoverable amounts relative to previous 
assessments.
 we tested the mathematical accuracy of the Group’s discounted cash flow models 
with the assistance of EY valuation specialists. 
 we considered the nature, extent and appropriateness of the inclusion of certain 
items such as restoration and rehabilitation obligations and leases in cashflows and 
carrying amounts of CGUs. Where impairment testing was carried out, incremental 
audit procedures were carried out over restoration and rehabilitation liability 
estimates beyond the standard work program to ensure reasonableness of the 
completeness of the liability. 

A key input to impairment assessments is the production forecast, which in turn closely 
relates to the group’s reserves and resource estimates and development plans. Our audit 
procedures focused on the work of the Group’s experts and included the following:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 we assessed the process and tested controls for the Group associated with 
estimating reserves and resources.
 we read reports provided by internal and external experts and assessed their scope 
of work and findings.
 we assessed the qualifications, competence and objectivity of both the Group’s 
internal and external experts involved in the estimation process. 
 we assessed whether key economic assumptions used in the estimation of reserves 
and resources volumes were not inconsistent with those used by the Group in the 
impairment testing of exploration and evaluation and oil and gas assets, where 
applicable. 

•  we analysed the reasons for reserve changes or the absence of reserves changes, 
for consistency with other information that we obtained throughout the audit.

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 judgments 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

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 135

Financial Report

Independent Auditor’s Report
to the Members of Santos Limited 
(continued)

Changes to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Other Systems 

Why significant

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

In the current period the Group 
implemented a new ERP system, 
replacing three legacy systems. 

The changes to the IT systems entail new 
processes and controls being designed 
and implemented across the Group as 
well as the migration of operational and 
financial data from the legacy systems to 
the new system. 

As such, the change presents inherent 
risks of breakdown of IT dependent 
controls and loss of integrity of financial 
data being migrated, which could lead to 
errors in financial reporting.

We involved IT specialists to assist the audit team to test the controls over change 
management and the migration of key financial data from the legacy systems to the 
new systems. We also tested the general IT control environment in the new systems, 
including access controls and segregation of duties as well as those automated controls 
and mitigating controls critical to financial accounting and reporting process

In addition, our audit procedures included the following: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 considered management’s project plan and the governance controls regarding the 
identification of data to be migrated to the new systems, including the testing of 
appropriate approvals.
 reviewed the process of initial mapping to ensure the existing system configuration, 
data mapping, timelines, periods, and sub-ledger configurations underlying the 
existing data were understood. 
 tested the design and implementation of controls to ensure the data quality and 
appropriateness, including whether the data moved across to the new instances of 
software had received appropriately senior reviews and approval. 
 performed substantive testing on the data of ledgers and sub-ledgers before and 
after the implementation to ensure their completeness and accuracy, including 
performing reconciliations between the legacy and new systems. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

136 / Santos Annual Report 2020

Acquisition of the ConocoPhillips Northern Australian Assets 

Why significant

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

On 28 May 2020 the Group completed 
the acquisition of ConocoPhillips’ 
Northern Australia assets (CoP).

Santos determined it had acquired 
a number of interests within various 
structures including an incorporated 
associate, an undivided interest and joint 
operations as defined under Australian 
Accounting Standards. 

Based on the Australian Accounting 
Standard requirements, Santos was 
required to allocate the purchase 
consideration to the identifiable assets 
and liabilities acquired, based on 
their relative fair values determined 
on acquisition date and where the 
incorporated associate was involved, 
apply the principles of Australian 
Accounting Standards to the underlying 
equity accounted investment.  As 
disclosed in Note 6.2 of the financial 
report, the Group acquired $1,304m of 
net identifiable assets.

The acquisition is significant and complex 
due to the consideration paid and the 
judgment required by the Group to 
determine the nature and structure of the 
projects acquired and to measure the fair 
values of the assets acquired and liabilities 
assumed. 

Our audit procedures included the following: 

• 

• 

• 

 considered management’s accounting treatments across the interests acquired with 
reference to the Australian Accounting Standards.
 evaluated the Group’s determination of the purchase consideration with reference to 
the underlying sale and purchase 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.

 Independently assessed the fair value of oil and gas and exploration and evaluation 
assets and restoration liabilities for the purpose of allocating the purchase 
consideration. In conjunction with EY valuation specialists, we:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 considered the discount rates, foreign exchange rates and commodity prices 
with reference to market prices (where available) and current sales contracts. 
We agreed cashflows, as appropriate, to sanctioned development budgets, long 
term-asset plans, contractual arrangements and tested the mathematical 
accuracy of the cash flow models.
 considered whether the financial modelling methodology, used to measure fair 
value, was in accordance with the requirements of Australian Accounting 
Standards;
 performed valuation cross checks on the acquired exploration and evaluation 
assets with reference to reserves and/or contingent and prospective resource 
multiples;
 assessed decommissioning and restoration liability values in examination of third 
party restoration cost estimates; review of the composition of the cost 
estimate and methodologies adopted as well as appropriateness of contingency 
rates included and the market inputs applied such as inflation and discount 
rates.
 tested the working capital balances acquired including cash, inventory and 
trade receivable and payables.
 involved our taxation specialists in considering the current and deferred tax 
impacts of income tax across the relevant jurisdictions on the accounting for 
the acquisition.

We also focused on the adequacy of the financial report disclosures regarding the basis 
of acquisition accounting adopted and the assumptions applied by management in 
accounting for the acquisition. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 137

 
Financial Report

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 
2020 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

138 / Santos Annual Report 2020

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, actions taken to eliminate threats or safeguards applied.

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 57 of the directors’ report for the year ended 31 December 2020.

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Santos Limited for the year ended 31 December 2020, 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   
17 February 2021

D Hall 
Partner 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 139

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Report

Auditor’s Independence Declaration
to the Directors of Santos Limited

Ernst & Young 
121 King William Street 
Adelaide SA 5000 Australia 
GPO Box 1271 Adelaide SA 5001

Tel: +61 8 8417 1600 
Fax: +61 8 8417 1775 
ey.com/au

As lead auditor for the audit of the financial report of Santos Limited for the financial year ended 31 December 2020, 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

17 February 2021

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation

140 / Santos Annual Report 2020

Securities Exchange 
and Shareholder Information

Listed on the Australian Securities Exchange at 31 January 2021 were 2,083,066,041 fully paid ordinary shares. Unlisted were 5,000 
partly paid Plan 0 shares and 5,000 partly paid Plan 2 shares. 

There were 127,809 holders of all classes of issued ordinary shares, including: 1 holder of Plan 0 shares: 1 holder of Plan 2 shares.

This compared with 105,653 holders of all classes of issued ordinary shares a year earlier.

As at 31 January 2021 there were also: 281 holders of 15,632,195 Share Acquisition Rights pursuant to the SEEIP and 1,510 holders of 
2,653,810 Share Acquisition Rights pursuant to the ShareMatch Plan.

The listed issued ordinary shares plus the ordinary shares issued pursuant to the SEEIP, 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 74.29% of the total voting power in Santos (77.45% on 31 January 2020). The largest shareholders of fully paid ordinary 
shares in Santos as shown in the Company’s Register of Members at 31 January 2021 were:

Name

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited

J P Morgan Nominees Australia Pty Limited

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited – A/C 2

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

National Nominees Limited

BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd  

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 

BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd  

Argo Investments Limited

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 

Sesap Pty Ltd 

BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd Hub24 Custodial Serv Ltd 

Sesap Pty Ltd  

BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd  

Netwealth Investments Limited  

AMP Life Limited

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited-GSCO ECA 

UBS Nomnees Pty Ltd 

Nulis Nominees (Australia) Limited 

Navigator Australia Ltd  

Total:

Balance as at 31-01-2021

575,389,104

294,752,169

284,960,441

148,617,615

97,290,051

44,269,192

30,945,831

21,361,174

10,942,014

7,755,821

6,446,100

3,762,466

3,376,629

3,020,174

2,984,558

2,923,923

2,806,932

2,294,031

1,937,715

1,925,848

%

27.62%

14.15%

13.68%

7.13%

4.67%

2.13%

1.49%

1.03%

0.53%

0.37%

0.31%

0.18%

0.16%

0.14%

0.14%

0.14%

0.13%

0.11%

0.09%

0.09%

1,547,761,788

74.29%

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 141

Securities Exchange 
and Shareholder Information
(continued)

ANALYSIS OF SHARES – RANGE OF SHARES HELD 

1–1,000

1,001–5,000

5,001–10,000

10,001–100,000

100,001 and over 

Total

Less than a marketable parcel of $500

Fully paid ordinary 
shares (holders)

%  
of holders

%  
of shares held 

51,556

51,750 

14,200 

10,018 

284 

127,808

3,271

40.34%

40.49%

11.11%

7.84%

0.22%

1.13%

6.25%

 4.95%

10.21% 

77.46% 

100.000

100.000

Substantial Shareholders as disclosed by notices received by the Company as at 31 January 2021:

Name

Hony Partners Group, L.P. and others

ENN Ecological Holdings Co Ltd and others

Santos Limited

BlackRock Group and others

Number of voting 
shares held

Date of notice

309,734,518*

5 May 2017 

314,734,518*

5 May 2017

318,192,274*

27 June 2017

107,267,782

7 April 2020

*  As 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. 

142 / Santos Annual Report 2020

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.

carbon capture and storage 
Process of capturing, dehydrating, injecting 
and permanently storing carbon dioxide so 
that it's not released into the atmosphere.

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 that are 
estimated, on a given date, to be potentially 
recoverable from known accumulations, 
but that are not currently considered to 
be commercially recoverable. Contingent 
resources may be of a significant size, 
but still have constraints to development. 
These constraints, preventing the booking 
of reserves, may relate to lack of gas 
marketing arrangements or to technical, 
environmental or political barriers.

crude oil 
A general term for unrefined liquid 
petroleum or hydrocarbons.

EBITDAX 
Earnings before interest, tax, impairment, 
depreciation (or depletion), amortisation 
and exploration and evaluation expense.

exploration 
Drilling, seismic or technical studies 
undertaken to identify and evaluate regions 
or prospects with the potential to contain 
hydrocarbons.

FEED 
Front end engineering design.

FID 
Final investment decision.

hydrocarbon 
Compounds containing only the elements 
hydrogen and carbon, which may exist as 
solids, liquids or gases.

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

1 PJ =  
171.937 boe x 10³

1 barrel = 1 boe

Sales gas  
and ethane

Crude oil

1 barrel = 0.935 boe 

Condensate

1 tonne = 8.458 boe 

1 PJ = 18,040 tonnes 

LPG

LNG

1 tonne = 52.54 mmBtu

LNG

For a comprehensive online conversion 
calculator tool, please visit our homepage at 
www.santos.com

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.

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 
person’s 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 
that is gaseous at normal temperatures but 
that 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.

mmbbl 
million barrels.

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.

Santos Annual Report 2020 / 143

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

Jodie Hatherly 
Vice President Environment, Social Responsibility and Governance 
BA, LLB

Ms Hatherly’s biography can be read on page 9.

Amanda Devonish 
Company Secretary and Senior Corporate Lawyer 
BCom, LLB (with Hons), GAICD

Ms 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. 

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)

144 / Santos Annual Report 2020

Designed and produced at www.twelvecreative.com.au