3rd Qtr Report

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 


 

FORM 6-K

 

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 


 

For the month of November 3, 2003

 

PetroKazakhstan Inc.


(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

140-4th Ave. S.W. #1460, Calgary AB, T2P 3N3


(Address of principal executive offices)

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:  

 

Form 20-F [  ]    Form 40-F [X]

 

Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  

 

Yes [  ]    No [X]

 

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-

 



LOGO   NEWS RELEASE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 03, 2003

FOR:

  PETROKAZAKHSTAN INC.     

SUBJECT:

  Q3 Financial Results     

 

CALGARY, Alberta – PetroKazakhstan Inc. (“PetroKazakhstan”) announces its financial results for the three months ending September 30, 2003. All amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

 

HIGHLIGHTS:

 

  Third consecutive quarter of record earnings and cash flow
  KAM pipeline operational and realising material cost savings
  Record export shipments of crude oil
  Excellent results of exploration program in North Nurali

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS:    Nine Months ended Sept. 30

   Three Months ended Sept. 30

(in millions of US$ except per share amounts)


   2003

   2002

   2003

   2002

Gross Revenue

   $ 806.7    $ 568.7    $ 303.2    $ 248.0

Net income

     227.2      117.4      90.7      60.5

Per share (basic)

     2.90      1.45      1.17      0.74

Per share (diluted)

     2.79      1.39      1.12      0.71

Cash flow

     288.4      160.4      108.5      79.1

Per share (basic)

     3.69      1.98      1.40      0.97

Per share (diluted)

     3.55      1.90      1.34      0.93

Weight Average Shares Outstanding

                           

Basic

     78,258,611      81,042,900      77,707,623      81,301,955

Diluted

     81,288,890      84,483,117      81,266,718      84,742,172

Shares Outstanding at End of Period

     77,771,788      81,041,485      77,771,788      81,041,485

 

For the third quarter of 2003, PetroKazakhstan reports $90.7 million of net income, a 49.9% increase over the quarter ended September, 2002 and $108.5 million of cash flow, a 37.2% increase over the quarter ended September 30, 2002. This represents basic net income per share of $1.17 and basic cash flow per share of $1.40 for the quarter. The comparable figures for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 were $0.74 basic net income per share and $0.97 basic cash flow per share.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2003 net income was $227.2 million, a 93.5% increase over the same period of 2002, and cash flow of $288.4 million, a 79.8% increase over the same period of 2002. This represents basic net income per share of $2.90 and basic cash flow per share of $3.69. The comparable figures for the six months ended September 30, 2002, were net income per share of $1.45 and basic cash flow per share of $1.98.

 

On August 5, 2003 PetroKazakhstan received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange to proceed with the renewal of its normal course issuer bid in connection with its share repurchase program. The share repurchase program enables PetroKazakhstan to repurchase in accordance with the rules and policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange up to 5,775,028 common shares through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange, representing 10% of its public float from time to time during the next 12 months. All shares purchased under the share repurchase program by PetroKazakhstan will be cancelled.

 

1


The renewed share repurchase program commenced on August 7, 2003 and will terminate when PetroKazakhstan has purchased the maximum allowable number of shares unless it provides earlier notice of termination. If not previously terminated, the renewed share repurchase program will terminate on August 6, 2004. No shares have yet been acquired under the new program.

 

UPSTREAM OPERATIONS REVIEW

 

Production

 

During the third quarter of 2003, PetroKazakhstan’s production volumes totaled 14.2 million barrels or an average of 154,712 barrels of oil per day (“bopd”). This represents an 8.1% increase over the third quarter 2002 production of 143,175 bopd and a 6.6% increase over the second quarter of 2003 production rates of 145,066 bopd. The Company anticipates that the average production over the full year will be in the region of 155,000 bopd representing a 14.1% increase over 2002 average production of 135,842 bopd. For the week ending October 30th, 2003, production had increased to approximately 167,000 bopd.

 

PetroKazakhstan currently has 8 service rigs operating that are conducting repair and maintenance work on wells to optimize daily production.

 

Exploration and Appraisal

 

Appraisal of the North Nurali field continued in the third quarter with the drilling of 3 wells. Well NN-3 requires hydro-fracing stimulation. Wells NN-4 and NN-7 are being tested. Initial flow rates are very encouraging. One zone in NN-7 flowed at 170 bopd; two more zones are still to be examined. NN-4 has been production tested at 1,313 bopd and 2,361 bopd from two zones with one more zone still to be examined. An additional upper zone is still to be investigated. The Company plans to drill 2 further wells on the field before year-end, one in the southern area and a deeper well on the flank for which a new rig has been mobilized and is currently drilling. In addition, hydro-fracing stimulation will be conducted in two of the original discovery wells to establish full delivery potential. This appraisal work will enable estimation of commercial reserves by year-end and progression into the field development.

 

The Company has concluded the purchase of a 160,668 acre license #952, which is to the north of the Kyzylkiya field, in October. At least one well will be drilled before year-end, with the intention to proceed with a second well and 3D seismic early in 2004.

 

Kumkol Facilities and Fields

 

Construction of two new Free Water Knockout (FWKO) facilities was completed and commissioning is in progress. These facilities will further enhance the fluid handling capabilities within the field as water production gradually increases.

 

Additional down-hole pumps were installed in Kumkol South and South Kumkol wells, which resulted in production increases.

 

Debottlenecking of the Central Processing Facility (CPF) inlet began in September with the extension of a 12-inch oil gathering truck line directly to the Thermal Design Engineering (TDE) separation facility at the CPF. This extension will carry production from existing Kumkol South FWKO facilities and all of the production from South Kumkol to the TDE, reducing the process load on the CPF and creating additional process capacity.

 

Gas Utilization

 

The construction of the 55-megawatt gas power plant at Kumkol is complete and was being commissioned during October. This project will enable PetroKazakhstan to utilize associated produced gas and to establish a more reliable source of electricity within its fields. Excess electricity will be provided for sale into the Kazakhstan

 

2


domestic market. The gas utilization project is jointly owned, with PetroKazakhstan and Turgai Petroleum CJSC (“Turgai”), each having an equal share.

 

KAM Fields

 

The 6-inch pipeline connecting Kyzylkiya to Aryskum is complete and the upgrade of the processing facility to handle water production was completed on schedule. Final commissioning is in progress.

 

Construction of the Aryskum 8-inch pipeline to the main KAM pipeline, as well as the Aryskum truck offloading facility and oil processing facility was completed on schedule. Final commissioning is in progress for start up in early November. Crude oil trucking costs will be reduced with the start up of the Aryskum truck offloading facility and direct pipeline connection to the Dzhusaly terminal.

 

One more Aryskum appraisal well was drilled in October; it is expected to allow conversion of possible reserves into proven plus probable, and also to confirm the reservoir quality of 3D seismic amplitude anomalies interpreted along the flank of the field. One or two more additional appraisal wells are planned to be drilled before year-end.

 

Only one of the newly drilled Maibulak wells will be converted to an injector, while the other two will be designated as producers due to the discovery of new multiple productive horizons, in these wells initially intended for water injection. Equipment has been procured for the Maibulak water injection system; construction should be completed by the end of the fourth quarter. Pumps have now been installed in 5 producing wells and a pilot water injection operation was initiated in an existing well in August.

 

KAM Pipeline

 

The 177 kilometer, 16-inch pipeline from Kumkol to Dzhusaly via the KAM fields has now been in use for a full quarter with no operational problems. The pipeline is capable of transporting and loading into rail cars 140,000 bopd and negates some 1,300 kilometers of pipeline and rail transportation currently in use. The KAM pipeline is the first high-pressure oil pipeline built in Kazakhstan and the Dzhusaly rail loading terminal is the fastest loading facility in Kazakhstan.

 

This material development has shown transportation cost savings in the region of $2.00 per barrel. These savings will vary depending on the ultimate destination of future shipments and will become apparent as the sales are completed. In addition to cost savings, this facility provides additional transportation and marketing capacity and flexibility.

 

East Kumkol

 

Joint Venture agreements with Turgai for the development and operation of the East Kumkol field, which extends unto the Kumkol North license, continue to progress. Government contracts, regulatory approvals and development projects are reaching final negotiating positions.

 

Kumkol North

 

A 27 well 2003 drilling program is progressing with 22 wells having been drilled to the end of September. Work has started on a new water injection plant due for commissioning in the fourth quarter and a new FWKO facility will be on line at the same time.

 

Kazgermunai

 

Two water injection wells were drilled in the Akshabulak field. The program, designed to increase field production by de-bottlenecking the system, has been completed with the installation of larger export pumps. In addition, construction of a water injection facility is continuing.

 

One production well has been drilled in the Aksai field. Four additional wells should be drilled in the Kazgermunai area in the fourth quarter; one in the Nurali field and three in the Akshabulak field.

 

3


CRUDE OIL MARKETING & TRANSPORTATION

 

Total shipments of crude oil destined for export during the third quarter were slightly higher than in the second quarter, registering a 1.5% increase. However, the month of September broke all previous records for shipments. The daily average shipments during September were just over 108,400 bopd (14,000 tonnes per day), with a ‘high’ recorded in excess of 193,600 barrels (25,000 tonnes) on one day.

 

The development of new destinations, new customers and the use of new loading terminals provided expansion in capacity, reductions in transportation costs and increased the flexibility of operations.

 

Liftings through the KAM pipeline and Dzhusaly terminal continued to grow and accounted for 45.9% of the volumes shipped in the third quarter.

 

Deliveries to China from the terminal at Atasu, which improves transportation costs to China, grew rapidly and accounted for 19.4% of all shipments in the third quarter, compared to 4.8% in the second quarter.

 

Shipments to the Fergana refinery in Uzbekistan grew by 29.1%, against the previous quarter.

 

Following the Memorandum of Understanding between the Company and Lukoil, proposing the shipment of Turgai Petroleum crude oil through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), all the necessary contracts between Turgai Petroleum, Lukoil and CPC have been concluded. As a result shipments of Kumkol crude produced by Turgai Petroleum via CPC to Novorossiisk commenced during October and are planned to increase in the following months.

 

As a consequence of these developments, the dependence on Tekesu for exports declined. Tekesu accounted for 31.3% of shipments in the third quarter compared to 94.6% in the second quarter, and, historically, 100%.

 

The modifications being carried out by the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) and the Iranian Railways at the Rey terminal in Tehran are nearing completion. Whilst the NIOC has experienced procurement problems with some equipment, shipments through the Iranian swap are nevertheless still expected to commence during the fourth quarter.

 

The average Brent quotation during the third quarter was $28.41 per barrel, which was higher than the $26.03 per barrel seen during the second quarter. Prices remained volatile with a spread of a little over $4.50 per barrel between the high and low recorded in the third quarter.

 

Crude oil sales recorded during the third quarter 2003 were 22.2% higher than in the previous quarter and 14.0% up on the same period of 2002. The higher volumes and the more robust market prices generated higher gross revenue on crude exports. As a result of the improvements mentioned above, the net sales revenue after transportation costs improved by $3.14 per barrel versus the second quarter of 2003.

 

REFINING AND REFINED PRODUCT SALES

 

The refinery throughput in the third quarter of 2003 was increased by 10% to 8.29 million barrels compared to 7.52 million barrels in the previous quarter as domestic and export refined product market conditions continued to improve.

 

Refined product prices grew by $3.61 per barrel ($28 per tonne) on average against the previous quarter, a 25% increase.

 

The upgrade work at the refinery continues and nears completion with both the Vacuum Distillation Unit and the new energy saving boiler facility due for start up late in the fourth quarter.

 

4


MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS (“MD&A”)

 

A full MD&A of the Third Quarter of 2003 is available on the Company’s website and can also be obtained on application from the Company.

 

PetroKazakhstan Inc. is an independent, vertically integrated, international energy company, celebrating its seventh year of operations in the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil and gas, refining of oil and the sale of oil and refined products.

 

PetroKazakhstan shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange, The Toronto Stock Exchange, the London Stock Exchange, and the Frankfurt exchange under the worldwide symbol PKZ. The Company’s website can be accessed at www.petrokazakhstan.com.

 

The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein.

 

For further information please contact:

 

Nicholas H. Gay

Senior Vice President Finance and CFO

+44 (1753) 410-020

+44 77-48-633-226 (cell)

 

Ihor P. Wasylkiw

Vice President Investor Relations

+1 (403) 221-8658

+1 (403) 383-2234 (cell)

 

Jeffrey D. Auld

Manager Investor Relations-Europe

+ 44 (1753) 410-020

+ 44 79-00-891-538 (cell)

 

This news release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. You are referred to our Annual Report on Form 20-F and our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian securities commissions for a discussion of the various factors that may affect our future performance and other important risk factors concerning us and our operations.

 

5


INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS (DEFICIT)

(EXPRESSED IN THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

UNAUDITED

 

     Three months ended
September 30,


    Nine months ended
September 30,


 
     2003

    2002

    2003

    2002

 

REVENUE

                        

Crude oil

   163,955     143,820     440,372     319,606  

Refined products

   137,355     101,031     359,769     240,476  

Processing fees

         678     449     2,112  

Interest and other income

   1,842     2,433     6,086     6,497  
    

 

 

 

     303,152     247,962     806,676     568,691  
    

 

 

 

EXPENSES

                        

Production

   15,812     15,256     49,961     41,669  

Royalties and taxes

   24,729     21,538     54,149     43,709  

Transportation

   56,319     50,194     171,591     100,131  

Refining

   3,519     5,280     10,921     17,607  

Crude oil and refined product purchases

   16,978     11,765     42,394     50,414  

Selling

   6,960     8,102     19,150     18,724  

General and administrative

   14,780     14,440     40,354     42,270  

Interest and financing costs

   7,635     8,828     28,761     26,078  

Depletion and depreciation

   22,377     11,686     60,878     29,064  

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

   1,950     1,362     (3,576 )   1,771  
    

 

 

 

     171,059     148,451     474,583     371,437  
    

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE UNUSUAL ITEM

   132,093     99,511     332,093     197,254  
    

 

 

 

UNUSUAL ITEM

                        

Arbitration settlement

   —       43     —       7,134  
    

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

   132,093     99,468     332,093     190,120  
    

 

 

 

INCOME TAXES (Note 10)

                        

Current provision

   45,891     36,358     109,143     64,706  

Future income tax

   (5,082 )   2,206     (6,040 )   6,312  
    

 

 

 

     40,809     38,564     103,103     71,018  
    

 

 

 

NET INCOME BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST

   91,284     60,904     228,990     119,102  

MINORITY INTEREST

   551     391     1,822     1,672  
    

 

 

 

NET INCOME

   90,733     60,513     227,168     117,430  

RETAINED EARNINGS (DEFICIT), BEGINNING OF PERIOD

   204,008     (9,465 )   78,821     (66,366 )

Normal course issuer bid (Note 9)

   —       (2,164 )   (11,232 )   (2,164 )

Preferred share dividends

   (8 )   (7 )   (24 )   (23 )
    

 

 

 

RETAINED EARNINGS, END OF PERIOD

   294,733     48,877     294,733     48,877  
    

 

 

 

BASIC NET INCOME PER SHARE (Note 11)

   1.17     0.74     2.90     1.45  
    

 

 

 

DILUTED NET INCOME PER SHARE (Note 11)

   1.12     0.71     2.79     1.39  
    

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements.

 

6


INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(EXPRESSED IN THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)

UNAUDITED


     September 30,
2003


  

December 31,

2002


ASSETS

         

CURRENT

         

Cash and cash equivalents (Note 4)

   255,140    74,796

Accounts receivable (Note 5)

   146,551    92,431

Inventory

   33,462    40,529

Prepaid expenses

   45,297    44,594

Current portion of future income tax asset

   10,911    9,049
    
  
     491,361    261,399

Deferred charges

   7,109    5,321

Restricted Cash (Note 6)

   15,600    —  

Future income tax asset

   25,596    24,529

Property, plant and equipment

   471,731    405,479
    
  

TOTAL ASSETS

   1,011,397    696,728
    
  

LIABILITIES

         

CURRENT

         

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   96,766    96,076

Short-term debt (Note 7)

   92,474    25,947

Prepayments for crude oil and refined products

   2,388    3,540
    
  
     191,628    125,563

Long-term debt (Note 8)

   299,639    266,603

Provision for future site restoration costs

   7,940    4,167

Future income tax liability

   13,903    17,015
    
  
     513,110    413,348
    
  

Minority interest

   12,575    10,753

Preferred shares of subsidiary

   80    83

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 15)

         

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

         

Share capital (Note 9)

   190,899    193,723

Retained earnings

   294,733    78,821
    
  
     485,632    272,544
    
  

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   1,011,397    696,728
    
  

 

See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements.

 

7


INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW

(EXPRESSED IN THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS)

UNAUDITED


     Three months ended
September 30,


    Nine months ended
September 30,


 
     2003

    2002

    2003

    2002

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

                        

Net income

   90,733     60,513     227,168     117,430  

Items not affecting cash:

                        

Depletion and depreciation

   22,377     11,686     60,878     29,064  

Amortization of deferred charges

   510     388     3,562     1,013  

Minority interest

   551     391     1,822     1,672  

Other non-cash charges

   (591 )   3,917     1,001     4,923  

Future income tax

   (5,082 )   2,206     (6,040 )   6,312  
    

 

 

 

Cash flow

   108,498     79,101     288,391     160,414  

Changes in non-cash operating working capital items

   (3,094 )   (6,400 )   (45,462 )   (31,548 )
    

 

 

 

Cash flow from operating activities

   105,404     72,701     242,929     128,866  
    

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

                        

Short-term debt

   (8,294 )   20,659     8,381     18,721  

Purchase of common shares (Note 9)

   —       (3,066 )   (14,847 )   (3,066 )

Long-term debt

   (16,268 )   (8,581 )   82,540     16,614  

Deferred charges paid

   —       —       (3,601 )   —    

Proceeds from issue of share capital, net of share issuance costs

   322     127     792     740  

Preferred share dividends

   (8 )   (7 )   (24 )   (23 )
    

 

 

 

Cash flow used in financing activities

   (24,248 )   9,132     73,241     32,986  
    

 

 

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

                        

Restricted cash (note 6)

   (15,600 )   —       (15,600 )   —    

Long-term investment

   —       —       —       40,000  

Capital expenditures

   (36,016 )   (48,055 )   (121,480 )   (101,559 )

Proceeds from sale of fixed assets

   1,258     —       1,258     —    

Purchase of preferred shares of subsidiary

   —       (2,854 )   (4 )   (2,859 )
    

 

 

 

Cash flow used in investing activities

   (50,358 )   (50,909 )   (135,826 )   (64,418 )
    

 

 

 

INCREASE IN CASH

   30,798     30,924     180,344     97,434  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

   224,342     131,322     74,796     64,812  
    

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

   255,140     162,246     255,140     162,246  
    

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the interim consolidated financial statements.

 

8


NOTES TO THE INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(EXPRESSED IN THOUSANDS OF UNITED STATES DOLLARS TABULAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED)

UNAUDITED


 

1 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The interim consolidated financial statements of PetroKazakhstan Inc. (“PetroKazakhstan” or the “Corporation”) have been prepared by management, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada. PetroKazakhstan Inc. was formerly known as Hurricane Hydrocarbons Ltd. Its main operating subsidiaries Hurricane Kumkol Munai (“HKM”) and Hurricane Oil Products (“HOP”) were renamed PetroKazakhstan Kumkol Resources (“PKKR”) and PetroKazakhstan Oil Products (“PKOP”), respectively. Certain information and disclosures normally required to be included in the notes to the annual financial statements have been omitted or condensed. The interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto in PetroKazakhstan’s Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2002. The accounting principles applied are consistent with those as set out in the Corporation’s annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2002.

 

The presentation of certain amounts for previous periods has been changed to conform with the presentation adopted for the current period.

 

2 SEGMENTED INFORMATION

 

On a primary basis the business segments are:

  Upstream comprising the exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas.
  Downstream comprising refining and the marketing of refined products and the management of the marketing of crude oil.

 

Upstream results include revenue from crude oil sales to Downstream, reflected as crude oil purchases in Downstream, as this presentation properly reflects segment results. This revenue is eliminated on consolidation.

 

9


3 months ended September 30, 2003

 

     Upstream     Downstream     Corporate     Eliminations     Consolidated  

REVENUE

                              

Crude oil

   185,389     —       —       (21,434 )   163,955  

Refined products

   26,399     123,911     —       (12,955 )   137,355  

Processing fees

   —       —       —       —       —    

Interest and other income

   1,218     (6 )   630     —       1,842  
    

 

 

 

 

     213,006     123,905     630     (34,389 )   303,152  
    

 

 

 

 

EXPENSES

                              

Production

   15,812     —       —       —       15,812  

Royalties and taxes

   24,553     176     —       —       24,729  

Transportation

   54,307     2,012     —       —       56,319  

Refining

   —       3,519     —       —       3,519  

Crude oil and refined product purchases

   15,415     35,952     —       (34,389 )   16,978  

Selling

   3,371     3,589     —       —       6,960  

General and administrative

   8,415     4,980     1,385     —       14,780  

Interest and financing costs

   6,936     699     —       —       7,635  

Depletion and depreciation

   17,569     4,784     24     —       22,377  

Foreign exchange loss

   1,390     427     133     —       1,950  
    

 

 

 

 

     147,768     56,138     1,542     (34,389 )   171,059  
    

 

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

   65,238     67,767     (912 )   —       132,093  
    

 

 

 

 

INCOME TAXES

                              

Current provision

   28,908     15,317     1,666     —       45,891  

Future income tax

   (7,856 )   2,774     —       —       (5,082 )
    

 

 

 

 

     21,052     18,091     1,666     —       40,809  

MINORITY INTEREST

   —       551     —       —       551  
    

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   44,186     49,125     (2,578 )   —       90,733  
    

 

 

 

 

Intersegment revenue

   21,434     12,955     —       —       —    
    

 

 

 

 

As at September 30, 2003

   Upstream     Downstream     Corporate           Consolidated  

Total assets

   693,862     170,266     147,269           1,011,397  

Total liabilities

   455,686     56,318     1,106           513,110  

Capital expenditures in the quarter

   34,346     2,313     420           37,079  

 

10


3 months ended September 30, 2002

 

     Upstream    Downstream     Corporate     Eliminations     Consolidated

REVENUE

                           

Crude oil

   161,128    —       —       (17,308 )   143,820

Refined products

   62,617    42,340     —       (3,926 )   101,031

Processing fees

   —      678     —       —       678

Interest and other income

   1,706    425     302     —       2,433
    
  

 

 

 
     225,451    43,443     302     (21,234 )   247,962
    
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

                           

Production

   15,256    —       —       —       15,256

Royalties and taxes

   20,899    639     —       —       21,538

Transportation

   50,194    —       —       —       50,194

Refining

   —      5,280     —       —       5,280

Crude oil and refined product purchases

   13,947    19,052     —       (21,234 )   11,765

Selling

   4,883    3,219     —       —       8,102

General and administrative

   8,821    4,391     1,228     —       14,440

Interest and financing costs

   2,024    489     6,315     —       8,828

Depletion and depreciation

   8,351    3,311     24     —       11,686

Foreign exchange loss

   294    1,004     64     —       1,362
    
  

 

 

 
     124,669    37,385     7,631     (21,234 )   148,451
    
  

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE UNUSUAL ITEMS

   100,782    6,058     (7,329 )   —       99,511
    
  

 

 

 

UNUSUAL ITEM

                           

Arbitration settlement

   43    —       —       —       43
    
  

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

   100,739    6,058     (7,329 )   —       99,468
    
  

 

 

 

INCOME TAXES

                           

Current provision

   28,959    5,593     1,806     —       36,358

Future income tax

   5,705    (3,499 )   —       —       2,206
    
  

 

 

 
     34,664    2,094     1,806     —       38,564
    
  

 

 

 

MINORITY INTEREST

   —      391     —       —       391
    
  

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   66,075    3,573     (9,135 )   —       60,513
    
  

 

 

 

Intersegment revenue

   17,308    3,926     —       —       —  
    
  

 

 

 

As at September 30, 2002

   Upstream    Downstream     Corporate           Consolidated

Total assets

   494,809    132,353     110,222           737,384

Total liabilities

   225,675    39,443     214,601           479,719

Capital expenditures in the quarter

   45,428    2,567     60     48,055

 

11


9 months ended September 30, 2003

 

     Upstream     Downstream     Corporate     Eliminations     Consolidated  

REVENUE

                              

Crude oil

   524,088     —       —       (83,716 )   440,372  

Refined products

   42,942     339,048     —       (22,221 )   359,769  

Processing fees

   —       449     —       —       449  

Interest and other income

   3,937     790     1,359     —       6,086  
    

 

 

 

 

     570,967     340,287     1,359     (105,937 )   806,676  
    

 

 

 

 

EXPENSES

                              

Production

   49,961     —       —       —       49,961  

Royalties and taxes

   50,886     3,263     —       —       54,149  

Transportation

   169,579     2,012     —       —       171,591  

Refining

   —       10,921     —       —       10,921  

Crude oil and refined product purchases

   32,335     115,996     —       (105,937 )   42,394  

Selling

   7,878     11,272     —       —       19,150  

General and administrative

   23,536     13,910     2,908     —       40,354  

Interest and financing costs

   18,117     1,881     8,763     —       28,761  

Depletion and depreciation

   46,691     14,105     82     —       60,878  

Foreign exchange (gain) loss

   (2,278 )   (2,023 )   725     —       (3,576 )
    

 

 

 

 

     396,705     171,337     12,478     (105,937 )   474,583  
    

 

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

   174,262     168,950     (11,119 )   —       332,093  
    

 

 

 

 

INCOME TAXES

                              

Current provision

   67,956     39,393     1,794     —       109,143  

Future income tax

   (13,578 )   7,538     —       —       (6,040 )
    

 

 

 

 

     54,378     46,931     1,794     —       103,103  

MINORITY INTEREST

   —       1,822     —       —       1,822  
    

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   119,884     120,197     (12,913 )   —       227,168  
    

 

 

 

 

Intersegment revenue

   83,716     22,221     —       —       —    
    

 

 

 

 

 

As at September 30, 2003


   Upstream

   Downstream

   Corporate

   Consolidated

Total assets

   693,862    170,266    147,269    1,011,397

Total liabilities

   455,686    56,318    1,106    513,110

Capital expenditures for nine months

   111,772    11,561    761    124,094

 

12


9 months ended September 30, 2002

 

     Upstream

   Downstream

    Corporate

    Eliminations

    Consolidated

REVENUE

                           

Crude oil

   384,797    —       —       (65,191 )   319,606

Refined products

   91,416    178,535     —       (29,475 )   240,476

Processing fees

   —      2,112     —       —       2,112

Interest and other income

   4,443    755     1,299     —       6,497
    
  

 

 

 
     480,656    181,402     1,299     (94,666 )   568,691
    
  

 

 

 

EXPENSES

                           

Production

   41,669    —       —       —       41,669

Royalties and taxes

   42,343    1,366     —       —       43,709

Transportation

   100,131    —       —       —       100,131

Refining

   —      17,607     —       —       17,607

Crude oil and refined product purchases

   51,149    93,931     —       (94,666 )   50,414

Selling

   6,020    12,704     —       —       18,724

General and administrative

   24,985    11,815     5,470     —       42,270

Interest and financing costs

   6,295    1,165     18,618     —       26,078

Depletion and depreciation

   20,163    8,831     70     —       29,064

Foreign exchange loss

   884    760     127     —       1,771
    
  

 

 

 
     293,639    148,179     24,285     (94,666 )   371,437
    
  

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE UNUSUAL ITEMS

   187,017    33,223     (22,986 )   —       197,254
    
  

 

 

 

UNUSUAL ITEM

                           

Arbitration settlement

   7,134    —       —       —       7,134
    
  

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

   179,883    33,223     (22,986 )   —       190,120
    
  

 

 

 

INCOME TAXES

                           

Current provision

   48,000    14,535     2,171     —       64,706

Future income tax

   9,922    (3,610 )   —       —       6,312
    
  

 

 

 
     57,922    10,925     2,171     —       71,018

MINORITY INTEREST

   —      1,672     —       —       1,672
    
  

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   121,961    20,626     (25,157 )   —       117,430
    
  

 

 

 

Intersegment revenue

   65,191    29,475     —       —       —  
    
  

 

 

 

 

As at September 30, 2002    Upstream    Downstream    Corporate    Consolidated

Total assets

   494,809    132,353    110,222    737,384

Total liabilities

   225,675    39,443    214,601    479,719

Capital expenditures for nine months

   94,885    6,462    212    101,559

 

 

13


3 JOINT VENTURES

 

The Corporation has the following interests in two joint ventures:

 

  a) a 50% equity shareholding with equivalent voting power in Turgai Petroleum CJSC (“Turgai”), which operates the northern part of the Kumkol field in Kazakhstan.

 

  b) a 50% equity shareholding with equivalent voting power in LLP Kazgermunai (“Kazgermunai”), which operates three oil fields in Kazakhstan: Akshabulak, Nurali and Aksai.

 

The following amounts are included in the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements as a result of the proportionate consolidation of its joint ventures before consolidation eliminations:

 

3 months ended September 30, 2003

 

     Turgai     Kazgermunai     Total  

Cash

   18,106     11,105     29,211  

Current assets, excluding cash

   5,647     28,966     34,613  

Property, plant and equipment, net

   65,365     59,940     125,305  

Current liabilities

   27,395     6,712     34,107  

Long-term debt

   —       40,626     40,626  

Revenue

   30,132     32,673     62,805  

Expenses

   20,092     20,763     40,855  

Net income

   10,040     11,910     21,950  

Cash flow from operating activities

   13,551     7,977     21,528  

Cash flow used in financing activities

   —       —       —    

Cash flow used in investing activities

   (8,651 )   (5,153 )   (13,804 )

 

Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2003 includes $11.8 million of crude oil sales made by Turgai to Downstream. This amount was eliminated on consolidation.

 

3 months ended September 30, 2002

 

     Turgai     Kazgermunai     Total  

Cash

   3,863     17,465     21,328  

Current assets, excluding cash

   11,620     14,942     26,562  

Property, plant and equipment

   24,583     57,021     81,604  

Current liabilities

   13,069     5,167     18,236  

Long-term debt

   —       62,684     62,684  

Revenue

   22,209     17,767     39,976  

Expenses

   13,160     12,687     25,847  

Net income

   9,049     5,080     14,129  

Cash flow from operating activities

   5,383     12,713     18,096  

Cash flow used in financing activities

   —       243     243  

Cash flow used in investing activities

   (3,132 )   (4,395 )   (7,527 )

 

14


9 months ended September 30, 2003

 

     Turgai     Kazgermunai     Total  

Cash

   18,106     11,105     29,211  

Current assets, excluding cash

   5,647     28,966     34,613  

Property, plant and equipment, net

   65,365     59,940     125,305  

Current liabilities

   27,395     6,712     34,107  

Long-term debt

       40,626     40,626  

Revenue

   89,842     75,460     165,302  

Expenses

   58,902     49,336     108,238  

Net income

   30,940     26,124     57,064  

Cash flow from operating activities

   47,865     25,670     73,535  

Cash flow used in financing activities

       (6,016 )   (6,016 )

Cash flow used in investing activities

   (30,067 )   (11,404 )   (41,471 )

 

Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 includes $30.5 million of crude oil sales made by Turgai to Downstream. This amount was eliminated on consolidation.

 

9 months ended September 30, 2002

 

     Turgai     Kazgermunai     Total  

Cash

   3,863     17,465     21,328  

Current assets, excluding cash

   11,620     14,942     26,562  

Property, plant and equipment

   24,583     57,021     81,604  

Current liabilities

   13,069     5,167     18,236  

Long-term debt

       62,684     62,684  

Revenue

   52,795     33,022     85,817  

Expenses

   31,303     26,473     57,776  

Net income

   21,492     6,549     28,041  

Cash flow from operating activities

   9,766     11,616     21,382  

Cash flow used in financing activities

       1,617     1,617  

Cash flow used in investing activities

   (7,402 )   (7,284 )   (14,686 )

 

Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2002 includes $15.5 million of crude oil sales made by Turgai and $5.8 million of crude oil sales made by Kazgermunai to Downstream. These amounts were eliminated on consolidation.

 

4 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

As at September 30, 2003 cash and cash equivalents included $3.1 million of cash dedicated to a margin account for the hedging program. As at December 31, 2002 the balance on this margin account was $5.7 million.

 

There were no cash equivalents as at September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002.

 

15


5 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

 

Accounts receivable consist of the following:

 

    

September 30,

2003

  

December 31,

2002

Trade

   90,667    61,085

Value added tax recoverable

   9,908    1,718

Due from Turgai

   30,040    17,357

Other

   15,936    12,271
    
  
     146,551    92,431
    
  

 

6 RESTRICTED CASH

 

Restricted cash is $15.6 million of cash dedicated to a debt service reserve account for the Corporation’s Term Facility (nil as at December 31, 2002). This cash is not available for general corporate purposes until the Term Facility is repaid in full (please refer to Note 8).

 

7 SHORT-TERM DEBT

 

    

September 30,

2003


  

December 31,

2002


Working capital facilities

   1,468    14,947

Current portion of term facility

   53,471   

Current portion of term loans

   2,041   

Joint venture loan payable

   11,000    11,000

PKOP Bonds (Note 8)

   24,494   
    
  
     92,474    25,947
    
  

 

The working capital facilities are revolving, for terms of one to eight years, are secured and have interest rates ranging from Libor plus 3.5% per annum to 14% per annum.

 

8 LONG-TERM DEBT

 

Long-term debt is represented by:

 

    

September 30,

2003


  

December 31,

2002


Term facility

   120,309   

9.625% Notes

   125,000   

Kazgermunai debt

   40,626    45,231

Term loans

   13,704   

12% Notes

      208,210

PKOP bonds

      13,162
    
  
     299,639    266,603
    
  

 

16


Term facility

 

On January 2, 2003, PetroKazakhstan Kumkol Resources (“PKKR”) entered into a secured $225.0 million term facility secured by crude oil export contracts. This facility is repayable in 42 equal monthly installments commencing July 2003. The facility bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 3.25% per annum. PKKR has drawn $190.0 million under this facility and has chosen not to utilize the remainder. PKKR has the right to repay the facility prior to its maturity, under certain terms and conditions. Please refer to Note 16 – Subsequent Events.

 

As a guarantor of the facility, the Corporation must comply with certain covenants including a limitation as to total debt and certain other financial covenants. The Corporation must also maintain a minimum cash balance of $40.0 million, of which an amount equal to 3 months principal and interest payments must be maintained in a security deposit account (see Note 6).

 

PKKR is also required to hedge 450,000 barrels of crude oil production per month for 2004 with a minimum price of $17.0 per bbl. As PKKR has not drawn the full amount of the facility, the hedged volumes have been reduced to 372,500 barrels of crude oil per month for 2004.

 

Included in deferred charges as at September 30, 2003 are $3 million of issue costs related to the Term facility, which will be amortized over the term of the facility.

 

9.625% Notes

 

On February 12, 2003, PetroKazakhstan Finance B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of PKKR issued U.S. $125.0 million 9.625% Notes due February 12, 2010. The Notes are unsecured, unconditionally guaranteed by the Corporation, PKKR and PKOP, and were issued at a price of 98.389% of par value. Each of the guarantors has agreed to certain covenants, including limitations on indebtedness, restrictions on payments of dividends and on pledging of assets as security.

 

Issue costs of $1.8 million and the discount on the sale of the Notes of $2.0 million are recorded as deferred charges and will be amortized over the term of the Notes.

 

Kazgermunai debt

 

The Kazgermunai debt is non-recourse to the Corporation. During the nine months ended September 30, 2003, Kazgermunai repaid $11.6 million (50% – $5.8 million) of principal and interest.

 

Term loans

 

PKKR has obtained loans guaranteed by Export Credit Agencies for certain equipment related to the Kyzylkiya, Aryskum and Maibulak (“KAM”) pipeline and the Gas Utilization Facility. The loans are secured by the equipment purchased, bear interest at LIBOR plus 4% per annum, are repayable in equal semi-annual installments and have final maturity dates ranging from five to seven years.

 

17


12% Notes

 

On February 3, 2003 the Corporation redeemed all $208.2 million of its outstanding 12% Notes due in 2006. The Notes were redeemed for an aggregate redemption price of $212.4 million, representing 102% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest of $12.5 million, for a total of $224.9 million. Deferred charges of $1.4 million recorded as at December 31, 2002 were expensed upon redemption.

 

PKOP bonds

 

On February 16, 2001 PetroKazakhstan Oil Products (“PKOP”) registered 250,000 unsecured bonds (par value $100) in the amount of $25 million with the National Securities Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan (the “PKOP bonds”). The PKOP bonds have a three-year maturity, are due on February 26, 2004 and bear a coupon rate of 10% per annum. The PKOP bonds are listed on the Kazakh Stock Exchange.

 

As at December 31, 2002 134,800 bonds had been issued for consideration of $13.2 million. On February 13, 2003, PKOP issued the remaining 115,200 Bonds for consideration of $11.4 million.

 

The PKOP bonds contain certain covenants including a limitation on indebtedness.

 

Repayment

 

Principal repayments due for each of the next five years and in total are as follows:

 

     2003

   2004

   2005

   2006

   2007

   2008

   There-after

   Less amounts
included in
short-term
debt


     Total long-
term debt


Working capital facilities

   1,468    —      —      —      —      —      —      (1,468 )    —  

Joint venture loan payable

   11,000    —      —      —      —      —      —      (11,000 )    —  

PKOP bonds

   —      24,494    —      —      —      —      —      (24,494 )    —  

9.625% Notes

   —      —      —      —      —      —      125,000    —        125,000

Term Facility

   13,367    53,471    53,471    53,471    —      —      —      (53,471 )    120,309

Kazgermunai

   —      —      —      —      —      —      40,626    —        40,626

Term loans

   1,022    2,196    2,665    2,665    2,271    1,878    3,048    (2,041 )    13,704
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
     26,857    80,161    56,136    56,136    2,271    1,878    168,674    (92,474 )    299,639
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

 

The Kazgermunai debt does not have fixed repayment terms.

 

18


9 SHARE CAPITAL

 

Authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of Class A common shares, and an unlimited number of Class ? redeemable preferred shares, issuable in series.

 

Issued Class A common shares:

 

    

Three Months Ended

September 30, 2003


   

Three Months Ended

September 30, 2002


 
     Number

   Amount

    Number

    Amount

 

Balance, beginning of period

   77,653,139    190,577     81,371,497     199,121  

Shares repurchased and cancelled pursuant to Normal Course Issuer Bid (a)

   —      —       (366,461 )   (902 )

Stock options exercised for cash

   103,350    325     26,250     91  

Corresponding convertible securities, converted

   15,299    (3 )   10,199     36  
    
  

 

 

Balance, end of period

   77,771,788    190,899     81,041,485     198,346  
    
  

 

 

 

    

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2003


   

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2002


 
     Number

    Amount

    Number

    Amount

 

Balance, beginning of period

   78,956,875     193,723     80,103,784     198,506  

Shares repurchased and cancelled pursuant to Normal Course Issuer Bid (a)

   (1,477,400 )   (3,616 )   (366,461 )   (902 )

Stock options exercised for cash

   273,750     792     1,194,375     620  

Corresponding convertible securities, converted

   18,563     —       118,107     133  

Cancelled shares

   —       —       (8,320 )   (11 )
    

 

 

 

Balance, end of period

   77,771,788     190,899     81,041,485     198,346  
    

 

 

 

 

  (a) During the third quarter of 2002, the Corporation adopted a normal course issuer bid to repurchase, for cancellation, up to 5,253,238 common shares during the period from August 7, 2002 to August 6, 2003. This repurchase program was renewed on August 5, 2003, which allows the Corporation to repurchase for cancellation, up to 5,775,028 common shares during the period from August 7, 2003 to August 6, 2004. As at December 31, 2002, the Corporation had purchased and cancelled 2,531,870 shares at an average price of C$14.57 per share. The Corporation purchased and cancelled an additional 1,477,400 at an average price of C$14.69 per share during the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The excess of cost over the book value for the shares purchased was applied to retained earnings. There were no purchases under the new NCIB program.

 

19


(b) The Corporation has elected to use intrinsic values when accounting for stock options and to disclose the pro forma results of using the fair value method.

The pro forma net income per share had we applied the fair-value based method of accounting for stock options follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     2003    2002    2003    2002

Net income

                   

As reported

   90,733    60,513    227,168    117,430

Pro forma

   90,584    60,131    225,492    115,286

Basic net income per share

                   

As reported

   1.17    0.74    2.90    1.45

Pro forma

   1.17    0.74    2.88    1.42

Diluted net income per share

                   

As reported

   1.12    0.71    2.79    1.39

Pro forma

   1.11    0.71    2.77    1.36

 

A summary of the status of the Corporation’s stock option plan as of September 30, 2003 and the changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and year ended December 31, 2002 is presented below (expressed in Canadian dollars):

 

     Options

    Weighted Average
Exercise Price


Outstanding at December 31, 2001

   5,736,880     3.07

Granted

   605,000     14.65

Exercised

   (1,393,281 )   1.09

Forfeited

   (98,463 )   6.73
    

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2002

   4,850,136     5.01

Granted

   17,000     16.20

Exercised

   (292,313 )   3.98

Forfeited

   (62,275 )   8.55
    

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2003

   4,512,548     5.07
    

 

Options exercisable as at:

          

December 31, 2002 (as amended)

   1,908,798     3.87

September 30, 2003

   2,422,842     2.93

 

20


10 INCOME TAXES

 

The provision for income taxes differs from the results, which would have been obtained by applying the statutory tax rate of 30% to the Corporation’s income before income taxes. This difference results from the following items:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     2003    2002    2003    2002

Statutory Kazakhstan income tax rate

   30%    30%    30%    30%

Expected tax expense

   39,628    29,840    99,628    57,036

Non-deductible amounts, net

   1,181    8,724    3,475    13,982
    
  
  
  

Income tax expense

   40,809    38,564    103,103    71,018
    
  
  
  

 

11 NET INCOME PER SHARE

 

The net income per share calculations are based on the weighted average and diluted numbers of Class A common shares outstanding during the period as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     2003    2002    2003    2002

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

   77,707,623    81,301,955    78,258,611    81,042,900

Dilution from exercisable options
(including convertible securities)

   3,559,095    3,440,217    3,030,279    3,440,217

Diluted number of shares outstanding

   81,266,718    84,742,172    81,288,890    84,483,117

 

No options were excluded from the calculation of diluted number of shares outstanding for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, as the market price was in excess of exercise price.

 

21


12 FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The Corporation has entered into a commodity-hedging program where it is utilizing derivative instruments to manage the Corporation’s exposure to fluctuations in the price of crude oil. The Corporation has entered into the following contracts with a major financial institution.

 

Contract

Amount

(bbls per month)


  

Contract Period


  

Contract

Type


  

Price Ceiling

($/bbl)


  

Price

Floor

($/bbl)


187,500

   January 2003 to December 2003   

Zero cost collar

   29.00    17.00

75,000

   January 2003 to December 2003    Zero cost collar    30.00    17.00

112,500

   January 2003 to December 2003    Zero cost collar    29.00    18.00

75,000

   January 2003 to December 2003    Zero cost collar    29.50    19.00

                   

450,000

                   

                   

75,000

   January 2004 to December 2004    Zero cost collar    28.00    17.00

75,000

   January 2004 to December 2004    Zero cost collar    29.00    17.00

75,000

   January 2004 to December 2004    Zero cost collar    29.25    17.00

37,500

   January 2004 to December 2004    Zero cost collar    29.60    17.00

75,000

   January 2004 to December 2004    Zero cost collar    30.20    18.00

35,000

   January 2004 to December 2004    Zero cost collar    30.20    18.00

                   

372,500

                   

                   

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2003, the Corporation has foregone revenue of $3.3 million through these contracts.

 

13 CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

Interest and income taxes paid:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,


   Nine Months Ended
September 30,


     2003

   2002

   2003

   2002

Interest paid

   8,478    13,375    30,983    30,207
    
  
  
  

Income taxes paid

   43,185    22,278    104,654    48,570
    
  
  
  

 

14 FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

As at September 30, 2003 the fair value, the related method of determining fair value and the carrying value of the Corporation’s financial instruments were as follows.

 

The fair value of current assets and current liabilities approximates their carrying amounts due to the short-term maturity of these instruments.

 

The fair value of long term debt is based on publicly quoted market values and current market conditions for instruments of a similar nature.

 

     Carrying
Value
   Fair
Value

Long-term debt

   299,639    309,639

 

22


15 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Kazakhstani environment

 

Kazakhstan, as an emerging market, has a legal and regulatory infrastructure that is not as mature and stable as those usually existing in more developed free market economies. As a result, operations carried out in Kazakhstan can involve risks and uncertainties that are not typically associated with those in developed markets.

 

The instability associated with the ongoing transformation process to a market economy can lead to changes in the business conditions in which the Corporation currently operates. Changes in the political, legal, tax or regulatory environment could adversely impact the Corporation’s operations.

 

Tax matters

 

The local and national tax environment in the Republic of Kazakhstan is subject to change and inconsistent application, interpretation and enforcement. Non-compliance with Kazakhstan laws and regulations, as interpreted by the Kazakh authorities, can lead to the imposition of fines, penalties and interest.

 

The Corporation’s subsidiaries have been engaged in two court cases in Kazakhstan pertaining to disputed tax assessments received for 1998 and 1999.

 

The first involved PKOP and was for approximately $8.8 million. PKOP has successfully argued its case at the first level of the court system in Kazakhstan and at the Supreme Court level. There is no possibility of further appeal and accordingly, no provision has been made in the consolidated financial statements for this assessment.

 

The second case involved PKKR and was for a total of approximately $10.5 million including taxes, fines, interest and penalties. PKKR was successful at the first level of the court system and was unsuccessful on the majority of the issues at the Supreme Court level. PKKR was unsuccessful in obtaining the Supervisory Commission’s agreement to hear its appeal on the assessed taxes. The Corporation provided for $2.9 million of the $10.5 million in the December 31, 2002 consolidated financial statements. PKKR is currently disputing the remaining $7.6 million of the $10.5 million, which relates to fines and penalties assessed, as PKKR believes there was an incorrect application of the provisions of the tax act. PKKR has paid this amount to stop the further accumulation of fines and penalties and has recorded this payment as an account receivable pending resolution of this issue. No provision has been made for the disputed penalties.

 

The Corporation, through its operating subsidiaries in Kazakhstan received tax assessments for 2000 and 2001 amounting to $56.0 million, which were reduced through negotiations to $44.8 million (including our 50% share of Turgai Petroleums assessments). The Corporation does not agree with these assessments and has filed court cases disputing these amounts.

 

PKOP has been successful at the first level of the court system and at the Supreme Court with respect to the entire $12.5 million of its assessment. This assessment was for withholding taxes on the acquisition of an interest in the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (“CPC”) despite the fact that this transaction was not completed. Turgai Petroleum has been successful at the first two levels of the court system on almost its entire assessment of $12.0 million, of which $6.0 million is our 50% share. The Ministry of Finance may appeal these cases.

 

23


The PKKR assessment was split into two cases. The first case was for amounts totaling approximately $13.0 million and at the first level of the court system PKKR was successful on $6.8 million of the $13.0 million and was unsuccessful on the remainder. The major issue on which PKKR was unsuccessful was the assessment of royalties on flared associated gas (approximately $4.9 million). The Corporation believes the claim for royalties on flared associated gas, which has no commercial value, contravenes the provisions of its Hydrocarbons Contracts. PKKR appealed to the Supreme Court and was unsuccessful. PKKR intends to appeal this adverse decision to the Supervisory Panel of the Supreme Court. No provision has been made in the consolidated financial statements for this assessment.

 

The second case was for $13.5 million, with $6.9 million related to transfer pricing sent back by the court for re-negotiation. The transfer-pricing amount has been reduced through re-negotiation to $700,000. The second case was heard in September 2003 with PKKR being successful on almost all of the issues. The final assessment resulting from the court decision totaled $783,000 including the transfer pricing issue. The Ministry of Finance has the option to appeal approximately $4.2 million of the remaining assessment to the Supreme Court. No provision has been made in the consolidated financial statements for this case.

 

PKKR received an assessment for royalties on oil production during testing of the East Kumkol discovery for $300,000 and was assessed a fine of $1.3 million. The Corporation believes this assessment is without merit because the assessment is contrary to the Hydrocarbon Contract and relevant legislation. PKKR is disputing this assessment.

 

In response to PetroKazakhstan’s submission, the Minister of Finance initiated the creation of a high level working group between its Officials and PetroKazakhstan representatives to address and seek resolution of all outstanding tax issues through dialogue and negotiations.

 

16 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Agency for Regulation of Natural Monopolies and Protection of Competition (“ARNM”)

 

On October 2, the ARNM claimed that PKOP had received $6.3 million of unjustified revenue from charging prices for oil products that are allegedly in excess of ARNM authorized maximum prices. The Corporation has long taken the position that the ARNM has no right to regulate PKOP under the terms of the Privatization Agreement relating to the Shymkent refinery, which operates in a highly competitive environment. In addition, PKOP believes that the ARNM claim contains a number of factual errors. On October 9, PKOP filed a lawsuit against the ARNM challenging the ARNM claim.

 

The Corporation through a group company in Kazakhstan received news on October 8, that the ARNM has alleged violations of Kazakhstan’s competition laws. The ARNM is claiming that approximately $31.0 million in unjustified revenue was obtained by the group company. The Corporation believes this claim has no legal merit and has taken legal action to defend itself.

 

Term facility

 

On October 24, the Corporation notified the facility agent under its term facility, that a $50 million prepayment will be made on October 31, 2003. Future repayments of the term facility will be reduced on a pro-rata basis. (Note 8)

 

24


SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant, has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date:    November 3, 2003
     PetroKazakhstan

By:

/s/ Ihor Wasylkiw

      

Ihor Wasylkiw, P. Eng.

Vice President Investor Relations