UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2000
OR
( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File Number 1-9971
BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 91-1413284
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification Number)
5051 Westheimer, Suite 1400, Houston, Texas 77056
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (713) 624-9500
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Class Outstanding
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share,
as of September 30, 2000 215,357,074
<PAGE>
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THIRD QUARTER NINE MONTHS
---------------------- ----------------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
-------- -------- -------- --------
(In Millions, Except per Share Amounts)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues...........................................$ 696 $ 547 $ 1,968 $ 1,438
-------- -------- -------- --------
Costs and Expenses
Production Taxes................................... 31 31 102 75
Production and Processing.......................... 116 122 359 350
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization........... 171 159 522 465
Exploration Costs.................................. 23 46 164 145
Administrative..................................... 37 34 115 108
---------- ---------- -------- --------
Total Costs and Expenses........................... 378 392 1,262 1,143
---------- ---------- -------- --------
Operating Income................................... 318 155 706 295
Interest Expense................................... 48 57 151 162
Other Expense (Income) - Net....................... (3) (4) 7 (12)
---------- ---------- -------- --------
Income Before Income Taxes......................... 273 102 548 145
Income Tax Expense................................. 73 41 177 60
---------- ---------- -------- --------
Net Income.........................................$ 200 $ 61 $ 371 $ 85
========== ========== ======== ========
Basic Earnings per Common Share....................$ .93 $ .28 $ 1.72 $ .39
========== ========== ======== ========
Diluted Earnings per Common Share..................$ .93 $ .27 $ 1.71 $ .38
========== ========== ======== ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
2
<PAGE>
BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, December 31,
2000 1999
------------- --------------
(In Millions, Except Share Data)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents................................................$ 16 $ 89
Accounts Receivable...................................................... 552 473
Inventories.............................................................. 52 53
Other Current Assets..................................................... 30 26
------------- --------------
650 641
------------- --------------
Oil & Gas Properties (Successful Efforts Method)........................... 13,079 12,834
Other Properties........................................................... 970 935
------------- --------------
14,049 13,769
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization..................... 7,824 7,412
------------- --------------
Properties - Net....................................................... 6,225 6,357
------------- --------------
Deferred Income Taxes...................................................... - 32
------------- --------------
Other Assets............................................................... 130 135
------------- --------------
Total Assets.........................................................$ 7,005 $ 7,165
============= ==============
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable.........................................................$ 489 $ 449
Taxes Payable............................................................ 68 93
Accrued Interest......................................................... 38 36
Dividends Payable........................................................ 30 -
Other Current Liabilities................................................ 20 19
Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt..................................... - 51
------------- --------------
645 648
------------- --------------
Long-term Debt............................................................. 2,338 2,769
------------- --------------
Deferred Income Taxes...................................................... 163 96
------------- --------------
Other Liabilities and Deferred Credits..................................... 393 423
------------- --------------
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred Stock, Par Value $.01 Per Share
(Authorized 75,000,000 Shares; One Share Issued)........................ - -
Common Stock, Par Value $.01 Per Share
(Authorized 325,000,000 Shares; Issued 241,188,702 Shares).............. 2 2
Paid-in Capital............................................................ 3,954 3,966
Retained Earnings.......................................................... 610 328
Deferred Compensation - Restricted Stock................................... (6) (3)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss....................................... (73) (54)
Cost of Treasury Stock
(25,831,628 and 25,219,025 Shares for 2000 and 1999, respectively)........ (1,021) (1,010)
------------- ---------------
Stockholders' Equity....................................................... 3,466 3,229
------------- ---------------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity...........................$ 7,005 $ 7,165
============= ===============
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
<PAGE>
BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS
-----------------------
2000 1999
---------- ---------
(In Millions)
<S> <C> <C>
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net Income........................................................$ 371 $ 85
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash
Provided By Operating Activities
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization........................ 522 465
Deferred Income Taxes........................................... 116 45
Exploration Costs............................................... 164 145
Working Capital Changes
Accounts Receivable............................................. (84) 11
Inventories..................................................... 1 5
Other Current Assets............................................ (4) (5)
Accounts Payable................................................ 25 (81)
Taxes Payable................................................... (23) 30
Accrued Interest................................................ 1 13
Other Current Liabilities....................................... 3 -
Other............................................................. 13 32
---------- ---------
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities...................... 1,105 745
---------- ---------
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Additions to Properties........................................... (679) (690)
Other............................................................. 37 (39)
---------- ---------
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities.......................... (642) (729)
---------- ---------
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Proceeds from Borrowings.......................................... 72 471
Reduction in Borrowings........................................... (528) (421)
Dividends Paid.................................................... (59) (73)
Common Stock Purchases............................................ (75) (9)
Other............................................................. 54 16
---------- ---------
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities.......................... (536) (16)
---------- ---------
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents....... - -
---------- ---------
Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents.............................. (73) -
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Beginning of Year................................................. 89 -
---------- ---------
End of Period....................................................$ 16 $ -
========== =========
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE>
BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC.
Notes TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The 1999 Annual Report of Burlington Resources Inc. (the "Company"), as
amended, includes certain definitions and a summary of significant accounting
policies and should be read in conjunction with this Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q ("Quarterly Report"). The financial statements for the periods presented
herein are unaudited, condensed and do not contain all information required by
generally accepted accounting principles to be included in a full set of
financial statements. In the opinion of management, all material adjustments
necessary to present fairly the results of operations have been included. All
such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. The results of operations
for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of
operations for the entire year. The consolidated financial statements include
certain reclassifications that were made to conform to current presentation.
Amounts related to 1999 include the business activities of Poco Petroleums Ltd.
which was acquired in November 1999 and accounted for as a pooling of interests.
Basic earnings per common share ("EPS") is computed by dividing income
available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding for the period. The weighted average number of common shares
outstanding for computing basic EPS was 216 million for the third quarter and
the first nine months of 2000 and 1999, respectively. Diluted EPS reflects the
potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue
common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. The weighted average
number of common shares outstanding for computing diluted EPS, including
dilutive stock options, was 217 million for the third quarter and first nine
months of 2000 and 1999, respectively. No adjustments were made to reported net
income in the computation of EPS. EPS discussions within this document are in
reference to basic EPS.
Comprehensive income consists of net income and foreign currency
translation adjustments. Foreign currency translation adjustments were a loss of
$9 million and gain of $2 million in the third quarter of 2000 and 1999,
respectively, and a loss of $19 million and a gain of $15 million for the nine
months ended 2000 and 1999, respectively, resulting in comprehensive income of
$191 million and $63 million for the third quarter of 2000 and 1999,
respectively, and $352 million and $100 million for the first nine months of
2000 and 1999, respectively.
2. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
The Company is involved in several proceedings challenging the payment
of royalties for its crude oil and natural gas production.
Various administrative proceedings are pending before the Minerals
Management Service ("MMS") of the United States Department of the Interior with
respect to the proper valuation of oil and gas produced on federal and Indian
lands for purposes of paying royalties on production sold by Burlington
Resources Oil & Gas Company ("BROG") to its affiliate, Burlington Resources
Trading Inc. ("BRTI"), or gathered by its affiliate, Burlington Resources
Gathering Inc. In general, these proceedings stem from regular MMS audits of the
Company's royalty payments over various periods of time and involve the
interpretation of the relevant federal regulations.
5
<PAGE>
In late February 1998, the Company and numerous other oil and gas
companies received a complaint filed in the United States District Court for the
Eastern District of Texas in Lufkin in a lawsuit styled as United States of
America ex rel. J. Benjamin Johnson, Jr., et al. v. Shell Oil Company, et al.
alleging violations of the civil False Claims Act. The United States has
intervened in this lawsuit as to some of the defendants, including the Company,
and has filed a separate complaint. This suit alleges that the Company underpaid
royalties for crude oil produced on federal and Indian lands through the use of
below-market posted prices in the sale of oil from BROG to BRTI. The suit
alleges that royalties paid by BROG based on these posted prices were lower than
the royalties allegedly required to be paid under federal regulations, and that
the forms filed by BROG with the MMS reporting the royalties paid were false,
thereby violating the civil False Claims Act.
In April 1999, the court unsealed and the Company was served with the
petition in the False Claims Act lawsuits styled United States of America ex
rel. Jack J. Grynberg v. Burlington Resources Oil & Gas Company, et al. and
United States of America ex rel. Jack J. Grynberg v. The Louisiana Land and
Exploration Company, et al., filed in the United States District Court of the
District of Wyoming (the "Grynberg lawsuits"). In both cases the United States
Department of Justice declined to intervene following its investigation,
resulting in these claims being pursued by Grynberg individually. Grynberg has
filed seventy similar suits against more than three hundred defendants. On
October 10, 1999, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated
sixty-six of the Grynberg False Claims Act lawsuits, including the referenced
suits against the Company, and transferred all cases to the United States
District Court for the District of Wyoming. The Grynberg lawsuits generally
allege that the Company and other defendants improperly measured and otherwise
undervalued natural gas in connection with the payment of royalties on
production from federal and Indian lands. Motions to dismiss have been filed by
the Company and numerous other defendants and are pending before the Court.
On March 28, 2000, the United States District Court for the Eastern
District of Texas, Lufkin Division, ordered that the First Amended Complaint in
the case of United States ex rel. M. Glenn Osterhoudt, III v. Amerada Hess, et
al. and the Second Amended Complaint in the case of United States of America ex
rel. Harrold E. (Gene) Wright v Agip Petroleum Company, et al. be unsealed and
served upon defendants, including the Company. In these lawsuits, the plaintiffs
have alleged violations of the civil False Claims Act. Plaintiffs contend that
defendants underpaid royalties on natural gas and natural gas liquids produced
on federal and Indian lands through the use of below-market prices, improper
deductions, improper measurement techniques and transactions with affiliated
companies. The United States has filed an intervention in these cases as to some
of the defendants, including the Company.
In July 2000, the Court unsealed and the Company was served with the
petition in the civil False Claims Act lawsuit styled United States of America
ex rel. Mark A. Perry v. Burlington Resources, Inc., et al, filed in the United
States District Court for the District of New Mexico. The plaintiff in the
lawsuit alleges that the Company understated the value of natural gas and
natural gas liquids produced on federal and Indian lands in connection with its
computation and reporting of royalty payments. The Company is informed that the
United States has elected to intervene in this case, but a complaint has not
been served upon the Company by the United States.
In October 2000, the federal Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation
ordered that the Wright and Osterhoudt lawsuits be transferred to the United
States District Court for the District of Wyoming for inclusion with The
Grynberg Multidistrict Litigation proceedings. It is anticipated that the Perry
case will similarly be transferred to the Wyoming Multidistrict Litigation
proceedings.
Based on the Company's present understanding of the various
governmental and False Claims Act proceedings described above, the Company
believes that it has substantial defenses to these claims and intends to
vigorously assert such defenses. However, in the event that the Company is found
to have violated the civil False Claims Act the Company could be subject to a
variety of sanctions, including treble damages, substantial monetary fines,
civil penalties and a temporary suspension from entering into future federal
mineral leases and other federal contracts for a defined period of time. While
the ultimate outcome and impact on the Company cannot be predicted with
certainty, management believes that the resolution of these proceedings will not
have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of the
Company, although results of operations and cash flow could be significantly
impacted in the reporting periods in which such matters are resolved.
6
<PAGE>
In addition to the foregoing, the Company and its subsidiaries are
named defendants in numerous other lawsuits and named parties in numerous
governmental and other proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business.
While the outcome of these other lawsuits and proceedings cannot be predicted
with certainty, management believes these matters, other than the
above-described proceedings, will not have a material adverse effect on the
consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the
Company.
3. COMMODITY HEDGING ACTIVITIES
In order to mitigate the impact of market price fluctuations, the
Company utilizes swaps, options and other financial instruments to hedge future
crude oil and natural gas production. The Company enters into swap agreements to
fix the price or a component of the price of anticipated future crude oil and
natural gas production. The Company also purchases call option agreements that
allow the Company to participate in market price increases that exceed hedged
prices established when the Company enters into a swap. Changes in the market
value of these contracts and premiums paid for option contracts are deferred
until the gain or loss is recognized on the hedged commodity. If the contract is
not a hedge, changes in market value are recorded currently. To qualify as a
hedge, these transactions must be designated as a hedge and changes in their
fair value must correlate with changes in the price of anticipated future
production such that the Company's exposure to the effects of commodity price
changes is reduced. These hedging instruments are measured for effectiveness on
an enterprise basis both at the inception of the contract and on an ongoing
basis. If these instruments are terminated prior to maturity, resulting gains or
losses continue to be deferred until the hedged item is recognized in income.
As of September 30, 2000, the Company had the following crude oil and
natural gas volumes hedged.
Natural Gas Hedges
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Natural Gas Swaps
Unrecognized
Average Opportunity
Production Volumes Hedge/Strike Gain/(Loss)
Period (MMBTU) Price (In Millions)
--------------- ------------------ ---------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
2000 42,610,000 $2.48 $(113)
2001 93,475,000 2.37 (216)
2002 4,125,000 2.82 (3)
2003 to 2007 4,412,500 $3.06 $ 3
Crude Oil Swaps
Unrecognized
Average Opportunity
Production Volumes Hedge/Strike Gain/(Loss)
Period (Barrels) Price (In Millions)
--------------- ------------------ ---------------- -------------------
2000 4,140,000 $20.28 $ (43)
2001 16,425,000 19.96 (143)
2002 180,000 $21.91 $ (1)
</TABLE>
The Company purchases call options that allow the Company to
participate in market price increases that exceed hedge prices established when
the Company enters into a swap. Crude oil call options matched with crude oil
swaps as of September 30, 2000 were as follow.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Unrecognized
Average Opportunity
Production Volumes Hedge/Strike Gain/(Loss)
Period (Barrels) Price (In Millions)
--------------- ------------------ ---------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
2000 2,760,000 $20.21 $ 27
2001 10,950,000 19.72 90
2002 180,000 $19.89 $ 1
</TABLE>
The unrecognized opportunity gains and losses represent the difference
between hedged prices and market prices on hedged volumes of the commodities at
September 30, 2000. Gains or losses resulting from these transactions are
included in revenue as the related physical production is delivered. Hedging
activities reduced oil and gas revenues by $124 million and $194 million in the
third quarter and first nine months of 2000, respectively.
7
<PAGE>
4. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
The Company's reportable segments are North America and International.
Both segments are engaged principally in the exploration, development,
production and marketing of oil and gas. The North America segment is
responsible for the Company's operations in the USA and Canada and the
International segment is responsible for all operations outside that
geographical region. The accounting policies for the segments are the same as
those for the consolidated financial statements. There are no significant
intersegment sales or transfers.
The following tables present information about reported segment
operations.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Third Quarter
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 1999
------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
North North
America International Total America International Total
------- ------------- ----- ------- ------------- -----
(In Millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues............................... $ 667 $ 29 $ 696 $ 511 $ 36 $ 547
Operating income (loss)................ 360 - 360 195 (1) 194
Nine Months
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 1999
------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
North North
America International Total America International Total
------- ------------- ----- ------- ------------- -----
(In Millions)
Revenues............................... $ 1,844 $ 124 $ 1,968 $ 1,337 $ 101 $ 1,438
Operating income (loss)................ 801 34 835 447 (33) 414
</TABLE>
The following is a reconciliation of segment operating income to
consolidated income before income taxes.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Third Quarter Nine Months
-------------------- ---------------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
-------- -------- -------- ---------
(In Millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total operating income for reportable segments............ $ 360 $ 194 $ 835 $ 414
Corporate expenses........................................ 42 39 129 119
Interest expense.......................................... 48 57 151 162
Other expense (income) - net.............................. (3) (4) 7 (12)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Consolidated income before income taxes................... $ 273 $ 102 $ 548 $ 145
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The following is revenue by geographic location.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Third Quarter Nine Months
-------------------- -------------------
2000 1999 2000 1999
-------- -------- -------- --------
(In Millions)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
USA....................................................... $ 493 $ 399 $ 1,413 $ 1,048
Canada.................................................... 174 112 431 289
Other international....................................... 29 36 124 101
-------- -------- -------- --------
Consolidated revenues..................................... $ 696 $ 547 $ 1,968 $ 1,438
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations
Financial Condition and Liquidity
The long-term debt to total capital ratio at September 30, 2000 and
December 31, 1999 was 40 percent and 47 percent, respectively. During the first
nine months of 2000, the Company repaid $166 million of fixed-rate debt and $362
million of bank-funded floating rate debt. The Company also had commercial paper
issuances of $72 million during the first nine months of 2000. Commercial paper
outstanding at September 30, 2000 was $330 million.
The Company has unused credit commitments in the form of revolving
facilities ("revolvers") as of September 30, 2000. A portion of these revolvers
is available to cover debt due within one year, therefore, commercial paper,
credit facility notes and fixed-rate debt due within one year are classified as
long-term debt. In addition, the Company has the ability to issue $1 billion of
securities under a shelf registration statement filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The revolvers are comprised of agreements for $600 million,
$400 million, $332 million and $33 million. The $600 million revolver expires in
February 2003 and the $400 million and $332 million revolvers expire in March
2001 unless renewed by mutual consent. The $33 million revolver is cancelable by
the creditor upon demand. The Company has the option to convert the outstanding
balance on the $332 million revolver to a one year term note at expiration of
the agreement.
In July 1998, the Company's Board of Directors approved the repurchase
of two million shares of its Common Stock. During the first six months of 2000,
the Company completed the 1998 program by repurchasing 1,315,000 shares of its
Common Stock for $39 million. In May 2000, the Company's Board of Directors
approved the repurchase of two million additional shares of its Common Stock.
Through September 30, 2000, the Company repurchased 1,050,600 shares of its
Common Stock under this authorization for $40 million. In aggregate, during the
first nine months of 2000, the Company repurchased 2,365,600 shares of its
Common Stock for $79 million. In conjunction with the Company's stock repurchase
program, the Company sold put options ("options") during 2000. The options
entitle the holders, upon exercise on the expiration dates, to sell shares of BR
Common Stock to the Company at specified prices. Alternatively, the Company
retained the ability to settle the options in cash. During the second quarter of
2000, all of the options expired.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the first nine months of
2000 was $1,105 million compared to $745 million in 1999. The increase was
primarily due to higher operating income partially offset by working capital and
other changes. Operating income was higher principally as a result of higher
commodity prices.
The Company and its subsidiaries are named defendants in numerous
lawsuits and named parties in numerous governmental and other proceedings
arising in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of lawsuits and
other proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes these
matters will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial
position of the Company, although results of operations and cash flows could be
significantly impacted in the reporting periods in which such matters are
resolved.
The Company has certain other commitments and uncertainties related to
its normal operations. Management believes that there are no other commitments
or uncertainties that will have a material adverse effect on the consolidated
financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.
9
<PAGE>
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures for the first nine months of 2000 totaled $675
million compared to $690 million in 1999. Future capital expenditures will be
funded from internal cash flows.
Commodity Risk
Substantially all of the Company's crude oil and natural gas production
is sold on the spot market or under short-term contracts at market sensitive
prices, subject to financial hedges. Spot market prices for domestic crude oil
and natural gas are subject to volatile trading patterns in the commodity
futures market, including among others, the New York Mercantile Exchange
("NYMEX"). Quality differentials, worldwide political developments and the
actions of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries also affect crude
oil prices.
There is also a difference between the NYMEX futures contract price for
a particular month and the actual cash price received for that month in a U.S.
producing basin or at a U.S. market hub, which is referred to as the "basis
differential."
The Company utilizes over-the-counter price and basis swaps as well as
options to hedge its production in order to decrease its price risk exposure.
The gains and losses realized as a result of these derivative transactions are
substantially offset when the hedged commodity is delivered. In order to
accommodate the needs of its customers, the Company also uses price swaps to
convert natural gas sold under fixed price contracts to market prices.
The Company uses a sensitivity analysis technique to evaluate the
hypothetical effect that changes in the market value of crude oil and natural
gas may have on the fair value of the Company's derivative instruments. At
September 30, 2000, the potential decrease in fair value of derivative
instruments assuming a 10 percent adverse movement (an increase in the
underlying commodities price) would result in a $79 million increase in the net
deferred amount.
For purposes of calculating the hypothetical change in fair value, the
relevant variables include the type of commodity, the commodity futures prices,
the volatility of commodity prices and the basis and quality differentials. The
hypothetical change in fair value is calculated by multiplying the difference
between the hypothetical price (adjusted for any basis or quality differentials)
and the contractual price by the contractual volumes.
Dividends
On October 18, 2000, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly common
stock cash dividend of $.1375 per share, payable January 3, 2001.
Results of Operations - Third Quarter 2000 Compared to Third Quarter 1999
The Company reported net income of $200 million or $.93 per share for
the third quarter of 2000 compared to $61 million or $.28 per share in 1999.
Operating income for the third quarter of 2000 was $318 million compared to $155
million in 1999.
10
<PAGE>
Revenues were $696 million for the third quarter of 2000 compared to
$547 million for the third quarter of 1999. Average realized natural gas prices,
including the $.70 loss per MCF related to hedging activities, increased 42
percent to $3.00 per MCF and gas sales volumes decreased 7 percent to 1,849 MMCF
per day which increased revenues $152 million and decreased revenues $27
million, respectively. Average realized oil prices, including the $2.33 loss per
barrel related to hedging activities, increased 47 percent to $26.81 per barrel
and oil sales volumes decreased 18 percent to 73.4 MBbls per day which increased
revenues $58 million and decreased revenues $26 million, respectively. Oil and
gas sales volumes decreased primarily due to natural production declines and
mechanical downtime.
Costs and expenses were $378 million for the third quarter of 2000
compared to $392 million in 1999. The decrease was primarily due to a $23
million decrease in exploration costs and a $6 million decrease in production
and processing expense partially offset by a $12 million increase in
depreciation, depletion and amortization ("DD&A"), and a $3 million increase in
administrative expense. Exploration costs decreased primarily due to lower dry
hole expense of $29 million partially offset by higher lease impairment expense
of $7 million. Production and processing expenses decreased primarily due to
lower regional services expenses associated with employee reductions. DD&A
increased primarily due to a higher unit rate resulting from a change in
production mix.
Interest expense was $48 million for the third quarter of 2000 compared
to $57 million in 1999. The decrease was primarily due to lower fixed-rate debt
partially offset by higher commercial paper borrowings in 2000.
Income tax expense for the third quarter of 2000 was $73 million or a
rate of 27 percent compared to $41 million or a rate of 40 percent in 1999. The
decrease in the rate is primarily due to realization of $34 million of
cumulative Section 29 credits related to previous year's production. The Company
expects its effective income tax rate to be approximately 36 percent for the
year 2000.
Results of Operations - Nine Months 2000 Compared to Nine Months 1999
The Company reported net income of $371 million or $1.72 per basic
common share for the first nine months of 2000 compared to $85 million or $.39
per share in 1999. Operating income for the first nine months of 2000 was $706
million compared to $295 million in 1999.
Revenues were $1,968 million for the first nine months of 2000 compared
to $1,438 million in 1999. Average realized natural gas prices, including the
$.32 loss per MCF related to hedging activities, increased 34 percent to $2.57
per MCF which increased revenues $352 million and gas sales volumes were
approximately the same as last year or 1,977 MMCF per day. Average realized oil
prices, including the $2.41 loss per barrel related to hedging activities,
increased 65 percent to $24.74 per barrel and oil sales volumes decreased 10
percent to 81.1 MBbls per day which increased revenues $217 million and
decreased revenues $37 million, respectively. Oil sales volumes decreased
primarily due to natural production declines and mechanical downtime.
Costs and expenses were $1,262 million for the first nine months of
2000 compared to $1,143 million in 1999. The increase was primarily due to a $57
million increase in DD&A, a $27 million increase in production taxes, a $19
million increase in exploration costs, a $9 million increase in production and
processing expenses and a $7 million increase in administrative expense. DD&A
increased primarily due to a higher unit rate resulting from a change in
production mix. Production taxes increased primarily due to higher oil and gas
revenues. Exploration costs increased primarily due to higher lease impairment
expense of $13 million and higher geological and geophysical expenses of $8
million offset by lower dry hole expense of $2 million. Production and
processing expenses increased primarily due to employee severance payments and
higher lease operating expense related to higher workovers.
11
<PAGE>
Interest expense was $151 million for the first nine months of 2000
compared to $162 million in 1999. The decrease was primarily due to lower
fixed-rate debt partially offset by higher commercial paper borrowings in 2000.
Other expense (income) - net was an expense of $7 million for the first
nine months of 2000 compared to income of $12 million in 1999, primarily due to
changes in foreign currency exchange rates and other miscellaneous expenses
partially offset by interest income related to the settlement of a windfall
profits tax case.
Income tax expense for the first nine months of 2000 was $177 million
or a rate of 32 percent compared to $60 million or a rate of 42 percent in 1999.
The decrease in the rate is primarily due to adjustments to tax accruals related
to previous periods and due to realization of $34 million of cumulative Section
29 credits related to previous year's production. The Company expects its
effective income tax rate to be approximately 36 percent for the year 2000.
Other Matters
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
No. 133 ("SFAS 133"), "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities." SFAS 133, as amended by SFAS 137 and 138, establishes accounting
and reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging activities.
It requires enterprises to recognize all derivatives as either assets or
liabilities in the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair value.
The requisite accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative will
depend on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. The
Company will adopt SFAS 133 effective January 1, 2001. The Company is still
evaluating the effect that the adoption of SFAS 133 will have on its financial
position and results of operations.
Forward-looking Statements
This Quarterly Report contains projections and other forward-looking
statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. These projections and statements reflect the Company's current views with
respect to future events and financial performance. No assurances can be given,
however, that these events will occur or that these projections will be achieved
and actual results could differ materially from those projected as a result of
certain factors. A discussion of these factors is included in the Company's 1999
Form 10-K, as amended.
12
<PAGE>
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings
See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
A. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report.
Exhibit Nature of Exhibit Page
4.1 The Company and its subsidiaries either *
have filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission or upon request will furnish
a copy of any instrument with respect to
long-term debt of the Company.
10.29+ Burlington Resources Inc. Incentive Compensation **
Plan as amended and restated
27.1 Financial Data Schedule ***
* Exhibit incorporated by reference.
** Exhibit attached
*** Exhibit required only for filings made electronically using the
Securities and Exchange Commission's EDGAR System.
+ Exhibit constitutes a management contract for compensatory plan or
arrangement.
B. Reports on Form 8-K
The Company filed no reports on Form 8-K during the third quarter
of 2000.
Items 2, 3, 4 and 5 of Part II are not applicable and have been omitted.
13
<PAGE>
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC.
(Registrant)
By /s/ Steven J. Shapiro
Steven J. Shapiro
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
By /s/ Philip W. Cook
Philip W. Cook
Vice President, Controller and
Chief Accounting Officer
Date: November 6, 2000
14
<PAGE>
Exhibit 10.29
BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC.
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2001
(Originally Effective January 1, 1989)
<PAGE>
BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC.
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
Table of Contents
Page
SECTION 1 Definitions............................................1
SECTION 2 Administration.........................................4
SECTION 3 Participants...........................................5
SECTION 4 Incentive Awards.......................................5
SECTION 5 Payment of Incentive Awards............................6
SECTION 6 General Provisions....................................11
<PAGE>
BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC.
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
PREAMBLE
WHEREAS, Burlington Resources Inc. (the "Company") established the Burlington
Resources Inc. Incentive Compensation Plan (the "Plan") effective January 1,
1989 in order for the Company to attract and retain exceptional employees and to
provide a direct incentive to the Participants to improve the profitability of
the Company; and WHEREAS, the Company amended and restated the Plan effective
October 1, 1994 and effective October 9, 1996 and desires to amend and restate
the Plan to effect certain changes; NOW, THEREFORE, the Company does hereby
amend and restate the Plan as set forth herein, effective _______________, 2000.
SECTION 1
DEFINITIONS
For purposes of the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
1.1. Account means a Memorandum Account and/or Special Deferral Memorandum
Account, as each is defined in Section 5.4.
1.2 Beneficiary means the person(s) designated by a Participant, on a form
provided by the Plan Administrator and filed with the Company's Human Resources
Department, to receive benefits from the Plan in the event of his or her death.
A Participant may change his or her beneficiary designation at any time. If no
designated Beneficiary survives the Participant, the Beneficiary shall be the
Participant's surviving spouse or, if none, his or her estate.
1.3 Board means the Board of Directors of the Company.
1.4. Common Stock means the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the
Company.
1.5 Company means Burlington Resources Inc., a Delaware corporation.
1.6. Company Stock Account means a notional subaccount of an Account credited
with Phantom Stock, as provided in Section 5.5.
1.7 Compensation Committee means the Compensation and Nominating Committee of
the Board.
1.8. Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
1.9. Fair Market Value means, as applied to a specific date, the mean between
the highest and lowest quoted selling prices at which Common Stock was sold on
such date as reported in the NYSE-Corporate Transactions by The Wall Street
Journal on such date or, if no Common Stock was traded on such date, on the next
preceding day on which Common Stock was so traded.
1.10 Incentive Award means the amount of a Participant's individual award
granted to the Participant for a calendar year pursuant to Section 4.3.
1.11. Interest Account means a notional subaccount of an Account credited with
interest, as provided in Section 5.5.
1.12 Management Committee means the committee appointed pursuant to Section 2.1
to administer the Plan with respect to Participants who are not officers of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
1.13. Participant means each employee who participates in the Plan in accordance
with Section 3.
1.14. Permanent Disability means the Plan Administrator has found, upon the
basis of medical evidence satisfactory to it, that a Participant is totally
disabled, whether due to physical or mental condition, so as to be prevented
from engaging in further full-time employment by the Company or a Subsidiary and
that such disability is reasonably expected to be permanent or long-term.
17
<PAGE>
1.15 Phantom Stock means a phantom or notional share of Common Stock. A
Participant shall not possess any rights of a stockholder of the Company with
respect to a share of Phantom Stock, including, without limitation, rights
concerning voting and dividends. A share of Phantom Stock shall be payable
solely in cash under the Plan.
1.16 Plan means the Burlington Resources Inc. Incentive Compensation Plan either
in its previous or present form or as amended from time to time.
1.17. Plan Administrator means (i) with respect to the Chief Executive Officer
of the Company, the Compensation Committee, (ii) with respect to officers of the
Company and its Subsidiaries other than the Chief Executive Officer of the
Company, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and (iii) with respect to
other employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries, the Management Committee.
1.18. S&P Account means a notional subaccount of an Account credited with units
in a Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index or in a mutual fund
selected by the Plan Administrator that tracks such index, as provided in
Section 5.5.
1.19 Subsidiary means an entity, including, without limitation, a corporation,
limited liability company or joint venture, in which the Company owns (directly
or indirectly) a significant equity interest. 1.20 Termination means a
Participant's termination of employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries,
including by reason of death, retirement or Permanent Disability.
1.20 Termination means a Participant's termination of employment with the
Company and its Subsidiaries, including by reason of death, retirement or
Permanent Disability.
SECTION 2
ADMINISTRATION
2.1. Plan Administrator. With respect to the Chief Executive Officer of the
Company, the Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee. With
respect to officers of the Company and its Subsidiaries other than the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company, the Plan shall be administered by the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company. With respect to other employees of the Company
and its Subsidiaries, the Plan shall be administered by a management committee
(the "Management Committee") consisting of such executives of the Company as the
Chief Executive Officer of the Company shall designate.
2.2. Powers of Plan Administrator. Subject to Sections 2.3 and 2.4, the Plan
Administrator shall have the complete authority and power to interpret the Plan,
prescribe, amend and rescind rules relating to its administration, select
eligible Participants, select performance measures and performance goals,
determine a Participant's (or Beneficiary's) right to a payment and the amount
of such payment, and to take all other actions necessary or desirable for the
administration of the Plan. All actions and decisions of the Plan Administrator
shall be final and binding upon all Participants.
2.3. Determination of Company Performance. With respect to all Participants, the
Compensation Committee shall be solely responsible for determining the extent to
which any performance goals tied to the performance of the Company as a whole
have been met.
2.4. Approval of Certain Phantom Stock Transactions. Anything in this Plan to
the contrary notwithstanding, in the case of a Participant who is subject to
Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, any transfer of any portion of such
Participant's Account into or out of the Company Stock Account and any payout
from the Company Stock Account to such Participant shall be subject to the
approval of the Compensation Committee to the extent required to comply with
Rule 16b-3 issued under the Exchange Act.
18
<PAGE>
SECTION 3
PARTICIPANTS
3.1. Participants. The Plan Administrator shall determine and designate the
executives and other key employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries who are
eligible to receive awards under the Plan (the "Participants"). Participants
will be limited to those employees who, because of their management or staff
positions, have the principal responsibility for the management, direction and
success of the Company as a whole or a Subsidiary or a particular business unit
thereof. Directors of the Company who are full-time employees of the Company
shall be eligible to participate in the Plan.
SECTION 4
INCENTIVE AWARDS
4.1. Establishment of Incentive Awards. For each calendar year, the Plan
Administrator shall determine the Participants who shall have an opportunity to
receive Incentive Awards under the Plan, shall select one or more performance
measures, shall establish the performance goals with respect to each selected
performance measure, and shall establish the Incentive Award opportunities and
other terms of the Incentive Awards to be made to each Participant. The selected
performance measures and goals may be different for different Participants.
4.2. Adjustments in Performance Goals. The Plan Administrator may adjust the
performance goals established for a particular calendar year to account for
extraordinary events which may affect the determination of performance, in order
to avoid distortions in the operation of the Plan. Such events may include,
without limitation, special charges and other extraordinary items or significant
acquisitions or divestitures.
4.3. Determination of Incentive Awards Earned. Subject to Section 2.3, after the
end of the calendar year, the Plan Administrator shall determine the extent to
which the applicable performance goals have been satisfied and the amount
payable to the Participant under the Incentive Award by reason of such
performance; provided, however, that the Plan Administrator shall have full
authority in its discretion to increase, decrease or eliminate the amount
payable under an Incentive Award based on the Plan Administrator's assessment of
the Participant's performance.
4.4. Termination of Employment. The Plan Administrator shall have full authority
in its discretion to determine whether a Participant whose employment terminates
for any reason during a calendar year shall be entitled to any payment of an
Incentive Award for that calendar year and, if so, the amount of such payment.
SECTION 5
PAYMENT OF INCENTIVE AWARDS
5.1. Immediate Payment. Each Participant who has not made a deferral election
pursuant to Section 5.2 or 5.3 for a calendar year shall be paid his or her
Incentive Award for that calendar year in cash as soon as reasonably practicable
following the date on which the amount payable under the Incentive Award is
determined by the Plan Administrator.
5.2. Voluntary Deferrals. Prior to such date during a calendar year as the Plan
Administrator may designate, each Participant may elect to have the payment of
all or a portion of his or her Incentive Award for that calendar year deferred
until his or her Termination, subject to a $1,000 minimum. The election shall be
irrevocable and shall be made on a form prescribed by the Plan Administrator,
which shall govern the amount deferred and the form of its payment pursuant to
Section 5.7 following the Participant's Termination. A Participant's deferral
election shall apply only to the Incentive Award for that calendar year.
19
<PAGE>
5.3. Special Deferrals. The Plan Administrator may, in its discretion, approve
deferred payments ("Special Deferrals") as follows. Prior to such date during a
calendar year as the Plan Administrator may designate, each Participant may
elect to have the payment of all or a portion of his or her Incentive Award for
that calendar year deferred until a date or dates specified by the Plan
Administrator. The Participant's election shall be irrevocable and shall be made
on a form prescribed by the Plan Administrator. A Participant's Special Deferral
election shall apply only to the Incentive Award for that calendar year.
5.4. Memorandum Accounts. Each calendar year the Company shall establish a
ledger or notional account (the "Memorandum Account") for each Participant who
has elected to defer payment of his or her Incentive Award for that calendar
year pursuant to Section 5.2 for the purpose of reflecting the Company's
obligation to pay the deferred Incentive Award for such calendar year as
specified pursuant to Section 5.7; provided, however, that all Memorandum
Accounts established for a Participant that are to be paid in the same manner,
i.e., a lump sum, 60 installments or 120 installments, may be combined into a
single Memorandum Account. Similarly, a separate "Special Deferral Memorandum
Account" shall be established for each Special Deferral for each Participant;
however, all Special Deferrals of a Participant that are to be paid at the same
time and in the same manner may be combined into a single Special Deferral
Memorandum Account.
5.5. Investment of Accounts. Except as provided below, each Account shall accrue
interest on the deferred Incentive Award credited to such Account from the date
such Incentive Award is credited to the Account through the date of its
distribution (the "Interest Account"). Such interest shall be credited to the
Interest Account at the end of each calendar quarter or such other periods as
may be determined by the Plan Administrator. The Plan Administrator shall
determine, in its sole discretion, the rate of interest to be credited
periodically to the Interest Accounts. In lieu of investing in the Interest
Account, a Participant may request that the Plan Administrator credit all or a
specified percentage of his or her Incentive Award deferred for that calendar
year in Phantom Stock (the "Company Stock Account"), in the S&P Account, or in
any combination of the Interest Account, Company Stock Account and/or S&P
Account; however, the Plan Administrator shall not be obligated to honor any
such Participant's request. If the Plan Administrator elects to honor any such
request, the Plan Administrator shall establish a separate notional
subaccount(s) for such Participant under his or her Account, which shall be
credited (i) with respect to the Company Stock Account, with whole and
fractional shares of Phantom Stock as of the date of the Incentive Award for
such calendar year, and with phantom (notional) dividends with respect to the
credited Phantom Stock, which shall be credited as being reinvested in
additional shares of Phantom Stock and (ii) with respect to the S&P Account,
with whole and fractional units in the S&P Account periodically as of the dates
of the deferrals and with any notional distributions on such units, which shall
be credited as being reinvested in additional units. All credits and debits to
the Company Stock Account shall be made based on the Fair Market Value per share
of the Company's Common Stock on the applicable date, unless otherwise
authorized by the Plan Administrator. If the Plan Administrator chooses to not
honor any Participant's request to invest his or her Account in the Company
Stock Account or the S&P Account, the portion of the Participant's deferral
subject to the request automatically shall be held in the Interest Account.
5.6 Changes in Investment Elections. Each Participant who has an Account under
the Plan may request that all or a specified percentage of his or her Account
balance as of any date be reinvested in the Interest Account, Company Stock
Account and/or S&P Account in such proportions as elected by the Participant;
provided, however, that the Plan Administrator shall not be obligated to honor
any such request. This election shall be in such form and subject to such
restrictions, if any, as the Plan Administrator shall establish.
20
<PAGE>
5.7 Payment of Accounts. Upon a Participant's Termination or on any Special
Deferral payment date, the Company shall pay to such Participant (or to his or
her Beneficiary in case of the Participant's death) an amount in cash equal to
the balance then credited to his or her affected Account(s) as follows:
(a) a lump sum payment; or
(b) in 60 consecutive substantially equal monthly installments; or
(c) in 120 consecutive substantially equal monthly installments;
whichever form of payment has been elected by the Participant. However, if a
Participant elects to receive the distribution of a Company Stock Account or S&P
Account in installments, his or her Company Stock Account or S&P Account
automatically shall be converted into an Interest Account as of the
Participant's date of Termination or Special Deferral payment date, as the case
may be. Payment of Accounts shall commence or be made in the month following the
month in which the Participant's Termination or Special Deferral payment date
occurs.
5.8. Acceleration of Payments. Notwithstanding a Participant's election to the
contrary, the Plan Administrator, in its sole discretion, may accelerate the
payment of all or part of the unpaid balance of a Participant's Account(s) in
the event of the Participant's Termination, or upon its determination that the
Participant (or his or her Beneficiary in the case of the Participant's death)
has incurred a "severe financial hardship" resulting from a sudden and
unexpected illness or accident of such person or of a dependent, a loss of such
person's property due to casualty, or other similar extraordinary and
unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the control of
such person. The Plan Administrator in making its determination of severe
financial hardship may consider such factors and require such information as it
deems appropriate, but, in any case, payment may not be made to the extent that
such hardship is or may be relieved (i) through reimbursement or compensation by
insurance or otherwise or (ii) by liquidation of such person's assets, to the
extent liquidation of such assets will not itself cause severe financial
hardship. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Plan Administrator shall
not accelerate the payment of any Company Stock Account maintained for a
Participant if such acceleration would not be exempt under Section 16(b) of the
Exchange Act.
5.9. Payment Upon Change in Control. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Plan, in the event of a Change in Control of the Company, the maximum bonus
amount attributable to the calendar year in which the Change in Control occurs
shall become fully vested and payable within 30 days after the date of the
Change in Control. For purposes of this Plan a "Change in Control" shall be
deemed to occur:
(i) if any person (as such term is used in Sections 13(d)
and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) is or becomes the "beneficial
owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or
indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 20% or more
of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding
securities,
(ii) upon the first purchase of the Common Stock of the
Company pursuant to a tender or exchange offer (other than a
tender or exchange offer made by the Company),
(iii) upon the approval by the Company's stockholders of a
merger or consolidation of the Company, other than a merger or
consolidation that would result in stockholders of the Company
immediately prior to such merger or consolidation owning directly
or indirectly, immediately thereafter, more than fifty percent of
the combined voting power of the surviving entity with the voting
power of each such continuing holder relative to other such
continuing holders not substantially altered in the transaction,
21
<PAGE>
(iv) upon the approval by the Company's stockholders of a
sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Company's
assets or a plan of liquidation or dissolution of the Company, or
(v) if, during any period of two consecutive years,
individuals who at the beginning of such period constitute the
Board cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority
thereof, unless the election or nomination for the election by the
Company's stockholders of each new director was approved by a vote
of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who
were directors at the beginning of the period.
SECTION 6
GENERAL PROVISIONS
6.1. Unfunded Obligation. The amounts to be paid to Participants pursuant to
this Plan are unfunded obligations of the Company. The Company is not required
to segregate any monies from its general funds, to create any trusts, or to make
any special deposits with respect to this obligation. Title to and beneficial
ownership of any investments, including trust investments, which the Company may
make to fulfill this obligation shall at all times remain in the Company. Any
investments and the creation or maintenance of any trust or notional accounts
shall not create or constitute a trust or a fiduciary relationship between the
Plan Administrator or the Company and a Participant, or otherwise create any
vested or beneficial interest in any Participant or his or her Beneficiary or
his or her creditors in any assets of the Company whatsoever. The Participants
(and Beneficiaries) shall have no claim against the Company for any changes in
the value of any Accounts and shall be general unsecured creditors of the
Company with respect to any payment due under this Plan.
6.2. Incapacity of Participant or Beneficiary. If the Plan Administrator finds
that any Participant or Beneficiary to whom a payment is payable under the Plan
is unable to care for his or her affairs because of illness or accident or is
under a legal disability, any payment due (unless a prior claim therefor shall
have been made by a duly appointed legal representative) at the discretion of
the Plan Administrator, may be paid to the spouse, child, parent or brother or
sister of such Participant or Beneficiary or to any person whom the Plan
Administrator has determined has incurred expense for such Participant or
Beneficiary. Any such payment shall be a complete discharge of the obligations
of the Company under the provisions of the Plan.
6.3. Nonassignment. The right of a Participant or Beneficiary to the payment of
any amounts under the Plan may not be assigned, transferred, pledged or
encumbered in any manner nor shall such right or other interests be subject to
attachment, garnishment, execution or other legal process.
6.4. No Right to Continued Employment. Nothing in the Plan shall be construed to
confer upon any Participant any right to continued employment with the Company
or its Subsidiaries, nor interfere in any way with the right of an employer to
terminate the employment of such Participant at any time without assigning any
reason therefor.
6.5. Withholding Taxes. Appropriate taxes shall be withheld from all payments
made to Participants pursuant to this Plan and with respect to all deferrals of
Incentive Awards made pursuant to this Plan.
6.6. Termination and Amendment. The Compensation Committee may from time to time
amend, suspend or terminate the Plan, in whole or in part, and if the Plan is
suspended or terminated, the Compensation Committee may reinstate any or all of
its provisions. No amendment, suspension or termination of the Plan may impair
the right of a Participant or his or her Beneficiary to receive the benefit
accrued hereunder prior to the effective date of such amendment, suspension or
termination.
6.7. Applicable Law. Except to the extent preempted by applicable federal law,
the Plan shall be construed and governed in accordance with the laws of the
State of Texas.
22
