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AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 11, 2000
REGISTRATION NO. 333-36032
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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AMENDMENT NO. 1
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF IRS EMPLOYER
AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
Burlington Resources Inc. Delaware 91-1413284
Burlington Resources Capital I Delaware 76-0572336
Burlington Resources Capital II Delaware 76-0572333
Burlington Resources Finance Company Nova Scotia Not Applicable
</TABLE>
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5051 WESTHEIMER, SUITE 1400
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77056
(713) 624-9500
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
registrants' principal executive offices)
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FREDERICK J. PLAEGER, II, ESQUIRE
VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL
BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC.
5051 WESTHEIMER, SUITE 1400
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77056
(713) 624-9500
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
of agent for service)
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Copies to:
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JOHN SCHUSTER, ESQUIRE JOHN W. WHITE, ESQUIRE
CAHILL GORDON & REINDEL CRAVATH, SWAINE & MOORE
80 PINE STREET 825 EIGHTH AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10005 NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019
(212) 701-3000 (212) 474-1000
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Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time
to time after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [ ]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a
delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [X]
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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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PROPOSED PROPOSED MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS AMOUNT TO BE MAXIMUM OFFERING AGGREGATE OFFERING AMOUNT OF
OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED(1)(2) PRICE PER UNIT(3) PRICE(2)(3)(4) REGISTRATION FEE
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Debt Securities of Burlington Resources
Inc.......................................
Common Stock of Burlington Resources
Inc.(1)...................................
Preferred Stock of Burlington Resources
Inc.......................................
Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Rights of
Burlington Resources Inc. (currently
traded with Common Stock)(1)..............
Trust Preferred Securities..................
Trust Preferred Securities Guarantees(5)....
Debt Securities of Burlington Resources
Finance Company...........................
Guarantees of Burlington Resources
Inc.(6)...................................
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Total............................... $1,000,001,000 100% $1,000,001,000 $1(7)
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</TABLE>
(1) Certain series of securities are convertible into common stock. Burlington
Resources Inc. is registering an indeterminate number of shares of common
stock for that purpose. We are also registering rights to purchase Series A
Junior Participating Preferred Stock which trade with the common stock, but
we will not receive any additional consideration for them.
(2) In U.S. dollars or the equivalent in foreign currencies, currency units or
composite currencies. If we issue any debt securities at an original issue
discount, the amount registered will be whatever greater amount that results
in aggregate net proceeds of $1,000,001,000 for the registrants.
(3) Estimated pursuant to Rule 457 solely for the purpose of calculating the
registration fee.
(4) Exclusive of accrued interest or dividends, if any.
(5) We will not receive separate consideration for the trust preferred
securities guarantees. The guarantees include the rights of holders of trust
preferred securities under the guarantees and certain back-up undertakings,
comprised of obligations of Burlington Resources Inc. under the subordinated
indenture and related supplemental indentures and under the declaration of
trust of each of Burlington Resources Capital I and Burlington Resources
Capital II, each as described in the registration statement.
(6) The Debt Securities to be issued by Burlington Resources Finance Company
will be irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured senior
basis by Burlington Resources Inc. No separate consideration will be
received for the guarantees of Burlington Resources Inc. and, therefore, no
additional registration fee is payable in respect of the registration of
such guarantees.
(7) Fee calculation based upon $1,000 of securities. Excludes fees of $287,350
previously paid in connection with $1,000,000,000 of securities remaining on
Registration Statement No. 333-83163.
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THE REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON THE DATE OR DATES
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS SHALL FILE
A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON
SUCH DATE THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
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THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. THIS
PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IS NOT SOLICITING
AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS
NOT PERMITTED.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 11, 2000
PROSPECTUS
$1,000,000,000
BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC.
DEBT SECURITIES
COMMON STOCK
PREFERRED STOCK
BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL I
BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL II
TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY
GUARANTEED BY BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC.
BURLINGTON RESOURCES FINANCE COMPANY
DEBT SECURITIES FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY
GUARANTEED BY BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC.
Burlington Resources Inc. may offer, from time to time, in one or more
series
- unsecured senior debt securities;
- unsecured subordinated debt securities;
- shares of common stock; and
- shares of preferred stock.
From time to time, the Burlington Resources trusts may offer trust
preferred securities fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a subordinated
basis by Burlington Resources Inc.
From time to time, Burlington Resources Finance Company may offer and sell
debt securities in one or more series, consisting of notes, debentures or other
evidences of indebtedness. The debt securities will be fully and unconditionally
guaranteed by Burlington Resources Inc.
The securities:
- will have a maximum aggregate offering price of $1,000,000,000;
- will be offered at prices and on terms to be set forth in an
accompanying prospectus supplement;
- may be denominated in U.S. dollars or in other currencies or currency
units;
- may be offered separately or together, or in separate series; and
- may be listed on a national securities exchange, if specified in an
accompanying prospectus supplement.
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Burlington Resources Inc.'s common stock is listed on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol "BR."
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NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES, OR DETERMINED IF THIS
PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
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The securities may be sold directly, through agents from time to time or
through underwriters and/or dealers. If any agent of the issuers or any
underwriter is involved in the sale of the securities, the name of the agent or
underwriter and any applicable commission or discount will be set forth in the
accompanying prospectus supplement.
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This prospectus may be used to offer and sell securities only if accompanied by
a prospectus supplement.
The date of this prospectus is , 2000
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YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN OR INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT. NO
PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE YOU WITH DIFFERENT INFORMATION OR TO OFFER ANY
SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER IS NOT PERMITTED. YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME
THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THIS PROSPECTUS OR THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN THE RESPECTIVE DATES ON THE
FRONT OF THOSE DOCUMENTS. IN THIS PROSPECTUS, REFERENCES TO "BURLINGTON
RESOURCES" MEAN BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC., REFERENCES TO "BURLINGTON RESOURCES
FINANCE COMPANY" MEAN BURLINGTON RESOURCES FINANCE COMPANY, REFERENCES TO THE
"BURLINGTON RESOURCES TRUSTS" MEAN, COLLECTIVELY, BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL I
AND BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL II, AND REFERENCES TO "WE," "US" AND "OUR"
MEAN, COLLECTIVELY, BURLINGTON RESOURCES, BURLINGTON RESOURCES FINANCE COMPANY
AND THE BURLINGTON RESOURCES TRUSTS. UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, THE DOLLAR AMOUNTS
AND FINANCIAL DATA CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT ARE PRESENTED IN U.S. DOLLARS.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PAGE
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Where You Can Find More Information......................... 2
Incorporation of Certain Documents By Reference............. 3
Forward-Looking Statements.................................. 4
Burlington Resources........................................ 4
The Burlington Resources Trusts............................. 4
Burlington Resources Finance Company........................ 5
Use of Proceeds............................................. 5
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.......................... 6
Description of Debt Securities.............................. 6
Description of Capital Stock of Burlington Resources........ 15
Description of Trust Preferred Securities and Trust
Guarantees................................................ 19
Plan of Distribution........................................ 22
Legal Matters............................................... 23
Experts..................................................... 23
</TABLE>
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed a joint registration statement with the Securities and
Exchange Commission; however, we did not include separate financial statements
of the Burlington Resources trusts or of Burlington Resources Finance Company in
this prospectus because:
- all of the voting rights of the Burlington Resources trusts and
Burlington Resources Finance Company will be owned by Burlington
Resources, either directly or through wholly-owned subsidiaries of
Burlington Resources, which files regular reports with the Securities and
Exchange Commission;
- neither of the Burlington Resources trusts nor Burlington Resources
Finance Company has any operations other than transferring funds to
Burlington Resources' subsidiaries; and
- Burlington Resources will fully and unconditionally guarantee the
Burlington Resources trusts' and Burlington Resources Finance Company's
obligations and the rights of holders.
Each time we offer to sell securities, whether by the Burlington Resources
trusts, Burlington Resources Finance Company or Burlington Resources, we will
provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the
terms of that offering, including any guarantees. The prospectus supplement may
also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. This
prospectus, together with the applicable prospectus supplement, will include or
refer you to all material information relating to each offering.
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We will apply to the SEC for confirmation that the staff will not recommend
to the SEC that any enforcement action be taken if the Burlington Resources
trusts and Burlington Resources Finance Company do not file periodic and other
documents required under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Burlington
Resources does not intend to include in its consolidated financial statements
any separate financial information regarding the Burlington Resources trusts or
Burlington Resources Finance Company. Also, in view of Burlington Resources'
guarantees, neither of the Burlington Resources trusts nor Burlington Resources
Finance Company intend to furnish holders of the debt securities with separate
financial statements or other reports.
This prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the
registration statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with
the rules and regulations of the SEC. For more information about Burlington
Resources, the Burlington Resources trusts, Burlington Resources Finance Company
and the securities covered by this prospectus, you should see the registration
statement and the exhibits and schedules. Any statement made in this prospectus
concerning the provisions of the documents may be incomplete, and you should
refer to the copy of such documents filed as an exhibit to the registration
statement with the SEC.
Burlington Resources files annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy
statements and other information with the SEC. These filings are available to
the public over the Internet at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. You
may obtain information on the operation of the SEC's public reference rooms by
calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. You may also read and copy any document we
file at these rooms located at:
-- 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20549;
-- 7 World Trade Center, New York, NY 10048; and
-- Citicorp Center, 500 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60661.
You can also inspect these materials at the New York Stock Exchange at 20
Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information we file with
them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring
you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an
important part of this prospectus, and information we file with the SEC after
the date of this prospectus will automatically update and supersede this
information.
We incorporate by reference the following documents and any of Burlington
Resources' future filings with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until our offering is complete:
- Burlington Resources' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1999;
- The description of Burlington Resources common stock contained in
Burlington Resources' Rule 424(b) Prospectus, dated July 7, 1988; and
- The description of Burlington Resources' rights agreement contained in
Burlington Resources' Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the
SEC on December 18, 1998.
On request, we will provide without charge a copy of any or all of the
above documents incorporated by reference (other than exhibits to documents,
unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into the
documents that this prospectus incorporates). Send your written or oral requests
to: Jeffery P. Monte, Corporate Secretary, Burlington Resources Inc., 5051
Westheimer, Suite 1400, Houston, Texas 77056, telephone: (713) 624-9500.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains projections and other forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Sometimes these statements will contain words such as "believes," "expects,"
"intends," "plans" and other similar words. These projections and statements
reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial
performance. We can not assure you, however, that these events will occur or
that these projections will be achieved, and our actual results could differ
materially from those projected because of various risks, uncertainties and
other important factors. These risks, uncertainties and factors include:
- fluctuations in commodity pricing and demand;
- risks associated with exploring for, developing and producing crude oil
and natural gas;
- risks associated with large development projects;
- risks inherent in foreign operations such as changes in laws, policies,
regulations, taxation and political climate;
- competition for raw materials and customers in the crude oil and natural
gas industry;
- changes in laws and regulations affecting our operations;
- potential environmental liabilities; and
- outcome of pending or threatened litigation.
Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements. You should read the description of these factors
under the caption "Forward-Looking Statements" in Burlington Resources' latest
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
BURLINGTON RESOURCES
Burlington Resources is a holding company engaged, through its principal
subsidiaries, Burlington Resources Oil & Gas Company, The Louisiana Land and
Exploration Company, Burlington Resources Canada Inc. and their affiliated
companies, in the exploration, development, production and marketing of crude
oil and natural gas. At December 31, 1999, Burlington Resources was the largest
independent oil and gas company based on total proved worldwide reserves, which
were estimated at 10.3 trillion cubic feet of gas equivalent at such date.
Burlington Resources' principal executive offices are located at 5051
Westheimer, Suite 1400, Houston, Texas 77056, telephone: (713) 624-9500.
THE BURLINGTON RESOURCES TRUSTS
Each of Burlington Resources Capital I and Burlington Resources Capital II
is a statutory business trust formed under Delaware law through the filing of a
certificate of trust with the Delaware Secretary of State. Each trust's business
is defined in a declaration of trust which has been executed by Burlington
Resources, as sponsor for each of the trusts, and the trustees for each of the
trusts. Unless stated otherwise in the prospectus supplement, each trust exists
exclusively to:
- issue and sell the trust preferred securities and the trust common
securities;
- invest the gross proceeds of the sale of the trust preferred securities
and trust common securities in a specific series of subordinated debt
securities; and
- engage in only those other activities necessary or incidental to carrying
out the first two purposes.
All of the trust common securities will be owned by Burlington Resources.
The trust common securities will rank equally, and payments will be made on the
trust common securities pro rata, with the trust preferred securities. However,
upon an event of default under the declaration of a particular trust, holders of
the trust
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preferred securities have a right to be paid before the holders of the trust
common securities on distribution and on liquidation, redemption and otherwise.
Burlington Resources will acquire trust common securities having an
aggregate liquidation amount equal to a minimum of 1% of the total capital of
each trust. Each trust will have a term of at least 20 but not more than 50
years, but may terminate earlier as provided in the applicable declaration of
trust.
Each trust's business and affairs will be conducted by its trustees, whose
obligations and duties will be governed by the declaration of trust. The
holder(s) of the trust common securities will be entitled to appoint, remove or
replace any of, or increase or reduce the number of, the trustees of each trust.
At least one of the trustees of each of the trusts will be a person who is an
employee or officer of or an affiliate of Burlington Resources. One trustee of
each trust will be a financial institution that is not affiliated with
Burlington Resources and will act as property trustee and as indenture trustee
for the purposes of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. A more detailed
description of these provisions will be contained in the prospectus supplement.
Unless the property trustee maintains a principal place of business in
Delaware and otherwise meets the requirements of applicable law, one trustee of
each trust will be either an individual or a company who has a residence or a
principal place of business in Delaware. Burlington Resources will pay all fees
and expenses related to each trust and the offering of securities. Unless
otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement, the property trustee will be
Chase Bank of Texas, National Association, and the Delaware trustee will be
Chase Manhattan Bank Delaware. The office of the Delaware trustee is 1201 Market
Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.
The principal place of business of the Burlington Resources trusts are c/o
Burlington Resources Inc., 5051 Westheimer, Suite 1400, Houston, Texas 77056,
telephone: (713) 624-9500.
BURLINGTON RESOURCES FINANCE COMPANY
Burlington Resources Finance Company is an unlimited liability company
organized in February 2000 under the laws of Nova Scotia, Canada. Burlington
Resources Finance Company is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Burlington
Resources. Burlington Resources Finance Company will issue debt securities which
securities will be guaranteed by Burlington Resources.
The principal place of business of Burlington Resources Finance Company is
c/o Burlington Resources Canada Energy Ltd., Suite 3700, 250-6th Avenue, S.W.,
Calgary, Alberta T2P 3H7, Canada, telephone: (403) 260-8000.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless we set forth other uses of proceeds in the prospectus supplement, we
will use the net proceeds of the sale of the securities described in this
prospectus and any prospectus supplement for general corporate purposes. These
may include the reduction of outstanding indebtedness, working capital
increases, capital expenditures or acquisitions. Unless we set forth other uses
of proceeds in the prospectus supplement, each Burlington Resources trust will
use all proceeds received from the sale of trust preferred securities to
purchase subordinated debt securities of Burlington Resources. We intend to use
the net proceeds from the sale of subordinated debt securities for the general
corporate purposes described above.
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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth Burlington Resources' consolidated ratios of
earnings to fixed charges for the indicated periods.
<TABLE>
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YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
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1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
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1.11x -- 3.36x 3.38x --
</TABLE>
Total earnings available for fixed charges for the years ended 1998 and
1995 were inadequate to cover total fixed charges in the amount of approximately
$612 million and $688 million, respectively. The total earnings available for
fixed charges in 1998 and 1995 were inadequate to cover total fixed charges
primarily due to the impairment of oil and gas properties.
For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
earnings represent pretax income from continuing operations available for fixed
charges, less equity in undistributed earnings of 20-50% owned companies,
together with a portion of rent under long-term operating leases representative
of an interest factor. Fixed charges represent interest expense, capitalized
interest and a portion of rent under long-term operating leases treated as
interest.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
The following description of the debt securities sets forth certain general
terms and provisions of the debt securities to which this prospectus and any
prospectus supplement may relate. The particular terms of any series of debt
securities and the extent to which the general provisions may apply to a
particular series of debt securities will be described in a prospectus
supplement relating to that series. Burlington Resources and Burlington
Resources Finance Company may issue senior debt securities under indentures with
Citibank, N.A., as trustee, or Burlington Resources may issue subordinated debt
securities under an indenture with a trustee to be named in the prospectus
supplement.
We have summarized selected provisions of the indentures below. The summary
is not complete. Burlington Resources' senior indenture has been filed, and
before Burlington Resources Finance Company sells debt securities or Burlington
Resources sells subordinated securities, the related indenture will be filed as
an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. You
should read the indentures for provisions that may be important to you.
Because we have included only a summary of the indenture terms, you must
read the indentures in full to understand every detail of the terms of the debt
securities. If you would like to read the indentures in their entirety, see
"Where You Can Find More Information."
For purposes of this section, the "issuer" means Burlington Resources, in
the case of debt securities issued by Burlington Resources, and Burlington
Resources Finance Company, in the case of debt securities issued by Burlington
Resources Finance Company, while the "guarantor" means Burlington Resources, in
the case of debt securities issued by Burlington Resources Finance Company, and
has no meaning in the case of debt securities issued by Burlington Resources.
Also, the term "indenture," in the case of debt securities issued by Burlington
Resources Finance Company, includes the guarantee agreement pursuant to which
the guarantor guarantees the debt securities.
GENERAL
The debt securities will be unsecured obligations of the issuer. None of
the indentures limit the amount of debt securities the issuer may issue.
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You should read the prospectus supplement relating to the particular series
of debt securities for the following terms of the offered debt securities:
- the title of the debt securities;
- any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities;
- the dates on which the principal of the debt securities is payable;
- the interest rate of the debt securities, or the method for calculating
the interest rate, and the date or dates from which interest will accrue;
- the interest payment dates and the record dates for the interest payment
dates;
- places where payments of the principal and interest, if any may be made
on the debt securities;
- the terms and conditions upon which the debt securities may be redeemed
at the issuer's option or otherwise;
- any mandatory or optional sinking fund or analogous provisions;
- the denominations in which the debt securities are issuable;
- whether any portion of the principal amount of such debt securities is
payable upon declaration of the acceleration of the maturity thereof;
- if other than U.S. dollars, the currency or currency units in which the
debt securities are denominated and/or in which payment of the principal
of (and premium, if any) and/or interest on the debt securities will or
may be payable;
- any deletions, modifications or additions to the events of default or
covenants pertaining to the debt securities;
- whether the debt securities will be convertible into or exchangeable for
other securities or other property; and
- any other terms not inconsistent with the indentures, including, without
limitation, the addition of covenants applicable to the debt securities.
Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, the issuer will
issue the debt securities only in fully registered form without coupons in
denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof. There will not be any
service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange of debt securities,
but the issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other
governmental charge.
RANKING OF DEBT SECURITIES
Burlington Resources' senior debt securities will be unsecured and will
rank equally and ratably with Burlington Resources' other unsecured and
unsubordinated debt.
Burlington Resources' subordinated debt securities will be junior in right
of payment to all of Burlington Resources' senior indebtedness to the extent
described in the prospectus supplement.
The debt securities issued by Burlington Resources Finance Company will be:
- senior unsecured obligations of Burlington Resources Finance Company and
will rank equally and ratably with all other unsecured and unsubordinated
indebtedness of Burlington Resources Finance Company; and
- guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Burlington Resources, which
guarantee will rank equally and ratably with all other unsecured and
unsubordinated indebtedness of Burlington Resources.
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Dividend and other distributions to the issuer from the issuer's various
subsidiaries may be subject to certain statutory, contractual and other
restrictions (including, without limitation, exchange controls that may be
applicable to foreign subsidiaries). The rights of the issuer's creditors to
participate in the assets of any subsidiary upon that subsidiary's liquidation
or recapitalization will be subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary's
creditors, except to the extent that the issuer may itself be a creditor with
recognized claims against the subsidiary. In the case of debt securities issued
by Burlington Resources Finance Company, the claims of holders under the
guarantee by Burlington Resources will be effectively subordinated to the claims
of creditors of Burlington Resources' subsidiaries other than Burlington
Resources Finance Company. The indentures do not restrict the amount of
indebtedness that Burlington Resources, Burlington Resources Finance Company or
Burlington Resources' other subsidiaries may incur.
GUARANTEES
Burlington Resources will fully and unconditionally guarantee to each
holder of a debt security issued by Burlington Resources Finance Company and
authenticated and delivered by the trustee the due and punctual payment of the
principal of, and any premium and interest on, the debt security, when and as it
becomes due and payable, whether at maturity, upon acceleration, by call for
redemption, repayment or otherwise in accordance with the terms of the debt
securities and of the indenture.
Burlington Resources will:
- agree that, if an event of default occurs under the debt securities, its
obligations under the guarantees will be absolute and unconditional and
will be enforceable irrespective of any invalidity, irregularity or
unenforceability of any series of the debt securities or the indenture or
any supplement thereto, and
- waive its right to require the trustee or the holders to pursue or
exhaust their legal or equitable remedies against Burlington Resources
Finance Company before exercising their rights under the guarantees.
COVENANTS
The indentures contain, among others, the covenants summarized below, which
will be applicable (unless waived or amended) to any series of debt securities
which are outstanding, unless stated otherwise in the prospectus supplement
relating to a particular series.
Important Definitions. The following definitions will help in understanding
the meaning of certain words and phrases used in the indenture covenants and
discussed in the summary:
The term "funded debt" means all debt:
- maturing one year or more from its creation;
- all debt directly or indirectly renewable or extendible, at the option of
the debtor, by its terms or by the terms of any related instrument or
agreement, to a date one year or more from its creation; and
- all debt under a revolving credit or similar agreement obligating the
lender or lenders to extend credit over a period of one year or more.
The term "lien" means any mortgage, pledge, lien, charge, security
interest, conditional sale or other title retention agreement or similar
encumbrance.
The term "principal property" means:
- any property which a person or any of its subsidiaries own or lease or in
which such person or any of its subsidiaries has an interest which such
person considers capable of producing gas or oil in commercial quantities
located within the United States of America or the Dominion of Canada
(including property located off the coast of the United States of America
or the Dominion of Canada held pursuant to lease from any federal, state,
provincial or other governmental body); and
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- any refinery, processing or manufacturing plant which a person or its
subsidiaries owns or leases that is located within the United States of
America or any state thereof or the Dominion of Canada or any province or
territory thereof.
The following are not included in the term "principal properties:"
- related facilities employed in transportation, distribution or marketing;
or
- any plant which in the opinion of the board of directors of a person is
not a principal plant in relation to such person's activities and the
activities of such person's restricted subsidiaries as a whole.
The term "restricted subsidiary" means any subsidiary of a person which
owns or leases a principal property, either as a lessor or lessee. This term
does not include any subsidiary if its principal business is leasing machinery,
equipment, vehicles or other properties none of which is a principal property,
or financing accounts receivable, or engaging in ownership and development of
any real property which is not a principal property.
The term "subsidiary" means a corporation in which a person and one or more
of its subsidiaries own more than 50% of the outstanding voting stock, either
directly or indirectly through intermediary subsidiaries.
Limitation on Liens. The indentures provide that, so long as any debt
securities issued under such indenture are outstanding, the issuer and the
guarantor, if any, will not, and will not allow any of their respective
subsidiaries to, permit any liens on any principal property or on any stock or
outstanding indebtedness unless the debt securities are also secured. These
restrictions will not apply to:
- any lien upon property owned or leased by or upon stock or debt of any
corporation existing at the time it becomes a restricted subsidiary;
- any lien upon property or upon stock or debt existing at the time it is
acquired;
- any lien to secure the payment of all or any part of the purchase price
of property or to secure any debt incurred prior to, at the time of or
within 180 days after it is acquired for the purpose of financing all or
any part of the purchase price, other than a purchase by one of the
issuer's or guarantor's subsidiaries, as applicable, from a restricted
subsidiary or from the issuer or the guarantor, if any;
- any lien upon property to secure all or any part of the cost of
exploration, drilling, development, construction, alteration, repair or
improvement of all or any part of the property, or debt incurred prior
to, at the time of or within 180 days after the completion of the
exploration, drilling, development, construction, alteration, repair or
improvement for the purpose of financing all or any part of the cost,
provided that the cost is incurred to obtain, or materially increase the
production and revenues from, the property;
- any lien secured by pipeline assets of El Paso Natural Gas Company;
- any lien securing debt of a restricted subsidiary of Burlington Resources
owing to Burlington Resources or to another of Burlington Resources'
restricted subsidiaries;
- any lien existing at the date of the applicable indenture; and
- any extension, renewal or replacement in whole or in part of any lien
referred to in the previous clauses; except that the principal amount of
secured debt may not exceed the principal amount of secured debt prior to
the extension or renewal or replacement, and the lien must be limited to
all or part of the property which was subject to the lien prior to the
extension, renewal or replacement (plus improvements on the property).
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In addition, the issuer and the guarantor, if any, and any one or more of
their respective restricted subsidiaries may permit a lien on its principal
property so long as the:
- debt secured by the lien and all similar liens; and
- all net sale proceeds from sale and leaseback transactions not
specifically permitted by the "Limitation on Sale and Leasebacks"
covenant
does not exceed 5% of Burlington Resources' total consolidated stockholders'
equity as shown on the audited consolidated balance sheet contained or
incorporated by reference in Burlington Resources' latest annual report on Form
10-K.
Under the indentures, the following types of transactions will not be
deemed to create indebtedness secured by liens:
- the sale or other transfer of oil, gas or other minerals in place for a
period of time until, or in an amount such that, the transferee will
realize a specified amount of money or minerals, or the sale or other
transfer of any other interest in property of the character commonly
referred to as a production payment; and
- liens required by any contract or statute in order to permit the issuer
or the guarantor, if any, or any of their respective subsidiaries to
perform any contract or subcontract made with or at the request of the
United States, any state or any department, agency or instrumentality of
either entity.
Limitation on Sale and Leasebacks. The issuer and the guarantor, if any,
will not, and will not permit any of their respective restricted subsidiaries
to, enter into any sale and leaseback transaction with respect to any principal
property with any person (other than the issuer or the guarantor, if any, or any
of their respective subsidiaries), unless either of the two following conditions
is met:
- the sale and leaseback transaction occurs within 180 days from the date
of acquisition of the property or the date of the completion of
construction or commencement of full operations on the property,
whichever is later; or
- the issuer or the guarantor, as the case may be, within 120 days after
the sale and leaseback transaction, uses the net proceeds of the
transaction to retire the funded debt of Burlington Resources or any of
its subsidiaries (other than debt that is subordinate in right of payment
to the securities or the guarantee, as the case may be).
The issuer and the guarantor, if any, may, and may permit any of their
respective restricted subsidiaries to, effect any sale and leaseback transaction
involving any principal property, if:
- the net sale proceeds from the sale and leaseback transaction, and
- all debt secured by liens not specifically excluded pursuant to the
"Limitation on Liens" covenant
does not exceed 5% of Burlington Resources' total consolidated stockholders'
equity as shown on the audited consolidated balance sheet contained or
incorporated by reference in Burlington Resources' latest annual report on Form
10-K.
The provisions of this covenant shall also not prevent any sale and
leaseback transaction involving a lease for a period, including renewals, of not
more than 36 months.
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MERGER, AMALGAMATION, CONSOLIDATION AND ASSUMPTION
The issuer and the guarantor, if any, may, without the consent of any
holders of outstanding debt securities, consolidate or amalgamate with or merge
into, or sell or convey their respective assets substantially as an entirety to,
any other corporation, provided that:
- the person formed by such consolidation or amalgamation or into which the
issuer or the guarantor, as the case may be, is merged or which acquires
the issuer's or the guarantor's assets, as the case may be, expressly
assumes the issuer's or the guarantor's obligations, as the case may be,
on the debt securities and under the indentures; and
- other conditions described in the indentures are met.
Additionally, Burlington Resources Finance Company, in the case of debt
securities issued by it, may assign all of its obligations under the debt
securities and the indenture to Burlington Resources or any of its subsidiaries,
provided that the person to which such obligations are assigned expressly
assumes Burlington Resources Finance Company's obligations under the debt
securities and the indenture and other conditions described in the indenture are
met.
Upon compliance with these provisions, the issuer or the guarantor, as the
case may be, will be relieved of their respective obligations under the
indentures and the debt securities.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT; RIGHTS ON DEFAULT
Each of the indentures defines an event of default with respect to debt
securities of any series as any of the following events:
- the issuer fails to pay interest for 30 days after it is due;
- the issuer fails to pay principal when due;
- the issuer fails to deposit any sinking fund payment when due;
- the issuer or the guarantor, if any, defaults for 60 days after
appropriate notice in the performance of any other covenant in the debt
securities or the applicable indenture;
- the issuer or the guarantor, if any, has an event of bankruptcy,
insolvency or reorganization; or
- the guarantee, if any, ceases to be in full force and effect (other than
in accordance with the terms of the guarantee agreement) or the guarantor
denies or disaffirms its obligations under the guarantee.
If an event of default occurs with respect to a particular series (but not
all series) of debt securities as a result of a failure to make a principal or
interest payment or because of a failure to perform another covenant, the
principal amount of all outstanding debt securities of that particular series
and accrued interest may be declared due and payable immediately by either:
- the trustee; or
- the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of that series.
If an event of default occurs with respect to all series of debt securities
as a result of a failure to perform a covenant or because of bankruptcy,
insolvency or reorganization, the principal amount of all outstanding debt
securities and accrued interest may be declared due and payable immediately by
either:
- the trustee; or
- the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of all outstanding debt
securities under the indenture.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt
securities of any series affected, with each series voting as a separate class,
have the power to direct the time, method and place of conducting
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any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust
or power conferred on the trustee. However, the direction must not conflict with
any rule of law or the indentures. Before proceeding to exercise any right or
power under the indentures at the direction of the holders, the trustee will be
entitled to receive from the holders reasonable security or indemnity against
the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance
with their direction.
The issuer and the guarantor, if any, must furnish the trustee annually
with a statement that, to the best knowledge of the officers signing the
statement, the issuer or the guarantor, as the case may be, is not in default in
the performance of the terms of the indentures or, if the officers know that the
issuer or the guarantor, as the case may be, is in default, specifying the
default. The indentures require the trustee to give to all holders of
outstanding debt securities notice of any default by the issuer or the guarantor
unless the default has been cured or waived. However, except for a default in
the payment of principal of or interest on any outstanding debt securities, the
trustee can withhold notice if the board of directors, the executive committee
or a trust committee of directors or officers of the trustee in good faith
determine that withholding notice is in the interest of the holders of the
outstanding debt securities.
DEFEASANCE
If any series of debt securities have either:
- become due and payable or are by their terms due and payable within one
year; or
- are to be called for redemption within one year,
the indentures provide that the issuer may discharge substantially all of its or
the guarantor's, if any, obligations to holders of these series of debt
securities that have not already been delivered to the trustee for cancellation
by irrevocably depositing with the trustee enough funds to pay the principal of
and interest on the debt securities when the series matures.
The issuer can also discharge substantially all of its and the guarantor's,
if any, obligations for any series of debt securities, including its or the
guarantor's, if any, obligations under the covenants in the indentures, by
irrevocably depositing with the trustee enough funds to pay the principal of and
interest on the debt securities when the series matures. The issuer must also
obtain an opinion of counsel or a favorable ruling of the Internal Revenue
Service to the effect that as a result of the defeasance, holders of that series
of debt securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income
tax purposes, and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount, in
the same manner and at the same time as would have been the case if such
defeasance had not occurred.
CHANGES IN CONTROL AND HIGHLY LEVERAGED TRANSACTIONS
The indentures do not contain provisions requiring the issuer or the
guarantor, if any, to redeem or to adjust the terms of the debt securities upon
a change in control.
Other than restrictions on liens and sale and leaseback transactions
described under "-- Covenants" above, the indentures do not contain any
covenants or other provisions designed to afford holders of the debt securities
protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction.
MODIFICATION OF THE INDENTURES
The indentures provide that the issuer, the guarantor, if any, and the
trustee may enter into supplemental indentures without the consent of the
holders of debt securities to:
- secure any of the debt securities;
- evidence the assumption by a successor corporation of the issuer's or the
guarantor's obligations, as the case may be, as described under
"-- Merger, Amalgamation, Consolidation and Assumption" above;
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- add covenants and events of default for the protection of the holders of
all or any particular series of debt securities;
- change or eliminate any of the provisions of the indentures, provided
that any such change or elimination shall become effective only after
there are no debt securities of any series entitled to the benefit of
such provision outstanding;
- establish the forms or terms of debt securities of any series;
- cure any ambiguity or correct any inconsistency in the indentures; or
- evidence the acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee.
The indentures and the guarantee agreement also contain provisions
permitting the issuer, the guarantor, if any, and the trustee to add any
provisions to, or change in any manner or eliminate any of the provisions of,
the indentures or the guarantee agreement, as the case may be, or modify in any
manner the rights of the holders of such debt securities with the consent of the
affected holders of at least a majority in principal amount of all series of
debt securities then outstanding, with each such series voting as a separate
class. However, the issuer, the guarantor, if any, and the trustee may not,
without the consent of the affected holder of each outstanding debt security:
- change the stated maturity of the principal of or any installment of
interest on any debt security;
- reduce the principal amount;
- reduce the rate of interest;
- change the place of payment where, or the coin or currency in which,
interest is payable;
- impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment
when due;
- reduce the percentage in principal amount of debt securities requiring
consent of holders for any modification; or
- release the guarantee, if any, except in compliance with the terms of the
guarantee agreement and the indenture.
BOOK-ENTRY DEBT SECURITIES -- REGISTRATION, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE AND PAYMENT
The issuer intends to issue each series of its debt securities in
"book-entry" form, represented by one or more global certificates registered in
the name of The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York ("DTC"), or its
nominee. However, the issuer reserves the right to issue debt securities in
certificate form registered in the names of the holders of the debt securities.
Ownership of beneficial interests in the global certificates representing
the particular series of debt securities will be limited to persons who have
accounts with DTC ("participants"), or persons that may hold interests through
participants. DTC will keep on its computerized book-entry and transfer system a
record of the principal amounts of debt securities held in the accounts of the
participants. Participants, in turn, will keep records of the interests of their
clients who have purchased debt securities through them. Beneficial interests in
the global certificates may be shown only on, and may be transferred only
through, records maintained by DTC and its participants. The laws of some states
require that certain purchasers of securities take delivery of the securities
only in certificate form. These laws may limit the ability of holders of
beneficial interests in the global certificates to transfer those interests to
certain persons who might otherwise wish to purchase those interests.
DTC has provided the issuer the following information: DTC is a
limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a
"banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member
of the United States Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a "clearing agency"
registered under the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. DTC holds securities that its participants
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deposit with DTC. DTC also records the settlement among participants of
securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities
through computerized records for participants' accounts. This eliminates the
need to exchange certificates. Participants include securities brokers and
dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other
organizations.
DTC's book-entry system is also used by other organizations such as
securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that work through a
participant. The rules that apply to DTC and its participants are on file with
the SEC.
DTC is owned by a number of its participants and by the New York Stock
Exchange, Inc., The American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Payments of interest and principal will be made to DTC, who in turn will
credit payment to the accounts of its participants. It is DTC's current
practice, upon receipt of any payment of principal or interest, to credit
participants' accounts on the payment date according to their respective
holdings of beneficial interests in the global certificates as shown on DTC's
records. In addition, it is DTC's current practice to assign any consenting or
voting rights to participants whose accounts are credited with certificates on a
record date, by using an omnibus proxy. Payments by participants to holders of
beneficial interests in the global certificates, and voting by participants,
will be governed by the customary practices between the participants and holders
of beneficial interests, as is the case with securities held for the account of
customers registered in "street names."
The issuer, the trustee and the paying agent will treat DTC as the sole
owner of the global certificates for all purposes. Accordingly, the issuer, the
trustee and any paying agent will have no responsibility or liability:
- for the records relating to beneficial ownership interests in the global
certificates; or
- for the payments of principal and interest due for the accounts of
beneficial holders of interest in the global certificates.
Unless the issuer decides to issue the debt securities in certificate form,
the global certificates representing a series of debt securities may not be
transferred. However, a global certificate may be transferred by DTC to its
nominees or successors.
A series of debt securities represented by global certificates will be
exchangeable for debt securities in certificate form with the same terms in
authorized denominations only if:
- DTC notifies the issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as
depositary or if DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under
applicable law, and we do not appoint a successor depositary within 90
days; or
- The issuer decides not to require all of the debt securities of a series
to be represented by global certificates and notifies the trustee of that
decision.
The issuer has obtained the foregoing information concerning DTC and DTC's
book-entry system from DTC and other sources it believes reliable, but we take
no responsibility for the accuracy of this information.
APPLICABLE LAW
The debt securities and the indentures will be governed by and construed in
accordance with the law of the State of New York.
SENIOR TRUSTEE
Citibank, N.A. is the trustee under the indentures for Burlington
Resources' and Burlington Resources Finance Company's senior debt securities.
Citibank, N.A. serves as trustee under various indentures relating to our
obligations. We have customary banking relationships with Citibank, N.A.,
including its participation as one of the agent banks in our revolving credit
agreements.
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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF BURLINGTON RESOURCES
Burlington Resources' certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance
of 325,000,000 shares of common stock and 75,000,000 shares of preferred stock,
of which 3,250,000 shares are designated Series A Junior Participating Preferred
Stock. Burlington Resources has two outstanding classes of securities that
entitle holders to vote generally at meetings of the Company's stockholders:
common stock, par value $.01 per share; and special voting stock, par value $.01
per share. A single share of special voting stock was issued to CIBC Mellon
Trust Company, as trustee under a voting and exchange trust agreement for the
benefit of holders of exchangeable shares issued by our wholly-owned subsidiary,
Burlington Resources Canada Inc., in connection with Burlington Resources'
November 1999 acquisition of Poco Petroleums Ltd. The common stock and the
voting share vote together as a single class on all matters except when Delaware
law requires otherwise. Each share of common stock outstanding is entitled to
one vote. The voting share is entitled to one vote for each exchangeable share
outstanding (other than those held by Burlington Resources or any entity
controlled by it). The trustee is required to vote the voting share in the
manner that holders of exchangeable shares instruct, and to abstain from voting
in proportion to the exchangeable shares for which the trustee does not receive
instructions. As of February 14, 2000, there were 204,914,153 shares of common
stock outstanding held by approximately 19,710 holders of record, excluding
holders whose shares of record are held by brokers. As of February 14, 2000,
11,012,440 exchangeable shares were outstanding and entitled to give voting
instructions to the trustee. As of the date of this prospectus, there were no
shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding except for the special voting
stock. Because the following description of our capital stock is a summary, it
does not contain all the information that may be important to you. You should
read the following documents for more complete information:
- Burlington Resources' certificate of incorporation, as amended;
- Burlington Resources' by-laws, as amended; and
- the Rights Agreement, effective December 16, 1998, as amended, between
Burlington Resources and BankBoston, N.A., as Rights Agent.
COMMON STOCK
The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of
record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Subject to
preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, holders
of common stock are entitled to receive ratably any dividends as may be declared
by Burlington Resources' board of directors out of legally available funds. In
the event of Burlington Resources' liquidation, dissolution or winding up,
holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining
after payment of liabilities and the liquidation preference of any outstanding
preferred stock. Holders of common stock have no preemptive rights and have no
rights to convert their common stock into any other securities and no redemption
provisions apply to the common stock. All of the outstanding shares of common
stock are, and the shares offered hereby will be, fully paid and nonassessable.
PREFERRED STOCK
Burlington Resources' certificate of incorporation authorizes its board of
directors to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series. The board of
directors is authorized to designate, for each series of preferred stock, the
number of shares of such series, the voting powers, if any, of the shares of
such series and the designations, preferences and relative, participating,
optional or other special rights and the qualifications, limitations or
restrictions. You should read the certificate of designation relating to a
particular series of preferred stock for specific terms.
Burlington Resources has no present plans to issue any of the preferred
stock, except as required under the Rights Agreement.
SPECIAL VOTING STOCK
A series of preferred stock, consisting of one share, has been designated
as special voting stock, having a par value of $.01 per share and a liquidation
preference of $.01 per share. Except as otherwise required by law or Burlington
Resources' certificate of incorporation, the one share of special voting stock
possesses a number of votes for the election of directors and on all other
matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders
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equal to the number of outstanding exchangeable shares from time to time not
owned by Burlington Resources or any entity controlled by Burlington Resources.
The holders of shares of our common stock and the holder of the special voting
stock vote together as a single class on all matters except when Delaware law
otherwise requires. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up
of Burlington Resources, all outstanding exchangeable shares will automatically
be exchanged for shares of Burlington Resources' common stock, and the holder of
the special voting stock will not be entitled to receive any of our assets
available for distribution to its stockholders. The holder of the special voting
stock is not entitled to receive dividends. The one share of special voting
stock has been issued to CIBC Mellon Trust Company, as trustee, under the voting
and exchange trust agreement. At such time as the one share of special voting
stock has no votes attached to it because there are no exchangeable shares
outstanding not owned by Burlington Resources or any entity controlled by
Burlington Resources, the share of special voting stock will be canceled.
RIGHTS AGREEMENT
Each share of common stock currently has a right associated with it.
Generally, each right consists of the right to purchase, for $200, 1/100 of a
share of Burlington Resources Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock. The
terms of the rights are set forth in the rights agreement.
The rights may be exercised only if the distribution date occurs. The
distribution date is the earlier of either:
- the first date that it is publicly announced that a person or group has
acquired 15% or more of Burlington Resources' voting power; or
- the date that is 10 business days (or a later date selected by our board
of directors) after a person or group begins, or announces an intention
to begin, a tender or exchange offer for 15% or more of Burlington
Resources' voting power.
If a person or group acquires 15% or more of our voting power without the
prior approval of the board of directors, then Burlington Resources'
stockholders, other than the acquiror, will be entitled to purchase, for $200,
Burlington Resources common stock, or, in certain circumstances, cash, property
or our other securities, with a market value equal to $400. This is commonly
referred to as the "flip-in" feature of the rights.
If a person or group acquires 15% or more of Burlington Resources' voting
power without the prior approval of the board of directors and then either
acquires Burlington Resources in a merger or other business combination
transaction or causes the sale or transfer of more than 50% of Burlington
Resources' assets or earning power, then Burlington Resources' stockholders,
other than the acquiror, will be entitled to purchase, for $200, common stock of
the acquiror with a market value equal to $400. This is commonly referred to as
the "flip-over" feature of the rights.
The rights will expire automatically in 10 years, on December 16, 2008, but
Burlington Resources has the option of redeeming or exchanging the rights prior
to that time.
Burlington Resources may redeem all of the rights at any time before a
person or group announces that it has acquired 15% or more of Burlington
Resources' voting power. The circumstances under which Burlington Resources may
redeem the rights are more fully described in the rights agreement. Each right
may be redeemed at the price of $.01 per right. The rights cannot be exercised
until after the redemption period has passed. If Burlington Resources were to
redeem the rights, the rights will no longer be exercisable and will terminate.
Furthermore, Burlington Resources may exchange all or a portion of the
rights at any time after a person or group acquires 15% or more of Burlington
Resources' voting power, at an exchange ratio of one share of common stock per
right. If the board of directors were to order the exchange of the rights, the
rights will no longer be exercisable and will terminate. Until a right is
exercised or exchanged, the holder of that right will not have any rights as a
stockholder, including the right to vote or receive dividends, simply as a
result of being a holder of that right.
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Each 1/100 of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock that
may be issued upon exercise of a right is intended to be comparable to one share
of common stock with respect to dividend, voting, liquidation and other rights.
The Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock will rank junior to all other
series of our preferred stock with respect to dividend payments and
distributions of assets in liquidation. The Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock will not be redeemable.
PROVISIONS AFFECTING CONTROL OF BURLINGTON RESOURCES
Certificate of Incorporation. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law
(the "DGCL"), the approval by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the outstanding stock of a corporation entitled to vote on the matter
generally is required for a merger, consolidation or sale, lease or exchange of
all or substantially all the corporation's assets to be consummated. Burlington
Resources' certificate of incorporation provides certain restrictions on
business combinations with interested stockholders or their affiliates.
Accordingly, Burlington Resources' certificate of incorporation requires the
affirmative vote of at least 51% of the voting stock, excluding the vote of any
interested stockholder, for the adoption or authorization of a business
combination unless:
- the disinterested directors determine that the interested stockholder is
the beneficial owner of at least 80% of the voting stock and has agreed
to vote in favor of the business combination; or
- the fair market value of the consideration per share to be received by
the stockholders in the business combination is equal to or greater than
the consideration paid by an interested stockholder in acquiring the
largest number of shares of that class of stock previously acquired in
any one transaction or series of related transactions and the interested
stockholder has not received the benefit of any loans, advances,
guarantees, pledges or other financial assistance provided by Burlington
Resources.
Directors. The DGCL permits the certificate of incorporation or the by-laws
of a corporation to contain provisions governing the number and qualifications
of directors. However, if the certificate of incorporation contains provisions
fixing the number of directors, that number may not be changed without amending
the certificate of incorporation. Burlington Resources' by-laws state that the
number of directors shall be any number not less than one, determined from time
to time by a vote of a majority of the directors then in office. A resolution of
the board of directors currently fixes the number of directors at twelve.
Pursuant to Burlington Resources' by-laws, directors are elected at the annual
meeting of stockholders for a term of one year.
Amendments to the Certificate of Incorporation. Under the DGCL, a proposed
amendment to the certificate of incorporation requires a resolution adopted by
the board of directors and, unless otherwise provided in the certificate of
incorporation, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding stock entitled to vote thereon and (if applicable) the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding stock of each class
entitled to vote thereon as a class. If any amendment would adversely affect the
rights of any holders of shares of a class or series of stock, the vote of the
holders of a majority of all outstanding shares of the class or series, voting
as a class, is also necessary to authorize the amendment. Burlington Resources'
certificate of incorporation provides that no amendment to the certificate of
incorporation shall amend, alter or repeal the provisions of Article 14 (action
by stockholders without a meeting) or Article 15 (special voting requirements)
without the affirmative vote of not less than 51% of the voting stock (as it is
defined in the certificate of incorporation).
By-Laws. Under the DGCL, the power to adopt, alter and repeal the by-laws
is vested in the stockholders, except to the extent that a corporation's
certificate of incorporation or by-laws vest it in the board of directors.
However, the conferral of the power to adopt, alter and repeal the by-laws upon
the directors does not divest the stockholders of their power to adopt, amend or
repeal the by-laws. Burlington Resources' certificate of incorporation grants
the board of directors the power to make and alter the by-laws subject to
certain restrictions and the provisions of the by-laws. With certain exceptions
and subject to the
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power of the stockholders to amend and alter the by-laws, the by-laws provide
that the by-laws may be altered or repealed:
- by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of shares present
and entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders; or
- by the affirmative vote of a majority of the whole board of directors.
Special Meetings. The DGCL provides that a special meeting of stockholders
may be called by the board of directors or by any person or persons authorized
by a corporation's certificate of incorporation or by-laws. Burlington
Resources' by-laws provide that special meetings may be called only by the board
of directors, the chairman of the board, or the president.
Written Consent of Stockholders. Under the DGCL, unless otherwise provided
in the corporation's certificate of incorporation, any action required or
permitted to be taken at a meeting of stockholders may be taken without a
meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a written consent or
consents setting forth the action taken are signed by the holders of outstanding
stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary
to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to
vote upon such action were present and voted and such votes are delivered to the
corporation. Burlington Resources' certificate of incorporation provides that
any action by stockholders shall be taken at a meeting of stockholders and no
action may be taken by written consent of the stockholders.
Preemptive Rights. Under the DGCL, a stockholder does not have preemptive
rights unless such rights are specifically granted in the corporation's
certificate of incorporation. Burlington Resources' certificate of incorporation
provides that no holder of stock of any class shall have, as such holder, any
preemptive or preferential right with respect to any stock of any class or to
any securities convertible into shares of stock.
Delaware Business Combination Law. Section 203 of the DGCL generally
prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination
(defined as a variety of transactions, including mergers, asset sales, issuance
of stock and other transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the
interested stockholder) with an "interested stockholder" (defined generally as a
person that is the beneficial owner of 15% or more of a corporation's
outstanding voting stock) for a period of three years following the date that
such person became an interested stockholder unless:
- prior to the date such person became an interested stockholder, the board
of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination
or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder's becoming an
interested stockholder;
- upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder
becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at
least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time
the transaction commenced, excluding stock held by directors who are also
officers of the corporation and employee stock ownership plans that do
not provide employees with the right to determine confidentially whether
shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange
offer; or
- on or subsequent to the date such person became an interested
stockholder, the business combination is approved by the board of
directors of the corporation and authorized at a meeting of stockholders,
and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of the holders of at
least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation not
owned by the interested stockholder.
A corporation may adopt an amendment to its certificate of incorporation or
by-laws expressly electing not to be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL if, in
addition to any other vote required by law, the amendment is approved by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote. However, the
amendment generally will not be effective until 12 months after its adoption and
will not apply to a business combination with an interested stockholder who was
such on or prior to the adoption of the amendment. Burlington Resources has not
adopted an amendment to its certificate of incorporation or by-laws by which it
elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL.
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DESCRIPTION OF TRUST PREFERRED
SECURITIES AND TRUST GUARANTEES
TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES
The declaration of trust pursuant to which each Burlington Resources trust
is organized authorizes its trustees to issue one series of trust preferred
securities and one series of trust common securities (together, the "trust
securities"). Each declaration will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust
Indenture Act.
The trust preferred securities will have the terms set forth in the
applicable declaration or made part of the declaration by the Trust Indenture
Act. You should read the prospectus supplement relating to the particular trust
preferred securities of a trust for specific terms, including:
- the distinctive designation of trust preferred securities;
- the number of trust preferred securities to be issued;
- the annual distribution rate (or method of determining such rate) for
trust preferred securities and the date or dates upon which such
distributions will be payable;
- whether distributions on trust preferred securities will be cumulative,
and, in the case of trust preferred securities having cumulative
distribution rights, the date or dates or method of determining the date
or dates from which distributions on the securities will be cumulative;
- the amount or amounts which will be paid out of the assets of the trust
to the holders of trust preferred securities upon voluntary or
involuntary dissolution, winding-up or termination of the trust;
- any conversion or exchange provisions applicable to the trust preferred
securities;
- the terms and conditions, if any, upon which the related series of the
applicable subordinated debt securities may be distributed to holders of
trust preferred securities;
- the obligation, if any, of the Burlington Resources trust to purchase or
redeem the trust preferred securities it issued and the price or prices
at which, the period or periods within which and the terms and conditions
upon which these securities will be purchased or redeemed, in whole or in
part, pursuant to such obligation;
- the voting rights, if any, of trust preferred securities in addition to
those required by law, including the number of votes per trust preferred
security and any requirement for the approval by the holders of trust
preferred securities as a condition to specified action or amendments to
the declaration of the trust; and
- any other specific terms of the trust preferred securities.
Pursuant to each declaration, the property trustee will own the
subordinated debt securities purchased by the applicable trust for the benefit
of the holders of the trust preferred securities. Burlington Resources
guarantees to the extent described under the heading "-- Trust Guarantees" the
payment of distributions out of money held by the trusts and payments upon
redemption of trust preferred securities or liquidation of any trust.
The material federal income tax considerations applicable to an investment
in trust preferred securities will be described in the prospectus supplement
relating thereto.
TRUST COMMON SECURITIES
In connection with the issuance of trust preferred securities, each
Burlington Resources trust will also issue one series of trust common
securities. Each declaration of trust authorizes the regular trustee of a trust
to issue on behalf of the trust one series of trust common securities with the
terms set forth in the declaration of trust. Except as otherwise provided in the
prospectus supplement relating to the trust preferred securities, the terms of
the trust common securities will be substantially identical to the terms of each
trust preferred
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<PAGE> 21
security. The trust common securities will rank equally and payments will be
made pro rata with the trust preferred securities. However, upon an event of
default under the applicable declaration, the rights of the holders of the trust
common securities to payment in respect of distributions and payments upon
liquidation, redemption and otherwise will be subordinated to the rights of the
holders of the trust preferred securities. Except in limited circumstances, the
trust common securities will also carry the right to vote and to appoint, remove
or replace any of the trustees of a trust. Burlington Resources will own,
directly or indirectly, all of the trust common securities of each trust.
TRUST GUARANTEES
Set forth below is a summary of information concerning the trust guarantees
that Burlington Resources will execute and deliver for the benefit of the
holders of trust preferred securities of the respective trusts. The accompanying
prospectus supplement will describe any significant differences between the
actual terms of the trust guarantees and the summary below. Because this is a
summary, it does not contain all of the information in the trust guarantee. You
should read the entire trust guarantee, which will be filed with the SEC and
incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which
this prospectus forms a part.
General. Burlington Resources will irrevocably and unconditionally agree,
to the extent set forth in the trust guarantee, to pay in full, to the holders
of trust preferred securities as and when due, regardless of any defense, right
of set-off or counterclaim which the applicable trust may have or assert:
- any accrued and unpaid dividends required to be paid on the trust
preferred securities, to the extent the trust has legally available
funds;
- the redemption price, including all accrued and unpaid dividends, payable
out of legally available funds with respect to any trust preferred
securities called for redemption by the trust; and
- if Burlington Resources liquidates the trust, except in connection with
the distribution of subordinated debt securities to the holders of trust
preferred securities or the redemption of all of the trust preferred
securities issued by the trust, the lesser of
- the aggregate of the liquidation preference and all accrued and unpaid
dividends on the trust preferred securities of the series to the date of
payment and
- the amount of assets of the trust remaining available for distribution
to holders of trust preferred securities of the series in liquidation.
Burlington Resources's obligation to make a trust guarantee payment may be
satisfied by direct payment of the required amounts by us to the holders of
trust preferred securities or by causing the applicable trust to pay the
required amounts to the holders.
Covenants of Burlington Resources. In each trust guarantee, Burlington
Resources will covenant that, so long as any trust preferred securities remain
outstanding, if any event that would constitute an event of default under the
trust guarantee or the declaration of trust has occurred, then Burlington
Resources will not:
- declare or pay any dividend on, make any distributions with respect to,
or redeem, purchase or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of
our common stock, other than:
- purchases or acquisitions of shares of common stock in connection with
the satisfaction of Burlington Resources' obligations under any employee
benefit plans;
- as a result of a reclassification of Burlington Resources' common stock
or the exchange or conversion of one class or series of such common
stock for another class or series of such common stock;
- the purchase of fractional interests in shares of Burlington Resources
common stock pursuant to the conversion or exchange provisions of such
common stock or the security being converted or exchanged;
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<PAGE> 22
- purchases or acquisitions of shares of Burlington Resources common stock
to be used in connection with acquisitions of such common stock by
shareholders pursuant to our dividend reinvestment plan;
- make any guarantee payments with respect to the foregoing, or
- make any payment of principal or premium, if any, on or repurchase any
debt securities (including guarantees) issued by Burlington Resources
which rank equally with or junior to such subordinated debt securities
other than at stated maturity.
Amendments and Assignment. Generally, the trust guarantee with respect to
any series of trust preferred securities may be changed only with the prior
approval of the holders of at least a majority in liquidation preference of the
outstanding trust preferred securities of the series. However, if the changes do
not adversely affect the rights of holders of trust preferred securities of any
series, no vote will be required. We will describe the manner of obtaining any
approval of holders of the trust preferred securities of each series in an
accompanying prospectus supplement. All guarantees and agreements contained in
each trust guarantee shall bind Burlington Resources' successors, assigns,
receivers, trustees and representatives and will be for the benefit of the
holders of the applicable series of trust preferred securities then outstanding.
Termination of the Trust Guarantees. Each trust guarantee will terminate as
to the trust preferred securities issued by the applicable trust upon:
- full payment of the redemption price of all trust preferred securities of
the trust;
- distribution of the subordinated debt securities held by the trust to the
holders of the trust preferred securities of the trust; or
- full payment of the amounts payable in accordance with the declaration of
the trust upon liquidation of the trust.
Each trust guarantee will continue to be effective or will be reinstated,
as the case may be, if at any time any holder of trust preferred securities
issued by the applicable trust must restore payment of any sums paid under the
trust preferred securities or the trust guarantee. The subordination provisions
of the subordinated debt securities and the trust guarantees, respectively, will
provide that in the event payment is made on the subordinated debt securities or
the trust guarantees in contravention of such provisions such payments will be
paid over to the holders of senior indebtedness.
Ranking of the Trust Guarantee. Each trust guarantee will constitute
Burlington Resources' unsecured obligation and will rank:
- subordinate and junior in right of payment to all of Burlington
Resources' other liabilities;
- equally with the most senior preferred or preference stock, if any,
hereafter issued by Burlington Resources and with any guarantee hereafter
entered into by Burlington Resources in respect of any preferred or
preference stock or interests of any affiliate of Burlington Resources;
and
- senior to the common stock.
Each declaration will provide that each holder of trust preferred
securities by accepting the security agrees to the subordination provisions and
other terms of the applicable trust guarantee.
Each trust guarantee will constitute a guarantee of payment and not of
collection. The trust guarantee will be deposited with the property trustee to
be held for the benefit of any series of trust preferred securities. The
property trustee will have the right to enforce the trust guarantee on behalf of
the holders of any series of trust preferred securities. The holders of not less
than 10% in aggregate liquidation preference of a series of trust preferred
securities will have the right to direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available in respect of the trust
guarantee applicable to the series of trust preferred securities, including
giving directions to the property trustee. If the property trustee fails to
enforce the trust
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<PAGE> 23
guarantee, any holder of trust preferred securities of a series to which the
trust guarantee pertains may institute a legal proceeding directly against
Burlington Resources to enforce its rights under the trust guarantee, without
first instituting a legal proceeding against the trust, or any other person or
entity. Each trust guarantee will not be discharged except by payment of the
trust guarantee payments in full to the extent not paid by the applicable trust,
and by complete performance of all obligations under such trust guarantee.
Governing Law. Each trust guarantee will be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell the securities:
- through underwriters or dealers;
- through agents;
- directly to purchasers; or
- through a combination of any such methods of sale.
Any underwriter, dealer or agent may be deemed to be an underwriter within
the meaning of the Securities Act. The prospectus supplement relating to any
offering of securities will set forth their offering terms, including the name
or names of any underwriters, the purchase price of the securities and the
proceeds to us from such sale, any underwriting discounts, commissions and other
items constituting underwriters' compensation, any initial public offering
price, and any underwriting discounts, commissions and other items allowed or
reallowed or paid to dealers, and any securities exchanges on which the
securities may be listed. Only underwriters so named in the prospectus
supplement are deemed to be underwriters in connection with the securities
offered hereby.
If underwriters are used in the sale, they will acquire the securities for
their own account and may resell them from time to time in one or more
transactions, at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or at market
prices prevailing at the time of sale, or at prices related to such prevailing
market prices, or at negotiated prices. The securities may be offered to the
public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more
managing underwriters or directly by one or more of such firms. Unless otherwise
set forth in the prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to
purchase the securities will be subject to certain conditions precedent and the
underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the offered securities if any are
purchased. Any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions
allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
Any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities in respect of
which this prospectus is delivered will be named, and any commissions payable by
us to the agent will be set forth, in the accompanying prospectus supplement.
Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, any such agent will be
acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
If so indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will authorize
underwriters, dealers or agents to solicit offers by certain specified
institutions to purchase securities from us at the public offering price set
forth in the accompanying prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery
contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future.
These contracts will be subject to any conditions set forth in the accompanying
prospectus supplement and the prospectus supplement will set forth the
commission payable for solicitation of these contracts. The underwriters and
other persons soliciting these contracts will have no responsibility for the
validity or performance of any such contracts.
Securities offered may be a new issue of securities with no established
trading market. Any underwriters to whom or agents through whom these securities
are sold by us for public offering and sale may make a market in these
securities, but such underwriters or agents will not be obligated to do so and
may discontinue
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any market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to
the liquidity of or the trading market for any such securities.
Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled, under agreements entered
into with us, to indemnification by Burlington Resources, the Burlington
Resources trusts and/or Burlington Resources Finance Company against certain
civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act or to
contribution by us to payments they may be required to make in respect thereof.
Certain of the underwriters, agents or dealers and their associates may be
customers of, or engage in transactions with and perform services for us in the
ordinary course of business.
LEGAL MATTERS
The legality of the debt and equity securities of Burlington Resources
other than the guarantees of the trust securities will be passed upon for us by
Cahill Gordon & Reindel, New York, New York, and for the underwriters, dealers
or agents by Cravath, Swaine & Moore, New York, New York. The legality of the
trust securities will be passed upon for us by Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.
The legality of the debt securities of Burlington Resources Finance Company will
be passed upon for us by Bennett Jones, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and Cahill
Gordon & Reindel. Kenneth W. Orce, a member of Burlington Resources' board of
directors, is a senior partner of Cahill Gordon & Reindel and, as of February
14, 2000, owned 32,877 shares of Burlington Resources common stock, including
20,252 currently exercisable options.
EXPERTS
The audited financial statements incorporated by reference in the
registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, except as they relate
to Burlington Resources Canada Energy Ltd. (formerly Poco Petroleums Ltd.), have
been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, and,
insofar as they relate to Burlington Resources Canada Energy Ltd., by KPMG LLP,
independent accountants. Such financial statements have been so incorporated in
reliance on the reports of such independent accountants given on the authority
of such firms as experts in auditing and accounting.
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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.*
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee**....... $ 1
Cost of Printing............................................ 50,000
Rating Agency Fees.......................................... 50,000
Independent Accountants' Fees and Expenses.................. 25,000
Legal Services and Expenses (including Blue Sky fees and
expenses)................................................. 50,000
Trustees' Fees and Expenses................................. 25,000
Miscellaneous............................................... 4,900
--------
Total..................................................... $204,901
========
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Other than the Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee, all
amounts set forth above are estimates.
** Fee calculation is based upon $1,000 of securities. Excludes fees previously
paid in connection with $1,000,000,000 of securities remaining on
Registration Statement No. 333-83163.
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") provides
that a corporation may indemnify directors and officers as well as other
employees and individuals against expenses (including attorneys' fees),
judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement in connection with specified
actions, suits, proceedings whether civil, criminal administrative, or
investigative (other than action by or in the right of the corporation -- a
"derivative action"), if they acted in good faith and in a manner they
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no
reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. A similar standard is
applicable in the case of derivative actions, except that indemnification only
extends to expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in connection with the
defense or settlement of such action, and the statute requires court approval
before there can be any indemnification where the person seeking indemnification
has been found liable to the corporation. The statute provides that it is not
exclusive of other indemnification that may be granted by a corporation's
charter, by-laws, disinterested director vote, stockholder vote, agreement, or
otherwise.
Article IX of Burlington Resources Inc.'s by-laws requires indemnification
to the full extent permitted under Delaware law as from time to time in effect.
Subject to any restrictions imposed by Delaware law, Burlington Resources Inc.'s
by-laws provide an unconditional right to indemnification for all expense,
liability, and loss (including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise
taxes, or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) actually and reasonably
incurred or suffered by any person in connection with any actual or threatened
proceeding by reason of the fact that such person is or was serving as a
director or officer of Burlington Resources Inc., or is or was serving at the
request of Burlington Resources Inc. as a director, officer, employee or agent
of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, or other
enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan.
Burlington Resources Inc. by-laws also provide that it may, by action of its
board of directors, provide indemnification to its agents with the same scope
and effect as the foregoing indemnification of directors and officers.
Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL permits a corporation to provide in its
certificate of incorporation that a director of the corporation shall not be
personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages
for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability for (i) any
breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders,
(ii) acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct
or a knowing violation of law, (iii) payment of unlawful dividends or unlawful
stock
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purchases or redemptions, or (iv) any transaction from which the director
derived an improper personal benefit.
Article 13 of Burlington Resources Inc.'s certificate of incorporation
provides that to the full extent that the DGCL, as it now exists or may
hereafter be amended, permits the limitation or elimination of the liability of
directors, a director of Burlington Resources Inc. shall not be liable to
Burlington Resources Inc. or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of
fiduciary duty as a director. Any amendment to or repeal of such Article 13
shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of Burlington
Resources Inc. for or with respect to any acts or omissions of such director
occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.
Burlington Resources Inc. maintains directors' and officers' liability
insurance which provides for payment, on behalf of the directors and officers of
Burlington Resources Inc. and its subsidiaries, of certain losses of such
persons (other than matters uninsurable under law) arising from claims,
including claims arising under the Securities Act, for acts or omissions by such
persons while acting as directors or officers of Burlington Resources Inc.
and/or its subsidiaries, as the case may be.
BURLINGTON RESOURCES TRUSTS
Each declaration of trust pursuant to which each Burlington Resources trust
is organized will provide that no regular trustee, or affiliate of any regular
trustee, or officer, director, shareholder, member, partner, employee,
representative or agent of any regular trustee or of any such affiliate, or
employee or agent of the applicable Burlington Resources trust or its affiliates
(each an "Indemnified Person") shall be liable, responsible or accountable in
damages or otherwise to the trust or any employee or agent of the trust or its
affiliates for any loss, damage or claim incurred by reason of any act or
omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in good faith on behalf
of the Burlington Resources trust and in a manner such Indemnified Person
reasonably believed to be within the scope of the authority conferred on such
Indemnified Person by such declaration of trust or by law, except that an
Indemnified Person shall be liable for any such loss, damage or claim incurred
by reason of such Indemnified Person's gross negligence or willful misconduct
with respect to such act or omission. Each declaration of trust also provides
that to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Burlington Resources
Inc. shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnified Person from and against
any loss, damage or claim incurred by such Indemnified Person by reason of any
act or omission performed or omitted by such Indemnified Person in good faith on
behalf of the applicable Burlington Resources trust and in a manner such
Indemnified Person reasonably believed to be within the scope of authority
conferred on such Indemnified Person by such declaration of trust, except that
no Indemnified Person shall be entitled to be indemnified in respect of any
loss, damage or claim incurred by such Indemnified Person by reason of gross
negligence or willful misconduct with respect to such act or omission. Each
declaration of trust further provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law, expenses (including legal fees) incurred by an Indemnified
Person in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding shall, from
time to time, be advanced by Burlington Resources Inc. prior to the final
disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an
undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnified Person to repay such amount if it
shall be determined that the Indemnified Person is not entitled to be
indemnified for the underlying cause of action as authorized by such declaration
of trust.
BURLINGTON RESOURCES FINANCE COMPANY
The Articles of Association of Burlington Resources Finance Company
provide, in substance, that every director and officer of Burlington Resources
Finance Company shall, in the absence of any dishonesty on the part of such
person, be indemnified by Burlington Resources Finance Company against all
costs, losses and expenses, including an amount paid to settle an action or
claim or satisfy a judgment, that such person may incur or become liable to pay
in respect of any claim made against such person or civil, criminal or
administrative action or proceeding to which such person is made a party by
reason of being or having been a director or officer of Burlington Resources
Finance Company.
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THE REGISTRANTS
Reference is made to the forms of underwriting agreements, to be filed as
Exhibits 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 hereto, respectively, which contain provisions for
indemnification of each of the registrants, their directors, officers and any
controlling persons, by the underwriters against certain liabilities for
information furnished by the underwriters.
For a statement of the registrants' undertakings with respect to
indemnification of directors and officers, see Item 17 below.
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
1.1 -- Form of Underwriting Agreement among Burlington Resources
Inc. and the Underwriter(s) with respect to Debt
Securities of Burlington Resources Inc., Common Stock of
Burlington Resources Inc. and Preferred Stock of
Burlington Resources Inc. (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 1.1 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s
Registration Statement No. 333-83163).
1.2* -- Form of Underwriting Agreement among Burlington Resources
Finance Company, Burlington Resources Inc. and the
Underwriter(s) with respect to Debt Securities of
Burlington Resources Finance Company.
1.3* -- Form of Underwriting Agreement among the Burlington
Resources trusts, Burlington Resources Inc. and the
Underwriter(s) with respect to trust preferred
securities.
1.4* -- Form of Agency Agreement.
1.5* -- Form of Distribution Agreement.
4.1 -- Indenture dated as of April 15, 1992 between Burlington
Resources Inc. and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to
Burlington Resources Inc.'s Form 8 filed March 10, 1993).
4.2* -- Form of Subordinated Indenture of Burlington Resources
Inc.
4.3* -- Form of Indenture of Burlington Resources Finance
Company.
4.4 -- Certificate of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital I
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to
Burlington Resources Inc.'s Registration Statement No.
333-52213).
4.5 -- Certificate of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital II
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to
Burlington Resources Inc.'s Registration Statement No.
333-52213).
4.6 -- Declaration of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital I
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to
Burlington Resources Inc.'s Registration Statement No.
333-52213).
4.7 -- Declaration of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital II
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to
Burlington Resources Inc.'s Registration Statement No.
333-52213).
4.8* -- Form of Guarantee relating to Burlington Resources
Capital I.
4.9* -- Form of Guarantee relating to Burlington Resources
Capital II.
4.10* -- Form of Guarantee Agreement of Burlington Resources Inc.
with respect to Senior Debt Securities of Burlington
Resources Finance Company.
4.11* -- Form of Senior Debt Security of Burlington Resources Inc.
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<S> <C>
4.12* -- Form of Subordinated Debt Security of Burlington Resources Inc.
4.13* -- Form of Senior Debt Security of Burlington Resources Finance Company.
4.14 -- Copies of the instruments with respect to Burlington Resources Inc.'s long-term debt
are available to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
4.15 -- Form of Rights Agreement dated as of December 16, 1998, between Burlington Resources
Inc. and BankBoston, N.A., as Rights Agent which includes, as Exhibit A thereto, the
form of Certificate of Designation specifying terms of the Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock and, as Exhibit B thereto, the form of Rights Certificate
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s Form 8-A
filed December 18, 1998).
4.16 -- Voting Exchange and Trust Agreement between Burlington Resources Inc. and CIBC Mellon
Trust Company, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Annex G of Burlington
Resources' and Poco Petroleum Ltd.'s Definitive Joint Proxy Statement dated October 3,
1999).
5.1* -- Opinion of Cahill Gordon & Reindel.
5.2* -- Opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.
8.1* -- Opinion of White & Case LLP as to certain United States federal income tax matters.
8.2* -- Opinion of Bennett Jones as to certain Canadian federal income tax matters.
12.1** -- Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
23.1 -- Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
23.2 -- Consent of KMPG LLP.
23.3* -- Consent of Cahill Gordon & Reindel (included as part of Exhibit 5.1).
23.4* -- Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. (included in Exhibit 5.2).
23.5* -- Consent of White & Case LLP (included in Exhibit 5.3).
23.6* -- Consent of Bennett Jones (included in Exhibit 5.4).
24.1 -- Powers of Attorney (see pages II-8 and II-11).
25.1* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of the Trustee under the Burlington Resources Inc.
Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
25.2* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of the Trustee under the Burlington Resources Inc.
Subordinated Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
25.3* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of the Trustee under the Burlington Resources Finance
Company Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
25.4* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of Chase Bank
of Texas, National Association, as Trustee under the Declaration of Trust of Burlington
Resources Capital I.
25.5* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of Chase Bank
of Texas, National Association, as Trustee under the Declaration of Trust of Burlington
Resources Capital II.
25.6* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of Chase Bank
of Texas, National Association, as Trustee under the Trust Guarantee of Burlington
Resources Inc. for the benefit of the holders of Trust preferred securities of
Burlington Resources Capital I.
25.7* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of Chase Bank
of Texas, National Association, as Trustee under the Preferred Securities Guarantee of
Burlington Resources Inc. for the benefit of the holders of trust preferred securities
of Burlington Resources Capital II.
</TABLE>
II-4
<PAGE> 29
- ---------------
* To be filed either by amendment or as an exhibit to an Exchange Act Report of
Burlington Resources Inc. and incorporated herein by reference.
** Previously filed.
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
a) The undersigned Registrants hereby undertake:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the Prospectus any facts or events arising after
the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
in the Registration Statement; notwithstanding the foregoing, any
increase or decrease in volume of securities being offered (if the total
dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed
with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes
in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum
aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration
Fee" table in the effective registration statement; and
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or
any material change to such information in the Registration Statement;
provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in paragraphs (1)(i) and (ii)
of this paragraph do not apply if the Registration Statement is on Form S-3 and
the information required to be included in post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the SEC
by the Registrants pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in this Registration
Statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
b) The undersigned Registrants hereby undertake that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing
of a Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the
initial bona fide offering thereof.
c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and
controlling persons of the Registrants pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the Registrants have been advised that in the
opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrants of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the
Registrants in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding)
is asserted by such
II-5
<PAGE> 30
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
securities being registered, the Registrants will, unless in the opinion
of their counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.
d) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as
part of this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and
contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrants pursuant to
Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act of 1933 shall
be deemed to be part of this Registration Statement as of the time it
was declared effective.
e) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of
prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating
to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.
f) The undersigned Registrants hereby undertake to file an
application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the
trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust
Indenture Act of 1939 in accordance with the rules and regulations
prescribed by the SEC under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act
of 1939.
II-6
<PAGE> 31
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
Burlington Resources Inc. certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe
that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused
Amendment No. 1 to this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas,
on the 11th day of May, 2000.
BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC.
By: /s/ JOHN E. HAGALE
------------------------------------
Name: John E. Hagale
Title: Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
II-7
<PAGE> 32
BURLINGTON RESOURCES INC.
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Amendment No. 1
to this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on the 11th day of May, 2000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE
--------- -----
<C> <S>
* Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
- ----------------------------------------------------- Executive Officer
Bobby S. Shackouls
/s/ JOHN E. HAGALE Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
- ----------------------------------------------------- Officer
John E. Hagale
* Vice President and Controller (Principal
- ----------------------------------------------------- Accounting Officer)
Philip W. Cook
* Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
S. Parker Gilbert
* Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
Laird I. Grant
* Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
John LaMacchia
* Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
James F. McDonald
* Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
Kenneth W. Orce
* Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
Donald M. Roberts
* Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
John F. Schwarz
* Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
Walter Scott, Jr.
*By: /s/ JOHN E. HAGALE
- -----------------------------------------------------
Name: John E. Hagale
Title: Attorney-In-Fact
</TABLE>
II-8
<PAGE> 33
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
each of Burlington Resources Capital I and Burlington Resources Capital II
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused Amendment No. 1 to this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas on the 11th day of May,
2000.
BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL I,
a Delaware business trust
By: Burlington Resources Inc.,
as Depositor
By: /s/ JOHN E. HAGALE
----------------------------------
Name: John E. Hagale
Title: Executive Vice President
and
Chief Financial Officer
BURLINGTON RESOURCES CAPITAL II,
a Delaware business trust
By: Burlington Resources Inc.,
as Depositor
By: /s/ JOHN E. HAGALE
----------------------------------
Name: John E. Hagale
Title: Executive Vice President
and
Chief Financial Officer
II-9
<PAGE> 34
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
Burlington Resources Finance Company certifies that it has reasonable grounds to
believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has
duly caused Amendment No. 1 to this Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Calgary,
Province of Alberta, Dominion of Canada, on the 11th day of May, 2000.
BURLINGTON RESOURCES FINANCE COMPANY
By: /s/ JAMES T. MCCOY
---------------------------------------
Name: James T. McCoy
Title: Director and President
II-10
<PAGE> 35
BURLINGTON RESOURCES FINANCE COMPANY
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Amendment No. 1
to this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on the 11th day of May, 2000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE
--------- -----
<C> <S>
/s/ JAMES T. MCCOY Director and President
- ----------------------------------------------------- (Principal Executive Officer)
J. Terry McCoy
* Director and Executive Vice President
- ----------------------------------------------------- (Principal Financial Officer)
John E. Hagale
* Director and Senior Vice President
- -----------------------------------------------------
L. David Hanower
* Vice President, Controller and Assistant
- ----------------------------------------------------- Treasurer
Philip W. Cook (Principal Accounting Officer)
* Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
Martin Lambert
* Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
Robert R. Rooney
* Director
- -----------------------------------------------------
C. Perry Spitznagel
*By: /s/ JAMES T. MCCOY
------------------------------------------------
Name: James T. McCoy
Title: Attorney-In-Fact
</TABLE>
II-11
<PAGE> 36
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
1.1 -- Form of Underwriting Agreement among Burlington Resources
Inc. and the Underwriter(s) with respect to Debt
Securities of Burlington Resources Inc., Common Stock of
Burlington Resources Inc. and Preferred Stock of
Burlington Resources Inc. (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 1.1 to Burlington Resources Inc.'s
Registration Statement No. 333-83163).
1.2* -- Form of Underwriting Agreement among Burlington Resources
Finance Company, Burlington Resources Inc. and the
Underwriter(s) with respect to Debt Securities of
Burlington Resources Finance Company.
1.3* -- Form of Underwriting Agreement among the Burlington
Resources trusts, Burlington Resources Inc. and the
Underwriter(s) with respect to trust preferred
securities.
1.4* -- Form of Agency Agreement.
1.5* -- Form of Distribution Agreement.
4.1 -- Indenture dated as of April 15, 1992 between Burlington
Resources Inc. and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to
Burlington Resources Inc.'s Form 8 filed March 10, 1993).
4.2* -- Form of Subordinated Indenture of Burlington Resources
Inc.
4.3* -- Form of Indenture of Burlington Resources Finance
Company.
4.4 -- Certificate of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital I
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to
Burlington Resources Inc.'s Registration Statement No.
333-52213).
4.5 -- Certificate of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital II
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to
Burlington Resources Inc.'s Registration Statement No.
333-52213).
4.6 -- Declaration of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital I
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to
Burlington Resources Inc.'s Registration Statement No.
333-52213).
4.7 -- Declaration of Trust of Burlington Resources Capital II
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to
Burlington Resources Inc.'s Registration Statement No.
333-52213).
4.8* -- Form of Guarantee relating to Burlington Resources
Capital I.
4.9* -- Form of Guarantee relating to Burlington Resources
Capital II.
4.10* -- Form of Guarantee Agreement of Burlington Resources Inc.
with respect to Senior Debt Securities of Burlington
Resources Finance Company.
4.11* -- Form of Senior Debt Security of Burlington Resources Inc.
4.12* -- Form of Subordinated Debt Security of Burlington
Resources Inc.
4.13* -- Form of Senior Debt Security of Burlington Resources
Finance Company.
4.14 -- Copies of the instruments with respect to Burlington
Resources Inc.'s long-term debt are available to the
Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
4.15 -- Form of Rights Agreement dated as of December 16, 1998,
between Burlington Resources Inc. and BankBoston, N.A.,
as Rights Agent which includes, as Exhibit A thereto, the
form of Certificate of Designation specifying terms of
the Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock and, as
Exhibit B thereto, the form of Rights Certificate
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 to
Burlington Resources Inc.'s Form 8-A filed December 18,
1998).
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 37
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
4.16 -- Voting Exchange and Trust Agreement between Burlington Resources Inc. and CIBC Mellon
Trust Company, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Annex G of Burlington
Resources' and Poco Petroleum Ltd.'s Definitive Joint Proxy Statement dated October 3,
1999).
5.1* -- Opinion of Cahill Gordon & Reindel.
5.2* -- Opinion of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A.
8.1* -- Opinion of White & Case LLP as to certain United States federal income tax matters.
8.2* -- Opinion of Bennett Jones as to certain Canadian federal income tax matters.
12.1** -- Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
23.1 -- Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
23.2 -- Consent of KPMG LLP.
23.3* -- Consent of Cahill Gordon & Reindel (included as part of Exhibit 5.1).
23.4* -- Consent of Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. (included in Exhibit 5.2).
23.5* -- Consent of White & Case LLP (included in Exhibit 5.3).
23.6* -- Consent of Bennett Jones (included in Exhibit 5.4).
24.1 -- Powers of Attorney (see pages II-8 and II-11).
25.1* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of the Trustee under the Burlington Resources Inc.
Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
25.2* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of the Trustee under the Burlington Resources Inc.
Subordinated Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
25.3* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility of the Trustee under the Burlington Resources Finance
Company Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended.
25.4* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of Chase Bank
of Texas, National Association, as Trustee under the Declaration of Trust of Burlington
Resources Capital I.
25.5* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of Chase Bank
of Texas, National Association, as Trustee under the Declaration of Trust of Burlington
Resources Capital II.
25.6* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of Chase Bank
of Texas, National Association, as Trustee under the Trust Guarantee of Burlington
Resources Inc. for the benefit of the holders of Trust preferred securities of
Burlington Resources Capital I.
25.7* -- Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of Chase Bank
of Texas, National Association, as Trustee under the Preferred Securities Guarantee of
Burlington Resources Inc. for the benefit of the holders of trust preferred securities
of Burlington Resources Capital II.
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* To be filed either by amendment or as an exhibit to an Exchange Act Report of
Burlington Resources Inc. and incorporated herein by reference.
** Previously filed.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration
Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated March 3, 2000 relating to the
financial statements, which appears in the 1999 Annual Report to Shareholders,
which is incorporated by reference in Burlington Resources Inc.'s Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999. We also consent to the
reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Registration Statement.
/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Houston, Texas
May 9, 2000
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.2
The Board of Directors of each of:
Burlington Resources Inc.;
Burlington Resources Capital I;
Burlington Resources Capital II; and
Burlington Resources Finance Company
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement
on this Form S-3 of Burlington Resources Inc.; Burlington Resources Capital I;
Burlington Resources Capital II; and Burlington Resources Finance Company dated
May 9, 2000 of our report dated March 3, 2000 with respect to the consolidated
balance sheets of Burlington Resources Canada Energy Ltd. as of December 31,
1999 and 1998 and the related consolidated statements of income, retained
earnings and cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended
December 31, 1999 which report is filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report of
Burlington Resources Inc. on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Calgary, Canada
May 9, 2000
