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Repsol Ypf SA · 20-F · For 12/31/04

Filed On 6/30/05 3:53pm ET   ·   SEC File 1-10220   ·   Accession Number 1193125-5-135870

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  As Of               Filer                 Filing     As/For/On Docs:Pgs              Issuer               Agent

 6/30/05  Repsol Ypf SA                     20-F       12/31/04   13:1015                                   1193125

Annual Report of a Foreign Private Issuer   ·   Form 20-F
Filing Table of Contents

Document/Exhibit                   Description                      Pages   Size 

 1: 20-F        Annual Report of a Foreign Private Issuer           HTML  5,503K 
 2: EX-1.1      By-Laws (Estatutos) of Repsol Ypf, S.A. as Amended  HTML    105K 
                          (Spanish Version)                                      
 3: EX-1.2      By-Laws (Estatutos) of Repsol Ypf, S.A. as Amended  HTML    105K 
                          (English Version)                                      
 4: EX-2.6      Repsol International Finance B.V.                   HTML     61K 
 5: EX-2.7      Amended and Restated Trust Deed Dated 11/10/2004    HTML    437K 
 6: EX-8.1      List of Significant Subsidiaries                    HTML    706K 
 7: EX-10.1     Consent of Deloitte, S.L.                           HTML      8K 
 8: EX-10.2     Consent of Pricewaterhousecoopers                   HTML      9K 
 9: EX-10.3     Consent of Gaffney, Cline & Associates              HTML     14K 
10: EX-10.4     Consent of Degolyer and Macnaughton                 HTML     10K 
11: EX-12.1     Certification                                       HTML     13K 
12: EX-12.2     Certification                                       HTML     13K 
13: EX-13.1     Section 906 Certification                           HTML     11K 


20-F   ·   Annual Report of a Foreign Private Issuer
Document Table of Contents

Page (sequential) | (alphabetic) Top
 
11st Page
"Table of Contents
"Oil and Gas Terms
"Conversion Table
"Presentation of Certain Information
"Forward-looking Statements
"References
"Part I
"Key Information about Repsol YPF
"Selected consolidated financial data
"Exchange rates
"Risk Factors
"Information on Repsol YPF
"Repsol YPF
"Operations
"Regulation of the Petroleum Industry
"Description of Property
"Seasonality
"Risk Control Systems
"Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
"Summarized Income Statement
"Factors Affecting Repsol YPF s Consolidated Results of Operations
"U.S. GAAP Reconciliation
"Overview of Consolidated Results of Operations
"Results of Operations by Business Segment
"Extraordinary Income (Loss)
"Analysis of Movements in Other Provisions
"Liquidity and Capital Resources
"Research and Development
"Directors, Senior Management and Employees
"Directors and Officers of Repsol YPF
"Compensation of Directors and Officers
"Share Ownership of Directors and Officers
"Employees
"Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
"Major Shareholders of Repsol YPF and Restrictions on Certain Transactions
"Related Party Transactions
"Interest of Management in Certain Transactions
"Financial Information
"Legal Proceedings
"Dividends Policy
"Offering and Listing
"Historical Trading Information
"Nature of the Trading Market
"Securities Market Regulation
"Trading by Subsidiaries/Affiliates
"Additional Information
"Memorandum and Articles of Association
"Dividends
"Taxation
"Available Information
"Material Contracts
"Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
"Oil Price Exposure
"Foreign Currency Exposure
"Interest Rate Exposure
"Operations Linked to Evolution of Repsol YPF Share Price
"Part Ii
"Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
"Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
"Controls and Procedures
"Audit Committee Financial Expert
"Code of Ethics
"Principal Accountant Fees and Services
"Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
"Purchases for Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
"Part Iii
"Financial Statements
"Exhibits
"Signatures
"Report of Deloitte, S.L. to Repsol YPF, S.A
"Reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers to Gas Natural SDG, S.A
"Consolidated Balance Sheets of Repsol YPF, S.A. as of December 31, 2004 and 2003
"Consolidated Statements of Income of Repsol YPF, S.A. for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
"Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
"Basis of Presentation, Consolidation Principles and Regulatory Framework
"Basis of presentation
"Consolidation principles
"Transition to International Financial Reporting Standards, IFRS
"Regulatory framework
"Economic and regulatory situation in countries where the Repsol YPF Group is active
"Comparative information: scope of consolidation
"Accounting Policies
"Start-up expenses
"Intangible assets
"Property, plant and equipment
"Cost
"Depreciation
"Reporting of oil and gas exploration activities
"Environmental property, plant and equipment
"Long-term financial investments
"Consolidation differences
"Deferred expenses
"Inventories
"Short-term financial investments
"Short and long-term non-trade payables and receivables
"Capital subsidies and deferred revenues
"Provision for labor force restructuring
"Provision for pensions and similar obligations
"Other provisions
"Foreign currency transactions
"Corporate income tax
"Classification of debt
"Recognition of revenues and expenses
"Financial derivatives
"Gains and losses on disposals and assignments of interests relating to oil and gas exploration and production and similar activities
"Investments in Affiliates and Other Financial Assets
"Goodwill Arising on Consolidation
"Shareholders Equity
"Minority Interests
"Subsidies and Deferred Revenues
"Provision for Contingencies and Expenses
"Tax Matters
"Loans and Financial Debts
"Long-Term Non-Financial Debt
"Revenues and Expenses
"Information on Board Members and Management Personnel
"Board Members compensation
"Indemnities paid to Board Members
"Transactions with Directors
"Management personnel compensation
"Indemnities paid to management personnel
"Average Headcount
"Business Segment Data
"Environmental Information
"Other Information
"Guarantees
"Derivatives
"Futures contracts on products
"Long-term crude sell contracts
"Natural gas hedging transactions
"Exchange rate hedging transactions
"Interest rate options
"Transactions tied to Repsol YPF share prices
"Asset swap with Petrobras
"Lipigas Group purchase option
"Other contractual commitments
"Other commitments and contingencies
"Fees paid to the Auditor
"Subsequent Events
"Consolidated Statements of Changes in Financial Position
"Consolidated Analytical Statements of Income
"Differences Between Spanish and United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Other Required Disclosures
"Repsol International Finance, B.V. Summarized Financial Information
"Supplementary Information on Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Activities

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  Form 20-F  
Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 20-F

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2004

 

Commission file number: 1-10220

 

Repsol YPF, S.A.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Kingdom of Spain

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

Paseo de la Castellana, 278—28046 Madrid, Spain

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class


  

Name of each exchange
on which registered


Ordinary shares of Repsol YPF, S.A., par value €1.00 per share

   New York Stock Exchange*

American Depositary Shares, each representing the right to receive one ordinary share of Repsol YPF, S.A., par value €1.00 per share

   New York Stock Exchange

Series A 7.45% non-cumulative guaranteed preference shares of Repsol International Capital Limited

   New York Stock Exchange

 

* Shares are not listed for trading, but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares pursuant to the requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.

 

The number of certain outstanding shares of each class of stock of Repsol International Capital Limited benefiting from a guarantee of Repsol YPF, S.A. at December 31, 2004 was:

 

Series A 7.45% non-cumulative guaranteed preference shares

   29,000,000

Series B floating rate quarterly non-cumulative guaranteed preference shares

   1,000,000

Series C floating rate quarterly non-cumulative guaranteed preference shares

   2,000,000

 

The number of outstanding shares of each class of stock of Repsol YPF, S.A. as of December 31, 2004 was:

 

Ordinary shares, par value €1.00 per share

   1,220,863,463

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

 

Item 17  ¨     Item 18  x

 



Table of Contents

CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

 

The following table provides cross reference between the contents of this annual report and the requirements of Form 20-F.

 

Form 20-F Item


  

Repsol YPF 2004 Annual Report on Form 20-F


PART I    PART I     
Item 1.    *     
Item 2.    *     
Item 3.    Item 1.    Key Information about Repsol YPF
Item 4.    Item 2.    Information on Repsol YPF
Item 5.    Item 3.    Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
Item 6.    Item 4.    Directors, Senior Management and Employees
Item 7.    Item 5.    Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
Item 8.    Item 6.    Financial Information
Item 9.    Item 7.    Offering and Listing
Item 10.    Item 8.    Additional Information
Item 11.    Item 9.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
Item 12.    *     
PART II    PART II     
Item 13.    Item 10.    Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
Item 14.    Item 11.    Material Modifications to the Rights of Securities Holders and Use of Proceeds
Item 15.    Item 12.    Controls and Procedures
Item 16.    *     
Item 16A.    Item 13A.    Audit Committee Financial Expert
Item 16B.    Item 13B.    Code of Ethics
Item 16C.    Item 13C.    Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Item 16D    Item 13D    Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
Item 16E    Item 13E    Purchases for Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Item 17.    *     
PART III    PART III     
Item 18.    Item 13.    Financial Statements
Item 19.    Item 14.    Exhibits

* Not applicable.


Table of Contents

 Table of Contents

 

          Page

Oil and Gas Terms

   iii

Conversion Table

   iv

Presentation of Certain Information

   iv

Forward-looking Statements

   v

References

   v

PART I

   1

1.

  

Key Information about Repsol YPF

   1

1.1

  

Selected consolidated financial data

   1

1.2

  

Exchange rates

   2

1.3

  

Risk Factors

   3

2.

  

Information on Repsol YPF

   8

2.1

  

Repsol YPF

   8

2.2

  

Operations

   17

2.3

  

Regulation of the Petroleum Industry

   64

2.4

  

Description of Property

   83

2.5

  

Seasonality

   83

2.6

  

Risk Control Systems

   84

3.

  

Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

   86

3.1

  

Summarized Income Statement

   86

3.2

  

Factors Affecting Repsol YPF’s Consolidated Results of Operations

   86

3.3

  

U.S. GAAP Reconciliation

   96

3.4

  

Overview of Consolidated Results of Operations

   98

3.5

  

Results of Operations by Business Segment

   102

3.6

  

Extraordinary Income (Loss)

   109

3.7

  

Analysis of Movements in Other Provisions

   113

3.8

  

Liquidity and Capital Resources

   114

3.9

  

Research and Development

   126

4.

  

Directors, Senior Management and Employees

   127

4.1

  

Directors and Officers of Repsol YPF

   127

4.2

  

Compensation of Directors and Officers

   138

4.3

  

Share Ownership of Directors and Officers

   141

4.4

  

Employees

   142

5.

  

Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

   146

5.1

  

Major Shareholders of Repsol YPF and Restrictions on Certain Transactions

   146

5.2

  

Related Party Transactions

   147

5.3

  

Interest of Management in Certain Transactions

   148

6.

  

Financial Information

   148

6.1

  

Financial Information

   148

6.2

  

Legal Proceedings

   148

6.3

  

Dividends Policy

   155

7.

  

Offering and Listing

   156

7.1

  

Historical Trading Information

   156

7.2

  

Nature of the Trading Market

   159

7.3

  

Securities Market Regulation

   162

7.4

  

Trading by Subsidiaries/Affiliates

   164

8.

  

Additional Information

   164

8.1

  

Memorandum and Articles of Association

   164

8.2

  

Dividends

   172

8.3

  

Taxation

   173

 

i


Table of Contents
          Page

8.4

  

Available Information

   176

8.5

  

Material Contracts

   177

9.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

   177

9.1

  

Oil Price Exposure

   177

9.2

  

Foreign Currency Exposure

   179

9.3

  

Interest Rate Exposure

   183

9.4

  

Operations Linked to Evolution of Repsol YPF Share Price

   188
PART II    189

10.

  

Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

   189

11.

  

Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

   189

12.

  

Controls and Procedures

   189

13A.

  

Audit Committee Financial Expert

   189

13B.

  

Code of Ethics

   189

13C.

  

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

   190

13D.

  

Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

   191

13E.

  

Purchases for Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

   191
PART III    192

14.

  

Financial Statements

   192

15.

  

Exhibits

   192

16.

  

Signatures

   194

 

ii


Table of Contents

 Oil and Gas Terms

 

The following terms have the meanings shown below unless the context indicates otherwise:

 

“acreage”

The total area, expressed in acres, over which Repsol YPF has interests in exploration or production. Net acreage is Repsol YPF’s interest, expressed in acres, in the relevant exploration or production area.

 

“bbl”

Barrels.

 

“boe”

Barrels of oil equivalent.

 

“boe/d”

Barrels of oil equivalent per day.

 

“bcf”

Billion cubic feet.

 

“bcm”

Billion cubic meters.

 

“calendar day”

When used with respect to production or capacity, means total annual production or capacity (after taking into account scheduled plant shutdowns) divided by 365.

 

“condensate”

Light hydrocarbon substances produced with natural gas which condense into liquid at normal temperatures and pressures associated with surface production equipment.

 

“crude oil”

Crude oil with respect to Repsol YPF’s production and reserves includes condensate and natural gas liquids.

 

“distillation”

A process by which liquids are separated or refined by vaporization followed by condensation.

 

“GWh”

Gigawatt hours.

 

“kbbl/d”

Thousand barrels of liquid per day.

 

“kboe/d”

Thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day.

 

“km”

Kilometers.

 

“km2

Square kilometers.

 

“LNG”

Liquefied natural gas.

 

“LPG”

Liquefied petroleum gas.

 

“MW”

Megawatts.

 

“mbbl”

Million barrels.

 

“mboe”

Million barrels of oil equivalent.

 

“mboe/d”

Million barrels of oil equivalent per day.

 

“mBtu”

Million British thermal units.

 

“mmcf”

Million cubic feet.

 

“mmcf/d”

Million cubic feet per day.

 

“proved reserves”

Proved oil and gas reserves are the estimated volumes of crude oil, natural gas and others liquid hydrocarbons which geological and

 

iii


Table of Contents
 

engineering data demonstrates with reasonable certainty that can be extracted from known reservoirs in future years under existing economic and operating conditions, such as prices and costs as of the date of the estimates. Prices include consideration of changes in existing prices only by contractual arrangements, but not of escalations based upon future conditions.

 

“proved developed reserves”

Proved developed reserves are reserves that can be expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods and current economic conditions as of each balance sheet date. Additional oil and gas expected to be obtained through the application of fluid injection or other improved recovery techniques for supplementing natural forces and mechanisms of primary recovery are included as “proved developed reserves” only after testing by a pilot project or after the operation of an installed program has confirmed through production response that increased recovery will be achieved.

 

“proved undeveloped reserves”

Proved undeveloped reserves are reserves that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion, but does not include reserves attributable to any acreage for which an application of fluid injection or other improved recovery techniques is contemplated, unless such techniques have been proved effective by actual tests in the area and in the same reservoir. Reserves on undrilled acreage are limited to those drilling units offsetting productive units that are reasonably certain of production when drilled. Proved reserves for other undrilled units can be claimed only where it can be demonstrated with certainty that there is continuity of production from the existing productive formation.

 

 Conversion Table

 

1 tonne = 1,000 kilograms = 2,204 pounds

1 barrel = 42 U.S. gallons

1 tonne of oil = approximately 7.3 barrels (assuming a specific gravity of 34 degrees API (American Petroleum Institute))

1 barrel of oil equivalent = 5,615 cubic feet of gas = 1 barrel of oil, condensate or natural gas liquids

1 kilometer = 0.63 miles

1 million Btu = 252 termies

1 cubic meter of gas = 35.3 cubic feet of gas

1 cubic meter of gas = 10 termies

1,000 acres = approximately 4 square kilometers

 

 Presentation of Certain Information

 

Since January 1, 1999 Repsol YPF publishes its financial statements in euros. Repsol YPF prepares its financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in Spain, referred to as Spanish GAAP. Spanish GAAP differs in important respects from U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, referred to as U.S. GAAP. See Note 27 to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 included elsewhere in this annual report for a description of the principal differences

 

iv


Table of Contents

between Spanish and U.S. GAAP as they relate to Repsol YPF and for a reconciliation of net income and total shareholders’ equity for the periods and as of the dates indicated. See also Section 3.3 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects––U.S. GAAP Reconciliation.”

 

Unless otherwise indicated, the information contained in this annual report reflects:

 

    for the subsidiaries whose results and balance sheet were consolidated using the global integration method at the date or for the periods indicated, 100% of the assets, liabilities and results of operations of such subsidiaries without excluding minority interests,

 

    for the subsidiaries whose results and balance sheet were consolidated using the proportional integration method, a pro rata amount of the assets, liabilities and results of operations for such subsidiaries at the date or for the periods indicated. For information regarding consolidation, see Note 1(b) to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and

 

    for the subsidiaries whose results were consolidated using the equity method, the amount of the financial investment in such subsidiaries corresponds to the pro rata share of the value of the assets of such subsidiaries, plus the amount, if any, of any associated goodwill.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, where this annual report provides translations into euro of amounts denominated in or resulting from transactions effected in currencies other than the euro, the conversion has been effected at the relevant exchange rate on the effective date of the transaction for accounting purposes. All other translations into euros of amounts in currencies other than the euro in this annual report have been calculated, unless otherwise indicated, at the relevant exchange rate on December 31, 2004.

 

 Forward-looking Statements

 

This annual report, including any documents incorporated by reference, contains statements that Repsol YPF believes constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Repsol YPF and its management, including statements with respect to trends affecting Repsol YPF’s financial condition, financial ratios, results of operations, business, strategy, geographic concentration, production volume and reserves, as well as the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards in preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements beginning January 1, 2005 and Repsol YPF’s plans with respect to capital expenditures, business strategy, geographic concentration, cost savings, investments and dividend payout policies. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to material risks, uncertainties, changes and other factors which may be beyond Repsol YPF’s control or may be difficult to predict. Accordingly, Repsol YPF’s future financial condition, financial ratios, results of operations, business, strategy, geographic concentration, production volumes, reserves, capital expenditures, cost savings, investments and dividend payout policies could differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, factors described in Repsol YPF’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and, in particular, those described in Section 1.3 “Key Information about Repsol YPF––Risk Factors” and Section 3 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” in this annual report, including references to new pronouncements from the International Accounting Standards Board regarding International Financial Reporting Standards. Repsol YPF does not undertake to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that the projected results or condition expressed or implied therein will not be realized.

 

 References

 

In this annual report, references to “Repsol YPF,” “Repsol YPF Group,” “Group,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Repsol YPF, S.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise specified.

 

v


Table of Contents

In this annual report, references to “Consolidated Financial Statements” are to Repsol YPF’s audited consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and Repsol YPF’s audited consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.

 

In this annual report, references to “euro” or “€” are to the European Union euro, which is Spain’s legal currency, references to “dollars” or “$” or “US$” are to United States dollars, and references to “pesos” or “Ps.” are to Argentine pesos. A “billion” is a thousand million and a “trillion” is a thousand billion.

 

vi


Table of Contents

 PART I

 

1.  Key Information about Repsol YPF

 

  1.1  Selected consolidated financial data

 

The following table presents selected consolidated financial data of Repsol YPF. You should read this table in conjunction with Section 3 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this annual report.

 

The consolidated income statement data for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2004 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 set forth below have been derived from, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in this annual report. The consolidated income statement data for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2001 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 set forth below have been derived from Repsol YPF’s consolidated financial statements, which are not included in this annual report.

 

     Year Ended December 31,

 
     2004

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

 
     (millions of euro, except per share and ADS amounts)  

Consolidated income statement data

                              

Amounts in accordance with Spanish GAAP:

                              

Operating revenues

   41,689     37,206     36,490     43,653     45,742  

Operating income(1)

   4,547     3,860     3,323     4,920     6,242  

Income before income taxes and minority interest

   3,489     3,278     2,850     2,503     4,325  

Net income

   1,950     2,020     1,952     1,025     2,429  

Net income per ADS or share(2)(3)

   1.60     1.65     1.60     0.84     2.03  

Weighted average shares outstanding (millions)(3)

   1,221     1,221     1,221     1,221     1,198  

Amounts in accordance with U.S. GAAP(4):

                              

Revenues

   31,929     27,974     27,522     41,075     43,173  

Net income

   1,943     1,921     1,286     980     1,911  

Net income per ADS or share(2)(3)

   1.60     1.57     1.05     0.80     1.60  

Consolidated balance sheet data

                              

Amounts in accordance with Spanish GAAP:

                              

Property, plant and equipment, net

   19,677     19,471     20,562     30,436     31,189  

Total current assets

   12,126     12,004     11,092     12,107     11,617  

Total assets

   38,943     38,033     38,064     51,439     52,419  

Long-term debt

   6,012     6,454     8,273     13,488     14,886  

Short-term debt

   3,434     4,369     3,999     7,563     7,187  

Shareholders’ equity

   14,545     13,632     13,586     14,538     15,143  

Capital stock

   1,221     1,221     1,221     1,221     1,221  

Amounts in accordance with U.S. GAAP(4):

                              

Total assets

   36,440     36,920     37,230     51,613     52,060  

Long-term debt(5)

   8,677     5,962     8,137     13,140     14,902  

Shareholders’ equity

   14,190     13,180     12,947     13,717     14,505  

Other consolidated data

                              

Amounts in accordance with Spanish GAAP:

                              

Cash flow from operating activities

   4,237     5,373     4,470     5,489     5,468  

Cash flow from investing activities

   (3,523 )   (3,633 )   (195 )   (3,580 )   (5,853 )

Cash flow from financing activities

   (603 )   (1,688 )   (4,358 )   (1,992 )   412  

Dividends per ADS or share(2)(3):

   0.50     0.40     0.31     0.21     0.50  

 

1


Table of Contents

In reading Repsol YPF’s financial information provided above, you should be aware of all of the following information:

 

(1) Spanish GAAP operating income excludes certain items that would be included in operating income under U.S. GAAP, principally labor force restructuring, provision for write-down of fixed assets, provision for estimated losses and gains on disposal of shares of majority-owned investments and fixed assets.

 

(2) Information for all years is calculated based on the average number of shares outstanding during such year. Information for 2000 has been calculated based on outstanding capital stock of 1,188,000,000 shares until September 5, 2000; 1,212,342,464 shares from September 6, 2000 to September 7, 2000; 1,220,508,578 shares from September 7, 2000 to December 14, 2000; and 1,220,863,463 shares from December 15, 2000. Information for 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 has been calculated based on outstanding capital stock of 1,220,863,463 shares.

 

(3) Each Repsol YPF ADS represents one share.

 

(4) The principal differences between Spanish GAAP and U.S. GAAP are explained below under Section 3.3 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—U.S. GAAP Reconciliation” and in Note 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

(5) As further explained in Note 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this annual report, the deconsolidation of Repsol International Capital Limited (RIC) for U.S. GAAP purposes in 2004, results in total consolidated long term debt under U.S. GAAP increasing by €3,166 million, pursuant to the recognition of the long-term loan existing as of December 31, 2004, between Repsol YPF, S.A. and RIC as a liability on the Group’s consolidated balance sheet. Under Spanish GAAP the preferred shares issued by RIC are classified into the “Minority interests” caption of the consolidated balance sheet.

 

   1.2 Exchange rates

 

The following tables set forth, for the periods and dates indicated, information concerning the noon buying rate in New York City as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York buying rate for cable transfers in euros, per US$1.00.

 

Year ended December 31,


   Period End

   Average

   High

   Low

     (euro per U.S. dollar)

2000

   1.07    1.09    1.21    0.97

2001

   1.12    1.12    1.20    1.05

2002

   0.95    1.07    1.16    0.95

2003

   0.79    0.88    0.97    0.79

2004

   0.74    0.81    0.85    0.73

 

Month


   Period End

   High

   Low

     (euro per U.S. dollar)

December 2004

   0.74    0.76    0.73

January 2005

   0.77    0.77    0.74

February 2005

   0.75    0.78    0.75

March 2005

   0.77    0.78    0.74

April 2005

   0.77    0.78    0.76

May 2005

   0.81    0.81    0.77

June 2004 (through June 24, 2005)

   0.83    0.83    0.81

 

The “average” column in the first table above represents the average of the noon buying rates on the last day of each month during the relevant period.

 

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The Noon Buying Rate for the euro on June 29, 2005 was €0.83 = US$1.00.

 

For a discussion of Repsol YPF’s foreign currency exposure, see Section 9.2 “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk—Foreign Currency Exposure.”

 

Currency fluctuations will affect the dollar equivalent of the euro price of Repsol YPF’s shares on the Spanish stock exchanges and, as a result, are likely to affect the market price of the Repsol YPF American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) on the New York Stock Exchange. Currency fluctuations will also affect the dollar amounts received by holders of Repsol YPF ADSs on conversion by the depositary of cash dividends paid in euros on the underlying ordinary shares.

 

   1.3 Risk Factors

 

  1.3.1 Oil prices may fluctuate due to factors beyond Repsol YPF’s control

 

World oil prices have fluctuated widely over the last 10 years and are subject to international supply and demand factors over which Repsol YPF has no control. Political developments throughout the world (especially in the Middle East), the outcome of meetings of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the evolution of stocks of oil and products, the participation of speculators and hedge funds, the increase in demand in countries with strong economic growth, such as China, as well as significant conflicts, like the conflict in Iraq, can particularly affect the world oil market and oil prices. In 2004, the average international price for West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) crude oil price was US$41.49 per barrel, compared to an average of US$24.99 per barrel for the period 1995-2004, with high and low annual averages of US$41.49 per barrel in 2004 and US$14.39 per barrel in 1998, respectively. Reductions in oil prices negatively affect Repsol YPF’s profitability, the valuation of its assets and its plans for capital investment including projected capital expenditures related to exploration and development activities. A significant reduction of capital investments may negatively affect Repsol YPF’s ability to replace oil reserves.

 

  1.3.2 Repsol YPF’s natural gas operations are subject to particular operational and market risks

 

Natural gas prices in the various regions in which Repsol YPF operates tend to vary from one another as a result of significantly different supply, demand and regulatory circumstances, and such prices may be lower than prevailing prices in other regions of the world. In addition, excess supply conditions that exist in some regions cannot be utilized in other regions due to a lack of infrastructure and difficulties in transporting natural gas. Because of the significance of the overall investment in infrastructures, natural gas prices in regions where we operate are expected to remain lower than prevailing prices for natural gas produced in regions where there is strong natural gas demand and adequate transportation networks, such as in the United States.

 

In addition, Repsol YPF has entered into long term contracts to purchase and supply gas in different parts of the world. In order to supply its clients in Spain and other markets, Gas Natural SDG, in which Repsol YPF owns 30,9%, has entered into long term contracts to purchase natural gas from Algeria and Norway, as well as long term contracts to purchase LNG from Algeria, Nigeria and Qatar. These contracts have different price formulas, which could result in higher purchase prices than the price at which such gas could be sold in increasingly liberalized markets. Also, gas availability could be subject to risks of contract fulfillment from counterparties. Thus, it might be necessary to look for other sources of natural gas in the case of non-delivery from any of these sources, which could require payment of higher prices than those called for under such contracts.

 

Repsol YPF also has long term contracts to sell gas mainly to clients in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Venezuela and Spain. These contracts present additional types of risks to the company as they are linked to current proved reserves in Argentina, Bolivia, Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago. If sufficient reserves in those countries were not available, Repsol YPF might not be able to fulfill these contracts.

 

Any of the above items could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

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  1.3.3 Repsol YPF has extensive operations in Argentina

 

As of December 31, 2004, approximately 29.34% of Repsol YPF’s assets were located in Argentina, corresponding for the most part to exploration and production activities. Also, in 2004, approximately 46.43% of Repsol YPF’s operating income was generated from activities in Argentina.

 

Since the end of 2001, companies that operate in Argentina have continued to encounter difficulties as a result of the serious economic and political crisis affecting Argentina. Monetary and currency exchange control measures, including restrictions on bank deposit withdrawals and tight restrictions on transferring funds abroad, suspension of payments by Argentina on its external debt and abrogation of the peso convertibility law (and the consequent depreciation of the peso against the dollar) had a significant negative impact on the Argentine economic system, resulting in a reduction of economic activity, increasing inflation and exchange rate volatility. These conditions adversely affected the financial condition of our Argentine subsidiaries and their results of operations and may continue to impair their ability to make distributions to us.

 

With the improvement in the political and economic condition of the country in 2003 and 2004, the regulatory environment applicable to the energy sector, which was deeply affected by the emergency measures adopted during the crisis, began to stabilize. However, since March 2004 and, as a consequence of a shortage in the domestic supply of natural gas and continued high international oil prices, the government has adopted additional measures that modify the regulatory environment. On the one hand, the government has approved an increase in well head gas prices for industries and electricity generators; on the other hand, it has imposed limits on the export of gas to Chile and has taken additional measures, including imposing limits on the supply of gas to industrial consumers. The government has increased the export tax for crude oil and LPG and has reintroduced the export tax for gasoline at 5%. Additionally, since May 28, 2004 exports of natural gas are subject to customs duties of 20%. In the domestic oil product market, translation of relatively high international prices into higher domestic prices has been delayed. These measures could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operation in Argentina.

 

As of the date of this report, Argentina had completed the restructuring of a substantial portion of its bond indebtedness, but such restructuring continues to be subject to litigation. In addition, an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had not been reached. The failure to reach an agreement with the IMF could block Argentina’s further access to international financing, affecting the government’s ability to implement reforms required to restore stability, economic growth and public confidence.

 

In addition, Repsol YPF’s Argentine subsidiary YPF, S.A. is subject to the risk that the Argentine authorities impose restrictions limiting or prohibiting the export of natural gas and crude oil from Argentina. Any such export restrictions imposed on YPF, S.A. could materially and adversely affect Repsol YPF’s business and results of operations. See Section 2.3.2.7 “Regulation of the Petroleum Industry—Market Regulation.”

 

Repsol YPF’s business and results of operations have been, and may continue to be, materially and adversely affected by economic, political and regulatory risks and developments in Argentina. In particular, during the past years, the energy sector and YPF have been affected by lower sales volumes, difficulties in passing through the impact of prices of crude oil and derived products quoted in dollars to domestic prices fixed in pesos, difficulties in increasing domestic natural gas sale prices and the creation of a tax specifically targeted at the export of hydrocarbons.

 

The main economic risks we face because of our operations in Argentina are the following:

 

    difficulties in passing through the movements in international prices of crude oil and exchange rates to domestic prices;

 

    difficulties in increasing local prices of natural gas for our residential customers (households);

 

    higher taxes on exports of hydrocarbons;

 

    quantitative restrictions on hydrocarbons exports;

 

    political pressure to carry out hydrocarbon import activities even if unprofitable or loss-making;

 

 

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    higher taxes on domestic sales of fuel;

 

    the possibility that a deterioration in Argentina’s relations with multilateral credit institutions, such as the IMF, will impact negatively on local capital controls, and result in a deterioration of the business climate; and

 

    the possibility of a reversal of the current appreciation of the Argentina peso. Additional depreciation of the peso in relation to foreign currencies may adversely affect the financial condition or results of operations of Argentine companies and the ability of Argentine companies to meet their foreign currency obligations.

 

  1.3.4 The oil and gas industry is subject to particular operational risks, and we depend on the cost-effective acquisition or discovery of, and, thereafter, development of new oil and gas reserves

 

Oil and gas exploration and production activities are subject to particular risks, some of which are beyond the control of Repsol YPF. These activities are subject to production, equipment and transportation risks, natural hazards and other uncertainties including those relating to the physical characteristics of an oil or natural gas field. The operations of Repsol YPF may be curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of weather conditions, mechanical difficulties, shortages or delays in the delivery of equipment and compliance with governmental requirements. If these risks materialize, Repsol YPF may suffer substantial losses and disruptions to its operations. These activities are also subject to the payment of royalties and taxation, which tend to be relatively higher than those payable in respect of other commercial activities.

 

In addition, Repsol YPF is dependent on the replacement of depleted oil and gas reserves with new proved reserves, and such replacement must be achieved in a cost-effective manner that permits subsequent production to be economically viable. Repsol YPF’s ability to acquire or discover new reserves is subject to a number of risks. For example, drilling may involve unprofitable efforts, not only with respect to dry wells, but also with respect to wells that are productive but do not produce sufficient net revenues to return a profit after drilling, operating and other costs are taken into account. In addition, crude oil and natural gas production blocks are typically auctioned by governmental authorities and Repsol YPF faces intense competition in bidding for such production blocks, in particular those blocks with the most attractive crude oil and natural gas potential reserves. Such competition may result in Repsol YPF’s failing to obtain desirable production blocks or result in Repsol YPF’s acquiring such blocks at a higher price, which would not permit subsequent production to be economically viable.

 

If the Repsol YPF Group fails to acquire or discover, and, thereafter, develop new oil and gas reserves on a cost-effective basis, its business, results of operations and financial condition would be materially and adversely affected.

 

  1.3.5 Repsol YPF’s operations are subject to extensive regulation

 

The oil industry is subject to extensive regulation and intervention by governments throughout the world in such matters as the award of exploration and production interests, the imposition of specific drilling and exploration obligations, restrictions on production, price controls, required divestments of assets and foreign currency controls over the development and nationalization, expropriation or cancellation of contract rights. Such legislation and regulations apply to virtually all aspects of Repsol YPF’s operations inside and outside Spain, and may change. In Spain, for example, the government regulates maximum price levels for LPG and natural gas.

 

In addition, the terms and conditions of the agreements under which Repsol YPF’s oil and gas interests are held generally reflect negotiations with governmental authorities and vary significantly by country and even by field within a country. These agreements generally take the form of licenses or production sharing agreements. Under license agreements, the license holder provides financing and bears the risk of the exploration and production activities in exchange for resulting production, if any. Part of the production may have to be sold to the state or the state-owned oil company. License holders are generally required to pay royalties and income tax.

 

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Production sharing agreements generally require the contractor to finance exploration and production activities in exchange for the recovery of its costs from part of production (cost oil), and the remainder of production (profit oil) is shared with the state-owned oil company.

 

Repsol YPF has operations in many countries throughout the world, including Iran. U.S. legislation, such as the Iran and Libya Sanctions Act of 1996, as amended and extended by the ILSA Extension Act of 2001 (the “Sanctions Act”), may impact Repsol YPF’s operations in Iran. For example, the Sanctions Act requires the President of the United States to impose two or more of certain enumerated sanctions under certain circumstances on companies which engage in trade with or investment activities in Iran. These sanctions include, among others:

 

    prohibitions on loans from U.S. financial institutions, contracts with the U.S. government, and exports of certain U.S. technology, and

 

    additional sanctions, as appropriate, to restrict imports from sanctioned persons.

 

Repsol YPF cannot predict changes in U.S. legislation or interpretations of, or the implementation policy of the U.S. government with respect to, U.S. legislation, including the Sanctions Act.

 

  1.3.6 Repsol YPF is subject to extensive environmental regulations and risks

 

Repsol YPF is subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations in almost all the countries in which it operates, which regulate, among other matters affecting Repsol YPF’s operations, environmental quality standards for products, air emissions and climate change, water discharges, remediation of soil pollution and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste materials. These laws and regulations have had and will continue to have a substantial impact on Repsol YPF’s operations. Repsol YPF’s operations are subject to certain environmental risks that are inherent in the oil and gas industry and which may arise unexpectedly and result in material adverse effects on Repsol YPF’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

  1.3.7 Most of Repsol YPF’s reserves are located in developing countries

 

Substantial portions of Repsol YPF’s hydrocarbons reserves are located in countries outside the EU, certain of which may be politically or economically less stable than EU countries. At December 31, 2004, 95.8% of Repsol YPF’s net proved hydrocarbons reserves were located in Latin America and 3.9% in North Africa and the Middle East. Reserves in developing countries as well as related production operations may be subject to risks, including increases in taxes and royalties, the establishment of limits on production and export volumes, the compulsory renegotiation of contracts, the nationalization or denationalization of assets, changes in local government regimes and policies, changes in business customs and practices, payment delays, currency exchange restrictions and losses and impairment of operations by actions of insurgent groups. See Section 2.2.1 “Information on Repsol YPF—Operations—Exploration and Production.” In addition, political changes may lead to changes in the business environment in which Repsol YPF operates. Economic downturns, political instability or civil disturbances may disrupt distribution logistics or limit sales in the markets affected.

 

  1.3.8 Exchange rates may fluctuate due to factors beyond Repsol YPF’s control

 

Repsol YPF faces exchange rate risk because the revenues and cash receipts it receives from sales of crude oil, natural gas and refined products are generally denominated in U.S. dollars or influenced by the U.S. dollar exchange rate, while a significant portion of Repsol YPF’s expenses are denominated in the local currency of the countries where it operates, principally the euro and the Argentine peso. While an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar against these currencies tends to increase Repsol YPF’s net income, such an increase would also increase the value of Repsol YPF’s debt as the majority of its debt is denominated in U.S. dollars (either directly or synthetically through currency forward contracts). By contrast, a decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar against these currencies tends to decrease Repsol YPF’s net income and reduce the value of its debt. In addition, Repsol YPF publishes its financial statements in euro by translating assets and liabilities expressed in currencies other than euro at period-end exchange rates and revenues and expenses expressed in currencies other than the

 

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euro at average exchange rates for the period. Fluctuations in the exchange rates used to translate these currencies into euro could have a material adverse effect on Repsol YPF’s financial statements expressed in euros.

 

  1.3.9 Political instability and the uncertain regulatory outlook in Bolivia may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations

 

Repsol YPF commenced operations in Bolivia in 1994, where we currently carry out oil and gas exploration and production activities and LPG distribution activities. During 2004, our operations in Bolivia accounted for approximately 1.1% of our consolidated operating revenues and 1.4% of our consolidated operating income. As of December 31, 2004, approximately 3.2% of Repsol YPF’s total consolidated assets were located in Bolivia.

 

In July 2004, the then-President Carlos Mesa held a referendum on the future of the country’s oil and gas industry in which Bolivians voted to permit natural gas exports, exert more control over the industry and increase taxes on natural gas. However, during the first months of 2005, there have been protests in Bolivia calling for, among other things, greater state involvement in the oil and gas industry. In May 2005, the Bolivian Congress voted to impose an additional 32% tax on oil and gas production in Bolivia pursuant to the new hydrocarbon law. Protests continued, however, and the protestors began to demand, among other things, the nationalization of Bolivia’s natural gas industry. In connection with these protests, Mr. Mesa resigned as President on June 9, 2005. Mr. Mesa was replaced by Eduardo Rodriguez Veltzé, the President of the Supreme Court, who has stated his intention of calling general elections in the short-term. This could lead to a new government more broadly supported in Congress than that of Mr. Mesa. Regulations implementing the new hydrocarbon law have not yet been fully promulgated and, therefore, the impact of such law and regulations cannot be assessed.

 

The protests in Bolivia have not to date materially impaired Repsol YPF’s facilities or the Bolivian oil and gas infrastructure or materially affected Repsol YPF’s oil and gas production. However, during the days immediately prior to Mr. Mesa’s resignation, the production at four of our northern gas fields was temporarily shut down in accordance with the applicable safety contingency plan, which fields had an average production of 12,500 barrels of oil equivalent per day. This temporary shut down represented a total reduction of 74,800 barrels of oil equivalent (7,300 barrels of liquids and 67,500 barrels of oil equivalent of natural gas).

 

We believe that exports of natural gas to Argentina and Brazil, which represent Repsol YPF’s principal business in Bolivia, have not been affected by the situation, and we expect that production in Bolivia will not be reduced. However, it is likely that exports and production will not increase as rapidly as we have previously estimated. Consequently, the future plan to increase natural gas supply to Argentina may be materially delayed and the consequences of such delay cannot be estimated.

 

There can be no assurance that Bolivia’s new President will be able to implement policies that will curtail the current protests or avoid future protests regarding the country’s oil and gas regulatory framework or that political instability and regulatory changes in Bolivia, such as increases in taxation or royalties, revocation of concessions and licenses or nationalization of assets, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

  1.3.10 Conditions in the petrochemicals industry are cyclical and may change due to factors beyond Repsol YPF’s control

 

The petrochemicals industry is subject to wide fluctuations in supply and demand reflecting the cyclical nature of the chemicals market at regional and global levels. These fluctuations affect prices and profitability for petrochemicals companies, including Repsol YPF. Repsol YPF’s petrochemicals business is also subject to extensive governmental regulation and intervention in such matters as safety and environmental controls.

 

  1.3.11 We must adopt new accounting standards in 2005 that will impact our financial reporting

 

In 2004, we prepared our financial statements in accordance with Spanish GAAP, and prepared a reconciliation of certain items to U.S. GAAP, as required by SEC regulation. Under current European Union (EU) law, listed EU companies had to apply from January 1, 2005 the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adopted by the EU in preparing their consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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Applying these standards to our consolidated financial statements will imply a change in the presentation of our financial information, since the financial statements will include more components and reflect classification differences, and additional disclosure will be required. Additionally, there will be a change in the valuation of certain items. Regarding the former, at this moment it is not possible to determine the exact impact that this new regulation will entail compared to Spanish GAAP, since new pronouncements from the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), or pronouncements that are not endorsed by the European Union (EU) prior to the preparation of our December 31, 2005 consolidated financial statements, may have an impact on our financial statements. Regarding the latter, we have performed a preliminary analysis of how the adoption of IFRS will impact our financial condition and results of operations. Based on this analysis, we estimate that our total shareholder’s equity would have been €10,856 million at January 1, 2004 under IFRS, compared to €13,632 million under Spanish GAAP. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 20-F we believe such a decrease in our shareholders’ equity, when measured under IFRS at December 31, 2005, will not cause our loan covenants to become more restrictive. We cannot assure you, however, that we will not experience any further decreases in our shareholders’ equity or that our net income or net debt, each as calculated under IFRS, will not decrease or increase, respectively, when we prepare our 2005 consolidated financial statements under IFRS.

 

For additional information concerning significant differences identified between IFRS and Spanish GAAP, see Section 3.2 “Factors Affecting Repsol YPF’s Consolidated Results of Operations—Preliminary Guidance on Differences Between IFRS and Spanish GAAP”.

 

2.  Information on Repsol YPF

 

  2.1  Repsol YPF

 

  2.1.1 Overview

 

Repsol YPF is a limited liability company (sociedad anónima) duly organized on November 12, 1986 and existing under the laws of the Kingdom of Spain. The address of Repsol YPF is Paseo de la Castellana 278, 28046 Madrid, Spain and its telephone number is 011-34-91-348-8000.

 

Repsol YPF is an integrated oil and gas company engaged in all aspects of the petroleum business, including exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas, transportation of petroleum products, LPG and natural gas, petroleum refining, petrochemical production and marketing of petroleum products, petroleum derivatives, petrochemicals, LPG and natural gas.

 

Repsol YPF began operations in October 1987 as part of a reorganization of the oil and gas businesses then owned by Instituto Nacional de Hidrocarburos, a Spanish government agency which acted as a holding company of government-owned oil and gas businesses. In April 1997, the Spanish government sold in a global public offering its entire remaining participation in Repsol YPF. During 1999, and as part of its international growth strategy, Repsol YPF acquired, through a series of acquisitions, YPF, a leading Argentine petroleum company and the former state oil and gas monopolist in Argentina. Since 1999, Repsol YPF has acquired additional shares of YPF and, as of December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF owned 99.04% of YPF.

 

On June 28, 2000, the general meeting of shareholders approved the change of the company’s name from Repsol, S.A. to Repsol YPF, S.A.

 

Through the acquisition of YPF, Repsol YPF sought to achieve a balance between upstream and downstream operations, position itself as a market leader in Latin America, achieve operating and capital expenditure synergies and consolidate its business scale and financial strength. As part of its integration strategy, Repsol YPF has disposed of specific assets which do not correspond to its core businesses outlined above or to its core geographic areas, which include Spain, Latin America and North Africa.

 

For a description of our principal capital expenditures and divestitures, see Section 3.8.2 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital Investments and Divestitures.”

 

Below is a simplified organizational chart of Repsol YPF’s significant subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004, including the subsidiaries’ country of incorporation and main activities and Repsol YPF’s ownership interest in the subsidiaries. For a complete list of Repsol YPF’s subsidiaries, see Repsol YPF’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Picture -- LOGO

 

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  2.1.2 Organization of Repsol YPF

 

Repsol YPF engages in all aspects of the petroleum business, including exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas, transportation of petroleum products, LPG and natural gas, petroleum refining, petrochemical production and marketing of petroleum products, petroleum derivatives, petrochemicals, LPG and natural gas. Until January 2005, Repsol YPF organized its business along the following areas of activities: Upstream (Exploration and Production and LNG); Downstream (Refining and Marketing, LPG and Trading); Chemicals; and Gas and Electricity.

 

Repsol YPF has operations in 32 countries, the most significant of which are Spain and Argentina. Repsol YPF has a unified global corporate structure with headquarters in Madrid, Spain and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Repsol YPF manages its business as a fully-integrated organization at both the operational and organizational levels. Key functions such as strategic planning, control, finance and human resources are centrally coordinated.

 

In October 2004, the Board of Directors elected Antonio Brufau as the new Executive President (Chief Executive Officer).

 

In January 2005, Repsol YPF approved a new organizational structure which, under the leadership of its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, reflects the following four key goals:

 

    Orientate and move the organization closer to the markets in which Repsol YPF operates;

 

    Decentralize and accelerate the decision-making process;

 

    Make managers directly responsible for earnings; and

 

    Increase the efficiency of the business areas.

 

The new organizational structure emphasizes Repsol YPF’s major managerial priorities—the business areas of Exploration, Production and LNG (Upstream) and Refining, Marketing, Chemicals and LPG (Downstream)—as well as its leading position in Latin America, where approximately 50% of Repsol YPF’s assets are located. Given Argentina’s particular importance to Repsol YPF’s business, financial condition and results of operations, Repsol YPF will seek to strengthen its management and institutional presence in the country.

 

Consequently, the new organizational structure, which simplifies Repsol YPF’s previous corporate structure, includes three strategic business areas, which report directly to the Chief Executive Officer:

 

    Corporate Division of Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia, which will be responsible for the integrated value chain (exploration, production, refining, logistics, marketing and chemicals) in such countries. This Division will consist of five business areas and the support functions necessary for integrated management of such business areas.

 

    Corporate Division of Upstream, which Repsol YPF believes will be its principal source of growth. This Division will have direct responsibility for exploration and production (except in Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia) and midstream and marketing of LNG on a worldwide basis.

 

    Corporate Division of Downstream, which will manage the business areas of refining, marketing and chemicals (except in Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia) and LPG and trading on a worldwide basis.

 

The new organizational structure transfers to the business areas the functions and resources relating to planning and budgets and also includes five divisions which report directly to the Chief Executive Officer:

 

    Corporate Division of Legal and General Counsel, whose role, in addition to taking on the secretarial role with respect to the Board of Directors, also incorporates the Corporate Division of Legal Affairs and the Corporate Division of Corporate Governance Affairs. As such, activities relating to property, general services, industrial ownership, regulation and competition remain under this Division’s control.

 

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    Corporate Division of Finance and Corporate Services, which incorporates the Corporate Division of Finance responsible for financial management, investor relations, insurance and development of financial information and the Corporate Division of Resources responsible for information systems, engineering, technology, contracts, environmental issues and security systems. This Division is also responsible for Repsol YPF’s tax issues.

 

    Corporate Division of Control and Corporate Development, which will provide support to the Chairman and the Executive Committee and play a key role in ensuring that the performance of the business areas is in line with Repsol YPF’s goals for efficiency and corporate responsibility. This Division will also be responsible for issues relating to control, corporate strategy and development and research.

 

    Corporate Division of Human Resources, which will concentrate on defining Repsol YPF’s policies relating to organization, development, employee relations, planning and compensation and providing support to the management of human resources within the business areas.

 

    Corporate Division of Communication and the Chairman’s Office, which will be responsible for Repsol YPF’s corporate communications, publicity, sponsorships, branding and brand name and institutional affairs.

 

The Divisions of Corporate Audit and Reserves Control, which operate under the Corporate Division of Finance and Corporate Services, report to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

 

  2.1.3 Strategy

 

Repsol YPF’s Strategic Plan for the period 2005-2009, presented to analysts, institutional investors and employees on May 31, 2005, outlines Repsol YPF’s major lines of action for this period and is based upon the following five fundamental bases, which together represent a commitment towards greater profitability for the shareholder:

 

1. Cost Reduction

 

2. Transformation of the Asset Portfolio

 

3. Growth in Upstream and LNG

 

4. Optimizing the Strategic Business Areas of Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil (ABB) and Downstream

 

5. Financial Discipline.

 

Cost Reduction. Operational excellence at all levels is key to maintaining the profitability of mature business areas. Repsol YPF therefore will endeavor to optimize costs in all business areas, to improve energy efficiency, to pass corporate functions to the business areas, thereby simplifying the management process, and to improve the purchasing function and optimize logistics.

 

Transformation of the Asset Portfolio. A detailed review of the portfolio will be carried out to identify assets of low profitability or whose value could be higher for third parties. Dynamic management of the asset portfolio will permit Repsol YPF to concentrate investments in business sectors and geographical areas of high value and to withdraw investment from areas or sectors that are not considered strategic.

 

Growth in Upstream and LNG. Upstream is expected to be the driver of Repsol YPF’s growth in the period 2005-2009. Repsol YPF’s goals in this area for the period are the following:

 

    Development of profitable business opportunities and options in gas and crude oil to compensate for the maturity of the operations in Argentina.

 

    Strengthening the assets related to Repsol YPF’s production of natural gas, in particular LNG.

 

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    Development of new platforms for growth with greater profitability and a longer maturation period, which will include increased exploration in new mining territories and the search for new opportunities through agreements for the development of non-conventional petroleum and new areas.

 

Optimizing the Strategic Business Areas of Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil (ABB) and Downstream. Repsol YPF’s goals in this area for the period are the following:

 

    Managing assets in ABB to take advantage of synergies and efficiencies derived from the integration of the business areas and countries.

 

    Exercising discipline to control increasing costs.

 

    Searching for new areas of exploration, such as opportunities related to offshore in Argentina, Upstream in Brazil and gas reserves in Bolivia.

 

    Optimization of capital expenditures.

 

    Managing Downstream assets to maximize cash flow and maintain it at a stable and low risk state.

 

Financial Discipline. When setting its capital structure policy, Repsol YPF’s goals in this area for the period are the optimization of cost of capital, to have permanent access to markets and to minimize Repsol YPF’s vulnerability to any type of economic shock. These goals translate into a policy that aims to achieve a financial strength level consistent with market spreads for its debt in line with the average spreads of companies rated single A or higher.

 

Repsol YPF’s Strategic Plan for 2005-2009 represents a renewed commitment to its shareholders, customers, employees, partners, suppliers and the public and marks the beginning of a step-by-step transformation of Repsol YPF’s management culture, which will be based on decentralization, orientation towards the markets, corporate social responsibility and the development of “best practices”.

 

The Strategic Business Areas of Repsol YPF will develop their strategies according to the following general lines:

 

Upstream: Engine of profitable growth

 

    Solid positioning in the two strategic areas in which Repsol YPF has competitive advantages: North Africa (Libya and Algeria) and the Caribbean (Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela).

 

    Unique position in LNG in the Atlantic Rim. Attractive portfolio of LNG (Trinidad and Tobago, Algeria and Iran) and agreement with Gas Natural SDG. Leadership through integration. The agreement with Gas Natural SDG, in upstream and midstream, will be the tool used to maximize value through the integrated chain. See Section 2.2.1.4.2 “Information on Repsol YPF—Operations—Exploration and Production—Other Activities—LNG.”

 

Within this program for growth in Upstream, Repsol YPF has chosen assets related to the production of natural gas, especially LNG, and particularly for the integrated projects of Gassi Touil (Algeria), for its high potential, and for Persian LNG (Iran) as a long-term option.

 

    Development of business supported by relationships with national oil companies.

 

Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil (ABB): An integrated, profitable business

 

    Argentina: Argentine businesses will generate a stable cash flow, particularly through the management of mature assets in upstream, where opportunities for exploration of new offshore areas will be exploited, while downstream Repsol YPF will improve the integration and efficiency of all business areas, whose structural position in ABB is very strong.

 

    Brazil: development of potential opportunities for upstream.

 

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Downstream: Leadership position in growing markets

 

    Contribution to the solid and stable growth of cash flow of Repsol YPF, based upon its leadership position in the industry at a worldwide level, and on a positive margin situation.

 

    In Refining, Repsol YPF will take advantage of its excellent position in growing markets, where its better capability for conversion will permit it to continue its strategy of creating results characterized by quality and high margins, taking advantage of the increase in gasoil imports.

 

    Improvement of the cycle in petrochemicals will allow Repsol YPF to enjoy competitive advantages in a profitable and integrated chemical business.

 

    The optimal competitive position of the LPG business increases its chances for integration.

 

The main prudent assumptions (“reference conditions”) for the business environment that management used for estimating the strategic targets were: (i) reference prices of Brent crude oil of 25 US$/bbl, (ii) natural gas reference prices of 4 US$/mBtu (Henry hub), (iii) exchange rates of 1.2 US$/€ and (iv) a tax rate of 35%.

 

  2.1.4 Economic and Operating Information

 

The following information and discussion is based on Repsol YPF’s organizational structure in place during 2004. See Section 2.1.2 “Information on Repsol YPF—Repsol YPF—Organization of Repsol YPF” for a discussion of certain changes to our organizational structure in January 2005.

 

Below are summaries of operating revenues of Repsol YPF by line of business and geographic area:

 

     2004

    2003

    2002

    04 vs. 03

    03 vs. 02

 
     (millions of euro)              

Operating revenue by business segment

                              

Exploration & Production

   7,610     6,419     5,580     18.55 %   15.04 %

Refining & Marketing

   35,074     32,480     31,289     7.99     3.81  

Chemicals

   3,025     2,240     2,109     35.04     6.21  

Natural Gas & Electricity

   1,845     1,486     3,110     24.16     (52.22 )

Adjustments & Other

   (5,865 )   (5,419 )   (5,598 )   (8.23 )   3.20  
    

 

 

           
     41,689     37,206     36,490     12.05     1.96  
    

 

 

           

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

   04 vs. 03

    03 vs. 02

 
     (millions of euro)             

Operating revenue by geographic segment

                           

Spain

   27,824    24,346    24,541    14.29 %   (0.79 )%

Argentina

   6,206    5,940    5,415    4.48     9.69  

Rest of Latin America

   5,550    4,382    4,115    26.65     6.49  

Rest of the World

   2,109    2,538    2,419    (16.90 )   4.92  
    
  
  
            
     41,689    37,206    36,490    12.05     1.96  
    
  
  
            

 

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Below is a summary of selected operating data of Repsol YPF:

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

Crude oil net proved reserves(1)

   1,683,190    1,881,731    2,018,696

Spain

   3,749    4,974    4,242

Argentina

   1,115,249    1,274,343    1,399,601

Rest of Latin America

   406,418    419,638    420,165

Rest of the World

   157,774    182,776    194,688

Gas net proved reserves(2)

   18,207,112    19,941,659    18,205,779

Spain

   —      —      —  

Argentina

   7,011,469    8,226,655    9,431,883

Rest of Latin America

   10,947,375    11,355,159    8,395,829

Rest of the World

   248,268    359,845    378,067

Hydrocarbon net production(3)

   426,671    413,348    365,106

Spain

   1,373    1,481    2,647

Argentina

   276,193    277,423    261,293

Rest of Latin America

   124,052    105,510    71,522

Rest of the World

   25,053    28,934    29,644

Refining capacity(4)(8)

   1,234    1,234    1,234

Spain

   740    740    740

Argentina

   334    334    334

Rest of Latin America

   160    160    160

Crude oil processed(5)(8)

   54.9    53.4    52.8

Spain

   34.3    32.4    31.9

Argentina

   15.4    15.4    15.2

Rest of Latin America

   5.2    5.6    5.7

Number of service stations(6)

   6,913    6,614    6,629

Spain

   3,616    3,611    3,653

Argentina

   1,868    1,910    1,940

Rest of Latin America

   973    956    906

Rest of the World

   456    137    130

Sales of petroleum products(7)(8)

   54,968    53,577    50,091

Spain

   28,135    27,861    26,785

Argentina

   8,677    8,116    8,001

Rest of the World

   18,156    17,600    15,305

Sales of petrochemical products(7)(9)

              

By region:

   4,104    3,968    3,315

Spain

   1,342    1,292    1,197

Argentina

   882    824    670

Rest of the World

   1,880    1,852    1,448

By product:

   4,104    3,968    3,315

Basic

   420    426    292

Derivative

   3,684    3,542    3,023

LPG sales(7)

   3,217    3,193    3,236

Spain

   1,955    1,992    2,030

Argentina

   310    308    342

Rest of Latin America

   863    809    783

Rest of the World

   89    84    81

Natural gas sales(10)

   32.85    30.34    26.87

Spain

   20.99    20.34    18.82

Argentina

   2.43    2.49    2.22

Rest of Latin America

   5.49    4.67    4.45

Rest of the World

   3.94    2.84    1.38

 

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(1) Thousands of barrels of crude oil.
(2) Millions of cubic feet of gas.
(3) Thousands of barrels of oil equivalent.
(4) Thousands of barrels per day.
(5) Millions of tonnes of oil equivalent.
(6) Information for Argentina includes 50% of Refinor’s service stations.
(7) Thousands of tonnes.
(8) Information includes 50% of Refinor refinery (Argentina), 30% of REFAP refinery (Brazil) and 30.71% of Manguinhos refinery (Brazil), with the exception of sales of petroleum products for 2002 which do not include the partial interests in Refinor and REFAP refineries.
(9) The 2003 and 2002 sales volumes have been adjusted to present Repsol YPF’s chemical business more accurately. Specifically, adjustments have been made in the consolidation of subsidiaries. The sales of basic products include exports of olefins, consistent with international margin indicators, and the sales of derivative products include the remainder of the chemical business.
(10) Billion cubic meters. Includes 100% of sales volumes reported by Gas Natural although at December 31, 2004 Repsol YPF owned 30.85% of Gas Natural and accounts for it using the proportional integration method under Spanish GAAP because, since January 1, 2002, Gas Natural reports 100% of the natural gas sales volumes of each of its consolidated subsidiaries, regardless of Gas Natural’s stake in such subsidiaries. Since 2004, natural gas sales in Spain have included LNG supplied to wholesale customers in Spain, whereas in prior years these sales were reported as “Rest of the World”. Natural gas sales for 2003 and 2002 have been restated in accordance with this criterion.

 

  2.1.5 Business Environment

 

In 2004, global economic growth was approximately 5.0% and, in light of the fact that emerging economies grew at an even faster pace (approximately 7.0%), growth in global oil demand amounted to approximately 3.0 millions of barrels.

 

Argentina continued to recover in 2004 with 9% growth, following 8.8% growth in 2003.

 

The Spanish economy grew by 3.1% during 2004, following growth of 2.9% in 2003.

 

The major characteristic of the oil market in 2004 was the high prices that oil has reached. The average WTI price per barrel rose US$10 to US$41.5, while the average Brent price per barrel rose US$9.5 to reach an average of US$37.9. Furthermore, this trend towards rising prices has been followed by high volatility and uncertainty.

 

The major determining factor of the price increase during 2004 was the extraordinary growth in global oil demand. The fact that this factor was not anticipated by analysts and official agencies stimulated even more market volatility. At the same time, another key factor in the recent price evolution was the reduction in OPEC´s surplus capacity to historically minimum levels. In addition, a strained geopolitical scenario contributed to the belief that OPEC’s surplus capacity of 1-1.5 million barrels per day was an insufficient buffer in a volatile market.

 

High oil prices have created a favorable environment for oil companies focused on Upstream to create value. In addition, the sustainability of prices during 2004 has also helped to increase oil companies’ investment incentives.

 

The demand for lighter products in the United States and in Asia and the increase in the supply of heavier crudes on the part of the OPEC, have also favored a notable increase in crude oils spreads. Due to high product prices and wider heavy crude oil spreads, the worldwide refining market continued to enjoy high margins in 2004, which exceeded those in 2003.

 

As in the case of Upstream, the reported results of operations of European companies continued to be adversely affected by the weakness of the dollar compared to the euro.

 

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Average international margins in the petrochemical industry in 2004 can be characterized as mid-cycle, compared to those in 2003. Compared to 2003, the higher margins for urea and methanol, due to higher sale prices of natural gas in the United States, and higher margins for basic petrochemicals, stand out.

 

The natural gas sector, which is generally considered to have the greatest growth opportunities globally, continued to grow in Asia and America. Consequently, the LNG market has consolidated its global expansion.

 

Asia has historically driven the development of LNG markets. In 2000, Japan, Korea and Taiwan represented more than 70% of global LNG consumption. Whilst this figure has decreased in recent years because of new markets in the United States and the European Union, the trend could shift back towards Asia due to the fact that China and India are now LNG importers. However, in the short term, demand for LNG in 2005 in the Asia Pacific area is not expected to represent more than 65% of world demand. China and India have seen demand exceed their domestic production, and therefore reclassification projects have been undertaken in both countries. In China, one plant is under construction and three additional projects have been proposed, while in India two plants have recently begun operations, one plant is under construction and two additional projects have been proposed.

 

In addition to these emerging markets, demand for LNG in the United States is experiencing strong growth due to new combined cycle electricity generators and the decline in domestic production both in the United States and Canada. Existing terminals in the United States are currently under expansion, and there are more than 10 projects for new LNG regasification facilities in the United States and Mexico that have filed paperwork with the relevant authorities to obtain the necessary permits for construction. Some of them have already obtained all necessary permissions and construction may begin in the following months.

 

In order to meet the growing demand for LNG, there are several projects that will commence operations in the following years. LNG production capacity is expected to grow up to 10% in 2005 and, according to different forecasts, global LNG production capacity will increase more than 50% over the next five years. New projects continue to be developed in countries such as Australia, Russia, Norway, Egypt and Trinidad and Tobago. These projects, together with others in Africa and the Middle East, are expected to increase annual global liquefaction capacity by more than 100 million tonnes per year by 2010.

 

  2.1.6 Development of the Business

 

Repsol YPF’s net income for 2004 decreased by 3.5% to €1,950 million. Cash flow from operating activities was €4,237 million compared to €5,373 million in 2003. Net income per share decreased from €1.65 in 2003 to €1.60 in 2004.

 

Operating income in 2004 was €4,547 million as compared to €3,860 million in 2003.

 

In 2004, there were extraordinary items amounting to €682 million, most of which (€667 million) were booked in the fourth quarter of 2004.

 

In 2004, the world economy grew faster than at any time in the past thirty years. The strength of global demand, particularly in emerging economies, led to increased prices in the petroleum, gas and oil product markets.

 

Repsol YPF’s operating performance was the result of improvements in all of its business areas, which throughout 2004 posted a considerable rise in operating income. The refining area performed well with a 36.2% increase in operating income and record high margins. Meanwhile, in exploration and production, operating income rose by 12.2% to €2,638 million and average oil and gas production increased by 3%. Chemicals registered a 63.2% growth, and operating income from gas and power activities increased by 29.2%.

 

Repsol YPF’s net debt was €4,920 million at December 31, 2004, falling €127 million from €5,047 million at December 31, 2003. The international rating agencies, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, have upgraded Repsol YPF’s long-term debt rating in light of Repsol YPF’s sound operating and financial performance.

 

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See Section 3.8.1 “—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Financial Condition” for a reconciliation of net debt to total debt and an explanation as to why Repsol YPF believes “net debt” is a useful figure for investors.

 

  2.2  Operations

 

  2.2.1 Exploration and Production

 

Exploration and Production (“E&P”) accounted for approximately 58%, 61% and 54% of Repsol YPF’s operating income in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

E&P includes the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in different parts of the world. Repsol YPF’s oil and gas reserves are located in Latin America (Argentina, Bolivia, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia), North Africa (Libya and Algeria), the Middle East, Spain and the United States.

 

Repsol YPF conducts its E&P activities through YPF, Repsol Exploración, Repsol YPF Bolivia and Repsol YPF Brasil.

 

Repsol YPF’s other E&P activities include the liquefaction of natural gas in Trinidad and Tobago, the sale and transportation of LNG and the supply and retail sale of natural gas and natural gas liquids in Argentina.

 

Repsol YPF estimates that at December 31, 2004 it had proved net oil and gas reserves of approximately 4,926 million barrels of oil equivalent, a 9.34% decrease in comparison to 5,433 million barrels of oil equivalent at December 31, 2003. Reserves at December 31, 2003 represented a 3.27% increase from 5,261 million barrels of oil equivalent at December 31, 2002. The decrease in proved net oil and gas reserves as of December 31, 2004 compared to such reserves as of December 31, 2002 was 6.37%. The reserves replacement ratio, excluding acquisitions and sales made during each respective year, was -19.6% and 25.0% of the annual production in 2004 and 2003, respectively, or -18.9% and 141.7% of the annual production in 2004 and 2003, respectively, including new acquisitions and sales. Independent engineers (DeGolyer & MacNaughton and Gaffney, Cline & Associates) concluded their review of 100% of the reserve assets during the fiscal year, ending the three-year cycle that began in 2002, in accordance with the company’s commitment to transparency.

 

The reserves replacement ratios were calculated and based on the figures presented in the Proved developed and undeveloped reserves of crude oil, condensed oil and LPG and natural gas table of the “Supplementary information on oil and gas exploration and production activities” in Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 20-F:

 

    The reserve replacement ratio excluding acquisition and sales during each respective year is calculated as the ratio of proved reserves increases (Extensions and discoveries plus Increase due to improvements in recovery techniques plus revisions of previous estimates) divided by annual production. For example, this ratio in 2004 was -19.6%, and it was calculated as the ratio between proved reserves changes of -83,801 thousands of barrels of crude oil equivalent and the annual production of 426,671 thousands of barrels of crude oil equivalent.

 

    The reserve replacement ratio including acquisition and sales during each respective year is calculated as the ratio of proved reserves increases (Extensions and discoveries plus Increase due to improvements in recovery techniques plus revisions of previous estimates plus net Purchase (Sale) of reserves) divided by annual production. For example, this ratio in 2004 was -18.9%, and it was calculated as the ratio between proved reserves changes of -80,786 thousands of barrels of crude oil equivalent and the annual production of 426,671 thousands of barrels of crude oil equivalent.

 

As a result of the joint analysis with independent engineers and additional information from various fields, proved reserves have decreased by 222.7 million barrels of oil equivalent (4.1% of the initial reserves). The main negative revisions have affected the non-operated fields in Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina (Ramos, Aguaragüe, etc.), Brazil and the operated field in Loma de la Lata in Argentina. In addition, the effect of the Production

 

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Sharing Contracts caused a decrease of 15.8 million barrels of oil equivalent. However, revisions in Bolivia and Venezuela were positive.

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had oil and gas exploration and production interests in 24 countries, through concessions and contractual agreements, either directly or through its subsidiaries. Repsol YPF acted as operator in 20 of those countries. In the summer of 2004, Repsol YPF obtained, through direct negotiations, the rights to Block 17 in Liberia, and in January 2005 it was awarded Block 16. In both cases it is awaiting official publication of the grant by Liberian authorities.

 

  2.2.1.1 Oil and Gas Reserves

 

Unless otherwise indicated below, Repsol YPF estimated its proved oil and gas reserves as of December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 in accordance with guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange Commission and accounting principles set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. These standards require that reserve estimates be prepared under existing economic and operating conditions with no provision for price and cost escalations except by contractual arrangements.

 

     Total

   Spain

   North
Africa and
Middle East


   Argentina

   Rest of
Latin
America


  Far
East


  Rest of the
World


     (thousands of barrels)

Proved developed and undeveloped net crude oil reserves (including condensate and natural gas liquids)

                                

Reserves at Dec. 31, 2002(1)

   2,018,696    4,242    188,733    1,399,601    420,165   5,918   37

Reserves at Dec. 31, 2003(2)

   1,881,731    4,974    177,371    1,274,343    419,638   5,371   34

Reserves at Dec. 31, 2004(3)

   1,683,190    3,749    151,446    1,115,249    406,418   —     6,328

(1) 44.9% of reserves were estimated by Gaffney, Cline & Associates and DeGolyer & MacNaughton, independent engineers in 2002.
(2) 28.7% of reserves were estimated by Gaffney, Cline & Associates and DeGolyer & MacNaughton, independent engineers in 2003.
(3) 23.9% of reserves as of December 31, 2004 were estimated by Gaffney, Cline & Associates and DeGolyer & MacNaughton, independent engineers. In addition, in mid-2004, DeGolyer & MacNaughton estimated a further portion of the reserves as of December 31, 2003, which represented 2.6% of reserves at December 31, 2004. We do not audit the same fields each year and, therefore, in accordance with Repsol YPF’s policy of having an external certification of 100% of the assets performed every three years, an auditing cycle that included 100% of the assets ended in 2004.

 

    Total

  Spain

  North
Africa and
Middle
East


  Argentina

  Rest of
Latin
America


  Far East

  Rest of
the World


    (millions of cubic feet)

Proved developed and undeveloped net natural gas reserves

                           

Reserves at Dec. 31, 2002(1)

  18,205,779     323,095   9,431,883   8,395,829   50,088   4,884

Reserves at Dec. 31, 2003(2)

  19,941,659     310,584   8,226,655   11,355,159   44,874   4,387

Reserves at Dec. 31, 2004(3)

  18,207,113     240,036   7,011,469   10,947,376   —     8,232

(1) 31.9% of reserves were estimated by Gaffney, Cline & Associates and DeGolyer & MacNaughton, independent engineers in 2002.
(2) 8.4% of reserves were estimated by Gaffney, Cline & Associates and DeGolyer & MacNaughton, independent engineers in 2003.

 

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(3) 46.9% of reserves as of December 31, 2004 were estimated by Gaffney, Cline & Associates and DeGolyer & MacNaughton, independent engineers. In addition, in mid-2004, DeGolyer & MacNaughton estimated a further portion of the reserves as of December 31, 2003, which represented 19% of reserves at December 31, 2004. We do not audit the same fields each year and, therefore, in accordance with Repsol YPF’s policy of having an external certification of 100% of the assets performed every three years, an auditing cycle that included 100% of the assets ended in 2004.

 

    Total

  Spain

  North
Africa and
Middle
East


  Argentina

  Rest of
Latin
America


  Far East

  Rest of
the World


    (thousands of barrels of oil equivalent)

Total proved developed and undeveloped net reserves

                           

Reserves at Dec. 31, 2002(1)

  5,261,043   4,242   246,275   3,079,366   1,915,415   14,838   907

Reserves at Dec, 31, 2003(2)

  5,433,228   4,974   232,684   2,739,464   2,441,928   13,363   815

Reserves at Dec. 31, 2004(3)

  4,925,774   3,749   194,195   2,363,952   2,356,084   —     7,794

(1) Includes 622,180 thousands of barrels of crude oil equivalent relating to the minority shareholders of Andina (Bolivia). Gaffney, Cline & Associates, independent engineers, estimated 37% of Repsol YPF’s proved crude oil reserves, condensates, LPG and natural gas reserves.
(2) Includes 606,409 thousands of barrels of crude oil equivalent relating to the minority shareholders of Andina (Bolivia). Gaffney, Cline & Associates and DeGolyer & MacNaughton, independent engineers, estimated 15.4% of Repsol YPF’s proved crude oil reserves, condensates, LPG and natural gas reserves in 2003.
(3) Includes 621,448 thousands of barrels of crude oil equivalent relating to the minority shareholders of Andina (Bolivia). Gaffney, Cline & Associates and DeGolyer & MacNaughton, independent engineers, estimated 39.1% of Repsol YPF’s proved crude oil reserves, condensates, LPG and natural gas reserves in 2004. In addition, in-mid 2004, DeGolyer & MacNaughton estimated a further portion of the reserves as of December 31, 2003, which represented 13.4% of Repsol YPF’s proved crude oil reserves, condensates, LPG and natural gas reserves as of December 31, 2004. We do not audit the same fields each year and, therefore, in accordance with Repsol YPF’s policy of having an external certification of 100% of the assets performed every three years, an auditing cycle that included 100% of the assets ended in 2004.

 

Net oil and gas proved reserves at December 31, 2004 were 4,926 million barrels of oil equivalent (34.1% petroleum and liquids and 65.9% natural gas), a 9.34% decrease compared to net oil and gas proved reserves of 5,433 million barrels of oil equivalent at December 31, 2003. This overall decrease in net oil and gas proved reserves is a result of:

 

a) A reduction of 426.7 million barrels of oil equivalent from oil and natural gas production;

 

b) A decrease of 222.7 million barrels of oil equivalent (4.1% of the initial reserves) from revisions to previous estimates as a result of the certifications by independent engineers (DeGolyer & MacNaughton and Gaffney, Cline & Associates) and the incorporation of additional technical information from various fields.

 

The main revisions affecting the non-operated fields are:

 

    An overall negative revision in Trinidad and Tobago of 148.4 millions of barrels of oil equivalent (779 billion cubic feet of gas and 9.7 millions of barrels of oil and condensate) mainly due to full compliance with the SEC’s definition of proved reserves.

 

   

An overall negative revision in Argentina of 48.9 million barrels of oil equivalent (137 billion cubic feet of gas and 24.4 million barrels of oil, condensate and LPG). The main figures are a downward revision of 38.8 million barrels of oil equivalent applied to the Ramos and Aguaragüe concession gas-condensate fields to reflect current production performance and a downward revision of 16.3 million barrels of oil equivalent applied to Puesto Hernández and Río Negro Norte concession oil fields due to well and water

 

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flooding performance that was worse than expected. Other minor revisions of previous proved reserves estimates resulted in an overall positive revision of 6.2 million barrels of oil equivalent.

 

    An overall negative revision in Brazil of 12.6 million barrels of oil equivalent (12.4 million barrels of oil and 1.1 billion cubic feet of gas) applied as a consequence of the development drilling results.

 

The main revisions affecting the operated fields are:

 

    In Argentina, the proved reserves of the Loma La Lata-Sierras Blancas gas-condensate reservoir were downgraded by 8.1% and partially reclassified as non-proved to reflect an unanticipated partial lack of vertical gas equilibrium in certain areas of the reservoir, which will lead to an overall reduction of the attainable recovery factor. The total negative revision amounted to 72.6 million barrels of oil equivalent (326 billion cubic feet of gas and 14.6 million barrels of oil, condensate and LPG) of net proved reserves. A negative revision of 8.3 million barrels of oil was applied to Chihuido de la Sierra Negra oil field, which reflects a minimum oil rate decline assumed at high water cuts. Also, the Avile fm. gas-cap (45.9 billion cubic feet of gas) was removed from proved reserves due to high CO2 content.

 

    In Bolivia an overall upward revision of 68.4 million barrels of oil equivalent (248.3 billion cubic feet of gas and 24.2 million barrels of oil, condensate and LPG) was applied to reflect the new gas sales to Argentina that began in June 2004.

 

    In Venezuela 39.3 million barrels of oil equivalent of proved reserves (158 billion cubic feet of gas and 11.1 million barrels of condensate) were added as a consecuence of the gas sales increment agreement approved for the Quiriquire Block.

 

    In addition, the effect of the high oil prices in the Production Sharing Contracts caused a decrease of 15.8 million barrels of oil equivalent (11.6 millions in Algeria and 4.3 millions in Libya).

 

    Other negative revisions of previous estimates in Ecuador, and several minor fields in Argentina amounted to 15.6 million barrels of oil equivalent.

 

c) An increase of 119.3 million barrels of oil equivalent from field extensions and discoveries, principally in:

 

    Trinidad and Tobago:

 

    BPTrinidad and Tobago LLC (“BPTT”), 70% BP and 30% Repsol YPF, discovered a large gas field. The Chachalaca x-1 exploratory well reached a total depth of 4,765 meters and is located in the East-Mayaro Block offshore Trinidad. The proximity of the new field to fields already in production should facilitate and speed up its development and ensure a supply of gas for the fourth liquefaction train currently under construction. The discovery of the Chachalaca field represents a net proved undeveloped addition of 43.8 million barrels of oil equivalent (242 billion cubic feet of gas and 0.8 million barrels of condensate).

 

    The Manakin gas field, which is located in Block 5b and which was discovered in 2002, was moved to the proved reserves category to cover the gas sales contracts to supply the liquefaction trains with 56 billion cubic feet of gas.

 

    Argentina:

 

    In the Neuquén basin, Rincón del Mangrullo and Puesto Cortaderas gas-condensate fields were discovered with a net proved undeveloped reserves addition of 9.1 million barrels of oil equivalent (50.1 billion cubic feet of gas and 0.2 million barrels of condensate). These two fields are already under development and production startup is scheduled for early 2006 to supply the domestic gas market.

 

    Gas delineation drilling activity in the Neuquén basin (Bajo Los Lobos, Cupen Mahuida and Loma La Lata-Lotena) added 53.2 billion cubic feet of proved gas reserves, of which 53% are proved developed. Development of the reserves should be completed in 2005 to supply the domestic gas market.

 

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    In the Golfo San Jorge basin, the discovery of the La Enramada-X5 oil field and delineation drilling activity around the proved areas (Manantiales Behr, Seco-Leon, Los Perales, Barranca Baya, Lomas del Cuy and other oil areas) added 8.4 million barrels of oil equivalent (7.5 million barrels of oil and 4.9 billion cubic feet of dissolved gas), of which 59% were proved undeveloped. Development of the reserves should be completed in the next two years (2005-2006).

 

    Venezuela: Repsol YPF made a discovery in the second half of the year with its first exploratory well drilled in the Barrancas block (Sipororo 2X). This block, located in the country’s southwestern region in the states of Barinas, Portuguesa and Trujillo, was awarded entirely to Repsol YPF in 2001 under a license for exploration and production of non-associated gaseous hydrocarbons. The gas production in the block, expected to begin in the second half of 2005 and to reach 2 million cubic meters per day in 2006, will be sent to a thermoelectric power plant to be set up in the municipality of Obispos in Barinas. This project will help overcome electric power generation problems in the region. Added proved reserves amounted to 79 billion cubic feet of gas.

 

    United States: On July 16, 2004, after a Feasibility Study was presented to the MMS, an exploratory operations suspension (SOP) was obtained in the Neptune oil field in the Gulf of Mexico, where Repsol YPF has a 15% stake in the field operated by BHP. Net proved reserves additions were 7.0 million barrels of oil equivalent (6.3 million barrels of oil and 4.2 billion cubic feet of gas). Partnership members have approved the field development project and the field is currently under development. Production is expected to start in July 2007.

 

    Other proved reserves additions from extensions and discoveries took place in Libya, Bolivia, Colombia, Argentina, and Venezuela totalizing 17.5 million barrels of oil equivalent (11.3 million barrels of oil and condensate and 33.7 billion cubic feet of gas). With the exception of the new discovery made in the NC-186 in Libya (4.4 million barrels of oil), the rest of the reserves additions are mainly proved developed producing reserves, with some minor proved undeveloped reserves located nearby producing fields.

 

d) An increase of 19.6 million barrels of oil equivalent from improved recovery techniques, mainly in Argentina. Water flooding activity related to new project and extensions of existing projects on analogous reservoirs located in the inmediate area of existing projects with positive production response, added 18.1 million barrels of oil equivalent (17.8 million barrels of oil and 2.0 billion cubic feet of dissolved gas), 70% proved undeveloped, of which 13.1 million barrels of oil were located in the Golfo San Jorge basin. Those reserves should be developed in the mid term with full production response expected to take place in the next three years (2005-2007).

 

e) An increase of 16.4 million barrels of oil equivalent (29.1 billion cubic feet of gas and 11.2 million barrels of oil and condensate) from the acquisitions of new assets. This change was due to the acquisition of an additional 50% working interest of the Mamoré block in Bolivia.

 

f) A decrease of 13.4 million barrels of oil equivalent (44.9 billion cubic feet of gas and 5.4 million barrels of condensate) due to the sale of Jambi Merang block in Indonesia.

 

Additional detail on developed and undeveloped oil-equivalent proved reserves is shown in the table below:

 

     Year End 2004

   Year End 2003

     Developed

   Undeveloped

   Developed

   Undeveloped

     (million of barrels of oil equivalent)

Spain

   3.75    —      4.97    —  

North Africa and Middle East

   144.09    50.11    170.56    62.12

Argentina

   1,823.58    540.38    2,063.63    675.83

Rest of Latin America(1)

   1,489.28    866.80    985.20    1,456.73

Rest of the World(2)

   0.76    7.04    1.30    12.87

Total

   3,461.45    1,464.32    3,225.67    2,207.56

(1) Most of the proved undeveloped reserves included in this geographic area at year end 2004 are associated with the long term sales gas contracts of Bolivia and Trinidad and Tobago.

 

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(2) The change of the proved undeveloped reserves from year end 2003 to year end 2004 is due to the sale of the Jambi Merang block in Indonesia (13.4 million barrels of oil equivalent) and to the addition of the proved undeveloped reserves of Neptune field in the Gulf of Mexico (7.0 million barrels of oil equivalent).

 

  2.2.1.2 Production

 

The following table shows Repsol YPF’s net daily average production of crude oil and natural gas for 2004, 2003 and 2002:

 

    PRODUCTION BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA

    2004

  2003

  2002

    Liquids

  Natural
Gas


  Total

  Liquids

  Natural
Gas


  Total

  Liquids

  Natural
Gas


  Total

    (kbbl/d)   (mmcf/d)   (kboe/d)   (kbbl/d)   (mmcf/d)   (kboe/d)   (kbbl/d)   (mmcf/d)   (kboe/d)

Spain

  4   —     4   4   —     4   5   13   7

North Africa and Middle East

  56   71   68   60   101   79   61   110   80

Algeria

  7   71   20   9   101   28   10   110   30

Libya

  21   —     21   20   —     20   16   —     16

Dubai

  27   —     27   31   —     31   35   —     35

Argentina

  399   1,996   755   432   1,842   760   438   1,561   716

Rest of Latin America

  109   1,292   339   98   1,074   289   81   647   196

Bolivia

  29   440   107   21   291   73   19   243   62

Colombia

  5   —     5   5   —     5   5   —     5

Ecuador

  15   —     15   10   —     10   9   —     9

Venezuela

  43   303   97   41   299   94   41   289   93

Trinidad and Tobago

  17   549   114   21   484   107   7   115   27

Rest of the World

  —     2   *   —     4   1   —     4   1

United States

  —     2   *   —     2   *   —     1   *

Indonesia

  —     —     —     —     2   *   —     3   1

Total net production

  567   3,360   1,166   594   3,021   1,132   584   2,336   1,000

* Amounts less than one thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day.

 

In 2004, the average production of hydrocarbons was 1,165,800 barrels of oil equivalent per day. This represents an increase of 2.9% compared to production in 2003. The increase was mainly caused by the increased production of gas, which was 11.2% higher than in the previous year, offset in part by a reduction in crude oil net production. The production of gas in 2004 was 3,360 mmcf/d, which equals 598,400 barrels of oil equivalent per day. This increase took place mainly in Argentina and Bolivia. Due to the functioning of train number 3 of Atlantic LNG during the entire year and the start of production in the Atlas Metanol plant, the production of gas in Trinidad and Tobago also increased by 13.8% compared to the previous year, which counterbalanced the production loss caused by operating problems.

 

The production of liquids in 2004, which amounted to 567,300 barrels per day, decreased by 4.6% compared to 2003. The increases in Bolivia, Ecuador, Libya, Venezuela and Colombia partially offset the decreased production principally in Argentina, Trinidad and Tobago and Dubai. The negative effects of strikes and operating problems in Argentina and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as the effect that high crude oil prices have on the Production Sharing Contracts in Algeria and the maintenance shutdown in such country, caused a decrease of 9,800 barrels of oil per day. Without such effects, the decrease in production of liquids would have been 2.9%.

 

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Crude oil and natural gas production accounted for approximately 48.7% and 51.3%, respectively, of Repsol YPF’s total production in barrels of oil equivalent during 2004. Repsol YPF’s current estimated oil and gas net proved reserves to production ratio is 11.5. The ratio is based on total net proved reserves as of December 31, 2004 and annual net production for 2004.

 

The following tables show information regarding Repsol YPF’s activities as of the dates and for the periods set forth below.

 

Developed and undeveloped acreage at December 31, 2004

 

     Total

   Spain

   North
Africa and
Middle East


   Argentina

   Rest of
Latin
America


   Far East

   Rest of
the World


     Thousands of acres

Year ended Dec. 31, 2004

                                  

Developed(1)

                                  

Gross(3)

   1,081    7    249    557    219       50

Net(4)

   584    5    35    440    104      

Undeveloped(2)

                                  

Gross(3)

   14,052    24    2,766    7,128    4,129       5

Net(4)

   7,637    17    366    5,210    2,044      

(1) Developed acreage is spaced or assignable to productive wells.
(2) Undeveloped acreage is considered to be those acres on which wells have not been drilled or completed to a point that would permit the production of commercial quantities of oil and gas, regardless of whether or not such acreage contains proved reserves.
(3) The term “gross” relates to the total activity in which the Group and associated companies have an interest.
(4) The term “net” relates to the sum of the fractional interests owned by the Group companies plus the Group share of associated companies fractional interests.

 

Number of productive wells

 

     Total

   Spain

   North
Africa and
Middle East


   Argentina

   Rest of
Latin
America


   Far East

   Rest of
the
World(3)


Year ended Dec. 31, 2004

                                  

Oil

                                  

Gross(1)

   11,729    10    351    10,318    1,050      

Net(2)

   9,734    7    89    9,005    633      

Gas

                                  

Gross(1)

   662    8    64    534    56      

Net(2)

   417    7    19    365    26      

 

The number of wells operated at year end 2004 were 12,359 gross wells and 11,719 net wells.

 

     Total

   Spain

   North
Africa and
Middle East


   Argentina

   Rest of
Latin
America


   Far East

   Rest of
the
World(3)


Year ended Dec. 31, 2003

                                  

Oil

                                  

Gross(1)

   11,232    11    327    10,004    885    5    —  

Net(2)

   9,380    7    83    8,801    489    —      —  

Gas

                                  

Gross(1)

   788    10    59    561    158    —      —  

Net(2)

   535    9    18    393    116    —      —  

 

The number of wells operated at year end 2003 were 12,117 gross wells and 11,495 net wells.

 

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(1) The term “gross” relates to the total activity in which the Group and associated companies have an interest.
(2) The term “net” relates to the sum of the fractional interests owned by the Group companies plus the Group share of associated companies fractional interests.
(3) Figures do not include the productive wells of Crescendo overriding royalty.

 

Number of Net Productive and Dry Wells Drilled

 

A. Net Productive Exploratory Wells Drilled(1)

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

Spain

   —      —      —  

North Africa and Middle East

   1    —      —  

Argentina

   7    6    9

Rest of Latin America

   2    1    1

Rest of the World

   —      —      —  
    
  
  

Total

   10    7    10
    
  
  

 

B. Net Dry Exploratory Wells Drilled(1)

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

Spain

   —      2    1

North Africa and Middle East

   1    —      2

Argentina

   17    19    15

Rest of Latin America

   4    1    1

Rest of the World

   1    1    1
    
  
  

Total

   23    23    20
    
  
  

(1) The term “net” relates to the sum of the fractional interests owned by the Group companies plus the Group share of associated companies fractional interests.

 

Present Activities

 

Wells Drilling

 

     Year End 2004

   Year End 2003

     Gross(1)

   Net(2)

   Gross(1)

   Net(2)

Spain

   —      —      —      —  

North Africa and Middle East

   2    1    1    —  

Argentina

   5    4    9    9

Rest of Latin America

   2    1    4    2

Rest of the World

   —      —      2    —  
    
  
  
  

Total

   9    6    16    11
    
  
  
  

(1) The term “gross” relates to the total activity in which the Group and associated companies have an interest.
(2) The term “net” relates to the sum of the fractional interests owned by the Group companies plus the Group share of associated companies fractional interests.

 

  2.2.1.3 Exploration, Development, Acquisitions and Production

 

Repsol YPF’s strategy is based on exploration and efficient development of the fields it operates with a focus on regions whose conditions are favorable to improving Repsol YPF’s competitive position. Such regions are primarily located in Latin America, the Caribbean and North Africa, but Repsol YPF also plans to expand to West Africa and the Middle East.

 

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The tables below show production costs incurred by Repsol YPF and other details of Repsol YPF’s production operations in 2004, 2003 and 2002:

 

     2004

   2003

    2002

     (millions of euro)

Exploration, development and acquisitions (incurred costs)

               

Exploration

   309    266     193

Development

   853    892     961

Acquisitions and other

   21    1,327 (1)   1
    
  

 

Total

   1,183    2,485     1,155
    
  

 

(1) Includes gross fixed assets (which includes accumulated depreciation). If only net tangible assets were included, acquisitions and other costs would have been €1,004 million and total incurred costs would have been €2,162 million in 2003.

 

     2004

   2003

   2002

Exploration, development and acquisitions

              

Exploratory concession net area (in km2)

   279,721    246,962    156,926

Exploratory drilling tests finished

   50    39    43

Positive

   15    9    14

Discoveries and extensions(1)

   119    191    138

Acquisitions (sales), net(1)

   3    482    234

(1) Millions of barrels of oil equivalent.

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights with respect to a total of 343 blocks with a net surface area of 322,030 km2 (113 of these blocks were located in Argentina and have a net surface area of 87,815 km2), which consist of 143 production blocks with a net surface area of 42,308 km2 (86 of which were located in Argentina, and have a net surface area of 24,834 km2) and 200 exploratory blocks with a net surface area of 279,721 km2 (27 of which were located in Argentina and have a net surface area of 62,981 km2).

 

During 2004, Repsol YPF finished a total of 50 exploratory wells, 15 of which were successful. In Argentina, 29 exploratory wells were finished, nine of which were successful, and in the rest of the world 21 were finished, six of which were successful. Three exploratory wells were under evaluation at December 31, 2004.

 

As of December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had nine exploratory wells in progress, five of which were located in Argentina and four in the rest of the world.

 

The following are the most significant activities conducted by Repsol YPF in the countries in which Repsol YPF had exploration and production interests in 2004.

 

Algeria

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights in five blocks. Two of these blocks are production blocks with a net surface area of 581 km2, and the other three are exploratory blocks with a net surface area of 12,032 km2.

 

Net petroleum production in Algeria in 2004 was 7.3 million barrels of oil equivalent (an average of 19.9 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day), mainly from the TFT block (operated by Repsol YPF in conjunction with Sonatrach and Total Fina Elf) and, to a lesser extent, from the Issaouane block, operated by Repsol YPF. Net oil production was 2.6 million barrels, including condensate and liquids, and 26.0 billion cubic feet of natural gas. Net proved oil and gas reserves in Algeria at December 31, 2004 were 63.8 million barrels of oil equivalent.

 

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Table of Contents

During 2004, two exploratory wells in block Berkine 401d were completed, one of them RERC-1 was unsuccessful and the other RERW-1 is under evaluation, and 217 km of 2D seismic and 155 km2 of 3D seismic were recorded.

 

Repsol YPF and Gas Natural SDG signed the first integrated LNG project agreement awarded to a consortium of foreign companies in Algeria. The consortium, in which Repsol YPF holds a 60% and Gas Natural SDG a 40% stake, will carry out an integrated exploration, production, liquefaction and LNG marketing project in the Gassi Touil Rhourde Nous-Hamra area located in the eastern part of Algeria. The project, which is designed to last 30 years, calls for an initial investment of €1,628 million. It will produce gas from reserves that have been discovered, explore additional hydrocarbon reserves and carry out their subsequent development and production. The related blocks are two exploratory blocks, Gassi Touil and In Amedjene blocks, that have a total surface area of 8,748 km2 (net total surface area of 5,248 km2, not included at December 31, 2004), and nine production blocks that have a total surface area of 4,111 km2 (net total surface area of 2,527 km2, not included at December 31, 2004).

 

The project also involves the construction of a natural gas liquefaction plant in Arzew to market the gas from the awarded production area. The liquefaction plant will have a capacity of 5.2 billion cubic meters per year of LNG, which is equivalent to 20% of Spanish consumption, and it can be expanded in the future by the addition of a second train to optimize the project. The liquefaction plant may go into commercial operation in 2009.

 

On July 29, 2004, the Algerian Ministry of Energy and Mines assigned the consortium created by Repsol YPF and Gas Natural SDG a hydrocarbon exploration block in the Gassi Chergui Ouest area. The block has a surface area of 4,831 km2 (net surface area of 2,899 km2, not included at December 31, 2004) and it is located in eastern Algeria, in the western part of the Berkine Basin adjacent to the Gassi Touil-Rhourde Nouss area.

 

Angola

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights in one exploratory block with a net surface area of 359 km2. No exploratory wells were drilled in 2004.

 

Argentina

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights in 113 blocks, including 27 exploratory blocks with a net surface area of 62,981 km2, and 86 production blocks located in the Neuquén, San Jorge, Austral, Cuyana and Northwest basin, with a net surface area of 24,834 km2.

 

Net hydrocarbon production in Argentina in 2004 was 276.2 million barrels of oil equivalent (an average of 754.6 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day). Net crude oil production was 146.1 million barrels, including condensate and liquids, and 730.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas. The break down by area was, on average: Neuquén, 511,627 barrels of oil equivalent per day; San Jorge and Austral, 156,292 barrels of oil equivalent per day; Cuyana, 32,834 barrels of oil equivalent per day; and Northwest, 53,872 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

 

Compared to 2003, net hydrocarbon production increased by 2.7% in Neuquén and decreased by 13.7% in Cuyana, 10.4% in the Northwest basin and 2.9% in San Jorge and Austral.

 

In the first quarter of the year, Repsol YPF and the other gas producers in Argentina signed an agreement with the government for implementation of the regularization of natural gas prices at the point of entry into the transport system scheme, prescribed by Decree 181/2004. This agreement includes the creation of a price recomposition path for the Industry, Power Generation and CNG segments. It also requires producers to guarantee the supply of maximum daily volumes to distributors and power generation plants that use firm transport. The maximum daily volumes cover both current volumes and growth from 2004 to 2006. The first staged price increases that were approved by the Argentine government took place in May and October.

 

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The historic production record in the Manantiales Behr field, of which Repsol YPF owns 100%, was achieved in May 2004. Production from this field, located in the San Jorge Gulf basin, has doubled in recent years in spite of its maturity, and reached 14,858 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

 

The Transneuquén gas pipeline, which is operated by Repsol YPF and connects the El Portón field in northern Neuquén province to the natural gas trunk line transport system, was inaugurated in May 2004. It required a $15 million investment and will supply the Argentine market with an additional 4.3 million cubic meters of natural gas per day.

 

In May 2004, the Argentine government increased the tax on crude oil exports from 20% to 25% and the tax on LPG exports from 5% to 20%. It also imposed a 20% withholding on natural gas exports and a 5% withholding on gasoline exports. In August as a result of the rise in international crude oil prices, the crude oil export tax was again increased to a level above the existing 25% rate through the introduction of surcharges varying from 3% to 20% for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude prices between $32 and $45 per barrel, respectively. The total withholding payment was $126 million, of which $111 million was for crude oil exports and $15 million for natural gas exports.

 

At the end of the year, Repsol YPF announced the decision to invest $100 million in an expansion of the Northern Argentine gas pipeline, which will contribute an additional 1.8 million cubic meters of natural gas per day to the Argentine trunk line system. This expansion, expected to become operational in August 2005, will help cover the industrial gas consumption needs in the northern and central regions of Argentina.

 

Work continued at Rincón de los Sauces in the Neuquén basin to mitigate the natural decline that has been under way since mid-1999. Work undertaken in 2004 included the repair of 65 injector wells and 70 producer wells, drilling of vertical development wells in the Cortaderas (Lomita) area, drilling of in-fill wells and implementation of EOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery) pilot projects. In addition, work continued on the project to increase pumping capacity, which began in 2003, and 30 new pumps were installed during 2004.

 

During 2004, a total of 29 exploratory wells were finished, nine of which were successful and one is under evaluation. Most prominent among the discoveries made in Argentina are those made with Puesto Cortaderas x-1 and Rincón del Mangrullo x-3 wells, which are both located in the Neuquén basin.

 

In 2004, 92 km of 2D seismic and 2,992 km2 of 3D seismic were recorded.

 

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan

 

After all existing obligations had been met, abandonment of the Baiganinsk exploratory block in Kazakhstan and the Kurdashi exploratory block in Azerbaijan was completed in 2004.

 

Bolivia

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights in 32 blocks, consisting of seven exploratory blocks with a net surface area of 9,264 km2, and 25 production blocks with a net surface area of 2,174 km2.

 

Net petroleum production in Bolivia was 39.3 million barrels of oil equivalent (an average of 107.4 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day), mainly from fields operated by Andina and the Mamoré block. Net crude oil production was 10.6 million barrels, including condensate and liquids, and 161.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas. Net proved oil and gas reserves in Bolivia at December 31, 2004 were 1,309 million barrels of oil equivalent. Net proved reserves allocated to Andina were 1,243 million barrels of oil equivalent.

 

During 2004, Repsol YPF finished three exploratory wells in the Tarija basin, two of them in Camiri and Cambarí blocks were unsuccessful and the other one in Mamoré block is under evaluation.

 

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Table of Contents

In June, Repsol YPF commenced the export of natural gas to Argentina to cover currently unmet demand in the northwestern region of the country.

 

In the Margarita field construction of the 2 million cubic meter per day treatment plant was completed and field production began on December 28, 2004. The conceptual engineering for a 12 million cubic meter per day plant is under way.

 

The acquisition of 50% of the Mamoré block from the BHP Billiton company, effective as of October 1, 2003, was cleared by the Bolivian authorities in February 2004. Through this transaction, Repsol YPF obtained 100% control of the Mamoré block.

 

In 2004, 113 km of 2D seismic and 228 km2 of 3D seismic were recorded.

 

Brazil

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights in nine blocks located offshore, including eight exploratory blocks with a net surface area of 2,717 km2, and one production block with a net surface area of 22 km2. Net proved reserves in Brazil at December 31, 2004 were approximately 40.9 million barrels of oil equivalent.

 

Repsol YPF holds 10% of the Albacora Leste field, which is currently under development in accordance with an approved plan. A total of 15 wells were drilled in 2004, seven of which were completed and tested (three producers and four injectors). In addition, the vertical part was drilled to the point of entry into the field for another six wells (two producers and three injectors) and a delineation well. Two exploratory wells were drilled in the northern part of the concession, in which reserves of heavy oil were discovered but currently are not commercial. Production at Albacora Leste is expected to begin in the second half of 2005, and 100% output, which amounts to 150,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day should be achieved in 2007-2008. Proved reserves certified by DeGolyer & MacNaughton for 100% of Albacora Leste amount to 409 million barrels of oil equivalent at December 31, 2004.

 

Repsol YPF obtained four new off-shore exploratory blocks in the sixth round of competitive bidding in Brazil held in August 2004. Three of these blocks are located in the Santos Basin (SM-170, SM-172, and SM-330), and the fourth is in the Espírito Santo Basin (ESM-414). Block SM-170 has a total area of 705 km2 and the winning consortium is comprised of Shell, who is the operator (40%), Petrobrás (35%) and Repsol YPF (25%). Block SM-172 has a total area of 705 km2 and the partners are Petrobrás, who is the operator (75%) and Repsol YPF (25%). Block SM-330 has a total area of 673 km2 and the partners are Petrobrás, who is the operator (75%) and Repsol YPF (25%). Block ESM-414 has a total area of 697 km2 and the partners are Petrobrás, who is the operator (75%) and Repsol YPF (25%).

 

During 2004, 51,617 km of 2D seismic and 18,259 km2 of 3D seismic were purchased. An exploratory well drilled in block BM-S-7 was unsuccessful.

 

Colombia

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights in eight blocks, consisting of seven exploratory blocks with a net surface area of 7,862 km2, and one production block (Cravo Norte) with a net surface area of 17 km2.

 

Net petroleum production in Colombia in 2004 was 1.9 million barrels of crude oil (an average of 5.1 thousand barrels of crude oil per day), at Cravo Norte block. Net proved reserves in Colombia at December 31, 2004 were 8.6 million barrels of crude oil.

 

During 2004, Repsol YPF finished one unsuccessful exploratory well in the Llanos Orientales basin, in Cosecha block.

 

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Table of Contents

An extension of the contract for the Cravo Norte block was approved in 2004. Pursuant to the contract, the field will be kept in production until it becomes uneconomical for the operator. The Cravo Norte concession is located at the northern edge of the Llanos Orientales region along the border with Venezuela and has a total area of 267 km2. The contract covers the Caño Limón, Tonina, Remana, Redondo and Redondo Este fields. Extraction began in 1985 and more than 1,026 million barrels of oil equivalent have been produced.

 

The Cravo Norte contract is managed by a joint venture in which Ecopetrol holds 50%, Occidental Andina holds 25% and Occidental de Colombia (Oxycol) holds the remaining 25% and acts as the operator. Repsol YPF’s stake is 6.25% (25% of Oxycol’s 25%). Without the extension, the contract would have terminated on December 31, 2008.

 

A long-term test in Capachos-l exploratory well in the Llanos basin is being carried out to confirm the discovery previously made. Repsol YPF has requested an extension to the exploratory period and made a commitment to acquire 300 km2 of 3D seismic.

 

Repsol YPF obtained three new exploratory blocks during the year: Alea (50% Repsol YPF with a net area of 2,848 km2), Ligia (33.33% Repsol YPF with a net area of 902 km2) and Alcatraz (33.33% Repsol YPF with a net area of 2,008 km2).

 

In 2004, 15 km of 2D seismic were recorded.

 

Cuba

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights in six exploratory blocks, with a net surface area of 10,702 km2.

 

In July, the Yamagua-1 exploratory well was drilled to a 1,660 meter water depth and to a total depth of 3,410 meters. Evaluation of the results of the Yamagua-1 well has revealed the existence of crude oil generation in the basin and the presence of some excellent carbonated reservoirs. However, the location of the well lacks efficient seal formations to prevent migration of oil from reservoirs and there is a risk of oil biodegradation. Nevertheless, new expectations have arisen in a basin in which little geological exploration has taken place to date.

 

In 2005, Block 35 was awarded to Repsol YPF expanding the original exploratory domain by 519 km2.

 

Ecuador

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights in three production blocks, with a net surface area of 1,225 km2. Net petroleum production in Ecuador was 5.5 million barrels of crude oil (an average of 15.1 thousand barrels of crude oil per day), most of it from block 16. Net proved reserves in Ecuador at December 31, 2004, were 32.4 million barrels of crude oil.

 

During 2004, Repsol YPF finished the Dabo Sur 1 X exploratory well in the Oriente basin, in Block 16, with positive results.

 

Repsol YPF entered into a fifteen-year “ship or pay” agreement under which it may transport 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day through the heavy crude oil pipeline from September 2003 to September 2018.

 

During the year, activities have been focused on the development of reserves in the Block 16 in order to reach the necessary production potential to cover the Repsol YPF quota in the heavy crude oil pipeline.

 

Repsol YPF is currently negotiating the expiration dates of mineral rights it holds in production blocks in Ecuador to align them with the expiration dates under transport agreements. This will allow Repsol YPF to adjust

 

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its crude oil production to the contracted crude oil transportation capacity (see Section 3.6 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Extraordinary Income (Loss)—Provision for other contingencies”).

 

The heavy crude oil pipeline continued operating normally in 2004 and approximately 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day were transported through it. Its maximum transport capacity is 450,000 barrels per day.

 

Ecuatorial Guinea

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights in two exploratory blocks with a net surface area of 3,158 km2. The exploratory well drilled in K block, Zorro k 1, was unsuccessful.

 

Guyana

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights in one exploratory block with a net surface area of 8,843 km2. No exploratory wells were drilled in 2004.

 

Indonesia

 

During the third quarter of 2004, Repsol YPF signed an agreement with the Pacific Oil & Gas Company (a Chinese company based in Hong Kong) for the sale of YPF Indonesia Ltd., which owns Repsol YPF’s 25% stake in Jambi Merang block, effective as of January 1, 2004. This was the last block Repsol YPF held in the country.

 

Iran

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights in three exploratory blocks with a net surface of 15,430 km2, one located in the foreland folded area of the Zagros basin and the other two in the Persian Gulf.

 

Repsol YPF and Shell signed a cooperation agreement with the Iranian state oil company NIOC (National Iranian Oil Company) for the so-called “Persian LNG Project”. This agreement marks a significant advance for the integrated LNG project’s development and opens up new business opportunities in the area.

 

In addition, Repsol YPF reached an agreement with NIOC to explore the Mehr and Forooz marine blocks (100% Repsol YPF), which are located in the southern part of the Persian Gulf. The agreement, which has an initial term of two and a half years, commits Repsol YPF to invest $27 million and includes the performance of exploratory work involving geological and geophysical studies and the drilling of two wells in the blocks whose total size is approximately 14,600 km2.

 

Liberia

 

In the summer of 2004, Repsol YPF obtained the rights to Block 17 through direct negotiation, and in January 2005 it was awarded Block 16. In both cases, Repsol YPF is awaiting official publication of the awards by the country’s authorities.

 

Exploratory Blocks 16 and 17 are adjacent to each other and to Blocks 6 and 7 located on the border with Sierra Leone. Repsol YPF holds a 50% stake in Blocks 6 and 7.

 

In 2004, 9,135 km of 2D seismic were purchased.

 

Libya

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights in 17 blocks, consisting of 15 exploratory blocks with a net surface area of 65,517 km2, and two production blocks with a net surface area of 1,413 km2.

 

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Net crude oil production in Libya in 2004 was 7.8 million barrels (an average of 21.3 thousand barrels of crude oil per day), principally from blocks NC-115 (El-Sharara field) and NC-186. Net proved reserves in Libya at December 31, 2004 were 86.9 million barrels of crude oil.

 

In 2004, two positive exploratory wells were finished. These two discoveries took place in Block NC-186 with the exploratory wells G1 and H1 in the Murzuq basin.

 

In 2004, 5,509 km of 2D seismic data and 385 km2 of 3D seismic were recorded.

 

Production in the field D-NC186 began in June 2004. Repsol YPF is the operator and holds a 32% stake in the block. The output is added to that of the field A-NC186, which has been in production since October 2003. Production from the fields A-NC186 and D-NC186 is transported through a 31 km oil pipeline leading to the El-Sharara facility and then carried by oil pipeline to the Zawia port on the Mediterranean coast. The first train, which has a capacity of 50,000 barrels of oil per day, of the oil treatment facility at the NC-186 concession went into operation in 2004. The plant is designed to have two trains with a capacity of 50,000 barrels of oil per day each.

 

The field B-NC186 and the new discovery made in 2004, the field H-NC186, are under development. Oil is going to be evacuated through the existing facilities in the NC186 concession. These fields are expected to begin production in 2006.

 

Morocco

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights in eight exploratory blocks with a net surface area of 7,300 km2.

 

In 2004, Repsol YPF acquired a 20% stake from Shell in the five Rimella A through E off-shore exploratory blocks. The blocks have a gross area of 9,026 km2 and are located in Moroccan Atlantic waters, whose depths vary from 500 meters in the segment nearest the coast to 2,200 meters in the easternmost sector. Shell is the operator and holds 45% of the blocks. The other partners are ONAREP (Morocco´s national oil company, with 25%) and Wintershall (with 10%). The Amber 1 exploratory well drilled in 2004 was unsuccessful.

 

12,903 km of 2D seismic and 2,999 km2 of 3D seismic were purchased, and 1,022 km of 2D seismic were acquired in the course of the year.

 

Mexico

 

In 2004, Repsol YPF took over the operation of the Multiple Services Contract for development and production in the Reynosa-Monterrey block in the Burgos basin in the northern part of Mexico. This area has 16 gas fields already in production, and the goal is to substantially increase production in them by making additional investments in their development. This contract was awarded in 2003 in the first international competitive bidding process held by the Mexican national oil company (PEMEX) for participation in gas field development and production in the country.

 

The contract makes Repsol YPF the first international company to participate in hydrocarbon development and production activities in Mexico.

 

In 2004, 756 km2 of 3D seismic were recorded.

 

Peru

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights in three exploratory blocks with a net surface area of 16,237 km2. No exploratory wells were finished in 2004.

 

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The company entered Block 39, which is located in the Marañón basin and has a total area of 8,868 km2, with a 45% stake acquired from Burlington. This brought Repsol YPF’s current stake in the block to 55%.

 

It was decided in 2004, after having completed all the prescribed exploratory work, to abandon Block 64, which had been operated by the Oxy company. It was also decided in September 2004, based on the results of the technical evaluation begun in 2003, to abandon the TEA 80 area (Repsol YPF 76.15%, Burlington 23.85%) in the Ucayali basin.

 

In 2004, 190 km of 2D seismic were recorded.

 

Saudi Arabia

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights in one exploratory block with a net surface area of 15,420 km2.

 

In January 2004, Repsol YPF obtained the concession for non-associated gas exploration and production in Block C in consortium with ENI and Saudi Aramco. This block is located near the world’s most prolific hydrocarbon-producing region to the south of the giant Ghawar oil and gas fields in Saudi Arabia and the North Dome/South Pars gas field in Qatar.

 

The winning consortium has created the ENIREPSA Gas Ltd. company, which is the block’s operator and is comprised of Repsol YPF (30%), ENI (50%) and Saudi Aramco (20%). A broad-based and ambitious exploration program is being developed for the next five years and includes the acquisition of 5,000 km of 2D seismic and the drilling of four exploratory wells in a virtually unexplored area covering more than 50,000 km2. The estimated total investment is $100 million.

 

Sierra Leone

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights in two exploratory blocks with a net surface area of 5,249 km2.

 

In the Marine Exploratory Round, which was held during the third quarter of 2003, Repsol YPF was awarded 100% of two off-shore exploratory blocks: Block SL-6 and Block SL-7. Repsol YPF diluted a 50% stake in both blocks during 2004.

 

3,549 km2 of 3D seismic were recorded. No exploratory wells were drilled in 2004.

 

Spain

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights in 40 blocks, consisting of 28 exploratory blocks, with a net surface area of 15,215 km2, and 12 production blocks, with a net surface area of 1,041 km2.

 

Net petroleum production in Spain in 2004 was 1.4 million barrels of crude oil (an average of 3.8 thousand barrels of crude oil per day) from Repsol YPF facilities in Casablanca (Mediterranean Sea) and Gaviota (Cantabrian Sea). Net proved reserves in Spain at December 31, 2004 were 3.7 million barrels of crude oil.

 

No exploratory wells were finished in 2004.

 

In 2004 Repsol YPF continued negotiating with the Spanish authorities concerning the operating and execution terms for the project to double current underground natural gas storage at Gaviota (off-shore in the Cantabrian Sea). Repsol YPF holds 82% of this field and the U.S. company Murphy holds the remaining 18%. The engineering work (facilities, wells and field) commenced in February 2004, and the additional capacity is expected to become available two or three years after the project’s approval.

 

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In the Canary Islands to the east of Fuerteventura Island, following the granting of the official permits needed for exploration in Canary Blocks 1 through 9 in January 2002, virtually all the exploratory work for processing of more than 3,000 km2 of 3D seismic was completed in 2003. This work has confirmed the good expectations for the area. Repsol YPF holds a 50% stake in the project and is the operator in the nine blocks. Woodside (30%) and RWE DEA (20%) are the other partners in the project. Woodside has announced significant discoveries of crude oil and gas in the off-shore area of Mauritania, which is an area whose geological features are similar to those of the explored area in the Canary Islands. The work scheduled for 2004 has been delayed due to a decision by the Supreme Court of Spain that obliges the Ministry of Industry to modify the text of the Royal Decree that granted the Exploration Permit. The first well, which is in deep waters (1,000 to 1,500 meters), is expected to begin in the course of 2006 after the administrative permits have been finalized.

 

Suriname

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights in one exploratory block with a net surface area of 18,600 km2.

 

In April 2004, Repsol YPF and the Suriname national oil company, Staatsolie, signed a Production Sharing Contract for hydrocarbon exploration and production in Block 30 of the Guyana-Suriname basin, where oil is currently produced in the Tabaredjo and Calcutta fields near Paramaribo. The block is located 100 km from Suriname’s coast.

 

3,033 km of 2D seismic were purchased. No exploratory wells were drilled in 2004.

 

Trinidad and Tobago

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights in one production block located offshore, and 30% of the gas and liquids reserves of BP Trinidad and Tobago LLC (“BPTT”), with a combined net surface area of 1,110 km2.

 

Net petroleum production in Trinidad and Tobago was 41.9 million barrels of oil equivalent (an average of 114.5 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day), all from fields operated by BP. Net crude oil production was 6.1 million barrels of liquids, and 200.9 billion cubic feet of natural gas. Net proved reserves in Trinidad and Tobago at December 31, 2004 were 703.9 million barrels of oil equivalent.

 

Production commenced in May 2004 at the Atlas Metanol plant, and its maximum capacity of 4.5 million cubic meters per day was reached in August 2004. Repsol YPF’s participation in the supply of natural gas to the plant is 30%.

 

During 2004, in Trinidad and Tobago through BPTT (70% BP and 30% Repsol YPF), Repsol YPF and BP discovered a large gas field. The Chachalaca x -1 exploratory well reached a total depth of 4,765 meters and is located in the East-Mayaro Block offshore of the east coast of Trinidad. Its location, close to fields already in production, is expected to facilitate and speed up its development and ensure a supply of gas for the projects currently under way.

 

1,052 km2 of 3D seismic were acquired in 2004.

 

United States

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights in 76 exploratory blocks, with a net surface area of 865 km2.

 

Net petroleum production in the United States in 2004 was 0.1 million barrels of oil equivalent. Net proved oil and gas reserves at December 31, 2004 were 7.8 million barrels of oil equivalent.

 

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Repsol YPF finished four exploratory wells in 2004. One of them was positive and the rest were unsuccessful.

 

On July 16, 2004, after a Feasibility Study was presented to the MMS, an exploratory operations suspension (SOP) was obtained in the Neptune oil field in the Gulf of Mexico, where Repsol YPF has a 15% stake in the field operated by BHP. The Development Project has been sanctioned by the partnership members and the field is currently under development. Production is expected to begin in July 2007.

 

Repsol YPF has significantly intensified its presence in the United States in 2004. At year end, Repsol YPF participated in 76 exploratory blocks in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, as compared to the 41 blocks in which it participated as of December 2003.

 

Of special importance was the acquisition in April 2004 of a 15% stake in seven exploratory blocks including the Kansas prospect from Marathon Oil Co. The blocks have an area of 167 km2. These blocks are located in the Mississippi Foldbelt (MFB), which is one of the most prolific areas of the Gulf of Mexico. The consortium is comprised of Marathon, who is the operator (46.335%), BHP (22%), Woodside (16.665%) and Repsol YPF (15%). The Kansas prospect is located to the northeast of the Neptune field, in which Repsol YPF acquired a 15% stake in April 2003 and where a discovery was made in the summer of 2003.

 

In March 2004, Repsol YPF obtained 100% of a new exploratory block, GC 405, which is located in the Green Canyon area and has a total area of 23 km2, and recovered Block MC 632 (23 km2) in the Mississippi Canyon area. The latter block includes, together with Block MC 631 in which Repsol YPF holds a 22.22% stake, the Kestrel prospect.

 

An agreement was reached with Murphy to swap Repsol YPF’s 50% stake in 11 exploratory blocks in the Green Canyon area for 50% of Murphy’s 13 blocks in the same area.

 

7,150 km2 of 3D seismic were purchased.

 

Venezuela

 

At December 31, 2004, Repsol YPF had mineral rights in seven blocks, consisting of one exploratory block, with a net surface area of 1,970 km2, and six production blocks, with a net surface area of 5,902 km2.

 

Net petroleum production in Venezuela in 2004 was 35.5 million barrels of oil equivalent (an average of 96.9 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day), mainly from Quiriquire, Mene Grande and Quiamare-La Ceiba, all of which are operated by Repsol YPF, and Yucal Placer. Net crude oil production was 15.7 million barrels, including condensate and liquids, and 110.8 billion cubic feet of natural gas. Net proved reserves of natural gas and liquids in Venezuela at December 31, 2004 were 261.6 million barrels of oil equivalent.

 

A discovery was made in the second half of the year with the first exploratory well drilled by Repsol YPF in the Barrancas block (Sipororo 2X). This block, which is located in the country’s southwestern region in the states of Barinas, Portuguesa, and Trujillo, was awarded entirely to Repsol YPF in 2001 under a license for exploration and production of non-associated gaseous hydrocarbons. The gas production in the block, which is expected to begin in the second half of 2005 and reach 2 million cubic meters per day in 2006, will be sent to a thermoelectric generating plant of up to 450 MW to be set up in the municipality of Obispos in Barinas. This project will help overcome electric power generation problems in that region of Venezuela.

 

The gas fields in the Yucal Placer North and South Blocks in west-central Venezuela went into production in April. Repsol YPF has a 15% stake in the consortium, which operates the project. The other members of the consortium are Total (69.5% and the operator), Inepetrol (10.3%) and Otepi (5.2%). Production is expected to reach 300 millions of standard cubic feet per day in 2007.

 

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In June 2004, Venezuelan authorities approved the increase of gas production in the Quiriquire Block (100% Repsol YPF). The agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Mines and Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA) was signed in December 2004. This made it possible to increase natural gas reserves by 142 billion cubic feet (7.0 billion cubic meters) and reserves of associated liquids by 4.5 millions of barrels, which implies a 30 millions of barrels of oil equivalent total increase in reserves in the block. The block is operated exclusively by Repsol YPF.

 

In March 2005, the President of Repsol YPF signed a series of Strategic Agreements with the Venezuelan Ministry of Energy and Mines and President of PDVSA, which are expected to enhance the company’s presence in the region. The goal of the agreements is to create a joint venture with PDVSA and to allow Repsol YPF to participate in Venezuela’s principal LNG project. In addition, Repsol YPF will build and operate an electricity generating plant in the Barrancas area.

 

  2.2.1.4 Other Activities

 

  2.2.1.4.1 Natural Gas Market in Argentina

 

Repsol YPF sells approximately 41% of its natural gas production to distribution companies, 44% to industrial clients and electric generators and exports the remaining 15%. The exports are principally to Chile and Brazil . The largest part of Repsol YPF’s proved natural gas reserves is located in the Neuquén basin, which is close to the Buenos Aires and Santiago markets.

 

In 2004, Repsol YPF’s natural gas sales were 60.7 million cubic meters per day, a 3.3% increase from 59.4 million cubic meters per day in 2003. Natural gas sales in 2004 and 2003 include export sales volumes to Brazil and Chile, which amounted to 8.9 and 7.7 million cubic meters per day in 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Between 1980 (13,466 million cubic meters) and 2004 (52,330 million cubic meters), natural gas production in Argentina grew significantly with an increase of 289%, which represents an annual average rate of 5.6%. This growth was due to the increase in the number of customers in Argentina connected to the distribution systems from 2.5 million to 6.1 million, a higher rate of consumption per client, exports of gas and the installation of gas fired power generators (combined cycles).

 

Since the devaluation of the country’s currency in 2002, gas demand in Argentina has been stimulated by artificially low gas prices. In addition, the unusually high prices of substitute products in comparison with their historical levels and a continuously dry hydrological scenario have reinforced the effect.

 

Approximately 78% of YPF’s proved natural gas net reserves in Argentina are located in the Neuquén basin, which is strategically located near the principal market of Buenos Aires and is supported by sufficient pipeline capacity during most of the year. Because of its proximity to the market, natural gas from this region has a competitive advantage compared to natural gas from other regions. In the past, the capacity of the natural gas pipelines in Argentina has proved to be inadequate at times to meet peak-day winter demand, and there is no significant storage capacity in Argentina. During the last 11 years, local pipeline companies have added approximately 57 million cubic meters per day of new capacity and are planning to expand TGN capacity by 1.8 million cubic meters per day in 2005. These additions have improved their ability to satisfy peak-day winter demand and directly benefited Repsol YPF.

 

Repsol YPF is actively involved in projects which seek to enhance Repsol YPF’s presence in the natural gas markets in Argentina and the rest of Latin America, including the following:

 

    The sale of natural gas to the Methanex Plant (methanol producer) located in Cabo Negro-Punta Arenas in Chile with an annual supply of 1.6 million cubic meters of gas per day in 2004.

 

    The supply of approximately 1.8 million cubic meters of gas per day in 2004 to electric companies in the Santiago (Chile) area through the Gas Andes gas pipeline.

 

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    A 10% interest in the Gasoducto del Pacífico gas pipeline, which is a project that allows Repsol YPF to supply Chile with gas from the Neuquén basin. In 2004, Repsol YPF supplied an average of 1.10 million cubic meters of gas per day through this pipeline.

 

    The supply of gas from the northwest basin to electric companies in the northern part of Chile, through the Gas Atacama and Norandino gas pipeline, which reached an average of 3.1 million cubic meters of gas per day in 2004.

 

    The supply in 2004 of an average of 1.10 million cubic meters per day to the thermal power plant of Uruguayana (Brazil).

 

    The Diadema underground gas storage project in the San Jorge Gulf basin, which has an average deliverability of 1 million cubic meters of gas per day (153 days of winter) and was undertaken to supply gas to Profertil.

 

    A new underground gas storage project in Mendoza, named Lunlunta Carrizal, which has an estimated deliverability of 1 million cubic meters per day and is expected to be operational at the end of 2005.

 

  2.2.1.4.2 LNG

 

In April 2005, Repsol YPF and Gas Natural SDG reached an agreement for both companies to intensify their collaboration in the LNG business areas of exploration, production, transportation trading and wholesale marketing.

 

In the area of exploration, production and liquefaction (upstream) the agreement contemplates the partnership to develop new projects where Repsol YPF will be the operator and holder of 60% of the assets. Gas Natural SDG will hold the remaining 40%.

 

In the area of transportation, trading and wholesale marketing (midstream), the agreement contemplates that the companies create a joint venture aimed at the wholesale marketing and transportation of LNG. Both Repsol YPF and Gas Natural will hold 50% stakes in this joint venture. The Chairman of the joint venture will be elected on a rotational basis and Gas Natural SDG will name the chief executive officer of the joint venture.

 

Pursuant to the agreement, Gas Natural SDG and Repsol YPF will also develop in a coordinated manner diverse regasification plant projects where Gas Natural SDG will be the operator and the regasification rights will be allocated to the new joint venture.

 

Peru

 

Repsol YPF has signed a memorandum of understanding with the North American petroleum company Hunt Oil regarding Repsol YPF’s future participation in Peru LNG and Camisea. The specifics of the operation will be subject to due diligence.

 

Hunt Oil and SK Corporation currently own the Peru LNG project. The new agreement would bring Repsol YPF into the project as a third participant. Peru LNG will build, own and operate a liquefaction facility at Pampa Melchorita (Peru). That plant is expected to be operational in 2009 and will produce 4.0 million tons of LNG per year for delivery to the west coast of North and Central America.

 

The Camisea fields will supply the natural gas for Peru LNG from block 88 and block 56 in central Peru. The memorandum of understanding also contemplates Repsol YPF taking a stake in Transportadora de Gas del Peru SA (“TGP”), the company that delivers natural gas and natural gas liquids from the Camisea area via a trans-Andean pipeline.

 

Trinidad and Tobago

 

Repsol YPF holds a 20% interest in Atlantic LNG, which is a joint venture with, among others, BP and BG plc. Atlantic LNG is based in Trinidad and Tobago and operates a LNG plant at Point Fortin, Trinidad. This plant

 

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commenced production in April 1999. Natural gas for the plant is supplied from offshore fields discovered by BP in Trinidad and Tobago. The plant has an annual production capacity of approximately three million tonnes of natural gas. Gas Natural has entered into a contract with Atlantic LNG to purchase, over a term of 20 years renewable for an additional five years, 40% of Atlantic LNG’s liquefied natural gas production, which Gas Natural will sell in Spain. The purchase price is to be determined by a formula based on market prices.

 

In the first quarter of 2000, Atlantic LNG received approval from the government of Trinidad and Tobago to expand operations, including installation of two additional gas liquefaction trains in which Repsol YPF holds a 25% stake. One of these trains started operations in 2002 and the other was completed in April 2003. These two new facilities have a combined installed production capacity of approximately 9 billion cubic meters per year, of which Repsol YPF has agreed to sell approximately 2.7 billion cubic meters per year pursuant to long-term gas contracts. These two facilities have increased Atlantic LNG’s total annual LNG output to approximately 13 billion cubic meters. The cost of building the two new trains was US$1.1 billion.

 

A fourth train, which will have an estimated instal