| 3 | SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
(a) Basis of consolidation
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has right to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity.
A subsidiary is consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group and is no longer consolidated from the date that control ceases. The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries except for business combinations under common control. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the Group. The consideration transferred includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. On an acquisition-by-acquisitionbasis, the Group recognizes any non-controlling interests in the acquiree either at fair value or at the non-controlling interests’ proportionate share of the acquiree’s net assets.
The excess of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree and the acquisition-date fair value of any previous equity interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the identifiable net assets is recorded as goodwill. If this is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired in the case of a bargain purchase, the difference is recognized directly in the statement of comprehensive income.
An acquisition of a business which is a business combination under common control is accounted for in a manner similar to a uniting of interests whereby the assets and liabilities acquired are accounted for at carryover predecessor values to the other party to the business combination with all periods presented as if the operations of the Group and the business acquired have always been combined. The difference between the consideration paid by the Group and the net assets or liabilities of the business acquired is adjusted against equity.
Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealized gains on transactions between group companies are eliminated. Unrealized losses are also eliminated. Where necessary, accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.
A listing of the Group’s principal subsidiaries is set out in Note 18.
(b) Investments in associates
Associates are entities over which the Group has significant influence but not control, generally accompanying a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in associates are accounted for by the equity method of accounting in the consolidated financial statements of the Group and are initially recognized at cost.
Under this method of accounting, the Group’s share of the post-acquisition profits or losses of associates is recognized in the consolidated profit or loss and its share of post-acquisition movements in other comprehensive income is recognized in other comprehensive income. The cumulative post-acquisition movements are adjusted against the carrying amounts of the investments. When the Group’s share of losses in an associate equals or exceeds its interest in the associate, including any other unsecured receivables, the Group does not recognize further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate.
Unrealized gains on transactions between the Group and its associates are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the associates; unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. The Group’s investment in associates includes goodwill identified on acquisition, net of any accumulated loss and is tested for impairment as part of the overall balance. Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets of the acquired associate at the date of acquisition. Accounting policies of associates have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.
A listing of the Group’s principal associates is shown in Note 16.
(c) Investments in joint ventures
Ventures are arrangements in which the Group with one or more parties have joint control, whereby the Group has rights to the net assets of the arrangements, rather than rights to their assets and obligations for their liabilities. The Group’s interests in joint ventures are accounted for by the equity method of accounting (Note 3(b)) in the consolidated financial statements.
A listing of the Group’s principal joint ventures is shown in Note 16.
(d) Transactions with non-controlling interests
Transactions with non-controlling interests are treated as transactions with owners in their capacity as owners of the Group. Gains and losses resulting from disposals to non-controlling interests are recorded in equity. The differences between any consideration paid and the relevant share of the carrying value of net assets of the subsidiary acquired resulting from the purchase of non-controlling interests, are recorded in equity.
When the Group ceases to have control or significant influence, any retained interest in the entity is remeasured to its fair value, with the change in carrying amount recognized in profit or loss. The fair value is the initial carrying amount for the purposes of subsequently accounting for the retained interest as an associate, joint venture or financial asset. In addition, any amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income in respect of that entity are accounted for as if the Group had directly disposed of the related assets or liabilities. This may mean that amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss.
If the ownership interest in an associate is reduced but significant influence is retained, only a proportionate share of the amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss where appropriate.
(e) Foreign currencies
Items included in the financial statements of each entity in the Group are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (“the functional currency”). Most assets and operations of the Group are located in the PRC (Note 37), and the functional currency of the Company and most of the consolidated subsidiaries is the Renminbi (“RMB”). The consolidated financial statements are presented in the presentation currency of RMB.
Foreign currency transactions of the Group are accounted for at the exchange rates prevailing at the respective dates of the transactions; monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at exchange rates at the date of the statement of financial position; gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities are recognized in the consolidated profit or loss.
For the Group entities that have a functional currency different from the Group’s presentation currency, assets and liabilities for each statement of financial position presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of the statement of financial position. Income and expenses for each statement of comprehensive income presented are translated at the average exchange rates for each period and the resulting exchange differences are recognized in other comprehensive income.
(f) Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, including oil and gas properties (Note 3(g)), are initially recorded in the consolidated statement of financial position at cost where it is probable that they will generate future economic benefits. Cost represents the purchase price of the asset and other costs incurred to bring the asset into existing use. Subsequent to their initial recognition, property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization (including any impairment).
Depreciation, to write off the cost of each asset, other than oil and gas properties (Note 3(g)), to their residual values over their estimated useful lives is calculated using the straight-line method.
The Group uses the following useful lives for depreciation purposes:
| Buildings | 8 - 40 years | |
| Equipment and machinery | 4 - 30 years | |
| Motor vehicles | 4 - 14 years | |
| Other | 5 - 12 years |
No depreciation is provided on construction in progress until the assets are completed and ready for use.
The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.
Property, plant and equipment, including oil and gas properties (Note 3(g)), are reviewed for possible impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of a cash generating unit exceeds the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. Value in use is the estimated net present value of future cash flows to be derived from the cash generating unit.
Gains and losses on disposals of property, plant and equipment are determined by reference to their carrying amounts and are recorded in the consolidated profit or loss.
Interest and other costs on borrowings to finance the construction of property, plant and equipment are capitalized during the period of time that is required to complete and prepare the asset for its intended use. Costs for repairs and maintenance activities are expensed as incurred except for costs of components that result in improvements or betterments which are capitalized as part of property, plant and equipment and depreciated over their useful lives.
(g) Oil and gas properties
The successful efforts method of accounting is used for oil and gas exploration and production activities. Under this method, all costs for development wells, support equipment and facilities, and proved mineral interests in oil and gas properties are capitalized. Geological and geophysical costs are expensed when incurred. Costs of exploratory wells are capitalized pending determination of whether the wells find proved oil and gas reserves. Proved oil and gas reserves are the estimated quantities of crude oil and natural gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulation before the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether the estimate is a deterministic estimate or probabilistic estimate. Existing economic conditions include prices and costs at which economic producibility from a reservoir is to be determined. The price shall be the average price during the 12-month period before the ending date of the period covered by the proved oil and gas reserve report, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within such period unless prices are defined by contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based upon future conditions. The costs shall be that prevailing at the end of the period.
Exploratory wells in areas not requiring major capital expenditures are evaluated for economic viability within one year of completion of drilling. The related well costs are expensed as dry holes if it is determined that such economic viability is not attained. Otherwise, the related well costs are reclassified to oil and gas properties and are subject to impairment review (Note 3(f)). For exploratory wells that are found to have economically viable reserves in areas where major capital expenditure will be required before production can commence, the related well costs remain capitalized only if additional drilling is underway or firmly planned. Otherwise the related well costs are expensed as dry holes. The Group does not have any significant costs of unproved properties capitalized in oil and gas properties.
The Ministry of Land and Resources (Renamed as Department of Natural Resources) in China issues production licenses to applicants on the basis of the reserve reports approved by relevant authorities.
The cost of oil and gas properties is amortized at the field level based on the units of production method. Units of production rates are based on oil and gas reserves estimated to be recoverable from existing facilities based on the current terms of the Group’s production licenses.
(h) Intangible assets and goodwill
Expenditures on acquired patents, trademarks, technical know-how and licenses are capitalized at historical cost and amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Intangible assets are not subsequently revalued. The carrying amount of each intangible asset is reviewed annually and adjusted for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized whenever the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount and is recognized in the consolidated profit or loss. The recoverable amount is measured as the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. Value in use is the estimated net present value of future cash flows to be derived from the asset.
Goodwill arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries and represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the interest in net fair value of the net identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquiree and the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree.
Goodwill impairment reviews are undertaken annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment. The carrying value of goodwill is compared to the recoverable amount, which is the higher of value in use and the fair value less costs to sell. Any impairment is recognized immediately as an expense and is not subsequently reversed.
(i) Financial assets
Financial assets are classified into the following categories: financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, held-to-maturity investments, loans and receivables and available-for-sale financial assets. The classification depends on the purpose for which the financial assets were acquired. Management determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition. The Group has principally loans and receivables and available-for-sale financial assets and limited financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. The detailed accounting policies for loans and receivables, available-for-sale financial assets and financial assets at fair value through profit or loss held by the Group are set out below:
Classification
(i) Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are included in current assets, except for those with maturities greater than 12 months after the date of the statement of financial position, which are classified as non-current assets. The Group’s loans and receivables comprise accounts receivable, notes receivable and other receivables. The recognition methods for loans and receivables are disclosed in the respective policy notes.
(ii) Available-for-sale financial assets
Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivatives that are either designated in this category or not classified in any of the other categories; these are included in non-current assets unless management intends to dispose of the investment within 12 months of the date of the statement of financial position. The Group’s available-for-sale financial assets primarily comprise unquoted equity instruments.
(iii) Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are financial assets held for trading. A financial asset is classified in this category if acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short term. Derivatives are also categorized as held for trading unless they are designated as hedges. Assets in this category are classified as current assets if expected to be settled within 12 months; otherwise, they are classified as non-current.
Recognition and measurement
Regular purchases and sales of financial assets are recognized on the trade-date, the date on which the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset. Investments are initially recognized at fair value plus transaction costs for all financial assets not carried at fair value through profit or loss. Financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss are initially recognized at fair value, and transaction costs are expensed in profit or loss. Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the investments have expired or have been transferred and the Group has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership.
Available-for-sale financial assets are measured at fair value except where there are no quoted market prices in active markets and the fair values cannot be reliably measured using valuation techniques. Available-for-sale financial assets that do not have quoted market prices in active markets and whose fair value cannot be reliably measured are carried at cost. Changes in the fair value of monetary and non-monetary securities classified as available for sale are recognized in other comprehensive income. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are subsequently carried at fair value. Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of the “financial assets at fair value through profit or loss” category are presented in the statement of comprehensive income within “other income, net” in the period in which they arise.
The Group assesses at the end of each reporting period whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset is impaired. The amount of the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the carrying amount of the available-for-sale financial asset and the present value of the estimated cash flows.
(j) Leases
Leases of property, plant and equipment where the Group assumes substantially all the benefits and risks of ownership are classified as finance leases. The Group has no significant finance leases.
Leases of assets under which a significant portion of the risks and benefits of ownership are effectively retained by the lessors are classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessors) are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease terms. Payments made to the Department of Natural Resources to secure land use rights (excluding mineral properties) are treated as operating leases. Land use rights are generally obtained through advance lump-sum payments and the terms of use range up to 50 years.
(k) Inventories
Inventories include oil products, chemical products and materials and supplies which are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is primarily determined by the weighted average cost method. The cost of finished goods comprises raw materials, direct labor, other direct costs and related production overheads, but excludes borrowing costs. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the cost of completion and selling expenses.
(l) Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less provision made for impairment of these receivables. Such provision for impairment is established if there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. The factors the Group considers when assessing whether an account receivable is impaired include but are not limited to significant financial difficulties of the customer, probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganization and default or delinquency in payments. The amount of the provision is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate.
(m) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand, deposits held with banks and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from the time of purchase.
(n) Accounts payable
Accounts payable are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.
(o) Borrowings
Borrowings are recognized initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. In subsequent periods, borrowings are stated at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Any difference between proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognized in the consolidated profit or loss over the period of the borrowings.
General and specific borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale, are added to the cost of those assets, until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale.
All other borrowing costs are recognized in profit or loss in the period in which they are incurred.
Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has unconditional rights to defer settlements of the liabilities for at least 12 months after the reporting period.
(p) Taxation
Deferred tax is provided in full, using the liability method, for temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying values in the financial statements. However, deferred tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the date of the statement of financial position and are expected to apply to the period when the related deferred tax asset is realized or deferred tax liability is settled.
The principal temporary differences arise from depreciation on oil and gas properties and equipment and provision for impairment of receivables, inventories, investments and property, plant and equipment. Deferred tax assets relating to the carry forward of unused tax losses are recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable income will be available against which the unused tax losses can be utilized.
The Group also incurs various other taxes and levies that are not income taxes. “Taxes other than income taxes”, which form part of operating expenses, primarily comprise consumption tax (Note 9), resource tax (Note 9), crude oil special gain levy, urban construction tax, education surcharges and business tax.
(q) Revenue recognition
Sales are recognized upon delivery of products and customer acceptance or performance of services, net of value added taxes and discounts. Revenues are recognized only when the Group has transferred to the buyer the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods in the ordinary course of the Group’s activities, and when the amount of revenue and the costs incurred or to be incurred in respect of the transaction can be measured reliably and collectability of the related receivables is reasonably assured.
The Group markets a portion of its natural gas under take-or-pay contracts. Customers under the take-or-pay contracts are required to take or pay for the minimum natural gas deliveries specified in the contract clauses. Revenue recognition for natural gas sales and transmission tariff under the take-or-pay contracts follows the accounting policies described in this note. Payments received from customers for natural gas not yet taken are recorded as deferred revenues until actual deliveries take place.
(r) Provisions
Provisions are recognized when the Group has present legal or constructive obligations as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligations, and reliable estimates of the amounts can be made.
Provision for future decommissioning and restoration is recognized in full on the installation of oil and gas properties. The amount recognized is the present value of the estimated future expenditure determined in accordance with local conditions and requirements. A corresponding addition to the related oil and gas properties of an amount equivalent to the provision is also created. This is subsequently depreciated as part of the costs of the oil and gas properties. Any change in the present value of the estimated expenditure other than due to passage of time which is regarded as interest expense, is reflected as an adjustment to the provision and oil and gas properties.
(s) Research and development
Research expenditure incurred is recognized as an expense. Costs incurred on development projects are recognized as intangible assets to the extent that such expenditure is expected to generate future economic benefits.
(t) Retirement benefit plans
The Group contributes to various employee retirement benefit plans organized by PRC municipal and provincial governments under which it is required to make monthly contributions to these plans at prescribed rates for its employees in China. The relevant PRC municipal and provincial governments undertake to assume the retirement benefit obligations of existing and future retired employees of the Group in China. The Group has similar retirement benefit plans for its employees in its overseas operations. Contributions to these PRC and overseas plans (“defined contribution plan”) are charged to expense as incurred. In addition, the Group joined the corporate annuity plan approved by relevant PRC authorities. Contribution to the annuity plan is charged to expense as incurred. The Group currently has no additional material obligations outstanding for the payment of retirement and other post-retirement benefits of employees in the PRC or overseas other than what described above.
(u) Related Parties
| (a) | A person, or a close member of that person’s family, is related to the Group if that person: |
| (i) | has control or joint control over the Group; |
| (ii) | has significant influence over the Group; or |
| (iii) | is a member of the key management personnel of the Group or the Group’s parent. |
| (b) | An entity is related to the Group if any of the following conditions applies: |
| (i) | The entity and the Group are members of the same group (which means that each parent, subsidiary and fellow subsidiary is related to the others). |
| (ii) | One entity is an associate or joint venture of the other entity (or an associate or joint venture of a member of a group of which the other entity is a member). |
| (iii) | Both entities are joint ventures of the same third party. |
| (iv) | One entity is a joint venture of a third entity and the other entity is an associate of the third entity. |
| (v) | The entity is a post-employment benefit plan for the benefit of employees of either the Group or an entity related to the Group. |
| (vi) | The entity is controlled or jointly controlled by a person identified in (a). |
| (vii) | A person identified in (a) (i) has significant influence over the entity or is a member of the key management personnel of the entity (or of a parent of the entity). |
| (viii) | The entity, or any member of a group of which it is a part, provides key management personnel services to the Group or to the Group’s parent. |
Close members of the family of a person are those family members who may be expected to influence, or be influenced by, that person in their dealings with the entity.
(v) New accounting developments
(i) New and amended standards adopted by the Group
There are no IFRSs or IFRIC interpretations that are effective for the first time for the financial year beginning on or after January 1, 2017 that would be expected to have a material impact on the Group.
(ii) Standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards that are not yet effective and have not been early adopted by the Group.
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (“IFRS 9”) published in July 2014, replaces the existing guidance in IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement (“IAS 39”). IFRS 9 includes revised guidance on the classification and measurement of financial instruments, a new expected credit loss model for calculating impairment on financial assets, and new general hedge accounting requirements. It also carries forward the guidance on recognition and derecognition of financial instruments from IAS 39.
IFRS 9 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, on a retrospective basis. The Group plans to use the exemption from restating comparative information and will recognise any transition adjustments against the opening balance of equity at January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard is expected to have an impact on the Group’s financial assets, but no impact on the Group’s financial liabilities. Under IFRS 9, the Group has designated equity investments classified as available-for-sale that are held for long-term strategic purpose as measured at fair value through other comprehensive income. Consequently, all fair value gains and losses will be recorded in other comprehensive income, no impairment losses will be recognised in profit or loss and no gains and losses will be reclassified to profit or loss on disposal.
The new impairment model in IFRS 9 replaces the “incurred loss” model in IAS 39 with an “expected credit loss” model. Under the expected credit loss model, it will no longer be necessary for a loss event to occur before an impairment loss is recognized. Instead, an entity is required to recognize and measure either a 12-month expected credit loss or a lifetime expected credit loss, depending on the asset and the facts and circumstances. The Group expects that the application of the expected credit loss model will result in earlier recognition of credit losses. Based on a preliminary assessment, the Group does not expect material change to the loss allowance for the Group’s loans and receivables.
IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers (“IFRS 15”) establishes a comprehensive framework for determining whether, how much and when revenue is recognised and expands disclosure requirements relating to revenue recognition policies and how these relate to the revenue-generating contractual performance obligations. It replaces existing revenue recognition guidance, including IAS 18 Revenue, IAS 11 Construction Contracts and IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes.
IFRS 15 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Group plans to adopt IFRS 15 using the cumulative effect method, with the effect of initially applying this standard recognised at the date of initial application. As a result, the Group will not apply the requirements of IFRS 15 to the comparative period presented. Based on the assessment of existing contracts with customers, the Group does not expect the application of IFRS 15 to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
IFRS 16 Lease (“IFRS 16”) introduces a single, on-balance lease sheet accounting model for lessees. A lessee recognizes a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset and a lease liability representing its obligation to make lease payments. IFRS 16 replaces existing leases guidance including IAS 17 Leases, IFRIC 4 Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease, SIC-15 Operating Leases—Incentives and SIC-27 Evaluating the Substance of Transactions Involving the Legal Form of a Lease.
IFRS 16 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted for entities that apply IFRS 15 completed at or before the date of initial application of IFRS 16. The Group has started an initial assessment of the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements. So far, the most significant impact identified is that the Group will recognize new assets and liabilities for its operating leases of oil and gas stations and land use rights. In addition, the nature of expenses related to the operating leases will change as IFRS 16 replaces the straight-line operating lease expense with a depreciation charge for right-of-use assets and interest expense on lease liabilities. No significant impact on the consolidated financial statements is expected for the Group’s finance leases.