Total Fina Elf.
7 May 2002
TotalFinaElf May 7, 2002 Annual Meeting
Highlights of Chairman and CEO Thierry Desmarest's Address
Paris - May 7, 2002 - At the Annual Meeting of TotalFinaElf on May 7, 2002,
Thierry Desmarest commented:
'The year 2001 was very important in the evolution of TotalFinaElf. The
combination of Totalfina and Elf Aquitaine has delivered on its promises.
Substantial synergies, productivity gains and production growth have enabled us
to perform at very competitive levels, despite an economic situation and oil
environment that declined sharply in the second half of 2001 (...)
Unfortunately, 2001 was also marred by the most serious industrial disaster in
our history. On September 21, an explosion at the AZF Grande Paroisse plant in
Toulouse, France, took a heavy human toll and seriously damaged property. The
Group shown its solidarity with those affected and is committed to remedying the
disastrous impact of the explosion, whose causes are still unknown at this time
(...)
The net income excluding non-recurring items for 2001 amounted to 7.52 billion
euros, down 2% compared to 2000, when the economic environment was much more
favorable. Earnings per share excluding non-recurring items rose to a new record
high of 10.85 euros, compared with 10.80 euros in 2000; substantial share buy-
backs contributed to this improvement. Reported net income increased by 11% to
7.66 billion euros from 6.90 billion euros in 2000 (...)
TotalFinaElf is maintaining high investment level of 9.7 billion euros in 2002,
with priority given to Upstream growth. Oil and gas production is expected to
increase by 10% this year, led by the recent startup of four major projects
(...)
The Group's results in first quarter 2002 will be down significantly from the
first quarter 2001, reflecting the fall in oil prices to $21 per barrel from
$26, a sixfold decrease in refining margins, and record low petrochemical
margins. In this more challenging environment, TotalFinaElf limited the decline
in its net income excluding non-recurring items, expressed in dollars, to around
40%. In contrast, our main competitors reported an average slide of 55%. This
performance was driven by a 7% increase in oil and gas production at a time
when, on average, the other majors maintained production volumes virtually
unchanged.
As a result of the share buy-backs in the past year, earnings per share
excluding nonrecurring items of the first quarter 2002 expressed in euros are
expected to decline only by about one third (...)
One of our core strengths is the diversity of cultures, talents and capabilities
provided by the Group's employees. I would like to pay tribute to the
determination and expertise they deploy in enabling the Group to achieve its
many successes. TotalFinaElf has a broad project portfolio and solid financials,
which position it to pursue strong, profitable growth that will continue to
benefit loyal shareholders. We will pay particular attention to ensuring that
this development is supported by enhanced safety processes and a sustained
commitment to protecting the environment and maintaining the quality of life to
which we all so rightfully aspire.'
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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