The ratings reflect BP PLC's extremely strong, geographically diverse business portfolio; solid financial profile; and relatively conservative financial policy. BP's key competitive strengths include: A massive reserve base--14.6 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) at year-end 2001--especially in North America and the North Sea, with promising developments in the Gulf of Mexico. The reserve life is adequate, at 11.7 years; replacement rates are strong (175% on average over 2000-2001 on an internal basis--i.e., excluding acquisitions and disposals); and finding and production costs are competitive; Robust 2000-2005 production growth (5.5% annually, as was achieved in 2001)--based on promising prospects in South America, West Africa, and the Caspian Sea--and an excellent position from which to serve the large, growing, and profitable U.S.
