CNQ Canadian Natural Resources Ltd

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(tabular amounts in millions of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated)

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Canadian Natural Resources Limited (the “Company”) is a senior independent crude oil and natural gas exploration, development and production company. The Company’s exploration and production operations are focused in North America, largely in Western Canada; the United Kingdom (“UK”) portion of the North Sea; and Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, and South Africa in Offshore Africa.

The Horizon Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segment (“Horizon”) produces synthetic crude oil through bitumen mining and upgrading operations.

Within Western Canada, the Company maintains certain midstream activities that include pipeline operations, an electricity co-generation system and an investment in the North West Redwater Partnership ("Redwater Partnership"), a general partnership formed in the Province of Alberta.

The Company was incorporated in Alberta, Canada. The address of its registered office is 2100, 855 - 2 Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The Company’s consolidated financial statements and the related notes have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”). The accounting policies adopted by the Company under IFRS are set out below. The Company has consistently applied the same accounting policies throughout all periods presented, except where IFRS permits new accounting standards to be adopted prospectively.

(A) PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost basis, unless otherwise required.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its subsidiary companies and wholly owned partnerships. Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Company has control. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which the Company obtains control. They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.

Certain of the Company’s activities are conducted through joint arrangements in which two or more parties have joint control. Where the Company has a direct ownership interest in jointly controlled assets and obligations for the liabilities (a “joint operation”), the assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses related to the joint operation are included in the consolidated financial statements in proportion to the Company’s interest. Where the Company has an interest in jointly controlled entities (a “joint venture”), it uses the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, the Company’s initial and subsequent investments are recognized at cost and subsequently adjusted for the Company’s share of the joint venture’s income or loss, less distributions received.

Joint ventures accounted for using the equity method of accounting are tested for impairment whenever objective evidence indicates that the carrying amount of the investment may not be recoverable. Indications of impairment include a history of losses, significant capital expenditure overruns, liquidity concerns, financial restructuring of the investee or significant adverse changes in the technological, economic or legal environment. The amount of the impairment is measured as the difference between the carrying amount of the investment and the higher of its fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use. Impairment losses are reversed in subsequent periods if the amount of the loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognized.

(B) SEGMENTED INFORMATION

Operating segments have been determined based on the nature of the Company’s activities and the geographic locations in which the Company operates, and are consistent with the level of information regularly provided to and reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision makers.

(C) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash comprises cash on hand and demand deposits. Other investments (term deposits and certificates of deposit) with an original term to maturity at purchase of three months or less are reported as cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets.

(D) INVENTORY

Inventory is primarily comprised of product inventory and materials and supplies. Product inventory is comprised of crude oil held for sale, including pipeline linefill and crude oil stored in floating production, storage and offloading vessels. Inventories are carried at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost consists of purchase costs, direct production costs, directly attributable overhead and depletion, depreciation and amortization and is determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Net realizable value for product inventory is determined by reference to forward prices, and for materials and supplies is based on current market prices as at the date of the consolidated balance sheets.

(E) EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS

Exploration and evaluation (“E&E”) assets consist of the Company’s crude oil and natural gas exploration projects that are pending the determination of proved reserves.

E&E costs are initially capitalized and include costs directly associated with the acquisition of licenses, technical services and studies, seismic acquisition, exploration drilling and evaluation, overhead and administration expenses, and the estimate of any asset retirement costs. E&E costs do not include general prospecting or evaluation costs incurred prior to having obtained the legal rights to explore an area. These costs are recognized in net earnings.

Once the technical feasibility and commercial viability of E&E assets are determined and a development decision is made by management, the E&E assets are tested for impairment upon reclassification to property, plant and equipment. The technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting a mineral resource is considered to be determined when an assessment of proved reserves is made. An E&E asset is derecognized upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from its use. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset is recognized in net earnings within depletion, depreciation and amortization.

E&E assets are also tested for impairment when facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount of E&E assets may exceed their recoverable amount, by comparing the relevant costs to the fair value of the related Cash Generating Units (“CGUs”), aggregated at the segment level. Indications of impairment include leases approaching expiry, the existence of low benchmark commodity prices for an extended period of time, significant downward revisions in estimated probable reserves volumes, significant increases in estimated future exploration or development expenditures, or significant adverse changes in the applicable legislative or regulatory frameworks.

(F) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment is measured at cost less accumulated depletion and depreciation and impairment provisions. Assets under construction are not depleted or depreciated until available for their intended use. The capitalized value of a finance lease is included in property, plant and equipment.

Exploration and Production

The cost of an asset comprises its acquisition costs, construction and development costs, costs directly attributable to bringing the asset into operation, the estimate of any asset retirement costs, and applicable borrowing costs. Property acquisition costs are comprised of the aggregate amount paid and the fair value of any other consideration given to acquire the asset.

When significant components of an item of property, plant and equipment, including crude oil and natural gas interests, have different useful lives, they are accounted for separately.

Crude oil and natural gas properties are depleted using the unit-of-production method over proved reserves, except for major components, which are depreciated using a straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. The unit-of-production depletion rate takes into account expenditures incurred to date, together with future development expenditures required to develop proved reserves.

 

Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading

Capitalized costs for the Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading segment are reported separately from the Company’s North America Exploration and Production segment. Capitalized costs include acquisition costs, construction and development costs, costs directly attributable to bringing the asset into operation, the estimate of any asset retirement costs, and applicable borrowing costs.

Mine-related costs are depleted using the unit-of-production method based on Horizon proved reserves. Costs of the upgrader and related infrastructure located on the Horizon site are depreciated on the unit-of-production method based on the estimated productive capacity of the upgrader and related infrastructure. Other equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life ranging from 2 to 15 years.

Midstream and Head Office

The Company capitalizes all costs that expand the capacity or extend the useful life of the midstream and head office assets. Midstream assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives ranging from 5 to 30 years. Head office assets are depreciated on a declining balance basis.

Useful lives

The depletion rates and expected useful lives of property, plant and equipment are reviewed on an annual basis, with changes in depletion rates and useful lives accounted for prospectively.

Derecognition

A property, plant and equipment asset is derecognized upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset) is recognized in net earnings within depletion, depreciation and amortization.

Major maintenance expenditures

Inspection costs associated with major maintenance turnarounds are capitalized and depreciated over the period to the next major maintenance turnaround. All other maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

Impairment

The Company assesses property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets may not be recoverable. Indications of impairment include the existence of low benchmark commodity prices for an extended period of time, significant downward revisions of estimated reserves volumes, significant increases in estimated future development expenditures, or significant adverse changes in the applicable legislative or regulatory frameworks. If an indication of impairment exists, the Company performs an impairment test related to the assets. Individual assets are grouped for impairment assessment purposes into CGUs, which are the lowest level at which there are identifiable cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other groups of assets. A CGU’s recoverable amount is the higher of its fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use. Where the carrying amount of a CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, the CGU is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount through depletion, depreciation and amortization expense.

In subsequent periods, an assessment is made at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication that previously recognized impairment losses may no longer exist or may have decreased. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount is re-estimated and the net carrying amount of the asset is increased to its revised recoverable amount. The revised recoverable amount cannot exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depletion, had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior periods. A reversal of impairment is recognized in net earnings. After a reversal, the depletion charge is adjusted in future periods to allocate the asset’s revised carrying amount over its remaining useful life.

 

(G) BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination are recognized at their fair value at the date of the acquisition. Any excess of the consideration paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired is recognized as an asset. Any excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired over the consideration paid is recognized in net earnings.

(H) OVERBURDEN REMOVAL COSTS

Overburden removal costs incurred during the initial development of a mine at Horizon are capitalized to property, plant and equipment. Overburden removal costs incurred during the production of a mine are included in the cost of inventory, unless the overburden removal activity has resulted in a probable inflow of future economic benefits to the Company, in which case the costs are capitalized to property, plant and equipment. Capitalized overburden removal costs are depleted over the life of the mining reserves that directly benefit from the overburden removal activity.

(I) CAPITALIZED BORROWING COSTS

Borrowing costs attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets are capitalized to the cost of those assets until such time as the assets are substantially available for their intended use. Qualifying assets are comprised of those significant assets that require a period greater than one year to be available for their intended use. All other borrowing costs are recognized in net earnings.

(J) LEASES

Finance leases, which transfer substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the leased item to the Company, are capitalized at the commencement of the lease term at the fair value of the leased property or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments. Capitalized leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term. Operating lease payments are recognized in net earnings over the lease term.

(K) ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

The Company provides for asset retirement obligations on all of its property, plant and equipment based on current legislation and industry operating practices. Provisions for asset retirement obligations related to property, plant and equipment are recognized as a liability in the period in which they are incurred. Provisions are measured at the present value of management’s best estimate of expenditures required to settle the obligation as at the date of the balance sheet. Subsequent to the initial measurement, the obligation is adjusted to reflect the passage of time, changes in credit adjusted interest rates, and changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation.  The increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognized as asset retirement obligation accretion expense whereas changes due to discount rates or estimated future cash flows are capitalized to or derecognized from property, plant and equipment. Actual costs incurred upon settlement of the asset retirement obligation are charged against the provision.

(L) FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION

Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of the Company’s subsidiary companies and partnerships are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the subsidiary operates (the “functional currency”). The consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, which is the Company’s functional currency.

The assets and liabilities of subsidiaries that have a functional currency different from that of the Company are translated into Canadian dollars at the closing rate at the date of the balance sheet, and revenue and expenses are translated at the average rate for the period. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments are recognized in other comprehensive income.

When the Company disposes of its entire interest in a foreign operation, or loses control, joint control, or significant influence over a foreign operation, the foreign currency gains or losses accumulated in other comprehensive income related to the foreign operation are recognized in net earnings.

 

Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency of the Company and its subsidiaries and partnerships using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of foreign currency transactions and from the translation at balance sheet date exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recognized in net earnings.

(M) REVENUE RECOGNITION AND COSTS OF GOODS SOLD

Revenue from the sale of crude oil and natural gas is recognized when title passes to the customer, delivery has taken place and collection is reasonably assured. The Company assesses customer creditworthiness, both before entering into contracts and throughout the revenue recognition process.

Revenue represents the Company’s share net of royalty payments to governments and other mineral interest owners. Related costs of goods sold are comprised of production, transportation and blending, and depletion, depreciation and amortization expenses. These amounts have been separately presented in the consolidated statements of earnings.

(N) PRODUCTION SHARING CONTRACTS

Production generated from Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon in Offshore Africa is shared under the terms of various Production Sharing Contracts (“PSCs”). Product sales are divided into cost recovery oil and profit oil. Cost recovery oil allows the Company to recover its capital and production costs and the costs carried by the Company on behalf of the respective Government State Oil Companies (the “Governments”). Profit oil is allocated to the joint venture partners in accordance with their respective equity interests, after a portion has been allocated to the Governments. The Governments’ share of profit oil attributable to the Company’s equity interest is allocated to royalty expense and current income tax expense in accordance with the terms of the respective PSCs.

(O) INCOME TAX

The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the estimated tax effects of temporary differences in the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and their respective tax bases.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are calculated using the substantively enacted income tax rates that are expected to apply when the asset or liability is recovered. Deferred income tax assets or liabilities are not recognized when they arise on the initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction (other than in a business combination) that, at the time of the transaction, affects neither accounting nor taxable profit. Deferred income tax assets or liabilities are also not recognized on possible future distributions of retained earnings of subsidiaries where the timing of the distribution can be controlled by the Company and it is probable that a distribution will not be made in the foreseeable future, or when distributions can be made without incurring income taxes.

Deferred income tax assets for deductible temporary differences and tax loss carryforwards are recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary differences or tax loss carryforwards can be utilized. The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date, and is reduced if it is no longer probable that sufficient future taxable profits will be available against which the temporary differences or tax loss carryforwards can be utilized.

Current income tax is calculated based on net earnings for the period, adjusted for items that are non-taxable or taxed in different periods, using income tax rates that are substantively enacted at each reporting date.

Income taxes are recognized in net earnings or other comprehensive income, consistent with the items to which they relate.

(P) SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company’s Stock Option Plan (the “Option Plan”) provides current employees with the right to elect to receive common shares or a cash payment in exchange for stock options surrendered. The liability for awards granted to employees is initially measured based on the grant date fair value of the awards and the number of awards expected to vest. The awards are re-measured each reporting period for subsequent changes in the fair value of the liability.

Fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model under a graded vesting method. Expected volatility is estimated based on historic results. When stock options are surrendered for cash, the cash settlement paid reduces the outstanding liability. When stock options are exercised for common shares under the Option Plan, consideration paid by the employee and any previously recognized liability associated with the stock options are recorded as share capital.

The unamortized costs of employer contributions to the Company’s share bonus program are included in other long-term assets .

(Q) FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company classifies its financial instruments into one of the following categories: financial assets at amortized cost; financial liabilities at amortized cost; and fair value through profit or loss. All financial instruments are measured at fair value on initial recognition. Measurement in subsequent periods is dependent on the classification of the respective financial instrument.

Fair value through profit or loss financial instruments are subsequently measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net earnings. All other categories of financial instruments are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and certain other long-term assets are classified as financial assets at amortized cost since it is the Company’s intention to hold these assets to maturity and the related cash flows are mainly payments of principal and interest. Investments in publicly traded shares are classified as fair value through profit or loss. Accounts payable, accrued liabilities, certain other long-term liabilities, and long-term debt are classified as financial liabilities at amortized cost. Risk management assets and liabilities are classified as fair value through profit or loss.

Financial assets and liabilities are also categorized using a three-level hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in making fair value measurements for these assets and liabilities. The fair values of financial assets and liabilities included in Level 1 are determined by reference to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities. Fair values of financial assets and liabilities in Level 2 are based on inputs other than Level 1 quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices). The fair values of Level 3 financial assets and liabilities are not based on observable market data. The disclosure of the fair value hierarchy excludes financial assets and liabilities where book value approximates fair value due to the liquid nature of the asset or liability.

Transaction costs in respect of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss are recognized in net earnings. Transaction costs in respect of other financial instruments are included in the initial measurement of the financial instrument.

Impairment of financial assets

At each reporting date, the Company assesses whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset is impaired. If such evidence exists, an impairment loss is recognized.

Impairment losses on financial assets carried at amortized cost are calculated as the difference between the amortized cost of the financial asset and the present value of the estimated future cash flows, discounted using the instrument’s original effective interest rate. Impairment losses on financial assets carried at amortized cost are reversed in subsequent periods if the amount of the loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognized.

(R) RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

The Company periodically uses derivative financial instruments to manage its commodity price, foreign currency and interest rate exposures. These financial instruments are entered into solely for hedging purposes and are not used for speculative purposes. All derivative financial instruments are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at their estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of derivative financial instruments has been determined based on appropriate internal valuation methodologies and/or third party indications. Fair values determined using valuation

 

models require the use of assumptions concerning the amount and timing of future cash flows, discount rates and credit risk. In determining these assumptions, the Company primarily relied on external, readily-observable market inputs including quoted commodity prices and volatility, interest rate yield curves, and foreign exchange rates. The carrying amount of a risk management liability is adjusted for the Company’s own credit risk.

The Company documents all derivative financial instruments that are formally designated as hedging transactions at the inception of the hedging relationship, in accordance with the Company’s risk management policies. The effectiveness of the hedging relationship is evaluated, both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis.

The Company periodically enters into commodity price contracts to manage anticipated sales and purchases of crude oil and natural gas in order to protect its cash flow for its capital expenditure programs. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivative commodity price contracts formally designated as cash flow hedges is initially recognized in other comprehensive income and is reclassified to risk management activities in net earnings in the same period or periods in which the commodity is sold or purchased. The ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of these designated contracts is recognized in risk management activities in net earnings. All changes in the fair value of non-designated crude oil and natural gas commodity price contracts are recognized in risk management activities in net earnings.

The Company periodically enters into interest rate swap contracts to manage its fixed to floating interest rate mix on certain of its long-term debt. The interest rate swap contracts require the periodic exchange of payments without the exchange of the notional principal amounts on which the payments are based. Changes in the fair value of interest rate swap contracts designated as fair value hedges and corresponding changes in the fair value of the hedged long-term debt are recognized in interest expense in net earnings. Changes in the fair value of non-designated interest rate swap contracts are recognized in risk management activities in net earnings.

Cross currency swap contracts are periodically used to manage currency exposure on US dollar denominated long-term debt. The cross currency swap contracts require the periodic exchange of payments with the exchange at maturity of notional principal amounts on which the payments are based. Changes in the fair value of the foreign exchange component of cross currency swap contracts designated as cash flow hedges related to the notional principal amounts are recognized in foreign exchange gains and losses in net earnings. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of the interest rate component of cross currency swap contracts designated as cash flow hedges is initially recognized in other comprehensive income and is reclassified to interest expense when the hedged item is recognized in net earnings, with the ineffective portion recognized in risk management activities in net earnings. Changes in the fair value of non-designated cross currency swap contracts are recognized in risk management activities in net earnings.

Realized gains or losses on the termination of financial instruments that have been designated as cash flow hedges are deferred under accumulated other comprehensive income and amortized into net earnings in the period in which the underlying hedged items are recognized. In the event a designated hedged item is sold, extinguished or matures prior to the termination of the related derivative instrument, any unrealized derivative gain or loss is recognized in net earnings. Realized gains or losses on the termination of financial instruments that have not been designated as hedges are recognized in net earnings.

Upon termination of an interest rate swap designated as a fair value hedge, the interest rate swap is derecognized in the consolidated balance sheets and the related long-term debt hedged is no longer revalued for subsequent changes in fair value due to interest rates changes. The fair value adjustment due to interest rates on the long-term debt at the date of termination of the interest rate swap is amortized to interest expense over the remaining term of the long-term debt.

Foreign currency forward contracts are periodically used to manage foreign currency cash requirements. The foreign currency forward contracts involve the purchase or sale of an agreed upon amount of US dollars at a specified future date at forward exchange rates. Changes in the fair value of foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges are initially recorded in other comprehensive income and are reclassified to foreign exchange gains and losses when the hedged item is recognized in net earnings. Changes in the fair value of non-designated foreign currency forward contracts are recognized in risk management activities in net earnings.

 

Embedded derivatives are derivatives that are included in a non-derivative host contract. Embedded derivatives are recorded at fair value separately from the host contract when their economic characteristics and risks are not clearly and closely related to the host contract, except when the host contract is an asset.

(S) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Comprehensive income is comprised of the Company’s net earnings and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes the effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges and foreign currency translation gains and losses arising from the net investment in foreign operations that do not have a Canadian dollar functional currency. Other comprehensive income is shown net of related income taxes.

(T) PER COMMON SHARE AMOUNTS

The Company calculates basic earnings per common share by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. As the Company’s Option Plan allows for the settlement of stock options in either cash or shares at the option of the holder, diluted earnings per common share is calculated using the more dilutive of cash settlement or share settlement under the treasury stock method.

(U) SHARE CAPITAL

Common shares are classified as equity. Costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are included in equity as a deduction from proceeds, net of tax. When the Company acquires its own common shares, share capital is reduced by the average carrying value of the shares purchased. The excess of the purchase price over the average carrying value is recognized as a reduction of retained earnings. Shares are cancelled upon purchase.

(V) DIVIDENDS

Dividends on common shares are recognized in the Company’s financial statements in the period in which the dividends are declared by the Board of Directors.

2. CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Effective January 1, 2016, the Company adopted the amendment to IFRS 11 “Joint  Arrangements” to clarify the accounting treatment when an entity acquires interests in joint ventures and joint operations. The amendment requires these acquisitions to be accounted for as business combinations. The Company adopted this amendment prospectively. Adoption of this amended standard did not result in an impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

3. ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ISSUED BUT NOT YET APPLIED

In January 2016, the IASB issued IFRS 16 “Leases”, which provides guidance on accounting for leases. The new standard replaces IAS 17 “Leases” and related interpretations. IFRS 16 eliminates the distinction between operating leases and financing leases for lessees. The new standard is effective January 1, 2019 with earlier adoption permitted providing that IFRS 15 has been adopted. The new standard is required to be applied retrospectively, with a policy alternative of restating comparative prior periods or recognizing the cumulative adjustment in opening retained earnings at the date of adoption. The Company is assessing the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the IASB issued IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” to provide guidance on the recognition of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contracts with customers, and related disclosures. The new standard replaces several existing standards related to recognition of revenue and states that revenue should be recognized as performance obligations related to the goods or services delivered are settled. IFRS 15 also provides revenue accounting guidance for contract modifications and multiple-element contracts and prescribes additional disclosure requirements. In 2015, the IASB deferred the effective date for the new standard to January 1, 2018. The new standard is required to be adopted retrospectively, with earlier adoption permitted. The Company is assessing the impact of this standard on its consolidated financial statements.

 

Effective January 1, 2014, the Company adopted the version of IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments” issued November 2013. In July 2014, the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 9 to include accounting guidance to assess and recognize impairment losses on financial assets based on an expected loss model. The amendments are effective January 1, 2018. The Company is assessing the impact of this amendment on its consolidated financial statements.

4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS

The Company has made estimates, assumptions and judgements regarding certain assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, primarily related to unsettled transactions and events as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, actual results may differ from estimated amounts. The estimates, assumptions and judgements that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are addressed below.

(A) Crude Oil and Natural Gas Reserves

Purchase price allocations, depletion, depreciation and amortization, and amounts used in impairment calculations are based on estimates of crude oil and natural gas reserves. Reserve estimates are based on engineering data, estimated future prices, expected future rates of production and the timing of future capital expenditures, all of which are subject to many uncertainties, interpretations and judgements. The Company expects that, over time, its reserve estimates will be revised upward or downward based on updated information such as the results of future drilling, testing and production levels, and may be affected by changes in commodity prices.

(B) Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company provides for asset retirement obligations on its property, plant and equipment based on current legislation and operating practices. Estimated future costs include assumptions of dates of future abandonment and technological advances and estimates of future inflation rates and discount rates. Actual costs may vary from the estimated provision due to changes in environmental legislation, the impact of inflation, changes in technology, changes in operating practices, and changes in the date of abandonment due to changes in reserve life. These differences may have a material impact on the estimated provision.

(C) Income Taxes

The Company is subject to income taxes in numerous legal jurisdictions. Accounting for income taxes requires the Company to interpret frequently changing laws and regulations, including changing income tax rates, and make certain judgements with respect to the application of tax law, estimating the timing of temporary difference reversals, and estimating the realizability of tax assets. There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Company recognizes a liability for a tax filing position based on its assessment of the probability that additional taxes may ultimately be due.

(D) Fair Value of Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined using valuation techniques. The Company uses its judgement to select a variety of methods and make assumptions that are primarily based on market conditions existing at the end of each reporting period. The Company uses directly and indirectly observable inputs in measuring the value of financial instruments that are not traded in active markets, including quoted commodity prices and volatility, interest rate yield curves and foreign exchange rates.

(E) Purchase Price Allocations

Purchase prices related to business combinations are allocated to the underlying acquired assets and liabilities based on their estimated fair value at the time of acquisition. The determination of fair value requires the Company to make estimates, assumptions and judgements regarding future events. The allocation process is inherently subjective and impacts the amounts assigned to individually identifiable assets and liabilities, including the fair value of crude oil and natural gas properties together with deferred income tax effects. As a result, the purchase price allocation impacts the Company’s reported assets and liabilities and future net earnings due to the impact on future depletion, depreciation, and amortization expense and impairment tests.

 

(F) Share-Based Compensation

The Company has made various assumptions in estimating the fair values of stock options granted under the Option Plan, including expected volatility, expected exercise timing and future forfeiture rates. At each period end, stock options outstanding are remeasured for changes in the fair value of the liability.

(G) Identification of CGUs

CGUs are defined as the lowest grouping of integrated assets that generate identifiable cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets. The classification of assets into CGUs requires significant judgement and interpretations with respect to the integration between assets, the existence of active markets, shared infrastructures, and the way in which management monitors the Company’s operations.

(H) Impairment of Assets

The recoverable amount of a CGU or an individual asset has been determined as the higher of the CGU’s or the asset’s fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use. These calculations require the use of estimates and assumptions and are subject to change as new information becomes available, including information on future commodity prices, expected production volumes, quantity of reserves, asset retirement obligations, future development and operating costs, after-tax discount rates currently ranging from 9.5% to 12%, and income taxes. Changes in assumptions used in determining the recoverable amount could affect the carrying value of the related assets and CGUs.

(I) Contingencies

Contingencies are subject to measurement uncertainty as the related financial impact will only be confirmed by the outcome of a future event. The assessment of contingencies requires the application of judgements and estimates including the determination of whether a present obligation exists and the reliable estimation of the timing and amount of cash flows required to settle the contingency.

5. INVENTORY

As a result of fluctuations in crude oil prices, the Company recorded a write-down of its product inventory of $73 million from cost to net realizable value as at December 31, 2016 (2015 - $174 million).

 

(1)	Refer to note 7 regarding the disposition of exploration and evaluation assets in the North America segment in 2015.

During 2016, the Company disposed of a number of North America exploration and evaluation assets totaling $3 million for consideration of $35 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain on sale of properties of $32 million. In addition, in connection with the Company's notice of withdrawal from Block CI-12 in Côte d'Ivoire, Offshore Africa, the Company derecognized $18 million of exploration and evaluation assets.

During 2015, in connection with the Company’s notice of withdrawal from Block CI-514 in Côte d’Ivoire, Offshore Africa, the Company derecognized $96 million of exploration and evaluation assets.

 

During 2016, the Company acquired a number of producing crude oil and natural gas properties in the North America Exploration and Production segment, including exploration and evaluation assets of $nil (2015 - $37 million; 2014 - $nil), for net cash consideration of $159 million (2015 – $406 million; 2014 –$3,753 million). These transactions were accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. In connection with these acquisitions, the Company assumed associated asset retirement obligations of $30 million (2015 – $133 million; 2014 – $404 million), other long-term liabilities of $nil (2015 – $nil; 2014 – $49 million) and recognized net deferred income tax assets of $nil (2015 - $nil; 2014 - $91 million) related to temporary differences in the carrying amount of certain of the acquired properties and their tax bases. No debt obligations were assumed and no working capital was acquired (2015 – $nil; 2014 – $28 million). No pre-tax gains were recognized on these acquisitions in 2016 (2015 – $nil; 2014 – $137 million).

 

On December 16, 2016, in the Midstream segment, the Company disposed of its interest in the Cold Lake Pipeline, comprising $321 million of property, plant and equipment for total net consideration of $539 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $218 million. Total net consideration was comprised of $349 million in cash, together with $190 million of non-cash share consideration of approximately 6.4 million common shares of Inter Pipeline Ltd. (“Inter Pipeline”) with a value of $29.57 per common share, determined as of the closing date.

During 2015, the Company disposed of a number of North America royalty income assets, including exploration and evaluation assets of $488 million and property, plant and equipment of $480 million, for total consideration of $1,658 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain on sale of properties of $690 million. Total consideration was comprised of $673 million in cash, together with $985 million of non-cash share consideration of approximately 44.4 million common shares of PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. (“PrairieSky”) with a value of $22.16 per common share, determined as of the closing date.

In addition, during 2015 the Company disposed of a number of other North America crude oil and natural gas properties, including exploration and evaluation assets of $3 million and property, plant and equipment of $86 million, for total cash consideration of $134 million, together with associated asset retirement obligations of $4 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain on sale of properties of $49 million.

As at December 31, 2016, the Company assessed the recoverability of its property, plant and equipment and its exploration and evaluation assets, and determined the carrying amounts to be recoverable.

The Company capitalizes construction period interest for qualifying assets based on costs incurred and the Company’s cost of borrowing. Interest capitalization to a qualifying asset ceases once the asset is substantially available for its intended use. During 2016, pre-tax interest of $233 million (2015 – $244 million, 2014 – $204 million) was capitalized to property, plant and equipment using a weighted average capitalization rate of 3.9% (2015 – 3.9%, 2014 – 3.9%).

8. INVESTMENTS

As at December 31, 2016, the Company had the following investments:

Investment in PrairieSky Royalty Ltd.

On December 16, 2015, as partial consideration for the disposal of a number of North America royalty income assets, the Company received non-cash share consideration of $985 million, comprised of approximately 44.4 million common shares of PrairieSky, at $22.16 per common share determined as of the closing date (refer to Note 7). PrairieSky is in the business of acquiring and managing oil and gas royalty income assets through indirect third-party oil and gas development.

During 2016, the Company completed the net distribution of approximately 21.8 million PrairieSky common shares to the shareholders of record of the Company as at June 3, 2016, completing the previously announced Plan of Arrangement. The distribution was recognized   as a return of capital of $546 million. Subsequent to the distribution, the Company’s ownership interest in PrairieSky was less than 10% of the issued and outstanding common shares of PrairieSky.

The Company’s remaining investment of approximately 22.6 million common shares does not constitute significant influence, and is accounted for at fair value through profit or loss, remeasured at each reporting date. As at December 31, 2016, the Company’s investment in PrairieSky was classified as a current asset.

 

Investment in Inter Pipeline Ltd.

On December 16, 2016, as partial consideration for the disposal of the Company's interest in the Cold Lake Pipeline, the Company received non-cash share consideration of $190 million, comprised of approximately 6.4 million common shares of Inter Pipeline at $29.57 per common share determined as of the closing date (refer to Note 7). Inter Pipeline is in the business of petroleum transportation, natural gas liquids processing, and bulk liquid storage in Western Canada and Europe.

The Company's investment does not constitute significant influence, and is accounted for at fair value through profit or loss, remeasured at each reporting date. As at December 31, 2016, the Company's investment in Inter Pipeline was classified as a current asset.

The gain from the investment in Inter Pipeline was comprised as follows:

9. OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS

Investment in North West Redwater Partnership

The Company's 50% interest in Redwater Partnership is accounted for using the equity method based on Redwater Partnership’s voting and decision-making structure and legal form. Redwater Partnership has entered into agreements to construct and operate a 50,000 barrel per day bitumen upgrader and refinery (the "Project") under processing agreements that target to process 12,500 barrels per day of bitumen feedstock for the Company and 37,500 barrels per day of bitumen feedstock for the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission (“APMC”), an agent of the Government of Alberta, under a 30 year fee-for-service tolling agreement.

During 2013, the Company along with APMC, committed each to provide funding up to $350 million by each party by January 2016 in the form of subordinated debt bearing interest at prime plus 6%. During 2016, the Company and APMC each provided $99 million of subordinated debt. To date, each party has provided $324 million of subordinated debt, together with accrued interest thereon of $61 million for a Company total of $385 million. Should final Project costs exceed the sanction cost estimate of $8,500 million, the Company and APMC have agreed, each with a 50% interest, to provide additional subordinated debt as required to reflect an agreed debt to equity ratio and, subject to the Company being able to meet certain funding conditions, to fund any shortfall in available third party commercial lending required to attain Project completion.

 

During 2016, Redwater Partnership issued $550 million of 4.25% series F senior secured bonds due June 2029, $500 million of 4.75% series G senior secured bonds due June 2037, $500 million of 4.15% series H senior secured bonds due June 2033, and $500 million of 4.35% series I senior secured bonds due January 2039.

During 2015, Redwater Partnership issued $500 million of 2.10% series C senior secured bonds due February 2022, $500 million of 3.70% series D senior secured bonds due February 2043, $500 million of 3.20% series E senior secured bonds due April 2026, and $300 million of senior secured bonds through the reopening of its previously issued 4.05% series B senior secured bonds due July 2044.

As at December 31, 2016, Redwater Partnership had additional borrowings of $1,581 million under its secured $3,500 million syndicated credit facility.

Under its processing agreement, beginning on the earlier of the commercial operations date of the refinery and June 1, 2018, the Company is unconditionally obligated to pay its 25% pro rata share of the debt portion of the monthly cost of service toll, including interest, fees and principal repayments, of the syndicated credit facility and bonds, over the tolling period of 30 years.

Redwater Partnership has entered into various agreements related to the engineering, procurement and construction of the Project. These contracts can be cancelled by Redwater Partnership upon notice without penalty, subject to the costs incurred up to and in respect of the cancellation.

The assets, liabilities, partners’ equity and equity (income) loss related to Redwater Partnership and the Company’s 50% interest at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were comprised as follows:

 

 

(1)	The Company has included unamortized original issue discounts and premiums, and directly attributable transaction costs in the carrying amount of the outstanding debt.

(2)	Transaction costs primarily represent underwriting commissions charged as a percentage of the related debt offerings, as well as legal, rating agency and other professional fees.

 

Bank Credit Facilities and Commercial Paper

As at December 31, 2016, the Company had in place bank credit facilities of $7,350 million available for general corporate purposes, comprised of:

•	a $100 million demand credit facility;

•	a $1,500 million non-revolving term credit facility maturing April 2018 ;

•	a $750 million non-revolving term credit facility maturing February 2019;

•	a $125 million non-revolving term credit facility maturing February 2019 ;

•	a $2,425 million revolving syndicated credit facility maturing June 2019;

•	a $2,425 million revolving syndicated credit facility maturing June 2020; and

•	a £15 million demand credit facility related to the Company’s North Sea operations.

Each of the $2,425 million revolving facilities is extendible annually at the mutual agreement of the Company and the lenders. If the facilities are not extended, the full amount of the outstanding principal would be repayable on the maturity date. Borrowings under these facilities may be made by way of pricing referenced to Canadian dollar or US dollar bankers’ acceptances, or LIBOR, US base rate or Canadian prime loans.

During 2016, the Company prepaid $250 million of the previously outstanding $1,000 million non-revolving term credit facility and extended the maturity date to February 2019 from January 2017. Borrowings under this facility may be made by way of pricing referenced to Canadian dollar bankers’ acceptances or Canadian prime loans. As at December 31, 2016, the $750 million facility was fully drawn. During 2016, the Company also entered into a new $125 million non-revolving term credit facility maturing February 2019, which was fully drawn at December 31, 2016. Borrowings under this facility may be made by way of pricing referenced to Canadian dollar bankers’ acceptances or Canadian prime loans.

Borrowings under the $1,500 million non-revolving credit facility may be made by way of pricing referenced to Canadian dollar or US dollar bankers’ acceptances, or LIBOR, US base rate or Canadian prime loans. As at December 31, 2016, the $1,500 million facility was fully drawn.

The Company's credit facilities are subject to a financial covenant that the Consolidated Debt to Capitalization Ratio, as defined in the credit agreements, shall not be more than 0.65 to 1.0.

The Company’s borrowings under its US commercial paper program are authorized up to a maximum US$2,500 million. The Company reserves capacity under its bank credit facilities for amounts outstanding under this program.

The Company’s weighted average interest rate on bank credit facilities and commercial paper outstanding as at December 31, 2016 was 1.9% (December 31, 2015 – 1.7%), and on total long-term debt outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2016 was 3.9% (December 31, 2015 – 3.9%).

At December 31, 2016, letters of credit and guarantees aggregating $219 million, including a $39 million financial guarantee related to Horizon and $82 million of letters of credit related to North Sea operations, were outstanding. The letters of credit are supported by dedicated credit facilities.

Medium-Term Notes

During 2016, the Company issued $1,000 million of 3.31% medium-term notes due February 2022.  After issuing these securities, the Company has $2,000 million remaining on its base shelf prospectus that allows for the offer for sale from time to time of up to $3,000 million of medium-term notes in Canada, which expires in November 2017. If issued, these securities may be offered in amounts and at prices, including interest rates, to be determined based on market conditions at the time of issuance.

During 2015, the Company issued $500 million of series 2 medium-term notes due August 2020, through the reopening of its previously issued 2.89% notes under a previous base shelf prospectus and repaid $400 million of 4.95% medium-term notes.

 

11. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

The share-based compensation liability of $426 million at December 31, 2016 (2015 – $128 million; 2014 – $203 million) was estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following weighted average assumptions:

(1)	At original time of grant.

The intrinsic value of vested stock options at December 31, 2016 was $191 million (2015 – $10 million; 2014 – $40 million).

 

(1)   Petroleum Revenue Tax.

The provision for income tax is different from the amount computed by applying the combined statutory Canadian federal and provincial income tax rates to earnings (loss) before taxes. The reasons for the difference are as follows: