Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The MD&A is intended to provide a narrative description of the Company’s business from management’s perspective which includes an overview of Ovintiv’s consolidated 2021 results and year-over-year comparisons between 2021 and 2020 results. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes for the year ended December 31, 2021 (“Consolidated Financial Statements”), which are included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Discussion and analysis of 2019 results and year-over-year comparisons between 2020 and 2019 results that are not included in this Form 10-K, and can be found in Item 7 of the 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Common industry terms and abbreviations are used throughout this MD&A and are defined in the Definitions, Conversions and Conventions sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This MD&A includes the following sections:
• Executive Overview
• Results of Operations
• Liquidity and Capital Resources
• Accounting Policies and Estimates
• Non-GAAP Measures
Executive Overview
Strategy
Ovintiv is a leading North American energy producer that is focused on developing its multi-basin portfolio of oil, NGLs and natural gas producing plays as part of its strategy outlined in Items 1 and 2 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Ovintiv is committed to growing long-term shareholder value by delivering on its strategic priorities through execution excellence, disciplined capital allocation, commercial acumen and risk management, while driving environmental, social and governance progress. The Company’s strategy is founded on its multi-basin portfolio of top tier assets, financial strength, as well as its core and foundational values.
In support of the Company’s commitment to growing shareholder value, Ovintiv implemented a capital allocation framework in 2021 that outlines increasing returns to shareholders as well as continuing the Company’s progress on debt reduction.
Ovintiv is delivering results in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Thoughtfully developed best practices are deployed across its assets, allowing the Company to capitalize on operational efficiencies and decrease emissions intensity. The Company’s sustainability reporting, which outlines its key metrics and progress achieved relating to ESG practices can be found on the Company’s website.
Ovintiv continually reviews and evaluates its strategy and changing market conditions in order to maximize cash flow generation from its Core Assets located in some of the best plays in North America. As at December 31, 2021, the Core Assets comprised Permian and Anadarko in the U.S., and Montney in Canada. These Core Assets form a multi-basin portfolio of oil, NGLs and natural gas producing plays enabling flexible and efficient investment of capital that support the Company’s strategy.
Underpinning Ovintiv’s strategy are core values of one, agile, innovative and driven, which guide the organization to be collaborative, responsive, flexible and determined. The Company is committed to excellence with a passion to drive corporate financial performance and succeed as a team.
For additional information on reporting segments and the plays in which the Company operates, refer to Items 1 and 2 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For additional information on the segmented results, refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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In evaluating its operations and assessing its leverage, Ovintiv reviews performance-based measures such as Non-GAAP Cash Flow, Non-GAAP Cash Flow Margin, Total Costs and debt-based metrics such as Debt to Adjusted Capitalization, Net Debt and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP measures and do not have any standardized meaning under U.S. GAAP. These measures may not be similar to measures presented by other issuers and should not be viewed as a substitute for measures reported under U.S. GAAP. Additional information regarding these measures, including reconciliations to the closest GAAP measure, can be found in the Non-GAAP Measures section of this MD&A.
Highlights
During 2021, the Company focused on executing its 2021 capital plan aimed at maximizing profitability through operational and capital efficiencies, delivering cash from operating activities and using excess cash flows to reduce total long-term debt. Higher upstream product revenues in 2021 compared to 2020 resulted from higher average realized prices, excluding the impact of risk management activities. Increases in average realized natural gas and liquids prices of 91 percent and 90 percent, respectively, were primarily due to higher benchmark prices. Ovintiv continues to focus on optimizing realized prices from the diversification of the Company’s downstream markets.
The Company continued to deliver significant cash from operating activities while reducing its total long-term debt balance. Cash from operating activities of $3,129 million included a net realized loss of $1,362 million on the settlement of commodity and foreign exchange risk management positions and a current income tax recovery of $156 million primarily due to the resolution of prior years’ tax items. The Company used excess cash flows to reduce its total long-term debt balance by $2.1 billion in 2021.
Significant Developments
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Financial Results
• Paid dividends of $0.4675 per share of common stock totaling $122 million.
• Reduced total long-term debt by $2.1 billion.
• Reported Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA of 1.4 times.
Capital Investment
Production
Operating Expenses
Additional information on Total Costs items and Total Operating Expenses above can be found in the Results of Operations section of this MD&A.
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2022 Outlook
Industry Outlook
Oil Markets
The oil and gas industry is cyclical and commodity prices are inherently volatile. Oil prices reflect global supply and demand dynamics as well as the geopolitical and macroeconomic environment.
In 2021, OPEC+ production cuts and increased global demand for oil resulted in upward pressures on oil prices and the tightening of global oil inventories. Oil prices during 2022 will continue to be impacted by the global containment of the coronavirus (“COVID-19”), pace of economic recovery, OPEC+ production levels, and the potential for higher U.S. production.
COVID-19 vaccine rollout/uptake continues to drive optimism, however, emerging COVID-19 variants may impact economic progress while the gradual easing of OPEC+ oil production cuts, the potential for higher U.S. oil production, and macroeconomic risks could contribute to commodity market uncertainty. Since the second quarter of 2021, OPEC+ has gradually increased production in response to increases in oil demand. OPEC+ continues to meet regularly to review the state of global oil supply, demand and inventory levels, and is expected to continue with its planned production increases in 2022.
Natural Gas Markets
Natural gas prices are primarily affected by structural changes in supply and demand as well as deviations from seasonally normal weather. In 2021, supportive weather conditions, limited supply growth from U.S. producers and increased electricity usage contributed to increased drawdowns of natural gas inventory and higher natural gas prices. Natural gas prices in 2022 are expected to be impacted by the interplay between gas production and associated gas from oil production, as well as changes in demand from the power generation sector, changes in export levels of liquified natural gas and impacts from seasonal weather.
Company Outlook
The Company continues to exercise discretion and discipline to optimize capital allocation throughout 2022 as oil demand recovers and the commodity price environment evolves. Ovintiv pursues innovative ways to reduce upstream operating and administrative expenses and expects to benefit from durable cost savings and efficiencies to maximize cash flows.
Markets for crude oil and natural gas are exposed to different price risks and are inherently volatile. While the market price for crude oil tends to move in the same direction as the global market, regional differentials may develop. Natural gas prices may vary between geographic regions depending on local supply and demand conditions. To mitigate price volatility and help sustain revenues, particularly during periods of low commodity prices, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments. As at December 31, 2021, the Company has hedged approximately 80.0 Mbbls/d of expected oil and condensate production and 1,293 MMcf/d of expected natural gas production for 2022. In addition, Ovintiv proactively utilizes transportation contracts to diversify the Company’s sales markets, thereby reducing significant exposure to any given market and regional pricing.
Additional information on Ovintiv’s hedging program can be found in Note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Capital Investment
The Company plans to spend approximately $1.5 billion on its 2022 capital investment program. The majority of this capital program is expected to be allocated to the Core Assets with a focus on maximizing returns from high margin liquids. In 2022, the Company expects to generate cash flows in excess of capital expenditures.
Ovintiv continually strives to improve well performance and lower costs through innovative techniques. Initiatives such as applying Simul-Frac techniques, a process of fracking pairs of wells at the same time instead of a single well, increases operational efficiencies and contributes to well cost savings. Ovintiv's large-scale cube development
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model utilizes multi-well pads and advanced completion designs to maximize returns and resource recovery from its reservoirs. Ovintiv’s disciplined capital program and continuous innovation create flexibility to allocate capital in changing commodity markets and to maximize cash flows while preserving the long-term value of the Company’s multi-basin portfolio.
Production
Ovintiv is strategically positioned in the current economic environment to maintain a flat liquids production profile while generating cash flows in excess of capital expenditures.
In 2022, the Company expects average oil and plant condensate production volumes of approximately 180.0 Mbbls/d to 190.0 Mbbls/d, other NGLs production volumes of approximately 78.0 Mbbls/d to 82.0 Mbbls/d and natural gas production volumes of approximately 1,450 MMcf/d to 1,500 MMcf/d.
Operating Expenses
The Company continues to benefit from cost savings measures implemented in 2020 which included workforce reductions and operating efficiencies. With rising activity in the oil and gas industry and the recovery of commodity prices, service and supply costs are expected to increase. Ovintiv continues to pursue innovative ways to reduce upstream operating and administrative expenses, and strives to minimize any inflationary pressures with efficiency improvements and effective supply chain management.
Total Costs per BOE is expected to increase for 2022 primarily due to higher production taxes resulting from expected strengthening of commodity prices and higher transportation and processing costs. For 2022, Ovintiv expects Total Costs of approximately $14.75 per BOE to $15.25 per BOE. Total Costs is defined in the Non-GAAP Measures section of this MD&A.
Long-Term Debt Reduction
Ovintiv remains focused on strengthening its balance sheet. Since the second quarter of 2020, the Company has allocated $2,580 million in excess cash flows to reduce its total long-term debt balance, which included proceeds from the Duvernay and Eagle Ford asset divestitures. The Company expects to achieve its Net Debt balance of $3.0 billion in the second half of 2022, assuming commodity prices of $85.00 per barrel for WTI oil and $4.50 per MMBtu for NYMEX natural gas.
In June 2021, the Company redeemed its $600 million, 5.75 percent senior notes due January 30, 2022, and in August 2021, redeemed its $518 million, 3.90 percent senior notes due November 15, 2021. The combined debt redemptions will result in annualized interest savings of over $50 million.
As at December 31, 2021, the Company had no outstanding balances under its revolving credit facilities and U.S. dollar commercial paper programs.
Additional information on Ovintiv’s long-term debt and liquidity position can be found in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of this MD&A, respectively.
Additional information on Ovintiv’s 2022 Corporate Guidance can be accessed on the Company’s website at www.ovintiv.com.
Environmental, Social and Governance
Ovintiv recognizes the importance of reducing its environmental footprint and voluntarily participates in emission reduction programs. The Company has adopted a range of strategies to help reduce emissions from its operations. These strategies include incorporating new and proven technologies and optimizing processes in its drilling and completions operations, and working closely with third-party providers to develop best practices. The Company continues to look for innovative techniques and efficiencies to help maintain its commitment to emission reductions.
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As of September 1, 2021, the Company is in alignment with the World Bank Zero Routine Flaring initiative, nine years ahead of the World Bank’s target date of 2030. Ovintiv does not engage in routine flaring by ensuring natural gas gathering infrastructure is in place for all of its producing wells.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company exceeded its targeted 33 percent reduction in methane emissions intensity four years ahead of schedule and achieved a greater than 20 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions intensity compared to 2019 levels. In 2022, the Company announced a further GHG emissions intensity reduction target of 50 percent compared to 2019 levels, to be achieved by 2030. This new emissions reduction target is also tied to its annual compensation program for all employees.
Ovintiv is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. In 2021, the Company developed a new social commitment framework, which is rooted in the Company’s foundational values of integrity, safety, sustainability, trust and respect. The framework focuses on respecting stakeholders, strengthening communities and fostering a culture of inclusion.
Ovintiv remains committed to protecting the health and safety of its workforce. Safety is a foundational value at Ovintiv and plays a critical role in the Company’s belief that a safe workplace is a strong indicator of a well-managed business. This safety-oriented mindset enables the Company to quickly respond to emergencies and minimize any impacts to employees and business continuity. From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ovintiv established a Pandemic Response Team to continually assess the impact of COVID-19 and develop protocols and procedures to maintain a safe working environment for its staff. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, the Company reported its eighth consecutive safest year in 2021.
Additional information on Ovintiv’s ESG practices are outlined in Items 1 and 2 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and on the Company’s sustainability website at https://sustainability.ovintiv.com.
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Results of Operations
Selected Financial Information
Product and Service Revenues
Upstream product revenues $ 7,420 $ 4,044
Service revenues (1) 5 6
Total Product and Service Revenues 10,468 5,509
Gains (Losses) on Risk Management, Net (1,883 ) 507
Sublease Revenues 73 71
Total Other (Income) Expenses 280 333
Net Earnings (Loss) Before Income Tax 1,239 (5,730 )
Income Tax Expense (Recovery) (177 ) 367
(1) Service revenues include amounts related to the USA and Canadian Operations.
Revenues
Ovintiv’s revenues are substantially derived from sales of oil, NGLs and natural gas production. Increases or decreases in Ovintiv’s revenue, profitability and future production are highly dependent on the commodity prices the Company receives. Prices are market driven and fluctuate due to factors beyond the Company’s control, such as supply and demand, seasonality and geopolitical and economic factors. The USA Operations realized prices generally reflect WTI and NYMEX benchmark prices, as well as other downstream oil benchmarks, including Houston. The Canadian Operations realized prices are linked to Edmonton Condensate and AECO, as well as other downstream natural gas benchmarks, including Dawn. The other downstream benchmarks reflect the diversification of the Company’s markets. Recent trends in benchmark prices relevant to the Company are shown in the table below.
Benchmark Prices
Oil & NGLs
Natural Gas
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Production Volumes and Realized Prices
Production Volumes (1) Realized Prices (2)
Oil (Mbbls/d, $/bbl)
NGLs – Plant Condensate (Mbbls/d, $/bbl)
NGLs – Other (Mbbls/d, $/bbl)
Total Oil & NGLs (Mbbls/d, $/bbl)
Natural Gas (MMcf/d, $/Mcf)
Total Production (MBOE/d, $/BOE)
Production Mix (%)
Oil & Plant Condensate 36 37
Total Oil & NGLs 51 53
Production Change – Year Over Year (%) (3)
Total Oil & NGLs (5 ) (4 )
Natural Gas 2 (3 )
Total Production (2 ) (4 )
Core Assets Production
NGLs – Plant Condensate (Mbbls/d) 48.8 46.3
NGLs – Other (Mbbls/d) 76.2 75.8
% of Total Production 89 84
(1) Average daily.
(2) Average per-unit prices, excluding the impact of risk management activities.
(3) Includes production impacts of acquisitions and divestitures.
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Upstream Product Revenues
($ millions) Oil NGLs - Plant Condensate NGLs - Other Natural Gas Total
Increase (decrease) due to:
Oil Revenues
2021 versus 2020
Oil revenues increased $1,322 million compared to 2020 primarily due to:
NGL Revenues
2021 versus 2020
NGL revenues increased $1,065 million compared to 2020 primarily due to:
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Natural Gas Revenues
2021 versus 2020
Natural gas revenues increased $985 million compared to 2020 primarily due to:
Gains (Losses) on Risk Management, Net
As a means of managing commodity price volatility, Ovintiv enters into commodity derivative financial instruments on a portion of its expected oil, NGLs and natural gas production volumes. The Company’s commodity price mitigation program reduces volatility and helps sustain revenues during periods of lower prices. Additional information on the Company’s commodity price positions as at December 31, 2021 can be found in Note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The following table provides the effects of the Company’s risk management activities on revenues.
$ millions Per-Unit
Realized Gains (Losses) on Risk Management
Commodity Price (1)
Other (2) 1 9 $ - $ -
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Risk Management (488 ) (204 )
Total Gains (Losses) on Risk Management, Net $ (1,883 ) $ 507
Ovintiv recognizes fair value changes from its risk management activities each reporting period. The changes in fair value result from new positions and settlements that occur during each period, as well as the relationship between contract prices and the associated forward curves. Realized gains or losses on risk management activities related to commodity price mitigation are included in the USA Operations, Canadian Operations and Market Optimization revenues as the contracts are cash settled. Unrealized gains or losses on fair value changes of unsettled contracts are included in the Corporate and Other segment. Additional information on fair value changes can be found in Note 24 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Market Optimization Revenues
Market Optimization product revenues relate to activities that provide operational flexibility and cost mitigation for transportation commitments, product type, delivery points and customer diversification. Ovintiv also purchases and sells third-party volumes under marketing arrangements associated with the Company’s previous divestitures.
2021 versus 2020
Market Optimization product revenues increased $1,584 million compared to 2020 primarily due to:
partially offset by:
Sublease Revenues
Sublease revenues primarily include amounts related to the sublease of office space in The Bow office building recorded in the Corporate and Other segment. Additional information on office sublease income can be found in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Operating Expenses
Production, Mineral and Other Taxes
Production, mineral and other taxes include production and property taxes. Production taxes are generally assessed as a percentage of oil, NGLs and natural gas production revenues. Property taxes are generally assessed based on the value of the underlying assets.
$ millions $/BOE
2021 versus 2020
Production, mineral and other taxes increased $120million compared to 2020 primarily due to:
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Transportation and Processing
Transportation and processing expense includes transportation costs incurred to move product from production points to sales points including gathering, compression, pipeline tariffs, trucking and storage costs. Ovintiv also incurs costs related to processing provided by third parties or through ownership interests in processing facilities.
$ millions $/BOE
2021 versus 2020
Transportation and processing expense increased $114 million compared to 2020 primarily due to:
partially offset by:
Operating
Operating expense includes costs paid by the Company, net of amounts capitalized, on oil and natural gas properties in which the Company has a working interest. These costs primarily include labor, service contract fees, chemicals, fuel, water hauling, electricity and workovers.
$ millions $/BOE
Market Optimization 25 22
Corporate & Other (1 ) (2 )
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2021 versus 2020
Operating expense increased $20 million compared to 2020 primarily due to:
partially offset by:
Additional information on the Company’s long-term incentive costs can be found in Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Purchased Product
Purchased product expense includes purchases of oil, NGLs and natural gas from third parties that are used to provide operational flexibility and cost mitigation for transportation commitments, product type, delivery points and customer diversification. The Company also purchases and sells third-party volumes under marketing arrangements associated with the Company’s previous divestitures.
2021 versus 2020
Purchased product expense increased $1,585million compared to 2020 primarily due to:
partially offset by:
Depreciation, Depletion & Amortization
Proved properties within each country cost centre are depleted using the unit-of-production method based on proved reserves as discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Depletion rates are impacted by impairments, acquisitions, divestitures and foreign exchange rates, as well as fluctuations in 12-month average trailing prices which affect proved reserves volumes. Corporate assets are carried at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated service lives of the assets.
Additional information can be found under Upstream Assets and Reserve Estimates in the Critical Accounting Estimates section of this MD&A.
$ millions $/BOE
Corporate & Other 21 29
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2021 versus 2020
DD&A decreased $644million compared to 2020 primarily due to:
The depletion rate in the USA Operations decreased $4.10 per BOE compared to 2020 primarily due to the ceiling test impairments recognized in 2020 and the sale of the Eagle Ford assets in the second quarter of 2021. The depletion rate in the Canadian Operations decreased $1.32 per BOE compared to 2020 primarily due to the sale of the Duvernay assets in the second quarter of 2021.
Impairments
Under full cost accounting, the carrying amount of Ovintiv’s oil and natural gas properties within each country cost centre is subject to a ceiling test performed quarterly. Ceiling test impairments are recognized when the capitalized costs, net of accumulated depletion and the related deferred income taxes, exceed the sum of the estimated after-tax future net cash flows from proved reserves as calculated under SEC requirements using the 12‐month average trailing prices and discounted at 10 percent. The 12-month average trailing price is calculated as the average of the price on the first day of each month within the trailing 12-month period.
In 2021, the Company did not recognize ceiling test impairments (2020 - $5,580 million before tax, in the USA Operations). The non-cash ceiling test impairments in 2020 primarily resulted from the decline in the 12-month average trailing prices, which reduced proved reserves.
The 12-month average trailing prices used in the ceiling test calculations were based on the benchmark prices below. The benchmark prices were adjusted for basis differentials to determine local reference prices, transportation costs and tariffs, heat content and quality.
Oil & NGLs Natural Gas
WTI ($/bbl) Edmonton Condensate (C$/bbl) Henry Hub ($/MMBtu) AECO (C$/MMBtu)
12-Month Average Trailing Reserves Pricing (1)
The Company believes that the discounted after-tax future net cash flows from proved reserves required to be used in the ceiling test calculation are not indicative of the fair market value of Ovintiv’s oil and natural gas properties or the future net cash flows expected to be generated from such properties. The discounted after-tax future net cash flows do not consider the fair market value of unamortized unproved properties, or probable or possible liquids and natural gas reserves. In addition, there is no consideration given to the effect of future changes in commodity prices. Ovintiv manages its business using estimates of reserves and resources based on forecast prices and costs. Additional information on the ceiling test calculation can be found in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Administrative
Administrative expense represents costs associated with corporate functions provided by Ovintiv staff. Costs primarily include salaries and benefits, operating lease, office, information technology, restructuring and long-term incentive costs.
$ millions $/BOE
Administrative, excluding Long-Term Incentive Costs,
Current expected credit losses 1 1 - -
2021 versus 2020
Administrative expense increased $47 million compared to 2020 primarily due to:
partially offset by:
During 2020, the Company completed workforce reductions as part of a company-wide reorganization in response to the low commodity price environment resulting from the global pandemic and the Company’s planned reductions in capital spending. Additional information on restructuring charges and long-term incentive costs can be found in Notes 21 and 22, respectively, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Other (Income) Expenses
Foreign exchange (gain) loss, net (23 ) 17
Other (gains) losses, net (37 ) (55 )
Total Other (Income) Expenses $ 280 $ 333
Interest
Interest expense primarily includes interest on Ovintiv’s long-term debt. Additional information on changes in interest can be found in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2021 versus 2020
Interest expense decreased $31 million compared to 2020 primarily due to:
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partially offset by:
Foreign Exchange (Gain) Loss, Net
Foreign exchange gains and losses primarily result from the impact of fluctuations in the Canadian to U.S. dollar exchange rate. Additional information on changes in foreign exchange gains or losses can be found in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additional information on foreign exchange rates and the effects of foreign exchange rate changes can be found in Item 7A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Following the completion of the corporate reorganization and U.S. domestication in the first quarter of 2020, the U.S. dollar denominated unsecured notes issued by Encana Corporation from Canada were assumed by Ovintiv Inc., a company incorporated in Delaware with a U.S. dollar functional currency. Accordingly, these U.S. dollar denominated unsecured notes, along with certain intercompany notes, no longer attract foreign exchange translation gains or losses.
2021 versus 2020
Net foreign exchange gain was $23 million compared to a loss of $17 million in 2020 primarily due to:
partially offset by:
Other (Gains) Losses, Net
Other (gains) losses, net, primarily includes other non-recurring revenues or expenses and may also include items such as interest income, interest received from tax authorities, transaction costs relating to acquisitions, reclamation charges relating to decommissioned assets, gains on debt repurchases, government stimulus programs and adjustments related to other assets.
Other gains in 2021 includes interest income of $14 million primarily associated with the resolution of prior years’ tax items.
Other gains in 2020 primarily included gains of $30 million relating to the repurchase of the Company’s fixed long-term debt on the open market and interest income of $5 million.
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Income Tax
Current Income Tax Expense (Recovery) $ (156 ) $ (14 )
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Recovery) (21 ) 381
Income Tax Expense (Recovery) $ (177 ) $ 367
Effective Tax Rate (14.3% ) (6.4% )
Income Tax Expense (Recovery)
2021 versus 2020
In 2021, Ovintiv recorded an income tax recovery of $177 million compared to an income tax expense of $367 million in 2020, primarily due to the resolution of prior years’ tax items and the change in valuation allowances.
Deferred income tax assets are routinely assessed for realizability. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company determined, after weighing both positive and negative evidence, that a valuation allowance should be recorded to reduce the associated deferred tax assets in the U.S. and in Canada. Accordingly, a valuation allowance of $568 million was recognized in Canada related to prior years’ deferred tax assets during the year ended December 31, 2020. As at December 31, 2021, the Company continues to be in a cumulative three-year loss position in both the U.S. and Canada and as such, continues to recognize the valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets. The cumulative three-year losses and uncertainty in the timing as to when the realization of deferred tax assets will occur, is significant negative evidence to overcome, and consequently, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realizable. However, if market conditions continue to improve, it is possible that a portion of the valuation allowance in Canada may be reversed within the next 12 months.
Effective Tax Rate
The Company’s annual effective income tax rate is primarily impacted by earnings, changes in valuation allowances, amounts in respect of prior periods, state taxes, income tax related to foreign operations, the effect of legislative changes, and tax differences on divestitures and transactions.
The Company’s effective tax rate was (14.3) percent for 2021, which is lower than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21 percent primarily due to the resolution of prior years’ tax items and the change in valuation allowances.
The Company’s effective tax rate was (6.4) percent for 2020, which is lower than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21 percent primarily due to valuation allowances recorded relating to net losses arising from ceiling test impairments and an increase in the valuation allowance of $568 million in Canada related to prior years’ deferred tax assets.
The determination of income and other tax liabilities of the Company and its subsidiaries requires interpretation of complex domestic and foreign tax laws and regulations, that are subject to change. The Company’s interpretation of tax laws may differ from the interpretation of the tax authorities. As a result, there are tax matters under review for which the timing of resolution is uncertain. The Company believes that the provision for income taxes is adequate.
Additional information on income taxes can be found in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources of Liquidity
The Company has the flexibility to access cash equivalents and a range of funding alternatives at competitive rates through committed revolving credit facilities as well as debt and equity capital markets. Ovintiv closely monitors the accessibility of cost-effective credit and ensures that sufficient liquidity is in place to fund capital expenditures and dividend payments. In addition, the Company may use cash and cash equivalents, cash from operating activities, or proceeds from asset divestitures to fund its operations or to manage its capital structure as discussed below. At December 31, 2021, $188 million in cash and cash equivalents was held by Canadian subsidiaries. The cash held by Canadian subsidiaries is accessible and may be subject to additional U.S. income taxes and Canadian withholding taxes if repatriated.
The Company’s capital structure consists of total shareholders’ equity plus long-term debt, including any current portion. The Company’s objectives when managing its capital structure are to maintain financial flexibility to preserve Ovintiv’s access to capital markets and its ability to meet financial obligations and finance internally generated growth, as well as potential acquisitions. Ovintiv has a practice of maintaining capital discipline and strategically managing its capital structure by adjusting capital spending, adjusting dividends paid to shareholders, issuing new shares of common stock, purchasing shares of common stock for cancellation, issuing new debt and repaying or repurchasing existing debt.
($ millions, except as indicated) 2021 2020
Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 195 $ 10
Available Uncommitted Demand Lines (2) 300 269
Issuance of U.S. Commercial Paper - (352 )
Long-Term Debt, including current portion $ 4,786 $ 6,885
Total Shareholders’ Equity (3) $ 5,074 $ 3,837
Debt to Capitalization (%) (4) 49 64
Debt to Adjusted Capitalization (%) (5) 27 37
The Company has access to two committed revolving U.S. dollar denominated credit facilities totaling $4.0 billion, which include a $2.5 billion revolving credit facility for Ovintiv Inc. and a $1.5 billion revolving credit facility for a Canadian subsidiary, both maturing in July 2024. The Credit Facilities provide financial flexibility and allow the Company to fund its operations or capital program. At December 31, 2021, there were no outstanding amounts under the revolving Credit Facilities and the Company continues to have full access to its Credit Facilities.
During the fourth quarter of 2021, Ovintiv’s credit rating was upgraded to investment grade by one of its credit rating agencies driven by Ovintiv’s significant debt reductions and improved commodity price assumptions used by the rating agency. As a result of the upgrade, most of Ovintiv’s credit ratings are investment grade.
Depending on the Company’s credit rating and market demand, the Company may issue from its two U.S. CP programs, which include a $1.5 billion program for Ovintiv Inc. and a $1.0 billion program for a Canadian subsidiary. As at December 31, 2021, the Company had no commercial paper outstanding under its U.S. CP programs and continues to have full access to its U.S. CP programs.
The Credit Facilities, uncommitted demand lines, and cash and cash equivalents provide Ovintiv with total liquidity of approximately $4.5 billion. At December 31, 2021, Ovintiv also had approximately $36 million in undrawn
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letters of credit issued in the normal course of business primarily as collateral security, related to transportation arrangements and to support future abandonment liabilities.
Ovintiv has a U.S. shelf registration statement and a Canadian shelf prospectus, under which the Company may issue from time to time, debt securities, common stock, preferred stock, warrants, units, share purchase contracts and share purchase units in the U.S. and/or Canada. At December 31, 2021, $6.0 billion remained accessible under the Canadian shelf prospectus. The ability to issue securities under the U.S. shelf registration statement or Canadian shelf prospectus is dependent upon market conditions and securities law requirements.
Ovintiv is currently in compliance with, and expects that it will continue to be in compliance with, all financial covenants under the Credit Facilities. Management monitors Debt to Adjusted Capitalization, which is a non-GAAP measure defined in the Non-GAAP Measures section of this MD&A, as a proxy for Ovintiv’s financial covenant under the Credit Facilities, which requires Debt to Adjusted capitalization to be less than 60 percent. As at December 31, 2021, the Company’s Debt to Adjusted Capitalization was 27 percent. The definitions used in the covenant under the Credit Facilities adjust capitalization forcumulative historical ceiling test impairments recorded in conjunction with the Company’s January 1, 2012 adoption of U.S. GAAP. Ovintiv does not expect the current COVID-19 pandemic to impact the Company’s ability to remain in compliance with its financial covenants under the Credit Facilities. Additional information on financial covenants can be found in Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Sources and Uses of Cash
During 2021, the Company primarily generated cash through operating activities and divestitures. The following table summarizes the sources and uses of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents.
Sources of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash from operating activities Operating $ 3,129 $ 1,895
Proceeds from divestitures Investing 1,025 89
Net issuance of revolving long-term debt Financing - 252
Uses of Cash and Cash Equivalents
Capital expenditures Investing 1,519 1,736
Acquisitions Investing 11 19
Net repayment of revolving long-term debt Financing 950 -
Repayment of long-term debt (1) Financing 1,137 272
Purchase of shares of common stock Financing 111 -
Dividends on shares of common stock Financing 122 97
Other Financing/Investing 119 287
Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash $ 185 $ (180 )
(1) Includes open market repurchases in 2020.
Operating Activities
Net cash from operating activities in 2021 was $3,129 million and was primarily a reflection of the impacts from higher average realized commodity prices, partially offset by the effects of the Company’s commodity price mitigation program and changes in non‐cash working capital.
Additional detail on changes in non-cash working capital can be found in Note 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Ovintiv expects it will continue to meet the payment terms of its suppliers.
Non-GAAP Cash Flow in 2021 was $3,209million and was primarily impacted by the items affecting cash from operating activities which are discussed below and in the Results of Operations section of this MD&A.
2021 versus 2020
Net cash from operating activities increased $1,234million compared to 2020 primarily due to:
partially offset by:
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Investing Activities
The Company’s primary investing activities are capital expenditures, divestitures and acquisitions, and are summarized in Notes 2 and 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2021 and 2020
Net cash used in investing activities in 2021 was $525million primarily due to capital expenditures, partially offset by proceeds from divestitures. Capital expenditures decreased $217 million compared to 2020 due to the Company’s reduced capital program in response to the volatile market conditions that commenced at the end of the first quarter of 2020 as well as the Company’s drive to maintain capital discipline while maximizing efficiency gains.
Acquisitions in 2021 were $11 million (2020 - $19 million), which primarily included property purchases with oil and liquids rich potential.
Divestitures in 2021 were $1,025 million, which primarily included the sale of the Eagle Ford assets in south Texas and Duvernay assets in west central Alberta, totaling approximately $1.0 billion, after closing and other adjustments, as well as certain properties that did not complement Ovintiv’s existing portfolio of assets. Divestitures in 2020 were $89 million, which primarily included the sale of certain properties that did not complement Ovintiv’s existing portfolio of assets.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities has been impacted by the Company’s strategy to enhance liquidity, strengthen its balance sheet by repaying or repurchasing existing debt, and returning value to shareholders through the purchase of shares of common stock and paying dividends.
2021 versus 2020
Net cash used in financing activities in 2021 increased $2,213 million compared to 2020. The increase was primarily due to a net repayment of revolving long-term debt in 2021 of $950 million compared to a net issuance in 2020 of $252 million, higher repayment of long-term debt associated with the early redemption of the Company’s senior notes ($865 million) and shares of common stock purchased under the 2021 NCIB ($111 million) as discussed below.
From time to time, Ovintiv may seek to retire or purchase the Company’s outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for other debt or equity securities, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, the Company’s liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors.
The Company’s long-term debt totaled $4,786 million at December 31, 2021. There was no current portion of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2021. The Company’s long-term debt at December 31, 2020 totaled $6,885 million, which included the current portion of $518 million. In June 2021, the Company redeemed its $600 million, 5.75 percent senior notes due January 30, 2022, and in August 2021, redeemed its $518 million, 3.90 percent senior notes due November 15, 2021. The combined debt redemptions will result in annualized interest savings of over $50 million. As at December 31, 2021, the Company has no fixed rate long-term debt due until 2024 and beyond.
Since the second quarter of 2020, the Company has allocated $2,580 million in excess cash flows to reduce its total long-term debt balance, which includes proceeds from the Duvernay and Eagle Ford asset divestitures. The Company expects to achieve its Net Debt balance of $3.0 billion in the second half of 2022, assuming commodity prices of $85.00 per barrel for WTI oil and $4.50 per MMBtu for NYMEX natural gas.
In support of the Company’s commitment to growing shareholder value, Ovintiv announced a new capital allocation framework in the third quarter that outlines increasing returns to shareholders as well as continuing the Company’s progress on debt reduction.
For additional information on long-term debt, refer to Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Dividends
The Company pays quarterly dividends to common shareholders at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
($ millions, except as indicated) 2021 2020
Dividend Payments $ 122 $ 97
On February 24, 2022, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.20 per share of common stock payable on March 31, 2022 to common shareholders of record as of March 15, 2022. This represents an increase of about 43 percent to the annualized dividend payment.
Normal Course Issuer Bid
On September 28, 2021, Ovintiv announced it received regulatory approval to commence a NCIB that enables the Company to purchase, for cancellation, up to approximately 26 million shares of common stock over a 12-month period from October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. The number of shares authorized for purchase represent approximately 10 percent of Ovintiv’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock as at September 20, 2021. The Company is funding the NCIB through its new capital allocation framework as discussed above. In 2021, the Company purchased for cancellation, approximately 3.1 million shares of common stock for total consideration of approximately $111 million.
For additional information on the NCIB, refer to Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Material Cash Requirements
Ovintiv’s material cash requirements include various contractual obligations arising from long-term debt, operating leases, risk management liabilities and asset retirement obligations which are recognized on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company expects to fund long term material cash requirements primarily with cash from operating activities.
Interest payments include scheduled cash payments on long-term debt, finance leases and other obligations. Additional information can be found in Notes 15 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Operating leases include drilling rigs, compressors, office and buildings, certain land easements and various equipment utilized in the development and production of oil, NGLs and natural gas, as well as The Bow building. The Company has subleased approximately 50 percent of The Bow office space under the lease agreement. Additional information on leases can be found in Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Risk management liabilities represent Ovintiv’s net liability positions with counterparties. The majority of the Company’s risk management positions are expected to be settled by the end of 2022. Additional information can be found in Note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Contractual commitments relating to transportation and processing commitments, and drilling and field services can be found in Notes 14 and 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Further to the commitments discussed above, Ovintiv also has various obligations that become payable if certain future events occur relating to take or pay arrangements and guarantees on transportation commitments resulting from completed property divestitures as described in Notes 20, 25 and 27, respectively, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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In addition, the Company has obligations to fund its defined benefit pension and other post-employment benefit plans, as well as obligations to fund the disposal of long-lived assets upon their abandonment as described in Notes 23 and 17, respectively, to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Other than the items discussed above, there are no other transactions, arrangements, or relationships with unconsolidated entities or persons that are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s liquidity or the availability of, or requirements for, capital resources.
Contingencies
For information on contingencies, refer to Note 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Accounting Policies and Estimates
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make informed judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. For a discussion of the Company’s significant accounting policies refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Changes in facts and circumstances or additional information may result in revised estimates, and actual results may differ from these estimates. Management considers the following to be its most critical accounting estimates that involve judgment. The following discussion outlines the accounting policies and practices involving the use of estimates that are critical to determining Ovintiv’s financial results. Changes in the estimates and assumptions discussed below could materially affect the amount or timing of the financial results of the Company.
Description Judgments and Uncertainties
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Description Judgments and Uncertainties
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Description Judgments and Uncertainties
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Non-GAAP Measures
Certain measures in this document do not have any standardized meaning as prescribed by U.S. GAAP and, therefore, are considered non-GAAP measures. These measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers and should not be viewed as a substitute for measures reported under U.S. GAAP. These measures are commonly used in the oil and gas industry and by Ovintiv to provide shareholders and potential investors with additional information regarding the Company’s liquidity and its ability to generate funds to finance its operations. Non-GAAP measures include: Non-GAAP Cash Flow, Non-GAAP Cash Flow Margin, Total Costs, Debt to Adjusted Capitalization, Net Debt and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA. Management’s use of these measures is discussed further below.
Non-GAAP Cash Flow and Non-GAAP Cash FlowMargin
Non-GAAP Cash Flow is a non-GAAP measure defined as cash from (used in) operating activities excluding net change in other assets and liabilities, net change in non-cash working capital and current tax on sale of assets.
Non-GAAP Cash Flow Margin is a non-GAAP measure defined as Non-GAAP Cash Flow per BOE of production.
Management believes these measures are useful to the Company and its investors as a measure of operating and financial performance across periods and against other companies in the industry, and are an indication of the Company’s ability to generate cash to finance capital programs, to service debt and to meet other financial obligations. These measures are used, along with other measures, in the calculation of certain performance targets for the Company’s management and employees.
($ millions, except as indicated) 2021 2020
Cash From (Used in) Operating Activities $ 3,129 $ 1,895
(Add back) deduct:
Net change in other assets and liabilities (39 ) (173 )
Net change in non-cash working capital (41 ) 139
Current tax on sale of assets - -
Divided by:
Non-GAAP Cash Flow Margin ($/BOE) $ 16.46 $ 9.69
(1) 2021 includes restructuring costs of $14 million (2020 - $90 million).
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Total Costs
Total Costs is a non-GAAP measure which includes the summation of production, mineral and other taxes, upstream transportation and processing expense, upstream operating expense and administrative expense, excluding the impact of long-term incentive, restructuring and legal costs, and current expected credit losses. It is calculated as total operating expenses excluding non-upstream operating costs and non-cash items which include operating expenses from the Market Optimization and Corporate and Other segments, depreciation, depletion and amortization, impairments, accretion of asset retirement obligation, long-term incentive, restructuring and legal costs, and current expected credit losses. When presented on a per BOE basis, Total Costs is divided by production volumes. Management believes this measure is useful to the Company and its investors as a measure of operational efficiency across periods.
($ millions, except as indicated) 2021 2020
Deduct (add back):
Market optimization operating expenses 3,148 1,608
Corporate & other operating expenses (1 ) (2 )
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 1,190 1,834
Accretion of asset retirement obligation 22 29
Long-term incentive costs 132 31
Restructuring and legal costs 34 90
Current expected credit losses 1 1
Divided by:
(1) Calculated using whole dollars and volumes.
Debt to Adjusted Capitalization
Debt to Adjusted Capitalization is a non-GAAP measure which adjusts capitalization for historical ceiling test impairments that were recorded as at December 31, 2011. Management monitors Debt to Adjusted Capitalization as a proxy for the Company’s financial covenant under the Credit Facilities which require debt to adjusted capitalization to be less than 60 percent. Adjusted Capitalization includes debt, total shareholders’ equity and an equity adjustment for cumulative historical ceiling test impairments recorded as at December 31, 2011 in conjunction with the Company’s January 1, 2012 adoption of U.S. GAAP.
($ millions, except as indicated) December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020
Long-Term Debt, including current portion $ 4,786 $ 6,885
Debt to Adjusted Capitalization 27% 37%
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Net Debt and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA
Net Debt and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures whereby Net Debt is defined as long-term debt, including the current portion, less cash and cash equivalents and Adjusted EBITDA is defined as trailing 12-month net earnings (loss) before income taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization, impairments, accretion of asset retirement obligation, interest, unrealized gains/losses on risk management, foreign exchange gains/losses, gains/losses on divestitures and other gains/losses.
Management believes these measures are useful to the Company and its investors as a measure of financial leverage and the Company’s ability to service its debt and other financial obligations. These measures are used, along with other measures, in the calculation of certain financial performance targets for the Company’s management and employees.
($ millions, except as indicated) December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020
Long-Term Debt, including current portion $ 4,786 $ 6,885
Less:
Cash and cash equivalents 195 10
Add back (deduct):
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 1,190 1,834
Accretion of asset retirement obligation 22 29
Unrealized (gains) losses on risk management 488 204
Foreign exchange (gain) loss, net (23 ) 17
(Gain) loss on divestitures, net - -
Other (gains) losses, net (37 ) (55 )
Income tax expense (recovery) (177 ) 367
Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA (times) 1.4 3.1
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Item 7A: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The primary objective of the following information is to provide forward-looking quantitative and qualitative information about Ovintiv’s potential exposure to market risks. The term “market risk” refers to the Company’s risk of loss arising from adverse changes in oil, NGL and natural gas prices, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The following disclosures are not meant to be precise indicators of expected future losses but rather indicators of reasonably possible losses. The forward-looking information provides indicators of how the Company views and manages ongoing market risk exposures.
COMMODITY PRICE RISK
Commodity price risk arises from the effect fluctuations in future commodity prices, including oil, NGLs and natural gas, may have on future revenues, expenses and cash flows. Realized pricing is primarily driven by the prevailing worldwide price for crude oil and spot market prices applicable to the Company’s natural gas production. Pricing for oil, NGLs and natural gas production is volatile and unpredictable as discussed in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. To partially mitigate exposure to commodity price risk, the Company may enter into various derivative financial instruments including futures, forwards, swaps, options and costless collars. The use of these derivative instruments is governed under formal policies and is subject to limits established by the Board of Directors and may vary from time to time. Both exchange traded and over-the-counter traded derivative instruments may be subject to margin-deposit requirements, and the Company may be required from time to time to deposit cash or provide letters of credit with exchange brokers or counterparties to satisfy these margin requirements. For additional information relating to the Company’s derivative and financial instruments, see Note 25 under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The table below summarizes the sensitivity of the fair value of the Company’s risk management positions to fluctuations in commodity prices, with all other variables held constant. The Company has used a 10 percent variability to assess the potential impact of commodity price changes. Fluctuations in commodity prices could have resulted in unrealized gains (losses) impacting pre-tax net earnings as follows:
(US$ millions) Increase Decrease
FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK
Foreign exchange risk arises from changes in foreign exchange rates that may affect the fair value or future cash flows of the Company’s financial assets or liabilities. The following table presents the foreign exchange rates for the respective years ended December 31.
Foreign Exchange Rates (C$ per US$1)
As Ovintiv operates primarily in the United States and Canada, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. and Canadian dollars can have a significant effect on the Company’s reported results. The table below summarizes selected foreign exchange impacts on Ovintiv’s financial results when compared to the same periods in the prior years.
$ millions $/BOE $ millions $/BOE
Increase (Decrease) in:
Capital Investment $ 21 $ (6 )
Transportation and Processing Expense (1) 55 $ 0.28 (7 ) $ (0.04 )
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (1) 30 0.15 (4 ) (0.02 )
(1) Reflects upstream operations.
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Foreign exchange gains and losses also arise when monetary assets and monetary liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated and settled, and primarily include:
• U.S. dollar denominated financing debt issued from Canada
• U.S. dollar denominated risk management assets and liabilities held in Canada
• U.S. dollar denominated cash and short-term investments held in Canada
• Foreign denominated intercompany loans
To partially mitigate the effect of foreign exchange fluctuations on future commodity revenues and expenses, the Company may enter into foreign currency derivative contracts. As at December 31, 2021, Ovintiv has entered into $400 million notional U.S. dollar denominated currency swaps at an average exchange rate of C$1.2848 to US$1, which mature monthly throughout 2022.
As at December 31, 2021, Ovintiv did not have any U.S. dollar denominated financing debt issued from Canada or foreign denominated intercompany loans that were subject to foreign exchange exposure.
The table below summarizes the sensitivity to foreign exchange rate fluctuations, with all other variables held constant. The Company has used a 10 percent variability to assess the potential impact from Canadian to U.S. foreign currency exchange rate changes. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could have resulted in unrealized gains (losses) impacting pre-tax net earnings as follows:
(US$ millions) 10% Rate Increase 10% Rate Decrease
Foreign currency exchange $ (32 ) $ 39
INTEREST RATE RISK
Interest rate risk arises from changes in market interest rates that may affect the fair value or future cash flows from the Company’s financial assets or liabilities. The Company may partially mitigate its exposure to interest rate changes by holding a mix of both fixed and floating rate debt and may also enter into interest rate derivatives to partially mitigate effects of fluctuations in market interest rates.
As at December 31, 2021, Ovintiv had no floating rate debt and there were no interest rate derivatives outstanding.
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Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Management Report
Management’s Responsibility for Consolidated Financial Statements
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company are the responsibility of Management. The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared by Management in United States dollars in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and include certain estimates that reflect Management’s best judgments.
Ovintiv’s Board of Directors has approved the information contained in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Board of Directors fulfills its responsibility regarding the financial statements mainly through its Audit Committee, which has a written mandate that complies with the requirements of United States and Canadian securities legislation and the Audit Committee guidelines of the New York Stock Exchange. The Audit Committee meets at least on a quarterly basis.
Management’s Assessment of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is also responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over the Company’s financial reporting. The internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s Management regarding the preparation and presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management has assessed the design and effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2021. In making its assessment, Management has used the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission to evaluate the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Based on our evaluation, Management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as at that date.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, was appointed by a vote of shareholders at the Company’s last annual meeting to audit and provide independent opinions on both the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as at December 31, 2021, as stated in their Auditor’s Report. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has provided such opinions.
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Auditor’s Report
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Ovintiv Inc.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ovintiv Inc. and its subsidiaries (together, the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “Consolidated Financial Statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).
In our opinion, the Consolidated Financial Statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these Consolidated Financial Statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Assessment of Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Consolidated Financial Statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the Consolidated Financial Statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the Consolidated Financial Statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail,
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accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the Consolidated Financial Statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
The impact of estimates of proved oil, natural gas liquids (“NGL”), and natural gas reserves on net oil and natural gas proved properties
As described in Notes 1 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has a net oil and natural gas proved properties balance of $6,607 million as of December 31, 2021 and depreciation, depletion, and amortization (“DD&A”) expense of $1,190 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The Company uses the full cost method of accounting for its acquisition, exploration, and development activities. Capitalized costs accumulated within each cost centre are depleted using the unit-of-production method based on proved oil, NGL and natural gas reserves. Proved oil, NGL and natural gas reserve estimates are key inputs to the Company’s depletion and ceiling test impairment calculations. A ceiling test impairment is recognized in net earnings when the carrying amount of a country cost centre exceeds the country cost centre ceiling. Management estimates its proved oil, NGL and natural gas reserves according to the definition of proved reserves provided by the SEC. Management’s estimates of proved oil, NGL and natural gas reserves are made using available geological and reservoir data as well as production performance data. Proved oil, NGL and natural gas reserves are those quantities of oil and natural gas, which by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible in future periods from known reservoirs under existing economic conditions, operating methods and government regulations. The assumptions used by management to determine estimates of the proved oil, NGL and natural gas reserves and the ceiling test impairment calculation include the average beginning-of-the-month prices during the 12-month period for the year, future production estimates, future production and development costs and estimates for abandonment and dismantlement costs associated with asset retirement obligations. The estimation of reserves is a subjective process. In determining the estimates of the proved oil, NGL and natural gas reserves, management utilizes the services of specialists, specifically petroleum engineers.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the impact of estimates of proved oil, NGL and natural gas reserves on net oil and natural gas proved properties is a critical audit matter are (i) significant judgment used by management, including the use of specialists, when developing the estimates of the proved oil, NGL and natural gas reserves and performing the ceiling test impairment calculation and (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, effort and subjectivity in performing procedures to evaluate the significant assumptions used in developing those estimates including the average beginning-of-the-month prices during the 12-month period for the year, future production estimates, future production and development costs, and estimates for abandonment and dismantlement costs associated with asset retirement obligations.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s estimates of proved oil, NGL and natural gas reserves, the calculation of the full
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cost ceiling test and the calculation of DD&A expense. These procedures also included, among others, evaluating management’s ceiling test impairment calculation and testing the unit-of-production depletion rate used to calculate depletion expense, testing the completeness, accuracy and relevance of underlying data and evaluating the appropriateness of the significant assumptions used by management in developing these estimates, including assumptions related to the average beginning-of-the-month prices during the 12-month period for the year, future production estimates, future production and development costs, and estimates for abandonment and dismantlement costs associated with asset retirement obligations. The work of management’s specialists was used in performing procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of the estimates of proved oil, NGL and natural gas reserves. As a basis for using this work, the specialists’ qualifications were understood and the Company’s relationship with the specialists was assessed. The procedures performed also included evaluation of the methods and assumptions used by the specialists, tests of the data used by the specialists, and an evaluation of the specialists’ findings. Evaluating the significant assumptions also involved evaluating whether the assumptions used were reasonable considering the past performance of the Company and whether they were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
Calgary, Canada
February 25, 2022
We have served as the Company’s or its predecessors’ auditor since 1958.
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Consolidated Statement of Earnings
Revenues (Note 2)
Gains (losses) on risk management, net (Note 25) (1,883 ) 507 (361 )
Operating Expenses (Note 2)
Production, mineral and other taxes 293 173 254
Impairments (Note 10) - 5,580 -
Accretion of asset retirement obligation (Note 17) 22 29 37
Other (Income) Expenses
Foreign exchange (gain) loss, net (Notes 5, 25) (23 ) 17 (119 )
(Gain) loss on divestitures, net - - (3 )
Other (gains) losses, net (Notes 6, 8, 15, 23) (37 ) (55 ) 23
Net Earnings (Loss) Before Income Tax 1,239 (5,730 ) 315
Income tax expense (recovery) (Note 6) (177 ) 367 81
Net Earnings (Loss) per Share of Common Stock (Note 18)
Weighted Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding (millions) (Note 18)
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment (Note 19) 2 38 28
Pension and other post-employment benefit plans (Notes 19, 23) 14 (8 ) 20
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 16 30 48
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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Consolidated Balance Sheet
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 195 $ 10
Income tax receivable (Note 6) 97 272
Property, Plant and Equipment, at cost: (Note 10)
Oil and natural gas properties, based on full cost accounting
Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization (49,561 ) (48,306 )
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 2) 8,761 9,450
Risk Management (Notes 24, 25) - 4
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 13) $ 1,979 $ 1,704
Current portion of operating lease liabilities (Note 14) 62 68
Income tax payable 4 3
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 15) - 518
Operating Lease Liabilities (Note 14) 889 938
Other Liabilities and Provisions (Notes 14, 16) 190 358
Asset Retirement Obligation (Note 17) 339 401
Deferred Income Taxes (Note 6) 4 20
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 27)
Shareholders’ Equity
Retained earnings (Accumulated deficit) (4,479 ) (5,773 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (Note 19) 1,092 1,076
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Approved by the Board of Directors
/s/ Peter A. Dea /s/ Bruce G. Waterman
Peter A. Dea Bruce G. Waterman
Director Director
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Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
Retained Accumulated
Earnings Other Total
Share Paid in (Accumulated Comprehensive Shareholders’
Equity-Settled Compensation Costs - 38 - - 38
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Note 19) - - - 16 16
Retained Accumulated
Earnings Other Total
Share Paid in (Accumulated Comprehensive Shareholders’
Net Earnings (Loss) - - (6,097 ) - (6,097 )
Equity-Settled Compensation Costs - 71 - - 71
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Note 19) - - - 30 30
Accumulated
Other Total
Share Paid in Retained Comprehensive Shareholders’
Net Earnings (Loss) - - 234 - 234
Dividends on Common Shares ($0.375 per share) (Note 18) - - (102 ) - (102 )
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Note 19) - - - 48 48
Impact of Adoption of Topic 842, Leases - - 75 - 75
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Operating Activities
Impairments (Note 10) - 5,580 -
Accretion of asset retirement obligation (Note 17) 22 29 37
Deferred income taxes (Note 6) (21 ) 381 94
Unrealized (gain) loss on risk management (Note 25) 488 204 730
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss (Note 5) 21 11 (23 )
Foreign exchange on settlements (Note 5) (11 ) 6 (96 )
(Gain) loss on divestitures, net - - (3 )
Net change in other assets and liabilities (39 ) (173 ) (97 )
Net change in non-cash working capital (Note 26) (41 ) 139 87
Investing Activities
Acquisitions (Note 9) (11 ) (19 ) (65 )
Corporate acquisition, net of cash and restricted cash acquired (Note 8) - - 94
Net change in investments and other (20 ) (198 ) (156 )
Cash From (Used in) Investing Activities (525 ) (1,864 ) (2,556 )
Financing Activities
Net issuance (repayment) of revolving long-term debt (Note 15) (950 ) 252 698
Purchase of shares of common stock (Note 18) (111 ) - (1,250 )
Dividends on shares of common stock (Note 18) (122 ) (97 ) (102 )
Finance lease payments and other (Note 14) (99 ) (89 ) (84 )
Cash From (Used in) Financing Activities (2,419 ) (206 ) (1,238 )
Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss) on Cash, Cash Equivalents
and Restricted Cash Held in Foreign Currency - (5 ) 5
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash, Beginning of Year 10 190 1,058
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash, End of Year $ 195 $ 10 $ 190
Cash, End of Year $ 26 $ 9 $ 44
Cash Equivalents, End of Year 169 1 146
Restricted Cash, End of Year - - -
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash, End of Year $ 195 $ 10 $ 190
Supplementary Cash Flow Information (Note 26)
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
A) NATURE OF OPERATIONS
On January 24, 2020, Encana Corporation (“Encana”) completed a corporate reorganization, which included a plan of arrangement (the “Arrangement”) that involved, among other things, a share consolidation by Encana on the basis of one post-consolidation share for each five pre-consolidation shares (the “Share Consolidation”), and Ovintiv Inc. ultimately acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Encana in exchange for shares of common stock of Ovintiv Inc. on a one-for-one basis. Following completion of the Arrangement, Ovintiv Inc. migrated from Canada and became a Delaware corporation, domiciled in the U.S. (the “U.S. Domestication”). The Arrangement and the U.S. Domestication together are referred to as the “Reorganization”. Ovintiv Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Ovintiv”) continue to carry on the business of the exploration for, the development of, and the production and marketing of oil, NGLs and natural gas, which was previously conducted by Encana and its subsidiaries prior to the completion of the Reorganization.
B) BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Ovintiv and are presented in conformity with U.S. GAAP and the rules and regulations of the SEC.
In these Consolidated Financial Statements, unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars. Following the U.S. Domestication on January 24, 2020, the functional currency of Ovintiv Inc. became U.S. dollars, and accordingly, the financial results herein are consolidated and reported in U.S. dollars. All references to US$ or to $ are to United States dollars and references to C$ are to Canadian dollars.
The Arrangement, as described above, was accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control. Accordingly, the resulting transactions were recognized using historical carrying amounts. On January 24, 2020, Ovintiv became the reporting entity upon completion of the Reorganization.
In accordance with the Share Consolidation, all shares of common stock and per-share amounts disclosed herein reflect the post-Share Consolidation shares unless otherwise specified. References to shares of common stock refer to the shares of common stock of Ovintiv Inc. for any periods after the completion of the Arrangement, and to the common shares of Encana Corporation for any periods before January 24, 2020.
C) PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Ovintiv and entities in which it holds a controlling interest.All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated on consolidation. Undivided interests in oil and natural gas exploration and production joint ventures and partnerships are consolidated on a proportionate basis. Investments in non-controlled entities over which Ovintiv has the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for using the equity method.
D) FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
Monetary assets and liabilities of the Company that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange in effect at the period end date. Any gains or losses are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Foreign currency revenues and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange in effect at the time of the transaction.
Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated at period end exchange rates, while the related revenues and expenses are translated using average rates during the period. Translation gains and losses relating to foreign operations are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). Recognition of Ovintiv’s accumulated translation gains and losses into net earnings occurs upon complete or substantially complete liquidation of the Company’s investment in the foreign operation.
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E) USE OF ESTIMATES
Preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires Management to make informed estimates and assumptions and use judgments that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Such estimates primarily relate to unsettled transactions and events as of the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Accordingly, actual results may differ from estimated amounts as future events occur.
Significant items subject to estimates and assumptions are:
• Estimated fair value of long-term assets used for impairment calculations
• Fair value of reporting units used for the assessment of goodwill
• Fair value of asset retirement costs and related obligations
• Fair value of derivative instruments
• Accruals for legal claims, environmental risks and exposures
F) REVENUES FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
Revenues from contracts with customers associated with Ovintiv’s oil, NGLs and natural gas and third-party processing and gathering are recognized when control of the good or service is transferred to the customer, and title or risk of loss transfers to the customer. Transaction prices are determined at inception of the contract and allocated to the performance obligations identified. Variable consideration is estimated and included in the transaction price, unless the variable consideration is constrained.
For product sales, the performance obligations are satisfied at a point in time when the product is delivered to the customer and control is transferred. Payment from the customer is due when the product is delivered to the custody point. Revenues for product sales are presented on an after-royalties basis. For arrangements to gather and process natural gas for third parties, performance obligations are satisfied over time as the service is provided to the customer. Payment from the customer is due when the customer receives the benefit of the service and the product is delivered to the custody point or plant tailgate. Revenues associated with services provided where Ovintiv acts as agent are recorded on a net basis.
G) PRODUCTION, MINERAL AND OTHER TAXES
Costs paid by Ovintiv for taxes based on production or revenues from oil, NGLs and natural gas are recognized when the product is produced. Costs paid by Ovintiv for taxes on the valuation of upstream assets and reserves are recognized when incurred.
H) TRANSPORTATION AND PROCESSING
Costs paid by Ovintiv for the transportation and processing of oil, NGLs and natural gas are recognized when the product is delivered and the services made available or provided.
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I) OPERATING
Operating costs paid by Ovintiv, net of amounts capitalized, are recognized for oil and natural gas properties in which the Company has a working interest.
J) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Company sponsors defined contribution and defined benefit plans, providing pension and other post-employment benefits to its employees in Canada and the U.S. As of January 1, 2003, the defined benefit pension plan was closed to new entrants.
Pension expense for the defined contribution pension plan is recorded as the benefits are earned by the employees covered by the plans. Ovintiv accrues for its obligations under its employee defined benefit plans, net of plan assets. The cost of defined benefit pensions and other post-employment benefits is actuarially determined using the projected benefit method based on length of service and reflects Management’s best estimate of salary escalation, mortality rates, retirement ages of employees and expected future health care costs. The expected return on plan assets is based on historical and projected rates of return for assets in the investment plan portfolio. The actual return is based on the fair value of plan assets. The projected benefit obligation is discounted using the market interest rate on high-quality corporate debt instruments as at the measurement date.
Defined benefit pension plan expenses include the cost of pension benefits earned during the current year, the interest cost on pension obligations, the expected return on pension plan assets, the amortization of adjustments arising from pension plan amendments, the amortization of net prior service costs, and the amortization of the excess of the net actuarial gains or losses over 10 percent of the greater of the benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets. Amortization is on a straight-line basis over a period covering the expected average remaining service lives of employees covered by the plans. All components of the net defined periodic benefit cost, excluding the service cost component, are included in other (gains) losses, net.
K) INCOME TAXES
Ovintiv follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recorded for the effect of any temporary difference between the accounting and income tax basis of an asset or liability, using the enacted income tax rates and laws expected to apply when the assets are realized and liabilities are settled. Current income taxes are measured at the amount expected to be recoverable from or payable to the taxing authorities based on the income tax rates and laws enacted at the end of the reporting period. The effect of a change in the enacted tax rates or laws is recognized in net earnings in the period of enactment. Income taxes are recognized in net earnings except to the extent that they relate to items recognized directly in shareholders’ equity, in which case the income taxes are recognized directly in shareholders’ equity.
Deferred income tax assets are assessed routinely for realizability. If it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the deferred tax assets. Ovintiv considers available positive and negative evidence when assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets including historic and expected future taxable earnings, available tax planning strategies and carry forward periods. The assumptions used in determining expected future taxable earnings are consistent with those used in the goodwill impairment assessment.
Ovintiv recognizes the financial statement effects of a tax position when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority. A recognized tax position is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority. Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits that are not expected to be settled within the next 12 months are included in other liabilities and provisions. Interest related to unrecognized tax benefits is recognized in interest expense.
L) EARNINGS PER SHARE AMOUNTS
Basic net earnings per share of common stock is computed by dividing the net earnings by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net earnings per share of common stock is calculated giving effect to the potential dilution that would occur if stock options were exercised or other contracts to issue shares of common stock were exercised, fully vested, or converted to shares of common stock. The treasury
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stock method is used to determine the dilutive effect of stock options and other dilutive instruments. The treasury stock method assumes that proceeds received from the exercise of in-the-money stock options and other dilutive instruments are used to repurchase shares of common stock at the average market price.
M) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and short-term investments, such as money market deposits or similar type instruments, with a maturity of three months or less when purchased. Outstanding disbursements issued in excess of applicable bank account balances are excluded from cash and cash equivalents and are recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.