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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
NATURE OF OPERATIONS In this report, “Occidental” means Occidental Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation (OPC), or OPC and one or more entities in which it owns a controlling interest (subsidiaries). Occidental conducts its operations through various subsidiaries and affiliates. On August 8, 2019, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 9, 2019 (the Merger Agreement), among Occidental, Baseball Merger Sub 1, Inc., a Delaware corporation and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Occidental (Merger Subsidiary), and Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (Anadarko), Occidental acquired all of the outstanding shares of Anadarko through a transaction in which Merger Subsidiary merged with and into Anadarko (the Acquisition), with Anadarko continuing as the surviving entity and as an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Occidental. See Note 3 - The Acquisition. Occidental’s principal businesses consist of three reporting segments: oil and gas, chemical and marketing and midstream. The oil and gas segment explores for, develops and produces oil and condensate, natural gas liquids (NGL) and natural gas. The chemical segment (OxyChem) mainly manufactures and markets basic chemicals and vinyls. The marketing and midstream segment purchases, markets, gathers, processes, transports and stores oil, condensate, NGL, natural gas, carbon dioxide (CO 2) and power. It also trades around its assets, including transportation and storage capacity, and invests in entities that conduct similar activities. Included in the marketing and midstream segment is Occidental’s equity method investment in Western Midstream Partners, L.P. (WES). WES owns gathering systems, plants and pipelines and earns revenue from fee-based and service-based contracts with Occidental and third parties. Also within the marketing and midstream segment is Oxy Low Carbon Ventures (OLCV). OLCV seeks to capitalize on Occidental’s enhanced oil recovery (EOR) leadership by developing carbon capture, utilization and storage projects that source anthropogenic CO 2 and promote innovative technologies that drive cost efficiencies and economically grow Occidental’s business while reducing emissions. PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and include the accounts of OPC, its subsidiaries, variable interest entities (VIE) for which Occidental is the primary beneficiary, and its undivided interests in oil and gas exploration and production ventures. Occidental accounts for its share of oil and gas exploration and production ventures, in which it has a direct working interest, by reporting its proportionate share of assets, liabilities, revenues, costs and cash flows within the relevant lines on the balance sheets, statements of operations and statements of cash flows. The Acquisition introduced different revenue and expense streams to Occidental’s legacy operations. As a result, changes were made to the structure of certain financial statements, notes and supplementary data to provide clarity and to conform to the current presentation. WES INVESTMENT WES is a publicly traded limited partnership with its common units traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol “WES.” WES owns the entire non-economic general partner interest and a 98% limited partner interest in Western Midstream Operating, LP (WES Operating), a Delaware limited partnership formed by Anadarko in 2007 to acquire, own, develop and operate midstream assets. WES maintains its own capital structure that is separate from Occidental, consisting of its own debt instruments and publicly traded common units. From the Acquisition date through December 31, 2019, WES was determined to be a VIE, and Occidental, through its ownership of the general partner interest in WES, had the power to direct the activities that significantly affected the economic performance of WES and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to WES. As such, Occidental was considered the primary beneficiary and consolidated WES and its consolidated subsidiaries from the date of the Acquisition to December 31, 2019. All intercompany transactions were eliminated during the consolidated period. Revenues of $1.1 billion, cost of sales of $500 million and operating cash flows of $498 million from the date of the Acquisition to December 31, 2019 are attributable to WES and are included in Occidental’s consolidated financial statements. Net income from noncontrolling interest for the same period relates to the 44.6% limited partner interest of WES owned by the public. On December 31, 2019, Occidental and WES executed several agreements to allow WES to operate as an independent midstream company to support its ongoing pursuit of third-party growth opportunities. The executed agreements include amendments to the partnership agreement that significantly expand the unaffiliated limited partner unitholders’ rights. The significant amendments to the partnership agreement included: Ø Providing for a simple majority of the unaffiliated unitholders to remove and elect a new general partner; Ø Allowing for 20% of the unaffiliated unitholders to call a special meeting to vote to remove the general partner; Ø Eliminating ownership thresholds that could have prevented unaffiliated unitholders from voting; Ø Limiting Occidental’s voting percentage to 45% for certain unitholder matters until Occidental owns less than 40% of the limited partner units for twelve consecutive months; and Ø Transferring 2% of Occidental’s limited partner interest to the general partner to provide a 2% economic interest to the general partner. In addition to the partnership agreement amendments, in December 2019, the WES management team’s employment was transferred from Occidental to WES, and WES-dedicated personnel were seconded to WES from Occidental. The seconded employees’ employment is contractually obligated to be transferred to WES during 2020 once employee benefit plans are established. Additionally, as of December 31, 2019, Occidental employees no longer comprise a majority of the board of directors of WES’s general partner. As a result of the partnership agreement amendments and other related agreements, WES no longer met the criteria to be considered a VIE. Accordingly, Occidental evaluated WES under the voting interest model and determined, because Occidental did not control the power to appoint or remove a successor general partner, it should no longer consolidate WES. As a result of the loss of control, Occidental derecognized all assets, liabilities, and noncontrolling interest that were previously consolidated. Occidental recognized, at fair value, an equity method investment of $5.1 billion based on the closing market price of WES as of December 31, 2019 and recognized a loss of approximately $1 billion that is included in asset impairments and other charges on the Statement of Operations. In future periods, Occidental will recognize equity method earnings and dividends received for its economic interest in WES. As of December 31, 2019, Occidental has a 55.4% unit ownership in WES, which consists of a 2% non-voting general partner unit interest and 54.5% of limited partner unit interest. In addition, Occidental has a 2% non-voting limited partner interest in WES Operating, which brings Occidental’s total effective economic interest in WES and its subsidiaries to 56.3%. During 2020, Occidental intends to reduce its limited partner ownership interest in WES to below 50%. Occidental’s historical pro rata interest in the net assets of WES was $1.9 billion, resulting in a basis difference of $3.2 billion primarily associated with WES’s equity method investments, PP&E, equity method goodwill and intangible assets - customer relationships and subject to amortization over their estimated average useful life. INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES Occidental’s percentage interest in the underlying net assets of affiliates for which it exercises significant influence without having a controlling interest (excluding oil and gas ventures in which Occidental holds an undivided interest) are accounted for under the equity method. Occidental reviews equity-method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an other-than-temporary decline in value may have occurred. The amount of impairment, if any, is based on quoted market prices, when available, or other valuation techniques, including discounted cash flows. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS In connection with the Acquisition, Occidental agreed to sell to TOTAL S.A. (Total) all of the assets, liabilities, businesses, and operations of Anadarko’s operations in Algeria, Ghana, Mozambique and South Africa (collectively, the Africa Assets) for $8.8 billion, subject to certain purchase price adjustments. In August 2019, a purchase and sale agreement was executed for these Africa Assets. This transaction is conditioned on the receipt of required regulatory approvals, as well as other customary closing conditions. In September 2019, Occidental completed the sale of Mozambique LNG assets to Total for $4.2 billion. The assets and liabilities for Algeria, Ghana and South Africa are presented as held for sale at December 31, 2019. The results of operations of the Africa Assets are presented as discontinued operations, see Note 4 - Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Transactions. In January 2020, Occidental completed the sale of South Africa assets to Total. Unless otherwise indicated, information presented in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements relates only to Occidental’s continuing operations. Information related to discontinued operations is included in Note 4 - Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Transactions, and in some instances, where appropriate, is included as a separate disclosure within the individual Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES The process of preparing consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires Occidental’s management to make informed estimates and judgments regarding certain types of financial statement balances and disclosures. Such estimates primarily relate to unsettled transactions and events as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and judgments on expected outcomes as well as the materiality of transactions and balances. Changes in facts and circumstances or discovery of new information relating to such transactions and events may result in revised estimates and judgments and actual results may differ from estimates upon settlement. Management believes that these estimates and judgments provide a reasonable basis for the fair presentation of Occidental’s financial statements. Occidental establishes a valuation allowance against net operating losses and other deferred tax assets to the extent it believes the future benefit from these assets will not be realized in the statutory carryforward periods. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon Occidental generating sufficient future taxable income and reversal of temporary differences in jurisdictions where such assets originate. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include assets of approximately $14.9 billion as of December 31, 2019, and net sales of approximately $4.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 2019, relating to Occidental’s operations in countries outside North America. Occidental operates some of its oil and gas business in countries that have experienced political instability, nationalizations, corruption, armed conflict, terrorism, insurgency, civil unrest, security problems, labor unrest, OPEC production restrictions, equipment import restrictions and sanctions, all of which increase Occidental’s risk of loss, delayed or restricted production or may result in other adverse consequences. Occidental attempts to conduct its affairs so as to mitigate its exposure to such risks and would seek compensation in the event of nationalization. Because Occidental’s major products are commodities, significant changes in the prices of oil and gas and chemical products may have a significant impact on Occidental’s results of operations. Also, see “Property, Plant and Equipment” below. CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH EQUIVALENTS Occidental considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents or restricted cash equivalents. The cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents balance at December 31, 2019, included investments in government money market funds in which the carrying value approximates fair value. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents as reported at the end of the period in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 to the line items within the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2019. There was no restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents at December 31, 2018.
millions |  | December 31, 2019 |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | $ | 3,032 |
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents |  | 480 |
Cash and restricted cash included in assets held for sale |  | 8 |
Restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents included in long-term receivables and other assets, net |  | 54 |
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents |  | $ | 3,574 |
Total restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are primarily associated with a benefits trust for former Anadarko employees, payments of future hard-minerals royalties conveyed, and a judicially-controlled account related to a Brazilian tax dispute. RECEIVABLES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS Trade receivables, net, of $6.4 billion and $4.9 billion at December 31, 2019, and 2018, respectively, represent rights to payment for which Occidental has satisfied its obligations under a contract with a customer and its right to payment is conditioned only on the passage of time. Other current assets included amounts receivable from working interest partners in Occidental’s oil and gas operations, derivative assets, and taxes receivable. INVENTORIES Materials and supplies are valued at weighted-average cost and are reviewed periodically for obsolescence. Oil, NGL and natural gas inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. For the chemical segment, Occidental’s finished goods inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. For most of its domestic inventories, other than materials and supplies, the chemical segment uses the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method as it better matches current costs and current revenue. For other countries, Occidental uses the first-in, first-out method (if the costs of goods are specifically identifiable) or the average-cost method (if the costs of goods are not specifically identifiable). PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT OIL AND GAS The carrying value of Occidental’s property, plant and equipment (PP&E) represents the cost incurred to acquire or develop the asset, including any asset retirement obligations and capitalized interest, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A) and any impairment charges. For assets acquired, PP&E cost is based on fair values at the acquisition date. Asset retirement obligations and interest costs incurred in connection with qualifying capital expenditures are capitalized and amortized over the lives of the related assets. Occidental uses the successful efforts method to account for its oil and gas properties. Under this method, Occidental capitalizes costs of acquiring properties, costs of drilling successful exploration wells and development costs. The costs of exploratory wells are initially capitalized pending a determination of whether proved reserves have been found. If proved reserves have been found, the costs of exploratory wells remain capitalized. For exploratory wells that find reserves that cannot be classified as proved when drilling is completed, costs continue to be capitalized as suspended exploratory drilling costs if there have been sufficient reserves found to justify completion as a producing well and sufficient progress is being made in assessing the reserves and the economic and operating viability of the project. At the end of each quarter, management reviews the status of all suspended exploratory drilling costs in light of ongoing exploration activities, in particular, whether Occidental is making sufficient progress in its ongoing exploration and appraisal efforts or, in the case of discoveries requiring government sanctioning, analyzing whether development negotiations are underway and proceeding as planned. If management determines that future appraisal drilling or development activities are unlikely to occur, associated suspended exploratory well costs are expensed. The following table summarizes the activity of capitalized exploratory well costs for continuing operations for the years ended December 31:
millions |  | 2019 |  |  | 2018 |  |  | 2017 |
Balance — beginning of year |  | $ | 112 |  |  | $ | 108 |  |  | $ | 56 |
Exploratory well costs acquired through the Acquisition |  | 231 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Additions to capitalized exploratory well costs pending the determination of proved reserves |  | 383 |  |  | 220 |  |  | 201 |
Reclassifications to property, plant and equipment based on the determination of proved reserves |  | (230 | ) |  | (198 | ) |  | (128 | )
Capitalized exploratory well costs charged to expense |  | (72 | ) |  | (18 | ) |  | (21 | )
Balance — end of year |  | $ | 424 |  |  | $ | 112 |  |  | $ | 108 |
Occidental expenses annual lease rentals, the costs of injectants used in production and geological, geophysical and seismic costs as incurred. Occidental determines depreciation and depletion of oil and gas producing properties by the unit-of-production method. It amortizes leasehold costs over total proved reserves, and capitalized development and successful exploration costs over proved developed reserves. Proved oil and gas reserves are those quantities of oil and gas which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible-from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations-prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation. Occidental performs impairment tests with respect to its proved properties whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of property may not be recoverable. If there is an indication the carrying amount of the asset may not be recovered due to prolonged declines in current and forward prices, significant changes in reserve estimates, changes in management’s plans, or other significant events, management will evaluate the property for impairment. Under the successful efforts method, if the sum of the undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the proved property, the carrying value is reduced to estimated fair value and reported as an impairment charge in the period. Individual proved properties are grouped for impairment purposes at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows. The fair value of impaired assets is typically determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows using discount rates believed to be consistent with those used by market participants. The impairment test incorporates a number of assumptions involving expectations of future cash flows which can change significantly over time. These assumptions include future production and timing of production, estimates of future product prices, contractual prices, estimates of risk-adjusted oil and gas reserves and estimates of future operating and development costs. See Note 17 - Fair Value Measurements and below for further discussion of asset impairments. A portion of the carrying value of Occidental’s oil and gas properties is attributable to unproved properties. Net capitalized costs attributable to unproved properties were $29.5 billion at December 31, 2019 and $1.0 billion December 31, 2018. The unproved amounts are not subject to DD&A until they are classified as proved properties. Individually insignificant unproved properties are combined and amortized on a group basis based on factors such as lease terms, success rates, and other factors. If the exploration efforts are unsuccessful, or management decides not to pursue development of these properties as a result of lower commodity prices, higher development and operating costs, contractual conditions or other factors, the capitalized costs of the related properties would be expensed. The timing of any writedowns of these unproved properties, if warranted, depends upon management’s plans, the nature, timing and extent of future exploration and development activities and their results. Occidental periodically reviews unproved properties for impairments; numerous factors are considered, including but not limited to, current exploration plans, favorable or unfavorable exploration activity on the property or the adjacent property, geologists’ evaluation of the property and the remaining lease term for the property. Management’s assessment of the availability of funds for future activities and the current and projected political and regulatory climate in areas in which Occidental operates also impacts the timing of any impairment. CHEMICAL Occidental’s chemical assets are depreciated using either the unit-of-production or the straight-line method, based upon the estimated useful lives of the facilities. The estimated useful lives of Occidental’s chemical assets, which range from three years to 50 years, are also used for impairment tests. The estimated useful lives for the chemical facilities are based on the assumption that Occidental will provide an appropriate level of annual expenditures to ensure productive capacity is sustained. Such expenditures consist of ongoing routine repairs and maintenance, as well as planned major maintenance activities (PMMA). Ongoing routine repairs and maintenance expenditures are expensed as incurred. PMMA costs are capitalized and amortized over the period until the next planned overhaul. Additionally, Occidental incurs capital expenditures that extend the remaining useful lives of existing assets, increase their capacity or operating efficiency beyond the original specification or add value through modification for a different use. These capital expenditures are not considered in the initial determination of the useful lives of these assets at the time they are placed into service. The resulting revision, if any, of the asset’s estimated useful life is measured and accounted for prospectively. Without these continued expenditures, the useful lives of these assets could decrease significantly. Other factors that could change the estimated useful lives of Occidental’s chemical assets include sustained higher or lower product prices, which are affected by domestic and international competition, demand, feedstock costs, energy prices, environmental regulations and technological changes. Occidental performs impairment tests on its chemical assets whenever events or changes in circumstances lead to a reduction in the estimated useful lives or estimated future cash flows that would indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable, or when management’s plans change with respect to those assets. Any impairment loss would be calculated as the excess of the asset’s net book value over its estimated fair value. MARKETING AND MIDSTREAM Occidental’s marketing and midstream PP&E is depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets, using either the unit-of-production or straight-line method. Occidental performs impairment tests on its marketing and midstream assets whenever events or changes in circumstances lead to a reduction in the estimated useful lives or estimated future cash flows that would indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable, or when management’s plans change with respect to those assets. Any impairment loss would be calculated as the excess of the asset’s net book value over its estimated fair value. GOODWILL Occidental recognized goodwill of $5.8 billion associated with the Acquisition. The goodwill was based on WES’s publicly traded units and was primarily associated with the relationship between Occidental and WES as well as Occidental’s tax basis in WES. Upon loss of control and application of the equity method of accounting, $4.6 billion of goodwill was derecognized. The remaining $1.2 billion in goodwill is assigned to the marketing and midstream segment and is attributable to the deferred tax liability associated with the investment in WES. Goodwill is subject to annual impairment testing every October. Occidental’s goodwill impairment test first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether goodwill is likely impaired. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount including goodwill, Occidental will then perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. Changes in goodwill may result from, among other things, impairments, future acquisitions, or future divestitures. IMPAIRMENTS AND OTHER CHARGES During 2019, Occidental’s Oil and Gas segment recognized pre-tax impairment and related charges of $285 million related to domestic undeveloped leases that were set to expire in the near term, where Occidental had no plans to pursue exploration activities, and $39 million related to Occidental’s mutually agreed early termination of its Qatar Idd El Shargi South Dome (ISSD) contract. During 2018, Occidental recognized pre-tax impairment and related charges of $416 million related to Qatar Idd El Shargi North Dome (ISND) and ISSD proved properties and inventory. The fair value of the proved properties was measured based on the income approach, which incorporated a number of assumptions involving expectations of future cash flows. These assumptions included estimates of future product prices, which Occidental based on forward price curves, estimates of oil and gas reserves, estimates of future expected operating and capital costs and a risk-adjusted discount rate of 10%. These inputs are categorized as Level 3 in the fair-value hierarchy. Also in 2018, the marketing and midstream segment incurred approximately $100 million of charges primarily for lower of cost or market adjustments on its crude inventory and line fill. In 2017, Occidental recorded net impairment and related charges of $397 million related to proved and unproved non-core Permian acreage and $120 million related to idled marketing and midstream facilities. It is reasonably possible that prolonged declines in commodity prices, reduced capital spending in response to lower prices or increases in operating costs could result in additional impairments. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Occidental has categorized its assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value in a three-level fair value hierarchy, based on the inputs to the valuation techniques: Level 1 – using quoted prices in active markets for the assets or liabilities; Level 2 – using observable inputs other than quoted prices for the assets or liabilities; and Level 3 – using unobservable inputs. Transfers between levels, if any, are reported at the end of each reporting period. FAIR VALUES - RECURRING Occidental primarily applies the market approach for recurring fair value measurements, maximizes its use of observable inputs and minimizes its use of unobservable inputs. Occidental utilizes the mid-point between bid and ask prices for valuing the majority of its assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value. In addition to using market data, Occidental makes assumptions in valuing its assets and liabilities, including assumptions about the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. For assets and liabilities carried at fair value, Occidental measures fair value using the following methods:
Ø | Occidental values exchange-cleared commodity derivatives using closing prices provided by the exchange as of the balance sheet date. These derivatives are classified as Level 1.
Ø | Over-the-Counter (OTC) bilateral financial commodity contracts, foreign exchange contracts, interest rate swaps, warrants, options and physical commodity forward purchase and sale contracts are generally classified as Level 2 and are generally valued using quotations provided by brokers or industry-standard models that consider various inputs, including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, volatility factors, credit risk and current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these inputs are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument, and can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable prices at which transactions are executed in the marketplace.
Ø | Occidental values commodity derivatives based on a market approach that considers various assumptions, including quoted forward commodity prices and market yield curves. The assumptions used include inputs that are generally unobservable in the marketplace or are observable but have been adjusted based upon various assumptions and the fair value is designated as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy.
Ø | Occidental values debt using market-observable information for debt instruments that are traded on secondary markets. For debt instruments that are not traded, the fair value is determined by interpolating the value based on debt with similar terms and credit risk.
NON-FINANCIAL ASSETS Occidental uses market-observable prices for assets when comparable transactions can be identified that are similar to the asset being valued. When Occidental is required to measure fair value and there is not a market-observable price for the asset or for a similar asset then the cost or income approach is used depending on the quality of information available to support management’s assumptions. The cost approach is based on management’s best estimate of the current asset replacement cost. The income approach is based on management’s best assumptions regarding expectations of future net cash flows, and the expected cash flows are discounted using a commensurate risk-adjusted discount rate. Such evaluations involve significant judgment, and the results are based on expected future events or conditions such as sales prices, estimates of future oil and gas production or throughput, development and operating costs and the timing thereof, economic and regulatory climates, and other factors, most of which are often outside of management’s control. However, assumptions used reflect a market participant’s view of long-term prices, costs, and other factors and are consistent with assumptions used in the Company’s business plans and investment decisions. ACCRUED LIABILITIES - CURRENT Accrued liabilities - current included accrued payroll, commissions and related expenses of $1.2 billion and $428 million at December 31, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Dividends payable, also included in accrued liabilities - current, were $884 million and $600 million at December 31, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Derivate financial instruments, also included in accrued liabilities - current, were $641 million and $134 million at December 31, 2019, and 2018, respectively. ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES AND EXPENDITURES Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations are expensed or capitalized as appropriate. Occidental records environmental liabilities and related charges and expenses for estimated remediation costs that relate to existing conditions from past operations when environmental remediation efforts are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. In determining the environmental remediation liability and the range of reasonably possible additional losses, Occidental refers to currently available information, including relevant past experience, remedial objectives, available technologies, applicable laws and regulations and cost-sharing arrangements. Occidental bases its environmental remediation liabilities on management’s estimate of the most likely cost to be incurred, using the most cost-effective technology reasonably expected to achieve the remedial objective. Occidental periodically reviews its environmental remediation liabilities and adjusts them as new information becomes available. Occidental records environmental remediation liabilities on a discounted basis when it deems the aggregate amount and timing of cash payments to be reliably determinable at the time the reserves are established. The reserve methodology with respect to discounting for a specific site is not modified once it is established. Presently none of its environmental remediation liabilities are recorded on a discounted basis. Occidental generally records reimbursements or recoveries of environmental remediation costs in income when received, or when receipt of recovery is highly probable. Many factors could affect Occidental’s future remediation costs and result in adjustments to its environmental remediation liabilities and the range of reasonably possible additional losses. The most significant are: (1) cost estimates for remedial activities may vary from the initial estimate; (2) the length of time, type or amount of remediation necessary to achieve the remedial objective may change due to factors such as site conditions, the ability to identify and control contaminant sources or the discovery of additional contamination; (3) a regulatory agency may ultimately reject or modify Occidental’s proposed remedial plan; (4) improved or alternative remediation technologies may change remediation costs; (5) laws and regulations may change remediation requirements or affect cost sharing or allocation of liability; and (6) changes in allocation or cost-sharing arrangements may occur. Certain sites involve multiple parties with various cost-sharing arrangements, which fall into the following three categories: (1) environmental proceedings that result in a negotiated or prescribed allocation of remediation costs among Occidental and other alleged potentially responsible parties; (2) oil and gas ventures in which each participant pays its proportionate share of remediation costs reflecting its working interest; or (3) contractual arrangements, typically relating to purchases and sales of properties, in which the parties to the transaction agree to methods of allocating remediation costs. In these circumstances, Occidental evaluates the financial viability of other parties with whom it is alleged to be jointly liable, the degree of their commitment to participate and the consequences to Occidental of their failure to participate when estimating Occidental’s ultimate share of liability. Occidental records its environmental remediation liabilities at its expected net cost of remedial activities and, based on these factors, believes that it will not be required to assume a share of liability of such other potentially responsible parties in an amount materially above amounts reserved. In addition to the costs of investigations and cleanup measures, which often take in excess of 10 years at Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) National Priorities List (NPL) sites, Occidental’s environmental remediation liabilities include management’s estimates of the costs to operate and maintain remedial systems. If remedial systems are modified over time in response to significant changes in site-specific data, laws, regulations, technologies or engineering estimates, Occidental reviews and adjusts its environmental remediation liabilities accordingly. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS Occidental recognizes the fair value of asset retirement obligations in the period in which a determination is made that a legal obligation exists to dismantle an asset and reclaim or remediate the property at the end of its useful life and the cost of the obligation can be reasonably estimated. The liability amounts are based on future retirement cost estimates and incorporate many assumptions such as time to abandonment, future inflation rates and the risk-adjusted discount rate. When the liability is initially recorded, Occidental capitalizes the cost by increasing the related PP&E balances. If the estimated future cost of the asset retirement obligations changes, Occidental records an adjustment to both the asset retirement obligations and PP&E. Over time, the liability is increased and expense is recognized for accretion, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the asset. The majority of Occidental’s asset retirement obligations relate to the plugging of wells and the related abandonment of oil and gas properties. Revisions in estimated liabilities during the period primarily relate to liabilities acquired in the Acquisition and include, but are not limited to, changes in estimates of asset retirement costs, revisions of estimated inflation rates, changes in property lives, and the expected timing of settlements. At a certain number of its facilities, Occidental has identified conditional asset retirement obligations that are related mainly to plant decommissioning. Occidental does not know or cannot estimate when it may settle these obligations. Therefore, Occidental cannot reasonably estimate the fair value of these liabilities. Occidental will recognize these conditional asset retirement obligations in the periods in which sufficient information becomes available to reasonably estimate their fair values. The following table summarizes the activity of asset retirement obligations for the years ended December 31,:
millions |  | 2019 |  |  | 2018 |
Beginning balance |  | $ | 1,499 |  |  | $ | 1,312 |
Liabilities assumed in the Acquisition |  | 3,344 |  |  | — |
Liabilities incurred – capitalized to PP&E |  | 131 |  |  | 31 |
Liabilities settled and paid |  | (200 | ) |  | (40 | )
Accretion expense |  | 71 |  |  | 67 |
Acquisitions, dispositions and other |  | — |  |  | (18 | )
WES loss of control |  | (359 | ) |  | — |
Revisions to previous estimates |  | 147 |  |  | 147 |
Ending balance (a) |  | $ | 4,633 |  |  | $ | 1,499 |
(a) | The ending balance included $248 million and $75 million related to the current balance of AROs that are included in Accrued Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS Derivatives are carried at fair value and on a net basis when a legal right of offset exists with the same counterparty. Occidental applies hedge accounting when transactions meet specified criteria for cash-flow hedge treatment and management elects and documents such treatment. Otherwise, any fair value gains or losses are recognized in earnings in the current period. For cash-flow hedges, the gain or loss on the effective portion of the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (OCI) with an offsetting adjustment to the carrying value of the item being hedged. Realized gains or losses from cash-flow hedges, and any ineffective portion, are recorded as a component of net sales in the consolidated statements of operations. Ineffectiveness is primarily created by a lack of correlation between the hedged item and the hedging instrument due to location, quality, grade or changes in the expected quantity of the hedged item. Gains and losses from derivative instruments are reported net in the consolidated statements of operations. There were no fair value hedges as of and during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. A hedge is regarded as highly effective such that it qualifies for hedge accounting if, at inception and throughout its life, it is expected that changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item will be offset by 80% to 125% of the changes in the fair value or cash flows, respectively, of the hedging instrument. In the case of hedging a forecast transaction, the transaction must be probable and must present an exposure to variations in cash flows that could ultimately affect reported net income or loss. Occidental discontinues hedge accounting when it determines that a derivative has ceased to be highly effective as a hedge; when the hedged item matures or is sold or repaid; or when a forecast transaction is no longer deemed probable. STOCK-BASED INCENTIVE PLANS Occidental has established several stockholder-approved stock-based incentive plans for certain employees and directors (Plans) that are more fully described in Note 14 - Stock-Based Incentive Plans. A summary of Occidental’s accounting policy for awards issued under the Plans is as follows. For cash- and stock-settled restricted stock units or incentive award shares (RSU), cash return on capital employed incentive awards (CROCEI), return on capital employed incentive awards (ROCEI) and return on assets incentive awards (ROAI), compensation value is initially measured on the grant date using the quoted market price of Occidental’s common stock and the estimated payout at the grant date. For total shareholder return incentive awards (TSRI), compensation value is initially measured on the grant date using estimated payout levels derived from a Monte Carlo valuation model. Compensation expense for RSUs, CROCEIs, ROCEIs, ROAIs and TSRIs is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods, which is generally over the awards’ respective vesting or performance periods. Dividends accrued on unvested awards are adjusted quarterly for any changes in the number of share equivalents expected to be paid based on the relevant performance and market criteria, if applicable. All such performance or stock-price-related changes are recognized in periodic compensation expense. The stock-settled portion of these awards is expensed using the initially measured compensation value. The liability resulting from the cash settled portion of these awards and accrued dividends are remeasured at each reporting period. EARNINGS PER SHARE Occidental’s instruments containing rights to nonforfeitable dividends granted in stock-based awards are considered participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, have been deducted from earnings in computing basic and diluted EPS under the two-class method. Basic EPS was computed by dividing net income attributable to common stock, net of income allocated to participating securities, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period, including vested but unissued shares and share units. The computation of diluted EPS reflects the additional dilutive effect of stock options and unvested stock awards. RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS Occidental recognizes the overfunded or underfunded amounts of its defined benefit pension and postretirement plans, which are more fully described in Note 15 - Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans, in its financial statements using a December 31 measurement date. Occidental’s defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plan obligations are actuarially determined based on various assumptions and discount rates. The discount rate assumptions used are meant to reflect the interest rate at which the obligations could effectively be settled on the measurement date. Occidental estimates the rate of return on assets with regard to current market factors but within the context of historical returns. Occidental funds and expenses negotiated pension increases for domestic union employees over the terms of the applicable collective bargaining agreements. Pension and any postretirement plan assets are measured at fair value. Common stock, preferred stock, publicly registered mutual funds, U.S. government securities and corporate bonds are valued using quoted market prices in active markets when available. When quoted market prices are not available, these investments are valued using pricing models with observable inputs from both active and non-active markets. Common and collective trusts are valued at the fund units’ net asset value (NAV) provided by the issuer, which represents the quoted price in a non-active market. Short-term investment funds are valued at the fund units’ NAV provided by the issuer. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Occidental paid U.S. federal, state and foreign income taxes for continuing operations of approximately $1.7 billion, $1.1 billion and $0.8 billion during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Occidental received refunds of $79 million, $82 million and $768 million during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Occidental also paid production, property and other taxes of approximately $725 million, $505 million and $375 million during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, substantially all of which was in the United States. Interest paid totaled $911 million, $383 million and $351 million, net of capitalized interest of $85 million, $46 million and $52 million, for the years 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS The functional currency applicable to all of Occidental’s international oil and gas operations is the U.S. dollar since cash flows are denominated principally in U.S. dollars. In Occidental’s other operations, Occidental’s use of non-United States dollar functional currencies was not material for all years presented. The effect of exchange rates on transactions in foreign currencies is included in periodic income. Occidental reports the exchange rate differences arising from translating foreign-currency-denominated balance sheet accounts to the United States dollar as of the reporting date in other comprehensive income. Exchange-rate gains and losses for continuing operations were not material for all years presented. INCOME TAXES Occidental files various U.S. federal, state, and foreign income tax returns. The impact of changes in tax regulations are reflected when enacted. In general, deferred federal, state, and foreign income taxes are provided on temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Occidental routinely assesses the realizability of its deferred tax assets. If Occidental concludes that it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized, the tax asset is reduced by a valuation allowance. Occidental recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit recorded is equal to the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely to be realized through final settlement with a taxing authority. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized in income tax expense (benefit). Occidental uses the flow-through method to account for its investment tax credits. See Note 12 - Income Taxes. OTHER LOSS CONTINGENCIES Occidental or certain of its subsidiaries are involved, in the normal course of business, in lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings that seek, among other things, compensation for alleged personal injury, breach of contract, property damage or other losses, punitive damages, civil penalties, or injunctive or declaratory relief. Occidental or certain of its subsidiaries also are involved in proceedings under CERCLA and similar federal, state, local and international environmental laws. These environmental proceedings seek funding or performance of remediation and, in some cases, compensation for alleged property damage, punitive damages, civil penalties and injunctive relief. Usually Occidental or such subsidiaries are among many companies in these environmental proceedings and have to date been successful in sharing response costs with other financially sound companies. Further, some lawsuits, claims and legal proceedings involve acquired or disposed assets with respect to which a third-party or Occidental retains liability or indemnifies the other party for conditions that existed prior to the transaction. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, Occidental accrues reserves for outstanding lawsuits, claims and proceedings when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the liability can be reasonably estimated. In Note 10 - Environmental Liabilities and Expenditures, Occidental has disclosed its reserve balances for environmental remediation matters that satisfy this criteria. See Note 11 - Lawsuits, Claims, Commitments and Contingencies.

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