6-K 1 eqnr2q20-mda_6k.htm EQUINOR SECOND QUARTER 2020 REPORT  

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

24 July 2020

Commission File Number 1-15200

Equinor ASA

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

FORUSBEEN 50, N-4035, STAVANGER, NORWAY

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

 

Form 20-F X        Form 40-F

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):_____

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):_____

 

This report on Form 6-K is being filed for the purposes of incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form F-3 (File No. 333-239808) and Form S-8 (File No. 333-168426). This report shall be deemed filed and incorporated by reference in such Registration Statements and shall be deemed to be a part thereof from the date on which this report is furnished, to the extent not superseded by documents or reports subsequently filed or furnished.

 

This document includes portions for the previously published results announcement of Equinor ASA as of, and for the six months ended 30 June 2020, as revised to comply with the requirements of Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regarding non-GAAP financial information. In addition, this document includes summarized financial information related to guaranteed debt securities. This document does not update or otherwise supplement the information contained in the previously published results announcement..

 

 


 

Equinor second quarter 2020 results

Equinor reports IFRS net operating income of negative USD 0.47 billion and IFRS net income of negative USD 0.25 billion in the second quarter of 2020.

The second quarter was characterised by

·           Financial results impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and very low commodity prices.

·           Strong trading results capturing significant value in volatile markets.

·           Overall solid operational performance and cost reductions.

·           After tax results positively impacted by temporary tax changes in Norway.

·           Net debt ratio( [1] ) increased to 29.3% due to very low commodity prices and tax payments from 2019 earnings.

“Our financial results for the second quarter were impacted by very low realised oil and gas prices due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but also by a strong trading performance in volatile markets. We now see gradual reopening of society in some parts of the world, while other regions are still heavily impacted by the pandemic. Equinor has taken forceful actions to protect the safety of our people, and to contribute positively in society and mitigate the spread of the virus. We have also been able to maintain stable operations and implemented several measures to safeguard our financial strength,” says Eldar Sætre, President and CEO of Equinor ASA.

“We have reduced costs, maintained solid operational performance and continued to prioritise value over volume by deferring significant flexible gas production to periods with higher expected prices. We also continued to progress our highly competitive project portfolio, supported by active policy measures in Norway enabling the industry to continue to work on planned projects that will stimulate new investments and maintain activity in a challenging period. Since the start of the quarter, we have signed contracts and framework agreements for more than 10 billion kroner to competitive suppliers in Norway,” says Sætre.

“We expect market volatility to continue going forward. The long-term market implications from Covid-19, with possible lower demand and reduced investments in the industry, remain uncertain. However, Equinor’s strategic direction remains firm and we are committed to develop Equinor as a broad energy company to create value in a low carbon future. Together with our partners, we have taken positive investment decisions for transportation and storage of CO2 in the Northern Lights project and for the Sleipner field to be partly electrified with renewable energy from shore,” says Sætre.

Net operating income was negative USD 0.47 billion in the second quarter, down from USD 3.52 billion in the same period of 2019. Net income was negative USD 0.25 billion in the second quarter, down from USD 1.48 billion in the second quarter of 2019. Very low realised prices for both liquids and gas impacted the earnings for the quarter, while trading operations in volatile markets captured significant value. Net operating income was impacted by net impairment charges of USD 0.37 billion, mainly related to a gas processing plant in Norway and exploration.

Equinor is on track to deliver on the announced plan for reducing costs(  [2] ) for 2020 by around USD 700 million compared to original estimates. Upstream operating costs and the unit production costs are significantly reduced from the second quarter of 2019.

For E&P Norway Equinor saw very low commodity prices and production was impacted by deferring significant gas volumes to later periods to capture higher expected value as well as government imposed oil production curtailments. 

As from the second quarter, Equinor has established E&P USA as a separate reporting segment. Results in this segment were impacted by very low commodity prices, while significant cost reductions contributed positively. Results in the E&P International segment (excluding E&P USA) were also impacted by low prices, despite a reduction of operating costs.

The Marketing, midstream and processing segment, delivered a record high result in the quarter, particularly from crude oil and liquids trading where values were extracted from a market in contango and ability to utilise the asset portfolio. In addition, there was positive contribution from renegotiations of gas contracts.


[1] This is a non-GAAP figure. Comparison numbers and reconciliation to IFRS are presented in the table Calculation of capital employed and net debt to capital employed ratio as shown under the Supplementary section in the report.

[2] Operating cost (excluding variable cost such as transportation and processing), sales and general administration and field development costs. Expensed exploration costs are not included.

 


 

New energy solutions delivered an around neutral result in the quarter, including costs related to maturation of new projects.

Equinor delivered total equity production of 2,011 mboe per day in the second quarter, at the same level as in the same period in 2019, with strong growth in liquids production on the NCS. Adjusting for portfolio transactions and government-imposed curtailments, this represents a production growth of more than 4% compared to the second quarter of 2019. The flexibility in some gas fields was used to defer significant production into periods with higher expected gas prices. Successful ramp-up of new fields, including Johan Sverdrup, as well as new well capacity, contributed to growth in production.

At the end of the second quarter Equinor has completed 15 exploration wells with 6 commercial discoveries and 2 wells under evaluation. 17 wells were ongoing at the quarter end. Exploration expenses in the quarter were USD 0.39 billion, compared to USD 0.24 billion in the same quarter of 2019.

Cash flows provided by operating activities before taxes paid and changes in working capital amounted to USD 6.86 billion in the first half of 2020, compared to USD 12.0 billion in the first half of 2019. IFRS capital expenditure( [3] ) was USD 4.92 billion for the first six months of 2020. Organic capital expenditure [5] was USD 4.11 billion for the first six months of 2020. At the closing of the quarter net debt to capital employed( [4] ) was 29.3%, up from 25.8% at the end of the first quarter, mainly as a result of very low commodity prices in the second quarter and tax payments related to 2019 earnings. Following the implementation of IFRS 16, net debt to capital employed (4) was 34.7%.

The board of directors has decided a cash dividend of USD 0.09 per share for the second quarter 2020.

The twelve-month average Serious Incident Frequency (SIF) for the period ending 30 June was 0.6 for 2020, compared to 0.5 in 2019. The twelve-month average Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF) for the period ending 30 June was 2.3 for 2020, compared to 2.6 in 2019.

 

Quarters

Change

 

 

First half

 

Q2 2020

Q1 2020

Q2 2019

Q2 on Q2

 

(in USD million, unless stated otherwise)

2020

2019

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(472)

58

3,521

N/A

 

Net operating income/(loss)

(414)

8,252

N/A

(251)

(705)

1,476

N/A

 

Net income/(loss)

(956)

3,188

N/A

2,011

2,233

2,012

(0%)

 

Total equity liquids and gas production (mboe per day) [4]

2,122

2,095

1%

22.9

44.2

59.3

(61%)

 

Group average liquids price (USD/bbl) [1]

33.6

57.4

(41%)


[3] Defined as Additions to PP&E, intangibles and equity accounted investments in note 2 Segments to the Condensed financial interim statements.

[4] This is a non-GAAP figure. Comparison numbers and reconciliation to IFRS are presented in the table Calculation of capital employed and net debt to capital employed ratio as shown under the Supplementary section in the report.

 


 

GROUP REVIEW

Second quarter 2020

Total equity liquids and gas production [4] was 2,011 mboe per day in the second quarter of 2020, on par with the second quarter of 2019 when it was 2,012 mboe per day.  Expected natural decline mainly on the NCS and reduced flexible gas production due to lower prices 5 was offset by ramp-up of new fields on the NCS and in the UK.

 

Total entitlement liquids and gas production [3] was 1,897 mboe per day in the second quarter of 2020, up 3% compared to 1,842 mboe per day in the second quarter of 2019. In addition to the factors mentioned above, production was positively influenced by lower effects from production sharing agreements (PSA) [4], and lower US royalty volumes. The net effect of PSA and US royalties was 114 mboe per day in total in the second quarter of 2020 compared to 170 mboe per day in the second quarter of 2019.

 

Quarters

Change

 

Condensed income statement under IFRS

First half

 

Q2 2020

Q1 2020

Q2 2019

Q2 on Q2

 

(unaudited, in USD million)

2020

2019

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,603

15,130

17,096

(56%)

 

Total revenues and other income

22,733

33,578

(32%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,750)

(7,396)

(8,606)

(68%)

 

Purchases [net of inventory variation]

(10,146)

(15,261)

(34%)

(2,411)

(2,603)

(2,502)

(4%)

 

Operating and administrative expenses

(5,014)

(5,141)

(2%)

(2,522)

(4,438)

(2,233)

13%

 

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

(6,959)

(4,421)

57%

(393)

(635)

(235)

67%

 

Exploration expenses

(1,028)

(503)

>100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(472)

58

3,521

N/A

 

Net operating income/(loss)

(414)

8,252

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(248)

23

(0)

>(100%)

 

Net financial items

(225)

149

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(720)

81

3,520

N/A

 

Income before tax

(640)

8,401

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

469

(786)

(2,045)

>(100%)

 

Income tax

(316)

(5,213)

(94%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(251)

(705)

1,476

N/A

 

Net income/(loss)

(956)

3,188

N/A

 

Net operating income was negative USD 472 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to positive USD 3,521 million in the second quarter of 2019. The decrease was primarily due to lower liquids and gas prices in the E&P reporting segments. The decrease was partially offset by strong results from liquids trading in the MMP reporting segment.

In the second quarter of 2020, net operating income was negatively impacted by impairments of USD 374 million.

In the second quarter of 2019, net operating income was positively impacted by a net gain on sale of assets of USD 139 million.

Total revenues and other income were USD 7,603 million in the second quarter of 2020 compared to USD 17,096 million in the second quarter of 2019. The decrease was mainly due to lower average prices for liquids and gas.

Purchases [net of inventory variation] [6] were USD 2,750 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to USD 8,606 million in the second quarter of 2019. The decrease was mainly due to lower average prices for liquids and gas.

Operating and administrative expenses were USD 2,411 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to USD 2,502 million in the second quarter of 2019. The decrease was mainly due to the NOK/USD exchange rate development, lower royalties and production fees in addition to lower operation and maintenance costs. Higher transportation costs for liquids especially in MMP, and increased net provisions in the MMP segment partially offset the decrease.

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses were USD 2,522 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to USD


5 For more information, see note 8 Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and oil price decline to the Condensed interim financial statements.

 


 

2,233 million in the second quarter of 2019. The increase was mainly due to ramp-up of new fields, especially on the NCS and in the UK, impairment of an infrastructure asset in the MMP reporting segment in addition to increased investments. Higher proved reserves estimates, the NOK/USD exchange rate development and a lower depreciation basis resulting from impairments in previous periods partially offset the increase.

Exploration expenses were USD 393 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to USD 235 million in second quarter of 2019. The increase was mainly due to impairment of assets, higher drilling costs  and a higher portion of exploration expenditure capitalised in earlier years being expensed this quarter. A higher portion of exploration expenditures being capitalised this quarter partially offset the increase. For more information, see the table titled Exploration expenses in the Supplementary disclosures.

Net financial items amounted to a loss of USD 248 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to a result of USD 0 million in the second quarter of 2019. The negative change of USD 248 million is mainly due to a loss of USD 321 million on net foreign exchange in the second quarter of 2020, compared to a loss of USD 82 million in the second quarter of 2019. In addition we have a positive change in Interest income and other financial items due to positive effects of USD 262 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared to positive effects of USD 145 million in the second quarter of 2019, partly offset by lower gain on derivatives related to the long-term debt portfolio, with a gain of USD 189 million in the  second quarter of 2020, compared to a gain of USD 267 million in the second quarter of 2019.

Income taxes were negative USD 469 million in the second quarter of 2020. The effective tax rate was 65.2%. In the second quarter of 2019, income taxes were USD 2,045 million and the effective tax rate was 58.1%. Please see note Income taxes to the Condensed interim financial statements for information related to income taxes.

Net income in the second  quarter of 2020 was negative USD 251 million, down from positive USD 1,476 million in the second  quarter of 2019. The decrease was mainly due to negative changes in net operating income as discussed above in addition to negative changes for net financial items, partially offset by lower income tax.

 

Cash flows provided by operating activities decreased by USD 2,293 million compared to the second quarter of 2019. The decrease was mainly due to lower liquids and gas prices and a change in working capital, partially offset by decreased tax payments.  

Cash flows used in investing activities increased by USD 1,150 million compared to the second quarter of 2019. The increase was mainly due to increased financial investments, partially offset by lower capital expenditures.  

Cash flows provided by financing activities increased by USD 7,383 million compared to the second quarter of 2019. The increase was mainly due to bond issues in the second quarter of 2020, partially offset by increased payment of short-term debt.      

Total cash flows increased by USD 3,941 million compared to the second quarter of 2019.

Free cash flow [5] in the second quarter of 2020 was negative USD 1,853 million including USD 332 million received from the Lundin divestment included in the line item (increase)/decrease in financial investment in the cash flow statement, compared to negative USD 828 million in the second quarter of 2019. The decrease was mainly due to lower liquids and gas prices, partially offset by decreased tax payments and lower capital expenditures

First half 2020

Net operating income was negative USD 414 million in the first half of 2020 compared to USD 8,252 million in the first half of 2019. The decrease was primarily driven by lower liquids and gas prices and net impairments mainly related to decreased short-term oil price assumptions and construction delays mainly caused by the Covid-19 pandemic 6.

In the first half of 2020, net operating income was negatively impacted mainly by net impairments of USD 2,825 million6.

In the first half of 2019, net operating income was positively impacted by changes in the fair value of derivatives, inventory hedge contracts of USD 711 million, a net gain on sale of assets of USD 150 million, operational storage effects of USD 117 million and an impairment reversal of USD 116 million. Net operating income in the first half of 2019 was negatively impacted by an implementation effect of USD 123 million related to a change in accounting policy for lifting imbalances.

Total revenues and other income were USD 22,733 million in the first half of 2020 compared to USD 33,578 million in the first half of 2019. Lower average prices for liquids and gas negatively affected Total revenues and other income, as well as Purchases [6].


6 For more information, see note 2 Segments and note 8 Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and oil price decline to the Condensed interim financial statements.

 


 

Operating and administrative expenses were USD 5,014 million in the first half of 2020, a decrease of USD 127 million compared to in the first half of 2019. The decrease was mainly due to the NOK/USD exchange rate development and lower royalties and production fees driven by lower volumes and prices. partially offset by higher transportation costs for liquids especially in MMP and  increased net provisions in the MMP segment.

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses were USD 6,959 million in the first half of 2020, an increase of USD 2,538 million compared to the first half of 2019. The increase was mainly due to higher net impairments mainly related to decreased short-term oil price assumptions and construction delays mainly caused by the Covid-19 pandemic6, ramp up of new fields and more investments, partially offset by the NOK/USD exchange rate development and increased reserve adjustments for several fields.

Exploration expenses increased by USD 525 million to USD 1,028 million in the first half of 2020, primarily due to impairment of assets, higher drilling costs and higher portion of exploration expenditure capitalised in earlier years being expensed. A higher portion of exploration expenses being capitalised and lower seismic costs and other costs compared to the first half of 2019 partially offset the increase. For more information, see the table titled Exploration expenses in the Supplementary disclosures.

Net financial items amounted to a loss of USD 225 million in the first half of 2020, compared to a gain of USD 149 million in the first half of 2019. The negative change of USD 374 million is mainly due to a gain of USD 382 million on derivatives related to a long-term debt portfolio in the first half of 2020 compared to a gain of USD 573 million in the first half of 2019. In addition, Interest income and other financial items gain of USD 140 million in the first half of 2020 compared to a gain of USD 355 million in the first half of 2019 contributed to the negative change.

Income taxes were USD 316 million in the first half of 2020 and the effective tax rate was negative 49.5%. Income taxes in the first half of 2019 were USD 5,213 million and the effective tax rate was 62.1%. Please see note 5 Income tax to the Condensed interim financial statements for information related to income taxes.

Net income in the first half of 2020 was negative USD 956 million compared to positive USD 3,188 million in the first half of 2019. The decrease was mainly due to the decrease in net operating income as discussed above in addition to negative changes in net financial items, partially offset lower income tax.

Cash flows provided by operating activities decreased by USD 2,384 million compared to the first half of 2019. The decrease was mainly due to lower liquids and gas prices, partially offset by decreased tax payments, increased cash flow from derivatives and a change in working capital.

Cash flows used in investing activities decreased by USD 1,957 million compared to the first half of 2019. The decrease was mainly due to decreased financial investments, lower capital expenditures and lower cash flow used for business combinations. 

Cash flows provided by financing activities increased by USD 7,286 million compared to the first half of 2019. The increase was mainly due to bond issues in the second quarter of 2020, partially offset by increased payment of short-term debt.  

Total cash flows increased by USD 6,859 million compared to the first half of 2019.

Free cash flow [5] for the first half of 2020 was negative USD 1,492 million including USD 332 million received from the Lundin divestment included in the line item (increase)/decrease in financial investment in the cash flow statement, compared to USD 1,010 million in the first half of 2019. The decrease was mainly due to lower liquids and gas prices, partially offset by decreased tax payments, increased cash flow from derivatives, lower capital expenditures and lower cash flow used for business combinations.

For information related to guaranteed debt securities, see Summarized financial information related to guaranteed debt securities in the Supplementary information

OUTLOOK

·           Organic capital expenditures [5] are estimated at around USD 8.5 billion for 20207, around USD 10 billion for 20217, and around USD 12 billion annual average for 2022-2023

·           Equinor intends to continue to mature its attractive portfolio of exploration assets and estimates a total exploration activity level of around USD 1.1 billion for 2020, excluding signature bonuses and field development costs

·           Equinor’s ambition is to keep the unit of production cost in the top quartile of its peer group

·           For  the period 2019–2026, production growth [7] is expected to come from new projects resulting in around 3% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) based on current forecast

·           Scheduled maintenance activity is estimated to reduce equity production by around 30 mboe per day for the full year of 2020


7 USD/NOK exchange rate assumption of 9.5.

 


 

These forward-looking statements reflect current views about future events and are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. We continue to monitor the impact of Covid-19 on our operations. Deferral of production to create future value, production cuts, gas off-take, timing of new capacity coming on stream, operational regularity, impact of Covid-19 and activity level in the US onshore represent the most significant risks related to the foregoing production guidance. There has been considerable uncertainty created by the Covid-19 pandemic and we are still unable to predict the ultimate impact of this event, including impact on general economic conditions worldwide. Our future financial performance, including cash flow and liquidity, will be impacted by the extent and duration of the current market conditions, the development in realised prices, including price differentials and the effectiveness of actions taken in response to the pandemic.  For further information, see section 5.7 Forward-looking statements.  

 

 


 

EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION NORWAY

 

Second quarter 2020 review

 

Average daily production of liquids and gas increased by 7% to 1,281 mboe per day in the second quarter of 2020, compared to
1,192 mboe per day in the
second quarter of 2019. The increase was mainly due to positive contributions from new fields, partially offset by expected natural decline and reduced flexible gas production.

Net operating income was negative USD 104 million in the second quarter of 2020 compared to positive USD 2,478 million in the second quarter of 2019. The decrease was mainly due to lower liquids price and gas transfer price, partially offset by higher liquids volumes 8.  

In the second quarter of 2020, net operating income was negatively impacted by net underlifted volumes of USD 19 million. In the second quarter of 2019, net operating income was positively impacted by a gain on sale of assets of USD 137 million.

Total revenues and other income decreased mainly due to lower liquids price and gas transfer price, partially offset by higher liquids volumes.

 

Operating and administrative expenses  decreased mainly due to the NOK/USD exchange rate development, partially offset by Gassled removal costs and ramp-up of new fields.

 

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses increased mainly due to ramp-up of new fields, partially offset by the NOK/USD exchange rate development.

Exploration expenses decreased mainly due to lower drilling costs partially, offset by lower portion of exploration expenditure being capitalised and higher portion of exploration expenditure capitalised earlier years being expensed this quarter.

 

Quarters

Change

 

Income statement under IFRS

First half

 

Q2 2020

Q1 2020

Q2 2019

Q2 on Q2

 

(in USD million)

2020

2019

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,659

3,537

4,390

(62%)

 

Total revenues and other income

5,196

9,378

(45%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(706)

(635)

(888)

(21%)

 

Operating and administrative expenses

(1,341)

(1,624)

(17%)

(992)

(1,841)

(945)

5%

 

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

(2,833)

(1,964)

44%

(65)

(94)

(79)

(18%)

 

Exploration expenses

(160)

(193)

(17%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(104)

967

2,478

N/A

 

Net operating income/(loss)

863

5,597

(85%)

 

First half 2020

Net operating income for Exploration & Production Norway was USD 863 million in the first half of 2020 compared to USD 5,597 million in the first half of 2019. The decrease was mainly due to lower liquids prices, lower gas transfer price in addition to impairment of assets. Higher liquids volumes partially offset the decrease.

In the first half of 2020, net operating income was negatively impacted by impairment of assets of USD 859 million and net underlifted volumes of USD 50 million. In the first half of 2019, net operating income was positively impacted by a gain on sale of assets of USD 137 million,


8 For more information, see note 2 Segments and note 8 Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and oil price decline to the Condensed interim financial statements.

 


 

partially offset by a negative impact of USD 68 million from underlifted volumes in the period and an implementation effect of USD 42 million from a change in accounting policy for lifting imbalances.

Total revenues and other income decreased by 45% in the first half of 2020 compared to the first half of 2019,  mainly due to lower liquids prices and lower gas transfer price, partially offset by higher liquids volumes.

Operating and administrative expenses  decreased mainly due to the NOK/USD exchange rate development and reduced Gassled removal costs, partially offset by ramp-up of new fields.

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses increased in the first half of 2020   compared to the first half of 2019,  mainly due to impairments and ramp up of new fields, partially offset by the NOK/USD exchange rate development, increased proved reserves on several fields and net decrease in field specific production.

Exploration expenses  decreased mainly due to lower drilling costs, seismic, and field development costs, partially offset by lower portion of exploration expenditure being capitalised and higher portion of exploration expenditure capitalised in earlier years being expensed this year.

 

 


 

EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION INTERNATIONAL

 

In the second quarter of 2020, Equinor changed its internal reporting to management, impacting the composition of Equinor's operating and reporting segments. Equinor’s upstream activities in the USA will now be reported separately to management, and such information is also considered to be useful to the users of the financial statements, resulted in the exploration and production activities in the USA as of the second quarter of 2020 are considered a separate operating- and reporting segment. Previously these activities were included in the DPI operating segment and presented as part of the E&P International reporting segment.

Second quarter 2020 review

 

Average daily equity production of liquids and gas was 325 mboe per day in the second quarter of 2020 compared to 416 mboe per day in the second quarter of 2019. The decrease was primarily due to repairs on Peregrino (Brazil) resulting in a production halt, lower gas nominations, natural decline in mature fields, and OPEC curtailment in several assets, partially offset by start-up of new fields in the UK.

Average daily entitlement production of liquids and gas  was 266 mboe per day in the second quarter of 2020 compared to
309 mboe per day in the second quarter of 2019. The decrease was due to lower equity production partially compensated by lower effects from production sharing agreements (PSA). The net effects from PSA were 59 mboe per day in the second quarter of 2020 compared to 107 mboe per day in the second quarter of 2019.

Net operating income was negative USD 548 million in the second quarter of 2020 compared to positive USD 551 million in the second quarter of 2019. The negative development was primarily due to lower liquids and gas prices and impairment losses of USD 146 million, mainly related to signature bonuses.

 

 Total revenues and other income decreased mainly due to lower liquids and gas prices.

 

Operating and administrative expenses decreased mainly due to lower royalties and production fees, driven by lower volumes and prices, and lower operations and maintenance expenses.

 

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses increased mainly due to impairment losses and new fields on stream, partially offset by higher proved reserves estimates and lower production from mature fields. 

 

Exploration expenses increased mainly due to impairments of assets and higher drilling costs partially offset by a higher portion of exploration expenditure being capitalised this quarter.

 

 

Quarters

Change

 

Income statement under IFRS

First half

 

Q2 2020

Q1 2020

Q2 2019

Q2 on Q2

 

(in USD million)

2020

2019

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

555

1,347

1,559

(64%)

 

Total revenues and other income

1,903

3,258

(42%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(26)

(43)

14

N/A

 

Purchases [net of inventory variation]

(68)

(25)

>100%

(281)

(498)

(403)

(30%)

 

Operating and administrative expenses

(779)

(1,003)

(22%)

(509)

(870)

(477)

7%

 

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

(1,380)

(870)

59%

(288)

(249)

(142)

>100%

 

Exploration expenses

(536)

(267)

>100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(548)

(312)

551

N/A

 

Net operating income/(loss)

(861)

1,093

N/A

 

First half 2020

Net operating income for E&P International was negative USD 861 million in the first half of 2020, compared to positive USD 1,093 million in the first half of 2019. The negative development was mainly due to lower liquids and gas prices and net impairment losses in

 


 

the first half of 2020.

In the first half of 2020, net operating income was negatively impacted by net impairment losses of USD 529 million. In the first half of 2019 net operating income was positively impacted by an impairment reversal of USD 116 million and negatively impacted by an implementation effect of USD 63 million from a change in accounting policy for lifting imbalances.

Total revenues and other income decreased due to lower liquids and gas prices.

Operating and administrative expenses decreased primarily due to lower royalties and production fees driven by lower volumes and prices. 


Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses increased due to net impairment losses and new fields on stream, partially offset by higher proved reserves estimates and lower production from mature fields. 

 

Exploration expenses increased mainly due to net impairments, higher drilling costs and a higher portion of exploration expenditure capitalised earlier years that were expensed, partially offset by a higher portion of exploration expenditure being capitalised.

 

 


 

EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION USA

 

In the second quarter of 2020, Equinor changed its internal reporting to management, impacting the composition of Equinor's operating and reporting segments. Equinor’s upstream activities in the USA will now be reported separately to management, and such information is also considered to be useful to the users of the financial statements, resulted in the exploration and production activities in the USA as of the second quarter of 2020 are considered a separate operating- and reporting segment. Previously these activities were included in the DPI operating segment and presented as part of the E&P International reporting segment.

Second quarter 2020 review

 

Average daily equity production of liquids and gas was 405 mboe per day in the second quarter of 2020 compared to 404 mboe per day in the second quarter of 2019. The divestment of the Eagle Ford asset resulted in a decrease, offset by new wells in the US onshore and additional ownership in the Caesar Tonga field acquired in the third quarter of 2019.

Average daily entitlement production of liquids and gas  increased slightly to 350 mboe per day in the second quarter of 2020 compared to 340 mboe per day in the second quarter of 2019. The increase is due to lower effects from US royalty volumes after the divestment of Eagle Ford.  The net effects from US royalties were 55 mboe per day in the second quarter of 2020 compared to 63 mboe per day in the second quarter of 2019.

Net operating income was negative USD 332 million in the second quarter of 2020 compared to positive USD 134 million in the second quarter of 2019. The negative development was primarily due to the decrease in commodity prices, partially offset by lower operating costs due to the divestment of Eagle Ford, in addition to lower depreciation due to impairments recorded in prior periods.  

 

Total revenues and other income decreased mainly due to lower liquids and gas prices.

 

Operating and administrative expenses decreased mainly due to lower operating and administrative expenses due to the divestment of Eagle Ford and lower production fees driven by lower prices.

 

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses decreased mainly due to lower depreciation basis resulting from impairments in previous periods and higher proved reserves estimates in US offshore, partially offset by additional investments and acquired interest in the Caesar Tonga field during 2019.

 

Exploration expenses increased mainly due to higher drilling and field development costs, partially offset by a higher portion of exploration expenditure being capitalised this quarter.

 

 

Quarters

Change

 

Income statement under IFRS

First half

 

Q2 2020

Q1 2020

Q2 2019

Q2 on Q2

 

(in USD million)

2020

2019

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

475

885

1,071

(56%)

 

Total revenues and other income

1,360

2,183

(38%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(293)

(371)

(403)

(27%)

 

Operating and administrative expenses

(664)

(801)

(17%)

(475)

(1,236)

(521)

(9%)

 

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

(1,711)

(1,029)

66%

(40)

(292)

(14)

>100%

 

Exploration expenses

(332)

(43)

>100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(332)

(1,015)

134

N/A

 

Net operating income/(loss)

(1,347)

309

N/A

 

First half 2020

Net operating income for E&P USA was negative USD 1,347 million in the first half of 2020 compared to positive USD 309 million in the first half of 2019. The negative development was primarily due to net impairment losses in the first half of 2020, and lower liquids

 


 

and gas prices. This was partially offset by lower operating and administrative expenses, together with lower depreciation expenses.

In the first half of 2020, net operating income was negatively impacted by net impairment losses of USD 1,014 million, mainly due to reduced price assumptions with the largest effect being on an unconventional onshore asset.

Total revenues and other income decreased due to lower liquids and gas prices.

Operating and administrative expenses decreased primarily due to the divestment of the Eagle Ford asset in the second half of 2019, and lower severance taxes due to lower prices. 


Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses increased mainly due to net impairment losses.

 

Exploration expenses increased mainly due to net impairments, higher drilling costs and field development costs, partially offset by a higher portion of exploration expenditure being capitalised.

 

 


 

MARKETING, MIDSTREAM & PROCESSING

 

Second quarter 2020 review


Natural gas sales volumes amounted to 13.7 billion standard cubic meters (bcm) in the second quarter of 2020, a decrease of 0,9 bcm compared to the second quarter of 2019. Of the total gas sales in the second quarter of 2020, entitlement gas was 11.8 bcm, down 1.1 bcm from the second quarter of 2019. The decrease was mainly due to lower NCS entitlement volumes.

Liquids sales volumes amounted to 194.9 million barrels (mmbl) in the second quarter of 2020, down 2.9 mmbl compared to the second quarter of 2019 mainly due to decreased volumes from E&P International and third party, partly offset by an increase from NCS volumes in the second quarter of 2020.

Average invoiced European natural gas sales price was 59% lower in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the second quarter of 2019 mainly due to significant drop in European gas prices. Average invoiced North American piped gas sales price decreased by 37% in the same period mainly due to the decreased Henry Hub price.

Net operating income was USD 610 million in the second quarter of 2020 compared to USD 216 million in the second quarter of 2019. The increase was mainly related to strong results from liquids trading, including a reversal of previous write down of inventory and settlement of price reviews. Unrealised derivatives losses, net provisions of USD 149 million and an impairment of USD 228 million related to an infrastructure asset partially offset the increase.

Total revenues and other income and Purchases [net of inventory variation] decreased mainly due to lower prices for all products and decreased volumes for liquids.

Operating and administrative expenses increased mainly due to increased provisions and transportation costs for liquids.

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses increased mainly due to impairment of an infrastructure asset.

  

 

Quarters

Change

 

Income statement under IFRS

First half

 

Q2 2020

Q1 2020

Q2 2019

Q2 on Q2

 

(in USD million)

2020

2019

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,486

14,802

16,454

(55%)

 

Total revenues and other income

22,289

32,293

(31%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,127)

(13,500)

(15,065)

(66%)

 

Purchases [net of inventory variation] [6]

(18,627)

(28,532)

(35%)

(1,423)

(1,344)

(1,073)

33%

 

Operating and administrative expenses

(2,767)

(2,168)

28%

(326)

(280)

(100)

>100%

 

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

(607)

(193)

>100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

610

(322)

216

>100%

 

Net operating income/(loss)

288

1,401

(79%)

 

First half 2020

Net operating income for MMP was USD 288 million in the first half of 2020 compared to USD 1,401 million in the first half of 2019. The decrease was mainly due to unrealised derivatives losses in the first half of 2020 related to certain gas derivatives compared to gains in the first half of 2019, partially offset by settlement of price reviews. In addition, net operating income was negatively impacted by net provisions totalling USD 182 million and impairments of USD 422 million related to refinery and infrastructure assets. 

Total revenues and other income and Purchases [net of inventory variation] decreased primarily driven by lower prices for all products, partially offset by settlement of price revisions.

 


 

Operating and administrative expenses increased mainly due to increased provisions and transportation costs for liquids volumes.

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses increased mainly due to impairments related to refinery and infrastructure assets. 

 

 


 

CONDENSED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Second quarter 2020

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

Quarters

 

 

First half

Full year

Q2 2020

Q1 2020

Q2 2019

(unaudited, in USD million)

Note

2020

2019

2019*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,563

15,065

16,898

Revenues

  

22,627

33,307

62,911

33

71

39

Net income/(loss) from equity accounted investments

  

104

103

164

7

(6)

160

Other income

  

2

168

1,283

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,603

15,130

17,096

Total revenues and other income

2

22,733

33,578

64,357

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,750)

(7,396)

(8,606)

Purchases [net of inventory variation]

 

(10,146)

(15,261)

(29,532)

(2,234)

(2,406)

(2,281)

Operating expenses

 

(4,639)

(4,690)

(9,660)

(177)

(197)

(220)

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

(374)

(451)

(809)

(2,522)

(4,438)

(2,233)

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

6

(6,959)

(4,421)

(13,204)

(393)

(635)

(235)

Exploration expenses

 

(1,028)

(503)

(1,854)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8,075)

(15,072)

(13,575)

Total operating expenses

2

(23,147)

(25,326)

(55,058)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(472)

58

3,521

Net operating income/(loss)

2

(414)

8,252

9,299

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(379)

(344)

(330)

Interest expenses and other financial expenses

  

(723)

(686)

(1,450)

130

367

330

Other financial items

  

498

834

1,443

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(248)

23

(0)

Net financial items

4

(225)

149

(7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(720)

81

3,520

Income/(loss) before tax

  

(640)

8,401

9,292

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

469

(786)

(2,045)

Income tax

5

(316)

(5,213)

(7,441)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(251)

(705)

1,476

Net income/(loss)

 

(956)

3,188

1,851

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(254)

(708)

1,475

Attributable to equity holders of the company

 

(961)

3,187

1,843

3

3

0

Attributable to non-controlling interests

 

6

1

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.08)

(0.21)

0.44

Basic earnings per share (in USD)

 

(0.29)

0.96

0.55

(0.08)

(0.21)

0.44

Diluted earnings per share (in USD)

 

(0.29)

0.95

0.55

3,276

3,305

3,331

Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding (in millions)

3,290

3,331

3,326

3,284

3,312

3,338

Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding diluted (in millions)

3,298

3,338

3,334

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Audited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Quarters

 

 

First half

Full year

Q2 2020

Q1 2020

Q2 2019

 

(unaudited, in USD million)

2020

2019

2019*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(251)

(705)

1,476

 

Net income/(loss)

(956)

3,188

1,851

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

41

122

53

 

Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit pension plans

163

173

427

(8)

(42)

(11)

 

Income tax effect on income and expenses recognised in OCI1)

(50)

(36)

(98)

33

80

43

 

Items that will not be reclassified to the Consolidated statement of income

113

137

330

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,560

(4,182)

148

 

Currency translation adjustments

(2,622)

472

(51)

0

0

(15)

 

Share of OCI from equity accounted investments

0

(13)

44

1,560

(4,182)

133

 

Items that may be subsequently reclassified to the Consolidated statement of income

(2,622)

459

(7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,593

(4,102)

176

 

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

(2,509)

596

323

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,342

(4,807)

1,651

 

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

(3,464)

3,783

2,174

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,340

(4,810)

1,651

 

Attributable to the equity holders of the company

(3,470)

3,782

2,166

3

3

0

 

Attributable to non-controlling interests

6

1

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Audited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1) Other comprehensive income (OCI)

 

 

 

 


 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 

 

At 30 June

At 31 March

At 31 December

At 30 June

(unaudited, in USD million)

Note

2020

2020

2019*

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

6

63,941

59,794

69,953

71,984

Intangible assets

6

10,317

10,145

10,738

10,976

Equity accounted investments

 

1,599

1,565

1,442

2,870

Deferred tax assets

 

3,794

3,833

3,881

3,381

Pension assets

 

963

682

1,093

971

Derivative financial instruments

 

1,630

1,339

1,365

1,405

Financial investments

 

3,157

3,018

3,600

2,873

Prepayments and financial receivables

 

1,311

1,163

1,214

1,149

   

 

 

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

 

86,711

81,540

93,285

95,609

   

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

 

2,974

2,095

3,363

3,689

Trade and other receivables

 

5,489

6,301

8,233

7,622

Derivative financial instruments

 

589

1,247

578

1,491

Financial investments

 

9,319

6,100

7,426

10,160

Cash and cash equivalents

 

9,700

6,866

5,177

5,406

   

 

 

 

 

 

Total current assets

 

28,072

22,609

24,778

28,368

   

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

114,783

104,150

118,063

123,977

   

 

 

 

 

 

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' equity

 

35,587

36,327

41,139

45,013

Non-controlling interests

 

23

19

20

18

   

 

 

 

 

 

Total equity

 

35,610

36,346

41,159

45,031

   

 

 

 

 

 

Finance debt

4

31,647

22,912

24,945

26,262

Deferred tax liabilities

 

8,907

7,399

9,410

9,852

Pension liabilities

 

3,572

3,271

3,867

3,989

Provisions and other liabilities

7

18,097

14,763

17,951

17,900

Derivative financial instruments

 

967

1,063

1,173

1,144

   

 

 

 

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

 

63,191

49,408

57,346

59,147

   

 

 

 

 

 

Trade, other payables and provisions

 

8,620

7,944

10,450

9,108

Current tax payable

5

674

3,568

3,699

4,796

Finance debt

4

5,463

5,608

4,087

4,231

Dividends payable

 

297

0

859

866

Derivative financial instruments

 

928

1,275

462

798

   

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

15,982

18,395

19,557

19,799

   

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

79,173

67,803

76,904

78,946

   

 

 

 

 

 

Total equity and liabilities

 

114,783

104,150

118,063

123,977

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Audited

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(unaudited, in USD million)

Share capital

Additional paid-in capital

Retained earnings

Currency translation adjustments

OCI from equity accounted investments

Share-holders' equity

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 31 December 2018*

1,185

8,247

38,790

(5,206)

(44)

42,970

19

42,990

Net income/(loss)

 

 

3,187

 

 

3,187

1

3,188

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

 

 

137

472

(13)

596

 

596

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,783

Dividends

 

 

(1,732)

 

 

(1,732)

 

(1,732)

Other equity transactions

 

(8)

0

 

 

(8)

(2)

(10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 30 June 2019

1,185

8,239

40,381

(4,735)

(57)

45,013

18

45,031

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 31 December 2019*

1,185

7,732

37,481

(5,258)

0

41,139

20

41,159

Net income/(loss)

 

 

(961)

 

 

(961)

6

(956)

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

 

 

113

(2,622)

0

(2,509)

 

(2,509)

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,464)

Dividends  

 

 

(1,189)

 

 

(1,189)

 

(1,189)

Share buy-back1)

 

(890)

 

 

 

(890)

 

(890)

Other equity transactions

 

(4)

(0)

 

 

(4)

(2)

(6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 30 June 2020

1,185

6,838

35,443

(7,879)

0

35,587

23

35,610

* Audited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1)     In September 2019 Equinor launched a USD 5 billion share buy-back programme, where the first tranche of the programme of around USD 1.5 billion has been finalized. A proportionate share of 67% from the Norwegian State was redeemed in accordance with an agreement with the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy for the Norwegian State to maintain their ownership percentage in Equinor. The redemption was approved by the annual general meeting held 14 May 2020.

      The first tranche of USD 500 million acquired in the market has been recognised as a reduction in equity as treasury shares in 3 quarter 2019. The State’s share including interest and dividends has been recognized as a short-term obligation and as a reduction in equity as treasury shares, subsequent to the decision at the annual general meeting held on 14 May 2020. The liability of USD 0.9 billion (NOK 9.1 billion) was settled 23 July 2020. The corresponding shares of the first tranche of the buyback programme were cancelled 16 July 2020.

Equinor has suspended the remaining share buy-back programme until further notice. The announced second tranche of around USD 675 million, including the Norwegian State share, will under the current market conditions not be executed as previously announced and planned.

 


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

Quarters

 

 

 

 

First half

Full year

Q2 2020

Q1 2020

Q2 2019

 

(unaudited, in USD million)

Note

2020

2019

2019*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(720)

81

3,520

 

Income/(loss) before tax

 

(640)

8,401

9,292

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,522

4,438

2,233

 

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

6

6,959

4,421

13,204

125

435

4

 

Exploration expenditures written off

 

560

23

777

321

(297)

82

 

(Gains)/losses on foreign currency transactions and balances

4

24

94

(224)

(15)

14

(135)

 

(Gains)/losses on sale of assets and businesses

3

(1)

(143)

(1,187)

257

235

194

 

(Increase)/decrease in other items related to operating activities

 

492

481

1,016

25

(289)

(321)

 

(Increase)/decrease in net derivative financial instruments

 

(264)

(1,129)

(595)

43

65

63

 

Interest received

 

108

116

215

(198)

(182)

(131)

 

Interest paid

 

(380)

(300)

(723)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,360

4,500

5,510

 

Cash flows provided by operating activities before taxes paid and working capital items

 

6,859

11,964

21,776

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,744)

(887)

(2,800)

 

Taxes paid

 

(2,631)

(4,189)

(8,286)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(248)

1,431

(49)

 

(Increase)/decrease in working capital

 

1,183

20

259

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

368

5,043

2,661

 

Cash flows provided by operating activities

 

5,411

7,795

13,749

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

0

(43)

 

Cash used in business combinations1)

3

0

(480)

(2,274)

(1,899)

(2,350)

(2,834)

 

Capital expenditures and investments

 

(4,249)

(4,867)

(10,204)

(2,730)

599

(923)

 

(Increase)/decrease in financial investments2)

 

(2,131)

(3,385)

(1,012)

(45)

(26)

75

 

(Increase)/decrease in derivatives financial instruments

 

(71)

114

298

2

0

(4)

 

(Increase)/decrease in other interest-bearing items

 

3

8

(10)

0

2

207

 

Proceeds from sale of assets and businesses

3

2

207

2,608

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,671)

(1,776)

(3,521)

 

Cash flows used in investing activities

 

(6,446)

(8,403)

(10,594)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,347

0

0

 

New finance debt

 

8,347

0

984

(318)

(305)

(272)

 

Repayment of finance debt

 

(623)

(535)

(2,419)

(904)

(845)

(864)

 

Dividends paid

 

(1,750)

(1,633)

(3,342)

0

(58)

0

 

Share buy-back3)

 

(58)

0

(442)

(150)

(49)

728

 

Net current finance debt and other

 

(198)

598

(277)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,975

(1,257)

(408)

 

Cash flows provided by/(used in) financing activities

 

5,717

(1,569)

(5,496)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,672

2,010

(1,269)

 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

4,682

(2,177)

(2,341)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

162

(321)

30

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

(159)

0

(38)

6,866

5,177

6,618

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period (net of overdraft)

 

5,177

7,556

7,556

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,700

6,866

5,379

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period (net of overdraft)4)

 

9,700

5,379

5,177

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Audited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

1)     Net after cash and cash equivalents acquired.

2)     Includes sale of Lundin shares in the second quarter of 2020. For more information, see note 3 Acquisition and disposals.

3)     For more information, see Consolidated statement of changes in equity.

4)     At 30 June 2020 cash and cash equivalents net overdraft was zero. At 30 June 2019 net overdraft was USD 27 million and at 31 December 2019 net overdraft was zero.

 

 

 


 

Notes to the Condensed interim financial statements

1 Organisation and basis of preparation


Organisation and principal activities

Equinor ASA, originally Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap AS, was founded in 1972 and is incorporated and domiciled in Norway. The address of its registered office is Forusbeen 50, N-4035 Stavanger, Norway.

The Equinor group’s (Equinor’s) business consists principally of the exploration, production, transportation, refining and marketing of petroleum and petroleum-derived products, and other forms of energy. Equinor ASA is listed on the Oslo Børs (Norway) and the New York Stock Exchange (USA).

All of Equinor's oil and gas activities and net assets on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) are owned by Equinor Energy AS, a 100% owned operating subsidiary of Equinor ASA. Equinor Energy AS is co-obligor or guarantor of certain debt obligations of Equinor ASA.

Following changes in Equinor's internal reporting to management the composition of Equinor's operating and reporting segments has changed as of the second quarter of 2020. Segment information for prior periods has been restated to align with the new segment presentation. For further information see Note 2 Segments to these Condensed interim financial statements.

Equinor's Condensed interim financial statements for the second quarter of 2020 were authorised for issue by the board of directors on 23 July 2020.

Basis of preparation

These Condensed interim financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial Reporting as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and as adopted by the European Union (EU). The Condensed interim financial statements do not include all the information and disclosures required by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for a complete set of financial statements, and these Condensed interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated annual financial statements for 2019. IFRS as adopted by the EU differs in certain respects from IFRS as issued by the IASB, but the differences do not impact Equinor's financial statements for the periods presented. A description of the significant accounting policies applied in preparing these Condensed interim financial statements is included in Equinor`s Consolidated annual financial statements for 2019.

On 1 January 2020, Equinor implemented amendments to IFRS 3 Business Combinations, which apply to relevant transactions that occur on or after the implementation date. The amendments introduce clarification to the definition of a business, and also establish an optional test to identify a concentration of fair value that, if applied and met, will lead to the conclusion that an acquired set of activities and assets is not a business.

There have been no other changes to the significant accounting policies in the first half of 2020 compared to the Consolidated annual financial statements for 2019.

The Condensed interim financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the dates and interim periods presented. Interim period results are not necessarily indicative of results of operations or cash flows for an annual period. Certain amounts in the comparable periods in the note disclosures have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. The subtotals and totals in some of the tables may not equal the sum of the amounts shown due to rounding.

The Condensed interim financial statements are unaudited.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making the judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an on-going basis, considering current and expected future market conditions. A change in an accounting estimate is recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the steep oil price decline experienced in the first half of 2020 create additional estimation uncertainties and impact key assumptions applied by Equinor in the valuation of our

 


 

assets and the measurement of our liabilities, and related sensitivities. Reference is made to note 8 Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and oil price decline for further information. 

 


 

2 Segments


Equinor’s operations are managed through the following operating segments (business areas): Development & Production Norway (DPN), Development & Production International (DPI), Development & Production Brazil (DPB), Development & Production USA (DPUSA), Marketing, Midstream & Processing (MMP), New Energy Solutions (NES), Technology, Projects & Drilling (TPD), Exploration (EXP) and Global Strategy & Business Development (GSB).

The reporting segments Exploration & Production Norway (E&P Norway), Exploration & Production USA (E&P USA) and MMP consist of the business areas DPN, DPUSA and MMP respectively. The operating segments DPI and DPB are aggregated into the reporting segment Exploration & Production International (E&P International). The aggregation has its basis in similar economic characteristics, such as similar long-term average gross margins, the assets’ long term and capital-intensive nature and exposure to volatile oil and gas commodity prices, the nature of products, service and production processes, the type and class of customers, the methods of distribution and regulatory environment. The operating segments NES, GSB, TPD, EXP and corporate staffs and support functions are aggregated into the reporting segment “Other” due to the immateriality of these operating segments. The majority of the costs within the operating segments GSB, TPD and EXP are allocated to the E&P Norway, E&P USA, E&P International and MMP reporting segments.

In the second quarter of 2020, Equinor changed its internal reporting to management, impacting the composition of Equinor's operating and reporting segments. Equinor’s upstream activities in the USA will now be reported separately to management, and such information is also considered to be useful to the users of the financial statements, resulted in the exploration and production activities in the USA as of the second quarter of 2020 are considered a separate operating- and reporting segment. Previously these activities were included in the DPI operating segment and presented as part of the E&P International reporting segment.

The eliminations section includes the elimination of inter-segment sales and related unrealised profits, mainly from the sale of crude oil and products. Inter-segment revenues are based upon estimated market prices.     

Segment data for the second quarter of 2020 and 2019 is presented below. The reported measure of segment profit is net operating income/(loss) Deferred tax assets, pension assets and non-current financial assets are not allocated to the segments.

The measurement basis for segments is IFRS as applied by the group with the exception of IFRS 16 Leases and the line item Additions to PP&E, intangibles and equity accounted investments. All IFRS 16 leases are presented within the Other segment. The lease costs for the period are allocated to the different segments based on underlying lease payments, with a corresponding credit in the Other segment. Lease costs allocated to licence partners are recognised as other revenues in the Other segment. Additions to PP&E, intangible assets and equity accounted investments in the E&P and MMP segments include the period’s allocated lease costs related to activity being capitalised with a corresponding negative addition in the Other segment. The line item Additions to PP&E, intangibles and equity accounted investments excludes movements related to changes in asset retirement obligations.

 

Second quarter 2020

E&P Norway

E&P International

E&P USA

MMP

Other

Eliminations

Total

(in USD million)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues third party, other revenues and other income

10

52

67

7,392

50

0

7,570

Revenues inter-segment

1,649

515

408

88

1

(2,661)

0

Net income/(loss) from equity accounted investments

0

(11)

0

7

38

0

33

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues and other income

1,659

555

475

7,486

88

(2,661)

7,603

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases [net of inventory variation]

0

(26)

0

(5,127)

(0)

2,403

(2,750)

Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses

(706)

(281)

(293)

(1,423)

125

166

(2,411)

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

(992)

(509)

(475)

(326)

(220)

0

(2,522)

Exploration expenses

(65)

(288)

(40)

0

0

0

(393)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

(1,762)

(1,103)

(808)

(6,877)

(94)

2,569

(8,075)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating income/(loss)

(104)

(548)

(332)

610

(6)

(92)

(472)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to PP&E, intangibles and equity accounted investments

1,118

484

268

51

386

0

2,307

 


 

 


 

Second quarter 2019

E&P Norway

E&P International

E&P            USA

MMP

Other

Eliminations

Total

(in USD million)

 

 

(restated)

(restated)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues third party, other revenues and other income

157

429

98

16,315

59

0

17,057

Revenues inter-segment

4,226

1,122

972

127

1

(6,448)

0

Net income/(loss) from equity accounted investments

7

9

2

11

10

0

39

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues and other income

4,390

1,559

1,071

16,454

70

(6,448)

17,096

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases [net of inventory variation]

0

14

0

(15,065)

(0)

6,445

(8,606)

Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses

(888)

(403)

(403)

(1,073)

63

202

(2,502)

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

(945)

(477)

(521)

(100)

(190)

0

(2,233)

Exploration expenses

(79)

(142)

(14)

0

0

0

(235)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

(1,913)

(1,008)

(937)

(16,238)

(127)

6,647

(13,575)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating income/(loss)

2,478

551

134

216

(57)

199

3,521

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to PP&E, intangibles and equity accounted investments

1,718

991

645

60

19

0

3,432

 

 

First half 2020

E&P Norway

E&P International

E&P  USA

MMP

Other

Eliminations

Total

(in USD million)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues third party, other revenue and other income

17

218

208

22,087

99

0

22,629

Revenues inter-segment

5,179

1,680

1,152

184

1

(8,197)

0

Net income/(loss) from equity accounted investments

0

5

0

18

82

0

104

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues and other income

5,196

1,903

1,360

22,289

182

(8,197)

22,733

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases [net of inventory variation]

0

(68)

0

(18,627)

(0)

8,549

(10,146)

Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses

(1,341)

(779)

(664)

(2,767)

184

353

(5,014)

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

(2,833)

(1,380)

(1,711)

(607)

(429)

0

(6,959)

Exploration expenses

(160)

(536)

(332)

0

0

0

(1,028)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

(4,333)

(2,763)

(2,707)

(22,001)

(245)

8,902

(23,147)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating income/(loss)

863

(861)

(1,347)

288

(63)

705

(414)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to PP&E, intangibles and equity accounted investments

2,407

1,225

694

107

489

0

4,922

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance sheet information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity accounted investments

2

563

0

90

944

0

1,599

Non-current segment assets

30,547

19,715

15,557

4,350

4,090

0

74,259

Non-current assets not allocated to segments 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,853

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

86,711

 


 

 


 

First half 2019

E&P Norway

E&P International

E&P          USA

MMP

Other

Eliminations

Total

(in USD million)

 

 

(restated)

(restated)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues third party, other revenue and other income

160

907

214

32,050

145

0

33,476

Revenues inter-segment

9,205

2,332

1,966

227

2

(13,732)

0

Net income/(loss) from equity accounted investments

13

18

3

16

53

0

103

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues and other income

9,378

3,258

2,183

32,293

199

(13,732)

33,578

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases [net of inventory variation]

1

(25)

(0)

(28,532)

(0)

13,295

(15,261)

Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses

(1,624)

(1,003)

(801)

(2,168)

62

393

(5,141)

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

(1,964)

(870)

(1,029)

(193)

(364)

0

(4,421)

Exploration expenses

(193)

(267)

(43)

0

0

0

(503)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

(3,781)

(2,165)

(1,874)

(30,892)

(302)

13,688

(25,326)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating income/(loss)

5,597

1,093

309

1,401

(103)

(44)

8,252

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to PP&E, intangibles and equity accounted investments

2,941

1,779

1,078

547

485

0

6,830

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance sheet information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity accounted investments

1,041

306

82

94

1,347

0

2,870

Non-current segment assets

33,517

20,777

18,855

5,362

4,449

0

82,960

Non-current assets not allocated to segments 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,778

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

95,609

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the second quarter of 2020 Equinor recognised net impairment of USD 374 million of which USD 111 million was classified as exploration expenses.

 

In the E&P International segment the net impairment was USD 146 million of which USD 111 million was classified as exploration expenses and USD 35 million was related to a production asset in North America – conventional other area due to a decrease in estimated production period.

 

In the MMP segment the impairment was USD 228 million related to a gas processing plant in Norway. The impairment was caused by a decrease in estimated future gas volumes.

 

Due to the recovery in commodity prices, at the end of the second quarter as compared to the end of the first quarter, MMP has reversed USD 605 million in write-down of inventory included in the line item Purchases [net of inventory variation]. The impact is largely offset by loss on derivatives included in the line item Revenues third party, other revenue and other income.

 

Most of the renewable assets in Equinor Group are accounted for using equity method and the results are presented in the Other reporting segment.  The net income from the equity accounted investments within the operating segment NES was USD 38 million in

 


 

the second quarter of 2020 and USD 82 million in the first half of 2020, which compares to USD 10 million in the second quarter of 2019 and USD 53 million in the first half 2019. The effect of high availability and production on all offshore wind assets in the first quarter of 2020 was partly offset by effect of seasonal lower wind and planned maintenance in the second quarter of 2020, and by effect of partial divestment of ownership share in Arkona wind farm in the fourth quarter of 2019.

 

See also note 8 Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and oil price decline.

 

For information regarding acquisition and disposal of interests, see note 3 Acquisitions and disposals.

 

Revenues from contracts with customers by geographical areas

When attributing the line item Revenues third party, other revenues and other income to the country of the legal entity executing the sale for the second quarter of 2020, Norway constitutes 79% and the US constitutes 16% of such revenues. For the second quarter of 2019, Norway and the US constituted 72% and 22% of such revenues respectively.

 

For the first half of 2020, Norway constitutes 80% and the US constitutes 15% of such revenues. For the  first half of 2019, Norway and the US constituted 74% and 19% of such revenues respectively.

 

Non-current assets by country

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 30 June

At 31 March

At 31 December

At 30 June

(in USD million)

2020

2020

2019

2019

 

 

 

 

 

Norway

36,383

32,274

40,292

40,664

USA

16,524

16,524

17,776

19,999

Brazil

8,796

8,619

8,724

8,197

UK

4,913

4,968

5,657

5,406

Azerbaijan

1,696

1,671

1,598

1,497

Canada

1,435

1,372

1,672

1,651

Angola

1,331

1,320

1,564

1,743

Tanzania

964

964

964

963

Denmark

887

862

984

883

Algeria

866

880

915

950

Other countries

2,064

2,051

1,986

3,877

 

 

 

 

 

Total non-current assets1)

75,858

71,505

82,133

85,830

 

1)   Excluding deferred tax assets, pension assets and non-current financial assets.



 

Revenues from contracts with customers and other revenues

 

 

Quarters

Full Year

(in USD million)

Q2 2020

Q1 2020

Q2 2019

2019

 

 

 

 

 

Crude oil

 4,018  

 7,840  

 9,390  

 33,505  

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas

 1,188  

 2,170  

 2,637  

 11,281  

 - European gas

 923  

 1,767  

 2,204  

 9,366  

 - North American gas

 196  

 290  

 281  

 1,359  

 - Other incl. LNG

 68  

 113  

 152  

 556  

 

 

 

 

 

Refined products

 1,258  

 2,029  

 2,866  

 10,652  

Natural gas liquids

 839  

 1,449  

 1,542  

 5,807  

Transportation

 286  

 329  

 163  

 967  

Other sales

 88  

 136  

 165  

 445  

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from contracts with customers

 7,677  

 13,954  

 16,763  

 62,657  

 

 

 

 

 

Taxes paid in-kind

 (9) 

 47  

 105  

 344  

Physically settled commodity derivatives

 152  

 99  

 (306) 

 (1,086) 

Gain/(loss) on commodity derivatives

 (318) 

 912  

 276  

 732  

Other revenues

 61  

 52  

 60  

 265  

Total other revenues

 (114) 

 1,110  

 134  

 254  

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 7,563  

 15,065  

 16,898  

 62,911  

 


 

 


 

3 Acquisitions and disposals

 

Divestment of remaining shares in Lundin

On 8 May 2020 Equinor closed the divestment of its remaining (4.9%) financial shareholding in Lundin Energy AB (formerly Lundin Petroleum AB). The consideration is SEK 3.3 billion (USD 0.3 billion). The impact on the Consolidated statement of income in the second quarter is USD 0.1 billion and is recognised as Interest income and other financial items.

 

Investment in interest onshore Argentina

On 30 January 2020 Equinor closed a transaction to acquire a 50% ownership share in SPM Argentina S.A (SPM) from Schlumberger Production Management Holding Argentina B.V..  Shell acquired the remaining 50% ownership share of SPM.  SPM holds a 49% interest in the Bandurria Sur onshore block in Argentina, and the block is in the pilot phase of development. The consideration including preliminary adjustments is USD 185 million. In the second quarter Equinor increased its shareholding in the Bandurria Sur by 5.5% to 30% for a preliminary consideration of USD 44 million. The investment is accounted for as a joint venture using the equity method. The investment is accounted for in the E&P International segment.

 

4 Financial items

Quarters

 

 

First half

Full year

Q2 2020

Q1 2020

Q2 2019

 

(in USD million)

2020

2019

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(321)

297

(82)

 

Gains/(losses) on net foreign exchange

(24)

(94)

224

262

(122)

145

 

Interest income and other financial items

140

355

746

189

193

267

 

Gains/(losses) on derivative financial instruments

382

573

473

(379)

(344)

(330)

 

Interest and other finance expenses

(723)

(686)

(1,450)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(248)

23

(0)

 

Net financial items

(225)

149

(7)

 

Gains on derivative financial instruments first half 2020 of USD 382 million and first half 2019 of USD 573 million, are mainly due to decreased interest rates.

 

Equinor has a US Commercial paper programme available with a limit of USD 5 billion of which USD 99 million has been utilised as of
30 June 2020.

 

In the first half of 2020, Equinor recorded total lease payments of USD 687 million, of which USD 64 million were payment of interests and USD 623 million were down-payments of lease liabilities. Lease liabilities as at 30 June 2020 were USD 4,154 million, presented in the balance sheet within the line items Current and Non-current finance debt with USD 1,139 million and USD 3,016 million respectively.

 

In the second quarter of 2020 Equinor ASA issued bonds with maturities from 5 to 30 years for a total amount of USD 8.3 billion. The bonds were issued in USD and EUR, amounting to USD 6.5 billion and EUR 1.75 billion, and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Equinor Energy AS.

 

 

5 Income taxes

Quarters

 

 

First half

Full year

Q2 2020

Q1 2020

Q2 2019

 

(in USD million)

2020

2019

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(720)

81

3,520

 

Income/(loss) before tax

(640)

8,401

9,292

469

(786)

(2,045)

 

Income tax

(316)

(5,213)

(7,441)

65.2%

>100%

58.1%

 

Effective tax rate

(49.5%)

62.1%

80.1%



The tax rate for the second quarter of 2020 and for the first half of 2020 was primarily influenced by the temporary changes to Norway’s petroleum tax system as described in note 8 Impact of pandemic and oil price decline, and changes in best estimates for uncertain tax positions.

 


 

 

The tax rate for the first half of 2020 was also influenced by losses including impairments recognised in countries with unrecognised deferred taxes or in countries with lower than average tax rates and currency effects in entities that are taxable in other currencies than the functional currency.

 

The tax rate for the second quarter of 2019 and the first half of 2019 was primarily influenced by positive operating income in countries with unrecognised deferred tax assets, and tax exempted divestment of interests on the NCS. 

 

The tax rate for the full year 2019 was primarily influenced by losses recognised in countries with unrecognised deferred tax assets or in countries with lower than average tax rates, partially offset by tax exempted gains on divestments.



6 Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

(in USD million)

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 31 December 2019

69,953

10,738

 

Additions

4,929

421

 

Transfers

44

(44)

 

Disposals and reclassifications

(16)

(4)

 

Expensed exploration expenditures and net impairment losses

-

(560)

 

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

(6,946)

(13)

 

Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments

(4,022)

(221)

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 30 June 2020

63,941

10,317

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right-of-use (RoU) assets are included within property, plant and equipment with a book value of USD 3,885 million as at 30 June 2020. Additions to RoU assets amount to USD 651 million. Gross depreciation of RoU assets amounts to USD 598 million in the first half of 2020, of which depreciation costs of USD 186 million have been allocated to exploration and development activities and are presented net on the Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses and Additions lines in the table above.

Equinor’s Block 2 Exploration License in Tanzania was due to expire in June 2018 but based on indications from the Tanzanian authorities that the license would be extended the asset has remained capitalised. The license was formally extended by 3.5 years in and from the second quarter of 2020. The capitalised expenditures included in intangible assets related to the license are USD 962 million.

Impairments and impairment reversals
For information on impairment losses and reversals per reporting segment, see note 2 Segments.

First half 2020

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Total

(in USD million)

 

 

 

 

Producing and development assets

2,379

277

2,656

Goodwill

-

1

1

Acquisition costs related to oil and gas prospects

-

170

170

 

 

 

 

Total net impairment losses (reversals) recognised

2,379

448

2,827

 

 

 

 

 

The net impairment charges have been recognised in the Consolidated statement of income as Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses and Exploration expenses based on the impaired assets’ nature of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, respectively.

 


 

 

The recoverable amounts in the second quarter of 2020 were mainly discounted cash flows based on a fair value less cost of disposal.

 

Value in use estimates and discounted cash flows used to determine the recoverable amount of assets tested for impairment are based on internal forecasts on costs, production profiles and commodity prices.  

 

 

 

 


 

The commodity prices used as assumptions for the impairment calculations in the second quarter of 2020 are disclosed in the table below. The figures in brackets are the prices used in impairment calculations in the fourth quarter of 2019.

 

See also note 8 Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and oil price decline.

 

Year

Prices in real terms 1)

 

 

2020

 

2025

 

2030

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brent Blend (USD/bbl)

 

 

 

41

(59)

 

77

(77)

 

80

(80)

NBP (USD/mmBtu)

 

 

 

3.4

(4.2)

 

7.0

(7.0)

 

7.5

(7.5)

Henry Hub (USD/mmBtu)

 

 

 

2.0

(2.4)

 

3.1

(3.1)

 

3.6

(3.6)

1) Basis year 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The table above sets out Management’s future commodity price assumptions which are used for value in use impairment testing. The same future commodity price assumptions are also used for evaluating investment opportunities, together with other relevant criteria, including value creation in lower commodity price scenarios. The short-term price is based on current market forward prices. The long-term commodity price assumptions reflect Management’s best estimate of the long-term price development over the life of the Group’s assets based on its view of relevant current circumstances and the likely future development of such circumstances, including energy demand development, energy and climate change policies and the speed of the energy transition, population and economic growth, geopolitical risks, technology and cost development, and other factors. Management’s best estimate is also informed by a range of external forecasts. Management’s current view is that when considering the totality of such current and future circumstances, the most likely outcome in 2025 and 2030 indicates a supply-demand balance consistent with the prices in the table above. Significant uncertainty continues to exist regarding future commodity price development due to the potential long-term impact on demand of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the measures taken to contain it, energy investments in the transition to a lower carbon economy and future supply actions by OPEC+ and other factors. Management will continue to monitor these developments and the impact they may have on its commodity price assumptions. A significant downward adjustment of Equinor’s long-term commodity price assumptions would result in significant impairment losses on certain assets in Equinor’s portfolio. See Note 10 Property, plant and equipment to the financial statements in Equinor’s 2019 Annual Report and Form 20-F.

 

7 Provisions, commitments, contingent liabilities and contingent assets

 

Onerous contract

Due to significantly reduced expected use of a transportation agreement, Equinor provided in the second quarter USD 154 million as an onerous contract. The amount is recognised in the MMP segment as an operating expense in the Consolidated statement of income and has been included in the line item Provisions in the Consolidated balance sheet.

 

Price review arbitration 

Some long-term gas sales agreements contain price review clauses, which in certain cases lead to claims subject to arbitration. The exposure related to price reviews has been reduced by approximately USD 1.3 billion due to settlements in the second quarter. The remaining exposure for gas delivered prior to 30 June is immaterial. Price review related changes in the second quarter represent an income of approximately USD 150 million before tax and USD 30 million after tax. The amounts have been reflected in the Consolidated statement of income as revenues and income tax, respectively. 

 

A dispute between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Governments of Rivers, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States in Nigera

In October 2018, the Supreme Court of Nigeria rendered a judgement in a dispute between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Governments of Rivers, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States in favour of the latter. The Supreme Court judgement provides for potential retroactive adjustment of certain production sharing contracts in favour of the Federal Government, including OML 128 (Agbami). This case has been withdrawn by the plaintiff in the second quarter of 2020 with no impact on Equinor’s Interim financial statement. 

 

Dispute with Brazilian tax authorities

Brazilian tax authorities issued an updated tax assessment for 2011 for Equinor’s Brazilian subsidiary which was party to Equinor’s divestment of 40% of the Peregrino field to Sinochem at that time. The assessment disputed Equinor’s allocation of the sale proceeds between entities and assets involved, resulting in a significantly higher assessed taxable gain and related taxes payable in Brazil. Equinor disagreed with the assessment and had the case brought forward to the second instance of the Administrative Court in Brazil which decided the case in Equinor’s favour. Equinor has received confirmation that the decision is considered final and non-appealable. The final ruling did not have any impact on Equinor’s Interim Financial statement.

 


 

 

 

 

 


 

KKD Oil Sands Partnership

Canadian tax authorities have issued a proposal of re-assessment for 2014 for Equinor’s Canadian subsidiary which was party to Equinor’s divestment of 40% of the KKD Oil Sands partnership at that time. The proposal disputes the partners allocation between entities and assets involved. Maximum exposure is estimated to be approximately USD 360 million. The ongoing process of formal communication with the Canadian tax authorities, as well as any subsequent litigation that may become necessary, may take several years. No taxes will become payable until the matter has been finally settled. Equinor is of the view that all applicable tax regulations have been applied in the case and that Equinor has a strong position. No amounts have consequently been provided for in the accounts.  

 

During the normal course of its business Equinor is involved in legal and other proceedings, and several claims are unresolved and currently outstanding. The ultimate liability or asset, respectively, in respect of such litigation and claims cannot be determined now. Equinor has provided in its Condensed interim financial statements for probable liabilities related to litigation and claims based on the company's best judgement. Equinor does not expect that its financial position, results of operations or cash flows will be materially affected by the resolution of these legal proceedings.

 

8 Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and oil price decline

 

A considerable decline in oil prices during 2020, triggered among other factors by lower demand due to the Covid-19 pandemic, continues to significantly impact the energy industry and Equinor. High volatility in short-term oil prices has continued subsequent to the second quarter end. The full extent, duration and consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting operational and economic impact for Equinor cannot be ascertained at this time. However, resulting changes in market risk and economic circumstances in the second quarter of 2020 impact certain of Equinor’s assumptions about the future and related sources of estimation uncertainty. Updates of certain information previously provided in Equinor’s Annual financial statement for 2019, as well as other relevant information, are consequently included below.

 

Long-term risk-free interest rates (10 years) have decreased by approximately 1.3 percentage points in the period from year-end 2019 to 30 June 2020, while Equinor’s own credit spread at the end of the second quarter was somewhat higher than end of 2019 due to the current market situation. Equinor has maintained the rating from the rating agencies. The discount rates applied at 30 June 2020 in the estimation of impairments, certain fair values of assets and liabilities, and other relevant elements have consequently not changed materially compared to year-end 2019. The discount rate applied for ARO estimation has decreased by 0.6 percentage points.

 

Due to market developments and related consequences, certain Equinor suppliers and customers have indicated that contractual clauses such as those involving force majeure are being explored. The potential impact for Equinor, if any, is uncertain at this time.

 

As a consequence of the imbalances in the oil market and the significant oil price decline in 2020, OPEC+ announced production cuts starting 1 May 2020. In Norway, where Equinor has production on the NCS, the Norwegian Government announced unilateral oil production cuts portioned out to relevant fields via their production licenses. Equinor has some of its oil production activities in countries affected by the implemented production cuts. Equinor complies with the revised production permits issued by the authorities. For the second quarter of 2020 the production cuts in Norway and internationally did not have significant impact on the total production.  

 

As a measure to maintain activity in the oil and gas related industry, the Norwegian Government on 19 June 2020 enacted temporary targeted changes to Norway’s petroleum tax system for investments incurred in 2020 and 2021 and for new projects with final investment decisions submitted by end of 2022. The changes are effective from 1 January 2020 and provide companies with a direct tax deduction in the special petroleum tax (56% tax rate) instead of tax depreciation over 6 years. One of changes is that the tax uplift benefit, which has increased from 20.8%. to 24% will be recognised over one year instead of four years. Tax depreciation towards the ordinary corporate tax (22% tax rate) will continue with a six-year depreciation profile. The totality of the petroleum tax changes will increase the profitability for investments and strengthen Equinor’s’ liquidity. The impact of the retrospective application of the temporary changes in the tax regulation (changes related to first quarter) is a net income of USD 115 million included in the line item Income tax.

 

An updated overview of Equinor’s price assumptions as of 30 June 2020 has been provided in note 6 Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.

 

Equinor has evaluated the reasonable possible changes in certain assumptions as of 30 June 2020. For interest rate, currency risk and equity price the reasonable possible change remains unchanged from 31 December 2019.



 

 


 

 

 


 

The table below contains the price risk sensitivities of Equinor's commodity-based derivatives contracts. As of 30 June 2020, the reasonable possible change in prices is deemed to be -50% /+100% based on the duration of the derivatives. Equinor enters into commodity-based derivative contracts mainly to manage short-term commodity risk. However, since none of the derivative financial instruments included in the table below are part of formal hedging relationships, any changes in their fair values would be recognised in the Consolidated statement of income.

Commodity price sensitivity

30 June 2020

31 December 2019

(in USD million)

- 50%

+ 100%

- 30%

+ 30%

 

 

 

 

 

Crude oil and refined products net gain/(losses)

80

(169)

569

(563)

Natural gas and electricity net gains/(losses)

187

496

(33)

49

 

9 Subsequent events


On 23 July 2020, the board of directors resolved to declare a dividend for the second quarter of 2020 of USD 0.09 per share. The Equinor shares will trade ex-dividend 13 November 2020 on the Oslo Børs and for ADR holders on the New York Stock Exchange. Record date will be 19 November 2020 and payment date will be 25 November 2020.

On 23 July 2020 the recognised liability of USD 0.9 billion (NOK 9.1 billion) was settled to the Norwegian state as part of the 1st tranche of the share buy-back programme and according to the approval by the annual general meeting held on 14 May 2020. The corresponding shares of the first tranche of the buyback programme were cancelled 16 July 2020.

 

 



 

 


 

Supplementary disclosures

 

Operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarters

Change

 

 

First half

 

Q2 2020

Q1 2020

Q2 2019

Q2 on Q2

 

Operational data

2020

2019

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prices

 

 

 

29.2

50.3

68.8

(58%)

 

Average Brent oil price (USD/bbl)

39.7

66.0

(40%)

23.5

44.7

60.3

(61%)

 

E&P Norway average liquids price (USD/bbl)

34.0

58.6

(42%)

24.4

46.7

63.4

(62%)

 

E&P International average liquids price (USD/bbl)

36.4

60.9

(40%)

19.0

39.2

51.4

(63%)

 

E&P USA average liquids price (USD/bbl)

29.5

49.9

(41%)

22.9

44.2

59.3

(61%)

 

Group average liquids price (USD/bbl) [1]

33.6

57.4

(41%)

229

420

513

(55%)

 

Group average liquids price (NOK/bbl) [1]

328

494

(34%)

0.91

2.61

4.22

(78%)

 

Transfer price natural gas (USD/mmbtu) [9]

1.82

4.93

(63%)

2.24

4.06

5.49

(59%)

 

Average invoiced gas prices - Europe (USD/mmbtu) [8]

3.23

6.23

(48%)

1.47

1.86

2.35

(37%)

 

Average invoiced gas prices - North America (USD/mmbtu) [8]

1.68

2.77

(39%)

3.9

1.8

4.4

(11%)

 

Refining reference margin (USD/bbl) [2]

2.8

3.7

(23%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entitlement production (mboe per day)

 

 

 

637

649

479

33%

 

E&P Norway entitlement liquids production

643

512

26%

235

265

263

(11%)

 

E&P International entitlement liquids production

250

264

(5%)

172

186

177

(3%)

 

E&P USA entitlement liquids production

179

178

1%

1,044

1,100

919

14%

 

Group entitlement liquids production

1,072

954

12%

644

745

713

(10%)

 

E&P Norway entitlement gas production

694

752

(8%)

31

57

47

(34%)

 

E&P International entitlement gas production

44

46

(5%)

179

174

163

10%

 

E&P USA entitlement gas production

177

170

4%

854

976

923

(8%)

 

Group entitlement gas production

915

968

(5%)

1,897

2,076

1,842

3%

 

Total entitlement liquids and gas production [3]

1,987

1,921

3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity production (mboe per day)

 

 

 

637

649

479

33%

 

E&P Norway equity liquids production

643

512

26%

291

354

353

(18%)

 

E&P International equity liquids production

322

357

(10%)

195

213

208

(6%)

 

E&P USA equity liquids production

204

208

(2%)

1,123

1,216

1,040

8%

 

Group equity liquids production

1,169

1,076

9%

644

745

713

(10%)

 

E&P Norway equity gas production

694

752

(8%)

34

68

63

(45%)

 

E&P International equity gas production

51

62

(18%)

210

205

196

7%

 

E&P USA equity gas production

208

205

1%

888

1,018

972

(9%)

 

Group equity gas production

953

1,019

(6%)

2,011

2,233

2,012

(0%)

 

Total equity liquids and gas production [4]

2,122

2,095

1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NES power production

 

 

 

305

559

389

(22%)

 

Power generation (GWh)

864

936

(8%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Exchange rates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarters

Change

 

 

First half

 

Q2 2020

Q1 2020

Q2 2019

Q2 on Q2

 

Exchange rates

2020

2019

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.1000

0.1053

0.1156

(14%)

 

NOK/USD average daily exchange rate

0.1027

0.1161

(12%)

0.1026

0.0952

0.1174

(13%)

 

NOK/USD period-end exchange rate

0.1026

0.1174

(13%)

10.0023

9.5007

8.6469

16%

 

USD/NOK average daily exchange rate

9.7382

8.6110

13%

9.7446

10.5057

8.5183

14%

 

USD/NOK period-end exchange rate

9.7446

8.5183

14%

1.1008

1.1019

1.1238

(2%)

 

EUR/USD average daily exchange rate

1.1015

1.1300

(3%)

1.1198

1.0956

1.1380

(2%)

 

EUR/USD period-end exchange rate

1.1198

1.1380

(2%)

 


 

Health, safety and the environment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twelve months average per

 

First half

First half

Q2 2020

Q2 2019

 

Health, safety and the environment

2020

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Injury/incident frequency

 

 

2.3

2.6

 

Total recordable injury frequency (TRIF)

2.0

2.5

0.6

0.5

 

Serious Incident Frequency (SIF)

0.5

0.5

 

 

 

Oil spills

 

 

179

232

 

Accidental oil spills (number of)

82

122

9,029

119

 

Accidental oil spills (cubic metres)

121

75

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First half

Full year

Climate

 

 

 

2020

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upstream CO2 intensity (kg CO2/boe) 1)

8.3

9.5

 

1)      Total scope 1 emissions of CO2 (kg CO2) from exploration and production, divided by total production (boe).



 

Exploration expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarters

Change

Exploration expenses

First half

 

Q2 2020

Q1 2020

Q2 2019

Q2 on Q2

(in USD million)

2020

2019

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

97

130

137

(29%)

E&P Norway exploration expenditures

227

258

(12%)

234

221

187

26%

E&P International exploration expenditures

455

360

27%

76

45

32

>100%

E&P USA exploration expenditures

121

66

83%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

407

395

355

15%1)

Group exploration expenditures

802

683

17%2)

14

98

4

>100%

Expensed, previously capitalised exploration expenditures

113

20

>100%

(140)

(195)

(124)

13%

Capitalised share of current period's exploration activity

(334)

(203)

64%

111

336

0

>100%

Impairment (reversal of impairment)

447

3

>100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

393

635

235

67%

Exploration expenses according to IFRS

1,028

503

>100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1) 27 wells with activity with 10 completed in the second quarter of 2020 compared to 22 wells with 10 completed in the second quarter of 2019.

2) 32 wells with activity with 15 completed in the first half of 2020 compared to 33 wells with 21 completed in the first half of 2019.

 


 

Summarized financial information related to guaranteed debt securities


In March 2020, the SEC amended Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X regarding the financial disclosure requirements for guarantors and issuers of guaranteed securities registered or being registered. The effective date of the amendment is January 4, 2021. Equinor has voluntarily adopted the amended rules early starting with its interim report for the six months ended June 30, 2020.

 

Equinor Energy AS is a 100% owned subsidiary of Equinor ASA.  Equinor Energy AS is the co-obligor of certain existing debt securities of Equinor ASA and has guaranteed certain existing debt securities of Equinor ASA, including in each case debt securities that are registered under the US Securities Act of 1933 ("US registered debt securities").  

 

As co-obligor, Equinor Energy AS fully, unconditionally and irrevocably assumes and agrees to perform, jointly and severally with Equinor ASA, the payment and covenant obligations for certain debt held by Equinor ASA. As a guarantor, Equinor Energy AS fully and unconditionally guarantees the payment obligations for certain debt held by Equinor ASA. Total debt as at June 30, is USD 31,977 million, all of which is either guaranteed by Equinor Energy AS (USD 29,804 million), or for which Equinor Energy AS is co-obligor (USD 2,173 million). In the future, Equinor ASA may from time to time issue debt for which Equinor Energy AS will be the co-obligor or guarantor.

 

The applicable US registered debt securities and related guarantees of Equinor Energy AS are unsecured and rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of Equinor ASA and Equinor Energy AS. The guarantees of Equinor Energy AS are subject to release in limited circumstances upon the occurrence of certain customary conditions. With respect to US registered debt securities (and certain other debt securities) issued on or after November 18, 2019, Equinor Energy AS will automatically and unconditionally be released from all obligations under its guarantee and the guarantee shall thereupon terminate and be discharged of no further force or effect, in the event that at substantially the same time as its guarantee of such debt securities is terminated, the aggregate amount of indebtedness for borrowed money for which Equinor Energy AS is an obligor (as a guarantor, co-issuer or borrower) does not exceed 10% of the aggregate principal amount of indebtedness for borrowed money of Equinor ASA and its subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, as of such time.

 

Internal dividends, group contributions and repayment of capital from Equinor Energy AS to Equinor ASA are regulated in the Norwegian Public Limited Liabilities Act §§ 3-1 - 3-5.  

 

The following summarized financial information as of 30 June 2020 and for the year ended 31 December 2019 provides financial information about Equinor ASA, as issuer, and Equinor Energy AS, as co-obligor and guarantor on a combined basis after elimination of transactions between Equinor ASA and Equinor Energy AS. Investments in non-guarantor subsidiaries are eliminated.

 

Intercompany balances and transactions between the obligor group and the non-guarantor subsidiaries are presented on separate lines. Transactions with related parties are also presented on a separate line item and includes transactions with the Norwegian State's and the Norwegian State’s share of dividend declared but not paid.

 

The combined summarized financial information is prepared in accordance with Equinor's IFRS accounting policies as described in Equinor group accounts note 2 Significant accounting policies.

 

 

 

 


 

COMBINED PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT

 

First half 2020

Full year 2019

(unaudited, in USD million)

 

 

 

Revenues and other income

 16,257  

 50,556  

External

 17,704  

 47,424  

Non-guarantor subsidiaries

 (1,477) 

 3,103  

Related parties

 30  

 29  

 

 

 

Operating expenses

 (17,362) 

 (42,219) 

External (incl depreciation)

 (10,409) 

 (24,735) 

Non-guarantor subsidiaries

 (3,955) 

 (8,416) 

Related parties

 (2,998) 

 (9,068) 

 

 

 

Net operating income

 (1,105) 

 8,337  

 

 

 

Net financial items

 205  

 372  

External

 171  

 (146) 

Non-guarantor subsidiaries

 89  

 518  

Related parties

 (55) 

 0  

 

 

 

Income before tax

 (900) 

 8,709  

 

 

 

Income tax

 (61) 

 (6,865) 

 

 

 

Net income

 (961) 

 1,843  



 

COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

 

At 30 June

At 31 December

 (unaudited, in USD million)

2020

2019

 

 

 

Non-current assets

 51,416  

 55,397  

External

 39,919  

 43,851  

Non-guarantor subsidiaries

 11,270  

 11,350  

Related parties

 228  

 196  

 

 

 

Current assets

 25,323  

 20,830  

External

 22,281  

 17,628  

Non-guarantor subsidiaries

 2,965  

 3,114  

Related parties

 77  

 88  

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities

 54,297  

 48,769  

External

 53,738  

 48,148  

Non-guarantor subsidiaries

 136  

 22  

Related parties

 423  

 600  

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 23,057  

 26,910  

External

 10,600  

 12,853  

Non-guarantor subsidiaries

 10,847  

 12,511  

Related parties

 1,610  

 1,546  

 


 

 


 

Calculation of capital employed and net debt to capital employed ratio

The table below reconciles the net interest-bearing debt adjusted, the capital employed, the net debt to capital employed ratio adjusted including lease liabilities and the net debt to capital employed adjusted ratio with the most directly comparable financial measure or measures calculated in accordance with IFRS.

 

Calculation of capital employed and net debt to capital employed ratio

 

At 30 June

At 31 March

At 31 December

At 30 June

(in USD million)

 

2020

2020

2019

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' equity

 

35,587

36,327

41,139

45,013

Non-controlling interests

 

23

19

20

18

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total equity

A

35,610

36,346

41,159

45,031

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current finance debt

 

5,463

5,608

4,087

4,231

Non-current finance debt

 

31,647

22,912

24,945

26,262

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross interest-bearing debt

B

37,110

28,520

29,032

30,493

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

9,700

6,866

5,177

5,406

Current financial investments

 

9,319

6,100

7,426

10,160

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents and financial investment

C

19,020

12,966

12,604

15,566

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest-bearing debt [10]

B1 = B-C

18,091

15,554

16,429

14,927

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other interest-bearing elements 1)

 

832

608

791

835

Normalisation for cash-build up before tax payment (50% of Tax Payment) 2)

 

-

362

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest-bearing debt adjusted normalised for tax payment, including lease liabilities [5]

B2

18,923

16,524

17,219

15,761

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease liabilities

 

4,154

3,902

4,339

4,592

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest-bearing debt adjusted [5]

B3

14,768

12,622

12,880

11,169

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calculation of capital employed [5]

 

 

 

 

 

Capital employed

A+B1

53,700

51,900

57,588

59,958

Capital employed adjusted, including lease liabilities

A+B2

54,532

52,870

58,378

60,793

Capital employed adjusted

A+B3

50,378

48,968

54,039

56,201

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calculated net debt to capital employed [5]

 

 

 

 

 

Net debt to capital employed

(B1)/(A+B1)

33.7%

30.0%

28.5%

24.9%

Net debt to capital employed adjusted, including lease liabilities

(B2)/(A+B2)

34.7%

31.3%

29.5%

25.9%

Net debt to capital employed adjusted

(B3)/(A+B3)

29.3%

25.8%

23.8%

19.9%


 

1)      Cash and cash equivalents adjustments regarding collateral deposits classified as cash and cash equivalents in the Consolidated balance sheet but considered as non-cash in the non-GAAP calculations as well as financial investments in Equinor Insurance AS classified as current financial investments.

2)      Adjustment to net interest-bearing debt for cash build-up in the first quarter and the third quarter before tax payment on 1 April and 1 October. This is to exclude 50% of the cash build-up to have a more even allocation of tax payments between the four quarters and hence a more representative net interest-bearing debt.

 

 


 

USE AND RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

Non-GAAP financial measures are defined as numerical measures that either exclude or include amounts or certain accounting items that are not excluded or included in the comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP (i.e. IFRS).

Management considers adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings after tax together with other non-GAAP financial measures as defined below, to provide a better indication of the underlying operational and financial performance in the period (excluding financing), and therefore better facilitate comparisons between periods.

The following financial measures may be considered non-GAAP financial measures:

 

·          Net debt to capital employed, Net debt to capital employed adjusted, including lease liabilities and Net debt to capital employed ratio adjusted – Following implementation of IFRS 16 Equinor presents a “net debt to capital employed adjusted” excluding lease liabilities from the gross interest-bearing debt. Comparable numbers are presented in the table Calculation of capital employed and net debt to capital employed ratio in the report include Finance lease according to IAS17, adjusted for marketing instruction agreement

·          Organic capital expenditures – Capital expenditures, defined as Additions to PP&E, intangibles and equity accounted investments in note 2 Segments to the Condensed financial interim statements, amounted to USD 2.3 billion in the second quarter of 2020. Organic capital expenditures are capital expenditures excluding acquisitions, recognized lease assets (RoU assets) and other investments with significant different cash flow pattern. In the second quarter of 2020, a total of USD 0.5 billion were excluded from the organic capital expenditures. Forward-looking organic capital expenditures included in this report are not reconcilable to its most directly comparable IFRS measure without unreasonable efforts, because the amounts excluded from such IFRS measure to determine organic capital expenditures cannot be predicted with reasonable certainty.

·          Free cash flow for the second quarter 2020 includes the following line items in the Consolidated statement of cash flows: Cash flows provided by operating activities before taxes paid and working capital items (USD 2.4 billion), taxes paid (negative USD 1.7 billion), cash used in business combinations (USD 0.0 billion), capital expenditures and investments (negative USD 1.9 billion), (increase) decrease in other items interest bearing (USD 0.0 billion), proceeds from sale of assets and businesses, including USD 0.3 billion received from the Lundin divestment included in (increase)/decrease in financial investments (USD 0.3 billion), dividend paid (negative USD 0.9 billion) and share buy-back (USD 0.0 billion), resulting in a free cash flow of negative USD 1.9 billion in the second quarter of 2020

·          Free cash flow for the first half of 2020 includes the following line items in the Consolidated statement of cash flows: Cash flows provided by operating activities before taxes paid and working capital items (USD 6.9 billion), taxes paid (negative USD 2.6 billion), cash used in business combinations (USD 0.0 billion), capital expenditures and investments (negative USD 4.2 billion), (increase) decrease in other items interest bearing (USD 0.0 billion), proceeds from sale of assets and businesses, including USD 0.3 billion received from the Lundin divestment included in (increase)/decrease in financial investments (0.3 billion), dividend paid  (negative USD 1.8 billion) and share buy-back (negative USD 0.1 billion), resulting in a free cash flow of negative USD 1.5 billion in the first half of 2020.

 

 


 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. In some cases, we use words such as "ambition", "continue", "could", "estimate", “intend”, "expect", "believe", "likely", "may", "outlook", "plan", "strategy", "will", "guidance", “targets”, “in line with”, “on track”, “consistent” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include all statements other than statements of historical fact, including, among others, statements regarding Equinor’s plans, intentions, aims, ambitions and expectations with respect to the Covid-19 pandemic including its impacts, consequences and risks; Equinor’s USD 3 billion action plan for 2020 to strengthen financial resilience; Equinor’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including anticipated measures to protect people, operations and value creation, operating costs and assumptions; the commitment to develop as a broad energy company; future financial performance, including cash flow and liquidity; the share buy-back programme, including its suspension; accounting policies; production cuts, including their impact on the level and timing of Equinor’s production; changes to Norway’s petroleum tax system; market outlook and future economic projections and assumptions, including commodity price assumptions; organic capital expenditures through 2023; intention to mature its portfolio; estimates regarding exploration activity levels; ambition to keep unit of production cost in the top quartile of its peer group; scheduled maintenance activity and the effects on equity production thereof; completion and results of acquisitions; expected amount and timing of dividend payments; and provisions and contingent liabilities.

You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements for many reasons.

These forward-looking statements reflect current views about future events and are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including levels of industry product supply, demand and pricing, in particular in light of recent significant oil price volatility triggered, among other things, by the changing dynamic among OPEC+ members and the uncertainty regarding demand created by the Covid-19 pandemic; the impact of Covid-19; levels and calculations of reserves and material differences from reserves estimates; unsuccessful drilling; operational problems; health, safety and environmental risks; natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, climate change, and other changes to business conditions; the effects of climate change; regulations on hydraulic fracturing; security breaches, including breaches of our digital infrastructure (cybersecurity); ineffectiveness of crisis management systems; the actions of counterparties and competitors; the development and use of new technology, particularly in the renewable energy sector; inability to meet strategic objectives; the difficulties involving transportation infrastructure; political and social stability and economic growth in relevant areas of the world; an inability to attract and retain personnel; inadequate insurance coverage; changes or uncertainty in or non-compliance with laws and governmental regulations; the actions of the Norwegian state as majority shareholder; failure to meet our ethical and social standards; the political and economic policies of Norway and other oil-producing countries; non-compliance with international trade sanctions; the actions of field partners; adverse changes in tax regimes; exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations; factors relating to trading, supply and financial risk; general economic conditions; and other factors discussed elsewhere in this report. Additional information, including information on factors that may affect Equinor’s business, is contained in Equinor’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (including section 2.11 Risk review - Risk factors thereof). Equinor’s 2019 Annual Report and Form 20-F is available at Equinor’s website www.equinor.com. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that our future results, level of activity, performance or achievements will meet these expectations. Moreover, neither we nor any other person assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, except as required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update any of these statements after the date of this report, whether to make them either conform to actual results or changes in our expectations or otherwise.

We use certain terms in this document, such as “resource” and “resources” that the SEC’s rules prohibit us from including in our filings with the SEC. U.S. investors are urged to closely consider the disclosures in our Form 20-F, SEC File No. 1-15200. This form is available on our website or by calling 1-800-SEC-0330 or logging on to www.sec.gov.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that our future results, level of activity, performance or achievements will meet these expectations. Moreover, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements. Unless we are required by law to update these statements, we will not necessarily update any of these statements after the date of this report, either to make them conform to actual results or changes in our expectations.

 

 


 

END NOTES

 

1.     The group's average liquids price is a volume-weighted average of the segment prices of crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids (NGL).

2.     The refining reference margin is a typical average gross margin of our two refineries, Mongstad and Kalundborg. The reference margin will differ from the actual margin, due to variations in type of crude and other feedstock, throughput, product yields, freight cost, inventory, etc.

3.     Liquids volumes include oil, condensate and NGL, exclusive of royalty oil.

4.     Equity volumes represent produced volumes under a production sharing agreement (PSA) that correspond to Equinor's ownership share in a field. Entitlement volumes, on the other hand, represent Equinor's share of the volumes distributed to the partners in the field, which are subject to deductions for, among other things, royalty and the host government's share of profit oil. Under the terms of a PSA, the amount of profit oil deducted from equity volumes will normally increase with the cumulative return on investment to the partners and/or production from the licence. Consequently, the gap between entitlement and equity volumes will likely increase in times of high liquids prices. The distinction between equity and entitlement is relevant to most PSA regimes, whereas it is not applicable in most concessionary regimes such as those in Norway, the UK, the US, Canada and Brazil.

5.     These are non-GAAP figures. See “Use and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures” in the report for more details.

6.     Transactions with the Norwegian State. The Norwegian State, represented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MPE), is the majority shareholder of Equinor and it also holds major investments in other entities. This ownership structure means that Equinor participates in transactions with many parties that are under a common ownership structure and therefore meet the definition of a related party. Equinor purchases liquids and natural gas from the Norwegian State, represented by SDFI (the State's Direct Financial Interest). In addition, Equinor sells the State's natural gas production in its own name, but for the Norwegian State's account and risk as well as related expenditures are refunded by the State. All transactions are considered priced on an arm’s-length basis.

7.     The production guidance reflects our estimates of proved reserves calculated in accordance with US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) guidelines and additional production from other reserves not included in proved reserves estimates. The growth percentage is based on historical production numbers, adjusted for portfolio measures.

8.     The group's average invoiced gas prices include volumes sold by the MMP segment.

9.     The internal transfer price paid from MMP to E&P Norway.

10.  Since different legal entities in the group lend to projects and others borrow from banks, project financing through external bank or similar institutions is not netted in the balance sheet and results in over-reporting of the debt stated in the balance sheet compared to the underlying exposure in the group. Similarly, certain net interest-bearing debt incurred from activities pursuant to the Marketing Instruction of the Norwegian government are off-set against receivables on the SDFI. Some interest-bearing elements are classified together with non-interest bearing elements, and are therefore included when calculating the net interest-bearing debt.

 

 

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorised.

 

EQUINOR ASA

(Registrant)

 

Dated: 24 July, 2020

By: ___/s/ Lars Christian Bacher

 


 

Name: Lars Christian Bacher

Title:    Chief Financial Officer

 

EXHIBITS

 

The following exhibit is filed as part of this quarterly report:

EXHIBIT 101 Interactive Data Files (formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language)). Submitted electronically with this report on Form 6-K.