UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2015
Commission file number 1-5153
Marathon Oil Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
25-0996816
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
5555 San Felipe Street, Houston, TX 77056-2723
(Address of principal executive offices)
(713) 629-6600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $1.00
 
New York Stock Exchange
  Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes R No £
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes   £ No  R
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes R No £
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes R No £
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  £
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  R     Accelerated filer   £ Non-accelerated filer   £ Smaller reporting company   £
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes   £ No   R
The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2015 : $17,916 million . This amount is based on the closing price of the registrant’s Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on that date. Shares of Common Stock held by executive officers and directors of the registrant are not included in the computation. The registrant, solely for the purpose of this required presentation, has deemed its directors and executive officers to be affiliates.
There were 676,886,641 shares of Marathon Oil Corporation Common Stock outstanding as of February 15, 2016 .
Documents Incorporated By Reference:
Portions of the registrant’s proxy statement relating to its 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, are incorporated by reference to the extent set forth in Part III, Items 10-14 of this report.




MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Unless the context otherwise indicates, references to "Marathon Oil," "we," "our" or "us" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are references to Marathon Oil Corporation, including its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries, and its ownership interests in equity method investees (corporate entities, partnerships, limited liability companies and other ventures over which Marathon Oil exerts significant influence by virtue of its ownership interest).
Table of Contents
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



Definitions
Throughout this report, the following company or industry specific terms and abbreviations are used.
AMPCO – Atlantic Methanol Production Company LLC, a company located in Equatorial Guinea in which we own a 45% equity interest.
AOSP – Athabasca Oil Sands Project, an oil sands mining, transportation and upgrading joint venture located in Alberta, Canada, in which we hold a 20% non-operated working interest.
bbl – One stock tank barrel, which is 42 United States gallons liquid volume.
bcf – Billion cubic feet.
boe – Barrels of oil equivalent.
btu – British thermal unit, an energy equivalence measure.
Capital Program – Includes capital expenditures, cash investments in equity method investees and other investments, exploration costs that are expensed as incurred rather than capitalized, such as geological and geophysical costs and certain staff costs, and other miscellaneous investment expenditures.
DD&A – Depreciation, depletion and amortization.
Development well – A well drilled within the proved area of an oil or natural gas reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.
Downstream business – The refining, marketing and transportation ("RM&T") operations, spun-off on June 30, 2011 and treated as discontinued operations.
Dry well – A well found to be incapable of producing either oil or natural gas in sufficient quantities to justify completion.
E.G. – Equatorial Guinea.
EGHoldings – Equatorial Guinea LNG Holdings Limited, a liquefied natural gas production company located in E.G. in which we own a 60% equity interest.
EIA – United States Energy Information Agency.
EPA – United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Exploratory well – A well drilled to find oil or natural gas in an unproved area or find a new reservoir in a field previously found to be productive in another reservoir.
FASB – Financial Accounting Standards Board.
FPSO - Floating production, storage and offloading vessel.
Henry Hub price - a natural gas benchmark price quoted at settlement date average.
IRS – United States Internal Revenue Service.
LNG – Liquefied natural gas.
LPG – Liquefied petroleum gas.
Liquid hydrocarbons or liquids – Collectively, crude oil, synthetic crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids.
LLS – Louisiana Light Sweet crude oil, an oil index benchmark price as per Bloomberg Finance LLP: LLS St. James.
Marathon Oil – Marathon Oil Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries: the company as it exists following the June 30, 2011 spin-off of the downstream business.
mbbld – Thousand barrels per day.
mboed – Thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day.
mcf – Thousand cubic feet.
mmbbl – Million barrels.
mmboe – Million barrels of oil equivalent.
mmbtu – Million British thermal units.

1


mmcfd – Million cubic feet per day.
mmta – Million metric tonnes per annum.
MPC - Marathon Petroleum Corporation – The separate independent company which now owns and operates the downstream business.
mtd – Thousand metric tonnes per day.
Net acres or Net wells – The sum of the fractional working interests owned by us in gross acres or gross wells.
NGL or NGLs – Natural gas liquid or natural gas liquids, which are naturally occurring substances found in natural gas, including ethane, butane, isobutane, propane and natural gasoline, that can be collectively removed from produced natural gas, separated into these substances and sold.
NYMEX - New York Mercantile Exchange.
OECD – Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
OPEC – Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
Operational availability A term used to measure the ability of an asset to produce to its maximum capacity over a specified period of time, after consideration of internal losses.
Productive well – A well that is not a dry well. Productive wells include producing wells and wells that are mechanically capable of production.
Proved developed reserves – Proved reserves that can be expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods or for which the cost of the required equipment is relatively minor compared to the cost of a new well and through installed extraction equipment and infrastructure operational at the time of the reserves estimate if the extraction is by means not involving a well.
Proved reserves – Proved crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil reserves are those quantities of crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations-prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation. The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project within a reasonable time.
Proved undeveloped reserves – Proved reserves that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion or through installed extraction equipment and infrastructure operational at the time of the reserves estimate if the extraction is by means not involving a well. Reserves on undrilled acreage shall be limited to those directly offsetting development spacing areas that are reasonably certain of production when drilled, unless evidence using reliable technology exists that establishes reasonable certainty of economic producibility at greater distances.
PSC – Production sharing contract.
Quest CCS – Quest Carbon Capture and Storage project at the AOSP in Alberta, Canada.
Reserve replacement ratio – A ratio which measures the amount of proved reserves added to our reserve base during the year relative to the amount of liquid hydrocarbons and natural gas produced.
Royalty interest – An interest in an oil or natural gas property entitling the owner to a share of oil or natural gas production free of costs of production.
SAGE – United Kingdom Scottish Area Gas Evacuation system composed of a pipeline and processing terminal.
SAR or SARs – Stock appreciation right or stock appreciation rights.
SCOOP – South Central Oklahoma Oil Province.
SEC – United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Seismic – An exploration method of sending energy waves or sound waves into the earth and recording the wave reflections to indicate the type, size, shape and depth of subsurface rock formation (3-D seismic provides three-dimensional pictures and 4-D factors in changes that occurred over time).
STACK – Sooner Trend, Anadarko (basin), Canadian (and) Kingfisher (counties).

2


TD - Total depth or the bottom of a drilled hole.
Total proved reserves – The summation of proved developed reserves and proved undeveloped reserves.
U.K. – United Kingdom.
U.S. – United States of America.
U.S. GAAP – Accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S.
WCS – Western Canadian Select, an oil index benchmark price with monthly pricing based upon average WTI adjusted for differentials unique to western Canada.
Working interest – The interest in a mineral property which gives the owner that share of production from the property. A working interest owner bears that share of the costs of exploration, development and production in return for a share of production. Working interests are sometimes burdened by overriding royalty interest or other interests.
WTI – West Texas Intermediate crude oil, an oil index benchmark price as quoted by NYMEX.


3


Disclosures Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These are statements, other than statements of historical fact, that give current expectations or forecasts of future events, including without limitation: our operational, financial and growth strategies, including drilling plans and projects, planned wells, rig count, inventory, seismic, exploration plans, maintenance activities, drilling and completion improvements, workforce reductions and expected savings, cost reductions, non-core asset sales, and financial flexibility; our ability to successfully effect those strategies and the expected timing and results thereof; our 2016 Capital Program and the planned allocation thereof; planned capital expenditures and the impact thereof; expectations regarding future economic and market conditions and their effects on us; our ability and strategies to manage through the lower commodity price cycle; our financial and operational outlook, and ability to fulfill that outlook; our financial position, balance sheet, liquidity and capital resources, and the benefits thereof; resource and asset potential; reserve estimates; growth expectations; and future production and sales expectations, and the drivers thereof. In addition, many forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “targets,” “plans,” “projects,” “could,” “may,” “should,” “would” or similar words indicating that future outcomes are uncertain. While we believe that our assumptions concerning future events are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. A number of factors could cause results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements including, but not limited to:
conditions in the oil and gas industry, including pricing and supply/demand levels for crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil;
changes in expected reserve or production levels;
changes in political or economic conditions in key operating markets, including international markets;
capital available for exploration and development;
well production timing;
availability of drilling rigs, materials and labor;
difficulty in obtaining necessary approvals and permits;
non-performance by third parties of their contractual obligations;
unforeseen hazards such as weather conditions, acts of war or terrorist acts and the governmental or military response thereto;
cyber-attacks;
changes in safety, health, environmental and other regulations;
other geological, operating and economic considerations; and
other factors discussed in Item 1. Business, Item 1A. Risk Factors, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, and elsewhere in this report.
All forward-looking statements included in this report are based on information available to us on the date of this report. Except as required by law, we assume no duty to revise or update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained throughout this report.




4


PART I
Item 1. Business
General
Marathon Oil Corporation is an independent global exploration and production company based in Houston, Texas, with operations in North America, Europe and Africa. Our corporate headquarters are located at 5555 San Felipe Street, Houston, Texas 77056-2723 and our telephone number is (713) 629-6600. Each of our three reportable operating segments is organized based upon both geographic location and the nature of the products and services it offers.
North America E&P – explores for, produces and markets crude oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas in North America;
International E&P – explores for, produces and markets crude oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas outside of North America and produces and markets products manufactured from natural gas, such as LNG and methanol, in E.G.; and
Oil Sands Mining – mines, extracts and transports bitumen from oil sands deposits in Alberta, Canada, and upgrades the bitumen to produce and market synthetic crude oil and vacuum gas oil.
We were incorporated in 2001. On June 30, 2011, we completed the spin-off of our downstream business, creating two independent energy companies: Marathon Oil and MPC.
Strategy and Results Summary

Marathon Oil’s strategy is to safely and sustainably deliver value by investing in low cost, liquids-rich projects with a focus on risk-adjusted rates of return. We are focused in the high quality core of three premier unconventional resource plays in the U.S.: the Eagle Ford, Bakken and Oklahoma Resource Basins. Our strategy for our operated conventional producing assets in E.G., the U.K. and the U.S. is to maximize value and cash flow to provide flexibility to invest in the shorter cycle opportunities in the U.S. resource plays. Our conventional exploration program is currently limited to existing commitments in the Gulf of Mexico and Gabon. Our strategy is guided by the following seven strategic imperatives ("SI 7 "):
1. Living Our Values
2.
Investing in Our People
3.
Continuous Improvement in Operational and Capital Efficiency
4.
Driving Profitable and Sustainable Growth
5.
Rigorous Portfolio Management
6.
Quality and Material Resource Capture
7.
Delivering Long-Term Shareholder Value
Commodity prices are the most significant factor impacting our revenues, profitability, operating cash flows and the amount of capital available to reinvest into our business. The low pricing environment has presented several challenges for us and our industry. We responded to the lower commodity prices in a number of ways:
Reduced our 2015 Capital Program by approximately 50% from the prior year, down to $3 billion
Established our 2016 Capital Program at $1.4 billion
Exercised cost discipline, significantly reducing drilling and completion, production and general and administrative costs
Drove sustainable operational efficiency gains in the U.S. unconventional resource plays
Scaled back our conventional exploration program to focus on our U.S. unconventional resources plays
Increased our target for non-core asset sales, now $750 million to $1 billion, up from our previous goal of $500 million
Closed over $300 million of non-core asset sales (excluding closing adjustments)
Protected our liquidity and capital structure:
Issued $2 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes ($1 billion of which was used to repay the 0.90% senior notes that matured in November 2015)
Increased the capacity of the revolving credit facility from $2.5 billion to $3.0 billion while also extending the maturity date an additional year to May 2020
Decreased our quarterly dividend from $0.21 to $0.05 per share, saving approximately $425 million of cash on an annualized basis

5


In 2015, we continued to focus on the U.S. unconventional resource plays. We progressed co-development in the Eagle Ford, further delineated Austin Chalk in the Eagle Ford along with SCOOP/STACK in the Oklahoma Resource Basins and improved overall competitiveness in the Bakken with cost reductions and enhanced completions. Our U.S. operations added 73 mmboe proved reserves in 2015, excluding acquisitions, dispositions and production, amounting to an increase of 107% over the prior year's ending balance.
Net sales volumes from continuing operations increased by 6% to 438 mboed in 2015 from 415 mboed in 2014. Volumes from our three U.S. resource plays totaled 218 mboed, an increase of 20% from 181 mboed in 2014. For the total company, we ended 2015 with proved reserves of approximately 2,163 mmboe as compared to 2,198 mmboe at the end of 2014 .
See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Outlook, for a more detailed discussion of our operating results, cash flows and outlook, including the 2016 Capital Program.
The map below shows the locations of our worldwide operations.
Segment and Geographic Information
For operating segment and geographic financial information, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.
In the following discussion regarding our North America E&P, International E&P and Oil Sands Mining segments, references to net wells, acres, sales or investment indicate our ownership interest or share, as the context requires.
North America E&P Segment
We are engaged in oil and gas exploration, development and/or production activities in the U.S. and Canada. Our primary focus in the North America E&P segment is concentrated within our unconventional resource plays. The following tables provide additional detail regarding net sales volumes, sales mix and operated drilling activity:


6


Net Sales Volumes
2015
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
2014
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
2013
Equivalent Barrels ( mboed )
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Eagle Ford
134

 
20
 %
 
112

 
38
 %
 
81

  Oklahoma Resource Basins
25

 
39
 %
 
18

 
29
 %
 
14

  Bakken
59

 
16
 %
 
51

 
31
 %
 
39

  Other North America (a)
51

 
(11
)%
 
57

 
(15
)%
 
67

    Total North America E&P ( mboed )
269

 
13
 %
 
238

 
18
 %
 
201

(a)      Includes Gulf of Mexico and other conventional onshore U.S. production
Sales Mix - U.S. Resource Plays - 2015
Eagle Ford
 
Oklahoma Resource Basins
 
Bakken
Crude oil and condensate
60
%
 
19
%
 
87
%
Natural gas liquids
19
%
 
28
%
 
7
%
Natural gas
21
%
 
53
%
 
6
%
Drilling Activity - U.S. Resource Plays
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Gross Operated
 
 
 
 
 
  Eagle Ford:
 
 
 
 
 
    Wells drilled to total depth
251

 
360

 
299

    Wells brought to sales
276

 
310

 
307

  Oklahoma Resource Basins:
 
 
 
 
 
    Wells drilled to total depth
20

 
19

 
10

    Wells brought to sales
21

 
18

 
9

  Bakken:
 
 
 
 
 
    Wells drilled to total depth
35

 
83

 
76

    Wells brought to sales
56

 
69

 
77

Eagle Ford - As of December 31, 2015 , we had approximately 153,000 net acres in the Eagle Ford in south Texas and 1,236 gross (911 net) operated producing wells, where we have been operating since 2011.
Of the 276 gross wells brought to sales in 2015, 56 were in the Austin Chalk, 28 were in the Upper Eagle Ford and 192 were in the Lower Eagle Ford. Of the 310 gross wells brought to sales in 2014, 22 were in the Austin Chalk and four were in the Upper Eagle Ford. Our 2015 average spud-to-TD time was 11 days compared to 13 days in 2014 . Our high-density pad drilling continues to average approximately four wells per pad in 2015 . The continued focus on stimulation design has contributed to incremental improvements in well performance across our area of activity.
During 2015, we continued evaluation of the Austin Chalk formation and began delineation of Upper Eagle Ford across our acreage position in south Texas, with a total of 22,000 Austin Chalk acres and 16,500 Upper Eagle Ford acres now delineated. The mix of crude oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas from the Austin Chalk wells is similar to Eagle Ford condensate wells. Co-development of the Austin Chalk, Upper and Lower Eagle Ford horizons will leverage the infrastructure investments we have made to support production growth across the Eagle Ford operating area.
We operate approximately 800 miles of gathering pipeline in the Eagle Ford area. We now have 32 central gathering and treating facilities, with aggregate capacity of more than 475 mboed. We also own and operate the Sugarloaf gathering system, a 42-mile natural gas pipeline through the heart of our acreage in Karnes, Atascosa and Bee Counties of south Texas.
In late 2015 , we connected to a newly constructed third-party liquids pipeline, which allowed us to increase the amount of our Eagle Ford production transported by pipeline to 90% at year-end, up from an average of 70% during 2014. The ability to transport more barrels by pipeline enables us to improve/optimize price realizations, reduce costs, improve reliability and lessen our environmental footprint.
Approximately 42% of our 2016 Capital Program, $600 million, is allocated to the Eagle Ford. We expect drilling activity to average five rigs in 2016. Our drilling plans for 2016 include drilling 91 - 96 net wells (150 - 160 gross, of which we will operate 134 - 141). We anticipate bringing 124 - 132 gross operated wells to sales during 2016.
Oklahoma Resource Basins – Our primary focus in 2016 will be in the SCOOP and STACK areas.  In the SCOOP and STACK areas we hold approximately 265,000 net acres with rights to the Woodford, Springer, Meramec, Granite Wash and

7


other Pennsylvanian and Mississippian plays.  This includes 8,000 net acres added in the Oklahoma Resource Basins, primarily in the STACK Meramec play during 2015.
Approximately 90% of our SCOOP acreage is held by production. In the SCOOP Woodford, we delineated over 70% of our acreage. We estimate the SCOOP Springer has a high oil yield that is about 85% liquids. We believe about 80% of our acreage in STACK has the potential for co-development of multiple horizons. About 67,000 STACK Woodford acres are delineated while approximately 42,000 acres of STACK Meramec acreage is delineated.  
Approximately 14% of our 2016 Capital Program, $204 million, is allocated to the Oklahoma Resource Basins, which will support two rigs and lease retention in the STACK and delineation of the SCOOP Springer and Meramec.  Our drilling plans for the Oklahoma Resource Basins in 2016 call for drilling and completing 23 - 28 net wells (65 - 75 gross, of which 24 - 27 are company operated wells).  We anticipate bringing 20 - 22 gross operated wells to sales during 2016.
Bakken – We hold approximately 277,000 net acres in the Bakken shale oil play in North Dakota and eastern Montana, where we have been operating since 2006. We continue to see improvement in efficiency and well performance through optimizing completion techniques. We successfully completed a 55-well enhanced completion trial program that began in late 2014 and continued through 2015. We will continue executing and evaluating enhanced completion designs, including increased stage counts, high proppant volumes and fluid types as opportunities arise in 2016. Our large scale water gathering system is currently handling over 50% of our produced water. With a second phase expected to be fully operational in the second half of 2016, we anticipate this system will manage 80% of produced water by year end.
Our time to drill a well averaged 15 days spud-to-TD in 2015 compared to 17 days in 2014 . We recompleted 11 wells during 2015. In efforts to optimize price realizations, we sell our production in local North Dakota markets and to select purchasers who may elect to transport outside the state.
Approximately 13% of our 2016 Capital Program, $193 million, is allocated to the Bakken, which will support one rig in 2016. Our 2016 Bakken program includes plans to drill 10 - 12 net wells (45 - 55 gross, of which we will operate 8 - 10). We anticipate bringing 13 - 15 gross operated wells to sales during 2016.
Other North America
During 2015, we further emphasized our focus on the U.S. unconventional resource plays, continued to maximize cash generation from our conventional assets and continued to dispose of non-core assets. In August 2015, we closed the sale of our East Texas, North Louisiana and Wilburton, Oklahoma natural gas assets. In December 2015, we closed the sale of our operated producing properties in the greater Ewing Bank area and non-operated producing interests in the Petronius field in the Gulf of Mexico. In February 2016, we closed the sale of our non-operated producing interests in the Neptune field in the Gulf of Mexico. These assets collectively produced approximately 14 mboed in 2015.
Other North America consists primarily of onshore production operations in Wyoming and development activities in the Gulf of Mexico. In the Gulf, development work continues in the Gunflint field located on Mississippi Canyon Blocks 948, 949, 992 (N/2) and 993 (N/2). The development wells were completed in 2015. First oil is expected in mid-2016 after the completion of work at the third-party Gulfstar 1 host facility. We hold an 18% non-operated working interest in the Gunflint field.
A deepwater oil discovery on the Shenandoah prospect, located on Walker Ridge Block 51, was drilled in 2009. We own a 10% non-operated working interest in this prospect. The first appraisal well on the Shenandoah prospect reached total depth in 2013 and was successful. The operator drilled a second appraisal well in 2014, which was unsuccessful. A third appraisal well was spud in 2015, and was successfully sidetracked, logged and cored, finding more than 620 feet of net oil pay. A fourth appraisal well is expected to be spud in the first quarter of 2016.
Wyoming - We have ongoing waterflood and enhanced oil recovery projects in the mature Big Horn and Wind River Basins.  Marathon is the third largest oil producer in the state of Wyoming.  We also have conventional natural gas operations in the Greater Green River Basin.
Our Wyoming net sales averaged 17 mbbld of liquid hydrocarbons and 4 mmcfd of natural gas, or 17 mboed, during 2015 compared to 18 mboed in 2014. In addition, Marathon owns the 420-mile Red Butte Pipeline which connects oil fields in the Big Horn Basin to both the Silvertip Station on the Montana/Wyoming state line and to alternate outlets in Casper, Wyoming.  

8


North America E&P--Exploration
In September 2015, we announced our intention to scale back our conventional exploration program. Our 2016 Capital Program includes $15 million for conventional exploration. No conventional exploration wells are planned in 2016. Our Capital Program is limited to existing commitments in the Gulf of Mexico. We continue to evaluate options for utilization of our remaining commitments on the Maersk Valiant drillship.  The rig is currently being operated by our rig share partner, and we anticipate the rig to be available for our use in early 2017.     
The Solomon exploration prospect located on Walker Ridge Block 225 was spud during the second quarter of 2015 and reached total depth in the fourth quarter. The well did encounter the lower tertiary target interval. The well was plugged and abandoned, with well costs charged to dry well expense, and the rig was released with no further activity planned on the block. We hold a 58% operated working interest in this prospect.
We hold interests in both operated and non-operated exploration stage oil sand leases in Alberta, Canada, which could be developed using in-situ methods of extraction. These leases cover approximately 142,000 gross ( 54,000 net) acres in four project areas: Namur, in which we hold a 70% operated interest; Birchwood, in which we hold a 100% operated interest; Ells River, in which we hold a 20% non-operated interest; and Saleski in which we hold a 33% non-operated interest. During 2015, in connection with our decision to scale back our conventional exploration program, and also after further evaluation of the estimated recoverable resources and our development plans at Birchwood, Ells River and Namur, we impaired the remaining net book values of these in-situ properties.
International E&P Segment
We are engaged in oil and gas exploration, development and/or production activities in E.G., Gabon, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Libya and the U.K. We include the results of our natural gas liquefaction operations and methanol production operations in E.G. in our International E&P segment. The following table provides net sales volumes for our significant operational areas within this segment:
Net Sales Volumes
2015
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
2014
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
2013
Equivalent Barrels ( mboed )
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Equatorial Guinea
97

 
(7
)%
 
104

 
(3
)%
 
107

  United Kingdom (a)
19

 
19
 %
 
16

 
(20
)%
 
20

  Libya

 
(100
)%
 
7

 
(75
)%
 
28

    Total International E&P ( mboed )
116

 
(9
)%
 
127

 
(18
)%
 
155

Net Sales Volumes of Equity Method Investees
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  LNG ( mtd )
5,884

 
(10
)%
 
6,535

 
 %
 
6,548

  Methanol ( mtd )
937

 
(14
)%
 
1,092

 
(13
)%
 
1,249

(a) Includes natural gas acquired for injection and subsequent resale of 8 mmcfd, 6 mmcfd and 7 mmcfd for 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 .
Africa
Equatorial Guinea Production – We own a 63% operated working interest under a PSC in the Alba field which is offshore E.G. Operational availability from our company-operated facilities averaged approximately 97% in 2015 . In the third quarter of 2015, production was increased as the Alba C21 development well came online with higher than expected liquid yields, in combination with a successful well intervention program on five existing Alba wells. In January 2016, we completed the installation of an offshore compression platform which is expected to start up mid-2016 following completion of hookup and commissioning activities. The compression project was designed to maintain the production plateau two additional years and extend field life up to eight years.
Equatorial Guinea Gas Processing – We own a 52% interest in Alba Plant LLC, an equity method investee, that operates an onshore LPG processing plant located on Bioko Island. Alba field natural gas is processed by the LPG plant. Under a long-term contract at a fixed price per btu, the LPG plant extracts secondary condensate and LPG from the natural gas stream and uses some of the remaining dry natural gas in its operations.
We also own 60% of EGHoldings and 45% of AMPCO, both of which are accounted for as equity method investments. EGHoldings operates an LNG production facility and AMPCO operates a methanol plant, both located on Bioko Island. These facilities allow us to monetize natural gas reserves from the Alba field.
EGHoldings' 3.7 mmta LNG production facility sells LNG under a 3.4 mmta, or 460 mmcfd, sales and purchase agreement through 2023. The purchaser under the agreement takes delivery of the LNG on Bioko Island, with pricing linked principally to the Henry Hub index. Gross sales of LNG from this production facility totaled 3.6 mmta in 2015 .

9


AMPCO had gross sales totaling 760 mt in 2015 . Production from the plant is used to supply customers in Europe and the U.S.
Libya – We hold a 16% non-operated working interest in the Waha concessions, which encompass almost 13 million gross acres located in the Sirte Basin of eastern Libya, where civil and political unrest continues to interrupt our production operations. Operations were interrupted in mid-2013 as a result of the shutdown of the Es Sider crude oil terminal, and although temporarily re-opened during the second half of 2014, production remains shut-in through early 2016. Considerable uncertainty remains around the timing of future production and sales levels. We and our partners in the Waha concessions continue to assess the situation and the condition of our assets in Libya.  See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information about our Libya operations.
Other International
United Kingdom – Our largest asset in the U.K. sector of the North Sea is the Brae area complex where we are the operator and have a 42% working interest in the South, Central, North and West Brae fields and a 39% working interest in the East Brae field. The Brae Alpha platform and facilities host the South, Central and West Brae fields. The North Brae and East Brae fields are natural gas condensate fields which are produced via the Brae Bravo and the East Brae platforms, respectively. The East Brae platform also hosts the nearby Braemar field in which we have a 28% working interest. During the second quarter of 2015, we completed the final three wells of a five-well Brae infill drilling program that began in 2014.
The strategic location of the Brae platforms, along with pipeline and onshore infrastructure, has generated third-party processing and transportation business since 1986. Currently, the operators of 31 third-party fields are contracted to use the Brae system and 72 mboed are being processed or transported through the Brae infrastructure. In addition to generating processing and pipeline tariff revenue, this third-party business optimizes infrastructure usage.
The working interest owners of the Brae area producing assets collectively own a 50% non-operated interest in the SAGE system. The SAGE pipeline transports natural gas from the Brae area, and the third-party Beryl area, and has a total wet natural gas capacity of 1.1 bcf per day. The SAGE terminal at St. Fergus in northeast Scotland processes natural gas from the SAGE pipeline as well as approximately 0.3 bcf per day of third-party natural gas.
We own non-operated working interests in the Foinaven area complex, consisting of a 28% working interest in the main Foinaven field, a 47% working interest in East Foinaven and a 20% working interest in the T35 and T25 fields. The export of Foinaven liquid hydrocarbons is via shuttle tanker from an FPSO to market. All natural gas sales are to the non-operated Magnus platform for use as injection gas.
Kurdistan Region of Iraq – In aggregate, we have approximately 109,000 net acres in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. We have a 45% operated working interest in the Harir block located northeast of Erbil. We also have non-operated interests in two blocks located north-northwest of Erbil: Atrush with 15% working interest and Sarsang with 20% working interest.
On the non-operated Atrush block, following the successful appraisal program and a declaration of commerciality, the Kurdistan Ministry of Natural Resources approved a plan for field development in September 2013.  The development project consists of drilling four production wells and constructing a central processing facility in Phase 1 which provides for a 25-year production period. We expect first production in late 2016 with estimated initial gross production of approximately 30 mbbld of oil. Subject to further drilling and testing results, and partner and government approvals, a potential Phase 2 development could add an additional gross 30 mbbld facility.
On the non-operated Sarsang block, the Swara Tika discovery was declared commercial in May 2014 and a field development plan was filed in June 2014. The plan was approved by the Kurdistan Ministry of Natural Resources in the fourth quarter of 2015. The first producing well came online in 2014 and the second producing well came online in December 2015. In 2016, an additional well is planned to come on-line. As the development plan progresses, we expect to increase production after 2016.
International E&P Exploration
In September 2015, we announced our intention to scale back our conventional exploration program. Our 2016 Capital Program includes $16 million for conventional exploration. No conventional exploration wells are planned in 2016. Our Capital Program is limited to existing commitments in Gabon.
Equatorial Guinea Exploration – We hold a 63% operated working interest in the Deep Luba discovery on the Alba Block and an 80% operated working interest in the Corona well on Block D. We plan to develop Block D through a unitization with the Alba field. Negotiations have been substantially completed and approval is expected in 2016. We also have an 80% operated working interest in exploratory Block A-12 offshore Bioko Island, located immediately west of our operated Alba Field.

10


Gabon Exploration – We hold a 21.25% non-operated working interest in the Diaba License G4-223 and its related permit offshore Gabon, which covers approximately 2.2 million gross (477,000 net) acres. Multiple additional pre-salt prospects have been identified on this License.
In August 2014, we signed an exploration and production sharing contract for Gabon offshore Block G13, which was subsequently re-named Tchicuate. The block, which is located in the pre-salt play offshore Gabon, encompasses 277,000 acres. The seismic program was completed during 2015 and processing will occur through 2016. We hold a 100% participating interest and operatorship in the block. In the event of development, the Republic of Gabon will assume a 20% financed interest in the contract upon commencement of production. The State holds additional rights to participate in the block in the future as a co-investor.
Kurdistan Region of Iraq – During 2015, in connection with our decision to scale back our conventional exploration program, we impaired our investment in the operated Harir block.
International E&P Disposition
In the third quarter of 2015, we entered into an agreement to sell our East Africa exploration acreage in Ethiopia and Kenya. The Kenya transaction closed in February 2016 and the Ethiopia transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of 2016. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information about this disposition.
Oil Sands Mining Segment
We hold a 20% non-operated interest in the AOSP, an oil sands mining and upgrading joint venture located in Alberta, Canada. Other JV partners include Shell Canada Limited with a 60% ownership interest and Chevron Canada Limited with a 20% ownership interest. Shell Canada Limited operates the joint venture, which produces bitumen from oil sands deposits in the Athabasca region utilizing mining techniques and upgrades the bitumen into synthetic crude oils and vacuum gas oil.
The AOSP’s mining and extraction assets are located near Fort McMurray, Alberta, and include the Muskeg River and the Jackpine mines. Gross design capacity of the combined mines is 255,000 (51,000 net) barrels of bitumen per day. The AOSP operations use established processes to mine oil sands deposits from an open-pit mine, extract the bitumen and upgrade it into synthetic crude oils. Ore is mined using traditional truck and shovel mining techniques. The mined ore passes through a series of primary crushers and rotary breakers for particle size reduction. The particles are combined with hot water to create slurry. The slurry is hydro-transported to a primary separation vessel where it separates into sand, clay and bitumen-rich froth. A solvent is added to the bitumen froth to separate out the remaining solids, water and heavy asphaltenes. The solvent washes the sand and produces clean bitumen that is required for the upgrader to run efficiently. The process yields a mixture of solvent and bitumen which is then transported from the mine to the Scotford upgrader via the approximately 300-mile Corridor Pipeline.
The AOSP's Scotford upgrader is located at Fort Saskatchewan, northeast of Edmonton, Alberta.  The bitumen is upgraded at Scotford using both hydrotreating and hydroconversion processes to remove sulfur and break the heavy bitumen molecules into lighter products. Blendstocks acquired from outside sources are utilized in the production of our saleable products. The upgrader produces synthetic crude oils and vacuum gas oil. The vacuum gas oil is sold to an affiliate of the operator under a long-term contract at market-related prices and the other products are sold in the marketplace.
As of December 31, 2015 , we own or have rights to participate in developed and undeveloped surface mineable leases totaling approximately 159,000 gross (32,000 net) acres. The underlying developed leases are held for the duration of the project, with royalties payable to the province of Alberta. Synthetic crude oil sales volumes for 2015 averaged 53 mbbld and net-of-royalty production was 45 mbbld.
The operating cost structure of our Oil Sands Mining operations is predominantly fixed and therefore many of the costs incurred in times of full operation continue during production downtime. Per-unit costs are sensitive to production rates. As average price realizations are typically at a discount to WTI, the fixed operating cost structure for Oil Sands Mining will not fully track the price realization. Significant cost improvement efforts were employed in 2015 resulting in a material reduction to the production cost structure. See Item 7. Consolidated Results of Operations: 2015 compared to 2014 for additional detail on production expenses.
The governments of Alberta and Canada agreed to partially fund Quest CCS. Construction began in 2012 and was completed in February 2015. Government funding commenced in 2012 and continued as milestones were achieved during the development, construction and operating phases of the project. Quest CCS was successfully completed and commissioned in the fourth quarter of 2015.



11


Productive and Drilling Wells
For our North America E&P and International E&P segments, the following table sets forth gross and net productive wells and service wells as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 and drilling wells as of December 31, 2015 .
 
Productive Wells (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil
 
Natural Gas
 
Service Wells  
 
Drilling Wells
   
Gross
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Net
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
7,198

 
2,878

 
1,796

 
750

 
2,727

 
747

 
29

 
12

E.G.

 

 
17

 
11

 
2

 
1

 

 

Other Africa
1,071

 
175

 
7

 
1

 
94

 
16

 
4

 
1

Total Africa
1,071

 
175

 
24

 
12

 
96

 
17

 
4

 
1

Other International
59

 
21

 
39

 
16

 
24

 
8

 
1

 

Total
8,328

 
3,074

 
1,859

 
778

 
2,847

 
772

 
34

 
13

2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
7,058

 
2,919

 
2,246

 
1,023

 
2,638

 
760

 
 
 
 
E.G.

 

 
16

 
11

 
2

 
1

 
 
 
 
Other Africa
1,071

 
175

 
7

 
1

 
94

 
16

 
 
 
 
Total Africa
1,071

 
175

 
23

 
12

 
96

 
17

 
 
 
 
Other International
55

 
20

 
39

 
16

 
24

 
8

 
 
 
 
Total
8,184

 
3,114

 
2,308

 
1,051

 
2,758

 
785

 
 
 
 
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
6,632

 
2,568

 
2,763

 
1,482

 
2,349

 
744

 
 
 
 
E.G.

 

 
16

 
11

 
2

 
1

 
 
 
 
Other Africa
1,064

 
174

 
7

 
1

 
94

 
16

 
 
 
 
Total Africa
1,064

 
174

 
23

 
12

 
96

 
17

 
 
 
 
Other International
56

 
21

 
40

 
16

 
25

 
9

 
 
 
 
Total
7,752

 
2,763

 
2,826

 
1,510

 
2,470

 
770

 
 
 
 
(a)  
Of the gross productive wells, wells with multiple completions operated by us totaled 12 , 31 and 31 as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . Information on wells with multiple completions operated by others is unavailable to us.



12


Drilling Activity
For our North America E&P and International E&P segments, the following table sets forth, by geographic area, the number of net productive and dry development and exploratory wells completed in each of the last three years.
 
Development
 
Exploratory
 
 
   
Oil
 
Natural
Gas
 
Dry
 
Total
 
Oil
 
Natural
Gas
 
Dry
 
Total
 
Total
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
135

 
36

 
11

 
182

 
49

 
48

 
1

 
98

 
280

E.G.

 
1

 

 
1

 

 

 
1

 
1

 
2

Other Africa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Africa

 
1

 

 
1

 

 

 
1

 
1

 
2

Other International
1

 

 

 
1

 

 

 

 

 
1

Total
136

 
37

 
11

 
184

 
49

 
48

 
2

 
99

 
283

Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
253

 
43

 
1

 
297

 
49

 
19

 
4

 
72

 
369

E.G.

 

 

 

 

 

 
1

 
1

 
1

Other Africa
1

 

 

 
1

 

 

 

 

 
1

Total Africa
1

 

 

 
1

 

 

 
1

 
1

 
2

Other International
1

 

 

 
1

 

 

 

 

 
1

Total
255

 
43

 
1

 
299

 
49

 
19

 
5

 
73

 
372

Year Ended December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S.
237

 
20

 

 
257

 
73

 
13

 
3

 
89

 
346

E.G.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Africa
4

 

 

 
4

 
1

 

 
2

 
3

 
7

Total Africa
4

 

 

 
4

 
1

 

 
2

 
3

 
7

Other International

 

 

 

 

 

 
3

 
3

 
3

Total
241

 
20

 

 
261

 
74

 
13

 
8

 
95

 
356

Acreage
We believe we have satisfactory title to our North America E&P and International E&P properties in accordance with standards generally accepted in the industry; nevertheless, we can be involved in title disputes from time to time which may result in litigation. In the case of undeveloped properties, an investigation of record title is made at the time of acquisition. Drilling title opinions are usually prepared before commencement of drilling operations. Our title to properties may be subject to burdens such as royalty, overriding royalty, carried, net profits, working and other similar interests and contractual arrangements customary in the industry. In addition, our interests may be subject to obligations or duties under applicable laws or burdens such as net profits interests, liens related to operating agreements, development obligations or capital commitments under international PSCs or exploration licenses.
The following table sets forth, by geographic area, the gross and net developed and undeveloped acreage held in our North America E&P and International E&P segments as of December 31, 2015 .
 
Developed
 
Undeveloped
 
Developed and
Undeveloped
(In thousands)
Gross    
 
Net
 
Gross    
 
Net
 
Gross    
 
Net
U.S.
1,323

 
1,035

 
801

 
638

 
2,124

 
1,673

Canada

 

 
142

 
54

 
142

 
54

Total North America
1,323

 
1,035

 
943

 
692

 
2,266

 
1,727

E.G.
45

 
29

 
183

 
164

 
228

 
193

Other Africa
12,909

 
2,108

 
26,145

 
9,612

 
39,054

 
11,720

Total Africa
12,954

 
2,137

 
26,328

 
9,776

 
39,282

 
11,913

Other International
90

 
32

 
345

 
110

 
435

 
142

Total
14,367

 
3,204

 
27,616

 
10,578

 
41,983

 
13,782


13


In the ordinary course of business, based on our evaluations of certain geologic trends and prospective economics, we have allowed certain lease acreage to expire and may allow additional acreage to expire in the future. If production is not established or we take no other action to extend the terms of the leases, licenses or concessions, undeveloped acreage listed in the table below will expire over the next three years. We plan to continue the terms of certain of these licenses and concession areas or retain leases through operational or administrative actions; however, the majority of the undeveloped acres associated with Other Africa as listed in the table below pertains to our licenses in Ethiopia and Kenya, for which we executed agreements in 2015 to sell. The Kenya transaction closed in February 2016 and the Ethiopia transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information about this disposition.
 
Net Undeveloped Acres Expiring
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
2016
 
2017
 
2018
U.S.
68

 
89

 
128

E.G.

 
92

 
36

Other Africa
189

 
4,352

 
854

Total Africa
189

 
4,444

 
890

Other International

 

 

Total
257

 
4,533

 
1,018


14


Reserves
Estimated Reserve Quantities
Reserves are disclosed by continent and by country if the proved reserves related to any geographic area, on an oil equivalent barrel basis, represent 15% or more of our total proved reserves. A geographic area can be an individual country, group of countries within a continent or a continent. Other International ("Other Int’l"), includes the U.K. and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. We closed the sale of our East Texas/North Louisiana/Wilburton assets in the third quarter of 2015 and part of our Gulf of Mexico business in the fourth quarter of 2015. Additionally, we closed the sale of our Angola assets and our Norway business in 2014, and both are represented as discontinued operations ("Disc Ops") for periods presented. Approximately 77% of our proved reserves are located in OECD countries.
Our December 31, 2015 proved reserves were calculated using the unweighted average of closing prices nearest to the first day of each month within the 12-month period ("SEC pricing"). The table below provides the 2015 SEC pricing of benchmark prices as well as the unweighted average for the first two months of 2016:
 
SEC Pricing 2015
2-month Average 2016
WTI Crude oil
$
50.28

$
34.19

Henry Hub natural gas
$
2.59

$
2.28

Brent crude oil
$
54.25

$
34.86

Natural gas liquids
$
17.32

$
12.87

When determining the December 31, 2015 proved reserves for each property, the 2015 SEC prices listed above were adjusted using price differentials that account for property-specific quality and location differences.
Beginning in the second half of 2014, the crude oil and natural gas benchmarks began to decline and these declines continued through 2015 and into 2016. Commodity prices are likely to remain volatile based on global supply and demand and could decline further. Sustained reduced commodity prices could have a material effect on the quantity and future cash flows of our proved reserves.
Estimates of future cash flows associated with proved reserves are based on actual costs of developing and producing the reserves as of the end of the year. The decline in commodity prices prompted a concerted effort to reduce the costs of developing and producing reserves. Therefore, the impact of sustained reduced commodity prices on future cash flows will be partially offset by the resulting lower costs to develop and produce reserves.
A sustained period of lower commodity prices could also result in additional decreases to our near term capital program and deferrals of investment until prices improve. A shifting of capital expenditures into future periods beyond five years from the initial proved reserve booking could potentially lead to a reduction in proved undeveloped reserves. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for a further discussion of how a substantial extended decline in commodity prices could impact us.
As of December 31, 2015, total proved reserves declined 35 mmboe, primarily due to negative revisions in the U.S. totaling 173 mmboe largely a result of reductions to our capital development program which deferred proved undeveloped reserves beyond the 5-year plan, as well as routine production. This decline was partially offset by increased reserves from the drilling programs in our U.S. unconventional shale plays totaling 246 mmboe as well as a positive revision of 67 mmboe in OSM. The OSM revision was a consequence of technical reevaluation and lower royalty percentages due to lower realized prices. Royalties paid in Canada are on a sliding scale; as the sales price of our synthetic crude oil decreases, our royalty rate decreases. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Supplementary Information on Oil and Gas Producing Activities for more information.

15


The following tables set forth estimated quantities of our proved crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil reserves based upon an SEC pricing for periods ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
 
North America
 
Africa
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
  U.S. 
 
Canada
 
Total  
 
E.G.  
 
Other
 
Total    
 
Other Int'l
 
Cont Ops
 
Disc Ops
 
Total
Proved Developed Reserves
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude oil and condensate (mmbbl)
327

 

 
327

 
25

 
173

 
198

 
16

 
541

 

 
541

Natural gas liquids (mmbbl)
92

 

 
92

 
12

 

 
12

 

 
104

 

 
104

Natural gas (bcf)
640

 

 
640

 
552

 
94

 
646

 
11

 
1,297

 

 
1,297

Synthetic crude oil (mmbbl)

 
698

 
698

 

 

 

 

 
698

 

 
698

Total proved developed reserves   (mmboe)
526

 
698

 
1,224

 
129

 
189

 
318


18

 
1,560

 


1,560

Proved Undeveloped Reserves
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 

Crude oil and condensate ( mmbbl )
253

 

 
253

 
27

 
28

 
55

 
6

 
314

 

 
314

Natural gas liquids ( mmbbl )
80

 

 
80

 
16

 

 
16

 

 
96

 

 
96

Natural gas ( bcf )
511

 

 
511

 
538

 
112

 
650

 
4

 
1,165

 

 
1,165

Synthetic crude oil (mmbbl)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total proved undeveloped reserves  ( mmboe )
418

 

 
418

 
132

 
46

 
178

 
7

 
603

 

 
603

Total Proved Reserves
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 

Crude oil and condensate ( mmbbl )
580

 

 
580

 
52

 
201

 
253

 
22

 
855

 

 
855

Natural gas liquids ( mmbbl )
172

 

 
172

 
28

 

 
28

 

 
200

 

 
200

Natural gas ( bcf )
1,151

 

 
1,151

 
1,090

 
206

 
1,296

 
15

 
2,462

 

 
2,462

Synthetic crude oil ( mmbbl )

 
698

 
698

 

 

 

 

 
698

 

 
698

Total proved reserves ( mmboe )
944

 
698

 
1,642

 
261

 
235

 
496

 
25

 
2,163

 

 
2,163

 
North America
 
Africa
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
  U.S. 
 
Canada
 
Total  
 
E.G.  
 
Other
 
Total    
 
Other Int'l
 
Cont Ops
 
Disc Ops
 
Total
Proved Developed Reserves
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude oil and condensate (mmbbl)
294

 

 
294

 
30

 
175

 
205

 
19

 
518

 

 
518

Natural gas liquids (mmbbl)
68

 

 
68

 
15

 

 
15

 

 
83

 

 
83

Natural gas (bcf)
575

 

 
575

 
664

 
94

 
758

 
17

 
1,350

 

 
1,350

Synthetic crude oil (mmbbl)

 
644

 
644

 

 

 

 

 
644

 

 
644

Total proved developed reserves (mmboe)
458

 
644

 
1,102

 
155

 
191

 
346

 
22

 
1,470

 

 
1,470

Proved Undeveloped Reserves
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude oil and condensate (mmbbl)
340

 

 
340

 
27

 
33

 
60

 
10

 
410

 

 
410

Natural gas liquids (mmbbl)
93

 

 
93

 
15

 

 
15

 
1

 
109

 

 
109

Natural gas (bcf)
569

 

 
569

 
541

 
115

 
656

 
5

 
1,230

 

 
1,230

Synthetic crude oil (mmbbl)

 
4

 
4

 

 

 

 

 
4

 

 
4

Total proved undeveloped reserves  (mmboe)
528

 
4

 
532

 
133

 
52

 
185

 
11

 
728

 

 
728

Total Proved Reserves
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude oil and condensate  (mmbbl)
634

 

 
634

 
57

 
208

 
265

 
29

 
928

 

 
928

Natural gas liquids (mmbbl)
161

 

 
161

 
30

 

 
30

 
1

 
192

 

 
192

Natural gas (bcf)
1,144

 

 
1,144

 
1,205

 
209

 
1,414

 
22

 
2,580

 

 
2,580

Synthetic crude oil (mmbbl)


648

 
648



 

 



 
648

 


648

Total proved reserves  (mmboe)
986

 
648

 
1,634

 
288

 
243

 
531

 
33

 
2,198

 

 
2,198


16


 
North America
 
Africa
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
  U.S. 
 
Canada
 
Total  
 
E.G.  
 
Other
 
Total    
 
Other Int'l
 
Cont Ops
 
Disc Ops
 
Total
Proved Developed Reserves
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude oil and condensate (mmbbl)
241

 

 
241

 
37

 
176

 
213

 
19

 
473

 
77

 
550

Natural gas liquids (mmbbl)
51

 

 
51

 
18

 

 
18

 
1

 
70

 

 
70

Natural gas (bcf)
540

 

 
540

 
823

 
95

 
918

 
21

 
1,479

 
20

 
1,499

Synthetic crude oil (mmbbl)

 
674

 
674

 

 

 

 

 
674

 

 
674

Total proved developed reserves (mmboe)
382

 
674

 
1,056

 
193

 
192

 
385

 
23

 
1,464

 
80

 
1,544

Proved Undeveloped Reserves
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude oil and condensate (mmbbl)
256

 

 
256

 
27

 
39

 
66

 
6

 
328

 
14

 
342

Natural gas liquids  (mmbbl)
68

 

 
68

 
16

 

 
16

 

 
84

 

 
84

Natural gas (bcf)
485

 

 
485

 
497

 
110

 
607

 
7

 
1,099

 
73

 
1,172

Synthetic crude oil (mmbbl)

 
6

 
6

 

 

 

 

 
6

 

 
6

Total proved undeveloped reserves  (mmboe)
405

 
6

 
411

 
125

 
57

 
182

 
8

 
601

 
26

 
627

Total Proved Reserves
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Crude oil and condensate (mmbbl)
497

 

 
497

 
64

 
215

 
279

 
25

 
801

 
91

 
892

Natural gas liquids (mmbbl)
119

 

 
119

 
34

 

 
34

 
1

 
154

 

 
154

Natural gas  (bcf)
1,025

 

 
1,025

 
1,320

 
205

 
1,525

 
28

 
2,578

 
93

 
2,671

Synthetic crude oil (mmbbl)

 
680

 
680

 

 

 

 

 
680

 

 
680

Total proved reserves  (mmboe)
787

 
680

 
1,467

 
318

 
249

 
567

 
31

 
2,065

 
106

 
2,171

Preparation of Reserve Estimates
All estimates of reserves are made in compliance with SEC Rule 4-10 of Regulation S-X. Crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil reserve estimates are reviewed and approved by our Corporate Reserves Group, which includes our Director of Corporate Reserves and his staff of Reserve Coordinators. Crude oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas reserve estimates are developed or reviewed by Qualified Reserves Estimators ("QREs"). QREs are engineers or geoscientists who hold at least a Bachelor of Science degree in the appropriate technical field, have a minimum of three years of industry experience with at least one year in reserve estimation and have completed Marathon Oil's QRE training course. All QREs must complete a QRE refresher course at least once every three years. Our Corporate Reserves group screens all fields with net proved reserves of 20 mmboe or greater, every year, to determine if a field review is required. Any change to proved reserve estimates in excess of 1 mmboe on a total field basis, within a single month, must be approved by a Reserve Coordinator.
Our Director of Corporate Reserves, who reports to our Vice President, Technology and Innovation, has a Bachelor of Science degree in petroleum engineering and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas. In his 28 years with Marathon Oil, he has held numerous engineering and management positions, including managing our OSM segment. He is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers ("SPE") and a former member of the Petroleum Engineering Advisory Council for the University of Texas at Austin.
Estimates of synthetic crude oil reserves are prepared by GLJ Petroleum Consultants ("GLJ") of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, third-party consultants. Their reports for all years are filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The individual responsible for the estimates of our synthetic crude oil reserves has 15 years of experience in petroleum engineering, has conducted surface mineable oil sands evaluations since 2009 and is a registered Practicing Professional Engineer in the Province of Alberta.
Audits of Estimates
We engage third-party consultants to provide, at a minimum, independent estimates for fields that comprise 80% of our total proved reserves over a rolling four-year period. We exceeded this percentage for the four-year period ended December 31, 2015 , with 82% of our total proved reserves independently audited. We have established a tolerance level of +/- 10% such that initial estimates by the third-party consultants for each field are accepted if they are within 10% of our internal estimates. Should the third-party consultants’ initial analysis fail to reach our tolerance level, both parties re-examine the information provided, request additional data and refine their analysis, if appropriate. In the very limited instances where differences outside the 10% tolerance cannot be resolved by year end, a plan to resolve the difference is developed and executive management consent is obtained. The audit process did not result in any significant changes to our reserve estimates for 2015 , 2014 or 2013 .

17


During 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. ("NSAI") prepared a certification of the prior year's reserves for the Alba field in E.G. The NSAI summary reports are filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Members of the NSAI team have multiple years of industry experience, having worked for large, international oil and gas companies before joining NSAI. The senior technical advisor has over 35 years of practical experience in petroleum geosciences, with over 15 years experience in the estimation and evaluation of reserves. The second team member has over 10 years of practical experience in petroleum engineering, with over five years experience in the estimation and evaluation of reserves. Both are registered Professional Engineers in the State of Texas.
Ryder Scott Company ("Ryder Scott") also performed audits of the prior years' reserves of several of our fields in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . Their summary reports are filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The team lead for Ryder Scott has over 20 years of industry experience, having worked for a major international oil and gas company before joining Ryder Scott. He is a member of SPE, where he served on the Oil and Gas Reserves Committee, and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas.
Changes in Proved Undeveloped Reserves
As of December 31, 2015 , 603 mmboe of proved undeveloped reserves were reported, a decrease of 125 mmboe from December 31, 2014 . The following table shows changes in total proved undeveloped reserves for 2015 :
(mmboe)
 
Beginning of year
728

Revisions of previous estimates
(223
)
Improved recovery
1

Purchases of reserves in place
1

Extensions, discoveries, and other additions
175

Dispositions

Transfers to proved developed
(79
)
End of year
603

The revisions to previous estimates were largely due to a result of reductions to our capital development program which deferred proved undeveloped reserves beyond the 5-year plan. A total of 139 mmboe was booked as extensions, discoveries or other additions and revisions due to the application of reliable technology. Technologies included statistical analysis of production performance, decline curve analysis, pressure and rate transient analysis, reservoir simulation and volumetric analysis. The observed statistical nature of production performance coupled with highly certain reservoir continuity or quality within the reliable technology areas and sufficient proved developed locations establish the reasonable certainty criteria required for booking proved reserves.
Transfers from proved undeveloped to proved developed reserves included 47 mmboe in the Eagle Ford, 14 mmboe in the Bakken and 5 mmboe in the Oklahoma Resource Basins due to development drilling and completions.
Costs incurred in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 relating to the development of proved undeveloped reserves were $1,415 million , $3,149 million and $2,536 million .
Projects can remain in proved undeveloped reserves for extended periods in certain situations such as large development projects which take more than five years to complete, or the timing of when additional gas compression is needed. Of the 603 mmboe of proved undeveloped reserves at December 31, 2015 , 26% of the volume is associated with projects that have been included in proved reserves for more than five years. The majority of this volume is related to a compression project in E.G. that was sanctioned by our Board of Directors in 2004. During 2012, the compression project received the approval of the E.G. government, fabrication of the new platform began in 2013 and installation of the platform at the Alba Field occurred in January 2016. Commissioning is currently underway, with first production expected by mid-2016.
Proved undeveloped reserves for the North Gialo development, located in the Libyan Sahara desert, were booked for the first time in 2010. This development is being executed by the operator and encompasses a multi-year drilling program including the design, fabrication and installation of extensive liquid handling and gas recycling facilities. Anecdotal evidence from similar development projects in the region leads to an expected project execution time frame of more than five years from the time the reserves were initially booked. Interruptions associated with the civil and political unrest have also extended the project duration. Operations were interrupted in mid-2013 as a result of the shutdown of the Es Sider crude oil terminal, and although temporarily re-opened during the second half of 2014, production remains shut-in through early 2016. The operator is committed to the project’s completion and continues to assign resources in order to execute the project.
Our conversion rate for proved undeveloped reserves to proved developed reserves for 2015 was 11%.  However, excluding the aforementioned long-term projects in E.G. and Libya, our 2015 conversion rate would be 15%.  Furthermore, our

18


5-year annual conversion rate (2011-2015) averaged 21% and would be 32%, excluding the long-term projects in E.G. and Libya.
All proved undeveloped reserve drilling locations are scheduled to be drilled prior to the end of 2020. As of December 31, 2015 , future development costs estimated to be required for the development of proved undeveloped crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil reserves for the years 2016 through 2020 are projected to be $630 million, $859 million, $1,389 million, $1,764 million and $986 million.
Net Production Sold
 
North America
 
Africa
 

 
 
 
 
  
  U.S. 
 
Canada
 
Total  
 
E.G.  
 
Other
 
Total    
 
Other Int'l
 
Disc Ops
 

Total
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude and condensate (mbbld) (a)
171

 

 
171

 
19

 

 
19

 
14

 

 
204

Natural gas liquids (mbbld)
39

 

 
39

 
10

 

 
10

 

 

 
49

Natural gas (mmcfd) (b)
351

 

 
351

 
410

 

 
410

 
21

 

 
782

Synthetic crude oil (mbbld) (c)

 
45

 
45

 

 

 

 

 

 
45

Total production sold (mboed)
269

 
45

 
314

 
97

 

 
97

 
18

 

 
429

2014
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Crude and condensate (mbbld) (a)
157

 

 
157

 
21

 
7

 
28

 
11

 
48

 
244

Natural gas liquids (mbbld)
29

 

 
29

 
10

 

 
10

 

 

 
39

Natural gas (mmcfd) (b)
310

 

 
310

 
439

 
1

 
440

 
21

 
37

 
808

Synthetic crude oil (mbbld) (c)

 
41

 
41

 

 

 

 

 

 
41

Total production sold (mboed)
238

 
41

 
279

 
104

 
7

 
111

 
15

 
54

 
459

2013
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Crude and condensate (mbbld) (a)
126

 

 
126

 
23

 
24

 
47

 
14

 
81

 
268

Natural gas liquids (mbbld)
23

 

 
23

 
11

 

 
11

 
1

 

 
35

Natural gas (mmcfd) (b)
312

 

 
312

 
442

 
22

 
464

 
25

 
51

 
852

Synthetic crude oil (mbbld) (c)

 
42

 
42

 

 

 

 

 

 
42

Total production sold (mboed)
201

 
42

 
243

 
107

 
27

 
134

 
20

 
89

 
486

(a)  
The amounts correspond with the basis for fiscal settlements with governments, representing equity tanker liftings and direct deliveries of liquid hydrocarbons.
(b)  
Excludes volumes acquired from third parties for injection and subsequent resale.
(c)  
Upgraded bitumen excluding blendstocks.
Average Sales Price per Unit
 
North America
 
Africa
 

 
 
 
 
(Dollars per unit)
  U.S. 
 
Canada
 
Total  
 
E.G.  
 
Other
 
Total    
 
Other Int'l
 
Disc Ops
 

Total
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude and condensate (bbl)
$
43.50

 
$

 
$
43.50

 
$
42.83

 
$

 
$
42.83

 
$
53.91

 
$

 
$
44.14

Natural gas liquids (bbl)
13.37

 

 
13.37

 
1.00

(a)  

 
1.00

 
32.53

 

 
11.16

Natural gas (mcf)
2.66

 

 
2.66

 
0.24

(a)  

 
0.24

 
6.85

 

 
1.50

Synthetic crude oil (bbl)

 
40.13

 
40.13

 

 

 

 

 

 
40.13

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude and condensate (bbl)
$
85.25

 
$

 
$
85.25

 
$
81.01

 
$
94.70

 
$
84.48

 
$
94.31

 
$
109.80

 
$
90.37

Natural gas liquids (bbl)
33.42

 

 
33.42

 
1.00

(a)  

 
1.00

 
67.73

 

 
25.25

Natural gas (mcf)
4.57

 

 
4.57

 
0.24

(a)  
3.11

 
0.25

 
8.27

 
9.94

 
2.55

Synthetic crude oil (bbl)

 
83.35

 
83.35

 

 

 

 

 

 
83.35

2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude and condensate (bbl)
$
94.19

 
$

 
$
94.19

 
$
90.62

 
$
122.92

 
$
107.31

 
$
110.76

 
$
112.36

 
$
102.81

Natural gas liquids (bbl)
35.12

 

 
35.12

 
1.00

(a)  

 
1.00

 
72.14

 

 
24.78

Natural gas (mcf)
3.84

 

 
3.84

 
0.24

(a)  
5.44

 
0.49

 
10.64

 
13.01

 
2.75

Synthetic crude oil (bbl)

 
87.51

 
87.51

 

 

 

 

 

 
87.51

(a)  
Primarily represents fixed prices under long-term contracts with Alba Plant LLC, AMPCO and/or EGHoldings, which are equity method investees. We include our share of income from each of these equity method investees in our International E&P Segment.

19


Average Production Cost per Unit (a)  
 
North America
 
Africa
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars per boe)
  U.S. 
 
Canada
 
Total  
 
E.G.  
 
Other
 
Total    
 
Other Int'l
 
Disc Ops
 

Total
2015
$
10.65

 
$
38.42

 
$
14.69

 
$
2.37

 
N.M.

 
$
3.23

 
$
27.23

 
$

 
$
12.62

2014
13.34

 
46.63

 
18.73

 
4.03

 
N.M.

 
5.72

 
47.06

 
8.92

 
15.37

2013
13.60

 
55.42

 
20.79

 
2.88

 
7.40

 
3.80

 
38.87

 
8.24

 
14.51

(a)  
Production, severance and property taxes are excluded; however, shipping and handling as well as other operating expenses are included in the production costs used in this calculation. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Supplementary Information on Oil and Gas Producing Activities - Results of Operations for Oil and Gas Production Activities for more information regarding production costs.
N.M.
Not meaningful information due to limited sales.

Marketing and Midstream
Our reportable operating segments include activities related to the marketing and transportation of substantially all of our liquid hydrocarbon, synthetic crude oil and natural gas production. These activities include the transportation of production to market centers, the sale of commodities to third parties and the storage of production. We balance our various sales, storage and transportation positions in order to aggregate volumes to satisfy transportation commitments and to achieve flexibility within product types and delivery points. Such activities can include the purchase of commodities from third parties for resale.
As discussed previously, we currently own and operate gathering systems and other midstream assets in some of our production areas. We continue to evaluate midstream infrastructure investments in connection with our development plans.
Delivery Commitments
We have committed to deliver quantities of crude oil and synthetic crude oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas to customers under a variety of contracts. As of December 31, 2015 , those contracts for fixed and determinable quantities were at variable, market-based pricing and related primarily to liquid hydrocarbon production in the Eagle Ford and Bakken, and OSM synthetic crude oil production. Eagle Ford liquid hydrocarbon production sales commitments range from a minimum of 128 mbbld in 2016, decreasing to 51 mbbld through 2020. Bakken liquid hydrocarbon production sales commitments range from 10 mbbld to 30 mbbld from 2016 through 2026. Synthetic crude oil production sales commitments are 14 mbbld in 2016 and 10 mbbld in 2017. Eagle Ford natural gas production sales commitments range from a minimum of 210 mmbtu in 2016, decreasing to 46 mmbtu through 2022.
Our current production rates, forecasts and proved reserves are sufficient to meet these commitments. All of these contracts provide the options of delivering third-party volumes or paying a monetary shortfall penalty if production is inadequate. Certain volumetric requirements can also be met through purchases of third-party volumes.
In addition to the sales contracts discussed above, we have entered into numerous agreements for transportation and processing of our equity production. Some of these contracts have volumetric requirements which could require monetary shortfall penalties if our production is inadequate to meet the terms.
Competition and Market Conditions
Competition exists in all sectors of the oil and gas industry and, in particular, in the exploration for and development of new reserves. We compete with major integrated and independent oil and gas companies, as well as national oil companies, for the acquisition of oil and natural gas leases and other properties. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for discussion of specific areas in which we compete and related risks.
We also compete with other producers of synthetic crude oil for the sale of our synthetic crude oil to refineries primarily in North America. Because not all refineries are able to process or refine synthetic crude oil in significant volumes, sufficient market demand may not exist at all times to absorb our share of the synthetic crude oil production from the AOSP at economically viable prices.
Our operating results are affected by price changes for liquid hydrocarbons and natural gas, as well as changes in competitive conditions in the markets we serve. Generally, results from oil and gas production and OSM operations benefit from higher liquid hydrocarbons and natural gas prices. Market conditions in the oil and gas industry are cyclical and subject to global economic and political events and new and changing governmental regulations. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Overview – Market Conditions for additional discussion of the impact of prices on our operations.

20


Environmental, Health and Safety Matters
The Health, Environmental, Safety and Corporate Responsibility Committee of our Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing our position on public issues, including environmental, health and safety matters. Our Corporate Health, Environment, Safety and Security organization has the responsibility to ensure that our operating organizations maintain environmental compliance systems that support and foster our compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Committees comprised of certain of our officers review our overall performance associated with various environmental compliance programs. We also have a Corporate Emergency Response Team which oversees our response to any major environmental or other emergency incident involving us or any of our properties.
Our businesses are subject to numerous laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, health and safety at the national, state and local levels. Major U.S. federal statutes include, but are not limited to, the Occupational Safety and Health Act ("OSHA") with respect to the protection of the health and safety of employees, the Clean Air Act ("CAA") with respect to air emissions, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (also known as the Clean Water Act ("CWA")) with respect to water discharges, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA") with respect to releases and remediation of hazardous substances, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ("OPA-90") with respect to oil pollution and response, the National Environmental Policy Act with respect to evaluation of environmental impacts, the Endangered Species Act with respect to the protection of endangered or threatened species, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA") with respect to solid and hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal and the U.S. Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act with respect to the dissemination of information relating to certain chemical inventories. Other countries in which we operate have their own laws dealing with similar matters.
These laws and their implementing regulations and other similar state and local laws and rules can impose certain operational controls for minimization of pollution, recordkeeping, monitoring and reporting requirements or other operational or siting constraints on our business, result in costs to remediate releases of regulated substances, including crude oil, into the environment, or require costs to remediate sites to which we sent regulated substances for disposal. In some cases, these laws can impose strict liability for the entire cost of clean-up on any responsible party without regard to negligence or fault and impose liability on us for the conduct of others (such as prior owners or operators of our assets) or conditions others have caused, or for our acts that complied with all applicable requirements when we performed them. We have incurred and will continue to incur capital, operating and maintenance, and remediation expenditures as a result of environmental laws and regulations. We believe that substantially all of our competitors must comply with similar environmental laws and regulations. However, the specific impact on each competitor may vary depending on a number of factors, including the age and location of its operating facilities, marketing areas and production processes.
New laws have been enacted and regulations are being adopted by various regulatory agencies on a continuing basis and the costs of compliance with these new laws and regulations can only be broadly appraised until their implementation becomes more defined.
For a discussion of environmental capital expenditures and costs of compliance for air, water, solid waste and remediation, see Item 3. Legal Proceedings and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Environmental Matters, Litigation and Contingencies.
Air and Climate Change
The EPA finalized a more stringent National Ambient Air Quality Standard ("NAAQS") for ozone in October 2015. This more stringent ozone NAAQS could result in additional areas being designated as non-attainment, including areas in which we operate, which may result in an increase in costs for emission controls and requirements for additional monitoring and testing, as well as a more cumbersome permitting process. Although there may be an adverse financial impact (including compliance costs, potential permitting delays and increased regulatory requirements) associated with this revised regulation, the extent and magnitude of that impact cannot be reliably or accurately estimated due to the present uncertainty regarding any additional measures and how they will be implemented. The EPA's final rule has been judicially challenged by both industry and other interested parties, and the outcome of this litigation may also impact implementation and revisions to the rule.
In September 2015, the EPA published a suite of proposed rules specifically targeting methane emissions from the oil and gas industry, aggregation of air emissions sources and minor source permitting for operations on tribal lands. These rules are expected to be finalized in 2016. If we are unable to comply with the final terms of these regulations, we could be required to forego construction, modification or certain operations. These regulations may also increase compliance costs for some facilities we own or operate, and result in administrative, civil and/or criminal penalties for non-compliance.

21


In 2010, the EPA promulgated rules that require us to monitor and submit an annual report on our greenhouse gas emissions. Further, state, national and international requirements to reduce greenhouse emissions are being proposed and in some cases promulgated (see discussion above regarding proposed regulation of methane emissions from the oil and gas industry by the EPA). Potential legislation and regulations pertaining to climate change could also affect our operations. The cost to comply with these laws and regulations cannot be estimated at this time.
In January 2016, the Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) proposed a rule to further restrict venting and/or flaring of gas from facilities subject to BLM jurisdiction, and to modify certain royalty requirements.  If the rule is finalized as proposed, it could result in additional costs of compliance as well as increased monitoring, recordkeeping and recording for some of our facilities.  If we are unable to comply with the final terms of these regulations, we could be required to forego certain operations. These regulations may also result in administrative, civil and/or criminal penalties for non-compliance.
For additional information, see Item 1A. Risk Factors. As part of our commitment to environmental stewardship, we estimate and publicly report greenhouse gas emissions from our operations. We are working to continuously improve the accuracy and completeness of these estimates. In addition, we continuously strive to improve operational and energy efficiencies through resource and energy conservation where practicable and cost effective.
Hydraulic Fracturing
Hydraulic fracturing is a commonly used process that involves injecting water, sand and small volumes of chemicals into the wellbore to fracture the hydrocarbon-bearing rock thousands of feet below the surface to facilitate higher flow of hydrocarbons into the wellbore. Our business uses this technique extensively throughout our operations. Hydraulic fracturing has been regulated at the state and local level through permitting and compliance requirements. Federal, state and local-level laws or regulations targeting various aspects of the hydraulic fracturing process are being considered, or have been proposed or implemented. For example, the U.S. Congress has considered legislation that would require additional regulation affecting the hydraulic fracturing process, and may be expected to do so in future legislative sessions. Further, various state and local-level initiatives in regions with substantial shale resources have been or may be proposed or implemented to further regulate hydraulic fracturing practices, limit water withdrawals and water use, require disclosure of fracturing fluid constituents, restrict which additives may be used, or implement temporary or permanent bans on hydraulic fracturing. In addition to such legislative and regulatory proposals, there are also a number of studies and initiatives underway that may lead to additional proposals in the future, such as the EPA research study on the potential effects that hydraulic fracturing may have on water quality and public health. In 2015 the BLM issued a rule governing certain hydraulic fracturing practices on lands within their jurisdiction. While this rule has been stayed nationwide by court ruling, further findings by the court could result in additional changes to this new rule.
Increased regulation and attention given to the hydraulic fracturing process could lead to greater opposition, including litigation, to oil and gas activities using hydraulic fracturing techniques. Additional legislation or regulation could also lead to operational delays or increased operating costs in the production of crude oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas, including from the shale plays, or could make it more difficult to perform hydraulic fracturing. The adoption of any federal, state or local laws or the implementation of regulations regarding hydraulic fracturing could potentially cause a decrease in the completion of new oil and gas wells and increased compliance costs which could increase costs of our operations and cause considerable delays in acquiring regulatory approvals to drill and complete wells.
State and federal regulatory agencies recently have focused on a possible connection between the operation of injection wells used for oil and gas waste disposal and seismic activity. Similar concerns have been raised that hydraulic fracturing may also contribute to seismic activity.  When caused by human activity, such events are called induced seismicity. In a few instances, operators of injection wells in the vicinity of seismic events have been ordered to reduce injection volumes or suspend operations. A 2012 report published by the National Academy of Sciences concluded that only a very small fraction of the tens of thousands of injection wells have been suspected to be, or have been, the likely cause of induced seismicity; and a 2015 report by researchers at the University of Texas has suggested that the link between seismic activity and wastewater disposal may vary by region.  Some state regulatory agencies have modified their regulations to account for induced seismicity. Regulatory agencies at all levels are continuing to study the possible linkage between oil and gas activity and induced seismicity.  In addition, a number of lawsuits have been filed including recent negligence suits and a RCRA citizen suit in Oklahoma alleging that disposal well operations have caused damage to neighboring properties or otherwise violated state and federal rules regulating waste disposal.  These developments could result in additional regulation and restrictions on the use of injection wells and hydraulic fracturing.  Increased regulation and attention given to induced seismicity could lead to greater opposition, including litigation, to oil and gas activities utilizing hydraulic fracturing or injection wells for waste disposal. Additional legislation or regulation could also lead to operational delays or increased operating costs in the production of crude oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas, including from the shale plays, or could make it more difficult to perform hydraulic fracturing. The adoption of any federal, state or local laws or the implementation of regulations regarding induced seismicity

22


could potentially cause a decrease in the completion of new oil and gas wells and increased compliance costs which could increase costs of our operations and cause considerable delays in acquiring regulatory approvals to drill and complete wells.
Transportation
A number of state and federal rules apply to the transportation of liquid hydrocarbons. In 2014, the U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) finalized a rule relating to testing and classification of liquid hydrocarbons and imposing additional restrictions on the types of rail cars that may be used in certain types of liquid hydrocarbon service. Although our businesses do not own rail cars and purchasers of our liquid hydrocarbons make arrangements for its transportation, such regulations could increase transportation costs which are passed on to Marathon Oil by liquid hydrocarbon purchasers. In addition, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, a sub-agency of DOT, has proposed or announced the intention to propose various rules related to pipeline transportation of natural gas and/or liquid hydrocarbons. Such regulations could increase the regulatory burden on our businesses where we own or operate pipelines or could otherwise increase costs to third parties that are passed on to Marathon Oil.
Water
In 2014, the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers published proposed regulations which expand the surface waters that are regulated under the Clean Water Act and its various programs. While these regulations were finalized largely as proposed in 2015, the rule has been stayed by the courts pending a substantive decision on the merits. If this rule is ultimately implemented, the expansion of CWA jurisdiction will result in additional costs of compliance as well as increased monitoring, recordkeeping and recording for some of our facilities.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
We are exposed to credit risk in the event of nonpayment by counterparties, a significant portion of which are concentrated in energy-related industries. The creditworthiness of customers and other counterparties is subject to continuing review, including the use of master netting agreements, where appropriate. In 2015, sales to Irving Oil and Shell Oil and each of their respective affiliates accounted for approximately 13% and 11% of our total revenues. In 2014, sales to Shell Oil and its affiliates accounted for approximately 10% of our total revenues. In 2013, Statoil, the purchaser of the majority of our Libyan crude oil, accounted for approximately 10% of our total revenues.

Trademarks, Patents and Licenses
We currently hold a number of U.S. and foreign patents and have various pending patent applications. Although in the aggregate our trademarks, patents and licenses are important to us, we do not regard any single trademark, patent, license or group of related trademarks, patents or licenses as critical or essential to our business as a whole.
Employees
We had 2,611 active, full-time employees as of December 31, 2015 . We consider labor relations with our employees to be satisfactory. We have not had any work stoppages or strikes pertaining to our employees.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
The executive officers of Marathon Oil and their ages as of February 1, 2016 , are as follows:
Lee M. Tillman
 
54
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
John R. Sult
 
56
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Sylvia J. Kerrigan
 
50
 
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Catherine L. Krajicek
 
54
 
Vice President—Technology and Innovation
T. Mitch Little
 
52
 
Vice President—Conventional
Lance W. Robertson
 
43
 
Vice President—Resource Plays
Patrick J. Wagner
 
51
 
Vice President, Corporate Development
Gary E. Wilson
 
54
 
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
Mr. Tillman was appointed president and chief executive officer in August 2013.  Mr. Tillman is also a member of our Board of Directors.  Prior to this appointment, Mr. Tillman served as vice president of engineering for ExxonMobil Development Company (a project design and execution company), where he was responsible for all global engineering staff engaged in major project concept selection, front-end design and engineering.  Between 2007 and 2010, Mr. Tillman served as North Sea production manager and lead country manager for subsidiaries of ExxonMobil in Stavanger, Norway.  Mr. Tillman began his career in the oil and gas industry at Exxon Corporation in 1989 as a research engineer and has extensive operations management and leadership experience.

23


Mr. Sult was appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer in September 2013. Prior to joining Marathon Oil, Mr. Sult served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of El Paso Corporation (a natural gas provider) from 2010 through 2012, senior vice president and chief financial officer from 2009 to 2010, and senior vice president, chief accounting officer and controller from 2005 to 2009.
Ms. Kerrigan was appointed executive vice president, general counsel and secretary in October 2012, having served as vice president, general counsel and secretary since November 2009.  Prior to these appointments, Ms. Kerrigan served as assistant general counsel since January 2003.
Ms. Krajicek was appointed vice president—technology and innovation in December 2015, having served as vice president, health, environment, safety and security since January 2015. Prior to that, Ms. Krajicek held a number of positions of increasing responsibility with Marathon Oil. Prior to joining the Company in 2007, Ms. Krajicek spent 22 years with Conoco and then ConocoPhillips (a multinational energy corporation), where she held a variety of reservoir engineering and asset management and development management positions for upstream and mid-stream businesses under development, both in the U.S. and internationally.
Mr. Little was appointed vice president—conventional in December 2015, having served as vice president, international and offshore exploration and production operations since September 2013, and as vice president, international production operations since September 2012.  Prior to that, Mr. Little was resident manager for our Norway operations and served as general manager, worldwide drilling and completions.  Mr. Little joined Marathon Oil in 1986 and has since held a number of engineering and management positions of increasing responsibility.
Mr. Robertson was appointed vice president—resource plays in December 2015, having served as vice president, North America production operations since September 2013 and as vice president, Eagle Ford production operations since October 2012.  Mr. Robertson joined Marathon Oil in October 2011 as regional vice president, South Texas/Eagle Ford.  Between 2004 and 2011, Mr. Robertson held a number of senior engineering and operations management roles of increasing responsibility with Pioneer Natural Resources Company (an independent oil and gas company) in the U.S. and Canada.
Mr. Wagner was appointed vice president—corporate development in April 2014. Prior to joining Marathon Oil, he served as senior vice president, western business unit, for QR Energy LP (an oil and natural gas producer) and the affiliated Quantum Resources Management (a private equity firm), which he joined in early 2012 as vice president, exploitation. Prior to that, Wagner was managing director in Houston for Scotia Waterous, the oil and gas arm of Scotiabank (an international banking services provider), from 2010 to 2012. Before joining Scotia, Wagner was vice president, Gulf of Mexico, for Devon Energy Corp. (an oil and natural gas producer), having joined Devon in 2003 as manager, international exploitation.
Mr. Wilson was appointed vice president, controller and chief accounting officer in October 2014. Prior to joining Marathon Oil, he served in various finance and accounting positions of increasing responsibility at Noble Energy, Inc. (a global exploration and production company) since 2001, including as director corporate accounting from February 2014 through September 2014, director global operations services finance from October 2012 through February 2014, director controls and reporting from April 2011 through September 2012, and international finance manager from September 2009 through March 2011.
Available Information
Our website is www.marathonoil.com. Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K and other reports and filings with the SEC are available free of charge on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after the reports are filed or furnished with the SEC. Information contained on our website is not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or our other securities filings. Our filings are also available in hard copy, free of charge, by contacting our Investor Relations office.
The public may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at its Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
Additionally, we make available free of charge on our website:
our Code of Business Conduct and Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers;
our Corporate Governance Principles; and
the charters of our Audit and Finance Committee, Compensation Committee, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and Health, Environmental, Safety and Corporate Responsibility Committee.

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Item 1A. Risk Factors
We are subject to various risks and uncertainties in the course of our business. The following summarizes significant risks and uncertainties that may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. When considering an investment in our securities, you should carefully consider the risk factors included below as well as those matters referenced in the foregoing pages under "Disclosures Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and other information included and incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The recent substantial decline in liquid hydrocarbon and natural gas prices has reduced our operating results and cash flows and, if continued, could adversely impact our future rate of growth and the carrying value of our assets.
Prices for crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil fluctuate widely. Our revenues, operating results and future rate of growth are highly dependent on the prices we receive for our crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil. Historically, the markets for crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil have been volatile and may continue to be volatile in the future. Beginning in the second half of 2014 and continuing into 2016, prices for WTI and Brent crude oil, Henry Hub natural gas and natural gas liquids have substantially declined. Furthermore, crude oil and natural gas futures prices indicate that these lower prices may persist for the foreseeable future. Many of the factors influencing prices of crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil are beyond our control. These factors include:
worldwide and domestic supplies of and demand for crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil;
the cost of exploring for, developing and producing crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil;
the ability of the members of OPEC to agree to and maintain production controls;
the level of drilling, completion and production activities by other exploration and production companies, and variability therein, in response to market conditions;
political instability or armed conflict in oil and natural gas producing regions;
changes in weather patterns and climate;
natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes;
the price and availability of alternative and competing forms of energy;
the effect of conservation efforts;
epidemics or pandemics;
technological advances affecting energy consumption and energy supply;
domestic and foreign governmental regulations and taxes; and
general economic conditions worldwide.
The long-term effects of these and other factors on the prices of crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil are uncertain. The recent substantial declines in commodity prices already have adversely affected our business by:
reducing the amount of crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil that we can produce economically;
reducing our revenues, operating income and cash flows;
causing us to reduce our capital expenditures, and delay or postpone some of our capital projects;
requiring us to impair the carrying value of our assets;
reducing the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil; and
increasing the costs of obtaining capital, such as equity and short- and long-term debt.
A further prolonged extension of prices at these levels could extend or exacerbate these adverse effects.

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A substantial, extended decline in liquid hydrocarbon or natural gas prices could adversely affect the abilities of our counterparties to perform their obligations to us, including abandonment obligations, which could negatively impact our financial results.
We often enter into arrangements to conduct certain business operations, such as oil and gas exploration and production, oil sands mining or liquid hydrocarbon or natural gas transportation, with partners and other counterparties in order to share risks associated with those operations. In addition, we market our products to a variety of purchasers. If commodity prices remain at or fall below current levels, some of our counterparties may experience liquidity problems and may not be able to meet their financial and other obligations, including abandonment obligations, to us. The inability of our joint venture partners to fund their portion of the costs under our joint venture agreements, or the nonperformance by purchasers, contractors or other counterparties of their obligations to us, could negatively impact our operating results and cash flows.
Our offshore operations involve special risks that could negatively impact us.
Offshore exploration and development operations present technological challenges and operating risks because of the marine environment.  Activities in deepwater areas may pose incrementally greater risks because of water depths that limit intervention capability and the physical distance to oilfield service infrastructure and service providers.  Environmental remediation and other costs resulting from spills or releases may result in substantial liabilities.
Estimates of crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil reserves depend on many factors and assumptions, including various assumptions that are based on conditions in existence as of the dates of the estimates. Any material changes in those conditions or other factors affecting those assumptions could impair the quantity and value of our reserves.
The proved reserve information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been derived from engineering and geoscience estimates. Estimates of liquid hydrocarbon and natural gas reserves were prepared by our in-house teams of reservoir engineers and geoscience professionals and were reviewed and approved by our Corporate Reserves Group. The synthetic crude oil reserves estimates were prepared by GLJ, a third-party consulting firm experienced in working with oil sands. Reserves were valued based on SEC pricing for the periods ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , as well as other conditions in existence at those dates. The table below provides the 2015 SEC pricing for certain benchmark prices as well as the unweighted average for the first two months of 2016:
 
SEC Pricing 2015
2-month Average 2016
WTI Crude oil
$
50.28

$
34.19

Henry Hub natural gas
$
2.59

$
2.28

Brent crude oil
$
54.25

$
34.86

Natural gas liquids
$
17.32

$
12.87

Any significant future price change could have a material effect on the quantity and present value of our proved reserves. To the extent that commodity prices remain at current or lower levels throughout 2016, a portion of our proved reserves could be deemed uneconomic and no longer classified as proved. This could impact both proved developed producing reserves as well as proved undeveloped reserves. If prices remain at the 2-month average depicted above throughout 2016, a material volume of our proved reserves could become uneconomic and would have to be reclassified to non-proved reserve or resource category. Assuming lower SEC pricing in 2016, our OSM proved reserves represent the largest risk to be reclassified to non-proved reserve or resource category. However, any impact of lower SEC pricing will likely be partially offset by continued cost reduction efforts. Also, any volumes reclassified to non-proved reserves could return to proved reserves as commodity prices improve. Future reserve revisions could also result from changes in capital funding, drilling plans and governmental regulation, among other things.

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Reserve estimation is a subjective process that involves estimating volumes to be recovered from underground accumulations of crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and bitumen that cannot be directly measured. (Bitumen is mined and then upgraded into synthetic crude oil.) Estimates of economically producible reserves and of future net cash flows depend on a number of variable factors and assumptions, including:
location, size and shape of the accumulation as well as fluid, rock and producing characteristics of the accumulation;
historical production from the area, compared with production from other comparable producing areas;
volumes of bitumen in-place and various factors affecting the recoverability of bitumen and its conversion into synthetic crude oil such as historical upgrader performance;
the assumed effects of regulation by governmental agencies;
assumptions concerning future operating costs, severance and excise taxes, development costs and workover and repair costs; and
industry economic conditions, levels of cash flows from operations and other operating considerations.
As a result, different petroleum engineers, each using industry-accepted geologic and engineering practices and scientific methods, may produce different estimates of proved reserves and future net cash flows based on the same available data. Because of the subjective nature of such reserve estimates, each of the following items may differ materially from the amounts or other factors estimated:
the amount and timing of production;
the revenues and costs associated with that production; and
the amount and timing of future development expenditures.
The discounted future cash flows from our proved crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil reserves reflected in this Annual Report on Form 10-K should not be considered as the market value of the reserves attributable to our properties. As required by SEC Rule 4-10 of Regulation S-X, the estimated discounted future cash flows from our proved crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil reserves are based on an unweighted average of closing prices for the first day of each month in the 12-month periods ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , and costs applicable at the date of the estimate, while actual future prices and costs may be materially higher or lower.
In addition, the 10% discount factor required by the applicable rules of the SEC to be used to calculate discounted future cash flows for reporting purposes is not necessarily the most appropriate discount factor based on our cost of capital and the risks associated with our business and the oil and natural gas industry in general.
If we are unsuccessful in acquiring or finding additional reserves, our future liquid hydrocarbon and natural gas production would decline, thereby reducing our cash flows and results of operations and impairing our financial condition.
The rate of production from liquid hydrocarbon and natural gas properties generally declines as reserves are depleted. Except to the extent we acquire interests in additional properties containing proved reserves, conduct successful exploration and development activities or, through engineering studies, optimize production performance or identify additional reservoirs not currently producing or secondary recovery reserves, our proved reserves will decline materially as crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil are produced. Accordingly, to the extent we are not successful in replacing the crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil we produce, our future revenues will decline. Creating and maintaining an inventory of prospects for future production depends on many factors, including:
obtaining rights to explore for, develop and produce crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil in promising areas;
drilling success;
the ability to complete long lead-time, capital-intensive projects timely and cost effectively;
the ability to find or acquire additional proved reserves at acceptable costs; and
the ability to fund such activity.

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Future exploration and drilling results are uncertain and involve substantial costs.
Drilling for crude oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas involves numerous risks, including the risk that we may not encounter commercially productive liquid hydrocarbon and natural gas reservoirs. The costs of drilling, completing and operating wells are often uncertain, and drilling operations may be curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of a variety of factors, including:
unexpected drilling conditions;
title problems;
pressure or irregularities in formations;
equipment failures or accidents;
fires, explosions, blowouts or surface cratering;
lack of access to pipelines or other transportation methods; and
shortages or delays in the availability of services or delivery of equipment.
If we are unable to complete capital projects at their expected costs and in a timely manner, or if the market conditions assumed in our project economics deteriorate, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.
Delays or cost increases related to capital spending programs involving engineering, procurement and construction of facilities (including improvements and repairs to our existing facilities) could adversely affect our ability to achieve forecasted internal rates of return and operating results. Delays in making required changes or upgrades to our facilities could subject us to fines or penalties as well as affect our ability to supply certain products we produce. Such delays or cost increases may arise as a result of unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond our control, including:
denial of or delay in receiving requisite regulatory approvals and/or permits;
unplanned increases in the cost of construction materials or labor;
disruptions in transportation of components or construction materials;
increased costs or operational delays resulting from shortages of water;
adverse weather conditions, natural disasters or other events (such as equipment malfunctions, explosions, fires or spills) affecting our facilities, or those of vendors or suppliers;
shortages of sufficiently skilled labor, or labor disagreements resulting in unplanned work stoppages;
market-related increases in a project’s debt or equity financing costs; and
nonperformance by, or disputes with, vendors, suppliers, contractors or subcontractors.
Any one or more of these factors could have a significant impact on our capital projects.
We may incur substantial capital expenditures and operating costs as a result of compliance with, and/or changes in environmental, health, safety and security laws and regulations, and, as a result, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.
Our businesses are subject to numerous laws, regulations and other requirements relating to the protection of the environment, including those relating to the discharge of materials into the environment such as the venting or flaring of natural gas, waste management, pollution prevention, greenhouse gas emissions and the protection of endangered species as well as laws, regulations, and other requirements relating to public and employee safety and health and to facility security. We have incurred and may continue to incur capital, operating and maintenance, and remediation expenditures as a result of these laws, regulations, and other requirements. To the extent these expenditures, as with all costs, are not ultimately reflected in the prices of our products, our operating results will be adversely affected. The specific impact of these laws, regulations, and other requirements may vary depending on a number of factors, including the age and location of operating facilities and production processes. We may also be required to make material expenditures to modify operations, install pollution control equipment, perform site clean-ups or curtail operations that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We may become subject to liabilities that we currently do not anticipate in connection with new, amended or more stringent requirements, stricter interpretations of existing requirements or the future discovery of contamination. In addition, any failure by us to comply with existing or future laws, regulations, and other requirements could result in civil penalties or criminal fines and other enforcement actions against us.

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We believe it is likely that the scientific and political attention to issues concerning the extent, causes of and responsibility for climate change will continue, with the potential for further regulations that could affect our operations. Our operations result in greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, various legislative or regulatory measures to address greenhouse gas emissions (including carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxides) are in various phases of review, discussion or implementation in countries where we operate, including the U.S., Canada, and the European Union. Internationally, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change finalized an agreement among 195 nations at the 21st Conference of the Parties in Paris with an overarching goal of preventing global temperatures from rising more than 2 degrees Celsius. The agreement includes provisions that every country take some action to lower emissions, but there is no legal requirement for how or by what amount emissions should be lowered. The EPA has also proposed regulations targeting methane emissions from the oil and gas industry, which are expected to be finalized in 2016. Finalization of new legislation, regulations or international agreements in the future could result in increased costs to operate and maintain our facilities, capital expenditures to install new emission controls at our facilities, and costs to administer and manage any potential greenhouse gas emissions or carbon trading or tax programs. These costs and capital expenditures could be material. Although uncertain, these developments could increase our costs, reduce the demand for crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil, and create delays in our obtaining air pollution permits for new or modified facilities.
The potential adoption of federal, state and local legislative and regulatory initiatives related to hydraulic fracturing, including the operation of injection wells, could result in increased compliance costs, operating restrictions or delays in the completion of oil and gas wells. 
Hydraulic fracturing is a commonly used process that involves injecting water, sand, and small volumes of chemicals into the wellbore to fracture the hydrocarbon-bearing rock thousands of feet below the surface to facilitate higher flow of hydrocarbons into the wellbore. Our business uses this technique extensively throughout our operations. Hydraulic fracturing has been regulated at the state and local level through permitting and compliance requirements. Federal, state and local-level laws or regulations targeting various aspects of the hydraulic fracturing process are being considered, or have been proposed or implemented. For example, the U.S. Congress has considered legislation that would require additional regulation affecting the hydraulic fracturing process, and may be expected to do so in future legislative sessions. Further, various state and local-level initiatives in regions with substantial shale resources have been or may be proposed or implemented to further regulate hydraulic fracturing practices, limit water withdrawals and water use, require disclosure of fracturing fluid constituents, restrict which additives may be used, or implement temporary or permanent bans on hydraulic fracturing. In addition to such legislative and regulatory proposals, there are also a number of studies and initiatives underway that may lead to additional proposals in the future, such as the EPA research study on the potential effects that hydraulic fracturing may have on water quality and public health. In 2015 the Bureau of Land Management issued a rule governing certain hydraulic fracturing practices on lands within their jurisdiction. While this rule has been stayed nationwide by court ruling, further findings by the court could result in additional changes to this new rule.
Increased regulation and attention given to the hydraulic fracturing process could lead to greater opposition, including litigation, to oil and gas activities using hydraulic fracturing techniques. Additional legislation or regulation could also lead to operational delays or increased operating costs in the production of crude oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas, including from the shale plays, or could make it more difficult to perform hydraulic fracturing. The adoption of any federal, state or local laws or the implementation of regulations regarding hydraulic fracturing could potentially cause a decrease in the completion of new oil and gas wells and increased compliance costs which could increase costs of our operations and cause considerable delays in acquiring regulatory approvals to drill and complete wells.
State and federal regulatory agencies recently have focused on a possible connection between the operation of injection wells used for oil and gas waste disposal and seismic activity. Similar concerns have been raised that hydraulic fracturing may also contribute to seismic activity.  When caused by human activity, such events are called induced seismicity. In a few instances, operators of injection wells in the vicinity of seismic events have been ordered to reduce injection volumes or suspend operations. A 2012 report published by the National Academy of Sciences concluded that only a very small fraction of the tens of thousands of injection wells have been suspected to be, or have been, the likely cause of induced seismicity; and a 2015 report by researchers at the University of Texas has suggested that the link between seismic activity and wastewater disposal may vary by region.  Some state regulatory agencies have modified their regulations to account for induced seismicity. Regulatory agencies at all levels are continuing to study the possible linkage between oil and gas activity and induced seismicity.  In addition, a number of lawsuits have been filed including recent negligence suits and a RCRA citizen suit in Oklahoma alleging that disposal well operations have caused damage to neighboring properties or otherwise violated state and federal rules regulating waste disposal.  These developments could result in additional regulation and restrictions on the use of injection wells and hydraulic fracturing.  Increased regulation and attention given to induced seismicity could lead to greater opposition, including litigation, to oil and gas activities utilizing hydraulic fracturing or injection wells for waste disposal. Additional legislation or regulation could also lead to operational delays or increased operating costs in the production of crude oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas, including from the shale plays, or could make it more difficult to perform hydraulic

29


fracturing. The adoption of any federal, state or local laws or the implementation of regulations regarding induced seismicity could potentially cause a decrease in the completion of new oil and gas wells and increased compliance costs which could increase costs of our operations and cause considerable delays in acquiring regulatory approvals to drill and complete wells.
Worldwide political and economic developments and changes in law could adversely affect our operations and materially reduce our profitability and cash flows.
Local political and economic factors in global markets could have a material adverse effect on us. A total of 39% of our liquid hydrocarbon and natural gas sales volumes related to continuing operations in 2015 was derived from production outside the U.S. and 56% of our proved crude oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas reserves as of December 31, 2015 were located outside the U.S. All of our synthetic crude oil production and proved reserves are located in Canada. We are, therefore, subject to the political, geographic and economic risks and possible terrorist activities or other armed conflict attendant to doing business within or outside of the U.S. There are many risks associated with operations in countries such as E.G., Ethiopia, Gabon, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Libya, and in global markets including:
changes in governmental policies relating to liquid hydrocarbon or natural gas and taxation;
other political, economic or diplomatic developments and international monetary fluctuations;
political and economic instability, war, acts of terrorism, armed conflict and civil disturbances;
the possibility that a government may seize our property with or without compensation, may attempt to renegotiate or revoke existing contractual arrangements or may impose additional taxes or royalty burdens; and
fluctuating currency values, hard currency shortages and currency controls.
For the past several years, there have been varying degrees of political instability and public protests, including demonstrations which have been marked by violence and numerous incidences of terrorist acts, within some countries in the Middle East, including Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen. Some political regimes in these countries are threatened or have changed as a result of such unrest.
If such unrest continues to spread, conflicts could result in civil wars, regional conflicts, and regime changes resulting in governments that are hostile to the U.S. These may have the following results, among others:
volatility in global crude oil prices which could negatively impact the global economy, resulting in slower economic growth rates and reduced demand for our products;
negative impact on the world crude oil supply if transportation avenues are disrupted;
security concerns leading to the prolonged evacuation of our personnel;
damage to, or the inability to access, production facilities or other operating assets; and
inability of our service and equipment providers to deliver items necessary for us to conduct our operations.
Continued hostilities in the Middle East and the occurrence or threat of future terrorist attacks, or other armed conflict, could adversely affect the economies of the U.S. and other developed countries. A lower level of economic activity could result in a decline in energy consumption, which could cause our revenues and margins to decline and limit our future growth prospects. These risks could lead to increased volatility in prices for crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil. In addition, these risks could increase instability in the financial and insurance markets and make it more difficult for us to access capital and to obtain the insurance coverage that we consider adequate.
Actions of governments through tax legislation and other changes in law, executive order and commercial restrictions could reduce our operating profitability, both in the U.S. and abroad. The U.S. government can prevent or restrict us from doing business in foreign countries. These restrictions and those of foreign governments have in the past limited our ability to operate in, or gain access to, opportunities in various countries and will continue to do so in the future. Changes in law could also adversely affect our results, including new regulations resulting in higher costs to transport our production by pipeline, rail car, truck or vessel or the adoption of government payment transparency regulations that could require us to disclose competitively sensitive commercial information or that could cause us to violate the non-disclosure laws of other countries.
Our level of indebtedness may limit our liquidity and financial flexibility.
Our total debt was $7.3 billion as of December 31, 2015. Our indebtedness could have important consequences to our business, including, but not limited to, the following:
we may be more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

30


a portion of our cash flows from operating activities must be used to service our indebtedness and is not available for other purposes;
our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our industry may be limited;
we may be at a competitive disadvantage as compared to similar companies that have less debt; and
additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or development activities, general corporate or other purposes may have higher costs and more restrictive covenants.
We may incur additional debt in order to fund our capital expenditures, acquisitions or development activities, or for general corporate or other purposes. A higher level of indebtedness increases the risk that our financial flexibility may deteriorate. Our ability to meet our debt obligations and service our debt depends on future performance. General economic conditions, crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil prices, and financial, business and other factors will affect our operations and our future performance. Many of these factors are beyond our control and we may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow to pay the interest on our debt, and future working capital, borrowings and equity financing may not be available to pay or refinance such debt. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of debt obligations.
A downgrade in our credit rating, particularly below investment grade, could negatively impact our cost of and ability to access capital, which could adversely affect our business.
We receive debt ratings from the major credit rating agencies in the United States. The credit rating process is contingent upon a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. A downgrade of our credit ratings, particularly below investment grade, could negatively impact our cost of capital and our ability to access the capital markets, increase the interest rate and fees we pay on our revolving credit facility, and restrict our access to the commercial paper market. We could also be required to post letters of credit or other forms of collateral for certain obligations, which could increase our costs and decrease our liquidity or letter of credit capacity under our unsecured revolving credit facility. Limitations on our ability to access capital could adversely impact the level of our capital spending program, our ability to manage our debt maturities, or our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions.
Our commodity price risk management may prevent us from fully benefiting from commodity price increases and may expose us to other risks, including counterparty risk.
To the extent that we engage in price risk management activities to protect ourselves against commodity price declines, we may be prevented from fully realizing the benefits of price increases above the levels of the derivative instruments used to manage price risk. In addition, our hedging arrangements may expose us to the risk of financial loss in certain circumstances, including instances in which the counterparties to our hedging contracts fail to perform under the contracts. See Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Our business could be negatively impacted by cyber-attacks targeting our computer and telecommunications systems and infrastructure.
Our business, like other companies in the oil and gas industry, has become increasingly dependent on digital technologies. Such technologies are integrated into our business operations and used as a part of our liquid hydrocarbon and natural gas production and distribution systems in the U.S. and abroad, including those systems used to transport production to market. Use of the internet and other public networks for communications, services, and storage, including “cloud” computing, exposes users (including our business) to cybersecurity risks. While our information systems and related infrastructure experienced attempted and actual minor breaches of our cybersecurity in the past, we have not suffered any losses or breaches which had a material effect on our business, operations or reputation relating to such attacks; however, there is no assurance that we will not suffer such losses or breaches in the future.  As cyber-attacks continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any information systems and related infrastructure security vulnerabilities.
Our operations may be adversely affected by pipeline, rail and other transportation capacity constraints.
The marketability of our production depends in part on the availability, proximity, and capacity of pipeline facilities, rail cars, trucks and vessels. If any pipelines, rail cars, trucks or vessels become unavailable, we would, to the extent possible, be required to find a suitable alternative to transport our crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil, which could increase the costs and/or reduce the revenues we might obtain from the sale of our production. Both the cost and availability of pipelines, rail cars, trucks, or vessels to transport our crude oil could be adversely impacted by new and expected state or federal regulations relating to transportation of crude oil.

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If we acquire crude oil and natural gas properties, our failure to fully identify existing and potential problems, to accurately estimate reserves, production rates or costs, or to effectively integrate the acquired properties into our operations could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We typically seek the acquisition of liquid hydrocarbon and natural gas properties.  Although we perform reviews of properties to be acquired in a manner that we believe is diligent and consistent with industry practices, reviews of records and properties may not necessarily reveal existing or potential problems, nor may they permit us to become sufficiently familiar with the properties in order to fully assess possible deficiencies and potential problems.  Even when problems with a property are identified, we often assume environmental and other risks and liabilities in connection with acquired properties pursuant to the acquisition agreements.  Moreover, there are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of liquid hydrocarbon and natural gas reserves (as previously discussed), actual future production rates and associated costs with respect to acquired properties.  Actual reserves, production rates and costs may vary substantially from those assumed in our estimates.  In addition, an acquisition may have a material and adverse effect on our business and results of operations, particularly during the periods in which the operations of the acquired properties are being integrated into our ongoing operations or if we are unable to effectively integrate the acquired properties into our ongoing operations.
We operate in a highly competitive industry, and many of our competitors are larger and have available resources in excess of our own.
The oil and gas industry is highly competitive, and many competitors, including major integrated and independent oil and gas companies, as well as national oil companies, are larger and have substantially greater resources at their disposal than we do. We compete with these companies for the acquisition of oil and natural gas leases and other properties. We also compete with these companies for equipment and personnel, including petroleum engineers, geologists, geophysicists and other specialists, required to develop and operate those properties and in the marketing of liquid hydrocarbon and natural gas to end-users. Such competition can significantly increase costs and affect the availability of resources, which could provide our larger competitors a competitive advantage when acquiring equipment, leases and other properties. They may also be able to use their greater resources to attract and retain experienced personnel.
Many of our major projects and operations are conducted with partners, which may decrease our ability to manage risk.
We often enter into arrangements to conduct certain business operations, such as oil and gas exploration and production, or oil sands mining, with partners in order to share risks associated with those operations. However, these arrangements also may decrease our ability to manage risks and costs, particularly where we are not the operator. We could have limited influence over and control of the behaviors and performance of these operations. In addition, misconduct, fraud, noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations or improper activities by or on behalf of one or more of our partners could have a significant negative impact on our business and reputation.
Our operations are subject to business interruptions and casualty losses. We do not insure against all potential losses and therefore we could be seriously harmed by unexpected liabilities and increased costs.
Our North America E&P and International E&P operations are subject to unplanned occurrences, including blowouts, explosions, fires, loss of well control, spills, hurricanes and other adverse weather, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or nuclear or other disasters, labor disputes and accidents. Our OSM operations are subject to business interruptions due to breakdown or failure of equipment or processes and unplanned events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions or other interruptions. These same risks can be applied to the third-parties which transport our products from our facilities. A prolonged disruption in the ability of any pipelines, rail cars, trucks, or vessels to transport our production could contribute to a business interruption or increase costs.
Our operations are also subject to the additional hazards of pollution, releases of toxic gas and other environmental hazards and risks. These hazards could result in serious personal injury or loss of human life, significant damage to property and equipment, environmental pollution, impairment of operations and substantial losses to us. Various hazards have adversely affected us in the past, and damages resulting from a catastrophic occurrence in the future involving us or any of our assets or operations may result in our being named as a defendant in one or more lawsuits asserting potentially large claims or in our being assessed potentially substantial fines by governmental authorities. We maintain insurance against many, but not all, potential losses or liabilities arising from operating hazards in amounts that we believe to be prudent. Uninsured losses and liabilities arising from operating hazards could reduce the funds available to us for capital, exploration and investment spending and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Historically, we have maintained insurance coverage for physical damage and resulting business interruption to our major onshore and offshore facilities, with significant self-insured retentions. In the future, we may not be able to maintain or obtain insurance of the type and amount we desire at reasonable rates. As a result of market conditions, premiums and deductibles for certain of our insurance policies have increased and could escalate further. In some instances, certain insurance could become unavailable

32


or available only for reduced amounts of coverage. For example, due to hurricane activity in recent years, the availability of insurance coverage for windstorms has been reduced or, in many instances, it is prohibitively expensive. As a result, our exposure to losses from future windstorm activity has increased.
Litigation by private plaintiffs or government officials could adversely affect our performance.
We currently are defending litigation and anticipate that we will be required to defend new litigation in the future. The subject matter of such litigation may include releases of hazardous substances from our facilities, privacy laws, antitrust laws, contract disputes, royalty disputes or any other laws or regulations that apply to our operations. In some cases the plaintiff or plaintiffs seek alleged damages involving large classes of potential litigants, and may allege damages relating to extended periods of time or other alleged facts and circumstances. If we are not able to successfully defend such claims, they may result in substantial liability. We do not have insurance covering all of these potential liabilities. In addition to substantial liability, litigation may also seek injunctive relief which could have an adverse effect on our future operations.
In connection with our separation from MPC, MPC agreed to indemnify us for certain liabilities. However, there can be no assurance that the indemnity will be sufficient to protect us against the full amount of such liabilities, or that MPC’s ability to satisfy its indemnification obligations will not be impaired in the future.
Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement and the Tax Sharing Agreement we entered into with MPC in connection with the spin-off, MPC agreed to indemnify us for certain liabilities. However, third parties could seek to hold us responsible for any of the liabilities that MPC agreed to retain or assume, and there can be no assurance that the indemnification from MPC will be sufficient to protect us against the full amount of such liabilities, or that MPC will be able to fully satisfy its indemnification obligations. In addition, even if we ultimately succeed in recovering from MPC any amounts for which we are held liable, we may be temporarily required to bear these losses ourselves.
The spin-off could result in substantial tax liability.
We obtained a private letter ruling from the IRS substantially to the effect that the distribution of shares of MPC common stock in the spin-off qualified as tax free to MPC, us and our stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 355 and 368 and related provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). If the factual assumptions or representations made in the request for the private letter ruling prove to have been inaccurate or incomplete in any material respect, then we will not be able to rely on the ruling. Furthermore, the IRS does not rule on whether a distribution such as the spin-off satisfies certain requirements necessary to obtain tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code. Rather, the private letter ruling was based on representations by us that those requirements were satisfied, and any inaccuracy in those representations could invalidate the ruling. In connection with the spin-off, we also obtained an opinion of outside counsel, substantially to the effect that, the distribution of shares of MPC common stock in the spin-off qualified as tax free to MPC, us and our stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 355 and 368 and related provisions of the Code. The opinion relied on, among other things, the continuing validity of the private letter ruling and various assumptions and representations as to factual matters made by MPC and us which, if inaccurate or incomplete in any material respect, would jeopardize the conclusions reached by such counsel in its opinion. The opinion is not binding on the IRS or the courts, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or the courts would not challenge the conclusions stated in the opinion or that any such challenge would not prevail.
If, notwithstanding receipt of the private letter ruling and opinion of counsel, the spin-off were determined not to qualify under Section 355 of the Code, each U.S. holder of our common stock who received shares of MPC common stock in the spin-off would generally be treated as receiving a taxable distribution of property in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares of MPC common stock received. That distribution would be taxable to each such stockholder as a dividend to the extent of our accumulated earnings and profits as of the effective date of the spin-off. For each such stockholder, any amount that exceeded those earnings and profits would be treated first as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of such stockholder’s tax basis in its shares of our common stock with any remaining amount being taxed as a capital gain. We would be subject to tax as if we had sold all the outstanding shares of MPC common stock in a taxable sale for their fair market value and would recognize taxable gain in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of such shares over our tax basis in such shares.
Under the terms of the Tax Sharing Agreement we entered into with MPC in connection with the spin-off, MPC is generally responsible for any taxes imposed on MPC or us and our subsidiaries in the event that the spin-off and/or certain related transactions were to fail to qualify for tax-free treatment as a result of actions taken, or breaches of representations and warranties made in the Tax Sharing Agreement, by MPC or any of its affiliates. However, if the spin-off and/or certain related transactions were to fail to qualify for tax-free treatment because of actions or failures to act by us or any of our affiliates, we would be responsible for all such taxes.

33


We may issue preferred stock whose terms could dilute the voting power or reduce the value of Marathon Oil common stock.
Our restated certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue, without the approval of our stockholders, one or more classes or series of preferred stock having such preferences, powers and relative, participating, optional and other rights, including preferences over Marathon Oil common stock respecting dividends and distributions, as our Board of Directors generally may determine. The terms of one or more classes or series of preferred stock could dilute the voting power or reduce the value of Marathon Oil common stock. For example, we could grant holders of preferred stock the right to elect some number of our directors in all events or on the happening of specified events or the right to veto specified transactions. Similarly, the repurchase or redemption rights or liquidation preferences we could assign to holders of preferred stock could affect the residual value of the common stock.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2. Properties
The location and general character of our principal liquid hydrocarbon and natural gas properties, oil sands mining properties and facilities, and other important physical properties have been described by segment under Item 1. Business.
Estimated net proved crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil reserves are set forth in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Supplementary Information on Oil and Gas Producing Activities – Estimated Quantities of Proved Oil and Gas Reserves. The basis for estimating these reserves is discussed in Item 1. Business – Reserves.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We are defendant in a number of lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business, including, but not limited to, royalty claims, contract claims and environmental claims. While the ultimate outcome and impact to us cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that the resolution of these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Environmental Proceedings
The following is a summary of proceedings involving us that were pending or contemplated as of December 31, 2015 under federal and state environmental laws. Except as described herein, it is not possible to predict accurately the ultimate outcome of these matters; however, management’s belief set forth in the first paragraph under Legal Proceedings above takes such matters into account.
As of December 31, 2015 , we have sites across the country where remediation is being sought under environmental statutes, both federal and state, or where private parties are seeking remediation through discussions or litigation.  Based on currently available information, which is in many cases preliminary and incomplete, we have approximately $4 million accrued to address the clean-up and remediation costs connected with these sites.
The projected liability for clean-up and remediation provided in the preceding paragraph is a forward-looking statement. To the extent that our assumptions prove to be inaccurate, future expenditures may differ materially from those stated in the forward-looking statement.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.

34


PART II
Item 5.   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The principal market on which Marathon Oil common stock is traded is the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"). As of January 31, 2016, there were 37,608 registered holders of Marathon Oil common stock.
The following table reflects high and low sales prices for Marathon Oil common stock and the related dividend per share by quarter for the past two years:
 
2015
 
2014
(Dollars per share)
High Price  
 
Low Price
 
Dividends  
 
High Price  
 
Low Price
 
Dividends  
First Quarter
$29.63
 
$25.47
 
$0.21
 
$35.52
 
$31.81
 
$0.19
Second Quarter
$31.19
 
$25.92
 
$0.21
 
$40.16
 
$34.90
 
$0.19
Third Quarter
$25.79
 
$14.04
 
$0.21
 
$41.69
 
$37.59
 
$0.21
Fourth Quarter
$20.18
 
$12.38
 
$0.05
 
$37.13
 
$24.80
 
$0.21
Full Year
$31.19
 
$12.38
 
$0.68
 
$41.69
 
$24.80
 
$0.80
Dividends – Our Board of Directors intends to declare and pay dividends on Marathon Oil common stock based on our financial condition and results of operations, although it has no obligation under Delaware law or the Restated Certificate of Incorporation to do so. In determining our dividend policy, the Board will rely on our consolidated financial statements. Dividends on Marathon Oil common stock are limited to our legally available funds.
The following table provides information about purchases by Marathon Oil and its affiliated purchaser, during the quarter ended December 31, 2015 , of equity securities that are registered by Marathon Oil pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
 
Column (a)
 
 
Column (b)
 
Column (c)
 
Column (d)
Period
Total Number of
Shares
Purchased(a)
 
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs(c)
 
Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs(c)
10/01/15 – 10/31/15
46,156

 
 
$18.44
 

 
$
1,500,285,529

11/01/15 – 11/30/15
4,179

 
 
$18.19
 

 
$
1,500,285,529

12/01/15 – 12/31/15
1,049

(b)  
 
$19.18
 

 
$
1,500,285,529

Total
51,384

 
 
$18.44
 

 
 
(a)  
51,384 shares of restricted stock were delivered by employees to Marathon Oil, upon vesting, to satisfy tax withholding requirements.
(b)  
Does not include shares repurchased in open-market transactions to satisfy the requirements for dividend reinvestment under the Marathon Oil Corporation Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan (the “Dividend Reinvestment Plan”) by the administrator of the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. On March 9, 2015, the Dividend Reinvestment Plan was terminated. Participants in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan were transferred to Computershare CIP, a Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan, which is sponsored and administered by Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
(c)  
In January 2006, we announced a $2.0 billion share repurchase program. Our Board of Directors subsequently increased the authorization for repurchases under the program by $500 million in January 2007, by $500 million in May 2007, by $2.0 billion in July 2007, and by $1.2 billion in December 2013, for a total authorized amount of $6.2 billion. The remaining share repurchase authorization as of December 31, 2015 is $1.5 billion. No repurchases were made under the program in 2015.

35


Item 6.   Selected Financial Data
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions, except per share data)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Statement of Income Data (a)(b)
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
5,522

 
$
10,846

 
$
11,325

 
$
11,966

 
$
11,088

Income (loss) from continuing operations
(2,204
)
 
969

 
931

 
856

 
467

Net income (loss)
(2,204
)
 
3,046

 
1,753

 
1,582

 
2,946

Per Share Data (a)(b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(3.26
)
 
$
1.42

 
$
1.32

 
$
1.21

 
$
0.66

Net income (loss)
$
(3.26
)
 
$
4.48

 
$
2.49

 
$
2.24

 
$
4.15

Diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(3.26
)
 
$
1.42

 
$
1.31

 
$
1.21

 
$
0.65

Net income (loss)
$
(3.26
)
 
$
4.46

 
$
2.47

 
$
2.23

 
$
4.13

Statement of Cash Flows Data (b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additions to property, plant and equipment related to continuing operations
$
3,476

 
$
5,160

 
$
4,443

 
$
4,361

 
$
2,767

Dividends paid
460

 
543

 
508

 
480

 
567

Dividends per share
$0.68
 
$0.80
 
$0.72
 
$0.68
 
$0.80
Balance Sheet Data at December 31 (c)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
32,311

 
$
35,983

 
$
35,588

 
$
35,269

 
$
31,344

Total long-term debt, including capitalized leases
7,276

 
5,295

 
6,362

 
6,475

 
4,647

(a)  
Includes impairments to producing properties of $412 million, $132 million, $96 million, $371 million and $310 million in 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and impairments to unproved properties of $ 964 million , $306 million, $572 million and $227 million in 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements)). Includes a goodwill impairment of $340 million in 2015 related to the N.A. E&P reporting unit. (see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements).
(b)  
We closed the sale of our Angola assets and our Norway business in 2014 (see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements); and our downstream business was spun-off in 2011. The applicable periods have been recast to reflect these businesses as discontinued operations.
(c)  
Prior year periods were adjusted to reflect debt issuance costs as a direct reduction from the associated debt liability in our consolidated balance sheets with the adoption of the debt issuance costs standard in the fourth quarter of 2015. See Note 2 for information.



36



Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the information under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data and the other financial information found elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The following discussion includes forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties. See "Disclosures Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" (immediately prior to Part I) and Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Each of our segments is organized and managed based upon both geographic location and the nature of the products and services it offers:
North America E&P – explores for, produces and markets crude oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas in North America;
International E&P – explores for, produces and markets crude oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas outside of North America and produces and markets products manufactured from natural gas, such as LNG and methanol, in E.G.; and
Oil Sands Mining – mines, extracts and transports bitumen from oil sands deposits in Alberta, Canada, and upgrades the bitumen to produce and market synthetic crude oil and vacuum gas oil.
Executive Summary
We were able to increase net sales volumes by 20% in the three core U.S. resource plays despite a significant reduction in capital expenditures caused by the deterioration in commodity prices during 2015. Our focus on cost discipline and efficiencies yielded sustainable savings in both operating expenses and capital costs. We prioritized capital allocation to our domestic unconventional resource plays and scaled back our conventional exploration program. We continued to progress our program of non-core asset sales and realized aggregate net proceeds of $225 million . We ended 2015 with liquidity of $4.2 billion comprised of $1.2 billion of cash and $3.0 billion available through a committed multi-year credit facility. Despite current commodity prices, we believe that we can satisfy operational objectives and capital commitments with the cash and cash equivalents on hand, internally generated cash flow from operations, available borrowing capacity, the flexibility to adjust our Capital Program and our non-core asset disposition program. Our target for non-core asset dispositions is now $750 million to $1 billion, an increase from our previous goal of $500 million.
Significant 2015 operating and financial activities include the following:
Increased company-wide net sales volumes from continuing operations by 6% to 438 mboed from 415 mboed
Net sales volumes from our three U.S. resource plays increased 20% to 218 mboed from 181 mboed
Maintained focus on cost discipline and efficiencies
Reduced our 2015 Capital Program by approximately 50% from the prior year, down to $3 billion, reflecting continued capital discipline and benefits from operating efficiencies
Reduced company-wide production expenses per boe in 2015
North America E&P - 28% reduction to $7.38 per boe
International E&P - 28% reduction to $5.99 per boe
Rationalized the workforce during 2015, and expect to generate a future annualized net savings of $160 million from a 20% reduction in workforce
Active management of liquidity and capital structure
At December 31, 2015:
Liquidity of $4.2 billion
Cash-adjusted debt-to-capital ratio was 25%
Issued $2 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes, $1 billion of which was used to repay the 0.90% senior notes that matured in November 2015
Increased the capacity of the revolving credit facility to $3.0 billion while also extending the maturity date to May 2020
Repatriated Canadian earnings in a tax efficient manner, providing $250 million of cash available for use in U.S. operations
Reduced the quarterly dividend beginning in the third quarter, from $0.21 per share to $0.05 per share
Portfolio management activities
We continue to make progress in our non-core asset divestitures, with a goal of $750 million to $1 billion
Closed on the sale of our East Texas, North Louisiana and Wilburton, Oklahoma natural gas assets in August 2015 for net proceeds of approximately $100 million
Closed on the sale of certain Gulf of Mexico properties in December 2015 for net cash proceeds of $111 million

37


Signed an agreement for the sale of our East Africa exploration acreage in Kenya and Ethiopia; the Kenya transaction closed in February 2016 and Ethiopia is expected to close during the first quarter of 2016.
Financial results
Loss from continuing operations per diluted share of $3.26 in 2015 as compared to income from continuing operations of $1.42 per diluted share in 2014, reflecting the impact of lower commodity prices
Included in the loss for 2015 are $1.4 billion ($1.7 billion pre-tax) of charges comprised largely of losses and asset impairments resulting from lower forecasted commodity prices, goodwill impairment and changes in our conventional exploration strategy (refer to North America E&P - Exploration and International E&P - Exploration in Item 1. Business)
Recorded non-cash deferred tax expense of $135 million in 2015 related to the increase in Alberta's provincial corporate income tax rate
Operating cash flow provided by continuing operations for 2015 was $1.6 billion , compared to $4.7 billion in 2014, reflecting the lower commodity price environment

38


Outlook
Commodity prices are the most significant factor impacting our revenues, profitability, operating cash flows and the amount of capital available to reinvest into our business. Commodity prices began declining in the second half of 2014 and continued through 2015 and into 2016. We believe we can manage in this lower commodity price cycle through operational execution, efficiency improvements, cost reductions, capital discipline and portfolio optimization, while continuing to focus on balance sheet protection.
Capital Program
Our Board of Directors approved a Capital Program of $1.4 billion for 2016 . We intend to be flexible with respect to our capital allocation decisions in light of this challenged commodity pricing environment.  With that in mind, we have engaged in an active program to divest of non-core assets, which together with our anticipated cash flows from operations, plus the savings embedded from the cost reductions we have put in place, should allow us to meet our current Capital Program, operating costs, debt service and dividends. The discipline undertaken as part of a real-time evaluation of our revenues, expenditures, and asset dispositions should allow us to live within our means.
Our Capital Program is broken down by reportable segment in the table below:
(In millions)
2016 Capital Program
Percent of Total
North America E&P
$
1,166

81
%
International E&P
185

13
%
Oil Sands Mining
41

3
%
Segment total
1,392

97
%
Corporate and other
40

3
%
Total Capital Program
$
1,432

100
%
North America E&P – Approximately $1.2 billion of our Capital Program is allocated to our three core U.S. resource plays.
Eagle Ford - Approximately $600 million is planned, we expect to average five rigs and bring 124-132 gross-operated wells to sales. Included in Eagle Ford spending is approximately $520 million for drilling and completions. The 2016 drilling program will continue to focus on the co-development of the Lower and Upper Eagle Ford horizons as well as Austin Chalk in the core of the play.
Oklahoma Resource Basins - Spending of approximately $200 million is targeted, we expect to average two rigs which will focus primarily on lease retention in the STACK and delineation of the Meramec, and bring 20-22 gross-operated wells to sales. Spending includes approximately $195 million for drilling and completions, including $55 million for outside-operated activity. We expect to be approximately 70% held by production in the STACK by year end, with SCOOP already 90% held by production.
Bakken - We plan to spend just under $200 million in North Dakota. Drilling activity will average one rig for half of 2016 and bring online 13-15 gross-operated wells. Bakken spending includes approximately $150 million for drilling and completions, including $75 million for outside-operated activity. Facilities and infrastructure spending will be significantly lower than 2015 with the next phase of the water-gathering system scheduled to be complete in the second half of 2016.
International E&P – Approximately $170 million of our Capital Program is dedicated to our international assets, primarily in E.G. and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The Alba field compression project in E.G. remains on schedule to start up by mid-year, and will extend plateau production by two years as well as the asset’s life by up to eight years.
Approximately $30 million of our Capital Program will be spent on a targeted exploration program impacting both the North America E&P and the International E&P segments. Activity in 2016 is limited to fulfilling existing commitments in the Gulf of Mexico and Gabon, with no operated exploration wells planned.
Oil Sands Mining – We expect to spend $40 million of the Capital Program for sustaining capital projects.
The remainder of our Capital Program consists of Corporate and Other and is expected to total approximately $40 million.
For information about expected exploration and development activities more specific to individual assets, see Item 1. Business.
Production Volumes
We forecast 2016 production available for sale from the combined North America E&P and International E&P segments, excluding Libya, to average 335 to 355 net mboed and the OSM segment to average 40 to 50 net mbbld of synthetic crude oil.

39


Acquisitions and Dispositions
Excluded from our Capital Program are the impacts of acquisitions and dispositions not previously announced. We continually evaluate ways to optimize our portfolio through acquisitions and divestitures. In connection with our ongoing portfolio management, future decisions to dispose of assets could result in non-cash impairments in the period such decisions are made.
Operations
Our net sales volumes from continuing operations averaged 438 mboed, 415 mboed and 404 mboed for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . As liftings from Libya were sporadic during this 3-year period, a more representative comparison is net sales volumes from continuing operations excluding Libya, which was 438 mboed, 408 mboed and 376 mboed for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . The continued ramp up of production from our U.S. resource plays has been the most significant contributor to the increases when comparing results excluding Libya, partially offset by decreases from domestic asset sales and normal production declines.
Net Sales Volumes
2015
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
2014
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
2013
North America E&P (mboed)
269
 
13
 %
 
238
 
18
 %
 
201
International E&P (mboed)
116
 
(9
)%
 
127
 
(18
)%
 
155
Oil Sands Mining (mbbld) (a)
53
 
6
 %
 
50
 
4
 %
 
48
Total Continuing Operations (mboed)
438
 
6
 %
 
415
 
3
 %
 
404
(a)     Includes blendstocks.

North America E&P
The following tables provide additional detail regarding net sales volumes, sales mix and operational drilling activity:
Net Sales Volumes
2015
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
2014
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
2013
Eagle Ford
134

 
20%
 
112

 
38%
 
81

Oklahoma Resource Basins
25

 
39%
 
18

 
29%
 
14

Bakken
59

 
16%
 
51

 
31%
 
39

Other North America (a)
51

 
(11)%
 
57

 
(15)%
 
67

Total North America E&P (mboed)
269

 
13%
 
238

 
18%
 
201

(a)     Includes Gulf of Mexico and other conventional onshore U.S. production, plus Alaska in 2013.
Sales Mix - U.S. Resource Plays - 2015
Eagle Ford
 
Oklahoma Resource Basins
 
Bakken
Crude oil and condensate
60%
 
19%
 
87%
Natural gas liquids
19%
 
28%
 
7%
Natural gas
21%
 
53%
 
6%
Drilling Activity - U.S. Resource Plays
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Gross Operated
 
 
 
 
 
Eagle Ford:
 
 
 
 
 
Wells drilled to total depth
251

 
360

 
299

Wells brought to sales
276

 
310

 
307

Oklahoma Resource Basins:
 
 
 
 
 
Wells drilled to total depth
21

 
19

 
10

Wells brought to sales
20

 
18

 
9

Bakken:
 
 
 
 
 
Wells drilled to total depth
35

 
83

 
76

Wells brought to sales
56

 
69

 
77


40


North America E&P segment average net sales volumes in 2015 increase d 13% when compared to 2014 .  Net liquid hydrocarbon sales volumes increase d 24 mbbld and net natural gas sales volumes increase d 41 mmcfd in 2015 primarily reflecting continued growth from our three core U.S. resource plays.
North America E&P segment average net sales volumes in 2014 increased 18% when compared to 2013 , primarily due to higher liquid hydrocarbon net sales volumes resulting from ongoing development programs in our three key U.S. resource plays. This was partially offset by lower natural gas sales volumes, primarily due to the shut-in and exit from Powder River Basin operations.
Refer to the Item 1. Business section for additional detail related to net sales volumes by asset.
International E&P
The following table provides net sales volumes from continuing operations:
Net Sales Volumes
2015
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
2014
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
2013
Equivalent Barrels (mboed)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equatorial Guinea
97

 
(7
)%
 
104

 
(3
)%
 
107

United Kingdom (a)
19

 
19
 %
 
16

 
(20
)%
 
20

Libya

 
(100
)%
 
7

 
(75
)%
 
28

Total International E&P (mboed)
116

 
(9
)%
 
127

 
(18
)%
 
155

Net Sales Volumes of Equity Method Investees
 
 


 
 
 


 
 
LNG  (mtd)
5,884

 
(10
)%
 
6,535

 
 %
 
6,548

Methanol  (mtd)
937

 
(14
)%
 
1,092

 
(13
)%
 
1,249

(a)     Includes natural gas acquired for injection and subsequent resale of 8 mmcfd, 6 mmcfd and 7 mmcfd for 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 .
International E&P segment average net sales volumes in 2015 decrease d 9% when compared to 2014 . We did not record any sales from Libya in 2015 as a result of the shutdown of the Es Sider crude oil terminal and ongoing civil unrest. Sales volumes in Equatorial Guinea were lower due to a series of turnarounds and other maintenance activities performed at the Alba field, EG LNG and AMPCO facilities during the year. In the U.K., sales volumes increased as we completed the five-well Brae infill drilling program that began in 2014. The Brae Alpha installation experienced a process pipe failure in December 2015. Repairs are underway and full production is expected to resume in the second quarter of 2016.
International E&P segment average net sales volumes in 2014 decreased 18% when compared to 2013 . We had lower sales from Libya in 2014 as a result of the shutdown of the Es Sider crude oil terminal which was temporarily re-opened during the second half of 2014. Excluding Libya, net sales volumes decreased 6%, primarily due to reliability issues and production decline in the U.K. and lower reliability at the non-operated methanol facility in E.G.
Refer to the Item 1. Business section for additional detail related to net sales volumes by asset.
Oil Sands Mining
 Our OSM operations consist of a 20% non-operated working interest in the AOSP.  Our net synthetic crude oil sales volumes were 53 mbbld in 2015 compared to 50 mbbld in 2014 and 48 mbbld in 2013 .

41


Market Conditions
Oil and gas price declines during 2015 and into 2016 are reflective of robust supply growth from both OPEC and non-OPEC production around the world. The effect of this supply growth on prices was exacerbated by weakening demand growth in emerging markets and OPEC's formal abandonment of production targets in December 2015. Crude oil, natural gas and NGLs benchmark prices are likely to remain volatile based on global supply and demand and declined further subsequent to December 31, 2015 as compared to the average realized prices in the tables below. See Item 1A. Risk Factors and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition, Cash Flows and Liquidity – Critical Accounting Estimates for further discussion of how a further decline in commodity prices could impact us.
North America E&P
 The following table presents our average price realizations and the related benchmarks for crude oil, NGLs and natural gas for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 :
 
 
2015
 
Decrease
 
2014
Decrease
 
2013
Average Price Realizations (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude Oil and Condensate (per bbl)   (b)
 

$43.50

 
(49
)%
 

$85.25

(9
)%
 
94.19

Natural Gas Liquids (per bbl)
 
13.37

 
(60
)%
 
33.42

(5
)%
 
35.12

Total Liquid Hydrocarbons (per bbl)
 
37.85

 
(51
)%
 
77.02

(10
)%
 
85.20

Natural Gas (per mcf)
 
2.66

 
(42
)%
 
4.57

19
 %
 
3.84

Benchmarks
 
 
 


 
 


 
 
WTI crude oil average of daily prices (per bbl)
 

$48.76

 
(48
)%
 

$92.91

(5
)%
 
98.05

LLS crude oil average of daily prices (per bbl)
 
52.33

 
(46
)%
 
96.64

(10
)%
 
107.36

Mont Belvieu NGLs (per bbl)  (c)
 
16.94

 
(48
)%
 
32.52

(4
)%
 
33.78

Henry Hub natural gas settlement date average (per  mmbtu)
 
2.66

 
(40
)%
 
4.42

21
 %
 
3.65

(a)  
Excludes gains or losses on derivative instruments.
(b)  
Inclusion of realized gains (losses) on crude oil derivative instruments would have increased (decreased) average liquid hydrocarbon price realizations per barrel by $1.24 and $(0.27) for 2015 and 2013 . There were no crude oil derivative instruments for 2014 .
(c)  
Bloomberg Finance LLP: Y-grade Mix NGL of 50% ethane, 25% propane, 10% butane, 5% isobutane and 10% natural gasoline.
Crude oil and condensate – Our crude oil and condensate price realizations may differ from the benchmark due to the quality and location of the product.
Natural gas liquids – The majority of our NGLs volumes are sold at reference to Mont Belvieu prices.
Natural gas A significant portion of our natural gas production in the U.S. is sold at bid-week prices, or first-of-month indices relative to our specific producing areas.  
International E&P
The following table presents our average price realizations and the related benchmark for crude oil for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 :
 
 
2015
 
Decrease
 
2014
 
Decrease
 
2013
Average Price Realizations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude Oil and Condensate  (per bbl)
 

$47.50

 
(46
)%
 

$87.23

 
(19
)%
 

$108.18

Natural Gas Liquids (per bbl)
 
2.81

 
14
 %
 
2.46

 
(53
)%
 
5.24

Total Liquid Hydrocarbons (per bbl)
 
36.67

 
(47
)%
 
68.98

 
(24
)%
 
91.04

Natural Gas (per mcf)
 
0.68

 
(6
)%
 
0.72

 
(37
)%
 
1.15

Benchmark
 
 
 


 
 
 


 
 
Brent (Europe) crude oil (per bbl) (a)
 

$52.35

 
(47
)%
 

$99.02

 
(9
)%
 

$108.64

(a)  
Average of monthly prices obtained from EIA website.
Our U.K. liquid hydrocarbon production is generally sold in relation to the Brent crude benchmark. Our production from the Alba field in E.G. is condensate and gas. Condensate is sold at market prices. The Alba Plant extracts NGLs and secondary condensate from gas, leaving dry natural gas. The processed NGLs are sold by Alba Plant at market prices, with our share of its income/loss reflected in Income from equity method investments. The dry natural gas from Alba Plant is supplied to AMPCO and EGHoldings under long-term contracts at fixed prices; therefore, our reported average realized prices for NGLs and natural gas will not fully track market price movements. Because of the location and limited local demand for natural gas in E.G., we consider the prices under the contracts with Alba Plant LLC, EGHoldings and AMPCO to be comparable to the price that could be realized from transactions with unrelated parties in this market under the same or similar circumstances. EGHoldings and AMPCO process the gas into LNG and methanol, which are sold at market prices, with our share of their income/loss reflected

42


in the Income from equity method investments line item on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Although uncommon, any dry gas not sold is returned offshore and re-injected into the Alba field for later production.
Oil Sands Mining
 The Oil Sands Mining segment produces and sells various qualities of synthetic crude oil. Output mix can be impacted by operational reliability or planned unit outages at the mines or upgrader. Sales prices for synthetic crude oil historically tracked movements in the WTI crude oil and the WCS Canadian heavy crude oil benchmarks. The influence of each benchmark can change from period to period based on market dynamics.
The following table presents our average price realizations and the related benchmarks that impacted both our revenues and variable costs for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 :
 
 
2015
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
2014
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 
2013
Average Price Realizations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Synthetic Crude Oil (per bbl)
 

$40.13

 
(52
%)
 

$83.35

 
(5
%)
 

$87.51

Benchmark
 
 
 


 
 
 


 
 
WTI crude oil   (per bbl)
 

$48.76

 
(48
%)
 

$92.91

 
(5
%)
 

$98.05

WCS crude oil   (per bbl) (a)
 
35.28

 
(52
%)
 
73.60

 
1
%
 
72.77

(a)  
Average of monthly prices based upon average WTI adjusted for differentials unique to western Canada.

Consolidated Results of Operations: 2015 compared to 2014
Sales and other operating revenues, including related party are summarized by segment in the following table:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2015
2014
Sales and other operating revenues, including related party
 
 
North America E&P
$
3,358

$
5,770

International E&P
728

1,410

Oil Sands Mining
815

1,556

Segment sales and other operating revenues, including related party
4,901

8,736

Unrealized gain on crude oil derivative instruments
50


Sales and other operating revenues, including related party
$
4,951

$
8,736


43


Below is a price/volume analysis for each segment. Refer to the preceding Operations and Market Conditions sections for additional detail related to our net sales volumes and average price realizations.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Increase (Decrease) Related to
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
 
2014
 
Price Realizations
 
Net Sales Volumes
 
2015
North America E&P Price-Volume Analysis
Liquid hydrocarbons
 
$
5,240

 
$
(3,006
)
 
$
671

 
$
2,905

Natural gas
 
516

 
(243
)
 
68

 
341

Realized gain on crude oil
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    derivative instruments
 

 
78

 
 
 
78

Other sales
 
14

 
 
 
 
 
34

Total
 
$
5,770

 
 
 
 
 
$
3,358

International E&P Price-Volume Analysis
Liquid hydrocarbons
 
$
1,240

 
$
(509
)
 
$
(153
)
 
$
578

Natural gas
 
124

 
(8
)
 
(8
)
 
108

Other sales
 
46

 
 
 
 
 
42

Total
 
$
1,410

 
 
 
 
 
$
728

Oil Sands Mining Price-Volume Analysis
Synthetic crude oil
 
$
1,525

 
$
(842
)
 
$
98

 
$
781

Other sales
 
31

 
 
 
 
 
34

Total
 
$
1,556

 
 
 
 
 
$
815

Marketing revenues decreased $1,539 million in 2015 from 2014 . Marketing activities include the purchase of commodities from third parties for resale and serve to aggregate volumes in order to satisfy transportation commitments as well as to achieve flexibility within product types and delivery points. Since the volume of marketing activity is based on market dynamics, it can fluctuate from period to period. The decreases are primarily related to the lower commodity price environment as well as lower marketed volumes in North America.
Income from equity method investments decreased $279 million primarily due to lower price realizations for LPG at our Alba Plant, LNG at our LNG facility and lower methanol prices at our AMPCO methanol facility, all of which are located in E.G. Also contributing to the decrease were lower sales volumes due to planned turnaround and maintenance activities at the AMPCO methanol plant, the Alba field and the LNG facility.
Net gain on disposal of assets in 2015 was related to the sale of our operated producing properties in the greater Ewing Bank area and non-operated producing interests in the Petronius field in the Gulf of Mexico. The gain associated with those assets was partially offset by the loss on sale of East Africa exploration acreage in Ethiopia and Kenya. The net loss on disposal of assets in 2014 was primarily related to the sale of non-core acreage located in the far northwest portion of the Williston Basin. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for information about these dispositions.
Production expenses decreased $552 million in 2015 from 2014 . Our focus on cost discipline and efficiencies yielded sustainable savings in production costs. North America E&P declined $167 million due to lower operational, maintenance and labor costs. International E&P declined $131 million due to lower project work, repair, maintenance and turnaround costs, as well as lower production volumes. OSM declined $254 million primarily due to cost management, especially staffing and contract labor, lower fuel and utility costs, and lower feedstock purchases given the increased mine and upgrader reliability, combined with a more favorable exchange rate on expenses denominated in the Canadian dollar.
The production expense rate (expense rate per boe) decreased for each of our segments as total production costs declined due to reasons described in the preceding paragraph. The North America E&P and OSM segments also experienced volume increases, which further contributed to the expense rate decline. The following table provides production expense rates for each segment:

44


($ per boe)
2015
2014
North America E&P

$7.38


$10.25

International E&P

$5.99


$8.31

Oil Sands Mining  (a)

$36.48


$44.53

(a)  
Production expense per synthetic crude oil barrel (before royalties) includes production costs, shipping and handling, taxes other than income and insurance costs and excludes pre-development costs.
Marketing expenses decreased $1,536 million in 2015 from the prior year, consistent with the decrease in marketing revenues discussed above.
  Exploration expenses increased $525 million in 2015, primarily due to higher unproved property impairments in North America. During 2015, we made a strategic decision to reduce the overall level of our conventional exploration program; as a result, we impaired our Canadian in-situ assets, certain of our leases in the Gulf of Mexico and the Harir block in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. We also impaired unproved property in Colorado in 2015, which we deemed uneconomic given our forecasted natural gas prices.
Unproved property impairments in 2014 primarily were a result of Eagle Ford and Bakken leases that either expired or we decided not to drill or extend.
Dry well costs for 2015 include the operated Solomon well in the Gulf of Mexico, our operated Sodalita West #1 exploratory well in E.G., and suspended well costs related to our Canadian in-situ assets at Birchwood. Dry well costs in 2014 also included our operated Sodalita West #1 exploratory well in E.G. which was drilling over year-end 2014, the operated Key Largo well, outside-operated Perseus well and the outside operated second Shenandoah appraisal well, all of which are located in the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, 2014 also includes our exploration programs in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Ethiopia and Kenya.
The following table summarizes the components of exploration expenses:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2015
2014
Unproved property impairments
$
964

$
306

Dry well costs
250

317

Geological and geophysical
31

85

Other
73

85

Total exploration expenses
$
1,318

$
793

Exploration expense are also discussed in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization increased $96 million in 2015 from the prior year primarily as a result of higher North America E&P net sales volumes from our three U.S. resource plays. Our segments apply the units-of-production method to the majority of their assets, including capitalized asset retirement costs; therefore, proved reserve and production volumes have an impact on DD&A expense.
The DD&A rate (expense rate per boe), which is impacted by changes in proved reserves, capitalized costs and sales volume mix by field, can also cause changes to our DD&A. The following table provides DD&A rates for each segment. The DD&A rate for North America E&P decreased primarily as a result of a higher proved reserve base in the Eagle Ford. The International E&P rate increased primarily due to higher sales volumes from the Brae infill drilling program.
($ per boe)
2015
2014
North America E&P

$24.24


$26.95

International E&P

$6.95


$5.79

Oil Sands Mining

$12.48


$12.07

  Impairments for 2015 included $340 million for the goodwill impairment of the North America E&P reporting unit, $335 million related to proved properties (primarily in Colorado and the Gulf of Mexico) as a result of lower forecasted commodity prices and $44 million associated with our disposition of natural gas assets in East Texas, North Louisiana and Wilburton, Oklahoma. Impairments for 2014 consisted primarily of proved properties in the Gulf of Mexico, Texas and North Dakota as a result of revisions to estimated abandonment costs and lower forecasted commodity prices. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 13 and Note 14 to the consolidated financial statement for additional detail.  
Taxes other than income include production, severance and ad valorem taxes, primarily in the U.S., which tend to increase or decrease in relation to revenue and sales volumes. With the decrease in North America E&P revenues due to lower price

45


realizations, taxes other than income decreased $172 million in 2015 . This decrease was partially offset by an increase in sales volumes in North America E&P. The following table summarizes the components of taxes other than income:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2015
2014
Production and severance
$
131

$
240

Ad valorem
39

74

Other
64

92

Total
$
234

$
406

General and administrative expenses decreased $64 million primarily due to cost savings realized from the workforce reductions that occurred during 2015. This decrease was partially offset by severance expenses of $55 million associated with the workforce reductions and an increase in pension settlement expense. Pension settlement expenses in 2015 totaled $119 million as compared to $99 million in 2014.
Net interest and other increased $29 million primarily due to increased interest expense associated with an increase in long-term debt. The components of net interest and other are detailed in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.
Provision (benefit) for income taxes reflects an effective tax rate of (25%) and 29% for each of 2015 and 2014. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the effective income tax rate.
Discontinued operations is presented net of tax. We closed the sale of our Angola assets and Norway business in 2014, and both are reflected as discontinued operations for 2014. Included in the discontinued operations for 2014 are after-tax gains of $532 million and $976 million related to the dispositions of Angola and Norway respectively. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.
Segment Results: 2015 compared to 2014
Segment income (loss) for 2015 and 2014 is summarized and reconciled to net income (loss) in the following table.
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
North America E&P
$
(486
)
 
$
693

International E&P
112

 
568

Oil Sands Mining
(113
)
 
235

Segment income (loss)
(487
)
 
1,496

Items not allocated to segments, net of income taxes
(1,717
)
 
(527
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
(2,204
)
 
969

Discontinued operations

 
2,077

Net income (loss)
$
(2,204
)
 
$
3,046

 North America E&P segment income (loss) decreased $1,179 million in 2015 compared to 2014 . The decrease was primarily due to lower price realizations, which was partially offset by the impacts from the increased net sales volumes from the three U.S resource plays and lower production costs (even though net sales volumes increased).
  International E&P segment income decreased $456 million in 2015 compared to 2014 . The decrease was largely due to lower liquid hydrocarbon price realizations as well as reduced income from equity investments. These declines were partially offset by lower production, operating and exploration expenses.
 Oil Sands Mining segment income (loss) decreased $348 million in 2015 compared to 2014 primarily as result of lower price realizations, partially offset by higher sales volumes and reduced production expenses.

46


Consolidated Results of Operations: 2014 compared to 2013
Sales and other operating revenues, including related party are summarized by segment in the following table:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2014
2013
Sales and other operating revenues, including related party
 
 
North America E&P
$
5,770

$
5,068

International E&P
1,410

2,654

Oil Sands Mining
1,556

1,576

Segment sales and other operating revenues, including related party
8,736

9,298

Unrealized gain (loss) on crude oil derivative instruments

(52
)
Sales and other operating revenues, including related party
$
8,736

$
9,246

 
Below is a price/volume analysis for each segment. Refer to the preceding Operations and Market Conditions sections for additional detail related to our net sales and average price realizations.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Increase (Decrease) Related to
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
 
2013
 
Price Realizations
 
Net Sales Volumes
 
2014
North America E&P Price-Volume Analysis
Liquid hydrocarbons
 
$
4,638

 
$
(557
)
 
$
1,159

 
$
5,240

Natural gas
 
437

 
82

 
(3
)
 
516

Realized gain on crude oil
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    derivative instruments
 
(15
)
 
15

 
 
 

Other sales
 
8

 
 
 
 
 
14

Total
 
$
5,068

 
 
 
 
 
$
5,770

International E&P Price-Volume Analysis
Liquid hydrocarbons
 
$
2,398

 
$
(397
)
 
$
(761
)
 
$
1,240

Natural gas
 
209

 
(74
)
 
(11
)
 
124

Other sales
 
47

 
 
 
 
 
46

Total
 
$
2,654

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,410

Oil Sands Mining Price-Volume Analysis
Synthetic crude oil
 
$
1,542

 
$
(76
)
 
$
59

 
$
1,525

Other sales
 
34

 
 
 
 
 
31

Total
 
$
1,576

 
 
 
 
 
$
1,556

Marketing revenues increased $31 million in 2014 from 2013 . Marketing activities include the purchase of commodities from third parties for resale and serve to aggregate volumes in order to satisfy transportation commitments as well as to achieve flexibility within product types and delivery points. Since the volume of marketing activity is based on market dynamics, it can fluctuate from period to period. The increase in 2014 is primarily due to higher marketing activity levels in both the North America E&P and OSM segments.
  Net loss on disposal of assets in 2014 primarily includes the pretax loss on the sale of non-core acreage located in the far northwest portion of the Williston Basin. The net loss on disposal of assets in 2013 primarily included pretax losses on the sale of our DJ Basin interests and the conveyance of our Marcellus interests to the operator, partially offset by pretax gains on the sales of the Neptune gas plant and our remaining assets in Alaska. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for further details about these dispositions.
Production expenses increased $90 million in 2014 from 2013 primarily related to increased North America E&P net sales volumes in the Eagle Ford and Bakken. The production expense rate (expense per boe) decreased in North America E&P in  2014 compared to 2013 primarily due to improved operating efficiencies in the Eagle Ford . The expense per boe increased in the International E&P segment due to a subsea power project at our non-operated Foinaven field as well as a turnaround in Brae in the U.K. and a non-recurring riser repair in E.G.

47


The following table provides production expense rates for each segment:
($ per boe)
2014
2013
North America E&P

$10.25


$10.86

International E&P

$8.31


$6.36

Oil Sands Mining (a)

$44.53


$46.30

(a)
Production expense per synthetic crude oil barrel (before royalties) includes production costs, shipping and handling, taxes other than income and insurance costs and excludes pre-development costs.
Other operating expenses increased $73 million in 2014 from the prior year, primarily due to increased shipping and handling costs in North America in line with increased sales volumes, as well as the impact of a settlement related to the calculation of the net profits interest payments associated with our Alba Plant equity interests in E.G.
Marketing expenses increased $29 million in 2014 from the prior year, consistent with the decreases in marketing revenues discussed above.
  Exploration expenses were $98 million lower in 2014 than in 2013 , primarily related to our North America E&P segment as a result of larger non-cash unproved property impairments during 2013 related to Eagle Ford leases that either expired or that we did not expect to drill. These decreases were partially offset by increases in 2014 expenses related to the operated Key Largo, the outside-operated Perseus, the outside-operated second Shenandoah appraisal well in the Gulf of Mexico and our operated Sodalita West #1 exploratory well in E.G.
The following table summarizes the components of exploration expenses:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2014
2013
Unproved property impairments
$
306

$
572

Dry well costs
317

148

Geological and geophysical
85

80

Other
85

91

Total exploration expenses
$
793

$
891

Exploration expense are also discussed in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization increased $361 million in 2014 from the prior year. Our segments apply the units-of-production method to the majority of their assets, including capitalized asset retirement costs; therefore, proved reserve and production volumes have an impact on DD&A expense. Increased DD&A expense in 2014 is primarily due to higher North America E&P sales volumes as a result of ongoing development programs over our three U.S. resource plays.
The DD&A rate, which is impacted by changes in reserves, capitalized costs and sales volume mix by field, can also cause changes to our DD&A. The following table provides DD&A rates for each segment:
($ per boe)
2014
2013
North America E&P

$26.95


$26.23

International E&P

$5.79


$5.86

Oil Sands Mining

$12.07


$12.39

  Impairments for 2014 consisted primarily of proved properties in the Gulf of Mexico, Texas and North Dakota as a result of revisions to estimated abandonment costs and lower forecasted commodity prices. Impairments in 2013 primarily related to a second LNG production train in E.G., the Ozona development in the Gulf of Mexico and our Powder River asset in Wyoming. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements for information about these impairments.

48


  Taxes other than income include production, severance and ad valorem taxes, primarily in the U.S., which tend to increase or decrease in relation to revenues and sales volumes. Taxes other than income increased $61 million in 2014 from 2013 , consistent with similar increases in the North America E&P Segment.
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2014
2013
Production and severance
$
240

$
202

Ad valorem
74

61

Other
92

82

Total
$
406

$
345

Net interest and other decreased $40 million in 2014 from 2013 primarily due to an increase in capitalized interest, higher net foreign currency gains and a dividend received in 2014 from a mutual insurance company of which we are an owner. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for more detailed information.
Provision for income taxes reflects an effective tax rate of 29% and 61% for each of 2014 and 2013. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of the effective income tax rate.
Discontinued operations is presented net of tax. We closed the sale of our Angola assets and our Norway business in 2014, and both are reflected as discontinued operations and excluded from the International E&P segment in 2014 and 2013. Included in discontinued operations for 2014 are after-tax gains of $532 million and $976 million related to the dispositions of Angola and Norway, respectively. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.
Segment Results: 2014 compared to 2013
Segment income for 2014 and 2013 is summarized and reconciled to net income in the following table.
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2014
 
2013
North America E&P
$
693

 
$
529

International E&P
568

 
758

Oil Sands Mining
235

 
206

Segment income
1,496

 
1,493

Items not allocated to segments, net of income taxes
(527
)
 
(562
)
Income from continuing operations
969

 
931

    Discontinued operations
2,077

 
822

Net income
$
3,046

 
$
1,753

 North America E&P segment income increased $164 million in 2014 compared to 2013. The increase was largely due to increased liquid hydrocarbon net sales volumes primarily in the Eagle Ford, Bakken and Oklahoma Resource Basins and lower exploration expenses, partially offset by lower average price realizations.
  International E&P segment income decreased $190 million in 2014 compared to 2013. The decrease was primarily due to lower liquid hydrocarbon net sales volumes and lower average price realizations partially offset by a decrease in the taxes related to Libya, a high tax jurisdiction. Also, other operating expenses were higher in 2014 primarily due to the impact of a settlement related to the calculation of the net profits interest payments associated with our Alba Plant equity interests in E.G.
 Oil Sands Mining segment income increased $29 million in 2014 compared to 2013. This increase was primarily a result of higher operating expenses in 2013 related to a turnaround.

49


Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition, Cash Flows and Liquidity
Commodity prices are the most significant factor impacting our operating cash flows and the amount of capital available to reinvest into the business. The substantial decline in commodity prices that began in the second half of 2014 and continued into 2016 adversely affected our cash flows. In response to the lower commodity price environment, actions undertaken to protect our liquidity and capital structure include:
Decreased our quarterly dividend from $0.21 to $0.05 per share, saving $425 million of cash on an annualized basis
Scaled back our conventional exploration program to focus on our U.S. unconventional resources plays
Reduced cash capital expenditures to $3.476 billion , a 33% decrease compared to 2014
Announced a 2016 Capital Program of $1.4 billion
Improved cost structure by reducing North America and International E&P production expenses 24% versus 2014
Expect future G&A costs to be lower by $160 million on an annualized basis as a result of 2015 workforce reductions
Issued $2 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes, $1 billion of which was used to repay the 0.90% senior notes that matured in November 2015
Increased the capacity of the revolving credit facility from $2.5 billion to $3.0 billion while also extending the maturity date an additional year to May 2020
Repatriated Canadian earnings in a tax efficient manner, providing $250 million of cash available for use in U.S. operations
Divested of certain non-core assets resulting in net proceeds of $ 225 million
At December 31, 2015, we had approximately $4.2 billion of liquidity consisting of $1.2 billion in cash and cash equivalents and $3.0 billion availability under our revolving credit facility. As previously discussed in Outlook, we are targeting a $1.4 billion Capital Program for 2016. Given our objective of spending within our cash flow in 2016, we are evaluating and we will continue to evaluate our options, which include our non-core asset disposition program, the flexibility to adjust our Capital Program or to seek to raise additional capital through the issuance of debt or equity securities. We will also continue to drive the fundamentals of expense management, including organizational capacity and operational reliability.

50


Cash Flows
The following table presents sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 :
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Sources of cash and cash equivalents
 

 
 

 
 
Continuing operations
$
1,565

 
$
4,736

 
$
4,388

Discontinued operations

 
751

 
882

Disposals of assets
225

 
3,760

 
450

Maturities of short-term investment
925

 

 

Borrowings, net
1,996

 

 

Other
91

 
214

 
189

Total sources of cash and cash equivalents
$
4,802

 
$
9,461

 
$
5,909

Uses of cash and cash equivalents
 
 
 
 
 
Cash additions to property, plant and equipment
$
(3,476
)
 
$
(5,160
)
 
$
(4,443
)
Purchases of short-term investments
(925
)
 

 

Investing activities of discontinued operations

 
(376
)
 
(550
)
Acquisitions

 
(21
)
 
(74
)
Purchases of common stock

 
(1,000
)
 
(500
)
Commercial paper, net

 
(135
)
 
(65
)
Debt repayments
(1,069
)
 
(68
)
 
(182
)
Debt issuance costs
(19
)
 

 

Dividends paid
(460
)
 
(543
)
 
(508
)
Other
(30
)
 
(24
)
 
(7
)
Total uses of cash and cash equivalents
$
(5,979
)
 
$
(7,327
)
 
$
(6,329
)
Cash flows from continuing operations in 2015 were lower than 2014 primarily as a result of commodity prices declines, which were partially offset by increased net sales volumes in the North America E&P segment. Cash flows from continuing operations in 2014 were higher than in 2013 due to increased net sales volumes in the North America E&P segment and lower cash tax payments (primarily Libya, a higher tax jurisdiction), partially offset by lower average price realizations in all segments, as well as lower net sales volumes in the International E&P segment.
Cash flows from discontinued operations primarily related to our Norway business, which we disposed of in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Disposals of assets in 2015 pertain to the sale of certain of our operated and non-operated producing properties in the Gulf of Mexico as well as natural gas assets in East Texas, North Louisiana and Wilburton, Oklahoma. Disposals in 2014 primarily reflect the proceeds from the sales of our Angola assets and our Norway business. In 2013, net proceeds were primarily related to the sales of our interests in Alaska, the Neptune gas plant and the DJ Basin. Disposition transactions are discussed in further detail in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.

51


Borrowings reflect net proceeds received from the issuance of senior notes in June 2015. See Liquidity and Capital Resources below for additional information. In November 2015, we repaid our $1 billion 0.90% senior notes upon maturity.
In October 2015, we announced an adjustment to our quarterly dividend. See Capital Requirements below for additional information.
Additions to property, plant and equipment are our most significant use of cash and cash equivalents. The following table shows capital expenditures related to continuing operations by segment and reconciles to additions to property, plant and equipment as presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 :
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
North America E&P
$
2,553

 
$
4,698

 
$
3,649

International E&P
368

 
534

 
456

Oil Sands Mining (a)
(10
)
 
212

 
286

Corporate
25

 
51

 
58

Total capital expenditures
2,936

 
5,495

 
4,449

Change in capital expenditure accrual
540

 
(335
)
 
(6
)
Additions to property, plant and equipment
$
3,476

 
$
5,160

 
$
4,443

(a)     Reflects reimbursements earned from the governments of Canada and Alberta related to funds previously expended for Quest CCS capital equipment. Quest CCS was successfully completed and commissioned in the fourth quarter of 2015.
During 2014, we acquired 29 million shares at a cost of $1 billion and in 2013 acquired 14 million shares at a cost of $500 million. There were no share repurchases in 2015.
See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements for discussion of purchases of common stock.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
On June 10, 2015, we issued $2 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes which consist of the following series:
$600 million of 2.70% senior notes due June 1, 2020
$900 million of 3.85% senior notes due June 1, 2025
$500 million of 5.20% senior notes due June 1, 2045
Interest on each series of senior notes is payable semi-annually beginning December 1, 2015. We used the aggregate net proceeds to repay our $1 billion 0.90% senior notes on November 2, 2015, and the remainder for general corporate purposes.
In May 2015, we amended our $2.5 billion Credit Facility to increase the facility size by $500 million to a total of $3.0 billion and extend the maturity date by an additional year such that the Credit Facility now matures in May 2020.  The amendment additionally provides us the ability to request two one-year extensions to the maturity date and an option to increase the commitment amount by up to an additional $500 million, subject to the consent of any increasing lenders.  The sub-facilities for swing-line loans and letters of credit remain unchanged allowing up to an aggregate amount of $100 million and $500 million, respectively.  Fees on the unused commitment of each lender, as well as the borrowing options under the Credit Facility, remain unchanged.
Our main sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents, internally generated cash flow from operations, capital market transactions, our committed revolving credit facility and sales of non-core assets. Our working capital requirements are supported by these sources and we may issue either commercial paper backed by our $3.0 billion revolving credit facility or draw on our $3.0 billion revolving credit facility to meet short-term cash requirements or issue debt or equity securities through the shelf registration statement discussed below as part of our longer-term liquidity and capital management. Because of the alternatives available to us as discussed above, we believe that our short-term and long-term liquidity is adequate to fund not only our current operations, but also our near-term and long-term funding requirements including our capital spending programs, dividend payments, defined benefit plan contributions, repayment of debt maturities and other amounts that may ultimately be paid in connection with contingencies.
General economic conditions, commodity prices, and financial, business and other factors could affect our operations and our ability to access the capital markets. A downgrade in our credit ratings could negatively impact our cost of capital and our ability to access the capital markets, increase the interest rate and fees we pay on our unsecured revolving credit facility, restrict our access to the commercial paper market, or require us to post letters of credit or other forms of collateral for certain

52


obligations. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for a further discussion of how a downgrade in our credit ratings, particularly below investment grade, could affect us.
We may incur additional debt in order to fund our capital expenditures, acquisitions or development activities, or for general corporate or other purposes. A higher level of indebtedness could increase the risk that our liquidity and financial flexibility deteriorates. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for a further discussion of how our level of indebtedness could affect us.
Capital Resources
Credit Arrangements and Borrowings
At December 31, 2015 , we had no borrowings against our revolving credit facility and no amounts outstanding under our U.S. commercial paper program that is backed by the revolving credit facility.
At December 31, 2015 , we had $7.3 billion in long-term debt outstanding. We do not have any triggers on any of our corporate debt that would cause an event of default in the case of a downgrade of our credit ratings.
Shelf Registration
We have a universal shelf registration statement filed with the SEC, under which we, as "well-known seasoned issuer" for purposes of SEC rules, have the ability to issue and sell an indeterminate amount of various types of debt and equity securities from time to time.
Asset Disposals
We are targeting to generate $750 million to $1 billion from select non-core asset sales. During 2015, we closed or announced asset sales in excess of $300 million (before closing adjustments) from this program by divesting of certain operated and non-operated producing properties in the Gulf of Mexico and natural gas assets in East Texas, North Louisiana and Wilburton, Oklahoma. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for additional discussion of these dispositions.    
Cash-Adjusted Debt-To-Capital Ratio
Our cash-adjusted debt-to-capital ratio (total debt-minus-cash to total debt-plus-equity-minus-cash) was 25% at December 31, 2015 and 16% at December 31, 2014 .
(Dollars in millions)
2015
 
2014
Long-term debt due within one year
$
1

 
$
1,068

Long-term debt
7,276

 
5,295

Total debt
$
7,277

 
$
6,363

Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,221

 
$
2,398

Equity
$
18,553

 
$
21,020

Calculation
 
 
 
Total debt
$
7,277

 
$
6,363

Minus cash and cash equivalents
1,221

 
2,398

Total debt minus cash and cash equivalents
6,056


3,965

Total debt
$
7,277

 
$
6,363

Plus equity
18,553

 
21,020

Minus cash and cash equivalents
1,221

 
2,398

Total debt plus equity minus cash, cash equivalents
$
24,609


$
24,985

Cash-adjusted debt-to-capital ratio
25
%
 
16
%
Capital Requirements
Capital Spending
Our approved Capital Program for 2016 is $1.4 billion. Additional details were previously discussed in Outlook.
Share Repurchase Program
The remaining share repurchase authorization as of December 31, 2015 is $1.5 billion.
Other Expected Cash Outflows
On January 27, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a dividend of $0.05 per share for the fourth quarter of 2015. The dividend is payable on March 10, 2016 to shareholders on record on February 17, 2016. The fourth quarter dividend is consistent with the third quarter of 2015, which was a reduction as compared to the quarterly dividends of $0.21 per share for each of the first and second quarters. We reduced the dividend as as we continue to address the uncertainty of a lower for

53


longer commodity price environment, align with our priority of maintaining a strong balance sheet through the cycle and provide additional capital flexibility to support growth from the U.S. resource plays when commodity prices improve.
We plan to make contributions of up to $62 million to our funded pension plans during 2016 . Cash contributions to be paid from our general assets for the unfunded pension and postretirement plans are expected to be approximately $8 million and $21 million in 2016 .
Contractual Cash Obligations
The table below provides aggregated information on our consolidated obligations to make future payments under existing contracts as of December 31, 2015 .
(In millions)
Total
 
2016
 
2017-
2018
 
2019-
2020
 
Later
Years
Short and long-term debt (includes interest) (a)
$
11,870

 
$
365

 
$
2,196

 
$
1,354

 
$
7,955

Lease obligations
178

 
30

 
52

 
50

 
46

Purchase obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and gas activities (b)
382

 
263

 
70

 
37

 
12

Service and materials contracts (c)
761

 
90

 
128

 
37

 
506

Transportation and related contracts
1,768

 
256

 
495

 
393

 
624

Drilling rigs and fracturing crews (d)
270

 
119

 
151

 

 

Other (g)
141

 
26

 
29

 
30

 
56

Total purchase obligations
3,322

 
754

 
873

 
497

 
1,198

Other long-term liabilities reported in the consolidated balance sheet (e)
618

 
94

 
158

 
113

 
253

Total contractual cash obligations (f)
$
15,988

 
$
1,243

 
$
3,279

 
$
2,014

 
$
9,452

(a)  
Includes anticipated cash payments for interest of $365 million for 2016 , $660 million for 2017-2018, $526 million for 2019-2020 and $3,018 million for the remaining years for a total of $4,569 million .
(b)  
Oil and gas activities include contracts to acquire property, plant and equipment and commitments for oil and gas exploration such as costs related to contractually obligated exploratory work programs that are expensed immediately.
(c)  
Service and materials contracts include contracts to purchase services such as utilities, supplies and various other maintenance and operating services.
(d)  
Some contracts may be canceled at an amount less than the contract amount. Were we to elect that option where possible at December 31, 2015 our minimum commitment would be $163 million.
(e)  
Primarily includes obligations for pension and other postretirement benefits including medical and life insurance. We have estimated projected funding requirements through 2025. Although unrecognized tax benefits are not a contractual obligation, they are presented in this table because they represent potential demands on our liquidity.
(f)  
This table does not include the estimated discounted liability for dismantlement, abandonment and restoration costs of oil and gas properties of $1,635 million . See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements.
(g)  
We expect to make severance payments of approximately $8 million in 2016 related to the workforce reduction in 2015.
Transactions with Related Parties
We own a 63% working interest in the Alba field offshore E.G. Onshore E.G., we own a 52% interest in an LPG processing plant, a 60% interest in an LNG production facility and a 45% interest in a methanol production plant, each through equity method investees. We sell our natural gas from the Alba field to these equity method investees as the feedstock for their production processes.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Off-balance sheet arrangements comprise those arrangements that may potentially impact our liquidity, capital resources and results of operations, even though such arrangements are not recorded as liabilities under accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. Although off-balance sheet arrangements serve a variety of our business purposes, we are not dependent on these arrangements to maintain our liquidity and capital resources, and we are not aware of any circumstances that are reasonably likely to cause the off-balance sheet arrangements to have a material adverse effect on liquidity and capital resources.
We will issue stand alone letters of credit when required by a business partner. Such letters of credit outstanding at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 aggregated $53 million, $101 million and $119 million. Most of the letters of credit are in support of obligations recorded in the consolidated balance sheet. For example, they are issued to counterparties to insure our payments for outstanding company debt and future abandonment liabilities.

54


Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Environmental Matters, Litigation and Contingencies
We have incurred and may continue to incur substantial capital, operating and maintenance and remediation expenditures as a result of environmental laws and regulations. If these expenditures, as with all costs, are not ultimately reflected in the prices of our products and services, our operating results will be adversely affected. We believe that substantially all of our competitors must comply with similar environmental laws and regulations. However, the specific impact on each competitor may vary depending on a number of factors, including the age and location of its operating facilities, marketing areas and production processes.
Legislation and regulations pertaining to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions have the potential to materially adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including costs of compliance and permitting delays. The extent and magnitude of these adverse impacts cannot be reliably or accurately estimated at this time because specific regulatory and legislative requirements have not been finalized and uncertainty exists with respect to the measures being considered, the costs and the time frames for compliance, and our ability to pass compliance costs on to our customers. For additional information see Item 1A. Risk Factors.
We accrue for environmental remediation activities when the responsibility to remediate is probable and the amount of associated costs can be reasonably estimated. As environmental remediation matters proceed toward ultimate resolution or as additional remediation obligations arise, charges in excess of those previously accrued may be required.
New or expanded environmental requirements, which could increase our environmental costs, may arise in the future. We strive to comply with all legal requirements regarding the environment, but as not all costs are fixed or presently determinable (even under existing legislation) and may be affected by future legislation or regulations, it is not possible to predict all of the ultimate costs of compliance, including remediation costs that may be incurred and penalties that may be imposed.
For more information on environmental regulations that impact us, or could impact us, see Item 1. Business – Environmental, Health and Safety Matters, Item 1A. Risk Factors and Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the respective reporting periods. Accounting estimates are considered to be critical if (1) the nature of the estimates and assumptions is material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or the susceptibility of such matters to change, and (2) the impact of the estimates and assumptions on financial condition or operating performance is material. Actual results could differ from the estimates and assumptions used.
Estimated Quantities of Net Reserves
The estimation of quantities of net reserves is a highly technical process performed by our engineers for crude oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas and by outside consultants for synthetic crude oil, which is based upon several underlying assumptions that are subject to change. Estimates of reserves may change, either positively or negatively, as additional information becomes available and as contractual, operational, economic and political conditions change. We evaluate our reserves using drilling results, reservoir performance, seismic interpretation and future plans to develop acreage. The data for a given reservoir may also change substantially over time as a result of numerous factors including, but not limited to, additional development activity, production history and continual reassessment of the viability of production under varying economic conditions. Consequently, material revisions (upward or downward) to existing reserve estimates may occur from time to time. Reserve estimates are based upon an unweighted average of commodity prices in the prior 12-month period, using the closing prices on the first day of each month. Further reductions in commodity prices could have a material effect on the quantity and present value of our proved reserves and could also cause further reductions to our near term capital programs which would defer investment until prices improved. A shifting of capital expenditures into future periods outside of five years from the initial proved reserve booking could potentially lead to a reduction in proved undeveloped reserves.
Our December 31, 2015 proved reserves were calculated using the SEC pricing. The table below provides the 2015 SEC pricing for certain of the benchmark prices as well as the unweighted average for the first two months of 2016:

55


 
Unweighted 12-month 2015 Average
Unweighted 2-month 2016 Average
WTI Crude oil
$
50.28

$
34.19

Henry Hub natural gas
$
2.59

$
2.28

Brent crude oil
$
54.25

$
34.86

Natural gas liquids
$
17.32

$
12.87

When determining the December 31, 2015 proved reserves for each property, the benchmark prices listed above were adjusted using price differentials that account for property-specific quality and location differences.
Beginning in the second half of 2014, the crude oil and Henry Hub benchmarks began to decline and these declines continued through 2015 and into 2016. Commodity prices are likely to remain volatile based on global supply and demand and could decline further. Sustained reduced commodity prices could have a material effect on the quantity and future cash flows of our proved reserves. For further discussion of risks associated with our estimation of proved reserves, see Part I. Item 1A Risk Factors.
We use the successful efforts method of accounting for our oil and gas producing activities. The successful efforts method inherently relies on the estimation of proved crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil reserves.
The existence and the estimated amount of reserves affect, among other things, whether certain costs are capitalized or expensed, the amount and timing of costs depreciated, depleted or amortized into net income and the presentation of supplemental information on oil and gas producing activities. Additionally, both the expected future cash flows to be generated by oil and gas producing properties used in testing such properties for impairment and the expected future taxable income available to realize deferred tax assets also rely, in part, on estimates of quantities of net reserves. Accordingly, a decline in estimates of quantities of net proved reserves could cause us to perform an impairment analysis to determine if the carrying value exceeds the fair value and could result in an impairment charge. In addition, a decline in estimates of quantities of net proved reserves could prompt a goodwill impairment analysis of our International E&P segment before or after our annual test at April 1.
Depreciation and depletion of crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil producing properties is determined by the units-of-production method and could change with revisions to estimated proved reserves. While revisions of previous reserve estimates have not been significant to the depreciation and depletion rate to any of our segments over the past three years, any reduction in proved reserves, especially as a result of lower commodity prices, could result in an acceleration of future DD&A expense. The following table illustrates, on average, the sensitivity of each segment's units-of-production DD&A per boe and pretax income to a hypothetical 10% change in 2015 proved reserves based on 2015 production.
 
Impact of a Ten% Increase in Proved Reserves
 
Impact of a Ten% Decrease in Proved Reserves
(In millions, except per boe)
DD&A per boe
 
Pretax Income
 
DD&A per boe
 
Pretax Income
North America E&P
$
(2.20
)
 
$
216

 
$
2.69

 
$
(264
)
International E&P
$
(0.63
)
 
$
27

 
$
0.77

 
$
(33
)
   Oil Sands Mining
$
(1.04
)
 
$
17

 
$
1.46

 
$
(24
)
Asset Retirement Obligations
We have material legal, regulatory and contractual obligations to remove and dismantle long-lived assets and to restore land or seabed at the end of oil and gas production operations, including bitumen mining operations. A liability equal to the fair value of such obligations and a corresponding capitalized asset retirement cost are recognized on the balance sheet in the period in which the legal obligation is incurred and a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The capitalized asset retirement cost is depreciated using the units-of-production method and the discounted liability is accreted over the period until the obligation is satisfied, the impacts of which are recognized as DD&A in the consolidated statements of income. In many cases, the satisfaction and subsequent discharge of these liabilities is projected to occur many years, or even decades, into the future. Furthermore, the legal, regulatory and contractual requirements often do not provide specific guidance regarding removal practices and the criteria that must be fulfilled when the removal and/or restoration event actually occurs.
Estimates of retirement costs are developed for each property based on numerous factors, such as the scope of the dismantlement, timing of settlement, interpretation of legal, regulatory and contractual requirements, type of production and processing structures, depth of water (if applicable), reservoir characteristics, depth of the reservoir, market demand for equipment, currently available dismantlement and restoration procedures and consultations with construction and engineering professionals. Inflation rates and credit-adjusted-risk-free interest rates are then applied to estimate the fair values of the obligations. To the extent these or other assumptions change after initial recognition of the liability, the fair value estimate is

56


revised and the recognized liability adjusted, with a corresponding adjustment made to the related asset balance or income statement, as appropriate. Changes in estimated asset retirement obligations for late life assets could result in future impairment charges. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements for disclosures regarding our asset retirement obligation estimates.
An estimate of the sensitivity to net income if other assumptions had been used in recording these liabilities is not practical because of the number of obligations that must be assessed, the number of underlying assumptions and the wide range of possible assumptions.
Fair Value Estimates
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. There are three approaches for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities: the market approach, the income approach and the cost approach, each of which includes multiple valuation techniques. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to measure fair value by converting future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, into a single present value, or range of present values, using current market expectations about those future amounts. The cost approach is based on the amount that would currently be required to replace the service capacity of an asset. This is often referred to as current replacement cost. The cost approach assumes that the fair value would not exceed what it would cost a market participant to acquire or construct a substitute asset of comparable utility, adjusted for obsolescence.
The fair value accounting standards do not prescribe which valuation technique should be used when measuring fair value and do not prioritize among the techniques. These standards establish a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in applying the various valuation techniques. Inputs broadly refer to the assumptions that market participants use to make pricing decisions, including assumptions about risk. Level 1 inputs are given the highest priority in the fair value hierarchy while Level 3 inputs are given the lowest priority. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
Level 1 – Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets as of the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
Level 2 – Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. These are inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the measurement date.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data and may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value.
Valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs are favored. Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest priority level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the placement of assets and liabilities within the levels of the fair value hierarchy. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for disclosures regarding our fair value measurements.
Significant uses of fair value measurements include:
impairment assessments of long-lived assets;
impairment assessments of goodwill; and
recorded value of derivative instruments.
The need to test long-lived assets and goodwill for impairment can be based on several indicators, including a significant reduction in prices of crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas or synthetic crude oil, sustained declines in our common stock, reductions to our Capital Program, unfavorable adjustments to reserves, significant changes in the expected timing of production, other changes to contracts or changes in the regulatory environment in which the property is located.
Impairment Assessments of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets in use are assessed for impairment whenever changes in facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. For purposes of an impairment evaluation, long-lived assets must be grouped at the lowest level for which independent cash flows can be identified, which generally is field-by-field for our North America E&P and International E&P assets and at the project level for OSM assets. If the sum of the undiscounted estimated cash flows from the use of the asset group and its eventual disposition is less than the carrying value of an asset group, the carrying value is written down to the estimated fair value. During 2015, we determined that the substantial decline in commodity prices and the resulting change in future commodity price assumptions was a triggering event which required us to

57


reassess long-lived assets related to oil and gas producing properties for impairment. We estimated the fair values using an income approach and recognized impairments during 2015. Commodity prices are one of the most significant inputs into our models. A further decline in our commodity price assumptions could result in additional future impairment charges. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Note 13 and Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for discussion of impairments recorded in 2015, 2014 and 2013 and the related fair value measurements.
Fair value calculated for the purpose of testing our long-lived assets for impairment is estimated using the present value of expected future cash flows method and comparative market prices when appropriate. Significant judgment is involved in performing these fair value estimates since the results are based on forecasted assumptions. Significant assumptions include:
Future crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil prices. Our estimates of future prices are based on our analysis of market supply and demand and consideration of market price indicators. Although these commodity prices may experience extreme volatility in any given year, we believe long-term industry prices are driven by global market supply and demand. To estimate supply, we consider numerous factors, including the worldwide resource base, depletion rates and OPEC production policies. We believe demand is largely driven by global economic factors, such as population and income growth, governmental policies and vehicle stocks. The prices we use in our fair value estimates are consistent with those used in our planning and capital investment reviews. There has been significant volatility in crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil prices and estimates of such future prices are inherently imprecise.
Estimated quantities of crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil. Such quantities are based on a combination of proved and risk-weighted probable reserves such that the combined volumes represent the most likely expectation of recovery.
Expected timing of production. Production forecasts are the outcome of engineer studies which estimate reserves, as well as expected capital development programs. The actual timing of the production could be different than the projection. Cash flows realized later in the projection period are less valuable than those realized earlier due to the time value of money. The expected timing of production that we use in our fair value estimates is consistent with that used in our planning and capital investment reviews.
Discount rate commensurate with the risks involved. We apply a discount rate to our expected cash flows based on a variety of factors, including market and economic conditions, operational risk, regulatory risk and political risk. A higher discount rate decreases the net present value of cash flows.
Future capital requirements. Our estimates of future capital requirements are based upon a combination of authorized spending and internal forecasts.
We base our fair value estimates on projected financial information which we believe to be reasonable. However, actual results may differ from these projections. A further sustained decline in commodity prices may cause us to reassess our long-lived assets for impairment, and could result in future non-cash impairment charges as a result of such impairment assessments.
An estimate of the sensitivity to net income resulting from impairment calculations is not practicable, given the numerous assumptions (e.g. reserves, pace and timing of development plans, commodity prices, capital expenditures, drilling and development costs and discount rates) that can materially affect our estimates. That is, unfavorable adjustments to some of the above listed assumptions may be offset by favorable adjustments in other assumptions.
Impairment Assessments of Goodwill
Goodwill must be tested for impairment at least annually, or between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. After we performed our annual impairment test in April 2015, there was a continued decline in commodity prices as discussed above. Downward revisions to forecasted commodity price assumptions and sustained price declines in our common stock were triggering events which required us to reassess our goodwill for impairment as of September 30 and December 31, 2015. Based on the results of these assessments, we fully impaired the goodwill associated with our N.A. E&P reporting unit. While the fair value of our International E&P reporting unit exceeded book value at December 31, 2015, subsequent commodity price and/or common stock price declines may cause us to reassess our goodwill for impairment and could result in a non-cash impairment charge in the future.
We estimated the fair values of the North America E&P and International E&P reporting units using a combination of market and income approaches. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit requires judgment and the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The market approach referenced observable inputs specific to us and our industry. The income approach calculated the present value of expected future cash flows, which were based on forecasted assumptions. Key assumptions to the income approach are the same as those described above regarding our impairment assessment of long-lived assets. We believe the estimates and assumptions used in our impairment assessments are reasonable and based on available market information, but variations in such assumptions could result in materially different calculations of fair value and

58


determinations of whether or not an impairment is indicated. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for additional discussion of the goodwill impairment recorded in 2015.
Derivatives
We record all derivative instruments at fair value. Fair value measurements for all our derivative instruments are based on observable market-based inputs that are corroborated by market data and are discussed in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements. Additional information about derivatives and their valuation may be found in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Income Taxes
We are subject to income taxes in numerous taxing jurisdictions worldwide. Estimates of income taxes to be recorded involve interpretation of complex tax laws and assessment of the effects of foreign taxes on our U.S. federal income taxes.
We have recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between book basis and tax basis, tax credit carryforwards and operating loss carryforwards. We routinely assess the realizability of our deferred tax assets and reduce such assets by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In assessing the need for additional or adjustments to existing valuation allowances, we consider the preponderance of evidence concerning the realization of the deferred tax asset. We must consider any prudent and feasible tax planning strategies that might minimize the amount of deferred tax liabilities recognized or the amount of any valuation allowance recognized against deferred tax assets, if we can implement the strategies and if we expect to implement them in the event the forecasted conditions actually occur. Assumptions related to the permanent reinvestment of the earnings of our foreign subsidiaries are reconsidered quarterly to give effect to changes in our portfolio of producing properties and in our tax profile. In the second quarter of 2015, we reviewed our operations and concluded that we do not have the same level of capital needs outside the U.S. as previously expected. Therefore, we no longer intend for previously unremitted foreign earnings of approximately $1 billion associated with our Canadian operations to be permanently reinvested outside the U.S. As such, none our foreign earnings remain permanently reinvested abroad.
Our net deferred tax assets, after valuation allowances, are expected to be realized through our future taxable income and the reversal of temporary differences. Numerous judgments and assumptions are inherent in the estimation of future taxable income, including factors such as future operating conditions (particularly liquid hydrocarbon, natural gas and synthetic crude oil prices) and the assessment of the effects of foreign taxes on our U.S. federal income taxes. The estimates and assumptions used in determining future taxable income are consistent with those used in our planning and capital investment reviews. We consider a combination of reserve categories related to our existing producing properties, as well as estimated quantities of crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil related to undeveloped discoveries if, in our judgment, it is likely that development plans will be approved in the foreseeable future. Assumptions regarding our ability to realize the U.S. federal benefit of foreign tax credits are based on certain estimates concerning future operating conditions (particularly crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil prices), future financial conditions, income generated from foreign sources and our tax profile in the year that such credits may be claimed. A sustained decline in commodity prices could cause us to record a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets and U.S. federal benefit of foreign tax credits.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations
Accounting for pension and other postretirement benefit obligations involves numerous assumptions, the most significant of which relate to the following:
the discount rate for measuring the present value of future plan obligations;
the expected long-term return on plan assets;
the rate of future increases in compensation levels; and
health care cost projections.
We develop our demographics and utilize the work of third-party actuaries to assist in the measurement of these obligations. We have selected different discount rates for our U.S. pension plans and our other U.S. postretirement benefit plans due to the different projected benefit payment patterns. In determining the assumed discount rates, our methods include a review of market yields on high-quality corporate debt and use of our third-party actuary's discount rate model. This model calculates an equivalent single discount rate for the projected benefit plan cash flows using a yield curve derived from bond yields. The yield curve represents a series of annualized individual spot discount rates from 0.5 to 99 years. The bonds used are rated AA or higher by a recognized rating agency, only non-callable bonds are included and outlier bonds (bonds that have a yield to maturity that significantly deviates from the average yield within each maturity grouping) are removed. Each issue is required to have at least $250 million par value outstanding. The constructed yield curve is based on those bonds representing the 50% highest yielding issuances within each defined maturity group.

59


Of the assumptions used to measure obligations and estimated annual net periodic benefit cost as of December 31, the discount rate has the most significant effect on the periodic benefit cost reported for the plans. The hypothetical impacts of a 0.25% change in the discount rates of 4.04% for our U.S. pension plans and 4.36% for our other U.S. postretirement benefit plans is summarized in the table below:
 
Impact of a 0.25% Increase in Discount Rate
 
Impact of a 0.25% Decrease in Discount Rate
(In millions)
Obligation
 
Expense
 
Obligation
 
Expense
U.S. pension plans
$
(14
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
14

 
$
1

Other U.S. postretirement benefit plans
$
(6
)
 
$

 
$
7

 
$

The asset rate of return assumption for the funded U.S. plan considers the plan's asset mix (currently targeted at approximately 55% equity and 45% other fixed income securities), past performance and other factors. Certain components of the asset mix are modeled with various assumptions regarding inflation, debt returns and stock yields. Decreasing the 6.75% asset rate of return assumption by 0.25% would not have a significant impact on our defined benefit pension expense.
Compensation change assumptions are based on historical experience, anticipated future management actions and demographics of the benefit plans. Health care cost trend assumptions are developed based on historical cost data, the near-term outlook and an assessment of likely long-term trends.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements includes detailed information about the assumptions used to calculate the components of our annual defined benefit pension and other postretirement plan expense, as well as the obligations and accumulated other comprehensive income reported on the consolidated balance sheets.
Contingent Liabilities
We accrue contingent liabilities for environmental remediation, tax deficiencies related to operating taxes and litigation claims when such contingencies are probable and estimable. Actual costs can differ from estimates for many reasons. For instance, settlement costs for claims and litigation can vary from estimates based on differing interpretations of laws, opinions on responsibility and assessments of the amount of damages. Similarly, liabilities for environmental remediation may vary from estimates because of changes in laws, regulations and their interpretation, additional information on the extent and nature of site contamination and improvements in technology. Our in-house legal counsel regularly assesses these contingent liabilities. In certain circumstances outside legal counsel is utilized.
We generally record losses related to these types of contingencies as other operating expense or general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of income, except for tax contingencies unrelated to income taxes, which are recorded as taxes other than income. For additional information on contingent liabilities, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Environmental Matters, Litigation and Contingencies.
An estimate of the sensitivity to net income if other assumptions had been used in recording these liabilities is not practical because of the number of contingencies that must be assessed, the number of underlying assumptions and the wide range of reasonably possible outcomes, in terms of both the probability of loss and the estimates of such loss.
Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to market risks related to the volatility of crude oil and condensate, NGLs, natural gas and synthetic crude oil prices as the volatility of these prices continues to impact our industry. We expect commodity prices to remain volatile and unpredictable in the future. We are also exposed to market risks related to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We employ various strategies, including the use of financial derivative instruments, to manage the risks related to these fluctuations. We are at risk for changes in the fair value of all of our derivative instruments; however, such risk should be mitigated by price or rate changes related to the underlying commodity or financial transaction. While the use of derivative instruments could materially affect our results of operations in particular quarterly or annual periods, we believe that the use of these instruments will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or liquidity.
See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes 15 and 16 to the consolidated financial statements for more information about the fair value measurement of our derivatives, the amounts recorded in our consolidated balance sheets and statements of income and the related notional amounts.

60




Commodity Price Risk
Our strategy is to obtain competitive prices for our products and allow operating results to reflect market price movements dictated by supply and demand. However, management will periodically protect prices on forecasted sales to support cash flow and liquidity, as deemed appropriate. We may use a variety of commodity derivative instruments, including futures, forwards, swaps and combinations of options, as part of an overall program to manage commodity price risk in our business. Our consolidated results for 2015 and 2013 were impacted by crude oil derivatives related to a portion of our North America E&P crude oil sales. There were no crude oil derivatives in 2014. The table below provides a summary of open positions as of December 31, 2015:
Financial Instrument
Weighted Average Price
Barrels per day
Remaining Term
Three-Way Collars
 
 
 
Ceiling
$60.03
10,000
January - March 2016 (a)
Floor
$50.20
 
 
Sold put
$41.60
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ceiling
$71.84
12,000
January- December 2016
Floor
$60.48
 
 
Sold put
$50.00
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ceiling
$73.13
2,000
January- June 2016 (b)
Floor
$65.00
 
 
Sold put
$50.00
 
 
Sold Call Options  
$72.39
10,000
January- December 2016 (c)
(a)  
Counterparties have the option, exercisable on March 31, 2016, to extend these collars through September of 2016 at the same volume and weighted average price as the underlying three-way collars.
(b)  
Counterparty has the option, exercisable on June 30, 2016, to extend these collars through the remainder of 2016 at the same volume and weighted average price as the underlying three-way collars.
(c)  
Call options settle monthly.
The table below provides a sensitivity analysis of the projected incremental effect on income (loss) from operations of a hypothetical 10% change in NYMEX WTI prices on our open commodity derivatives as of December 31, 2015:
(In millions)
Hypothetical Price Increase of 10%
Hypothetical Price Decrease of 10%
Crude oil commodity derivatives
(8
)
5

Interest Rate Risk
At December 31, 2015 , our portfolio of long-term debt was substantially comprised of fixed rate instruments. We currently manage our exposure to interest rate movements by utilizing interest rate swap agreements that effectively convert a portion of our fixed rate debt to floating interest rate debt. As of December 31, 2015 , we had multiple interest rate swap agreements with a total notional of $900 million designated as fair value hedges.
Our sensitivity to interest rate movements and corresponding changes in the fair value of our fixed rate debt portfolio affects our results of operations and cash flows only when we elect to repurchase or otherwise retire fixed-rate debt at prices different than carrying value. Sensitivity analysis of the incremental effect of a hypothetical 10% change in interest rates on financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2015 , is provided in the following table.

61


 
 
 
Incremental
 
 
 
Change in
(In millions)                         
Fair Value
 
Fair Value
Financial assets (liabilities): (a)
 
 
 
Interest rate swap agreements
$
8

(b)  
$
2

Long-term debt, including amounts due within one year
$
(6,723
)
(b)(c)  
$
(307
)
(a)  
Fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, commercial paper, accounts payable and accrued interest approximate carrying value and are relatively insensitive to changes in interest rates due to the short-term maturity of the instruments. Accordingly, these instruments are excluded from the table.
(b)  
Fair value was based on market prices where available, or current borrowing rates for financings with similar terms and maturities.
(c)  
Excludes capital leases.
Counterparty Risk
We are also exposed to financial risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties. If commodity prices remain at or fall below current levels, some of our counterparties may experience liquidity problems and may not be able to meet their financial obligations to us. We review the creditworthiness of counterparties and use master netting agreements when appropriate.


62


Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Index
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


63


Management’s Responsibilities for Financial Statements
To the Stockholders of Marathon Oil Corporation:
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Marathon Oil Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries ("Marathon Oil") are the responsibility of management and have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. They necessarily include some amounts that are based on best judgments and estimates. The financial information displayed in other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is consistent with these consolidated financial statements.
Marathon Oil seeks to assure the objectivity and integrity of its financial records by careful selection of its managers, by organization arrangements that provide an appropriate division of responsibility and by communications programs aimed at assuring that its policies and methods are understood throughout the organization.
The Board of Directors pursues its oversight role in the area of financial reporting and internal control over financial reporting through its Audit and Finance Committee. This Committee, composed solely of independent directors, regularly meets (jointly and separately) with the independent registered public accounting firm, management and internal auditors to monitor the proper discharge by each of their responsibilities relative to internal accounting controls and the consolidated financial statements.
 
/s/ Lee M. Tillman
  
/s/ John R. Sult
  
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
  
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
To the Stockholders of Marathon Oil Corporation:
Marathon Oil’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13(a) – 15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and even when determined to be effective, can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
An evaluation of the design and effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, based on the 2013 framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on the results of this evaluation, Marathon Oil’s management concluded that its internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2015 .
The effectiveness of Marathon Oil’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.
/s/ Lee M. Tillman
  
/s/ John R. Sult
  
President and Chief Executive Officer
  
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  

64


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders of Marathon Oil Corporation:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Marathon Oil Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework - 2013 issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Houston, Texas
February 25, 2016


65



MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions, except per share data)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues and other income:
 
 
 
 
 
Sales and other operating revenues, including related party
$
4,951

 
$
8,736

 
$
9,246

Marketing revenues
571

 
2,110

 
2,079

Income from equity method investments
145

 
424

 
423

Net gain (loss) on disposal of assets
120

 
(90
)
 
(29
)
Other income
74

 
78

 
64

Total revenues and other income
5,861

 
11,258

 
11,783

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Production
1,694

 
2,246

 
2,156

Marketing, including purchases from related parties
569

 
2,105

 
2,076

Other operating
438

 
462

 
389

Exploration
1,318

 
793

 
891

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
2,957

 
2,861

 
2,500

Impairments
752

 
132

 
96

Taxes other than income
234

 
406

 
345

General and administrative
590

 
654

 
659

Total costs and expenses
8,552

 
9,659

 
9,112

Income (loss) from operations
(2,691
)
 
1,599

 
2,671

Net interest and other
(267
)
 
(238
)
 
(278
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
(2,958
)
 
1,361

 
2,393

Provision (benefit) for income taxes
(754
)
 
392

 
1,462

Income (loss) from continuing operations
(2,204
)
 
969

 
931

Discontinued operations

 
2,077

 
822

Net income (loss)
$
(2,204
)
 
$
3,046

 
$
1,753

Per Share Data
 
 
 
 
 
Basic:
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(3.26
)
 
$
1.42

 
$
1.32

Discontinued operations
$

 
$
3.06

 
$
1.17

Net income (loss)
$
(3.26
)
 
$
4.48

 
$
2.49

Diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(3.26
)
 
$
1.42

 
$
1.31

Discontinued operations
$

 
$
3.04

 
$
1.16

Net income (loss)
$
(3.26
)
 
$
4.46

 
$
2.47

Dividends
$
0.68

 
$
0.80

 
$
0.72

Weighted average shares:
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
677

 
680

 
705

Diluted
677

 
683

 
709

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

66


MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net income (loss)
$
(2,204
)
 
$
3,046

 
$
1,753

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
Postretirement and postemployment plans
 
 
 
 
 
Change in actuarial loss and other
228

 
(52
)
 
300

Income tax benefit (provision)
(86
)
 
25

 
(112
)
Postretirement and postemployment plans, net of tax
142

 
(27
)
 
188

Derivative hedges
 
 
 
 
 
Net unrecognized gain

 
1

 
1

Income tax provision

 

 

Derivative hedges, net of tax

 
1

 
1

Foreign currency translation and other
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized loss

 

 
(3
)
Income tax benefit (provision)

 
(1
)
 
1

Foreign currency translation and other, net of tax

 
(1
)
 
(2
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
142

 
(27
)
 
187

Comprehensive income (loss)
$
(2,062
)
 
$
3,019

 
$
1,940

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


67


MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
December 31,
(In millions, except par values and share amounts)
2015
 
2014
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,221

 
$
2,398

Receivables, less reserve of $4 and $3
912

 
1,729

Inventories
313

 
357

Other current assets
144

 
109

Total current assets
2,590

 
4,593

Equity method investments
1,003

 
1,113

Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated depreciation,
 

 
 

depletion and amortization of $23,260 and $21,884
27,061

 
29,040

Goodwill
115

 
459

Other noncurrent assets
1,542

 
778

Total assets
$
32,311

 
$
35,983

Liabilities
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
1,313

 
2,545

Payroll and benefits payable
133

 
191

Accrued taxes
132

 
285

Other current liabilities
150

 
290

Long-term debt due within one year
1

 
1,068

Total current liabilities
1,729

 
4,379

Long-term debt
7,276

 
5,295

Deferred tax liabilities
2,441

 
2,486

Defined benefit postretirement plan obligations
403

 
598

Asset retirement obligations
1,601

 
1,917

Deferred credits and other liabilities
308

 
288

Total liabilities
13,758

 
14,963

Commitments and contingencies

 


Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
Preferred stock - no shares issued or outstanding (no par value,
 
 
 
 26 million shares authorized)

 

Common stock:
 
 
 
Issued – 770 million shares (par value $1 per share, 1.1 billion shares authorized)
770

 
770

Securities exchangeable into common stock – no shares issued
 

 
 

or outstanding (no par value, 29 million shares authorized)

 

Held in treasury, at cost – 93 million and 95 million shares
(3,554
)
 
(3,642
)
Additional paid-in capital
6,498

 
6,531

Retained earnings
14,974

 
17,638

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(135
)
 
(277
)
Total stockholders' equity
18,553

 
21,020

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
32,311

 
$
35,983

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

68


MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
 
 
 
 
Operating activities:
 

 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(2,204
)
 
$
3,046

 
$
1,753

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
 

 
 
 
 
Discontinued operations

 
(2,077
)
 
(822
)
Deferred income taxes
(806
)
 
88

 
(34
)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
2,957

 
2,861

 
2,500

Impairments
752

 
132

 
96

Pension and other postretirement benefits, net
1

 
(34
)
 
45

Exploratory dry well costs and unproved property impairments
1,214

 
623

 
720

Net (gain) loss on disposal of assets
(120
)
 
90

 
29

Equity method investments, net
33

 
27

 
12

Changes in:
 
 
 
 
 
Current receivables
817

 
119

 
217

Inventories
36

 
(11
)
 
(19
)
Current accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(965
)
 
(33
)
 
(208
)
All other operating, net
(150
)
 
(95
)
 
99

Net cash provided by continuing operations
1,565

 
4,736

 
4,388

Net cash provided by discontinued operations

 
751

 
882

Net cash provided by operating activities
1,565

 
5,487

 
5,270

Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 
(21
)
 
(74
)
Additions to property, plant and equipment
(3,476
)
 
(5,160
)
 
(4,443
)
Disposal of assets
225

 
3,760

 
450

Investments - return of capital
77

 
61

 
61

Investing activities of discontinued operations

 
(376
)
 
(550
)
Purchases of short term investments
(925
)
 

 

Maturities of short term investments
925

 

 

All other investing, net
(28
)
 
(10
)
 
35

Net cash used in investing activities
(3,202
)
 
(1,746
)
 
(4,521
)
Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial paper, net

 
(135
)
 
(65
)
Borrowings
1,996

 

 

Debt issuance costs
(19
)
 

 

Debt repayments
(1,069
)
 
(68
)
 
(182
)
Purchases of common stock

 
(1,000
)
 
(500
)
Dividends paid
(460
)
 
(543
)
 
(508
)
All other financing, net
14

 
153

 
93

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
462

 
(1,593
)
 
(1,162
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash:
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
(3
)
Discontinued operations

 
(12
)
 
(4
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(1,177
)
 
2,134

 
(420
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
2,398

 
264

 
684

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
1,221

 
$
2,398

 
$
264

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

69


MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
 
Total Equity of Marathon Oil Stockholders
 
 
(In millions)
Preferred
Stock
 
Common
Stock
 
Securities
Exchangeable
into Common
Stock
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Total
Equity
December 31, 2012 Balance
$

 
$
770

 
$

 
$
(2,560
)
 
$
6,616

 
$
13,890

 
$
(433
)
 
$
18,283

Shares issued - stock-based
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
compensation

 

 

 
170

 
(44
)
 

 

 
126

Shares repurchased

 

 

 
(513
)
 

 

 

 
(513
)
Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 
20

 

 

 
20

Net income

 

 

 

 

 
1,753

 

 
1,753

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 
183

 
183

Dividends paid

 

 

 

 

 
(508
)
 

 
(508
)
December 31, 2013 Balance
$

 
$
770

 
$

 
$
(2,903
)
 
$
6,592

 
$
15,135

 
$
(250
)
 
$
19,344

Shares issued - stock-based
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
compensation

 

 

 
276

 
(57
)
 

 

 
219

Shares repurchased

 

 

 
(1,015
)
 

 

 

 
(1,015
)
Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 
(4
)
 

 

 
(4
)
Net income

 

 

 

 

 
3,046

 

 
3,046

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 
(27
)
 
(27
)
Dividends paid

 

 

 

 

 
(543
)
 

 
(543
)
December 31, 2014 Balance
$

 
$
770

 
$

 
$
(3,642
)
 
$
6,531

 
$
17,638

 
$
(277
)
 
$
21,020

Shares issued - stock-based
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
compensation

 

 

 
96

 
(32
)
 

 

 
64

Shares repurchased

 

 

 
(8
)
 

 

 

 
(8
)
Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 

 
(1
)
Net loss

 

 

 

 

 
(2,204
)
 

 
(2,204
)
Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 
142

 
142

Dividends paid

 

 

 

 

 
(460
)
 

 
(460
)
December 31, 2015 Balance
$

 
$
770

 
$

 
$
(3,554
)
 
$
6,498

 
$
14,974

 
$
(135
)
 
$
18,553

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Shares in millions)
Preferred
Stock
 
Common
Stock
 
Securities
Exchangeable
into Common
Stock
 
Treasury
Stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2012 Balance

 
770

 

 
63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares issued - stock-based
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
compensation

 

 

 
(4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares repurchased

 

 

 
14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013 Balance

 
770

 

 
73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares issued - stock-based
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
compensation

 

 

 
(7
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares repurchased

 

 

 
29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014 Balance

 
770

 

 
95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares issued - stock-based
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
compensation

 

 

 
(2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares repurchased

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015 Balance

 
770

 

 
93

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

70

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



1. Summary of Principal Accounting Policies
We are a global energy company engaged in exploration, production and marketing of crude oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas; as well as production and marketing of products manufactured from natural gas, such as LNG and methanol, in E.G.; and oil sands mining, bitumen transportation and upgrading, and marketing of synthetic crude oil and vacuum gas oil in Canada.
Principles applied in consolidation – These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our majority-owned, controlled subsidiaries. Investments in unincorporated joint ventures and undivided interests in certain operating assets are consolidated on a pro rata basis.
Equity method investment s – Investments in entities over which we have significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. This includes entities in which we hold majority ownership but the minority stockholders have substantive participating rights in the investee. Income from equity method investments represents our proportionate share of net income generated by the equity method investees.
Equity method investments are included as noncurrent assets on the consolidated balance sheet. These investments are assessed for impairment whenever changes in the facts and circumstances indicate a loss in value has occurred, if the loss is deemed to be other than temporary. When the loss is deemed to be other than temporary, the carrying value of the equity method investment is written down to fair value, and the amount of the write-down is included in net income. Differences in the basis of the investments and the separate net asset value of the investees, if any, are amortized into net income over the remaining useful lives of the underlying assets, except for the excess related to goodwill.
Discontinued operations – Disclosures in this report related to results of operations and cash flows are presented on the basis of continuing operations unless otherwise stated. As a result of the sale of our Angola assets and our Norway business in 2014 (see Note 5 ), these businesses are reflected as discontinued operations in the periods prior to and including 2014.
Use of estimates – The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the respective reporting periods.
Foreign currency transactions – The U.S. dollar is the functional currency of our foreign operating subsidiaries. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in net income.
Revenue recognition – Revenues are recognized when products are shipped or services are provided to customers, title is transferred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. We follow the sales method of accounting for crude oil and natural gas production imbalances and would recognize a liability if our existing proved reserves were not adequate to cover an imbalanc e. Imbalances have not been significant in the periods presented.
In the lower 48 states of the U.S., production volumes of crude oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas are generally sold immediately and transported to market. In international locations, liquid hydrocarbon production volumes may be stored as inventory and sold at a later time. In Canada, mined bitumen is first processed through an upgrader and then sold as synthetic crude oil.
Cash and cash equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and on deposit and investments in highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less.
Short-term Investments - Our short-term investments are comprised of bank time deposits with original maturities of greater than three months but less than twelve months. They are classified as held-to-maturity investments, which are recorded at amortized cost.
Accounts receivable – The majority of our receivables are from joint interest owners in properties we operate or from purchasers of commodities, both of which are recorded at invoiced amounts and do not bear interest. We often have the ability to withhold future revenue disbursements to recover any non-payment of joint interest billings. We conduct credit reviews of commodity purchasers prior to making commodity sales to new customers or increasing credit for existing customers. Based on these reviews, we may require a standby letter of credit or a financial guarantee. Uncollectible accounts receivable are reserved against the allowance for uncollectible accounts when it is determined the receivable will not be collected and the amount of any reserve may be reasonably estimated.

71

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Inventories – Crude oil and natural gas inventories are recorded at weighted average cost and carried at the lower of cost or market value. Materials and supplies inventory consist principally of tubular goods and equipment which are valued at weighted average cost and reviewed periodically for obsol escence or impairment when market conditions indicate.
During the fourth quarter of 2015, we elected to change our accounting method related to our U.S. crude oil and natural gas inventories from last in, first out ("LIFO") method to weighted average cost. At December 31, 2015, this inventory represented $5 million of our total inventory value, see Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for additional detail related to inventories. We believe this change is preferable as it provides consistent application of the cost basis for all categories of inventories across our worldwide portfolio, more accurately reflects the current value of inventory which provides for a better matching of expenses to revenues, and enhances comparability to our peers.
The effect of changing the method from LIFO to weighted average cost was immaterial for all current and prior periods. We recorded the cumulative effect of this change within our Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Income during the fourth quarter of 2015 and did not adjust previously reported periods. This resulted in an increase in our Inventories account of $2 million and a decrease in Production costs by $2 million. The change in method had an immaterial impact to income from continuing operations, with no change to basic or diluted earnings per share.
We may enter into a contract to sell a particular quantity and quality of crude oil at a specified location and dat e to a particular counterparty, and simultaneously agree to buy a particular quantity and quality of the same commodity at a specified location on the same or another specified date from the same counterparty. We account for such matching buy/sell arrangements as exchanges of inventory.
Derivative instruments – We may use derivatives to manage a portion of our exposure to commodity price risk, interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange rate risk. All derivative instruments are recorded at fair value. Commodity derivatives and interest rate swaps are reflected on our consolidated balance sheet on a net basis by counterparty, as they are governed by master netting agreements. Cash flows related to derivatives used to manage commodity price risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk are classified in operating activities. Our derivative instruments contain no significant contingent credit features.
Fair value hedges – We may use interest rate swaps to manage our exposure to interest rate risk associated with fixed interest rate debt in our portfolio and foreign currency forwards to manage our exposure to changes in the value of foreign currency denominated tax liabilities. Changes in the fair values of both the hedged item and the related derivative are recognized immediately in net income with an offsetting effect included in the basis of the hedged item. The net effect is to report in net income the extent to which the hedge is not effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value.
Derivatives not designated as hedges Derivatives that are not designated as hedges may include commodity derivatives used primarily to manage price risk on the forecasted sale of crude oil, natural gas and synthetic crude oil that we produce. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges are recognized immediately in net income.
Concentrations of credit risk – All of our financial instruments, including derivatives, involve elements of credit and market risk. The most significant portion of our credit risk relates to nonperformance by counterparties. The counterparties to our financial instruments consist primarily of major financial institutions and companies within the energy industry. To manage counterparty risk associated with financial instruments, we select and monitor counterparties based on our assessment of their financial strength and on credit ratings, if available. Additionally, we limit the level of exposure with any single counterparty.
Fair value transfer – We recognize transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the end of the reporting period. If significant transfers occur, they would be disclosed in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements.
Property, plant and equipment – We use the successful efforts method of accounting for oil and gas producing activities, which include bitumen mining and upgrading.
Property acquisition costs – Costs to acquire mineral interests in oil and natural gas properties or in oil sands mines, to drill and equip exploratory wells in progress and those that find proved reserves, to drill and equip development wells and to construct or expand oil sands mines and upgrading facilities are capitalized. Costs to drill exploratory wells that do not find proved reserves, geological and geophysical costs and costs of carrying and retaining unproved properties are expensed. Costs incurred for exploratory wells that find reserves but cannot yet be classified as proved are capitalized if (1) the well has found a sufficient quantity of reserves to justify its completion as a producing well and (2) we are making sufficient progress assessing the reserves and the economic and operating viability of the project. The status of suspended exploratory well costs is monitored continuously and reviewed at least quarterly.

72

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Depreciation, depletion and amortization – Capitalized costs to acquire oil and natural gas properties, which include bitumen mining and upgrading facilities, are depreciated and depleted on a units-of-production basis based on estimated proved reserves. Capitalized costs of exploratory wells and development costs are depreciated and depleted on a units-of-production basis based on estimated proved developed reserves. Support equipment and other property, plant and equipment related to oil and gas producing activities, as well as property, plant and equipment unrelated to oil and gas producing activities, are recorded at cost and depr eciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as summarized below.
Type of Asset
 
Range of Useful Lives
Office furniture, equipment and computer hardware
 
3 to 15 years
Pipelines
 
10 to 40 years
Plants, facilities, mine equipment and infrastructure
 
1 to 40 years
Impairments – We eva luate our oil and gas producing properties, including capitalized costs of exploratory wells, development costs and our bitumen mining and upgrading facilities, for impairment of value whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized based on the fair value of the asset. Oil and gas producing properties are reviewed for impairment on a field-by-field basis or, in certain instances, by logical grouping of assets if there is significant shared infrastructure. Oil and gas producing properties deemed to be impaired are written down to their fair value, as determined by discounted future net cash flows or, if available, comparable market value. We evaluate our unproved property investment and record impairment based on time or geologic factors. Information such as drilling results, reservoir performance, seismic interpretation or future plans to develop acreage is also considered. When unproved property investments are deemed to be impaired, the expense is reported in exploration expenses.
Dispositions – When property, plant and equipment depreciated on an individual basis is sold or otherwise disposed of, any gains or losses are reported in net income. Gains on the disposal of property, plant and equipment are recognized when earned, which is generally at the time of closing. If a loss on disposal is expected, such losses are recognized when the assets are classified as held for sale. Proceeds from the disposal of property, plant and equipment depreciated on a group basis are credited to accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization with no immediate effect on net income until net book value is reduced to zero.
Goodwill – Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired in the acquisition of a business. Such goodwill is not amortized, but rather is tested for impairment annually and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit with goodwill has been reduced below carrying value. The impairment test requires allocating goodwill and other assets and liabilities to a reporting unit. The fair value of a reporting unit is determined and compared to the book value of the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the book value, including goodwill, then the recorded goodwill is impaired to its implied fair value with a charge to impairments.
Major maintenance activities – Costs for planned major maintenance are expensed in the period incurred and can include the costs of contractor repair services, materials and supplies, equipment rentals and our labor costs.
Environmental costs – We provide for remediation costs and penalties when the responsibility to remediate is probable and the amount of associated costs can be reasonably estimated. The timing of remediation accruals coincides with completion of a feasibility study or the commitment to a formal plan of action. Remediation liabilities are accrued based on estimates of known environmental exposure and are discounted when the estimated amounts are reasonably fixed or reliably determinable. Environmental expenditures are capitalized only if the costs mitigate or prevent future contamination or if the costs improve the environmental safety or efficiency of the existing assets.
Asset retirement obligations – The fair value of asset retirement obligations is recognized in the period in which the obligations are incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. Our asset retirement obligations primarily relate to the abandonment of oil and gas producing facilities, which include our bitumen mining facilities. Asset retirement obligations for such facilities include costs to dismantle and relocate or dispose of production platforms, mine assets, gathering systems, wells and related structures and restoration costs of land and seabed, including those leased. Estimates of these costs are developed for each property based on the type of production structure, depth of water, reservoir characteristics, depth of the reservoir, market demand for equipment, currently available procedures and consultations with construction and engineering professionals. Asset retirement obligations have not been recognized for certain of our international oil and gas producing facilities as we currently do not have a legal obligation associated with the retirement of those facilities. Asset retirement obligations have not been recognized for the removal of materials and equipment from or the closure of certain bitumen

73

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


upgrading assets because the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated since the settlement dates of the obligations are indeterminate.
Inflation rates and credit-adjusted-risk-free interest rates are used to estimate the fair value of asset retirement obligations. Depreciation of capitalized asset retirement costs and accretion of asset retirement obligations are recorded over time. Depreciation is generally determined on a units-of-production basis based on estimated proved reserves for oil and gas production facilities, which include our bitumen mining facilities, while accretion escalates over the lives of the assets.
Deferred income taxes – Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases as reported in our filings with the respective taxing authorities. We routinely assess the realizability of our deferred tax assets based on several interrelated factors and reduce such assets by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. These factors include our expectation to generate sufficient future taxable income including future foreign source income, tax credits, operating loss carryforwards and management’s intent regarding the permanent reinvestment of the income from foreign subsidiaries.
Stock-based compensation arrangements – The fair value of stock options is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The model employs various assumptions, based on management’s best estimates at the time of grant, which impact the calculation of fair value and ultimately, the amount of expense that is recognized over the life of the stock option award. Of the required assumptions, the expected volatility of our stock price and the stock price in relation to the strike price have the most significant impact on the fair value calculation. We have utilized historical data and analyzed current information which reasonably support these assumptions.
The fair value of our restricted stock awards and common stock units is determined based on the market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Unearned stock-based compensation is charged to stockholders’ equity when restricted stock awards are granted. The fair value of our stock-based performance units is estimated using the Monte Carlo simulation method. Since these awards are settled in cash at the end of a defined performance period, they are classified as a liability and are re-measured quarterly until settlement.
Our stock-based compensation expense is recognized based on management’s best estimate of the awards that are expected to vest, using the straight-line attribution method for all service-based awards with a graded vesting feature. If actual forfeiture results are different than expected, adjustments to recognized compensation expense may be required in future periods.
2. Accounting Standards
Not Yet Adopted
In July 2015, the FASB issued an update that requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. This excludes inventory measured using LIFO or the retail inventory method. This standard is effective for us in the first quarter of 2017 and will be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
In May 2015, the FASB issued an update that removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. The amendment also removes certain disclosure requirements regarding all investments that are eligible to be measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient and only requires certain disclosures on those investments for which an entity elects to use the net asset value per share expedient. This standard is effective for us in the first quarter of 2016 and will be applied on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. This standard only modifies disclosure requirements; as such, there will be no impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
In February 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to the guidance for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity ("VIE"). The standard does not add or remove any of the five characteristics that determine if an entity is a VIE. However, it does change the manner in which a reporting entity assesses one of the characteristics. In particular, when decision-making over the entity’s most significant activities has been outsourced, the standard changes how a reporting entity assesses if the equity holders at risk lack decision making rights. This standard is effective for us for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and early adoption is permitted, including in interim periods. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
In August 2014, the FASB issued an update that requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards.  This standard is effective for us in the first quarter of 2017 and early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a significant impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

74

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


In May 2014 and August 2015, the FASB issued an update that supersedes the existing revenue recognition requirements. This standard includes a five-step revenue recognition model to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Among other things, the standard requires enhanced disclosures about revenue, provides guidance for transactions that were not previously addressed comprehensively and improves guidance for multiple-element arrangements. This standard is effective for us in the first quarter of 2018 and should be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or with the cumulative effect of initially applying the update recognized at the date of initial application. Early adoption is permitted. We are evaluating the provisions of this accounting standards update and assessing the impact, if any, it may have on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
Recently Adopted
In November 2015, the FASB issued an update that requires an entity to classify deferred income tax liabilities and assets as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The amendments are effective for us in the first quarter of 2017 and early adoption is permitted. We elected to early adopt these amendments in the fourth quarter of 2015 on a prospective basis. Adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
In April 2015, the FASB issued an update that requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the associated debt liability. This standard is effective for us in the first quarter of 2016 and early adoption is permitted. We elected to early adopt these amendments in the fourth quarter of 2015 on a retrospective basis. Adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
In April 2014, the FASB issued an amendment to accounting standards that changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations while enhancing related disclosures. Under the amendment, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. Those strategic shifts should have a major effect on the organization’s operations and financial results. Expanded disclosures about the assets, liabilities, income and expenses of discontinued operations are required.  In addition, disclosure of the pretax income attributable to a disposal of a significant part of an organization that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting will be made in order to provide users with information about the ongoing trends in an organization’s results from continuing operations.  The amendments were effective for us in the first quarter of 2015. Adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
3.
Variable Interest Entities
The owners of the AOSP, in which we hold a 20% undivided interest, contracted with a wholly owned subsidiary of a publicly traded Canadian limited partnership ("Corridor Pipeline") to provide materials transportation capabilities among the Muskeg River and Jackpine mines, the Scotford upgrader and markets in Edmonton. The contract, originally signed in 1999 by a company we acquired, allows each holder of an undivided interest in the AOSP to ship materials in accordance with its undivided interest. Costs under this contract are accrued and recorded on a monthly basis, with a $2 million current liability recorded at December 31, 2015 and $3 million at December 31, 2014 . Under this agreement, the AOSP absorbs all of the operating and capital costs of the pipeline. Currently, no third-party shippers use the pipeline. Should shipments be suspended, by choice or due to force majeure, we remain responsible for the portion of the payments related to our undivided interest for all remaining periods. The contract expires in 2029; however, the shippers can extend its term perpetually. This contract qualifies as a variable interest contractual arrangement and the Corridor Pipeline qualifies as a VIE. We hold a variable interest but are not the primary beneficiary because our shipments are only 20% of the total; therefore the Corridor Pipeline is not consolidated by us. Our maximum exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with this VIE is the amount we expect to pay over the contract term, which was $447 million as of December 31, 2015 . The liability on our books related to this contract at any given time will reflect amounts due for the immediately previous month’s activity, which is substantially less than the maximum exposure over the contract term. We have not provided financial assistance to Corridor Pipeline and we do not have any guarantees of such assistance in the future.  
4. Acquisitions
2014 - North America E&P
In the fourth quarter of 2014, we acquired additional acres in the SCOOP, at a cost of $58 million after final settlement adjustments.

75

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


In the third quarter of 2014, we acquired acreage in the Oklahoma Resource Basins at a cost of $68 million after final settlement adjustments.
2013 - North America E&P
In July 2013, we acquired additional acreage in the Eagle Ford in a transaction valued at $97 million , including a carried interest of $23 million which was fully satisfied in 2014. The transaction was accounted for as a business combination, with the entire up-front cash consideration of $74 million allocated to property, plant and equipment at the acquisition date.
The fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the business combination were measured primarily using an income approach, specifically utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis. The estimated fair values were based on significant inputs not observable in the market, and therefore represent Level 3 measurements. Significant inputs included estimated reserve volumes, the expected future production profile, estimated commodity prices and assumptions regarding future operating and development costs and a discount rate of approximately 10 %. The pro forma impact of these transactions, individually and in the aggregate, is not material to our consolidated statements of income for any periods presented.
5. Dispositions
2015 - North America E&P Segment
In November 2015, we entered into an agreement to sell our operated producing properties in the greater Ewing Bank area and non-operated producing interests in the Petronius and Neptune fields in the Gulf of Mexico. The transaction closed in December 2015, excluding the Neptune field, for proceeds of $111 million . A $228 million pretax gain was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2015. Assets held for sale in the December 31, 2015 consolidated balance sheet were related to the Neptune field that was pending at that date and included $31 million in total assets and $54 million of total liabilities. The Neptune field transaction closed during the first quarter of 2016 for cash proceeds of $4 million .     
In August 2015, we closed the sale of our East Texas, North Louisiana and Wilburton, Oklahoma natural gas assets for proceeds of $ 100 million and recorded a pretax loss of $ 1 million . During the second quarter of 2015, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $44 million related to these assets (see Note 15 ).
2015 - International E&P Segment
In September 2015, we entered into agreements to sell our East Africa exploration acreage in Ethiopia and Kenya. A pretax loss of $ 109 million was recorded in the third quarter of 2015. The Kenya transaction closed in February 2016 and the Ethiopia transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016. Cash proceeds for both transactions are expected to be $10 million , before closing adjustments.
2014 - North America E&P Segment
In June 2014, we closed the sale of non-core acreage located in the far northwest portion of the Williston Basin for proceeds of $90 million . A pretax loss of $91 million was recorded in the second quarter of 2014.     
2014 - International E&P Segment
In June 2014, we entered into an agreement to sell our Norway business, including the operated Alvheim FPSO, 10 operated licenses and a number of non-operated licenses on the Norwegian Continental Shelf in the North Sea.  The transaction closed in the fourth quarter of 2014 for proceeds of $2.1 billion , before netting $589 million cash transferred to the buyer. A $976 million after-tax gain on the sale of Norway business was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2014. Included in this after-tax gain is a deferred tax benefit reflecting our ability to utilize foreign tax credits that otherwise would have needed a valuation allowance.
Our Norway business is reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods prior to and including 2014. Select amounts reported in discontinued operations were as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2014
 
2013
Revenues applicable to discontinued operations
$
1,981

 
$
3,176

Pretax income from discontinued operations
$
1,693

 
$
2,537

Pretax gain on disposition of discontinued operations
$
1,406

 
$


76

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


In the first quarter of 2014, we closed the sales of our 10% non-operated working interests in the Production Sharing Contracts and Joint Operating Agreements for Angola Blocks 31 and 32 for aggregate proceeds of approximately $2 billion . A $532 million after-tax gain on the sale of our Angola assets was recorded in 2014. Included in this after-tax gain is a deferred tax benefit reflecting our ability to utilize foreign tax credits that otherwise would have needed a valuation allowance.
Our Angola operations are reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods prior to and including 2014. Select amounts reported in discontinued operations were as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues applicable to discontinued operations
 
$
58

 
$
361

Pretax income from discontinued operations
 
$
51

 
$
247

Pretax gain on disposition of discontinued operations
 
$
426

 
$

2013 - North America E&P Segment
In June 2013, we closed the sale of our interests in the DJ Basin for proceeds of $19 million . A pretax loss of $114 million was recorded in the second quarter of 2013.
In February 2013, we conveyed our interests in the Marcellus natural gas shale play to the operator. A $43 million pretax loss was recorded in the first quarter of 2013.
In February 2013, we closed the sale of our interest in the Neptune gas plant, located onshore Louisiana, for proceeds of $166 million . A $98 million pretax gain was recorded in the first quarter of 2013.
In January 2013, we closed the sale of our assets in Alaska, for proceeds of $195 million , subject to a six-month escrow of $50 million which was collected in July 2013. After closing adjustments were made in the second quarter of 2013, the pretax gain on this sale was $55 million .
2013 - International E&P Segment
In the fourth quarter of 2013, we transferred our 45% working interest and operatorship in the Safen block in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq at a pretax loss of $17 million .

6.    Income (Loss) per Common Share
Basic income (loss) per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted income per share assumes exercise of stock options in all years and stock appreciation rights in 2013, provided the effect is not antidilutive. The per share calculations below exclude 13 million , 4 million and 5 million stock options in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 that were antidilutive.
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions, except per share data)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(2,204
)
 
$
969

 
$
931

Discontinued operations

 
2,077

 
822

Net income (loss)
$
(2,204
)
 
$
3,046

 
$
1,753

 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
677

 
680

 
705

Effect of dilutive securities

 
3

 
4

Weighted average common shares, diluted
677

 
683

 
709

Per basic share:
 

 
 

 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(3.26
)
 
$
1.42

 
$
1.32

Discontinued operations
$

 
$
3.06

 
$
1.17

Net income (loss)
$
(3.26
)
 
$
4.48

 
$
2.49

Per diluted share:
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(3.26
)
 
$
1.42

 
$
1.31

Discontinued operations
$

 
$
3.04

 
$
1.16

Net income (loss)
$
(3.26
)
 
$
4.46

 
$
2.47


77

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


7. Segment Information
We have three reportable operating segments.  Each of these segments is organized and managed based upon both geographic location and the nature of the products and services it offers:
North America E&P ("N.A. E&P") – explores for, produces and markets crude oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas in North America;
International E&P ("Int'l E&P") – explores for, produces and markets crude oil and condensate, NGLs and natural gas outside of North America and produces and markets products manufactured from natural gas, such as LNG and methanol, in E.G.; and
Oil Sands Mining (“OSM”) – mines, extracts and transports bitumen from oil sands deposits in Alberta, Canada, and upgrades the bitumen to produce and market synthetic crude oil and vacuum gas oil.
Information regarding assets by segment is not presented because it is not reviewed by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”).  Segment income represents income from continuing operations excluding certain items not allocated to segments, net of income taxes, attributable to the operating segments. A portion of our corporate and operations support general and administrative costs are not allocated to the operating segments. These unallocated costs primarily consist of employment costs (including pension effects), professional services, facilities and other costs associated with corporate and operations support activities. Gains or losses on dispositions, certain impairments, change in tax expense associated with a tax rate change, unrealized gains or losses on crude oil derivative instruments, or other items that affect comparability (as determined by the CODM) also are not allocated to operating segments.
As discussed in Note 5 , we closed the sale of our Angola assets in the first quarter of 2014 and our Norway business in the fourth quarter of 2014, and both are reflected as discontinued operations and excluded from the International E&P segment for 2014 and 2013.
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
Not Allocated
 
 
(In millions)
N.A. E&P
 
Int'l E&P
 
OSM
 
to Segments
 
Total
Sales and other operating revenues
$
3,358

 
$
728

 
$
815

 
$
50

(c)  
$
4,951

Marketing revenues
396

 
103

 
72

 

 
571

Total revenues
3,754

 
831

 
887

 
50

 
5,522

Income (loss) from equity method investments

 
157

 

 
(12
)
(d)  
145

Net gain on disposal of assets and other income
24

 
27

 
21

 
122

(e)  
194

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production expenses
724

 
255

 
715

 

 
1,694

Marketing costs
401

 
99

 
69

 

 
569

Exploration expenses
362

 
101

 

 
855

(f)  
1,318

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
2,377

 
295

 
236

 
49

 
2,957

Impairments
2

 

 
5

 
745

(g)  
752

Other expenses (a)
462

 
92

 
34

 
440

(h)  
1,028

Taxes other than income
215

 

 
18

 
1

 
234

Net interest and other

 

 

 
267

 
267

Income tax provision (benefit)
(279
)
 
61

 
(56
)
 
(480
)
(i)  
(754
)
Segment income (loss)/Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
(486
)
 
$
112

 
$
(113
)
 
$
(1,717
)
 
$
(2,204
)
Capital expenditures (b)
$
2,553

 
$
368

 
$
(10
)
 
$
25

 
$
2,936

(a)  
Includes other operating expenses and general and administrative expenses.
(b)  
Includes accruals.
(c)  
Unrealized gain on crude oil derivative instruments.
(d)  
Partial impairment of investment in equity method investee (See Note 15 ).
(e)  
Primarily related to gain on sale of our properties and interests in the Gulf of Mexico, partially offset by the loss on sale of East Africa exploration acreage (see Note 5 ).
(f) Unproved property impairments associated with lower forecasted commodity prices and change in conventional exploration strategy (See Note 13 ).
(g)  
Goodwill impairment (see Note 14 ) and proved property impairments (see Note 15 ).
(h)  
Includes pension settlement loss of $119 million (see Note 20 ) and severance related expenses associated with workforce reductions of $ 55 million .
(i)  
Includes $135 million of deferred tax expense related to Alberta provincial corporate tax rate increase (see Note 9 ).


78

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
 
Not Allocated
 
 
(In millions)
N.A. E&P
 
Int'l E&P
 
OSM
 
to Segments
 
Total
Sales and other operating revenues
$
5,770

 
$
1,410

 
$
1,556

 
$

 
$
8,736

Marketing revenues
1,839

 
219

 
52

 

 
2,110

Total revenues
7,609

 
1,629

 
1,608

 

 
10,846

Income from equity method investments

 
424

 

 

 
424

Net gain (loss) on disposal of assets and other income
23

 
57

 
4

 
(96
)
(c)  
(12
)
Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production expenses
891

 
386

 
969

 

 
2,246

Marketing costs
1,836

 
217

 
52

 

 
2,105

Exploration expenses
608

 
185

 

 

 
793

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
2,342

 
269

 
206

 
44

 
2,861

Impairments
23

 

 

 
109

(d)  
132

Other expenses (a)
473

 
197

 
54

 
392

(e)  
1,116

Taxes other than income
385

 

 
20

 
1

 
406

Net interest and other

 

 

 
238

 
238

Income tax provision (benefit)
381

 
288

 
76

 
(353
)
 
392

Segment income/Income from continuing operations
$
693

 
$
568

 
$
235

 
$
(527
)
 
$
969

Capital expenditures (b)
$
4,698

 
$
534

 
$
212

 
$
51

 
$
5,495

(a)     Includes other operating expenses and general and administrative expenses.
(b)     Includes accruals.
(c)     Primarily related to the sale of non-core acreage in our North America E&P segment ( See Note 5 ).
(d)     Proved Property impairments (See Note 15 )
(e)     Includes pension settlement loss of $99 million (See Note 20 ).

Year Ended December 31, 2013
 
 
Not Allocated
 
 
(In millions)
N.A. E&P
 
Int'l E&P
 
OSM
 
to Segments
 
Total
Sales and other operating revenues
$
5,068

 
$
2,654

 
$
1,576

 
$
(52
)
(c)  
$
9,246

Marketing revenues
1,797

 
264

 
18

 

 
2,079

Total revenues
6,865

 
2,918

 
1,594

 
(52
)
 
11,325

Income from equity method investments

 
427

 

 
(4
)
(d)  
423

Net gain (loss) on disposal of assets and other income
12

 
50

 
5

 
(32
)
(e)  
35

Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production expenses
797

 
359

 
1,000

 

 
2,156

Marketing costs
1,796

 
262

 
18

 

 
2,076

Exploration expenses
725

 
166

 

 

 
891

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
1,927

 
331

 
218

 
24

 
2,500

Impairments
41

 

 

 
55

(f)  
96

Other expenses (a)
420

 
161

 
66

 
401

(g)  
1,048

Taxes other than income
318

 

 
22

 
5

 
345

Net interest and other

 

 

 
278

 
278

Income tax provision (benefit)
324

 
1,358

 
69

 
(289
)
 
1,462

Segment income/Income from continuing operations
$
529

 
$
758

 
$
206

 
$
(562
)
 
$
931

Capital expenditures (b)
$
3,649

 
$
456

 
$
286

 
$
58

 
$
4,449

(a)     Includes other operating expenses and general and administrative expenses.
(b)     Includes accruals.
(c)     Unrealized loss on crude oil derivative instruments (see Note 16 ).
(d)     EGHoldings impairment (See Note 15 ).
(e)     Related to the disposal of assets from our North America E&P Segment (see Note 5 ).
(f)     Proved property impairments (see Note 15 ).
(g)     Includes pension settlement loss of $45 million (see Note 20 ).
Revenues from external customers are attributed to geographic areas based upon selling location. The following summarizes revenues from external customers by geographic area.

79

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
United States
$
3,804

 
$
7,609

 
$
6,813

Canada
887

 
1,608

 
1,594

Libya (a)  

 
244

 
1,106

Other international
831

 
1,385

 
1,812

Total revenues
$
5,522

 
$
10,846

 
$
11,325

(a)  
See Note 12 for discussion of Libya operations.
In 2015 , sales to Irving Oil and Shell Oil and each of their respective affiliates accounted for approximately 13% and 11% of our total revenues. In 2014 , sales to Shell Oil and its affiliates accounted for approximately 10% of our total revenues. In 2013 , Statoil, the purchaser of the majority of our Libyan crude oil, accounted for approximately 10% of our total revenues
Revenues by product line were:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Crude oil and condensate
$
3,963

 
$
8,170

 
$
8,688

Natural gas liquids
203

 
371

 
313

Natural gas
464

 
693

 
693

Synthetic crude oil
781

 
1,525

 
1,542

Other
111

 
87

 
89

Total revenues
$
5,522

 
$
10,846

 
$
11,325

The following summarizes property, plant and equipment and equity method investments.
 
December 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
United States
$
15,353

 
$
16,518

Canada
9,197

 
9,802

Equatorial Guinea
1,917

 
1,949

Other international
1,597

 
1,884

Total long-lived assets
$
28,064

 
$
30,153



80

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


8. Other Items
Net interest and other
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Interest:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
$
9

 
$
7

 
$
5

Interest expense
(358
)
 
(309
)
 
(319
)
Income on interest rate swaps
11

 
12

 
9

Interest capitalized
26

 
20

 
12

Total interest
(312
)
 
(270
)
 
(293
)
Other:
 
 
 
 
 
Net foreign currency gains
23

 
21

 
14

Other
22

 
11

 
1

Total other
45

 
32

 
15

Net interest and other
$
(267
)
 
$
(238
)
 
$
(278
)
Foreign currency – Aggregate foreign currency gains were included in the consolidated statements of income as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net interest and other
$
23

 
$
21

 
$
14

Provision for income taxes
(11
)
 
(12
)
 
(2
)
Aggregate foreign currency gains
$
12

 
$
9

 
$
12



9. Income Taxes
Income tax provisions (benefits) for continuing operations were:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
(In millions)
Current
 
Deferred
 
Total
 
Current
 
Deferred
 
Total
 
Current
 
Deferred
 
Total
Federal
$
(43
)
 
$
(687
)
 
$
(730
)
 
$
15

 
$
62

 
$
77

 
$
83

 
$
(47
)
 
$
36

State and local
(8
)
 
(18
)
 
(26
)
 
8

 
(58
)
 
(50
)
 
39

 
(6
)
 
33

Foreign
103

 
(101
)
 
2

 
281

 
84

 
365

 
1,374

 
19

 
1,393

Total
$
52

 
$
(806
)
 
$
(754
)
 
$
304

 
$
88

 
$
392

 
$
1,496

 
$
(34
)
 
$
1,462

A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate applied to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes to the provision (benefit) for income taxes follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Statutory rate applied to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
(35
)%
 
35
 %
 
35
 %
Effects of foreign operations, including foreign tax credits
(2
)
 
(6
)
 
26

Change in permanent reinvestment assertion

 
(19
)
 

Adjustments to valuation allowances
3

 
21

 
(1
)
Change in tax law
5

 

 

Goodwill impairment
4

 

 

Other

 
(2
)
 
1

Effective income tax expense (benefit) rate on continuing operations
(25
)%
 
29
 %
 
61
 %

81

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


The effective income tax rate is influenced by a variety of factors including the geographic and functional sources of income and the relative magnitude of these sources of income. The difference between the total provision and the sum of the amounts allocated to segments appears in the "Not Allocated to Segments" column of the tables in Note 7 .
Effects of foreign operations – The effects of foreign operations on our effective tax rate decreased in 2015 and 2014 as compared to 2013 , due to a shift in pretax income mix between high and low tax jurisdictions. This is primarily related to decreased sales in Libya in 2015 and 2014 where the tax rate is in excess of 90% . Excluding Libya, the effective tax rates on continuing operations would be a benefit of 25% in 2015 and expense of 27% and 38% in 2014 and 2013 .
Change in permanent reinvestment assertion In the second quarter of 2015, we reviewed our operations and concluded that we do not have the same level of capital needs outside the U.S. as previously expected. Therefore, we no longer intend for previously unremitted foreign earnings of approximately $1 billion associated with our Canadian operations to be permanently reinvested outside the U.S. We anticipate foreign tax credits associated with these Canadian earnings would be sufficient to offset any incremental U.S. tax liabilities, and therefore, no additional net deferred taxes were recorded in the second quarter of 2015. As such, none of Marathon Oil’s foreign earnings remain permanently reinvested abroad.
In the second quarter of 2014, we reviewed our foreign operations, including the disposition of our Norway business, and concluded that our foreign operations did not have the same level of immediate capital needs as previously expected.  Therefore, we removed our assertion for previously unremitted foreign earnings associated with our U.K. operations to be permanently reinvested outside the U.S.  The U.K. statutory tax rate was in excess of the U.S. statutory tax rate and therefore foreign tax credits associated with these earnings exceeded any incremental U.S. tax liabilities. 
Adjustments to valuation allowances In 2015, we increased the valuation allowance against foreign tax credits because it is more likely than not that we will be unable to realize all U.S. benefits on foreign taxes accrued in 2015. Additionally, we increased the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets associated with our foreign operations as a result of pretax losses in certain jurisdictions. In 2014, we increased the valuation allowance against foreign tax credits as a result of removing the permanent reinvestment assertion on our U.K. operations since the U.K. statutory tax rate is in excess of the U.S. statutory tax rate per discussion above.
Change in tax law On June 29, 2015, the Alberta government enacted legislation to increase the provincial corporate tax rate from 10% to 12% . As a result of this legislation, we recorded additional non-cash deferred tax expense of $135 million in the second quarter of 2015.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities resulted from the following:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
Employee benefits
$
260

 
$
364

Operating loss carryforwards
563

 
245

Capital loss carryforwards
17

 
89

Foreign tax credits
4,335

 
4,062

Other credit carryforwards
35

 

Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates
17

 

Other
73

 
116

Valuation allowances:
 
 
 
Federal
(2,820
)
 
(2,775
)
State, net of federal benefit
(56
)
 
(58
)
Foreign
(162
)
 
(108
)
Total deferred tax assets
2,262

 
1,935

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment
3,376

 
3,737

Investments in subsidiaries and affiliates

 
66

Other
105

 
67

Total deferred tax liabilities
3,481

 
3,870

Net deferred tax liabilities
$
1,219

 
$
1,935

Tax carryforwards – At December 31, 2015 our operating loss carryforwards includes $365 million from the U.S. that expire in 2035. Foreign operating loss carryforwards include $863 million from Canada that expire in 2029 through 2035, $208

82

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


million from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq that expire in 2016 through 2020, $84 million from Libya that expires in 2025 and $81 million from E.G. that expire in 2017 through 2020. State operating loss carryforwards of $1,415 million expire in 2016 through 2035. Foreign tax credit carryforwards of $3,798 million expire in 2022 through 2025.
Valuation allowances – We consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of our deferred tax assets will not be realized. In the event it is more likely than not that some portion or all of our deferred taxes will not be realized, such assets are reduced by a valuation allowance.  The estimated realizability of the benefit of our deferred tax asset is based on certain estimates concerning future operating conditions (particularly as related to prevailing commodity prices), future financial conditions, income generated from foreign sources and our tax profile in the years that such operating loss carryforwards and tax credits may be claimed. Future increases to our valuation allowance are possible if our estimates and assumptions (particularly as they relate to downward revisions of our long-term commodity price forecasts) are revised such that they reduce estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period.
Federal valuation allowances increased $45 million in 2015 related to U.S. benefits on foreign taxes accrued in 2015. Federal valuation allowances decreased $222 million in 2014 primarily due to the sale of our Norway and Angola businesses. Federal valuation allowances increased $930 million in 2013 related to U.S. benefits on foreign taxes accrued in that year.
Foreign valuation allowances increased $54 million in 2015 primarily due to deferred tax assets generated in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, E.G. and Gabon. Foreign valuation allowances decreased $41 million in 2014 primarily due the disposal of our Angolan assets. Foreign valuation allowances decreased $61 million in 2013 primarily due to the disposal of our Indonesian assets.
Net deferred tax liabilities were classified in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:
 
December 31,
(In millions)
2015

2014
Assets:



Other current assets
$


$
29

Other noncurrent assets
1,222


525

Liabilities:



Other current liabilities


3

Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities
2,441


2,486

Net deferred tax liabilities
$
1,219


$
1,935

We elected to prospectively adopt Accounting Standards Update 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, as of December 31, 2015, as disclosed in Note 2. Under this new guidance, we classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities and related valuation allowances as noncurrent. In accordance with a prospective adoption, we did not restate the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes for prior periods.
We are continuously undergoing examination of our U.S. federal income tax returns by the IRS. Such audits have been completed through the 2009 tax year. In November 2015, we received Notices of Proposed Adjustment related to our 2010-2011 tax years. We anticipate receiving the final agent's report in 2016. We believe adequate provision has been made for federal income taxes and interest which may become payable for years not yet settled. Further, we are routinely involved in U.S. state income tax audits and foreign jurisdiction tax audits. We believe all other audits will be resolved within the amounts paid and/or provided for these liabilities.
As of December 31, 2015 our income tax returns remain subject to examination in the following major tax jurisdictions for the tax years indicated:
United States (a)
2004-2014
Canada
2010-2014
Equatorial Guinea
2007-2014
Libya
2012-2014
United Kingdom
2008-2014
(a)  
Includes federal and state jurisdictions.

83

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


The following table summarizes the activity in unrecognized tax benefits:
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Beginning balance
$
80

 
$
146

 
$
98

Additions for tax positions related to the current year

 

 
14

Additions for tax positions of prior years
1

 
11

 
66

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

 
(68
)
 
(25
)
Settlements
(7
)
 
(9
)
 
(5
)
Statute of limitations
(9
)
 

 
(2
)
Ending balance
$
65

 
$
80

 
$
146

If the unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2015 were recognized, $25 million would affect our effective income tax rate. As of December 31, 2015 , there are no material uncertain tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the amount would significantly increase or decrease during the next twelve months.
Interest and penalties are recorded as part of the tax provision and were $1 million , $6 million and $13 million related to unrecognized tax benefits in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , $14 million and $16 million of interest and penalties were accrued related to income taxes.
Pretax income (loss) from continuing operations included amounts attributable to foreign sources of $(654) million , $1,180 million and $2,336 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 .
10. Inventories
Liquid hydrocarbons, natural gas and bitumen are recorded at weighted average cost and carried at the lower of cost or market value. Supplies and other items consist principally of tubular goods and equipment which are valued at weighted average cost and reviewed periodically for obsol escence or impairment when market conditions indicate.
 
December 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
Liquid hydrocarbons, natural gas and bitumen
$
35

 
$
58

Supplies and other items
278

 
299

Inventories at cost
$
313

 
$
357

11. Equity Method Investments and Related Party Transactions
During 2015 , 2014 and 2013 only our equity method investees were considered related parties and they included:
EGHoldings, in which we have a 60% noncontrolling interest. EGHoldings is engaged in LNG production activity.
Alba Plant LLC, in which we have a 52% noncontrolling interest. Alba Plant LLC processes LPG.
AMPCO, in which we have a 45% interest. AMPCO is engaged in methanol production activity.
Our equity method investments are summarized in the following table:
 
Ownership as of
 
December 31,
(In millions)
December 31, 2015
 
2015
 
2014
EGHoldings
60%
 
$
603

 
$
693

Alba Plant LLC
52%
 
230

 
225

AMPCO
45%
 
169

 
194

Other investments
 
 
1

 
1

Total
 
 
$
1,003

 
$
1,113

Dividends and partnership distributions received from equity method investees (excluding distributions that represented a return of capital previously contributed) were $178 million in 2015 , $451 million in 2014 and $435 million in 2013 .

84

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Summarized financial information for equity method investees is as follows:
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Income data – year:
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues and other income
$
769

 
$
1,349

 
$
1,444

Income from operations
313

 
826

 
849

Net income
280

 
728

 
727

Balance sheet data – December 31:
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
$
467

 
$
639

 
 
Noncurrent assets
1,317

 
1,451

 
 
Current liabilities
211

 
371

 
 
Noncurrent liabilities
41

 
39

 
 
Revenues from related parties were $51 million , $56 million and $55 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , with the majority related to EGHoldings in all years. Purchases from related parties were $207 million , $207 million and $242 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 with the majority related to Alba Plant LLC in all years.
Current receivables from related parties at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , were $29 million , and $31 million . Payables to related parties were $5 million and $11 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , with the majority related to Alba Plant LLC.
12. Property, Plant and Equipment
 
December 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
North America E&P
$
15,226

 
$
16,717

International E&P
2,533

 
2,741

Oil Sands Mining
9,197

 
9,455

Corporate
105

 
127

Net property, plant and equipment
$
27,061

 
$
29,040

Our Libya operations continue to be impacted by civil unrest. Operations were interrupted in mid-2013 as a result of the shutdown of the Es Sider crude oil terminal, and although temporarily re-opened during the second half of 2014, production remains shut-in through early 2016. Considerable uncertainty remains around the timing of future production and sales levels.
As of December 31, 2015 , our net property, plant and equipment investment in Libya is approximately $777 million , and total proved reserves (unaudited) in Libya are 235 mmboe. We and our partners in the Waha concessions continue to assess the situation and the condition of our assets in Libya. Our periodic assessment of the carrying value of our net property, plant and equipment in Libya specifically considers the net investment in the assets, the duration of our concessions and the reserves anticipated to be recoverable in future periods.  The undiscounted cash flows related to our Libya assets continue to exceed the carrying value of $777 million by a significant amount.

85

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Deferred exploratory well costs were as follows:
 
December 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Amounts capitalized less than one year after completion of drilling
$
352

 
$
484

 
$
512

Amounts capitalized greater than one year after completion of drilling
85

 
126

 
281

Total deferred exploratory well costs
$
437

 
$
610

 
$
793

Number of projects with costs capitalized greater than one year after
 
 
 
 
 
completion of drilling
2

 
3

 
7

 
 
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Beginning balance
$
610

 
$
793

 
$
617

Additions
610

 
647

 
624

Charges to expense
(148
)
 
(45
)
 
(25
)
Transfers to development
(635
)
 
(579
)
 
(414
)
Dispositions (a)

 
(206
)
 
(9
)
Ending balance
$
437

 
$
610

 
$
793

(a)  
Includes sale of Angola assets and Norway business in 2014.
Exploratory well costs capitalized greater than one year after completion of drilling as of December 31, 2015 are summarized by geographical area below:
(In millions)
   
Gabon
$
63

E.G.
22

Total
$
85

Well costs that have been suspended for longer than one year are associated with two projects. Management believes these projects with suspended exploratory drilling costs exhibit sufficient quantities of hydrocarbons to justify potential development based on current plans.
Gabon - The Diaba-1B well reached total depth in the third quarter of 2013. Additional 3D seismic data was acquired in 2014 in the western part of the block and depth processing continued through 2015.  We continue to utilize this data to facilitate evaluation of additional resource potential on the offshore Diaba License to support decisions regarding the exploration program, with drilling currently planned for 2017.
E.G. – The Corona well on Block D offshore E.G. was drilled in 2004, and we acquired an additional interest in the well in 2012. We plan to develop Block D through a unitization with the Alba field. Negotiations have been substantially completed and approval is expected in 2016.
13 . Impairments and Exploration Expenses
During 2015, the continued decline of commodity prices resulted in downward revisions of our long-term commodity price assumptions and resulted in impairments of long-lived assets related to oil and gas producing properties. Further changes in management's forecast assumptions (including our Capital Program), or continued deterioration in commodity prices may cause us to reassess our long-lived assets and goodwill for impairment, and could result in impairment charges in the future.
Impairments
The following table summarizes impairment charges of proved properties:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(in millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Total impairments
$
752

 
$
132

 
$
96

2015 - Impairments included $340 million million for the goodwill impairment of the North America E&P reporting unit, $335 million related to proved properties (primarily in Colorado and the Gulf of Mexico) as a result of lower forecasted

86

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


commodity prices, and $44 million associated with our disposition of natural gas assets in East Texas, North Louisiana and Wilburton, Oklahoma.
2014 - Impairments of $132 million consisted primarily of proved properties in the Gulf of Mexico, Texas and North Dakota as a result of revisions to estimated abandonment costs and lower forecasted commodity prices.
2013 - Impairments of $96 million included an impairment to the second LNG production train in E.G. as a result of a change in E.G.'s natural gas policy related to the country's resources for $40 million , a $15 million impairment of our Powder River Basin assets as a result of our decision to wind down operations and other impairments of long-lived assets as a result of reduced drilling expectations, reductions of estimated reserves or decreased commodity prices.
See Note 7 for relevant detail regarding segment presentation, Note 14 for further detail regarding the goodwill impairment and Note 15 for fair value measurements related to impairments of proved properties and long-lived assets.
Exploration expense
The following table summarizes the components of exploration expenses:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Exploration Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
Unproved property impairments
$
964

 
$
306

 
$
572

Dry well costs
250

 
317

 
148

Geological and geophysical
31

 
85

 
80

Other
73

 
85

 
91

Total exploration expenses
$
1,318

 
$
793

 
$
891

Unproved property impairments
2015 - Primarily due to changes in our conventional exploration strategy (Gulf of Mexico, Canadian in-situ assets and Harir block in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq), relinquishment of certain properties in the Gulf of Mexico, the operated Solomon exploration well in the Gulf of Mexico and our unproved property in Colorado as a result of the proved property impairment mentioned above.
2014 - Primarily consists of Eagle Ford and Bakken leases that either expired or we decided not to drill or extend.
2013 - Primarily consists of Eagle Ford leases that either expired or we decided not to drill or extend.
See Note 7 for relevant detail regarding segment presentation of unproved property impairments.
Dry well costs    
     2015 - Includes the operated Solomon exploration well in the Gulf of Mexico, our operated Sodalita West #1 exploratory well in E.G. and suspended well costs related our Canadian in-situ assets at Birchwood.
2014 - Includes the operated Key Largo well, outside-operated Perseus well and the outside operated second Shenandoah appraisal well, all of which are located in the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, 2014 also includes our exploration programs in Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Ethiopia and Kenya.
2013 - Primarily includes our exploration programs in Norway, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Ethiopia, Kenya, Poland and Gulf of Mexico.

14. Goodwill
Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis as of April 1 each year, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the fair value of a reporting unit with goodwill may have been reduced below its carrying value. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. Our reporting units are the same as our reporting segments, of which only North America E&P and International E&P include goodwill. We estimated the fair values of the North America E&P and International E&P reporting units using a combination of market and income approaches. Determining the fair value of a reporting unit requires judgment and the use of significant estimates and assumptions. The market approach referenced observable inputs specific to us and our industry, such as the price of our common equity, our enterprise value, and valuation multiples of us and our peers from the investor analyst community. The income approach utilized discounted cash flows, which were based on forecasted

87

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


assumptions. Key assumptions to the income approach include: future liquid hydrocarbon and natural gas prices, estimated quantities of liquid hydrocarbon and natural gas proved and probable reserves, expected timing of production, discount rates, future capital requirements and operating expenses and tax rates. The assumptions used in the income approach are consistent with those that management uses to make business decisions. These valuation methodologies represent Level 3 fair value measurements. We believe the estimates and assumptions used in our impairment assessments are reasonable and based on available market information, but variations in such assumptions could result in materially different calculations of fair value and determinations of whether or not an impairment is indicated.
We performed our annual impairment tests as of April 1 in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 and no impairment was required. The fair value of each of our reporting units with goodwill exceeded the book value. Subsequent to our goodwill impairment test in April 2015, triggering events (downward revisions to forecasted commodity price assumptions and sustained price declines in our common stock) required us to reassess our goodwill for impairment as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2015. We recorded an impairment of goodwill for the N.A. E&P reporting unit during the fourth quarter of 2015. While the fair value of our International E&P reporting unit exceeded book value, subsequent commodity price and/or common stock price declines may cause us to reassess our goodwill for impairment and could result in a non-cash impairment charge in the future.
The table below displays the allocated beginning goodwill balances by segment along with changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for 2015 and 2014 :
(In millions)
N.A. E&P
 
Int'l E&P
 
OSM
 
Total
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance, gross
$
347

 
$
152

 
$
1,412

 
$
1,911

Less: accumulated impairments

 

 
(1,412
)
 
(1,412
)
Beginning balance, net
347

 
152

 

 
499

Dispositions
(3
)
 
(37
)
 

 
(40
)
Ending balance, net
$
344

 
$
115

 
$

 
$
459

2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance, gross
$
344

 
$
115

 
$
1,412

 
$
1,871

Less: accumulated impairments

 

 
(1,412
)
 
(1,412
)
Beginning balance, net
344

 
115

 

 
459

Dispositions
(4
)
 

 

 
(4
)
Impairment
(340
)
 

 

 
(340
)
Ending balance, net
$

 
$
115

 
$

 
$
115



88

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


15. Fair Value Measurements
Fair values – Recurring
The following tables present assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis by hierarchy level.
 
December 31, 2015
(In millions)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Derivative instruments, assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity
$

 
$
51

 
$

 
$
51

Interest rate

 
8

 

 
8

Derivative instruments, assets
$

 
$
59

 
$

 
$
59

Derivative instruments, liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity
$

 
$
1

 
$

 
$
1

Derivative instruments, liabilities
$

 
$
1

 
$

 
$
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
(In millions)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Derivative instruments, assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Interest rate
$

 
$
8

 
$

 
$
8

Derivative instruments, assets
$

 
$
8

 
$

 
$
8

Commodity derivatives include three-way collars, extendable three-way collars and call options. These instruments are measured at fair value using either the Black-Scholes Model or the Black Model. Inputs to both models include prices, interest rates and implied volatility. The inputs to these models are categorized as Level 2 because predominantly all assumptions and inputs are observable in active markets throughout the term of the instruments.
Interest rate swaps are measured at fair value with a market approach using actionable broker quotes which are Level 2 inputs. See Note 16 for additional discussion of the types of derivative instruments we use.  
Fair values – Nonrecurring
The following table shows the values of assets, by major category, measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in periods subsequent to their initial recognition.
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
(In millions)
Fair Value
 
Impairment
 
Fair Value
 
Impairment
 
Fair Value
 
Impairment
Long-lived assets held for use
$
56

 
$
412

 
$
43

 
$
132

 
$
5

 
$
96

Long-lived assets held for use that were impaired are discussed below. The fair values of each were measured using an income approach based upon internal estimates of future production levels, prices and discount rate, all of which are Level 3 inputs, unless otherwise noted.  Inputs to the fair value measurement include reserve and production estimates made by our reservoir engineers, estimated future commodity prices adjusted for quality and location differentials and forecasted operating expenses for the remaining estimated life of the reservoir.
North America E&P
In the third quarter of 2015, impairments of $ 333 million were recorded primarily related to certain producing assets in Colorado and the Gulf of Mexico as a result of lower forecasted commodity prices, to an aggregate fair value of $ 41 million .
During the second quarter of 2015, we recorded an impairment charge of $ 44 million related to East Texas, North Louisiana and Wilburton, Oklahoma natural gas assets as a result of the anticipated sale (See Note 5 ). The fair values were measured using a probability weighted income approach based on both the anticipated sale price and held-for-use model.
In the third quarter of 2014, impairments of $53 million were recorded to Gulf of Mexico properties as a result of estimated abandonment cost and other revisions, to an aggregate fair value of $19 million . In addition, two fields were impaired a total of $47 million to an aggregate fair value of $24 million primarily due to lower forecasted commodity prices.
The Ozona development in the Gulf of Mexico ceased production in 2013 and a $21 million impairment was recorded to write down the assets' remaining value. During 2014, we recorded additional impairments of $30 million as a result of abandonment cost revisions.

89

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Other impairments of long-lived assets held for use in 2015, 2014 and 2013 were a result of reduced drilling expectations, reductions of estimated reserves or decreased commodity prices.
International E&P
In the third quarter of 2015, a partial impairment of $12 million was recorded to an investment in an equity method investee as a result of lower forecasted commodity prices, to a fair value of $604 million . The impairment was reflected in income from equity method investments in our consolidated statement of income.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, as a result of E.G.’s natural gas policy related to the country’s resources, we elected to cease our efforts to develop a second LNG production train on Bioko Island and recorded a $40 million impairment of all capitalized costs associated with engineering and feasibility studies. In addition, our share of income from EGHoldings included a $4 million impairment related to the same project, reflected in income from equity method investments in the 2013 consolidated statement of income.
Oil Sands Mining
In the fourth quarter of 2015, impairments of $26 million were recorded related to long-lived assets used in outside operated debottlenecking projects. Based on an evaluation by the operator, it was determined that the projects would not continue due to a need to reduce capital intensity and improve efficiency.
Fair values – Financial instruments
Our current assets and liabilities include financial instruments, the most significant of which are receivables, commercial paper and payables. We believe the carrying values of our receivables, commercial paper and payables approximate fair value. Our fair value assessment incorporates a variety of considerations, including (1) the short-term duration of the instruments, (2) our investment-grade credit rating and (3) our historical incurrence of and expected future insignificance of bad debt expense, which includes an evaluation of counterparty credit risk.
The following table summarizes financial instruments, excluding receivables, commercial paper, payables and derivative financial instruments, and their reported fair value by individual balance sheet line item at December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
 
December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
(In millions)
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
Financial assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other noncurrent assets
$
104

 
$
118

 
$
132

 
$
129

Total financial assets
$
104

 
$
118

 
$
132

 
$
129

Financial liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other current liabilities
$
34

 
$
33

 
$
13

 
$
13

Long-term debt, including current portion (a)
6,723

 
7,291

 
6,887

 
6,360

Deferred credits and other liabilities
97

 
95

 
69

 
68

Total financial liabilities
$
6,854

 
$
7,419

 
$
6,969

 
$
6,441

(a)  
Excludes capital leases.
Fair values of our financial assets included in other noncurrent assets, and of our financial liabilities included in other current liabilities and deferred credits and other liabilities, are measured using an income approach and most inputs are internally generated, which results in a Level 3 classification. Estimated future cash flows are discounted using a rate deemed appropriate to obtain the fair value.
Most of our long-term debt instruments are publicly-traded. A market approach, based upon quotes from major financial institutions, which are Level 2 inputs, is used to measure the fair value of such debt. The fair value of our debt that is not publicly-traded is measured using an income approach. The future debt service payments are discounted using the rate at which we currently expect to borrow. All inputs to this calculation are Level 3.

90

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


16. Derivatives
For further information regarding the fair value measurement of derivative instruments see Note 15 . See Note 1 for discussion of the types of derivatives we use and the reasons for them. All of our interest rate and commodity derivatives are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements under which we may report net amounts. The following tables present the gross fair values of derivative instruments and the reported net amounts along with where they appear on the consolidated balance sheets.
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
(In millions)
Asset
 
Liability
 
Net Asset
 
Balance Sheet Location
Fair Value Hedges
 
 
 
 


 
 
     Interest rate
$
8

 
$

 
$
8

 
Other noncurrent assets
Total Designated Hedges
$
8

 
$

 
$
8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Not Designated as Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Commodity
$
51

 
$
1

 
$
50

 
Other current assets
Total Not Designated as Hedges
$
51

 
$
1

 
$
50

 
 
Total
$
59


$
1


$
58

 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
(In millions)
Asset
 
Liability
 
Net Asset
 
Balance Sheet Location
Fair Value Hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Interest rate
$
8

 
$

 
$
8

 
Other noncurrent assets
Total Designated Hedges
$
8

 
$

 
$
8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedges
The following table presents by maturity date, information about our interest rate swap agreements, including the weighted average, London Interbank Offer Rate (“LIBOR”)-based, floating rate.
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
Aggregate Notional Amount
Weighted Average, LIBOR-Based,
 
Aggregate Notional Amount
Weighted Average, LIBOR-Based,
Maturity Dates
(in millions)
Floating Rate
 
(in millions)
Floating Rate
October 1, 2017
$
600

4.73
%
 
$
600

4.64
%
March 15, 2018
$
300

4.66
%
 
$
300

4.49
%
The pretax effect of derivative instruments designated as hedges of fair value in our consolidated statements of income is summarized in the table below. There is no ineffectiveness related to the fair value hedges.
 
 
Gain (Loss)
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
Income Statement Location
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Derivative
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate
Net interest and other
$

 
$

 
$
(13
)
Foreign currency
Discontinued operations

 
(36
)
 
(44
)
Hedged Item
 
 

 
 

 
 
Long-term debt
Net interest and other
$

 
$

 
$
13

Accrued taxes
Discontinued operations

 
36

 
44

The table above reflects foreign currency forwards that hedged the current Norwegian tax liability of our Norway business, which was reported as discontinued operations. The open positions were transferred to the purchaser of our Norway business upon closing of the sale in the fourth quarter of 2014.

91

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


  Derivatives Not Designated as Hedges
During 2015, we entered into multiple crude oil derivatives indexed to NYMEX WTI related to a portion of our forecasted North America E&P sales through December 2016. These commodity derivatives consist of three-way collars, extendable three-way collars and call options. Three way-collars consist of a sold call (ceiling), a purchased put (floor) and a sold put. The ceiling price is the maximum we will receive for the contract crude oil volumes, the floor is the minimum price we will receive, unless the market price falls below the sold put strike price. In this case, we receive the NYMEX WTI price plus the difference between the floor and the sold put price. These commodity derivatives are shown in the table below:
Financial Instrument
Weighted Average Price
Barrels per day
Remaining Term
Three-Way Collars
 
 
 
Ceiling
$60.03
10,000
January - March 2016 (a)
Floor
$50.20
 
 
Sold put
$41.60
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ceiling
$71.84
12,000
January- December 2016
Floor
$60.48
 
 
Sold put
$50.00
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ceiling
$73.13
2,000
January- June 2016 (b)
Floor
$65.00
 
 
Sold put
$50.00
 
 
Sold Call Options  
$72.39
10,000
January- December 2016 (c)
(a)  
Counterparties have the option, exercisable on March 31, 2016, to extend these collars through September of 2016 at the same volume and weighted average price as the underlying three-way collars.
(b)  
Counterparty has the option, exercisable on June 30, 2016, to extend these collars through the remainder of 2016 at the same volume and weighted average price as the underlying three-way collars.
(c)  
Call options settle monthly.
The impact of these crude oil derivative instruments appears in sales and other operating revenues in our consolidated statements of income and was a net gain of $ 128 million year to date December 31, 2015 . There were no crude oil derivative instruments during 2014.
On June 1, 2015, we entered into Treasury rate locks, which expired on the same day, to hedge against timing differences as it related to our Notes offering (see Note 17 ). Following the execution of the Treasury locks, corresponding interest rates increased during the day of June 1. As a result, the settlement of the Treasury rate locks resulted in a gain of $ 6 million , which was recognized in net interest and other in our consolidated statements of income.

17. Debt
Short-term debt
As of December 31, 2015 , we had no borrowings against our unsecured revolving credit facility (as amended, the "Credit Facility"), as described below, or under our U.S. commercial paper program that is backed by the Credit Facility.
Revolving Credit Facility
In May 2015, we amended our $2.5 billion Credit Facility to increase by $500 million to a total of $3 billion and extended the maturity date by an additional year such that the Credit Facility now matures in May 2020.  The amendment additionally provides us the ability to request two one-year extensions to the maturity date and an option to increase the commitment amount by up to an additional $500 million , subject to the consent of any increasing lenders.  The sub-facilities for swing-line loans and letters of credit remain unchanged allowing up to an aggregate amount of $100 million and $500 million , respectively.  Fees on the unused commitment of each lender, as well as the borrowing options under the Credit Facility, remain unchanged.

92

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


The Credit Facility includes a covenant requiring that our ratio of total debt to total capitalization not exceed  65%  as of the last day of each fiscal quarter. If an event of default occurs, the lenders holding more than half of the commitments may terminate the commitments under the Credit Facility and require the immediate repayment of all outstanding borrowings and the cash collateralization of all outstanding letters of credit under the Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2015 , we were in compliance with this covenant with a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 28% .
Long-term debt
The following table details our long-term debt:
 
December 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
Senior unsecured notes:
 
 
 
0.900% notes due 2015
$

 
$
1,000

6.000% notes due 2017 (a)
682

 
682

5.900% notes due 2018 (a)
854

 
854

7.500% notes due 2019 (a)
228

 
228

2.700% notes due 2020 (a)
600

 

 2.800% notes due 2022 (a)
1,000

 
1,000

9.375% notes due 2022 (b)
32

 
32

Series A notes due 2022 (b)
3

 
3

8.500% notes due 2023 (b)
70

 
70

8.125% notes due 2023 (b)
131

 
131

3.850% notes due 2025 (a)
900

 

6.800% notes due 2032 (a)
550

 
550

6.600% notes due 2037 (a)
750

 
750

5.200% notes due 2045 (a)
500

 

Capital leases:
 
 
 
Capital lease obligation of consolidated subsidiary due 2016 – 2049
9

 
9

Other obligations:
 
 
 
4.550% promissory note, semi-annual payments due 2015

 
68

5.125% obligation relating to revenue bonds due 2037
1,000

 
1,000

Total (b)  
7,309

 
6,377

Unamortized discount
(10
)
 
(8
)
Fair value adjustments (c)
17

 
22

Unamortized debt issuance cost  (d)
(39
)
 
(28
)
Amounts due within one year
(1
)
 
(1,068
)
Total long-term debt
$
7,276

 
$
5,295

(a)  
These notes contain a make-whole provision allowing us to repay the debt at a premium to market price.
(b)  
In the event of a change in control, as defined in the related agreements, debt obligations totaling $236 million at December 31, 2015 may be declared immediately due and payable.
(c)  
See Notes 15 and 16 for information on interest rate swaps.
(d)  
After the adoption of the debt issuance costs standard, these costs are now reflected as a direct reduction from the associated debt liability in our consolidated balance sheets. See Note 2 for information.
Debt Issuance On June 10, 2015, we issued $2 billion aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes which consist of the following series:
$600 million of 2.70% senior notes due June 1, 2020
$900 million of 3.85% senior notes due June 1, 2025
$500 million of 5.20% senior notes due June 1, 2045
Interest on each series of senior notes is payable semi-annually beginning December 1, 2015. We may redeem some or all of the senior notes at any time at the applicable redemption price, plus accrued interest, if any. The aggregate net proceeds were used to repay our $1 billion 0.90% senior notes that matured in November 2015, and the remainder for general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2015 , we were in compliance with the covenants under the indenture governing the senior notes.



93

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


The following table shows future long-term debt payments:
(In millions)
 
2016
$
1

2017
682

2018
854

2019
228

2020
600

Thereafter
4,944

Total long-term debt, including current portion
$
7,309


18. Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset retirement obligations primarily consist of estimated costs to remove, dismantle and restore land or seabed at the end of oil and gas production operations, including bitumen mining operations. Changes in asset retirement obligations were as follows:
 
For Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
Beginning balance
$
1,958

 
$
2,096

Incurred liabilities, including acquisitions
47

 
89

Settled liabilities, including dispositions
(289
)
 
(426
)
Accretion expense (included in depreciation, depletion and amortization)
105

 
104

Revisions of estimates
(132
)
 
95

Held for sale
(54
)
 

Ending balance
$
1,635

 
$
1,958


2015
Settled liabilities include dispositions, primarily in the Gulf of Mexico and the East Texas, North Louisiana and Wilburton, Oklahoma as well as retirements in the Gulf of Mexico and the U.K.
Revisions of estimates were primarily due to changes in timing of activities in the U.K. and lower estimated costs across the assets.
Held for sale is related to the Neptune field in the Gulf of Mexico.
Ending balance includes $34 million classified as short-term at December 31, 2015 .
2014
Settled liabilities included the Norway and Angola dispositions.
Ending balance includes $41 million classified as short-term at December 31, 2014.


94

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


19. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net cash used in operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest paid (net of amounts capitalized)
$
(325
)
 
$
(279
)
 
$
(289
)
Income taxes paid to taxing authorities  (a)
(171
)
 
(1,679
)
 
(3,904
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial paper, net:
 
 
 
 
 
Issuances
$

 
$
2,345

 
$
10,870

Repayments

 
(2,480
)
 
(10,935
)
Commercial paper, net
$

 
$
(135
)
 
$
(65
)
Noncash investing activities, related to continuing operations:
 
 
 
 
 
Asset retirement cost increase (decrease)
$
(85
)
 
$
151

 
$
290

Increase in capital expenditure accrual

 
335

 
6

Asset retirement obligations assumed by buyer
251

 
359

 
92

(a)  
Income taxes paid to taxing authorities includes $1,312 million and $2,270 million in 2014 , and 2013 related to discontinued operations.
20. Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans and Defined Contribution Plan
We have noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all domestic employees as well as international employees located in the U.K and E.G. Benefits under these plans are based on plan provisions specific to each plan. For the U.K. pension plan, a final decision was reached with the plan trustees to close the plan to future benefit accruals effective December 31, 2015.
We also have defined benefit plans for other postretirement benefits covering our U.S. employees. Health care benefits are provided up to age 65 through comprehensive hospital, surgical and major medical benefit provisions subject to various cost-sharing features. Post-age 65 health care benefits are provided to U.S. employees on a defined contribution basis. Life insurance benefits are provided to certain retiree beneficiaries. These other postretirement benefits are not funded in advance.

95

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Obligations and funded status The following summarizes the obligations and funded status for our defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans.    
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
(In millions)
U.S.
 
Int’l
 
U.S.
 
Int’l
 
U.S.
 
U.S.
Accumulated benefit obligation
518

 
579

 
793

 
610

 
260
 
279
Change in benefit obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
894

 
$
651

 
$
933

 
$
649

 
$
279

 
$
279

Service cost
29

 
14

 
31

 
16

 
3

 
3

Interest cost
25

 
25

 
35

 
27

 
11

 
13

Plan amendment (a)
(88
)
 
1

 

 

 

 
(42
)
Actuarial loss (gain) (b)
26

 
(29
)
 
174

 
46

 
(20
)
 
42

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

 
(35
)
 

 
(39
)
 

 

Divestiture (c)

 

 

 
(29
)
 

 

Liability (gain)/loss due to curtailment (d)
(18
)
 
(23
)
 

 

 
2

 

Settlements paid
(335
)
 

 
(271
)
 

 

 

Benefits paid
(8
)
 
(25
)
 
(8
)
 
(19
)
 
(15
)
 
(16
)
Ending balance
$
525

 
$
579

 
$
894

 
$
651

 
$
260

 
$
279

Change in fair value of plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
574

 
$
622

 
$
625

 
$
597

 
$

 
$

Actual return on plan assets
8

 
8

 
59

 
59

 

 

Employer contributions
115

 
36

 
169

 
37

 
15

 
16

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

 
(33
)
 

 
(39
)
 

 

Divestiture (c)

 

 

 
(13
)
 

 

Settlements paid
(335
)
 

 
(271
)
 

 

 

Benefits paid
(8
)
 
(25
)
 
(8
)
 
(19
)
 
(15
)
 
(16
)
Ending balance
$
354

 
$
608

 
$
574

 
$
622

 
$

 
$

Funded status of plans at December 31
$
(171
)
 
$
29

 
$
(320
)
 
$
(29
)
 
$
(260
)
 
$
(279
)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets:
Noncurrent assets

 
29

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities
(8
)
 

 
(11
)
 

 
(20
)
 
(19
)
Noncurrent liabilities
(163
)
 

 
(309
)
 
(29
)
 
(240
)
 
(260
)
Accrued benefit cost
$
(171
)
 
$
29

 
$
(320
)
 
$
(29
)
 
$
(260
)
 
$
(279
)
Pretax amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Net loss (gain)
$
171

 
$
61

 
$
283

 
$
91

 
$
14

 
$
34

Prior service cost (credit)
(65
)
 
4

 
10

 
8

 
(28
)
 
(41
)
(a)  
The plan amendment in 2015 was a freeze of the final average pay used in the legacy formula of the defined benefit pension plan. Activity in 2014 represents a change in plan design related to the health care benefits provided under the postretirement plan.
(b)
Activity in 2014 includes the increase in the U.S. pension and postretirement benefit obligations of $13 million and $15 million respectively, due to the adoption of the 2014 mortality table.
(c)  
Related to the sale of our Norway business in the fourth quarter of 2014.
(d)  
Related to workforce reductions, which reduced the future expected years of service for employees participating in the plans and the impact of discontinuing accruals for future benefits under the U.K. pension plan effective December 31, 2015.


96

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Components of net periodic benefit cost from continuing operations and other comprehensive (income) loss – The following summarizes the net periodic benefit costs and the amounts recognized as other comprehensive (income) loss for our defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans.
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
(In millions)
U.S.
 
Int’l
 
U.S.
 
Int’l
 
U.S.
 
Int’l
 
U.S.
 
U.S.
 
U.S.
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost
$
29

 
$
14

 
$
31

 
$
16

 
$
33

 
$
17

 
$
3

 
$
3

 
$
4

Interest cost
25

 
25

 
35

 
27

 
40

 
23

 
11

 
13

 
12

Expected return on plan assets
(30
)
 
(37
)
 
(34
)
 
(32
)
 
(43
)
 
(24
)
 

 

 

Amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- prior service cost (credit)
(7
)
 
1

 
5

 
1

 
6

 
1

 
(4
)
 
(6
)
 
(6
)
- actuarial loss
22

 
2

 
29

 
1

 
43

 
4

 
1

 

 

  Net curtailment loss (gain) (a)
(5
)
 
4

 

 

 

 

 
(7
)
 

 

Net settlement loss (b)
119

 

 
99

 

 
45

 

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost (c)
$
153

 
$
9

 
$
165

 
$
13

 
$
124

 
$
21

 
$
4

 
$
10

 
$
10

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss (pretax):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Actuarial loss (gain) (d)
$
30

 
$
(25
)
 
$
149

 
$
33

 
$
(161
)
 
$
(15
)
 
$
(21
)
 
$
42

 
$
(31
)
Amortization of actuarial gain (loss)
(134
)
 
(2
)
 
(128
)
 
(1
)
 
(88
)
 
(4
)
 
(1
)
 

 

Prior service cost (credit)
(89
)
 
1

 

 

 

 

 

 
(42
)
 

Amortization of prior service credit (cost)
7

 
(5
)
 
(5
)
 
(1
)
 
(6
)
 
(1
)
 
13

 
6

 
6

Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss
$
(186
)
 
$
(31
)
 
$
16

 
$
31

 
$
(255
)
 
$
(20
)
 
$
(9
)
 
$
6

 
$
(25
)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (income) loss
$
(33
)
 
$
(22
)
 
$
181

 
$
44

 
$
(131
)
 
$
1

 
$
(5
)
 
$
16

 
$
(15
)
(a)  
Related to workforce reductions, which reduced the future expected years of service for employees participating in the plans and the impact of discontinuing accruals for future benefits under the U.K. pension plan effective December 31, 2015.
(b)  
Settlement losses are recorded when lump sum payments from a plan in a period exceed the plan’s total service and interest costs for the period. Such settlements occurred in one or more of our U.S. pension plans in all periods presented.
(c)  
Net periodic benefit cost reflects a calculated market-related value of plan assets which recognizes changes in fair value over three years.
(d)  
Activity in 2014 includes the impact of the sale of our Norway business in the fourth quarter of 2014.
The estimated net loss and prior service credit for our defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost in 2016 are $12 million and $11 million . The estimated prior service credit for our other defined benefit postretirement plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost in 2016 is $3 million .
Plan assumptions – The following summarizes the assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations at December 31, and net periodic benefit cost for the defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 .
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
(In millions)
U.S.
 
Int’l
 
U.S.
 
Int’l
 
U.S.
 
Int’l
 
U.S.
 
U.S.
 
U.S.
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
4.04
%
 
3.90
%
 
3.71
%
 
3.70
%
 
4.28
%
 
4.60
%
 
4.36
%
 
4.01
%
 
4.85
%
Rate of compensation increase (a)
4.00
%
 

 
4.00
%
 
3.60
%
 
5.00
%
 
4.90
%
 
4.00
%
 
4.00
%
 
5.00
%
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discount rate
3.79
%
 
3.70
%
 
3.98
%
 
4.60
%
 
3.79
%
 
4.40
%
 
3.93
%
 
4.69
%
 
4.06
%
Expected long-term return on plan assets
6.75
%
 
5.70
%
 
6.75
%
 
5.70
%
 
7.25
%
 
4.90
%
 

 

 

Rate of compensation increase
4.00
%
 
3.60
%
 
5.00
%
 
4.90
%
 
5.00
%
 
4.50
%
 
4.00
%
 
5.00
%
 
5.00
%
(a)  
No future benefits will be incurred for the UK plan after December 31, 2015. Therefore, rate of compensation increase is no longer applicable to this plan.

97

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Expected long-term return on plan assets – The expected long-term return on plan assets assumption for our U.S. funded plan is determined based on an asset rate-of-return modeling tool developed by a third-party investment group which utilizes underlying assumptions based on actual returns by asset category and inflation and takes into account our U.S. pension plan’s asset allocation. To determine the expected long-term return on plan assets assumption for our international plans, we consider the current level of expected returns on risk-free investments (primarily government bonds), the historical levels of the risk premiums associated with the other applicable asset categories and the expectations for future returns of each asset class. The expected return for each asset category is then weighted based on the actual asset allocation to develop the overall expected long-term return on plan assets assumption.
Assumed weighted average health care cost trend rates
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Initial health care trend rate
8.00
%
 
6.88
%
 
6.89
%
Ultimate trend rate
4.50
%
 
5.00
%
 
5.00
%
Year ultimate trend rate is reached
2024

 
2024

 
2020

Employer provided subsidy for post-65 retiree health care coverage will only increase by the consumer price index (not to exceed 4%) each year. Company contributions are funded to a Health Reimbursement Account on the retiree’s behalf to subsidize the retiree’s cost of obtaining health care benefits through a private exchange. Therefore, a 1% change in health care cost trend rates would not have a material impact on either the service and interest cost components and the postretirement benefit obligations.
Plan investment policies and strategies – The investment policies for our U.S. and international pension plan assets reflect the funded status of the plans and expectations regarding our future ability to make further contributions. Long-term investment goals are to: (1) manage the assets in accordance with applicable legal requirements; (2) produce investment returns which meet or exceed the rates of return achievable in the capital markets while maintaining the risk parameters set by the plan's investment committees and protecting the assets from any erosion of purchasing power; and (3) position the portfolios with a long-term risk/return orientation. Investment performance and risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through quarterly investment meetings and periodic asset and liability studies.
U.S. plan – The plan’s current targeted asset allocation is comprised of 55% equity securities and 45% other fixed income securities. Over time, as the plan’s funded ratio (as defined by the investment policy) improves, in order to reduce volatility in returns and to better match the plan’s liabilities, the allocation to equity securities will decrease while the amount allocated to fixed income securities will increase. The plan's assets are managed by a third-party investment manager.
International plan – Our international plan's target asset allocation is comprised of 61% equity securities and 39% fixed income securities. The plan assets are invested in eight separate portfolios, mainly pooled fund vehicles, managed by several professional investment managers whose performance is measured independently by a third-party asset servicing consulting firm.
Fair value measurements – Plan assets are measured at fair value. The following provides a description of the valuation techniques employed for each major plan asset class at December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
Cash and cash equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents are valued using a market approach and are considered Level 1. This investment also includes a cash reserve account (a collective short-term investment fund) that is valued using an income approach and is considered Level 2.
Equity securities – Investments in common stock, preferred stock, and real estate investment trusts ("REIT") are valued using a market approach at the closing price reported in an active market and are therefore considered Level 1. Private equity investments include interests in limited partnerships which are valued based on the sum of the estimated fair values of the investments held by each partnership. These private equity investments are considered Level 3. Investments in mutual funds are valued using a market approach. The shares or units held are traded on the public exchanges and are therefore considered Level 1. Investments in pooled funds are valued using a market approach at the net asset value ("NAV") of units held. The various funds consist of either an equity or fixed income investment portfolio with underlying investments held in U.S. and non-U.S. securities. Nearly all of the underlying investments are publicly-traded. The majority of the pooled funds are benchmarked against a relative public index. These are considered Level 2.
Fixed income securities – Fixed income securities are valued using a market approach. U.S. treasury notes and exchange traded funds ("ETFs") are valued at the closing price reported in an active market and are considered Level 1. Corporate bonds and other bonds are valued using calculated yield curves created by models that incorporate various market factors. Primarily investments are held in U.S. and non-U.S. corporate bonds in diverse industries and are considered Level 2. Other bonds

98

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


primarily consist of securities issued by governmental agencies and municipalities. The investment in the commingled fund is valued using the NAV of units held and is considered Level 2. The commingled fund consists of an equity and fixed income portfolio with underlying investments held in U.S. and non-U.S. securities. Pooled funds primarily have investments held in U.S. and non-U.S. publicly traded investment grade government and corporate bonds.
Other – Other investments are comprised of an international insurance carrier contract and the majority of the underlying investments consist of a mix of non-U.S. publicly traded equity securities valued at the closing price reported in an active market and fixed income securities valued using calculated yield curves.  This asset is considered Level 2. The other investments, an unallocated annuity contract, two limited liability companies and real estate are considered Level 3, as significant inputs to determine fair value are unobservable.
The following tables present the fair values of our defined benefit pension plan's assets, by level within the fair value hierarchy, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 .
  
December 31, 2015
(In millions)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
U.S.
 
Int’l
 
U.S.
 
Int’l
 
U.S.
 
Int’l
 
U.S.
 
Int’l
Cash and cash equivalents
$
47

 
$
6

 
$
1

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
48

 
$
6

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common and preferred stock
115

 

 

 

 

 

 
115

 

REIT and private equity
1

 

 

 

 
23

 

 
24

 

Mutual and pooled funds

 
218

 

 
152

 

 

 

 
370

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury notes and ETFs
12

 

 

 

 

 

 
12

 

Corporate and other bonds

 

 
105

 

 

 

 
105

 

Commingled and pooled funds

 

 
23

 
232

 

 

 
23

 
232

REIT and swaps

 

 
2

 

 

 

 
2

 

Other

 

 

 

 
25

 

 
25

 

Total investments, at fair value
$
175

 
$
224

 
$
131

 
$
384

 
$
48

 
$

 
$
354

 
$
608

   
December 31, 2014
(In millions)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
   
U.S.
 
Int’l
 
U.S.
 
Int’l
 
U.S.
 
Int’l
 
U.S.
 
Int’l
Cash and cash equivalents
$
26

 
$
1

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
26

 
$
1

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Common and preferred stock
230

 

 

 

 

 

 
230

 

  REIT and private equity

 

 

 

 
25

 

 
25

 

Mutual and pooled funds

 
221

 

 
164

 

 

 

 
385

Fixed income securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. treasury notes and ETFs
33

 

 

 

 

 

 
33

 

Corporate and other bonds

 

 
190

 

 

 

 
190

 

Commingled and pooled funds

 

 
40

 
236

 

 

 
40

 
236

Other

 

 

 

 
30

 

 
30

 

Total investments, at fair value
$
289

 
$
222

 
$
230

 
$
400

 
$
55

 
$

 
$
574

 
$
622



The activity during the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , for the assets using Level 3 fair value measurements was immaterial.

99

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Cash flows
Estimated future benefit payments – The following gross benefit payments, which were estimated based on actuarial assumptions applied at December 31, 2015 and reflect expected future services, as appropriate, are to be paid in the years indicated.
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
(In millions)
U.S.
 
Int’l
 
U.S.
2016
$
61

 
$
16

 
$
21

2017
61

 
17

 
21

2018
59

 
20

 
20

2019
55

 
21

 
20

2020
53

 
22

 
20

2021 through 2025
224

 
125

 
89

Contributions to defined benefit plans – We expect to make contributions to the funded pension plans of up to $62 million in 2016 . Cash contributions to be paid from our general assets for the unfunded pension and postretirement plans are expected to be approximately $8 million and $21 million in 2016 .
Contributions to defined contribution plans – We contribute to several defined contribution plans for eligible employees. Contributions to these plans totaled $20 million , $25 million and $27 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 .
Additional Severance Obligation – We expect to make severance payments of approximately $8 million in 2016 related to the workforce reduction in 2015.
21. Incentive Based Compensation
Description of stock-based compensation plans – The Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (the "2012 Plan") was approved by our stockholders in April 2012 and authorizes the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors to grant stock options, SARs, stock awards (including restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards) and performance unit awards to employees. The 2012 Plan also allows us to provide equity compensation to our non-employee directors. No more than 50 million shares of our common stock may be issued under the 2012 Plan. For stock options and SARs, the number of shares available for issuance under the 2012 Plan will be reduced by one share for each share of our common stock in respect of which the award is granted. For stock awards (including restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards), the number of shares available for issuance under the 2012 Plan will be reduced by 2.41 shares for each share of our common stock in respect of which the award is granted.
Shares subject to awards under the 2012 Plan that are forfeited, are terminated or expire unexercised become available for future grants. In addition, the number of shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under the 2012 Plan will not be increased by shares tendered to satisfy the purchase price of an award, exchanged for other awards or withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations. Shares issued as a result of awards granted under the 2012 Plan are generally funded out of common stock held in treasury, except to the extent there are insufficient treasury shares, in which case new common shares are issued.
After approval of the 2012 Plan, no new grants were or will be made from any prior plans. Any awards previously granted under any prior plans shall continue to be exercisable in accordance with their original terms and conditions.
Stock-based awards under the plans
Stock options – We grant stock options under the 2012 Plan. Our stock options represent the right to purchase shares of our common stock at its fair market value on the date of grant. In general, our stock options vest ratably over a three -year period and have a maximum term of ten years from the date they are granted.
SARs - At December 31, 2015, there are no SARs outstanding.
Restricted stock – We grant restricted stock under the 2012 Plan. The restricted stock awards granted to officers generally vest three years from the date of grant, contingent on the recipient’s continued employment. We also grant restricted stock to certain non-officer employees based on their performance within certain guidelines and for retention purposes. The restricted stock awards to non-officers generally vest ratably over a three -year period, contingent on the recipient’s continued employment. Prior to vesting, all restricted stock recipients have the right to vote such stock and receive dividends thereon. The non-vested shares of restricted stock are not transferable and are held by our transfer agent.
Stock-based performance units – Beginning in 2013, we grant stock-based performance units to officers under the 2012 Plan. At the grant date, each unit represents the value of one share of our common stock. These units are settled in cash, and

100

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


the amount of the payment is based on (1) the vesting percentage, which can be from zero to 200% based on performance achieved and (2) the value of our common stock on the date vesting is determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The performance goals are tied to our total shareholder return (“TSR”) as compared to TSR for a group of peer companies determined by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. Dividend equivalents may accrue during the performance period and would be paid in cash at the end of the performance period based on the number of shares that would represent the value of the units.
Restricted stock units – We maintain an equity compensation program for our non-employee directors under the 2012 Plan.  All non-employee directors receive annual grants of common stock units. Common shares will be issued for units granted on or after January 1, 2012 upon completion of board service or three years from the date of grant, whichever is earlier. Any units granted prior to 2012 must be held until completion of board service, at which time the non-employee director will receive common shares. We also grant restricted stock units to certain non-officer international employees which generally vest ratably over a three-year period, contingent on the recipient's continued employment. Grants of restricted stock units to these non-officer international employees are based on their performance and for retention purposes. Common shares will be issued for these restricted stock units after vesting. Prior to vesting, recipients of restricted stock units typically receive dividend equivalent payments, but they may not vote.
Total stock-based compensation expense – Total employee stock-based compensation expense was $57 million , $70 million and $70 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , while the total related income tax benefits were $20 million , $25 million and $25 million in the same years. In 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , cash received upon exercise of stock option awards was $9 million , $136 million and $58 million . Tax benefits realized for deductions for stock awards settled during 2014 and 2013 totaled $51 million and $36 million . There were no tax benefits realized for deductions for stock awards settled during 2015 .
  Stock option awards – During 2015 , we granted stock option awards to officer employees. During 2014 and 2013 , we granted stock option awards to both officer and non-officer employees. The weighted average grant date fair value of these awards was based on the following weighted average Black-Scholes assumptions:

2015
 
2014
 
2013
Exercise price per share
$29.06
 
$34.49
 
$33.54
Expected annual dividend yield
2.9
%
 
2.3
%
 
2.1
%
Expected life in years
6.2

 
5.9

 
6.1

Expected volatility
32
%
 
38
%
 
38
%
Risk-free interest rate
1.7
%
 
1.8
%
 
1.6
%
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock option awards granted
$6.84
 
$10.50
 
$10.25
The following is a summary of stock option award activity in 2015 .
 
Number
 
Weighted Average
 
Weighted Average
Remaining
 
Average Intrinsic Value
 
of Shares
 
Exercise Price
 
Contractual Term
 
(in millions)
Outstanding at beginning of year
13,427,836
 
$29.68
 
 
 
 
Granted
724,082
 
$29.06
 
 
 
 
Exercised
(553,401)
 
$16.85
 
 
 
 
Canceled
(933,098)
 
$32.99
 
 
 
 
Outstanding at end of year
12,665,419
 
$29.97
 
4 years
 
$

Exercisable at end of year
10,654,799

 
$29.50
 
3 years
 
$

Expected to vest
1,996,175

 
$32.45
 
8 years
 
$

The intrinsic value of stock option awards exercised during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $6 million , $83 million and $35 million .
As of December 31, 2015 , unrecognized compensation cost related to stock option awards was $9 million , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of one year.

101

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


  Restricted stock awards and restricted stock units – The following is a summary of restricted stock and restricted stock unit award activity in 2015 .
 
Awards
 
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Unvested at beginning of year
3,448,353

  
$34.04
Granted
2,994,558

 
$28.90
Vested & Exercised
(1,350,344
)
 
$33.40
Canceled
(1,075,223
)
 
$32.70
Unvested at end of year
4,017,344

  
$30.76
The vesting date fair value of restricted stock awards which vested during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $26 million , $70 million and $59 million . The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock awards was $30.76 , $34.04 and $31.80 for awards unvested at December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 .
As of December 31, 2015 there was $86 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of one year.
Stock-based performance unit awards – During 2015 , 2014 and 2013 we granted 382,335 , 221,491 and 353,600 stock-based performance unit awards to officers. At December 31, 2015 , there were 584,566 units outstanding.
The key assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation to determine the fair value of stock-based performance units granted in 2015, 2014 and 2013 were:
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Valuation date stock price
$12.59
 
$12.59
 
$12.98
Expected annual dividend yield
1.5
%
 
1.5
%
 
1.5
%
Expected volatility
37
%
 
46
%
 
62
%
Risk-free interest rate
1.1
%
 
0.7
%
 
0.1
%
Fair value of stock-based performance units outstanding
$7.08
 
$6.04
 
$0.18
Cash-based performance unit awards – Prior to 2013, cash-based performance unit awards were granted to officers that provide a cash payment upon the achievement of certain performance goals at the end of a defined measurement period. The performance goals are tied to our TSR as compared to TSR for a group of peer companies determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The target value of each performance unit is $1, with a maximum payout of $2 per unit, but the actual payout could be anywhere between zero and the maximum. Because performance units are to be settled in cash at the end of the performance period, they are accounted for as liability awards.
During 2012, we granted 12.7 million performance units, all having a 36 -month performance period. During the third quarter of 2011, we granted 15 million performance units, a portion of which had a 30 -month performance period and a portion of which had an 18 -month performance period to reflect the remaining periods of the original 2011 and 2010 performance unit grants outstanding prior to the spin-off. Compensation expense associated with cash-based performance units was $5 million and $9 million in 2014 and 2013 . At December 31, 2014 all performance periods ended and no additional units have been granted.

102

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


22.  Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following table presents a summary of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to income (loss) from continuing operations in their entirety:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
(In millions)
2015
2014
 
Income Statement Line
Postretirement and postemployment plans
 
 
 
Amortization of actuarial loss
$
(24
)
$
(30
)
 
General and administrative
Net settlement loss
(119
)
(99
)
 
General and administrative
Net curtailment gain
8


 
General and administrative
 
(135
)
(129
)
 
Income (loss) from operations
 
51

62

 
Provision for income taxes
Other insignificant items, net of tax

(1
)
 
 
Total reclassifications
$
(84
)
$
(68
)
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations
23. Stockholders’ Equity
In 2014 we acquired 29 million common shares at a cost of $1 billion under our share repurchase program, initially authorized in 2006, bringing our total repurchases to 121 million common shares at a cost of $4.7 billion . As of December 31, 2015 the total remaining share repurchase authorization was $1.5 billion . Purchases under the program may be in either open market transactions, including block purchases, or in privately negotiated transactions using cash on hand, cash generated from operations, proceeds from potential asset sales or cash from available borrowings to acquire shares. This program may be changed based upon our financial condition or changes in market conditions and is subject to termination prior to completion. The repurchase program does not include specific price targets or timetables.
24. Leases
We lease a wide variety of facilities and equipment under operating leases, including land, building space, equipment and vehicles. Most long-term leases include renewal options and, in certain leases, purchase options. Future minimum commitments for capital lease obligations and for operating lease obligations having noncancellable lease terms in excess of one year are as follows:
(In millions)
Capital
Lease
Obligations
 
Operating
Lease
Obligations
2016
$
1

 
$
30

2017
1

 
26

2018
1

 
24

2019
1

 
24

2020
1

 
24

Later years
16

 
30

Sublease rentals

 
(1
)
Total minimum lease payments
$
21

 
$
157

Less imputed interest costs
(12
)
 
 
Present value of net minimum lease payments
$
9

 
 
Operating lease rental expense related to continuing operations was $104 million , $120 million and $105 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 .  

103

MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


25. Commitments and Contingencies
We are a defendant in a number of lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business, including, but not limited to, royalty claims, contract claims and environmental claims. While the ultimate outcome and impact to us cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that the resolution of these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Certain of these matters are discussed below.
Environmental matters – We are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to the environment. These laws generally provide for control of pollutants released into the environment and require responsible parties to undertake remediation of hazardous waste disposal sites. Penalties may be imposed for noncompliance.
At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , accrued liabilities for remediation were not significant. It is not presently possible to estimate the ultimate amount of all remediation costs that might be incurred or the penalties that may be imposed.
Guarantees We have entered into a performance guarantee related to asset retirement obligations with aggregate maximum potential undiscounted payments totaling $31 million as of December 31, 2015 . Under the terms of this guarantee arrangement, we would be required to perform should the guaranteed party fail to fulfill its obligations under the specified arrangements.
Over the years, we have sold various assets in the normal course of our business. Certain of the related agreements contain performance and general guarantees, including guarantees regarding inaccuracies in representations, warranties, covenants and agreements, and environmental and general indemnifications that require us to perform upon the occurrence of a triggering event or condition. These guarantees and indemnifications are part of the normal course of selling assets. We are typically not able to calculate the maximum potential amount of future payments that could be made under such contractual provisions because of the variability inherent in the guarantees and indemnities. Most often, the nature of the guarantees and indemnities is such that there is no appropriate method for quantifying the exposure because the underlying triggering event has little or no past experience upon which a reasonable prediction of the outcome can be based.
Contract commitments – At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , contractual commitments to acquire property, plant and equipment totaled $371 million and $747 million .
In connection with the sale of our operated producing properties in the greater Ewing Bank area and non-operated producing interests in the Petronius and Neptune fields in the Gulf of Mexico, we retained an overriding royalty interest in the properties. As part of the sale agreement, proceeds associated with the production of our override, up to $70 million , are dedicated solely to the satisfaction of the corresponding future abandonment obligations of the properties. The term of our override ends once sales proceeds equal $70 million .

104



Select Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)



 
2015
 
2014
(In millions, except per share data)
1st Qtr.
 
2nd Qtr.
 
3rd Qtr.
 
4th Qtr.
 
1st Qtr.
 
2nd Qtr.
 
3rd Qtr.
 
4th Qtr.
Revenues
$
1,484

 
$
1,490

 
$
1,384

 
$
1,164

 
$
2,690

 
$
2,888

 
$
2,870

 
$
2,398

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
(420
)
 
(392
)
 
(1,145
)
 
(1,001
)
 
598

 
511

 
453

 
(201
)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
(276
)
 
(386
)
 
(749
)
 
(793
)
 
398

 
360

 
304

 
(93
)
Discontinued operations (a)

 

 

 

 
751

 
180

 
127

 
1,019

Net income (loss)
$
(276
)
 
$
(386
)
 
$
(749
)
 
$
(793
)
 
$
1,149

 
$
540

 
$
431

 
$
926

Income (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
$(0.41)
 
$(0.57)
 
$(1.11)
 
$(1.17)
 
$0.58
 
$0.53
 
$0.45
 
$(0.14)
Discontinued operations  (a)

 

 

 

 
$1.08
 
$0.27
 
$0.19
 
$1.51
Net income (loss)
($0.41)
 
($0.57)
 
($1.11)
 
($1.17)
 
$1.66
 
$0.80
 
$0.64
 
$1.37
Diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Continuing operations
($0.41)
 
($0.57)
 
($1.11)
 
($1.17)
 
$0.57
 
$0.53
 
$0.45
 
($0.14)
Discontinued operations  (a)

 

 

 

 
$1.08
 
$0.27
 
$0.19
 
$1.51
Net income (loss)
($0.41)
 
($0.57)
 
($1.11)
 
($1.17)
 
$1.65
 
$0.80
 
$0.64
 
$1.37
Dividends paid per share
$0.21
 
$0.21
 
$0.21
 
$0.05
 
$0.19
 
$0.19
 
$0.21
 
$0.21
(a) We closed the sale of our Angola assets in the first quarter of 2014 and our Norway business in the fourth quarter of 2014. The Angola assets and Norway business are reflected as discontinued operations in 2014.

105



Supplementary Information on Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)


The supplementary information is disclosed by the following geographic areas: the U.S.; Canada; E.G.; Other Africa, which primarily includes activities in Gabon, Kenya, Ethiopia and Libya; and Other International ("Other Int’l"), which includes the U.K. and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. We closed the sale of our Angola assets and our Norway business in 2014, and both are shown as discontinued operations ("Disc Ops") in prior periods.
Estimated Quantities of Proved Oil and Gas Reserves
The estimation of net recoverable quantities of crude oil and condensate, natural gas liquids, natural gas and synthetic crude oil is a highly technical process which is based upon several underlying assumptions that are subject to change. See Item 1A. Risk Factors and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition, Cash Flows and Liquidity – Critical Accounting Estimates – Estimated Quantities of Net Reserves. For a discussion of our reserve estimation process, including the use of third-party audits, see Item 1. Business – Reserves.
Our December 31, 2015 proved reserves were calculated using the SEC pricing. The table below provides the 2015 SEC pricing of the benchmark prices as well as the unweighted average for the first two months of 2016:
 
SEC Pricing 2015
2-month Average 2016
WTI Crude oil
$
50.28

$
34.19

Henry Hub natural gas
$
2.59

$
2.28

Brent crude oil
$
54.25

$
34.86

Natural gas liquids
$
17.32

$
12.87

When determining the December 31, 2015 proved reserves for each property, the SEC prices listed above were adjusted using price differentials that account for property-specific quality and location differences.
Beginning in the second half of 2014, the crude oil and natural gas benchmarks began to decline and these declines continued through 2015 and into 2016. Commodity prices are likely to remain volatile based on global supply and demand and could decline further. Sustained reduced commodity prices could have a material effect on the quantity and future cash flows of our proved reserves.
Estimates of future cash flows associated with proved reserves are based on actual costs of developing and producing the reserves as of the end of the year. The decline in commodity prices prompted a concerted effort to reduce the costs of developing and producing reserves. Therefore, the impact of sustained reduced commodity prices on future cash flows will be partially offset by the resulting lower costs to develop and produce reserves.
A sustained period of lower commodity prices could also cause us to decrease our near term capital programs and defer investments until prices improve. A shifting of capital expenditures into future periods beyond five years from the initial proved reserve booking could potentially lead to a reduction in proved undeveloped reserves. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for a further discussion of how a substantial extended decline in commodity prices could impact us.

106



Supplementary Information on Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)


Estimated Quantities of Proved Oil and Gas Reserves (continued)
(mmbbl)
U.S.
 
Canada
 
E.G. (a)
 
Other
Africa
 
Other Int'l
 
Cont Ops
 
Disc Ops
 
Total
Crude oil and condensate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proved developed and undeveloped reserves:
Beginning of year - 2013
387

 

 
72

 
209

 
24

 
692

 
82

 
774

Revisions of previous estimates
33

 

 
(1
)
 
12

 
6

 
50

 
19

 
69

Improved recovery

 

 

 

 

 

 
11

 
11

Purchases of reserves in place
12

 

 

 

 

 
12

 

 
12

Extensions, discoveries and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 
 
 
 
other additions
112

 

 
1

 
3

 

 
116

 
8

 
124

Production
(46
)
 

 
(8
)
 
(9
)
 
(5
)
 
(68
)
 
(29
)
 
(97
)
Sales of reserves in place
(1
)
 

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
End of year - 2013
497

 

 
64

 
215

 
25

 
801

 
91

 
892

Revisions of previous estimates
36

 

 
(1
)
 
(4
)
 
1

 
32

 
10

 
42

Improved recovery
2

 

 

 

 

 
2

 

 
2

Purchases of reserves in place
6

 

 

 

 

 
6

 

 
6

Extensions, discoveries and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 
 
 


other additions
153

 

 
1

 

 
7

 
161

 
3

 
164

Production
(57
)
 

 
(7
)
 
(3
)
 
(4
)
 
(71
)
 
(17
)
 
(88
)
Sales of reserves in place
(3
)
 

 

 

 

 
(3
)
 
(87
)
 
(90
)
End of year - 2014
634

 

 
57

 
208

 
29

 
928

 

 
928

Revisions of previous estimates
(109
)
 

 
2

 
(7
)
 
(2
)
 
(116
)
 

 
(116
)
Improved recovery
1

 

 

 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Extensions, discoveries and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 
 
 


other additions
122

 

 

 

 

 
122

 

 
122

Production
(62
)
 

 
(7
)
 

 
(5
)
 
(74
)
 

 
(74
)
Sales of reserves in place
(6
)
 

 

 

 

 
(6
)
 

 
(6
)
End of year - 2015
580

 

 
52

 
201

 
22

 
855

 

 
855

Proved developed reserves:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of year - 2013
169

 

 
45

 
168

 
20

 
402

 
63

 
465

End of year - 2013
241

 

 
37

 
176

 
19

 
473

 
77

 
550

End of year - 2014
294

 

 
30

 
175

 
19

 
518

 

 
518

End of year - 2015
327

 

 
25

 
173

 
16

 
541

 

 
541

Proved undeveloped reserves:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of year - 2013
218

 

 
27

 
41

 
4

 
290

 
19

 
309

End of year - 2013
256

 

 
27

 
39

 
6

 
328

 
14

 
342

End of year - 2014
340

 

 
27

 
33

 
10

 
410

 

 
410

End of year - 2015
253

 

 
27

 
28

 
6

 
314

 

 
314

 




107



Supplementary Information on Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)


Estimated Quantities of Proved Oil and Gas Reserves (continued)
(mmbbl)
U.S.
 
Canada
 
E.G. (a)
 
Other
Africa
 
Other Int'l
 
Cont Ops
 
Disc Ops
 
Total
Natural gas liquids
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proved developed and undeveloped reserves:
Beginning of year - 2013
88

 

 
38

 

 
1

 
127

 

 
127

Revisions of previous estimates
13

 

 

 

 

 
13

 

 
13

Purchases of reserves in place
2

 

 

 

 

 
2

 

 
2

Extensions, discoveries and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 
 
 


other additions
25

 

 

 

 

 
25

 

 
25

Production
(9
)
 

 
(4
)
 

 

 
(13
)
 

 
(13
)
End of year - 2013
119

 

 
34

 

 
1

 
154

 

 
154

Revisions of previous estimates
4

 

 

 

 

 
4

 

 
4

Improved recovery
1

 

 

 

 
 
 
1

 

 
1

Extensions, discoveries and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 
 
 


other additions
48

 

 

 

 

 
48

 

 
48

Production
(11
)
 

 
(4
)
 

 

 
(15
)
 

 
(15
)
End of year - 2014
161

 

 
30

 

 
1

 
192

 

 
192

Revisions of previous estimates
(31
)
 

 
2

 

 
(1
)
 
(30
)
 

 
(30
)
Extensions, discoveries and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 
 
 


other additions
57

 

 

 

 

 
57

 

 
57

Production
(14
)
 

 
(4
)
 

 

 
(18
)
 

 
(18
)
Sales of reserves in place
(1
)
 

 

 

 

 
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
End of year - 2015
172

 

 
28

 

 

 
200

 

 
200

Proved developed reserves:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of year - 2013
29

 

 
23

 

 
1

 
53

 

 
53

End of year - 2013
51

 

 
18

 

 
1

 
70

 

 
70

End of year - 2014
68

 

 
15

 

 

 
83

 

 
83

End of year - 2015
92

 

 
12

 

 

 
104

 

 
104

Proved undeveloped reserves:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of year - 2013
59

 

 
15

 

 

 
74

 

 
74

End of year - 2013
68

 

 
16

 

 

 
84

 

 
84

End of year - 2014
93

 

 
15

 

 
1

 
109

 

 
109

End of year - 2015
80

 

 
16

 

 

 
96

 

 
96




108



Supplementary Information on Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)


Estimated Quantities of Proved Oil and Gas Reserves (continued)
(bcf)
U.S.
 
Canada
 
E.G. (a)
 
Other
Africa
 
Other Int'l
 
Cont Ops
 
Disc Ops
 
Total
Natural gas
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proved developed and undeveloped reserves:
Beginning of year - 2013
1,043

 

 
1,424

 
209

 
14

 
2,690

 
89

 
2,779

Revisions of previous estimates
(4
)
 

 
45

 
4

 
23

 
68

 
20

 
88

Purchases of reserves in place
13

 

 
3

 

 

 
16

 

 
16

Extensions, discoveries and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 
 
 


other additions
163

 

 
9

 

 

 
172

 
3

 
175

Production (b)
(114
)
 

 
(161
)
 
(8
)
 
(9
)
 
(292
)
 
(19
)
 
(311
)
Sales of reserves in place
(76
)
 

 

 

 

 
(76
)
 

 
(76
)
End of year - 2013
1,025

 

 
1,320

 
205

 
28

 
2,578

 
93

 
2,671

Revisions of previous estimates
(24
)
 

 
1

 
5

 
2

 
(16
)
 
7

 
(9
)
Purchases of reserves in place
5

 

 

 

 

 
5

 

 
5

Extensions, discoveries and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 
 
 


other additions
290

 

 
44

 

 

 
334

 
2

 
336

Production (b)
(113
)
 

 
(160
)
 
(1
)
 
(8
)
 
(282
)
 
(13
)
 
(295
)
Sales of reserves in place
(39
)
 

 

 

 

 
(39
)
 
(89
)
 
(128
)
End of year - 2014
1,144

 

 
1,205

 
209

 
22

 
2,580

 

 
2,580

Revisions of previous estimates
(191
)
 

 
35

 
(3
)
 
1

 
(158
)
 

 
(158
)
Purchases of reserves in place
1

 

 

 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Extensions, discoveries and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 
 
 


other additions
394

 

 

 

 

 
394

 

 
394

Production (b)
(128
)
 

 
(150
)
 

 
(8
)
 
(286
)
 

 
(286
)
Sales of reserves in place
(69
)
 

 

 

 

 
(69
)
 

 
(69
)
End of year - 2015
1,151

 

 
1,090

 
206

 
15

 
2,462

 

 
2,462

Proved developed reserves:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Beginning of year - 2013
546

 

 
980

 
99

 
8

 
1,633

 
20

 
1,653

End of year - 2013
540

 

 
823

 
95

 
21

 
1,479

 
20

 
1,499

End of year - 2014
575

 

 
664

 
94

 
17

 
1,350

 

 
1,350

End of year - 2015
640

 

 
552

 
94

 
11

 
1,297

 

 
1,297

Proved undeveloped reserves:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Beginning of year - 2013
497

 

 
444

 
110

 
6

 
1,057

 
69

 
1,126

End of year - 2013
485

 

 
497

 
110

 
7

 
1,099

 
73

 
1,172

End of year - 2014
569

 

 
541

 
115

 
5

 
1,230

 

 
1,230

End of year - 2015
511

 

 
538

 
112

 
4

 
1,165

 

 
1,165






109



Supplementary Information on Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)


Estimated Quantities of Proved Oil and Gas Reserves (continued)
(mmbbl)
U.S.
 
Canada
 
E.G. (a)
 
Other
Africa
 
Other Int'l
 
Cont Ops
 
Disc Ops
 
Total
Synthetic crude oil
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proved developed and undeveloped reserves:
Beginning of year - 2013

 
653

 

 

 

 
653

 

 
653

Revisions of previous estimates

 
36

 

 

 

 
36

 

 
36

Extensions, discoveries and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
other additions

 
6

 

 

 

 
6

 

 
6

Production

 
(15
)
 

 

 

 
(15
)
 

 
(15
)
End of year - 2013

 
680

 

 

 

 
680

 

 
680

Revisions of previous estimates

 
(55
)
 

 

 

 
(55
)
 

 
(55
)
Purchases of reserves in place

 
38

 

 

 

 
38

 

 
38

Production

 
(15
)
 

 

 

 
(15
)
 

 
(15
)
End of year - 2014

 
648

 

 

 

 
648

 

 
648

Revisions of previous estimates

 
67

 

 

 

 
67

 

 
67

Production

 
(17
)
 

 

 

 
(17
)
 

 
(17
)
End of year - 2015

 
698

 

 

 

 
698

 

 
698

Proved developed reserves:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of year - 2013

 
653

 

 

 

 
653

 

 
653

End of year - 2013

 
674

 

 

 

 
674

 

 
674

End of year - 2014

 
644

 

 

 

 
644

 

 
644

End of year - 2015

 
698

 

 

 

 
698

 

 
698

Proved undeveloped reserves:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
End of year - 2013

 
6

 

 

 

 
6

 

 
6

End of year - 2014

 
4

 

 

 

 
4

 

 
4



110



Supplementary Information on Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)


Estimated Quantities of Proved Oil and Gas Reserves (continued)
(mmboe)
U.S.
 
Canada
 
E.G. (a)
 
Other
Africa
 
Other Int'l
 
Cont Ops
 
Disc Ops
 
Total
Total Proved Reserves
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proved developed and undeveloped reserves:
Beginning of year - 2013
649

 
653

 
347

 
244

 
27

 
1,920

 
97

 
2,017

Revisions of previous estimates
45

 
36

 
7

 
12

 
11

 
111

 
21

 
132

Improved recovery

 

 

 

 

 

 
11

 
11

Purchases of reserves in place
16

 

 
1

 

 

 
17

 

 
17

Extensions, discoveries and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 
 
 


other additions
164

 
6

 
2

 
3

 

 
175

 
9

 
184

Production (b)
(74
)
 
(15
)
 
(39
)
 
(10
)
 
(7
)
 
(145
)
 
(32
)
 
(177
)
Sales of reserves in place
(13
)
 

 

 

 
 
 
(13
)
 

 
(13
)
End of year - 2013
787

 
680

 
318

 
249

 
31

 
2,065

 
106

 
2,171

Revisions of previous estimates
36

 
(55
)
 

 
(3
)
 

 
(22
)
 
11

 
(11
)
Improved recovery
2

 

 

 

 

 
2

 

 
2

Purchases of reserves in place
8

 
38

 

 

 

 
46

 

 
46

Extensions, discoveries and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 
 
 

other additions
250

 

 
8

 

 
7

 
265

 
3

 
268

Production (b)
(87
)
 
(15
)
 
(38
)
 
(3
)
 
(5
)
 
(148
)
 
(19
)
 
(167
)
Sales of reserves in place
(10
)
 

 

 

 

 
(10
)
 
(101
)
 
(111
)
End of year - 2014
986

 
648

 
288

 
243

 
33

 
2,198

 

 
2,198

Revisions of previous estimates
(173
)
 
67

 
8

 
(8
)
 
(2
)
 
(108
)
 

 
(108
)
Improved recovery
1

 

 

 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Purchases of reserves in place
1

 

 

 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Extensions, discoveries and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 
 
 


other additions
245

 

 
1

 

 

 
246

 

 
246

Production (b)
(98
)
 
(17
)
 
(36
)
 

 
(6
)
 
(157
)
 

 
(157
)
Sales of reserves in place
(18
)
 

 

 

 

 
(18
)
 

 
(18
)
End of year - 2015
944

 
698


261


235


25

 
2,163

 


2,163

Proved developed reserves:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of year - 2013
289

 
653

 
231

 
185

 
22

 
1,380

 
66

 
1,446

End of year - 2013
382

 
674

 
193

 
192

 
23

 
1,464

 
80

 
1,544

End of year - 2014
458

 
644

 
155

 
191

 
22

 
1,470

 

 
1,470

End of year - 2015
526

 
698

 
129

 
189

 
18

 
1,560

 

 
1,560

Proved undeveloped reserves:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Beginning of year - 2013
360

 

 
116

 
59

 
5

 
540

 
31

 
571

End of year - 2013
405

 
6

 
125

 
57

 
8

 
601

 
26

 
627

End of year - 2014
528

 
4

 
133

 
52

 
11

 
728

 

 
728

End of year - 2015
418

 

 
132

 
46

 
7

 
603

 

 
603

(a)  
Consists of estimated reserves from properties governed by production sharing contracts.
(b)  
Excludes the resale of purchased natural gas used in reservoir management.
2015
Total proved reserves declined 35 mmboe, primarily due to negative revisions in the U.S. totaling 173 mmboe largely a result of reductions to our capital development program and adherence to the SEC 5-year rule as well as routine production. This decline was partially offset by increased reserves from the drilling programs in our U.S. unconventional shale plays totaling 245 mmboe as well as a positive revision of 67 mmboe in OSM. The OSM revision was a consequence of technical reevaluation and lower royalty percentages from lower realized prices. Royalties paid in Canada are on a sliding scale; as the sales price of our synthetic crude oil increases, our royalty rate increases.

111



Supplementary Information on Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)


2014
U.S. proved reserves increases in 2014 from extensions, discoveries and additions of 250 mmboe were the result of development activity in our U.S. resource plays. The sales of reserves in place related to our Norway and Angola discontinued operations were the largest decreases in 2014 proved reserves. The negative 55 mmboe revision to Canadian synthetic crude oil reserves primarily reflects the impact of technical and price changes on calculated royalty volumes as well as development plan changes in the mineable areas.
2013
U.S. proved reserves increases in 2013 from extensions, discoveries and additions of 164 mmboe and revisions of previous estimates of 45 mmboe were the result of drilling programs in our shale plays. Revisions of previous estimates increased 36 mmboe in Canada primarily due to price and cost changes.


112



Supplementary Information on Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)


Capitalized Costs and Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
U.S.
 
Canada
 
E.G.
 
Other
Africa
 
Other Int'l
 
Total
2015 Capitalized Costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proved properties
$
27,816

 
$
9,538

 
$
1,955

 
$
828

 
$
5,741

 
$
45,878

Unproved properties
1,625

 
1,389

 
86

 
465

 
242

 
3,807

Total
29,441

 
10,927

 
2,041

 
1,293

 
5,983

 
49,685

Accumulated depreciation,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
depletion and amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proved properties
13,656

 
1,420

 
1,105

 
263

 
5,195

 
21,639

Unproved properties (a)
675

 
310

 

 
107

 
114

 
1,206

Total
14,331

 
1,730

 
1,105

 
370

 
5,309

 
22,845

Net capitalized costs
$
15,110

 
$
9,197

 
$
936

 
$
923

 
$
674

 
$
26,840

2014 Capitalized Costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proved properties
$
28,334

 
$
9,481

 
$
1,804

 
$
823

 
$
5,707

 
$
46,149

Unproved properties
1,861

 
1,505

 
64

 
460

 
237

 
4,127

Total
30,195

 
10,986

 
1,868

 
1,283

 
5,944

 
50,276

Accumulated depreciation,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
depletion and amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proved properties
13,746

 
1,183

 
1,010

 
260

 
5,075

 
21,274

Unproved properties
189

 
1

 

 

 
9

 
199

Total
13,935

 
1,184

 
1,010

 
260

 
5,084

 
21,473

Net capitalized costs
$
16,260

 
$
9,802

 
$
858

 
$
1,023

 
$
860

 
$
28,803

(a)     Includes unproved property impairments (see Note 13 ).
Costs Incurred for Property Acquisition, Exploration and Development (a)  
(In millions)
U.S.
 
Canada
 
E.G.
 
Other
Africa
 
Other Int'l
 
Cont Ops
 
Disc Ops
 
Total
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property acquisition:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proved
$
4

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
4

 
$

 
$
4

Unproved
61

 

 

 
1

 

 
62

 

 
62

Exploration
959

 
1

 
60

 
38

 
50

 
1,108

 

 
1,108

Development
1,477

 

 
150

 
13

 
31

(c)  
1,671

 

 
1,671

Total
$
2,501

 
$
1

(b)  
$
210

 
$
52

 
$
81

 
$
2,845

 
$

 
$
2,845

December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property acquisition:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proved
$
26

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
26

 
$

 
$
26

Unproved
202

 
3

 

 
53

 
2

 
260

 
1

 
261

Exploration
1,140

 
4

 
35

 
119

 
119

 
1,417

 
6

 
1,423

Development
3,532

 
196

 
139

 
16

 
94

 
3,977

 
418

 
4,395

Total
$
4,900

 
$
203

 
$
174

 
$
188

 
$
215

 
$
5,680

 
$
425

 
$
6,105

December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property acquisition:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proved
$
51

 
$
30

 
$
9

 
$

 
$

 
$
90

 
$

 
$
90

Unproved
157

 

 

 
44

 
21

 
222

 

 
222

Exploration
885

 
9

 
4

 
124

 
151

 
1,173

 
98

 
1,271

Development
2,876

 
280

 
84

 
46

 
83

 
3,369

 
499

 
3,868

Total
$
3,969

 
$
319

 
$
97

 
$
214

 
$
255

 
$
4,854

 
$
597

 
$
5,451

(a)  
Includes costs incurred whether capitalized or expensed. 
(b)  
Reflects reimbursements earned from the governments of Canada and Alberta related to funds previously expended for Quest CCS capital equipment.
(c)  
Includes negative revisions to asset retirement costs primarily due to lower estimated costs for future abandonments as well as changes in timing of these activities in the U.K.

113



Supplementary Information on Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)


Results of Operations for Oil and Gas Producing Activities
 
U.S.
 
Canada
 
E.G.
 
Other
Africa
 
Other Int'l
 
Cont Ops
 
Disc Ops
 
Total
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues and other income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales
$
3,374

 
$
700

 
$
40

 
$

 
$
329

 
$
4,443

 
$

 
$
4,443

Transfers

 

  
296

 

 

 
296

 

 
296

Other income (a)
230

 

  

 
(109
)
 
1

 
122

 

 
122

Total revenues and other income
3,604

 
700

 
336

 
(109
)
 
330

 
4,861

 

 
4,861

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production costs
(1,259
)
 
(660
)
 
(84
)
 
(31
)
 
(177
)
 
(2,211
)
 

 
(2,211
)
Exploration expenses (b)
(750
)
 
(348
)
 
(41
)
 
(36
)
 
(143
)
 
(1,318
)
 

 
(1,318
)
Depreciation, depletion and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
amortization (c)
(2,758
)
 
(266
)
 
(92
)
 
(5
)
 
(163
)
 
(3,284
)
 

 
(3,284
)
Technical support and other
(47
)
 
(2
)
 
(6
)
 
(2
)
 
(3
)
 
(60
)
 

 
(60
)
Total expenses
(4,814
)
 
(1,276
)
 
(223
)
 
(74
)
 
(486
)
 
(6,873
)
 

 
(6,873
)
Results before income taxes
(1,210
)
 
(576
)
 
113

 
(183
)
 
(156
)
 
(2,012
)
 

 
(2,012
)
Income tax provision
437

 
31

 
(33
)
 
87

 
86

 
608

 

 
608

Results of operations
$
(773
)
 
$
(545
)
 
$
80

 
$
(96
)
 
$
(70
)
 
$
(1,404
)
 
$

 
$
(1,404
)
Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues and other income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales
$
5,754

 
$
1,316

 
$
43

 
$
244

 
$
440

 
$
7,797

 
$
189

 
$
7,986

Transfers
3

 

  
588

 

 
3

 
594

 
1,848

 
2,442

Other income (a)
(85
)
 

  

 

 

 
(85
)
 
1,832

 
1,747

Total revenues and other income
5,672

 
1,316

 
631

 
244

 
443

 
8,306

 
3,869

 
12,175

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Production costs
(1,544
)
 
(803
)
 
(154
)
 
(79
)
 
(253
)
 
(2,833
)
 
(181
)
 
(3,014
)
Exploration expenses
(607
)
 
(1
)
 
(26
)
 
(103
)
 
(56
)
 
(793
)
 
(5
)
 
(798
)
Depreciation, depletion and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 
 
 
 
amortization (c)
(2,474
)
 
(206
)
 
(93
)
 
(9
)
 
(115
)
 
(2,897
)
 
(105
)
 
(3,002
)
Technical support and other
(193
)
 
(15
)
 
(31
)
 
(21
)
 
(14
)
 
(274
)
 
(7
)
 
(281
)
Total expenses
(4,818
)
 
(1,025
)
 
(304
)
 
(212
)
 
(438
)
 
(6,797
)
 
(298
)
 
(7,095
)
Results before income taxes
854

 
291

 
327

 
32

 
5

 
1,509

 
3,571

 
5,080

Income tax provision
(302
)
 
(71
)
 
(117
)
 
(32
)
 
(18
)
 
(540
)
 
(1,496
)
 
(2,036
)
Results of operations
$
552

 
$
220

 
$
210

 
$

 
$
(13
)
 
$
969

 
$
2,075

 
$
3,044

Year Ended December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues and other income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales
$
5,059

 
$
1,376

 
$
33

 
$
1,106

 
$
687

 
$
8,261

 
$
599

 
$
8,860

Transfers
3

 

  
715

 

 
6

 
724

 
2,935

 
3,659

Other income (a)
(9
)
 

  

 

 
(8
)
 
(17
)
 

 
(17
)
Total revenues and other income
5,053

 
1,376

 
748

 
1,106

 
685

 
8,968

 
3,534

 
12,502

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Production costs
(1,318
)
 
(867
)
 
(113
)
 
(73
)
 
(271
)
 
(2,642
)
 
(273
)
 
(2,915
)
Exploration expenses
(717
)
 
(8
)
 
(3
)
 
(65
)
 
(98
)
 
(891
)
 
(107
)
 
(998
)
Depreciation, depletion and
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 


 
 
 

amortization (c)
(1,980
)
 
(218
)
 
(97
)
 
(28
)
 
(151
)
 
(2,474
)
 
(345
)
 
(2,819
)
Technical support and other
(185
)
 
(21
)
 
(30
)
 
(19
)
 
(15
)
 
(270
)
 
(38
)
 
(308
)
Total expenses
(4,200
)
 
(1,114
)
 
(243
)
 
(185
)
 
(535
)
 
(6,277
)
 
(763
)
 
(7,040
)
Results before income taxes
853

 
262

 
505

 
921

 
150

 
2,691

 
2,771

 
5,462

Income tax provision
(323
)
 
(66
)
 
(182
)
 
(920
)
 
(117
)
 
(1,608
)
 
(1,948
)
 
(3,556
)
Results of operations
$
530

 
$
196

 
$
323

 
$
1

 
$
33

 
$
1,083

 
$
823

 
$
1,906

(a)  
Includes net gain (loss) on dispositions (see Note 5 ).
(b)  
Includes unproved property impairments (see Note 13 ).
(c)  
Includes long-lived asset impairments (see Note 13 ).
(d)     Includes $135 million of deferred tax expense related to Alberta provincial corporate tax rate increase (see Note 9 ).

114



Supplementary Information on Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)


Results of Operations for Oil and Gas Producing Activities
The following reconciles results of operations for oil and gas producing activities to segment income:
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Results of operations
$
(1,404
)
 
$
3,044

 
$
1,906

Discontinued operations

 
(2,075
)
 
(823
)
Results of continuing operations
(1,404
)
 
969

 
1,083

Items not included in results of oil and gas operations, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
Marketing income and other non-oil and gas producing related activities
(75
)
 
73

 
40

Income from equity method investments
127

 
327

 
340

Items not allocated to segment income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
Loss (gain) on asset dispositions
(57
)
 
58

 
20

Long-lived asset impairments
819

 
69

 
10

Unrealized gain on derivatives
(32
)
 

 

Alberta provincial corporate tax rate increase
135

 

 

Segment income
$
(487
)
 
$
1,496

 
$
1,493


115



Supplementary Information on Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)


Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Reserves
U.S. GAAP prescribes guidelines for computing the standardized measure of future net cash flows and changes therein relating to estimated proved reserves, giving very specific assumptions to be made such as the use of a 10% discount rate and an unweighted average of commodity prices in the prior 12-month period using the closing prices on the first day of each month. These and other required assumptions have not always proved accurate in the past, and other valid assumptions would give rise to substantially different results. This information is not the fair value nor does it represent the expected present value of future cash flows of our crude oil and condensate, natural gas liquid, natural gas and synthetic crude oil reserves.
(In millions)
U.S.
 
Canada
 
E.G.
 
Other
Africa
 
Other Int'l
 
Total
Year Ended December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future cash inflows
$
31,026

 
$
31,087

 
$
2,671

 
$
12,157

 
$
1,281

 
$
78,222

Future production and support costs
(12,270
)
 
(27,459
)
 
(1,095
)
 
(901
)
 
(902
)
 
(42,627
)
Future development costs
(6,637
)
 
(2,929
)
 
(94
)
 
(689
)
 
(1,537
)
 
(11,886
)
Future income tax expenses
(778
)
 

 
(369
)
 
(9,857
)
 
602

 
(10,402
)
Future net cash flows
$
11,341

 
$
699

 
$
1,113

 
$
710

 
$
(556
)
(a)  
$
13,307

10% annual discount for timing of cash flows
(6,082
)
 
(534
)
 
(380
)
 
(441
)
 
352

 
(7,085
)
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows-
-related to continuing operations
$
5,259

 
$
165

 
$
733

 
$
269

 
$
(204
)
 
$
6,222

-related to discontinued operations
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future cash inflows
$
66,307

 
$
55,675

 
$
5,027

 
$
23,803

 
$
3,040

 
$
153,852

Future production and support costs
(19,504
)
 
(34,838
)
 
(1,270
)
 
(803
)
 
(1,452
)
 
(57,867
)
Future development costs
(14,626
)
 
(9,754
)
 
(259
)
 
(680
)
 
(1,669
)
 
(26,988
)
Future income tax expenses
(8,124
)
 
(2,190
)
 
(922
)
 
(21,008
)
 
(9
)
 
(32,253
)
Future net cash flows
$
24,053

 
$
8,893

 
$
2,576

 
$
1,312

 
$
(90
)
 
$
36,744

10% annual discount for timing of cash flows
(12,138
)
 
(6,613
)
 
(915
)
 
(742
)
 
221

 
(20,187
)
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows-
-related to continuing operations
$
11,915

 
$
2,280

 
$
1,661

 
$
570

 
$
131

 
$
16,557

-related to discontinued operations
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Year Ended December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Future cash inflows
$
54,099

 
$
59,585

 
$
5,911

 
$
28,195

 
$
3,178

 
$
150,968

Future production and support costs
(16,774
)
 
(35,954
)
 
(1,619
)
 
(976
)
 
(1,191
)
 
(56,514
)
Future development costs
(9,685
)
 
(9,694
)
 
(367
)
 
(793
)
 
(1,302
)
 
(21,841
)
Future income tax expenses
(7,592
)
 
(3,098
)
 
(1,032
)
 
(24,982
)
 
(643
)
 
(37,347
)
Future net cash flows
$
20,048

 
$
10,839

 
$
2,893

 
$
1,444

 
$
42

 
$
35,266

10% annual discount for timing of cash flows
(9,940
)
 
(8,300
)
 
(1,084
)
 
(828
)
 
128

 
(20,024
)
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows-
-related to continuing operations
$
10,108

 
$
2,539

 
$
1,809

 
$
616

 
$
170

 
$
15,242

-related to discontinued operations
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,302

 
$
1,228

 
$
2,530

(a)  
Future cash flows for Other International reflects the impact of future abandonment costs related to the U.K.

116



Supplementary Information on Oil and Gas Producing Activities (Unaudited)


Changes in the Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows
 
Year Ended December 31,
(In millions)
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Sales and transfers of oil and gas produced, net of production and support costs
$
(2,460
)
 
$
(5,284
)
 
$
(6,080
)
Net changes in prices and production and support costs related to future production
(25,239
)
(b)  
(2,688
)
 
(336
)
Extensions, discoveries and improved recovery, less related costs
1,100

 
3,539

 
3,415

Development costs incurred during the period
1,694

 
4,088

 
3,429

Changes in estimated future development costs
9,397

 
(1,423
)
 
898

Revisions of previous quantity estimates (a)
(7,625
)
 
(3,193
)
 
1,330

Net changes in purchases and sales of minerals in place
(460
)
 
(168
)
 
(229
)
Accretion of discount
2,967

 
3,132

 
2,657

Net change in income taxes
10,291

 
3,312

 
(1,930
)
Net change for the year
(10,335
)
 
1,315

 
3,154

Beginning of the year related to continuing operations
16,557

 
15,242

 
12,088

End of the year related to continuing operations
$
6,222

 
$
16,557

 
$
15,242

Net change for the year related to discontinued operations
$

 
$
(2,530
)
 
$
399

(a)  
Includes amounts resulting from changes in the timing of production.
(b)  
Decrease primarily due to lower realized prices.



117


Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. As of the end of the period covered by this Report based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2015 .
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
See "Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting" under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
See "Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
During the fourth quarter of 2015 , there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or were reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.

118


PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information required by this item is incorporated by reference to "Proposal 1: Election of Directors," "Corporate Governance—Committees of the Board" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in our Proxy Statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of December 31, 2015 (the "2016 Proxy Statement").
See "Executive Officers of the Registrant" under Item 1 of this Form 10-K for information about our executive officers.
Our Code of Business Conduct and the Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers are available on our website at www.marathonoil.com.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information required by this item is incorporated by reference to "Corporate Governance—Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation," "Compensation Committee Report," "Director Compensation," "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" and "Executive Compensation" in the 2016 Proxy Statement.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Portions of information required by this item are incorporated by reference to "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in the 2016 Proxy Statement.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2015 with respect to shares of Marathon Oil common stock that may be issued under our existing equity compensation plans:
Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (the "2012 Plan")
Marathon Oil Corporation 2007 Incentive Compensation Plan (the "2007 Plan") – No additional awards will be granted under this plan.
Marathon Oil Corporation 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan (the "2003 Plan") – No additional awards will be granted under this plan.
Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors – No additional awards will be granted under this plan.
Plan category
Number of securities to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights
 
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights (c)
 
Number of securities
remaining available for future issuance
under equity compensation plans
 
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders
13,715,861

(a)  
$29.97
 
30,434,538

(d)  
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders
12,291

(b)  
N/A
 

  
Total
13,728,152

  
N/A
 
30,434,538

  
(a)  
Includes the following:
3,513,104 stock options outstanding under the 2012 Plan; 8,479,140 stock options outstanding under the 2007 Plan; 673,175 stock options outstanding under the 2003 Plan;
294,800 common stock units that have been credited to non-employee directors pursuant to the non-employee director deferred compensation program and the annual director stock award program established under the 2012 Plan, 2007 Plan and 2003 Plan; common stock units credited under the 2012 Plan, 2007 Plan and 2003 Plan were 97,292 , 163,513 and 33,995 , respectively;
755,642 restricted stock units granted to non-officers under the 2012 Plan and 2007 Plan and outstanding as of December 31, 2015 .
In addition to the awards reported above 3,261,702 shares of restricted stock were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2015 , but subject to forfeiture restrictions under the 2012 Plan.
(b)  
Reflects awards of common stock units made to non-employee directors under the Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors prior to April 30, 2003. When a non-employee director leaves the Board, he or she will be issued actual shares of Marathon Oil common stock in place of the common stock units.
(c)  
The weighted-average exercise prices do not take the restricted stock units or common stock units into account as these awards have no exercise price.
(d)  
Reflects the shares available for issuance under the 2012 Plan. No more than 14,592,300 of these shares may be issued for awards other than stock options or stock appreciation rights. In addition, shares related to grants that are forfeited, terminated, canceled or expire unexercised shall again immediately become available for issuance.

119


The Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors is our only equity compensation plan that has not been approved by our stockholders. Our authority to make equity grants under this plan was terminated effective April 30, 2003. Under the Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, all non-employee directors were required to defer half of their annual retainers in the form of common stock units. On the date the retainer would have otherwise been payable to the non-employee director, we credited an unfunded bookkeeping account for each non-employee director with a number of common stock units equal to half of his or her annual retainer divided by the fair market value of our common stock on that date. The ongoing value of each common stock unit equals the market price of a share of our common stock. When the non-employee director leaves the Board, he or she is issued actual shares of our common stock equal to the number of common stock units in his or her account at that time.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information required by this item is incorporated by reference to "Transactions with Related Persons," and "Proposal 1: Election of Directors—Director Independence" in the 2016 Proxy Statement.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Information required by this item is incorporated by reference to "Proposal 2: Ratification of Independent Auditor for 2016" in the 2016 Proxy Statement.

120


PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
A. Documents Filed as Part of the Report
1. Financial Statements – See Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2. Financial Statement Schedules – Financial statement schedules required under SEC rules but not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is contained in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
3. Exhibits – The information required by this Item 15 is incorporated by reference to the Exhibit Index accompanying this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

121


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 authorized.
February 25, 2016
 
MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
 
 
 
 
 
By:    /s/ GARY E. WILSON
 
 
Gary E. Wilson
 
 
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below appoints Lee M. Tillman, John R. Sult, and Gary E. Wilson, and each of them, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, with full power and authority to each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents to do and perform each and every act whatsoever that is necessary, appropriate or advisable in connection with any or all of the above-described matters and to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on February 25, 2016 on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated.
Signature
 
Title
 
 
 
/ S / LEE M. TILLMAN
 
President and Chief Executive Officer and Director
Lee M. Tillman
 
 
 
 
 
/ S / JOHN R. SULT
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
John R. Sult
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ GARY E. WILSON
 
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
Gary E. Wilson
 
 
 
 
 
/ S / DENNIS H. REILLEY
 
Chairman of the Board
Dennis H. Reilley
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ GAURDIE E. BANISTER, JR.
 
Director
Gaurdie E. Banister, Jr.
 
 
 
 
 
/ S / GREGORY H. BOYCE
 
Director
Gregory H. Boyce
 
 
 
 
 
/ S / PIERRE BRONDEAU
 
Director
Pierre Brondeau
 
 
 
 
 
/S/ CHADWICK C. DEATON
 
Director
Chadwick C. Deaton
 
 
 
 
 
/ S / MARCELA E. DONADIO
 
Director
Marcela E. Donadio
 
 
 
 
 
/ S / PHILIP LADER
 
Director
Philip Lader
 
 
 
 
 
/ S / MICHAEL E. J. PHELPS
 
Director
Michael E. J. Phelps
 
 

122


Exhibit Index
Exhibit
 
 
Incorporated by Reference (File No. 001-05153, unless otherwise indicated)
Number
 
Exhibit Description
Form
 
Exhibit
 
Filing Date
3
 
Articles of Incorporation and By-laws
3.1
 
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Marathon Oil Corporation
10-Q
 
3.1
 
8/8/2013
3.2
 
Marathon Oil Corporation By-laws (Amended and restated as of September 1, 2015)
8-K
 
3.1
 
8/28/2015
3.3
 
Specimen of Common Stock Certificate
10-K
 
3.3
 
2/28/2014
4
 
Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders, Including Indentures
4.1
 
Indenture, dated as of February 26, 2002, between Marathon Oil Corporation and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., successor in interest to JPMorgan Chase Bank as Trustee, relating to senior debt securities of Marathon Oil Corporation. Pursuant to CFR 229.601(b)(4)(iii), instruments with respect to long-term debt issues have been omitted where the amount of securities authorized under such instruments does not exceed 10% of the total consolidated assets of Marathon Oil. Marathon Oil hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request
10-K
 
4.2
 
2/28/2014
10
 
Material Contracts
 
 
 
 
 
10.1
 
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 28, 2014, among Marathon Oil Corporation, as borrower, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as syndication agent, Citibank, N.A., Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. and The Bank of Nova Scotia, as documentation agents, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and certain other financial institutions named therein
8-K
 
4.1
 
6/2/2014
10.2
 
First Amendment, dated as of May 5, 2015, to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 28, 2014, by and among Marathon Oil Corporation, as borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and certain other financial institutions named therein
10-Q
 
10.1
 
5/7/2015
10.3
 
Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan
DEF 14A
 
App. III
 
3/8/2012
10.4
 
Form of Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreement
8-K
 
10.1
 
8/1/2014
10.5
 
Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement 2014 - 2016 Performance Cycle for Section 16 Officers
10-Q
 
10.1
 
5/7/2014
10.6
 
Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement 2014 - 2016 Performance Cycle for Officers
10-Q
 
10.2
 
5/7/2014
10.7†
 
Form of Initial CEO Option Grant Agreement granted under the Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan
10-Q
 
10.1
 
11/6/2013
10.8†
 
Form of CEO Restricted Stock Agreement granted under the Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (3-year prorata vesting)
10-Q
 
10.2
 
11/6/2013
10.9†
 
Form of CEO Restricted Stock Award Agreement granted under the Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (3-year cliff vesting)
10-Q
 
10.3
 
11/6/2013
10.10†
 
Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement (2013-2015 Performance Cycle) for Section 16 Officers granted under the Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan
10-Q
 
10.1
 
5/10/2013

1


Exhibit
 
 
Incorporated by Reference (File No. 001-05153, unless otherwise indicated)
Number
 
Exhibit Description
Form
 
Exhibit
 
Filing Date
10.11†
 
Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement (2013-2015 Performance Cycle) for Officers granted under the Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan
10-Q
 
10.2
 
5/10/2013
10.12†
 
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Section 16 Officers granted under the Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (3-year prorata vesting)
10-K
 
10.5
 
2/22/2013
10.13†
 
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Officers granted under the Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (3-year prorata vesting)
10-K
 
10.6
 
2/22/2013
10.14†
 
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Section 16 Officers granted under the Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (3-year cliff vesting)
10-K
 
10.7
 
2/22/2013
10.15†
 
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Officers granted under the Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (3-year cliff vesting)
10-K
 
10.8
 
2/22/2013
10.16
 
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Section 16 Officers granted under the Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (3-year prorata vesting)
10-K
 
10.9
 
2/22/2013
10.17
 
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Officers granted under the Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (3-year prorata vesting)
10-K
 
10.10
 
2/22/2013
10.18
 
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for non-officers granted under the Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (3-year prorata vesting)
10-K
 
10.11
 
2/22/2013
10.19
 
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for non-officers in Canada granted under the Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (3-year prorata vesting)
10-K
 
10.12
 
2/22/2013
10.20
 
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for non-officers granted under the Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (3-year prorata vesting)
10-K
 
10.13
 
2/22/2013
10.21
 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for non-officers granted under the Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (3-year prorata vesting)
10-K
 
10.14
 
2/22/2013
10.22
 
Marathon Oil Corporation 2007 Incentive Compensation Plan
10-K
 
10.5
 
2/29/2012
10.23
 
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Officers granted under the Marathon Oil Corporation 2007 Incentive Compensation Plan
10-K
 
10.6
 
2/29/2012
10.24
 
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Officers granted under the Marathon Oil Corporation 2007 Incentive Compensation Plan
10-K
 
10.5
 
2/28/2011
10.25†
 
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement granted under the Marathon Oil Corporation 2007 Incentive Compensation Plan
10-K
 
10.26
 
2/26/2010
10.26†
 
Marathon Oil Corporation 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan, Effective January 1, 2003
10-K
 
10.9
 
2/26/2010


2


Exhibit
 
 
Incorporated by Reference (File No. 001-05153, unless otherwise indicated)
Number
 
Exhibit Description
Form
 
Exhibit
 
Filing Date
10.27†
 
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Officers granted under the Marathon Oil Corporation 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan
10-K
 
10.22
 
2/26/2010
10.28†
 
Marathon Oil Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors (Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2012)
10-Q
 
10.3
 
5/7/2014
10.29†
 
Marathon Oil Company Deferred Compensation Plan Amended and Restated Effective June 30, 2011
10-K
 
10.32
 
2/29/2012
10.30†
 
Marathon Oil Company Excess Benefit Plan Amended and Restated
10-K
 
10.31
 
2/29/2012
10.31†
 
Marathon Oil Corporation 2011 Officer Change in Control Severance Benefits Plan (as amended, effective November 1, 2014)
10-K
 
10.36
 
3/2/2015
10.32
 
Marathon Oil Corporation Policy for Repayment of Annual Cash Bonus Amounts
10-K
 
10.10
 
2/28/2011
10.33
 
Marathon Oil Executive Tax, Estate, and Financial Planning Program, Amended and Restated, Effective January 1, 2009
10-K
 
10.32
 
2/27/2009
10.34
 
Marathon Oil Corporation Bonus Agreement Upon Commencement of Employment for Lee M. Tillman
10-Q
 
10.4
 
11/6/2013
10.35
 
Tax Sharing Agreement dated as of May 25, 2011 among Marathon Oil Corporation, Marathon Petroleum Corporation and MPC Investment LLC
8-K
 
10.1
 
5/26/2011
12.1*
 
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
 
 
 
 
 
21.1*
 
List of Significant Subsidiaries
 
 
 
 
 
23.1*
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
 
 
 
 
23.2*
 
Consent of GLJ Petroleum Consultants LTD., independent petroleum engineers and geologists
 
 
 
 
 
23.3*
 
Consent of Ryder Scott Company, L.P., independent petroleum engineers and geologists
 
 
 
 
 
23.4*
 
Consent of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., independent petroleum engineers and geologists
 
 
 
 
 
31.1*
 
Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13(a)-14 and 15(d)-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
 
 
 
 
31.2*
 
Certification of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13(a)-14 and 15(d)-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
 
 
 
 
32.1*
 
Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 
 
 
 
 
32.2*
 
Certification of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 
 
 
 
 
99.1*
 
Report of GLJ Petroleum Consultants LTD., independent petroleum engineers and geologists for 2015
 
 
 
 
 
99.2
 
Report of GLJ Petroleum Consultants LTD., independent petroleum engineers and geologists for 2014
10-K
 
99.1
 
3/2/2015
99.3
 
Report of GLJ Petroleum Consultants LTD., independent petroleum engineers and geologists for 2013
10-K
 
99.1
 
2/28/2014

3


Exhibit
 
 
Incorporated by Reference (File No. 001-05153, unless otherwise indicated)
Number
 
Exhibit Description
Form
 
Exhibit
 
Filing Date
99.4*
 
Summary report of audits performed by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., independent petroleum engineers and geologists for 2014
 
 
 
 
 
99.5
 
Summary report of audits performed by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., independent petroleum engineers and geologists for 2013
10-K
 
99.4
 
3/2/2015
99.6
 
Summary report of audits performed by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., independent petroleum engineers and geologists for 2012
10-K
 
99.4
 
2/28/2014
99.7*
 
Summary report of audits performed by Ryder Scott Company, L.P., independent petroleum engineers and geologists for 2014
 
 
 
 
 
99.8
 
Summary report of audits performed by Ryder Scott Company, L.P., independent petroleum engineers and geologists for 2013
10-K
 
99.7
 
3/2/2015
99.9
 
Summary report of audits performed by Ryder Scott Company, L.P., independent petroleum engineers and geologists for 2012
10-K
 
99.7
 
2/28/2014
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
 
 
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 
 
 
 
 
101.CAL*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
 
 
 
 
 
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
 
 
 
 
 
101.LAB*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
 
 
 
 
101.DEF*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Filed herewith.
**
 
Furnished, not filed.
 
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.


4


Exhibit 12.1


MARATHON OIL CORPORATION
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (Unaudited)

 
 
Year Ended
 
 
December 31,
(In millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
 
$
(2,958
)
 
$
1,361

 
$
2,393

 
$
3,104

 
$
1,615

Income from equity method investments
 
145

 
424

 
423

 
370

 
462

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and income from equity method investments
 
(3,103
)

937

 
1,970

 
2,734

 
1,153

Add (deduct)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fixed charges
 
382

 
352

 
360

 
338

 
504

Capitalized interest
 
(26
)
 
(33
)
 
(27
)
 
(68
)
 
(208
)
Amortization of capitalized interest
 
5

 
8

 
21

 
45

 
107

Distributed income from equity investees
 
178

 
454

 
430

 
382

 
499

Earnings as defined
 
(2,564
)

1,718

 
2,754

 
3,431

 
2,055

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest expense (including discontinued operations)
 
321

 
277

 
297

 
236

 
245

Capitalized interest (including discontinued operations)
 
26

 
33

 
27

 
68

 
208

Interest portion of rental expense (including discontinued operations)
 
35

 
42

 
36

 
34

 
51

Fixed charges as defined
 
382


352

 
360

 
338

 
504

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
 
(6.71
)

4.88

 
7.65

 
10.15

 
4.08

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amount by which earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges
 
$
2,946

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$






Subsidiaries of Marathon Oil
Exhibit 21.1

Company Name
Country
Country Region
Alba Associates LLC
Cayman Islands
 
Alba Equatorial Guinea Partnership, L.P.
United States
Delaware
Alba Plant LLC
Cayman Islands
 
Albian Sands Energy Inc.
Canada
 
Alchemix Corporation
United States
Arizona
AMPCO Marketing, L.L.C.
United States
Michigan
AMPCO Services, L.L.C.
United States
Michigan
Atlantic Methanol Associates LLC
Cayman Islands
 
Atlantic Methanol Production Company LLC
Cayman Islands
 
E.G. Global LNG Services, Ltd.
United States
Delaware
Equatorial Guinea LNG Company, S.A.
Equatorial Guinea
 
Equatorial Guinea LNG Holdings Limited
Bahamas
 
Equatorial Guinea LNG Operations, S.A.
Equatorial Guinea
 
Equatorial Guinea LNG Train 1, S.A.
Equatorial Guinea
 
FWA Equipment & Mud Company, Inc.
United States
Delaware
In-Depth Systems, Inc.
United States
Texas
Marathon Alpha Holdings LLC
United States
Delaware
Marathon Canada Holdings Limited
Canada
Nova Scotia
Marathon Canada Petroleum ULC
Canada
Nova Scotia
Marathon Delta Investment Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon E.G. Alba Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon E.G. Holding Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon E.G. International Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon E.G. LNG Holding Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon E.G. LPG Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon E.G. Offshore Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon E.G. Oil Operations Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon E.G. Production Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon Eagle Ford Midstream LLC
United States
Delaware
Marathon East Texas Holdings LLC
United States
Delaware
Marathon Ethiopia Limited B.V.
Netherlands
 
Marathon Financing Trust I
United States
Delaware
Marathon Financing Trust II
United States
Delaware
Marathon Global Services, Ltd.
United States
Delaware
Marathon Green B.V.
Netherlands
 
Marathon GTF Technology, Ltd.
United States
Delaware
Marathon International Oil (G.B.) Limited
United Kingdom
England and Wales
Marathon International Oil Angola Block 31 Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon International Oil Angola Block 32 Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon International Oil Canada, Ltd.
United States
Delaware
Marathon International Oil Company
United States
Delaware
Marathon International Oil Holdings LLC
United States
Delaware
Marathon International Oil Libya Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon International Oil Portfolio Coöperatief U.A.
Netherlands
 
Marathon International Oil Supply Company (G.B.) Limited
United Kingdom
England and Wales
Marathon International Oil Ventures Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon International Petroleum Indonesia Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon International Services Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon International Upstream, Ltd.
United States
Delaware
Marathon Kenya Limited B.V.
Netherlands
 





Marathon LNG Marketing LLC
United States
Delaware
Marathon Methanol Holding LLC
United States
Delaware
Marathon Canada Investment Coöperatief U.A.
Netherlands
 
Marathon Offshore Alpha Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon Offshore Investment Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon Offshore Libya Service Company, Ltd.
United States
Delaware
Marathon Oil (East Texas) L.P.
United States
Texas
Marathon Oil (Suisse) SA
Switzerland
 
Marathon Oil (West Texas) L.P.
United States
Texas
Marathon Oil Canada Corporation
Canada
Alberta
Marathon Oil Canada Holdings LLC
United States
Delaware
Marathon Oil Canada Investment LLC
United States
Delaware
Marathon Oil Canada LLC
United States
Delaware
Marathon Oil Cap Bon, Ltd.
United States
Delaware
Marathon Oil Company
United States
Ohio
Marathon Oil Corporation
United States
Delaware
Marathon Oil Decommissioning Services LLC
United States
Delaware
Marathon Oil Dutch Holdings B.V.
Netherlands
 
Marathon Oil Dutch Holdings Coöperatief U.A.
Netherlands
 
Marathon Oil Dutch Investment C.V.
Netherlands
 
Marathon Oil Eastern, Ltd.
United States
Delaware
Marathon Oil EF II LLC
United States
Delaware
Marathon Oil EF LLC
United States
Delaware
Marathon Oil Exploration Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon Oil Holdings (Barbados) Inc.
Barbados
 
Marathon Oil Holdings Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon Oil Holdings U.K. Limited
United Kingdom
England and Wales
Marathon Oil International Holding C.V.
Netherlands
 
Marathon Oil International LLC
United States
Delaware
Marathon Oil Investment LLC
United States
Delaware
Marathon Oil Jenein Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon Oil KDV B.V.
Netherlands
 
Marathon Oil Libya Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon Oil Marketing, Ltd.
United States
Delaware
Marathon Oil Netherlands One B.V.
Netherlands
 
Marathon Oil Netherlands Two B.V.
Netherlands
 
Marathon Oil North Sea (G.B.) Limited
United Kingdom
England and Wales
Marathon Oil Polska Sp. z o.o.
Poland
 
Marathon Oil Sands (U.S.A.) Inc.
United States
Delaware
Marathon Oil Switzerland B.V.
Netherlands
 
Marathon Oil Timor Gap West, Ltd.
United States
Delaware
Marathon Oil U.K. LLC
United States
Delaware
Marathon Oil Venus Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon Oil West of Shetlands Limited
United Kingdom
England and Wales
Marathon Service (G.B.) Limited
United Kingdom
England and Wales
Marathon Service Company
United States
Delaware
Marathon Upstream Gabon Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Marathon Upstream Nigeria Limited
Nigeria
 
Marathon US Holdings Inc.
United States
Delaware
Marathon West Texas Holdings LLC
United States
Delaware
Marathon Western Saudi Arabia Limited
Cayman Islands
 
Miltiades Limited
United Kingdom
England and Wales
MOC Portfolio Delaware, Inc.
United States
Delaware
Navatex Gathering LLC
United States
Delaware





Oil Casualty Insurance, Ltd.
Bermuda
 
Old Main Assurance Ltd.
Bermuda
 
Palmyra Petroleum Company
Syrian Arab Republic
 
Pan Ocean Energy LLC
United States
Delaware
Pennaco Energy, Inc.
United States
Delaware
Red Butte Pipe Line Company
United States
Delaware
Seaborn Properties LLC
United States
Delaware
St. James Assurance, LLC
United States
Texas
Texas Oil & Gas Corp.
United States
Delaware
Western Bluewater Resources (Trinidad) Limited
Trinidad and Tobago
 
Yorktown Assurance Corporation
United States
Vermont







Exhibit 23.1

[PWC Letterhead]

 
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements listed below of Marathon Oil Corporation of our report dated February 25, 2016 relating to the financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

Form S-3ASR:
  
Relating to:
  
 
 
 
 
Reg. No.
  
333-194226
  
Marathon Oil Corporation Debt Securities, Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Warrants and Stock Purchase Contracts/Units
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Form S-8:
  
Relating to:
  
 
 
 
 
Reg. No.
  
33-56828
  
Marathon Oil Company Thrift Plan
 
  
333-29709
  
Marathon Oil Company Thrift Plan
 
  
333-104910
  
Marathon Oil Corporation 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan
 
  
333-143010
  
Marathon Oil Corporation 2007 Incentive Compensation Plan
 
 
333-181301
 
Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Houston, Texas
 
February 25, 2016






Exhibit 23.2

[Letterhead of “GLJ Petroleum Consultants LTD.”]


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS AND GEOLOGISTS


We hereby consent to the references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Marathon Oil Corporation ("the Company"), to our summary reports on audits of the estimated quantities of certain proved reserves of oil and gas, net to the Company's interest, and to such report and this consent being filed as exhibits to this Form 10-K. We also consent to the incorporation by reference of such reports in the Registration Statements indicated below.
 
Form S-3ASR:
  
Relating to:
  
 
 
 
 
Reg. No.
  
333-194226
  
Marathon Oil Corporation Debt Securities, Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Warrants and Stock Purchase Contracts/Units
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Form S-8:
  
Relating to:
  
 
 
 
 
Reg. No.
  
33-56828
  
Marathon Oil Company Thrift Plan
 
  
333-29699
  
1990 Stock Plan
 
  
333-29709
  
Marathon Oil Company Thrift Plan
 
  
333-52751
  
1990 Stock Plan
 
  
33-41864
  
1990 Stock Plan
 
  
333-104910
  
Marathon Oil Corporation 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan
 
  
333-143010
  
Marathon Oil Corporation 2007 Incentive Compensation Plan
 
 
333-181301
 
Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan

                        
Yours truly,

GLJ PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS LTD.

“Originally Signed By”
    
Tim R. Freeborn, P. Eng
Vice President


Calgary, Alberta
February 23, 2016









Exhibit 23.3

[Letterhead of “Ryder Scott Company, L.P.”]


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS AND GEOLOGISTS



We hereby consent to the references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Marathon Oil Corporation ("the Company"), to our summary reports on audits of the estimated quantities of certain proved reserves of oil and gas, net to the Company's interest, and to such report and this consent being filed as exhibits to this Form 10-K. We also consent to the incorporation by reference of such reports in the Registration Statements indicated below.


Form S-3ASR:
  
Relating to:
  
 
 
 
 
Reg. No.
  
333-194226
  
Marathon Oil Corporation Debt Securities, Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Warrants and Stock Purchase Contracts/Units
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Form S-8:
  
Relating to:
  
 
 
 
 
Reg. No.
  
33-56828
  
Marathon Oil Company Thrift Plan
 
  
333-29699
  
1990 Stock Plan
 
  
333-29709
  
Marathon Oil Company Thrift Plan
 
  
333-52751
  
1990 Stock Plan
 
  
33-41864
  
1990 Stock Plan
 
  
333-104910
  
Marathon Oil Corporation 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan
 
  
333-143010
  
Marathon Oil Corporation 2007 Incentive Compensation Plan
 
 
333-181301
 
Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan


/s/ Ryder Scott Company, L.P.


RYDER SCOTT COMPANY, L.P.
TBPE Registration No. F-1580





Houston, Texas
February 23, 2016







Exhibit 23.4

[Letterhead of “Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc.”]
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS AND GEOLOGISTS

We hereby consent to the references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Marathon Oil Corporation ("the Company") to our summary report on the estimated quantities of certain proved reserves of oil and gas and to such report and this consent being filed as exhibits to this Form 10‑K. We also consent to the incorporation by reference of such report in the Registration Statements indicated below.

Form S-3ASR:
  
Relating to:
  
 
 
 
 
Reg. No.
  
333-194226
  
Marathon Oil Corporation Debt Securities, Common Stock, Preferred Stock, Warrants and Stock Purchase Contracts/Units
 
 
 
Form S-8:
  
Relating to:
  
 
 
 
 
Reg. No.
  
33-56828
  
Marathon Oil Company Thrift Plan
 
  
333-29699
  
1990 Stock Plan
 
  
333-29709
  
Marathon Oil Company Thrift Plan
 
  
333-52751
  
1990 Stock Plan
 
  
33-41864
  
1990 Stock Plan
 
  
333-104910
  
Marathon Oil Corporation 2003 Incentive Compensation Plan
 
  
333-143010
  
Marathon Oil Corporation 2007 Incentive Compensation Plan
 
 
333-181301
 
Marathon Oil Corporation 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan



NETHERLAND, SEWELL & ASSOCIATES, INC.

    
/s/ Danny D. Simmons
By:         
Danny D. Simmons, P.E.
President and Chief Operating Officer


Houston, Texas
February 23, 2016








Exhibit 31.1
MARATHON OIL CORPORATION

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Lee M. Tillman, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Marathon Oil Corporation;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date:
February 25, 2016
 
/s/ Lee M. Tillman
 
 
 
Lee M. Tillman
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer






Exhibit 31.2
MARATHON OIL CORPORATION

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 I, John R. Sult, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Marathon Oil Corporation;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date:
February 25, 2016
 
/s/ John R. Sult
 
 
 
John R. Sult
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer






Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


In connection with the Annual Report of Marathon Oil Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Lee M. Tillman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:

(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
February 25, 2016
 
 
 
/s/ Lee M. Tillman
 
Lee M. Tillman
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 






Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

    
In connection with the Annual Report of Marathon Oil Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, John R. Sult, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:

(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
February 25, 2016
 
 
 
/s/ John R. Sult
 
John R. Sult
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 






EXHIBIT 99.1

[GLJ Petroleum Consultants Header]


February 18, 2016

Project 1150349



The Board of Directors of Marathon Oil Corporation
Marathon Oil Corporation
2400, 440 - 2 nd Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 5E9

Dear Board Members:

Re:      Third Party Report on Reserves

This report was prepared to satisfy requirements contained in Item 1202(a)(8) of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-K and to provide the qualifications of the technical persons responsible for overseeing the reserve estimation process.

The numbering of items below corresponds to the requirements set out in Item 1202(a)(8) of Regulation S-K. Terms to which a meaning is ascribed in Regulation S-K and Regulation S-X have the same meaning in this report.

i.
We have prepared an independent evaluation of the Canadian mineable oil sands reserves of Marathon Oil Corporation (the "Company") for the management and the board of directors of the Company. The primary purpose of our evaluation report was to provide estimates of reserves information in support of the Company’s year-end reserves reporting requirements under US Securities Regulation S-K and for other internal business and financial needs of the Company.

ii.
We have evaluated and reviewed certain reserves of the Company as at December 31, 2015. The completion (transmittal) date of our report is February 18, 2016.

iii.
The following table sets forth the total Company proved net after royalty reserves under constant prices and costs, and the proportion of those volumes evaluated by GLJ.

 
Oil and NGL
Natural Gas
Synthetic Crude Oil 1
Oil Equivalent 2
 
Location
MMbbl
Bcf
MMbbl
MMboe
 
Canada
 
 
698
698
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Company Reserves 3
1,055
2,462
698
2,163
 
Portion Evaluated by GLJ
0%
0%
100%
32%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes 1) Total sales less blendstocks, after upgrading AOSP mined bitumen.
        2) Oil equivalence factors: Crude Oil, NGL & SCO 1 bbl/bbl, Natural Gas 6 Mcf/bbl.
        3) Supplied by the Company to derive the portion of reserves evaluated by GLJ.

[GLJ Petroleum Consultants Footer]





The Company provided to us the total Company reported reserves to derive the portion evaluated by GLJ. We express no opinion on this portion of the Company’s reserves that we did not evaluate.

iv.
Our report covered 100 percent of the Company’s mineable, synthetic crude oil (SCO) reserves; our evaluation coverage from the perspective of the Company’s total reserves is provided above in item iii. We carried out our evaluation in accordance with standards set out in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (the "COGE Handbook") with the necessary modifications to reflect definitions and standards under the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board policies (the “FASB Standards”) and the legal requirements under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC requirements”).

The royalty obligations on the evaluated oil sands property, the Athabasca Oil Sands Project (AOSP), are determined upstream, on a bitumen basis. There are two royalty projects, one for Muskeg River Mine operations and one for Jackpine Mine operations. The synthetic crude oil (SCO) reserves reflect both the upgrading yield on bitumen and product value differences between SCO and bitumen. As a consequence of differences in value, the royalty rate on SCO is lower than it is on bitumen. No reserves are attributed to internally produced products that are consumed as fuel.

The economic evaluation was prepared to reflect the net present value of Marathon Oil Canada Corporation (MOCC) before any incremental US taxes. Canadian income taxes were included, as well as MOCC supplied estimates of Calgary Office overhead and abandonment and reclamation obligations.

Data used in our evaluation were obtained from regulatory agencies, public sources and from Company personnel and Company files. In the preparation of our report we have accepted as presented, and have relied, without independent verification, upon a variety of information furnished by the Company such as interests and burdens, recent production, product transportation and marketing and sales agreements, historical revenue, capital costs, operating expense data, budget forecasts, and capital cost estimates. Our report has also relied on the geological models built by Norwest Corporation, an independent geological and mining consultant. If in the course of our evaluation, the validity or sufficiency of any material information was brought into question, we did not rely on such information until such concerns were satisfactorily resolved.


The Company has warranted in a representation letter to us that, to the best of the Company’s knowledge and belief, all data furnished to us was accurate in all material respects, and no material data relevant to our evaluation was omitted.

A field examination of the evaluated property was not performed nor was it considered necessary for the purposes of our report.

In our opinion, estimates provided in our report have, in all material respects, been determined in accordance with the applicable industry standards, and results provided in our report and summarized herein are appropriate for inclusion in filings under Regulation S-K.

v.
As required under SEC Regulation S-X, reserves are those quantities of oil and gas that are estimated to be economically producible under existing economic conditions. As specified, in determining economic production, constant product reference prices have been based on a 12 month average price, calculated as the unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within the 12 month period prior to the effective date of our report. In our economic analysis, operating





and capital costs are those costs estimated as applicable at the effective date of our report, with no future escalation. Where deemed appropriate, the capital costs and revised operating costs associated with the implementation of committed projects designed to modify specific field operations in the future may be included in economic projections.

vi.
Our report has been prepared assuming the continuation of existing regulatory and fiscal conditions subject to the guidance in the COGE Handbook and SEC regulations. Notwithstanding that the Company currently has regulatory approval to produce the reserves identified in our report, there is no assurance that changes in regulation will not occur; such changes, which cannot reliably be predicted, could impact the Company’s ability to recover the estimated reserves.

vii.
Oil and gas reserves estimates have an inherent degree of associated uncertainty, the degree of which is affected by many factors. Reserves estimates will vary due to the limited and imprecise nature of data upon which the estimates of reserves are predicated. Moreover, the methods and data used in estimating reserves are often necessarily indirect or analogical in character rather than direct or deductive. Furthermore, the persons involved in the preparation of reserves estimates and associated information are required, in applying geosciences, engineering and evaluation principles, to make numerous unbiased judgments based upon their educational background, professional training, and professional experience. The extent and significance of the judgments to be made are, in themselves, sufficient to render reserves estimates inherently imprecise. Reserves estimates may change substantially as additional data becomes available and as economic conditions impacting oil and gas prices and costs change. Reserves estimates will also change over time due to other factors such as depletion, knowledge and technology, fiscal and economic conditions, and contractual, statutory and regulatory provisions.

viii.
In our opinion, the reserves information evaluated by us have, in all material respects, been determined in accordance with all appropriate industry standards, methods and procedures applicable for the filing of reserves information under U.S. SEC Regulation S-K.

ix.
A summary of the Company reserves evaluated by us was provided for item iii. Of the 698 MMbbl SCO total proved net after royalty reserves evaluated by us, all are classified as proved developed.

GLJ is a private firm established in 1972 whose business is the provision of independent geological and engineering services to the petroleum industry. GLJ is among the largest evaluation firms in North America with approximately 100 staff members, of which roughly two thirds are engineers and geoscientists. GLJ annually evaluates the reserves of the four producing integrated oil sands mining operations in Alberta for various owners. Tim Freeborn conducted the evaluation with the help of Staci Rollefstad. Both Mr. Freeborn and Ms. Rollefstad are independent qualified reserves evaluators as defined in COGEH, and are registered Practicing Professional Engineers in the Province of Alberta. Mr. Freeborn has in excess of 15 years of practical experience in petroleum engineering, has been employed at GLJ as an evaluator/auditor since 1999, and has been involved in evaluations of surface mineable oil sands reserves since 2009. Ms. Rollefstad has in excess of 9 years of practical experience in petroleum engineering, has been employed at GLJ as an evaluator/auditor since 2007, and has been involved in evaluations of surface mineable oil sands reserves since 2013.









We trust this meets your current requirements.

Yours truly,

GLJ PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS LTD.

“Originally Signed By”

Tim R. Freeborn, P. Eng.
Vice President

TRF/ljn




[NSAI Logo Header]


EXHIBIT 99.4
February 27, 2015


Marathon Oil Corporation
5555 San Felipe Road
Houston, Texas 77056

Ladies and Gentlemen:

In accordance with your request, we have prepared a reserves certification and deliverability analysis, as of December 31, 2014, for Alba Field, located offshore Equatorial Guinea. Pursuant to the terms of the Gas Purchase and Sales Agreement (GPSA) between the Alba Field Production Sharing Contract (PSC) contractors (referred to herein as the "Alba Field owners") and Atlantic Methanol Production Company (AMPCO), the primary purpose of this report is to verify, using field downtime and gas disposition assumptions specified by Marathon Oil Corporation (Marathon), that there are (1) sufficient proved (1P) reserves in Alba Field to cover delivery of gas from the Alba Field owners to AMPCO equal to 100 percent of the maximum daily contract quantity over the remaining term of the GPSA that ends May 3, 2026, and (2) sufficient proved developed (PD) reserves in Alba Field to deliver, for a period of five years, 102 percent of the maximum daily contract quantity. The maximum daily contract quantity stipulated in the most recent amendment to the GPSA is 145,000 MMBTU per day, but the annual average daily contract quantity shall not exceed 135,000 MMBTU per day, or approximately 139 million cubic feet of gas per day (MMCFD). Our certification honors the annual average daily contract quantity. Economic analysis was performed only to confirm economic producibility and determine economic limits for the properties. Monetary values shown in this report are expressed in United States dollars ($). For each reserves category, the economic life of the field is the earlier of the economic limit and the end of the GPSA, May 3, 2026.

We completed our evaluation on or about the date of this letter. It is our understanding that Marathon's share of the gross (100 percent) proved reserves estimated in this report constitute approximately 13 percent of all proved reserves owned by Marathon. The estimates in this report have been prepared in accordance with the definitions and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and conform to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 932, Extractive Activities-Oil and Gas. Definitions are presented immediately following this letter. This report has been prepared for Marathon's use in filing with the SEC; in our opinion the assumptions, data, methods, and procedures used in the preparation of this report are appropriate for such purpose, provided that, as required by the SEC, Marathon lists its net interest after application of the PSC terms.

We estimate the gross (100 percent) reserves in Alba Field, as of December 31, 2014, to be:

 
 
Gross (100%) Reserves
 
 
Gas
 
Condensate
 
LPG
Category
 
(BCF)
 
(MMBBL)
 
(MMBBL)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proved Developed (PD)
 
1,196
 
54
 
28
Proved (1P)
 
2,056
 
91
 
50

Gas volumes are dry gas and are expressed in billions of cubic feet (BCF) at standard temperature and pressure bases. Condensate and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) volumes are expressed in millions of barrels (MMBBL); a barrel is equivalent to 42 United States gallons.

The estimates shown in this report are for proved developed producing, proved developed non-producing, and proved undeveloped reserves. No study was made to determine whether probable or possible reserves might be established for these properties. A portion of the estimates of proved undeveloped reserves included in this report are dependent on the installation of an offshore compression platform in 2016. Because of the substantial investment related to this

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[NSAI Logo Header]


project, we have subcategorized these reserves as undeveloped. Reserves categorization conveys the relative degree of certainty; reserves subcategorization is based on development and production status. The estimates of reserves included herein have not been adjusted for risk. In this report, we have attributed estimated gas sales volumes and LPG reserves to Alba Field, even though the LPG plant is separate from the field facilities. This designation is based on our interpretation of the agreement between the Alba Field owners and the LPG plant owners that states that title to the feedstock gas sales volumes and LPG liquids is transferred from the Alba Field owners at the tailgate of the LPG plant and that those volumes are valued on an MMBTU basis. It is our understanding that this interpretation is consistent with Marathon's internal reserves booking practice for Alba Field.

In order to satisfy the primary objective of this report, we made certain assumptions regarding future field production and injection rates. The assumption that we have varied in this report pertains to the feed rate of Alba Field gas to the liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant. Three LNG plant feed scenarios have been considered: a low-take case with a maximum feed rate of 560 MMCFD, a mid-take case with a maximum feed rate of 600 MMCFD, and a high-take case with a maximum feed rate of 637 MMCFD. The high-take case LNG plant feed volumes are based on Marathon's current projection of volumes to be utilized over the next five years. The estimates of reserves shown in this report are based on the high-take case because this case is the most representative of current operating conditions. For the purposes of this report, we define the period during which all forecasted supply targets can be met to be the supply plateau period.

For all cases, following the end of the supply plateau period we have reduced supply to the LNG plant prior to reducing supply to the AMPCO methanol plant. Our estimates are based on monthly or annual gas rate constraints and monthly or annual downtime averages and do not account for any operational or contractual issues that may arise on a day-to-day basis throughout the year. These rate constraints and downtime averages vary monthly for three years and annually thereafter. For all three LNG plant feed scenarios, we have determined that there are (1) sufficient 1P reserves to supply the AMPCO methanol plant with the maximum daily contract quantity until termination of the GPSA and (2) sufficient PD reserves to supply the AMPCO methanol plant with 102 percent of the maximum daily contract quantity for a period of five years.

Gas, condensate, and LPG prices were used only to confirm economic producibility and determine economic limits for the properties. The gas price used is the fixed contract price of $0.25 per MMBTU and is adjusted for energy content. Condensate and LPG prices are based on the 12-month unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month Dated Brent spot price for each month in the period January through December 2014. The average price of $101.39 per barrel is adjusted for quality and market differentials. The adjusted product prices of $0.243 per MCF of gas, $99.73 per barrel of condensate, and $63.09 per barrel of LPG are held constant throughout the lives of the properties.

Costs were used only to confirm economic producibility and determine economic limits for the properties. Operating costs used in this report are based on operating expense records of Marathon, the operator of the properties. As requested, operating costs are limited to direct platform-, plant-, and field-level costs and Marathon's estimate of the portion of its headquarters general and administrative overhead expenses necessary to operate the properties. Operating costs have been divided into PSC-level costs, per-well costs, and per-unit-of-production costs. Capital costs used in this report were provided by Marathon and are based on its internal planning budgets. Capital costs are included as required for workovers, installation of an offshore compression platform, and a new development well. Based on our understanding of future development plans, a review of the records provided to us, and our knowledge of similar properties, we regard these estimated capital costs to be reasonable. Operating costs and capital costs are not escalated for inflation.

For the purposes of this report, we did not perform any field inspection of the properties, nor did we examine the mechanical operation or condition of the wells and facilities. We have not investigated possible environmental liability related to the properties.

The reserves shown in this report are estimates only and should not be construed as exact quantities. Proved reserves are those quantities of oil and gas which, by analysis of engineering and geoscience data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible; probable and possible reserves are those additional reserves which are sequentially less certain to be recovered than proved reserves. Estimates of reserves may increase or decrease as a result of market conditions, future operations, changes in regulations, or actual reservoir performance. In addition to the primary economic assumptions discussed herein, our estimates are based on certain assumptions including, but not limited to, that the properties will be developed consistent with current development plans as provided to us by Marathon, that the properties will be operated in a prudent manner, that no governmental regulations or




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controls will be put in place that would impact the ability of the interest owner to recover the reserves, and that our projections of future production will prove consistent with actual performance. If the reserves are recovered, the revenues therefrom and the costs related thereto could be more or less than the estimated amounts used to confirm economic producibility and determine economic limits for the properties. Because of governmental policies and uncertainties of supply and demand, the sales rates, prices received for the reserves, and costs incurred in recovering such reserves may vary from assumptions made while preparing this report.

For the purposes of this report, we used technical and economic data including, but not limited to, well logs, geologic maps, seismic data, well test data, production data, historical price and cost information, and property ownership interests. The reserves in this report have been estimated using deterministic methods; these estimates have been prepared in accordance with the Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Standards). We used standard engineering and geoscience methods, or a combination of methods, including performance analysis, volumetric analysis, and reservoir modeling, that we considered to be appropriate and necessary to categorize and estimate reserves in accordance with SEC definitions and regulations. As in all aspects of oil and gas evaluation, there are uncertainties inherent in the interpretation of engineering and geoscience data; therefore, our conclusions necessarily represent only informed professional judgment.

The data used in our estimates were obtained from Marathon; Noble Energy, Inc.; and the nonconfidential files of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (NSAI) and were accepted as accurate. Supporting work data are on file in our office. We have not examined the contractual rights to the properties or independently confirmed the actual degree or type of interest owned. The technical persons primarily responsible for preparing the estimates presented herein meet the requirements regarding qualifications, independence, objectivity, and confidentiality set forth in the SPE Standards. John R. Cliver, a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas, has been practicing consulting petroleum engineering at NSAI since 2009 and has over 5 years of prior industry experience. Patrick L. Higgs, a Licensed Professional Geoscientist in the State of Texas, has been practicing consulting petroleum geoscience at NSAI since 1996 and has over 20 years of prior industry experience. We are independent petroleum engineers, geologists, geophysicists, and petrophysicists; we do not own an interest in these properties nor are we employed on a contingent basis.

Sincerely,

NETHERLAND, SEWELL & ASSOCIATES, INC.
Texas Registered Engineering Firm F-2699


/s/ C.H. (Scott) Rees III
By:         
C.H. (Scott) Rees III, P.E.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer




/s/ John R. Cliver                      /s/ Patrick L. Higgs
By:                              By:         
John R. Cliver, P.E. 107216                  Patrick L. Higgs, P.G. 985
Vice President                          Vice President

Date Signed: February 27, 2015              Date Signed: February 27, 2015




Please be advised that the digital document you are viewing is provided by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (NSAI) as a convenience to our clients. The digital document is intended to be substantively the same as the original signed document maintained by NSAI. The digital document is subject to the parameters, limitations, and conditions stated in the original document. In the event of any differences between the digital document and the original document, the original document shall control and supersede the digital document.





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DEFINITIONS OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES
Adapted from U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X Section 210.4-10(a)

Definitions - Page 7 of 7
The following definitions are set forth in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Regulation S-X Section 210.4‑10(a). Also included is supplemental information from (1) the 2007 Petroleum Resources Management System approved by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, (2) the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 932, Extractive Activities-Oil and Gas, and (3) the SEC's Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations.

(1) Acquisition of properties. Costs incurred to purchase, lease or otherwise acquire a property, including costs of lease bonuses and options to purchase or lease properties, the portion of costs applicable to minerals when land including mineral rights is purchased in fee, brokers' fees, recording fees, legal costs, and other costs incurred in acquiring properties.

(2) Analogous reservoir . Analogous reservoirs, as used in resources assessments, have similar rock and fluid properties, reservoir conditions (depth, temperature, and pressure) and drive mechanisms, but are typically at a more advanced stage of development than the reservoir of interest and thus may provide concepts to assist in the interpretation of more limited data and estimation of recovery. When used to support proved reserves, an "analogous reservoir" refers to a reservoir that shares the following characteristics with the reservoir of interest:

(i)
Same geological formation (but not necessarily in pressure communication with the reservoir of interest);
(ii)
Same environment of deposition;
(iii)
Similar geological structure; and
(iv)
Same drive mechanism.

Instruction to paragraph (a)(2) : Reservoir properties must, in the aggregate, be no more favorable in the analog than in the reservoir of interest.

(3) Bitumen . Bitumen, sometimes referred to as natural bitumen, is petroleum in a solid or semi-solid state in natural deposits with a viscosity greater than 10,000 centipoise measured at original temperature in the deposit and atmospheric pressure, on a gas free basis. In its natural state it usually contains sulfur, metals, and other non-hydrocarbons.

(4) Condensate . Condensate is a mixture of hydrocarbons that exists in the gaseous phase at original reservoir temperature and pressure, but that, when produced, is in the liquid phase at surface pressure and temperature.

(5) Deterministic estimate . The method of estimating reserves or resources is called deterministic when a single value for each parameter (from the geoscience, engineering, or economic data) in the reserves calculation is used in the reserves estimation procedure.

(6) Developed oil and gas reserves . Developed oil and gas reserves are reserves of any category that can be expected to be recovered:

(i)
Through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods or in which the cost of the required equipment is relatively minor compared to the cost of a new well; and
(ii)
Through installed extraction equipment and infrastructure operational at the time of the reserves estimate if the extraction is by means not involving a well.
Supplemental definitions from the 2007 Petroleum Resources Management System:
Developed Producing Reserves - Developed Producing Reserves are expected to be recovered from completion intervals that are open and producing at the time of the estimate. Improved recovery reserves are considered producing only after the improved recovery project is in operation.
Developed Non-Producing Reserves - Developed Non-Producing Reserves include shut-in and behind-pipe Reserves. Shut-in Reserves are expected to be recovered from (1) completion intervals which are open at the time of the estimate but which have not yet started producing, (2) wells which were shut-in for market conditions or pipeline connections, or (3) wells not capable of production for mechanical reasons. Behind-pipe Reserves are expected to be recovered from zones in existing wells which will require additional completion work or future recompletion prior to start of production. In all cases, production can be initiated or restored with relatively low expenditure compared to the cost of drilling a new well.

(7) Development costs. Costs incurred to obtain access to proved reserves and to provide facilities for extracting, treating, gathering and storing the oil and gas. More specifically, development costs, including depreciation and




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applicable operating costs of support equipment and facilities and other costs of development activities, are costs incurred to:

(i)
Gain access to and prepare well locations for drilling, including surveying well locations for the purpose of determining specific development drilling sites, clearing ground, draining, road building, and relocating public roads, gas lines, and power lines, to the extent necessary in developing the proved reserves.
(ii)
Drill and equip development wells, development-type stratigraphic test wells, and service wells, including the costs of platforms and of well equipment such as casing, tubing, pumping equipment, and the wellhead assembly.
(iii)
Acquire, construct, and install production facilities such as lease flow lines, separators, treaters, heaters, manifolds, measuring devices, and production storage tanks, natural gas cycling and processing plants, and central utility and waste disposal systems.
(iv)
Provide improved recovery systems.

(8) Development project . A development project is the means by which petroleum resources are brought to the status of economically producible. As examples, the development of a single reservoir or field, an incremental development in a producing field, or the integrated development of a group of several fields and associated facilities with a common ownership may constitute a development project.

(9) Development well . A well drilled within the proved area of an oil or gas reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.

(10) Economically producible . The term economically producible, as it relates to a resource, means a resource which generates revenue that exceeds, or is reasonably expected to exceed, the costs of the operation. The value of the products that generate revenue shall be determined at the terminal point of oil and gas producing activities as defined in paragraph (a)(16) of this section.

(11) Estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) . Estimated ultimate recovery is the sum of reserves remaining as of a given date and cumulative production as of that date.

(12) Exploration costs . Costs incurred in identifying areas that may warrant examination and in examining specific areas that are considered to have prospects of containing oil and gas reserves, including costs of drilling exploratory wells and exploratory-type stratigraphic test wells. Exploration costs may be incurred both before acquiring the related property (sometimes referred to in part as prospecting costs) and after acquiring the property. Principal types of exploration costs, which include depreciation and applicable operating costs of support equipment and facilities and other costs of exploration activities, are:

(i)
Costs of topographical, geographical and geophysical studies, rights of access to properties to conduct those studies, and salaries and other expenses of geologists, geophysical crews, and others conducting those studies. Collectively, these are sometimes referred to as geological and geophysical or "G&G" costs.
(ii)
Costs of carrying and retaining undeveloped properties, such as delay rentals, ad valorem taxes on properties, legal costs for title defense, and the maintenance of land and lease records.
(iii)
Dry hole contributions and bottom hole contributions.
(iv)
Costs of drilling and equipping exploratory wells.
(v)
Costs of drilling exploratory-type stratigraphic test wells.

(13) Exploratory well . An exploratory well is a well drilled to find a new field or to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to be productive of oil or gas in another reservoir. Generally, an exploratory well is any well that is not a development well, an extension well, a service well, or a stratigraphic test well as those items are defined in this section.

(14) Extension well . An extension well is a well drilled to extend the limits of a known reservoir.

(15) Field . An area consisting of a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs all grouped on or related to the same individual geological structural feature and/or stratigraphic condition. There may be two or more reservoirs in a field which are separated vertically by intervening impervious strata, or laterally by local geologic barriers, or by both. Reservoirs that are associated by being in overlapping or adjacent fields may be treated as a single or common operational field. The geological terms "structural feature" and "stratigraphic condition" are intended to identify localized geological features as opposed to the broader terms of basins, trends, provinces, plays, areas-of-interest, etc.




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(16) Oil and gas producing activities.

(i)
Oil and gas producing activities include:

(A)
The search for crude oil, including condensate and natural gas liquids, or natural gas ("oil and gas") in their natural states and original locations;
(B)
The acquisition of property rights or properties for the purpose of further exploration or for the purpose of removing the oil or gas from such properties;
(C)
The construction, drilling, and production activities necessary to retrieve oil and gas from their natural reservoirs, including the acquisition, construction, installation, and maintenance of field gathering and storage systems, such as:
(1)
Lifting the oil and gas to the surface; and
(2)
Gathering, treating, and field processing (as in the case of processing gas to extract liquid hydrocarbons); and
(D)
Extraction of saleable hydrocarbons, in the solid, liquid, or gaseous state, from oil sands, shale, coalbeds, or other nonrenewable natural resources which are intended to be upgraded into synthetic oil or gas, and activities undertaken with a view to such extraction.

Instruction 1 to paragraph (a)(16)(i) : The oil and gas production function shall be regarded as ending at a "terminal point", which is the outlet valve on the lease or field storage tank. If unusual physical or operational circumstances exist, it may be appropriate to regard the terminal point for the production function as:

a.
The first point at which oil, gas, or gas liquids, natural or synthetic, are delivered to a main pipeline, a common carrier, a refinery, or a marine terminal; and
b.
In the case of natural resources that are intended to be upgraded into synthetic oil or gas, if those natural resources are delivered to a purchaser prior to upgrading, the first point at which the natural resources are delivered to a main pipeline, a common carrier, a refinery, a marine terminal, or a facility which upgrades such natural resources into synthetic oil or gas.

Instruction 2 to paragraph (a)(16)(i): For purposes of this paragraph (a)(16), the term saleable hydrocarbons means hydrocarbons that are saleable in the state in which the hydrocarbons are delivered.

(ii)
Oil and gas producing activities do not include:

(A)
Transporting, refining, or marketing oil and gas;
(B)
Processing of produced oil, gas, or natural resources that can be upgraded into synthetic oil or gas by a registrant that does not have the legal right to produce or a revenue interest in such production;
(C)
Activities relating to the production of natural resources other than oil, gas, or natural resources from which synthetic oil and gas can be extracted; or
(D)
Production of geothermal steam.

(17) Possible reserves. Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves.

(i)
When deterministic methods are used, the total quantities ultimately recovered from a project have a low probability of exceeding proved plus probable plus possible reserves. When probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 10% probability that the total quantities ultimately recovered will equal or exceed the proved plus probable plus possible reserves estimates.
(ii)
Possible reserves may be assigned to areas of a reservoir adjacent to probable reserves where data control and interpretations of available data are progressively less certain. Frequently, this will be in areas where geoscience and engineering data are unable to define clearly the area and vertical limits of commercial production from the reservoir by a defined project.
(iii)
Possible reserves also include incremental quantities associated with a greater percentage recovery of the hydrocarbons in place than the recovery quantities assumed for probable reserves.
(iv)
The proved plus probable and proved plus probable plus possible reserves estimates must be based on reasonable alternative technical and commercial interpretations within the reservoir or subject project that are clearly documented, including comparisons to results in successful similar projects.




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(v)
Possible reserves may be assigned where geoscience and engineering data identify directly adjacent portions of a reservoir within the same accumulation that may be separated from proved areas by faults with displacement less than formation thickness or other geological discontinuities and that have not been penetrated by a wellbore, and the registrant believes that such adjacent portions are in communication with the known (proved) reservoir. Possible reserves may be assigned to areas that are structurally higher or lower than the proved area if these areas are in communication with the proved reservoir.
(vi)
Pursuant to paragraph (a)(22)(iii) of this section, where direct observation has defined a highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves should be assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir above the HKO only if the higher contact can be established with reasonable certainty through reliable technology. Portions of the reservoir that do not meet this reasonable certainty criterion may be assigned as probable and possible oil or gas based on reservoir fluid properties and pressure gradient interpretations.

(18) Probable reserves. Probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves but which, together with proved reserves, are as likely as not to be recovered.

(i)
When deterministic methods are used, it is as likely as not that actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the sum of estimated proved plus probable reserves. When probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 50% probability that the actual quantities recovered will equal or exceed the proved plus probable reserves estimates.
(ii)
Probable reserves may be assigned to areas of a reservoir adjacent to proved reserves where data control or interpretations of available data are less certain, even if the interpreted reservoir continuity of structure or productivity does not meet the reasonable certainty criterion. Probable reserves may be assigned to areas that are structurally higher than the proved area if these areas are in communication with the proved reservoir.
(iii)
Probable reserves estimates also include potential incremental quantities associated with a greater percentage recovery of the hydrocarbons in place than assumed for proved reserves.
(iv)
See also guidelines in paragraphs (a)(17)(iv) and (a)(17)(vi) of this section.

(19) Probabilistic estimate. The method of estimation of reserves or resources is called probabilistic when the full range of values that could reasonably occur for each unknown parameter (from the geoscience and engineering data) is used to generate a full range of possible outcomes and their associated probabilities of occurrence.

(20) Production costs.

(i)
Costs incurred to operate and maintain wells and related equipment and facilities, including depreciation and applicable operating costs of support equipment and facilities and other costs of operating and maintaining those wells and related equipment and facilities. They become part of the cost of oil and gas produced. Examples of production costs (sometimes called lifting costs) are:

(A)
Costs of labor to operate the wells and related equipment and facilities.
(B)
Repairs and maintenance.
(C)
Materials, supplies, and fuel consumed and supplies utilized in operating the wells and related equipment and facilities.
(D)
Property taxes and insurance applicable to proved properties and wells and related equipment and facilities.
(E)
Severance taxes.

(ii)
Some support equipment or facilities may serve two or more oil and gas producing activities and may also serve transportation, refining, and marketing activities. To the extent that the support equipment and facilities are used in oil and gas producing activities, their depreciation and applicable operating costs become exploration, development or production costs, as appropriate. Depreciation, depletion, and amortization of capitalized acquisition, exploration, and development costs are not production costs but also become part of the cost of oil and gas produced along with production (lifting) costs identified above.

(21) Proved area. The part of a property to which proved reserves have been specifically attributed.

(22) Proved oil and gas reserves. Proved oil and gas reserves are those quantities of oil and gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible-from




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a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations-prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation. The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project within a reasonable time.

(i)
The area of the reservoir considered as proved includes:

(A)
The area identified by drilling and limited by fluid contacts, if any, and
(B)
Adjacent undrilled portions of the reservoir that can, with reasonable certainty, be judged to be continuous with it and to contain economically producible oil or gas on the basis of available geoscience and engineering data.

(ii)
In the absence of data on fluid contacts, proved quantities in a reservoir are limited by the lowest known hydrocarbons (LKH) as seen in a well penetration unless geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establishes a lower contact with reasonable certainty.
(iii)
Where direct observation from well penetrations has defined a highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves may be assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir only if geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establish the higher contact with reasonable certainty.
(iv)
Reserves which can be produced economically through application of improved recovery techniques (including, but not limited to, fluid injection) are included in the proved classification when:

(A)
Successful testing by a pilot project in an area of the reservoir with properties no more favorable than in the reservoir as a whole, the operation of an installed program in the reservoir or an analogous reservoir, or other evidence using reliable technology establishes the reasonable certainty of the engineering analysis on which the project or program was based; and
(B)
The project has been approved for development by all necessary parties and entities, including governmental entities.

(v)
Existing economic conditions include prices and costs at which economic producibility from a reservoir is to be determined. The price shall be the average price during the 12-month period prior to the ending date of the period covered by the report, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within such period, unless prices are defined by contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based upon future conditions.

(23) Proved properties. Properties with proved reserves.

(24) Reasonable certainty. If deterministic methods are used, reasonable certainty means a high degree of confidence that the quantities will be recovered. If probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 90% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the estimate. A high degree of confidence exists if the quantity is much more likely to be achieved than not, and, as changes due to increased availability of geoscience (geological, geophysical, and geochemical), engineering, and economic data are made to estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) with time, reasonably certain EUR is much more likely to increase or remain constant than to decrease.

(25) Reliable technology. Reliable technology is a grouping of one or more technologies (including computational methods) that has been field tested and has been demonstrated to provide reasonably certain results with consistency and repeatability in the formation being evaluated or in an analogous formation.

(26) Reserves. Reserves are estimated remaining quantities of oil and gas and related substances anticipated to be economically producible, as of a given date, by application of development projects to known accumulations. In addition, there must exist, or there must be a reasonable expectation that there will exist, the legal right to produce or a revenue interest in the production, installed means of delivering oil and gas or related substances to market, and all permits and financing required to implement the project.

Note to paragraph (a)(26) : Reserves should not be assigned to adjacent reservoirs isolated by major, potentially sealing, faults until those reservoirs are penetrated and evaluated as economically producible. Reserves should not be assigned to areas that are clearly separated from a known accumulation by a non-productive reservoir (i.e., absence of reservoir,




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structurally low reservoir, or negative test results). Such areas may contain prospective resources (i.e., potentially recoverable resources from undiscovered accumulations).

Excerpted from the FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 932, Extractive Activities-Oil and Gas:
932-235-50-30 A standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to an entity's interests in both of the following shall be disclosed as of the end of the year:

a.      Proved oil and gas reserves (see paragraphs 932-235-50-3 through 50-11B)
b.      Oil and gas subject to purchase under long-term supply, purchase, or similar agreements and contracts in which the entity participates in the operation of the properties on which the oil or gas is located or otherwise serves as the producer of those reserves (see paragraph 932-235-50-7).
The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to those two types of interests in reserves may be combined for reporting purposes.
932-235-50-31 All of the following information shall be disclosed in the aggregate and for each geographic area for which reserve quantities are disclosed in accordance with paragraphs 932-235-50-3 through 50-11B:

a.      Future cash inflows. These shall be computed by applying prices used in estimating the entity's proved oil and gas reserves to the year-end quantities of those reserves. Future price changes shall be considered only to the extent provided by contractual arrangements in existence at year-end.
b.      Future development and production costs. These costs shall be computed by estimating the expenditures to be incurred in developing and producing the proved oil and gas reserves at the end of the year, based on year-end costs and assuming continuation of existing economic conditions. If estimated development expenditures are significant, they shall be presented separately from estimated production costs.
c.      Future income tax expenses. These expenses shall be computed by applying the appropriate year-end statutory tax rates, with consideration of future tax rates already legislated, to the future pretax net cash flows relating to the entity's proved oil and gas reserves, less the tax basis of the properties involved. The future income tax expenses shall give effect to tax deductions and tax credits and allowances relating to the entity's proved oil and gas reserves.
d.      Future net cash flows. These amounts are the result of subtracting future development and production costs and future income tax expenses from future cash inflows.
e.      Discount. This amount shall be derived from using a discount rate of 10 percent a year to reflect the timing of the future net cash flows relating to proved oil and gas reserves.
f.      Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows. This amount is the future net cash flows less the computed discount.

(27) Reservoir. A porous and permeable underground formation containing a natural accumulation of producible oil and/or gas that is confined by impermeable rock or water barriers and is individual and separate from other reservoirs.

(28) Resources. Resources are quantities of oil and gas estimated to exist in naturally occurring accumulations. A portion of the resources may be estimated to be recoverable, and another portion may be considered to be unrecoverable. Resources include both discovered and undiscovered accumulations.

(29) Service well. A well drilled or completed for the purpose of supporting production in an existing field. Specific purposes of service wells include gas injection, water injection, steam injection, air injection, salt-water disposal, water supply for injection, observation, or injection for in-situ combustion.

(30) Stratigraphic test well. A stratigraphic test well is a drilling effort, geologically directed, to obtain information pertaining to a specific geologic condition. Such wells customarily are drilled without the intent of being completed for hydrocarbon production. The classification also includes tests identified as core tests and all types of expendable holes related to hydrocarbon exploration. Stratigraphic tests are classified as "exploratory type" if not drilled in a known area or "development type" if drilled in a known area.

(31) Undeveloped oil and gas reserves. Undeveloped oil and gas reserves are reserves of any category that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion.

(i)
Reserves on undrilled acreage shall be limited to those directly offsetting development spacing areas that are reasonably certain of production when drilled, unless evidence using reliable technology exists that establishes reasonable certainty of economic producibility at greater distances.
(ii)
Undrilled locations can be classified as having undeveloped reserves only if a development plan has been adopted indicating that they are scheduled to be drilled within five years, unless the specific circumstances, justify a longer time.




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From the SEC's Compliance and Disclosure Interpretations (October 26, 2009):
Although several types of projects - such as constructing offshore platforms and development in urban areas, remote locations or environmentally sensitive locations - by their nature customarily take a longer time to develop and therefore often do justify longer time periods, this determination must always take into consideration all of the facts and circumstances. No particular type of project per se justifies a longer time period, and any extension beyond five years should be the exception, and not the rule.
Factors that a company should consider in determining whether or not circumstances justify recognizing reserves even though development may extend past five years include, but are not limited to, the following:

The company's level of ongoing significant development activities in the area to be developed (for example, drilling only the minimum number of wells necessary to maintain the lease generally would not constitute significant development activities);
The company's historical record at completing development of comparable long-term projects;
The amount of time in which the company has maintained the leases, or booked the reserves, without significant development activities;
The extent to which the company has followed a previously adopted development plan (for example, if a company has changed its development plan several times without taking significant steps to implement any of those plans, recognizing proved undeveloped reserves typically would not be appropriate); and
The extent to which delays in development are caused by external factors related to the physical operating environment (for example, restrictions on development on Federal lands, but not obtaining government permits), rather than by internal factors (for example, shifting resources to develop properties with higher priority).

(iii)
Under no circumstances shall estimates for undeveloped reserves be attributable to any acreage for which an application of fluid injection or other improved recovery technique is contemplated, unless such techniques have been proved effective by actual projects in the same reservoir or an analogous reservoir, as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, or by other evidence using reliable technology establishing reasonable certainty.

(32) Unproved properties. Properties with no proved reserves.







EXHIBIT 99.7







MARATHON OIL CORPORATION





Estimated

Future Reserves

Attributable to Certain

Leasehold Interests





SEC Parameters





As of

December 31, 2014










\s\ Jeffrey D. Wilson
Jeffrey D. Wilson, P.E.
TBPE License No. 86426
Managing Senior Vice President
[SEAL]
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY, L.P.
TBPE Firm Registration No. F-1580

RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS






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January 5, 2016


Marathon Oil Corporation
5555 San Felipe
P.O. Box 3128
Houston, Texas 77253-3128


Gentlemen:

At the request of Marathon Oil Corporation (Marathon), Ryder Scott Company, L.P. (Ryder Scott) has conducted a reserves audit of the estimates of the proved reserves as of December 31, 2014 prepared by Marathon’s engineering and geological staff based on the definitions and disclosure guidelines of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) contained in Title 17, Code of Federal Regulations, Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting, Final Rule released January 14, 2009 in the Federal Register (SEC regulations). Our third party reserves audit, completed on July 16, 2015 and presented herein, was prepared for public disclosure by Marathon in filings made with the SEC in accordance with the disclosure requirements set forth in the SEC regulations. The estimated reserves shown herein represent Marathon’s estimated net reserves attributable to the leasehold interests in certain properties owned by Marathon and the portion of those reserves reviewed by Ryder Scott, as of December 31, 2014. The properties reviewed by Ryder Scott incorporate Marathon reserve determinations and are located in the state of North Dakota.

The properties reviewed by Ryder Scott account for a portion of Marathon’s total net proved reserves as of December 31, 2014. Based on the estimates of total net proved reserves prepared by Marathon, the reserves audit conducted by Ryder Scott addresses 3 percent of the total proved developed net liquid hydrocarbon reserves, 1 percent of the total proved developed net gas reserves, 15 percent of the total proved undeveloped net liquid hydrocarbon reserves, and 2 percent of the total proved undeveloped net gas reserves of Marathon.

As prescribed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers in Paragraph 2.2(f) of the Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information (SPE auditing standards), a reserves audit is defined as “the process of reviewing certain of the pertinent facts interpreted and assumptions made that have resulted in an estimate of reserves prepared by others and the rendering of an opinion about (1) the appropriateness of the methodologies employed; (2) the adequacy and quality of the data relied upon; (3) the depth and thoroughness of the reserves estimation process; (4) the classification of reserves appropriate to the relevant definitions used; and (5) the reasonableness of the estimated reserve quantities.”

Based on our review, including the data, technical processes and interpretations presented by Marathon, it is our opinion that the overall procedures and methodologies utilized by Marathon in preparing their estimates of the proved reserves as of December 31, 2014 comply with the current SEC regulations and that the overall proved reserves for the reviewed properties as estimated by Marathon are, in the aggregate, reasonable within the established audit tolerance guidelines of 10 percent as set forth in the SPE auditing standards.
The estimated reserves presented in this report are related to hydrocarbon prices. Marathon has informed us that in the preparation of their reserve and income projections, as of December 31, 2014, they used average prices during the 12-month period prior to the “as of date” of this report, determined as the unweighted arithmetic averages of the prices in effect on the first-day-of-the-month for each month within

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such period, unless prices were defined by contractual arrangements, as required by the SEC regulations. Actual future prices may vary significantly from the prices required by SEC regulations; therefore, volumes of reserves actually recovered and the amounts of income actually received may differ significantly from the estimated quantities presented in this report. The net reserves as estimated by Marathon attributable to Marathon's interest in properties that we reviewed are summarized as follows:


SEC PARAMETERS
Estimated Net Reserves
Attributable to Certain Leasehold Interests of
Marathon Oil Corporation
As of December 31, 2014

 
 
Proved
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total
 
 
Developed
 
Undeveloped
 
Proved
Net Reserves of Properties
Audited by Ryder Scott
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Oil/Condensate - MBarrels
 
38,661
 
72,108
 
110,769
   Plant Products - MBarrels
 
4,039
 
5,991
 
10,030
   Gas - MMCF
 
15,108
 
26,439
 
41,547
   MBOE
 
45,218
 
82,506
 
127,724


Liquid hydrocarbons are expressed in thousands of standard 42 gallon barrels (MBarrels). All gas volumes are reported on an “as sold basis” expressed in millions of cubic feet (MMCF) at the official temperature and pressure bases of the areas in which the gas reserves are located. The net remaining reserves are also shown herein on an equivalent unit basis wherein natural gas is converted to oil equivalent using a factor of 6,000 cubic feet of natural gas per one barrel of oil equivalent. MBOE means thousands barrels of oil equivalent.


Reserves Included in This Report

In our opinion, the proved reserves presented in this report conform to the definition as set forth in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulations Part 210.4-10(a). An abridged version of the SEC reserves definitions from 210.4-10(a) entitled “Petroleum Reserves Definitions” is included as an attachment to this report.

The various proved reserve status categories are defined under the attachment entitled “Petroleum Reserves Status Definitions and Guidelines” in this report. The proved reserves included herein consist of the developed and undeveloped categories.

Reserves are “estimated remaining quantities of oil and gas and related substances anticipated to be economically producible, as of a given date, by application of development projects to known accumulations.” All reserve estimates involve an assessment of the uncertainty relating the likelihood that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the estimated quantities determined as of the date the estimate is made. The uncertainty depends chiefly on the amount of reliable geologic and engineering data available at the time of the estimate and the interpretation of these data. The relative degree of uncertainty may be conveyed by placing reserves into one of two principal classifications, either proved or unproved. Unproved reserves are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves and may be further sub-classified as probable and possible reserves to denote progressively increasing uncertainty





in their recoverability. At Marathon’s request, this report addresses only the proved reserves attributable to the properties reviewed herein.

Proved oil and gas reserves are “those quantities of oil and gas which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward.” The proved reserves included herein were estimated using deterministic methods. The SEC has defined reasonable certainty for proved reserves when based on deterministic methods as a “high degree of confidence that the quantities will be recovered.”

Proved reserve estimates will generally be revised only as additional geologic or engineering data become available or as economic conditions change. For proved reserves, the SEC states that “as changes due to increased availability of geoscience (geological, geophysical, and geochemical), engineering, and economic data are made to the estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) with time, reasonably certain EUR is much more likely to increase or remain constant than to decrease.” Moreover, estimates of proved reserves may be revised as a result of future operations, effects of regulation by governmental agencies or geopolitical or economic risks. Therefore, the proved reserves included in this report are estimates only and should not be construed as being exact quantities, and if recovered could be more or less than the estimated amounts.


Audit Data, Methodology, Procedure and Assumptions

The estimation of reserves involves two distinct determinations. The first determination results in the estimation of the quantities of recoverable oil and gas and the second determination results in the estimation of the uncertainty associated with those estimated quantities in accordance with the definitions set forth by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulations Part 210.4-10(a). The process of estimating the quantities of recoverable oil and gas reserves relies on the use of certain generally accepted analytical procedures. These analytical procedures fall into three broad categories or methods: (1) performance-based methods; (2) volumetric-based methods; and (3) analogy. These methods may be used singularly or in combination by the reserve evaluator in the process of estimating the quantities of reserves. Reserve evaluators must select the method or combination of methods which in their professional judgment is most appropriate given the nature and amount of reliable geoscience and engineering data available at the time of the estimate, the established or anticipated performance characteristics of the reservoir being evaluated and the stage of development or producing maturity of the property.

In many cases, the analysis of the available geoscience and engineering data and the subsequent interpretation of this data may indicate a range of possible outcomes in an estimate, irrespective of the method selected by the evaluator. When a range in the quantity of reserves is identified, the evaluator must determine the uncertainty associated with the incremental quantities of the reserves. If the reserve quantities are estimated using the deterministic incremental approach, the uncertainty for each discrete incremental quantity of the reserves is addressed by the reserve category assigned by the evaluator. Therefore, it is the categorization of reserve quantities as proved, probable and/or possible that addresses the inherent uncertainty in the estimated quantities reported. For proved reserves, uncertainty is defined by the SEC as reasonable certainty wherein the “quantities actually recovered are much more likely than not to be achieved.” The SEC states that “probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves but which, together with proved reserves, are as likely as not to be recovered.” The SEC states that “possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves and the total quantities ultimately recovered from a project have a low probability of exceeding proved plus probable plus possible reserves.” All quantities of reserves within the same reserve category must meet the SEC definitions as noted above.

Estimates of reserves quantities and their associated reserve categories may be revised in the future as additional geoscience or engineering data become available. Furthermore, estimates of reserves quantities and their associated reserve categories may also be revised due to other factors such as changes





in economic conditions, results of future operations, effects of regulation by governmental agencies or geopolitical or economic risks as previously noted herein.

The proved reserves, prepared by Marathon, for the properties that we reviewed were estimated primarily by performance-based methods and analogy. All of the proved reserves attributable to producing wells and/or reservoirs were estimated by performance methods. These performance methods include, but may not be limited to, decline curve and other production analysis. These analyses utilized extrapolations of historical production data available through December 2014 in those cases where such data were considered to be definitive. The data utilized in this analysis were furnished to Ryder Scott by Marathon or obtained from public data sources and were considered sufficient for the purpose thereof.

The undeveloped reserves were estimated by analogy to the historical performance of mature areas within each unit or field where these analogues were applied. Data was furnished to Ryder Scott by Marathon or obtained from public data sources that were available through December 2014. The data utilized from the analogues were considered sufficient for the purpose thereof.

The properties reviewed are oil shales and are developed almost entirely using horizontal drilling technology.

To estimate economically recoverable proved oil and gas reserves, many factors and assumptions are considered including, but not limited to, the use of reservoir parameters derived from geological, geophysical and engineering data which cannot be measured directly, economic criteria based on current costs and SEC pricing requirements, and forecasts of future production rates. Under the SEC regulations 210.4-10(a)(22)(v) and (26), proved reserves must be anticipated to be economically producible from a given date forward based on existing economic conditions including the prices and costs at which economic producibility from a reservoir is to be determined. While it may reasonably be anticipated that the future prices received for the sale of production and the operating costs and other costs relating to such production may increase or decrease from those under existing economic conditions, such changes were, in accordance with rules adopted by the SEC, omitted from consideration in conducting this review.

As stated previously, proved reserves must be anticipated to be economically producible from a given date forward based on existing economic conditions including the prices and costs at which economic producibility from a reservoir is to be determined. To confirm that the proved reserves reviewed by us meet the SEC requirements to be economically producible, we have reviewed certain primary economic data utilized by Marathon relating to hydrocarbon prices and costs as noted herein.

The hydrocarbon prices furnished by Marathon for the properties reviewed by us are based on SEC price parameters using the average prices during the 12-month period prior to the “as of date” of this report, determined as the unweighted arithmetic averages of the prices in effect on the first-day-of-the-month for each month within such period, unless prices were defined by contractual arrangements. For hydrocarbon products sold under contract, the contract prices, including fixed and determinable escalations exclusive of inflation adjustments, were used until expiration of the contract.

The initial SEC hydrocarbon prices in effect on December 31, 2014 for the properties reviewed by us were determined using the 12-month average first-day-of-the-month benchmark prices appropriate to the geographic area where the hydrocarbons are sold. These benchmark prices are prior to the adjustments for differentials as described herein. The table below summarizes the “benchmark prices” and “price reference” used by Marathon for the geographic areas reviewed by us. In certain geographic areas, the price reference and benchmark prices may be defined by contractual arrangements.

The product prices which were actually used by Marathon to determine the future gross revenue for each property reviewed by us reflect adjustments to the benchmark prices for gravity, quality, local conditions, and/or distance from market, referred to herein as “differentials.” The differentials used by Marathon were





accepted as factual data and reviewed by us for their reasonableness; however, we have not conducted an independent verification of the data used by Marathon.

The table below summarizes Marathon’s net volume weighted benchmark prices adjusted for differentials for the properties reviewed by us and referred to herein as Marathon’s “average realized prices.” The average realized prices shown in the table below were determined from Marathon’s estimate of the total future gross revenue before production taxes and Marathon’s estimate of the total net reserves for the geographic area. The data shown in the table below is presented in accordance with SEC disclosure requirements for each of the geographic areas reviewed by us.


Geographic Area
Product

Price
Reference
Average Benchmark Prices
Average Realized
Prices
  North America
 
 
 
 
 
Oil/Condensate
WTI Cushing
$94.99/bbl
$83.21/bbl
    North Dakota
NGL
Contract
N/A
$43.89/bbl
 
Gas
Henry Hub
$4.31/Mcf
$5.18/Mcf


The effects of derivative instruments designated as price hedges of oil and gas quantities are not reflected in Marathon’s individual property evaluations.
 
Accumulated gas production imbalances, if any, were not taken into account in the proved gas reserve estimates reviewed. The proved gas volumes presented herein do not include volumes of gas consumed in operations as reserves.

Operating costs furnished by Marathon are based on the operating expense reports of Marathon and include only those costs directly applicable to the leases or wells for the properties reviewed by us. The operating costs include a portion of general and administrative costs allocated directly to the leases and wells. The operating costs for non-operated properties include the COPAS overhead costs that are allocated directly to the leases and wells under terms of operating agreements. Where applicable operating costs were included for transportation, tariffs and/or processing fees. The operating costs furnished by Marathon were accepted as factual data and reviewed by us for their reasonableness; however, we have not conducted an independent verification of the data used by Marathon. No deduction was made for loan repayments, interest expenses, or exploration and development prepayments that were not charged directly to the leases or wells.
Development costs furnished by Marathon are based on authorizations for expenditure for the proposed work or actual costs for similar projects. The development costs furnished by Marathon were accepted as factual data and reviewed by us for their reasonableness; however, we have not conducted an independent verification of the data used by Marathon.
 
The proved developed (non-producing) and undeveloped reserves for the properties reviewed by us have been incorporated herein in accordance with the operator’s plans to develop these reserves as of December 31, 2014. The implementation of the operator’s development plans as presented to us is subject to the approval process adopted by Marathon’s management. As the result of our inquiries during the course of our review, Marathon has informed us that the development activities for the properties reviewed by us have been subjected to and received the internal approvals required by Marathon’s management at the appropriate local, regional and/or corporate level. In addition to the internal approvals as noted, certain development activities may still be subject to specific partner AFE processes, Joint Operating Agreement (JOA) requirements or other administrative approvals external to Marathon. Additionally, Marathon has informed us that they are not aware of any legal, regulatory, or political obstacles that would significantly alter their plans. While these plans could change from those under existing economic conditions as of





December 31, 2014, such changes were, in accordance with rules adopted by the SEC, omitted from consideration in making this evaluation.

Current costs used by Marathon were held constant throughout the life of the properties.

Marathon’s forecasts of future production rates are based on historical performance from wells currently on production. If no production decline trend has been established, future production rates were held constant, or adjusted for the effects of curtailment where appropriate, until a decline in ability to produce was anticipated. An estimated rate of decline was then applied to depletion of the reserves. If a decline trend has been established, this trend was used as the basis for estimating future production rates.

Test data and other related information were used by Marathon to estimate the anticipated initial production rates for those wells or locations that are not currently producing. For reserves not yet on production, sales were estimated to commence at an anticipated date furnished by Marathon. Wells or locations that are not currently producing may start producing earlier or later than anticipated in Marathon’s estimates due to unforeseen factors causing a change in the timing to initiate production. Such factors may include delays due to weather, the availability of rigs, the sequence of drilling, completing and/or recompleting wells and/or constraints set by regulatory bodies.

The future production rates from wells currently on production or wells or locations that are not currently producing may be more or less than estimated because of changes including, but not limited to, reservoir performance, operating conditions related to surface facilities, compression and artificial lift, pipeline capacity and/or operating conditions, producing market demand and/or allowables or other constraints set by regulatory bodies.

Marathon’s operations may be subject to various levels of governmental controls and regulations. These controls and regulations may include, but may not be limited to, matters relating to land tenure and leasing, the legal rights to produce hydrocarbons, drilling and production practices, environmental protection, marketing and pricing policies, royalties, various taxes and levies including income tax, and are subject to change from time to time. Such changes in governmental regulations and policies may cause volumes of proved reserves actually recovered and amounts of proved income actually received to differ significantly from the estimated quantities.

The estimates of proved reserves presented herein were based upon a review of the properties in which Marathon owns an interest; however, we have not made any field examination of the properties. No consideration was given in this report to potential environmental liabilities that may exist nor were any costs included by Marathon for potential liabilities to restore and clean up damages, if any, caused by past operating practices.

Certain technical personnel of Marathon are responsible for the preparation of reserve estimates on new properties and for the preparation of revised estimates, when necessary, on old properties. These personnel assembled the necessary data and maintained the data and workpapers in an orderly manner. We consulted with these technical personnel and had access to their workpapers and supporting data in the course of our audit.

Marathon has informed us that they have furnished us all of the material accounts, records, geological and engineering data, and reports and other data required for this investigation. In performing our audit of Marathon’s forecast of future proved production, we have relied upon data furnished by Marathon with respect to property interests owned or derived, production and well tests from examined wells, normal direct costs of operating the wells or leases, other costs such as transportation and/or processing fees, ad valorem and production taxes, recompletion and development costs, development plans, abandonment costs after salvage, product prices based on the SEC regulations, adjustments or differentials to product prices, geological structural and isochore maps, well logs, core analyses, and pressure measurements. Ryder Scott reviewed such factual data for its reasonableness; however, we have not conducted an independent





verification of the data furnished by Marathon. We consider the factual data furnished to us by Marathon to be appropriate and sufficient for the purpose of our review of Marathon’s estimates of reserves. In summary, we consider the assumptions, data, methods and analytical procedures used by Marathon and as reviewed by us appropriate for the purpose hereof, and we have used all such methods and procedures that we consider necessary and appropriate under the circumstances to render the conclusions set forth herein.


Audit Opinion

Based on our review, including the data, technical processes and interpretations presented by Marathon, it is our opinion that the overall procedures and methodologies utilized by Marathon in preparing their estimates of the proved reserves as of December 31, 2014 comply with the current SEC regulations and that the overall proved reserves for the reviewed properties as estimated by Marathon are, in the aggregate, reasonable within the established audit tolerance guidelines of 10 percent as set forth in the SPE auditing standards.

We were in reasonable agreement with Marathon's estimates of proved reserves for the properties which we reviewed; however, Marathon’s SOX controls require the variance in Marathon’s estimates and our estimates be less than 10 percent at the field level rather than the aggregate that is typically utilized as the basis of audit compliance. These reserve variances generally stem from difference in interpretation of data or due to our having access to data which were not available to Marathon when its reserve estimates were prepared. In these cases, Marathon revised its estimates to better conform to our estimates. As a consequence, it is our opinion that on an aggregate basis the data presented herein for the properties that we reviewed fairly reflects the estimated net reserves owned by Marathon.


Standards of Independence and Professional Qualification

Ryder Scott is an independent petroleum engineering consulting firm that has been providing petroleum consulting services throughout the world since 1937. Ryder Scott is employee-owned and maintains offices in Houston, Texas; Denver, Colorado; and Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We have over eighty engineers and geoscientists on our permanent staff. By virtue of the size of our firm and the large number of clients for which we provide services, no single client or job represents a material portion of our annual revenue. We do not serve as officers or directors of any privately-owned or publicly-traded oil and gas company and are separate and independent from the operating and investment decision-making process of our clients. This allows us to bring the highest level of independence and objectivity to each engagement for our services.

Ryder Scott actively participates in industry-related professional societies and organizes an annual public forum focused on the subject of reserves evaluations and SEC regulations. Many of our staff have authored or co-authored technical papers on the subject of reserves related topics. We encourage our staff to maintain and enhance their professional skills by actively participating in ongoing continuing education.

Prior to becoming an officer of the Company, Ryder Scott requires that staff engineers and geoscientists have received professional accreditation in the form of a registered or certified professional engineer’s license or a registered or certified professional geoscientist’s license, or the equivalent thereof, from an appropriate governmental authority or a recognized self-regulating professional organization.

We are independent petroleum engineers with respect to Marathon. Neither we nor any of our employees have any financial interest in the subject properties, and neither the employment to do this work nor the compensation is contingent on our estimates of reserves for the properties which were reviewed.






The results of this audit, presented herein, are based on technical analysis conducted by teams of geoscientists and engineers from Ryder Scott. The professional qualifications of the undersigned, the technical person primarily responsible for overseeing, reviewing and approving the review of the reserves information discussed in this report, are included as an attachment to this letter.


Terms of Usage

The results of our third party audit, presented in report form herein, were prepared in accordance with the disclosure requirements set forth in the SEC regulations and intended for public disclosure as an exhibit in filings made with the SEC by Marathon.

Marathon makes periodic filings on Form 10-K with the SEC under the 1934 Exchange Act. Furthermore, Marathon has certain registration statements filed with the SEC under the 1933 Securities Act into which any subsequently filed Form 10-K is incorporated by reference. We have consented to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements on Form S-3 and Form S-8 of Marathon of the references to our name as well as to the references to our third party report for Marathon, which appears in the December 31, 2014 annual report on Form 10-K of Marathon. Our written consent for such use is included as a separate exhibit to the filings made with the SEC by Marathon.

We have provided Marathon with a digital version of the original signed copy of this report letter. In the event there are any differences between the digital version included in filings made by Marathon and the original signed report letter, the original signed report letter shall control and supersede the digital version.

The data and work papers used in the preparation of this report are available for examination by authorized parties in our offices. Please contact us if we can be of further service.

Very truly yours,

RYDER SCOTT COMPANY, L.P.
TBPE Firm Registration No. F-1580


\s\ Jeffrey D. Wilson


Jeffrey D. Wilson, P.E.
TBPE License No. 86426
Managing Senior Vice President
[SEAL]
JDW (DPR)/pl














RYDER SCOTT COMPANY PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS





Professional Qualifications of Primary Technical Engineer

The conclusions presented in this report are the result of technical analysis conducted by teams of geoscientists and engineers from Ryder Scott Company, L.P. Jeffrey D. Wilson was the primary technical person responsible for the estimate of the reserves, future production and income presented herein.

Mr. Wilson, an employee of Ryder Scott Company, L.P. (Ryder Scott) since 1998, is a Managing Senior Vice President and also serves as a member of the Board of Directors responsible for coordinating and supervising staff and consulting engineers of the company in ongoing reservoir evaluation studies worldwide. Before joining Ryder Scott, Mr. Wilson served in a number of engineering positions with Exxon. For more information regarding Mr. Wilson’s geographic and job specific experience, please refer to the Ryder Scott Company website at www.ryderscott.com/Company/Employees .

Mr. Wilson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Houston in 1991, graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas. He is also a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and currently serves as an advising member of the SPE Oil and Gas Reserves Committee.

The Texas Board of Professional Engineers requires a minimum of fifteen hours of continuing education annually, including at least one hour in the area of professional ethics, which Mr. Wilson fulfills. As part of his 2015 continuing education hours, Mr. Wilson attended or participated as a discussion panelist in four different multiday conferences and symposiums focused primarily on unconventional (shale) resource evaluations, SEC oil and gas reporting requirements, the SPE/WPC/AAPG/SPEE Petroleum Resources Management System and ethics training. Mr. Wilson also earned additional continuing education credits by attending various SPE Oil and Gas Reserves Committee meetings and making presentations of the results of his study of the SEC’s 2014 comment letters.

Based on his educational background, professional training and 25 years of practical experience in the estimation and evaluation of petroleum reserves, Mr. Wilson has attained the professional qualifications as a Reserves Estimator and Reserves Auditor set forth in Article III of the “Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information” promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers as of February 19, 2007.












PETROLEUM RESERVES DEFINITIONS

As Adapted From:
RULE 4-10(a) of REGULATION S-X PART 210
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (SEC)


PREAMBLE

On January 14, 2009, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published the “Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting; Final Rule” in the Federal Register of National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The “Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting; Final Rule” includes revisions and additions to the definition section in Rule 4-10 of Regulation S-X, revisions and additions to the oil and gas reporting requirements in Regulation S-K, and amends and codifies Industry Guide 2 in Regulation S-K. The “Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting; Final Rule”, including all references to Regulation S-X and Regulation S-K, shall be referred to herein collectively as the “SEC regulations”. The SEC regulations take effect for all filings made with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission as of December 31, 2009, or after January 1, 2010. Reference should be made to the full text under Title 17, Code of Federal Regulations, Regulation S-X Part 210, Rule 4-10(a) for the complete definitions (direct passages excerpted in part or wholly from the aforementioned SEC document are denoted in italics herein).

Reserves are estimated remaining quantities of oil and gas and related substances anticipated to be economically producible, as of a given date, by application of development projects to known accumulations. All reserve estimates involve an assessment of the uncertainty relating the likelihood that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the estimated quantities determined as of the date the estimate is made. The uncertainty depends chiefly on the amount of reliable geologic and engineering data available at the time of the estimate and the interpretation of these data. The relative degree of uncertainty may be conveyed by placing reserves into one of two principal classifications, either proved or unproved. Unproved reserves are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves and may be further sub-classified as probable and possible reserves to denote progressively increasing uncertainty in their recoverability. Under the SEC regulations as of December 31, 2009, or after January 1, 2010, a company may optionally disclose estimated quantities of probable or possible oil and gas reserves in documents publicly filed with the SEC. The SEC regulations continue to prohibit disclosure of estimates of oil and gas resources other than reserves and any estimated values of such resources in any document publicly filed with the SEC unless such information is required to be disclosed in the document by foreign or state law as noted in §229.1202 Instruction to Item 1202.

Reserves estimates will generally be revised only as additional geologic or engineering data become available or as economic conditions change.

Reserves may be attributed to either natural energy or improved recovery methods. Improved recovery methods include all methods for supplementing natural energy or altering natural forces in the reservoir to increase ultimate recovery. Examples of such methods are pressure maintenance, natural gas cycling, waterflooding, thermal methods, chemical flooding, and the use of miscible and immiscible displacement fluids. Other improved recovery methods may be developed in the future as petroleum technology continues to evolve.

Reserves may be attributed to either conventional or unconventional petroleum accumulations. Petroleum accumulations are considered as either conventional or unconventional based on the nature of their in-place characteristics, extraction method applied, or degree of processing prior to sale. Examples of unconventional petroleum accumulations include coalbed or coalseam methane (CBM/CSM), basin-centered gas, shale gas, gas hydrates, natural bitumen and oil shale deposits. These unconventional accumulations may require specialized extraction technology and/or significant processing prior to sale.






Reserves do not include quantities of petroleum being held in inventory.

Because of the differences in uncertainty, caution should be exercised when aggregating quantities of petroleum from different reserves categories.


RESERVES (SEC DEFINITIONS)

Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X §210.4-10(a)(26) defines reserves as follows:

Reserves. Reserves are estimated remaining quantities of oil and gas and related substances anticipated to be economically producible, as of a given date, by application of development projects to known accumulations. In addition, there must exist, or there must be a reasonable expectation that there will exist, the legal right to produce or a revenue interest in the production, installed means of delivering oil and gas or related substances to market, and all permits and financing required to implement the project.

Note to paragraph (a)(26): Reserves should not be assigned to adjacent reservoirs isolated by major, potentially sealing, faults until those reservoirs are penetrated and evaluated as economically producible. Reserves should not be assigned to areas that are clearly separated from a known accumulation by a non-productive reservoir ( i.e. , absence of reservoir, structurally low reservoir, or negative test results). Such areas may contain prospective resources ( i.e. , potentially recoverable resources from undiscovered accumulations).


PROVED RESERVES (SEC DEFINITIONS)

Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X §210.4-10(a)(22) defines proved oil and gas reserves as follows:

Proved oil and gas reserves. Proved oil and gas reserves are those quantities of oil and gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible-from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations-prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation. The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project within a reasonable time.

(i) The area of the reservoir considered as proved includes:

(A) The area identified by drilling and limited by fluid contacts, if any, and

(B) Adjacent undrilled portions of the reservoir that can, with reasonable certainty, be judged to be continuous with it and to contain economically producible oil or gas on the basis of available geoscience and engineering data.
PROVED RESERVES (SEC DEFINITIONS) CONTINUED

(ii) In the absence of data on fluid contacts, proved quantities in a reservoir are limited by the lowest known hydrocarbons (LKH) as seen in a well penetration unless geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establishes a lower contact with reasonable certainty.

(iii) Where direct observation from well penetrations has defined a highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves may be assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir only if geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establish the higher contact with reasonable certainty.






(iv) Reserves which can be produced economically through application of improved recovery techniques (including, but not limited to, fluid injection) are included in the proved classification when:
(A) Successful testing by a pilot project in an area of the reservoir with properties no more favorable than in the reservoir as a whole, the operation of an installed program in the reservoir or an analogous reservoir, or other evidence using reliable technology establishes the reasonable certainty of the engineering analysis on which the project or program was based; and

(B) The project has been approved for development by all necessary parties and entities, including governmental entities.

(v) Existing economic conditions include prices and costs at which economic producibility from a reservoir is to be determined. The price shall be the average price during the 12-month period prior to the ending date of the period covered by the report, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within such period, unless prices are defined by contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based upon future conditions.














PETROLEUM RESERVES STATUS DEFINITIONS AND GUIDELINES

As Adapted From:
RULE 4-10(a) of REGULATION S-X PART 210
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (SEC)

and

PETROLEUM RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (SPE-PRMS)
Sponsored and Approved by:
SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERS (SPE)
WORLD PETROLEUM COUNCIL (WPC)
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGISTS (AAPG)
SOCIETY OF PETROLEUM EVALUATION ENGINEERS (SPEE)


Reserves status categories define the development and producing status of wells and reservoirs. Reference should be made to Title 17, Code of Federal Regulations, Regulation S-X Part 210, Rule 4-10(a) and the SPE-PRMS as the following reserves status definitions are based on excerpts from the original documents (direct passages excerpted from the aforementioned SEC and SPE-PRMS documents are denoted in italics herein).


DEVELOPED RESERVES (SEC DEFINITIONS)

Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X §210.4-10(a)(6) defines developed oil and gas reserves as follows:

Developed oil and gas reserves are reserves of any category that can be expected to be recovered:

(i) Through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods or in which the cost of the required equipment is relatively minor compared to the cost of a new well; and

(ii) Through installed extraction equipment and infrastructure operational at the time of the reserves estimate if the extraction is by means not involving a well.

Developed Producing (SPE-PRMS Definitions)

While not a requirement for disclosure under the SEC regulations, developed oil and gas reserves may be further sub-classified according to the guidance contained in the SPE-PRMS as Producing or Non-Producing.

Developed Producing Reserves
Developed Producing Reserves are expected to be recovered from completion intervals that are open and producing at the time of the estimate.

Improved recovery reserves are considered producing only after the improved recovery project is in operation.
Developed Non-Producing
Developed Non-Producing Reserves include shut-in and behind-pipe reserves.

Shut-In
Shut-in Reserves are expected to be recovered from:





(1)
completion intervals which are open at the time of the estimate, but which have not started producing;
(2)
wells which were shut-in for market conditions or pipeline connections; or
(3)
wells not capable of production for mechanical reasons.

Behind-Pipe
Behind-pipe Reserves are expected to be recovered from zones in existing wells, which will require additional completion work or future re-completion prior to start of production.

In all cases, production can be initiated or restored with relatively low expenditure compared to the cost of drilling a new well.


UNDEVELOPED RESERVES (SEC DEFINITIONS)

Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X §210.4-10(a)(31) defines undeveloped oil and gas reserves as follows:

Undeveloped oil and gas reserves are reserves of any category that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion.

(i)
Reserves on undrilled acreage shall be limited to those directly offsetting development spacing areas that are reasonably certain of production when drilled, unless evidence using reliable technology exists that establishes reasonable certainty of economic producibility at greater distances.

(ii) Undrilled locations can be classified as having undeveloped reserves only if a development plan has been adopted indicating that they are scheduled to be drilled within five years, unless the specific circumstances, justify a longer time.

(iii) Under no circumstances shall estimates for undeveloped reserves be attributable to any acreage for which an application of fluid injection or other improved recovery technique is contemplated, unless such techniques have been proved effective by actual projects in the same reservoir or an analogous reservoir, as defined in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, or by other evidence using reliable technology establishing reasonable certainty.