w

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

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

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

07 May 2020

Commission File Number 1-15200

Equinor ASA

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

FORUSBEEN 50, N-4035, STAVANGER, NORWAY

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

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

 

Form 20-F X        Form 40-F

 

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

 

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

 

This Report on Form 6-K contains a report of the first quarter 2020 results of Equinor ASA.

 

 


 

Equinor first quarter 2020 results


Equinor reports adjusted earnings of USD 2.05 billion and USD 0.56 billion after tax in the first quarter of 2020. IFRS net operating income was USD 0.06 billion and the IFRS net income was negative USD 0.71 billion, following net impairments of USD 2.45 billion.

The first quarter was characterised by

·           Rapid and forceful response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the fall in commodity prices and the market uncertainty

     Launch of a USD 3 billion action plan for 2020 to strengthen financial resilience

     Suspension of share buy-back under the share buy-back programme

      Cash dividend for first quarter reduced to USD 0.09 per share

·           Solid cash flow and net debt ratio (1) at 25.8%

·           Financial results impacted by lower commodity prices

·          Solid operational performance with record high production and successful ramp-up to a higher plateau production level at Johan Sverdrup at the end of April

“The Covid-19 pandemic is impacting people, societies and industries across the world. Joint efforts by individuals, governments and companies are necessary to respond to the current global emergency. We are all in this together and Equinor has launched a forceful and rapid response. Safety is our first priority and we have taken actions to keep our people safe and healthy, contribute positively in the societies in which we operate and mitigate spread of the virus. We have also taken forceful actions to strengthen our financial resilience, and we are prepared to take further measures as necessary to protect people, operations and value creation,” says Eldar Sætre, President and CEO of Equinor ASA.   

“In times like this, with the current unprecedented market conditions and uncertainties, it is more important than ever to have a clear direction for the long-term development of the company. Our values and strategy remain firm, and we are committed to develop Equinor as a broad energy company. It is a sound business strategy to ensure competitiveness and drive change towards a low carbon future, based on a strong commitment to value creation for our shareholders,” says Sætre.

“Our financial results in the quarter were impacted by the lower commodity prices. However, we delivered strong operational performance with record high production and solid cash flow under these market conditions. Uncertainty remains high with very low commodity prices and increased differentials towards the end of first quarter and in the start of the second quarter. We will continue to prioritise value over volume and have already reduced activity, particularly in the US onshore. We will consider further activity reductions and use the flexibility we have in our portfolio as necessary,” says Sætre.

Adjusted earnings [5] were USD 2.05 billion in the first quarter, down from USD 4.19 billion in the same period in 2019. Adjusted earnings after tax [5] were USD 0.56 billion, down from USD 1.54 billion in the same period last year. Lower prices for both liquids and gas impacted the earnings for the quarter.

In first quarter, Equinor announced a plan for reducing costs(2) for 2020 by around USD 700 million compared to original estimates. Operating costs in first quarter 2020, were improved from last quarter and we see lower unit production costs. For E&P Norway Equinor saw lower prices with increased production and high regularity. Results in the E&P International segment were impacted by the low prices on both gas and liquids, despite a slight reduction of operating costs and increase in production. The Marketing, Midstream and Processing segment reported strong results from European natural gas offset by the effects of weak refinery margins and product trading in a demanding volatile market. Equinor delivered record high electricity production from the renewable business.

IFRS net operating income was USD 0.06 billion in the first quarter, down from USD 4.73 billion in the same period of 2019. IFRS net income was negative USD 0.71 billion in the first quarter, down from positive USD 1.71 billion in the first quarter of 2019. Net operating income was impacted by net impairment charges of USD 2.45 billion, of which USD 0.86 billion relates to assets at the Norwegian continental shelf and USD 1.40 billion to the international portfolio. Impairments are mainly triggered by reduction in short-term price assumptions.

Equinor delivered record high total equity production of 2,233 mboe per day in the first quarter, up 3% from the same period in 2019. The flexibility in the gas fields was used to defer production into periods with higher expected gas prices. Successful rampup of new fields as well as new well capacity, contributed to growth in production. The ramp- up of Johan Sverdrup contributes significantly to the increased production in the quarter, and the field reached a higher plateau production level at 470,000 boe per day in late April. Equinor expects to deliver an average annual production growth of around 3% from 2019 to 2026. Due to market uncertainties,


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
2  


 

government-imposed production curtailments and Equinor’s value over volume approach, Equinor has suspended further production guidance for 2020.

At the end of first quarter 2020 Equinor has completed 5 exploration wells with 3 commercial discoveries, and 17 wells were ongoing. Adjusted exploration expenses in the quarter were USD 0.30 billion, compared to USD 0.27 billion in the same quarter of 2019.

Cash flows provided by operating activities before taxes paid and changes in working capital amounted to USD 4.50 billion in the first quarter, compared to USD 6.45 billion in 2019. Organic capital expenditure (5) was USD 2.30 billion for the three first months of 2020. Equinor expects an organic capex of around USD 8.5 billion for 2020 and is updating its organic capex expectation for 2021 to around USD 10 billion. At the closing of the quarter net debt to capital employed((1)) was 25.8%, up two percentage points mainly as a result of currency impact on equity. Following the implementation of IFRS 16, net debt to capital employed(1) was 31.3%.

The board of directors has decided a cash dividend of USD 0.09 per share for the first quarter 2020, a reduction of 67% compared to the proposed fourth quarter 2019 dividend level.

The twelve-month average Serious Incident Frequency (SIF) for the period ending 31 March was 0.6 for 2020 and in 2019. The twelve-month average Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF) for the period ending 31 March was 2.3 for 2020, compared to 2.9 in 2019.

 

 

Quarters

Change

(in USD million, unless stated otherwise)

Q1 2020

Q4 2019

Q1 2019

Q1 on Q1

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating income/(loss)

58

1,516

4,732

(99%)

Adjusted earnings [5]

2,047

3,550

4,187

(51%)

Net income/(loss)

(705)

(230)

1,712

N/A

Adjusted earnings after tax [5]

561

1,186

1,535

(63%)

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

2,233

2,198

2,178

3%

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

44.2

56.5

55.8

(21%)


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

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


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
3  


 

GROUP REVIEW

First quarter 2020

Total equity liquids and gas production (4) was 2,233 mboe per day in the first quarter of 2020, up 3% compared to 2,178 mboe per day in the first quarter of 2019. The increase was mainly due to contributions from new fields on the NCS and in the UK, in addition to new wells in the US onshore business. The increase was partially offset by expected natural decline, portfolio changes and reduced flexible gas production due to lower prices(3) this quarter.

 

Total entitlement liquids and gas production (3) was 2,076 mboe per day in the first quarter of 2020, up 4% compared to 2,001 mboe per day in the first quarter of 2019. In addition to the factors mentioned above, production was positively influenced by lower effects from production sharing agreements (PSA) [4], and lower US royalty volumes. The net effect of PSA and US royalties was 157 mboe per day in total in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 177 mboe per day in the first quarter of 2019.

Condensed income statement under IFRS

Quarters

Change

(unaudited, in USD million)

Q1 2020

Q4 2019

Q1 2019

Q1 on Q1

Total revenues and other income

15,130

15,169

16,482

(8%)

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases [net of inventory variation]

(7,396)

(6,603)

(6,656)

11%

Operating and administrative expenses

(2,603)

(2,405)

(2,639)

(1%)

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

(4,438)

(4,165)

(2,188)

>100%

Exploration expenses

(635)

(480)

(268)

>100%

Net operating income/(loss)

58

1,516

4,732

(99%)

Net income/(loss)

(705)

(230)

1,712

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating income was USD 58 million in the first quarter of 2020, compared to USD 4,732 million in the first quarter of 2019. The decrease was primarily due to net impairments mainly related to decreased short-term oil price assumptions and construction delays mainly caused by the Covid-19 pandemic (4). Lower liquids and gas prices in the E&P reporting segments and weak refinery margins and liquids trading in MMP added to the decrease.

In the first quarter of 2020, net operating income was negatively impacted mainly by net impairments of USD 2,452 million3 and operational storage effects of USD 343 million.

In the first quarter of 2019, net operating income was positively impacted by changes in unrealised fair value of derivatives and inventory hedge contracts of USD 706 million and an impairment reversal of USD 116 million. In addition, net operating income was negatively impacted by an implementation effect of USD 123 million from a change of accounting policy for lifting imbalances.

 

Adjusted earnings

Quarters

Change

(in USD million)

Q1 2020

Q4 2019

Q1 2019

Q1 on Q1

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted total revenues and other income

14,970

15,336

15,772

(5%)

Adjusted purchases [6]

(7,856)

(6,048)

(6,543)

20%

Adjusted operating and administrative expenses

(2,445)

(2,496)

(2,470)

(1%)

Adjusted depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

(2,321)

(2,806)

(2,303)

1%

Adjusted exploration expenses

(302)

(437)

(268)

13%

Adjusted earnings [5]

2,047

3,550

4,187

(51%)

Adjusted earnings after tax [5]

561

1,186

1,535

(63%)

 

 

 

 

 

For items impacting net operating income, see Use and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures in the Supplementary disclosures.


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

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


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
4  


 

Adjusted total revenues and other income were USD 14,970 million in the first quarter of 2020 compared to USD 15,772 million in the first quarter of 2019 decreased mainly due to lower average prices for liquids and gas, partially offset by higher sales volumes.

Adjusted purchases [6] were USD 7,856 million in the first quarter of 2020, compared to USD 6,543 million in the first quarter of 2019. The increase was mainly due to higher third-party crude oil and gas volumes, partially offset by lower average prices for liquids and gas.

Adjusted operating and administrative expenses were USD 2,445 million in the first quarter of 2020, compared to USD 2,470 million in the first quarter of 2019. The minor decrease was mainly due to the positive NOK/USD currency exchange rate development and reduced Gassled removal costs in E&P Norway. Lower royalties and production fees in addition to portfolio changes in E&P International added to the decrease. Higher transportation costs for liquids especially in MMP mostly offset the decrease.

Adjusted depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses were USD 2,321 million in the first quarter of 2020, compared to
USD 2,303 million in the first quarter of 2019. The slight increase was mainly due to r
amp-up of new fields, especially on the NCS and in the UK in addition to increased investment mainly in the US onshore business. Higher proved reserves estimates, the positive NOK/USD exchange rate development and a lower cost base due to impairments of assets mostly offset the increase.

Adjusted exploration expenses were USD 302 million in the first quarter of 2020, compared to USD 268 million in first quarter of 2019. The increase was mainly due to higher drilling costs and a higher portion of exploration expenditure capitalised earlier years being expensed this quarter. A higher portion of exploration expenditures being capitalised and lower seismic costs this quarter mostly offset the increase. For more information, see the table titled Adjusted exploration expenses in the Supplementary disclosures.

After total adjustments(5) of USD 1,989 million to net operating income, Adjusted earnings [5] were USD 2,047 million in the first quarter of 2020, a 51% reduction from USD 4,187 million in the first quarter of 2019.

Adjusted earnings after tax [5] were USD 561 million in the first quarter of 2020, which reflects an effective tax rate on adjusted earnings of 72.6%, compared to 63.3% in the first quarter of 2019. The increase in the effective tax rate was mainly due to decreased adjusted earnings in the first quarter of 2020 in entities with lower than average tax rates, and in entities without recognised taxes.

Cash flows provided by operating activities decreased by USD 91 million compared to the first quarter of 2019. The decrease was mainly due to lower liquids and gas prices, partially offset by a change in working capital, increased cash flow from derivatives and decreased tax payments.

Cash flows used in investing activities decreased by USD 3,106 million compared to the first quarter of 2019. The decrease was mainly due to decreased financial investments.

Cash flows used in financing activities increased by USD 96 million compared to the first quarter of 2019. The increase was mainly due to increased collateral payments related to derivatives, partially offset by decreased payment of short-term debt.    

Total cash flows increased by USD 2,918 million compared to the first quarter of 2019.

Free cash flow [5] in the first quarter of 2020 was USD 362 million compared to USD 1,837 million in the first quarter of 2019. The decrease was mainly due to lower liquids and gas prices, partially offset by increased cash flow from derivatives and decreased tax payments.   

 


(5) For items impacting net operating income, see Use and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures in the Supplementary disclosures.


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
5  


 

OUTLOOK

·           Organic capital expenditures (5) are estimated at around USD 8.5 billion for 2020, around USD 10 billion for 2021 (6), and around USD 12 billion annual average for 2022-2023

·           Equinor intends to continue to mature its attractive portfolio of exploration assets and estimates a total exploration activity level of around USD 1 billion for 2020, excluding signature bonuses and field development costs

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

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

·           Scheduled maintenance activity is estimated to reduce equity production by around 25 mboe per day for the full year of 2020


These forward-looking statements reflect current views about future events and are, by their nature, subject to significant risks

and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. We continue to monitor the impact of Covid-19 on our operations. Deferral of production to create future value, production cuts, gas off-take, timing of new capacity coming on stream, operational regularity, impact of Covid-19, activity level in the US onshore, as well as uncertainty around the closing of the announced transactions represent the most significant risks related to the foregoing production guidance. There has been considerable uncertainty created by the Covid-19 pandemic and we are unable to predict the impact of this event. Our future financial performance, including cash flow and liquidity, will be impacted by the extent and duration of the current market conditions, the development in realised prices, including price differentials and the effectiveness of actions taken in response to the pandemic.  We cannot predict how long current supply and demand imbalances will last or what the ultimate impact of Covid- 19 will be on general economic conditions worldwide. For further information, see section 5.7 Forward-looking statements.

 


(6) USD/NOK exchange rate assumption of 11.0.


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
6  


 

EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION NORWAY

 

First quarter 2020 review

 

Average daily production of liquids and gas increased by 4% to 1,394 mboe per day in the first quarter of 2020, compared to
1,337 mboe per day in the
first quarter of 2019. The increase was mainly due to positive contributions from new fields, partially offset by expected natural decline, reduced flexible gas production and reduced ownership in some fields.

Net operating income was USD 967 million in the first quarter of 2020 compared to USD 3,119 million in the first quarter of 2019. The decrease was mainly due to lower gas transfer price and liquids price in addition to impairment of assets(7).

 

In the first quarter of 2020, net operating income was negatively impacted by impairment of assets of USD 859 million and a negative impact from net underlifted volumes of USD 31 million. In the first quarter of 2019, net operating income was negatively impacted by an implementation effect of USD 42 million from a change of accounting policy for lifting imbalances, in addition to a net negative impact of USD 58 million from underlifted volumes in the quarter.

 

Adjusted operating and administrative expenses decreased mainly due to reduced Gassled removal costs and the NOK/USD exchange rate development, partially offset by transportation costs and ramp-up of new fields. Adjusted depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses decreased mainly due to the NOK/USD exchange rate development, net decrease in field specific production and increased proved reserves on several fields. The decrease was partially offset by ramp-up of new fields. Adjusted exploration expenses decreased mainly due to higher portion of exploration expenditure being capitalised this quarter and lower seismic costs, partially offset by higher drilling costs.

 

After total adjustments of USD 896 million to net operating income, Adjusted earnings [5] were USD 1,863 million in the first quarter of 2020, a decrease of 42% from USD 3,219 million in the first quarter of 2019.

 

Adjusted earnings

Quarters

Change

 

(in USD million)

Q1 2020

Q4 2019

Q1 2019

Q1 on Q1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted total revenues and other income

3,593

4,944

5,123

(30%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted operating and administrative expenses

(654)

(852)

(771)

(15%)

 

Adjusted depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

(982)

(1,210)

(1,019)

(4%)

 

Adjusted exploration expenses

(94)

(142)

(114)

(17%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings [5]

1,863

2,738

3,219

(42%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For comparable IFRS figures, see note 2 Segments to the Condensed interim financial statements. For items impacting net operating income, see Use and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures in the Supplementary disclosures.

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
7  


 

EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION INTERNATIONAL

 

First quarter 2020 review

 

Average daily equity production of liquids and gas was 839 mboe per day in the first quarter of 2020, slightly lower than 841 mboe per day in the first quarter of 2019. Expected natural decline and negative effects from portfolio changes were offset by start-up of new fields in the UK, and new wells in the US onshore.

Average daily entitlement production of liquids and gas  increased to 682 mboe per day in the first quarter of 2020 compared to
664 mboe per day in the first quarter of 2019. The increase was due to lower effects from production sharing agreements (PSA) [4] and US royalty volumes [4]. The net effects from PSA and US royalties were 157 mboe per day in the first quarter of 2020 compared to
177 mboe per day in the first quarter of 2019. 

Net operating income was a USD 1,327 million loss in the first quarter of 2020 compared to positive USD 716 million in the first quarter of 2019. The negative development was primarily due to net impairment losses in the first quarter of 2020, and lower liquids and gas prices.  

 

In the first quarter of 2020, net operating income was negatively impacted by net impairment losses of USD 1,397 million, mainly due to reduced price assumptions with the largest effect being on an unconventional onshore asset in North America (8). In the first quarter of 2019, net operating income was positively impacted by an impairment reversal of USD 116 million and negatively impacted by an implementation effect of USD 81 million from a change of accounting policy for lifting imbalances.

   

Adjusted operating and administrative expenses decreased primarily due to lower royalties and production fees, driven by decreased prices and related volumes, and portfolio changes. This was partially offset by higher operating and transportation expenses due to new fields in operation and volume growth in the US onshore. Adjusted depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses increased slightly due to new fields in production and higher investments, partially offset by higher proved reserves estimates. Adjusted exploration expenses increased mainly due to a higher portion of exploration expenditure capitalised in earlier years being expensed and higher drilling costs, partially offset by a higher portion of exploration expenditure being capitalised this quarter.

 

After total adjustments of USD 1,342 million to net operating income, Adjusted earnings [5] were USD 15 million in the first quarter of 2020, down from USD 666 million in the first quarter of 2019.

 

Adjusted earnings

Quarters

Change

 

(in USD million)

Q1 2020

Q4 2019

Q1 2019

Q1 on Q1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted total revenues and other income

2,033

2,615

2,682

(24%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted purchases

(43)

(25)

(39)

10%

 

Adjusted operating and administrative expenses

(725)

(791)

(806)

(10%)

 

Adjusted depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

(1,043)

(1,257)

(1,018)

3%

 

Adjusted exploration expenses

(207)

(295)

(154)

34%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings [5]

15

247

666

(98%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For comparable IFRS figures, see note 2 Segments to the Condensed interim financial statements. For items impacting net operating income, see Use and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures in the Supplementary disclosures.

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
8  


 

 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
9  


 

MARKETING, MIDSTREAM & PROCESSING

 

First quarter 2020 review


Natural gas sales volumes amounted to 16.4 billion standard cubic meters (bcm) in the first quarter of 2020, unchanged compared to the first quarter of 2019. Of the total gas sales in the first quarter of 2020, entitlement gas was 13.4 bcm, down 0.9 bcm from the first quarter of 2019. The decrease was mainly due to lower NCS entitlement volumes.

Liquids sales volumes amounted to 195.9 million barrels (mmbl) in the first quarter of 2020, up 13.7 mmbl compared to the first quarter of 2019 mainly due to increased volumes from the NCS.

Average invoiced European natural gas sales price was 41% lower in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter of 2019. Average invoiced North American piped gas sales price decreased by 41% in the same period due to the decreased Henry Hub price.

Net operating income was a USD 322 million loss in the first quarter of 2020 compared to positive USD 1,184 million in the first quarter of 2019. The decrease was mainly due to negative results from weak refinery margins and liquids trading. In addition, unrealised derivatives losses and inventory hedging effects of USD 18 million compared to gains of USD 706 million in the first quarter of 2019 contributed to the decrease. In the first quarter of 2020, negative effects from operational storage amounted to 343 million due to change in market prices, compared to positive 130 million in the same period last year. In addition, increased transportation costs and impairment related to a refinery asset added to the decrease.

 

Adjusted purchases [6] decreased mainly due to lower prices for all products, partially offset by increased volumes for liquids. Adjusted operating and administrative expenses increased mainly due to increased transportation costs for liquids. Adjusted depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses were stable.

 

After total adjustments of USD 551 million to net operating income, Adjusted earnings [5] were USD 229 million in the first quarter of 2020, compared to USD 359 million in the first quarter of 2019.

 

Adjusted earnings

Quarters

Change

 

(in USD million)

Q1 2020

Q4 2019

Q1 2019

Q1 on Q1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted total revenues and other income

14,784

14,766

15,133

(2%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted purchases [6]

(13,157)

(12,909)

(13,598)

(3%)

 

Adjusted operating and administrative expenses

(1,311)

(1,237)

(1,084)

21%

 

Adjusted depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

(87)

(96)

(93)

(7%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings [5]

229

524

359

(36%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For comparable IFRS figures, see note 2 Segments to the Condensed interim financial statements. For items impacting net operating income, see Use and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures in the Supplementary disclosures.

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
10  


 

CONDENSED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


First quarter 2020

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

 

 

Quarters

Full year

(unaudited, in USD million)

Note

Q1 2020

Q4 2019

Q1 2019

2019*

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

2

15,065

14,900

16,410

62,911

Net income/(loss) from equity accounted investments

 

71

14

64

164

Other income

 

(6)

255

8

1,283

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues and other income

2

15,130

15,169

16,482

64,357

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases [net of inventory variation]

 

(7,396)

(6,603)

(6,656)

(29,532)

Operating expenses

 

(2,406)

(2,238)

(2,408)

(9,660)

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

(197)

(167)

(231)

(809)

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

6

(4,438)

(4,165)

(2,188)

(13,204)

Exploration expenses

 

(635)

(480)

(268)

(1,854)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

2

(15,072)

(13,653)

(11,751)

(55,058)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating income/(loss)

2

58

1,516

4,732

9,299

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expenses and other financial expenses

  

(344)

(421)

(356)

(1,450)

Other financial items

  

367

(74)

504

1,443

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net financial items

4

23

(495)

149

(7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income/(loss) before tax

  

81

1,020

4,881

9,292

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax

5

(786)

(1,250)

(3,168)

(7,441)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income/(loss)

 

(705)

(230)

1,712

1,851

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to equity holders of the company

 

(708)

(236)

1,711

1,843

Attributable to non-controlling interests

 

3

6

1

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share (in USD)

 

(0.21)

(0.07)

0.51

0.55

Diluted earnings per share (in USD)

 

(0.21)

(0.07)

0.51

0.55

Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding (in millions)

 

3,305

3,313

3,331

3,326

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

 

3,312

3,322

3,337

3,334

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Audited

 

 

 

 

 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
11  


 

 

 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
12  


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

Quarters

Full year

(unaudited, in USD million)

Q1 2020

Q4 2019

Q1 2019

2019*

 

 

 

 

 

Net income/(loss)

(705)

(230)

1,712

1,851

 

 

 

 

 

Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit pension plans

122

63

120

427

Income tax effect on income and expenses recognised in OCI1)

(42)

(12)

(25)

(98)

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

80

51

94

330

 

 

 

 

 

Currency translation adjustments

(4,182)

1,203

324

(51)

Share of OCI from equity accounted investments

0

0

2

44

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

(4,182)

1,203

326

(7)

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

(4,102)

1,253

420

323

 

 

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

(4,807)

1,023

2,132

2,174

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to the equity holders of the company

(4,810)

1,017

2,131

2,166

Attributable to non-controlling interests

3

6

1

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Audited

 

 

 

 

1) Other comprehensive income (OCI)

 

 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
13  


 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 

 

At 31 March

At 31 December

At 31 March

(unaudited, in USD million)

Note

2020

2019*

2019

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

6

59,794

69,953

70,901

Intangible assets

6

10,145

10,738

10,614

Equity accounted investments

 

1,565

1,442

2,801

Deferred tax assets

 

3,833

3,881

3,475

Pension assets

 

682

1,093

947

Derivative financial instruments

 

1,339

1,365

1,033

Financial investments

 

3,018

3,600

2,885

Prepayments and financial receivables

 

1,163

1,214

1,073

   

 

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

 

81,540

93,285

93,728

   

 

 

 

 

Inventories

 

2,095

3,363

2,686

Trade and other receivables

 

6,301

8,233

8,680

Derivative financial instruments

 

1,247

578

1,444

Financial investments

 

6,100

7,426

9,157

Cash and cash equivalents

 

6,866

5,177

6,618

   

 

 

 

 

Total current assets

 

22,609

24,778

28,586

   

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

104,150

118,063

122,313

   

 

 

 

 

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' equity

 

36,327

41,139

45,098

Non-controlling interests

 

19

20

19

   

 

 

 

 

Total equity

 

36,346

41,159

45,117

   

 

 

 

 

Finance debt

4

22,912

24,945

26,398

Deferred tax liabilities

 

7,399

9,410

9,369

Pension liabilities

 

3,271

3,867

3,907

Provisions and other liabilities

7

14,763

17,951

17,131

Derivative financial instruments

 

1,063

1,173

1,136

   

 

 

 

 

Total non-current liabilities

 

49,408

57,346

57,941

   

 

 

 

 

Trade, other payables and provisions

 

7,944

10,450

9,172

Current tax payable

5

3,568

3,699

5,974

Finance debt

4

5,608

4,087

3,401

Dividends payable

 

0

859

0

Derivative financial instruments

 

1,275

462

708

   

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

18,395

19,557

19,255

   

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

67,803

76,904

77,196

   

 

 

 

 

Total equity and liabilities

 

104,150

118,063

122,313

 

 

 

 

 

* Audited

 

 

 

 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
14  


 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
15  


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(unaudited, in USD million)

Share capital

Additional paid-in capital

Retained earnings

Currency translation adjustments

OCI from equity accounted investments

Share-holders' equity

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 31 December 2018 *

1,185

8,247

38,790

(5,206)

(44)

42,970

19

42,990

Net income/(loss)

 

 

1,711

 

 

1,711

1

1,712

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

 

 

94

324

2

420

 

420

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,132

Dividends

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

0

Other equity transactions

 

(4)

(0)

 

 

(4)

(1)

(5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 31 March 2019

1,185

8,243

40,595

(4,883)

(42)

45,098

19

45,117

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 31 December 2019 *

1,185

7,732

37,481

(5,258)

 

41,139

20

41,159

Net income/(loss)

 

 

(708)

 

 

(708)

3

(705)

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

 

 

80

(4,182)

 

(4,102)

 

(4,102)

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4,807)

Dividends  

 

 

0

 

 

0

 

0

Share buy-back1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other equity transactions

 

(3)

(0)

 

 

(3)

(4)

(6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 31 March 2020

1,185

7,729

36,853

(9,439)

 

36,327

19

36,346

* Audited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1)     In September 2019 Equinor launched a USD 5 billion share buy-back programme, where the first tranche of the programme of around
USD 1.5 billion has been finalized. A proportionate share of around USD 1.0 billion of shares from the Norwegian State will in accordance with an agreement with the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy be redeemed at the next annual general meeting for the Norwegian State to maintain their ownership percentage in Equinor.

      The market operations of the first tranche of USD 500 million has been recognised as a reduction in equity as treasury shares. The recognition of the State’s share will be deferred until the decision at the annual general meeting in May 2020.

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


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
16  


 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

Quarters

 

Full year

(unaudited, in USD million)

Note

Q1 2020

Q4 2019

Q1 2019

2019*

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income/(loss) before tax

 

81

1,020

4,881

9,292

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

6

4,438

4,165

2,188

13,204

Exploration expenditures written off

 

435

104

19

777

(Gains)/losses on foreign currency transactions and balances

4

(297)

(23)

12

(224)

(Gains)/losses on sale of assets and businesses

3

14

(193)

(8)

(1,187)

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

 

235

(143)

287

1,016

(Increase)/decrease in net derivative financial instruments

 

(289)

393

(808)

(595)

Interest received

 

65

49

53

215

Interest paid

 

(182)

(197)

(169)

(723)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

4,500

5,175

6,454

21,776

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxes paid

 

(887)

(2,651)

(1,389)

(8,286)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Increase)/decrease in working capital

 

1,431

(751)

69

259

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows provided by operating activities

 

5,043

1,774

5,134

13,749

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash used in business combinations1)

3

0

(0)

(438)

(2,274)

Capital expenditures and investments

 

(2,350)

(2,700)

(2,033)

(10,204)

(Increase)/decrease in financial investments

 

599

(212)

(2,462)

(1,012)

(Increase)/decrease in derivative financial instruments

 

(26)

3

39

298

(Increase)/decrease in other interest-bearing items

 

0

(18)

12

(10)

Proceeds from sale of assets and businesses

3

2

882

0

2,608

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows used in investing activities

 

(1,776)

(2,045)

(4,882)

(10,594)

 

 

 

 

 

 

New finance debt

 

0

984

0

984

Repayment of finance debt

 

(305)

(1,029)

(263)

(2,419)

Dividends paid

 

(845)

(850)

(769)

(3,342)

Share buy-back2)

 

(58)

(351)

0

(442)

Net current finance debt and other

 

(49)

(237)

(129)

(277)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows provided by/(used in) financing activities

 

(1,257)

(1,483)

(1,161)

(5,496)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

2,010

(1,755)

(908)

(2,341)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

(321)

115

(30)

(38)

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

 

5,177

6,816

7,556

7,556

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period (net of overdraft)3)

 

6,866

5,177

6,618

5,177

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Audited

 

 

 

 

 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
17  


 

1)     Net after cash and cash equivalents acquired.

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

3)     At 31 March 2020, 31 March 2019 and 31 December 2019 cash and cash equivalents net overdraft were zero.

 

 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
18  


 

Notes to the Condensed interim financial statements

1 Organisation and basis of preparation


Organisation and principal activities

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

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

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

Equinor's Condensed interim financial statements for the first quarter of 2020 were authorised for issue by the board of directors on
6 May 2020.

Basis of preparation

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

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

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

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

The Condensed interim financial statements are unaudited.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making the judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an on-going basis, considering current and expected future market conditions. A change in an accounting estimate is recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the steep oil price decline experienced in the first quarter of 2020 create additional estimation uncertainties and impact key assumptions applied by Equinor in the valuation of our assets and the measurement of our liabilities, and related sensitivities. Reference is made to note 8 Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and oil price decline for further information. 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
19  


 

2 Segments


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

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

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

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

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

 

First quarter 2020

E&P Norway

E&P International

MMP

Other

Eliminations

Total

(in USD million)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues third party, other revenues and other income

8

307

14,695

49

0

15,059

Revenues inter-segment

3,530

1,909

96

1

(5,536)

0

Net income/(loss) from equity accounted investments

0

16

11

44

0

71

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues and other income

3,537

2,232

14,802

94

(5,536)

15,130

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases [net of inventory variation]

0

(43)

(13,500)

(0)

6,146

(7,396)

Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses

(635)

(869)

(1,344)

59

187

(2,603)

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

(1,841)

(2,107)

(280)

(210)

0

(4,438)

Exploration expenses

(94)

(541)

0

0

0

(635)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

(2,571)

(3,559)

(15,124)

(151)

6,333

(15,072)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating income/(loss)

967

(1,327)

(322)

(57)

797

58

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to PP&E, intangibles and equity accounted investments

1,289

1,166

56

103

0

2,615

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance sheet information

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity accounted investments

2

501

91

972

0

1,565

Non-current segment assets

26,854

35,032

4,233

3,820

0

69,939

Non-current assets not allocated to segments 

 

 

 

 

 

10,036

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

 

 

 

 

 

81,540


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
20  


 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
21  


 

First quarter 2019

E&P Norway

E&P International

MMP

Other

Eliminations

Total

(in USD million)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues third party, other revenues and other income

3

594

15,735

86

0

16,418

Revenues inter-segment

4,979

2,205

100

0

(7,284)

0

Net income/(loss) from equity accounted investments

6

11

5

42

0

64

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues and other income

4,988

2,810

15,839

129

(7,284)

16,482

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases [net of inventory variation]

0

(39)

(13,468)

(0)

6,850

(6,656)

Operating, selling, general and administrative expenses

(736)

(999)

(1,095)

(1)

191

(2,639)

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

(1,019)

(902)

(93)

(174)

0

(2,188)

Exploration expenses

(114)

(154)

0

0

0

(268)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

(1,869)

(2,094)

(14,655)

(175)

7,042

(11,751)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating income/(loss)

3,119

716

1,184

(46)

(242)

4,732

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to PP&E, intangibles and equity accounted investments

1,223

1,221

487

467

0

3,398

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance sheet information

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity accounted investments

1,009

305

93

1,395

0

2,801

Non-current segment assets

32,218

39,333

5,347

4,617

0

81,515

Non-current assets not allocated to segments 

 

 

 

 

 

9,411

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total non-current assets

 

 

 

 

 

93,728

 

In the first quarter of 2020 Equinor recognised net impairment of USD 2,453 million of which USD 59 million was classified as exploration expenses.

 

In the E&P Norway segment the net impairment was USD 862 million, hereof USD 3 million related to exploration assets. The impairments were triggered by decreased short-term oil price assumptions and construction delays mainly caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

In the E&P International segment the net impairment was USD 1,397 million of which USD 56 million was classified as exploration expenses. In the North America onshore unconventional area the impairments were USD 872 million, in the North America conventional Gulf of Mexico USD 142 million, in the North America offshore other areas USD 86 million. In Europe and Asia the impairment was USD 289 million and the impairment reversal was USD 47 million. The impairments were triggered mainly by the decreased short-term oil price assumptions, but also construction delays and re-phasing of the production in the North America  - conventional other area and in the Europe and Asia area caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. In the Europe and Asia area the impairment reversal of USD 47 million was caused by increased reserves. Impairments classified as exploration were USD 16 million in the Sub Sahara area and USD 40 million in Australia.

 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
22  


 

In the MMP segment the impairments were USD 194 million whereof USD 193 million related to a refinery due to increased asset retirement estimate and expected lower refinery margins in the short term.  Due to the decline in commodity prices MMP has expensed USD 604 million in write-down of inventory included in the line item Purchases (net of inventory variation). The impact is largely offset by gain on derivatives included in the line item Revenues third party, other revenue and other income.

 

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

 

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

 

Revenues from contracts with customers by geographical areas

When attributing the line item Revenues third party, other revenues and other income to the country of the legal entity executing the sale for the first quarter of 2020, Norway constitutes 80% and the US constitutes 15% of such revenues. For the first quarter of 2019 the revenues to Norway and US constituted 76% and 17% respectively.

 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
23  


 

Non-current assets by country

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 31 March

At 31 December

At 31 March

(in USD million)

2020

2019

2019

 

 

 

 

Norway

32,274

40,292

39,477

USA

16,524

17,776

19,872

Brazil

8,619

8,724

7,991

UK

4,968

5,657

5,406

Azerbaijan

1,671

1,598

1,476

Canada

1,372

1,672

1,621

Angola

1,320

1,564

1,870

Tanzania

964

964

963

Algeria

880

915

979

Denmark

862

984

851

Other countries

2,051

1,986

3,811

 

 

 

 

Total non-current assets1)

71,505

82,133

84,316

 

1)   Excluding deferred tax assets, pension assets, non-current financial assets and assets classified as held for sale.

 

 

Revenues from contracts with customers and other revenues

 

 

Quarters

Full Year

(in USD million)

Q1 2020

Q4 2019

Q1 2019

2019

 

 

 

 

 

Crude oil

7,840

7,837

7,610

33,505

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas

2,170

2,642

3,766

11,281

 - European gas

1,767

2,154

3,162

9,366

 - North American gas

290

354

434

1,359

 - Other incl LNG

113

134

170

556

 

 

 

 

 

Refined products

2,029

2,879

2,503

10,652

Natural gas liquids

1,449

1,548

1,492

5,807

Transportation

329

295

304

967

Other sales

136

27

132

445

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from contracts with customers

13,954

15,229

15,807

62,657

 

 

 

 

 

Taxes paid in-kind

47

73

83

344

Physically settled commodity derivatives

99

(110)

(60)

(1,086)

Gain/(loss) on commodity derivatives

912

(354)

513

732

Other revenues

52

62

67

265

Total other revenues

1,110

(329)

603

254

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

15,065

14,900

16,410

62,911


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
24  


 

3 Acquisitions and disposals

 

Investment in interest onshore Argentina

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

 

4 Financial items

 

Quarters

Full year

(in USD million)

Q1 2020

Q4 2019

Q1 2019

2019

 

 

 

 

 

Gains/(losses) on net foreign exchange

297

23

(12)

224

Interest income and other financial items

(122)

210

211

746

Gains/(losses) on derivative financial instruments

193

(308)

306

473

Interest and other finance expenses

(344)

(421)

(356)

(1,450)

 

 

 

 

 

Net financial items

23

(495)

149

(7)

 

Gains/(losses) on derivative financial instruments is a gain of USD 193 million in the first quarter of 2020 mainly due to decreased interest rates, compared to a gain of USD 306 million in the first quarter of 2019 mainly due to decreased interest rates.

 

Equinor has a US Commercial paper programme available with a limit of USD 5 billion of which USD 335 million has been utilised as of
31 March 2020.

 

In the first quarter of 2020, Equinor recorded total lease payments of USD 337 million, of which USD 32 million were payment of interests and USD 305 million were down-payments of lease liabilities. Lease liabilities per 31 March 2020 were USD 3,902 million, presented in the balance sheet within the line items Current and Non-current finance debt with USD 1,076 million and USD 2,826 million respectively.

 

On 6 April 2020 Equinor ASA issued bonds with maturities from 5 to 30 years for a total amount of USD 5 billion. The bonds were issued in USD and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Equinor Energy AS, and will be recognised in the second quarter of 2020.

 

 

 

5 Income taxes

 

Quarters

Full year

(in USD million)

Q1 2020

Q4 2019

Q1 2019

2019

 

 

 

 

 

Income/(loss) before tax

81

1,020

4,881

9,292

Income tax expense

(786)

(1,250)

(3,168)

(7,441)

Effective tax rate

>100%

>100%

64.9%

80.1%

 

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

 

The tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2019 and for the full year 2019 was primarily influenced by losses recognised in countries with unrecognised deferred tax assets or in countries with lower than average tax rates, partially offset by tax exempted gains on divestments. The tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2019 was also influenced by currency effects in entities that are taxable in other currencies than the functional currency.

 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
25  


 

The tax rate for the first quarter of 2019 was primarily influenced by positive operating income in countries with unrecognised deferred tax assets.

 

 

6 Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

(in USD million)

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 31 December 2019

69,953

10,738

 

Additions

721

237

 

Transfers

29

(29)

 

Disposals and reclassifications

(67)

(2)

 

Expensed exploration expenditures and net impairment losses

-

(435)

 

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

(4,432)

(5)

 

Effect of foreign currency translation adjustments

(6,409)

(360)

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 31 March 2020

59,794

10,145

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right-of-use (RoU) assets are included within property, plant and equipment with a book value of USD 3,619 million per 31 March 2020. Additions to RoU assets amounts to USD 186 million. Gross depreciation of RoU assets amounts to USD 295 million in the first quarter of 2020, of which depreciation costs of USD 94 million have been allocated to exploration and development activities, are presented net on the depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses and additions lines in the table above.

 

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

First quarter 2020

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Total

(in USD million)

 

 

 

 

Producing and development assets

2,116

277

2,393

Goodwill

-

1

1

Acquisition costs related to oil and gas prospects

-

59

59

 

 

 

 

Total net impairment losses (reversals) recognised

2,116

337

2,453

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

The recoverable amounts in the first quarter of 2020 were based on value in use.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
26  


 

Year

Prices in real terms 1)

 

 

2020

 

2025

 

2030

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brent Blend (USD/bbl)

 

 

 

31

(59)

 

77

(77)

 

80

(80)

NBP (USD/mmBtu)

 

 

 

2.6

(4.2)

 

7.0

(7.0)

 

7.5

(7.5)

Henry Hub (USD/mmBtu)

 

 

 

2.0

(2.4)

 

3.1

(3.1)

 

3.6

(3.6)

1) Basis year 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
27  


 

7 Provisions, commitments, contingent liabilities and contingent assets

 

Equinor's estimated asset retirement obligations (ARO) have decreased by USD 3,080 million compared to year-end 2019, mainly due to currency fluctuation and increased discount rates. Changes in ARO are reflected within property, plant and equipment and provisions in the Consolidated balance sheet.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Long-term risk-free interest rates have decreased by approximately 1.3 percentage points in the period from year-end 2019 until 31 March 2020, while Equinor’s own credit spread at the end of the quarter was somewhat higher than earlier due to the current market situation. Equinor has maintained the rating from the rating agencies. The discount rates applied at 31 March 2020 in the estimation of impairments, certain fair values of assets and liabilities, and other relevant elements have consequently not changed materially compared to year-end 2019. The discount rate applied for ARO estimation has increased by 0.6 percentage points.

 

Due to market developments and related consequences, certain Equinor suppliers and customers have indicated that contractual clauses such as those involving force majeure are being explored. The impact for Equinor, if any, cannot be ascertained at this time.

 

As a consequence of the imbalances in the oil market and the significant oil price decline in 2020, the OPEC has announced production cuts starting on 1 May 2020. Equinor has some of its oil production activities in countries affected by OPEC’s announcement, which may impact the level and timing of our future production. In Norway, where Equinor has production on the NCS, the Norwegian government has also announced unilateral oil production cuts. The impact for Equinor of the world-wide announced oil production cut measures cannot be clearly determined at this time.

 

As a measure to maintain activity in the oil and gas related industry, the Norwegian government has announced that they will propose temporary targeted changes to Norway’s petroleum tax system. The suggested changes include accelerated tax depreciation for investments incurred or approved during 2020 and 2021 and a reduction on the accumulated tax uplift for the special tax from 20.8% to 10.0%. The proposition will, as it currently is presented, provide companies with a direct tax deduction instead of tax depreciation over
6 years for the special petroleum tax, while the tax uplift benefit will decrease. Tax depreciation towards the ordinary corporate tax will remain with a six-year depreciation profile. The totality will be a short-term strengthening of liquidity for the first years and an increase in total accumulated special tax paid for the later years of the current depreciation period.

 

An updated overview of Equinor’s price assumptions as of 31 March 2020 has been provided in note 6 Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets.

 

Equinor has evaluated the reasonable possible changes in certain assumptions as of 31 March 2020. For interest rate and equity price the reasonable possible change remains unchanged, while the currency risk has changed from +/- 9% to +/- 12%.

 

 

 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
28  


 

The table below contains the price risk sensitivities of Equinor's commodity-based derivatives contracts. As of 31 March 2020, the reasonable possible change in prices is deemed to be -50% /+100% based on the duration of the derivatives. Equinor enters into commodity-based derivative contracts mainly to manage short-term commodity risk. However, since none of the derivative financial instruments included in the table below are part of formal hedging relationships, any changes in their fair values would be recognised in the Consolidated statement of income.

Commodity price sensitivity

31 March 2020

31 December 2019

(in USD million)

- 50%

+ 100%

- 30%

+ 30%

 

 

 

 

 

Crude oil and refined products net gain/(losses)

101

(191)

569

(563)

Natural gas and electricity net gains/(losses)

274

527

(33)

49



9 Subsequent events


On 6 April 2020, Equinor ASA issued bonds for a total amount of USD 5 billion, see note 4 Financial items.

On 22 April 2020, the board of directors resolved to declare a dividend for the first quarter of 2020 of USD 0.09 per share. The Equinor share will trade ex-dividend 14 August 2020 on Oslo Børs and for ADR holders on New York Stock Exchange. Record date will be 17 August 2020 and payment date will be 28 August 2020.

On 5 May 2020, Equinor divested its remaining (4.9%) financial shareholding in Lundin Energy AB (formerly Lundin Petroleum AB). The consideration was SEK 3.3 billion (USD 0.3 billion). Closing is expected on 8 May 2020. The impact on the Consolidated statement of income will be approximately USD 0.1 billion and will be recognised as financial income in the second quarter.

See also note 8 Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and oil price decline, which includes information on proposed temporary amendments to the Norwegian petroleum tax system as well as unilateral oil production cuts announced by the Norwegian and other governments.

 

 



 

 



 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
29  


 

Supplementary disclosures

 

Operational data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarters

Change

Operational data

Q1 2020

Q4 2019

Q1 2019

Q1 on Q1

 

 

 

 

 

Prices

 

 

 

 

Average Brent oil price (USD/bbl)

50.3

63.3

63.2

(20%)

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

44.7

59.3

57.0

(22%)

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

43.6

52.8

54.6

(20%)

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

44.2

56.5

55.8

(21%)

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

420

515

479

(12%)

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

2.61

3.88

5.57

(53%)

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

4.06

5.31

6.89

(41%)

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

1.86

2.23

3.13

(41%)

Refining reference margin (USD/bbl) [2]

1.8

3.0

3.0

(40%)

 

 

 

 

 

Entitlement production (mboe per day)

 

 

 

 

E&P Norway entitlement liquids production

649

619

546

19%

E&P International entitlement liquids production

451

458

443

2%

Group entitlement liquids production

1,100

1,077

988

11%

E&P Norway entitlement gas production

745

727

792

(6%)

E&P International entitlement gas production

231

252

221

5%

Group entitlement gas production

976

979

1,013

(4%)

Total entitlement liquids and gas production [3]

2,076

2,056

2,001

4%

 

 

 

 

 

Equity production (mboe per day)

 

 

 

 

E&P Norway equity liquids production

649

619

546

19%

E&P International equity liquids production

567

564

567

(0%)

Group equity liquids production

1,216

1,182

1,112

9%

E&P Norway equity gas production

745

727

792

(6%)

E&P International equity gas production

273

289

274

(1%)

Group equity gas production

1,018

1,015

1,066

(5%)

Total equity liquids and gas production [4]

2,233

2,198

2,178

3%

 

 

 

 

 

NES power production

 

 

 

 

Power generation (GWh)

559.0

476.0

547.0

2%

 

 

 

 

 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
30  


 

Exchange rates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarters

Change

Exchange rates

Q1 2020

Q4 2019

Q1 2019

Q1 on Q1

 

 

 

 

 

NOK/USD average daily exchange rate

0.1053

0.1097

0.1166

(10%)

NOK/USD period-end exchange rate

0.0952

0.1139

0.1163

(18%)

USD/NOK average daily exchange rate

9.5007

9.1177

8.5779

11%

USD/NOK period-end exchange rate

10.5057

8.7803

8.5972

22%

EUR/USD average daily exchange rate

1.1019

1.1071

1.1357

(3%)

EUR/USD period-end exchange rate

1.0956

1.1234

1.1235

(2%)


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
31  


 

Health, safety and the environment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twelve months average per

 

First quarter

First quarter

Q1 2020

Q1 2019

 

Health, safety and the environment

2020

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Injury/incident frequency

 

 

2.3

2.9

 

Total recordable injury frequency (TRIF)

2.0

2.7

0.6

0.6

 

Serious Incident Frequency (SIF)

0.5

0.7

 

 

 

Oil spills

 

 

217

219

 

Accidental oil spills (number of)

50

52

9,066

57

 

Accidental oil spills (cubic metres)

93

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First quarter

Full year

Climate

 

 

 

2020

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upstream CO2 intensity (kg CO2/boe) 1)

8.1

9.5

 

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


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
32  


 

Reconciliation of net operating income/(loss) to adjusted earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The table specifies the adjustments made to each of the profit and loss line item included in the net operating income/(loss) subtotal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items impacting net operating income/(loss) in the first quarter of 2020

Equinor group

 

Exploration & Production Norway

 

Exploration & Production International

 

Marketing, Midstream & Processing

 

Other

(in USD million)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating income/(loss)

58

 

967

 

(1,327)

 

(322)

 

741

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues and other income

(159)

 

56

 

(199)

 

(18)

 

2

Changes in fair value of derivatives

53

 

6

 

-

 

47

 

-

Periodisation of inventory hedging effect

(65)

 

-

 

-

 

(65)

 

-

Impairment from associated companies

2

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

2

Over-/underlift

(150)

 

50

 

(199)

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases [net of inventory variation]

(459)

 

-

 

-

 

343

 

(802)

Operational storage effects

343

 

-

 

-

 

343

 

-

Eliminations

(802)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(802)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating and administrative expenses

158

 

(19)

 

144

 

32

 

-

Over-/underlift

114

 

(19)

 

133

 

-

 

-

Gain/loss on sale of assets

11

 

-

 

11

 

-

 

-

Provisions

32

 

-

 

-

 

32

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

2,116

 

859

 

1,063

 

194

 

-

Impairment

2,163

 

859

 

1,110

 

194

 

-

Reversal of Impairment

(47)

 

-

 

(47)

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploration expenses

334

 

-

 

334

 

-

 

-

Impairment

334

 

-

 

334

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sum of adjustments to net operating income/(loss)

1,989

 

896

 

1,342

 

551

 

(800)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings [5]

2,047

 

1,863

 

15

 

229

 

(60)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax on adjusted earnings

(1,486)

 

(1,313)

 

79

 

(268)

 

16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings after tax [5]

561

 

550

 

94

 

(39)

 

(44)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
33  


 

Items impacting net operating income/(loss) in the first quarter of 2019

Equinor group

Exploration & Production Norway

Exploration & Production International

Marketing, Midstream & Processing

Other

(in USD million)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating income/(loss)

4,732

3,119

716

1,184

(288)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues and other income

(710)

135

(128)

(706)

(11)

Changes in fair value of derivatives

(777)

-

-

(777)

-

Periodisation of inventory hedging effect

71

-

-

71

-

Over-/underlift

7

135

(128)

-

-

Gain/loss on sale of assets

(11)

-

-

-

(11)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases [net of inventory variation]

112

-

-

(130)

242

Operational storage effects

(130)

-

-

(130)

-

Eliminations

242

-

-

-

242

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating and administrative expenses

169

(35)

193

11

-

Over-/underlift

35

(77)

112

-

-

Change in accounting policy1)

123

42

81

-

-

Provisions

11

-

-

11

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

(116)

-

(116)

-

-

Reversal of Impairment

(116)

-

(116)

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sum of adjustments to net operating income/(loss)

(544)

100

(50)

(825)

231

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings [5]

4,187

3,219

666

359

(57)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax on adjusted earnings

(2,652)

(2,347)

(166)

(172)

34

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings after tax [5]

1,535

872

500

187

(23)

 

 

 

 

 

 

1) Change of accounting policy for lifting imbalances.

 

 

 

 

 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
34  


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items impacting net operating income/(loss) in the fourth quarter of 2019

Equinor group

 

Exploration & Production Norway

 

Exploration & Production International

 

Marketing, Midstream & Processing

 

Other

(in USD million)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating income/(loss)

1,516

 

1,476

 

60

 

360

 

(382)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues and other income

168

 

(12)

 

77

 

291

 

(189)

Changes in fair value of derivatives

102

 

(9)

 

-

 

111

 

-

Periodisation of inventory hedging effect

180

 

-

 

-

 

180

 

-

Impairment from associated companies

23

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

23

Over-/underlift

74

 

(3)

 

77

 

-

 

-

Gain/loss on sale of assets

(212)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(212)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases [net of inventory variation]

556

 

-

 

-

 

(36)

 

591

Operational storage effects

(36)

 

-

 

-

 

(36)

 

-

Eliminations

591

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

591

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating and administrative expenses

(91)

 

(10)

 

11

 

(92)

 

-

Over-/underlift

(46)

 

(10)

 

(36)

 

-

 

-

Gain/loss on sale of assets

27

 

-

 

27

 

-

 

-

Provisions

(72)

 

-

 

20

 

(92)

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, amortisation and net impairment losses

1,359

 

1,284

 

55

 

-

 

20

Impairment

1,359

 

1,284

 

55

 

-

 

20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploration expenses

43

 

-

 

43

 

-

 

-

Impairment

43

 

-

 

43

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sum of adjustments to net operating income/(loss)

2,034

 

1,262

 

186

 

164

 

422

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings [5]

3,550

 

2,738

 

247

 

524

 

41

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax on adjusted earnings

(2,364)

 

(1,979)

 

(112)

 

(233)

 

(40)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings after tax [5]

1,186

 

759

 

134

 

291

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
35  


 

Adjusted earnings after tax by reporting segment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarters

 

Q1 2020

 

 

 

Q4 2019

 

 

 

Q1 2019

 

(in USD million)

Adjusted earnings

Tax on adjusted earnings

Adjusted earnings after tax

 

Adjusted earnings

Tax on adjusted earnings

Adjusted earnings after tax

 

Adjusted earnings

Tax on adjusted earnings

Adjusted earnings after tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E&P Norway

1,863

(1,313)

550

 

2,738

(1,979)

759

 

3,219

(2,347)

872

E&P International

15

79

94

 

247

(112)

134

 

666

(166)

500

MMP

229

(268)

(39)

 

524

(233)

291

 

359

(172)

187

Other

(60)

16

(44)

 

41

(40)

1

 

(57)

34

(23)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Equinor consolidation

2,047

(1,486)

561

 

3,550

(2,364)

1,186

 

4,187

(2,652)

1,535

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective tax rates on adjusted earnings

 

 

72.6%

 

 

 

66.6%

 

 

 

63.3%



 

Reconciliation of adjusted earnings after tax to net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of adjusted earnings after tax to net income

 

Quarters

(in USD million)

 

Q1 2020

Q4 2019

Q1 2019

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating income/(loss)

A

58

1,516

4,732

Income tax less tax on net financial items

B

1,345

1,258

3,161

 

 

 

 

 

Net operating income after tax

C = A-B

(1,287)

257

1,570

 

 

 

 

 

Items impacting net operating income1)

D

1,989

2,034

(544)

Tax on items impacting net operating income

E

141

1,106

(510)

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings after tax [5]

F = C+D-E

561

1,186

1,535

 

 

 

 

 

Net financial items

G

23

(495)

149

Tax on net financial items

H

559

8

(7)

 

 

 

 

 

Net income/(loss)

I = C+G+H

(705)

(230)

1,712

 

 

 

 

 

1) Represents the total adjustments to net operating income made to arrive at adjusted earnings (i.e. adjusted purchases, adjusted operating and administrative expenses, adjusted depreciation, amortisation and impairment expenses and adjusted exploration expenses, each of which are presented and reconciled to the relevant related IFRS figure for the periods presented in this report).


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
36  


 

Adjusted earnings Marketing, Midstream & Processing (MMP) break down

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings break down

Quarters

Change

(in USD million)

Q1 2020

Q4 2019

Q1 2019

Q1 on Q1

 

 

 

 

 

Natural Gas Europe

309

262

207

50%

Natural Gas US

(11)

35

(2)

>(100%)

Liquids

(38)

96

116

N/A

Other

(31)

131

38

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted earnings MMP

229

524

359

(36%)



 

Adjusted exploration expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted exploration expenses

Quarters

Change

(in USD million)

Q1 2020

Q4 2019

Q1 2019

Q1 on Q1

 

 

 

 

 

E&P Norway exploration expenditures

130

180

121

7%

E&P International exploration expenditures

265

299

207

28%

 

 

 

 

 

Group exploration expenditures

395

479

328

20%1)

Expensed, previously capitalised exploration expenditures

98

61

16

>100%

Capitalised share of current period's exploration activity

(195)

(103)

(79)

>100%

Impairment (reversal of impairment)

336

43

3

>100%

 

 

 

 

 

Exploration expenses according to IFRS

635

480

268

>100%

 

 

 

 

 

Items impacting net operating income/(loss)2)

(334)

(43)

-

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted exploration expenses

302

437

268

13%

 

 

 

 

 

1) 22 wells with activity with 5 completed in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 24 wells with 11 completed in the first quarter of 2019.

2) For items impacting net operating income, see Reconciliation of net operating income to adjusted earnings in the Supplementary disclosures.


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
37  


 

Calculation of capital employed and net debt to capital employed ratio

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

 

Calculation of capital employed and net debt to capital employed ratio

 

At 31 March

At 31 December

At 31 March

(in USD million)

 

2020

2019

2019

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' equity

 

36,327

41,139

45,098

Non-controlling interests

 

19

20

19

 

 

 

 

 

Total equity

A

36,346

41,159

45,117

 

 

 

 

 

Current finance debt

 

5,608

4,087

3,401

Non-current finance debt

 

22,912

24,945

26,398

 

 

 

 

 

Gross interest-bearing debt

B

28,520

29,032

29,799

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

6,866

5,177

6,618

Current financial investments

 

6,100

7,426

9,157

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents and financial investment

C

12,966

12,604

15,775

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest-bearing debt [10]

B1 = B-C

15,554

16,429

14,025

 

 

 

 

 

Other interest-bearing elements 1)

 

608

791

1,022

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

 

362

-

608

 

 

 

 

 

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

B2

16,524

17,219

15,654

 

 

 

 

 

Lease liabilities

 

3,902

4,339

4,768

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest-bearing debt adjusted [5]

B3

12,622

12,880

10,886

 

 

 

 

 

Calculation of capital employed [5]

 

 

 

 

Capital employed

A+B1

51,900

57,588

59,142

Capital employed adjusted, including lease liabilities

A+B2

52,870

58,378

60,771

Capital employed adjusted

A+B3

48,968

54,039

56,003

 

 

 

 

 

Calculated net debt to capital employed [5]

 

 

 

 

Net debt to capital employed

(B1)/(A+B1)

30.0%

28.5%

23.7%

Net debt to capital employed adjusted, including lease liabilities

(B2)/(A+B2)

31.3%

29.5%

25.8%

Net debt to capital employed adjusted

(B3)/(A+B3)

25.8%

23.8%

19.4%


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
38  


 

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

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


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
39  


 

Net adjusted financial items 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income and other financial items

Net foreign exchange gains (losses)

Gains (losses) derivative financial instruments

Interest and other finance expenses

Net before tax

Estimated tax effect

Net after tax

 
 

Net adjusted financial items in the first quarter of 2020

 

(in USD million)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial items according to IFRS

(122)

297

193

(344)

23

559

582

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Foreign exchange (FX) impacts (incl. derivatives)

(35)

(297)

-

-

(332)

2

-

 

Interest rate (IR) derivatives

-

-

(193)

-

(193)

-

-

 

Fair value adjustment financial investments and other

164

-

-

-

164

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subtotal

129

(297)

(193)

0

(361)

2

(358)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted financial items

7

0

0

(344)

(338)

561

224

 



 

Net adjusted financial items 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income and other financial items

Net foreign exchange gains (losses)

Gains (losses) derivative financial instruments

Interest and other finance expenses

Net before tax

Estimated tax effect

Net after tax

 
 

Net adjusted financial items in the first quarter of 2019

 

(in USD million)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial items according to IFRS

211

(12)

306

(356)

149

(7)

142

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Foreign exchange (FX) impacts (incl. derivatives)

4

12

-

-

16

-

-

 

Interest rate (IR) derivatives

-

-

(306)

-

(306)

-

-

 

Fair value adjustment financial investment

15

-

-

-

15

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted financial items excluding FX and IR derivatives

230

-

-

(356)

(126)

(7)

(133)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
40  


 

USE AND RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

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

 

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

 

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

·        Adjusted earnings  are based on net operating income/(loss) and adjusts for certain items affecting the income for the period in order to separate out effects that management considers may not be well correlated to Equinor’s underlying operational performance in the individual reporting period. Management considers adjusted earnings to be a supplemental measure to Equinor’s IFRS measures, which provides an indication of Equinor’s underlying operational performance in the period and facilitates an alternative understanding of operational trends between the periods. Adjusted earnings include adjusted revenues and other income, adjusted purchases, adjusted operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses, adjusted depreciation expenses and adjusted exploration expenses

·        Adjusted earnings after tax – equals the sum of net operating income less income tax in business areas and adjustments to operating income taking the applicable marginal tax into consideration. Adjusted earnings after tax excludes net financial items and the associated tax effects on net financial items. It is based on adjusted earnings less the tax effects on all elements included in adjusted earnings (or calculated tax on operating income and on each of the adjusting items using an estimated marginal tax rate). In addition, tax effect related to tax exposure items not related to the individual reporting period is excluded from adjusted earnings after tax. Management considers adjusted earnings after tax, which reflects a normalised tax charge associated with its operational performance excluding the impact of financing, to be a supplemental measure to Equinor’s net income. Certain net USD denominated financial positions are held by group companies that have a USD functional currency that is different from the currency in which the taxable income is measured. As currency exchange rates change between periods, the basis for measuring net financial items for IFRS will change disproportionally with taxable income which includes exchange gains and losses from translating the net USD denominated financial positions into the currency of the applicable tax return. Therefore, the effective tax rate may be significantly higher or lower than the statutory tax rate for any given period. Adjusted taxes included in adjusted earnings after tax should not be considered indicative of the amount of current or total tax expense (or taxes payable) for the period

 

Adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings after tax should be considered additional measures rather than substitutes for net operating income and net income, which are the most directly comparable IFRS measures. There are material limitations associated with the use of adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings after tax compared with the IFRS measures as such non-GAAP measures do not include all the items of revenues/gains or expenses/losses of Equinor that are needed to evaluate its profitability on an overall basis. Adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings after tax are only intended to be indicative of the underlying developments in trends of our on-going operations for the production, manufacturing and marketing of our products and exclude pre-and post-tax impacts of net financial items. Equinor reflects such underlying development in our operations by eliminating the effects of certain items that may not be directly associated with the period's operations or financing. However, for that reason, adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings after tax are not complete measures of profitability. These measures should therefore not be used in isolation.

 

·        Return on average capital employed after tax (ROACE) – this measure provides useful information for both the group and investors about performance during the period under evaluation. Equinor uses ROACE to measure the return on capital employed, regardless of whether the financing is through equity or debt. The use of ROACE should not be viewed as an alternative to income before financial items, income taxes and minority interest, or to net income, which are measures calculated in accordance with GAAP or ratios based on these figures. For a reconciliation for adjusted earnings after tax, see Reconciliation of net operating income to adjusted earnings as presented earlier in this report

·        Capital employed adjusted – this measure is defined as Equinor's total equity (including non-controlling interests) and net interest-bearing debt adjusted

·        Net interest-bearing debt adjusted – this measure is defined as Equinor's interest bearing financial liabilities less cash and cash equivalents and current financial investments, adjusted for collateral deposits and balances held by Equinor's captive insurance company and balances related to the SDFI

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

·        Organic capital expenditures Capital expenditures, defined as Additions to PP&E, intangibles and equity accounted investments in note 2 Segments to the Condensed financial interim statements, amounted to USD 2.6 billion in the first quarter of 2020. Organic capital expenditures are capital expenditures excluding acquisitions, recognized lease assets (RoU assets) and other investments with significant different cash flow pattern. In the first quarter of 2020, a total of USD 0.3 billion were excluded from the organic capital expenditures. Forward-looking organic capital expenditures included in this report are not reconcilable to


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
41  


 

its most directly comparable IFRS measure without unreasonable efforts, because the amounts excluded from such IFRS measure to determine organic capital expenditures cannot be predicted with reasonable certainty.

·        Free cash flow for the first quarter 2020 includes the following line items in the Consolidated statement of cash flows: Cash flows provided by operating activities before taxes paid and working capital items (USD 4.5 billion), taxes paid (negative USD 0.9 billion), cash used in business combinations (USD 0.0 billion), capital expenditures and investments (negative USD 2.4 billion), (increase) decrease in other items interest bearing (USD 0.0 billion), proceeds from sale of assets and businesses (USD 0.0 billion), dividend paid (negative USD 0.8 billion) and share buy-back (USD 0.0 billion), resulting in a free cash flow of USD 0.4 billion in the first quarter of 2020

 

Adjusted earnings adjust for the following items:

·          Changes in fair value of derivatives: Certain gas contracts are, due to pricing or delivery conditions, deemed to contain embedded derivatives, required to be carried at fair value. Also, certain transactions related to historical divestments include contingent consideration, are carried at fair value. The accounting impacts of changes in fair value of the aforementioned are excluded from adjusted earnings. In addition, adjustments are also made for changes in the unrealised fair value of derivatives related to some natural gas trading contracts. Due to the nature of these gas sales contracts, these are classified as financial derivatives to be measured at fair value at the balance sheet date. Unrealised gains and losses on these contracts reflect the value of the difference between current market gas prices and the actual prices to be realised under the gas sales contracts. Only realised gains and losses on these contracts are reflected in adjusted earnings. This presentation best reflects the underlying performance of the business as it replaces the effect of temporary timing differences associated with the re-measurements of the derivatives to fair value at the balance sheet date with actual realised gains and losses for the period

·          Periodisation of inventory hedging effect: Commercial storage is hedged in the paper market and is accounted for using the lower of cost or market price. If market prices increase above cost price, the inventory will not reflect this increase in value. There will be a loss on the derivative hedging the inventory since the derivatives always reflect changes in the market price. An adjustment is made to reflect the unrealised market increase of the commercial storage. As a result, loss on derivatives is matched by a similar adjustment for the exposure being managed. If market prices decrease below cost price, the write-down of the inventory and the derivative effect in the IFRS income statement will offset each other and no adjustment is made

·          Over/underlift: Over/underlift is accounted for using the sales method and therefore revenues were reflected in the period the product was sold rather than in the period it was produced. The over/underlift position depended on a number of factors related to our lifting programme and the way it corresponded to our entitlement share of production. The effect on income for the period is therefore adjusted, to show estimated revenues and associated costs based upon the production for the period to reflect operational performance and comparability with peers. Following the first quarter of 2019, Equinor changed the accounting policy for lifting imbalances. Adjusted earnings now include the over/underlift adjustment

·          The operational storage is not hedged and is not part of the trading portfolio. Cost of goods sold is measured based on the FIFO (first-in, first-out) method, and includes realised gains or losses that arise due to changes in market prices. These gains or losses will fluctuate from one period to another and are not considered part of the underlying operations for the period

·          Impairment and reversal of impairment are excluded from adjusted earnings since they affect the economics of an asset for the lifetime of that asset, not only the period in which it is impaired or the impairment is reversed. Impairment and reversal of impairment can impact both the exploration expenses and the depreciation, amortisation and impairment line items

·          Gain or loss from sales of assets is eliminated from the measure since the gain or loss does not give an indication of future performance or periodic performance; such a gain or loss is related to the cumulative value creation from the time the asset is acquired until it is sold

·          Eliminations (Internal unrealised profit on inventories):  Volumes derived from equity oil inventory will vary depending on several factors and inventory strategies, i.e. level of crude oil in inventory, equity oil used in the refining process and level of in-transit cargoes. Internal profit related to volumes sold between entities within the group, and still in inventory at period end, is eliminated according to IFRS (write down to production cost). The proportion of realised versus unrealised gain will fluctuate from one period to another due to inventory strategies and consequently impact net operating income. Write-down to production cost is not assessed to be a part of the underlying operational performance, and elimination of internal profit related to equity volumes is excluded in adjusted earnings

·          Other items of income and expense are adjusted when the impacts on income in the period are not reflective of Equinor’s underlying operational performance in the reporting period. Such items may be unusual or infrequent transactions but they may also include transactions that are significant which would not necessarily qualify as either unusual or infrequent. Other items are carefully assessed and can include transactions such as provisions related to reorganisation, early retirement, etc.

·          Change in accounting policy are adjusted when the impacts on income in the period are unusual or infrequent, and not reflective of Equinor’s underlying operational performance in the reporting period

 

For more information on our use of non-GAAP financial measures, see section 5.2 Use and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures in Equinor's 2019 Annual Report and Form 20-F.

 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
42  


 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

 


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
43  


 

END NOTES

 

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

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

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

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

5.         These are non-GAAP figures. See “Use and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures” in the report for more details. For ROACE, see table Calculated ROACE in the Supplementary disclosures.

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

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

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

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

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

 

Signatures

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

 

EQUINOR ASA

(Registrant)

 

Dated: 07 May, 2020


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
44  


 

By: ___/s/ Lars Christian Bacher

Name: Lars Christian Bacher

Title:    Chief Financial Officer



   


Equinor first quarter 2020
      
45