2 – Accounting policies, judgements and estimates

1) Changes in accounting policies

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial year, except for the changes as described below.

First-time adoption of amended standards

The Group has adopted the following amended standards with a date of initial application of January 1, 2020:

  • Amendments to  3 Business Combinations: Definition of a Business
  • Amendments to IFRS 9,  39 and IFRS 7: Interest Rate Benchmark Reform
  • Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8: Definition of Material
  • Amendments to References to the Conceptual Framework in IFRS Standards

The amendments did not have any material impact on OMV’s group financial statements.

Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7: Interest Rate Benchmark Reform

The Group has adopted the amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7 retrospectively to hedging relationships that existed at the start of the reporting period or were designated thereafter, and that are directly affected by the interest rate benchmark reform. These amendments also apply to the gain or loss accumulated in the cash flow hedge reserve that existed at 1 January, 2020.

The amendments provide temporary relief from applying specific hedge accounting requirements to hedging relationships directly affected by interbank offered rate (IBOR) reform. For the purpose of evaluating whether there is an economic relationship between the hedged items and the hedging instruments, the Group assumes that the benchmark interest rate is not altered as a result of interest rate benchmark reform. Any hedge ineffectiveness continues to be recorded in the income statement. The Group will cease to apply this relief when the uncertainty arising from interest rate benchmark reform is no longer present.

Note 28 – Risk Management – provides information about the uncertainty arising from IBOR reform for hedging relationships for which the Group has applied the reliefs. No changes were required to any of the amounts recognized in the current or prior period as a result of these amendments.

Change in income statement presentation

Starting with 2020, reversals of impairments on tangible and intangible assets are reported within the line “Depreciation, amortization, impairments and write-ups” in order to improve the international comparability of the income statement presentation. The prior year figures have been adjusted accordingly. The change in presentation has no effect on the operating result.

Adjustments to income statement items

In EUR mn

 

 

 

 

2019 (old)

Reclassification

2019 (new)

Other operating income

315

(35)

280

Total revenues and other income

24,162

(35)

24,127

Depreciation, amortization, impairments and write-ups

(2,337)

35

(2,302)

2) New and revised standards not yet mandatory

OMV has not applied the following new or revised that have been issued but are not yet effective. They are not expected to have any material effects on the Group’s financial statements. endorsement is still pending in some cases.

Standards and amendments

IASB effective date

Amendment to IFRS 16 Leases: Covid-19-Related Rent Concessions

June 1, 2020

Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16: Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2

January 1, 2021

Amendments to IFRS 3 Business Combinations: Reference to the Conceptual Framework

January 1, 2022

Amendments to IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before intended use

January 1, 2022

Amendments to IAS 37: Onerous Contracts – Cost of Fulfilling a Contract

January 1, 2022

Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018-2020

January 1, 2022

IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts and Amendments to IFRS 17

January 1, 2023

Amendments to IAS 1: Classification of Liabilities as Current and Non-Current

January 1, 2023

3) Significant accounting policies, judgements and assumptions

Use of estimates and judgements

Preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgements that affect the amounts reported for assets, liabilities, income and expenses, as well as the amounts disclosed in the notes. These estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are deemed reasonable at the date of preparation of these financial statements. Actual outcomes could differ from these estimates. The estimates and assumptions having the most significant impact on OMV Group results are highlighted below and should be read together with the relevant notes mentioned. Significant estimates and assumptions have been made particularly with respect to

  • oil and gas reserves (see 2.3h),
  • provisions for decommissioning and restoration obligations (see 2.3s and Note 23 – Provisions),
  • provisions for onerous contracts (see 2.3s and Note 23 – Provisions),
  • the valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination (see 2.3a and Note 3 – Changes in group structure),
  • the recoverability of intangible assets, property, plant and equipment and equity-accounted investments (see 2.3j and Note 7 – Depreciation, amortization, impairments and write-ups) as well as
  • the recoverability of other financial assets, which mainly refer to the contractual position towards Gazprom with regard to the reserves redetermination of Yuzhno Russkoye field and the expenditure recoverable from the Romanian State related to decommissioning, restoration and environmental obligations (see 2.3m and Note 18 – Financial assets).

Effect of climate-related matters and energy transition

The short and long-term effects of climate-related matters and energy transition impact the significant accounting estimates performed by management and included in the group financial statements in estimates such as recoverable amounts and expected useful lifes of the Company’s assets.

These estimates incorporate the future effects of OMV’s own strategic decisions and commitments on having its portfolio adhered to the energy transition targets, short and long-term impacts of climate-related matters and energy transition to a lower-carbon energy sources together with management’s best estimate on global supply and demand, including forecasted commodities prices. OMV’s view on such future market trends is aligned with the International Energy Agency (IEA) Stated Policies (SP) Scenario, and in accordance with such scenario incorporates current and announced (not yet fully realized) policies, targets, and plans.

OMV is aware of its responsibility and will live up to its commitment to the Paris Agreement and the EU climate targets. OMV is committed to reach net-zero GHG emissions of operations (scope 1 and 2) by 2050 or sooner. Nevertheless, there is significant uncertainty around the changes in the mix of energy sources over the next 30 years and the extent to which such changes will meet the ambitions of the Paris Agreement. While companies can commit to such ambitions, financial reporting under IFRS requires the use of assumptions that represent management’s current best estimate of the range of expected future economic conditions, which may differ from such ambitions.

Consequently, in order to reflect a faster paced energy transition, OMV revised its brent oil price planning assumptions in 2020 which have an impact on the recoverability of its fixed assets. It is OMV’s view that the long long-term assumptions and the inverse price curve applied for Brent oil take into consideration the impacts of climate-related matters and energy transition to lower-carbon energy sources. The updated long term Brent oil price assumption is  60/ vs USD 75/bbl in 2019, in real terms. More details on the oil and gas assumptions can be found in Note 2.3j.

a) Business combinations and goodwill

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries acquired are included at their fair value at the time of acquisition. For each business combination, the Group elects whether it measures the non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable .

Any contingent consideration is measured at fair value at the date of acquisition. Contingent consideration classified as financial asset or liability is subsequently measured at fair value with the changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss.

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred, the amount recognized for non-controlling interest and the fair value of the equity previously held by OMV in the acquired entity over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is recorded as an asset and tested for impairment at least yearly. Impairments are recorded immediately through profit or loss, subsequent write-ups are not possible. Any gain on a bargain purchase is recognized in profit or loss immediately.

Significant estimates: Business combinations

The measurement of identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values requires significant estimates by management. Such measurements are also required for acquisitions of investments accounted for at equity. OMV adopts the valuation techniques generally used by market participants taking into account the available information. Whereas property, plant and equipment are valued using a cost approach, intangible assets are valued on the basis of the relief-from-royalty approach or an income approach. The fair value of inventories is determined on the basis of available market prices.

b) Sales revenue

Revenue is generally recognized when control over a product or a service is transferred to a customer. It is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer and excludes amounts collected on behalf of third parties.

When goods such as crude oil, , oil and petrochemical products and similar goods are sold, the delivery of each quantity unit normally represents a single performance obligation. Revenue is recognized when control of the goods has transferred to the customer, which is the point in time when legal ownership as well as the risk of loss has passed to the customer and is determined on the basis of the Incoterm agreed in the contract with the customer. These sales are done with normal credit terms according to the industry standard.

Revenue from the production of crude oil, in which OMV has an interest with other producers, is recognized according to the sales method. This means that revenue is recognized based on the actual sales to third parties, regardless of the Group’s percentage interest or entitlement. An adjustment of production costs is recognized at average cost for the difference between the costs associated with the output sold and the costs incurred based on entitlement to output, with a counter entry in the other assets or liabilities.

In the Downstream retail business, revenues from the sale of fuels are recognized when products are supplied to the customers. Depending on whether OMV is principal or agent in the sale of shop merchandise, revenue and costs related to such sales are presented gross or net in the income statement. OMV is principal if it controls the goods before they are transferred to the customer, which is mainly indicated by OMV having the inventory risk. At filling stations, payments are due immediately at the time of purchase.

OMV’s gas and power supply contracts include a single performance obligation which is satisfied over the agreed delivery period. Revenue is recognized according to the consumption by the customer and in line with the amount to which OMV has a right to invoice. Only in exceptional cases long-term gas supply contracts contain stepped prices in different periods where the rates do not reflect the value of the goods at the time of delivery. In these cases revenue is recognized based on the average contractual price.

In some customer contracts for the delivery of natural gas, the fees charged to the customer comprise a fixed charge as well as a variable fee depending on the volumes delivered. These contracts contain only one performance obligation which is to stand-ready for the delivery of gas over a certain period. The revenue from the fixed charges and the variable fees is recognized in line with the amount chargeable to the customer. Gas and power deliveries are billed and paid on a monthly basis.

Gas storage and gas transportation contracts contain a stand-ready obligation for providing storage or transportation services over an agreed period of time. Revenue is recognized according to the amount to which OMV has a right to invoice. These services are billed and paid on a monthly basis.

There are some customer contracts in OMV for the delivery of oil and gas as well as for the provision of gas storage and transportation services which have a term of more than one year. In principle, IFRS 15 requires the disclosure of the total amount of transaction prices allocated to unperformed performance obligations for such contracts. Contracts for the delivery of oil contain variable prices based on market prices as at delivery date, as it is common in the oil industry. For these contracts it is, therefore, not possible to allocate the transaction price to unsatisfied performance obligations. For gas delivery and gas storage and transportation contracts OMV applies the practical expedient according to IFRS 15.121 (b) according to which this information need not be disclosed for contracts where revenue is recognized in the amount to which the entity has a right to invoice. OMV, therefore, does not disclose this information.

c) Other revenues

Other revenues include revenues from commodity contracts which are in the scope of IFRS 9. Sales and purchases of commodities are reported net within other revenues when the forward sales and purchase contracts are determined to be for trading purposes and not for the final physical delivery.

In addition, other revenues include an adjustment of revenues from considering the national oil company’s profit share as income tax in certain production sharing agreements in the Upstream segment (see 2.3f), realized and unrealized results from hedging of sales transactions as well as lease and rental income.

d) Exploration expenses

Exploration expenses relate exclusively to the business segment Upstream and comprise the costs associated with unproved reserves. These include geological and geophysical costs for the identification and investigation of areas with possible oil and gas reserves and administrative, legal and consulting costs in connection with exploration. They also include all impairments on exploration wells where no proved reserves could be demonstrated. Depreciation of economically successful exploration wells is reported as depreciation, amortization, impairment charges and write-ups.

e) Research and development

Expenditure related to research activities is recognized as expense in the period in which it is incurred. Research and development (R&D) expenses, which are presented in the income statement within other operating expenses, include all direct and indirect materials, personnel and external services costs incurred in connection with the focused search for new insights related to the development and significant improvement of products, services and processes and in connection with research activities. Development costs are capitalized if the recognition criteria according to IAS 38 are fulfilled.

f) Exploration and production sharing agreements

Exploration and production sharing agreements (EPSAs) are contracts for oil and gas licenses in which the oil or gas production is shared between one or more oil companies and the host country/national oil company in defined proportions. Exploration expenditures are carried by the oil companies as a rule and recovered from the state or the national oil company through so called “cost oil” in a successful case only. Under certain contracts the host country’s/national oil company’s profit share represents imposed income taxes and is treated as such for purposes of the income statement presentation.

g) Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment are recognized at costs of acquisition or construction (including costs of major inspection and general overhauls). The present value of the expected cost for the decommissioning of an asset after its use is included in the cost of the respective asset when a decommissioning provision is recognized (see 2.3s). Costs for replacements of components are capitalized and carrying values of the replaced parts are derecognized. Costs relating to minor maintenance and repairs are treated as expenses in the year in which they are incurred.

Intangible assets and depreciable property, plant and equipment (except for oil and gas assets and a contract-related intangible asset in Upstream, see 2.3h) are amortized or depreciated on a straight-line basis over the useful economic life.

Useful life

 

Years

Intangible assets

 

Goodwill

 

Indefinite

Software

 

3–7

Concessions, licenses, contract-related intangible assets etc.

3–20, contract duration or unit-of production method

Business-specific property, plant and equipment

 

Upstream

Oil and gas wells

Unit-of-production method

Downstream

Pipelines

20–30

 

Gas power plant

8–30

 

Storage tanks

40

 

Refinery facilities

25

 

Petrochemical production facilities

15–20

 

Filling stations

5–20

Other property, plant and equipment

 

Production and office buildings

20–50

Other technical plant and equipment

10–20

Fixtures and fittings

3–15

h) Oil and gas assets

Upstream activities are recorded using the successful efforts method. The acquisition costs of geological and geophysical studies before the discovery of proved reserves form part of expenses for the period. The costs of wells are capitalized and reported as intangible assets until the existence or absence of potentially commercially viable oil or gas reserves is determined. Wells which are not commercially viable are expensed. The costs of exploration wells whose commercial viability has not yet been determined continue to be capitalized as long as the following conditions are satisfied:

  • Sufficient oil and gas reserves have been discovered that would justify completion as a production well.
  • Sufficient progress is being made in assessing the economic and technical feasibility to justify beginning field development in the near future.

Significant estimates and judgements: Recoverability of unproved oil and gas assets

There may be cases when costs related to unproved oil and gas properties remain capitalized over longer periods while various appraisal and seismic activities continue in order to assess the size of the reservoir and its commerciality. Further decisions on the optimum timing of such developments are made from a resource and portfolio point of view. As soon as there is no further intention to develop the discovery, the assets are immediately impaired.

Exploratory wells in progress at year end which are determined to be unsuccessful subsequent to the statement of financial position date are treated as non-adjusting events, meaning that the costs incurred for such exploratory wells remain capitalized in the financial statements of the reporting period under review and will be expensed in the subsequent period.

License acquisition costs and capitalized exploration and appraisal activities are not amortized as long as they are related to unproved reserves, but tested for impairment when there is an indicator for a potential impairment. Once the reserves are proved and commercial viability is established, the related assets are reclassified into tangible assets. Development expenditure on the construction, installation or completion of infrastructure facilities such as platforms and pipelines and drilling development wells is capitalized within tangible assets. Once production starts, depreciation commences. Capitalized exploration and development costs and support equipment are generally depreciated based on proved developed reserves by applying the unit-of-production method; only capitalized exploration rights and acquired reserves are amortized on the basis of total proved reserves, unless a different reserves basis is more adequate.

Significant estimate: Oil and gas reserves

OMV Group’s oil and gas reserves are estimated by the Group’s petroleum engineers in accordance with industry standards and reassessed at least once per year. In addition, external reviews are performed regularly. In 2020, DeGolyer and MacNaughton (D&M) reviewed the reserves of the oil and gas assets in Russia and Malaysia. For the other oil and gas assets the last review was performed in 2018 for the reserves as of December 31, 2017. The results of the external reviews did not show significant deviations from the internal estimates, except for one case. In order to obtain a reasonable assurance on the reserves numbers of the field with a material deviation to D&M, OMV engaged an independent external specialist to provide an opinion on OMV’s approach for determining the reserves, which was deemed appropriate.

Oil and gas reserve estimates have a significant impact on the assessment of recoverability of carrying amounts of oil and gas assets of the Group. Downward revisions of these estimates could lead to impairment of the asset’s carrying.

In addition, changes to the estimates of oil and gas reserves impact prospectively the amount of amortization and depreciation as well as the valuation of the financial asset related to the reserves redetermination right out of the acquisition of an interest in the Yuzhno Russkoye field.

i) Associated companies and joint arrangements

Associated companies are those entities in which the Group has significant influence, but not control nor joint control over the financial and operating policies. Joint arrangements, which are arrangements of which the Group has joint control together with one or more parties, are classified into joint ventures or joint operations. Joint ventures are joint arrangements in which the parties that share control have rights to the net assets of the arrangement. Joint operations are joint arrangements in which the parties that share joint control have rights to the assets, and obligations for the liabilities, relating to the arrangement.

Investments in associated companies and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method, under which the investment is initially recognized at cost and subsequently adjusted for the Group’s share of the profit or loss less dividends received and the Group’s share of other comprehensive income and other movements in equity.

Significant joint exploration and production activities in the Upstream segment are conducted through joint operations which are not structured through a separate vehicle. For these joint operations, OMV recognizes in the consolidated financial statements its share of the assets held and liabilities and expenses incurred jointly with the other partners, as well as the group’s income from the sale of its share of the output and any liabilities and expenses that the group has incurred in relation to the joint operation. Acquisitions of interests in a joint operation, in which the activity of the joint operation constitutes a business, are accounted for according to the relevant IFRS 3 principles for business combination accounting (see 2.3a).

In addition, there are contractual arrangements similar to joint operations in the Group which are not jointly controlled and therefore do not meet the definition of a joint operation according to IFRS 11. This is the case when the main decisions can be taken by more than one combination of affirmative votes of the involved parties or where one other party has control. OMV assesses whether such arrangements are within or out of scope of IFRS 11 on the basis of the relevant legal arrangements such as concession, license or joint operating agreements which define how and by whom the relevant decisions for these activities are taken. The accounting treatment for these arrangements is basically the same as for joint operations. As acquisitions of interests in such arrangements are not within the scope of IFRS 3, OMV’s accounting policy is to treat such transactions as asset acquisitions.

j) Impairment of assets

Intangible assets, property, plant and equipment (including oil and gas assets) and investments in associated companies and joint ventures are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset may be impaired. Impairment tests are performed on the level of the asset or the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets, called cash-generating units (CGUs).

If assets are determined to be impaired, the carrying amounts are written down to their recoverable amount, which is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal or value in use.

In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a post-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset or . The pre-tax discount rate is determined by way of iteration. The cash flows are generally derived from the recent budgets and planning calculations, which are prepared separately for each of the Group’s CGUs to which the individual assets are allocated.

The fair value less costs of disposal is determined on the basis of the recent market transactions, if available. If no such transactions can be identified, an appropriate valuation model is used.

If the reasons for impairment no longer apply in a subsequent period, a reversal is recognized in profit or loss. The increased carrying amount related to the reversal of an impairment loss shall not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of amortization and depreciation) had no impairment loss been recognized in prior years.

Significant estimates and judgements: Recoverability of assets

Evaluating whether assets or CGUs are impaired or whether past impairments should be reversed, require the use of different estimates and assumptions such as price developments, production volumes and discount rates.

The key estimates and assumptions used bear the risk of change due to the inherent volatile nature of the various macro-economic factors and the uncertainty in asset or CGU specific factors like reserve volumes and production profiles, which can impact the recoverable amount of assets and/or CGUs.

The key valuation assumptions for the recoverable amounts of Upstream assets are the oil and natural gas prices, production volumes, exchange and discount rates. The production profiles were estimated based on past experience and represent management’s best estimate of future production. The cash flow projections for the first five years are based on the mid-term plan and thereafter on a “life of field” planning and therefore cover the whole life term of the field.

In 2020, OMV revised its long-term oil and gas price assumptions in order to take into account the uncertainty over the pace of the energy transition to a lower-carbon energy sources. In addition, the short-term oil and gas price assumption were updated in order to reflect the significant decrease in oil and gas prices due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The nominal oil and gas price assumptions and the -USD exchange rates are listed below:

2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Brent oil price (USD/bbl)

50

60

60

65

65

EUR-USD exchange rate

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

Brent oil price (EUR/bbl)

43

52

52

57

57

Realized gas price (EUR/MWh)

10

12

13

14

13

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Brent oil price (USD/bbl)

60

70

70

75

75

EUR-USD exchange rate

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

Brent oil price (EUR/bbl)

52

61

61

65

65

Realized gas price (EUR/MWh)

12

13

14

15

15

For the years 2026 until 2029, OMV assumed a Brent oil price of USD 65/bbl which is expected to gradually decline to USD 60/bbl until 2035. From 2035 onwards, OMV applied a Brent oil price of USD 60/bbl. All before mentioned assumptions for the years after 2025 are based on 2025 real terms. Gas prices are assumed to remain stable in real terms after 2025.

The assumptions used for oil and gas prices for short and medium term are based on management’s best estimate and were consistent with external sources. The long-term assumptions were consistent with data provided by external studies and consider long-term views of global supply and demand. In particular, OMV’s long term assumptions and the inverse price curve applied for Brent oil, take into consideration the impacts of climate-related matters and energy transition to lower-carbon energy sources.

In the Downstream business, the main assumptions for the calculation of the recoverable amounts are the relevant margins, volumes as well as discount, inflation and growth rates.

k) Assets held for sale

Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for sale if their carrying amounts are to be realized by sale rather than through continued use. This is the case when the sale is highly probable, and the asset or disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition. Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets once classified as held for sale are no longer amortized or depreciated.

l) Leases

OMV as a lessee recognizes lease liabilities and right-of-use assets for lease contracts according to IFRS 16. It applies the recognition exemption for short-term leases and leases in which the underlying asset is of low value and therefore does not recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for such leases. Leases to explore for and use oil and natural gas, which comprise mainly land leases used for such activities, are not in the scope of IFRS 16. The rent for these contracts is recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Non-lease components are separated from the lease components for the measurement of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. Lease liabilities are recognized at the present value of fixed lease payments and lease payments which depend on an index or rate over the determined lease term with the applicable discount rate. Right-of-use assets are recognized at the value of the lease liability plus prepayments and initial direct costs and presented within property, plant and equipment.

OMV as a lessor entered into contracts which were assessed as operating leases, for which fixed and variable rent is recognized as revenue from rents and leases over the period of the lease.

Significant estimates and judgements: Leases

OMV has a significant number of contracts in which it leases filling stations. Many of those contracts include prolongation and termination options. Prolongation options or periods after termination options are included in the lease term if it is reasonably certain that the lease is prolonged or not terminated. When determining the lease term the Group takes into account all relevant facts and circumstances that create an economic incentive for shortening or prolonging the lease term using the available options. When assessing the lease term of leases in filling stations for periods covered by prolongation or termination options, the assumption was applied that the lease term will not exceed 20 years.

Optional periods, which have not been taken into account in the measurement of the leases, exist mainly for office buildings and gas storage caverns in Germany because they can only be exercised in the distant future.

m) Non-derivative financial assets

At initial recognition, OMV classifies its financial assets as subsequently measured at amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income () or fair value through profit or loss. The classification depends both on the Group’s business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets. All regular way trades are recognized and derecognized on the trade date, i.e., the date that the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset.

Debt instruments are measured at amortized cost if both of the following conditions are met:

  • the asset is held within the business model whose objective is to hold assets in order to collect contractual cash flows; and
  • the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specific dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

These assets are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method less any impairment losses. Interest income, impairment losses and gains or losses on derecognition are recognized in profit or loss.

OMV recognizes allowances for expected credit losses (ECLs) for all financial assets measured at amortized costs. The calculation is based on external or internal credit ratings of the counterparty and associated probabilities of default. Available forward-looking information is taken into account, if it has a material impact on the amount of valuation allowance recognized.

ECLs are recognized in two stages. Where there has not been a significant increase in the credit risk since initial recognition, credit losses are measured at 12 month ECLs. The 12 month ECL is the credit loss which results from default events that are possible within the next 12 months. The Group considers a financial asset to have low credit risk when its credit risk rating is equivalent to the definition of ‘investment grade’.

Where there has been a significant increase in the credit risk since initial recognition, a loss allowance is required for the lifetime ECL, i.e. the expected credit losses resulting from possible default events over the expected life of a financial asset. For this assessment, OMV considers all reasonable and supportable information that is available without undue cost or effort. Furthermore, OMV assumes that the credit risk on a financial asset has significantly increased if it is more than 30 days past due. If the credit quality improves for a lifetime ECL asset, OMV reverts to recognizing allowances on a 12 month ECL basis. A financial asset is considered to be in default when the financial asset is 90 days past due unless there is reasonable and supportable information that demonstrates that a more lagging default criterion is appropriate. A financial asset is written off when there is no reasonable expectation that the contractual cash flows will be recovered.

For trade receivables and contract assets from contracts with customers a simplified approach is adopted, where the impairment losses are recognized at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses. In case there are credit insurances or securities held against the balances outstanding, the ECL calculation is based on the probability of default of the insurer/securer for the insured/secured element of the outstanding balance and the remaining amount will take the probability of default of the counterparty.

Non-derivative financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss include trade receivables from sales contracts with provisional pricing and investment funds because the contractual cash flows do not represent solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding. Furthermore, this measurement category includes portfolios of trade receivables held with an intention to sell them. These assets are measured at fair value, with any gains or losses arising on remeasurement recognized in profit or loss.

Equity instruments are either measured at fair value through profit or loss (FVPL) or at fair value through OCI (). OMV elected irrevocably to classify as investments at FVOCI the majority of its non-listed equity investments which are held for strategic purposes and not trading. Gains and losses on equity investments measured at FVOCI are never recycled to profit or loss and they are not subject to impairment assessment. Dividends are recognized in profit or loss unless they represent a recovery of part of the cost of an investment.

OMV derecognizes a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or when it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another party.

Significant estimates and judgements: Fair value and recoverability of financial assets

The management is periodically assessing the receivable related to expenditure recoverable from the Romanian State related to obligations for decommissioning and restoration costs in OMV Petrom SA. The assessment process is considering inter alia the history of amounts claimed, documentation process related requirements, potential litigation or arbitration proceedings.

As part of the acquisition of the interest in Yuzhno Russkoye gas field in 2017, OMV took over a contractual position towards Gazprom with regard to the reserves redetermination. The volume of gas reserves in Yuzhno Russkoye field is contractually agreed and, in case the reserves are higher or lower than what was assumed in the agreement, either OMV could be obligated to compensate Gazprom (but would profit in the future from higher sales volumes) or Gazprom could be obligated to compensate OMV. The payment for the reserve redetermination is linked to the actual amount of the gas reserves. The actual volume of gas reserves in Yuzhno Russkoye is expected to be agreed in 2023. The estimated volume of gas reserves in the field is assumed by OMV to be lower than the contractually agreed volume and is based on the assessment of the Group’s petroleum engineers (see Note 18 – Financial Assets – for more details).

n) Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting

Derivative instruments are used to hedge risks resulting from changes in currency exchange rates, commodity prices and interest rates. Derivative instruments are recognized at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized as income or expense, except where hedge accounting according to IFRS 9 is applied.

Those derivatives qualifying and designated as hedges are either

  • a fair value hedge when hedging exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability,
  • a cash flow hedge when hedging exposure to variability in cash flows that is attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognized asset or liability or a highly probable forecast transaction, or
  • a net investment hedge when hedging the foreign exchange risk in a net investment in a foreign operation.

For cash flow hedges, the effective part of the changes in fair value is recognized in other comprehensive income, while the ineffective part is recognized immediately in the income statement. Where the hedging of cash flows results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or liability, the carrying value of that item will be adjusted for the accumulated gains or losses recognized directly in OCI.

Hedges of net investments in foreign operations are accounted for similarly to cash flow hedges. Any gain or loss on the hedging instrument relating to the effective portion of the hedge is recognised in OCI and accumulated in the reserve for currency translation differences. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in profit or loss. Gains and losses accumulated in equity are reclassified to profit or loss when the foreign operation is disposed of or sold.

The Group applies hedge accounting to hedges which are affected by the interest rate benchmark reform. For the purpose of evaluating whether there is an economic relationship between the hedged items and the hedging instruments, the Group assumes that the benchmark interest rate is not altered as a result of interest rate benchmark reform (see Note 2.1a).

Contracts to buy or sell a non-financial item that can be settled net in cash or another financial instrument are accounted for as financial instruments and measured at fair value. Associated gains or losses are recognized in profit or loss. However, contracts that are entered into and continue to be held for the purpose of the receipt or delivery of a non-financial item in accordance with the Group’s expected purchase, sale or usage requirements are not accounted for as derivative financial instruments, but as executory contracts.

o) Borrowing costs

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualified assets are capitalized until these assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale. All other costs of borrowing are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.

p) Government grants

Government grants are recognized as income or deducted from the related asset where it is reasonable to expect that the granting conditions will be met and that the grants will be received.

q) Inventories

Inventories are recognized at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Costs incurred are generally determined based on the individual costs for not interchangeable goods, the average price method for oil and gas inventories or the FIFO method for petrochemical products. Costs of production comprise directly attributable costs as well as fixed and variable indirect material and production overhead costs. Production-related administrative costs, the costs of company pension schemes and voluntary employee benefits are also included. In refineries, a carrying capacity approach is applied according to which the production costs are allocated to product groups on the basis of their relative market values at the end of the period.

r) Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash balances, bank accounts and highly liquid short-term investments with low realization risk, i.e. negligible short-term exchange and interest risks. The maximum maturity at the time of acquisition for such investments is three months.

s) Provisions

A provision is recorded for present obligations against third parties when it is probable that an obligation will occur and the settlement amount can be estimated reliably. Provisions for individual obligations are based on the best estimate of the amount necessary to settle the obligation, discounted to the present value in the case of long-term obligations.

Decommissioning and environmental obligations: The Group’s core activities regularly lead to obligations related to dismantling and removal, asset retirement and soil remediation activities. These decommissioning and restoration obligations are principally of material importance in the Upstream segment (oil and gas wells, surface facilities) and in connection with filling stations on third-party property. At the time the obligation arises, it is provided for in full by recognizing the present value of future decommissioning and restoration expenses as a liability. An equivalent amount is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of long-lived assets. Any such obligation is calculated on the basis of best estimates. The unwinding of discounting leads to interest expense or income (in case of a negative discount rate) and accordingly to increased or decreased obligations at each statement of financial position date until decommissioning or restoration. For other environmental risks and measures, provisions are recognized if such obligations are probable and the amount of the obligation can be estimated reliably.

Significant estimates and judgements: Decommissioning provisions

The most significant decommissioning obligations of the Group are related to the plugging of wells, the abandonment of facilities and the removal and disposal of offshore installations. The majority of these activities are planned to occur many years into the future, while decommissioning technologies, costs, regulations and public expectations are constantly changing. Estimates of future restoration costs are based on reports prepared by Group engineers and on past experience. Any significant downward changes in the expected future costs or postponement in the future affect both the provision and the related asset, to the extent that there is sufficient carrying amount, otherwise the provision is reversed to income. Significant upward revisions trigger the assessment of the recoverability of the underlying asset.

Provisions for decommissioning and restoration costs require estimates of discount rates, which have material effects on the amounts of the provision. The real discount rates applied for calculating the provision for decommissioning and restoration costs were between –2.0% and 3.10% (2019: 0.0% and 3.25%).

Pensions and similar obligations: OMV has both defined contribution and defined benefit pension plans. In the case of defined contribution plans, OMV has no obligations beyond payment of the agreed premiums, and no provision is therefore recognized. The reported expense corresponds to the contributions payable for the period.

In contrast, participants in defined benefit plans are entitled to pensions at certain levels and are generally based on years of service and the employee’s average compensation. These defined benefit plans expose the Group to actuarial risks, such as longevity risk, interest rate risk, inflation risk (as a result of indexation of pension) and market risk. Defined benefit pension obligations are accounted for by recognizing provisions for pensions.

Employees of Austrian Group companies whose service began before December 31, 2002 are entitled to receive severance payments upon termination of employment or on reaching normal retirement age. The entitlements depend on years of service and final compensation levels. Entitlements to severance payments for employees whose service began after December 31, 2002 are covered by defined contribution plans. Similar obligations as entitlement to severance payments also exist in other countries, where the Group provides employment.

Employees in Austria and Germany are entitled to jubilee payments after completion of a given number of years of service. These plans are non-contributory and unfunded.

Provisions for pensions, severance payments and jubilee payments are calculated using the projected unit credit method, which divides the costs of the estimated benefit entitlements over the whole period of employment and thus takes future increases in remuneration into account. Actuarial gains and losses for defined benefit pension and severance payment obligations are recognized in full in the period in which they occur in other comprehensive income. Such actuarial gains and losses are not reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods. Actuarial gains and losses on obligations for jubilee payments are recognized in profit or loss. Net interest expense is calculated on the basis of the net defined benefit obligation and disclosed as part of the financial result. Differences between the return on plan assets and interest income on plan assets included in the net interest expense is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Provisions for voluntary and mandatory separations under restructuring programs are recognized if a detailed plan has been approved by management and communicated to those affected prior to the statement of financial position date and an irrevocable commitment is thereby established. Voluntary modifications to employees’ remuneration arrangements are recognized on the basis of the expected number of employees accepting the employing company’s offer. Provisions for obligations related to individual separation agreements which lead to fixed payments over a defined period of time are recognized at the present value of the obligation.

Significant estimates and judgements: Pensions and similar obligations

The projected unit credit method calculation of provisions for pensions, severance and jubilee entitlements requires estimates for discount rates, future increases in salaries and future increases in pensions. For current actuarial assumptions for calculating expected defined benefit entitlements and their sensitivity analysis see Note 23 – Provisions.

The biometrical basis for the calculation of provisions for pensions, severance and jubilee entitlements of Austrian Group companies is provided by AVÖ 2018 P – Rechnungsgrundlagen für die Pensionsversicherung (Biometric Tables for Pension Insurance) – Pagler & Pagler, using the variant for salaried employees. In other countries, similar actuarial parameters are used. Employee turnover was computed based on age or years of service respectively. The expected retirement age used for calculations is based on the relevant country’s legislation.

Provision for onerous contracts are recognized for contracts in which the unavoidable costs of meeting a contractual obligation exceed the economic benefits expected to be received under the contract. These provisions are measured at the lower amount of the cost of fulfilling the contract and any potential penalties or compensation arising in the event of non-performance.

Significant estimates and judgements: Provisions for onerous contracts

OMV concluded in the past several long-term, non-cancellable contracts that became onerous due to negative development of market conditions. This led to the recognition of onerous contract provisions in the Group’s financial statements for the unavoidable costs of meeting the contract obligations.

The estimates used for calculating the positive contributions that partly cover the fixed costs were based on external sources and management expectations. For more details see Note 23 – Provisions.

Emission allowances received free of cost from governmental authorities (EU Emissions Trading Scheme for greenhouse gas emissions allowances) reduce financial obligations related to CO2 emissions; provisions are recognized only for shortfalls (see Note 23 – Provisions).

t) Non-derivative financial liabilities

Liabilities are carried at amortized cost, with the exception of derivative financial instruments, which are recognized at fair value. Long-term liabilities are discounted using the effective interest rate method.

u) Taxes on income and deferred taxes

In addition to corporate income taxes and trade earnings taxes, typical upstream taxes from oil and gas production like the country’s/national oil company’s profit share for certain EPSAs (see 2.3f) are disclosed as income taxes. Deferred taxes are recognized for temporary differences.

Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which the unused tax losses, unused tax credits and deductible temporary differences can be utilized.

Significant estimates and judgements: Recoverability of deferred tax assets

The recognition of deferred tax assets requires an assessment of when those assets are likely to reverse, and a judgement as to whether or not there will be sufficient taxable profits available to offset the assets when they reverse. This assessment of recoverability requires assumptions regarding future profits and is therefore uncertain. In OMV, this assessment is based on detailed tax plannings which covers in Upstream entities the whole life of field and a five year period in the other entities.

Changes in the assumptions regarding future profits can lead to an increase or decrease of the amount of deferred tax assets recognized which has an impact on the in the period in which the change occurs.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities at Group level are shown net where there is a right of set-off and the taxes relate to matters subject to the same tax jurisdiction.

v) Long Term Incentive (LTI) Plans and Equity Deferral

The fair value of share-based compensation expense arising from the Long-term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – OMV’s main equity settled plan – is estimated using a model which is based on the expected target achievements and the expected share prices. For cash-settled awards, a provision based on the fair value of the amount payable is built up over the vesting period, so that by the end of the vesting period the fair value of the bonus shares to be granted is fully provided for. The provision is remeasured at the end of each reporting period up to the date of settlement, with any changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss. For share settled awards, the grant date fair value is recognized as an expense (including income tax), with a corresponding increase in equity, over the vesting period of the awards. The amount recognized as expense is adjusted to subsequent changes in parameters other than market parameters. In addition, the Equity Deferral part of the annual bonus is settled in shares. Accordingly, the related expense is recognized against equity. For share-based awards, the award is settled net of tax to the participants.

w) Fair value measurement

The fair value is the amount for which an asset or liability could be transferred at the measurement date, based on the assumption that such transfers take place between participants in principal markets and, where applicable, taking highest and best use into account.

Fair values are determined according to the following hierarchy:

  • Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. For OMV Group this category will, in most cases, only be relevant for securities, bonds, investment funds and futures contracts.
  • Level 2: Valuation technique using directly or indirectly observables inputs. In order to determine the fair value for financial instruments within Level 2, usually forward prices of crude oil or natural gas, interest rates and foreign exchange rates are used as inputs to the valuation model. In addition counterparty credit risk as well as volatility indicators, if applicable, are taken into account.
  • Level 3: Valuation techniques such as discounted cash flow models using significant unobservable inputs (e.g. long-term price assumptions and reserves estimates).

4) Foreign currency translation

Monetary foreign currency balances are measured at closing rates, and exchange gains and losses accrued at statement of financial position date are recognized in the income statement.

The financial statements of Group companies with functional currencies different from the Group’s presentation currency are translated using the closing rate method. Differences arising from statement of financial position items translated at closing rates are disclosed in other comprehensive income. Income statement items are translated at average rates for the period. The use of average rates for the income statement creates additional differences compared to the application of the closing rates in the statement of financial position which are directly adjusted in other comprehensive income.

The main rates applied in translating currencies to EUR were as follows:

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

 

 

 

2020

2019

 

Statement of financial position date

Average

Statement of financial position date

Average

Bulgarian lev (BGN)

1.956

1.956

1.956

1.956

Czech crown (CZK)

26.242

26.455

25.408

25.671

Hungarian forint (HUF)

363.890

351.250

330.530

325.300

New Zealand dollar (NZD)

1.698

1.756

1.665

1.700

Norwegian krone (NOK)

10.470

10.723

9.864

9.851

Romanian leu (RON)

4.868

4.838

4.783

4.745

Russian ruble (RUB)

91.467

82.725

69.956

72.455

Swedish krona (SEK) 1

10.034

n.a.

US dollar (USD)

1.227

1.142

1.123

1.120

1

Only applicable for Borealis Group (see below)

The items in the income statement related to Borealis Group were converted by using the monthly average rates instead of the annual average rate for the period after the acquisition on October 29, 2020.

IFRSs
International Financial Reporting Standards
IASs
International Accounting Standards
IFRSs
International Financial Reporting Standards
EU
European Union
USD
US dollar
bbl
Barrel (1 barrel equals approximately 159 liters)
net assets
Intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, equity-accounted investments, investments in other companies, loans granted to equity-accounted investments, total net working capital, less provisions for decommissioning and restoration obligations
LNG
Liquefied Natural Gas
EPSA
Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement
CGU
Cash generating unit
EUR
Euro
OCI
Other comprehensive income
ECL
Expected credit losses
FVOCI
Fair value through other comprehensive income
net income
Net operating profit or loss after interest and tax