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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Devon is a leading independent energy company engaged primarily in the exploration, development and production of oil, natural gas and NGLs. Devon’s operations are concentrated in various onshore areas in the U.S.

Accounting policies used by Devon and its subsidiaries conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. and reflect industry practices. The more significant of such policies are discussed below.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Devon, entities in which it holds a controlling interest and VIEs for which Devon is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Undivided interests in oil and natural gas exploration and production joint ventures are consolidated on a proportionate basis. Investments in non-controlled entities, over which Devon has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies, are accounted for using the equity method. In applying the equity method of accounting, the investments are initially recognized at cost and subsequently adjusted for Devon’s proportionate share of earnings, losses, contributions and distributions. Investments in non-controlled entities over which Devon does not have the ability to exercise significant influence are initially recognized at cost and subsequently adjusted for contributions and distributions.

Variable Interest Entity

In 2019, Devon and an affiliate of QL Capital Partners, LP (“QLCP”) formed CDM, a joint venture in the Delaware Basin. Devon holds a controlling interest in CDM and the portions of CDM’s net earnings and equity not attributable to Devon’s controlling interest are shown separately as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings and consolidated balance sheets. CDM is considered a VIE to Devon.

Devon, through its controlling interest in CDM, has the power to direct the activities that significantly affect the economic performance of CDM and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to CDM; therefore, Devon is considered the primary beneficiary and consolidates CDM. CDM maintains its own capital structure that is separate from Devon. During 2023, 2022 and 2021, QLCP distributions from CDM were approximately $45 million, $30 million and $20 million, respectively. During 2023 and 2021 QLCP contributions to CDM were approximately $37 million and $3 million, respectively.

The assets of CDM cannot be used by Devon for general corporate purposes and are included in and disclosed parenthetically on Devon's consolidated balance sheets. The carrying amount of liabilities related to CDM for which the creditors do not have recourse to Devon's assets are also included in and disclosed parenthetically, if material, on Devon's consolidated balance sheets.

Investments

Devon has an interest in Catalyst, which is a joint venture established among WPX, an affiliate of Howard Energy Partners, LLC (“HEP”) and certain other investors, to develop oil gathering and natural gas processing infrastructure in the Stateline area of the Delaware Basin. Under the terms of the arrangement, Devon and a holding company owned by the other joint venture investors each have a 50% voting interest in the joint venture legal entity, and HEP serves as the operator. Through 2038, Devon’s production from 50,000 net acres in the Stateline area of the Delaware Basin has been dedicated to Catalyst subject to fixed-fee oil gathering and natural gas processing agreements. Devon accounts for the investment in Catalyst as an equity method investment. Devon's share of the

earnings are reflected as a component of other, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings.

In the second quarter of 2023, Devon made an investment in the Water JV, a joint venture entity formed with an affiliate of WaterBridge NDB LLC (“WaterBridge”), for the purpose of providing increased capacity and flexibility in disposing of produced water in the Delaware Basin and Eagle Ford. Under terms of the arrangement, Devon contributed water infrastructure assets and committed to a water gathering and disposal dedication to the Water JV through 2038, in exchange for a 30% voting interest in the joint venture legal entity. WaterBridge contributed water infrastructure assets to the Water JV, in exchange for a 70% voting interest in the joint venture legal entity and is serving as the operator. At closing of the Water JV, Devon recognized a $64 million gain in asset dispositions in the consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings, which represented the excess of the estimated fair value of Devon's interest in the Water JV over the carrying value of the water infrastructure assets Devon contributed to the Water JV. Devon accounts for the investment in the Water JV as an equity method investment. Devon's investment in the Water JV is shown within investments on the consolidated balance sheets and Devon's share of the Water JV earnings are reflected as a component of other, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings.

During 2023 and 2022, Devon made investments in Matterhorn. Matterhorn is a joint venture entity and was formed for the purpose of constructing a natural gas pipeline that will transport natural gas from the Permian Basin to the Katy, Texas area. Devon’s investment in Matterhorn does not give it the ability to exercise significant influence over Matterhorn.

Devon has other investments largely focused on midstream, new technologies and energy transition initiatives. Devon does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over these investments. The following table presents Devon's investments that are shown on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying Amount

 

Investments

 

% Interest

 

December 31, 2023

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

Catalyst

 

50%

 

$

311

 

 

$

339

 

Water JV

 

30%

 

 

216

 

 

 

 

Matterhorn

 

12.5%

 

 

90

 

 

 

54

 

Other

 

Various

 

 

49

 

 

 

47

 

      Total

 

 

 

$

666

 

 

$

440

 

As of December 31, 2023, Devon’s $311 million investment in Catalyst exceeded the underlying equity in net assets by approximately $112 million. The basis difference results primarily from intangible assets associated with Devon’s acreage dedication and is amortized over the remaining 14-year term of the associated oil gathering and natural gas processing agreements. As of December 31, 2023, Devon's $216 million investment in the Water JV exceeded the underlying equity in net assets by approximately $27 million. The basis difference results primarily from acreage dedicated to the Water JV's water systems and services and is amortized over the remaining 14-year term of those water system services.

Devon's investments provided certain gathering, processing and marketing services to Devon in the ordinary course of business. The impact from these services on Devon’s consolidated statement of comprehensive earnings and consolidated balance sheet for the years ended and as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, relate primarily to Catalyst and are summarized below.

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Oil, gas and NGL sales

 

$

213

 

 

$

405

 

 

$

264

 

Production expenses

 

$

93

 

 

$

55

 

 

$

42

 

Accounts receivable

 

$

11

 

 

$

14

 

 

$

22

 

In February 2024, Devon committed to invest approximately $90 million in a geothermal technology company and expects to fund the commitment throughout 2024.

Segment Information

Devon’s oil and gas exploration and production activities are solely focused in the U.S. For financial reporting purposes, Devon aggregates its U.S. operating segments into one reporting segment due to the similar nature of these operations.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual amounts could differ from these estimates, and changes in these estimates are recorded when known. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the following:

proved reserves and related present value of future net revenues;
evaluation of suspended well costs;
the carrying and fair values of oil and gas properties, other property and equipment and product and equipment inventories;
derivative financial instruments;
the fair value of reporting units and related assessment of goodwill for impairment;
income taxes;
asset retirement obligations;
obligations related to employee pension and postretirement benefits;
legal and environmental risks and exposures;
the fair value of contingent earnout payments; and
general credit risk associated with receivables and other assets.

Revenue Recognition

Upstream Revenues

Upstream revenues include the sale of oil, gas and NGL production. Oil, gas and NGL sales are recognized when production is sold to a purchaser at a fixed or determinable price, delivery has occurred, control has transferred and collectability of the revenue is probable. Devon’s performance obligations are satisfied at a point in time. This occurs when control is transferred to the purchaser upon delivery of contract-specified production volumes at a specified point. The transaction price used to recognize revenue is a function of the contract billing terms. Revenue is invoiced, if required, by calendar month based on volumes at contractually based rates with payment typically received within 30 days of the end of the production month. Taxes assessed by governmental authorities on oil, gas and NGL sales are presented separately from such revenues in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings.

Devon acts as a principal in sales transactions when control of the product is retained prior to delivery to the ultimate third-party customer or acts as an agent when services are rendered on behalf of the principal in the transactions. A control-based assessment is performed to identify whether Devon is a principal or an agent in the transaction, which determines whether revenue and the related expenses are presented on a gross or net basis, respectively.

Oil sales

Devon’s oil sales contracts are generally structured in one of two ways. First, production is sold at the wellhead at an agreed-upon index price, net of pricing differentials. In this scenario, revenue is recognized when control transfers to the purchaser at the wellhead at the net price received. Alternatively, production is delivered to the purchaser at a contractually agreed-upon delivery point where the purchaser takes custody, title and risk of loss of the product. Under this arrangement, a third party is paid to transport the product and Devon receives a specified index price from the purchaser with no transportation deduction. In this scenario, revenue is recognized when control transfers to the purchaser at the delivery point based on the price received from the purchaser. The third-party costs are recorded as gathering, processing and transportation expense as a component of production expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings.

Natural gas and NGL sales

Under Devon’s natural gas processing contracts, natural gas is delivered to a midstream processing entity at the wellhead or the inlet of the midstream processing entity’s system. The midstream processing entity gathers and processes the natural gas and remits proceeds for the resulting sales of NGLs and residue gas. In these scenarios, Devon evaluates whether it is the principal or the agent in the transaction. Devon has concluded it is the principal under these contracts and the ultimate third party is the customer. Revenue is recognized on a gross basis, with gathering, processing and transportation fees presented as a component of production expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings.

In certain natural gas processing agreements, Devon may elect to take residue gas and/or NGLs in-kind at the tailgate of the midstream entity’s processing plant and subsequently market the product. Through the marketing process, the product is delivered to the ultimate third-party purchaser at a contractually agreed-upon delivery point, and Devon receives a specified index price from the purchaser. In this scenario, revenue is recognized when control transfers to the purchaser at the delivery point based on the index price received from the purchaser. The gathering, processing and compression fees attributable to the gas processing contract, as well as any transportation fees incurred to deliver the product to the purchaser, are presented as gathering, processing and transportation expense as a component of production expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings.

Marketing Revenues

Marketing revenues are generated primarily as a result of Devon selling commodities purchased from third parties. Marketing revenues are recognized when performance obligations are satisfied. This occurs at the time contract-specified products are sold to third parties at a contractually fixed or determinable price, delivery occurs at a specified point or performance has occurred, control has transferred and collectability of the revenue is probable. The transaction price used to recognize revenue and invoice customers is based on a contractually stated fee or on a third party published index price plus or minus a known differential. Devon typically receives payment for invoiced amounts within 30 days. Marketing revenues and expenses attributable to oil, gas and NGL purchases are reported on a gross basis when Devon takes control of the products and has risks and rewards of ownership.

Midstream Revenues

Devon’s reported midstream revenue primarily relates to its interest in CDM. CDM provides gathering, compression and dehydration services to Devon and other producers’ natural gas production. An evaluation is performed to determine whether CDM is a principal or agent in these transactions. Under the terms of these gathering, compression and dehydration contracts, CDM has concluded it is the agent as title to the gas production remains with the CDM affiliate producer or a third-party producer. Revenue is recognized on a net basis since CDM is strictly providing a service. Costs to maintain CDM’s assets are presented as marketing and midstream expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings. Revenue is recognized for sales at the time the gathering, compression and dehydration service has been rendered or performed.

Satisfaction of Performance Obligations and Revenue Recognition

Because Devon has a right to consideration from its customers in amounts that correspond directly to the value that the customer receives from the performance completed on each contract, Devon recognizes revenue for sales at the time the crude oil, natural gas or NGLs are delivered at a fixed or determinable price.

Transaction Price Allocated to Remaining Performance Obligations

Most of Devon’s contracts are short-term in nature with a contract term of one year or less. Devon applies the practical expedient exempting the disclosure of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations if the performance obligation is part of a contract that has an original expected duration of one year or less. For contracts with terms greater than one year, Devon applies the practical expedient exempting the disclosure of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations if the variable consideration is allocated entirely to a wholly unsatisfied performance obligation. Under Devon’s contracts, each unit of product typically represents a separate performance obligation; therefore, future volumes are wholly unsatisfied and disclosure of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations is not required.

Contract Balances

Cash received relating to future performance obligations is deferred and recognized when all revenue recognition criteria are met. Contract liabilities generated from such deferred revenue are not considered material as of December 31, 2023. Devon’s product sales and marketing contracts do not give rise to contract assets.

Disaggregation of Revenue

The following table presents revenue from contracts with customers that are disaggregated based on the type of good.

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

 

2021

 

Oil

 

$

8,879

 

 

$

10,281

 

 

$

6,996

 

Gas

 

 

703

 

 

 

1,948

 

 

 

1,104

 

NGL

 

 

1,209

 

 

 

1,853

 

 

 

1,431

 

Oil, gas and NGL sales

 

 

10,791

 

 

 

14,082

 

 

 

9,531

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil

 

 

3,018

 

 

 

3,305

 

 

 

2,451

 

Gas

 

 

572

 

 

 

1,163

 

 

 

718

 

NGL

 

 

759

 

 

 

1,277

 

 

 

1,050

 

Marketing and midstream revenues

 

 

4,349

 

 

 

5,745

 

 

 

4,219

 

Total revenues from contracts with customers

 

$

15,140

 

 

$

19,827

 

 

$

13,750

 

Customers

For the year ended December 31, 2023, sales to two customers accounted for approximately 14% and 10% of Devon's sales revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2022, sales to one customer accounted for approximately 15% of Devon's sales revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2021 sales to two customers accounted for approximately 19% and 12% of Devon's sales revenue.

If any one of Devon’s major customers were to stop purchasing our production, the Company believes there are a number of other purchasers to whom the company could sell Devon’s production. If multiple significant customers were to discontinue purchasing Devon’s production abruptly, the Company believes it would have the resources needed to access alternative customers or markets and avoid or materially mitigate associated sales disruptions.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Devon is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations, including risks related to commodity prices and interest rates. As discussed more fully below, Devon uses derivative instruments primarily to manage commodity price risk. Devon does not intend to issue or hold derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes.

Devon enters into derivative financial instruments with respect to a portion of its oil, gas and NGL production to hedge future prices received. Additionally, Devon periodically enters into derivative financial instruments with respect to a portion of its oil, gas and NGL marketing activities. These instruments are used to manage the inherent uncertainty of future revenues resulting from commodity price volatility. Devon’s derivative financial instruments typically include financial price swaps, basis swaps and costless price collars. Under the terms of the price swaps, Devon receives a fixed price for its production and pays a variable market price to the contract counterparty. For the basis swaps, Devon receives a fixed differential between two regional index prices and pays a variable differential on the same two index prices to the contract counterparty. For price collars, Devon utilizes two-way price collars. The two-way price collars set a floor and ceiling price for the hedged production. If the applicable monthly price indices are outside of the ranges set by the floor and ceiling prices in the various collars, Devon will cash-settle the difference with the counterparty.

All derivative financial instruments are recognized at their current fair value as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet. Amounts related to contracts allowed to be netted upon payment subject to a master netting arrangement with the same counterparty are reported on a net basis in the balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments are recorded in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. For derivative financial instruments held during the three-year period ended December 31, 2023, Devon chose not to meet the necessary criteria to qualify its derivative financial instruments for hedge accounting treatment. Cash settlements with counterparties on Devon’s derivative financial instruments are also recorded in earnings.

By using derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to changes in commodity prices, Devon is exposed to credit risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. To mitigate this risk, the hedging instruments are placed with a number of counterparties whom Devon believes are acceptable credit risks. It is Devon’s policy to enter into derivative contracts only with investment-grade rated counterparties deemed by management to be competent and competitive market makers. Additionally, Devon’s derivative contracts generally require cash collateral to be posted if either its or the counterparty’s credit rating falls below certain credit rating levels. As of December 31, 2023, Devon held no cash collateral of its counterparties nor posted collateral to its counterparties. Given Devon's current credit ratings and the terms of the underlying contracts, Devon is not currently required to post collateral to its counterparties with respect to its open derivative positions, and would not be required to post any such collateral as a result of any change to the amount of Devon's net liability for such positions.

General and Administrative Expenses

G&A is reported net of amounts reimbursed by working interest owners of the oil and gas properties operated by Devon.

Share-Based Compensation

Devon grants share-based awards to members of its Board of Directors, management and employees. All such awards are measured at fair value on the date of grant and are generally recognized as a component of G&A in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings over the applicable requisite service periods. As a result of Devon’s restructuring activity discussed in Note 5, certain share-based awards were accelerated and recognized as a component of restructuring and transaction costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive earnings.

Generally, Devon uses new shares from approved incentive programs to grant share-based awards and to issue shares upon stock option exercises. Shares repurchased under approved programs are generally available to be issued as part of Devon’s share-based awards. However, Devon has historically canceled these shares upon repurchase.

Income Taxes

Devon is subject to current income taxes assessed by the federal and various state jurisdictions in the U.S. and by other foreign jurisdictions. In addition, Devon accounts for deferred income taxes related to these jurisdictions using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences and carryforwards are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Deferred tax assets are also recognized for the future tax benefits attributable to the expected utilization of existing tax net operating loss carryforwards and other types of carryforwards. If the future utilization of some portion of the deferred tax assets is determined to be unlikely, a valuation allowance is provided to reduce the recorded tax benefits from such assets. Devon periodically weighs the positive and negative evidence to determine if it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. Forming a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not required is difficult when there is significant negative evidence, such as cumulative losses in recent years. See Note 7 for further discussion.

Devon recognizes the financial statement effects of tax positions when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination by a taxing authority. Recognized tax positions are initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more likely than not of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority. Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits related to such tax positions are included in other long-term liabilities unless the tax position is expected to be settled within the upcoming year, in which case the liabilities are included in other current liabilities. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are included in current income tax expense.

Devon estimates its annual effective income tax rate in recording its provision for income taxes in the various jurisdictions in which it operates. Statutory tax rate changes and other significant or unusual items are recognized as discrete items in the period in which they occur.

Net Earnings Per Share Attributable to Devon

Devon’s basic earnings per share amounts have been computed based on the average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Devon applies the two-class method to stock awards deemed to be participating securities. The two-class method requires allocating net earnings to both common shares and participating securities based on their respective rights to receive dividends. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the treasury stock method to reflect the assumed issuance of common shares for all potentially dilutive securities. Such securities primarily consist of unvested restricted stock awards and unvested performance share units.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Devon considers all highly liquid investments with original contractual maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Devon also considers cash balances subject to legal and contractual restrictions as restricted cash. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, Devon's restricted cash also included $120 million and $160 million, respectively, associated with retained obligations related to previously disposed assets. As of December 31, 2023, the cash balances associated with these obligations are no longer considered restricted cash.

Accounts Receivable

Devon’s accounts receivable balance primarily consists of oil and gas sales receivables, marketing and midstream revenue receivables and joint interest receivables. Devon does not require collateral security for joint interest receivables.

Devon records an allowance for credit losses based on a forward-looking “expected loss” model. Credit risk is assessed by class of account type, which includes cash equivalents and oil and gas, marketing and midstream, joint interest and other accounts receivable. These classes are further evaluated using a probability-weighted scenario assessment based on historical losses and a probability of future default. This evaluation is supported by an assessment of risk factors such as the age of the receivable, current macro-economic conditions, credit rating of the counterparty and our historical loss rate.

Inventory

Devon’s inventories primarily consist of oil and NGL inventory and equipment inventory. Oil and NGL inventory are recorded at weighted average cost and carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Equipment inventory is valued at weighted average cost and reviewed periodically for obsolescence or impairment when market conditions indicate.

Property and Equipment

Oil and Gas Property and Equipment

Devon follows the successful efforts method of accounting for its oil and gas properties. Exploration costs, such as exploratory geological and geophysical costs, and costs associated with nonproductive exploratory wells, delay rentals and exploration overhead are charged against earnings as incurred. Costs of drilling successful exploratory wells along with acquisition costs and the costs of drilling development wells, including those that are unsuccessful, are capitalized. Devon groups its oil and gas properties with a common geological structure or stratigraphic condition (“common operating field”) for purposes of computing DD&A, assessing proved property impairments and accounting for asset dispositions.

Exploratory drilling costs and exploratory-type stratigraphic test wells are initially capitalized, or suspended, pending the determination of proved reserves. If proved reserves are found, drilling costs remain capitalized as proved properties. Costs of unsuccessful wells are charged to exploration expense. For exploratory wells that find reserves that cannot be classified as proved when drilling is completed, costs continue to be capitalized as suspended exploratory well costs if there have been sufficient reserves found to justify completion as a producing well and sufficient progress is being made in assessing the reserves and the economic and operating viability of the project. If management determines that future appraisal drilling or development activities are unlikely to occur, associated suspended exploratory well costs are expensed. In some instances, this determination may take longer than one year. Devon reviews the status of all suspended exploratory drilling costs quarterly.

Capitalized costs of proved oil and gas properties are depleted by an equivalent unit-of-production method, converting gas to oil at the ratio of six Mcf of gas to one Bbl of oil. Proved leasehold acquisition costs, less accumulated amortization, are depleted over total proved reserves, which includes proved undeveloped reserves. Capitalized costs of wells and related equipment and facilities, including estimated asset retirement costs, net of estimated salvage values and less accumulated amortization are depreciated over proved developed reserves associated with those capitalized costs. Depletion is calculated by applying the DD&A rate (amortizable base divided by beginning of period proved reserves) to current period production.

Costs associated with unproved properties are excluded from the depletion calculation until it is determined whether or not proved reserves can be assigned to such properties. Devon assesses its unproved properties for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances dictate that the carrying value of those assets may not be recoverable. Significant unproved properties are assessed individually.

Proved properties are assessed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances dictate that the carrying value of those assets may not be recoverable. Individual assets are grouped for impairment purposes based on a common operating field. If there is an indication the carrying amount of an asset may not be recovered, the asset is assessed for potential impairment by management through an established process. If, upon review, the sum of the undiscounted pre-tax reserve cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, the carrying value is written down to estimated fair value. Because there is usually a lack of quoted market prices for long-lived assets, the fair value of impaired assets is typically determined based on the present values of expected future cash flows using discount rates believed to be consistent with those used by principal market participants or by comparable transactions. The expected future cash flows used for impairment reviews and related fair value calculations are typically based on judgmental assessments of future production volumes, commodity prices, operating costs, and capital investment plans, considering all available information at the date of review.

Gains or losses are recorded for sales or dispositions of oil and gas properties which constitute an entire common operating field or which result in a significant alteration of the common operating field’s DD&A rate. These gains and losses are classified as asset dispositions in the accompanying statements of comprehensive earnings. Partial common operating field sales or dispositions deemed not to significantly alter the DD&A rates are generally accounted for as adjustments to capitalized costs with no gain or loss recognized.

Devon capitalizes interest costs incurred that are attributable to material unproved oil and gas properties and major development projects of oil and gas properties.

Other Property and Equipment

Costs for midstream assets that are in use are depreciated over the assets’ estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method. Depreciation and amortization of other property and equipment, including corporate and leasehold improvements, are provided using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives ranging from three to 60 years. Interest costs incurred and attributable to major corporate construction projects are also capitalized.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Devon recognizes liabilities for retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets, such as producing well sites when there is a legal obligation associated with the retirement of such assets and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The initial measurement of an asset retirement obligation is recorded as a liability at its fair value, with an offsetting asset retirement cost recorded as an increase to the associated property and equipment on the consolidated balance sheet unless the associated asset has already been disposed. When the assumptions used to estimate a recorded asset retirement obligation change, a revision is recorded to both the asset retirement obligation and the asset retirement cost. Devon’s asset retirement obligations also include estimated environmental remediation costs which arise from normal operations and are associated with the retirement of such long-lived assets. The asset retirement cost is depreciated using a systematic and rational method similar to that used for the associated property and equipment.

Leases

Devon establishes right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than 12 months. Devon’s right-of-use operating lease assets are for certain leases related to real estate, drilling rigs and other equipment related to the exploration, development and production of oil and gas. Devon’s right-of-use financing lease assets are related to real estate. Certain of Devon’s lease agreements include variable payments based on usage or rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of business combinations over the fair value of the net assets acquired and is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances dictate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable. Such test includes a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative assessment determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill, then a quantitative goodwill impairment test is performed. The quantitative goodwill impairment test requires the fair value of the reporting unit be compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge will be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the fair value. The fair value of the reporting unit is estimated based upon market capitalization, comparable transactions of similar companies and premiums paid.

Devon performed impairment tests of goodwill in the fourth quarters of 2023, 2022 and 2021. No impairment was required as a result of the annual tests in these time periods.

Commitments and Contingencies

Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation or other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Liabilities for environmental remediation or restoration claims resulting from allegations of improper operation of assets are recorded when it is probable that obligations have been incurred and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. Expenditures related to such environmental matters are expensed or capitalized in accordance with Devon’s accounting policy for property and equipment.

Fair Value Measurements

Certain of Devon’s assets and liabilities are measured at fair value at each reporting date. Fair value represents the price that would be received to sell the asset or paid to transfer the liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. This price is commonly referred to as the “exit price.” Fair value measurements are classified according to a hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs underlying the valuation techniques. This hierarchy consists of three broad levels:

Level 1 – Inputs consist of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and have the highest priority. When available, Devon measures fair value using Level 1 inputs because they generally provide the most reliable evidence of fair value.
Level 2 – Inputs consist of quoted prices that are generally observable for the asset or liability. Common examples of Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in markets not considered to be active.
Level 3 – Inputs are not observable from objective sources and have the lowest priority. The most common Level 3 fair value measurement is an internally developed cash flow model.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling interests represent third-party ownership in the net assets of Devon’s consolidated subsidiaries and are presented as a component of equity. Changes in Devon’s ownership interests in subsidiaries that do not result in deconsolidation are recognized in equity.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. ASU 2023-09 intends to provide investors with enhanced information about an entity’s income taxes by requiring disclosure of items such as disaggregation of the effective tax rate reconciliation as well as information regarding income taxes paid. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued. Devon is evaluating the impact this ASU will have on the disclosures that accompany its consolidated financial statements.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segments Disclosures. Under this ASU, the scope and frequency of segment disclosures is increased to provide investors with additional detail about information utilized by an entity’s “Chief Operating Decision Maker.” This ASU is effective for Devon beginning with our 2024 annual reporting and interim periods beginning in 2025. Devon is evaluating the impact this ASU will have on the disclosures that accompany its consolidated financial statements.