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Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Accounting Policies
1.  Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Accounting Policies
Unless the context indicates otherwise, references to “Hess”, “the Corporation”, “Registrant”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to the consolidated business operations of Hess Corporation and its affiliates.
Nature of Business:  Hess Corporation, incorporated in the State of Delaware in 1920, is a global E&P company engaged in exploration, development, production, transportation, purchase and sale of crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas with production operations located in the United States (U.S.), Guyana, the Malaysia/Thailand Joint Development Area (JDA), and Malaysia. We conduct exploration activities primarily offshore Guyana, in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, and offshore Suriname.
Our Midstream operating segment, which includes Hess Corporation’s approximate 38% consolidated ownership interest in Hess Midstream LP at December 31, 2023 (see Note 4, Hess Midstream LP) provides fee-based services, including gathering, compressing and processing natural gas and fractionating NGL; gathering, terminaling, loading and transporting crude oil and NGL; storing and terminaling propane, and water handling services primarily in the Bakken shale play in the Williston Basin area of North Dakota.
On October 22, 2023, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement) with Chevron Corporation (Chevron) and Yankee Merger Sub Inc. (Merger Subsidiary), a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Chevron. The Merger Agreement provides that, among other things and subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, Merger Subsidiary will be merged with and into Hess, and Hess will be the surviving corporation in the Merger as a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Chevron (such transaction, the Merger). Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, if the Merger is completed, our stockholders will receive at the effective time of the Merger consideration consisting of 1.025 shares of Chevron common stock for each share of our common stock. The transaction is expected to close mid-2024, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hess Corporation and entities in which we own more than a 50% voting interest.  We consolidate Hess Midstream LP, a variable interest entity, based on our conclusion that we have the power through Hess Corporation’s approximate 38% consolidated ownership interest in Hess Midstream LP to direct those activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of Hess Midstream LP, and are obligated to absorb losses or have the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to Hess Midstream LP. Our undivided interests in unincorporated oil and gas E&P ventures are proportionately consolidated.  Investments in affiliated companies, 20% to 50% owned and where we have the ability to influence the operating or financial decisions of the affiliate, are accounted for using the equity method.
Estimates and Assumptions:  In preparing financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and revenues and expenses in the Statement of Consolidated Income.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Estimates made by management include oil and gas reserves, asset and other valuations, depreciable lives, post-retirement liabilities, legal and environmental obligations, asset retirement obligations and income taxes.
Revenue Recognition:
Exploration and Production
The E&P segment recognizes revenue from the sale of crude oil, NGL, and natural gas as performance obligations under contracts with customers are satisfied.  Our responsibilities to deliver each unit of quantity of crude oil, NGL, and natural gas under these contracts represent separate, distinct performance obligations.  These performance obligations are satisfied at the point in time control of each unit of quantity transfers to the customer.  Generally, the control of each unit of quantity transfers to the customer upon the transfer of legal title at the point of physical delivery.  Pricing is variable and is determined with reference to a particular market or pricing index, plus or minus adjustments reflecting quality or location differentials.
For long-term international natural gas contracts with ship-or-pay provisions, our obligation to stand-ready to provide a minimum volume over each commitment period represents separate, distinct performance obligations.  Penalties owed against future deliveries of natural gas due to delivery of volumes below minimum delivery commitments are recognized as reductions to revenue in the commitment period when the shortfall occurs.  Long-term international natural gas contracts may also contain take-or-pay provisions whereby the customer is required to pay for volumes not taken that are below minimum volume commitments, but the customer has certain make-up rights to receive shortfall volumes in subsequent periods.  Shortfall payments received from customers when volumes purchased are below the minimum volume commitment are deferred upon receipt as a contract liability.  Revenue is recognized at the earlier of when we deliver the make-up volumes in subsequent periods or when it becomes remote that the customer will exercise their make-up rights.
Certain crude oil, NGL, and natural gas volumes are purchased by Hess from third parties, including working interest partners and royalty owners in certain Hess-operated properties, before they are sold to customers.  Where control over the crude oil, NGL, or natural gas transfers to Hess before the volumes are transferred to the customer, revenue and the associated cost of purchased volumes
are presented on a gross basis in the Statement of Consolidated Income within Sales and other operating revenues and Marketing, including purchased oil and gas, respectively.  Where control of crude oil, NGL, or natural gas is not transferred to Hess, revenue is presented net of the associated cost of purchased volumes within Sales and other operating revenues in the Statement of Consolidated Income.
Contract Duration and Pricing:
Contracts with customers for the sale of U.S. crude oil, NGL, and natural gas primarily include those contracts that involve the short-term sale of volumes during a specified period, and those contracts that automatically renew on a periodic basis until either party cancels.  We have certain long-term contracts with customers for the sale of U.S. natural gas and NGL that have remaining durations ranging from one to nine years.  
Contracts with customers for the sale of international crude oil involve the short-term sale of volumes during a specified period.  Pricing is determined with reference to a particular market or pricing index, plus or minus adjustments reflecting quality or location differentials, shortly after control of the volumes transfers to the customer. International contracts with customers for the sale of natural gas are in the form of natural gas sales agreements with government entities that have durations that are aligned with the durations of production sharing contracts or other contractual arrangements with host governments.  Pricing for our natural gas sales agreements in North Malay Basin and Block A-18 of JDA are determined using contractual formulas that are based on the price of alternative fuels as obtained from price indices and other factors.
Contract Balances:
Our right to receive or collect payment from the customer is aligned with the timing of revenue recognition except in situations when we receive shortfall payments under contracts with take-or-pay provisions with customer make-up rights. Generally, we receive payments from customers on a monthly basis, shortly after the physical delivery of the crude oil, NGL, or natural gas. At December 31, 2023, there were no contract liabilities. At December 31, 2022, there were contract liabilities of $24 million resulting from a take-or-pay deficiency payment received in 2021 that was subject to a make-up period expiring in December 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2023, revenue of $24 million was recognized within Sales and other operating revenues that was included in the contract liability balance at December 31, 2022. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no contract assets.
Transaction Price Allocated to Remaining Performance Obligations:
The transaction price allocated to our wholly unsatisfied performance obligations on uncompleted contracts is variable.  Further, many of our contracts with customers have durations of less than twelve months.  Accordingly, we have elected under the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, Revenues from Contracts with Customers, the exemption from disclosure of revenue recognizable in future periods as these performance obligations are satisfied.
Sales-based Taxes:
We exclude sales-based taxes that are collected from customers from the transaction price in our contracts with customers.  Accordingly, revenue from contracts with customers is net of sales-based taxes that are collected from customers and remitted to taxing authorities.
Revenue from Non-customers:
In Guyana, the joint venture partners (Co-Venturers) to the Stabroek Block petroleum agreement are subject to the income tax laws of Guyana and remain primarily liable for income taxes due on the results of operations, resulting in recognition of income tax expense. Pursuant to the contractual arrangements of the petroleum agreement, a portion of gross production from the block, separate from the Co-Venturers’ cost oil and profit oil entitlement, is used to satisfy the Co-Venturers’ income tax liability. This portion of gross production, referred to as tax barrels, is included in our reported production volumes and is recognized as sales revenue from non-customers.
Midstream
The Midstream segment earns substantially all of its revenues by charging fees for gathering, compressing and processing natural gas and fractionating NGLs; gathering, terminaling, loading and transporting crude oil and NGLs; storing and terminaling propane; and gathering and disposing produced water. Effective January 1, 2014, certain subsidiaries of Hess Midstream LP entered into (i) gas gathering, (ii) crude oil gathering, (iii) gas processing and fractionation, (iv) storage services and (v) terminaling and export services commercial agreements with certain subsidiaries of Hess, each generally with an initial ten-year term which could be extended for an additional ten-year term at the unilateral right of the Hess Midstream LP subsidiaries. These Hess Midstream LP subsidiaries exercised their right to extend the terms of the gas gathering, crude oil gathering, gas processing and fractionation, storage services, and terminaling and export services commercial agreements for the secondary term effective January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2033. Effective January 1, 2019, a subsidiary of Hess Midstream LP entered into water gathering and disposal services agreements
with a subsidiary of Hess. These agreements also provide Hess Midstream the capacity to provide concurrent use of these services directly to third parties.
The Midstream segments responsibility to provide each service for each year under each of the commercial agreements are considered separate, distinct performance obligations. Revenue is recognized over-time for each performance obligation as services are rendered using the output method, measured using the amount of volumes serviced during the period. The commercial agreements contain minimum volume commitments which fluctuate based on nominations covering substantially all of our E&P segment's existing and future owned or controlled production in the Bakken and projected third-party volumes owned or controlled by our E&P segment through dedicated third-party contracts. Minimum volume commitments are equal to 80% of the nominations and apply on a three-year rolling basis such that they are set for the three years following the most recent nomination. As the minimum volume commitments are subject to fluctuation, and these commercial agreements contain fee inflation escalators and fee recalculation mechanisms, substantially all of the transaction price is variable at inception of each of the commercial agreements. The Midstream segment has elected the practical expedient under the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers to recognize revenue in the amount it is entitled to invoice. 
If the volumes delivered are less than the applicable minimum volume commitments under the commercial agreements during any quarter, the applicable Hess subsidiary is obligated to pay a shortfall fee equal to the volume deficiency multiplied by the related gathering, processing and/or terminaling fee. The Midstream segments responsibility to stand-ready to service a minimum volume over each quarterly commitment period represents a separate, distinct performance obligation. During the initial term of each commercial agreement, volume deficiencies are measured quarterly and recognized as revenue in the same period, as any associated shortfall payments are not subject to future reduction or offset. During the secondary term of each commercial agreement, the applicable Hess subsidiary will be entitled to receive a credit, calculated in barrels or Mcf, as applicable, with respect to the amount of any shortfall fee paid. Such Hess subsidiary may apply the credit against the fees payable for any volumes delivered under the applicable agreement in excess of the nominated volumes up to four quarters after the credit is earned. Unused credits will be recognized as revenue when it becomes remote that such credits will be utilized. No credits will be provided with respect to crude oil terminaling services under the terminaling and export services commercial agreement or water handling services under the water gathering and disposal services agreements.
All revenues, receivables, and contract balances arising from the commercial agreements between the Midstream segment and the Hess subsidiaries that are the counterparty to the commercial agreements are eliminated upon consolidation.
Exploration and Development Costs:  E&P activities are accounted for using the successful efforts method.  Costs of acquiring unproved and proved oil and gas leasehold acreage, including lease bonuses, brokers’ fees and other related costs are capitalized.  Annual lease rentals, exploration expenses and exploratory dry hole costs are expensed as incurred.  Costs of drilling and equipping productive wells, including development dry holes, and related production facilities are capitalized.
The costs of exploratory wells that find oil and gas reserves are capitalized pending determination of whether proved reserves have been found.  Exploratory drilling costs remain capitalized after drilling is completed if (1) the well has found a sufficient quantity of reserves to justify completion as a producing well and (2) sufficient progress is being made in assessing the reserves and the economic and operational viability of the project.  If either of those criteria is not met, or if there is substantial doubt about the economic or operational viability of a project, the capitalized well costs are charged to expense.  Indicators of sufficient progress in assessing reserves and the economic and operating viability of a project include commitment of project personnel, active negotiations for sales contracts with customers, negotiations with governments, operators and contractors, firm plans for additional drilling and other factors.
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization:  We record depletion expense for acquisition costs of proved properties using the units of production method over proved oil and gas reserves.  Depreciation and depletion expense for oil and gas production facilities and wells is calculated using the units of production method over proved developed oil and gas reserves.  Provisions for impairment of undeveloped oil and gas leases are based on periodic evaluations and other factors.  Depreciation of all other plant and equipment is determined on the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives.
Capitalized Interest:  Interest from external borrowings is capitalized on material projects using the weighted average cost of outstanding borrowings until the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use, which for oil and gas assets is at first production from the field.  Capitalized interest is depreciated in the same manner as the depreciation of the underlying assets.
Impairment of Long‑lived Assets:  We review long‑lived assets, including oil and gas fields, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recovered.  If the carrying amounts of the long-lived assets are not expected to be recovered by estimated undiscounted future net cash flows, the assets are impaired and an impairment loss is recorded.  The amount of impairment is measured based on the estimated fair value of the assets generally determined by discounting anticipated future net cash flows, an income valuation approach, or by a market‑based valuation approach, which are Level 3 fair value measurements.
In the case of oil and gas fields, the present value of future net cash flows is based on management’s best estimate of future prices, which is determined with reference to recent historical prices and published forward prices, applied to projected production volumes and discounted at a risk-adjusted rate.  The projected production volumes represent reserves, including probable reserves, expected to be produced based on a projected amount of capital expenditures.  The production volumes, prices and timing of production are consistent with internal projections and other externally reported information.  Oil and gas prices used for determining asset impairment will generally differ from those used in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows reported in Supplementary Oil and Gas Data, since the standardized measure requires the use of historical twelve-month average prices.
Impairment of Goodwill:  Goodwill is tested for impairment annually on October 1st or when events or circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, including goodwill.  If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not impaired.  If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss would be recorded for the excess of the carrying value over fair value, limited by the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.  At December 31, 2023, goodwill of $360 million relates to the Midstream operating segment.
Cash and Cash Equivalents:  Cash and cash equivalents primarily comprises cash on hand and on deposit, as well as highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into cash and have maturities of three months or less when acquired.
Inventories:  Produced and unsold crude oil and NGL are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value.  Cost is determined using the average cost of production plus any transport cost incurred in bringing the volumes to their present location.  Materials and supplies are valued at cost.  Obsolete or surplus materials identified during periodic reviews are valued at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value.
Leases: We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception by evaluating whether the contract conveys the right to control an identified asset during the period of use.  ROU assets represent our right to use an identified asset for the lease term and lease obligations represent our obligation to make payments as set forth in the lease arrangement.  ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as operating leases or finance leases at the commencement date based on the present value of the minimum lease payments over the lease term.  Where the implicit discount rate in a lease is not readily determinable, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the commencement date for determining the present value of the minimum lease payments.  The lease term used in measurement of our lease obligations includes options to extend or terminate the lease when, in our judgment, it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option.  Variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate are included in the measurement of lease obligations using the index or rate at the commencement date.  Variable lease payments that vary because of changes in facts or circumstances after the commencement date of the lease are not included in the minimum lease payments used to measure lease obligations.  We have agreements that include financial obligations for lease and nonlease components.  For purposes of measuring lease obligations, we have elected not to separate nonlease components from lease components for the following classes of assets:  drilling rigs, office space, offshore vessels, and aircraft.  We apply a portfolio approach to account for operating lease ROU assets and liabilities for certain vehicles, railcars, field equipment and office equipment leases.
Finance lease cost is recognized as amortization of the ROU asset and interest expense on the lease liability.  Operating lease cost is generally recognized on a straight-line basis.  Operating lease costs for drilling rigs used to drill development wells and successful exploration wells are capitalized.  Operating lease cost for other ROU assets used in oil and gas producing activities are either capitalized or expensed based on the nature of operation for which the ROU asset is utilized.
Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet as permitted under ASC 842, Leases.  We recognize lease cost for short-term leases on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.  Some of our leases with initial terms of 12 months or less include one or more options to renew.  The renewal option is at our sole discretion and is not included in the lease term for measurement of the lease obligation unless we are reasonably certain at the commencement date of the lease, to renew the lease.
Income Taxes:  Deferred income taxes are determined using the liability method.  We have net operating loss carryforwards or credit carryforwards in multiple jurisdictions and have recognized deferred tax assets for those losses and credits.  Additionally, we have deferred tax assets due to temporary differences between the book basis and tax basis of certain assets and liabilities.  Regular assessments are made as to the likelihood of those deferred tax assets being realized.  If, when tested under the relevant accounting standards, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount that is expected to be realized.  The accounting standards require the evaluation of all available positive and negative evidence giving weight based on the evidence’s relative objectivity.  In evaluating potential sources of positive evidence, we consider the reversal of taxable temporary differences, taxable income in carryback and carryforward periods, the availability of tax planning strategies, the existence of appreciated assets, estimates of future taxable income, and other factors.  In evaluating potential sources of negative evidence, we consider a cumulative loss in recent years, any history of operating losses or tax credit carryforwards expiring unused, losses expected in early future years, unsettled circumstances that, if unfavorably resolved, would adversely affect future operations and profit levels on a continuing basis in future years, and any carryback or carryforward period so brief that a significant deductible temporary difference expected to reverse in a single year would limit realization of tax benefits.  We assign cumulative historical losses significant weight in the evaluation of realizability relative to more subjective
evidence such as forecasts of future income.  In addition, we recognize the financial statement effect of a tax position only when management believes that it is more likely than not, that based on the technical merits, the position will be sustained upon examination.  We are not indefinitely reinvested with respect to the book in excess of tax basis in the investment in our foreign subsidiaries.  Because of U.S. tax reform we expect that the future reversal of such temporary differences will occur free of material taxation.  We classify interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as income tax expense.  We account for the U.S. tax effect of global intangible low-taxed income earned by foreign subsidiaries in the period that such income is earned.  We utilize the aggregate approach for releasing disproportionate income tax effects from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Asset Retirement Obligations:  We have legal obligations to remove and dismantle long‑lived assets and to restore land or the seabed at certain E&P locations.  We initially recognize a liability for the fair value of legally required asset retirement obligations in the period in which the retirement obligations are incurred and capitalize the associated asset retirement costs as part of the carrying amount of the long‑lived assets.  In subsequent periods, the liability is accreted over the useful life of the related asset, and the capitalized asset retirement costs are depreciated over proved developed oil and gas reserves using the units of production method or the useful life of the related asset.  Fair value is determined by applying a credit adjusted risk-free rate to the undiscounted expected future abandonment expenditures.  Changes in estimates prior to settlement result in adjustments to both the liability and related asset values, unless the field has ceased production, in which case changes are recognized in the Statement of Consolidated Income.
We measure asset retirement obligations based on the requirements of existing laws and regulations in accordance with ASC 410-20, Asset Retirement Obligations. Laws and regulations associated with the scope and timing for the abandonment of oil and gas wells, facilities and equipment could change which could increase the cost of our abandonment obligations. In addition, we may be required to assume abandonment obligations for certain divested assets in the event the current or future owners of facilities previously owned by us are unable to perform, whether due to bankruptcy or otherwise.
Retirement Plans:  We recognize the funded status of defined benefit postretirement plans in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation.  We recognize the net changes in the funded status of these plans as a component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the year in which such changes occur.  Actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation or the market value of plan assets are amortized over the average remaining service period of active employees or the remaining average expected life if a plan’s participants are predominantly inactive.
Derivatives:  We utilize derivative instruments for financial risk management activities.  In these activities, we may use futures, forwards, options and swaps, individually or in combination, to mitigate our exposure to fluctuations in prices of crude oil and natural gas, as well as changes in interest and foreign currency exchange rates.
All derivative instruments are recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  Our policy for recognizing the changes in fair value of derivatives varies based on the designation of the derivative.  The changes in fair value of derivatives that are not designated as hedges are recognized currently in earnings.  Derivatives may be designated as hedges of expected future cash flows or forecasted transactions (cash flow hedges), or hedges of changes in fair value of recognized assets and liabilities or of unrecognized firm commitments (fair value hedges).  Changes in fair value of derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges are recorded as a component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss).  Amounts included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) for cash flow hedges are reclassified into earnings in the same period that the hedged item is recognized in earnings.  Changes in fair value of derivatives designated as fair value hedges are recognized currently in earnings.  The change in fair value of the related hedged item is recorded as an adjustment to its carrying amount and recognized currently in earnings.
Fair Value Measurements:  We use various valuation approaches in determining fair value for financial instruments, including the market and income approaches.  Our fair value measurements also include non-performance risk and time value of money considerations.  Counterparty credit is considered for financial assets, and our credit is considered for financial liabilities.  We also record certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities at fair value when required by GAAP.  These fair value measurements are recorded in connection with business combinations, qualifying nonmonetary exchanges, the initial recognition of asset retirement obligations and any impairment of long‑lived assets, equity method investments, goodwill or other indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as environmental credits.  We determine fair value in accordance with the fair value measurements accounting standard which established a hierarchy for the inputs used to measure fair value based on the source of the inputs, which generally range from quoted prices for identical instruments in a principal trading market (Level 1) to estimates determined using related market data (Level 3), including discounted cash flows and other unobservable data.  Measurements derived indirectly from observable inputs or from quoted prices from markets that are less liquid are considered Level 2.  When Level 1 inputs are available within a particular market, those inputs are selected for determination of fair value over Level 2 or 3 inputs in the same market.  Multiple inputs may be used to measure fair value; however, the level assigned to a fair value measurement is based on the lowest significant input level within this fair value hierarchy.
Details on the methods and assumptions used to determine the fair values are as follows:
Fair value measurements based on Level 1 inputs:  Measurements that are most observable are based on quoted prices of identical instruments obtained from the principal markets in which they are traded.  Closing prices are both readily available and representative of fair value.  Market transactions occur with sufficient frequency and volume to assure liquidity.
Fair value measurements based on Level 2 inputs:  Measurements derived indirectly from observable inputs or from quoted prices from markets that are less liquid are considered Level 2.  Measurements based on Level 2 inputs include over-the-counter derivative instruments that are priced on an exchange-traded curve but have contractual terms that are not identical to exchange-traded contracts.
Fair value measurements based on Level 3 inputs:  Measurements that are least observable are estimated from related market data, determined from sources with little or no market activity for comparable contracts or are positions with longer durations.  Fair values determined using discounted cash flows and other unobservable data are also classified as Level 3.
Netting of Financial Instruments: We generally enter into master netting arrangements to mitigate legal and counterparty credit risk.  Master netting arrangements are generally accepted overarching master contracts that govern all individual transactions with the same counterparty entity as a single legally enforceable agreement.  The U.S. Bankruptcy Code provides for the enforcement of certain termination and netting rights under certain types of contracts upon the bankruptcy filing of a counterparty, commonly known as the “safe harbor” provisions.  If a master netting arrangement provides for termination and netting upon the counterparty’s bankruptcy, these rights are generally enforceable with respect to “safe harbor” transactions.  If these arrangements provide the right of offset and our intent and practice is to offset amounts in the case of such a termination, our policy is to record the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities on a net basis.  In the normal course of business, we rely on legal and credit risk mitigation clauses providing for adequate credit assurance as well as close‑out netting, including two‑party netting and single counterparty multilateral netting.  As applied to us, “two‑party netting” is the right to net amounts owing under safe harbor transactions between a single defaulting counterparty entity and a single Hess entity, and “single counterparty multilateral netting” is the right to net amounts owing under safe harbor transactions among a single defaulting counterparty entity and multiple Hess entities.  We are reasonably assured that these netting rights would be upheld in a bankruptcy proceeding in the U.S. in which the defaulting counterparty is a debtor under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
Share-based Compensation:  We account for share-based compensation based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant.  The fair value of all share‑based compensation is recognized over the requisite service period for the entire award, whether the award was granted with ratable or cliff vesting terms, net of actual forfeitures.  We estimate fair value at the date of grant using a Black‑Scholes valuation model for employee stock options and a Monte Carlo simulation model for performance share units (PSUs).  Fair value of restricted stock is based on the market value of the underlying shares at the date of grant.
Foreign Currency Remeasurement:  The U.S. Dollar is the functional currency (primary currency in which business is conducted) for our foreign operations.  Adjustments resulting from remeasuring monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are recorded in Other, net in the Statement of Consolidated Income.
Maintenance and Repairs:  Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.  Capital improvements are recorded as additions in Property, plant and equipment.
Environmental Expenditures:  We accrue and expense the undiscounted environmental costs necessary to remediate existing conditions related to past operations when the future costs are probable and reasonably estimable.  At year‑end 2023, our reserve for estimated remediation liabilities was approximately $50 million.  Environmental expenditures that increase the life or efficiency of property or reduce or prevent future adverse impacts to the environment are capitalized.
Environmental Credits: Carbon credits and renewable energy certificates are purchased to fulfill voluntary emissions reduction targets and are classified as indefinite-lived intangible assets. They are expensed when retired to offset emissions and are tested for impairment annually on October 1st, or when events or circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that fair value is less than carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, an impairment loss would be recorded for the excess of the carrying value over fair value.
In response to feedback from constituents and the staffs related research and analysis, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) added a project to its technical agenda on May 25, 2022 to address the accounting for environmental credits due to a lack of existing guidance for accounting for environmental credits. Our environmental credits fall within the scope of this project. Included among the tentative decisions made by the FASB on January 31, 2024, is a prohibition against capitalizing the cost of environmental credits that will not be sold or used to settle environmental credit obligations. In 2023, we purchased $75 million REDD+ carbon credits (2022: $75 million, 2021: $0 million) under a long-term agreement with the Government of Guyana that was executed in December 2022 in order to support ongoing carbon emissions reduction efforts by the Corporation. The carbon credits acquired by us are registered on the ART Registry, an over-the-counter registry, and can be sold to third parties or retired to offset emissions. These amounts would have been expensed in the period of purchase, instead of capitalized as indefinite-lived intangible assets, if the prohibition per the tentative decision above were applied. At December 31, 2023, the carrying value of our carbon credits of
$150 million (2022: $75 million) is included in non-current Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. All renewable energy certificates were retired and expensed in the period of purchase.
New Accounting Pronouncements:
In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segments Disclosures. The ASU improves reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The ASU does not change how an entity identifies its operating segments. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of adopting the ASU on our consolidated financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which enhances the disclosure requirements within ASC Topic 740. The ASU requires, among other disclosures, greater disaggregation of information and the use of certain categories in the rate reconciliation, and the disaggregation of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of adopting this ASU on our consolidated financial statements.