| Significant Accounting Policies | Significant Accounting Policies The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Significant accounting policies are: Basis of Consolidation These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates made by management include: oil and natural gas reserves and related present value of future cash flows; depreciation, depletion, amortization (“DD&A”) and impairment; impairment assessments of goodwill; timing of transfers from oil and gas properties not subject to depletion to the depletable base; asset retirement obligations; determining the value of the consideration transferred and the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with business combinations and determining goodwill; assessments of the likely outcome of legal and other contingencies; income taxes; stock-based compensation; and determining the fair value of derivatives. Although management believes these estimates are reasonable, changes in facts and circumstances or discovery of new information may result in revised estimates and actual results may differ from these estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted cash and cash equivalents comprises cash and cash equivalents pledged to secure letters of credit and to settle asset retirement obligations. Letters of credit currently secured by cash relate to work commitment guarantees contained in exploration contracts. Restrictions will lapse when work obligations are satisfied pursuant to the exploration contract or an asset retirement obligation is settled. Cash and claims to cash that are restricted as to withdrawal or use for other than current operations or are designated for expenditure in the acquisition or construction of long-term assets are excluded from the current asset classification. The long-term portion of restricted cash and cash equivalents is included in other long-term assets on the Company's balance sheet. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts At each reporting date, the Company assesses the expected lifetime credit losses on initial recognition of trade accounts receivable. Credit risk is assessed based on the number of days the receivable has been outstanding and the internal credit assessment of the customer. The expected loss rates are based on payment profiles over a period of 36 months prior to the period-end and the corresponding historical credit losses experienced within this period. Historical loss rates are adjusted to reflect current and forward looking economic factors of the country where the Company sells oil that affect the ability of the customers to settle the receivables. Trade receivables are written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Investment in PetroTal Corp. During December 2017, the Company acquired an investment in common shares of PetroTal Corp. ("PetroTal") in connection with the sale of its Peru business unit. At December 31, 2020, this investment represented approximately 30% of PetroTal's issued and outstanding common shares. The Company determined that it did not have a controlling financial interest in PetroTal, but could exert significant influence over PetroTal's operating and financial policies as a result of its ownership interest in PetroTal and the right to nominate two directors to PetroTal's board of directors. Accordingly, Gran Tierra accounted for its investment in the common shares of PetroTal as an equity method investment, but elected the fair value option for this investment to reflect the value that market participants would use to value the investment. The fair value of the investment in PetroTal's common shares is recorded as "Investment" on the Company's consolidated balance sheet, and the change in fair value is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as financial instruments gains or losses. As at December 31, 2020, we held 246,100,000 common shares of PetroTal and subsequent to December 31, 2020 we disposed of 109,006,250 common shares resulting in 137,093,750 common shares held (17% of all total outstanding shares). Derivatives The Company records derivative instruments on its balance sheet at fair value as either an asset or liability with changes in fair value recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as financial instruments gains or losses. While the Company utilizes derivative instruments to manage the price risk attributable to its expected oil production and foreign exchange risk, it has elected not to designate its derivative instruments as accounting hedges under the accounting guidance. Inventory Inventory consists of oil in tanks and third party pipelines and supplies and is valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The cost of inventory is determined using the weighted average method. Oil inventories include expenditures incurred to produce, upgrade and transport the product to the storage facilities and include operating, depletion and depreciation expenses and cash royalties. Income Taxes Income taxes are recognized using the liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the consolidated financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax base, and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. 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. Valuation allowances are provided if, after considering available evidence, it is not more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The tax benefit from an uncertain tax position is recognized when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits of the position, that the position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities. Additionally, the amount of the tax benefit recognized is the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the Company presumes that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The Company recognizes potential penalties and interest related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. Oil and Gas Properties The Company uses the full cost method of accounting for its investment in oil and natural gas properties as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Under this method, the Company capitalizes all acquisition, exploration and development costs incurred for the purpose of finding oil and natural gas reserves, including salaries, benefits and other internal costs directly attributable to these activities. Costs associated with production and general corporate activities; however, are expensed as incurred. Separate cost centers are maintained for each country in which the Company incurs costs. The Company computes depletion of oil and natural gas properties on a quarterly basis using the unit-of-production method based upon production and estimates of proved reserve quantities. Future development costs related to properties with proved reserves are also included in the amortization base for computation of depletion. The costs of unproved properties are excluded from the amortization base until the properties are evaluated. The cost of exploratory dry wells is transferred to proved properties, and thus is subject to amortization, immediately upon determination that a well is dry in those countries where proved reserves exist. The Company performs a ceiling test calculation each quarter in accordance with SEC Regulation S-X Rule 4-10. In performing its quarterly ceiling test, the Company limits, on a country-by-country basis, the capitalized costs of proved oil and natural gas properties, net of accumulated depletion and deferred income taxes, to the estimated future net cash flows from proved oil and natural gas reserves discounted at 10%, net of related tax effects, plus the lower of cost or fair value of unproved properties included in the costs being amortized. If such capitalized costs exceed the ceiling, the Company will record a write-down to the extent of such excess as a non-cash charge to net income or loss. Any such write-down will reduce earnings in the period of occurrence and results in a lower DD&A rate in future periods. A write-down may not be reversed in future periods even though higher oil and natural gas prices may subsequently increase the ceiling. The Company calculates future net cash flows by applying the unweighted average of prices in effect on the first day of the month for the preceding 12-month period, adjusted for location and quality differentials. Such prices are utilized except where different prices are fixed and determinable from applicable contracts for the remaining term of those contracts. Unproved properties are not depleted pending the determination of the existence of proved reserves. Costs are transferred into the depletable base on an ongoing basis as the properties are evaluated and proved reserves are established or impairment is determined. Unproved properties are evaluated quarterly to ascertain whether impairment has occurred. This evaluation considers, among other factors, seismic data, requirements to relinquish acreage, drilling results and activity, remaining time in the commitment period, remaining capital plans, and political, economic, and market conditions. During any period in which factors indicate an impairment, the cumulative costs incurred to date for such property are transferred to the full cost pool and are then subject to depletion. For countries where a reserve base has not yet been established, the impairment is charged to earnings. In exploration areas, related seismic costs are capitalized in unproved property and evaluated as part of the total capitalized costs associated with a property. Seismic costs related to development projects are recorded in proved properties and therefore subject to depletion as incurred. Gains and losses on the sale or other disposition of oil and natural gas properties are not recognized, unless the gain or loss would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves of oil and natural gas attributable to a country. Asset Retirement Obligation The Company records an estimated liability for future costs associated with the abandonment of its oil and gas properties including the costs of reclamation of drilling sites. The Company records the fair value of a liability for a legal obligation to retire an asset in the period in which the liability is incurred with an offsetting increase to the related oil and gas properties. The fair value of an asset retirement obligation is measured by reference to the expected future cash outflows required to satisfy the retirement obligation discounted at the Company’s credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate. Accretion expense is recognized over time as the discounted liabilities are accreted to their expected settlement value, while the asset retirement cost is amortized over the estimated productive life of the related assets. The accretion of the asset retirement obligation and amortization of the asset retirement cost are included in DD&A. If estimated future costs of an asset retirement obligation change, an adjustment is recorded to both the asset retirement obligation and oil and gas properties. Revisions to the estimated asset retirement obligation can result from changes in retirement cost estimates, revisions to estimated inflation rates and changes in the estimated timing of abandonment. Other Capital Assets Other capital assets, including additions and replacements, are recorded at cost upon acquisition and include furniture, fixtures and leasehold improvement, computer equipment, automobiles and right-of-use assets for operating and finance leases. Depreciation for furniture and fixtures, computer equipment and automobiles is provided using the straight-line method over the useful life of the asset. Leasehold improvements and right-of-use assets for operating and finance leases are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life and the term of the related lease. The cost of repairs and maintenance is charged to expense as incurred. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred over the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company assesses qualitative factors annually, or more frequently if necessary, to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount and whether it is necessary to perform the goodwill impairment test. The impairment test requires allocating goodwill and certain other assets and liabilities to assigned reporting units. The fair value of each reporting unit is estimated and compared with its net book value. An impairment loss is recognized if the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, not exceeding the carrying amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Because quoted market prices are not available for the Company’s reporting unit, the fair value of the reporting unit is estimated based upon estimated future cash flows of the reporting unit. The goodwill relates entirely to Colombia. The Company performed step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for the year-ended December 31, 2020 which resulted in a full write-down of goodwill. Leases At inception of a contract, the Company assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. At inception of a contract that contains a lease component, the Company allocates the consideration in the contract to each lease and non-lease component on the basis of their relative stand-alone prices. The Company recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, and subsequently at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Company's incremental borrowing rate. Generally, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate. The lease liability is subsequently increased by the interest cost on the lease liability and decreased by lease payments made. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, a change in the estimate of the amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee, or as appropriate, changes in the assessment of whether a purchase or extension option is reasonably certain to be exercised or a termination option is reasonably certain not to be exercised. The Company has applied judgment to determine the lease term for contracts which include renewal or termination options. The assessment of whether the Company is reasonably certain to exercise such options impacts the lease term, which significantly affects the amount of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets recognized. All leases identified as part of the transition on January 1, 2019 relate to office leases. The transition resulted in the recognition of a right-of-use asset presented in other capital assets of $3.8 million at January 1, 2019, the recognition of lease liabilities of $4.2 million and a $0.4 million impact on retained earnings. When measuring the lease liabilities, the Company's incremental borrowing rate was used. At January 1, 2019 the rates applied ranged between 5.6% and 9.1%. Revenue from Contracts with Customers The Company's revenue relates to oil sales in Colombia. The Company recognizes revenue when it transfers control of the product to a customer. This generally occurs at the time the customer obtains legal title to the product and when it is physically transferred to the delivery point agreed with the customer. Payment terms are generally within three business days following delivery of an invoice to the customer. Revenue is recognized based on the consideration specified in contracts with customers. Revenue represents the Company's share and is recorded net of royalty payments to governments and other mineral interest owners. The Company evaluates its arrangement with third parties and partners to determine if the Company acts as a principal or an agent. In making this evaluation, management considers if the Company obtains control of the product delivered, which is indicated by the Company having the primary responsibility for the delivery of the product, having ability to establish prices or having inventory risk. If the Company acts in the capacity of an agent rather than as a principal in transaction, then the revenue is recognized on a net-basis, only reflecting the fee realized by the Company from the transaction. Tariffs, tolls and fees charged to other entities for use of pipelines owned by the Company are evaluated by management to determine if these originate from contracts with customers or from incidental arrangements. When determining if the Company acted as a principal or as an agent in transactions, management determines if the Company obtains control of the product. As part of this assessment, management considers criteria for revenue recognition set out in ASC 606. Stock-based Compensation The Company records stock-based compensation expense in its consolidated financial statements measured at the fair value of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Fair values are determined using pricing models such as the Black-Scholes-Merton or Monte Carlo simulation stock option-pricing models and/or observable share prices. For equity-settled stock-based compensation awards, fair values are determined at the grant date and the expense, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized using the accelerated method over the requisite service period. An adjustment is made to compensation expense for any difference between the estimated forfeitures and the actual forfeitures. For cash-settled stock-based compensation awards, fair values are determined at each reporting date and periodic changes are recognized as compensation costs, with a corresponding change to liabilities. The Company uses historical data to estimate the expected term used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model, option exercises and employee departure behavior. Expected volatilities used in the fair value estimate are based on the historical volatility of the Company’s shares. The risk-free rate for periods within the expected term of the stock options is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Stock-based compensation expense is capitalized as part of oil and natural gas properties or expensed as part of general and administrative (“G&A”) or operating expenses, as appropriate. Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency of the Company, including its subsidiaries, is the United States dollar. Monetary items are translated into the reporting currency at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date and non-monetary items are translated at historical exchange rates. Revenue and expense items are translated in a manner that produces substantially the same reporting currency amounts that would have resulted had the underlying transactions been translated on the dates they occurred. DD&A expense on assets is translated at the historical exchange rates similar to the assets to which they relate. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions, which are transactions denominated in a currency other than the entity’s functional currency, are recognized in net income or loss. Earnings (Loss) per Share Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income or loss attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock and exchangeable shares issued and outstanding during each period. Diluted net income or loss per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock and exchangeable shares outstanding for the dilutive effect, if any, of share equivalents. The Company uses the treasury stock method to determine the dilutive effect. This method assumes that all Common Stock equivalents have been exercised at the beginning of the period (or at the time of issuance, if later), and that the funds obtained thereby were used to purchase shares of Common Stock of the Company at the volume weighted average trading price of shares of Common Stock during the period. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (ASC 326) In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses". This ASU replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to support credit loss estimates. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Derivatives and Hedging and Leases", which is codification improvement of ASU 2016-13. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2020, the adoption of which had no material impact on the Company's consolidated balance sheet, results of operations or cash flows. Risks and Measurement Uncertainty In March 2020, the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, which was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, has spread across the globe and impacted worldwide economic activity. In addition, global commodity prices declined significantly due to disputes between major oil producing countries combined with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated reductions in global demand for oil. Governments worldwide, including those in Colombia and Ecuador, the countries where the Company operates, enacted emergency measures to combat the spread of the virus. These measures, which include the implementation of travel bans, self-imposed quarantine periods and physical distancing, caused material disruption to businesses globally resulting in an economic slowdown. Governments and central banks have reacted with significant monetary and fiscal interventions designed to stabilize economic conditions; however, the success of these interventions is not currently determinable. The current challenging economic climate is having and may continue to have significant adverse impacts on the Company including, but not exclusively: • material declines in revenue and cash flows as a result of the decline in commodity prices; • declines in revenue and operating activities due to reduced capital programs and the shut-in of production; • impairment charges (see Note 6); • inability to comply with covenants and restrictions in debt agreements; • inability to access financing sources; • increased risk of non-performance by the Company’s customers and suppliers; • interruptions in operations as the Company adjusts personnel to the dynamic environment; and • inability to operate or delay in operations as a result COVID-19 restrictions in the countries in which the Company operates. The unprecedented decline in oil prices has materially reduced the Company’s forecasted EBITDAX and the estimated value of its oil reserves. Based on current forecasted Brent pricing and production levels, which can change materially in very short time frames, the Company is forecasted to be in compliance with the amended financial covenants contained in the Company's Senior Secured Credit Facility (the "revolving credit facility") for at least the next year from the date of these financial statements. The amount available under the Company’s senior secured credit facility is based on the lenders determination of the borrowing base. The borrowing base is determined, by the lenders, based on the Company’s reserves and commodity prices. The next renewal of the borrowing base is scheduled for May 2021 and there is risk that the borrowing base may be reduced by the lenders. In addition, the Company’s ability to borrow under the credit facility may be limited by the terms of the indentures for the 6.25% Senior Notes and 7.75% Senior Notes. The risk of non-compliance with the covenants in the lending agreements and the risk associated with maintaining the borrowing base is heightened in the current period of volatility coupled with the unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Management currently expects that the Company will continue to meet the terms of the credit facility or obtain further amendments or waivers if and when required. The Company also expects to be able to maintain the borrowing base at a level in excess of the amount borrowed. However, there can be no assurances that the Company’s liquidity can be maintained at or above current levels during this period of volatility and global economic uncertainty. The situation is dynamic and the ultimate duration and magnitude of the impact on the economy and the financial effect on the Company is not known at this time. Estimates and judgments made by management in the preparation of the financial statements are increasingly difficult and subject to a higher degree of measurement uncertainty during this volatile period. In the near term, matters in these financial statements that are most subject to be impacted by this volatile period are the Company's assessment of liquidity and access to capital, the carrying value of long-lived assets and the valuation of the deferred tax assets. |
