.3

Disclaimer 

Certain statements included or incorporated by reference in this document may constitute forward-looking statements or financial outlooks under applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements or information typically contain statements with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate”, “propose”, or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward looking statements or information in this document may include, but are not limited to: capital expenditures and Vermilion’s ability to fund such expenditures; Vermilion’s additional debt capacity providing it with additional working capital; the flexibility of Vermilion’s capital program and operations; business strategies and objectives; operational and financial performance; estimated volumes of reserves and resources; petroleum and natural gas sales; future production levels and the timing thereof, including Vermilion’s 2021 guidance, and rates of average annual production growth; the effect of changes in crude oil and natural gas prices, changes in exchange rates and significant declines in production or sales volumes due to unforeseen circumstances; the effect of possible changes in critical accounting estimates; statements regarding the growth and size of Vermilion’s future project inventory, and the wells expected to be drilled in 2021; exploration and development plans and the timing thereof; Vermilion’s ability to reduce its debt, including its ability to redeem senior unsecured notes prior to maturity; statements regarding Vermilion’s hedging program, its plans to add to its hedging positions, and the anticipated impact of Vermilion’s hedging program on project economics and free cash flows; the potential financial impact of climate-related risks; acquisition and disposition plans and the timing thereof; operating and other expenses, including the payment and amount of future dividends; royalty and income tax rates and Vermilion’s expectations regarding future taxes and taxability; and the timing of regulatory proceedings and approvals.

Such forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, all or any of which may prove to be incorrect. In addition to any other assumptions identified in this document, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the ability of Vermilion to obtain equipment, services and supplies in a timely manner to carry out its activities in Canada and internationally; the ability of Vermilion to market crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas successfully to current and new customers; the timing and costs of pipeline and storage facility construction and expansion and the ability to secure adequate product transportation; the timely receipt of required regulatory approvals; the ability of Vermilion to obtain financing on acceptable terms; foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates; future crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas prices; and management’s expectations relating to the timing and results of exploration and development activities.

Although Vermilion believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because Vermilion can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Financial outlooks are provided for the purpose of understanding Vermilion’s financial position and business objectives, and the information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements or information are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by Vermilion and described in the forward-looking statements or information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the ability of management to execute its business plan; the risks of the oil and gas industry, both domestically and internationally, such as operational risks in exploring for, developing and producing crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas; risks and uncertainties involving geology of crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas deposits; risks inherent in Vermilion’s marketing operations, including credit risk; the uncertainty of reserves estimates and reserves life and estimates of resources and associated expenditures; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production and associated expenditures; potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects; Vermilion’s ability to enter into or renew leases on acceptable terms; fluctuations in crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas prices, foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates; health, safety, and environmental risks; uncertainties as to the availability and cost of financing; the ability of Vermilion to add production and reserves through exploration and development activities; the possibility that government policies or laws may change or governmental approvals may be delayed or withheld; uncertainty in amounts and timing of royalty payments; risks associated with existing and potential future law suits and regulatory actions against Vermilion; and other risks and uncertainties described elsewhere in this document or in Vermilion’s other filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities.

The forward-looking statements or information contained in this document are made as of the date hereof and Vermilion undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws.

All crude oil and natural gas reserve and resource information contained in this document has been prepared and presented in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities and the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook. Reserves estimates have been made assuming that development of each property in respect of which the estimate is made will occur, without regard to the likely availability of funding required for such development. The actual crude oil and natural gas reserves and future production will be greater than or less than the estimates provided in this document.

Natural gas volumes have been converted on the basis of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil equivalent. Barrels of oil equivalent (boe) may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet to one barrel of oil is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead.

Financial data contained within this document are reported in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.

Abbreviations

Management’s Report to Shareholders

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Vermilion Energy Inc. are the responsibility of management and have been approved by the Board of Directors of Vermilion Energy Inc. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies detailed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements and are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Where necessary, management has made informed judgments and estimates of transactions that were not yet completed at the balance sheet date. Financial information throughout the Annual Report is consistent with the consolidated financial statements.

Management ensures the integrity of the consolidated financial statements by maintaining high-quality systems of internal control. Procedures and policies are designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and transactions are properly recorded, and that the financial records are reliable for preparation of the consolidated financial statements. Deloitte LLP, Vermilion’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, have conducted an audit of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and have provided their report.

The Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that management fulfills its responsibility for financial reporting and internal control. The Board carries out this responsibility principally through the Audit Committee, which is appointed by the Board and is comprised entirely of independent Directors. The Committee meets periodically with management and Deloitte LLP to satisfy itself that each party is properly discharging its responsibilities and to review the consolidated financial statements, Management’s Discussion and Analysis and the Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm before they are presented to the Board of Directors.

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting. Management, under the supervision and with the participation of the principal executive officer and principle financial officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the system of internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in “Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013)” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management has assessed the effectiveness of Vermilion’s internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and as defined in Canada by National Instrument 52-109, Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings. Management concluded that Vermilion’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020.

Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the financial statement preparation and presentation.

The effectiveness of Vermilion’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 has been audited by Deloitte LLP, the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, who also audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Vermilion Energy Inc.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Vermilion Energy Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020, of the Company and our report dated March 5, 2021, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

Basis for Opinion  

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report to Shareholders. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Vermilion Energy Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Vermilion Energy Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of net (loss) earnings and comprehensive loss, consolidated statements of cash flows and consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity, for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and its financial performance and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 5, 2021, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion  

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters 

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relates.

Impairment of Capital Assets - Refer to Notes 2 and 4 to the Financial Statements 

Critical Audit Matter Description 

The Company reviews all Cash Generating Units (“CGUs”) for indicators of potential impairment at each reporting date. As a result of declining commodity price forecasts and a market capitalization deficiency during the year, indicators of impairment were identified for all CGUs. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of the CGU exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount of a CGU is estimated based on the higher of its fair value less cost of disposal and its value-in-use, using future after-tax cash flows of the underlying proved and probable oil and natural gas reserves. The Company engages an independent reservoir engineer to estimate oil and natural gas reserves using estimates, assumptions and engineering data. The development of the Company’s reserves and the related future after-tax cash flows used to evaluate the impairment requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to future oil and natural gas prices, discount rates, reserves, and future operating and development costs. Impairment charges totaling $1.68 billion were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Given the significant judgments made by management related to future oil and natural gas prices, discount rates, reserves, and future operating and development costs, these estimates and assumptions are subject to a high degree of estimation uncertainty. Auditing these estimates and assumptions are subject to a high degree of auditor judgment in applying audit procedures and in evaluation of the results of those procedures. This resulted in an increased extent of audit effort, including the involvement of fair value specialists.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to future oil and natural gas prices, discount rates, reserves, and future operating and development costs used to determine the recoverable amount of all CGUs included the following, among others:

Deferred Taxes - Refer to Notes 2 and 9 to the Financial Statements

Critical Audit Matter Description

The Company recognizes deferred income taxes for differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities at substantively enacted statutory tax rates in effect for the years in which the differences are expected to reverse.

Deferred income tax assets are reduced to the amounts expected to be realized based on forecasts of future tax profits, specifically forecasts of future revenue (commodity price forecasts and forecasted reserves). The Company recorded a deferred income tax asset for Canada primarily arising from past taxable losses in this jurisdiction.

To determine whether it is probable that the deferred income tax assets in Canada will be realized, management makes assumptions related to the forecasts of future taxable income, specifically forecasts of future revenue (commodity price forecasts and forecasted reserves). As such, auditing the probability of the deferred income tax assets being realized and management’s commodity price forecasts and forecasted reserves involved a high degree of auditor judgement as the estimations made by management contain significant measurement uncertainty. This resulted in an increased extent of audit effort, which included the need to involve an income tax specialist.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to assessing the probability of the deferred income tax assets being realized and management’s forecasts of taxable income, specifically forecasts of future revenue (commodity price forecasts and forecasted reserves) to evaluate the deferred income tax assets in Canada included the following, among others:

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2000.

Consolidated Financial Statements 

Consolidated Balance Sheet 

thousands of Canadian dollars

Approved by the Board

Consolidated Statements of Net (Loss) Earnings and Comprehensive Loss 

thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

thousands of Canadian dollars

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity 

thousands of Canadian dollars

Description of equity reserves

Shareholders’ capital 

Represents the recognized amount for common shares when issued, net of equity issuance costs and deferred taxes.

Contributed surplus 

Represents the recognized value of unvested equity based awards that will be settled in shares. Once vested, the value of the awards are transferred to shareholders’ capital.

Accumulated other comprehensive income 

Represents currency translation adjustments and hedge accounting reserve.

Currency translation adjustments result from translating the balance sheets of subsidiaries with a foreign functional currency to Canadian dollars at period-end rates. These amounts may be reclassified to net earnings if there is a disposal or partial disposal of a subsidiary.

The hedge accounting reserve represents the effective portion of the change in fair value related to cash flow and net investment hedges recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax and reclassified to the consolidated statement of net earnings in the same period in which the transaction associated with the hedged item occurs. For the year ended December 31, 2020, accumulated losses of $29.8 million and $6.9 million were recognized on the cash flow hedges and net investment hedges, respectively, and will be recognized in net earnings through 2025 when the senior unsecured notes mature.

Deficit 

Represents the cumulative net earnings less distributed earnings of Vermilion Energy Inc.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 

tabular amounts in thousands of Canadian dollars, except share and per share amounts

Vermilion Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Vermilion”) are engaged in the business of petroleum and natural gas exploration, development, acquisition, and production.

Vermilion was incorporated in Canada and the Company’s registered office and principal place of business is located at 3500, 520, 3rd Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

These consolidated financial statements were approved and authorized for issuance by Vermilion’s Board of Directors on March 5, 2021.

Accounting framework 

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).

Principles of consolidation 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Vermilion Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries. Vermilion’s subsidiaries include entities in each of the jurisdictions that Vermilion operates as described in Note 3 (Segmented information) including: Canada, France, Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Australia, the United States, and Central and Eastern Europe (Hungary, Slovakia, and Croatia). Vermilion Energy Inc. directly or indirectly through holding companies owns all of the voting securities of each material subsidiary. Transactions between Vermilion Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries have been eliminated.

Vermilion accounts for joint operations by recognizing the Company’s share of assets, liabilities, income, and expenses.

Exploration and evaluation assets 

Vermilion classifies costs as exploration and evaluation (“E&E”) assets when they relate to exploring and evaluating an area for which the Company has the license or right to explore and extract resources. E&E costs may include: geological and geophysical costs; land and license acquisition costs; and costs for the drilling, completion, and testing of exploration wells.

E&E costs are reclassified to capital assets if the technical feasibility and commercial viability of the area can be determined. E&E assets are assessed for impairment prior to any reclassification. The technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting the reserves is considered to be determinable when proved and probable reserves are identified.

Costs incurred prior to the acquisition of the legal rights to explore an area are expensed as incurred. If reserves are not found within the license area or the area is abandoned, the related E&E costs are depreciated over a period not greater than five years. If an exploration license expires prior to the commencement of exploration activities, the cost of the exploration license is written off through depreciation in the year of expiration.

Capital assets 

Vermilion recognizes capital assets at cost less accumulated depletion, depreciation, and impairment losses. Costs include directly attributable costs incurred for the drilling, completion, and tie-in of wells and the construction of production and processing facilities.

When components of capital assets are replaced, disposed of, or no longer in use, they are derecognized. Gains and losses on disposal of capital assets are determined by comparing the proceeds of disposal compared to the carrying amount.

Depletion and depreciation 

Capital assets are grouped into depletion units, which are groups of assets within a specific production area that have similar economic lives. Depletion units represent the lowest level of disaggregation for which costs are accumulated for the purposes of calculating depletion and depreciation.

The net carrying value of each depletion unit is depleted using the unit of production method by reference to the ratio of production in the period to the total proved and probable reserves, taking into account the future development costs necessary to bring the applicable reserves into production.

For the purposes of the depletion calculations, oil and gas reserves are converted to a common unit of measure on the basis of their relative energy content based on a conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil equivalent.

Impairment of capital assets and exploration and evaluation assets 

Depletion units are aggregated into cash generating units (“CGUs”) for impairment testing. CGUs are the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash inflows that are largely independent of cash inflows of other groups of assets. CGUs are reviewed for indicators of potential impairment at each reporting date.

E&E assets are tested for impairment when reclassified to capital assets or when indicators of potential impairment are identified. E&E assets are reviewed for indicators of potential impairment at each reporting date. If indicators of potential impairment are identified, E&E assets are tested for impairment as part of the CGU attributable to the jurisdiction in which the exploration area resides.

If an indicator of potential impairment exists, the CGU’s carrying value is compared to its recoverable amount. A CGU’s recoverable amount is the higher of its fair value less costs of disposal and its value-in-use. If the carrying amount of a CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, an impairment loss is recognized to reduce the carrying value of the CGU to its recoverable amount.

If an impairment loss has been recognized in a prior period, an assessment is performed at each reporting date to determine if there are indicators that the circumstances which led to the impairment loss have reversed. If the change in circumstances results in the recoverable amount being higher than the carrying value after the impairment loss, then the impairment loss (net of depletion that would otherwise have been recorded) is reversed.

Lease obligations and right-of-use assets 

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 the lease commencement date, a lease obligation is recognized at the present value of future lease payments, typically using the applicable incremental borrowing rate. A corresponding right-of-use asset is recognized at the amount of the lease obligation, adjusted for lease incentives received and initial direct costs. Vermilion does not recognize leases for short-term leases with a lease term of 12 months or less, or leases for low-value assets.

Payments are applied against the lease obligation and interest expense is recognized on the lease obligations using the effective interest rate method. Depreciation is recognized on the right-of-use asset over the lease term.

Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on deposit with financial institutions and guaranteed investment certificates.

Crude oil inventory 

Crude oil inventory is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost of crude oil inventory produced includes related operating expense, royalties, and depletion determined on a weighted-average basis.

Asset retirement obligations 

Vermilion recognizes a provision for asset retirement obligations when an event occurs giving rise to an obligation of uncertain timing or amount. Asset retirement obligations are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet as a long-term liability with a corresponding increase to E&E or capital assets.

Asset retirement obligations reflect the present value of estimated future settlement costs. The discount rate used to calculate the present value is specific to the jurisdiction the obligation relates to and is reflective of current market assessment of the time value of money and risks specific to the liabilities that have not been reflected in the cash flow estimates.

Asset retirement obligations are remeasured at each reporting period to reflect changes in market rates and estimated future settlement costs. Asset retirement obligations are increased each reporting period to reflect the passage of time with a corresponding charge to accretion expense.

Revenue recognition 

Revenue associated with the sale of crude oil and condensate, natural gas, and natural gas liquids is measured based on the consideration specified in contracts with customers.

Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized when or as Vermilion satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control of crude oil and condensate, natural gas, or natural gas liquids to a customer at contractually specified transfer points. This transfer coincides with title passing to the customer and the customer taking physical possession of the commodity. Vermilion principally satisfies its performance obligations at a point in time and the amounts of revenue recognized relating to performance obligations satisfied over time are not significant.

Vermilion invoices customers for delivered products monthly and payment occurs shortly thereafter. Vermilion does not have any contracts where the period between the transfer of control of the commodity to the customer and payment by the customer exceeds one year. As a result, Vermilion does not adjust its revenue transactions to reflect significant financing components.

Financial instruments 

On initial recognition, financial instruments are measured at fair value. Measurement in subsequent periods depends on the classification of the financial instrument as described below:

Accounts receivable are measured net of a loss allowance equal to the lifetime expected credit loss.

Hedge accounting 

Hedge accounting is applied to financial instruments designated as hedging instruments in qualifying hedging relationships. Qualifying hedge relationships may include cash flow hedges, fair value hedges, and hedges of net investments in foreign operations. The purpose of hedge accounting is to represent the effect of Vermilion’s risk management activities to manage exposures arising from specific risks that affect net earnings such as foreign currency risk.

In order to apply hedge accounting, the eligible hedging instrument must be highly effective in offsetting the exposure to changes in the eligible hedged item. This effectiveness is assessed at inception and at the end of each reporting period thereafter. At inception, formal designation and documentation of the hedging relationship, risk management objective and strategy is required for undertaking the hedge.

For cash flow and net investment hedges, gains and losses on the hedging instrument are recognized in the consolidated statement of earnings in the same period in which the transaction associated with the hedged item occurs. Where the hedging instrument is a derivative instrument, a derivative asset or liability is recognized on the balance sheet at fair value (included in “Derivative instruments”) with the effective portion of the gain or loss recorded to other comprehensive income. Any gain or loss associated with the ineffective portion of the hedging relationship is recognized in the consolidated statement of net earnings as other income or expense.

If a hedging relationship no longer qualifies for hedge accounting, any gain or loss resulting from the discontinuation of hedge accounting is deferred in other comprehensive income until the forecasted transaction date. If the forecasted transaction is no longer expected to occur, any gain or loss resulting from the discontinuation of hedge accounting is immediately recognized in the consolidated statement of net earnings.

Equity based compensation 

Equity based compensation expense results from equity-settled awards issued under Vermilion’s long-term share-based compensation plans as well as the grant date fair value of Vermilion common shares issued under the Company’s bonus and employee share savings plans.

Vermilion’s long-term share-based compensation plans consist of the Vermilion Incentive Plan (“VIP”) and the Deferred Share Unit Plan (“DSU”). Equity-settled awards issued under the VIP vest over a period of one to three years and awards issued under the DSU vest immediately upon granting.

Equity based compensation expense for equity-settled plans is recognized over the vesting period with a corresponding adjustment to contributed surplus. The expense recognized is based on the grant date fair value of the awards, an estimate of the performance factor that will be achieved (if applicable), and an estimate of forfeiture rates based on historical vesting data. Dividends notionally accrue to the VIP and are excluded in the determination of grant date fair values. When the awards are converted to Vermilion common shares, the amount recognized in contributed surplus is reclassified to shareholders’ capital.

The grant date fair value of awards or Vermilion common shares issued is determined as the closing price of Vermilion’s common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange on the grant date.

Per share amounts 

Basic net earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period.

Diluted net earnings per share is calculated by dividing net earnings by the diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. The diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding is the sum of the basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding and (to the extent inclusion reduces diluted net earnings per share) the number of shares issuable for equity-settled awards determined using the treasury stock method. The treasury stock method assumes that the unrecognized equity based compensation expense are deemed proceeds used to repurchase Vermilion common shares at the average market price during the period.

Foreign currency translation 

Vermilion Energy Inc.’s functional and presentation currency is the Canadian dollar. Vermilion has subsidiaries that transact and operate in countries other than Canada and have functional currencies other than the Canadian dollar.

Foreign currency translation includes the translation of foreign currency transactions and the translation of foreign operations.

Foreign currency transaction translation occurs when translating transactions and balances in foreign currencies to the applicable functional currency of Vermilion Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are recorded as foreign exchange gains or losses in the statement of net earnings. Foreign currency transaction translation occurs as follows:

Foreign operation translation occurs when translating the financial statements of non-Canadian functional currency subsidiaries to the Canadian dollar and when translating intercompany loans that are deemed to represent net investments in a foreign subsidiary. Gains and losses from foreign operation translations are recorded as currency translation adjustments in the statement of comprehensive earnings. Foreign operation translation occurs as follows:

Income taxes 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated using the balance sheet method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated effect of any temporary differences between the amounts recognized on Vermilion’s consolidated balance sheet and the respective tax basis. This calculation uses enacted or substantively enacted tax rates that are expected to be in effect when the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred taxes is recognized in the period the related legislation is substantively enacted.

Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the deductible temporary differences can be used. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized.

Business combinations 

Acquisitions of corporations or groups of assets are accounted for as business combinations using the acquisition method if the acquired assets constitute a business. Under the acquisition method, assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination (with the exception of deferred tax assets and liabilities) are measured at their fair values. Deferred tax assets or liabilities arising from the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are measured in accordance with the policies described in “Income taxes” above.

If applicable, the excess or deficiency of the fair value of net assets acquired compared to consideration paid is recognized as a gain on business combination or as goodwill on the consolidated balance sheet. Acquisition-related costs incurred to effect a business combination are expensed in the period incurred.

As part of the assessment to determine if the acquisition constitutes a business, Vermilion may elect to apply the concentration test on a transaction by transaction basis. The test is met if substantially all of the fair value related to the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset (or group of similar assets) resulting in the acquisition not being deemed a business and recorded as an asset acquisition.

Segmented information 

Vermilion has a decentralized business unit structure designed to manage assets in each country the Company operates. Each of Vermilion’s operating segments derives its revenues solely from the production and sale of petroleum and natural gas.

Vermilion’s Corporate segment aggregates costs incurred at the Company’s Corporate head office located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada as well as costs incurred relating to Vermilion’s exploration and production activities in Hungary, Slovakia, and Croatia (Central and Eastern Europe). These operating segments have similar economic characteristics as they do not currently generate material revenue.

Vermilion’s chief operating decision maker regularly reviews fund flows from operations generated by each of Vermilion’s operating segments. Fund flows from operations is a measure of profit or loss that provides the chief operating decision maker with the ability to assess the profitability of each operating segment and, correspondingly, the ability of each operating segment to fund its share of dividends, asset retirement obligations, and capital investments.

Management judgments and estimation uncertainty 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates, and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Key areas where management has made judgments, estimates, and assumptions are described below.

The determination of whether indicators of impairment or impairment reversals:

The measurement of the fair value of capital assets acquired in a business combination and the determination of the recoverable amount of cash generating units (“CGU”): 

The measurement of the carrying value of asset retirement obligations on the balance sheet, including the fair value and subsequent carrying value of asset retirement obligations assumed in a business combination: 

The recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities:

The measurement of lease obligations and corresponding right-of-use assets:

Substantially all sales in the France, Netherlands, and Ireland operating segments for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were to one customer in each respective segment. In 2020 and 2019, France contributed more than 10% of Vermilion’s consolidated revenues.

Reconciliation of fund flows from operations to net (loss) earnings:

The following table reconciles the change in Vermilion’s capital assets:

Right-of-use assets 

The following table discloses the carrying balance and depreciation charge relating to right-of-use assets by class of underlying asset as at and for the year ended December 31, 2020:

Q4 2020 impairment 

In the fourth quarter of 2020, indicators of impairment were present in our France CGUs due to a decrease in estimated reserves as a result of economic revisions. As a result of the indicators of impairment, the Company performed impairment tests on its four France CGUs and the recoverable amounts were determined using fair value less costs to sell, which considered future after-tax cash flows from proved plus probable reserves and an after-tax discount rate of 9.5%. Based on the results of the impairment tests completed, recoverable amounts were determined to be greater than the carrying values of the CGUs tested and no impairment charges were recorded.

The following benchmark price forecasts were used to calculate the recoverable amounts:

^{(1) The forecast benchmark commodity prices listed are adjusted for quality differentials, heat content, transportation and marketing costs and other factors specific to the Company’s operations.} 

^{(2) In 2031 and beyond, commodity price forecasts are inflated at a rate of 2.0% per annum. In 2030 and beyond there is no escalation of exchange rates.}

The following are the results of impairment tests completed and sensitivity impacts which would increase impairment charges taken:

In the fourth quarter of 2020, no indicators of impairment reversal were identified.

Q3 2020 impairment  

In the third quarter of 2020, indicators of impairment were present due to a decline in the Company’s market capitalization. As a result of the indicators of impairment, the Company performed impairment tests across all CGUs. The recoverable amounts were determined using fair value less costs to sell, which considered future after-tax cash flows from proved plus probable reserves and an after-tax discount rate of 11.5%. Based on the results of the impairment tests completed, the Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of $35.4 million (net of $12.4 million income tax recovery) in the Neocomian CGU due to increased estimated transportation expenses as a result of an announcement during the quarter that the third-party Grandpuits refinery plans on converting into a zero-crude platform in 2021. As a result of this change, the Company estimates that incremental transportation expenses will be incurred to transport the crude oil production in the Neocomian, Chaunoy, and Champotran CGUs to alternative refineries in France.

The following benchmark price forecasts were used to calculate the recoverable amounts:

^{(1) The forecast benchmark commodity prices listed are adjusted for quality differentials, heat content, transportation and marketing costs and other factors specific to the Company’s operations.} 

^{(2) In 2030 and beyond, commodity price forecasts are inflated at a rate of 2.0% per annum. In 2030 and beyond there is no escalation of exchange rates.}

The following are the results of impairment tests completed and sensitivity impacts which would increase impairment charges taken:

Q2 2020 impairment 

In the second quarter of 2020, indicators of impairment were present due to a decline in the Company’s market capitalization. As a result of the indicators of impairment, the Company performed impairment tests across all CGUs. The recoverable amounts were determined using fair value less costs to sell, which considered future after-tax cash flows from proved plus probable reserves and an after-tax discount rate of 11.5%. Based on the results of the impairment tests completed, the Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of $53.1 million (net of $16.6 million income tax recovery).

The following benchmark price forecasts were used to calculate the recoverable amounts:

^{(1) The forecast benchmark commodity prices listed are adjusted for quality differentials, heat content, transportation and marketing costs and other factors specific to the Company’s operations.} 

^{(2) In 2030 and beyond, commodity price forecasts are inflated at a rate of 2.0% per annum. In 2030 and beyond there is no escalation of exchange rates.}

The following are the results of impairment tests completed and sensitivity impacts which would increase impairment charges taken:

Q1 2020 impairment 

In the first quarter of 2020, indicators of impairment were present due to global commodity price forecasts deteriorating from decreases in demand and an increase of supply around the world. As a result of the indicators of impairment, the Company performed impairment tests across all CGUs. The recoverable amounts were determined using fair value less costs to sell, which considered future after-tax cash flows from proved plus probable reserves and an after-tax discount rate of 11.5%. Based on the results of the impairment tests completed, the Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of $1.2 billion (net of $0.4 billion income tax recovery).

The following benchmark price forecasts were used to calculate the recoverable amounts:

^{(1) The forecast benchmark commodity prices listed are adjusted for quality differentials, heat content, transportation and marketing costs and other factors specific to the Company’s operations.} 

^{(2) In 2030 and beyond, commodity price forecasts are inflated at a rate of 2.0% per annum. In 2030 and beyond there is no escalation of exchange rates.}

The following are the results of impairment tests completed and sensitivity impacts which would increase impairment charges taken:

Q4 2019 impairment  

In the fourth quarter of 2019, an indicator of impairment was present in the Ireland CGU due to declining natural gas price forecasts. As a result of the indicator of impairment, the Company performed an impairment test on its Ireland CGU whereby the recoverable amount was compared against its carrying amount. The recoverable amount was determined using fair value less costs to sell, which considered future after-tax cash flows from proved plus probable reserves and an after-tax discount rate of 9.0%. Based on the results of the impairment test completed, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $34.6 million (net of $11.5 million income tax recovery).

The following benchmark price forecast was used to calculate the recoverable amount:

^{(1) The forecast benchmark commodity prices listed are adjusted for quality differentials, heat content, transportation and marketing costs and other factors specific to the Company’s operations.} 

^{(2) In 2030 and beyond, commodity price forecasts are inflated at a rate of 2.0% per annum.}

The following is the result of the impairment test completed and sensitivity impacts of a 1% increase in after-tax discount rate and a 5% decrease in pricing on the impairment test completed:

Changes in any of the key judgments, such as a revision in reserves, changes in forecast commodity prices, foreign exchange rates, capital or operating costs would impact the estimated recoverable amount.

Q4 2020 CGU Realignment 

Previously, Vermilion’s assets in Alberta were managed and organized based primarily on geological characteristics and were grouped into the Drayton Valley Gas and Drayton Valley Oil CGUs. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company finalized an evaluation of the management and organization of Vermilion’s assets in Alberta resulting in a re-organization based primarily on geographical characteristics. This process resulted in the combination of its Drayton Valley Gas and Drayton Valley Oil CGU’s into a combined Alberta CGU.

The following table reconciles the change in Vermilion’s exploration and evaluation assets:

The following table reconciles the change in Vermilion’s asset retirement obligations:

Vermilion calculated the present value of the obligations using a credit-adjusted risk-free rate, calculated using a credit spread of 9.5% (as at December 31, 2019 - 5.3%) added to risk-free rates based on long-term, risk-free government bonds. Vermilion’s credit spread is determined as the yield to maturity on its senior unsecured notes as at the reporting period.

The country specific risk-free rates used as inputs to discount the obligations were as follows:

Vermilion has estimated the asset retirement obligations based on current cost estimates of $2.0 billion (2019 - $1.8 billion). Current cost estimates are inflated to the estimated time of abandonment using inflation rates of between 0.2% and 2.9% (2019 - between 0.4% and 2.7%), resulting in inflated cost estimates of $2.5 billion (2019 - $2.6 billion). These payments are expected to be made between 2021 and 2080, with the majority of costs occurring between 2030 and 2040 ($0.8 billion) and 2049 to 2056 ($0.8 billion).

A 0.5% increase/decrease in the discount rate applied to asset retirement obligations would decrease/increase asset retirement obligations by approximately $26.8 million. A one-year increase/decrease in the expected timing of abandonment spend would decrease/increase asset retirement obligations by approximately $37.7 million.

The following table reconciles the change in the fair value of Vermilion’s derivative instruments:

The gain on derivative instruments for 2020 and 2019 were comprised of the following: 

Please refer to Note 17 (Supplemental information) for a listing of Vermilion’s outstanding derivative instruments as at December 31, 2020.

Vermilion had the following future commitments associated with its lease obligations:

The following table reconciles Vermilion’s deferred tax asset and liability:

Income tax expense differs from the amount that would have been expected if the reported earnings had been subject only to the statutory Canadian income tax rate as follows: