in response to continued commodity price volatility , in 2017 the company entered into commodity derivatives to secure the pace of its strategically important capital program at alpine high without compromising its financial strength or flexibility . we continuously monitor changes in our operating environment and have the ability , with our dynamic capital allocation process , to adjust our capital investment program to levels that maximize value for our shareholders over the long-term . outlook apache currently plans to invest $ 7.5 billion in its upstream oil and gas activities from 2018 to 2020 , with just under $ 2.5 billion planned for 2018 and slight increases to annual capital spending through 2019 and 2020. additionally , the company anticipates investment of $ 1.0 billion in the midstream development of alpine high over the next three years . this will include approximately $ 500 million in 2018 , with the remainder split between 2019 and 2020. at current pricing , 2018 projected cash flow from operations are estimated to be cash flow neutral based on the upstream capital program , inclusive of the current company dividend of $ 380 million . midstream development and infrastructure build-out will operate at a cash deficit . any cash deficits for 2018 are anticipated to be funded through our existing cash balances ; however , the company continues discussions on strategic midstream monetization and value optimization that could significantly reduce , or even eliminate , the deficit . 27 the results of this planned capital investment are projected to achieve a compound annual production growth rate of 11 to 13 percent for apache 's worldwide operations and 19 to 22 percent in the u.s. over the three-year period . for 2018 , apache 's worldwide adjusted production is anticipated to increase by 7 to 13 percent . projected growth rates will be driven by the permian basin . egypt and the north sea operations are anticipated to continue generating cash flow in excess of capital investments . forecasts show a shallow decline rate for the international regions given planned investment levels ; however , the company anticipates improved capital efficiency in the north sea with lower day rate contracts by mid-year and fewer obligation wells expected to be drilled . approximately two-thirds of apache 's capital upstream spending from 2018 to 2020 will be allocated to the permian basin . outside of alpine high , capital investment will be focused on horizontal oil drilling in the midland and delaware basins and on moderating the central basin platform decline through continued improved recovery projects . investment levels could be significantly increased to provide short-term oil growth ; however , a deeper understanding of multi-zone reservoir dynamics on a section level will lead to more economic full-field development decisions over the long-term . the company 's current rig and completion pace allows for sufficient time to collect and analyze complex inter-well and inter-zone data and design optimal spacing and pattern configurations . with most of the company 's key midland basin acreage held-by-production , we have time available to ensure long-term value and returns before accelerating our development pace in the context of available cash flow . the upstream capital investment program for alpine high will continue to transition from delineation and testing to full development mode , while infrastructure build-out will progress through 2018 and into 2019. during 2018 , approximately 50 percent of the drilling program will focus on completing the primary phase of delineation and testing . the remaining capital included in the three-year plan will be split evenly between retention drilling and development drilling . the alpine high program is expected to progress at a steady and increasingly efficient pace with continued well optimization and a greater proportion of future drilling on multi-well pads . combined with minimal water handling costs and revenue uplift expected from oil and ngls present in the wet gas portion of the play , alpine high investments are anticipated to generate strong cash margins with a competitive recycle ratio compared to other permian operations . operational highlights apache 's deliberate focus on strategic testing and targeted development drilling during the price downturn , in addition to the alpine high discovery , significantly impacted results in its permian basin plays , egypt , and the north sea . key operational highlights for the year include : north america north america onshore production averaged 231 mboe/d , down 16 percent relative to 2016 , reflecting apache 's exit from canada . excluding canada , apache 's onshore equivalent production decreased 8 percent , in line with the company 's expectations given the significant reduction in capital investments over the preceding two years and the allocation of a significant portion of our 2017 capital investments to infrastructure at alpine high . the permian region averaged 16 operated rigs during the year , drilling 215 gross wells , 145 net wells . approximately half of the region 's production is crude oil and 23 percent is ngls . combined , this represents more than a third of apache 's worldwide liquids production for 2017. the region averaged 158 mboe/d and contributed $ 1.8 billion of revenues during 2017. fourth-quarter 2017 production increased 19 percent from the comparative 2016 quarter , a reflection of the success of the midland basin drilling program and the continued production ramp at alpine high . drilling and infrastructure development activities continue at alpine high ; specifically : ◦ first production from the alpine high play was achieved in early may 2017. net production averaged approximately 19.8 mboe/d during the fourth quarter of 2017 and achieved a rate of 25 mboe/d in december prior to shutting down a facility at year-end for capacity expansion . ◦ five processing facilities are currently operating with a combined gross inlet capacity of 330 million cubic feet of natural gas per day ( mmcf/d ) . story_separator_special_tag 2016 vs. 2015 exploration expenses in 2016 decreased $ 2.3 billion , or 83 percent , compared to 2015 , primarily a result of stabilizing commodity and leasehold prices reducing unproved leasehold impairments during 2016 in all key geographic areas . dry hole expense decreased $ 52 million primarily as a result of reduced capital spending during 2016. geological and geophysical expense decreased by $ 45 million during 2016 compared to 2015 as a result of reduced capital spending . general and administrative ( g & a ) expenses 2017 vs. 2016 g & a expenses decreased $ 15 million , or 4 percent , from 2016 . the decrease in g & a expense was primarily related to lower incentive compensation in 2017 compared to 2016 , and the canadian divestitures . 2016 vs. 2015 g & a expenses increased $ 30 million , or 8 percent , from 2015 . on a per-unit basis , g & a expenses increased $ 0.23 to $ 2.15 per boe . the increase in g & a expense was primarily related to non-cash stock-based compensation expense . transaction , reorganization , and separation costs apache recorded $ 16 million , $ 39 million and $ 132 million of expenses during 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively , primarily related to company reorganization , including separation costs , investment banking fees and other associated costs . the charges for 2017 include $ 11 million for consulting fees related to divestitures and $ 5 million related to employee separation , consolidation of office space , and other reorganization efforts . 35 depreciation , depletion and amortization ( dd & a ) 2017 vs. 2016 oil and gas property dd & a expense of $ 2.1 billion in 2017 decreased $ 324 million compared to 2016 . the company 's oil and gas property dd & a rate decreased $ 0.14 per boe in 2017 compared to 2016 . the primary factor driving lower absolute dollar expense was a decrease in production volumes from the comparative prior-year periods . other asset depreciation decreased $ 14 million compared to 2016 primarily related to the canadian divestitures . 2016 vs. 2015 oil and gas property dd & a expense of $ 2.5 billion in 2016 decreased $ 516 million compared to 2015 . the company 's oil and gas property dd & a rate decreased $ 2.09 to $ 12.92 per boe in 2016 compared to 2015 . the primary factor driving both lower absolute dollar expense and lower dd & a per boe rates was the reduction in the carrying value of the company 's oil and gas properties as a result of impairments to proved properties in 2015 and 2016. other asset depreciation decreased $ 166 million compared to 2015 primarily related to a reduction in the company ' s gas gathering , transmission , and processing ( gtp ) assets as a result of impairments to gtp assets during 2015. impairments during 2017 , the company recorded asset impairments in connection with fair value assessments totaling $ 8 million for a u.k. prt decommissioning asset that is no longer expected to be realizable from future abandonment activities in the north sea . during 2016 , the company recorded asset impairments totaling $ 1.1 billion in connection with fair value assessments , including $ 486 million for the impairment of the recoverable value of the prt decommissioning asset , $ 427 million impairments of oil and gas proved properties in the u.s. and canada , $ 135 million impairments of certain gtp facilities in the north sea , and $ 55 million for inventory write-downs . during 2015 , the company recorded asset impairments totaling $ 9.5 billion , including $ 7.4 billion impairments of oil and gas proved properties , $ 1.7 billion impairments of gtp facilities , a $ 148 million impairment of its yphpl equity method investment , $ 163 million impairment of goodwill in its north sea reporting unit , and $ 55 million for inventory write-downs . oil and gas proved property impairments resulted from lower commodity prices and downward revisions of reserves resulting from changes to the company 's development plans in certain areas . gtp impairments included $ 555 million for facilities in canada , $ 102 million in the u.s. , and $ 1.1 billion in egypt . the following table presents a summary of asset impairments recorded for 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 : replace_table_token_18_th 36 financing costs , net financing costs incurred during the period comprised the following : replace_table_token_19_th 2017 vs. 2016 net financing costs decrease d $ 20 million from 2016 . the decrease is primarily related to an increase of $ 11 million in interest income , an increase of $ 3 million in capitalized interest , and a decrease of $ 7 million in interest expense . 2016 vs. 2015 net financing costs decrease d $ 94 million from 2015 . the decrease is primarily related to an increase of $ 33 million in capitalized interest , a decrease of $ 22 million in interest expense , and a $ 39 million loss on the early extinguishment of debt incurred in 2015. provision for income taxes the 2017 income tax benefit totaled $ 585 million . during 2017 , apache 's effective tax rate was impacted primarily by the decrease in deferred taxes associated with its investments in foreign subsidiaries , gains on the sale of oil and gas properties , the increase in the company 's valuation allowance , and a decrease in the u.s. corporate income tax rate causing a remeasurement of the company 's deferred tax asset . on december 22 , 2017 the tax cuts and jobs act ( the act ) was signed into law . in addition to reducing the u.s. corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent effective january 1 , 2018 , certain provisions in the

net cash provided by continuing operating activities operating cash flows are the company 's primary source of capital and liquidity and are impacted , both in the short-term and the long-term , by volatile oil and natural gas prices . the factors that determine operating cash flows are largely the same as those that affect net earnings , with the exception of non-cash expenses such as dd & a , asset retirement obligation ( aro ) accretion , exploratory dry hole expense , asset impairments , and deferred income tax expense . net cash provided by continuing operating activities for 2017 totaled $ 2.4 billion , down $ 25 million from 2016 . the decrease is primarily a result of changes in working capital . for a detailed discussion of commodity prices , production , and expenses , please see “ results of operations ” in this item 7. for additional detail on the changes in operating assets and liabilities and the non-cash expenses that do not impact net cash provided by operating activities , please see the statement of consolidated cash flows in the consolidated financial statements set forth in part iv , item 15 of this form 10-k. australia discontinued operations during 2015 , apache completed the sale of its wheatstone lng project and associated upstream assets to woodside for total proceeds of $ 2.8 billion . during 2015 , apache also completed the sale of its australian subsidiary ael to a consortium of private equity funds managed by macquarie capital group limited and brookfield asset management inc. for total proceeds of $ 1.9 billion . the results of operations for the divested australian assets , asset impairments , and losses on disposal are classified as discontinued operations in all periods presented in this annual report on form 10-k. 40 asset divestitures during 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , apache recorded proceeds from divestitures totaling $ 1.4 billion , $ 134 million , and $ 1.5 billion , respectively .


 Write a concise suspicious activity report of the following text delimited by triple backquotes. Return your response as a formal report which covers the key points highlighting the location,dates,entity names and account holder information in chronological order of the text.
     ```net cash provided by continuing operating activities operating cash flows are the company 's primary source of capital and liquidity and are impacted , both in the short-term and the long-term , by volatile oil and natural gas prices . the factors that determine operating cash flows are largely the same as those that affect net earnings , with the exception of non-cash expenses such as dd & a , asset retirement obligation ( aro ) accretion , exploratory dry hole expense , asset impairments , and deferred income tax expense . net cash provided by continuing operating activities for 2017 totaled $ 2.4 billion , down $ 25 million from 2016 . the decrease is primarily a result of changes in working capital . for a detailed discussion of commodity prices , production , and expenses , please see “ results of operations ” in this item 7. for additional detail on the changes in operating assets and liabilities and the non-cash expenses that do not impact net cash provided by operating activities , please see the statement of consolidated cash flows in the consolidated financial statements set forth in part iv , item 15 of this form 10-k. australia discontinued operations during 2015 , apache completed the sale of its wheatstone lng project and associated upstream assets to woodside for total proceeds of $ 2.8 billion . during 2015 , apache also completed the sale of its australian subsidiary ael to a consortium of private equity funds managed by macquarie capital group limited and brookfield asset management inc. for total proceeds of $ 1.9 billion . the results of operations for the divested australian assets , asset impairments , and losses on disposal are classified as discontinued operations in all periods presented in this annual report on form 10-k. 40 asset divestitures during 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , apache recorded proceeds from divestitures totaling $ 1.4 billion , $ 134 million , and $ 1.5 billion , respectively .
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 Suspicious Activity Report : in response to continued commodity price volatility , in 2017 the company entered into commodity derivatives to secure the pace of its strategically important capital program at alpine high without compromising its financial strength or flexibility . we continuously monitor changes in our operating environment and have the ability , with our dynamic capital allocation process , to adjust our capital investment program to levels that maximize value for our shareholders over the long-term . outlook apache currently plans to invest $ 7.5 billion in its upstream oil and gas activities from 2018 to 2020 , with just under $ 2.5 billion planned for 2018 and slight increases to annual capital spending through 2019 and 2020. additionally , the company anticipates investment of $ 1.0 billion in the midstream development of alpine high over the next three years . this will include approximately $ 500 million in 2018 , with the remainder split between 2019 and 2020. at current pricing , 2018 projected cash flow from operations are estimated to be cash flow neutral based on the upstream capital program , inclusive of the current company dividend of $ 380 million . midstream development and infrastructure build-out will operate at a cash deficit . any cash deficits for 2018 are anticipated to be funded through our existing cash balances ; however , the company continues discussions on strategic midstream monetization and value optimization that could significantly reduce , or even eliminate , the deficit . 27 the results of this planned capital investment are projected to achieve a compound annual production growth rate of 11 to 13 percent for apache 's worldwide operations and 19 to 22 percent in the u.s. over the three-year period . for 2018 , apache 's worldwide adjusted production is anticipated to increase by 7 to 13 percent . projected growth rates will be driven by the permian basin . egypt and the north sea operations are anticipated to continue generating cash flow in excess of capital investments . forecasts show a shallow decline rate for the international regions given planned investment levels ; however , the company anticipates improved capital efficiency in the north sea with lower day rate contracts by mid-year and fewer obligation wells expected to be drilled . approximately two-thirds of apache 's capital upstream spending from 2018 to 2020 will be allocated to the permian basin . outside of alpine high , capital investment will be focused on horizontal oil drilling in the midland and delaware basins and on moderating the central basin platform decline through continued improved recovery projects . investment levels could be significantly increased to provide short-term oil growth ; however , a deeper understanding of multi-zone reservoir dynamics on a section level will lead to more economic full-field development decisions over the long-term . the company 's current rig and completion pace allows for sufficient time to collect and analyze complex inter-well and inter-zone data and design optimal spacing and pattern configurations . with most of the company 's key midland basin acreage held-by-production , we have time available to ensure long-term value and returns before accelerating our development pace in the context of available cash flow . the upstream capital investment program for alpine high will continue to transition from delineation and testing to full development mode , while infrastructure build-out will progress through 2018 and into 2019. during 2018 , approximately 50 percent of the drilling program will focus on completing the primary phase of delineation and testing . the remaining capital included in the three-year plan will be split evenly between retention drilling and development drilling . the alpine high program is expected to progress at a steady and increasingly efficient pace with continued well optimization and a greater proportion of future drilling on multi-well pads . combined with minimal water handling costs and revenue uplift expected from oil and ngls present in the wet gas portion of the play , alpine high investments are anticipated to generate strong cash margins with a competitive recycle ratio compared to other permian operations . operational highlights apache 's deliberate focus on strategic testing and targeted development drilling during the price downturn , in addition to the alpine high discovery , significantly impacted results in its permian basin plays , egypt , and the north sea . key operational highlights for the year include : north america north america onshore production averaged 231 mboe/d , down 16 percent relative to 2016 , reflecting apache 's exit from canada . excluding canada , apache 's onshore equivalent production decreased 8 percent , in line with the company 's expectations given the significant reduction in capital investments over the preceding two years and the allocation of a significant portion of our 2017 capital investments to infrastructure at alpine high . the permian region averaged 16 operated rigs during the year , drilling 215 gross wells , 145 net wells . approximately half of the region 's production is crude oil and 23 percent is ngls . combined , this represents more than a third of apache 's worldwide liquids production for 2017. the region averaged 158 mboe/d and contributed $ 1.8 billion of revenues during 2017. fourth-quarter 2017 production increased 19 percent from the comparative 2016 quarter , a reflection of the success of the midland basin drilling program and the continued production ramp at alpine high . drilling and infrastructure development activities continue at alpine high ; specifically : ◦ first production from the alpine high play was achieved in early may 2017. net production averaged approximately 19.8 mboe/d during the fourth quarter of 2017 and achieved a rate of 25 mboe/d in december prior to shutting down a facility at year-end for capacity expansion . ◦ five processing facilities are currently operating with a combined gross inlet capacity of 330 million cubic feet of natural gas per day ( mmcf/d ) . story_separator_special_tag 2016 vs. 2015 exploration expenses in 2016 decreased $ 2.3 billion , or 83 percent , compared to 2015 , primarily a result of stabilizing commodity and leasehold prices reducing unproved leasehold impairments during 2016 in all key geographic areas . dry hole expense decreased $ 52 million primarily as a result of reduced capital spending during 2016. geological and geophysical expense decreased by $ 45 million during 2016 compared to 2015 as a result of reduced capital spending . general and administrative ( g & a ) expenses 2017 vs. 2016 g & a expenses decreased $ 15 million , or 4 percent , from 2016 . the decrease in g & a expense was primarily related to lower incentive compensation in 2017 compared to 2016 , and the canadian divestitures . 2016 vs. 2015 g & a expenses increased $ 30 million , or 8 percent , from 2015 . on a per-unit basis , g & a expenses increased $ 0.23 to $ 2.15 per boe . the increase in g & a expense was primarily related to non-cash stock-based compensation expense . transaction , reorganization , and separation costs apache recorded $ 16 million , $ 39 million and $ 132 million of expenses during 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively , primarily related to company reorganization , including separation costs , investment banking fees and other associated costs . the charges for 2017 include $ 11 million for consulting fees related to divestitures and $ 5 million related to employee separation , consolidation of office space , and other reorganization efforts . 35 depreciation , depletion and amortization ( dd & a ) 2017 vs. 2016 oil and gas property dd & a expense of $ 2.1 billion in 2017 decreased $ 324 million compared to 2016 . the company 's oil and gas property dd & a rate decreased $ 0.14 per boe in 2017 compared to 2016 . the primary factor driving lower absolute dollar expense was a decrease in production volumes from the comparative prior-year periods . other asset depreciation decreased $ 14 million compared to 2016 primarily related to the canadian divestitures . 2016 vs. 2015 oil and gas property dd & a expense of $ 2.5 billion in 2016 decreased $ 516 million compared to 2015 . the company 's oil and gas property dd & a rate decreased $ 2.09 to $ 12.92 per boe in 2016 compared to 2015 . the primary factor driving both lower absolute dollar expense and lower dd & a per boe rates was the reduction in the carrying value of the company 's oil and gas properties as a result of impairments to proved properties in 2015 and 2016. other asset depreciation decreased $ 166 million compared to 2015 primarily related to a reduction in the company ' s gas gathering , transmission , and processing ( gtp ) assets as a result of impairments to gtp assets during 2015. impairments during 2017 , the company recorded asset impairments in connection with fair value assessments totaling $ 8 million for a u.k. prt decommissioning asset that is no longer expected to be realizable from future abandonment activities in the north sea . during 2016 , the company recorded asset impairments totaling $ 1.1 billion in connection with fair value assessments , including $ 486 million for the impairment of the recoverable value of the prt decommissioning asset , $ 427 million impairments of oil and gas proved properties in the u.s. and canada , $ 135 million impairments of certain gtp facilities in the north sea , and $ 55 million for inventory write-downs . during 2015 , the company recorded asset impairments totaling $ 9.5 billion , including $ 7.4 billion impairments of oil and gas proved properties , $ 1.7 billion impairments of gtp facilities , a $ 148 million impairment of its yphpl equity method investment , $ 163 million impairment of goodwill in its north sea reporting unit , and $ 55 million for inventory write-downs . oil and gas proved property impairments resulted from lower commodity prices and downward revisions of reserves resulting from changes to the company 's development plans in certain areas . gtp impairments included $ 555 million for facilities in canada , $ 102 million in the u.s. , and $ 1.1 billion in egypt . the following table presents a summary of asset impairments recorded for 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 : replace_table_token_18_th 36 financing costs , net financing costs incurred during the period comprised the following : replace_table_token_19_th 2017 vs. 2016 net financing costs decrease d $ 20 million from 2016 . the decrease is primarily related to an increase of $ 11 million in interest income , an increase of $ 3 million in capitalized interest , and a decrease of $ 7 million in interest expense . 2016 vs. 2015 net financing costs decrease d $ 94 million from 2015 . the decrease is primarily related to an increase of $ 33 million in capitalized interest , a decrease of $ 22 million in interest expense , and a $ 39 million loss on the early extinguishment of debt incurred in 2015. provision for income taxes the 2017 income tax benefit totaled $ 585 million . during 2017 , apache 's effective tax rate was impacted primarily by the decrease in deferred taxes associated with its investments in foreign subsidiaries , gains on the sale of oil and gas properties , the increase in the company 's valuation allowance , and a decrease in the u.s. corporate income tax rate causing a remeasurement of the company 's deferred tax asset . on december 22 , 2017 the tax cuts and jobs act ( the act ) was signed into law . in addition to reducing the u.s. corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent effective january 1 , 2018 , certain provisions in the

