UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number 001-36325

NOW INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	46-4191184
(State or other jurisdiction of	(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)	Identification No.)

7402 North Eldridge Parkway,

Houston, Texas 77041

(Address of principal executive offices)

(281) 823-4700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01	DNOW	New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	☒	Accelerated filer	☐
Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐
		Emerging growth company	☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

As of October 27, 2021 the registrant had 110,558,831 shares of common stock (excluding 683,344 unvested restricted shares), par value $0.01 per share, outstanding.

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NOW INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part I - Financial Information
Item 1.	Financial Statements	3
	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2021 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2020	3
	Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020	4
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020	5
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020	6
	Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020	7
	Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements	8
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	15
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	25
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	27
Part II - Other Information
Item 6.	Exhibits	28

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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

NOW INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions, except share data)

	September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	312		$	387
Receivables, net		299			198
Inventories, net		244			262
Prepaid and other current assets		19			14
Total current assets		874			861
Property, plant and equipment, net		115			98
Deferred income taxes		1			1
Goodwill		66			—
Intangibles, net		11			—
Other assets		37			48
Total assets	$	1,104		$	1,008
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	243		$	172
Accrued liabilities		105			95
Other current liabilities		27			5
Total current liabilities		375			272
Long-term operating lease liabilities		17			25
Other long-term liabilities		13			12
Total liabilities		405			309
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock - par value $0.01; 20 million shares authorized;    no shares issued and outstanding		—			—
Common stock - par value $0.01; 330 million shares authorized;    110,558,831 and 109,951,610 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2021    and December 31, 2020, respectively		1			1
Additional paid-in capital		2,059			2,051
Accumulated deficit		(1,215	)		(1,208	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(146	)		(145	)
Total stockholders' equity		699			699
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,104		$	1,008

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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NOW INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

(In millions, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021			2020			2021			2020
Revenue	$	439		$	326		$	1,200		$	1,300
Operating expenses:
Cost of products		343			264			944			1,053
Warehousing, selling and administrative		86			83			250			310
Impairment charges		—			—			4			320
Operating profit (loss)		10			(21	)		2			(383	)
Other expense		(3	)		—			(5	)		(2	)
Income (loss) before income taxes		7			(21	)		(3	)		(385	)
Income tax provision (benefit)		2			1			4			(2	)
Net income (loss)	$	5		$	(22	)	$	(7	)	$	(383	)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.05		$	(0.20	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(3.50	)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$	0.05		$	(0.20	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(3.50	)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic		111			109			110			109
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, diluted		111			109			110			109

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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NOW INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)

(In millions)

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021			2020			2021			2020
Net income (loss)	$	5		$	(22	)	$	(7	)	$	(383	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(4	)		3			(1	)		(28	)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	1		$	(19	)	$	(8	)	$	(411	)

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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NOW INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(In millions)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021			2020
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$	(7	)	$	(383	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		18			23
Provision for inventory		8			30
Impairment charges		4			320
Other, net		19			27
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestitures:
Receivables		(93	)		140
Inventories		11			112
Prepaid and other current assets		(3	)		(2	)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other, net		71			(134	)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		28			133
Cash flows from investing activities:
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(96	)		—
Net proceeds from sale of business		—			25
Purchases of property, plant and equipment		(4	)		(7	)
Other, net		1			1
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(99	)		19
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments relating to finance leases and other, net		(3	)		(6	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(3	)		(6	)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents		(1	)		(4	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(75	)		142
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		387			183
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	312		$	325

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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NOW INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

(In millions)

			Additional			Retained			Accum. Other			Total
	Common		Paid-In			Earnings			Comprehensive			Stockholders’
	Stock		Capital			(Deficit)			Income (Loss)			Equity
December 31, 2019	$	1	$	2,046		$	(775	)	$	(128	)	$	1,144
Cumulative effect of accounting change		—		—			(6	)		—			(6	)
Net loss		—		—			(331	)		—			(331	)
Other comprehensive loss		—		—			—			(39	)		(39	)
March 31, 2020	$	1	$	2,046		$	(1,112	)	$	(167	)	$	768
Net loss		—		—			(30	)		—			(30	)
Stock-based compensation		—		1			—			—			1
Other comprehensive income		—		—			—			8			8
June 30, 2020	$	1	$	2,047		$	(1,142	)	$	(159	)	$	747
Net loss		—		—			(22	)		—			(22	)
Stock-based compensation		—		3			—			—			3
Other comprehensive income		—		—			—			3			3
September 30, 2020	$	1	$	2,050		$	(1,164	)	$	(156	)	$	731
December 31, 2020	$	1	$	2,051		$	(1,208	)	$	(145	)	$	699
Net loss		—		—			(10	)		—			(10	)
Stock-based compensation		—		2			—			—			2
Exercise of stock options		—		1			—			—			1
Shares withheld for taxes		—		(1	)		—			—			(1	)
Other comprehensive income		—		—			—			1			1
March 31, 2021	$	1	$	2,053		$	(1,218	)	$	(144	)	$	692
Net loss		—		—			(2	)		—			(2	)
Stock-based compensation		—		2			—			—			2
Exercise of stock options		—		2			—			—			2
Other comprehensive income		—		—			—			2			2
June 30, 2021	$	1	$	2,057		$	(1,220	)	$	(142	)	$	696
Net income		—		—			5			—			5
Stock-based compensation		—		2			—			—			2
Other comprehensive loss		—		—			—			(4	)		(4	)
September 30, 2021	$	1	$	2,059		$	(1,215	)	$	(146	)	$	699

See notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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NOW INC.

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

Nature of Operations

NOW Inc. (“NOW” or the “Company”) is a holding company headquartered in Houston, Texas that was incorporated in Delaware on November 22, 2013. NOW operates primarily under the DistributionNOW and DNOW brands. NOW is a global distributor of energy products as well as products for industrial applications through its locations in the United States (“U.S.”), Canada and internationally which are geographically positioned to serve the energy and industrial markets in approximately 80 countries. Additionally, through the Company’s growing DigitalNOW® platform, customers can leverage world-class technology across ecommerce, data management and supply chain optimization applications to solve a wide array of complex operational and product sourcing challenges to assist in maximizing their return on assets. The Company’s energy product offering is consumed throughout all sectors of the energy industry – from upstream drilling and completion, exploration and production, midstream infrastructure development to downstream petroleum refining and petrochemicals – as well as in other industries, such as chemical processing, mining, utilities and renewables. The industrial distribution end markets include engineering and construction firms that perform capital and maintenance projects for their end user clients. NOW also provides supply chain and materials management solutions to the same markets where the Company sells products. NOW’s supplier network consists of thousands of vendors in approximately 40 countries.

Basis of Presentation

All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. The unaudited consolidated financial information included in this report has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and Article 10 of SEC Regulation S-X. The principles for interim financial information do not require the inclusion of all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of the Company’s management, the consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, all of which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported and contingent amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassification

Certain amounts in the prior periods presented have been reclassified to conform to the current period financial statement presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on previously reported results of operations.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and payables approximated fair value because of the relatively short maturity of these instruments. Cash equivalents include only those investments having a maturity date of three months or less at the time of purchase. See Note 12 “Derivative Financial Instruments” for the fair value of derivative financial instruments.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), which provides optional expedients and exceptions to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. Entities that elect the relief are required to disclose the nature of the optional expedients and exceptions that are adopted and the reasons for the adoptions. The guidance is effective upon issuance and the expedients and exceptions may be applied prospectively through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2020-04 but does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements. 

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2. Revenue

The Company’s primary source of revenue is the sale of energy products and an extensive selection of products for industrial applications based upon purchase orders or contracts with customers. The majority of revenue is recognized at a point in time once the Company has determined that the customer has obtained control over the product. Control is typically deemed to have been transferred to the customer when the product is shipped, delivered or picked up by the customer. The Company does not grant extended payment terms. Revenue is recognized net of any taxes collected from customers, which are subsequently remitted to government authorities. Shipping and handling costs for product shipments occur prior to the customer obtaining control of the goods and are recorded in cost of products.

The amount of revenue recognized reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to receive in exchange for products sold. Revenue is recorded at the transaction price net of estimates of variable consideration, if any, which may include product returns, trade discounts and allowances. The Company accrues for variable consideration using the expected value method. Estimates of variable consideration are included in revenue to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur.

See Note 7 “Business Segments” for disaggregation of revenue by reporting segments. The Company believes this disaggregation best depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.

Remaining Performance Obligations

Remaining performance obligations represent the transaction price of firm orders for which work has not been performed on contracts with an original expected duration of more than one year. The Company’s contracts are predominantly short-term in nature with a contract term of one year or less. For those contracts, the Company has utilized the practical expedient in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606 exempting the Company from disclosure of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations when the performance obligation is part of a contract that has an original expected duration of one year or less.

Receivables

Receivables are recorded when the Company has an unconditional right to consideration. Receivables are recorded and carried at the original invoiced amount less the allowance for doubtful accounts (“AFDA”). The estimated AFDA reflects the Company’s immediate recognition of current expected credit losses by incorporating the historical loss experience, as well as current and future market conditions that are reasonably available. Judgments in the estimate of AFDA include global economic and business conditions, oil and gas industry and market conditions, customer’s financial conditions and accounts receivable past due. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, AFDA totaled $25 million and $28 million, respectively.

Contract Assets and Liabilities

Contract assets primarily consist of retainage amounts held as a form of security by customers until the Company satisfies its remaining performance obligations. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, contract assets were less than $1 million and $1 million, respectively, and were included in receivables, net in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company generally accounts for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that the entity otherwise would have recognized is one year or less. These expenses were not material for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020.

Contract liabilities primarily consist of deferred revenues recorded when customer payments are received or due in advance of satisfying performance obligations, including amounts which are refundable, and other accrued customer liabilities. Revenue recognition is deferred to a future period until the Company completes its obligations contractually agreed with customers. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, contract liabilities were $24 million and $19 million, respectively, and were included in accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the increase in contract liabilities was primarily related to net customer deposits of approximately $15 million, partially offset by recognizing revenue of approximately $10 million that was deferred as of December 31, 2020. 

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3. Property, Plant and Equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment consist of (in millions):

	Estimated Useful Lives	September 30, 2021			December 31, 2020
Information technology assets	1-7 Years	$	48		$	49
Operating equipment (1)	2-15 Years		129			101
Buildings and land (2)	5-35 Years		92			102
Construction in progress			3			1
Total property, plant and equipment			272			253
Less: accumulated depreciation			(157	)		(155	)
Property, plant and equipment, net		$	115		$	98

(1)Includes finance lease right-of-use assets.

(2)Land has an indefinite life.

As of September 30, 2021, $2 million of property, plant and equipment primarily in the U.S. segment was held-for-sale and included in prepaid and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recognized nil and $4 million, respectively, of impairment charges relating to held-for-sale assets and operating right-of-use assets which were included in impairment charges in the consolidated statements of operations.

4. Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of (in millions):

	September 30, 2021		December 31, 2020
Compensation and other related expenses	$	32	$	27
Contract liabilities		24		19
Taxes (non-income)		10		10
Current portion of operating lease liabilities		15		17
Other		24		22
Total	$	105	$	95

5. Debt

On April 30, 2018, the Company replaced its existing senior secured revolving credit facility and entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with a syndicate of lenders with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association serving as the administrative agent. The five-year Credit Facility provides for a $750 million global revolving credit facility (with a letter of credit sub-facility of $60 million and a swing line sub-facility of 10% of the facility amount), of which up to $100 million is available for the Company’s Canadian subsidiaries and $40 million for the Company’s UK subsidiaries. The Company has the right, subject to certain conditions, to increase the aggregate principal amount of commitments under the credit facility by $250 million. The obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by substantially all the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Credit Facility contains customary covenants, representations and warranties and events of default. The Company will be required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.00:1.00 as of the end of each fiscal quarter if excess availability under the Credit Facility falls below the greater of 12.5% of the borrowing base or $60 million.

Borrowings under the Credit Facility will bear an interest rate at the Company’s option, at (i) the base rate plus an applicable margin based on the Company’s fixed charge coverage ratio (and if applicable, the Company’s leverage ratio); or (ii) the greater of LIBOR for the applicable interest period and zero, plus an applicable margin based on the Company’s fixed charge coverage ratio (and if applicable, the Company’s leverage ratio). The Credit Facility includes a commitment fee on the unused portion of commitments that ranges from 25 to 37.5 basis points. Commitment fees incurred during the period were included in other expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Availability under the Credit Facility is determined by a borrowing base comprised of eligible receivables and eligible inventory in the U.S and Canada. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had no borrowings against the Credit Facility and approximately $248 million in availability (as defined in the Credit Facility) resulting in the excess availability (as defined in the Credit Facility) of 98%, subject to certain limitations. The Company is not obligated to repay borrowings against the Credit Facility until the expiration date.

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The Company issued $5 million in letters of credit under the Credit Facility primarily for casualty insurance expiring in June 2022.

6. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows (in millions):

	Foreign Currency
	Translation Adjustments
Balance at December 31, 2020	$	(145	)
Other comprehensive loss		(1	)
Balance at September 30, 2021	$	(146	)

The Company’s reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. A majority of the Company’s international entities in which there is a substantial investment have the local currency as their functional currency. As a result, foreign currency translation adjustments resulting from the process of translating the entities’ financial statements into the reporting currency are reported in other comprehensive income or loss in accordance with ASC Topic 830, “Foreign Currency Matters.”

7. Business Segments

Operating results by reportable segment are as follows (in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020			2021			2020
Revenue:
United States	$	312	$	228		$	860		$	929
Canada		68		42			177			161
International		59		56			163			210
Total revenue	$	439	$	326		$	1,200		$	1,300
Operating profit (loss):
United States	$	4	$	(22	)	$	(12	)	$	(250	)
Canada		5		3			11			(60	)
International		1		(2	)		3			(73	)
Total operating profit (loss)	$	10	$	(21	)	$	2		$	(383	)

8. Income Taxes

The effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, were 29.7% and (117.1%), respectively, compared to (4.1%) and 0.6%, respectively, for the corresponding periods of 2020. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, was primarily driven by the low level of pre-tax income and losses netted across all jurisdictions. In general, the effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate due to recurring items, such as differing tax rates on income earned in certain foreign jurisdictions, nondeductible expenses, state income taxes and the change in valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets. Due to the continuing uncertainty in the Company’s industry, the Company continues to utilize the method of recording income taxes on a year-to-date effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021. The Company will evaluate its use of this method each quarter until such time as a return to the annualized estimated effective tax rate method is deemed appropriate.

The Company is subject to taxation in the U.S., various states and foreign jurisdictions. The Company has significant operations in the U.S. and Canada and to a lesser extent in various other international jurisdictions. Tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions vary by legal entity but are generally open in the U.S. for the tax years ending after 2017 and outside the U.S. for the tax years ending after 2014.

9. Earnings (Loss) Per Share

For the three months ended September 30, 2021, approximately 4 million of potentially dilutive shares were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share due to their antidilutive effect. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, approximately 5 million of potentially dilutive shares were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share due to the

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Company recognizing a net loss. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, approximately 6 million of potentially dilutive shares were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share due to the Company recognizing a net loss.

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are as follows (in millions, except share data):

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020			2021			2020
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company	$	5	$	(22	)	$	(7	)	$	(383	)
Less: net income attributable to participating securities		—		—			—			—
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company's stockholders	$	5	$	(22	)	$	(7	)	$	(383	)
Denominator:
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding		110,558,831		109,379,627			110,351,625			109,323,228
Effect of dilutive securities		71,857		—			—			—
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding		110,630,688		109,379,627			110,351,625			109,323,228
Earnings per share attributable to the Company's stockholders:
Basic	$	0.05	$	(0.20	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(3.50	)
Diluted	$	0.05	$	(0.20	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(3.50	)

Under ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share”, the two-class method requires a portion of net income attributable to the Company to be allocated to participating securities, which are unvested awards of share-based payments with non-forfeitable rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, if declared. Net loss is not allocated to unvested awards in periods the Company determines that those shares are not obligated to participate in losses. For the periods that the Company recognized net income, net income attributable to the Company allocated to these participating securities was excluded from net income attributable to the Company’s stockholders in the numerator of the earnings per share computation.

10. Stock-based Compensation and Outstanding Awards

The Company has a stock-based compensation plan known as the NOW Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). Under the Plan, the Company’s employees are eligible to be granted stock options, restricted stock awards (“RSAs”), restricted stock units and phantom shares (“RSUs”), and performance stock awards (“PSAs”).

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company granted 750,296 stock options with a weighted average fair value of $5.03 per share and 430,085 shares of RSAs and RSUs with a weighted average fair value of $10.31 per share. In addition, the Company granted PSAs to senior management employees with potential payouts varying from zero to 912,318 shares. These options vest over a three-year period from the grant date on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards. The RSAs and RSUs vest on the first and third anniversary of the date of grant. The PSAs can be earned based on performance against established metrics over a three-year performance period. The PSAs are divided into three independent parts that are subject to separate performance metrics: (i) one-half of the PSAs have a Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) metric, (ii) one-quarter of the PSAs have an EBITDA metric, and (iii) one-quarter of the PSAs have a Return on Capital Employed (“ROCE”) metric.

Performance against the TSR metric is determined by comparing the performance of the Company’s TSR with the TSR performance of designated peer companies for the three-year performance period. Performance against the EBITDA metric is determined by comparing the performance of the Company’s actual EBITDA average for each of the three-years of the performance period against the EBITDA metrics set by the Company’s Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Performance against the ROCE metric is determined by comparing the performance of the Company’s actual ROCE average for each of the three-years of the performance period against the ROCE metrics set by the Company’s Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

Stock-based compensation expense recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, totaled $2 million and $6 million, respectively, compared to $3 million and $4 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods of 2020.

11. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is involved in various claims, regulatory agency audits and pending or threatened legal actions involving a variety of matters. The Company has also assessed the potential for additional losses above the amounts accrued as well as potential losses for matters that are not probable but are reasonably possible. The total potential loss on these matters cannot be determined; however, in

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the Company’s opinion, any ultimate liability, to the extent not otherwise recorded or accrued for, will not materially affect the Company’s financial position, cash flow or results of operations. These estimated liabilities are based on the Company’s assessment of the nature of these matters, their progress toward resolution, the advice of legal counsel and outside experts as well as management’s intention and experience.

The Company’s business is affected both directly and indirectly by governmental laws and regulations relating to the oilfield service industry in general, as well as by environmental and safety regulations that specifically apply to the Company’s business. Although the Company has not incurred material costs in connection with its compliance with such laws, there can be no assurance that other developments, such as new environmental laws, regulations and enforcement policies hereunder may not result in additional, presently unquantifiable costs or liabilities to the Company. The Company does not accrue for contingent losses that, in its judgment, are considered to be reasonably possible but not probable. Estimating reasonably possible losses also requires the analysis of multiple possible outcomes that often depend on judgments about potential actions by third parties.

The Company maintains credit arrangements with several banks providing for standby letters of credit, including bid and performance bonds, and other bonding requirements. As of September 30, 2021, the Company was contingently liable for approximately $11 million of outstanding standby letters of credit and surety bonds. The Company does not believe, based on historical experience and information currently available, that it is probable that any amounts will be required to be paid.

12. Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. The primary risk managed by using derivative instruments is foreign currency exchange rate risk. The Company has entered into certain financial derivative instruments to manage this risk.

The derivative financial instruments the Company has entered into are forward exchange contracts which have terms of less than one year to economically hedge foreign currency exchange rate risk on recognized non-functional currency monetary accounts. The purpose of the Company’s foreign currency economic hedging activities is to economically hedge the Company’s risk from changes in the fair value of non-functional currency denominated monetary accounts.

The Company records all derivative financial instruments at their fair value in its consolidated balance sheets. None of the derivative financial instruments that the Company holds are designated as either a fair value hedge or cash flow hedge and the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is recorded in earnings. The Company has determined that the fair value of its derivative financial instruments are computed using level 2 inputs (inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability) in the fair value hierarchy as the fair value is based on publicly available foreign exchange rates at each financial reporting date. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the fair value of the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts totaled an asset of less than $1 million in both periods, which was included in prepaid and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets; and totaled a liability of less than $1 million in both periods, which was included in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recorded a loss of less than $1 million in both periods related to changes in fair value. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company recorded a gain of less than $1 million and a loss of less than $1 million, respectively, related to changes in fair value. All gains and losses were included in other expense in the consolidated statements of operations. The notional principal associated with those contracts was $9 million and $8 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

As of September 30, 2021, the Company’s financial instruments do not contain any credit-risk-related or other contingent features that could cause accelerated payments when the Company’s financial instruments are in net liability positions. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

13. Acquisitions

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company completed two acquisitions for an aggregate purchase price consideration of approximately $119 million. The aggregate purchase price was comprised of $96 million of cash, subject to working capital adjustments, and an estimated $23 million of contingent consideration if certain financial and profitability thresholds are achieved following the closing of the transactions. The acquisition date fair value of contingent consideration was approximately $19 million in other current liabilities and approximately $4 million in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. These acquisitions primarily expanded the Company’s offering in the U.S. to provide the rental, sale and service of surface-mounted horizontal pumping systems and horizontal jet pumping systems, as well as, to provide engineering and construction services. The

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Company has included the financial results of the acquisitions in its consolidated financial statements from the date of each acquisition.

The fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration liabilities was determined using the Monte Carlo simulation based on the Company's estimated future cash flow projections, the probability of achievement and the estimated discount rates, all of which were classified as level 3 inputs under the fair value hierarchy. One acquisition has a maximum contingent payment of approximately $6 million based on a 3.25-year earn-out period. The other acquisition has no maximum payment based on a 1-year earn-out period for which the undiscounted estimated range of outcomes was $0 to $45 million and the estimated fair value used a discount rate of 14.0% as of September 30, 2021. Changes in business conditions or other events could significantly change the level 3 inputs, and therefore could result in material changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration. For the three months ended on September 30, 2021, the increase in the fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities was approximately $1 million which was recorded in other expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

In 2021, the Company performed its preliminary valuations as of the applicable acquisition dates of the acquired net assets and recognized estimated goodwill of $66 million and intangible assets of $11 million in the U.S. segment, which are subject to change. If additional information is obtained about these assets and liabilities within the measurement period (not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition), through physical asset inspections and learning more about the newly acquired businesses, the Company will refine its estimate of fair value to allocate the purchase price more accurately.

The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation detail (in millions):

	As of September 30, 2021
Consideration transferred:
Cash	$	96
Estimated fair value of contingent consideration		23
Net purchase price	$	119
Fair value of net assets acquired:
Current assets other than cash	$	8
Property, plant and equipment		36
Customer relationships and other intangibles (1)		11
Other assets and liabilities, net		(2	)
Total fair value of net assets acquired	$	53
Goodwill (2)	$	66

(1)Intangible assets acquired are amortized over a 9-year weighted average period.

(2)The amount of goodwill represents the excess of its purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill includes the expected benefit that the Company believes will result from combining its operations with those of the businesses acquired. The amount of goodwill expected to be deductible for income tax purposes is approximately $60 million, subject to changes in the fair value of contingent consideration liability subsequent to the acquisition date.

The Company has not presented supplemental pro forma information because the acquired operations did not materially impact the Company’s consolidated operating results. One acquisition involved a party with which one of the Company’s former Board of Directors is affiliated. See “Capital Spending” in Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for additional information. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recognized approximately $2 million of acquisition-related costs.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the information in this document contains, or has incorporated by reference, forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements typically are identified by use of terms such as “may,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “predict,” “estimate,” “will be” or other similar words and phrases, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. You should be aware that our actual results could differ materially from results anticipated in the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including, but not limited to, changes in oil and gas prices, changes in the energy markets, customer demand for our products, significant changes in the size of our customers, difficulties encountered in integrating mergers and acquisitions, general volatility in the capital markets, disruptions caused by COVID-19, changes in applicable government regulations, increased borrowing costs, competition between us and our former parent company, NOV Inc., formerly National Oilwell Varco, Inc. (“NOV”), the triggering of rights and obligations in connection with our spin-off and separation from NOV or any litigation arising out of or related thereto, impairments in long-lived assets and worldwide economic activity. You should also consider carefully the statements under “Risk Factors,” as disclosed in our Form 10-K, which address additional factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, current or prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update any such factors or forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments.

Company Overview

We are a global distributor to the oil and gas and industrial markets with a legacy of over 150 years. We operate primarily under the DistributionNOW and DNOW brands. Through a network of approximately 195 locations and approximately 2,400 employees worldwide, we offer a complementary suite of digital procurement channels, in conjunction with our locations, that provides products to the energy and industrial markets around the world.

Additionally, through our growing DigitalNOW® platform, customers can leverage world-class technology across ecommerce, data management and supply chain optimization applications to solve a wide array of complex operational and product sourcing challenges to assist in maximizing their return on assets.

Our energy product offering is consumed throughout all sectors of the energy industry – from upstream drilling and completion, exploration and production, midstream infrastructure development to downstream petroleum refining and petrochemicals – as well as in other industries, such as chemical processing, mining, utilities and renewables. The industrial distribution end markets include engineering and construction firms that perform capital and maintenance projects for their end user clients. We also provide supply chain and materials management solutions to the same markets where we sell products.

Our global product offering includes consumable maintenance, repair and operating (“MRO”) supplies, pipe, valves, fittings, flanges, gaskets, fasteners, electrical, instrumentation, artificial lift, pumping solutions, valve actuation and modular process, measurement and control equipment. We also offer procurement, warehouse and inventory management solutions as part of our supply chain and materials management offering. We have developed expertise in providing application systems, work processes, parts integration, optimization solutions and after-sales support.

Our solutions include outsourcing portions or entire functions of our customers’ procurement, warehouse and inventory management, logistics, point of issue technology, project management, business process and performance metrics reporting. These solutions allow us to leverage the infrastructure of our SAP™ Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) system and other technologies to streamline our customers’ purchasing process, from requisition to procurement to payment, by digitally managing workflow, improving approval routing and providing robust reporting functionality.

We support land and offshore operations for all the major oil and gas producing regions around the world through our network of locations. Our key markets, beyond North America, include Latin America, the North Sea, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and the former Soviet Union. Products sold through our locations support greenfield expansion upstream capital projects, midstream infrastructure and transmission and MRO consumables used in day-to-day production. We provide downstream energy and industrial products for petroleum refining, chemical processing, liquefied natural gas terminals, power generation utilities operations and customer on-site locations.

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We stock or sell approximately 300,000 stock keeping units through our branch network. Our supplier network consists of thousands of vendors in approximately 40 countries. From our operations in over 20 countries we sell to customers operating in approximately 80 countries. The supplies and equipment stocked by each of our branches are customized to meet varied and changing local customer demands. The breadth and scale of our offering enhances our value proposition to our customers, suppliers and shareholders.

We employ advanced information technologies, including a common ERP platform across most of our business, to provide complete procurement, warehouse and inventory management and logistics coordination to our customers around the globe. Having a common ERP platform allows immediate visibility into our inventory assets, operations and financials worldwide, enhancing decision making and efficiency.

Demand for our products is driven primarily by the level of oil and gas drilling, completions, servicing, production, transmission, refining and petrochemical activities. It is also influenced by the global supply and demand for energy, the economy in general and geopolitics. Several factors drive spending, such as investment in energy infrastructure, the North American conventional and shale plays, market expectations of future developments in the oil, natural gas, liquids, refined products, petrochemical, plant maintenance and other industrial and energy sectors.

We have expanded globally, through acquisitions and organic investments, into Australia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Egypt, England, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and the United States (“U.S.”).

Summary of Reportable Segments

We operate through three reportable segments: U.S., Canada and International. The segment data included in our Management’s Discussion and Analysis are presented on a basis consistent with our internal management reporting. Segment information appearing in Note 7 “Business Segments” of the notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements (Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q) is also presented on this basis.

United States

We have approximately 130 locations in the U.S., which are geographically positioned to best serve the upstream, midstream and downstream energy and industrial markets.

We offer higher value solutions in key product lines in the U.S. which broaden and deepen our customer relationships and related product line value. Examples of these include artificial lift, pumps, valves and valve actuation, process and production equipment, fluid transfer products, measurement and controls, spoolable and coated steel-pipe and composite pipe, along with many other products required by our customers, which enable them to focus on their core business while we manage varying degrees of their supply chain. We also provide additional value to our customers through the engineering, design, construction, assembly, fabrication and optimization of products and equipment essential to the safe and efficient production, transportation and processing of oil and gas.

Canada

We have a network of approximately 40 locations in the Canadian oilfield, predominantly in the oil rich provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and other targeted locations across the country. Our Canada segment primarily serves the energy exploration, production, mining and drilling business, offering customers many of the same products and value-added solutions that we perform in the U.S. In Canada, we also provide training for, and supervise the installation of, jointed and spoolable composite pipe. This product line is supported by inventory, as well as product and installation expertise to serve our customers.

International

We operate in approximately 20 countries and serve the needs of our international customers from approximately 25 locations outside the U.S. and Canada, which are strategically located in major oil and gas development areas. Our approach in these markets is similar to our approach in North America, as our customers turn to us to provide products and supply chain solutions support closer to their drilling and exploration activities. Our long legacy of operating in many international regions, combined with significant expansion into several key markets, provides a competitive advantage as few of our competitors have a presence in most of the global energy producing regions.

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Basis of Presentation

All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. The unaudited consolidated financial information included in this report has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and Article 10 of SEC Regulation S-X. The principles for interim financial information do not require the inclusion of all the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of our management, the consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, all of which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Operating Environment Overview

Our results are dependent on, among other factors, the level of worldwide oil and gas drilling and completions, well remediation activity, crude oil and natural gas prices, capital spending by oilfield service companies and drilling contractors, and the worldwide oil and gas inventory levels. Key industry indicators for the third quarter of 2021 and 2020 and the second quarter of 2021 include the following:

					%					%
					3Q21 v					3Q21 v
	3Q21*		3Q20*		3Q20			2Q21*		2Q21
Active Drilling Rigs:
U.S.		498		254		96.1	%		451		10.4	%
Canada		151		48		214.6	%		73		106.8	%
International		772		731		5.6	%		734		5.2	%
Worldwide		1,421		1,033		37.6	%		1,258		13.0	%
West Texas Intermediate Crude Prices (per barrel)	$	70.62	$	40.89		72.7	%	$	66.09		6.9	%
Natural Gas Prices ($/MMBtu)	$	4.36	$	2.00		118.0	%	$	2.94		48.3	%
Hot-Rolled Coil Prices (steel) ($/short ton)	$	1,817.07	$	516.89		251.5	%	$	1,460.30		24.4	%

* Averages for the quarters indicated. See sources on following page.

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The following table details the U.S., Canadian and international rig activity and West Texas Intermediate oil prices for the past nine quarters ended September 30, 2021:

 

Sources: Rig count: Baker Hughes, Inc. (www.bakerhughes.com); West Texas Intermediate Crude and Natural Gas Prices: Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration (www.eia.doe.gov); Hot-Rolled Coil Prices: SteelBenchmarker™ Hot Roll Coil USA (www.steelbenchmarker.com)

The worldwide quarterly average rig count increased 13.0% (from 1,258 rigs to 1,421 rigs) and the U.S. increased 10.4% (from 451 rigs to 498 rigs) in the third quarter of 2021 compared to the second quarter of 2021. The average price per barrel of West Texas Intermediate Crude increased 6.9% (from $66.09 per barrel to $70.62 per barrel), and natural gas prices increased 48.3% (from $2.94 per MMBtu to $4.36 per MMBtu) in the third quarter of 2021 compared to the second quarter of 2021. The average price per short ton of Hot-Rolled Coil increased 24.4% (from $1,460.30 per short ton to $1,817.07 per short ton) in the third quarter of 2021 compared to the second quarter of 2021.

U.S. rig count at October 15, 2021 was 543 rigs, up 45 rigs from the third quarter 2021 average. The price for West Texas Intermediate Crude was $82.39 per barrel at October 15, 2021, up 16.7% from the third quarter 2021 average. The price for natural gas was $5.44 per MMBtu at October 15, 2021, up 24.8% from the third quarter 2021 average. The price for Hot-Rolled Coil was $1,944.00 per short ton at October 11, 2021, up 7.0% from the third quarter 2021 average.

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Executive Summary

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company generated a net income of $5 million and a net loss of $7 million on $439 million and $1,200 million in revenue, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, revenue increased $113 million or 34.7% and decreased $100 million or 7.7%, respectively, and net income increased $27 million and net loss improved $376 million, respectively, when compared to the corresponding periods of 2020.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company generated an operating profit of $10 million and $2 million, respectively, compared to an operating loss of $21 million and $383 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods of 2020.

Outlook

Our outlook for the Company remains tied to crude oil and natural gas commodity prices, global oil and gas drilling and completions activity, oil and gas spending, and global demand for oil, its refined petroleum products, crude oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production and decline rates. Crude oil prices and natural gas as well as crude oil and natural gas storage levels are primary catalysts determining customer activity.

Uncertainty still exists concerning the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the economy and global oil and gas demand. Amid these dynamics, we will continue to optimize our operations, advance our strategic goals and manage the Company based on market conditions. To navigate this challenging environment, we have undergone a significant cost transformation by taking decisive actions to cut costs, accelerate structural changes and deploy various technologies to optimize processes, increase productivity and grow revenue through expanding digital channels. We will continue to adapt to market activity as appropriate to position the Company for the opportunities ahead. As market conditions evolve, our response may result in various charges in future periods.

We see the rise in energy transition investments as an opportunity for us to supply many of the current products and services we provide, as well as an opportunity to partner and source from new suppliers to expand our offering, to meet our customers’ needs for their energy transition investments. A number of our larger customers are leading the investments in energy transition projects where we expect to continue to supply them while expanding our offerings to meet their changing requirements. We are also targeting new customers that will play a part in the future of energy transition.

Results of Operations

Operating results by reportable segment are as follows (in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021		2020			2021			2020
Revenue:
United States	$	312	$	228		$	860		$	929
Canada		68		42			177			161
International		59		56			163			210
Total revenue	$	439	$	326		$	1,200		$	1,300
Operating profit (loss):
United States	$	4	$	(22	)	$	(12	)	$	(250	)
Canada		5		3			11			(60	)
International		1		(2	)		3			(73	)
Total operating profit (loss)	$	10	$	(21	)	$	2		$	(383	)

United States

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, revenue was $312 million and $860 million, an increase of $84 million or 36.8% and a decline of $69 million or 7.4%, respectively, when compared to the corresponding periods of 2020. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the changes were primarily driven by the fluctuations in U.S. drilling and completions activity.

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For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the U.S. generated an operating profit of $4 million and loss of $12 million, an improvement of $26 million and $238 million, respectively, when compared to the corresponding periods of 2020. For the three months ended September 30, 2021, operating profit increased primarily due to the increase in revenue discussed above, coupled with lower inventory charges. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, operating loss improved primarily due to a $184 million reduction in impairment charges and reduced operating expenses.

Canada

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, revenue was $68 million and $177 million, an increase of $26 million or 61.9% and $16 million or 9.9%, respectively, when compared to the corresponding periods of 2020. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the changes were primarily driven by the fluctuations in Canadian rig count and favorable foreign exchange rate impacts.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, Canada generated an operating profit of $5 million and $11 million, an increase of $2 million and $71 million, respectively, when compared to the corresponding periods of 2020. For the three months ended September 30, 2021, operating profit increased primarily due to the increase in revenue discussed above, partially offset by a reduction in Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, operating profit increased primarily due to $60 million in impairment charges in the first quarter of 2020 that did not repeat and increase in revenue discussed above.

International

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, revenue was $59 million and $163 million, an increase of $3 million or 5.4% and a decline of $47 million or 22.4%, respectively, when compared to the corresponding periods of 2020. For the three months ended September 30, 2021, the increase was primarily driven by stronger project activity and favorable foreign exchange rate impacts. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the revenue decline was driven by softer project activity, partially offset by favorable foreign exchange rate impacts.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the International segment generated an operating profit of $1 million and $3 million, an increase of $3 million and $76 million, respectively, when compared to the corresponding periods of 2020. For the three months ended September 30, 2021, operating profit increased primarily due to lower operating expenses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, operating profit increased primarily due to $72 million in impairment charges in the first quarter of 2020 that did not repeat and lower operating expenses.

Cost of products

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, cost of products was $343 million and $944 million, respectively, compared to $264 million and $1,053 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods of 2020. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the changes were primarily due to fluctuations in revenue and lower inventory charges in the periods. Cost of products includes the cost of inventory sold and related items, such as vendor consideration, inventory allowances, amortization of intangibles and inbound and outbound freight.

Warehousing, selling and administrative expenses

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, warehousing, selling and administrative expenses were $86 million and $250 million, respectively, compared to $83 million and $310 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods of 2020. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the changes were due to improved operating efficiencies and workforce reductions. Warehousing, selling and administrative expenses include branch location, distribution center and regional expenses (including costs such as compensation, benefits and rent) as well as corporate general selling and administrative expenses.

Impairment charges

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, impairment charges were nil and $4 million, respectively, compared to nil and $320 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods of 2020. The Company recognized approximately $4 million related to held-for-sale assets and operating right-of-use assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

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Other expense

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, other expense was $3 million and $5 million, respectively, compared to nil and $2 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods of 2020. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, other expense primarily related to unfavorable foreign exchange rate impacts and the increase in the fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities of approximately $1 million.

Provision for income taxes

The effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, were 29.7% and (117.1%), respectively, compared to (4.1%) and 0.6%, respectively, for the corresponding periods of 2020. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, was primarily driven by the low level of pre-tax income and losses netted across all jurisdictions. In general, the effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate due to recurring items, such as differing tax rates on income earned in certain foreign jurisdictions, nondeductible expenses, state income taxes and the change in valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets.

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Non-GAAP Financial Measure and Reconciliation

In an effort to provide investors with additional information regarding our results of operations as determined by GAAP, we disclose non-GAAP financial measures. The primary non-GAAP financial measure we disclose is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, excluding other costs (“EBITDA excluding other costs”). This financial measure excludes the impact of certain amounts and is not calculated in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure, to its most comparable GAAP financial measure, is included below.

We use EBITDA excluding other costs internally to evaluate and manage the Company’s operations because we believe it provides useful supplemental information regarding the Company’s ongoing economic performance. We have chosen to provide this information to investors to enable them to perform more meaningful comparisons of operating results.

The following table sets forth the reconciliations of EBITDA excluding other costs to the most comparable GAAP financial measures (in millions):

	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021			2020			2021			2020
GAAP net income (loss) (1)	$	5		$	(22	)	$	(7	)	$	(383	)
Interest, net		—			—			—			—
Income tax provision (benefit)		2			1			4			(2	)
Depreciation and amortization		6			6			18			23
Other costs (2)		2			—			7			334
EBITDA excluding other costs	$	15		$	(15	)	$	22		$	(28	)
EBITDA % excluding other costs (3)		3.4	%		(4.6	%)		1.8	%		(2.2	%)

(1)We believe that net income (loss) is the financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP that is most directly comparable to EBITDA excluding other costs. EBITDA excluding other costs measures the Company’s operating performance without regard to certain expenses. EBITDA excluding other costs is not a presentation made in accordance with GAAP and the Company’s computation of EBITDA excluding other costs may vary from others in the industry. EBITDA excluding other costs has important limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under GAAP.

(2)For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, other costs primarily included impairment charges and transaction-related expenses, which were included in operating profit, and the increase in the fair value of contingent consideration liabilities, which was included in other expense.

(3)EBITDA % excluding other costs is defined as EBITDA excluding other costs divided by Revenue.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

We assess liquidity in terms of our ability to generate cash to fund operating, investing and financing activities. We expect resources to be available to reinvest in existing businesses, strategic acquisitions and capital expenditures to meet short and long-term objectives. We believe that cash on hand, cash generated from expected results of operations and amounts available under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund operations, anticipated working capital needs and other cash requirements, including capital expenditures.

As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had cash and cash equivalents of $312 million and $387 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2021, $98 million of our cash and cash equivalents were maintained in the accounts of our various foreign subsidiaries. With the exception of the Company’s earnings in Canada and the United Kingdom, the Company’s foreign earnings continue to be indefinitely reinvested. During the first nine months of 2021, we repatriated $13 million from our Canadian operations. The Company makes a determination each period concerning its intent and ability to indefinitely reinvest the cash held by its foreign subsidiaries. No additional income taxes have been provided for other foreign earnings as these amounts continue to be indefinitely reinvested. Future changes to our indefinite reinvestment assertion could result in additional U.S. federal and state taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits) and withholding taxes payable in various foreign jurisdictions, where applicable.

As of September 30, 2021, we had no borrowings against our revolving credit facility, and had approximately $248 million in availability (as defined in the Credit Agreement) resulting in the excess availability (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of 98%, subject to certain restrictions. Borrowings that result in the excess availability dropping below the greater of 12.5% of the borrowing base or $60 million are conditioned upon compliance with or waiver of a minimum fixed charge ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). The credit facility contains usual and customary affirmative and negative covenants for credit facilities of this type including financial covenants. As of September 30, 2021, we were in compliance with all covenants. We continuously monitor compliance with debt covenants. A default, if not waived or amended, would prevent us from taking certain actions, such as incurring additional debt.

The following table summarizes our net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities, investing activities and financing activities for the periods presented (in millions):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2021			2020
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	28		$	133
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(99	)		19
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(3	)		(6	)

Operating Activities

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, net cash provided by operating activities was $28 million compared to $133 million provided by operating activities in the corresponding period of 2020. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to improved operating results, partially offset by a net increase in working capital as a result of growing market activity.

Investing Activities

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, net cash used in investing activities was $99 million compared to $19 million provided by investing activities in the corresponding period of 2020. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company used $96 million (net of cash acquired) to fund acquisitions.

Financing Activities

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, net cash used in financing activities was $3 million compared to $6 million used in financing activities in the corresponding period of 2020. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the activity was primarily attributed to the Company making payments relating to its finance lease arrangements partially offset by net proceeds from the exercise of stock options.

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Other

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the effect of the change in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents was a decrease of $1 million compared to a decrease of $4 million for the corresponding period of 2020.

Capital Spending

On April 1, 2021, we closed the acquisition from GR Energy Services of substantially all of the assets used in connection with its Flex Flow business (“Flex Flow Acquisition”), predominantly relating to the rental, sale and service of surface-mounted horizontal pumping systems and horizontal jet pumping systems in the U.S. The transaction consisted of an initial cash consideration of $90 million and additional contingent consideration if certain profitability thresholds are achieved during the one-year period following the closing of the transaction. Mr. J. Wayne Richards, who previously served on the Company’s Board of Directors, is a minority shareholder, President and Chief Executive Officer of GR Energy Services. Consistent with our related person transactions policy and code of conduct, Mr. Richards recused himself from all board discussions related to the Flex Flow Acquisition and did not participate in any negotiations with respect thereto. In August 2021, Mr. Richards resigned from the Company’s Board of Directors for personal reasons. The resignation was not the result of any disagreement with the Company or any of its affiliates on any matter relating to the Company's operations, policies or practices.

We intend to pursue additional acquisition candidates, but the timing, size or success of any acquisition effort and the related potential capital commitments cannot be predicted. We continue to expect to fund future cash acquisitions primarily with cash flow from operations and the usage of the available portion of the revolving credit facility. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available at terms acceptable to us.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We are often party to certain transactions that require off-balance sheet arrangements such as standby letters of credit and performance bonds and guarantees that are not reflected in our consolidated balance sheets. These arrangements are made in our normal course of business and they are not reasonably likely to have a current or future material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or cash flows.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

For a discussion of the critical accounting policies and estimates that we use in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. In preparing the financial statements, the Company makes assumptions, estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported. The Company periodically evaluates its estimates and judgments that are most critical in nature, which are related to allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory reserves, goodwill, intangible assets, contingent consideration, purchase price allocation of acquisitions, vendor consideration, stock-based compensation and income taxes. Its estimates are based on historical experience and on its future expectations that the Company believes are reasonable. The combination of these factors forms the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results are likely to differ from our current estimates and those differences may be material.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to certain market risks that are inherent in our financial instruments and arise from changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We may enter into derivative financial instrument transactions to manage or reduce market risk but do not enter into derivative financial instrument transactions for speculative purposes. We do not currently have any material outstanding derivative instruments. See Note 12 “Derivative Financial Instruments” to the consolidated financial statements.

A discussion of our primary market risk exposure in financial instruments is presented below.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We have operations in foreign countries and transact business globally in multiple currencies. Our net assets as well as our revenues and costs and expenses denominated in foreign currencies, expose us to the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar. Because we operate globally and approximately 30% of our net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 were outside the U.S., foreign currency exchange rates can impact our financial position, results of operations and competitive position. We are a net receiver of foreign currencies and therefore benefit from a weakening of the U.S. dollar and are adversely affected by a strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the foreign currency. As of September 30, 2021, our most significant foreign currency exposure was to the Canadian dollar, followed by the British pound, with less significant foreign currency exposure to the Australian dollar.

The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are translated into their U.S. dollar equivalents at end-of-period exchange rates for assets and liabilities, while revenue, costs and expenses are translated at average monthly exchange rates. Translation gains and losses are components of other comprehensive income (loss) as reported in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). For nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company realized a net foreign currency translation loss totaling $1 million, which was included in other comprehensive income (loss).

Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations generally do not materially affect our earnings since the functional currency is typically the local currency; however, our operations also have net assets not denominated in their functional currency, which exposes us to changes in foreign currency exchange rates that impact our net income as foreign currency transaction gains and losses. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses arising from fluctuations in currency exchange rates on transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as a component of other expense. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company reported foreign currency transaction loss of $1 million and gain of $2 million, respectively. Gains and losses are primarily due to exchange rate fluctuations related to monetary asset balances denominated in currencies other than the functional currency and fair value adjustments to economically hedged positions as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Some of the revenues for our foreign operations are denominated in U.S. dollars, and therefore, changes in foreign currency exchange rates impact earnings to the extent that costs associated with those U.S. dollar revenues are denominated in the local currency. Similarly, some of our revenues for our foreign operations are denominated in foreign currencies, but have associated U.S. dollar costs, which also give rise to foreign currency exchange rate exposure. In order to mitigate those risks, we may utilize foreign currency forward contracts to better match the currency of the revenues and the associated costs. Although we may utilize foreign currency forward contracts to economically hedge certain foreign currency denominated balances or transactions, we do not currently hedge the net investments in our foreign operations. The counterparties to our forward contracts are major financial institutions. The credit ratings and concentration of risk of these financial institutions are monitored by us on a continuing basis. In the event that the counterparties fail to meet the terms of a foreign currency contract, our exposure is limited to the foreign currency rate differential.

The average foreign exchange rate for the first nine months of 2021 compared to the average for the corresponding period of 2020 increased by approximately 8% compared to the U.S. dollar based on the aggregated weighted average revenue of our foreign-currency denominated foreign operations. The Canadian dollar, British pound and Australian dollar increased in relation to the U.S. dollar by approximately 8%, 9% and 12%, respectively.

We utilized a sensitivity analysis to measure the potential impact on earnings based on a hypothetical 10% change in foreign currency rates. A 10% change from the levels experienced during the first nine months of 2021 of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies that affected the Company would have resulted in a $1 million change in net loss for the same period.

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Commodity Steel Pricing

Our business is sensitive to steel prices, which can impact our product pricing, with steel tubular prices generally having the highest degree of sensitivity. While we cannot predict steel prices, we mitigate this risk by managing our inventory levels, including maintaining sufficient quantity on hand to meet demand, while limiting the risk of overstocking.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this report at a reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6. Exhibits

(a) Exhibits

Exhibit No.	Exhibit Description
2.1	Separation and Distribution Agreement between National Oilwell Varco, Inc. and NOW Inc. dated May 29, 2014 (1)
3.1	NOW Inc. Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (7)
3.2	NOW Inc. Amended and Restated Bylaws (7)
10.1	Tax Matters Agreement between National Oilwell Varco, Inc. and NOW Inc. dated May 29, 2014 (1)
10.2	Employee Matters Agreement between National Oilwell Varco, Inc. and NOW Inc. dated May 29, 2014 (1)
10.3	Master Distributor Agreement between National Oilwell Varco, L.P. and DNOW L.P. dated May 29, 2014 (1)
10.4	Master Service Agreement between National Oilwell Varco, L.P. and DNOW L.P. dated May 29, 2014 (1)
10.5	Form of Employment Agreement for Executive Officers (1)
10.6	NOW Inc. 2014 Incentive Compensation Plan (2)
10.7	Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (6 year cliff vest) (3)
10.8	Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (4)
10.9	Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (3 year cliff vest) (4)
10.10	Form of Performance Award Agreement (4)
10.11	Form of Amendment to Employment Agreement for Executive Officers (5)
10.12	Credit Agreement dated as of April 30, 2018, among the Borrowers, the lenders party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as administrative agent, an issuing lender and swing lender (6)
10.15	Employment Agreement between NOW Inc. and Chief Executive Officer David Cherechinsky (8)
10.16	Employment Agreement between NOW Inc. and Chief Financial Officer Mark Johnson (8)
31.1	Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14a and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act, as amended
31.2	Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14a and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act, as amended
32.1	Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2	Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS	Inline XBRL Instance Document – The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
101.SCH	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

(1) Filed as an Exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 30, 2014

(2) Filed as an Exhibit to our Amendment No.1 to Form 10, as amended, Registration Statement filed on April 8, 2014

(3) Filed as an Exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 19, 2014

(4) Filed as an Exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 7, 2015

(5) Filed as an Exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 2, 2016

(6) Filed as an Exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 1, 2018

(7) Filed as an Exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 21, 2020

(8) Filed as an Exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 2, 2020

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	Date: November 3, 2021
By:	/s/ Mark B. Johnson
Mark B. Johnson
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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