THE SPIN-OFF, SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND OTHER (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

THE SPIN-OFF, SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND OTHER

Until the Spin-off, the accompanying financial statements were derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Occidental and were presented on a combined basis for the pre-Spin-off periods. These financial statements reflect the historical results of operations, financial position and cash flows of the California business. All financial information presented after the Spin-off consists of the stand-alone consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows of CRC. We account for our share of oil and gas exploration and production ventures, in which we have a direct working interest, by reporting our proportionate share of assets, liabilities, revenues, costs and cash flows within the relevant lines on the balance sheets and statements of operations and cash flows.

The statements of operations for periods prior to the Spin-off include expense allocations for certain corporate functions and centrally-located activities historically performed by Occidental. These functions include executive oversight, accounting, treasury, tax, financial reporting, finance, internal audit, legal, risk management, information technology, government relations, public relations, investor relations, human resources, procurement, engineering, drilling, exploration, marketing, ethics and compliance, and certain other shared services. These allocations were based primarily on specific identification of time or activities associated with us, employee headcount or our relative size compared to Occidental. Our management believes the assumptions underlying the financial statements, including the assumptions regarding allocating expenses from Occidental, are reasonable. However, the financial statements for the pre-Spin-off periods may not include all of the actual expenses that would have been incurred, may include duplicative costs and may not reflect our results of operations, financial position and cash flows had we operated as a stand-alone public company during the periods presented. Actual costs that would have been incurred if we had been a stand-alone company prior to the Spin-off would depend on multiple factors, including organizational structure and strategic and operating decisions.

The assets and liabilities in the consolidated and combined financial statements are presented on a historical cost basis. We have eliminated all of our significant intercompany transactions and accounts. Prior to the Spin-off, we participated in Occidental’s centralized treasury management program and had not incurred any debt. Additionally, excess cash generated by our business was distributed to Occidental, and likewise our cash needs were provided by Occidental, in the form of contributions.

All financial information represents the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of CRC, as follows:

Our consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in equity for the year ended December 31, 2015 consist of the stand-alone consolidated results of CRC post Spin-off.

Our consolidated and combined statements of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2014 consist of the consolidated results for the month ended December 31, 2014 and the combined results of the California business prior to the Spin-off. Our statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 consist entirely of the combined results of the California business.

Our consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consist of the consolidated balances of CRC post Spin-off.

Our consolidated and combined statement of changes in equity for the year ended December 31, 2014 consists of both the California business prior to the Spin-off and the consolidated activity for CRC subsequent to the Spin-off. Our statements of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 consists entirely of the combined activity of the California business.

Had we been a stand-alone company for the full year 2014, and had the same level of debt throughout the year as we did on December 31, 2014, of approximately $6.4 billion, we would have incurred $314 million of interest expense, on a pro-forma basis, for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to the $72 million pre-tax interest expense reported in our statement of operations for the year then ended.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2015 presentation. In 2015, we changed the classification of certain employee-related costs between general and administrative expenses and production costs to better align these costs with the functions performed by those employees. Prior period amounts have been changed to conform to the current year classification.

Risks and Uncertainties

The process of preparing financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make informed estimates and judgments regarding certain types of financial statement balances and disclosures. Such estimates primarily relate to unsettled transactions and events as of the date of the financial statements and judgments on expected outcomes as well as the materiality of transactions and balances. Changes in facts and circumstances or discovery of new information relating to such transactions and events may result in revised estimates and judgments and actual results may differ from estimates upon settlement. Management believes that these estimates and judgments provide a reasonable basis for the fair presentation of our financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue from oil and natural gas production when title has passed from us to the transportation company or the customer, as applicable. We recognize our share of revenues net of any royalties and other third-party share.

Net Parent Company Investment

Prior to the Spin-off, our balance sheets included net parent company investment, which represented Occidental’s historical investment in us, our accumulated net income and the net effect of transactions with, and allocations from, Occidental.

Inventories

Materials and supplies are valued at weighted-average cost and are reviewed periodically for obsolescence. Finished goods include oil and natural gas products, which are valued at the lower of cost or market.

Property, Plant and Equipment

The carrying value of our property, plant and equipment (PP&E) represents the cost incurred to acquire or develop the asset, including any asset retirement obligations and capitalized interest, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A) and any impairment charges. For assets acquired, PP&E cost is based on fair values at the acquisition date. Asset retirement obligations are capitalized and amortized over the lives of the related assets.

We use the successful efforts method to account for our oil and gas properties. Under this method, we capitalize costs of acquiring properties, costs of drilling successful exploration wells and development costs. The costs of exploratory wells are initially capitalized pending a determination of whether we find proved reserves. If we find proved reserves, the costs of exploratory wells remain capitalized. Otherwise, we charge the costs of the related wells to expense. In some cases, we cannot determine whether we have found proved reserves at the completion of exploration drilling, and must conduct additional testing and evaluation of the wells. We generally expense the costs of such exploratory wells if we do not determine we have found proved reserves within a 12-month period after drilling is complete.

The following table summarizes the activity of capitalized exploratory well costs for the years ended December 31:

	2015		2014		2013
			(in millions)
Balance - Beginning of Year	$	4	$	18	$	18
Additions to capitalized exploratory well costs pending the determination of proved reserves	16		3		46
Reclassification to property, plant and equipment based on the determination of proved reserves	(5)		(8)		(31)
Capitalized exploratory well costs charged to expense	(9)		(9)		(15)

Balance - End of Year	$	6	$	4	$	18

We expense annual lease rentals, the costs of injection used in production and exploration geological, geophysical and seismic costs as incurred. Cost of maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, except that the costs of replacements that expand capacity or add proven oil and gas reserves are capitalized.

We determine depreciation and depletion of oil and gas producing properties by the unit-of-production method. We amortize acquisition costs over total proved reserves, and capitalized development and successful exploration costs over proved developed reserves. Substantially all of our total depreciation, depletion and amortization expense relates to production costs.

Proved oil and gas reserves and production volumes are used as the basis for recording depreciation and depletion of oil and gas properties. Proved reserves are those quantities of oil and natural gas which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible—from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations—prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation. We have no proved oil and gas reserves for which the determination of economic producibility is subject to the completion of major additional capital investments.

Our gas plant and power plant assets are depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the assets, using the straight-line method, with expected initial useful lives of the assets ranging from two to 30 years. Other non-producing property and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method based on expected initial lives of the individual assets or group of assets ranging from two to 20 years.

We perform impairment tests with respect to proved properties when product prices decline other than temporarily, reserves estimates change significantly, other significant events occur or management’s plans change with respect to these properties in a manner that may impact our ability to realize the recorded asset amounts. Impairment tests incorporate a number of assumptions involving expectations of undiscounted future cash flows, which can change significantly over time. These assumptions include estimates of future product prices, which we base on forward price curves and, when applicable, contractual prices, estimates of oil and gas reserves and estimates of future expected operating and development costs. Any impairment loss would be calculated as the excess of the asset’s net book value over its estimated fair value. We recognize any impairment loss on proved properties by adjusting the carrying amount of the asset.

A portion of the carrying value of our oil and gas properties is attributable to unproved properties. At December 31, 2015, the net capitalized costs attributable to unproved properties were approximately $300 million. The unproved amounts are not subject to DD&A until they are classified as proved properties. As exploration and development work progresses, if reserves on these properties are proved, capitalized costs attributable to the properties become subject to DD&A. If the exploration and development work were to be unsuccessful, or management decided not to pursue development of these properties as a result of lower commodity prices, higher development and operating costs, contractual conditions or other factors, the capitalized costs of the related properties would be expensed. The timing of any write-downs of these unproved properties, if warranted, depends upon management’s plans, the nature, timing and extent of future exploration and development activities and their results. We recognize any impairment loss on unproved properties by providing a valuation allowance.

At year end 2015, we performed impairment tests with respect to our proved and unproved properties triggered by the sharp drop in oil prices in the fourth quarter of 2015. As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2015, we recorded pre-tax asset impairment charges of $4.9 billion on certain proved and unproved properties throughout our asset base. Approximately $100 million of the charge was related to unproved acreage.

At year end 2014, we performed impairment tests with respect to our proved and unproved properties as a result of significant declines in oil prices largely during the last half of 2014. As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2014, we recorded pre-tax asset impairment charges of $3.4 billion on certain proved and unproved properties throughout our asset base. Approximately $650 million of the charge was related to unproved properties.

We evaluate our properties, in part, based on year-end forward price curves, as well as assessing projects we determined we would not pursue in the foreseeable future given the current environment.

Asset Retirement Obligations

We recognize the fair value of asset retirement obligations in the period in which a determination is made that a legal obligation exists to dismantle an asset and reclaim or remediate the property at the end of its useful life and the cost of the obligation can be reasonably estimated. The liability amounts are based on future retirement cost estimates and incorporate many assumptions such as time to abandonment, technological changes, future inflation rates and the risk-adjusted discount rate. When the liability is initially recorded, we capitalize the cost by increasing the related PP&E balances. If the estimated future cost of the asset retirement obligation changes, we record an adjustment to both the asset retirement obligation and PP&E. Over time, the liability is increased and expense is recognized for accretion, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the asset.

At certain of our facilities, we have identified asset retirement obligations that are related mainly to plant and field decommissioning, including plugging and abandonment of wells. In certain cases, we do not know or cannot estimate when we may settle these obligations and, therefore, we cannot reasonably estimate the fair value of these liabilities. We will recognize these asset retirement obligations in the periods in which sufficient information becomes available to reasonably estimate their fair values. Additionally, for certain plants, we do not have a legal obligation to decommission them and accordingly we have not recorded a liability.

The following table summarizes the activity of the asset retirement obligation, of which $343 million and $397 million is included in other long-term liabilities, with the remaining current portion in accrued liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

	For the years ended December 31,
	2015		2014
	(in millions)
Beginning balance	$	415	$	415
Liabilities incurred - capitalized to PP&E	7		19
Liabilities settled and paid	(18)		(29)
Accretion expense	20		22
Acquisitions, disposition and other - changes in PP&E	—		22
Revisions to estimated cash flows - changes in PP&E	(67)		(34)

Ending balance	$	357	$	415

Derivative Instruments

All of our current derivatives are carried at fair value and on a net basis when a legal right of offset exists with the same counterparty. Fair value gains and losses from derivative instruments are recognized in earnings in the current period and are reported on a net basis in the statements of operations.

Unless otherwise indicated, we use the term “hedge” to describe derivative instruments that are designed to achieve our hedging program goals, even though they are not necessarily accounted for as cash flow or fair value hedges.

Stock-based Incentive Plans

Stock-Based Incentive Plans

We have stockholder approved stock-based incentive plans for certain employees and directors that are more fully described in Note 11. A summary of our accounting policy for awards issued under our plans is as follows.

The fair value of stock options is measured on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option valuation model and expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The model uses various assumptions, based on management’s estimates at the time of grant, which impact the calculation of fair value and ultimately the amount of expense recognized over the vesting period of the stock option award. The expected life of stock options is calculated based on the simplified method and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be held prior to exercise. In the absence of adequate stock price history of our common stock, the volatility factor is based on the average volatilities of the stocks of a select group of peer companies. The risk-free interest rate is the implied yield available on zero coupon (U.S. Treasury Strip) T-notes at the grant date with a remaining term approximating the expected life. The dividend yield is the expected annual dividend yield over the expected life, expressed as a percentage of the stock price on the grant date. Of the required assumptions, the expected life of the stock option award and the expected volatility have the most significant impact on the fair value calculation. Estimates of fair value are not intended to, and may not, accurately predict the value ultimately realized by employees who receive the awards, and the ultimate value may not be indicative of the reasonableness of the original estimates of fair value made by us.

The performance targets under the 2015 Performance Stock Unit (PSU) awards are based 50% on achievement of specified VCI results and 50% on total shareholder return (TSR) relative to a selected peer group of companies over specified multi-year performance periods. The fair values of the VCI-based portions of the PSU awards are initially determined on the grant date based on an estimated performance achievement at the target level, and subsequently adjusted, as applicable, based on the VCI results. The fair values of the TSR-based portions of the PSUs are initially determined on the grant date, and subsequently for cash-settled awards, using a Monte Carlo simulation model based on applicable assumptions. The volatility is derived from corresponding peer group companies, which we used in the absence of adequate stock price history for our common stock. The expected life is based on the vesting period of the award. The risk-free rate is the implied yield available on zero coupon (U.S. Treasury Strip) T-notes at the time of grant and subsequent measurement periods with a remaining term equal to the remaining term of the awards. The dividend yield is the expected annual dividend yield over the term, expressed as a percentage of the stock price on the valuation date. Estimates of fair value are not intended to and may not accurately predict the value ultimately realized by the employees who receive the awards, and the ultimate value may not be indicative of the reasonableness of the original estimates of fair value made by us.

For cash- and stock-settled restricted stock units (RSU), compensation value is initially measured on the grant date using the quoted market price of our common stock. Compensation expense for RSU and PSU awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods, adjusted for estimated forfeitures. Compensation expense for the cash-settled portion of the awards is adjusted cumulatively for changes in the value of the underlying stock on a quarterly basis. For PSU awards, compensation expense for the cash-settled portion of the awards and related dividends is also adjusted quarterly on a cumulative basis for any changes in the number of share equivalents expected to be paid based on the relevant performance criteria. All such performance or stock-price-related changes are recognized in periodic compensation expense. The stock-settled portion of these awards is expensed using the initially measured compensation value.

Earnings Per Share

Our instruments containing rights to nonforfeitable dividends granted in stock-based awards are considered participating securities prior to vesting and, therefore, have been deducted from earnings in computing basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) under the two-class method.

Basic EPS was computed by dividing net income attributable to common stock, net of income allocated to participating securities, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period, net of treasury shares, if any, and including vested but unissued shares and share units. The computation of diluted EPS reflects the additional dilutive effect of stock options and unvested stock awards.

We compute EPS using the two-class method required for participating securities. Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities are subtracted from net income in determining net income attributable to common stockholders. Restricted stock awards are considered participating securities because holders of such shares have non-forfeitable dividend rights in the event of our declaration of a dividend for common shares.

The denominator of basic EPS is the sum of the daily weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented and vested stock awards that have not yet been issued as common stock. The denominator of diluted EPS is based on the basic shares outstanding, adjusted for the effect of outstanding option awards, to the extent they are dilutive.

Retirement and Postretirement Benefit Plans

Prior to the Spin-off, a majority of our employees participated in postretirement benefit plans sponsored by Occidental, which included participants from other Occidental subsidiaries. These plans had an insignificant amount of assets and were substantially funded as benefits were paid. We recognized a liability in the accompanying balance sheets for the employees of the California operations. The related postretirement expenses were allocated to us from Occidental based on the employees of the California business. Following the Spin-off, all of our employees participate in postretirement benefit plans sponsored by us. These plans are funded as benefits are paid.

For defined benefit pension and postretirement plans that are sponsored by us, we recognize the net overfunded or underfunded amounts in the financial statements using a December 31 measurement date.

We determine our defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plan obligations based on various assumptions and discount rates. The discount rate assumptions used are meant to reflect the interest rate at which the obligations could effectively be settled on the measurement date. We estimate the rate of return on assets with regard to current market factors but within the context of historical returns.

Pension plan assets are measured at fair value. Common stock, preferred stock, publicly registered mutual funds, U.S. government securities and corporate bonds are valued using quoted market prices in active markets when available. When quoted market prices are not available, these investments are valued using pricing models with observable inputs from both active and non-active markets. Common and collective trusts are valued at the fund units’ net asset value (NAV) provided by the issuer, which represents the quoted price in a non-active market. Short-term investment funds are valued at the fund units’ NAV provided by the issuer.

Actuarial gains and losses that have not yet been recognized through income are recorded in accumulated OCI within equity, net of taxes, until they are amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost.

Fair Value Measurements

We have categorized our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value in a three-level fair value hierarchy, based on the inputs to the valuation techniques: Level 1—using quoted prices in active markets for the assets or liabilities; Level 2—using observable inputs other than quoted prices for the assets or liabilities; and Level 3—using unobservable inputs. Transfers between levels, if any, are recognized at the end of each reporting period. We apply the market approach for certain recurring fair value measurements, maximize our use of observable inputs and minimize use of unobservable inputs. We generally use an income approach to measure fair value when observable inputs are unavailable. This approach utilizes management’s judgments regarding expectations of projected cash flows and discounts those cash flows using a risk-adjusted discount rate.

Commodity derivatives are carried at fair value. We utilize the mid-point between bid and ask prices for valuing these instruments. In addition to using market data in determining these fair values, we make assumptions about the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. Our commodity derivatives comprise Over-the-Counter (OTC) bilateral financial commodity contracts, which are generally valued using industry-standard models that consider various inputs, including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, volatility factors, credit risk and current market and contracted prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these inputs are observable data or are supported by observable prices at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. We classify these measurements as Level 2.

Income Taxes

Until the Spin-off, our taxable income was historically included in the consolidated U.S. federal income tax returns of Occidental and in a number of their consolidated state income tax returns. In the accompanying financial statements, our provision for income taxes through the Spin-off is computed as if we were a stand-alone tax-paying entity.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets are recorded when it is more likely than not that they will be realized. We periodically assess our deferred tax assets and reduce such assets by a valuation allowance if we deem it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.