Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Organization and Principles of Consolidation

Organization and Principles of Consolidation. Newpark Resources, Inc. was organized in 1932 as a Nevada corporation. In 1991, we changed our state of incorporation to Delaware. The consolidated financial statements include our company and our wholly-owned subsidiaries (“we”, “our” or “us”). All intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

We are a geographically diversified supplier providing products, rentals and services primarily to the oil and gas exploration and production (“E&P”) industry. We operate our business through two reportable segments: Fluids Systems and Mats and Integrated Services. Our Fluids Systems segment provides customized drilling fluids solutions to E&P customers globally, operating through four geographic regions: North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), Latin America, and Asia Pacific. Our Mats and Integrated Services segment provides composite mat rentals as well as location construction and related site services to customers at well, production, transportation and refinery locations in the United States (“U.S.”). In addition, mat rental and services activity is expanding into applications in other markets, including electrical transmission & distribution, pipeline, solar, petrochemical and construction industries across North America and Europe. We also manufacture and sell composite mats to customers outside of the U.S., and to domestic customers outside of the E&P market.

Use of Estimates and Market Risks and Change in Accounting Estimates

Use of Estimates and Market Risks. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates used in preparing our consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to the following: allowances for product returns, allowances for doubtful accounts, reserves for self-insured retentions under insurance programs, estimated performance and values associated with employee incentive programs, fair values used for goodwill impairment testing, undiscounted future cash flows used for impairment testing of long-lived assets, the provisional accounting for the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017 and valuation allowances for deferred tax assets.

Our operating results depend, to a large extent, on oil and gas drilling activity levels in the markets we serve, and particularly for the Fluids Systems segment, the nature of the drilling operations (including the depth and whether the wells are drilled vertically or horizontally) which governs the revenue potential of each well. Drilling activity, in turn, depends on oil and gas commodity pricing, inventory levels, product demand and regulatory restrictions. Oil and gas prices and activity are cyclical and volatile. This market volatility has a significant impact on our operating results.

Cash Equivalents

Cash Equivalents. All highly liquid investments with a remaining maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition are classified as cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash. Cash that is restricted as to withdrawal or usage is recognized as restricted cash and is included in other current assets in the accompanying balance sheet.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. Reserves for uncollectible accounts receivable are determined on a specific identification basis when we believe that the required payment of specific amounts owed to us is not probable. The majority of our revenues are from mid-sized and international oil companies as well as government-owned or government-controlled oil companies, and we have receivables in several foreign jurisdictions. Changes in the financial condition of our customers or political changes in foreign jurisdictions could cause our customers to be unable to repay these receivables, resulting in additional allowances.

Allowance for Product Returns

Allowance for Product Returns. We maintain reserves for estimated customer returns of unused products in our Fluids Systems segment. The reserves are established based upon historical customer return levels and estimated gross profit levels attributable to product sales

Inventories

Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (principally average cost) or net realizable value. Certain conversion costs associated with the acquisition, production, blending and storage of inventory in our Fluids Systems segment as well as in the manufacturing operations in the Mats and Integrated Services segment are capitalized as a component of the carrying value of the inventory and expensed as a component of cost of revenues as the products are sold. Reserves for inventory obsolescence are determined based on the fair value of the inventory using factors such as our historical usage of inventory on-hand, future expectations related to our customers’ needs, market conditions and the development of new products.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment. Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Additions and improvements that extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. We capitalize interest costs on significant capital projects. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Sales and disposals of property, plant and equipment are removed at carrying cost less accumulated depreciation with any resulting gain or loss reflected in earnings.

Depreciation is provided on property, plant and equipment, including assets held under capital leases, primarily utilizing the straight-line method over the following estimated useful service lives or lease term:



Computer hardware and office equipment		3-5 years
Computer software		3-10 years
Autos & light trucks		5-7 years
Furniture, fixtures & trailers		7-10 years
Composite mats (rental fleet)		10-12 years
Machinery and heavy equipment		5-15 years
Owned buildings		20-39 years
Leasehold improvements	Lease term, including reasonably assured renewal periods

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquisitions over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired in business combinations. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized either on a straight-line basis over the asset’s estimated useful life or on a basis that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the asset are realized. Any period costs of maintaining intangible assets are expensed as incurred.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually as of November 1, or more frequently, if an indication of impairment exists. As part of our annual goodwill review we first perform a qualitative assessment based on company performance and future business outlook to determine if indicators of impairment exist. If there are any indicators of impairment present after performing the qualitative assessment, we then determine any impairment of goodwill by comparing the carrying amounts of our reporting units with fair values, which we estimate using a combination of a market multiple and discounted cash flow approach (classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy). We also compare the aggregate fair values of our reporting units with our market capitalization. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recorded in the period in which such review is performed. We identify our reporting units based on our analysis of several factors, including our operating segment structure, evaluation of the economic characteristics of our geographic regions within each of our operating segments, and the extent to which our business units share assets and other resources.

We review property, plant and equipment, finite-lived intangible assets and certain other assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. We assess recoverability based on expected undiscounted future net cash flows. In estimating expected cash flows, we use a probability-weighted approach. Should the review indicate that the carrying value is not fully recoverable; the amount of impairment loss is determined by comparing the carrying value to the estimated fair value.

Insurance

Insurance. We maintain reserves for estimated future payments associated with our self-insured employee healthcare programs, as well as the self-insured retention exposures under our general liability, auto liability and workers compensation insurance policies. Our reserves are determined based on historical experience under these programs, including estimated development of known claims and estimated incurred-but-not-reported claims.

Treasury Stock

Treasury Stock. Treasury stock is carried at cost, which includes the entire cost of the acquired stock.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition. The Fluids Systems segment recognizes sack and bulk material additive revenues upon shipment of materials and passage of title. Formulated liquid systems revenues are recognized when utilized or lost downhole while drilling. An allowance for product returns is maintained, reflecting estimated future customer product returns. Engineering and related services are provided to customers as an integral component of the fluid system delivery, at agreed upon hourly or daily rates, and revenues are recognized when the services are performed.

For the Mats and Integrated Services segment, revenues from the sale of mats are recognized when title passes to the customer, which is upon shipment or delivery, depending upon the terms of the underlying sales contract. Revenues for services and rentals provided by this segment are generated from both fixed-price and unit-priced contracts, which are short-term in duration. The activities under these contracts include site preparation, pit design, construction, drilling waste management, and the installation and rental of mat systems for a period of time generally not to exceed 60 days. Revenues from services provided under these contracts are recognized as the specified services are completed. Revenues from any subsequent extensions to the rental agreements are recognized over the extension period.

Shipping and handling costs are reflected in cost of revenues, and all reimbursements by customers of shipping and handling costs are included in revenues.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes. We provide for deferred taxes using an asset and liability approach by measuring deferred tax assets and liabilities due to temporary differences existing at year end using currently enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We reduce deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance when, based on our estimates, it is more likely than not that a portion of those assets will not be realized in a future period. The estimates utilized in recognition of deferred tax assets are subject to revision, either up or down, in future periods based on new facts or circumstances. We present deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent in the balance sheet based on an analysis of each taxpaying component within a jurisdiction. We evaluate uncertain tax positions and record a liability as circumstances warrant.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation. Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award, net of an estimated forfeiture rate. We recognize these costs in the income statement using the straight-line method over the vesting term. Fair value at the grant date is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for stock options and using the Monte Carlo valuation model for performance-based restricted stock units.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation. The functional currency for substantially all international subsidiaries is their respective local currency. Financial statements for these international subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and the average exchange rates in effect during the respective period for revenues and expenses. Exchange rate adjustments resulting from translation of foreign currency financial statements are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity whereas exchange rate adjustments resulting from foreign currency denominated transactions are recorded in income.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement. Fair value is measured as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at a measurement date. We apply the following fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement:


•	Level 1: The use of quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments.


•	Level 2: The use of quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data.


•	Level 3: The use of significantly unobservable inputs that typically require the use of management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments. We monitor our exposure to various business risks including interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates and occasionally use derivative financial instruments to manage the impact of certain of these risks. At the inception of a new derivative, we designate the derivative as a cash flow or fair value hedge or we determine the derivative to be undesignated as a hedging instrument based on the underlying facts. We do not enter into derivative instruments for trading purposes.

Reclassification

Reclassifications. In 2017, we separately presented in the consolidated statements of operations revenue and cost of revenue for product sales and rental and service categories. As a result, we recast the presentation of revenue and cost of revenue by such categories in the 2016 and 2015 presentation to conform to the current presentation. In addition, certain amounts reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current reporting presentation.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Standards adopted in 2017

Inventory Measurement. In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued updated guidance that simplifies the subsequent measurement of inventory. It replaced the former lower of cost or market test with the lower of cost or net realizable value test. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. We adopted this new guidance prospectively in the first quarter of 2017; however, the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Share-based Compensation. In March 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance that simplified several aspects of accounting for share-based payments transactions, including income tax consequences. We adopted this new guidance in the first quarter of 2017.

The most significant impact of adopting this new guidance is the required change in accounting for excess tax benefits (“windfalls”) and deficiencies (“shortfalls”) related to share-based compensation. Beginning in the first quarter of 2017, such windfalls and shortfalls are now reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as a tax benefit or expense, respectively, whereas previously, they were generally recognized in additional paid in capital in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, we recognized $0.5 million of expense in the provision for income taxes related to net shortfall tax deficiencies from share-based payments. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, $1.6 million and $0.4 million respectively, of net shortfall tax deficiencies were recognized in additional paid-in capital.

The new guidance also impacts the calculation of diluted earnings per share. When applying the treasury stock method to share-based payment awards, entities shall no longer include tax windfalls or shortfalls when calculating assumed proceeds to determine the awards dilutive effect on earnings per share. The adoption of this guidance did not materially impact our diluted earnings per share in each of the periods presented.

In addition to the income tax consequences described above, the new guidance requires all windfall tax benefits related to share-based payments be reported as cash flows from operating activities along with all other income tax cash flows. Previously, windfall tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements were reported as cash flows from financing activities. The new guidance allows companies to elect either a prospective or retrospective application with respect to this statement of cash flows presentation. We have elected to apply this classification amendment prospectively. Since we did not have any material windfall tax benefits in 2016 or 2015, the prospective adoption did not significantly impact comparability with the prior year.

Finally, the new guidance allows for the accounting policy option to account for forfeitures as they occur or continue estimating expected forfeitures over the course of the vesting period as required under previous guidance. We have elected the accounting policy option to continue estimating forfeitures in determining share-based compensation expense resulting in no impact to our financial statements from the adoption of the new guidance.

Restricted Cash Presentation. In November 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance that requires that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. We elected to early adopt this new guidance in the fourth quarter of 2017 using the retrospective transition method to each period presented. The adoption of this new guidance changed the presentation of our consolidated statement of cash flows to include the amount of restricted cash with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and end of period amounts shown on the consolidated statements of cash flows. See Note 13 for restricted cash balances.

Goodwill Impairment Test. In January 2017, the FASB amended the guidance related to the accounting for goodwill impairments by eliminating step two from the goodwill impairment test. Under the new guidance, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. This guidance is effective for us for goodwill impairment tests beginning after December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted. We elected to adopt this new guidance prospectively in 2017; however, the adoption did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Standards not yet adopted

Revenue Recognition. In May 2014, the FASB amended the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. The amendments are based on the principle that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The amendments are to be applied using a retrospective or modified retrospective approach. The new guidance is effective for us in the first quarter of 2018. In order to determine the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements, we formed an implementation work team and completed assessments of the new guidance across our revenue streams. Our process included performing reviews of representative contracts across our revenue streams and comparing historical accounting practices to the new standard.

We have completed our evaluation of the impacts of these amendments. As our performance obligations under customer contracts are primarily short-term in nature, we do not expect the new guidance to have a material impact on the amounts of revenue recognized in our consolidated financial statements. We will include incremental disclosures in our 2018 consolidated financial statements regarding our revenue recognition policies and related amounts. We have adopted the new guidance utilizing the modified retrospective method effective January 1, 2018. The cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption is not material.

Deferred Taxes on Intra-Entity Asset Transfers. In October 2016, the FASB amended the guidance related to the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for intra-entity asset transfers. Under current U.S. GAAP, recognition of income taxes on intra-entity asset transfers is prohibited until the asset has been sold to an outside party. This update requires that entities recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. This update does not change U.S. GAAP for the pre-tax effects of an intra-entity asset transfer or for an intra-entity transfer of inventory. This guidance is effective for us in the first quarter of 2018 and should be applied using a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. We have adopted the new guidance utilizing the modified retrospective method effective January 1, 2018. The cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption is not material.

Statement of Cash Flows. In August 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance that clarifies how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. This update provides guidance on eight specific cash flow issues. This guidance is effective for us in the first quarter of 2018 and should be applied using the retrospective transition method to each period presented. Early adoption is permitted but all changes must be adopted in the same period. We do not expect the adoption of this new guidance to have a material impact on the presentation of our consolidated statements of cash flows.

Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance regarding accounting for leases. The new accounting standard provides principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases and requires lessees to recognize both assets and liabilities arising from financing and operating leases. The classification as either a financing or operating lease will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method basis or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, respectively. The new guidance is effective for us in the first quarter of 2019 with early adoption permitted. Based on our current lease portfolio, we anticipate the new guidance will require us to reflect additional assets and liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet; however, we have not yet completed an estimation of such amount and we are still evaluating the overall impact of the new guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

Credit Losses. In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance which requires financial assets measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected, including trade receivables. The new standard requires an entity to estimate its lifetime “expected credit loss” for such assets at inception which will generally result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The new guidance is effective for us in the first quarter of 2020 with early adoption permitted in 2019. This guidance should be applied using a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on our consolidated financial statements.