Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

General Noble Energy, Inc. (Noble Energy, we or us) is a leading independent energy company engaged in worldwide oil and natural gas exploration and production. Our core operating areas are onshore US (DJ Basin, Marcellus Shale, Eagle Ford Shale, and Permian Basin), deepwater Gulf of Mexico, offshore Eastern Mediterranean and offshore West Africa.

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation Accounting policies used by us and our subsidiaries conform to US GAAP. Significant policies are discussed below. Our consolidated accounts include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. We use the equity method of accounting for investments in entities that we do not control but over which we exert significant influence. We carry equity method investments at our share of net assets of the equity investees plus our loans and advances. Differences in the basis of the investment and the separate net asset value of the investee, if any, are amortized into income over the remaining useful life of the underlying assets. See Note 7. Equity Method Investments. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.

Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires us to make a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

Estimated quantities of crude oil, natural gas and NGL reserves are the most significant of our estimates. All the reserves data included in this Form 10-K are estimates. Reservoir engineering is a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved crude oil, natural gas and NGL reserves. The accuracy of any reserves estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. As a result, reserves estimates may be different from the quantities of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs that are ultimately recovered. Qualified petroleum engineers in our Houston and Denver offices prepare all reserves estimates for our different geographical regions. These reserves estimates are reviewed and approved by senior engineering staff and division management with final approval by the Senior Vice President – Corporate Development and certain members of senior management. See Supplemental Oil and Gas Information (Unaudited).

Other items subject to estimates and assumptions include the carrying amounts of inventory, property, plant and equipment, goodwill and asset retirement obligations, valuation allowances for receivables and deferred income tax assets, and valuation of derivative instruments, among others. Management evaluates estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic and commodity price environment. The volatility of commodity prices results in increased uncertainty inherent in such estimates and assumptions. Further declines in commodity prices could result in a reduction in our fair value estimates and cause us to perform analyses to determine if our oil and gas properties are impaired. As future commodity prices cannot be determined accurately, actual results could differ significantly from our estimates. See Supplemental Oil and Gas Information (Unaudited).

Reclassification Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2014 and 2013 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2015 presentation. These reclassifications were not material to the financial statements.

Fair Value Measurements Fair value measurements are based on a hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:


•	Level 1 measurements are fair value measurements which use quoted market prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.


•	Level 2 measurements are fair value measurements which use inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, which are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.


•	Level 3 measurements are fair value measurements which use unobservable inputs.

The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 measurements and the lowest priority to Level 3 measurements. We use Level 1 inputs when available as Level 1 inputs generally provide the most reliable evidence of fair value. See Note 13. Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.

Cash and Cash Equivalents For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include unrestricted cash on hand and investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts We routinely assess the recoverability of all material trade and other receivables to determine their collectibility. We accrue a reserve on a receivable when, based on management’s judgment, it is probable that a receivable will not be collected and the amount of such reserve may be reasonably estimated.

Inventories Inventories consist primarily of tubular goods and production equipment used in our oil and gas operations, and crude oil produced but not yet sold. Materials and supplies inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or market. The cost of crude oil inventory includes production costs and DD&A of oil and gas properties. See Note 2. Additional Financial Statement Information.

Property, Plant and Equipment Significant accounting policies for our property, plant and equipment are as follows:

Successful Efforts Method We account for crude oil and natural gas properties under the successful efforts method of accounting. Under this method, costs to acquire mineral interests in crude oil and natural gas properties, drill and equip exploratory wells that find proved reserves, and drill and equip development wells are capitalized. Capitalized costs of producing crude oil and natural gas properties, along with support equipment and facilities, are amortized to expense by the unit-of-production method based on proved crude oil, natural gas and NGL reserves on a field-by-field basis, as estimated by our qualified petroleum engineers. Our policy is to use quarter-end reserves and add back current period production to compute quarterly DD&A expense. Costs of certain gathering facilities or processing plants serving a number of properties or used for third-party processing are depreciated using the straight-line method over the useful lives of the assets ranging from three to thirty years. Upon sale or retirement of depreciable or depletable property, the cost and related accumulated DD&A are eliminated from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is recognized. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

Proved Property Impairment We review individually significant proved oil and gas properties and other long-lived assets for impairment at least semi-annually, at year-end and mid-year, or quarterly when events and circumstances indicate a decline in the recoverability of the carrying values of such properties, such as a negative revision of reserves estimates or sustained decrease in commodity prices. We estimate future cash flows expected in connection with the properties and compare such future cash flows to the carrying amount of the properties to determine if the carrying amount is recoverable. When the carrying amount of a property exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the carrying amount is reduced to estimated fair value. Fair value may be estimated using comparable market data, a discounted cash flow method, or a combination of the two. In the discounted cash flow method, estimated future cash flows are based on management’s expectations for the future and include estimates of future crude oil and natural gas production, commodity prices based on published forward commodity price curves or contract prices as of the date of the estimate, operating and development costs, and a risk-adjusted discount rate.

We recorded proved property impairment charges in 2015, 2014, and 2013. It is likely that other proved oil and gas properties could become impaired in the future due to commodity price declines and/or field performance. See Note 5. Asset Impairments.

Unproved Property Impairment Our unproved properties consist of leasehold costs and allocated value to probable and possible reserves from acquisitions. We assess individually significant unproved properties for impairment on a quarterly basis and recognize a loss at the time of impairment by providing an impairment allowance. In determining whether a significant unproved property is impaired we consider numerous factors including, but not limited to, current exploration plans, favorable or unfavorable exploration activity on the property being evaluated and/or adjacent properties, our geologists' evaluation of the property, and the remaining months in the lease term for the property.

When we have allocated fair value to an unproved property as the result of a transaction accounted for as a business combination, we use a future cash flow analysis to assess the unproved property for impairment. Cash flows used in the impairment analysis are determined based on management’s estimates of crude oil, natural gas and NGL reserves, future commodity prices and future costs to produce the reserves. Cash flow estimates related to probable and possible reserves are reduced by additional risk-weighting factors. Other individually insignificant unproved properties are amortized on a composite method based on our experience of successful drilling and average holding period. It is reasonably possible that unproved oil and gas properties could become impaired in the future if commodity prices decline. See Note 5. Asset Impairments.

Properties Acquired in Business Combinations When sufficient market data is not available, we determine the fair values of proved and unproved properties acquired in transactions accounted for as business combinations by preparing our own estimates of cash flows from the production of crude oil, natural gas and NGL reserves. We estimate future prices to apply to the estimated reserves quantities acquired, and estimate future operating and development costs, to arrive at estimates of future net cash flows. For the fair value assigned to proved reserves, future net cash flows are discounted using a market-based weighted average cost of capital rate determined appropriate at the time of the business combination. To compensate for the inherent risk of estimating and valuing unproved reserves, discounted future net cash flows of probable and possible reserves are reduced by additional risk-weighting factors.

Assets Held for Sale We occasionally market non-core oil and gas properties. At the end of each reporting period, we evaluate our properties being marketed to determine whether any should be reclassified as held for sale. The held for sale criteria include a commitment to a plan to sell; the asset is available for immediate sale; an active program to locate a buyer exists; the sale of the asset is probable and expected to be completed within one year; the asset is being actively marketed for sale; and it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made. If each of these criteria is met, the property is reclassified as held for sale in our consolidated balance sheets. See Note 3. Merger, Acquisitions and Divestitures.

Exploration Costs Geological and geophysical costs, delay rentals, amortization of unproved leasehold costs, and costs to drill exploratory wells that do not find proved reserves are expensed as oil and gas exploration. We carry the costs of an exploratory well as an asset if the well finds a sufficient quantity of reserves to justify its capitalization as a producing well and as long as we are making sufficient progress assessing the reserves and the economic and operating viability of the project. For certain capital-intensive deepwater Gulf of Mexico or international projects, it may take us more than one year to evaluate the future potential of the exploratory well and make a determination of its economic viability. Our ability to move forward on a project may be dependent on gaining access to transportation or processing facilities or obtaining permits and government or partner approval, the timing of which is beyond our control. In such cases, exploratory well costs remain suspended as long as we are actively pursuing access to necessary facilities and access to such permits and approvals and believe they will be obtained. We assess the status of suspended exploratory well costs on a quarterly basis. See Note 6. Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs.

Other Property Other property includes automobiles, trucks, airplanes, office furniture, computer equipment and other fixed assets such as buildings and leasehold improvements. These items are recorded at cost and are depreciated on the straight-line method based on expected lives of the individual assets or group of assets, which range from 3 to 30 years.

Capitalization of Interest We capitalize interest costs associated with the development and construction of significant properties or projects to bring them to a condition and location necessary for their intended use, which for crude oil and natural gas assets is at first production from the field. Interest is capitalized using an interest rate equivalent to the weighted average rate we pay on long-term debt, including our unsecured revolving credit facility (Credit Facility) and bonds. Capitalized interest is included in the cost of oil and gas assets and amortized with other costs on a unit-of-production basis. Capitalized interest totaled $144 million in 2015, $116 million in 2014, and $121 million in 2013.

Asset Retirement Obligations Asset retirement obligations consist of estimated costs of dismantlement, removal, site reclamation and similar activities associated with our oil and gas properties. We recognize the fair value of a liability for an ARO in the period in which it is incurred when we have an existing legal obligation associated with the retirement of our oil and gas properties that can reasonably be estimated, with the associated asset retirement cost capitalized as part of the carrying cost of the oil and gas asset. The asset retirement cost is recorded at estimated fair value, measured by reference to the expected future cash outflows required to satisfy the retirement obligation discounted at our credit-adjusted risk-free rate. After initial recording, the liability is increased for the passage of time, with the increase being reflected as accretion expense and included in our DD&A expense in the statement of operations. Subsequent adjustments in the cost estimate are reflected in the liability and the amounts continue to be amortized over the useful life of the related long-lived asset. See Note 9. Asset Retirement Obligations.

Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is subject to annual impairment testing in December (or more frequently as circumstances dictate). Noble has allocated goodwill to the US reporting unit. As of December 31, 2015, our goodwill was fully impaired. See Note 4. Goodwill.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities All derivative instruments (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) are recorded in our consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or liability and measured at fair value. We account for our commodity derivative instruments using mark-to-market accounting and recognize all gains and losses in earnings during the period in which they occur. Our consolidated statements of cash flows includes the non-cash portion of gain and loss on commodity derivative instruments, which represented the difference between the total gain and loss on commodity derivative instruments and the cash received or paid on settlements of commodity derivative instruments during the period.

We offset the fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments and the fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral. The cash collateral (commonly referred to as a “margin”) must arise from derivative instruments recognized at fair value that are executed with the same counterparty under a master arrangement with netting clauses.

Stock-Based Compensation Stock options and other stock-based compensation issued to employees and directors are recorded at grant-date fair value. Expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the employee’s and director’s requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the award) in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 12. Stock-Based and Other Compensation Plans.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans We recognize the funded status (the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation) of our defined benefit pension, restoration and other postretirement benefit plans in the consolidated balance sheets, with a corresponding adjustment to AOCL, net of tax. The amount remaining in AOCL at December 31, 2015 represents unrecognized net actuarial loss and unrecognized prior service cost related to our restoration plan. These amounts are currently being recognized as net periodic benefit cost pursuant to our historical accounting policy for amortizing such amounts. Any actuarial gains and losses that arise during the plan year, but which are not required to be recognized as net periodic benefit cost in the same period, are recognized as a component of AOCL. In third quarter 2015, we completed the process of terminating our noncontributory, tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan through the purchase of annuities for the remaining participants. As a result, we reclassified all remaining unamortized prior service cost and actuarial losses relating to the pension plan from AOCL to earnings. See Note 12. Stock-Based and Other Compensation Plans.

Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized when items of income and expense are recognized in the financial statements in different periods than when recognized in the applicable tax return. Deferred tax assets arise when expenses are recognized in the financial statements before the tax return or when income items are recognized in the tax return prior to the financial statements. Deferred tax assets also arise when operating losses or tax credits are available to offset tax payments due in future years. Deferred tax liabilities arise when income items are recognized in the financial statements before the tax returns or when expenses are recognized in the tax return prior to the financial statements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the date when the change in the tax rate was enacted.

In addition, we provide a deferred tax liability for the US and foreign tax rate differences for the future additional US tax liability on accumulated undistributed foreign earnings of our foreign subsidiaries, net of estimated foreign tax credits. See Note 11. Income Taxes.

Treasury Stock We record treasury stock purchases at cost, which includes incremental direct transaction costs. Amounts are recorded as reductions in shareholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets.

Revenue Recognition and Imbalances We record revenues from the sales of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs when the product is delivered at a fixed or determinable price, title has transferred and collectibility is reasonably assured.

When we have an interest with other producers in properties from which natural gas is produced, we use the entitlements method to account for any imbalances. Imbalances occur when we sell more or less product than we are entitled to under our ownership percentage. Revenue is recognized only on the entitlement percentage of volumes sold. Any amount that we sell in excess of our entitlement is treated as a liability and is not recognized as revenue. Any amount of entitlement in excess of the amount we sell is recognized as revenue and a receivable is accrued.

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Basic earnings (loss) per share (EPS) of our common stock is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period. The diluted EPS of our common stock includes the effect of outstanding common stock equivalents such as stock options, shares of restricted stock, and/or shares of our stock held in a rabbi trust, except in periods in which there is a net loss.

On April 22, 2013, Noble Energy’s Board of Directors approved a 2-for-1 split of its common stock to be effected in the form of a stock dividend. The stock dividend was distributed on May 28, 2013 to shareholders of record as of May 14, 2013. Earnings per share and common shares outstanding are reported giving retrospective effect to the common stock split. See Note 14. Earnings (Loss) Per Share.

Contingencies We are subject to legal proceedings, claims and liabilities that arise in the ordinary course of business. We accrue for losses associated with legal claims when such losses are considered probable and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. See Note 18. Commitments and Contingencies.

We self-insure the medical and dental coverage provided to certain employees, and the deductibles for workers’ compensation, automobile liability and general liability coverage. Liabilities are accrued for self-insured claims, or when estimated losses exceed coverage limits, and when sufficient information is available to reasonably estimate the amount of the loss.

Foreign Currency The US dollar is considered the functional currency for each of our international operations. Transactions that are completed in foreign currencies are remeasured into US dollars and recorded in the financial statements at prevailing foreign exchange rates. Transaction gains or losses are included in other non-operating (income) expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations.

Segment Information Accounting policies for geographical segments are the same as those described above. Transfers between segments are accounted for at market value. We do not consider interest income and expense or income tax benefit or expense in our evaluation of the performance of geographical segments. See Note 15. Segment Information.

Changes in Shareholders’ Equity On April 28, 2015, our shareholders voted to approve an amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of our common stock from 500 million to 1 billion shares.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Income Taxes In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17 (ASU 2015-17): Income Taxes (Topic 940), effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. ASU 2015-17 requires that all deferred tax liabilities and assets, as well as any related valuation allowance, be classified in the balance sheet as noncurrent. This guidance may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. We elected to early adopt ASU 2015-17 as of December 31, 2015 with prospective application. See Note 10. Income Taxes.

Business Combinations In September 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-16 (ASU 2015-16): Business Combinations (Topic 805), effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period, to simplify the accounting for measurement-period adjustments for an acquirer in a business combination. ASU 2015-16 requires an acquirer to recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The acquirer is required to adjust its financial statements for the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. We are currently evaluating the provisions of ASU 2015-16 and assessing the impact, if any, it may have on our financial position and results of operations.

Inventory In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-11 (ASU 2015-11): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. ASU 2015-11 changes the inventory measurement principle for entities using the first-in, first out (FIFO) or average cost methods. For entities utilizing one of these methods, the inventory measurement principle will change from lower of cost or market to the lower of cost and net realizable value. We follow the average cost method and are currently evaluating the provisions of ASU 2015-11 and assessing the impact, if any, it may have on our financial position and results of operations.

Debt Issuance Costs In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03 (ASU 2015-03): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. ASU 2015-03 requires that all costs incurred to issue debt be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt. It is effective retrospectively for all prior periods presented in the financial statements beginning in first quarter 2016 and is only expected to impact the presentation of our consolidated balance sheet. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15 to specifically address the presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements. ASU 2015-15 allows entities to defer and present debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements as an asset and amortize the costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement. We elected to early adopt ASU 2015-03 as of December 31, 2015 and have applied the new guidance to debt issuance costs related to our senior notes. Debt issuance costs related to our Credit Facility will continue to be presented as an asset and amortized over the term of the Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had $12 million and $15 million of capitalized, unamortized debt issuance costs, respectively, related to our Credit Facility included in other noncurrent assets in our consolidated balance sheet. See Note 10. Long-Term Debt.

Consolidation In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-02 (ASU 2015-02): Consolidation - Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. ASU 2015-02 changes the guidance as to whether an entity is a variable interest entity (VIE) or a voting interest entity and how related parties are considered in the VIE model. We are currently evaluating the provisions of ASU 2015-02 and assessing the impact, if any, it may have on our financial position and results of operations.

Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09), which creates Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, including most industry-specific revenue recognition guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. In addition, ASU 2014-09 supersedes the cost guidance in Subtopic 605-35, Revenue Recognition - Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts, and creates new Subtopic 340-40, Other Assets and Deferred Costs - Contracts with Customers. In summary, the core principle of Topic 606 is that an entity recognizes revenue 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. Additionally, ASU 2014-09 requires enhanced financial statement disclosures over revenue recognition as part of the new accounting guidance. Initially, the amendments in ASU 2014-09 were effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, and early application was not permitted. In August 2015, the FASB agreed to give companies an extra year to comply with the new standard through the issuance of ASU 2015-14. The standard will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. We are currently evaluating the provisions of ASU 2014-09 and implementation guidance to determine the impact, if any, it may have on our financial position and results of operations.