Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Principles of Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements of EOG Resources, Inc. (EOG) include the accounts of all domestic and foreign subsidiaries. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, in which EOG is able to exercise significant influence, are accounted for using the equity method. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and 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.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments. EOG's financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, commodity derivative contracts, accounts receivable, accounts payable and current and long-term debt. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, commodity derivative contracts, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value (see Notes 2 and 12).

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents. EOG records as cash equivalents all highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less.

Oil and Gas Operations

Oil and Gas Operations. EOG accounts for its crude oil and natural gas exploration and production activities under the successful efforts method of accounting.

Oil and gas lease acquisition costs are capitalized when incurred. Unproved properties with acquisition costs that are not individually significant are aggregated, and the portion of such costs estimated to be nonproductive is amortized over the remaining lease term. Unproved properties with individually significant acquisition costs are reviewed individually for impairment. If the unproved properties are determined to be productive, the appropriate related costs are transferred to proved oil and gas properties. Lease rentals are expensed as incurred.

Oil and gas exploration costs, other than the costs of drilling exploratory wells, are expensed as incurred. The costs of drilling exploratory wells are capitalized pending determination of whether EOG has discovered commercial quantities of proved reserves. If commercial quantities of proved reserves are not discovered, such drilling costs are expensed. In some circumstances, it may be uncertain whether commercial quantities of proved reserves have been discovered when drilling has been completed. Such exploratory well drilling costs may continue to be capitalized if the reserve quantity is sufficient to justify its completion as a producing well and sufficient progress in assessing the reserves and the economic and operating viability of the project is being made (see Note 16). Costs to develop proved reserves, including the costs of all development wells and related equipment used in the production of crude oil and natural gas, are capitalized.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization of the cost of proved oil and gas properties is calculated using the unit-of-production method. The reserve base used to calculate depreciation, depletion and amortization for leasehold acquisition costs and the cost to acquire proved properties is the sum of proved developed reserves and proved undeveloped reserves. With respect to lease and well equipment costs, which include development costs and successful exploration drilling costs, the reserve base includes only proved developed reserves. Estimated future dismantlement, restoration and abandonment costs, net of salvage values, are taken into account.

Oil and gas properties are grouped in accordance with the provisions of the Extractive Industries - Oil and Gas Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC). The basis for grouping is a reasonable aggregation of properties with a common geological structural feature or stratigraphic condition, such as a reservoir or field.

Amortization rates are updated quarterly to reflect: 1) the addition of capital costs, 2) reserve revisions (upwards or downwards) and additions, 3) property acquisitions and/or property dispositions and 4) impairments.

When circumstances indicate that proved oil and gas properties may be impaired, EOG compares expected undiscounted future cash flows at a depreciation, depletion and amortization group level to the unamortized capitalized cost of the asset. If the expected undiscounted future cash flows, based on EOG's estimate of (and assumptions regarding) future crude oil and natural gas prices, operating costs, development expenditures, anticipated production from proved reserves and other relevant data, are lower than the unamortized capitalized cost, the capitalized cost is reduced to fair value. Fair value is generally calculated using the Income Approach described in the Fair Value Measurement Topic of the ASC. In certain instances, EOG utilizes accepted offers from third-party purchasers as the basis for determining fair value.

Inventories, consisting primarily of tubular goods, materials for completion operations and well equipment held for use in the exploration for, and development and production of, crude oil and natural gas reserves, are carried at the lower of cost and net realizable value with adjustments made, as appropriate, to recognize any reductions in value.

Revenue Recognition. Effective January 1, 2018, EOG adopted the provisions of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, "Revenue From Contracts With Customers" (ASU 2014-09). ASU 2014-09 and other related ASUs require entities to recognize 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. EOG elected to adopt ASU 2014-09 using the modified retrospective approach, which required EOG to recognize in retained earnings the cumulative effect at the date of adoption for all existing contracts with customers which were not substantially complete as of January 1, 2018. There was no impact to retained earnings upon adoption of ASU 2014-09.

EOG presents disaggregated revenues by type of commodity within its Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss) and by geographic areas defined as operating segments. See Note 11.

In connection with the adoption of ASU 2014-09, EOG presents natural gas processing fees relating to certain processing and marketing agreements within its United States segment as Gathering and Processing Costs, instead of as a deduction to Revenues within its Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss). There was no impact to operating income, net income or cash flows resulting from changes to the presentation of natural gas processing fees. The impacts of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 for the year ended December 31, 2018, were as follows (in thousands):



	As Reported		Amounts Without Adoption of ASU 2014-09		Effect of Change

Operating Revenues and Other
Crude Oil and Condensate	$	9,517,440	$	9,517,440	$	—
Natural Gas Liquids	1,127,510		1,121,237		6,273
Natural Gas	1,301,537		1,104,095		197,442
Gathering, Processing and Marketing	5,230,355		5,211,136		19,219
Total Operating Revenues and Other	17,275,399		17,052,465		222,934
Operating Expenses
Gathering and Processing Costs	436,973		233,258		203,715
Marketing Costs	5,203,243		5,184,024		19,219
Total Operating Expenses	12,806,053		12,583,119		222,934
Operating Income	4,469,346		4,469,346		—

Other Property, Plant and Equipment

Other Property, Plant and Equipment. Other property, plant and equipment consists of gathering and processing assets, compressors, buildings and leasehold improvements, crude-by-rail assets, sand mine and sand processing assets, computer hardware and software, vehicles, and furniture and fixtures. Other property, plant and equipment is generally depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the property, plant and equipment, which range from 3 years to 45 years.

Capitalized Interest Costs

Capitalized Interest Costs. Interest costs have been capitalized as a part of the historical cost of unproved oil and gas properties. The amount capitalized is an allocation of the interest cost incurred during the reporting period. Capitalized interest is computed only during the exploration and development phases and ceases once production begins. The interest rate used for capitalization purposes is based on the interest rates on EOG's outstanding borrowings. The capitalization of interest is excluded on significant acquisitions of unproved oil and gas properties financed through non-interest-bearing instruments, such as the issuance of shares of Common Stock, or through non-cash property exchanges.

Accounting for Risk Management Activities

Accounting for Risk Management Activities. Derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at fair value, and changes in the derivative's fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. During the three-year period ended December 31, 2018, EOG elected not to designate any of its financial commodity derivative instruments as accounting hedges and, accordingly, changes in the fair value of these outstanding derivative instruments are recognized as gains or losses in the period of change. The gains or losses are recorded as Gains (Losses) on Mark-to-Market Commodity Derivative Contracts on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The related cash flow impact of settled contracts is reflected as cash flows from operating activities. EOG employs net presentation of derivative assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes when such assets and liabilities are with the same counterparty and subject to a master netting arrangement. See Note 12.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes. Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability approach. Under this approach, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. EOG assesses the realizability of deferred tax assets and recognizes valuation allowances as appropriate.

In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05, "Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118" (ASU 2018-05). In December 2017, the United States (U.S.) enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which made significant changes to U.S. federal income tax law. Shortly after enactment of the TCJA, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (SAB 118), which provides guidance on accounting for the impact of the TCJA. ASU 2018-05 codified various paragraphs of SAB 118 and was effective upon issuance. Under ASU 2018-05, an entity will use a similar approach as the measurement period provided in the Business Combinations Topic of the ASC. An entity will recognize those matters for which the accounting can be completed. For matters that have not been completed, the entity will either (1) recognize provisional amounts to the extent that they are reasonably able to be estimated and adjust them over time as more information becomes available or (2) for any specific income tax effects of the TCJA for which a reasonable estimate cannot be determined, continue to apply the Income Taxes Topic of the ASC on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the TCJA was signed into law. EOG has prepared its Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2018 in accordance with ASU 2018-05. As discussed in EOG's 2017 Annual Report, provisional amounts were recorded for tax accruals as of December 31, 2017 for certain aspects of the TCJA. EOG has updated and finalized the 2017 U.S. federal and state provisional amounts. See Note 6.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation. The United States dollar is the functional currency for all of EOG's consolidated subsidiaries except for its Canadian subsidiaries, for which the functional currency is the Canadian dollar, and its United Kingdom subsidiary (which was sold in the fourth quarter of 2018), for which the functional currency was the British pound. For subsidiaries whose functional currency is deemed to be other than the United States dollar, asset and liability accounts are translated at year-end exchange rates and revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Translation adjustments are included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any gains or losses on transactions or monetary assets or liabilities in currencies other than the functional currency are included in net income in the current period. See Notes 4 and 17.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Net Income (Loss) Per Share. Basic net income (loss) per share is computed on the basis of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed based upon the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the assumed issuance of common shares for all potentially dilutive securities. See Note 9.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation. EOG measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. See Note 7.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards and Developments

Recently Issued Accounting Standards. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" (ASU 2016-02), which significantly changes accounting for leases by requiring that lessees recognize a right-of-use asset and a related lease liability representing the obligation to make lease payments, for certain lease transactions. Additional disclosures about an entity's lease transactions will also be required. ASU 2016-02 defines a lease as "a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant or equipment (an identified asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration." In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-01, "Leases (Topic 842) - Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842" (ASU 2018-01), which permits an entity an optional election to not evaluate under ASU 2016-02 those existing or expired land easements that were not previously accounted for as leases prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-02. Additionally, in July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, “Leases (Topic 842) - Targeted Improvements” (ASU 2018-11), which permits an entity (i) to apply the provisions of ASU 2016-02 at the adoption date instead of the earliest period presented in the financial statements, and, as a lessor, (ii) to account for lease and nonlease components as a single component as the nonlease components would otherwise be accounted for under the provisions of ASU 2014-09. ASU 2016-02 and other related ASUs are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 31, 2018, and early application is permitted. Based on the provisions of ASU 2018-11 and other related ASUs, lessees and lessors may recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements, defined as the effective date, using a modified retrospective approach, or at the adoption date by recognizing a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings.

EOG is continuing to progress towards the adoption of ASU 2016-02 by implementing its project plan, including a lease accounting software solution. EOG has assessed the scope of its current contractual arrangements, reviewed its existing contracts and is continuing to evaluate certain operational and corporate policies and processes in light of these findings. EOG enters into contracts for drilling services, fracturing services, compression, real estate and other contracts which contain equipment and other assets used in its exploration, development and production activities and corporate functions. Certain of these contracts will require recognition of a right-of-use asset and related lease liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, while others will require disclosure within the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The impact upon adoption of ASU 2016-02 and other related ASUs is not quantifiable due to the pending determination by EOG of certain accounting policies, including the separation of lease and non-lease components for certain classes of underlying assets, among others. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 and other related ASUs will significantly increase assets and liabilities related to operating leases on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Non-cancelable operating leases, which will be considered for recognition or disclosure upon adoption of ASU 2016-02 and other related ASUs, totaled $2.0 billion on an undiscounted basis at December 31, 2018, and are included within total minimum commitments in Note 8.

EOG will elect the practical expedient under ASU 2018-11 and apply the provisions of ASU 2016-02 on the adoption date, January 1, 2019. Additionally, EOG will elect the package of practical expedients within ASU 2016-02 that allows an entity to not reassess prior to the effective date (i) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (ii) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, or (iii) initial direct costs for any existing leases, but will not elect the practical expedient of hindsight when determining the lease term of existing contracts at the effective date. EOG also will elect the practical expedient under ASU 2018-01 and not evaluate existing or expired land easements not previously accounted for as leases prior to the effective date.