Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Interim Financial Information

Interim Financial Information

The unaudited consolidated financial statements of Nabors are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted.  Therefore, these financial statements should be read along with our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (“2013 Annual Report”).  In management’s opinion, the consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position as of September 30, 2014, as well as the results of our operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and cash flows and changes in equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, in accordance with GAAP.  Interim results for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 may not be indicative of results that will be realized for the full year ending December 31, 2014.

Our independent registered public accounting firm has reviewed and issued a report on these consolidated interim financial statements in accordance with standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.  Pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), their report should not be considered a part of any registration statement prepared or certified within the meanings of Sections 7 and 11 of such Act.

Prior Period Revision

Prior Period Revision

During the first quarter of 2014, we determined that we had incorrectly applied certain aspects of ASC 830 - Foreign Currency Matters with respect to the recording of foreign currency gains or losses on certain intercompany transactions.  GAAP requires the recognition of foreign currency gains or losses on U.S. dollar denominated intercompany balances of our subsidiaries that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar.  The impact was primarily related to the periods between 2002 and 2009, which is the period over which a series of intercompany loans were outstanding between our Canadian subsidiary, whose functional currency is the Canadian dollar, and other subsidiaries whose functional currencies are the U.S. dollar.

The net effect understated net income for periods before 2009 by approximately $91.5 million, due to foreign currency gains that should have been recorded through net income, rather than through Cumulative Translation Adjustment (a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income).  The correction of this error resulted in a revision to increase the beginning Retained Earnings at January 1, 2010 by approximately $91.5 million with the offset being a decrease to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, both of which are components of Shareholders’ Equity.  There was no material impact to our assets, liabilities, cash flows or profit and loss for any periods presented, and we do not consider this revision material to any period.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nabors, as well as all majority owned and non-majority owned subsidiaries required to be consolidated under GAAP.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Investments in operating entities where we have the ability to exert significant influence, but where we do not control operating and financial policies, are accounted for using the equity method.  Our share of the net income (loss) of these entities is recorded as earnings (losses) from unconsolidated affiliates in our Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).  The investments in these entities are included in investment in unconsolidated affiliates in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Inventory

Inventory

Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out or weighted-average cost methods and includes the cost of materials, labor and manufacturing overhead.  Inventory included the following:

	September 30,		December 31,
	2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Raw materials	$	153,229	$	128,606
Work-in-progress	40,550		26,762
Finished goods	49,097		54,425
	$	242,876	$	209,793

Goodwill

Goodwill

We initially assess goodwill for impairment based on qualitative factors to determine whether to perform the two-step annual goodwill impairment test, a Level 3 fair value measurement. After qualitative assessment, step one of the impairment test compares the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, a second step is required to measure the goodwill impairment loss. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess

The fair values calculated in these impairment tests were determined using discounted cash flow models involving assumptions based on our utilization of rigs or other oil and gas service equipment, revenues and earnings from affiliates, as well as direct costs, general and administrative costs, depreciation, applicable income taxes, capital expenditures and working capital requirements. Our discounted cash flow projections for each reporting unit were based on financial forecasts. The future cash flows were discounted to present value using discount rates determined to be appropriate for each reporting unit. Terminal values for each reporting unit were calculated using a Gordon Growth methodology with a long-term growth rate of 3%.

Our estimated fair values of our reporting units incorporate judgment and the use of estimates by management. Potential factors requiring assessment include a further or sustained decline in our stock price, declines in oil and natural gas prices, a variance in results of operations from forecasts, and additional transactions in the oil and gas industry. Another factor in determining whether impairment has occurred is the relationship between our market capitalization and our book value. As part of our annual review, we compared the sum of our reporting units’ estimated fair value, which included the estimated fair value of non-operating assets and liabilities, less debt, to our market capitalization and assessed the reasonableness of our estimated fair value. Any of the above-mentioned factors may cause us to re-evaluate goodwill during any quarter throughout the year.

Based on our review, there was no goodwill impairment for the third quarter of 2014.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) relating to the reporting of discontinued operations and the disclosures related to disposals of components of an entity. The new standard addresses the question around whether the disposal represents a strategic shift, if the operations and cash flows can be clearly distinguished and continuing involvement will no longer preclude a disposal from being presented as discontinued operations. These changes are effective for interim and annual periods that begin after December 15, 2014. Early application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued an ASU relating to the revenue recognition from contracts with customers that creates a common revenue standard for GAAP and IFRS. The new standard will require recognition of revenue when promised goods are transferred or services to customers are performed in an amount that reflects the consideration, including costs incurred, to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This update also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. These changes are effective for interim and annual periods that begin after December 15, 2016. Early application is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued an ASU relating to the accounting for share-based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period.  The new standard will require the reporting entity to apply existing guidance in Topic 718-Compensation-Stock Compensation relating to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards.  As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered.  These changes are effective for interim and annual periods that begin after December 15, 2015. Early application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this will have on our consolidated financial statements.