Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

Operations of our company include oil, natural gas and NGL development and production primarily located in Texas, New Mexico and North Dakota. We specialize in development and production from tight-sands and shale formations in the Delaware and Williston Basins. Associated with our commodity production are sales and marketing activities, referred to as commodity management activities, which include oil and natural gas purchased from third-party working interest owners in operated wells and the management of various commodity contracts, such as transportation.

We had operations in the San Juan Basin, which were sold in 2017 and 2018, that are reported in discontinued operations as discussed below.

The consolidated businesses represented herein as WPX Energy, Inc. is also referred to as “WPX,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our.”

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and investments. Companies in which we own 20 percent to 50 percent of the voting common stock, or otherwise exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies of the Company, are accounted for under the equity method. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The Company has no other elements of comprehensive income (loss) other than net income (loss).

Our continuing operations comprise a single business segment, which includes the development, production and commodity management activities of oil, natural gas and NGLs in the United States.

Discontinued Operations

See Note 2 for a further discussion of discontinued operations. Unless indicated otherwise, the information in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements relates to continuing operations.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Significant estimates and assumptions that impact these financials include:

•impairment assessments of long-lived assets;

•valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities;

•valuations of derivatives;

•estimation of oil and natural gas reserves; and

•assessments of litigation-related contingencies.

These estimates are discussed further throughout these notes.

Cash and cash equivalents

Our cash and cash equivalents balance includes amounts primarily invested in funds with high-quality, short-term securities and instruments that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government. These have maturity dates of three months or less when acquired.

Restricted cash

Restricted cash was approximately $20 million and $15 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and is included in other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable are carried on a gross basis, with no discounting, less the allowance for doubtful accounts. We estimate the allowance for doubtful accounts based on existing economic conditions, the financial conditions of the customers and the amount and age of past due accounts. Receivables are considered past due if full payment is not received by the contractual due date. Past due accounts are generally written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts only after all collection attempts have been exhausted. A portion of our receivables are from joint interest owners of properties we operate. Thus, we may have the ability to withhold future revenue disbursements to recover any non-payment of joint interest billings.

Inventories

All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Our materials, supplies and other inventories consist of tubular goods and production equipment for future transfer to wells and crude oil production in transit. Inventory is recorded and relieved using the weighted average cost method. The following table presents a summary of inventories.

	Years ended December 31,
	2019		2018
	(Millions)
Material, supplies and other	$	36	$	46
Commodity production in storage	5		2
	$	41	$	48

Properties and equipment

Oil and gas exploration and production activities are accounted for under the successful efforts method. Costs incurred in connection with the drilling and equipping of exploratory wells are capitalized as incurred. If proved reserves are not found, such costs are charged to exploration expenses. Other exploration costs, including geological and geophysical costs and lease rentals are charged to expense as incurred. All costs related to development wells, including related production equipment and lease acquisition costs, are capitalized when incurred whether productive or nonproductive.

Unproved properties include lease acquisition costs. Individually significant lease acquisition costs are assessed annually, or as conditions warrant, for impairment considering our future drilling plans, the remaining lease term and recent drilling results. Lease acquisition costs that are not individually significant are aggregated by prospect or geographically, and the portion of such costs estimated to be nonproductive prior to lease expiration is amortized over the average holding period. The estimate of what could be nonproductive is based on our historical experience or other information, including current drilling plans and existing geological data. Impairment and amortization of lease acquisition costs are included in exploration expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. If the unproved properties are determined to be productive, the appropriate related costs are transferred to proved oil and gas properties. We refer to unproved lease acquisition costs as unproved properties.

From time to time we may exchange leasehold acreage with third parties. In connection with this type of nonmonetary exchange in which commercial substance is established, we must record assets received based on the fair value of either the asset surrendered or, if more readily determinable, the assets received. Any resulting difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the assets is recorded as a gain or loss, to the extent a loss exceeds accumulated amortization, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Gains or losses from the ordinary sale or retirement of properties and equipment are recorded in operating income (loss) as either a separate line item, if individually significant, or included in other—net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Costs related to the construction or acquisition of field gathering, processing and certain other facilities are recorded at cost. Ordinary maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

Capitalized exploratory and developmental drilling costs, including lease and well equipment and intangible development costs are depreciated and amortized using the units-of-production method based on estimated proved developed oil and gas reserves on a field basis. Depletion of producing leasehold costs is based on the units-of-production method using estimated total proved oil and gas reserves on a field basis. In arriving at rates under the units-of-production methodology, the quantities of proved oil and gas reserves are established based on estimates made by our geologists and engineers.

Costs related to gathering, processing and certain other facilities are depreciated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives.

Impairment of long-lived assets

We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate, in our management’s judgment, that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. When an indicator of impairment has occurred, we compare our management’s estimate of undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the assets to the carrying value of the assets to determine whether an impairment has occurred. If an impairment of the carrying value has occurred, we determine the amount of the impairment recognized in the financial statements by estimating the fair value of the assets and recording a loss for the amount that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value.

Proved properties, including developed and undeveloped, are assessed for impairment using estimated future undiscounted cash flows on a field basis. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the book value of the assets, then a subsequent analysis is performed using discounted cash flows. Additionally, our leasehold costs are evaluated for impairment if the proved property costs within a basin are impaired.

Judgments and assumptions are inherent in our management’s estimate of undiscounted future cash flows and an asset’s fair value. These judgments and assumptions include such matters as the estimation of oil and gas reserve quantities, risks associated with the different categories of oil and gas reserves, the timing of development and production, expected future commodity prices, capital expenditures, production costs, and appropriate discount rates.

Contingent liabilities

Due to the nature of our business, we are routinely subject to various lawsuits, claims and other proceedings. We recognize a liability in our consolidated financial statements when we determine that it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If we determine that a loss is probable but lack information on which to reasonably estimate a loss, if any, or if we determine that a loss is only reasonably possible, we do not recognize a liability. We disclose the nature of loss contingencies that are potentially material but for which no liability has been recognized.

Asset retirement obligations

We record an asset and a liability upon incurrence equal to the present value of each expected future asset retirement obligation (“ARO”). These estimates include, as a component of future expected costs, an estimate of the price that a third party would demand, and could expect to receive, for bearing the uncertainties inherent in the obligations, sometimes referred to as a market risk premium. The ARO asset is depreciated in a manner consistent with the depreciation of the underlying physical asset. We measure changes in the liability due to passage of time by applying an interest method of allocation. This amount is recognized as an increase in the carrying amount of the liability and as a corresponding accretion expense in lease and facility operating expense included in costs and expenses.

Cash flows from revolving credit facilities

Proceeds and payments related to any borrowings under a revolving credit facility are reflected in the financing activities of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows on a gross basis.

Derivative instruments and hedging activities

We utilize derivatives to manage our commodity price risk. These instruments consist primarily of futures contracts, swap agreements, option contracts, and forward contracts involving short- and long-term purchases and sales of a physical energy commodity.

We report the fair value of derivatives, except those for which the normal purchases and normal sales exception has been elected, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in derivative assets and derivative liabilities as either current or noncurrent. We determine the current and noncurrent classification based on the timing of expected future cash flows of individual trades. We report these amounts on a gross basis. Additionally, we report cash collateral receivables and payables with our counterparties on a gross basis.

The accounting for the changes in fair value of a commodity derivative can be summarized as follows:

Derivative Treatment	Accounting Method
Normal purchases and normal sales exception	Accrual accounting
Designated in a qualifying hedging relationship	Hedge accounting
All other derivatives	Mark-to-market accounting

We may elect the normal purchases and normal sales exception for certain short- and long-term purchases and sales of a physical energy commodity. Under accrual accounting, any change in the fair value of these derivatives is not reflected on the balance sheet after the initial election of the exception.

Certain gains and losses on derivative instruments included on the Consolidated Statements of Operations are netted together to a single net gain or loss, while other gains and losses are reported on a gross basis. Gains and losses recorded on a net basis include:

•unrealized gains and losses on all derivatives that are not designated as cash flow hedges related to production and for which we have not elected the normal purchases and normal sales exception;

•unrealized gains and losses on all derivatives that are not designated as cash flow hedges related to commodity management and for which we have not elected the normal purchases and normal sales exception;

•realized gains and losses on all derivatives that settle financially;

•realized gains and losses on derivatives held for trading purposes; and

•realized gains and losses on derivatives entered into as a pre-contemplated buy/sell arrangement.

Realized gains and losses on derivatives that require physical delivery are recorded on a gross basis. In reaching our conclusions on this presentation, we considered whether we act as principal in the transaction; whether we have the risks and rewards of ownership, including credit risk; and whether we have latitude in establishing prices.

Product and commodity management revenues

Our revenues on the Consolidated Statement of Operations include oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids sales (collectively, “product revenues”), commodity management revenues and net gain (loss) on derivatives. Product revenues relate to production from properties in which we own an interest. Commodity management revenues primarily relate to sales of products we may purchase from other third parties in the areas we operate. We derive substantially all of our revenues from the sale of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids in the continental United States. We believe the disaggregation of product revenues into the three major product types of oil sales, natural gas sales and natural gas liquid sales is an appropriate level of detail for our company’s primary activity and industry.

Our contracts for oil and natural gas sales are typically standard industry contracts that may include modifications for counterparty-specific provisions related to volumes, price differentials, discounts and other adjustments and deductions. Our contracts related to natural gas liquids sales are generally with the company contracted to gather and process natural gas to extract the natural gas liquids. The provider of these services typically purchases our share of the natural gas liquids pursuant to the terms of each contract. Oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices are derived from stated market prices which are then adjusted to reflect deductions including fuel, shrink, transportation, fractionation and processing. Product revenues are initially accrued based on volume and price estimates using the best available information. These accruals are typically actualized one to two months later when volume and pricing are confirmed. Adjustments to actualize the accruals for product revenues are generally not material.

Revenue is recognized when the performance obligations under the terms of our contracts with customers are satisfied. The primary performance obligation for the material portion of our revenue contracts is the delivery of oil, natural gas or natural gas liquids to our customers. Significant judgments related to revenue recognition include principal versus agent considerations.

We record revenue on a gross basis when we control a promised good or service before transferring it to a customer. We record revenue on a net basis when we arrange for another company to provide the good or service. Determining the point and time when control of a product transfers to a customer requires significant judgment. Payment is typically due 30 to 45 days following delivery of product to our customers.

Revenues from production in properties for which we have an interest with other producers are recognized based on the actual volumes sold during the period. Any differences between volumes sold and entitlement volumes, based on our net revenue interest, that are determined to be nonrecoverable through remaining production are recognized as accounts receivable

or accounts payable, as appropriate. Our cumulative net oil and natural gas imbalance position based on market prices as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 was insignificant.

Commodity management expenses

Commodity management expenses primarily relate to product we may purchase from other third parties in the areas we operate.

Income taxes

We file consolidated and combined federal and state income tax returns for the Company and its subsidiaries. We record deferred taxes for the differences between the tax and book basis of our assets as well as loss or credit carryovers to future years. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets if it is determined it is more likely than not that the related tax benefit will not be realized. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as noncurrent on the statement of financial position.

Employee stock-based compensation

Restricted stock units and awards are generally valued at market value on the grant date and generally vest over three years. Restricted stock compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, is generally recognized over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. Performance-based awards are tied to shareholder return over time relative to our peer group and are valued using a Monte Carlo method using measures of total shareholder return.

Earnings (loss) per common share

Basic earnings (loss) per common share is based on the sum of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and vested restricted stock units. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share includes any dilutive effect of stock options and nonvested restricted stock units and awards (see Note 3).

Debt issuance costs

Debt issuance fees, which are recorded at cost, net of amortization, are amortized over the life of the respective debt agreements utilizing the effective interest and straight-line methods. The Company had total net debt issuance costs of $36 million and $35 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Unamortized debt issuance costs related to the Company’s senior unsecured notes are reported in long-term debt (see Note 8) and debt issuance costs related to the Credit Facility are recorded in other noncurrent assets on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. 

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, Leases, effective January 1, 2019. The standard requires the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. Under the new standard, a determination is made at the inception of a contract as to whether the contract is, or contains a lease. Leases convey the right to control the use of an identified asset in exchange for consideration. We used a transition method that applies the new lease standard at January 1, 2019, and recognizes any cumulative-effect adjustments to the opening balance of 2019 retained earnings. The cumulative effect adjustment was not material. Upon adoption, we recorded initial right-of-use assets of $90 million in other noncurrent assets, noncurrent lease liabilities of $46 million in other noncurrent liabilities and current lease liabilities of $44 million in accrued and other current liabilities. The Company applied a policy election to exclude short-term leases (leases with a term of 12 months or less) from balance sheet recognition and also elected certain practical expedients at adoption including the treatment of lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for all asset classes. As permitted, we applied certain other practical expedients in which we elected not to reassess:

•whether existing contracts are or contain leases;

•lease classification for any expired or existing leases;

•initial direct costs for any existing lease; and

•whether existing land easements and rights of way, that were not previously accounted for as leases, are or contain a lease.

See Note 11 for additional information related to our contracts that are or contain leases.

We adopted ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) effective January 1, 2019. This ASU provides guidance for various components of hedge accounting including hedge ineffectiveness, the expansion of types of permissible hedging strategies, reduced complexity in the application of the long-haul method for fair value hedges and reduced complexity in

assessment of effectiveness. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company. However, we would be impacted if we were to apply hedge accounting in a future period.

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses. This ASU, as further amended, affects trade receivables, financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. This ASU will replace the currently required incurred loss approach with an expected loss model for instruments measured at amortized cost and is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. This ASU will be applied using a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. The Company does not believe the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the Company does not have a history of material credit losses.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This ASU eliminates, adds and modifies certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. Entities will no longer be required to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, but public companies will be required to disclose additional information about significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 measurements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public entities for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company does not expect any significant impact on its consolidated financial statements from the adoption of this standard.