Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SilverBow and its wholly owned subsidiaries, which are engaged in the exploration, development, acquisition, and operation of oil and gas properties, with a focus on oil and natural gas reserves in the Eagle Ford trend in Texas. Our undivided interests in oil and gas properties are accounted for using the proportionate consolidation method, whereby our proportionate share of each entity’s assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses are included in the appropriate classifications in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of certain revenues and expenses during each reporting period. Such estimates and assumptions are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from such estimates. Significant estimates and assumptions underlying these financial statements include:


•	the estimated quantities of proved oil and natural gas reserves used to compute depletion of oil and natural gas properties; the related present value of estimated future net cash flows there-from, and the ceiling test impairment calculation;


•	estimates related to the collectability of accounts receivable and the credit worthiness of our customers;


•	estimates of the counterparty bank risk related to letters of credit that our customers may have issued on our behalf;


•	estimates of future costs to develop and produce reserves;


•	accruals related to oil and gas sales, capital expenditures and lease operating expenses;


•	estimates in the calculation of share-based compensation expense;


•	estimates of our ownership in properties prior to final division of interest determination;


•	the estimated future cost and timing of asset retirement obligations;


•	estimates made in our income tax calculations;


•	estimates in the calculation of the fair value of commodity derivative assets and liabilities;


•	estimates in the assessment of current litigation claims against the Company; and


•	estimates in amounts due with respect to open state regulatory audits.

While we are not currently aware of any material revisions to any of our estimates, there will likely be future revisions to our estimates resulting from matters such as new accounting pronouncements, changes in ownership interests, payouts, joint venture audits, re-allocations by purchasers or pipelines, or other corrections and adjustments common in the oil and gas industry, many of which relate to prior periods. These types of adjustments cannot be currently estimated and are expected to be recorded in the period during which the adjustments are known.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment. We follow the “full-cost” method of accounting for oil and natural gas property and equipment costs. Under this method of accounting, all productive and nonproductive costs incurred in the exploration, development, and acquisition of oil and natural gas reserves are capitalized. Such costs may be incurred both prior to and after the acquisition of a property and include lease acquisitions, geological and geophysical services, drilling, completion, and equipment. Internal costs incurred that are directly identified with exploration, development, and acquisition activities undertaken by us for our own account, and which are not related to production, general corporate overhead, or similar activities, are also capitalized. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, such internal costs capitalized totaled $4.5 million and $4.6 million, respectively. Interest costs are also capitalized to unproved oil and natural gas properties (refer to Note 4 of these consolidated financial statements for further discussion on capitalized interest costs).

The “Property and Equipment” balances on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are summarized for presentation purposes. The following is a detailed breakout of our “Property and Equipment” balances (in thousands):




	December 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Property and Equipment
Proved oil and gas properties	$	925,865		$	658,519
Unproved oil and gas properties	56,715			50,377
Furniture, fixtures, and other equipment	3,520			3,270
Less – Accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization & impairment	(284,804		)	(216,769		)
Property and Equipment, Net	$	701,296		$	495,397

No gains or losses are recognized upon the sale or disposition of oil and natural gas properties, except in transactions involving a significant amount of reserves or where the proceeds from the sale of oil and natural gas properties would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves of oil and natural gas attributable to a cost center. Internal costs associated with selling properties are expensed as incurred.

We compute the provision for depreciation, depletion, and amortization (“DD&A”) of oil and natural gas properties using the unit-of-production method. Under this method, we compute the provision by multiplying the total unamortized costs of oil and gas properties—including future development costs, gas processing facilities, and both capitalized asset retirement obligations and undiscounted abandonment costs of wells to be drilled, net of salvage values, but excluding costs of unproved properties—by an overall rate determined by dividing the physical units of oil and natural gas produced (which excludes natural gas consumed in operations) during the period by the total estimated units of proved oil and natural gas reserves (which excludes natural gas consumed in operations) at the beginning of the period. Future development costs are estimated on a property-by-property basis based on current economic conditions. The period over which we will amortize these properties is dependent on our production from these properties in future years. Furniture, fixtures, and other equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated by the straight-line method at rates based on the estimated useful lives of the property, which range between two and 20 years. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred.

Geological and geophysical (“G&G”) costs incurred on developed properties are recorded in “Proved properties” and therefore subject to amortization. G&G costs incurred that are associated with unproved properties are capitalized in “Unproved properties” and evaluated as part of the total capitalized costs associated with a prospect. The cost of unproved properties not being amortized is assessed quarterly, on a property-by-property basis, to determine whether such properties have been impaired. In determining whether such costs should be impaired, we evaluate current drilling results, lease expiration dates, current oil and gas industry conditions, economic conditions, capital availability, and available geological and geophysical information. Any impairment assessed is added to the cost of proved properties being amortized.

Full-Cost Ceiling Test

Full-Cost Ceiling Test. At the end of each quarterly reporting period, the unamortized cost of oil and natural gas properties (including natural gas processing facilities, capitalized asset retirement obligations, net of related salvage values and deferred income taxes) is limited to the sum of the estimated future net revenues from proved properties (excluding cash outflows from recognized asset retirement obligations, including future development and abandonment costs of wells to be drilled, using the preceding 12-months’ average price based on closing prices on the first day of each month, adjusted for price differentials, discounted at 10%, and the lower of cost or fair value of unproved properties) adjusted for related income tax effects (“Ceiling Test”).

The quarterly calculations of the Ceiling Test and provision for DD&A are based on estimates of proved reserves. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves and in projecting the future rates of production, timing, and plan of development. The accuracy of any reserves estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. Results of drilling, testing, and production subsequent to the date of the estimate may justify revision of such estimates. Accordingly, reserves estimates are often different from the quantities of oil and natural gas that are ultimately recovered. There was no write-down for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

If future capital expenditures outpace future discounted net cash flows in our reserve calculations, if we have significant declines in our oil and natural gas reserves volumes (which also reduces our estimate of discounted future net cash flows from proved oil and natural gas reserves) or if oil or natural gas prices decline, it is possible that non-cash write-downs of our oil and natural gas properties will occur in the future. We cannot control and cannot predict what future prices for oil and natural gas will be; therefore we cannot estimate the amount of any potential future non-cash write-down of our oil and natural gas properties due to decreases in oil or natural gas prices.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition. The Company adopted the new revenue recognition standard for revenue from contracts from customers (ASC 606) effective January 1, 2018. See Note 8 in these notes to consolidated financial statements for further details.

Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers using the modified retrospective method of adoption. ASC 606 supersedes previous revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605. The new standard includes a five-step revenue recognition model to follow to determine the timing and amounts to be recognized as revenues in an entity’s financial statements. Adoption of this standard did not result in a different amount reported for oil and gas sales than what we would have reported under the previous standard. Accordingly, there was no cumulative effect adjustment required upon adoption.

Virtually all of our revenue reported as oil and gas sales in our consolidated statements of operations is derived from contracts. No other material revenue sources are attributable to Revenue from Contracts within the scope of ASC 606.

Our reported oil and gas sales are comprised of revenues from oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) sales. Revenues from each product stream are recognized at the point when control of the product is transferred to the customer and collectability is reasonably assured. Prices for our products are either negotiated on a monthly basis or tied to market indices. The Company has determined that these contracts represent performance obligations which are satisfied when control of the commodity transfers to the customer, typically through the delivery of the specified commodity to a designated delivery point. The types of contracts vary between product streams as described below:

Sales Contracts for Unprocessed Gas

We deliver natural gas to midstream entities at field delivery meter stations, under either transportation or processing agreements. For unprocessed gas (delivered under transportation or gathering agreements), we retain title to the gas through the redelivery points into downstream pipelines. The purchasers take control at these redelivery points. Sales proceeds are determined using the gas delivered for each monthly period based on an agreed upon index. We record the monthly proceeds realized at the redelivery points as gas sales revenue, and record the fees paid to the mid-stream pipeline as transportation expense.

Contracts for Processed Gas and NGLs

NGLs are unique in that they remain in a gas state through normal field operations, and are typically part of the gas stream delivered to a gas processor. A gas processing facility is necessary to separate the NGLs from the gas. The most common NGL components are ethane, propane, butane, isobutane and pentane. Each of these NGL components has unique industrial and/or residential markets. Prices, which are typically quoted on a per gallon basis, can vary substantially between these products.

Where our raw gas contains commercially recoverable NGL components, we enter into agreements with midstream gas processors under which the processor takes control at meter stations in the field and transports the gas to its processing facility. The processing facility extracts the recoverable NGLs and the remaining natural gas (“residue gas”) is delivered to a downstream pipeline, while the processor typically takes control of and purchases the NGLs at the plant tailgate.

We either take control of (take in kind) the residue gas at the plant tailgate and sell it to third party purchasers, or we sell the residue gas to the processor. Sales to third parties are negotiated on a monthly, seasonal or term basis and are priced at applicable market indexes. When we sell to the processor, the sales price is determined using monthly index prices.

When we sell the NGLs to the processor, each NGL component has a separate index price. The processor’s statement segregates the individual component quantities and lists separate settlement amounts for each NGL component. The processor charges service or processing fees that are fixed in the processing agreement. We aggregate the revenue for all components and record NGL revenues as a single product.

Based on an analysis of the terms of our existing contracts, we determined that under substantially all of our processing agreements, we retain control of both the gas and NGLs through the processing facilities. As a result, the processor is both a service provider and a customer of the NGLs (and residue gas not sold to other parties) with the sales occurring at the plant outlet. Accordingly, we record gas and NGL sales at the value realized at the plant tailgate and record the processor’s fees as transportation and processing expense.

Contracts for Oil sales

Under our oil sales contracts, we sell oil production at field delivery points at agreed-upon index pricing, adjusted for location differentials and product quality. Oil is priced on a per barrel basis. Oil is picked up by our purchasers’ trucks at our tank batteries. Control transfers when it is loaded on the purchasers’ trucks. We record oil revenue at the price received at the pick-up points.

Contract balances

Under our contracts we either invoice our customers on a monthly basis or receive monthly settlement statements from the purchasers. Invoices and settlement statements cover the products delivered during the calendar month. The performance obligation is deemed fully satisfied for each unit of product at the time control is transferred to the purchaser. Payment of each monthly settlement is unconditional. Accordingly, our product sales contracts do not give rise to any contract assets or liabilities connected to future performance obligations under ASC 606. Receivables for oil and gas sales are included in Accounts Receivable, net in the consolidated balance sheets.

Settlements for performance obligations

We record revenue for the production delivered to the purchasers during each monthly accounting period. Settlements typically occur 30 - 60 days after the end of the delivery month. As a result, we are required to estimate the amount of production delivered to the purchaser and the price that will be received for the sale of the product. We record the differences between our estimates and the actual amounts received for product sales in the month that payment is received from the purchaser. Adjustments to prior period estimates were not material for the periods presented in our consolidated statements of operations.

Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations

Our contract terms vary, with many being greater than one-year. The Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations under its contracts with customers as it applies the practical exemption in accordance with ASC 606. The exemption, as described in ASC 606-10-50-14, applies to variable consideration that is recognized as control of the product is transferred to the customer. Since each unit of product represents a separate performance obligation, future volumes are wholly unsatisfied and disclosure of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations is not required. Product prices under our long-term contracts (with delivery obligations greater than one month) are tied to indexes reflective of market value at the time of delivery.

Production imbalances

Previously, the Company elected to utilize the entitlements method to account for natural gas production imbalances which is no longer available under ASC 606. To comply with the new standard, natural gas revenues are recognized based on the actual volume of natural gas sold to the purchasers. We do not have any material imbalances, so this change had no impact on our reported revenues.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable, Net. We assess the collectability of accounts receivable, and based on our judgment, we accrue a reserve when we believe a receivable may not be collected. At both December 31, 2018 and 2017, we had an allowance for doubtful accounts of less than $0.1 million. The allowance for doubtful accounts has been deducted from the total “Accounts receivable” balance on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Supervision Fees

Supervision Fees. Consistent with industry practice, we charge a supervision fee to the wells we operate including our wells in which we own up to a 100% working interest. Supervision fees are recorded as a reduction to “General and administrative, net”, on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations

Income Taxes

pectively.

Income Taxes. Deferred taxes are determined based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities, given the provisions of the enacted tax laws.

Tax positions are evaluated for recognition using a more-likely-than-not threshold, and those tax positions requiring recognition are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. Our policy is to record interest and penalties relating to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. At December 31, 2018, we did not have any accrued liability for uncertain tax positions and do not anticipate recognition of any significant liabilities for uncertain tax positions during the next 12 months.

The Company was in a net deferred tax asset position as of December 31, 2018 for United States federal income taxes. Management has determined that it is not more likely than not that the Company will realize future cash benefits from its remaining federal carryover items, and accordingly, has taken a full valuation allowance to offset its tax assets. Tax expense associated with federal income taxes was fully offset by adjustments to the valuation allowance.

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”). The Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code that includes, among other provisions, a permanent reduction of the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and a repeal of the alternative minimum regime, both effective January 1, 2018. Because of the Company's net deferred tax asset and valuation allowance positions, these changes had minimal impact on income tax expense. See Note 3 for more information.

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities. The “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” balances on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are summarized below (in thousands):



	December 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Trade accounts payable	$	32,683	$	20,884
Accrued operating expenses	3,549		3,490
Accrued compensation costs	4,785		5,334
Asset retirement obligations – current portion	302		2,109
Accrued non-income based taxes	3,583		3,898
Accrued corporate and legal fees	534		2,784
Other payables	3,485		5,938
Total Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	48,921	$	44,437

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

Cash and Cash Equivalents. We consider all highly liquid instruments with an initial maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. These amounts do not include cash balances that are contractually restricted.

Long-term Restricted Cash. Long-term restricted cash includes amounts held in escrow accounts to satisfy plugging and abandonment obligations. As of December 31, 2018, there was no long-term restricted cash held, while at December 31, 2017, there was $0.2 million. These restricted cash balances are reported in “Other Long-Term Assets” on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Credit Risk Due To Certain Concentrations

Credit Risk Due to Certain Concentrations. We extend credit, primarily in the form of uncollateralized oil and gas sales and joint interest owners' receivables, to various companies in the oil and gas industry, which results in a concentration of credit risk. The concentration of credit risk may be affected by changes in economic or other conditions within our industry and may accordingly impact our overall credit risk. However, we believe that the risk of these unsecured receivables is mitigated by the size, reputation, and nature of the companies to which we extend credit. From certain customers we also obtain letters of credit or parent company guarantees, if applicable, to reduce risk of loss.

Treasury Stock

Treasury Stock. Our treasury stock repurchases are reported at cost and are included in “Treasury stock held, at cost” on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements. In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, which requires lessees to record most leases on the balance sheet. Under the new guidance, lease classification as either a finance lease or an operating lease will determine how lease-related revenue and expense are recognized. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition approach. The Company has elected the package of practical expedients that allows an entity to carry forward historical accounting treatment relating to lease identification and classification for existing leases upon adoption and the practical expedient related to land easements that allows an entity to carry forward historical accounting treatment for land easements on existing agreements upon adoption. The Company has also made an accounting policy election to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

As a result of adoption, the Company's 2019 opening balances for right-of-use assets and lease liabilities will be less than $3.0 million, attributable to operating leases. The balances could increase during the year if the Company enters into new lease agreements. Adoption of this guidance will not result in a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings.