Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Certain amounts previously reported in our consolidated financial statements for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the related disclosures. Actual amounts could differ from these estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. The carrying value of cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the short-term nature of these investments.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash consists of cash not readily available for general purpose cash needs. Restricted cash relates to bankruptcy matters and cash held at commercial banks to support letter of credit facilities.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We establish provisions for losses on trade receivables if it becomes probable that we will not collect all or part of the outstanding balances. We review collectibility and establish or adjust our allowance as necessary using the specific identification method. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we did not have a significant allowance for doubtful accounts.

Inventories

Commodity inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value using the first-in, first-out accounting method ("FIFO"). We value merchandise along with spare parts, materials and supplies at average cost.

Beginning in June 2015, our refining segment acquires substantially all of its crude oil from J. Aron & Company ("J.Aron") under Supply and Offtake Agreements as described in Note 10—Inventory Financing Agreements. The crude oil remains in the legal title of J. Aron and is stored in our storage tanks governed by a storage agreement. Legal title to the crude oil passes to us at the tank outlet. After processing, J. Aron takes title to the refined products stored in our storage tanks until sold to our retail locations or to third parties. We record the inventory owned by J. Aron on our behalf as inventory with a corresponding obligation on our balance sheet because we maintain the risk of loss until the refined products are sold to third parties and are obligated to repurchase the inventory.

Prior to the Supply and Offtake Agreements with J. Aron, our refining and distribution segment acquired substantially all of its crude oil from Barclays Bank PLC (“Barclays”) under supply and exchange agreements as described in Note 10—Inventory Financing Agreements.

We enter into refined product and crude oil exchange agreements with other oil companies. Exchanges receivable or payable are stated at cost and are presented within Trade accounts receivable and Accounts Payable on our consolidated balance sheets.

Investment in Laramie Energy, LLC

We account for our Investment in Laramie Energy, LLC using the equity method as we have the ability to exert significant influence, but do not control its operating and financial policies. Our proportionate share of net income (loss) of this entity is included in Equity earnings (losses) from Laramie Energy, LLC in the consolidated statements of operations. The investment is reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that there has been an other than temporary decline in the value of the investment. Please read Note 3—Investment in Laramie Energy, LLC.

Property, Plant and Equipment

We capitalize the cost of additions, major improvements and modifications to property, plant and equipment. The cost of repairs and normal maintenance of property, plant and equipment is expensed as incurred. Major improvements and modifications of property, plant and equipment are those expenditures that either extend the useful life, increase the capacity or improve the operating efficiency of the asset or improve the safety of our operations. We compute depreciation of property, plant and equipment using the straight-line method, based on the estimated useful life of each asset as follows:



Assets		Lives in Years
Refining		8 to 47
Logistics		3 to 30
Retail		14 to 18
Corporate		3 to 7
Software		3

We record property under capital leases at the lower of the present value of minimum lease payments using our incremental borrowing rate or the fair value of the leased property at the date of lease inception. We depreciate leasehold improvements and property acquired under capital leases over the shorter of the lease term or the economic life of the asset.

We review property, plant and equipment and other long-lived assets whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Impairment is indicated when the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets’ carrying value. If this occurs, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the fair value and carrying value. Factors that indicate potential impairment include a significant decrease in the market value of the asset, operating or cash flow losses associated with the use of the asset and a significant change in the asset’s physical condition or use.

Natural Gas and Oil Properties

We account for our natural gas and oil exploration and development activities using the successful efforts method of accounting. Under such method, costs of productive exploratory wells, development dry holes and productive wells and undeveloped leases are capitalized. Natural gas and oil lease acquisition costs are also capitalized. Exploration costs, including personnel costs, certain geological or geophysical expenses and delay rentals for natural gas and oil leases, are charged to expense as incurred. Exploratory drilling costs are initially capitalized, then evaluated quarterly and charged to expense if and when the well is determined not to contain reserves in commercial quantities. The sale of a partial interest in a proved property is accounted for as a cost recovery and no gain or loss is recognized as long as this treatment does not significantly affect the units-of-production depletion rate. A gain or loss is recognized for all other sales of producing properties.

Unproved properties are assessed quarterly on a property-by-property basis and any impairment in value is charged to expense. If the unproved properties are determined to be productive, the related costs are transferred to proved oil and natural gas properties and are depleted. Proceeds from sales of partial interests in unproved leases are accounted for as a recovery of cost without recognizing any gain or loss until all costs have been recovered.

Depletion of capitalized acquisition, exploration and development costs is computed using the units-of-production method by individual fields (common reservoirs) based on proved producing natural gas and crude oil reserves as the related reserves are produced. Associated leasehold costs are depleted using the unit-of-production method based on total proved natural gas and crude oil reserves as the related reserves are produced.

Our natural gas and crude oil assets are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable.

Asset Retirement Obligations

We record asset retirement obligations (“AROs”) in the period in which we have a legal obligation, whether by government action or contractual arrangement, to incur these costs and can make a reasonable estimate of the liability. Our AROs arise from our refining, logistics and retail operations, as well as plugging and abandonment of wells within our natural gas and crude oil operations. AROs are calculated based on the present value of the estimated removal and other closure costs using our credit-adjusted risk-free rate. When the liability is initially recorded, we capitalize the cost by increasing the book value of the related long-lived tangible asset. The liability is accreted to its estimated settlement value with accretion expense recognized in Depreciation, depletion and amortization ("DD&A") on our consolidated statements of operations and the related capitalized cost is depreciated over the asset’s useful life. The difference between the settlement amount and the recorded liability is recorded as a gain or loss on asset disposals in our consolidated statements of operations. We estimate settlement dates by considering our past practice, industry practice, contractual terms, management’s intent and estimated economic lives.

We cannot currently estimate the fair value for certain AROs primarily because we cannot estimate settlement dates (or range of dates) associated with these assets. These AROs include hazardous materials disposal (such as petroleum manufacturing by-products, chemical catalysts and sealed insulation material containing asbestos) and removal or dismantlement requirements associated with the closure of our refining facility, terminal facilities or pipelines, including the demolition or removal of certain major processing units, buildings, tanks, pipelines or other equipment.

Deferred Turnaround Costs

Refinery turnaround costs, which are incurred in connection with planned major maintenance activities at our refineries, are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the period of time estimated until the next planned turnaround (generally three to five years). During 2016, we recognized deferred turnaround costs of approximately $32.7 million. Deferred turnaround costs are presented within Other long-term assets on our consolidated balance sheets.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the amount the purchase price exceeds the fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment annually on October 1. We assess the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill during the fourth quarter of each year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the goodwill of a reporting unit may not be fully recoverable. We first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, a two-step quantitative test is required. If required, we will compare the carrying value of the net assets of the reporting unit to the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, an impairment indicator exists and an estimate of the impairment loss is calculated.

Our intangible assets include relationships with customers, favorable railcar leases, trade names and trademarks. These intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis. We evaluate the carrying value of our intangible assets when impairment indicators are present. When we believe impairment indicators may exist, projections of the undiscounted future cash flows associated with the use of and eventual disposition of the intangible assets are prepared. If the projections indicate that their carrying values are not recoverable, we reduce the carrying values to their estimated fair values.

Environmental Matters

We capitalize environmental expenditures that extend the life or increase the capacity of facilities as well as expenditures that prevent environmental contamination. We expense costs that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations and that do not contribute to current or future revenue generation. We record liabilities when environmental assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Cost estimates are based on the expected timing and extent of remedial actions required by governing agencies, experience gained from similar sites for which environmental assessments or remediation have been completed and the amount of our anticipated liability considering the proportional liability and financial abilities of other responsible parties. Usually, the timing of these accruals coincides with the completion of a feasibility study or our commitment to a formal plan of action. Estimated liabilities are not discounted to present value and are presented within Other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Environmental expenses are recorded in Operating expenses on our consolidated statements of operations.

Derivatives and Other Financial instruments

We are exposed to commodity price risk related to crude oil and refined products. We manage this exposure through the use of various derivative commodity instruments. These instruments include exchange traded futures and over-the-counter swaps, forwards and options.

For our forward contracts that are derivatives, we have elected the normal purchase normal sale exclusion, as it is our policy to fulfill or accept the physical delivery of the product and we will not net settle. Therefore, we did not recognize the unrealized gains or losses related to these contracts in our consolidated financial statements. We apply the accrual method of accounting to contracts qualifying for the normal purchase and sales exemption.

All derivative instruments, not designated as normal purchases or sales, are recorded in the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities measured at their fair values. Changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments are recognized currently in earnings. We have not designated any derivative instruments as cash flow or fair value hedges and therefore, do not apply hedge accounting treatment.

In addition, we may have other financial instruments, such as warrants or embedded debt features, that may be classified as liabilities when either (a) the holders possess rights to net cash settlement, (b) physical or net equity settlement is not in our control or (c) the instruments contain other provisions that cause us to conclude that they are not indexed to our equity. We have also accounted for our obligation to repurchase crude oil and refined products from J.Aron at the termination of the Supply and Offtake Agreements as an embedded derivative. Additionally, we have determined that the redemption option and the related make-whole premium on our 5.00% Convertible Senior Notes represent an embedded derivative. These liabilities were initially recorded at fair value and subsequently adjusted to fair value at the end of each reporting period through earnings.

Please read Note 12—Derivatives and Note 13—Fair Value Measurements for information regarding our derivatives and other financial instruments.

Income Taxes

We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and net operating loss ("NOLs") and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in income tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period that includes the enactment date. The realizability of deferred tax assets is evaluated quarterly based on a “more likely than not” standard and, to the extent this threshold is not met, a valuation allowance is recorded.

We recognize the impact of an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not of being sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority based on the technical merits of the position. As a general rule, our open years for Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) examination purposes are 2013, 2014 and 2015. However, since we have net operating loss carryforwards, the IRS has the ability to make adjustments to items that originate in a year otherwise barred by the statute of limitations in order to re-determine tax for an open year to which those items are carried. Therefore, in a year in which a net operating loss deduction is claimed, the IRS may examine the year in which the net operating loss was generated and adjust it accordingly for purposes of assessing additional tax in the year the net operating loss deductions was claimed. Any penalties or interest as a result of an examination will be recorded in the period assessed.

Stock-Based Compensation

We recognize the cost of share-based payments on a straight-line basis over the period the employee provides service, generally the vesting period and include such costs in General and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations. The grant date fair value of restricted stock awards are equal to the market price of our common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of stock options are estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model as of the date of grant.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned. Revenue is realized or realizable and earned when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue that does not meet these criteria is deferred until the criteria are met.

Certain transactions are recorded on a net basis and included in Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation) on our consolidated statements of operations. These transactions include nonmonetary crude oil and refined product exchange transactions, certain crude oil buy/sell arrangements, and sale and purchase transactions entered into with the same counterparty that are deemed to be in contemplation with one another.

Refining and Retail

We recognize revenues upon delivery of goods or services to a customer. For goods, this is the point at which title and risk of loss is transferred and when payment has either been received or collection is reasonably assured. Revenues for services are recorded when the services have been provided. We include transportation fees charged to customers in Revenues in our consolidated statements of operations, while the related transportation costs are included in Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation).

Federal excise and state motor fuel taxes, which are collected from customers and remitted to governmental agencies within our refining and retail segments are excluded from both Revenues and Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation) in our consolidated statements of operations.

Logistics

We recognize transportation and storage fees as services are provided to a customer. Substantially all of our logistics revenues represent intercompany transactions that are eliminated in consolidation.

Texadian

We earn revenues from the sale and transportation of crude oil and the rental of railcars. Accordingly, revenues and related costs from sales of crude oil are recorded when title transfers to the buyer. Transportation revenues are recognized when title passes to the customer, which is when risk of ownership transfers to the purchaser and physical delivery occurs. Revenues from the rental of railcars are recognized ratably over the lease periods.

Benefit Plans

We recognize an asset for the overfunded status or a liability for the underfunded status of our defined benefit pension plan. The funded status is recorded within Other long-term liabilities. Changes in the plan's funded status are recognized in Other comprehensive loss in the period the change occurs.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). Fair value measurements are categorized with the highest priority given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority given to unobservable inputs. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:


Level 1 –	Assets or liabilities for which the item is valued based on quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.


Level 2 –	Assets or liabilities valued based on observable market data for similar instruments.


Level 3 –	Assets or liabilities for which significant valuation assumptions are not readily observable in the market; instruments valued based on the best available data, some of which is internally-developed and considers risk premiums that a market participant would require.

The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is categorized is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of the fair value of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. Our policy is to recognize transfers in and/or out of fair value hierarchy levels as of the end of the reporting period for which the event or change in circumstances caused the transfer. We have consistently applied these valuation techniques for the periods presented. We use data from peers as well as external sources in the determination of the volatility and risk-free rates used in the valuation of our common stock warrants and contingent consideration. For these instruments, a sensitivity analysis is performed as well to determine the impact of inputs on the ending fair value estimate. The fair value of the J. Aron repurchase obligation derivative is measured using estimates of the prices and differentials assuming settlement at the end of the reporting period.

Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic income (loss) per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the sum of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and the weighted-average number of shares issuable under the warrants. Please read Note 17—Income (Loss) Per Share for further information. The warrants are included in the calculation of basic EPS because they are issuable for minimal consideration. Unvested restricted stock is excluded from the computation of basic EPS as these shares are not considered earned until vesting occurs.

Foreign Currency Transactions

We may, on occasion, enter into transactions denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, which is our functional currency. Gains and losses resulting from changes in currency exchange rates between the functional currency and the currency in which a transaction is denominated are included in Other income (expense), net, in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations in the period in which the currency exchange rates change.

Accounting Principles Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”). The FASB’s objective was to provide a more robust framework to improve comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities by removing most industry and transaction specific guidance, align GAAP with International Financial Reporting Standards and provide more useful information to financial statement users. This authoritative guidance changes the way entities recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date ("ASU 2015-14"), which defers the effective date of ASU 2015-09 by one year. ASU 2014-09 is now effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Further amendments and technical corrections were made to ASU 2014-09 during 2016. ASU 2014-09 allows for either full retrospective adoption or modified retrospective adoption. We are in the process of performing a review of contracts in each of our revenue streams and developing accounting policies to address the provisions of the ASU. We have not finalized any estimates of the potential impacts of this ASU to our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We will adopt this ASU on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method with a cumulative adjustment to retained earnings.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis ("ASU 2015-02"). ASU 2015-02 changes the consolidation analysis required under GAAP by eliminating the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership and modifying the evaluation of whether limited partnerships are Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs") or voting interest entities. Under the amended guidance, limited partners would be required to consolidate a partnership if the limited partner retains certain powers and obligations. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. ASU 2015-02 allows for either full retrospective adoption or modified retrospective adoption. Early adoption is permitted, but the guidance must be applied as of the beginning of the annual period containing the adoption date. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2015-02 to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize all leases, including operating leases, on the balance sheet as a lease asset or lease liability, unless the lease is a short-term lease. ASU 2016-02 also requires additional disclosures regarding leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim periods and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and early application is permitted. We are in the process of determining the method of adoption and the impact this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2016-09"). ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for interim periods and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted and requires that adjustments be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes the interim period of adoption. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-09 to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting ("ASU 2016-07"). ASU 2016-07 simplifies the equity method of accounting by eliminating the requirement to retrospectively apply the equity method to an investment that subsequently qualifies for such accounting as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence. Consequently, when an investment qualifies for the equity method (as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence), the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee would be added to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and the equity method would be applied subsequently from the date on which the investor obtains the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee. ASU 2016-07 is effective for interim periods and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and early application is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-07 to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments ("ASU 2016-15"). The primary purpose of this ASU is to reduce the diversity in practice relating to eight specific cash flow issues: debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies (including bank-owned life insurance policies); distributions received from equity method investees; beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The guidance in this ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance must be applied using a retrospective transition method. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-15 to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU 2017-04"), which eliminates Step 2 from the current goodwill impairment test. Under ASU 2017-04, an entity is no longer required to determine goodwill impairment by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Under ASU 2017-04, an entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The guidance in this ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. This ASU should be applied prospectively from the date of adoption. This ASU will change the policy under which we perform our annual goodwill impairment assessment by eliminating Step 2 of the test.

Accounting Principles Adopted

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”). ASU 2014-15 is intended to define management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organization’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. We adopted this ASU as of December 31, 2016. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.