NOV Inc

Previous wording

The oil and gas industry historically has experienced significant volatility. Demand for our products and services depends primarily upon the number of oil rigs in operation, the number of oil and gas wells being drilled, the depth and drilling conditions of these wells, the volume of production, the number of well completions, capital expenditures of other oilfield service companies and the level of workover activity. Drilling and workover activity can fluctuate significantly in a short period, particularly in the United States and Canada. The demand and pricing for our products and services will continue to be influenced by numerous factors over which we have no control, including the:

Current wording

The oil and gas industry historically has experienced significant volatility. Demand for our products and services depends primarily upon the number of oil rigs in operation, the number of oil and gas wells being drilled, the depth and drilling conditions of these wells, the volume of production, the number of well completions, capital expenditures of other oilfield service companies and the level of workover activity. Drilling and workover activity can fluctuate significantly in a short period, particularly in the United States and Canada. The demand and pricing for our products and services will continue to be influenced by numerous factors over which we have no control, including:

Previous wording

level of production by non-OPEC countries including production from U.S. shale plays;

Current wording

the level of production by non-OPEC countries including production from U.S. shale plays;

Previous wording

level of excess production capacity;

Current wording

the level of excess production capacity;

Previous wording

cost of exploring for and producing oil and gas;

Current wording

the cost of exploring for and producing oil and gas;

Previous wording

level of drilling activity and drilling rig dayrates;

Current wording

the level of drilling activity and drilling rig dayrates;

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had a backlog of capital equipment to be manufactured, assembled, tested and delivered by Completion & Production Solutions and Rig Technologies in the amount of $1.8 billion and $2.9 billion, respectively. The following factors, in addition to others not listed, could reduce our margins on these contracts, adversely impact completion of these contracts, adversely affect our position in the market or subject us to contractual penalties:

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had a backlog of capital equipment to be manufactured, assembled, tested and delivered by Energy Equipment in the amount of $4.43 billion. The following factors, in addition to others not listed, could reduce our margins on these contracts, adversely impact completion of these contracts, adversely affect our position in the market or subject us to contractual penalties:

Previous wording

Liabilities resulting from an inability to perform services due to limited manpower availability or an inability to travel to perform the services;

Current wording

liabilities resulting from an inability to perform services due to limited manpower availability or an inability to travel to perform the services; and

Previous wording

We may suffer business disruption from direct or indirect cyber-attacks. These take many forms, including ransomware directed at us, our vendors or our customers. For example, our operations were affected by the well-publicized shutdown of the Kronos Company’s cloud-based employee work time keeping system, to which certain of our operations subscribe for recording hours worked. Our Human Resources and Operations management were able to quickly implement alternate procedures until the Kronos system was restored. We suffered no material loss due to the outage, and our employee data was not compromised. As with virtually all other large companies, we receive numerous phishing efforts, and other attempted cyber-attacks such as efforts to hack our systems or use distributed denial-of-service attacks. These cyber-security risks have not resulted in any material adverse interruption in our business to date but pose an ongoing threat of material interruption to our business activities.

Current wording

We may suffer business disruption from direct or indirect cyber-attacks. These take many forms, including ransomware directed at us, our vendors or our customers. As with virtually all other large companies, we receive numerous phishing efforts, and other attempted cyber-attacks such as efforts to hack our systems or use distributed denial-of-service attacks. These cyber-security risks have not resulted in any material adverse interruption in our business to date but pose an ongoing threat of material interruption to our business activities.

Previous wording

Our business may be materially and adversely affected by severe weather conditions in areas where we operate. Many experts believe global climate change could increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather conditions. Repercussions of severe or unseasonable weather conditions may entail the evacuation of personnel and stoppage of services; inability to deliver material to jobsites in accordance with contract schedules; decreases in demand for oil and natural gas during unseasonably warm winters; and loss of productivity. In addition, particularly severe weather could result in weather related evacuation of personnel and curtailment of services, including:

Current wording

Our business may be materially and adversely affected by severe weather conditions in areas where we operate. Many experts believe global climate change could increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather conditions, including coastal storm surges, inland flooding from intense rainfall, hurricane-strength winds, and extreme temperature. Repercussions of severe or unseasonable weather conditions may entail the evacuation of personnel and stoppage of services, damage to our facilities and project work sites, as well as our customers’ platforms or structures and offshore drilling rigs, inability to deliver material to jobsites in accordance with contract schedules, decreases in demand for oil and natural gas during unseasonably warm winters, and loss of productivity. Additionally, severe weather events could result in a disruption or suspension of our customers’ operations, thereby reducing demand for our services. Any of these events could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

The Company has approximately $1.6 billion of goodwill and $0.2 billion of other intangible assets with indefinite lives as of December 31, 2023. Generally accepted accounting principles require the Company to test goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or circumstances indicate they might be impaired. Events or circumstances which could indicate a potential impairment include (but are not limited to) a significant sustained reduction in worldwide oil and gas prices or drilling; a significant sustained reduction in profitability or cash flow of oil and gas companies or drilling contractors; a significant sustained reduction in capital investment by other oilfield service companies; or a significant increase in worldwide inventories of oil or gas. The timing and magnitude of any goodwill impairment charge, which could be material, would depend on the timing and severity of the event or events triggering the charge and would require a high degree of management judgement. If we were to determine that any of our remaining balance of goodwill or other indefinite lived intangible assets was impaired, we would record an immediate charge to earnings with a corresponding reduction in stockholders’ equity; resulting in a possible increase in balance sheet leverage as measured by debt to total capitalization.

Current wording

Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition price paid over the fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company has approximately $1.6 billion of goodwill and $0.2 billion of other intangible assets with indefinite lives as of December 31, 2024. Generally accepted accounting principles require the Company to test goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment at least annually or more frequently whenever events or circumstances indicate they might be impaired. Events or circumstances which could indicate a potential impairment include (but are not limited to): a significant sustained reduction in worldwide oil and gas prices or drilling; a significant sustained reduction in profitability or cash flow of oil and gas companies or drilling contractors; a significant sustained reduction in the market capitalization of the Company; a significant sustained reduction in capital investment by drilling companies and oil and gas companies; or a significant increase in worldwide inventories of oil or gas. The timing and magnitude of any goodwill impairment charge, which could be material, would depend on the timing and severity of the event or events triggering the charge and would require a high degree of management judgment. If we were to determine that any of our remaining balance of goodwill or other indefinite lived intangible assets was impaired, we would record an immediate charge to earnings with a corresponding reduction in stockholders’ equity; resulting in a possible increase in balance sheet leverage as measured by debt to total capitalization.

Previous wording

We could be adversely affected if we fail to comply with any of the numerous international, federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies that govern environmental protection, zoning and other matters applicable to our businesses.

Current wording

We could be adversely affected if we fail to comply with any of the numerous international, federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies that govern environmental protection, data privacy, zoning and other matters applicable to our businesses.

Previous wording

Our businesses are subject to numerous international, federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies governing environmental protection, zoning and other matters. These laws and regulations have changed frequently in the past and it is reasonable to expect additional changes in the future. If existing regulatory requirements change, we may be required to make significant unanticipated capital and operating expenditures. We cannot assure you that our operations will continue to comply with future laws and regulations. Governmental authorities may seek to impose fines and penalties on us or to revoke or deny the issuance or renewal of operating permits for failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations. Under these circumstances, we might be required to reduce or cease operations or conduct site remediation or other corrective action which could adversely impact our operations and financial condition.

Current wording

Our businesses are subject to numerous international, federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies governing environmental protection, data privacy, zoning and other matters. Moreover, data privacy laws and regulations enacted in the various jurisdictions in which we operate impose a variety of obligations to protect data against misuse or disclosure. These laws and regulations have changed frequently in the past and it is reasonable to expect additional changes in the future. If existing regulatory requirements change, we may be required to make significant unanticipated capital and operating expenditures. We cannot assure you that our operations will continue to comply with future laws and regulations. Governmental authorities may seek to impose fines and penalties on us or to revoke or deny the issuance or renewal of operating permits for failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations. Under these circumstances, we might be required to reduce or cease operations or conduct site remediation or other corrective action which could adversely impact our operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

Our businesses have in the past and may in the future expose us to risks from harmful substances that escape into the environment or product failing to perform or causing personal injury, or exposing individuals to chemicals, harmful substances, or environmental conditions, any of which could result in:

Current wording

Our businesses have in the past and may in the future expose us to risks from harmful substances that escape into the environment or from our product failing to perform or causing personal injury, or exposing individuals to chemicals, harmful substances, or environmental conditions, any of which could result in:

Previous wording

severe damage to or destruction of property; or

Current wording

severe damage to or destruction of property;

Previous wording

as a result of our contractual agreement to indemnify our customers in the normal course of business, which is normally the case.

Current wording

as a result of contractual agreements to indemnify our customers in the normal course of business, which is normally the case.

Previous wording

Future laws, regulations, treaties, international obligations, reporting obligations related to greenhouse gases (GHG), climate change, and activism related to environmental, social and governance (ESG) could adversely impact our business, may increase compliance obligations and could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial condition.

Current wording

Future laws, regulations, treaties, international obligations, reporting obligations related to greenhouse gases (GHG), climate change, and activism and customer positions related to environmental, social and governance (ESG) could adversely impact our business, may increase compliance obligations and could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial condition.

Previous wording

Focus and attention by advocacy groups and regulatory agencies on climate change and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United States and European Union have accelerated. Investors, customers, governance pundits and government officials have increased focus on sustainability, stakeholder governance and the energy transition. As a result, there has been increased promotion of alternative energy and increased negative attitudes or perceptions of fossil fuels. New laws and regulations to reduce GHG, including the imposition of fees or taxes, could adversely impact our operations and financial condition. Oil and natural gas exploration and production may decline as a result of environmental requirements, including land use policies responsive to environmental concerns. State, national, and international governments and agencies in areas in which we conduct business continue to evaluate, and in some instances adopt, climate-related legislation and other regulatory initiatives that limit GHG emissions. The President of the United States has issued Executive Orders seeking to adopt new regulations and policies to address climate change and to suspend, revise, or rescind prior agency actions that the administration identified as conflicting with its climate policies. These include Executive Orders requiring a review of current U.S. federal lands leasing and permitting practices, as well as a temporary halt of new leasing of U.S. federal lands and offshore waters available for oil and gas exploration. In February 2021, the United States formally re-joined the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement requires countries to review and “represent a progression” in their intended nationally determined contributions, which set greenhouse gases emission reduction goals, every five years. Though we are closely following developments in this area and changes in the regulatory landscape in the United States and other jurisdictions, we cannot predict with precision or quantify how or when those challenges may ultimately impact our business. Laws and regulations in some jurisdictions, for example in the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive ("CSRD") and the California Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act and Climate-Related Financial Risk Act, impose obligations in future years to report GHG emissions. Calculation of some GHG emissions can involve uncertainty and lack precision because of the absence of reliable inputs or methods to perform such calculations. Accordingly, the EU CSRD and California regulations and other similar regulations give rise to litigation risk concerning the required disclosures. Because our business depends on the level of activity in the oil and natural gas industry, existing or future laws, regulations, treaties, or international agreements related to greenhouse gases and climate change, including incentives to conserve energy or use alternative energy sources, may reduce demand for oil and natural gas and could have a negati…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Current wording

Laws and regulations in some jurisdictions, for example in the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (“CSRD”) and the California Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act and Climate-Related Financial Risk Act, impose obligations in future years to report GHG emissions. Depending on the jurisdiction, e.g., outside of the United States, the recent Executive Orders may not change our regulatory obligations. Calculation of some GHG emissions can involve uncertainty and lack precision because of the absence of reliable inputs or methods to perform such calculations. Accordingly, the EU CSRD and California regulations and other similar regulations give rise to litigation risk concerning the required disclosures. Because our business depends on the level of activity in the oil and natural gas industry, existing or future laws, regulations, treaties, or international agreements related to GHG and climate change, including incentives to conserve energy or use alternative energy sources, may reduce demand for oil and natural gas and could have a negative impact on our business. Likewise, such restrictions may result in additional compliance obligations with respect to the release, capture, sequestration, and use of carbon dioxide. The efforts we have taken, and may undertake in the future, to respond to these evolving or new regulations and to environmental initiatives of customers, investors, and others may increase our costs. These and other environmental requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations, and consolidated financial condition.

Previous wording

In addition to regulatory risks, increased advocacy related to ESG issues generally, and on climate change and greenhouse gas emissions in particular, may have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations, and consolidated financial condition. Our investors, customers, and other stakeholders have increased their focus on sustainability and the energy transition. Negative perceptions of the oil and natural gas industry and promotion of alternative energy sources can negatively impact demand for our products and the price of our stock. Additionally, we may suffer reputational harm if we do not adequately identify or manage ESG-related risks or if there are negative perceptions of our response to ESG issues. We may also incur increased costs as a result of our efforts to address ESG issues important to our stakeholders, including providing expanded reporting on ESG issues, which may impact our financial condition or results of operations. The combination of laws, regulations, treaties, negative reputational impact, and societal perceptions of our industry may adversely impact demand for oil and natural gas and demand for our products. Consequently, the price of our stock could be negatively impacted as we navigate the energy transition.

Current wording

In addition to regulatory risks, increased advocacy related to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues generally, and on climate change and GHG emissions in particular, may have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial condition. For example, a number of our significant customers have been sued in state and federal court in the U.S. and international courts by plaintiffs seeking to impose liability on such customers for their alleged contribution to climate change or failure to adequately warn the public of alleged risks associated with fossil fuels, and while this litigation has not generally affected companies like us within oilfield services, we cannot foreclose the possibility that this type of litigation may trend in that direction. Further, our investors, customers, and other stakeholders have increased their focus on sustainability and the energy transition. Negative perceptions of the oil and natural gas industry and promotion of alternative energy sources can negatively impact demand for our products and the price of our stock. Additionally, we may suffer reputational harm if we do not adequately identify or manage ESG-related risks or if there are negative perceptions of our response to ESG issues. We may also incur increased costs as a result of our efforts to address ESG issues important to our stakeholders, including providing expanded reporting on ESG issues, which may impact our financial condition or results of operations. Public reporting on ESG issues has been increasingly subject to scrutiny by regulators, investors and the public. Any actual or perceived “greenwashing”—defined generally as the misrepresentation or exaggeration of ESG or sustainability practices or commitments not adequately supported by measurable actions or outcomes—could result in reputational harm and legal liability, including regulatory enforcement actions, investor lawsuits and consumer claims under securities and consumer protection laws.

Previous wording

The Company could be subject to changes in its tax rates, the adoption of new tax legislation, tax audits, or exposure to additional tax liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations, and consolidated financial condition.

Current wording

The Company could be subject to changes in its tax rates, the adoption of new tax legislation, tax audits, or exposure to additional tax liabilities and to changes in tariffs that could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations, and consolidated financial condition.

Previous wording

We are subject to taxes in the U.S. and numerous jurisdictions where we operate and our subsidiaries are organized. Due to economic and political conditions, tax rates in the U.S. and other jurisdictions may be subject to significant change. In addition, our tax returns are subject to examination by the U.S. and other tax authorities and governmental bodies. We regularly assess the likelihood of an adverse outcome resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for taxes. There can be no assurance as to the outcome of the examinations. An increase in tax rates, particularly in the U.S., changes in our ability to realize our deferred tax assets, or adverse outcomes resulting from examinations of our tax returns could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations, and consolidated financial condition. In particular, the Company received and paid a $51 million transfer pricing tax assessment in Denmark. The Company and its advisors believe the assessment is without merit. The Company is presently appealing and believes it will be reimbursed following a successful appeals process. The payment has been recorded as a long-term receivable. Additionally, the IRS is examining the Company’s tax returns for 2017 and 2018 and has proposed an adjustment to certain restructuring steps which occurred in 2017. The Company and its advisors believe these restructuring steps were properly completed in accordance with U.S. tax laws and regulations and has appealed the proposed adjustment. However, if the Company is unsuccessful in the appeals process, the IRS proposed adjustment would be substantially offset by the utilization of foreign tax credit carryforwards which subsequently expired unused or are fully reserved by a valuation allowance and $48 million additional income tax expense would be owed.

Current wording

We are subject to taxes in the U.S. and numerous jurisdictions where we operate and our subsidiaries are organized. Due to economic and political conditions, tax rates in the U.S. and other jurisdictions may be subject to significant change. An increase in tax rates, particularly in the U.S., changes in our ability to realize our deferred tax assets, or adverse outcomes resulting from examinations of our tax returns could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated results of operations, and consolidated financial condition. Our supply chain is integrated through numerous countries, with significant trade into and out of many jurisdictions, including the U.S., Mexico, Canada, the EU and China. As a result, changes in tariffs could have a material adverse effect on our financial results. In addition, our tax returns are subject to examination by the U.S. and other tax authorities and governmental bodies. We regularly assess the likelihood of an adverse outcome resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for taxes. There can be no assurance as to the outcome of the examinations. In particular, the Company received and paid a $51 million transfer pricing tax assessment in Denmark in 2022. The Company and its advisors believe the assessment is without merit. The Company is presently appealing and believes it will be reimbursed following a successful appeals process. The payment has been recorded as a long-term receivable. Additionally, the IRS has proposed an adjustment to certain restructuring steps which occurred in 2017. The Company and its advisors believe these restructuring steps were properly completed in accordance with U.S. tax laws and regulations and has appealed the proposed adjustment. However, if the Company is unsuccessful in the appeals process, the IRS proposed adjustment would be substantially offset by the utilization of foreign tax credit carryforwards which subsequently expired unused or are fully reserved by a valuation allowance and $48 million additional income tax expense would be owed. In 2024, the company received a proposed assessment of $31 million in Canada related to its 2016 – 2018 exam cycle. The company and its advisors believe its filing position is consistent with Canadian tax law and tax court cases. The company paid $16 million, is presently appealing and believes it will be reimbursed following a successful appeals or tax court process.

Previous wording

In February of 2022, as a result of armed conflict in Ukraine, governments in the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and other countries have enacted additional sanctions against Russia and Russian interests. Among other things, these sanctions include controls on the export, re-export, and in-country transfer in Russia of certain goods, supplies, and technologies, including some that we use in our business in Russia. They also impose restrictions on doing business with certain state-owned Russian customers, certain financial institutions and certain individuals and restrict or prohibit new investments and business activities in Russia. The situation is complicated by actual and potential governmental and legal actions taken by the Russian Federation in response to the sanctions, which could expose our employees to adverse legal consequences in Russia, including potential criminal penalties. Other sanctions have been enacted related to Belarus and Belarusian interests. In response to these sanctions, we ceased new investments in Russia and have curtailed our activities in Russia. During the third quarter of 2022, we sold our business in Belarus and entered into an agreement to sell our business in Russia. The sale is subject to various government approvals in Russia and other jurisdictions. Litigation may result from the confluence of these events in Russia and Belarus and our response to the various sanctions as we work to comply with applicable laws and regulations. We also may incur severance costs as a result of conditions in Russia if we are unable to obtain government approval. As a consequence of the conflict in Ukraine and related sanctions on activities related to Russia and Belarus, we recorded impairment and other charges of $4.2 million and $126.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Current wording

also impose restrictions on doing business with certain Russian customers, certain financial institutions and certain individuals and restrict or prohibit new investments and business activities in Russia. The situation is complicated by actual and potential governmental and legal actions taken by the Russian Federation in response to the sanctions, which could expose our employees to adverse legal consequences in Russia, including potential criminal penalties. Other sanctions have been enacted related to Belarus and Belarusian interests. In response to these sanctions, we ceased new investments in Russia and have curtailed our activities in Russia. During the third quarter of 2022, we sold our business in Belarus and entered into an agreement to sell our business in Russia. The sale is subject to various government approvals in Russia and other jurisdictions. Litigation may result from the confluence of these events in Russia and Belarus and our response to the various sanctions as we work to comply with applicable laws and regulations. We also may incur severance costs as a result of conditions in Russia if we are unable to obtain government approval. As a consequence of the conflict in Ukraine and related sanctions on activities related to Russia and Belarus, we recorded impairment and other charges of $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. We did not record impairment or other charges for the year ended December 31, 2024.