Item 1A. Risk Factors

The following information should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the matters contained under the caption “Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The following discussion of “risk factors” identifies the most significant risks or uncertainties that could (i) materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or prospects, as well as the market value of our securities, or (ii) cause our actual results to differ materially from our anticipated results or other expectations. These risks are not the only risks that we face. Our business operations could also be affected by additional factors that apply to all companies operating in the U.S. and globally, as well as other risks that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial to our operations. These risks include:

Our business depends on conditions in the oil and gas industry, especially oil and natural gas prices and capital expenditures by oil and gas companies.

Our business depends on the level of oil and natural gas exploration, development and production activity by oil and gas companies worldwide.  The level of exploration, development and production activity is directly affected by trends in oil and natural gas prices, which historically have been volatile and difficult to predict.  Oil and natural gas prices are subject to large fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in supply and demand, economic growth trends, market uncertainty and a variety of other factors beyond our control.  Lower oil and natural gas prices generally lead to decreased spending by our customers. While higher oil and natural gas prices generally lead to increased spending by our customers, sustained high energy prices can also be an impediment to economic growth and can therefore negatively impact spending by our customers. Our customers may also take into account the volatility of energy prices and other risk factors by requiring higher returns for individual projects if there is higher perceived risk. Any of these factors could significantly affect the demand for oil and natural gas, which could affect the level of capital spending by our customers and in turn could have a material effect on our results of operations.

The availability of quality drilling prospects, exploration success, relative production costs, expectations about future oil and natural gas demand and prices, the stage of reservoir development, the availability of financing, and political and regulatory environments are also expected to affect levels of exploration, development, and production activity, which would impact the demand for our services.  Any prolonged reduction of oil and natural gas prices, as well as anticipated declines, could also result in lower levels of exploration, development, and production activity.

The demand for our services may be affected by numerous factors, including the following:

the cost of exploring for, producing and delivering oil and natural gas;

demand for energy, which is affected by worldwide economic activity, population growth and market expectations regarding future trends;

the ability of Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other key oil-producing countries to set and maintain production levels for oil;

the level of excess production capacity;

the discovery rate of new oil and natural gas reserves;

domestic and global political and economic uncertainty, socio-political unrest and instability, terrorism or hostilities;

weather conditions and changes in weather patterns, including summer and winter temperatures that impact demand;

the availability, proximity and capacity of transportation facilities;

oil refining capacity and shifts in end-customer preferences toward fuel efficiency;

the level and effect of trading in commodity future markets, including trading by commodity price speculators and others;

demand for and availability of alternative, competing sources of energy;

the extent to which taxes, tax credits, environmental regulations, auctions of mineral rights, drilling permits, drilling concessions, drilling moratoriums or other governmental regulations, actions or policies affect the production, cost of production, price or availability of petroleum products and alternative energy sources; and

technological advances affecting energy exploration, production and consumption.

The oil and gas industry has historically experienced periodic downturns, which have been characterized by significantly reduced demand for oilfield services and downward pressure on the prices we charge.  Moreover, weakness in the oil and gas industry may adversely impact the financial position of our customers, which in turn could cause them to fail to pay amounts owed to us in a timely manner or at all.  Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.

We have outstanding debt obligations that could limit our ability to fund future growth and operations and increase our exposure to risk during adverse economic conditions.

At December 31, 2019, we had $1.3 billion in outstanding debt obligations, $800.0 million of which matures in December 2021. Pursuant to the Exchange Offer, on February 24, 2020, $617.9 million of outstanding $800.0 million of 7.125% Senior Notes due 2021 were exchanged for $617.9 million of newly issued 7.125% Senior Notes due 2021 (referred to herein as the New Notes). Many factors, including factors beyond our control, may affect our ability to make payments on our outstanding indebtedness. These factors include those discussed elsewhere in these Risk Factors and those listed in the “Forward-Looking Statements” section included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Our existing debt and associated commitments could have important adverse consequences. For example, these commitments could:

make it more difficult for us to satisfy our contractual obligations;

increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

limit our ability to refinance our debt in the future or borrow additional funds;

limit our ability to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other corporate requirements;

limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and our industry; and

place us at a disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt or less restrictive covenants in such debt.

Necessary capital financing may not be available at economic rates or at all.

Turmoil in the credit and financial markets could adversely affect financial institutions, inhibit lending and limit our access to funding through borrowings under our credit facility or obtaining other financing in the public or private capital markets on terms we believe to be reasonable. Prevailing market conditions could be adversely affected by the ongoing disruptions in domestic or overseas sovereign or corporate debt markets, low commodity prices or other factors impacting our business, contractions or limited growth in the economy or other similar adverse economic developments in the U.S. or abroad. Instability in the global financial markets has from time to time resulted in periodic volatility in the capital markets. This volatility could limit our access to the credit markets, leading to higher borrowing costs or, in some cases, the inability to obtain financing on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. Any such failure to obtain additional financing could jeopardize our ability to repay, refinance or reduce our debt obligations, or to meet our other financial commitments.

The price of our common stock has been volatile and may continue to fluctuate substantially.

The market price of our common stock may be highly volatile in the future.  Some of the factors that could affect the price of our common stock are quarterly increases or decreases in revenue or earnings, changes in revenue or earnings estimates by the investment community and speculation in the press or investment community about our financial condition or results of operations.  General market conditions and U.S. or international economic factors and political events unrelated to our performance may also affect our stock price.  For these reasons, investors should not rely on recent trends in the price of our common stock to predict the future price of our common stock or our financial results.

There are operating hazards inherent in the oil and gas industry that could expose us to substantial liabilities.

Our operations are subject to hazards inherent in the oil and gas industry that may lead to property damage, personal injury, death or the discharge of hazardous materials into the environment. Many of these events are outside of our control. Typically, we provide products and services at a well site where our personnel and equipment are located together with personnel and equipment of our customer and other service providers. From time to time, personnel are injured or equipment or property is damaged or destroyed as a result of accidents, failed equipment, faulty products or services, failure of safety measures, uncontained formation pressures or other dangers inherent in oil and natural gas exploration, development and production. Any of these events can be the result of human error or purely accidental, and it may be difficult or impossible to definitively determine the ultimate cause of the event or whose personnel or equipment contributed thereto. All of these risks expose us to a wide range of significant health, safety and environmental risks and potentially substantial litigation claims for damages. With increasing frequency, our products and services are deployed in more challenging exploration, development and production locations. From time to time, customers and third parties may seek to hold us accountable for damages and costs incurred as a result of an accident, including pollution, even under circumstances where we believe we did not cause or contribute to the accident. Our insurance policies are subject to exclusions, limitations and other conditions, and may not protect us against liability for some types of events, including events involving a well blowout, or against losses from business interruption.  Moreover, we may not be able to maintain insurance at levels of risk coverage or policy limits that we deem adequate or on terms that we deem commercially reasonable.  Any damages or losses that are not covered by insurance, or are in excess of policy limits or subject to substantial deductibles or retentions, could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 

We may not be fully indemnified against losses incurred due to catastrophic events.

As is customary in our industry, our contracts generally provide that we will indemnify and hold harmless our customers from any claims arising from personal injury or death of our employees, damage to or loss of our equipment, and pollution emanating from our equipment and services.  Similarly, our customers generally agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from any claims arising from personal injury or death of their employees, damage to or loss of their equipment or property, and pollution caused from their equipment or the well reservoir (including uncontained oil flow from a reservoir).  Our indemnification arrangements may not protect us in every case. For example, from time to time we may enter into contracts with less favorable indemnities or perform work without a contract that protects us. In addition, our indemnification rights may not fully protect us if we cannot prove that we are entitled to be indemnified or if the customer is bankrupt or insolvent, does not maintain adequate insurance or otherwise does not possess sufficient resources to indemnify us.  In addition, our indemnification rights may be held unenforceable in some jurisdictions.

Our customers’ changing views on risk allocation could cause us to accept greater risk to win new business or could result in us losing business if we are not prepared to take such risks.  To the extent that we accept such additional risk, and insure against it, our insurance premiums could rise.

From time to time, we are subject to various claims, litigation and other proceedings that could ultimately be resolved against us, requiring material future cash payments or charges, which could impair our financial condition or results of operations.

The size, nature and complexity of our business make us susceptible to various claims, both in litigation and binding arbitration proceedings. We may in the future become subject to various claims, which, if not resolved within amounts we have accrued, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Similarly, any claims, even if fully indemnified or insured, could negatively impact our reputation among our customers and the public, and make it more difficult for us to compete effectively or obtain adequate insurance in the future.

The credit risks of our customer base could result in losses.

Many of our customers are oil and gas companies that are facing liquidity constraints in light of the current commodity price environment. These customers impact our overall exposure to credit risk as they are also affected by prolonged changes in economic and industry conditions. If a significant number of our customers experience a prolonged business decline or disruptions, we may incur increased exposure to credit risk and bad debts.

We are subject to environmental and worker health and safety laws and regulations, which could reduce our business opportunities and revenue, and increase our costs and liabilities.

Our business is significantly affected by a wide range of environmental and worker health and safety laws and regulations in the areas in which we operate, including increasingly rigorous environmental laws and regulations governing air emissions, water discharges and waste management.  Generally, these laws and regulations have become more stringent and have sought to impose greater liability on a larger number of potentially responsible parties. The Macondo well explosion in 2010 resulted in additional regulation of our offshore operations, and similar onshore or offshore accidents in the future could result in additional increases in regulation. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in a variety of administrative, civil and criminal enforcement measures, including assessment of monetary penalties, imposition of remedial requirements and issuance of injunctions as to future compliance.

Environmental laws and regulations may provide for “strict liability” for remediation costs, damages to natural resources or threats to public health and safety as a result of our conduct that was lawful at the time it occurred or the conduct of, or conditions caused by, prior owners or operators or other third parties. Strict liability can render a party liable for damages without regard to negligence or fault on the part of the party. Some environmental laws provide for joint and several strict liability for remediation of spills and releases of hazardous substances.  For example, our well service and fluids businesses routinely involve the handling of significant amounts of waste materials, some of which are classified as hazardous substances. We also store, transport and use radioactive and explosive materials in certain of our operations. In addition, many of our current and former facilities are, or have been, used for industrial purposes. Accordingly, we could become subject to material liabilities relating to the containment and disposal of hazardous substances, oilfield waste and other waste materials, the use of radioactive materials, the use of underground injection wells, and to claims alleging personal injury or property damage as the result of exposures to, or releases of, hazardous substances. In addition, stricter enforcement of existing laws and regulations, new domestic or foreign laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or the imposition of new or increased requirements could require us to incur costs or become the basis of new or increased liabilities that could reduce our earnings and our cash available for operations.

In addition, we and our customers may need to apply for or amend facility permits or licenses from time to time with respect to storm water or wastewater discharges, waste handling, or air emissions relating to manufacturing activities or equipment operations, which subjects us and our customers to new or revised permitting conditions that may be onerous or costly to comply with.

Climate change legislation or regulations restricting emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) could result in increased operating costs and reduced demand for the oil and natural gas our customers produce.

Increasing concerns that emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) may endanger public health and produce climate changes with significant physical effects, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, floods, droughts and other climatic events, have drawn significant attention from government agencies and environmental advocacy groups. In response, additional costly requirements and restrictions have been imposed on the oil and gas industry to regulate and reduce the emission of GHGs.

Specifically, the EPA has adopted regulations under existing provisions of the federal Clean Air Act (CAA) which increase operational costs by requiring the monitoring and annual reporting of GHG emissions from oil and gas production, processing, transmission and storage facilities in the United States. Although, the U.S. Congress has considered legislation to reduce emissions of GHGs, significant legislation has not yet been adopted to reduce GHG emissions at the federal level. In the absence of such federal climate legislation, a number of state and regional efforts have emerged that are aimed at tracking and/or reducing GHG emissions through the completion of GHG emissions inventories and through cap and trade programs that typically require major sources of GHG emissions to acquire and surrender emission allowances in return for emitting GHGs. Given the long-term trend towards increasing regulation, future federal GHG regulations of the oil and gas industry remain a possibility. Additionally, in December 2015, the United States joined the international community at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris, France that proposed an agreement requiring member countries to review and “represent a progression” in their intended nationally determined contributions, which set GHG emission reduction goals every five years beginning in 2020. This agreement was signed by the United States in April 2016 and entered into force in November 2016. The United States is one of over 120 nations having ratified or otherwise consented to the agreement; however this agreement does not create any binding obligations for nations to limit their GHG emissions, but rather includes pledges to voluntarily limit or reduce future emissions. In June 2017, President Trump announced that the United States intended to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and to seek negotiations either to reenter the Paris Agreement on different terms or a separate agreement. In August 2017, the U.S. Department of State officially informed the United Nations of the intent of the United States to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement provides for a four-year exit process beginning when it took effect in November 2016, which would result in an effective exit date of November 2020. The United States’ adherence to the exit process and/or the terms on which the United States may re-enter the Paris Agreement or a separately negotiated agreement are unclear at this time.

In addition to governmental regulations, our customers are also requiring additional equipment upgrades to address the growing concerns of GHG emission and climate change which result in higher operational costs for service providers such as us. Despite taking additional

measures to reduce GHG emissions, there is the possibility that the demand for fossil fuels may nevertheless decrease due to such concerns.

At this stage, we cannot predict the impact of these or other initiatives on our or our customers operations, nor can we predict whether, or which of, other currently pending greenhouse gas emission proposals will be adopted, or what other actions may be taken by domestic or international regulatory bodies. The potential passage of climate change regulation may curtail production and demand for fossil fuels such as oil and gas in areas of the world where our customers operate and thus adversely affect future demand for our products and services, which may in turn adversely affect future results of operations.

Adverse and unusual weather conditions may affect our operations.

Our operations may be materially affected by severe weather conditions in areas where we operate.  Severe weather, such as hurricanes, high winds and seas, blizzards and extreme temperatures may cause evacuation of personnel, curtailment of services and suspension of operations, inability to deliver materials to jobsites in accordance with contract schedules, loss of or damage to equipment and facilities and reduced productivity.  In addition, variations from normal weather patterns can have a significant impact on demand for oil and natural gas, thereby reducing demand for our services and equipment.

Our inability to retain key employees and skilled workers could adversely affect our operations.

Our performance could be adversely affected if we are unable to retain certain key employees and skilled technical personnel.  Our ability to continue to expand the scope of our services and products depends in part on our ability to increase the size of our skilled labor force.  The loss of the services of one or more of our key employees or the inability to employ or retain skilled technical personnel could adversely affect our operating results.  In the past, the demand for skilled personnel has been high and the supply limited.  We have experienced increases in labor costs in recent years and may continue to do so in the future. 

Our international operations and revenue are affected by political, economic and other uncertainties worldwide.

In 2019, we conducted business in more than 50 countries. Our international operations are subject to varying degrees of regulation in each of the foreign jurisdictions in which we provide services. Local laws and regulations, and their interpretation and enforcement, differ significantly among those jurisdictions, and can change significantly over time. Future regulatory, judicial and legislative changes or interpretations may have a material adverse effect on our ability to deliver services within various foreign jurisdictions.

In addition to these international regulatory risks, our international operations are subject to a number of other risks inherent in any business operating in foreign countries, including, but not limited to, the following:

political, social and economic instability;

potential expropriation, seizure or nationalization of assets;

inflation;

deprivation of contract rights;

increased operating costs;

inability to collect receivables and longer receipt of payment cycles;

civil unrest and protests, strikes, acts of terrorism, war or other armed conflict;

import-export quotas or restrictions, including tariffs and the risk of fines or penalties assessed for violations;

confiscatory taxation or other adverse tax policies;

currency exchange controls;

currency exchange rate fluctuations, devaluations and conversion restrictions;

potential submission of disputes to the jurisdiction of a foreign court or arbitration panel;

pandemics or epidemics that disrupt our ability to transport personnel or equipment;

embargoes or other restrictive governmental actions that could limit our ability to operate in foreign countries;

additional U.S. and other regulation of non-domestic operations, including regulation under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the FCPA) as well as other anti-corruption laws;

restrictions on the repatriation of funds;

limitations in the availability, amount or terms of insurance coverage;

the risk that our international customers may have reduced access to credit because of higher interest rates, reduced bank lending or a deterioration in our customers’ or their lenders’ financial condition;

the burden of complying with multiple and potentially conflicting laws and regulations;

the imposition of unanticipated or increased environmental and safety regulations or other forms of public or governmental regulation that increase our operating expenses;

complications associated with installing, operating and repairing equipment in remote locations;

the geographic, time zone, language and cultural differences among personnel in different areas of the world; and

challenges in staffing and managing international operations.

These and the other risks outlined above could cause us to curtail or terminate operations, result in the loss of personnel or assets, disrupt financial and commercial markets and generate greater political and economic instability in some of the geographic areas in which we operate. International areas where we operate that have significant risk include the Middle East, Indonesia, Nigeria and Angola.

Laws, regulations or practices in foreign countries could materially restrict our operations or expose us to additional risks.

In many countries around the world where we do business, all or a significant portion of the decision making regarding procuring our services and products is controlled by state-owned oil companies. State-owned oil companies or prevailing laws may (i) require us to meet local content or hiring requirements or other local standards, (ii) restrict with whom we can contract or (iii) otherwise limit the scope of operations that we can legally or practically conduct. Our inability or failure to meet these requirements, standards or restrictions may adversely impact our operations in those countries. In addition, our ability to work with state-owned oil companies is subject to our ability to negotiate and agree upon acceptable contract terms, and to enforce those terms. In addition, many state-owned oil companies may require integrated contracts or turnkey contracts that could require us to provide services outside our core businesses. Providing services on an integrated or turnkey basis generally requires us to assume additional risks.

Moreover, in order to effectively compete in certain foreign jurisdictions, it is frequently necessary or required to establish joint ventures or strategic alliances with local contractors, partners or agents.  In certain instances, these local contractors, partners or agents may have interests that are not always aligned with ours.  Reliance on local contractors, partners or agents could expose us to the risk of being unable to control the scope or quality of our overseas services or products, or being held liable under the FCPA, or other anti-corruption laws for actions taken by our strategic or local contractors, partners or agents even though these contractors, partners or agents may not themselves be subject to the FCPA or other applicable anti-corruption laws.  Any determination that we have violated the FCPA or other anti-corruption laws could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, reputation or prospects.

Changes in tax laws or tax rates, adverse positions taken by taxing authorities and tax audits could impact our operating results.

We are subject to the jurisdiction of a significant number of domestic and foreign taxing authorities. Changes in tax laws or tax rates, the resolution of tax assessments or audits by various tax authorities could impact our operating results. In addition, we may periodically restructure our legal entity organization. If taxing authorities were to disagree with our tax positions in connection with any such restructurings, our effective income tax rate could be impacted. The final determination of our income tax liabilities involves the interpretation of local tax laws, tax treaties and related authorities in each taxing jurisdiction, as well as the significant use of estimates and assumptions regarding future operations and results and the timing of income and expenses. We may be audited and receive tax assessments from taxing authorities that may result in assessment of additional taxes that are ultimately resolved with the authorities or through the courts. We believe these assessments may occasionally be based on erroneous and even arbitrary interpretations of local tax law. Resolution of any tax matter involves uncertainties and there are no assurances that the outcomes will be favorable. If U.S. or

other foreign tax authorities change applicable tax laws, our overall taxes could increase, and our business, financial condition or results of operating may be adversely impacted.

If we are not able to design, develop, and produce commercially competitive products and to implement commercially competitive services in a timely manner in response to changes in the market, customer requirements, competitive pressures, and technology trends, our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

The market for oilfield services in which we operate is highly competitive and includes numerous small companies capable of competing effectively in our markets on a local basis, as well as several large companies that possess substantially greater financial resources than we do. Contracts are traditionally awarded on the basis of competitive bids or direct negotiations with customers.

The market for our services and products is characterized by continual technological developments to provide better and more reliable performance and services. If we are not able to design, develop, and produce commercially competitive products and to implement commercially competitive services in a timely manner in response to changes in the market, customer requirements, competitive pressures, and technology trends, our business and consolidated results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Likewise, if our proprietary technologies, equipment, facilities, or work processes become obsolete, we may no longer be competitive, and our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.  In addition, we may be disadvantaged competitively and financially by a significant movement of exploration and production operations to areas of the world in which we are not currently active.

We are affected by global economic factors and political events.

Our financial results depend on demand for our services and products in the U.S. and the international markets in which we operate. Declining economic conditions, or negative perceptions about economic conditions, could result in a substantial decrease in demand for our services and products. World political events could also result in further U.S. military actions, terrorist attacks and related unrest.  Military action by the U.S. or other nations could escalate and further acts of terrorism may occur in the U.S. or elsewhere. Such acts of terrorism could lead to, among other things, a loss of our investment in the country, impairment of the safety of our employees, extortion or kidnapping, and impairment of our ability to conduct our operations. Such developments have caused instability in the world’s financial and insurance markets in the past, and many experts believe that a confluence of worldwide factors could result in a prolonged period of economic uncertainty and slow growth in the future.  In addition, any of these developments could lead to increased volatility in prices for oil and gas and could affect the markets for our products and services. Insurance premiums could also increase and coverages may be unavailable.

Uncertain economic conditions and instability make it particularly difficult for us to forecast demand trends. The timing and extent of any changes to currently prevailing market conditions is uncertain and may affect demand for many of our services and products. Consequently, we may not be able to accurately predict future economic conditions or the effect of such conditions on demand for our services and products and our results of operations or financial condition.

Our operations may be subject to cyber-attacks that could have an adverse effect on our business operations.

Like most companies, we rely heavily on information technology networks and systems, including the Internet, to process, transmit and store electronic information, to manage or support a variety of our business operations, and to maintain various records, which may include information regarding our customers, employees or other third parties, and the integrity of these systems are essential for us to conduct our business and operations.  We make significant efforts to maintain the security and integrity of these types of information and systems (and maintain contingency plans in the event of security breaches or system disruptions). However, we cannot provide assurance that our security efforts and measures will prevent security threats from materializing, unauthorized access to our systems, loss or destruction of data, account takeovers, or other forms of cyber-attacks or similar events, whether caused by mechanical failures, human error, fraud, malice, sabotage or otherwise. Cyber-attacks include, but are not limited to, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information and corruption of data. The frequency, scope and sophistication of cyber-attacks continue to grow, which increases the possibility that our security measures will be unable to prevent our systems’ improper functioning or the improper disclosure of proprietary information. Any failure of our information or communication systems, whether caused by attacks, mechanical failures, natural disasters or otherwise, could interrupt our operations, damage our reputation, or subject us to claims, any of which could materially adversely affect us.

We depend on particular suppliers and are vulnerable to product shortages and price increases.

Some of the materials that we use are obtained from a limited group of suppliers. Our reliance on these suppliers involves several risks, including price increases, inferior quality and a potential inability to obtain an adequate supply in a timely manner. We do not have long-term contracts with most of these sources, and the partial or complete loss of certain of these sources could have a negative impact on our results of operations and could damage our customer relationships. Further, a significant increase in the price of one or more of these materials could have a negative impact on our results of operations.

Estimates of our potential liabilities relating to our oil and natural gas property may be incorrect.

Actual abandonment expenses may vary substantially from those estimated by us and any significant variance in these assumptions could materially affect the estimated liability recorded in our consolidated financial statements. Therefore, the risk exists we may underestimate the cost of plugging wells and abandoning production facilities. If costs of abandonment are materially greater than our estimates, this could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Potential changes of Bureau of Ocean Energy Management security and bonding requirements for offshore platforms could impact our operating cash flows and results of operations.

Federal oil and natural gas leases contain standard terms and require compliance with detailed Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and BOEM regulations and orders issued pursuant to various federal laws, including the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. In 2016 BOEM undertook a review of its historical policies and procedures for determining a lessee’s ability to decommission platforms on the Outer Continental Shelf and whether lessees should furnish additional security, and in July 2016, BOEM issued a new Notice to Lessees requiring additional security for decommissioning activities. In January 2017, BOEM extended the implementation timeline for properties with co-lessees by an additional six months, and in June 2017 announced that the Notice to Lessees would be stayed while BOEM continued to review its implementation issues and continued industry engagement to gather additional information on the financial assurance program. We cannot predict whether these laws and regulations may change in the future, particularly in connection with the transition of presidential administrations.

During the second half of 2016, BSEE increased its estimates of many offshore operator’s decommissioning costs, including the decommissioning costs at our sole federal offshore oil and gas property, in which our subsidiary owns a 51% non-operating interest. In October 2016, BOEM sent an initial proposal letter to the operator of the oil and gas property, proposing an increase in the supplemental bonding requirement for the property’s sole fixed platform that was eight to ten times higher than the revised supplemental bonding requirement requested for any other deep-water fixed platform in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Both the operator and our subsidiary submitted formal dispute notices, asserting that the estimates in the October 2016 proposal letter may be based on erroneous or arbitrary estimates of the potential decommissioning costs, and requesting in-person meetings to discuss the estimate. We asked that BSEE and BOEM reduce the estimate to an amount that more closely approximates actual decommissioning costs, consistent with estimates identified by BSEE and BOEM for similar deep-water platforms. BSEE and BOEM have not yet responded to our dispute notice. If BOEM ultimately issues a formal order and we are unable to obtain the additional required bonds or assurances, BOEM may suspend or cancel operations at the oil and gas property or otherwise impose monetary penalties. Any of these actions could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, operating cash flows and liquidity.

Risks Relating to the Combination

There can be no assurances when or if the Combination will be completed.

Although we expect to complete the Combination in the second quarter of 2020, there can be no assurances as to the exact timing of completion of the Combination or that the Combination will be completed at all. The completion of the Combination is subject to customary approvals and conditions, many of which are outside of our control, including, among others, (i) the consummation of the Combination Exchange, (ii) entrance into an asset-based loan facility by Newco, (iii) the absence of a material adverse effect on the Superior Energy U.S. Business or Forbes, (iv) the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the parties to the Merger Agreement in all material respects, (v) material compliance by the parties with their respective covenants and agreements under the Merger Agreement and (vi) amending our existing credit facility.

There can be no assurance that the conditions required to complete the Combination will be satisfied or waived on the anticipated schedule, or at all. If the Merger Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, we may be obligated to pay Forbes a termination fee.

If the Combination does not close, we will not benefit from the expenses incurred in connection therewith.

The Combination may not be completed. If the Combination is not completed, we will have incurred substantial expenses for which no ultimate benefit will have been received. We have incurred out-of-pocket expenses in connection with the Combination for investment

banking, legal and accounting fees and financial printing and other costs and expenses, much of which will be incurred even if the Combination is not completed.

Termination of the Merger Agreement or failure to otherwise complete the Combination could negatively impact our business and financial results.

Termination of the Merger Agreement or any failure to otherwise complete the Combination may result in various consequences, including the following:

our business may have been adversely impacted by the failure to pursue other beneficial opportunities due to the focus of management on the Combination, without realizing any of the anticipated benefits of completing the Combination.

our management has and will continue to expend a significant amount of capital and time and resources on the Combination, and a failure to consummate the Combination as currently contemplated could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations;

the market price of our common stock may decline to the extent that the market price prior to the closing of the Combination reflects a market assumption that the Combination will be completed;

we may be required, under certain circumstances, to pay Forbes a termination fee of up to $5.0 million under the Merger Agreement, which could adversely affect our financial condition and liquidity; and

negative reactions from the financial markets may occur if the anticipated return on our investment in Newco is not realized.

If the Combination is not consummated, we cannot assure our stockholders that the risks described above will not negatively impact our business or financial results.

We are subject to business uncertainties with respect to the operation of the Superior Energy U.S. Business until the Combination closes.

In connection with the pendency of the Combination, it is possible that some customers, suppliers and other persons with whom we have a business relationship may delay or defer certain business decisions or might decide to seek to terminate, change or renegotiate their relationships with us, as the case may be, as a result of the Combination, which could negatively affect our revenues, earnings and cash flows, as well as the market price of our common stock, regardless of whether the Combination is completed. Such risks may be exacerbated by delays or other adverse developments with respect to the completion of the Combination.

Furthermore, the historical financial information we have included in this Form 10-K has been derived from our consolidated financial statements and does not necessarily reflect what our financial position, results of operations and cash flows would have been as a separate, stand-alone entity during the periods presented if the Combination had been consummated.

Uncertainties associated with the Combination may distract management personnel and other key employees and divert their attention away from growing our business, which could adversely affect our future business and operations.

We are dependent on the experience and industry knowledge of our officers and other key employees to execute our business plans. In connection with the Combination, it is expected that some of our executive officers will resign from their roles within our business to become executive officers of Newco. Prior to completion of the Combination, as a result of our expected management changes, our current and prospective employees may experience uncertainty about their roles following the completion of the Combination, which may have an adverse effect on our ability to attract or retain key management and other key personnel.

Furthermore, in connection with the Combination, we will enter into various agreements, including a separation agreement and transition services agreement with Newco, to effect the separation of the Superior Energy U.S. Business from our other businesses and provide a framework for our relationship with Newco after the Combination. The performance of these agreements following the closing of the Combination will require significant amounts of our management’s time and effort, which may divert management’s attention from operating and growing our remaining business.

Potential litigation against us or Forbes could result in an injunction preventing the completion of the Combination or a judgment resulting in the payment of damages.

Stockholders of our company and/or Forbes may file lawsuits against us or Forbes, respectively, and/or the directors and officers of such companies in connection with the Combination. As of the date of this filing, there have been no such lawsuits filed against either Forbes or us. However, if filed in the future, these lawsuits could prevent or delay the completion of the Combination and result in significant costs to us, including any costs associated with the indemnification of directors and officers. The defense or settlement of any lawsuit or claim against us that remains unresolved at the time the Combination is completed may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Some of our executive officers have interests in the Combination that are different from the interests of our stockholders generally.

Some of our executive officers have interests in the Combination that are different from, or are in addition to, the interests of our stockholders generally. These interests may include their expected designation as directors and/or executive officers of Newco following the completion of the Combination.

If the Combination is completed, we may not achieve the anticipated return on our investment in Newco.

The success of our investment in Newco as a result of the Combination will depend, in part, on Newco’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits and cost savings from combining the Superior Energy U.S. Business and Forbes’ business. There can be no assurance that the Superior Energy U.S. Business and Forbes will be able to successfully integrate, which may negatively impact our investment in Newco. Difficulties in integrating the Superior Energy U.S. Business and Forbes may result in Newco performing differently than expected, in operational challenges, or in the failure to realize anticipated expense-related efficiencies that may have a negative impact on our investment in Newco.

Furthermore, we may not be able to achieve the full strategic and financial benefits expected from the Combination. Following the Combination, our business will be less diversified than our business prior to the Combination and the actions required to separate the Superior Energy U.S. Business from the remaining businesses, including an internal restructuring to effectuate the Combination, could disrupt our operations.