Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include Archrock and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

For financial reporting purposes, we consolidate the financial statements of Archrock Partners, L.P. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Partnership”) with those of our own and reflect its operations in our contract operations business segment. We control the Partnership through our ownership of its general partner. Public ownership of the Partnership’s net assets and earnings is presented as a component of noncontrolling interest in our consolidated financial statements. The borrowings of the Partnership are presented as part of our consolidated debt. However, we do not have any obligation for the payment of interest or repayment of borrowings incurred by the Partnership.

Use of Estimates in the Financial Statements

Use of Estimates in the Consolidated Financial Statements

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, as well as the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Because of the inherent uncertainties in this process, actual future results could differ from those expected at the reporting date. Management believes that the estimates and assumptions used are reasonable.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Revenue Recognition

Contract operations revenue is recognized when earned, which generally occurs monthly when service is provided under our customer contracts. Aftermarket services revenue is recognized as products are delivered and title is transferred or services are performed for the customer.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. We believe that the credit risk in temporary cash investments is limited because our cash is held in accounts with multiple financial institutions. Trade accounts receivable are due from companies of varying size engaged principally in oil and natural gas activities throughout the U.S. We review the financial condition of customers prior to extending credit and generally do not obtain collateral for trade receivables. Payment terms are on a short-term basis and in accordance with industry practice. We consider this credit risk to be limited due to these companies’ financial resources, the nature of products and services we provide and the terms of our contract operations customer service agreements.

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from our customers’ inability to make required payments. The determination of the collectability of amounts due from our customers requires us to use estimates and make judgments regarding future events and trends, including monitoring our customers’ payment history and current creditworthiness to determine that collectability is reasonably assured, as well as consideration of the overall business climate in which our customers operate. Inherently, these uncertainties require us to make judgments and estimates regarding our customers’ ability to pay amounts due to us in order to determine the appropriate amount of valuation allowances required for doubtful accounts. We review the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. We determine the allowance needed based on historical write-off experience and by evaluating significant balances aged greater than 90 days individually for collectability. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.

Inventory

Inventory consists of parts used for maintenance of natural gas compression equipment. Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market using the average-cost method. A reserve is recorded against inventory balances for estimated obsolescence based on specific identification and historical experience.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as follows:



Compression equipment, facilities and other fleet assets	3 to 30 years
Buildings	20 to 35 years
Transportation, shop equipment and other	3 to 10 years

Major improvements that extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. When property, plant and equipment is sold, retired or otherwise disposed of, the gain or loss is recorded in other (income) expense, net. Interest is capitalized during the construction period on equipment and facilities that are constructed for use in our operations. The capitalized interest is included as part of the cost of the asset to which it relates and is amortized over the asset’s estimated useful life.

Computer software

Certain costs related to the development or purchase of internal-use software are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the software, which ranges from three to five years. Costs related to the preliminary project stage and the post-implementation/operation stage of an internal-use computer software development project are expensed as incurred.

Long-Lived Assets

We review long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and identifiable intangibles that are being amortized, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, including the removal of compressor units from our active fleet, indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss exists when estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount. When necessary, an impairment loss is recognized and represents the excess of the asset’s carrying value as compared to its estimated fair value and is charged to the period in which the impairment occurred. Identifiable intangibles are amortized over the assets’ estimated useful lives.

Goodwill

Goodwill acquired in connection with business combinations represents the excess of consideration over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible net assets acquired. Certain assumptions and estimates are employed in determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as in determining the allocation of goodwill to the appropriate reporting unit.

We review the carrying value of our goodwill for potential impairment in the fourth quarter of every year, or whenever events or other circumstances indicate that we may not be able to recover the carrying amount. We first assess qualitative factors to evaluate whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as the basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. We may elect to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test without completing a qualitative assessment.

If a two-step process goodwill impairment test is elected or required, the first step is to compare the implied fair value of our reporting unit with its carrying value (including the goodwill). If the implied fair value of the reporting unit is higher than the carrying value, no impairment is deemed to exist and no further testing is required. If, however, the implied fair value of the reporting unit is below the recorded carrying value, then a second step must be performed to determine the goodwill impairment required, if any. We calculate the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill by allocating the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. If the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, we recognize an impairment loss for that excess amount.

Determining the fair value of a reporting unit under the first step of the goodwill impairment test is judgmental in nature and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, which have a significant impact on the fair value determined. We determine the fair value of our reporting unit using both the expected present value of future cash flows and a market approach. Each approach is weighted 50% in determining our calculated fair value. The present value of future cash flows is estimated using our most recent forecast and the weighted average cost of capital. The market approach uses a market multiple on the earnings before interest expense, provision for income taxes and depreciation and amortization expense of comparable peer companies. Significant estimates for our reporting unit included in our impairment analysis are our cash flow forecasts, our estimate of the market’s weighted average cost of capital and market multiples.

Beginning in late 2014 and extending throughout 2015, the energy markets experienced a significant reduction in oil and natural gas prices which has had a significant impact on the financial performance and operating results of many oil and natural gas companies. Such declines accelerated in the fourth quarter of 2015, resulting in higher borrowing costs for companies and a substantial reduction in forecasted capital spending across the energy industry leading to lower projected growth rates over the short-term. Such declines impacted our future cash flow forecasts, our market capitalization, and the market capitalization of peer companies. We identified these conditions as a triggering event, which required us to perform a goodwill impairment test as of December 31, 2015. As of this filing, we have not completed the goodwill impairment analysis, due to the complexities involved in determining the implied fair value of goodwill in the second step of the goodwill impairment test. However, based on the work performed to date, we have concluded that an impairment is probable and can be reasonably estimated. Accordingly, we recorded a full impairment of our remaining goodwill in the fourth quarter of 2015 of $3.7 million which is presented in goodwill impairment on the consolidated statement of operations. We expect to finalize the goodwill impairment analysis during the first quarter of 2016 and any resulting adjustment to the impairment will be recorded at that time.

Other (Income) Expense, Net

Other (income) expense, net, is primarily comprised of gains and losses from the sale of used assets.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events included in the consolidated financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the consolidated financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies and results of recent operations. In the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

We record uncertain tax positions in accordance with the accounting standard on income taxes under a two-step process whereby (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.

Hedging and Use of Derivative Instruments

We use derivative financial instruments to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with financial activities by managing our exposure to interest rate fluctuations on a portion of our debt obligations. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes. We record interest rate swaps on the balance sheet as either derivative assets or derivative liabilities measured at their fair value. The fair value of our derivatives is estimated using a combination of the market and income approach based on forward London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) curves. Changes in the fair value of the derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, to the extent the contracts are effective as hedges until settlement of the underlying hedged transaction. To qualify for hedge accounting treatment, we must formally document, designate and assess the effectiveness of the transactions. If the necessary correlation ceases to exist or if the anticipated transaction becomes improbable, we would discontinue hedge accounting and apply mark-to-market accounting. Amounts paid or received from interest rate swap agreements are charged or credited to interest expense and matched with the cash flows and interest expense of the debt being hedged, resulting in an adjustment to the effective interest rate.

Income (Loss) Attributable to Archrock Common Stockholders Per Common Share

Basic income (loss) attributable to Archrock common stockholders per common share is computed using the two-class method, which is an earnings allocation formula that determines net income per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under the two-class method, basic income (loss) attributable to Archrock common stockholders per common share is determined by dividing income (loss) attributable to Archrock common stockholders after deducting amounts allocated to participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Participating securities include our unvested restricted stock and certain stock settled restricted stock units that have nonforfeitable rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid. During periods of net loss, no effect is given to participating securities because they do not have a contractual obligation to participate in our losses.

Diluted income (loss) attributable to Archrock common stockholders per common share is computed using the weighted average number of shares outstanding adjusted for the incremental common stock equivalents attributed to outstanding options and warrants to purchase common stock, restricted stock units, stock to be issued pursuant to our employee stock purchase plan and convertible senior notes, unless their effect would be anti-dilutive.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Components of comprehensive income (loss) are net income (loss) and all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from transactions with owners. Our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consists of foreign currency translation adjustments, changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments, net of tax, that are designated as cash flow hedges and to the extent the hedge is effective, amortization of terminated interest rate swaps and adjustments related to changes in our ownership of the Partnership.

Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments consist of cash, receivables, payables, interest rate swaps and debt. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments approximated their carrying amounts as reflected in our consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of our fixed rate debt was estimated based on quoted market yields in inactive markets, which are Level 2 inputs. The fair value of our floating rate debt was estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on interest rates offered on loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality, which are Level 3 inputs. See Note 11 (“Fair Value Measurements”) for additional information regarding the fair value hierarchy.

GAAP requires that all derivative instruments (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be recognized in the balance sheet at fair value and that changes in such fair values be recognized in earnings (loss) unless specific hedging criteria are met. Changes in the values of derivatives that meet these hedging criteria will ultimately offset related earnings effects of the hedged item pending recognition in earnings.

Recent Accounting Development

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an update which establishes a right-of-use model that requires a lessee to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. We are currently evaluating the impact of this update on our financial statements.

In November 2015, the FASB issued an update related to the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. The update simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes to require that all deferred income tax assets and liabilities be classified as noncurrent and eliminates the current classification. Proration of valuation allowances is eliminated and classification of a deferred tax asset or liability is no longer based on the classification of the related asset or liability. The update will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and can be applied prospectively or retrospectively. Early adoption is allowed and we early adopted this update, retrospectively, which resulted in a reclassification of $5.1 million from current deferred tax assets in 2014 to noncurrent deferred tax liabilities.

In July 2015, the FASB issued an update which will require an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is defined as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. For public business entities, this update is effective on a prospective basis for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this update on our financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued an update that addresses the presentation of debt issuance costs. The update requires an entity to present such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. In August 2015, the FASB issued a subsequent update which clarifies that the guidance in the previous update does not apply to line-of-credit arrangements. Per the subsequent update, line-of-credit arrangements will continue to defer and present debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortize the deferred debt costs ratably over the term of the arrangement. Upon transition, an entity is required to comply with the applicable disclosures for a change in an accounting principle. The update will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 on a retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted. Other than the revised balance sheet presentation of debt issuance costs from an asset to a deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability and related disclosures, the adoption of this update is not expected to have an impact on our financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued an update which revises the consolidation model. The update modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (“VIEs”) or voting interest entities, eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership and affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships. The update will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. We do not believe the adoption of this update will have a material impact on our financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued an update related to revenue recognition. The update outlines a single comprehensive model for companies to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes the most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The update also requires disclosures enabling users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The update will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within the reporting period. Early adoption is permitted for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adopt this update. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the update on our financial statements.