RPC INC - Quarter Report: 2018 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018

Commission File No. 1-8726

RPC, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

2801 Buford Highway, Suite 520, Atlanta, Georgia 30329

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code — (404) 321-2140

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

As of October 19, 2018, RPC, Inc. had 214,798,042 shares of common stock outstanding.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Table of Contents

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of RPC, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“RPC” or the “Company”) and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 810, “Consolidation” and Rule 3A-02(a) of Regulation S-X. In accordance with ASC Topic 810 and Rule 3A-02 (a) of Regulation S-X, the Company’s policy is to consolidate all subsidiaries and investees where it has voting control.

In the opinion of management, all adjustments (all of which consisted of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018.

The balance sheet at December 31, 2017 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

A group that includes the Company’s Chairman of the Board, R. Randall Rollins, and his brother Gary W. Rollins, who is also a director of the Company, and certain companies under their control, controls in excess of fifty percent of the Company’s voting power.

The FASB issued the following applicable Accounting Standards Updates (ASU):

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards:

ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all the related amendments (“new revenue standard”) for all contracts using the modified retrospective method, with no cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption since most of the Company’s services are primarily short-term in nature and the pattern of transfer under ASC 605 is consistent with the pattern of transfer when evaluated under ASC 606. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards that were in effect for those periods. The adoption of the new revenue standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. See “Revenues” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for expanded disclosures.

ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The amendments make targeted improvements to existing U.S. GAAP and affects accounting for equity investments and financial instruments and liabilities and related disclosures. The Company adopted these provisions in the first quarter of 2018 and recognize the change in fair value of its equity securities as part of other income. In addition, as of the beginning of the first quarter of 2018, the Company adjusted opening retained earnings to recognize the cumulative impact of the adoption of these amendments. The Company does not expect the adoption of these provisions to have an ongoing material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The amendments provide guidance in the presentation and classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows including debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, and distributions received from equity method investees. The Company adopted these provisions in the first quarter of 2018 and has presented the accompanying statements of cash flow in conformity with these provisions. The Company does not expect the adoption of these provisions to have an ongoing material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory. The amendments require an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The amendments eliminate the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. The Company adopted these provisions in the first quarter of 2018, and since the Company’s intra-entity transfers of property, plant and equipment are carried out at net book values, the adoption did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The amendments are intended to help companies and other organizations evaluate whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill, and consolidation. The amendments provide a more robust framework to use in determining when a set of assets and activities is a business. The Company adopted these provisions in the first quarter of 2018 and will apply these provisions as it completes future acquisitions. The Company does not expect the adoption of these provisions to have an ongoing material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. The provisions are applicable when there are changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. The amendments require an entity to apply modification accounting for the effects of changes to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment award unless certain conditions including fair value, vesting conditions and classification are met. The Company adopted these provisions in the first quarter of 2018 and will apply these provisions if changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award are made. The Company does not expect the adoption of these provisions to have an ongoing material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted:

To be adopted in 2019:

ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). Under this guidance, lessees will need to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease), at the commencement of the lease term. The liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments. The asset will be based on the liability, subject to certain adjustments, including initial direct costs and lessor provided incentives. As part of its preparation to adopt the standard, the Company has established an initial project governance framework, selected a working group and hired a third party service provider to assist with the implementation. In addition, the Company is in the process of implementing a new software solution to administer the leases and comply with the guidance. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its financial statements and related disclosures, including quantifying the increase in the assets and liabilities on its balance sheet and the impact on its current lease portfolio from a lessee perspective. The Company plans to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of 2019.

ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The amendments provide an option to reclassify stranded tax effects within AOCI to retained earnings in each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (or portion thereof) is recorded and require expanded disclosures regarding the Company’s accounting policy decisions on such reclassification. The amendments are effective starting in the first quarter of 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting these provisions on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The amendments expand the scope of ASU 718 to include share-based payments issued to nonemployees for goods or services, thereby substantially aligning the accounting for share-based payments to nonemployees and employees. The amendments are effective starting in the first quarter of 2019. The Company currently does not expect the adoption of these provisions to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements. The amendments provide entities with an additional (and optional) transition method to adopt the new leases standard by recognizing a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. Consequently, an entity’s reporting for the comparative periods presented in the financial statements in which it adopts the new leases standard will continue to be in accordance with current GAAP in Topic 840, Leases. The Company plans to use the optional transition method to adopt ASC 842 in the first quarter of 2019.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

To be adopted in 2020 and later:

ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The amendments require the credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration to be presented as an allowance rather than a write-down. It also allows recording of credit loss reversals in current period net income. The amendments are effective starting in the first quarter of 2020 with early application permitted a year earlier. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting these provisions on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, the amendments eliminate Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The amendments are effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests beginning in 2020 applied on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting these provisions on its consolidated financial statements.

ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract. The amendments reduce the complexity for the accounting for costs of implementing a cloud computing service arrangement and align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs that are incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The provisions may be applied prospectively or retrospectively. The amendments are effective starting in the first quarter of 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting these provisions on its consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Policy:

RPC’s contract revenues are generated principally from providing oilfield services. These services are based on mutually agreed upon pricing with the customer prior to the services being delivered and, given the nature of the services, do not include the right of return. Pricing for these services is a function of rates based on the nature of the specific job, with consideration for the extent of equipment, labor, and consumables needed for the job. RPC typically satisfies its performance obligations over time as the services are performed. RPC records revenues based on the transaction price agreed upon with its customers.

Sales tax charged to customers is presented on a net basis within the consolidated statements of operations and therefore excluded from revenues.

Nature of services:

RPC provides a broad range of specialized oilfield services to independent and major oil and gas companies engaged in the exploration, production and development of oil and gas properties throughout the United States and in selected international markets. RPC manages its business as either (1) services offered on the well site with equipment and personnel (Technical Services) or (2) services and tools offered off the well site (Support Services). For more detailed information about operating segments, see Note 6.

RPC contracts with its customers to provide the following services by reportable segment:

Technical Services

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Support Services

Our contracts with customers are generally very short-term in nature and generally consist of a single performance obligation – the provision of oilfield services.

Payment terms:

RPC’s contracts with customers state the final terms of the sales, including the description, quantity, and price of each service to be delivered. The Company’s contracts are generally short-term in nature and in most situations, RPC provides services ahead of payment - i.e., RPC has fulfilled the performance obligation prior to submitting a customer invoice. RPC invoices the customer upon completion of the specified services and collection generally occurs between 30 to 60 days after invoicing. As the Company enters into contracts with its customers, it generally expects there to be no significant timing difference between the date the services are provided to the customer (satisfaction of the performance obligation) and the date cash consideration is received. Accordingly, there is no financing component to our arrangements with customers.

Significant judgments:

RPC believes the output method is a reasonable measure of progress for the satisfaction of our performance obligations, which are satisfied over time, as it provides a faithful depiction of (1) our performance toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation under the contract and (2) the value transferred to the customer of the services performed under the contract. RPC has elected the right to invoice practical expedient for recognizing revenue related to its performance obligations.

Disaggregation of revenues:

See Note 6 for disaggregation of revenue by operating segment and services offered in each of them and by geographic regions.

Timing of revenue recognition for each of the periods presented is shown below:

Contract balances:

Contract assets representing the Company’s rights to consideration for work completed but not billed are included in accounts receivable, net on the consolidated balance sheets are shown below:

Substantially all of the unbilled trade receivables disclosed above were invoiced during the following quarter.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the respective periods. In addition, the Company has periodically issued share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and are therefore considered participating securities. The following table shows the restricted shares of common stock (participating securities) outstanding and a reconciliation of outstanding weighted average shares is as follows:

In April 2014, the Company reserved 8,000,000 shares of common stock under the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan with a term of 10 years expiring in April 2024. This plan provides for the issuance of various forms of stock incentives, including, among others, incentive and non-qualified stock options and restricted shares. As of September 30, 2018, there were 5,380,282 shares available for grant.

Stock-based employee compensation expense was as follows for the periods indicated:

Restricted Stock

The following is a summary of the changes in non-vested restricted shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2018:

The total fair value of shares vested was $16,445,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and $19,271,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Excess tax benefits realized from tax compensation deductions in excess of compensation expense are recorded as a discrete tax adjustment. This discrete tax adjustment was $1,620,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and $2,562,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

As of September 30, 2018, total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted shares was $45,713,000, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.5 years.

RPC’s reportable segments are the same as its operating segments. RPC manages its business under Technical Services and Support Services. Technical Services is comprised of service lines that generate revenue based on equipment, personnel or materials at the well site and are closely aligned with completion and production activities of the customers. Support Services is comprised of service lines which generate revenue from services and tools offered off the well site and are more closely aligned with the customers’ drilling activities. Selected overhead including centralized support services and regulatory compliance are classified as Corporate.

Technical Services consists primarily of pressure pumping, downhole tools, coiled tubing, snubbing, nitrogen, well control, wireline and fishing. The services offered under Technical Services are high capital and personnel intensive businesses. The Company considers all of these services to be closely integrated oil and gas well servicing businesses, and makes resource allocation and performance assessment decisions based on this operating segment as a whole across these various services.

Support Services consist primarily of drill pipe and related tools, pipe handling, pipe inspection and storage services, and oilfield training and consulting services. The demand for these services tends to be influenced primarily by customer drilling-related activity levels.

The Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) assesses performance and makes resource allocation decisions regarding, among others, staffing, growth and maintenance capital expenditures and key initiatives based on the operating segments outlined above.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Segment Revenues:

RPC’s operating segment revenues by major service lines are shown in the following table:

The following summarizes revenues for the United States and separately for all international locations combined for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018. The revenues are presented based on the location of the use of the equipment or services. Assets related to international operations are less than 10 percent of RPC’s consolidated assets, and therefore are not presented.

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 1 to these consolidated financial statements. RPC evaluates the performance of its segments based on revenues, operating profits and return on invested capital. Gains or losses on disposition of assets are reviewed by the CODM on a consolidated basis, and accordingly the Company does not report gains or losses at the segment level. Inter-segment revenues are generally recorded in segment operating results at prices that management believes approximate prices for arm’s length transactions and are not material to operating results.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Summarized financial information with respect RPC’s reportable segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are shown in the following table:

Inventories of $128,957,000 at September 30, 2018 and $114,866,000 at December 31, 2017 consist of raw materials, parts and supplies.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

The following represents the net periodic benefit cost and related components of the Company’s multiple employers Retirement Income Plan:

The Company made a contribution of $5,000,000 to this plan during the nine months ended September 30, 2018; and no contribution was made during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

The Company permits selected highly compensated employees to defer a portion of their compensation into the non-qualified Supplemental Retirement Plan (“SERP”). The SERP assets are marked to market and totaled $26,344,000 as of September 30, 2018 and $23,463,000 as of December 31, 2017. The SERP assets are reported in non-current other assets on the consolidated balance sheets and changes in the fair value of these assets are reported in the consolidated statements of operations as compensation cost in selling, general and administrative expenses. Unrealized gains, net related to the SERP assets were approximately as follows:

The SERP liability includes participant deferrals net of distributions and is recorded on the consolidated balance sheets in long-term pension liabilities with any change in the fair value of the liabilities recorded as compensation cost within selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

As a result of Company-owned life insurance policy claims, the Company received insurance proceeds of $1,606,000 and recorded tax-free gains of $767,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2018; and received insurance proceeds of $2,218,000 and recorded tax-free gains of $1,020,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2018; these gains are recorded as an adjustment to compensation cost within selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Proceeds received have been reinvested into mutual funds held as supplemental retirement plan assets.

The Company has a revolving credit facility with Bank of America and five other lenders which provides for a line of credit of up to $125 million, including a $35 million letter of credit subfacility, and a $35 million swingline subfacility. The revolving credit facility contains customary terms and conditions, including restrictions on indebtedness, dividend payments, business combinations and other related items.

On July 26, 2018, the Company entered into Amendment No. 4 to Credit Agreement (the “Amendment”). The Amendment, among other matters, replaces the existing minimum tangible net worth covenant with the following covenants: (i) when RPC’s trailing four quarter EBITDA (as calculated under the Credit Agreement) is equal to or greater than $50 million, a maximum consolidated leverage ratio of 2.50:1.00 and a minimum debt service coverage ratio of 2.00:1.00, and (ii) otherwise, a minimum tangible net worth covenant of no less than $600 million. The Amendment additionally (1) extends the Credit Agreement maturity date from January 17, 2019 to July 26, 2023, (2) eliminates any borrowing base limitations on revolving loans when RPC’s trailing four quarter EBITDA (as calculated under the Credit Agreement) is equal to or greater than $50 million, (3) reduces the commitment fees payable by RPC by 7.5 basis points at each pricing level and (4) reduces the letter of credit sublimit from $50 million to $35 million. As of September 30, 2018, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Revolving loans under the amended revolving credit facility bear interest at one of the following two rates at the Company’s election:

In addition, the Company pays an annual fee ranging from 0.225% to 0.325%, based on a quarterly consolidated leverage ratio calculation, on the unused portion of the credit facility.

The Company has incurred total loan origination fees and other debt related costs associated with this revolving credit facility in the aggregate of approximately $3.3 million. These costs are being amortized to interest expense over the remaining term of the five-year loan, and the remaining net balance of $0.3 million at September 30, 2018 is classified as part of non-current other assets.

All letters of credit are currently issued under RPC’s $125 million credit facility. As of September 30, 2018, RPC had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility, and letters of credit outstanding relating to self-insurance programs and contract bids totaled $19.5 million; therefore, a total of $105.5 million of the facility was available.

Interest incurred, which includes facility fees on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility and the amortization of loan costs, was as follows:

The Company determines its periodic income tax expense or benefit based upon the current period income or loss and the annual estimated tax rate for the Company adjusted for discrete items including changes to prior period estimates. The estimated tax rate is revised, if necessary, as of the end of each successive interim period during the fiscal year to the Company's current annual estimated tax rate.

For the three months ended September 30, 2018, the income tax provision reflects an effective tax rate of 9.9 percent compared to 41.7 percent for the comparable period in the prior year. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the income tax provision reflects an effective tax rate of 19.6 percent compared to 38.1 percent for the comparable period in the prior year. The 2018 effective tax rate reflects the lower corporate income tax rate from the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) in addition to $7.5 million recorded as a discrete tax benefit. The discrete benefit resulted from tax provision to return adjustments that included release of a valuation allowance on foreign tax credits, state income tax decreases created by the federal tax changes, and an exclusion to compensation limitations of an officer that retired in 2017.

As part of the implementation of the provisions of the Act, the Company recorded adjustments relating to changes in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities during the fourth quarter of 2017. The Company filed its 2017 Federal income tax return in the third quarter of 2018; accordingly, all items related to 2017 are substantially complete.

The Act imposes a new tax on foreign earnings and profits in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign subsidiaries referred to as GILTI (“Global Low Taxed Intangible Income”). The Act also imposes a new tax on certain payments between a U.S. corporation and its foreign subsidiaries referred to as BEAT (“Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Minimum Tax”). Additionally, the Act provides for a deduction on certain qualifying income related to export sales of property or services referred to as FDII (“Foreign Derived Intangible Income”). Due to the complexity of BEAT, GILTI, and FDII, the Company is continuing to evaluate these provisions. At this time, in our analysis of GILTI, the Company anticipates making an accounting policy election to treat GILTI taxes as a current period expense in lieu of factoring such amounts into the measurement of our deferred taxes.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

The Company continues to evaluate information related to its accounting for the income tax effects of the Act as it pertains to the 2018 deduction for executive compensation, including the impact for compensation that is paid pursuant to a binding contract that would have been deductible under the prior tax regulations. Based on our current interpretation of the transition rules, we believe the Company will be able to deduct executive compensation related to these plans.

As additional guidance and clarifications are provided under the transition rules, we will make appropriate changes in our analysis within the measurement period as provided in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118.

The various inputs used to measure assets at fair value establish a hierarchy that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and the Company’s assumptions (unobservable inputs). The hierarchy consists of three broad levels as follows:

The following table summarizes the valuation of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the balance sheets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

The Company determines the fair value of equity securities that have a readily determinable fair value through quoted market prices. The total fair value is the final closing price, as defined by the exchange in which the asset is actively traded, on the last trading day of the period, multiplied by the number of units held without consideration of transaction costs. Marketable securities comprised of the SERP assets, as described in Note 8, are recorded primarily at their net cash surrender values, calculated using their net asset values, which approximates fair value, as provided by the issuing insurance company. Significant observable inputs, in addition to quoted market prices, were used to value the trading securities. The Company’s policy is to recognize transfers between levels at the beginning of quarterly reporting periods. For the period ended September 30, 2018, there were no significant transfers in or out of levels 1, 2 or 3.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Under the Company’s revolving credit facility, there was no balance outstanding at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Borrowings under our revolving credit facility are typically based on the quote from the lender (level 2 inputs), which approximates fair value, and bear variable interest rates as described in Note 9. The Company is subject to interest rate risk on the variable component of the interest rate.

The carrying amounts of other financial instruments reported in the balance sheet for current assets and current liabilities approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments. The Company currently does not use the fair value option to measure any of its existing financial instruments and has not determined whether it will elect this option for financial instruments acquired in the future.

As of January 1, 2018, the balance related to the cumulative unrealized gain on marketable securities included in accumulated other comprehensive income was reclassed upon adoption of ASU 2016-1, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income consists of the following (in thousands):

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

On October 23, 2018, the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share and a special year-end cash dividend of $0.07 per share. Both dividends are payable December 10, 2018 to common stockholders of record at the close of business November 9, 2018.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Overview

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this document. See also “Forward-Looking Statements” on page 28.

RPC, Inc. (“RPC”) provides a broad range of specialized oilfield services primarily to independent and major oilfield companies engaged in exploration, production and development of oil and gas properties throughout the United States, including the Gulf of Mexico, mid-continent, southwest, Rocky Mountain and Appalachian regions, and in selected international locations. The Company’s revenues and profits are generated by providing equipment and services to customers who operate oil and gas properties and invest capital to drill new wells and enhance production or perform maintenance on existing wells. We continuously monitor factors that impact current and expected customer activity levels, such as the price of oil and natural gas, changes in pricing for our services and equipment, and utilization of our equipment and personnel. Our financial results are affected by geopolitical factors such as political instability in the petroleum-producing regions of the world, the actions of the OPEC oil cartel, overall economic conditions and weather in the United States, the prices of oil and natural gas, and our customers’ drilling and production activities.

The discussion of our key business and financial strategies set forth under the Overview section in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 is incorporated herein by reference. In 2018, the Company’s strategy of utilizing equipment in unconventional basins has continued. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, capital expenditures totaled $199.6 million primarily for new revenue-producing equipment and capitalized maintenance of our existing equipment.

During the third quarter of 2018, revenues of $440.0 million decreased by $31.0 million or 6.6 percent compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in revenues is due to lower activity levels and slightly lower pricing, primarily within RPC’s pressure pumping service line. International revenues for the third quarter of 2018 increased 66.9 percent to $22.6 million compared to the same period in the prior year. We continue to pursue international growth opportunities, but the nature of this work is unpredictable and we believe that international revenues will continue to be less than ten percent of RPC’s consolidated revenues in the future.

Cost of revenues increased during the third quarter of 2018 in comparison to the same period of the prior year due primarily to higher employment costs partially offset by lower materials and supplies expense, which declined due to lower activity levels, particularly within our pressure pumping service line. As a percentage of revenues, cost of revenues increased in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the same period in the prior year, due to inefficiencies caused by inconsistent activity levels and higher employment costs.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $41.8 million in the third quarter of 2018 compared to $39.7 million in the third quarter of 2017. As a percentage of revenues, these costs increased to 9.5 percent in the third quarter of 2018 compared to 8.4 percent in the third quarter of 2017, due to the relatively fixed nature of these expenses during the short term.

Income before income taxes was $55.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $98.3 million in the same period of 2017. Diluted earnings per share were $0.23 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $0.26 in the same period of 2017. Cash provided by operating activities increased to $322.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $109.3 million in the same period of 2017 due to higher earnings coupled with a favorable change in working capital.

We expect capital expenditures during the full year of 2018 will be approximately $280 million, and will be directed primarily towards new revenue-producing equipment and capitalized maintenance of our existing equipment.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Outlook

Drilling activity in the U.S. domestic oilfields, as measured by the rotary drilling rig count, reached a cyclical peak of 1,931 during the third quarter of 2014. Between the third quarter of 2014 and the second quarter of 2016, the drilling rig count fell by 79 percent. During the second quarter of 2016, the U.S. domestic drilling rig count reached the lowest level ever recorded. The principal catalyst for this steep rig count decline was the decrease in the price of oil in the world markets, which began in the second quarter of 2014. The price of oil began to fall at that time due to the perceived oversupply of oil, weak global demand growth, and the strength of the U.S. dollar on world currency markets. During the second quarter of 2016, the price of oil and the U.S. domestic rig count began to increase, and increased steadily throughout the remainder of 2016, throughout 2017 and through the third quarter of 2018. As of the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2018, the U.S. domestic rig count was 164 percent higher than the historically low rig count reported during the second quarter of 2016.

RPC monitors rig count efficiencies and well completion trends because the majority of our services are directed toward well completions. Improvements in drilling rig efficiencies have increased the number of potential well completions for a given drilling rig count; therefore, the statistics regarding well completions are more meaningful indicators of the outlook for RPC’s activity levels and revenues. Annual well completions in the U.S. domestic market fell from 21,355 in 2014 to 8,060 in 2016. Well completions increased to 11,277 in 2017, and increased by 29 percent during the third quarter of 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017. RPC believes that U.S. oilfield well completion activity will continue to increase moderately during the near term.

The current and projected prices of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids are important catalysts for U.S. domestic drilling activity. During the first two quarters of 2016, the prices of oil and natural gas remained at low levels that discouraged our customers from undertaking most of their potential exploration and production activities. The prices of oil and natural gas increased during the third and fourth quarters of 2016, throughout 2017 and continued during the first quarter of 2018. We believe that the price of oil has risen to a level that provides adequate financial returns to our customers and encourages increased drilling and production activities in many domestic oil-producing basins. However, the price of natural gas has not risen to a level that encourages our customers to increase their natural gas-directed drilling and production activities. The average price of natural gas liquids through the third quarter of 2018 increased by 18.0 percent compared to the average price for the full year 2017. Prevailing commodity prices early in the fourth quarter of 2018 have moderately positive implications for RPC’s near-term activity levels.

The majority of the U.S. domestic rig count remains directed towards oil. At the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2018, approximately 82 percent of the U.S. domestic rig count was directed towards oil, consistent with the prior year. We believe that oil-directed drilling will remain the majority of domestic drilling, and that natural gas-directed drilling will remain a low percentage of U.S. domestic drilling in the near term. We believe that this relationship will continue due to relatively low prices for natural gas, high production from existing natural gas wells, and industry projections of limited increases in domestic natural gas demand during the near term.

We continue to monitor the market for our services and the competitive environment. The U.S. domestic rig count has increased sharply since the historical low recorded during the second quarter of 2016, which has increased demand and pricing for our services. We are encouraged by the fact that drilling and completion activities continue to be highly service-intensive and require a large amount of equipment and raw materials. Furthermore, we note that some wells in the U.S. domestic market have been drilled but not completed. As of the end of the third quarter of 2018, the number of wells in this category has increased by almost 100 percent since the beginning of 2014. We believe that operators will complete many of these wells in the near term, and that they will provide potential revenue for RPC’s completion-directed services.

During the second quarter of 2018, industry observers became concerned that growing oil production in the Permian Basin oilfield may temporarily exceed the capacity of the region’s pipelines to transport oil from oil wells to oil refineries. The Permian Basin is RPC’s largest market, and if the region’s pipelines become constrained, such a constraint could force our customers in the market to reduce their drilling and completion activities, which represents a risk to our near-term financial results. Should such an activity decline occur, RPC would respond by moving equipment and personnel to other U.S. domestic oilfield markets in which we operate, as well as reducing expenses in our affected Permian Basin locations.

We believe that pricing for services to the industry has reached a level that provides financial returns that will allow the industry to maintain its fleet of revenue-producing equipment and hire additional personnel to operate idle equipment. We note that these improved financial returns have allowed previously insolvent service companies to resume operations and add equipment, and that a number of smaller competitors have completed initial or secondary public equity offerings over the past year, which may facilitate their access to capital. As a result, competition has increased, both from new entrants into the oilfield services industry and from established competitors who have increased their fleets of revenue-producing equipment. This increased competition, along with improved service efficiency, has prevented RPC from increasing the prices for our services during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as well as increasing the competition for skilled labor. One of our responses to such competitive threats is to undertake relatively moderate fleet expansions, thus preserving our capital strength and liquidity. RPC increased the size of its fleet of revenue-producing equipment during 2018.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RPC also monitors the financial stability of our customers, because many of them rely on the debt and equity markets as a source of capital to conduct their operations, and if these sources of capital do not continue, our customers may have to curtail their drilling and completion operations. Our consistent response to the industry's persistent uncertainty is to maintain sufficient liquidity and a conservative capital structure and monitor our discretionary spending. We intend to maintain a financial structure that includes little or no debt during the near term. An additional benefit of our financial liquidity is that we were able to take advantage of our ability to maintain our equipment during the recent industry downturn, which allowed us to benefit immediately when industry activity levels increased and we were able to return our idle revenue-producing equipment to service quickly and at minimal cost.

While RPC believes that the near-term outlook regarding commodity prices holds positive indications for oilfield activity, and that we provide many of the types of services required by our customers in the current oilfield completion operating environment, we are also concerned that increasing competition and logistical constraints in the oilfield will continue to negatively impact our revenues, earnings and operating cash flows for the remainder of 2018. We also expect that the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will have a meaningful positive impact on our financial results through increased earnings and operating cash flow for the remainder of 2018. We believe that our lower tax rates will enhance our ability to improve RPC’s shareholder returns through profitable growth, dividends and share repurchases.

Results of Operations

THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

Revenues. Revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2018 decreased 6.6 percent compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017. Domestic revenues of $417.3 million decreased 8.8 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the same period in the prior year. The decrease in revenues was due to lower activity levels and slightly lower pricing, primarily within our pressure pumping service line. International revenues of $22.6 million increased 66.9 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the same period in the prior year. Our international revenues are impacted by the timing of project initiations and their ultimate duration and can be difficult to predict.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

During the third quarter of 2018, the average price of natural gas was 0.7 percent lower while the average price of oil was 45.0 percent higher as compared to the same period in the prior year. The average domestic rig count during the third quarter of 2018 was 11.1 percent higher than the same period in 2017.

The Technical Services segment revenues for the third quarter of 2018 decreased 7.6 percent compared to the same period in the prior year due to lower activity levels in several of the larger service lines within this segment, as well as slightly lower pricing within our pressure pumping service line, which is the largest service line within Technical Services. The Support Services segment revenues for the third quarter of 2018 increased by 22.5 percent compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase was due principally to improved activity levels and pricing in the rental tool service line, which is the largest service line within this segment. Technical Services reported lower operating income of $56.2 million for the third quarter of 2018 compared to $104.3 million in the third quarter of the prior year, while Support Services reported an operating profit of $1.8 million for the third quarter of 2018 compared to an operating loss of $2.1 million for the third quarter of 2017.

Cost of revenues.  Cost of revenues increased 2.1 percent to $300.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $294.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Cost of revenues increased primarily due to higher employment costs partially offset by lower materials and supplies expenses, which declined due to lower activity levels, particularly within our pressure pumping service line. As a percentage of revenues, cost of revenues increased in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter of 2017, due to inefficiencies caused by inconsistent activity levels and higher employment costs.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $41.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and $39.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. As a percentage of revenues, these costs increased to 9.5 percent in the third quarter of 2018 compared to 8.4 percent in the third quarter of 2017, due to the relatively fixed nature of these expenses during the short term.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased 8.6 percent to $43.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $39.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 due to higher capital expenditures over the previous four quarters.

Gain on disposition of assets, net. Gain on disposition of assets, net decreased to $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017.  The gain on disposition of assets, net is generally comprised of gains and losses related to various property and equipment dispositions or sales to customers of lost or damaged rental equipment.

Other income, net. Other income, net was $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $0.6 million for the same period in the prior year.

Interest expense. Interest expense was $150 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $105 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Interest expense during the third quarters of 2018 and 2017 consists of facility fees on the unused portion of the credit facility and the amortization of loan costs.

Income tax provision. Income tax provision was $5.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $41.0 million for the same period in 2017. The effective tax rate was 9.9 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to 41.7 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The third quarter 2018 effective tax rate reflects the lower corporate income tax rates from the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) in addition to $7.5 million recorded as a discrete tax benefit. The discrete benefit resulted from tax provision to return adjustments.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

Revenues. Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased 15.1 percent compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Domestic revenues of $1.3 billion increased 13.1 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in revenues was due to higher activity during the first quarter of 2018 partially offset by lower activity during the second quarter of 2018 in comparison to the prior year. International revenues of $65.6 million increased 70.8 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the same period in the prior year. Our international revenues are impacted by the timing of project initiations and their ultimate duration and can be difficult to predict.

The average price of natural gas was 1.2 percent lower while the average price of oil was 35.6 percent higher during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in the prior year. The average domestic rig count during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was 18.2 percent higher than the same period in 2017.

The Technical Services segment revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased 14.4 percent compared to the same period in the prior year due to higher activity levels in several of our service lines within this segment. The Support Services segment revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased by 33.3 percent compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase was due principally to improved activity levels and pricing in the rental tool service line, which is the largest service line within this segment. Technical Services reported higher operating income of $196.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $184.5 million in the same period of the prior year, while Support Services reported operating income of $2.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to an operating loss of $10.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Cost of revenues.  Cost of revenues increased 18.8 percent to $908.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $765.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Cost of revenues increased primarily due to higher employment costs, materials and supplies expenses, and other expenses which vary with activity levels. As a percentage of revenues, cost of revenues increased slightly to 67.6 percent in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to 65.5 percent in the prior year same period.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $128.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and $117.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase in these expenses was due to higher employment costs consistent with higher activity levels. As a percentage of revenues, these costs decreased slightly to 9.5 percent in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to 10.0 percent in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, due to the leverage of higher revenues over primarily fixed expenses.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization decreased 3.9 percent to $120.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to $125.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 due to lower capital expenditures in the prior year.

Gain on disposition of assets, net. Gain on disposition of assets, net decreased to $3.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $5.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease is due to the sale of operating equipment related to its oilfield pipe inspection service line during the second quarter of 2017 that did not recur in the current period. The gain on disposition of assets, net is generally comprised of gains and losses related to various property and equipment dispositions or sales to customers of lost or damaged rental equipment.

Other income, net. Other income, net was $9.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $2.8 million for the same period in the prior year. Other income recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 includes property insurance proceeds totaling $9.6 million.

Interest expense. Interest expense was $368 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $322 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Interest expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 consists of facility fees on the unused portion of the credit facility and the amortization of loan costs.

Income tax provision. Income tax provision was $39.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $64.6 million for the same period in 2017. The effective tax rate was 19.6 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to 38.1 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The nine month 2018 effective tax rate reflects the lower corporate income tax rates from the Act in addition to $7.5 million recorded as a discrete tax benefit. The nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 reflect beneficial discrete adjustments related to stock based compensation.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2018 were $128.4 million. The following table sets forth the historical cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

Cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased by $212.7 million compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase is due primarily to an increase in net income of $57.2 million, net favorable changes in working capital of $142.8 million and the deferred income tax provision of $34.5 partially offset by a decrease in depreciation and amortization expenses of $4.4 million and adjustments for gains due to an insurance recovery and a benefit plan financing arrangement. The net favorable change in working capital is primarily due to favorable changes of $201.2 million in accounts receivable due to lower revenues, $4.5 million in accrued expenses and $5.0 million in prepaid expenses/ other current assets. This favorable change was partially offset by unfavorable changes in working capital of $22.9 million in net income taxes receivable/ payable, $9.5 million in inventories, $25.3 million in accounts payable, $6.6 million in accrued state and local taxes and $4.5 million in accrued payroll and related expenses.

Cash used for investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased by $115.3 million, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily because of higher capital expenditures partially offset by property insurance proceeds.

Cash used for financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 increased by $65.0 million primarily as a result of cash dividends to common stockholders coupled with the higher cost of repurchases of the Company’s shares on the open market and for taxes related to the vesting of restricted shares.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

The Company’s financial condition as of September 30, 2018 remains strong. We believe the liquidity provided by our existing cash and cash equivalents and our overall strong capitalization will provide sufficient liquidity to meet our requirements for at least the next twelve months. The Company currently has a $125 million revolving credit facility that matures in July 2023, as recently amended. The facility contains customary terms and conditions, including restrictions on indebtedness, dividend payments, business combinations and other related items. On July 26, 2018, the Company further amended the revolving credit facility to, among other matters, replace the existing minimum tangible net worth covenant, as well as, (1) extend the maturity date of the revolving credit facility to July 26, 2023, (2) eliminate any borrowing base limitations on revolving loans when certain criteria exist, (3) reduce the commitment fees payable by RPC and (4) reduce the letter of credit sublimit from $50 million to $35 million. As of September 30, 2018, RPC had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility, and letters of credit outstanding relating to self-insurance programs and contract bids totaled $19.5 million; therefore, a total of $105.5 million of the facility was available. For additional information with respect to RPC’s facility, see Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.

The Company’s decisions about the amount of cash to be used for investing and financing purposes are influenced by its capital position, including access to borrowings under our facility, and the expected amount of cash to be provided by operations. We believe our liquidity will continue to provide the opportunity to grow our asset base and revenues during periods with positive business conditions and strong customer activity levels. In addition, the Company's decisions about the amount of cash to be used for investing and financing activities may also be influenced by the financial covenants in our credit facility but we do not expect the covenants to restrict our planned activities. The Company is in compliance with these financial covenants.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Cash Requirements

The Company currently expects that capital expenditures will be approximately $280 million during 2018, of which $199.6 million has been spent as of September 30, 2018. We expect capital expenditures for the remainder of 2018 to be primarily directed towards new revenue-producing equipment and capitalized maintenance of our existing equipment. The actual amount of 2018 capital expenditures will depend primarily on equipment maintenance requirements, expansion opportunities, and equipment delivery schedules.

The Company has ongoing sales and use tax audits in various jurisdictions subject to varying interpretations of statutes. The Company has recorded the exposure from these audits to the extent issues are resolved or are reasonably estimable. There are issues that could result in unfavorable outcomes that cannot be currently estimated.

The Company’s Retirement Income Plan, a multiple employer trusteed defined benefit pension plan, provides monthly benefits upon retirement at age 65 to eligible employees. During the second quarter of 2018, the Company contributed $5.0 million to the plan and does not expect to make any additional cash contributions for the remainder of 2018.

As of September 30, 2018, the Company’s stock buyback program authorizes the aggregate repurchase of up to 41,578,125 shares, including an additional 10,000,000 shares authorized for repurchase by the Board of Directors on February 12, 2018. There were no shares purchased on the open market during the third quarter of 2018 and 9,072,853 remain available to be repurchased under the current authorization as of September 30, 2018. The Company may repurchase outstanding common shares periodically based on market conditions and our capital allocation strategies considering restrictions under our credit facility. The stock buyback program does not have a predetermined expiration date.

On October 23, 2018, the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share and a special year-end cash dividend of $0.07 per share. Both dividends are payable December 10, 2018 to common stockholders of record at the close of business November 9, 2018. The Company expects to continue to pay cash dividends to common stockholders, subject to industry conditions and RPC’s earnings, financial condition, and other relevant factors.

INFLATION 

The Company purchases its equipment and materials from suppliers who provide competitive prices, and employs skilled workers from competitive labor markets. If inflation in the general economy increases, the Company’s costs for equipment, materials and labor could increase as well. In addition, increases in activity in the domestic oilfield can cause upward wage pressures in the labor markets from which it hires employees, especially if employment in the general economy increases. In addition, activity increases can cause increases in the costs of certain materials and key equipment components used to provide services to the Company’s customers. Since oilfield activity began to increase in the second quarter of 2016, the Company has experienced upward pressure on the price of labor due to the shortage of skilled employees as well as occasional increases in the prices of certain raw materials used in providing our services. Early in the second quarter of 2018, the Company experienced minimal price increases of raw materials used in providing our services because of increased supplies of such raw materials. However, the Company has begun to experience increased upward pressure on the price of skilled labor.

OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

The Company does not have any material off balance sheet arrangements.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Marine Products Corporation

Effective February 28, 2001, the Company spun-off the business conducted through Chaparral Boats, Inc., RPC’s former powerboat manufacturing segment. In conjunction with the spin-off, RPC and Marine Products Corporation entered into various agreements that define the companies’ relationship. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, RPC charged Marine Products Corporation for its allocable share of administrative costs incurred for services rendered on behalf of Marine Products Corporation totaling $667,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $630,000 for the comparable period in 2017.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Other

The Company periodically purchases in the ordinary course of business products or services from suppliers who are owned by officers or significant stockholders of, or affiliated with the directors of RPC. The total amounts paid to these affiliated parties were $911,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and $1,121,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

RPC receives certain administrative services and rents office space from Rollins, Inc. (a company of which Mr. R. Randall Rollins is also Chairman, and which is controlled by Mr. Rollins and his affiliates). The service agreements between Rollins, Inc. and the Company provide for the provision of services on a cost reimbursement basis and are terminable on nine months’ notice. The services covered by these agreements include office space, selected administration services for certain employee benefit programs, and other administrative services. Charges to the Company (or to corporations which are subsidiaries of the Company) for such services and rent aggregated $110,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and $70,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The discussion of Critical Accounting Policies is incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. There have been no significant changes in the critical accounting policies since year-end.

IMPACT OF RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

See Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of recent accounting standards, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects on results of operations and financial condition.

SEASONALITY

Oil and natural gas prices affect demand throughout the oil and natural gas industry, including the demand for the Company’s products and services. The Company’s business depends in large part on the economic conditions of the oil and gas industry, and specifically on the capital expenditures of its customers related to the exploration and production of oil and natural gas. There is a positive correlation between these expenditures and customers’ demand for the Company’s services. As such, when these expenditures fluctuate, customers’ demand for the Company’s services fluctuates as well. These fluctuations depend on the current and projected prices of oil and natural gas and resulting drilling activity, and are not seasonal to any material degree.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements made in this report that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” under Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements regarding the effect of recent accounting pronouncements on the Company’s consolidated financial statements; our plans to continue to pursue international growth opportunities and our belief that international revenues will continue to represent a low percentage of our consolidated revenues in the future; our expectation for the amount and focus of our capital expenditures during 2018; our belief about increases in U.S. oilfield well completion activity; our belief that U.S. oilfield completion activity will continue to increase moderately during the near term; our belief that the price of oil has risen to a level that provides our customers financial returns that encourages increased drilling and production activities; our belief that the price of natural gas has not risen to a level that encourages our customers to increase their drilling and production activities; our belief that current commodity prices have moderately positive implications for near term activity levels; the belief that oil-directed drilling will remain the majority of domestic drilling, and that natural gas-directed drilling will remain a low percentage of U.S. domestic drilling in the near term; our belief that many wells in the U.S. domestic market that have been drilled but not completed will be completed in the near term and that they will provide potential revenue for RPC’s completion-directed services; constraints on pipelines in the Permian Basin could cause customers in this market to reduce their drilling and completion activities which creates risks to our near-term financial results; the belief that demand for revenue-producing service capacity will continue to exceed supply; our plans to maintain our financial structure which includes little or no debt during the near term; our belief that the current macroeconomic environment as well as the near-term outlook regarding commodity prices and the types of services required by our customers in the current oilfield completion operating environment holds positive indications for our revenues, earnings and operating cash flows during 2018; our expectation that the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will have a meaningful positive impact on our financial results through increased earnings and operating cash flow for the remainder of 2018; our belief that the projected lower tax rates will further enhance our ability to improve our shareholder returns through profitable growth, dividends and share repurchases; our belief that the liquidity provided by our existing cash and cash equivalents and our overall strong capitalization will provide sufficient liquidity to meet our requirements for at least the next twelve months; our business strategy, plans and objectives; market risk exposure; adequacy of capital resources and funds; opportunity for growth and expansion; our expectation that we will continue to pay cash dividends, subject to industry conditions, the earnings and financial condition of the Company and other relevant factors; the possible unfavorable outcome of sales and use tax audits; the impact of inflation and related trends on the Company’s financial position and operating results; our beliefs regarding oilfield activity and the related impact on wages for skilled labor and the prices of raw material used in providing our services; our belief that changes in foreign exchange rates are not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition; our belief that the outcome of litigation will not have a material adverse effect upon our financial position or results of operations; and our beliefs and expectations regarding future demand for our products and services, and other events and conditions that may influence the oilfield services market and our performance in the future. The Company does not undertake to update its forward-looking statements.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

The words “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “focus,” “plan,” and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by our management in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes to be appropriate. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of RPC to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Risk factors that could cause such future events not to occur as expected include the following: the declines in the price of oil and natural gas, which tend to result in a decrease in drilling activity and therefore a decline in the demand for our services, the actions of the OPEC cartel, the ultimate impact of current and potential political unrest and armed conflict in the oil producing regions of the world, which could impact drilling activity, adverse weather conditions in oil or gas producing regions, including the Gulf of Mexico, competition in the oil and gas industry, the Company’s ability to implement price increases, the potential impact of possible future regulations on hydraulic fracturing on our business, risks of international operations, and reliance on large customers. Additional discussion of factors that could cause actual results to differ from management’s projections, forecasts, estimates and expectations is contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company is subject to interest rate risk exposure through borrowings on its credit facility. As of September 30, 2018, there were no outstanding interest-bearing advances on our credit facility, which bear interest at a floating rate.

Additionally, the Company is exposed to market risk resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates. However, since the majority of the Company’s transactions occur in U.S. currency, this risk is not expected to have a material effect on its consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures – The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in its Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to its management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, September 30, 2018 (the “Evaluation Date”), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level as of the Evaluation Date.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Changes in internal control over financial reporting – Management’s evaluation of changes in internal control did not identify any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

RPC is involved in litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of its business. RPC does not believe that the outcome of such litigation will have a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of RPC.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Pipeline capacity constraints in the Permian Basin may temporarily disrupt our operations during the near term.

RPC’s largest geographic market is the Permian Basin in the U.S. domestic oilfield. At the present time, the oil and gas industry is concerned that the region’s capacity to transport oil from this market to regional refineries is not sufficient to transport the growing production of the region. During 2018, the industry is constructing additional pipeline capacity in the region, but analysts estimate that new pipeline capacity will not be completed until the third quarter of 2019. If pipeline capacity becomes constrained in the Permian Basin, RPC’s activity in the region may decline, which will negatively impact the Company’s revenues and profits during the period in which pipeline capacity is constrained.

See additional risk factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Shares repurchased by the Company and affiliated purchasers in the third quarter of 2018 are outlined below.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

The information required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K is included in Exhibit 95.1 to this Form 10-Q.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

RPC, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.