Core Laboratories Inc. (CLB, NYSE)
Industry: Energy / Oil & Gas Equipment & Services
Annual report, fiscal year 2021


# UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

# FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

# For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ___ to ___

Commission File Number 001-14273

## CORE LABORATORIES N.V.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

The Netherlands

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

Not Applicable

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

Van Heuven Goedhartlaan 7 B

1181 LE Amstelveen

The Netherlands

(Address of principal executive offices)

Not Applicable

(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (31-20) 420-3191

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading

Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Shares, EUR 0.02 Par Value Per Share

CLB

New York Stock Exchange; Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes☑ No ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ☑ No ☐

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☑ 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☑ No ☐

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

Large accelerated filer ☒ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☐ Emerging growth company ☐

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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒

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

As of June 30, 2021, the aggregate market value of common shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $1,788,005,419.

As of February 9, 2022, the number of common shares outstanding was 46,277,208.

## DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The information required by Part III of this Report, to the extent not set forth herein, is incorporated herein by reference from the registrant's definitive proxy statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held in 2022, which definitive proxy statement shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year to which this Report relates.



## CORE LABORATORIES N.V.
FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
Item 1. Business 1
Item 1A. Risk Factors 10
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 16
Item 2. Properties 16
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 16
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 16
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 17
Item 6. [Reserved] 18
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 19
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 34
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 34
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 35
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 35
Item 9B. Other Information 35
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 36
Item 11. Executive Compensation 36
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 36
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence 36
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 36
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 37
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary 37



## PART I

## ITEM 1. BUSINESS

## General

Core Laboratories N.V. is a Netherlands limited liability company. We were established in 1936 and are one of the world's leading providers of proprietary and patented reservoir description and production enhancement services and products to the oil and gas industry. These services and products can enable our clients to improve reservoir performance and increase oil and gas recovery from their producing fields. We have over 70 offices in more than 50 countries and have approximately 3,700 employees.

References to "Core Lab", "the Company", "we", "our", and similar phrases are used throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K (this "Form 10-K") and relate collectively to Core Laboratories N.V. and its consolidated affiliates.

## Business Strategy

Our business strategy is to provide advanced technologies that improve reservoir performance by (i) continuing the development of proprietary technologies through client-driven research and development, (ii) expanding the services and products offered throughout our global network of offices and (iii) acquiring complementary technologies that add key technologies or market presence and enhance existing services and products.

## Development of New Technologies, Services and Products

We conduct research and development to meet the needs of our clients who are continually seeking new services and technologies to lower their costs of finding, developing and producing oil and gas. While the aggregate number of wells being drilled per year has fluctuated relative to market conditions, oil and gas producers have, on a proportional basis, increased expenditures on technology services to improve their understanding of the reservoir and increase production of oil and gas from their producing fields. We intend to continue concentrating our efforts on services and technologies that improve reservoir performance and increase oil and gas recovery.

## International Expansion of Services and Products

Another component of our business strategy is to broaden the spectrum of services and products offered to our clients on a global basis. We intend to continue using our worldwide network of offices to offer our services and products that have been developed internally or obtained through acquisitions. This global emphasis allows us to enhance our revenue through efficient utilization of our worldwide network.

## Acquisitions

We continually review potential acquisitions to add key services and technologies, enhance market presence or complement existing businesses.

More information relating to any significant acquisitions is included in Note 4 - Acquisitions and Divestitures of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

## Operations

We derive our revenue from services and product sales to clients primarily in the oil and gas industry.

We operate our business in two reporting segments. These complementary segments provide different services and products and utilize different technologies for evaluating and improving reservoir performance and increasing oil and gas recovery from new and existing fields. Disclosure relating to the operations and financial information of these business segments is included in Note 21 - Segment Reporting and Other Disaggregated Information of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

- Reservoir Description: Encompasses the characterization of petroleum reservoir rock, and reservoir fluids samples to increase production and improve recovery of crude oil and natural gas from our clients' reservoirs. We provide laboratory-based analytical and field services to characterize properties of crude oil and crude oil-derived products to the oil and gas industry. We also provide proprietary and joint industry studies based on these types of analyses and manufacture associated laboratory equipment.



- Production Enhancement: Includes services and manufactured products relating to reservoir well completions, perforations, stimulation and production. We provide integrated diagnostic services to evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of well completions and to develop solutions aimed at increasing the effectiveness of enhanced oil recovery projects.

We offer our services worldwide through a global network of offices. Services accounted for 73%, 77% and 71% of our revenue from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

We manufacture products primarily in five facilities for distribution on a global basis. Product sales accounted for 27%, 23% and 29% of our revenue from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

## Reservoir Description

Commercial oil and gas fields consist of porous and permeable reservoir rocks that contain crude oil, natural gas and formation water. Due to the density differences of the fluids, natural gas typically caps the field and overlies an oil layer, which overlies the water. We provide services that characterize the porous reservoir rock, all three reservoir fluids and their derived products. Services relating to these fluids include determining the quality and measuring the quantity of the reservoir fluids and their derived products, such as gasoline, diesel and biofuels. This includes determining the value of different crude oil and natural gases by analyzing the individual components of complex hydrocarbons. We measure reservoir hydrocarbons at reservoir conditions to determine the changes in their physical properties with changing pressure and temperature. The number of pressure-volume-temperature ("PVT") related projects, has been increasing for the last several years, and reservoir fluid analyses now contribute approximately 65% to 70% of Reservoir Description revenue.

We analyze samples of reservoir rocks for their porosity, which determines reservoir storage capacity, and for their permeability, which defines the ability of the fluids to flow through the rock. These measurements are used to determine how much oil and gas are present in a reservoir and the rates at which the oil and gas can be produced. We also use our proprietary services and technologies to correlate the reservoir description data to wireline logs and other subsurface data.

The combined use of both the reservoir rock and fluid data are invaluable to oil companies to determine the most efficient method by which to recover, process and refine these hydrocarbons to produce the maximum value added to crude oil and natural gas fields. Early evaluations and key decisions about well performance and viability are important for optimizing a reservoir. This is accomplished by using proprietary and patented laboratory methods, including both traditional physical measurements and more recently introduced new technologies, such as Core Lab's Non-Invasive Technologies for Reservoir Optimization \( ^{SM} \)  ("NITROS \( ^{SM} \) ") services. NITROS \( ^{SM} \)  services includes Dual Energy Computed Tomography ("DECT"), Micro Computed Tomography, high and low frequency nuclear magnetic resonance, high-resolution gamma logging and continuous high energy x-ray fluorescence, along with other Core Lab proprietary technologies.

Core Lab's proprietary DECT scanner-based deliverables generate millimeter-scale three dimensional images and accompanying high-resolution petrophysical logs on cored intervals by calibrating DECT information to the vast library of physical measurements in Core Lab's proprietary database. The DECT deliverables from Core Lab are more detailed than down-hole logs and provide better bed resolution as well as accurate information on rock properties such as lithology, porosity, density, rock strength and acoustic velocities.

DECT, when combined with Continuous Dual Gamma and Scanning X-ray Fluorescence (“CS-XRF”), allows Core Lab to assess continuous high-resolution elemental composition of the cored intervals. A proprietary formation-specific “inversion” technique can be used to convert the detailed elemental composition to a continuous mineral log enabling us to generate detailed lithologic descriptions of the reservoir and to perform a comprehensive reservoir characterization.

Core Lab conducts a wide variety of physical laboratory measurements to measure and evaluate fluid flow through the rock, often at in-situ reservoir temperatures and pressures. These are most commonly applied to conventional reservoirs. We have also developed unique analytical processes to understand the flow characteristics and saturation profiles of unconventional reservoir systems including (1) High Frequency Nuclear Magnetic Resonance measurements to gain insights into movable vs. non-movable fluid saturations of these complex systems; and (2) Enhanced Oil Recovery of shale reservoirs by evaluating the effectiveness of gas cycling in nano-pore structures to significantly increase long-term production rates and volumes.

Core Lab has been at the forefront of digital transformation technologies for more than two decades. Core Lab’s extensive, proprietary databases and analog technologies, coupled with artificial intelligence (“AI”) and machine learning, help our clients improve efficiencies and lower operating costs throughout the upstream value chain. The analysis and integration, of these critical datasets is enhanced because of Core Lab’s proprietary RAPID \( ^{™} \)  database. Core Lab’s proprietary World Wide Rock Catalog \( ^{™} \)  provides a database and analog reference set for predicting properties when physical measurements are unavailable.



Core’s proprietary legacy portfolio of geological studies and rock and fluid property datasets on conventional reservoirs and seals, accessible through Core’s database platform, RAPID \( ^{TM} \) , are being leveraged in energy transition projects as well, and are proving invaluable to operators evaluating potential Carbon Capture and Storage (“CCS”) sites in onshore and offshore Miocene and Oligocene reservoirs along the U.S. Gulf Coast. These legacy studies, originally conducted to evaluate hydrocarbon reservoirs, provide critical data for reconnaissance, benchmarking, and risk reduction ahead of new coring projects for CCS site assessment.

Core Lab’s Digital Innovation Group integrates results and interpretations into a comprehensive, web-enabled platform, RAPID \( ^{TM} \) , for client access. This allows our clients to gain insight into their core intervals at an accelerated pace, for both non-invasive technologies as well as time-honored physical laboratory measurements. Through this integrated visually interactive platform, key reservoir performance indicators are presented, evaluated and shared within client workgroups.

Core Lab’s Digital Innovation Group works collaboratively with multiple international and national oil companies on projects that utilize several of Core Lab’s proprietary digital technologies and services. Core Lab’s proprietary Advanced Rock Typing technology combines Core Lab’s vast, comprehensive database of physical measurements, and World Wide Rock Catalog \( ^{™} \)  with its proprietary image acquisition technology and innovative AI image recognition. These technologies provide clients with analog data sets in situations where acquisition of new conventional core may not be possible. High-resolution images of wellbore cuttings and sidewall cores are quickly and efficiently matched with analogs from Core Lab’s proprietary database of samples from around the world. Physically measured data sets from the matching analogs are delivered to our clients in time to make appraisal and development decisions.

Core Lab also applies its rock fluid and data analytical capabilities to CO \( _{2} \)  and other gas and liquid projects. These projects may be for enhanced oil recovery in mature fields, or for CO \( _{2} \) -CCS projects.

Core Lab holds various patents, trade secrets, and proprietary designs for laboratory equipment required to analyze reservoir rocks as well as the properties and phase behavior of reservoir fluids and derived products. We manufacture a wide range of ambient and reservoir condition rock and fluid analysis laboratory equipment for our own use throughout our international laboratory network. Among these devices are complex, high-pressure, high temperature, reservoir condition, multi-phase flow systems and full visualization PVT cells, along with the ancillary equipment required to support these laboratory programs. We also sell equipment of this type to universities, government institutes, and client company research labs.

While recognizing the need to optimize the logistical chain of our clients, from producing well to retail sales of petroleum products, a state-of-the-art IT platform CONNECT: was launched to efficiently acquire our field data, laboratory analysis, optimize workflows and any other observations relevant to our client base. The system is designed for single data entry, and that data can be used for further analysis and, more importantly, be shared with our clients by process flow dashboards with key performance indicators. The system can also share real-time data on mobile devices, enabling our clients to make quick decisions. This methodology of sharing data has been embraced by an increasing number of clients, as it has not only saved them costs, but, more importantly, the data can be used for trend analysis in many ways, such as the ability to forecast bottlenecks, thus eliminating waste and increasing efficiency. Two experience centers have been set up, in the U.S. and Europe, where our clients can get acquainted with optimizing the flow of business as well as our advanced systems for data analysis. All initiatives are meant to increase efficiency and add value to our client base. All data is being made available through dashboard technology, which for internal purposes is being used to measure the efficiency of workflows throughout the organization.

During 2021, we added new modules to our suite of IT platforms that enhance the distribution chain of our customers, with similar structure of using dashboard technology, enabling the customer to monitor live progress as well as operational data.

We conduct numerous large-scale, multi-company reservoir management projects, applying proprietary and state-of-the-art techniques from the earliest phases of a field development program until the last economic barrel of oil is recovered. We initiate and deliver a group of international and U.S. based consortium studies to evaluate both conventional and unconventional reservoirs. These projects are of increasing importance to oil companies as the incremental barrel is often the lowest cost and most profitable barrel in the reservoir. Producing incremental barrels increases our clients' cash flows which we believe will result in additional capital expenditures by our clients, and ultimately further opportunities for us.

These industry consortium projects provide critical reservoir information to a broad spectrum of clients in a cost effective manner. These studies focus on regions of client interest across the globe, and include both conventional and unconventional reservoir targets. Studies often run for several years and new studies are initiated in response of current or upcoming client activity in a region. Core Lab retains rights of ownership to complete joint industry projects studies, which can be resold at a later date. Many of them examine unconventional reservoirs, particularly in the US and Canada. For example, our Permian Basin study evaluates the petrophysical, geochemical, completion and production characteristics of this very active play in



West Texas. Our clients use this information, not only to improve their drilling and production activities, but also to evaluate potential acquisition and divestiture opportunities.

## Production Enhancement

Core Lab's Production Enhancement group provides products and diagnostic services to help optimize well completions, reservoir operations and field development strategies, in order to increase recoverable reserves in the most efficient way. These product offerings include perforating technologies to establish communication between the wellbore and the reservoir. Diagnostic services are used to assess well completions and field floods. Two commonly used production enhancement methods are (i) hydraulic fracturing of the reservoir rock to improve flow and (ii) flooding a reservoir with water, carbon dioxide, nitrogen or hydrocarbon gases to drive more oil and gas to the producing wellbores. Many oilfields today are hydraulically fractured and/or flooded to maximize oil and gas recovery. Although Core Lab is not a hydraulic fracturing company, Core does provide services that are used by operators to develop and optimize hydraulic fracturing and field flood projects and to evaluate the success of those projects. These services, products and expertise play a key role in the success of both methodologies.

The hydraulic fracturing of a producing formation is achieved by pumping a fluid slurry containing a proppant material into the reservoir zone at extremely high pressures. This fractures the rock and the proppant material "props" or holds the fracture open after the pressure pumping is complete, so that reservoir fluids can flow through a highly conductive fracture into the production wellbore. Data on rock type and strength generated in the Reservoir Description segment are critical for determining the proper design of the hydraulic fracturing treatment. In addition, further testing indicates whether the fluid slurry is compatible with the reservoir rock so that damage does not occur that would otherwise restrict production. Core also provides testing of various propping agents and software to help select the best propping agent based on net present value calculations of client investments. The proprietary and patented ZERO WASH \( ^{®} \)  tracer technology is used to confirm optimum cluster efficiency, stage spacing, stimulated reservoir volume and increased ultimate recovery.

SPECTRACHEM \( ^{®} \) , a chemical frac water tracing service, is another proprietary and patented technology developed for optimizing hydraulic fracture performance. SPECTRACHEM \( ^{®} \)  is used to aid operators in determining the efficiency of the fracturing fluids used. SPECTRACHEM \( ^{®} \)  tracers enable operators to evaluate the quantity of fracturing fluid and reservoir fluid that returns to the wellbore after a hydraulic fracturing event. This technology also enables clients to evaluate load recovery, gas breakthrough, fluid leak-off and breaker efficiency, all of which are important factors for optimizing oil and/or natural gas production after the formation is hydraulically fractured.

The SPECTRACHEM \( ^{®} \)  service is used for determining the effectiveness and efficiency of the hydraulic fracture stimulation of long, multi-stage horizontal wells in oil- and gas-shale plays in unconventional reservoirs. SPECTRACHEM \( ^{®} \)  data sets are used to determine if and how effectively each frac stage is flowing. Frac stages with ineffective flows may warrant further stimulation or remedial actions, while guiding improvements in future frac designs and flowback procedures.

Core Lab's engineers have developed and implemented new applications for the proprietary SPECTRACHEM \( ^{®} \)  service to determine whether horizontal wells are unobstructed and flowing through the entire length of a horizontal well. Leveraged by operators in the Permian, Eagle Ford, Wolfcamp, Bakken and Haynesville plays, this technology can identify wellbore obstructions, often caused by inter-well communication, wellbore fill, or dissolvable plug remnants. By applying this technology, clients can identify and remediate well obstructions that can negatively impact well performance, reserve calculations and reserve-based lending.

Another unique completion monitoring system, COMPLETION PROFILER \( ^{™} \) , helps to determine flow rates from reservoir zones after they have been hydraulically fractured. This provides clients with a baseline of early production information that can be compared to subsequent data later in the life of the well to see how hydrocarbon production from different reservoir layers or different quality rock varies over time.

The FLOWPROFILER \( ^{™} \)  service, a proprietary hydrocarbon-based tracer technology, which is a further development of the patented SPECTRACHEM \( ^{®} \)  technology quantifies the hydrocarbon production from discrete segments in multi-stage horizontal well completions in unconventional tight-oil or gas plays. This service incorporates both liquid and solid controlled-release, oil-soluble tracers for oil reservoirs which are different from gas tracers used for gas reservoirs. FLOWPROFILER \( ^{™} \)  technology and the analytical methodology for identifying the hydrocarbon-soluble tracers are the protected intellectual property of Core Lab.

The FLOWPROFILER \( ^{™} \)  technology employs unique hydrocarbon-soluble tracers and water-soluble tracers introduced into specific, physically isolated stages via the stimulation proppant stream. The hydrocarbon-soluble tracers partition into the crude oil and gas associated with each stage, while the water-soluble tracers remain in the stimulation fluid. When the well is flowed,



oil, gas and water samples are collected and analyzed in the laboratory to identify and quantify oil or gas flows from each stage as well as the cleanup of the stimulation fluid. Stages not at optimum flow rates can be identified, precipitating remedial efforts to increase flow and recovery rates, and providing valuable insights for future wells. This service is used to monitor offset well interference by sampling offset well oil, gas and water production. The amount of tracer detected in offset wells is used to help clients optimize both horizontal and vertical well spacing and the optimum amount of fracturing fluids for each stage.

There has been a broadening acceptance of FLOWPROFILER \( ^{™} \)  MEDS, a proprietary technology, which is an engineered delivery system ("EDS"). The break-through EDS technology delivers time-released diagnostics for evaluating the crude-oil flow from each stage of a hydraulically fractured completion. This technology comprises proprietary 40/70 or 100 mesh particles, chemically engineered to bond specifically with proprietary oil tracers. This allows for precise placement of tracers in the propped fracture, thus providing accurate identification of oil production by stage. Crude-oil production by stage is determined using this Core Lab-developed technology that enables the diagnostic tracer to be absorbed and chemically bonded to durable, proppant-size particles that are injected with the frac sand. The tracer will release from the engineered particles once they contact the reservoir's crude oil, enabling Core Lab to assess which stages are contributing to crude-oil production.

Core Lab also conducts dynamic flow tests of the reservoir fluids through reservoir rock, at actual reservoir pressure and temperature, to realistically simulate the flooding of a producing zone. Patented technologies, such as Saturation Monitoring by the Attenuation of X-rays ("SMAX \( ^{™} \) "), help in designing the enhanced recovery projects. After a field flood is initiated, Core Lab is often involved in monitoring the progress of the flood to ensure that the maximum amount of incremental production is achieved using the SPECTRAFL00D \( ^{™} \)  technology, which was developed to optimize sweep efficiency during field floods.

Core Lab's patented PACKSCAN \( ^{®} \)  technology is used to evaluate gravel pack effectiveness in unconsolidated reservoirs. PACKSCAN \( ^{®} \)  measures density changes in the gravel pack annulus to verify the competency of the gravel pack without requiring any additional rig time.

In addition to Core Lab's many patented reservoir diagnostic technologies, Production Enhancement has established itself as a global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of high-performance perforating products. Core Lab's unique understanding of complex reservoirs supports our ability to supply perforating systems engineered to maximize well productivity by reducing, eliminating and overcoming formation damage caused during the drilling and completion of oil and gas wells. This "systems" approach to the perforation of an oil or gas well has resulted in numerous patented products.

SuperHERO \( ^{™} \)  (High Efficiency Reservoir Optimization) and HERO-HR \( ^{™} \)  (Hard Rock) are examples of the patented perforating systems. The SuperHERO \( ^{™} \)  charge evolved from the HERO \( ^{™} \)  charge technology and use a proprietary and patented design of powdered metal liners and explosives technology resulting in a deeper and cleaner perforating tunnel into the oil and gas reservoir. This allows greater flow of hydrocarbons to the wellbore and helps to maximize hydrocarbon recovery from the reservoir. The more recent charge development of the HERO-HR \( ^{™} \)  charges, resulted in Core Lab also having the deepest penetrating perforating charges on the market as certified by API testing.

HERO \( ^{™} \) PerFRAC leverages the HERO \( ^{™} \)  technology. In addition to the benefits of HERO \( ^{™} \)  technology, HERO \( ^{™} \) PerFRAC charges are designed specifically for optimizing fracture stimulation well completions by providing low standard deviation which minimizes tortuosity effects. This results in less required surface horsepower and less time which both translate into lower costs needed to complete the fracturing operation. In addition to optimizing stimulation operations with faster, lower cost programs, well production is also enhanced by not only the better well stimulations but the improved near debris free perforation tunnels as the well fluids come back into the casing from the rock. Core Lab's manufacturing operations in the United States and Canada continue to meet the global demand for our perforating systems through facility expansion in addition to gains in efficiency and productivity.

Consistent with the HERO \( ^{™} \) PerFRAC uniform hole size option, the ReFRAC product line was also introduced and has experienced increasing client acceptance. The ReFRAC technology is utilized in mechanically isolated re-stimulation programs where the internal string is used to isolate older, depleted stages in previously under-stimulated wells. The ReFRAC technology creates a uniform hole size through two strings of casing. This re-completion method is gaining popularity because it allows operators to perforate, pump and stimulate new rock between the original stages of the well, increasing hydrocarbon recovery without the expense of drilling and completing a new well. Operators using Core Lab’s ReFRAC technology have reported they can now complete twice as many stages per day compared to conventional perforating systems, reducing their operating costs and improving cash flow.

The HERO \( ^{™} \)  line of perforating charges, HERO \( ^{™} \) PerFRAC, SuperHERO \( ^{™} \) , HERO-HR \( ^{™} \)  and ReFRAC charges can eliminate the ineffective perforations that would otherwise limit daily oil and natural gas production and hinder the optimal fracture stimulation programs needed for prolific production from the Permian Basin, Bakken, Eagle Ford, Marcellus, Niobrara and similar oil- and gas-shale formations.



Core Lab’s proprietary downhole energetic solutions and instrumentation are designed to systemize, simplify, automate, and de-risk the deployment of perforating systems, which are utilized by international oil and gas operators for well completions. The Ballistics Delivery System (“BDS \( ^{TM} \) ”) provides a unique range of perforating tools and equipment, which have been developed to provide a number of advantages over existing technology. The BDS \( ^{TM} \)  tools facilitate perforation accuracy while addressing wellbore assurance concerns and optimizing safety, thus alleviating some of the challenges encountered when perforating. It also assists with issues incurred with high underbalanced perforating, running heavy/long assemblies, oriented perforating, depth control, reduction in fishing risk, and acquiring wellbore pressure data as guns fire. Core Lab’s BDS \( ^{TM} \)  and the GoFire Addressable Switch are key differentiators of Core Lab’s preassembled GoGun \( ^{TM} \)  Adaptive Perforating System. The GoGun \( ^{TM} \)  Adaptive Perforating System provides an open architecture design. This allows for optimal utilization of perforating energetics and, importantly, the onsite flexibility of altering completion designs for greater wellsite efficiency and improved Stimulated Reservoir Volume.

Core Lab's next generation, HERO \( ^{™} \) PerFRAC energetic technology, is available in combination with the new, patent pending Oriented GoGun \( ^{™} \) . This new offering provides our clients with a technological solution for achieving: 1) extreme limited entry perforating capability, 2) precisely aligned perforations, and 3) minimized connections and completion string length. Casing erosion around perforations can occur when stimulating unconventional reservoirs. Larger perforating holes preferentially increase in size and take more frac fluid, robbing stimulation from smaller perforating holes, which results in inconsistent breakdown of the formation. The consistent-sized holes generated by the latest HERO \( ^{™} \) PerFRAC charges reduce this problem. Core Lab partnered with major U.S. operators to design custom, consistent-hole-size charges that can be aligned in a specific orientation in order to achieve uniform breakdown across each stage. By eliminating the need for reusable orientation subassemblies, the Oriented GoGun \( ^{™} \)  minimizes the number of connections and saves time at the wellsite by not having to recapture and redress the orienting subs.

Core Lab’s Production Enhancement segment commissioned a cutting-edge, Reservoir Optimized Completions Lab (“ROC Lab \( ^{TM} \) ”) in Godley, Texas. The ROC Lab \( ^{TM} \)  is designed to determine the best energetic solutions for a specific rock type, to maximize productivity of an operator’s reservoir. The ROC Lab \( ^{TM} \)  features an industry-leading, Ultra High Pressure/High Temperature perforation test vessel. The test vessel is paired with a proprietary flow system that uses highly specialized, internally developed and manufactured pumps and flow controllers. Combined, these technologies create a proprietary flow loop capable of dynamically displacing oil, brine and gas through rock samples that have been perforated with preselected energetics. Core Lab leverages its multi-decade expertise in conducting multi-phase fluid flow tests through porous medium to optimize this technological investment.

Core Lab’s proprietary Plug and Abandonment Perforating System (“PACTM”) is utilized to optimize a slot recovery process through a lean casing recovery program. PACTM allows for reduced rig time and efficient recovery of the interior casing, while eliminating risks and creating opportunities for production from untapped reservoir sections.

Core Lab’s Production Enhancement team has experienced technical services personnel to support clients through our global network of offices for the everyday use of our perforating systems and the rapid introduction of new products. Our personnel are capable of providing client training and on-site services in the completion of oil and gas wells. The patented X-SPAN \( ^{®} \)  and GTX-SPAN \( ^{®} \)  casing patches are supported by our technical services personnel. Market applications in Canada’s steam-assisted gravity drainage environment have resulted in an upgrade in temperature ratings to as much as 600°F. These systems are capable of performing in high temperature as well as high pressure oil and gas environments and are used to seal non-productive reservoir zones from the producing wellbore.

## Marketing and Sales

We market and sell our services and products through a combination of sales representatives, technical seminars, trade shows and print advertising. Direct sales and marketing are carried out by our sales force, technical experts and operating managers, as well as by sales representatives and distributors in various markets where we do not have offices. Our Business Development group manages a Large Account Management Program to better serve our largest and most active clients by meeting with key personnel within their organizations to ensure the quality of our services and products are meeting their expectations and addressing any issues or needs in a timely manner.

## Research and Development

The market for our services and products is characterized by changing technology and frequent product introduction. As a result, our success is dependent upon our ability to develop or acquire new services and products on a cost-effective basis and to introduce them into the marketplace in a timely manner. Many of our acquisitions have allowed us to obtain the benefits of the acquired company's research and development projects without incurring significant costs if we had attempted to develop the services and products ourselves. We incur costs as part of internal research and development, and these costs are charged to



expense as incurred and reflected in the operational results of the associated business segment. We intend to continue committing financial resources and effort to the development and acquisition of new services and products. Over the years, we have made a number of technological advances, including the development of key technologies utilized in our operations. Substantially all of our new technologies are the result of requests and guidance from our clients, particularly major oil companies.

## Patents and Trademarks

We believe our patents, trademarks, technology, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights are an important factor in maintaining our technological advantage, although no single one of these is considered essential to our success. Typically, we will seek to protect our intellectual property in all jurisdictions where we believe the cost of such protection is warranted. While we have patented some of our key technologies, we do not patent all of our proprietary technology even where regarded as patentable. We protect our intellectual property, including through the use of appropriate confidentiality agreements, legal enforcement proceedings and by other means.

## International Operations

We operate facilities in more than 50 countries. Our non-U.S. operations accounted for 68%, 67% and 57% of our revenue from operations during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We attribute service revenue to the country in which the service was performed rather than where the reservoir or project is located, while we attribute product sales revenue to the country where the product was shipped as we feel this gives a clearer view of our operations. We do, however, have significant levels of service revenue performed and recorded in the U.S. that are sourced from projects on non-U.S. oilfields.

The following graphs and table summarize our reported revenue by geographic region for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019:







<table><tr><td></td><td>United States</td><td>Europe/Africa/ Middle East</td><td>Asia Pacific</td><td>Canada</td><td>Former Soviet Union</td><td>Latin/ South America</td><td>Consolidated</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>$ 148,183</td><td>$ 199,798</td><td>$ 39,308</td><td>$ 26,167</td><td>$ 33,804</td><td>$ 22,992</td><td>$ 470,252</td></tr><tr><td>2020</td><td>$ 158,937</td><td>$ 208,862</td><td>$ 44,440</td><td>$ 16,616</td><td>$ 31,498</td><td>$ 26,914</td><td>$ 487,267</td></tr><tr><td>2019</td><td>$ 289,173</td><td>$ 223,988</td><td>$ 59,554</td><td>$ 25,240</td><td>$ 36,078</td><td>$ 34,177</td><td>$ 668,210</td></tr></table>

While we are subject to fluctuations and changes in currency exchange rates relating to our international operations, we attempt to limit our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations by limiting the amount in which our foreign contracts are denominated in a currency other than the U.S. dollar. However, the ultimate decision as to the proportion of the foreign currency component within a contract usually resides with our clients. Consequently, we are not always able to eliminate our foreign currency exposure. We have not historically engaged in and are not currently engaged in any significant currency hedging or trading transactions designed to compensate for adverse currency fluctuations.



## Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health Regulations

We are subject to stringent governmental laws and regulations, both in the United States and other countries, pertaining to protection of the environment and occupational safety and health. Compliance with environmental legal requirements in the United States at the federal, state or local levels may require acquiring permits to conduct regulated activities, incurring capital expenditures to limit or prevent emissions, discharges and any unauthorized releases, and complying with stringent practices to handle, recycle and dispose of certain wastes. Additionally, our operations in the United States are subject to stringent occupational safety and health laws and regulations, which are intended to protect worker health and safety. Foreign countries in which we conduct operations may also have analogous controls that regulate our environmental and worker safety-related activities, which controls may impose additional, or more stringent requirements. Consistent with our quality assurance and control principles, we have established proactive environmental and worker safety policies in the United States and foreign countries, which meet or exceed applicable environmental and worker safety legal requirements. These policies are associated with the management, handling, recycling or disposal of chemicals and gases and other materials and wastes resulting from our operations. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal penalties, the imposition of remedial or corrective obligations, the occurrence of delays or cancellations in the permitting, performance or expansion of projects and the issuance of injunctive relief in affected areas. Historically, our environmental and worker safety compliance costs have not had a material adverse effect on our results of operations; however, there can be no assurance that such costs will not be material in the future or that such future compliance will not have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations.

Additionally, our analytical and manufacturing processes involve the handling and use of numerous chemicals and gases as well as the generation of wastes. Spills or other unauthorized releases of these chemicals, gases, and wastes at our facilities, whether by us or prior owners or operators, or at offsite locations where we transport them for recycling or disposal, could subject us to environmental liability, either from the applicable government agency or private landowners or other third parties. Such liabilities could be strict, joint and several, as is applicable in the United States under such laws as the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act and the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. This could also include costs of cleaning up chemicals and wastes released into the environment and for damages to persons, properties or natural resources. As a result of such actions, we could be required to remove previously disposed wastes (including wastes disposed of or released by prior owners or operators), remediate environmental contamination (including contaminated groundwater), and undertake measures to prevent future contamination. We may not be able to recover some or any of these remedial or corrective costs from insurance.

New, modified or stricter enforcement of environmental laws and regulations could be adopted or implemented that significantly increase our compliance costs, pollution mitigation costs, or the cost of any remediation of environmental contamination that may become necessary, and these costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operation, or cash flows. Our clients in the oil and gas industry are also subject to most, if not all, of the same laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and occupational safety and health in the United States and in foreign countries where we operate. In particular, we, our third-party vendors that supply us with goods and services in support of our business, and especially those clients are subject to an increased governmental and public focus on risks associated with the threat of climate change arising from the emission of greenhouse gases ("GHG"). Access to capital is another risk that may be impacted by climate change policies as shareholders, bondholders and institutional lenders currently invested in fossil-fuel energy companies or supporting entities such as ours but concerned about the potential effects of climate change may elect in the future to shift some or all of their investments into non-fossil fuel energy related sectors. Consequently, to the extent one or more of these climate-related events are incurred by us, our third party vendors, or our clients, any of us could incur increased costs, we could incur disruptions to our operations as a result of our vendor's inability to supply us with goods and services, and our clients in particular could elect to delay, restrict or cancel drilling, exploration or production programs, which could reduce demand for our products and services, any of which developments could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Our and our clients’ compliance with such existing, or any new or amended legal requirements that are placed into effect and applicable in areas where we or our clients conduct operations, could result in our or our clients’ incurring significant additional expense and operating restrictions. Our costs may not be fully recoverable from our clients and, thus, could reduce net income. To the extent any such existing or future legal requirements result in increased costs or restrictions or cancellation in the operation of our clients, to whom we provide our services, such developments could reduce demand for our products and services and have an indirect material adverse effect on our business.

## Competition

The businesses in which we engage are competitive. Some of our competitors are divisions or subsidiaries of companies that are larger and have greater financial and other resources than we have. While no one company competes with us in all of our



product and service lines, we face competition in these lines, primarily from independent regional companies and internal divisions of major integrated oil and gas companies. We compete in different product and service lines to various degrees on the basis of price, technical performance, availability, quality and technical support. Our ability to compete successfully depends on elements both within and outside of our control, including successful and timely development of new services and products, performance and quality, client service, pricing, industry trends and general economic trends.

## Reliance on the Oil and Gas Industry

Our business and operations are substantially dependent upon the condition of the global oil and gas industry. Future downturns in the oil and gas industry, or in the oilfield services business as well as the adoption and implementation of legislation, executive orders, and other regulatory initiatives that seek to combat climate change by restricting fossil fuel activities, limiting GHG emissions, certain methods of extraction of oil and gas, or the locations in which such activities may be conducted, may have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. This risk factor is perhaps amplified given recent pronouncements and actions taken by the executive and/or legislative branches of the U.S. government in an uncertain and shifting political environment.

The oil and gas industry is highly cyclical and has been subject to significant economic downturns at various times as a result of numerous factors affecting the supply of and demand for oil and natural gas, including the level of capital expenditures of the oil and gas industry, the level of drilling activity, the level of production activity, market prices of oil and gas, economic conditions existing in the world, interest rates and the cost of capital, environmental regulations, tax policies, political requirements of national governments, coordination by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries ("OPEC"), cost of producing oil and natural gas, and technological advances.

The success of our business has been underpinned by developing industry leading technologies used in evaluating and improving reservoir performance, increasing oil and gas recovery from new and existing fields, as well as evaluating potential CCS sites in the subsurface both onshore and offshore. Many of these technologies have been developed to meet the needs of our clients, which continue to evolve with demands in both traditional energy sources and with energy transition. As energy transition continues to evolve, our business may become more dependent on the continued innovation and adoption of our industry leading technologies.

## Human Capital

We are primarily a service provider in the oilfield services industry, so our workforce includes employees who are highly skilled professionals, including engineers and geologists, and other technical personnel, in addition to our administrative employees. As of December 31, 2021, we had approximately 3,700 employees. We do not have any material collective bargaining agreements and consider relations with our employees to be good.

Core Lab values its employees and is committed to providing resources that engage employees, enhance their work experience, and develop them for the future. Our Core Values are the framework that unite us on the path toward achieving our goals and propelling Core Lab forward. These values represent and establish the foundation by which we treat each other, conduct our business and simply define “how we do things around here”. By embedding our Core Values into our operating strategies, we ensure that our company culture and mission also drive our Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") sustainability efforts. We engage our employees on our progress and core values that define us as a company. We keep our employees informed of major business developments through CoreConnect, a communication initiative to drive connection and engagement between employees and executive leadership cascaded via extended leadership teams, periodic emails, quarterly newsletters, quarterly reports, and annual events.

To assist in this pledge, Core Lab has created its talent management strategy based on the employee life cycle. To ensure we have a diverse employee population reflective of our communities and client base, we’ve implemented recruiting practices that support and encourage the hiring and retention of diverse talent. Our total rewards approach is aligned to our business strategy and country-specific market influences. We offer competitive compensation and benefit programs in each country where we operate. Our approach not only encompasses competitive compensation and benefits, but also personal and professional growth opportunities within a global performance culture.

We develop our employees through performance management processes, competency-based development plans and training both in leadership and functional areas while also offering educational assistance programs. In 2021, we expanded our talent assessment process to identify emerging technical and leadership talent across the Company. Our annual performance management cycle is an ongoing process that enables managers and employees to collaborate throughout the year to set performance goals and development objectives that align to business objectives. This process is designed to help employees



understand where they add value to the organization, provide focus on and discussion around career aspirations, and reward employees for high performance.

We aspire to attract a diverse group of employees and create an inclusive work culture where differences are valued. We recognize the unique perspectives and thoughts that all people bring to our environment stimulates innovation and generates out-of-the-box solutions that benefit our employees, clients and industry. We promote a culture-centric focus on the health and safety of our employees and the environment with a pro-active approach towards identifying and managing risks through recognition, evaluation, and education. We empower our employees by fostering a sense of responsibility for managing their own work environment through open communication, and a management-supported “zero accident” culture.

## Web Site Access to Our Periodic SEC Reports

Our primary internet address is http://www.corelab.com. We file or furnish Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). These reports are available free of charge through our web site as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed or furnished electronically with the SEC. We may from time to time provide important disclosures to investors by posting them in the investor relations section of our web site, as allowed by SEC rules.

The SEC maintains an internet website at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding our company that we file electronically with the SEC.

## ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Our forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable but that may not prove to be accurate. All of our forward-looking information is, therefore, subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expected. All known, material risks and uncertainties are discussed below.

## Risk factors associated with the industry in which we operate

Events beyond Core Lab’s control, including a global or domestic health crisis, have resulted and may continue to result in unexpected adverse operating and financial results.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reduced demand for our services, and has had, and is likely to continue to have, a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in a significant and swift reduction in international and U.S. economic activity. The reduced demand for oil caused by this unprecedented global health and economic crisis, coupled with an oversupply of oil, led to a decrease of oil prices. Government reaction to the pandemic and restrictions and limitations applied by governments, continued widespread growth in infections, travel restrictions, quarantines, or site closures as a result of the virus could, among other things, impact the ability of Core Lab’s employees and contractors to perform their duties, cause increased technology and security risk due to extended and company-wide telecommuting, lead to disruptions in Core Lab’s logistics and negatively affect customer relationships as a result. All of these factors may impact the timing of the recognition of revenue and results of operations for a particular quarter.

The extent to which our operating and financial results will continue to be affected by COVID-19 will depend on various factors and consequences beyond our control, which will depend on numerous evolving factors and future developments that it is not able to predict, including, but not limited to, the following:

the length of time that the pandemic continues;

■ its effect on the demand for oil and natural gas;

■ the response of the overall economy and the financial markets;

■ the effect of governmental actions taken in response to the pandemic; and

■ the speed and effectiveness of responses to combat the virus, including vaccine development and distribution.

Any of those outcomes could have a material adverse effect on Core Lab’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and could perhaps amplify risk factors described in this Form 10-K.



Any cost reduction initiatives that Core Lab undertakes may not deliver the results it expects, and these actions may adversely affect its business.

In response to the financial risks presented by COVID-19, Core Lab implemented a variety of cost-cutting measures which began in March 2020, continued in 2021, and may need to implement additional cost-cutting measures that may adversely affect its business. These cost-cutting measures have included reductions in the quarterly dividend, base salaries of senior executives and annual capital expenditures, employee furloughs, workforce reductions, among other reductions of corporate and operating costs.

In addition, these initiatives could result in disruptions to Core Lab’s operations. Any cost-cutting measures could also negatively impact Core Lab’s business by delaying the introduction of new products or technologies, interrupting service of additional products, or impacting employee retention. There can be no assurance that additional costs will not offset any such reductions of its operations. If Core Lab’s operating costs are higher than expected, or if it does not maintain adequate control of its costs and expenses, Core Lab’s results of operations will suffer. If Core Lab is unable to mitigate these or other potential risks related to its cost cutting initiatives, it may disrupt Core Lab’s business or could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.

Downturns in the oil and gas industry, or in the oilfield services business, may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

The oil and gas industry is highly cyclical and demand for the majority of our oilfield services and products is substantially dependent on the level of expenditures by the oil and gas industry for the exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas reserves, which are sensitive to oil and natural gas prices and generally dependent on the industry's view of future oil and gas prices. There are numerous factors affecting the supply of and demand for our services and products, which are summarized as:

■ general and economic business conditions, including market prices of oil and gas and expectations about future prices;

■ the adoption of legal requirements or taxation;

■ changes in existing laws, regulations or other governmental actions;

■ cost of producing and the ability to deliver oil and natural gas;

■ the level of drilling and production activity;

■ financial condition of our client base and their ability to fund capital expenditures;

■ coordination by the OPEC;

■ civil unrest or political uncertainty in oil producing or consuming countries;

■ level of consumption of oil, gas and petrochemicals by consumers;

■ availability of services and materials for our clients to grow their capital expenditures and to deliver product to market; and

■ availability of materials and equipment from key suppliers.

The oil and gas industry has historically experienced periodic downturns, which have been characterized by diminished demand for our oilfield services and products and downward pressure on the prices we charge. A significant downturn in the oil and gas industry could result in a reduction in demand for oilfield services and could adversely affect our operating results.

Changes in macro-economic factors impacting the oil and gas industry may negatively affect our ability to accurately predict client demand, which could cause us to hold excess or obsolete inventory and experience a reduction in gross margins and financial results.

We cannot accurately predict which or what level of our services and products our clients will need in the future. Orders are placed with our suppliers based on forecasts of client demand and, in some instances, we may establish buffer inventories to accommodate anticipated demand. Our forecasts of client demand are based on multiple assumptions, each of which may introduce errors into the estimates. In addition, many of our suppliers require a longer lead time to provide products than our clients' demand for delivery of our finished products. If we overestimate client demand, we may allocate resources to the purchase of materials or manufactured products that we may not be able to sell when we expect to, if at all. As a result, we could hold excess or obsolete inventory, which would reduce gross margin and adversely affect financial results. Conversely, if we underestimate client demand or if insufficient manufacturing capacity is available, we could miss revenue opportunities and



potentially lose market share and damage our client relationships. In addition, any future significant cancellations or deferrals of service contracts or product orders could materially and adversely affect profit margins, increase product obsolescence and restrict our ability to fund our operations.

We are subject to the physical effects of climate change, which may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Core Laboratories operates from locations around the globe and provides services in coastal regions and coastal cities and services related to marine shipping activities of our clients. These locations and activities are susceptible to the physical effects of climate change, such as increased frequency or severity of tropical storm systems, hurricanes, droughts, floods, extreme winter weather, or geologic/geophysical conditions that may result in:

■ decreased or lost production capacity;

■ loss of or reduced supply chain availability;

■ temporary closure of locations due to electricity outages, damages or disruptions caused by extreme weather events;

■ displacement of employees; and

increase in premium for or reduced ability to obtain insurance for property, business interruption and liability.

## Risk factors associated with our international presence

## We depend on the results of our international operations, which expose us to risks inherent in doing business abroad.

We conduct our business in over 50 countries. Our operations, and those of our clients, are subject to the various laws, regulations and other legal requirements of those respective countries as well as various risks peculiar to each country, which may include, but are not limited to:

■ global economic conditions;

■ political actions and requirements of national governments including trade restrictions, embargoes, seizure, detention, nationalization and expropriation of assets;

■ interpretation of tax statutes and requirements of taxing authorities worldwide, including the United States, routine examination by taxing authorities and assessment of additional taxes, penalties and/or interest;

■ trade and economic sanctions, tariffs or other restrictions imposed by the European Union, the United States or other countries;

■ civil unrest;

■ acts of terrorism;

■ fluctuations and changes in currency exchange rates (see section below);

■ the impact of inflation;

■ difficulty in repatriating foreign currency received in excess of the local currency requirements; and

■ current conditions in oil producing countries such as Venezuela, Nigeria, Libya, Iran and Iraq considering their potential impact on the world markets.

Historically, economic downturns and political events have resulted in lower demand for our services and products in certain markets. The continuing instability in the Middle East and North Africa and the potential for activity from terrorist groups that the U.S. government has cautioned against have further heightened our exposure to international risks. The global economy is highly influenced by public confidence in the geopolitical environment and the situation in the Middle East and North Africa continues to be highly fluid; therefore, we expect to experience heightened international risks.

## Our results of operations may be significantly affected by foreign currency exchange rate risk.

We are exposed to risks due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. By the nature of our business, we derive a substantial amount of our revenue from our international operations, subjecting us to risks relating to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.



Our results of operations may be adversely affected because our efforts to comply with applicable anti-corruption laws such as the United States' Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the "FCPA") and the United Kingdom's Anti-Bribery Act (the "ABA") could restrict our ability to do business in foreign markets relative to our competitors who are not subject to these laws.

We operate in many parts of the world that have experienced governmental corruption to some degree and, in certain circumstances, strict compliance with anti-bribery laws may conflict with local customs and practices. We may be subject to competitive disadvantages to the extent that our competitors are able to secure business, licenses or other preferential treatment by making payments to government officials and others in positions of influence or though other methods that we are prohibited from using.

We are subject to the regulations imposed by the FCPA and the ABA, which generally prohibits us and our intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or keeping business. In particular, we may be held liable for actions taken by our strategic or local partners even though our partners are not subject to these laws. Any such violations could result in substantial civil and/or criminal penalties and might adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. In addition, our ability to continue to work in these parts of the world discussed above could be adversely affected if we were found to have violated certain laws, including the FCPA and the ABA.

Because we are a Netherlands company, it may be difficult for you to take legal action against our supervisory directors or us and it may not be possible to obtain or enforce judgments against us.

Although we are a Netherlands company, our assets are located in a variety of countries. In addition, not all members of our Board of Supervisory Directors (the “Supervisory Board”) are residents of the same countries as other supervisory directors. As a result, it may not be possible for you to effect service of process within certain countries upon our supervisory directors, or to enforce against our supervisory directors or use judgments of courts of certain countries predicated upon civil liabilities under a country’s federal securities laws. Because there is no treaty between certain countries and the Netherlands providing for the reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments, some countries’ judgments are not automatically enforceable in the Netherlands or in the United States, where the principal market for our shares is located. In addition, there is doubt as to whether a court in one country would impose civil liability on us or on the members of the Supervisory Board in an original action brought against us or our supervisory directors in a court of competent jurisdiction in another country and predicated solely upon the federal securities laws of that other country.

## Risk factors associated with technology advancement

If we are not able to develop or acquire new products or our products become technologically obsolete, our results of operations may be adversely affected.

The market for our services and products is characterized by changing technology and product introduction. As a result, our success is dependent upon our ability to develop or acquire new services and products on a cost-effective basis and to introduce them into the marketplace in a timely manner. While we intend to continue committing substantial financial resources and effort to the development of new services and products, we may not be able to successfully differentiate our services and products from those of our competitors. Our clients may not consider our proposed services and products to be of value to them; or if the proposed services and products are of a competitive nature, our clients may not view them as superior to our competitors' services and products. In addition, we may not be able to adapt to evolving markets and technologies, develop new products, or achieve and maintain technological advantages.

If we are unable to continue developing competitive products in a timely manner in response to changes in technology, our businesses and operating results may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, continuing development of new products inherently carries the risk of inventory obsolescence with respect to our older products.

If we are unable to obtain patents, licenses and other intellectual property rights covering our services and products, our operating results may be adversely affected.

Our success depends, in part, on our ability to obtain patents, licenses and other intellectual property rights covering our services and products. To that end, we have obtained certain patents and intend to continue to seek patents on some of our inventions, services and products. While we have patented some of our key technologies, we do not patent all of our proprietary technology, even when regarded as patentable. The process of seeking patent protection can be long and expensive. There can be no assurance that patents will be issued from currently pending or future applications or that, if patents are issued, they will be of sufficient scope or strength to provide meaningful protection or any commercial advantage to us. In addition, effective



copyright and trade secret protection may be unavailable or limited in certain countries. Litigation, which could demand significant financial and management resources, may be necessary to enforce our patents or other intellectual property rights. Also, there can be no assurance that we can obtain licenses or other rights to necessary intellectual property on acceptable terms.

Our operations are subject to the risk of cyber-attacks that could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial condition.

Our information technology systems are subject to possible breaches and other threats that could cause us harm. Although we devote significant resources to protect our systems, there can be no assurance that our systems will prevent or limit the effects of cyber-attacks or will be sufficient to prevent or detect, or to avoid a material adverse impact on our systems when such attacks do occur. If our systems for protecting against cyber-attacks prove not to be sufficient, we could be adversely affected by loss or damage of intellectual property, proprietary information, client data, our reputation, interruption of business operations, or additional costs to prevent, respond to, or mitigate cyber-attacks. These risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

## Risk factors associated with our supply chain, resources, liquidity and capital management

## We are subject to the risk of supplier concentration.

Certain of our product lines depend on a limited number of third party suppliers and vendors available in the marketplace. As a result of this concentration in some of our supply chains, our business and operations could be negatively affected if our key suppliers were to experience significant disruptions affecting the price, quality, availability or timely delivery of their products. For example, we have a limited number of vendors for our manufactured product lines. The partial or complete loss of any one of our key suppliers, or a significant adverse change in the relationship with any of these suppliers, through consolidation or otherwise, would limit our ability to manufacture and sell certain of our products.

There are risks relating to our acquisition strategy. If we are unable to successfully integrate and manage businesses that we have acquired and any businesses acquired in the future, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

One of our key business strategies is to acquire technologies, operations and assets that are complementary to our existing businesses. There are financial, operational and legal risks inherent in any acquisition strategy, including:

■ increased financial leverage;

■ ability to obtain additional financing;

■ increased interest expense; and

■ difficulties involved in combining disparate company cultures and facilities.

The success of any completed acquisition will depend on our ability to effectively integrate the acquired business into our existing operations. The process of integrating acquired businesses may involve unforeseen difficulties and may require a disproportionate amount of our managerial and financial resources. In addition, possible future acquisitions may be larger and for purchase prices significantly higher than those paid for earlier acquisitions. No assurance can be given that we will be able to continue to identify additional suitable acquisition opportunities, negotiate acceptable terms, obtain financing for acquisitions on acceptable terms or successfully acquire identified targets. Our failure to achieve consolidation savings, to incorporate the acquired businesses and assets into our existing operations successfully or to minimize any unforeseen operational difficulties could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation.

We may be unable to attract and retain skilled and technically knowledgeable employees, which could adversely affect our business.

Our success depends upon attracting and retaining highly skilled professionals and other technical personnel. A number of our employees are highly skilled engineers, geologists and highly trained technicians, and our failure to continue to attract and retain such individuals could adversely affect our ability to compete in the oilfield services industry. In periods of high utilization, there may be a shortage of skilled and technical personnel available in the market, potentially compounding the difficulty of attracting and retaining these employees. As a result, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected.



We require a significant amount of cash to service our indebtedness, make capital expenditures, fund our working capital requirements and pay our dividend, and our ability to generate cash may depend on factors beyond our control.

Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, to fund planned capital expenditures, and pay our dividend depends, in part, on our ability to generate cash in the future. This ability is, to a certain extent, subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.

No assurance can be given that we will generate sufficient cash flows from operations or that future borrowings will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to service and repay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. If we are unable to satisfy our debt obligations, we may have to undertake alternative financing plans, such as refinancing or restructuring our indebtedness, selling assets, reducing or delaying capital investments or seeking to raise additional capital. We cannot assure that any refinancing or debt restructuring would be possible or, if possible, would be completed on favorable or acceptable terms, that any assets could be sold or that, if sold, the timing of the sales and the amount of proceeds realized from those sales would be favorable to us or that additional financing could be obtained on acceptable terms.

Disruptions in the capital and credit markets could adversely affect our ability to refinance our indebtedness, including our ability to borrow under our existing revolving credit facility ("Credit Facility"). Banks that are party to our existing Credit Facility may not be able to meet their funding commitments to us if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests from us and other borrowers within a short period of time.

## Risk factors associated with the health, safety and the environment

We are subject to a variety of environmental and occupational safety and health laws and regulations, which may result in increased costs and significant liability to our business.

We are subject to a variety of stringent governmental laws and regulations, both in the United States and foreign countries relating to protection of the environment, and occupational health and safety. Certain of these laws and regulations may impose joint and several, strict liability for environmental liabilities, such as the remediation of historical contamination or recent spills, and failure to comply with such laws and regulations could result in the assessment of damages, fines and penalties, the imposition of remedial or corrective action obligations, the occurrence of delays or cancellations in permitting or development of projects, or the suspension or cessation of some or all of our operations. These stringent laws and regulations could require us to acquire permits or other authorizations to conduct regulated activities, install and maintain costly equipment and pollution control technologies, impose specific safety and health standards addressing work protection, or to incur costs or liabilities to mitigate or remediate pollution conditions caused by our operations or attributable to former owners or operators.

Additionally, our clients are also subject to most, if not all, of the same laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and occupational safety and health in the United States and in foreign countries where we operate. To the extent existing environmental laws and regulations or any new or more stringently enforced environmental legal requirements significantly increase our clients' compliance costs, pollution mitigation costs or remedial costs, our clients could elect to delay, restrict or cancel drilling, exploration or production programs, which could reduce demand for our products and services and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. For example, hydraulic fracturing continues to attract considerable public and governmental attention, both in the United States and in foreign countries, resulting in various controls applied to fracturing activities or locations where such activities may be performed.

Hydraulic fracturing is a process used by oil and gas exploration and production operators in the completion of certain oil and gas wells whereby water, sand or other proppants and chemical additives are injected under pressure into subsurface formations to stimulate gas and, to a lesser extent, oil production. Some countries outside the United States, such as Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and France, currently have imposed moratoria on hydraulic fracturing while other countries, such as Canada, allow fracturing activities but those activities are not as widely pursued as they are in the United States. In the United States, the fracturing process is typically regulated by state oil and gas commissions, but several federal agencies have asserted regulatory authority over certain aspects of the process.

Additionally, a growing number of states have adopted, and other states are considering adopting, legal requirements that could impose more stringent disclosure, permitting and/or well construction requirements on hydraulic fracturing operations, and local governments may also seek to adopt ordinances within their jurisdictions regulating the time, place and manner of hydraulic fracturing activities.

If new or more stringent U.S. or foreign federal, regional, state or local legal restrictions related to the hydraulic fracturing process are adopted in areas where our exploration and production clients operate, those clients could incur potentially



significant added costs to comply with such requirements and experience delays, curtailment or cancellation in the pursuit of exploration, development or production activities, which could reduce demand for our products and services.

See "Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health Regulations", under Item 1 of this Form 10-K for further discussion on environmental and worker safety and health matters.

We are subject to compliance with governmental regulations associated with climate change, energy conservation measures, or initiatives that stimulate demand for alternative forms of energy that could result in increased costs, limit the areas in which our clients' oil and natural gas production may occur and reduced demand for our services, which may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Climate change continues to attract considerable public, political and scientific attention in the United States and in foreign countries. In the European Union ("EU"), regulations associated with ESG and sustainability have been, and are being implemented and we anticipate that these regulatory requirements will continue to expand in the EU, the United States and globally. As a result, numerous regulatory initiatives have been made, and are likely to continue to be made, at the international, national, regional and state levels of government to monitor and limit existing emissions of GHGs or implement laws, policies or regulatory initiatives that may contribute to energy conservation measures, stimulate demand for alternative forms of energy or limit areas where fossil fuel production may occur, which may translate into reduced demand for our services.

Investor and societal expectations regarding voluntary ESG disclosures, and consumer demand for alternative forms of energy may result in increased costs, reduced demand for our services, reduced profits, increased risks of governmental investigations and private party litigation, and negative impacts on our stock price and access to capital markets. Our managerial ESG Steering Team is the primary group for overseeing and managing our ESG initiatives. Team members review the implementation and effectiveness of our ESG programs and policies and report on these matters to the Board of Directors. While we have sought voluntary aspirational goals for GHG emission reductions from base year 2018, we note that even with our governance oversight in place, we may not be able to adequately identify or manage ESG-related risks and opportunities, which may include failing to achieve ESG-related aspirational goals. We have published voluntary disclosures regarding ESG matters under an annual Sustainability Report and the Global Reporting Initiative, an international independent standards organization. However, we note that from time to time, statements in those voluntary disclosures may be based on hypothetical expectations and assumptions that may or may not be representative of current or actual risks or events or forecasts of expected risks or events, including the costs associated therewith. Such expectations and assumptions may be prone to error or subject to misinterpretation given the lack of an established single approach to identifying, measuring and reporting on many ESG matters.

## ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

## ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Currently, we have over 70 offices (totaling approximately 2.3 million square feet of space) in more than 50 countries. In these locations, we lease approximately 1.3 million square feet and own approximately 1.0 million square feet. We serve our worldwide clients through six Advanced Technology Centers ("ATCs") that are located in Aberdeen, Scotland; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Calgary, Canada; Houston, Texas; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Rotterdam, The Netherlands. The ATCs provide support for our more than 50 regional specialty centers located throughout the global energy producing provinces. In addition, our more significant manufacturing facilities are located in Godley, Texas, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada and Pyle, Wales which are included in our Production Enhancement business segment. Our facilities are adequate for our current operations; however, expansion into new facilities or the replacement or modification of existing facilities may be required to accommodate future growth.

## ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

## ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.



## PART II

## ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

## Price Range of Common Shares

Our common shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange under the symbol "CLB".

On February 9, 2022, the closing price, as quoted by the NYSE, was $25.95 per share and there were 46,277,208 common shares issued and outstanding held by approximately 217 record holders. These amounts exclude shares held by us as treasury shares.

See Part III, "Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters" for discussion of equity compensation plans.

## Performance Graph

The following performance graph compares the performance of our common shares to the Standard & Poor's 500 Index and the Philadelphia Oil Service Index ("OSX") for the period beginning December 31, 2016 and ending December 31, 2021. Core Lab is now an established member of the OSX which includes a greater concentration of our most direct peers.

The graph assumes that the value of the investment in our common shares and each index was $100 at December 31, 2016 and that all dividends were reinvested. The stockholder return set forth below is not necessarily indicative of future performance. The following graph and related information is "furnished" and shall not be deemed "soliciting material" or to be "filed" with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") except to the extent that Core Laboratories specifically incorporates it by reference into such filing.






## Share Repurchases in the Fourth Quarter of 2021

The following table provides information about our purchases of equity securities that are registered by us pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act during the three months ended December 31, 2021:

<table><tr><td>Period</td><td>Total Number Of Shares Purchased</td><td>Average Price Paid Per Share</td><td>Total Number Of Shares Purchased As Part Of A Publicly Announced Program</td><td>Maximum Number Of Shares That May Be Purchased Under The Program (2)</td></tr><tr><td>October 1, 2021 to October 31, 2021 (1)</td><td>12,507</td><td>29.05</td><td>—</td><td>4,480,783</td></tr><tr><td>November 1, 2021 to November 30, 2021 (1)</td><td>120,744</td><td>25.55</td><td>—</td><td>4,363,034</td></tr><tr><td>December 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 (1)</td><td>40,163</td><td>22.32</td><td>—</td><td>4,540,559</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>173,414</td><td>25.06</td><td>—</td><td></td></tr></table>

(1) During the quarter, 53,414 shares were surrendered to us by participants in a stock-based compensation plan to settle any personal tax liabilities which may result from the award.

(2) During the quarter, 262,819 treasury shares were distributed relating to stock-based awards, including 42,136 in October, 2,995 in November and 217,688 in December.

In connection with our initial public offering in September 1995, our shareholders authorized our Management Board to repurchase up to 10% of our issued share capital, the maximum allowed under Dutch law at the time, for a period of 18 months. This authorization was renewed at subsequent annual or special shareholder meetings. At our annual shareholders' meeting on May 19, 2021, our shareholders authorized an extension until November 19, 2022 to purchase up to 10% of our issued share capital. The repurchase of shares in the open market is at the discretion of management pursuant to this shareholder authorization.

From the activation of the share repurchase program through December 31, 2021, we have repurchased 40,091,496 shares for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.7 billion, or an average price of $41.43 per share. At December 31, 2021, we held 104,867 shares in treasury and have the authority to repurchase 4,540,559 additional shares under our stock repurchase program as described in the preceding paragraph.

## ITEM 6. [RESERVED]



## ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Core Laboratories N.V. is a Netherlands limited liability company. We were established in 1936 and are one of the world's leading providers of proprietary and patented reservoir description and production enhancement services and products to the oil and gas industry, primarily through client relationships with many of the world's major, national and independent oil companies.

We operate our business in two reporting segments. These complementary segments provide different services and products and utilize different technologies for evaluating and improving reservoir performance and increasing oil and gas recovery from new and existing fields:

- Reservoir Description: Encompasses the characterization of petroleum reservoir rock and reservoir fluids samples to increase production and improve recovery of crude oil and natural gas from our clients' reservoirs. We provide laboratory-based analytical and field services to characterize properties of crude oil and crude oil-derived products to the oil and gas industry. We also provide proprietary and joint industry studies based on these types of analyses and manufacture associated laboratory equipment.

- Production Enhancement: Includes services and manufactured products relating to reservoir well completions, perforations, stimulation and production. We provide integrated diagnostic services to evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of well completions and to develop solutions aimed at increasing the effectiveness of enhanced oil recovery projects.

## General Overview

We provide services as well as design and produce products which enable our clients to evaluate and improve reservoir performance and increase oil and gas recovery from new and existing fields. These services and products are generally in higher demand when our clients are investing capital in their field development programs that are designed to increase productivity from existing fields or when exploring for appraising and developing new fields. Our clients' investment in capital expenditure programs tends to correlate over the longer term to oil and natural gas commodity prices. During periods of higher, stable prices, our clients generally invest more in capital expenditures and, during periods of lower or volatile commodity prices, they tend to invest less. Consequently, the level of capital expenditures by our clients impacts the demand for our services and products.

The following table summarizes the annual average and year-end worldwide and U.S. rig counts for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, as well as the annual average and year-end spot price of a barrel of WTI crude, Europe Brent crude and an MMBtu of natural gas:

<table><tr><td></td><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td></tr><tr><td>Baker Hughes Worldwide Average Rig Count  \( {}^{(1)} \)</td><td>1,362</td><td>1,351</td><td>2,177</td></tr><tr><td>Baker Hughes U.S. Average Rig Count  \( {}^{(1)} \)</td><td>475</td><td>436</td><td>944</td></tr><tr><td>Baker Hughes Worldwide Year-End Rig Count  \( {}^{(2)} \)</td><td>1,563</td><td>1,095</td><td>2,043</td></tr><tr><td>Baker Hughes U.S. Year-End Rig Count  \( {}^{(2)} \)</td><td>579</td><td>339</td><td>804</td></tr><tr><td>Average Crude Oil Price per Barrel WTI  \( {}^{(3)} \)</td><td>$ 68.14</td><td>$ 39.17</td><td>$ 56.98</td></tr><tr><td>Average Crude Oil Price per Barrel Brent  \( {}^{(4)} \)</td><td>$ 70.86</td><td>$ 41.96</td><td>$ 64.28</td></tr><tr><td>Average Natural Gas Price per MMBtu  \( {}^{(5)} \)</td><td>$ 3.89</td><td>$ 2.02</td><td>$ 2.56</td></tr><tr><td>Year-end Crude Oil Price per Barrel WTI  \( {}^{(3)} \)</td><td>$ 75.33</td><td>$ 48.35</td><td>$ 61.14</td></tr><tr><td>Year-end Crude Oil Price per Barrel Brent  \( {}^{(4)} \)</td><td>$ 77.24</td><td>$ 51.22</td><td>$ 67.77</td></tr><tr><td>Year-end Natural Gas Price per MMBtu  \( {}^{(5)} \)</td><td>$ 3.82</td><td>$ 2.36</td><td>$ 2.09</td></tr></table>

(1) Twelve month average rig count as reported by Baker Hughes - Worldwide Rig Count.

(2) Year-end rig count as reported by Baker Hughes - Worldwide Rig Count.

(3) Average daily and year-end West Texas Intermediate crude spot price as reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration ("EIA").

(4) Average daily and year-end Europe Brent crude spot price as reported by the EIA.

(5) Average daily and year-end Henry Hub natural gas spot price as reported by the EIA.

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated government mandated shut-downs around the world, home sheltering and social distancing policies caused a significant decline in the demand for crude oil and associated products, which resulted in a significant and sharp decrease in the price of crude oil. The prices for both WTI and Brent crude oil decreased significantly at the end of the first quarter of 2020 from 2019, and the prices remained low throughout most of 2020. The average crude-oil price in 2020 was 33% lower than the average price of 2019. Crude-oil prices subsequently recovered in 2021 with more



significant improvement during the second half of 2021, and the average price was 71% higher than in 2020, but this is mostly attributable to the growth in production not keeping pace with the resurgence in consumer demand.

In general, activities associated with the exploration of oil and gas in the U.S. onshore market are more sensitive to changes in the crude-oil commodity prices, as opposed to larger international and offshore projects which take multiple years to plan and develop, and once announced and started, will continue through completion, despite changes in the current price of crude oil. Activity levels in the U.S. onshore market also responded immediately to the changes in demand, decreasing significantly to historically low levels in 2020, which bottomed in the summer of 2020, and subsequently began to recover in the second half of 2020. Crude-oil commodity prices have continued to rise as the demand continued to grow during 2021. However, the growth in production has not kept pace with the resurgence in demand for energy produced from oil and gas, coupled with an adverse impact from global supply-chain challenges especially during the latter part of 2021. Information published by the EIA, shows that the inventory of wells drilled but uncompleted (a “DUC” well) was 8,462 as of December 31, 2019, and declined to 7,737 and 4,616 at end of 2020 and 2021, respectively. This data indicates that during the period of higher activity in 2019, operators were drilling wells but not completing them as the DUC inventory grew. However, as activity levels began a sharper decline in 2020 and continued throughout 2021, primarily due to the impact of COVID-19, operators began to drill fewer new wells, and were completing some of the wells that had been previously drilled.

In the U.S., the average land-based rig count decreased approximately 54% from 2019 to 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19. Activities on development projects and producing fields in the U.S. unconventional reservoirs showed a decline when the commodity price weakened, and demand for both services and product sales to this market responded accordingly. U.S. average land-based rig count increased approximately 10% in 2021 as global demand for crude-oil products partially and progressively recovered. Demand for product sales increased in tandem with the increase in the rig count, however, the demand for services was slower in recovery.

Outside of the U.S., activities associated with the exploration for and production of oil also showed a decline in 2020 and 2021 primarily due to the global pandemic. This decline in activities is reflected by the average number of active rigs outside the United States decreasing 26% and 3% during 2020 and 2021, respectively. Long-term international and offshore projects which are commonly announced through Final Investment Decisions and subsequently initiated are not as susceptible or at-risk to delay or suspension due to short-term volatility in crude-oil commodity price.

In response to market conditions in 2020, the Company implemented cost reduction initiatives, which included (i) corporate and operating cost reductions; (ii) reduction in annual capital expenditures, and (iii) eliminating all non-essential costs. The corporate and operating cost reductions included reductions in workforce and reduction of senior executive and employee compensation. These initiatives continued in 2021. Following increased activity levels in 2021, the Company partially reinstated certain employee costs into the Company's cost structure.

## Results of Operations

## Operating Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2021 Compared to the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

We evaluate our operating results by analyzing revenue, operating income and operating income margin (defined as operating income divided by total revenue). Since we have a relatively fixed cost structure, decreases in revenue generally translate into lower operating income results. Results for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 are summarized in the following chart, and the year ending December 31, 2020 includes approximately $132.6 million of charges associated with impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and inventory write-offs:



Revenue, Operating Income and Operating Income Margin (in millions)






Results of operations as a percentage of applicable revenue for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 are as follows (in thousands, except for per share information):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">Revenue:</td><td colspan="2">2021</td><td colspan="2">2020</td><td colspan="2">2019</td><td>2021 / 2020</td><td>2020 / 2019</td></tr><tr><td>$ 344,342</td><td>73.2%</td><td>$ 376,421</td><td>77.3%</td><td>$ 474,193</td><td>71.0%</td><td>(8.5)%</td><td>(20.6)%</td></tr><tr><td>Product Sales</td><td>125,910</td><td>26.8%</td><td>110,846</td><td>22.7%</td><td>194,017</td><td>29.0%</td><td>13.6%</td><td>(42.9)%</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL REVENUE</td><td>470,252</td><td>100.0%</td><td>487,267</td><td>100.0%</td><td>668,210</td><td>100.0%</td><td>(3.5)%</td><td>(27.1)%</td></tr><tr><td>OPERATING EXPENSES:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cost of services*(1)</td><td>267,641</td><td>77.7%</td><td>279,281</td><td>74.2%</td><td>345,641</td><td>72.9%</td><td>(4.2)%</td><td>(19.2)%</td></tr><tr><td>Cost of product sales*(1)</td><td>100,255</td><td>79.6%</td><td>95,486</td><td>86.1%</td><td>149,938</td><td>77.3%</td><td>5.0%</td><td>(36.3)%</td></tr><tr><td>Total cost of services and product sales</td><td>367,896</td><td>78.2%</td><td>374,767</td><td>76.9%</td><td>495,579</td><td>74.2%</td><td>(1.8)%</td><td>(24.4)%</td></tr><tr><td>General and administrative expenses(1)</td><td>44,173</td><td>9.4%</td><td>34,033</td><td>7.0%</td><td>48,023</td><td>7.2%</td><td>29.8%</td><td>(29.1)%</td></tr><tr><td>Depreciation and amortization</td><td>18,516</td><td>3.9%</td><td>20,867</td><td>4.3%</td><td>22,605</td><td>3.4%</td><td>(11.3)%</td><td>(7.7)%</td></tr><tr><td>Impairments and other charges</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>122,204</td><td>25.1%</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>NM</td><td>NM</td></tr><tr><td>Inventory write-down</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>10,375</td><td>2.1%</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>NM</td><td>NM</td></tr><tr><td>Other (income) expense, net</td><td>(5,595)</td><td>(1.2)%</td><td>1,826</td><td>0.4%</td><td>5,319</td><td>0.8%</td><td>NM</td><td>(65.7)%</td></tr><tr><td>OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)</td><td>45,262</td><td>9.6%</td><td>(76,805)</td><td>(15.8)%</td><td>96,684</td><td>14.5%</td><td>NM</td><td>NM</td></tr><tr><td>Interest expense</td><td>9,152</td><td>1.9%</td><td>14,372</td><td>2.9%</td><td>14,690</td><td>2.2%</td><td>(36.3)%</td><td>(2.2)%</td></tr><tr><td>Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax</td><td>36,110</td><td>7.7%</td><td>(91,177)</td><td>(18.7)%</td><td>81,994</td><td>12.3%</td><td>NM</td><td>NM</td></tr><tr><td>Income tax expense (benefit)</td><td>15,891</td><td>3.4%</td><td>5,896</td><td>1.2%</td><td>(12,290)</td><td>(1.8)%</td><td>169.5%</td><td>NM</td></tr><tr><td>Income (loss) from continuing operations</td><td>20,219</td><td>4.3%</td><td>(97,073)</td><td>(19.9)%</td><td>94,284</td><td>14.1%</td><td>NM</td><td>NM</td></tr><tr><td>Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>(424)</td><td>(0.1)%</td><td>7,833</td><td>1.2%</td><td>NM</td><td>NM</td></tr><tr><td>Net income (loss)</td><td>20,219</td><td>4.3%</td><td>(97,497)</td><td>(20.0)%</td><td>102,117</td><td>15.3%</td><td>NM</td><td>NM</td></tr><tr><td>Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest</td><td>492</td><td>0.1%</td><td>140</td><td>—</td><td>134</td><td>—</td><td>NM</td><td>NM</td></tr><tr><td>Net income (loss) attributable to Core Laboratories N.V.</td><td>$ 19,727</td><td>4.2%</td><td>(97,637)</td><td>(20.0)%</td><td>$ 101,983</td><td>15.3%</td><td>NM</td><td>NM</td></tr><tr><td>Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations</td><td>$ 0.43</td><td></td><td>$ (2.18)</td><td></td><td>$ 2.11</td><td></td><td>NM</td><td>NM</td></tr><tr><td>Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Core Laboratories N.V.</td><td>$ 0.42</td><td></td><td>$ (2.20)</td><td></td><td>$ 2.28</td><td></td><td>NM</td><td>NM</td></tr><tr><td>Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding</td><td>46,690</td><td></td><td>44,477</td><td></td><td>44,646</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other Data:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Current ratio(2)</td><td>2.08:1</td><td></td><td>1.85:1</td><td></td><td>2.01:1</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Debt to EBITDA ratio(3)</td><td>2.70:1</td><td></td><td>NM</td><td></td><td>2.47:1</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio(4)</td><td>2.08:1</td><td></td><td>2.82:1</td><td></td><td>1.93:1</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></table>

 \( ^{*} \)  Percentage based on applicable revenue rather than total revenue.

 \( ^{\prime} \) NM" means not meaningful.

(1) Excludes depreciation.

(2) Current ratio is calculated as follows: current assets divided by current liabilities.

(3) Debt to EBITDA ratio is calculated as follows: debt less cash divided by the sum of consolidated net income plus interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

(4) Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio is calculated as follows: debt less cash divided by the sum of consolidated net income plus interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, severance, and certain non-cash adjustments.

## Services Revenue

Services revenue, which is primarily tied to activities associated with the exploration and production of oil and gas outside the U.S., decreased to $344.3 million in 2021 from $376.4 million in 2020 and $474.2 million in 2019 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as discussed above. Service revenue was lower in 2021 primarily due to delays of exploration and production projects in both the offshore and international markets as well as the U.S. market.

We continue to focus on large-scale core analyses and reservoir fluids characterization studies in the Eagle Ford, the Permian Basin and the Gulf of Mexico, along with Guyana, Surinam, Malaysia and other international locations such as offshore South America, Australia, and the Middle East, including Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Analysis of crude oil and crude oil-derived products also occurs in every major producing region of the world.



## Product Sales Revenue

Product sales revenue, which is primarily tied to the completion of onshore wells in the U.S., was $125.9 million in 2021, an increase from $110.8 million in 2020 and a decrease from $194.0 million in 2019. Rig count is one indicator of activity levels associated with the exploration and production of oil and gas. Our product sales, which primarily include differentiated well completion products and specialized laboratory instrumentation, increased approximately 14% in 2021, which was higher than the increase in the average U.S. land-based rig count of approximately 10% during this time period. The decrease in our product sales revenue of 43% from 2019 to 2020 corresponded with the significant drop in the U.S. land-based rig count of 54% during this time period.

## Cost of Services, excluding depreciation

Cost of services decreased to $267.6 million in 2021 compared to $279.3 million and $345.6 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively, corresponding to the changes in revenue. In addition, employee compensation and cost reduction initiatives were implemented by the Company in 2020. Cost of services expressed as a percentage of services revenue increased to approximately 78% in 2021 from 74% in 2020, due to the subsequent restoration of certain cost reduction initiatives in second half of 2021, and how our fixed cost structure is absorbed by revenue. Cost of services expressed as a percentage of services revenue was relatively flat in 2020 from 73% in 2019, reflective of the significant cost reduction measures that were implemented in 2020, which resulted in costs decreasing at relatively the same level with the decrease in revenue.

## Cost of Product Sales, excluding depreciation

Cost of product sales of $100.3 million in 2021 compared to $95.5 million and $150.0 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively, corresponding to the changes in revenue. In addition, employee compensation and cost reduction initiatives implemented by the Company in 2020 were partially restored in 2020 and 2021. Cost of product sales expressed as a percentage of product sales revenue decreased to 80% for 2021 from 86% for 2020 and increased from 77% for 2019, reflective of how our fixed cost structure is absorbed by revenue.

## General and Administrative Expense, excluding depreciation

General and administrative ("G&A") expenses include corporate management and centralized administrative services that benefit our operations. G&A expenses were $44.2 million in 2021 compared to $34.0 million and $48.0 million during 2020 and 2019, respectively. The variances are primarily due to changes in compensation expense during those periods and include accelerated stock compensation expense of $7.2 million in 2021, $6.7 million in 2020 and $7.2 million in 2019 recorded for retirement eligible employees. Employee compensation and cost reduction initiatives were implemented by the Company in 2020 lowering G&A in 2020 but were partially reversed in 2021 resulting in an increase in G&A. Also, in 2020, as a result of a modification in the methodology of measuring performance conditions associated with certain long-term employee stock-based compensation awards, these awards were revalued, and $11.9 million of previously recognized stock compensation expense was reversed in 2020, out of which $11.3 million was recorded in G&A expenses, and no similar transactions occurred in 2021. See Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.

## Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense of $18.5 million in 2021 is down compared to $20.9 million and $22.6 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively, as assets become fully depreciated and a decrease in capital expenditures from March 2020 throughout a substantial portion of 2021 as part of our cost reduction initiative.

## Impairments, inventory write-down and other charges

In 2020, the events associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting sharp decrease in the consumption and demand for crude oil, which caused a sharp decrease in the price of crude oil, led to a triggering event in March 2020. In response to the triggering event, the Company updated its analysis associated with future cash flows and the valuation of assets and potential impairment of goodwill and intangible assets. Our updated analysis resulted in the Company recording a total charge of $122.2 million for impairment of goodwill and intangible assets in March 2020 in our Production Enhancement segment. In addition, the Company recorded a charge of $10.4 million associated with the devaluation and obsolescence of inventory, primarily in our Production Enhancement segment.



For the year ended December 31, 2021, there were no triggering events during the year, and based on our annual assessment, we determined there was no further impairment for any of our reporting units or asset groups, and no impairment has been recorded in 2021.

## Other (Income) Expense, net

The components of other (income) expense, net were as follows (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td></tr><tr><td>Gain on sale of assets</td><td>$ (427)</td><td>$ (1,254)</td><td>$ (583)</td></tr><tr><td>Results of non-consolidated subsidiaries</td><td>(62)</td><td>(125)</td><td>(208)</td></tr><tr><td>Foreign exchange (gain) loss, net</td><td>(228)</td><td>1,160</td><td>1,725</td></tr><tr><td>Rents and royalties</td><td>(571)</td><td>(466)</td><td>(607)</td></tr><tr><td>Employment related charges</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>2,998</td></tr><tr><td>Return on pension assets and other pension costs</td><td>(306)</td><td>(1,502)</td><td>(1,501)</td></tr><tr><td>Gain on sale of business</td><td>(1,012)</td><td>—</td><td>(1,154)</td></tr><tr><td>Insurance and other settlements</td><td>(2,236)</td><td>—</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Loss on lease abandonment</td><td>—</td><td>504</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Cost reduction and other charges</td><td>—</td><td>3,943</td><td>5,555</td></tr><tr><td>Other, net</td><td>(753)</td><td>(434)</td><td>(906)</td></tr><tr><td>Total Other (income) expense, net</td><td>$ (5,595)</td><td>$ 1,826</td><td>$ 5,319</td></tr></table>

We incurred property and other losses in a fire incident in 2020 that we received full and final insurance settlement of $0.6 million in 2021. The North America mid-continent winter storm in February 2021 caused business interruptions and property losses to certain facilities, and we received partial insurance settlement of $1.6 million in 2021.

Foreign exchange (gain) loss, net is summarized in the following table (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td></tr><tr><td>Australian Dollar</td><td>$ 113</td><td>$ 174</td><td>$ 158</td></tr><tr><td>British Pound</td><td>86</td><td>653</td><td>599</td></tr><tr><td>Canadian Dollar</td><td>77</td><td>590</td><td>489</td></tr><tr><td>Euro</td><td>(450)</td><td>458</td><td>469</td></tr><tr><td>Other currencies, net</td><td>(54)</td><td>(715)</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>Foreign exchange (gain) loss, net</td><td>$ (228)</td><td>$ 1,160</td><td>$ 1,725</td></tr></table>

## Interest Expense

Interest expense of $9.2 million in 2021 compared to $14.4 million and $14.7 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease in interest expense of $5.2 million in 2021 from 2020, was primarily due to a reduction of $56.0 million in our aggregated variable rate debt and $15.0 million of our long-term fixed rate debt under private placement transactions. See Note 9 - Long-term Debt, net and Note 13 - Equity of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail. Additionally, in 2021 the Company recorded the effect of settlement and restructuring of our interest rate swaps agreements with a net gain of $1.4 million as described in Note 15 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In 2020, the Company reduced outstanding debt under its Credit Facility by $46.0 million, however additional interest expense was incurred to modify the revolving credit agreement in 2020 which also includes higher interest rate spreads when compared to the previous terms under revolving credit agreement.

## Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense was $15.9 million in 2021 and resulted in an effective tax rate of 44.0%. The 2021 tax expense was primarily impacted by taxable gains in local jurisdictions associated with foreign currency translation of U.S. dollar denominated receivables, primarily in Turkey, and certain non-deductible stock compensation expense in the United States. The financial results for 2020 include a goodwill impairment of $114.0 million, and also resulted in a loss before income tax. However, the goodwill impairment was mostly non-deductible for income tax purposes, and as a result income tax expense was $5.9 million in 2020. In 2019, the income tax benefit of $12.3 million includes a benefit of $60.7 million that was the result of a corporate restructuring. This tax benefit was partially offset by a charge of $26.7 million related to unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries that were no longer considered to be permanently reinvested.



See Note 10 - Income Taxes of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail of income tax expense.

## Segment Analysis

The following charts and tables summarize the annual revenue and operating results for our two complementary business segments.







## Segment Revenue

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">(dollars in thousands)</td><td colspan="5">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>% Change</td><td>2020</td><td>% Change</td><td>2019</td></tr><tr><td>Reservoir Description</td><td>$ 313,609</td><td>(11.7)%</td><td>$ 355,041</td><td>(15.6)%</td><td>$ 420,897</td></tr><tr><td>Production Enhancement</td><td>156,643</td><td>18.5%</td><td>132,226</td><td>(46.5)%</td><td>247,313</td></tr><tr><td>Total revenue</td><td>$ 470,252</td><td>(3.5)%</td><td>$ 487,267</td><td>(27.1)%</td><td>$ 668,210</td></tr></table>

## Segment Operating Income (Loss)

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">(dollars in thousands)</td><td colspan="5">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>% Change</td><td>2020</td><td>% Change</td><td>2019</td></tr><tr><td>Reservoir Description</td><td>$ 28,958</td><td>(47.4)%</td><td>$ 55,044</td><td>(0.2)%</td><td>$ 55,140</td></tr><tr><td>Production Enhancement</td><td>15,163</td><td>NM</td><td>(133,449)</td><td>NM</td><td>38,378</td></tr><tr><td>Corporate and other  \( {}^{(1)} \)</td><td>1,141</td><td>NM</td><td>1,600</td><td>NM</td><td>3,166</td></tr><tr><td>Operating income (loss)</td><td>$ 45,262</td><td>NM</td><td>$ (76,805)</td><td>NM</td><td>$ 96,684</td></tr></table>

(1) "Corporate and other" represents those items that are not directly relating to a particular segment.

"NM" means not meaningful.

## Segment Operating Income (Loss) Margins \( ^{(1)} \) 

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Margin</td><td>Margin</td><td>Margin</td></tr><tr><td>Reservoir Description</td><td>9.2%</td><td>15.5%</td><td>13.1%</td></tr><tr><td>Production Enhancement</td><td>9.7%</td><td>(100.9)%</td><td>15.5%</td></tr><tr><td>Total Company</td><td>9.6%</td><td>(15.8)%</td><td>14.5%</td></tr></table>

(1) Calculated by dividing "Operating Income (Loss)" by "Revenue".

## Reservoir Description

Reservoir Description’s operations are heavily exposed to international and offshore project activity levels, with approximately 80% of its revenue sourced outside the U.S. The COVID-19 global pandemic, which began in early 2020, continues to adversely impact project activity from our oil and gas clients, causing delays and workflow disruptions, slowing the progress on longer-term international and offshore projects. As a result, revenue for our Reservoir Description segment decreased to $313.6 million in 2021 compared to $355.0 million and $420.9 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively. In addition, various weather events, such as the North America mid-continent winter storm and major named storms in the Gulf of Mexico caused a significant disruption to crude oil production and supply activities during 2021. In 2020, revenue decreased 16%



compared to 2019, primarily due to a significant decrease in our client’s activity levels in the international markets in early 2020 associated with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, as global economies were locked down causing demand for crude oil to decrease sharply. The sharp decrease in demand and challenges to remain operational during the global pandemic caused many adverse impacts to the energy industry, our clients, and the Company

We continue to focus on large-scale core analysis and reservoir fluids characterization studies in the Asia-Pacific region, offshore Europe and Africa, offshore South America, North America, and the Middle East. We are also engaged on both newly developed fields and brownfield extensions in offshore areas such as Australia, Brazil, Guyana, the Gulf of Mexico, the Middle East and the North Sea. Analysis of crude oil derived products also occurs in every major producing region of the world. In particular, we anticipate increased demand for our proprietary laboratory technological services in the Middle East as a result of several factors, including Core Lab’s completion of a comprehensive reservoir fluid laboratory in Doha, Qatar, resumption of production from the Wafra oilfield located within the onshore Partitioned Neutral Zone in the southern part of Kuwait, as well as expansion of the North Gas Field in Qatar.

Operating income of $29.0 million in 2021 significantly decreased compared to $55.0 million in 2020 and $55.1 million in 2019, respectively. Operating margins decreased to 9.2% in 2021 compared to 15.5% and 13.1% in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease in operating income and operating margin from 2020 to 2021 correlates to the decrease in revenue and reflects additional costs associated with disruptions and damage to facilities caused by weather events discussed above. In addition, the Company began to progressively restore certain temporary cost reduction initiatives in the second half of 2021, which resulted in an increase in overall costs. Operating income and operating margin in 2020 remained relatively flat compared to 2019. Although there was a significant decline in our revenue in 2020 caused by the factors indicated above, the Company implemented significant cost reductions in 2020 and we reversed previously recognized stock compensation expense for certain employees’ PSAP awards of $7.6 million allocated to this segment. See Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail.

## Production Enhancement

Production Enhancement's operations are largely focused on complex completions in unconventional, tight-oil reservoirs in the U.S. as well as conventional projects across the globe. Drilling and completion activity levels in the U.S. onshore market began to significantly decrease starting in March of 2020 due to the global pandemic and bottomed out at a historically low level in May of 2020. Activity levels in the U.S. onshore market began to recover in the second half of 2020, and activity levels for both the U.S. onshore and international markets continued to strengthen in 2021.

Revenue for our Production Enhancement segment of $156.6 million in 2021 increased compared to $132.2 million in 2020 and decreased compared to $247.3 million in 2019. Revenue increased approximately 19% in 2021 compared to 2020 primarily driven by a significant increase in the drilling and completion of wells in the U.S. onshore market and some recovery in the international markets. The U.S. average land-based rig count increased approximately 10% in 2021 compared to 2020. Revenue decreased approximately 47% in 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to a sharp decrease of drilling and well completion activities in the U.S. onshore. The U.S. average land-based rig count decreased approximately 54% during 2020 as compared to 2019.

Operating income of $15.2 million in 2021, compared to an operating loss of $133.4 million in 2020 and an operating income of $38.4 million in 2019. We recorded non-cash charges of $132.6 million for impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and inventory write-down and other charges in 2020. See Note 17 - Impairment and Other Charges, and Note 18 - Inventory Write-down of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details. This was partially offset by the benefit of cost reduction initiatives implemented during 2020 and reversal of previously recognized stock compensation expense associated with certain employees' long-term stock-based performance awards of $3.6 million that were recorded and allocated to this segment. See Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Operating income (loss) in 2020, after excluding these net non-cash charges was a loss of $0.8 million. The increase in operating income in 2021 compared to 2020, was primarily driven by increased activity levels in the drilling and completion of wells as discussed above. The decrease in operating income in 2020 compared to 2019 was in line with the decrease in activity levels as described above.

Operating margin was 9.7% in 2021, compared to a negative margin of 100.9% in 2020 and operating margin of 15.5% in 2019. The increased operating margin in 2021 compared to 2020 was primarily driven by the effect of non-cash charges recorded in 2020, as well as some improvement associated with increased activity levels in the drilling and completion of wells, as discussed above. The operating margin for 2020 was breakeven, when excluding the non-cash charges associated with the goodwill impairment, intangible assets and inventory write down. The lower operating margin in 2020 compared to 2019 was primarily due to significantly lower revenue base that resulted higher fixed cost absorption in 2020.

## Liquidity and Capital Resources



## General

We have historically financed our activities through cash on hand, cash flows from operations, bank credit facilities, equity financing and the issuance of debt. Cash flows from operating activities provide the primary source of funds to finance operating needs, capital expenditures and our dividend and share repurchase programs. We believe our future cash flows from operations, supplemented by our borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility and the ability to issue additional equity and debt, should be sufficient to fund our debt requirements, capital expenditures, working capital, dividend payments and future acquisitions. The Company will continue to monitor and evaluate the availability of debt and equity markets.

In response to market conditions, Core Lab’s Supervisory Board approved a plan to reduce the Company’s quarterly dividends to $0.01 per share beginning with the second quarter of 2020 and to focus excess free cash flow on debt reduction. In 2020, the Company implemented cost reduction initiatives, which included: (i) corporate and operating cost reductions; (ii) reduction in annual capital expenditures, and (iii) eliminating all non-essential costs. The corporate and operating cost reductions included reductions in workforce and reduction of senior executive and employee compensation. These initiatives continued in 2021. Following an improvement in activity levels during the second half of 2021 and a more positive outlook, the Company partially reinstated certain employee costs into the Company's cost structure.

On June 22, 2020, also in response to market conditions, we entered into Amendment No. 1 (the “Amendment”) to the Credit Facility. The Amendment provides, among other things, an increase to the maximum leverage ratio permitted under the Credit Facility for certain periods. See Note 9 - Long-term Debt, net of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

On December 17, 2020, we entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement with Wells Fargo Securities, LLC for the issuance and sale of up to $60.0 million of our common shares. Under terms of the Equity Distribution Agreement, sales of our common shares could be made by any method deemed to be an “at-the-market offering” as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "ATM program"). In March 2021, we completed the program selling 1,658,012 common shares at an average price of $36.19 per share, which generated aggregate proceeds of $59.1 million, net of commission and other associated costs. Proceeds were used to reduce debt on the Company’s Credit Facility. See Note 13 - Equity of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

On January 12, 2021, the Company issued the 2021 Senior Notes with aggregate principal amount of $60 million in a private placement. The net proceeds from the 2021 Senior Notes were used exclusively to reduce outstanding debt under the Company’s Credit Facility, which increased the available borrowing capacity and liquidity for the Company. See Note 9 - Long-term Debt, net of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

On September 30, 2021, the Company retired $75 million in Series A of the 2011 Senior Notes. Series A of the 2011 Senior Notes were retired using a combination of cash on hand and $55 million in proceeds drawn from our Credit Facility. We intend to maintain sufficient borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility to both retire maturing debt obligations and provide additional liquidity, should the company require it for other purposes.

As we are a Netherlands holding company, we conduct substantially all of our operations through subsidiaries. Our cash availability is largely dependent upon the ability of our subsidiaries to pay cash dividends or otherwise distribute or advance funds to us and on the terms and conditions of our existing and future credit arrangements. There are no restrictions preventing any of our subsidiaries from repatriating earnings, and there are no restrictions or income taxes associated with distributing cash to the parent company through loans or advances. As of December 31, 2021, $5.6 million of our $17.7 million of cash was held by our foreign subsidiaries, including the U.S.

Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("U.S. GAAP" or "GAAP"). We utilize the non-GAAP financial measure of free cash flow to evaluate our cash flows and results of operations. Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities (which is the most directly comparable GAAP measure) less cash paid for capital expenditures. Management believes that free cash flow provides useful information to investors regarding the cash that was available in the period that was in excess of our needs to fund our capital expenditures and operating activities. Free cash flow is not a measure of operating performance under GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation nor construed as an alternative to operating profit, net income (loss) or cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities, each as determined in accordance with GAAP. Free cash flow does not represent residual cash available for distribution because we may have other non-discretionary expenditures that are not deducted from the measure. Moreover, since free cash flow is not a measure determined in accordance with GAAP and thus is susceptible to varying interpretations and calculations, free cash flow, as presented, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. The following table reconciles this non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP (in thousands):



<table><tr><td rowspan="2">Free Cash Flow Calculation</td><td colspan="3">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td></tr><tr><td>Net cash provided by operating activities</td><td>$ 36,579</td><td>$ 57,868</td><td>$ 89,527</td></tr><tr><td>Less: cash paid for capital expenditures</td><td>(13,539)</td><td>(11,880)</td><td>(22,269)</td></tr><tr><td>Free cash flow</td><td>$ 23,040</td><td>$ 45,988</td><td>$ 67,258</td></tr></table>

The decrease in free cash flow in 2021 compared to 2020 was primarily attributable to increased working capital requirements of $21.0 million in 2021 and increased capital expenditures of $1.6 million in 2021 as market conditions and activity levels improved in the second half of 2021. The decrease in free cash flow in 2020 compared to 2019 was due to the significantly lower operational activity levels in 2020 partially offset by a decrease in capital spending and a decrease of $5.9 million in working capital.

## Cash Flows

The following table summarizes cash flows (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td></tr><tr><td>Cash provided by/(used in):</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Operating activities</td><td>$ 36,579</td><td>$ 57,868</td><td>$ 89,527</td></tr><tr><td>Investing activities</td><td>(10,223)</td><td>7,851</td><td>(5,677)</td></tr><tr><td>Financing activities</td><td>(22,459)</td><td>(63,005)</td><td>(85,874)</td></tr><tr><td>Net change in cash and cash equivalents</td><td>$ 3,897</td><td>$ 2,714</td><td>$ (2,024)</td></tr></table>

The decrease in cash provided by operating activities in 2021 compared to 2020 and 2019 are discussed above.

Cash used by investing activities was $10.2 million in 2021 compared to cash provided by investing activities of $7.9 million in 2020. The variance was primarily due to higher capital expenditure of $13.5 million in 2021 compared to $11.9 million in 2020 and additional proceeds received from company-owned life insurance policies of $20.4 million in 2020. These additional proceeds coupled with $10.4 million lower capital expenditures also accounted for the increase in cash flows from investing activities in 2020 when compared to 2019 even though 2019 included proceeds from the divesture of two businesses totaling $17.8 million.

Cash used in financing activities in 2021 decreased $40.5 million compared to 2020 as a result of; 1) a reduction of $10.6 million in dividends paid, 2) net proceeds of $59.1 million raised in 2021 by issuing common shares through the ATM program, and 3) $71.0 million of proceeds used towards the net reduction in long-term debt during 2021. These decreases in cash used were offset by the repurchase of our common shares of $8.3 million in 2021 compared to $2.8 million in 2020. Cash used in financing activities in 2020 decreased $22.9 million compared to 2019, primarily attributed to a reduction of $85.1 million in dividends paid, but partially offset by $46.0 million used towards the reduction of long-term debt and additional borrowings of $15.0 million were used to fund operating activities in 2019.

During 2021, we repurchased 300,568 shares of our common stock for an aggregate amount of $8.3 million, or an average price of $27.47 per share. The repurchase of shares in the open market is at the discretion of management pursuant to shareholder authorization. We regard these treasury shares as a temporary investment which may be used to fund long-term employee stock-based compensation plans or to finance future acquisitions. Under Dutch law and subject to certain Dutch statutory provisions and shareholder approval, we can hold a maximum of 50% of our issued shares in treasury. We currently have shareholder approval to hold 10% of our issued share capital in treasury. On May 20, 2021 at our annual shareholders meeting, our shareholders authorized the extension of our share repurchase program until November 20, 2022 to purchase up to 10% of our issued share capital. We believe this share repurchase program has been beneficial to our shareholders. Our share price has increased from $4.03 per share in 2002, when we began to repurchase shares, to $22.31 per share on December 31, 2021, an increase of 454%.

## Senior Notes, Credit Facility and Available Future Liquidity

As of December 31, 2021 following the retirement in September 2021 of $75 million Series A Senior Notes issued in 2011, we have three series of senior notes outstanding with an aggregate principal amount of $135 million that were issued through private placement transactions. In 2011, we issued senior notes that included Series B Senior Notes which consists of $75 million in aggregate principal amount of notes and bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.11% and are due in full on September 30, 2023 ("2011 Senior Notes"). Interest on Series B of the 2011 Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on March 30 and September 30.



In January 2021, we issued two new series of senior notes with aggregate principal amount of $60 million in a private placement transaction (“2021 Senior Notes” and together with the 2011 Senior Notes, the “Senior Notes”). Series A of the 2021 Senior Notes consists of $45 million in aggregate principal amount that bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.09% and are due in full on January 12, 2026. Series B of the 2021 Senior Notes consists of $15 million in aggregate principal amount and bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.38% and are due in full on January 12, 2028. Interest on each series of the 2021 Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on June 30 and December 30.

On June 22, 2020, we entered into the Amendment to the Seventh Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated June 19, 2018. The Amendment increases the maximum leverage ratio permitted under the Credit Facility for certain periods. Pursuant to the terms of the Amendment, the maximum leverage ratio permitted under the Credit Facility is as follows:

<table><tr><td>Quarter ending</td><td>Maximum leverage ratio permitted</td></tr><tr><td>June 30, 2020 up to and including June 30, 2021</td><td>3.00</td></tr><tr><td>September 30, 2021</td><td>2.75</td></tr><tr><td>December 31, 2021 and thereafter</td><td>2.50</td></tr></table>

Moreover, under the Amendment, the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 1.500% to LIBOR plus 2.875% is applied to outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility, with a 0.500% floor on LIBOR. Interest payment terms are variable depending upon the specific type of borrowing under the Credit Facility. The Amendment, also reduced the aggregate borrowing commitment under the Credit Facility to $225 million and the amount by which we may elect to increase the facility size, known as the “accordion” feature, to $50 million, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. Any outstanding balance under the Credit Facility is due on maturity on June 19, 2023. Our available capacity at any point in time is reduced by outstanding borrowings and outstanding letters of credit which totaled $10.4 million at December 31, 2021, resulting in an available borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility of $159.6 million. In addition to indebtedness under the Credit Facility, we had $6.5 million of outstanding letters of credit and performance guarantees and bonds from other sources as of December 31, 2021.

The Credit Facility is unsecured, and contains customary representations, warranties, terms and conditions for similar types of facilities.

The terms of the Credit Facility and Senior Notes require us to meet certain covenants, including, but not limited to, an interest coverage ratio (calculated as consolidated EBITDA divided by interest expense) and a leverage ratio (calculated as consolidated net indebtedness divided by consolidated EBITDA), where consolidated EBITDA (as defined in each agreement) and interest expense are calculated using the most recent four fiscal quarters. The Credit Facility and Senior Notes include a cross-default provision, whereby a default under one agreement may trigger a default in the other agreement. The Credit Facility has more restrictive covenants with a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.0 to 1.0 and permits a maximum leverage ratio as described above. The Credit Facility allows non-cash charges such as impairment of assets, stock compensation and other non-cash charges to be added back in the calculation of consolidated EBITDA. The terms of our Credit Facility also allow us to negotiate in good faith to amend any ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent of the agreement if any change in accounting principles would affect the computation of any financial ratio or covenant of the Credit Facility. In accordance with the terms of the Credit Facility, our leverage ratio is 2.08, and our interest coverage ratio is 9.06, each for the period ended December 31, 2021.

We believe that we are in compliance with all covenants contained in our Credit Facility and Senior Notes. Certain of our material, wholly-owned subsidiaries, are guarantors or co-borrowers under the Credit Facility and Senior Notes.

We currently have a forward interest rate swap agreement for a notional amount of $60 million for the purpose to fix the underlying risk-free rate, that would be associated with any anticipated issuance of new long-term debt by the Company in future periods. See Note 15 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

In addition to our repayment commitments under our Credit facility and our 2011 Senior Notes, we have non-cancellable operating lease arrangements under which we lease office and lab space, machinery, equipment and vehicles. We also have employer contribution commitments related to our Dutch pension plan with amounts payable in the future based upon workforce factors that cannot be estimated beyond one year. These material future contractual obligations are discussed in Note 7 - Leases, Note 9 - Long-term Debt, net and Note 11 - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



We have no significant purchase commitments or similar obligations outstanding at December 31, 2021. We also have uncertain tax positions of $4.3 million that we have accrued for at December 31, 2021; the amounts and timing of payment, if any, are uncertain. See Note 10 - Income Taxes of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail of this amount.

At December 31, 2021, we had tax net operating loss carry-forwards in various jurisdictions of $49.3 million. Although we cannot be certain that these operating loss carry-forwards will be utilized, we anticipate that we will have sufficient taxable income in future years to allow us to fully utilize the carry-forwards that are not subject to a valuation allowance as of December 31, 2021. If unused, those carry-forwards which are subject to expiration may expire during the years 2022-2030. During 2021, $0.1 million of net operating loss carry-forwards, which carried a full valuation allowance, expired unused.

We expect our investment in capital expenditures to track with client demand for our services and products. Given the uncertain trend in industry activity levels, we have not determined, at this time, the level of investment that will be made in 2022. We will, however, continue to invest in the purchase or replacement of obsolete or worn-out instrumentation, tools and equipment, to consolidate certain facilities to gain operational efficiencies, and to increase our presence where requested by our clients.

## Outlook

The events associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and global government mandated shut-downs, home sheltering and social distancing policies caused a significant decline in the demand for crude oil and associated products during 2020 which has continued in 2021. U.S. land drilling and completion activities experienced the most significant impact, as the rig count and completion of wells declined significantly during 2020. U.S. land drilling and completion activities began to improve in the fourth quarter of 2020 and continued to show improvement during 2021, but are still well below pre-pandemic levels. International activity contracted during 2020 and continues to be adversely impacted by business disruptions caused by new or continuing government mandated shut-downs, travel restrictions, quarantine protocols and site closures in various international regions associated with the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.

Crude-oil commodity prices have continued to rise during 2021, as growth in production has not kept pace with the resurgence in demand for energy produced from oil and gas. The activities associated with the production of oil and gas are expected to improve in both the U.S. and internationally in 2022. As a result, it is anticipated that crude-oil commodity prices for the near-term will remain supported by increasing demand with only moderate growth in production activities. If crude-oil commodity prices remain at current levels or increase, our clients' activities associated with the energy markets are also expected to increase in 2022 depending on global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Core Laboratories has continued to operate as an essential business with timely delivery of products and services to our clients during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have also implemented a continuity plan across our global organization to protect the health of employees while servicing our clients. The business disruptions described above have halted or restricted operational workflows as a result of quarantine protocols, restricted travel, delays in product delivery, as well as delays in client projects. The global supply chain challenges have also resulted in certain disruptions to our workflow, however, our operations have managed to minimize the impact for 2021. Currently, we do not anticipate disruptions in our supply chain to have a material adverse impact in 2022. In addition, results during 2021 were impacted by costs associated with disruptions and damage to facilities caused by the North American mid-continent winter storm event in February 2021 and major named storms in the Gulf of Mexico in August and September 2021. Due to recent high inflation that is affecting the U.S. and most other countries globally, we anticipate our cost of services and cost product sales will increase moderately in 2022.

Our major clients continue to focus on capital management, return on invested capital ("ROIC"), free cash flow, and returning capital to their shareholders, as opposed to a focus on production growth. The companies adopting value versus volume metrics tend to be the more technologically sophisticated operators and form the foundation of Core Lab's worldwide client base. Considering a longer-term strategy, we expect to be well positioned as our clients continue their focus on employing higher technological solutions in their efforts to optimize production and estimated ultimate recovery in the most cost efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

We believe oil and gas operators will continue to manage their capital spending within free cash flow and maintain their focus on improving and maintaining a stronger balance sheet, which could constrain future growth in activities associated with the production of oil and gas.

Core Laboratories expects that 2022 capital and operating budgets of oil and gas operators will expand over 2021 levels but also include a higher allocation of capital towards energy transition activities. Some of our major clients have begun investing and developing other renewable sources of energy and focusing on emission reduction initiatives. Core Laboratories is



participating in some of these initiatives, which include deployment of technologies and new projects associated with hydrogen or lithium-based batteries, and carbon capture and sequestration. In 2021, there has been moderate improvement in international activity levels, as the international rig count increased to 980 as we exited the year and is up approximately 30% from end of 2020. We continue to work with clients and discuss the progression of longer-term international projects. Additionally, the reservoir fluids analysis performed on projects associated with current producing fields continues to be critical and has been less affected by lower commodity prices for crude oil.

As part of our long-term growth strategy, we continue to expand our market presence by opening or expanding facilities in strategic areas and realizing synergies within our business lines consistent with client demand and market conditions. More recently, we have expanded our laboratory capabilities in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Brazil. We believe our market presence in strategic areas provides us a unique opportunity to serve our clients who have global operations, whether they are international oil companies, national oil companies, or independent oil companies.

Core Lab believes continued assessment of market conditions, will allow Core Lab, as it has for over 85 years, to navigate through these challenging times. Core Lab remains focused on preserving the quality of service for its clients and producing returns for its shareholders.

## Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis and determine the adequacy of our estimates based on our historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. By nature, these judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if it is highly subjective and if changes in the estimate under different assumptions would result in a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations. The following transaction types require significant judgment and, therefore, are considered critical accounting policies as of December 31, 2021.

## Income Taxes

Our income tax expense includes income taxes of the Netherlands, the U.S. and other foreign countries as well as local, state and provincial income taxes. We recognize deferred tax assets or liabilities for the differences between the financial statement carrying amount and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the asset is expected to be recovered or the liability is expected to be settled. We estimate the likelihood of the recoverability of our deferred tax assets (particularly, net operating loss carry-forwards). Any valuation allowance recorded is based on estimates and assumptions of taxable income into the future and a determination is made of the magnitude of deferred tax assets which are more likely than not to be realized. Valuation allowances of our net deferred tax assets aggregated to $7.4 million and $6.3 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. If these estimates and related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record additional valuation allowances against our deferred tax assets and our effective tax rate may increase which could result in a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. We have not provided for deferred taxes on the unremitted earnings of certain subsidiaries that we consider to be indefinitely reinvested. Should we make a distribution of the unremitted earnings of these subsidiaries, we may be required to record additional taxes. We record a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in our tax return. We also recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

## Long-Lived Assets, Intangibles and Goodwill

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Major renewals and improvements are capitalized while maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as incurred. They are depreciated using the straight-line method based on their individual estimated useful lives, except for leasehold improvements, which are depreciated over the remaining lease term, if shorter. We estimate the useful lives and salvage values of our assets based on historical data of similar assets. When long-lived assets are sold or retired, the remaining costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in income. These capitalized long-lived assets could become impaired if our operating plans or business environment changes.

Intangible assets, including patents, trademarks and technology, are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. Intangibles with determinable lives are amortized using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful life of the intangible. Intangibles with indeterminable lives, which consist primarily of corporate trade names, are not amortized, but are tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment is possible. We recorded an



impairment charge of $8.2 million for certain intangible assets during the year ended December 31, 2020. We did not record any material impairment charges relating to intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2019.

We review our long-lived assets, including definite-lived intangible and right-of-use assets, for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their net book value may not be recovered over their remaining service lives. Indicators of possible impairment may include significant declines in activity levels in regions where specific assets or groups of assets are located, extended periods of idle use, declining revenue or cash flow or overall changes in general market conditions.

Whenever possible impairment is indicated, we compare the carrying value of the assets or asset group to the sum of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected from use, plus salvage value, less the costs of the subsequent disposition of the assets. If impairment is still indicated, we compare the fair value of the assets to the carrying amount, and recognize an impairment loss for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value. We did not record any material impairment charges relating to our long-lived assets held for use during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

We record goodwill as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in acquisitions accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. We test goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a possible impairment.

We evaluated our goodwill for impairment by comparing the fair value of each of our reporting units, which are our reportable segments, to their net carrying value as of the balance sheet date. We estimated the fair value of each reporting unit using a discounted future cash flow analysis. Estimated future cash flows were based on the Company's best estimate of future performance. Our impairment analysis is both qualitative and quantitative, and includes subjective estimates based on assumptions regarding future revenue growth rates, discount rate and expected margins. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value determined, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the implied fair value of the goodwill of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. We recorded an impairment charge of $114.0 million for goodwill of one of our reporting units during the year ended December 31, 2020. We did not record impairment charges relating to our goodwill or our indefinite-lived intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2019.

Any subsequent impairment loss could result in a material adverse effect upon our financial position and results of operations.

## Stock-Based Compensation

We have two stock-based compensation plans, as described in further detail in Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We evaluate the probability that certain of our stock-based plans will meet targets established within the respective agreements and result in the vesting of such awards. For new awards issued and awards modified, repurchased or canceled, the compensation expense is equal to the fair value of the award at the date of the grant and is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for those awards over the requisite service period of the award. The fair value is determined by calculating the share price on the date of grant less the discounted value of the expected dividends to be paid over the vesting period.

## Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements such as securitization agreements, liquidity trust vehicles or special purpose entities. As such, we are not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such financing arrangements.

## Forward-Looking Statements

This Form 10-K and the documents incorporated in this Form 10-K by reference contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These "forward-looking statements" are based on an analysis of currently available competitive, financial and economic data and our operating plans. They are inherently uncertain and investors should recognize that events and actual results could turn out to be significantly different from our expectations. By way of illustration, when used in this document, words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "project", "will", "should", "could", "may", "predict" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. You are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of us or our management, are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us and the industry in which we operate, including, among other things:

• our ability to continue to develop or acquire new and useful technology;



- the realization of anticipated synergies from acquired businesses and future acquisitions;

- our dependence on one industry, oil and gas, and the impact of commodity prices on the expenditure levels of our clients;

• competition in the markets we serve;

- the risks and uncertainties attendant to adverse industry, political, economic and financial market conditions, including stock prices, government regulations, interest rates and credit availability;

- unsettled political conditions, war, civil unrest, currency controls and governmental actions in the numerous countries in which we operate;

• changes in the price of oil and natural gas;

- major outbreak of global pandemic and restricting mobilization of field personnel;

• weather and seasonal factors;

• integration of acquired businesses; and

• the effects of industry consolidation.

Our businesses depend, to a large degree, on the level of spending by oil and gas companies for exploration, development and production activities. Therefore, a sustained increase or decrease in the price of natural gas or oil, which could have a material impact on exploration, development and production activities, could also materially affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

The above description of risks and uncertainties is by no means all-inclusive, but is designed to highlight what we believe are important factors to consider. For a more detailed description of risk factors, please see "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in this Form 10-K and our reports and registration statements filed from time to time with the SEC.

All forward-looking statements in this Form 10-K are based on information available to us on the date of this Form 10-K. We do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements that we may make in this Form 10-K or other documents, reports, filings or press releases, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by law.

## Recent Accounting Pronouncements

## Pronouncements Adopted

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 ("Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments") which replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2020, and there has been no significant impact on our consolidated financial statements or on our accounting policies and processes.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 (“Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”) which eliminates a step in computing the implied fair value of goodwill with a new methodology of an entity performing an annual goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2020. The new methodology was applied for the interim goodwill impairment analysis performed upon the triggering event of the COVID-19 pandemic during the three month period ended March 31, 2020, and it did not change the conclusion that goodwill had been impaired. There has been no significant impact on our consolidated financial statements or on our accounting policies and processes as a result of adopting this updated accounting standard.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12 (“Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes”) which affects general principles within Topic 740, Income Taxes. The amendment removes exceptions related to the incremental approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the recognition of a deferred tax liability for equity method investments in a foreign subsidiary, and the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period. The standard also simplifies the accounting for franchise taxes, transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill, the effect of an enacted change in tax laws on the tax rate computation in interim periods, and specifying that an entity is not required to allocate consolidated tax expense to a legal entity not subject to tax in its separate financial statements. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within



those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2021, and there has been no significant impact on our consolidated financial statements or on our accounting policies and processes.

## Pronouncement Not Yet Effective

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04 (“Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting”) which provides temporary optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The new guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. The ASU is intended to help stakeholders during the global market-wide reference rate transition period. As of December 31, 2021, the reference rates for the Company’s existing debt and interest rate swaps have not changed. The Company will continue to monitor the discontinuation of reference rates and the impact on applicable agreements and adopt the standard as needed.

## ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

## Market Risk

We are exposed to market risk, which is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market prices and rates. We do not believe that our exposure to market risks, which are primarily related to interest rate changes, is material.

## Interest Rate Risk

We maintain certain debt instruments at a fixed rate whose fair value will fluctuate based on changes in interest rates and market perception of our credit risk. The fair value of our debt at December 31, 2021 and 2020 approximated the book value.

We currently have a forward interest rate swap agreement for a notional amount of $60 million for the purpose to fix the underlying risk-free rate, that would be associated with any anticipated issuance of new long-term debt by the Company in future periods under the Credit Facility. See Note 15 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities for additional information.

Our Credit Facility bears interest at variable rates from LIBOR plus 1.500% to a maximum of LIBOR plus 2.875% and includes a LIBOR floor of 0.500%. At December 31, 2021, we had an outstanding balance of $55 million. A 10% change in interest rates would not have a material impact on our results of operations or cash flows.

## Foreign Currency Risk

We operate in a number of international areas which exposes us to foreign currency exchange rate risk. We do not currently hold or issue forward exchange contracts or other derivative instruments for hedging or speculative purposes (a foreign exchange contract is an agreement to exchange different currencies at a given date and at a specified rate). Foreign exchange gains and losses are the result of fluctuations in the U.S. dollar ("USD") against foreign currencies and are included in other (income) expense in the statements of operations. We recognized foreign exchange losses in countries where the USD weakened against the local currency and we had net monetary liabilities denominated in the local currency, as well as in countries where the USD strengthened against the local currency and we had net monetary assets denominated in the local currency. We recognized foreign exchange gains in countries where the USD strengthened against the local currency and we had net monetary liabilities denominated in the local currency, as well as in countries where the USD weakened against the local currency and we had net monetary assets denominated in the local currency.

## Credit Risk

Our financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Substantially all cash and cash equivalents are on deposit at commercial banks or investment firms. Our trade receivables are with a variety of domestic, international and national oil and gas companies. Management considers this credit risk to be limited due to the creditworthiness and financial resources of these financial institutions and companies.

## ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

For the financial statements and supplementary data required by this Item 8, see Part IV "Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules."



# ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

## ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

## Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, under the supervision of and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2021 at the reasonable assurance level.

Our management does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. Further, the design of disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.

## Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Our management, under the supervision of and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment using these criteria, our management determined that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2021.

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.

## Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our system of internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act, during our fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2021 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

## ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.



## PART III

The information required by Part III (Items 10 through 14) is incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement (the "2022 Proxy Statement") to be filed in connection with our 2022 annual meeting of shareholders pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act. We expect to file our definitive proxy statement with the SEC within 120 days after the close of the year ended December 31, 2021.

## ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Incorporated by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The information required by Item 405 of Regulation S-K is included under the caption "Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports" in the 2022 Proxy Statement, and that information is incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K.

Core Lab has a Code of Ethics and Corporate Responsibility that applies to all of its directors, officers and employees, including its principal executive, financial and accounting officers, or persons performing similar functions. Core Lab's Code of Ethics and Corporate Responsibility is posted on its website at www.corelab.com/cr/cms/docs/codeofBusinessConduct.pdf.

## ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information set forth under the captions "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," "Information About our Named Executive Officers and Executive Compensation" in Core Lab's 2022 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

## ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information under the captions "Ownership of Securities—Security Ownership by Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" and "Compensation Discussion and Analysis—2021 Compensation Program Details" in Core Lab's 2022 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

## ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information under the captions "Information About our Supervisory Directors and Director Compensation—Supervisory Director Independence" and "Information About our Supervisory Directors and Director Compensation—Related Person Transactions" in Core Lab's 2022 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

## ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Our independent registered public accounting firm is KPMG LLP, Houston, TX, Auditor Firm ID: 185.

The information under the caption "Information About our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" in Core Lab's 2022 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.



## PART IV

## ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

## (a) Financial Statements

1. The following reports, financial statements and schedules are filed herewith on the pages indicated:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Page</td></tr><tr><td>Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm-KPMG LLP</td><td>F-1</td></tr><tr><td>Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020</td><td>F-5</td></tr><tr><td>Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019</td><td>F-6</td></tr><tr><td>Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019</td><td>F-7</td></tr><tr><td>Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019</td><td>F-8</td></tr><tr><td>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019</td><td>F-10</td></tr><tr><td>Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements</td><td>F-12</td></tr></table>

2. Financial Statement Schedule

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Account

## (b) Exhibits

The exhibits listed in the accompanying "Index to Exhibits" are incorporated by reference to the filing indicated or are filed herewith.

## ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

Not applicable.



## INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit No. Exhibit Title
3.1 Articles of Association of the Company, as amended on May 18, 2017 (including English translation)
4.1 Description of Share Capital
10.1 Core Laboratories N.V. 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan (1)
10.2 Core Laboratories N.V. 2014 Nonemployee Director Stock Incentive Plan (as amended and restated effective as of May 12, 2014) (1)
10.3 Core Laboratories Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan effective as of January 1, 1998 (1)
10.4 Amendment to Core Laboratories Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan effective July 29, 1999 (1)
10.5 Amendment to Core Laboratories Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective February 28, 2003 (1)
10.6 Amendment to Core Laboratories Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated as of March 5, 2008 (1)
10.7 Form of Restricted Share Award Program Agreement (1)
10.8 Form of Core Laboratories 2011 Non-Employee Director Restricted Share Award Program Agreement (1)
10.9 Form of Core Laboratories 2017 Performance Share Award Program Agreement (ROIC Based) (1)
10.10 Seventh Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 19, 2018, among Core Laboratories, N.V., and Core Laboratories (U.S.) Interests Holdings, Inc., and the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent
10.11 Master Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2011
10.12 Employment Agreement between Core Laboratories N.V. and Lawrence V. Bruno, dated March 1, 2019 (1)
10.13 Employment Agreement between Core Laboratories N.V. and Christopher S. Hill, dated March 1, 2019 (1)
10.14 Employment Agreement between Core Laboratories N.V. and Gwendolyn Y. Schreffler, Dated March 1, 2019 (1)
10.15 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 16, 2020.
10.16 Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, by and among Core Laboratories N.V., Core Laboratories (U.S.) Interests Holding, Inc., and the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, dated June 22, 2020.
10.17 Amendment to Employment Agreement, by and between Core Laboratories N.V. and Lawrence V. Bruno, dated March 1, 2020 (1).
Incorporated by Reference from the Following Documents
Form 10-K, February 12, 2018 (File No. 001-14273)
Filed Herewith
Appendix A to Definitive Proxy Statement dated March 20, 2020 for Annual Meeting of Shareholders (File No. 001-14273)
Proxy Statement dated March 19, 2014 for Annual Meeting of Shareholders (File No. 001-14273)
Form 10-K, March 31, 1998 (File No. 000-26710)
Form 10-Q, August 16, 1999 (File No. 001-14273)
Form 10-Q, May 15, 2003 (File No. 001-14273)
Form 10-Q, May 12, 2008 (File No. 001-14273)
Form 10-K, February 20, 2007 (File No. 001-14273)
Form 10-Q, April 22, 2011 (File No. 001-14273)
Form 10-K, February 11, 2019 (File No. 001-14273)
Form 8-K, June 25, 2018 (File No. 001-14273)
Form 8-K, September 30, 2011 (File No. 001-14273)
Form 8-K, March 6, 2019 (File No. 001-14273)
Form 8-K, March 6, and Christopher S. Hill, dated March 1, 2019 (1)
Form 10-K, February 8, 2021 (File No. 001-14273)
Form 8-K, October 16, 2020 (File No. 001-14273)
Form 8-K, June 23, 2020 (File No. 001-14273)
Form 8-K, March 5, 2020 (File No. 001-14273)



10.18 Amendment and Restated Employment Agreement, by and between Core Laboratories N.V. and Lawrence V. Bruno, dated October 18, 2021 (1) No. 001-14273)

10.19 Amendment and Restated Employment Agreement, by and between Core Laboratories N.V. and Christopher S. Hill, dated October 18, 2021 (1) No. 001-14273)

10.20 Amendment and Restated Employment Agreement, by and between Core Laboratories N.V. and Gwendolyn Y. Schreffler, dated October 18, 2021 (1) No. 001-14273)

10.21 Employment Agreement, by and between Core Laboratories N.V. and Mark D. Tattoli, dated October 18, 2021 (1) No. 001-14273)

21.1 Significant Subsidiaries of the Registrant Filed Herewith

23.1 Consent of KPMG LLP Filed Herewith

31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Filed Herewith

31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Filed Herewith

32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Filed Herewith

32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Filed Herewith

101.INS Inline XBRL Instance Document- the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. Filed Herewith

101.SCH Inline XBRL Schema Document Filed Herewith

101.CAL Inline XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document Filed Herewith

101.LAB Inline XBRL Label Linkbase Document Filed Herewith

101.PRE Inline XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document Filed Herewith

101.DEF Inline XBRL Definition Linkbase Document Filed Herewith

104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document). Filed Herewith



## SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

CORE LABORATORIES N.V.
By its sole managing director, Core Laboratories
International B.V.

Date: February 10, 2022

By: /s/ JACOBUS SCHOUTEN
Jacobus Schouten
Managing Director of Core Laboratories
International B.V.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated, on the 10th day of February 2022.

<table><tr><td>Signature</td><td>Title</td></tr><tr><td>/s/ LAWRENCE BRUNO</td><td>/s/ CHRISTOPHER S. HILL</td></tr><tr><td>Lawrence Bruno</td><td>Christopher S. Hill</td></tr><tr><td>Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, President and Supervisory Director</td><td>Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer</td></tr><tr><td>/s/ KEVIN G. DANIELS</td><td>/s/ GREGORY B. BARNETT</td></tr><tr><td>Kevin G. Daniels</td><td>Gregory B. Barnett</td></tr><tr><td>Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Accounting Officer</td><td>Supervisory Director</td></tr><tr><td>/s/ MARTHA Z. CARNES</td><td>/s/ MONIQUE VAN DIJKEN EEUWIJK</td></tr><tr><td>Martha Z. Carnes</td><td>Monique van Dijken Eeuwijk</td></tr><tr><td>Supervisory Director</td><td>Supervisory Director</td></tr><tr><td>/s/ HARVEY KLINGENSMITH</td><td>/s/ MICHAEL STRAUGHEN</td></tr><tr><td>Harvey Klingensmith</td><td>Michael Straughen</td></tr><tr><td>Supervisory Director</td><td>Supervisory Director</td></tr><tr><td>/s/ KWAKU TEMENG</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Kwaku Temeng</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Supervisory Director</td><td></td></tr></table>



# Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Core Laboratories N.V.:

## Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Core Laboratories N.V. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes and financial statement schedule II (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 10, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

## Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.



The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

## The impact of the Company’s tax structure on its income tax provision

As discussed in note 1 and note 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company is domiciled in the Netherlands and has international operations requiring the evaluation of income taxes across many tax jurisdictions. The Company recorded deferred tax assets of $70 million and deferred tax liabilities of $24 million as of December 31, 2021, and income tax expense of $16 million for the year then ended.

We identified the evaluation of the impact of the Company’s tax structure on its income tax provision as a critical audit matter. Evaluation of the identification, interpretation, and application of tax laws in the relevant jurisdictions, which can be complex and subject to change, and their impact on the Company’s income tax provision required a high degree of auditor judgment and specialized skills and knowledge.

The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the identification, interpretation and application of tax laws. We inspected the Company’s legal entity organization chart to identify changes in structure. We evaluated the effects of changes in tax law by reading the Company’s correspondence and agreements with relevant tax authorities, intercompany documentation, and advice and guidance from third parties. We identified certain transactions during the year involving the interpretation of tax law and evaluated the relevant accounting impact on the tax provision. We involved income tax professionals with specialized skills and knowledge who assisted in (1) assessing the Company’s application of tax laws, including statutes, regulations, and case law, (2) identifying changes in tax laws in relevant jurisdictions, (3) and evaluating the impact on the tax provision of certain transactions.

## /s/ KPMG LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2015.

Houston, Texas
February 10, 2022



# Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Core Laboratories N.V.:

## Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited Core Laboratories N.V. and subsidiaries' (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes and financial statement schedule II (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 10, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

## Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

## Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may



become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Houston, Texas

February 10, 2022



CORE LABORATORIES N.V.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2021 and 2020
(In thousands, except share and per share data)

<table><tr><td></td><td>2021</td><td>2020</td></tr><tr><td>ASSETS</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>CURRENT ASSETS:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cash and cash equivalents</td><td>$     17,703</td><td>$     13,806</td></tr><tr><td>Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $3,225 and $4,068 at 2021 and 2020, respectively</td><td>96,830</td><td>83,192</td></tr><tr><td>Inventories</td><td>45,443</td><td>38,151</td></tr><tr><td>Prepaid expenses</td><td>14,059</td><td>14,797</td></tr><tr><td>Income taxes receivable</td><td>9,911</td><td>9,675</td></tr><tr><td>Other current assets</td><td>5,109</td><td>6,227</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS</td><td>189,055</td><td>165,848</td></tr><tr><td>PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net of accumulated depreciation of $306,461 and $293,978 at 2021 and 2020, respectively</td><td>110,952</td><td>115,293</td></tr><tr><td>RIGHT OF USE ASSETS</td><td>61,387</td><td>66,385</td></tr><tr><td>INTANGIBLES, net of accumulated amortization of $17,540 and $16,833 at 2021 and 2020, respectively</td><td>8,139</td><td>8,583</td></tr><tr><td>GOODWILL</td><td>99,445</td><td>99,445</td></tr><tr><td>DEFERRED TAX ASSETS, net</td><td>70,462</td><td>72,775</td></tr><tr><td>OTHER ASSETS</td><td>41,413</td><td>40,250</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL ASSETS</td><td>$     580,853</td><td>$     568,579</td></tr><tr><td>LIABILITIES AND EQUITY</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>CURRENT LIABILITIES:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Accounts payable</td><td>$     29,726</td><td>$     23,028</td></tr><tr><td>Accrued payroll and related costs</td><td>20,833</td><td>26,526</td></tr><tr><td>Taxes other than payroll and income</td><td>5,931</td><td>6,556</td></tr><tr><td>Unearned revenues</td><td>7,765</td><td>5,457</td></tr><tr><td>Operating lease liabilities</td><td>12,342</td><td>11,437</td></tr><tr><td>Income taxes payable</td><td>6,502</td><td>8,347</td></tr><tr><td>Other current liabilities</td><td>7,683</td><td>8,399</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES</td><td>90,782</td><td>89,750</td></tr><tr><td>LONG-TERM DEBT, net</td><td>188,636</td><td>259,433</td></tr><tr><td>LONG-TERM OPERATING LEASE LIABILITIES</td><td>49,286</td><td>56,108</td></tr><tr><td>DEFERRED COMPENSATION</td><td>39,101</td><td>39,145</td></tr><tr><td>DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES, net</td><td>24,336</td><td>20,585</td></tr><tr><td>OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES</td><td>27,711</td><td>27,985</td></tr><tr><td>COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>EQUITY:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Preference shares, EUR 0.02 par value; 6,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding</td><td>—</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Common shares, EUR 0.02 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized, 46,454,264 issued and 46,349,397 outstanding at 2021 and 44,796,252 issued and 44,572,801 outstanding at 2020</td><td>1,188</td><td>1,148</td></tr><tr><td>Additional paid-in capital</td><td>101,120</td><td>41,184</td></tr><tr><td>Retained earnings</td><td>68,349</td><td>50,456</td></tr><tr><td>Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)</td><td>(10,133)</td><td>(7,200)</td></tr><tr><td>Treasury shares (at cost), 104,867 at 2021 and 223,451 at 2020</td><td>(4,075)</td><td>(14,075)</td></tr><tr><td>Total Core Laboratories N.V. shareholders&#x27; equity</td><td>156,449</td><td>71,513</td></tr><tr><td>Non-controlling interest</td><td>4,552</td><td>4,060</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL EQUITY</td><td>161,001</td><td>75,573</td></tr><tr><td>TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY</td><td>$     580,853</td><td>$     568,579</td></tr></table>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.



## CORE LABORATORIES N.V.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
(In thousands, except per share data)

<table><tr><td></td><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td></tr><tr><td>REVENUE:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Services</td><td>$ 344,342</td><td>$ 376,421</td><td>$ 474,193</td></tr><tr><td>Product sales</td><td>125,910</td><td>110,846</td><td>194,017</td></tr><tr><td>Total revenue</td><td>470,252</td><td>487,267</td><td>668,210</td></tr><tr><td>OPERATING EXPENSES:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cost of services, exclusive of depreciation expense shown below</td><td>267,641</td><td>279,281</td><td>345,641</td></tr><tr><td>Cost of product sales, exclusive of depreciation expense and inventory write-down shown below</td><td>100,255</td><td>95,486</td><td>149,938</td></tr><tr><td>General and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation expense shown below</td><td>44,173</td><td>34,033</td><td>48,023</td></tr><tr><td>Depreciation</td><td>17,754</td><td>19,727</td><td>20,812</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization</td><td>762</td><td>1,140</td><td>1,793</td></tr><tr><td>Impairments and other charges</td><td>—</td><td>122,204</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Inventory write-down</td><td>—</td><td>10,375</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Other (income) expense, net</td><td>(5,595)</td><td>1,826</td><td>5,319</td></tr><tr><td>OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)</td><td>45,262</td><td>(76,805)</td><td>96,684</td></tr><tr><td>Interest expense</td><td>9,152</td><td>14,372</td><td>14,690</td></tr><tr><td>Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax</td><td>36,110</td><td>(91,177)</td><td>81,994</td></tr><tr><td>Income tax expense (benefit)</td><td>15,891</td><td>5,896</td><td>(12,290)</td></tr><tr><td>Income (loss) from continuing operations</td><td>20,219</td><td>(97,073)</td><td>94,284</td></tr><tr><td>Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax</td><td>—</td><td>(424)</td><td>7,833</td></tr><tr><td>Net income (loss)</td><td>20,219</td><td>(97,497)</td><td>102,117</td></tr><tr><td>Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest</td><td>492</td><td>140</td><td>134</td></tr><tr><td>Net income (loss) attributable to Core Laboratories N.V.</td><td>$ 19,727</td><td>$ (97,637)</td><td>$ 101,983</td></tr><tr><td>EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE INFORMATION:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations</td><td>$ 0.44</td><td>$ (2.18)</td><td>$ 2.13</td></tr><tr><td>Basic earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ (0.01)</td><td>$ 0.17</td></tr><tr><td>Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Core Laboratories N.V.</td><td>$ 0.43</td><td>$ (2.20)</td><td>$ 2.30</td></tr><tr><td>Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations</td><td>$ 0.43</td><td>$ (2.18)</td><td>$ 2.11</td></tr><tr><td>Diluted earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ (0.01)</td><td>$ 0.17</td></tr><tr><td>Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Core Laboratories N.V.</td><td>$ 0.42</td><td>$ (2.20)</td><td>$ 2.28</td></tr><tr><td>WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Basic</td><td>46,009</td><td>44,477</td><td>44,357</td></tr><tr><td>Assuming dilution</td><td>46,690</td><td>44,477</td><td>44,646</td></tr></table>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.



## CORE LABORATORIES N.V.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
(In thousands)

<table><tr><td></td><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td></tr><tr><td>Net income (loss)</td><td>$ 20,219</td><td>$ (97,497)</td><td>$ 102,117</td></tr><tr><td>Other comprehensive income (loss):</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Interest rate swaps:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Gain (loss) on fair value of interest rate swaps</td><td>(3,252)</td><td>(2,106)</td><td>(1,058)</td></tr><tr><td>Interest rate swap amount reclassified to net income (loss)</td><td>(82)</td><td>669</td><td>(61)</td></tr><tr><td>Income tax expense (benefit) on interest rate swaps reclassified to net income (loss)</td><td>621</td><td>302</td><td>235</td></tr><tr><td>Total interest rate swaps</td><td>(2,713)</td><td>(1,135)</td><td>(884)</td></tr><tr><td>Pension and other postretirement benefit plans</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Adjustment of unrecognized pension actuarial gain (loss)</td><td>(293)</td><td>351</td><td>(1,988)</td></tr><tr><td>Prior service cost</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Amortization of prior service cost reclassified to net income (loss)</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>(848)</td></tr><tr><td>Amortization actuarial gain (loss) reclassified to net income (loss)</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>3,171</td></tr><tr><td>Income tax expense (benefit) on pension and other postretirement benefit plans reclassified to net income (loss)</td><td>73</td><td>(86)</td><td>(325)</td></tr><tr><td>Total pension and other postretirement benefit plans</td><td>(220)</td><td>265</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>Total other comprehensive income (loss)</td><td>(2,933)</td><td>(870)</td><td>(874)</td></tr><tr><td>Comprehensive income (loss)</td><td>17,286</td><td>(98,367)</td><td>101,243</td></tr><tr><td>Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests</td><td>492</td><td>140</td><td>134</td></tr><tr><td>Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Core Laboratories N.V.</td><td>$ 16,794</td><td>$ (98,507)</td><td>$ 101,109</td></tr></table>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.



## CORE LABORATORIES N.V.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
(In thousands, except share and per share data)

<table><tr><td></td><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td></tr><tr><td>Common Shares</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Balance at Beginning of Period</td><td>$     1,148</td><td>$     1,148</td><td>$     1,148</td></tr><tr><td>New share issuance</td><td>40</td><td>—</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at End of Period</td><td>$     1,188</td><td>$     1,148</td><td>$     1,148</td></tr><tr><td>Additional Paid-In Capital</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Balance at Beginning of Period</td><td>$     41,184</td><td>$     51,872</td><td>$     57,438</td></tr><tr><td>Stock-based compensation</td><td>837</td><td>(10,688)</td><td>(5,566)</td></tr><tr><td>New share issuance</td><td>59,099</td><td>—</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at End of Period</td><td>$     101,120</td><td>$     41,184</td><td>$     51,872</td></tr><tr><td>Retained Earnings</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Balance at Beginning of Period</td><td>$     50,456</td><td>$     160,539</td><td>$     156,130</td></tr><tr><td>Dividends paid</td><td>(1,834)</td><td>(12,446)</td><td>(97,574)</td></tr><tr><td>Net income (loss) attributable to Core Laboratories N.V.</td><td>19,727</td><td>(97,637)</td><td>101,983</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at End of Period</td><td>$     68,349</td><td>$     50,456</td><td>$     160,539</td></tr><tr><td>Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Balance at Beginning of Period</td><td>$      (7,200)</td><td>$      (6,330)</td><td>$      (5,456)</td></tr><tr><td>Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income tax</td><td>(220)</td><td>265</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>Interest rate swaps, net of income tax</td><td>(2,713)</td><td>(1,135)</td><td>(884)</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at End of Period</td><td>$      (10,133)</td><td>$      (7,200)</td><td>$      (6,330)</td></tr><tr><td>Treasury Shares</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Balance at Beginning of Period</td><td>$      (14,075)</td><td>$      (29,364)</td><td>$      (52,501)</td></tr><tr><td>Stock-based compensation</td><td>18,256</td><td>18,082</td><td>26,445</td></tr><tr><td>Repurchase of common shares</td><td>(8,256)</td><td>(2,793)</td><td>(3,308)</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at End of Period</td><td>$      (4,075)</td><td>$      (14,075)</td><td>$      (29,364)</td></tr><tr><td>Non-Controlling Interest</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Balance at Beginning of Period</td><td>$     4,060</td><td>$     4,275</td><td>$     4,141</td></tr><tr><td>Non-controlling interest dividends</td><td>—</td><td>(355)</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest</td><td>492</td><td>140</td><td>134</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at End of Period</td><td>$     4,552</td><td>$     4,060</td><td>$     4,275</td></tr><tr><td>Total Equity</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Balance at Beginning of Period</td><td>$     75,573</td><td>$     182,140</td><td>$     160,900</td></tr><tr><td>Stock-based compensation</td><td>19,093</td><td>7,394</td><td>20,879</td></tr><tr><td>Repurchase of common shares</td><td>(8,256)</td><td>(2,793)</td><td>(3,308)</td></tr><tr><td>Dividends paid</td><td>(1,834)</td><td>(12,446)</td><td>(97,574)</td></tr><tr><td>Non-controlling interest dividends</td><td>—</td><td>(355)</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>New share issuance</td><td>59,139</td><td>—</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of income tax</td><td>(220)</td><td>265</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>Interest rate swaps, net of income tax</td><td>(2,713)</td><td>(1,135)</td><td>(884)</td></tr><tr><td>Net income (loss)</td><td>20,219</td><td>(97,497)</td><td>102,117</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at End of Period</td><td>$     161,001</td><td>$     75,573</td><td>$     182,140</td></tr><tr><td>Cash Dividends per Share</td><td>$     0.04</td><td>$     0.28</td><td>$     2.20</td></tr></table>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.



## CORE LABORATORIES N.V.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Continued)
For the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
(In thousands, except share and per share data)

<table><tr><td></td><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td></tr><tr><td>Common Shares - Number of shares issued</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Balance at Beginning of Period</td><td>44,796,252</td><td>44,796,252</td><td>44,796,252</td></tr><tr><td>New share issuance</td><td>1,658,012</td><td>—</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at End of Period</td><td>46,454,264</td><td>44,796,252</td><td>44,796,252</td></tr><tr><td>Treasury Shares - Number of shares</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Balance at Beginning of Period</td><td>(223,451)</td><td>(330,690)</td><td>(479,407)</td></tr><tr><td>Stock-based compensation</td><td>419,152</td><td>208,168</td><td>220,417</td></tr><tr><td>Repurchase of common shares</td><td>(300,568)</td><td>(100,929)</td><td>(71,700)</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at End of Period</td><td>(104,867)</td><td>(223,451)</td><td>(330,690)</td></tr><tr><td>Common Shares - Number of shares outstanding</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Balance at Beginning of Period</td><td>44,572,801</td><td>44,465,562</td><td>44,316,845</td></tr><tr><td>New share issuance</td><td>1,658,012</td><td>—</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Stock-based compensation</td><td>419,152</td><td>208,168</td><td>220,417</td></tr><tr><td>Repurchases of common shares</td><td>(300,568)</td><td>(100,929)</td><td>(71,700)</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at End of Period</td><td>46,349,397</td><td>44,572,801</td><td>44,465,562</td></tr></table>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.



## CORE LABORATORIES N.V.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
(In thousands)

<table><tr><td></td><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td></tr><tr><td>CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Income (loss) from continuing operations</td><td>$ 20,219</td><td>$ (97,073)</td><td>$ 94,284</td></tr><tr><td>Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax</td><td>—</td><td>(424)</td><td>7,833</td></tr><tr><td>Net income (loss)</td><td>20,219</td><td>(97,497)</td><td>102,117</td></tr><tr><td>Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Stock-based compensation</td><td>19,093</td><td>7,394</td><td>20,879</td></tr><tr><td>Depreciation and amortization</td><td>18,516</td><td>20,867</td><td>22,605</td></tr><tr><td>Impairments, inventory write-down and other charges</td><td>—</td><td>132,579</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Changes in value of life insurance policies</td><td>(2,672)</td><td>(894)</td><td>(2,899)</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred income taxes</td><td>6,012</td><td>(12,216)</td><td>(36,345)</td></tr><tr><td>Realization of pension obligation</td><td>(234)</td><td>188</td><td>(112)</td></tr><tr><td>Net provision for credit losses</td><td>(256)</td><td>1,618</td><td>754</td></tr><tr><td>Gain on sale of business</td><td>(1,012)</td><td>—</td><td>(1,154)</td></tr><tr><td>(Gain) loss on sale of discontinued operations</td><td>—</td><td>573</td><td>(8,411)</td></tr><tr><td>Other non-cash items</td><td>(2,524)</td><td>(683)</td><td>(200)</td></tr><tr><td>Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and divestures:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Accounts receivable</td><td>(13,522)</td><td>46,421</td><td>(3,191)</td></tr><tr><td>Inventories</td><td>(4,547)</td><td>1,471</td><td>(3,892)</td></tr><tr><td>Prepaid expenses and other current assets</td><td>1,845</td><td>(2,296)</td><td>3,561</td></tr><tr><td>Other assets</td><td>(523)</td><td>(1,905)</td><td>(46)</td></tr><tr><td>Accounts payable</td><td>6,568</td><td>(12,838)</td><td>(3,757)</td></tr><tr><td>Accrued expenses</td><td>(8,759)</td><td>602</td><td>8,067</td></tr><tr><td>Unearned revenue</td><td>2,308</td><td>(7,924)</td><td>(5,513)</td></tr><tr><td>Other liabilities</td><td>(3,933)</td><td>(17,592)</td><td>(2,936)</td></tr><tr><td>Net cash provided by operating activities</td><td>36,579</td><td>57,868</td><td>89,527</td></tr><tr><td>CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Capital expenditures</td><td>(13,539)</td><td>(11,880)</td><td>(22,269)</td></tr><tr><td>Patents and other intangibles</td><td>(318)</td><td>(498)</td><td>(180)</td></tr><tr><td>Distribution received from life insurance policies</td><td>—</td><td>20,443</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Proceeds from sale of assets</td><td>678</td><td>1,734</td><td>887</td></tr><tr><td>Proceeds from sale of business, net of cash sold</td><td>873</td><td>—</td><td>2,980</td></tr><tr><td>Proceeds from insurance recovery</td><td>726</td><td>—</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Proceeds (payment) from sale of discontinued operations</td><td>—</td><td>(225)</td><td>14,789</td></tr><tr><td>Net proceeds (premiums) on life insurance policies</td><td>1,357</td><td>(1,723)</td><td>(1,884)</td></tr><tr><td>Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities</td><td>(10,223)</td><td>7,851</td><td>(5,677)</td></tr><tr><td>CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Repayment of long-term debt</td><td>(226,000)</td><td>(102,000)</td><td>(123,000)</td></tr><tr><td>Proceeds from long-term debt</td><td>155,000</td><td>56,000</td><td>138,000</td></tr><tr><td>Proceeds from issuance of common shares</td><td>60,000</td><td>—</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Transaction costs on the issuance of common shares</td><td>(861)</td><td>—</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Debt financing costs</td><td>—</td><td>(1,536)</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Dividends paid</td><td>(1,834)</td><td>(12,446)</td><td>(97,574)</td></tr><tr><td>Repurchase of common shares</td><td>(8,256)</td><td>(2,793)</td><td>(3,308)</td></tr><tr><td>Other financing activities</td><td>(508)</td><td>(230)</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td>Net cash used in financing activities</td><td>(22,459)</td><td>(63,005)</td><td>(85,874)</td></tr><tr><td>NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS</td><td>3,897</td><td>2,714</td><td>(2,024)</td></tr><tr><td>CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year</td><td>13,806</td><td>11,092</td><td>13,116</td></tr><tr><td>CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year</td><td>$ 17,703</td><td>$ 13,806</td><td>$ 11,092</td></tr></table>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.



## CORE LABORATORIES N.V.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
For the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
(In thousands)

<table><tr><td></td><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td></tr><tr><td>Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cash payments for interest</td><td>$ 10,477</td><td>$ 11,669</td><td>$ 13,631</td></tr><tr><td>Cash payments for income taxes</td><td>$ 9,066</td><td>$ 21,325</td><td>$ 13,804</td></tr><tr><td>Non-cash investing and financing activities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Capital expenditures incurred but not paid for as of the end of the year</td><td>$ 1,361</td><td>$ 1,064</td><td>$ 222</td></tr></table>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.



# CORE LABORATORIES N.V.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021

## 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Core Laboratories N.V. ("Core Laboratories", "Core Lab", "the Company", "we", "our" or "us") is a Netherlands limited liability company. We were established in 1936 and are one of the world's leading providers of proprietary and patented reservoir description and production enhancement services and products to the oil and gas industry. These services and products can enable our clients to improve reservoir performance and increase oil and gas recovery from their new and existing fields. We have over 70 offices in more than 50 countries and have approximately 3,700 employees.

We operate our business in two reportable segments: (1) Reservoir Description and (2) Production Enhancement. These complementary segments provide different services and products and utilize different technologies for evaluating and improving reservoir performance and increasing oil and gas recovery from new and existing fields. For a description of product types and services offered by these business segments, see Note 21 - Segment Reporting and Other Disaggregated Information.

## 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

## Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Core Laboratories and its subsidiaries for which we have a controlling voting interest and/or a controlling financial interest. These financials have been prepared in accordance with the United States generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP"). We use the equity method of accounting for investments in which we have less than a majority interest and do not exercise control but do exert significant influence. Non-controlling interest have been recorded to reflect outside ownership attributable to consolidated subsidiaries that are less than 100% owned. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Certain reclassifications were made to prior period amounts in order to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on the reported net income or cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

## Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 ("Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments") which replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2020, and there has been no significant impact on our consolidated financial statements or on our accounting policies and processes.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 (“Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”) which eliminates a step in computing the implied fair value of goodwill with a new methodology of an entity performing an annual goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2020. The new methodology was applied for the interim goodwill impairment analysis performed upon the triggering event of the COVID-19 pandemic during the three month period ended March 31, 2020, and it did not change the conclusion that goodwill had been impaired. There has been no significant impact on our consolidated financial statements or on our accounting policies and processes as a result of adopting this updated accounting standard.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12 (“Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes”) which affects general principles within Topic 740, Income Taxes. The amendment removes exceptions related to the incremental approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the recognition of a deferred tax liability for equity method investments in a foreign subsidiary, and the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period. The standard also simplifies the accounting for franchise taxes, transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill, the effect of an enacted change in tax laws on the tax rate computation in interim periods, and specifying that an entity is not required to allocate consolidated tax expense to a legal entity not subject to tax in its separate financial statements. This standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within



those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. We adopted this standard on January 1, 2021, and there has been no significant impact on our consolidated financial statements or on our accounting policies and processes.

## Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis and utilize our historical experience, as well as various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable in a given circumstance, in order to make these estimates. Actual results could differ from our estimates, as assumptions and conditions change.

The following accounts, among others, require us to use estimates and assumptions:

■ allowance for credit losses;

■ obsolete inventory;

■ depreciation and amortization;

■ long-lived assets, intangibles and goodwill;

■ income taxes;

■ pensions and other postretirement benefits;

■ stock-based compensation; and

■ leases.

Accounting policies relating to these accounts and the nature of these estimates are further discussed under the applicable caption. For each of these critical estimates it is at least reasonably possible that changes in these estimates will occur in the short term which may impact our financial position or results of operations.

## Concentration of Credit Risk

Our financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk relate primarily to cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. All cash and cash equivalents are on deposit at commercial banks or investment firms with significant financial resources. Our trade receivables are with a variety of domestic, international and national oil and gas companies. We had no clients who provided more than 10% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. We consider our credit risk related to trade accounts receivable to be limited due to the creditworthiness and financial resources of our clients. We have adopted the expected credit losses methodology for measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost basis, replacing the previous incurred loss impairment methodology. We evaluate our estimate for credit losses on an on-going basis throughout the year.

## Concentration of Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to interest rate risk on our revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility") debt, which carries a variable interest rate. We are exposed to interest rate risk on our Senior Notes which carry a fixed interest rate, but whose fair value will fluctuate based on changes in interest rates and market perception of our credit risk. See Note 9 - Long-term Debt, net.

## Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include all short-term, highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less. These items are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

## Derivative Instruments

We may enter into a variety of derivative instruments in connection with the management of our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates or currency exchange rates. See Note 15 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.

We do not enter into derivatives for speculative purposes.



## Accounts Receivable

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at their invoiced amounts and do not bear interest. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our clients, monitor collections and payments, consider our historical collection experience and our current aging of client receivables outstanding, in addition to client's representations and our understanding of the economic environment in which our clients operate. Based on our review we establish or adjust allowances for credit losses for specific clients and the accounts receivable, as a whole, and recognize expense. When an account is determined to be uncollectible, we charge the receivable to our allowance for credit losses. Our allowance for credit losses totaled $3.2 million and $4.1 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The net carrying value of accounts receivable approximates fair value.

## Inventories

Inventories consist of manufactured goods, materials and supplies used for sales or services to clients. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value. Inventory costs are recorded at standard cost which approximates the first-in, first-out method.

## Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets are comprised primarily of prepaid insurance, value added taxes and prepaid rents.

## Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Major renewals and improvements are capitalized while maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as incurred. They are depreciated using the straight-line method based on their individual estimated useful lives, except for leasehold improvements, which are depreciated over the remaining lease term, if shorter. We estimate the useful lives and salvage values of our assets based on historical data as follows:

<table><tr><td>Buildings and leasehold improvements</td><td>3 - 40 years</td></tr><tr><td>Machinery and equipment</td><td>3 - 10 years</td></tr></table>

When long-lived assets are sold or retired, the remaining costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is recognized.

We review our long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their net book value may not be recovered over their remaining service lives. Indicators of possible impairment may include significant declines in activity levels in regions where specific assets or groups of assets are located, extended periods of idle use, declining revenue or cash flow or overall changes in general market conditions.

Whenever possible impairment is indicated, we compare the carrying value of the assets to the sum of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected from use, plus salvage value, less the costs of the subsequent disposition of the assets. If impairment is still indicated, we compare the fair value of the assets to the carrying amount and recognize an impairment loss for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value. We did not record any material impairment charges relating to our long-lived assets held for use during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

## Leases

We have operating leases primarily consisting of offices and lab space, machinery and equipment and vehicles. We determine if an arrangement is an operating or finance lease at inception. Lease assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. Where our lease does not provide an implicit rate, we estimate the discount rate used to discount the future minimum lease payments using our incremental borrowing rate and other information available at the commencement date. Operating leased assets also include all initial direct costs incurred. The lease term may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option.

Operating leased assets are included in right of use ("ROU") assets along with current and long-term operating lease liabilities, are separately presented in our consolidated balance sheet. Financing leased assets are included in property, plant and equipment and the related liabilities are included in other current and other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet.



ROU assets are subsequently depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset and operating lease liabilities are carried at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

The Company has elected to apply the short-term lease exemption to all classes of underlying assets. Accordingly, no ROU asset or lease liability is recognized for leases with a term of twelve months or less.

The Company has elected to apply the practical expedient for combining lease and non-lease components for vehicle leases and elected not to apply the practical expedient for combining lease and non-lease components to all other classes of underlying assets.

## Intangibles and Goodwill

Intangible assets, which include trade secrets, patents, technology, trademarks, agreements not to compete and trade names, are carried at cost less accumulated amortization, for intangibles with a definite life, and any accumulated impairment. Intangibles with definite lives are amortized using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful life of the intangible. Intangibles with indefinite lives, which consist primarily of corporate trade names, are not amortized, but are tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment is possible.

We record goodwill as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in acquisitions accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. We test goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate possible impairment. We recorded $8.2 million of impairment charges relating to certain intangible assets during the year ended December 31, 2020.

We assess goodwill for impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then there is an impairment loss limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Our reporting units are the same as our two reportable segments. We estimate the fair value of each reporting unit using a discounted future cash flow analysis. Estimated future cash flows are based on the Company's best estimate of future performance. Our impairment analysis is both qualitative and quantitative, and includes subjective estimates based on assumptions regarding future revenue growth rates, discount rates and expected margins.

We did not record impairment charges relating to our goodwill or our indefinite-lived intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2019. We recorded $114.0 million of impairment charges relating to our goodwill and certain intangibles assets under our Production Enhancement reporting unit during the year ended December 31, 2020.

## Other Assets

Other assets consist of the following (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td></tr><tr><td>Cash surrender value of life insurance policies</td><td>$ 32,511</td><td>$ 31,201</td></tr><tr><td>Investments in unconsolidated affiliates</td><td>4,156</td><td>4,094</td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>4,746</td><td>4,955</td></tr><tr><td>Total other assets</td><td>$ 41,413</td><td>$ 40,250</td></tr></table>

Cash surrender value of life insurance policies relates to postretirement benefit plans. See Note 11 - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans. Investments include unconsolidated affiliates accounted for under the equity method where the operations of these entities are in-line with those of our core businesses. These entities are not considered special purpose entities, nor do we have special off-balance sheet arrangements through these entities.

## Accounts Payable

Trade accounts payable are recorded at their invoiced amounts and do not bear interest. The carrying value of accounts payable approximates fair value.

## Income Taxes

We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference



between the financial statement and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the asset is expected to be recovered or the liability is expected to be settled. We include interest and penalties from tax judgments in income tax expense.

We record a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in our tax return. We also recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. See Note 10 - Income Taxes.

## Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and other charges or credits to equity that are not the result of transactions with owners. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consists of prior service costs and unrecognized net actuarial gain or loss from a pension plan and changes in the fair value of our interest rate swaps. See Note 11 - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans and Note 15 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.

## Revenue Recognition

All of our revenue is derived from contracts with clients. Our contracts generally include standard commercial payment terms generally acceptable in each region, and do not include financing with extended payment terms. We have no significant obligations for refunds, warranties, or similar obligations. Our revenue does not include taxes collected from our customers. In certain circumstances we apply the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("Topic 606") to a portfolio of contracts with similar characteristics. We use estimates and assumptions when accounting for a portfolio that reflect the size and composition of the portfolio of contracts.

We recognize revenue at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for such services or goods as described below by applying the five-step method to: (1) identify the contract(s) with clients; (2) identify the performance obligation(s) in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation(s) in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) we satisfy the performance obligation(s). A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct service or good to a client, and is the unit of account under Topic 606. We have contracts with two general groups of performance obligations: those that require us to perform analysis and/or diagnostic tests in our laboratory or at the client's wellsite and those from the sale of tools, diagnostic and equipment products and related services.

Services Revenue: We provide a variety of services to clients in the oil and gas industry. Where services are provided related to the testing and analysis of rock and fluids, we recognize revenue upon the provision of the test results or analysis to the client. For our design, field engineering and completion diagnostic services, we recognize revenue upon the delivery of those services at the well site or delivery of diagnostic data. In the case of our consortia studies, we have multiple performance obligations and revenue is recognized at the point in time when the testing and analysis results on each contributed core are made available to our consortia members. For arrangements that include multiple performance obligations, we allocate revenue to each performance obligation based on estimates of the price that we would charge the client for each promised service or product if it were sold on a standalone basis.

To a lesser extent, we enter into other types of contracts including service arrangements and non-subscription software and licensing agreements. We recognize revenue for these arrangements over time or at a point in time depending on our evaluation of when the client obtains control of the promised services or products

Product Sales Revenue: We manufacture equipment that we sell to our clients in the oil and gas industry. We recognize revenue when control of the promised product is transferred to the client. Control of the product usually passes to the client at the time shipment is made or picked up by the client at our facilities, as defined within the contract.

## Contract Assets and Liabilities

Contract assets and liabilities arise from differences in timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections.

Contract assets include our right to payment for goods and services already transferred to a customer when the right to payment is conditional on something other than the passage of time. For example, we have contracts where we recognize revenue over time but do not have a contractual right to payment until we complete the performance obligations.

Contract liabilities consist of advance payments received and billings in excess of revenue recognized. We generally receive up-front payments relating to our consortia studies. We recognize revenue over the life of the study as the testing and analysis results are made available to our consortia members. We record billings in excess of revenue recognized for contracts with a



duration less than twelve months as unearned revenue. We classify contract liabilities for contracts with a duration greater than twelve months as current or non-current based on the timing of revenue recognition.

## Disaggregation of Revenue

We contract with clients for service revenue and/or product sales revenue. We present revenue disaggregated by services and product sales in our consolidated statements of operations. For revenue disaggregated by reportable segment, see Note 21 - Segment Reporting and Other Disaggregated Information.

## Foreign Currencies

Our functional currency is the U.S. Dollar ("USD"). All inter-company financing, transactions and cash flows with our subsidiaries are transacted in USD. Revenue and expenses denominated in other currencies are measured at the applicable month-end exchange rate which approximates the average exchange rate. We remeasure monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other currencies to USD at year-end exchange rates. Non-monetary items, depreciation, amortization and certain components of cost of sales are measured at historical rates. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, we incurred net remeasurement gain of $0.2 million and losses of $1.2 million and $1.7 million, respectively. Remeasurement and settlement difference are included in other (income) expense, net in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

## Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

We provide a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all of our Dutch employees ("Dutch Plan") who were hired prior to 2000. We recognize net periodic pension costs associated with the Dutch plan in income and recognize the unfunded status of the plan, if any, as an other long-term liability. We recognize the actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that arise during the period as a component of other comprehensive income. The projection of benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets requires the use of assumptions and estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates. See Note 11 - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans.

We maintain defined contribution plans for the benefit of eligible employees primarily in Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States. We expense contributions in the period the contribution is made.

## Non-controlling Interests

We maintain non-controlling interests in several investment ventures and disclose such interests clearly as a portion of equity separate from the parent's equity. The amount of consolidated net income attributable to these non-controlling interests is also clearly presented on the consolidated statements of operations. In addition, when a subsidiary is deconsolidated, any retained non-controlling equity investment in the former subsidiary will be initially measured at fair value and recorded as a gain or loss.

## Stock-Based Compensation

For new awards issued and awards modified, repurchased or canceled, we record compensation expense in the consolidated statements of operations equal to the fair value of the award at the date of the grant, modification, repurchase or cancellation over the requisite service period of the award.

## Earnings Per Share

We compute basic earnings per common share by dividing net income attributable to Core Laboratories N.V. by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share includes the incremental effect of contingently issuable shares from performance and restricted stock awards, as determined using the treasury stock method. The following table summarizes the calculation of weighted average common shares outstanding used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td></tr><tr><td>Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic</td><td>46,009</td><td>44,477</td><td>44,357</td></tr><tr><td>Effect of dilutive securities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Performance shares</td><td>542</td><td>—</td><td>242</td></tr><tr><td>Restricted shares</td><td>139</td><td>—</td><td>47</td></tr><tr><td>Weighted average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution</td><td>46,690</td><td>44,477</td><td>44,646</td></tr></table>



For the year ended December 31, 2020, the number of outstanding performance shares and restricted shares of Core Laboratories N.V. common stock that were excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation, as their impact would be antidilutive, were as follows (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2">Performance shares</td><td>December 31, 2020</td></tr><tr><td>308</td></tr><tr><td>Restricted shares</td><td>189</td></tr></table>

## 3. CONTRACT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

The balance of contract assets and contract liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Contract assets</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Current</td><td>$ 2,072</td><td>$ 1,238</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$ 2,072</td><td>$ 1,238</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Contract Liabilities</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Current</td><td>$ 1,300</td><td>$ 953</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Non-current</td><td>435</td><td>293</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$ 1,735</td><td>$ 1,246</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Estimate of when contract liabilities will be recognized</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>within 12 months</td><td>$ 1,300</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>within 12 to 24 months</td><td>$ 411</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>greater than 24 months</td><td>$ 24</td><td></td><td></td></tr></table>

The current portion of contract assets are included in our accounts receivable as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.

The current portion of contract liabilities is included in unearned revenue and the non-current portion of contract liabilities is included in other long-term liabilities. We did not recognize any impairment losses on our receivables and contract assets for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.

## 4. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTURES

We had no significant acquisitions during the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. We had no significant divestures during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. In 2019, we completed the divestment of our business of permanent downhole monitoring systems and related services, and concluded the final adjustment to the purchase agreement in 2020. See Note 20 - Discontinued Operations for further details.

## 5. INVENTORIES

Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td></tr><tr><td>Finished goods</td><td>$ 21,527</td><td>$ 16,461</td></tr><tr><td>Parts and materials</td><td>20,965</td><td>19,098</td></tr><tr><td>Work in progress</td><td>2,951</td><td>2,592</td></tr><tr><td>Total inventories</td><td>$ 45,443</td><td>$ 38,151</td></tr></table>

We include freight costs incurred for shipping inventory to our clients in the Cost of product sales caption in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. See Note 18 - Inventory Write-down for further detail.



## 6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET

The components of property, plant and equipment, net are as follows (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td></tr><tr><td>Land</td><td>$ 11,395</td><td>$ 11,395</td></tr><tr><td>Building and leasehold improvements</td><td>120,066</td><td>117,098</td></tr><tr><td>Machinery and equipment</td><td>285,952</td><td>280,778</td></tr><tr><td>Total property, plant and equipment</td><td>417,413</td><td>409,271</td></tr><tr><td>Less - accumulated depreciation</td><td>(306,461)</td><td>(293,978)</td></tr><tr><td>Property, plant and equipment, net</td><td>$ 110,952</td><td>$ 115,293</td></tr></table>

## 7. LEASES

We have operating leases primarily consisting of offices and lab space, machinery and equipment and vehicles. The components of lease expense are as follows (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Operating lease expense</td><td>$ 17,253</td><td>$ 17,848</td><td>$ 18,639</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Short-term lease expense</td><td>1,990</td><td>1,801</td><td>1,228</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Variable lease expense</td><td>1,462</td><td>1,442</td><td>920</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total lease expense</td><td>$ 20,705</td><td>$ 21,091</td><td>$ 20,787</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other Information:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Operating cash flows from operating leases</td><td>$ 16,367</td><td>$ 17,049</td><td>$ 18,195</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Right of use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease obligations</td><td>$ 5,736</td><td>$ 5,654</td><td>$ 11,688</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Weighted-average remaining lease term - operating leases</td><td>7.62 years</td><td>8.69 years</td><td>9.07 years</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Weighted-average discount rate - operating leases</td><td>4.61%</td><td>4.70%</td><td>4.94%</td><td></td></tr></table>

Scheduled undiscounted lease payments for non-cancellable leases consist of the following (in thousands):

<table><tr><td>2022</td><td>$ 14,674</td></tr><tr><td>2023</td><td>11,917</td></tr><tr><td>2024</td><td>9,328</td></tr><tr><td>2025</td><td>7,969</td></tr><tr><td>2026</td><td>6,586</td></tr><tr><td>Thereafter</td><td>22,636</td></tr><tr><td>Total undiscounted lease payments</td><td>$ 73,110</td></tr><tr><td>Less: Imputed interest</td><td>(11,482)</td></tr><tr><td>Total lease liabilities</td><td>$ 61,628</td></tr></table>

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded $0.5 million on lease abandonment for certain properties that ceased in use and are expected to provide no future economic benefits. There is no lease abandonment cost recorded during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2019.

## 8. INTANGIBLES AND GOODWILL



The components of intangibles, net are as follows (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="3"></td><td colspan="6">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">2021</td><td colspan="3">2020</td></tr><tr><td>Useful life in years</td><td>Gross Carrying Value</td><td>Accumulated Amortization and Impairment</td><td>Gross Carrying Value</td><td>Accumulated Amortization</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Acquired trade secrets</td><td>2-20</td><td>$ 4,278</td><td>$ 3,334</td><td>$ 4,278</td><td>$ 3,120</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Acquired patents and technology</td><td>4-15</td><td>15,628</td><td>13,159</td><td>15,348</td><td>12,677</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Agreements not to compete</td><td>2-5</td><td>1,149</td><td>1,036</td><td>1,149</td><td>1,036</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Acquired trade names and trademarks</td><td>Indefinite</td><td>4,624</td><td>11</td><td>4,641</td><td>—</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total intangibles, net</td><td></td><td>$ 25,679</td><td>$ 17,540</td><td>$ 25,416</td><td>$ 16,833</td><td></td></tr></table>

Our estimated amortization expense relating to these intangibles for the next five years is summarized in the following table (in thousands):

<table><tr><td>2022</td><td>$ 684</td></tr><tr><td>2023</td><td>$ 416</td></tr><tr><td>2024</td><td>$ 407</td></tr><tr><td>2025</td><td>$ 321</td></tr><tr><td>2026</td><td>$ 230</td></tr></table>

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for each reportable segment are as follows (in thousands):

<table><tr><td></td><td>Reservoir Description</td><td>Production Enhancement</td><td>Total</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at January 1, 2020</td><td>$ 99,484</td><td>$ 113,941</td><td>$ 213,425</td></tr><tr><td>Impairment</td><td>—</td><td>(113,941)</td><td>(113,941)</td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>(39)</td><td>—</td><td>(39)</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at December 31, 2020</td><td>99,445</td><td>—</td><td>99,445</td></tr><tr><td>Balance at December 31, 2021</td><td>$ 99,445</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ 99,445</td></tr></table>

## 9. LONG-TERM DEBT, NET

We have no finance lease obligations. Debt is summarized in the following table (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td rowspan="2">Interest Rate</td><td rowspan="2">Maturity Date</td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td></tr><tr><td>2011 Senior Notes Series A(1)</td><td>4.01%</td><td>September 30, 2021</td><td>—</td><td>$ 75,000</td></tr><tr><td>2011 Senior Notes Series B(1)</td><td>4.11%</td><td>September 30, 2023</td><td>75,000</td><td>75,000</td></tr><tr><td>2021 Senior Notes Series A(2)</td><td>4.09%</td><td>January 12, 2026</td><td>45,000</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>2021 Senior Notes Series B(2)</td><td>4.38%</td><td>January 12, 2028</td><td>15,000</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Credit Facility</td><td></td><td></td><td>55,000</td><td>111,000</td></tr><tr><td>Total long-term debt</td><td></td><td></td><td>190,000</td><td>261,000</td></tr><tr><td>Less: Debt issuance costs</td><td></td><td></td><td>(1,364)</td><td>(1,567)</td></tr><tr><td>Long-term debt, net</td><td></td><td></td><td>$ 188,636</td><td>$ 259,433</td></tr></table>

(1) Interest is payable semi-annually on March 30 and September 30.

(2) Interest is payable semi-annually on June 30 and December 30.

On October 16, 2020, we, along with our wholly owned subsidiary Core Laboratories (U.S.) Interests Holdings, Inc. as issuer, entered into two new series of senior notes with aggregate principal amount of $60 million in a private placement transaction (“2021 Senior Notes”). The 2021 Senior Notes were issued and funded on January 12, 2021. Interest on each series of the 2021 Senior Notes is payable semi-annually and commenced on June 30, 2021. On September 30, 2021, we retired Series A of the 2011 Senior Notes with aggregate principal amount of $75 million upon its maturity date.

On June 22, 2020, we entered into Amendment No. 1 (the “Amendment”) to the Seventh Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated June 19, 2018 (as amended, the “Credit Facility”). The Amendment increases the maximum leverage ratio



permitted under the Credit Facility for certain periods. Pursuant to the terms of the Amendment, the maximum leverage ratio permitted under the Credit Facility is as follows:

<table><tr><td>Quarter ending</td><td>Maximum leverage ratio permitted</td></tr><tr><td>June 30, 2020 up to and including June 30, 2021</td><td>3.00</td></tr><tr><td>September 30, 2021</td><td>2.75</td></tr><tr><td>December 31, 2021 and thereafter</td><td>2.50</td></tr></table>

Moreover, under the Amendment, the LIBOR plus 1.500% to LIBOR plus 2.875% is applied to outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility, with a 0.500% floor on LIBOR. Interest payment terms are variable depending upon the specific type of borrowing under the Credit Facility. The Amendment also reduced the aggregate borrowing commitment under the Credit Facility to $225 million and the amount by which we may elect to increase the facility size, known as the “accordion” feature, to $50 million, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. Any outstanding balance under the Credit Facility is due on maturity on June 19, 2023. Our available capacity at any point in time is reduced by outstanding borrowings and outstanding letters of credit which totaled $10.4 million at December 31, 2021, resulting in an available borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility of $159.6 million. In addition to indebtedness under the Credit Facility, we had $6.5 million of outstanding letters of credit and performance guarantees and bonds from other sources as of December 31, 2021.

The Credit Facility is unsecured, and contains customary representations, warranties, terms and conditions for similar types of facilities.

The terms of the Credit Facility and Senior Notes require us to meet certain covenants, including, but not limited to, an interest coverage ratio (calculated as consolidated EBITDA divided by interest expense) and a leverage ratio (calculated as consolidated net indebtedness divided by consolidated EBITDA), where consolidated EBITDA (as defined in each agreement) and interest expense are calculated using the most recent four fiscal quarters. The Credit Facility and Senior Notes include a cross-default provision, whereby a default under one agreement may trigger a default in the other agreement. The Credit Facility has more restrictive covenants with a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.0 to 1.0 and permits a maximum leverage ratio as described above. The Credit Facility allows non-cash charges such as impairment of assets, stock compensation and other non-cash charges to be added back in the calculation of consolidated EBITDA. The terms of our Credit Facility also allow us to negotiate in good faith to amend any ratio or requirement to preserve the original intent of the agreement if any change in accounting principles would affect the computation of any financial ratio or covenant of the Credit Facility. In accordance with the terms of the Credit Facility, our leverage ratio is 2.08, and our interest coverage ratio is 9.06, each for the period ended December 31, 2021. We are in compliance with all covenants contained in our Credit Facility. Certain of our material, wholly-owned subsidiaries, are guarantors or co-borrowers under the Credit Facility and Senior Notes.

See Note 15 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities for additional information regarding interest rate swap agreements we have entered to fix the underlying risk-free rate on our Credit Facility and Senior Notes.

The estimated fair value of total debt at December 31, 2021 and 2020 approximated the book value of total debt. The fair value was estimated using Level 2 inputs by calculating the sum of the discounted future interest and principal payments through the maturity date.

## 10. INCOME TAXES

The components of income (loss) before income tax are as follows (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td></tr><tr><td>United States</td><td>$ 10,028</td><td>$ (45,167)</td><td>$ 61,374</td></tr><tr><td>Other countries</td><td>26,082</td><td>(46,010)</td><td>20,620</td></tr><tr><td>Income (loss) before income tax</td><td>$ 36,110</td><td>$ (91,177)</td><td>$ 81,994</td></tr></table>



The components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Current:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>United States</td><td>$ 1,983</td><td>$ 5,181</td><td>$ 8,786</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other countries</td><td>6,500</td><td>11,926</td><td>13,267</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>State and provincial</td><td>699</td><td>618</td><td>(28)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total current</td><td>9,182</td><td>17,725</td><td>22,025</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Deferred:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>United States</td><td>905</td><td>(69)</td><td>(57,250)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other countries</td><td>5,630</td><td>(11,144)</td><td>23,558</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>State and provincial</td><td>174</td><td>(616)</td><td>(623)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total deferred</td><td>6,709</td><td>(11,829)</td><td>(34,315)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Income tax expense (benefit)</td><td>$ 15,891</td><td>$ 5,896</td><td>$ (12,290)</td><td></td></tr></table>

The differences in income tax expense (benefit) computed using the Netherlands statutory income tax rate of 25% and our income tax expense (benefit) as reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations are as follows (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td></tr><tr><td>Tax at the Netherlands income tax rate</td><td>$ 8,981</td><td>$ (23,005)</td><td>$ 22,895</td></tr><tr><td>International earnings taxed at rates other than the Netherlands statutory rate</td><td>9,403</td><td>14,986</td><td>(1,343)</td></tr><tr><td>Non-deductible expenses</td><td>1,875</td><td>2,977</td><td>3,516</td></tr><tr><td>Change in valuation allowance</td><td>1,113</td><td>23</td><td>(3,491)</td></tr><tr><td>State and provincial taxes</td><td>462</td><td>(227)</td><td>(825)</td></tr><tr><td>Tax credits</td><td>(7,992)</td><td>(5,975)</td><td>(3,893)</td></tr><tr><td>Benefit from corporate restructuring</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>(59,336)</td></tr><tr><td>Unremitted earnings of subsidiaries</td><td>1,236</td><td>418</td><td>26,126</td></tr><tr><td>Adjustments of prior year taxes</td><td>1,320</td><td>545</td><td>(1,684)</td></tr><tr><td>Adjustments of income tax reserves</td><td>(1,345)</td><td>(1,965)</td><td>1,084</td></tr><tr><td>Non-deductible goodwill impairment</td><td>—</td><td>15,547</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Foreign exchange</td><td>(1,168)</td><td>226</td><td>2,014</td></tr><tr><td>UK tax rate change</td><td>(905)</td><td>—</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Netherlands audit settlement</td><td>1,522</td><td>—</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Accrued withholding taxes</td><td>1,648</td><td>2,092</td><td>2,603</td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>(259)</td><td>254</td><td>44</td></tr><tr><td>Income tax expense (benefit)</td><td>$ 15,891</td><td>$ 5,896</td><td>$ (12,290)</td></tr></table>



Deferred tax assets and liabilities result from various temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amount and their tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are summarized as follows (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred tax assets:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Net operating loss carry-forwards</td><td>$ 10,622</td><td>$ 13,892</td></tr><tr><td>Tax credit carry-forwards</td><td>4,658</td><td>2,996</td></tr><tr><td>Accruals for compensation</td><td>7,440</td><td>8,587</td></tr><tr><td>Accruals for inventory capitalization</td><td>3,192</td><td>3,445</td></tr><tr><td>Unrealized benefit from corporate restructuring</td><td>49,313</td><td>53,501</td></tr><tr><td>Intangibles</td><td>582</td><td>830</td></tr><tr><td>Unrealized benefit plan loss</td><td>1,974</td><td>2,366</td></tr><tr><td>Unrealized foreign exchange</td><td>2,853</td><td>2,852</td></tr><tr><td>UK tax rate change</td><td>905</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Unearned revenue</td><td>1,024</td><td>741</td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>3,860</td><td>1,989</td></tr><tr><td>Total deferred tax assets</td><td>86,423</td><td>91,199</td></tr><tr><td>Valuation allowance</td><td>(7,377)</td><td>(6,264)</td></tr><tr><td>Net deferred tax assets</td><td>79,046</td><td>84,935</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred tax liabilities:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Property, plant and equipment</td><td>(4,139)</td><td>(4,998)</td></tr><tr><td>Accrued withholding taxes</td><td>(27,544)</td><td>(26,916)</td></tr><tr><td>Unrealized foreign exchange</td><td>(1,070)</td><td>(610)</td></tr><tr><td>Other</td><td>(167)</td><td>(221)</td></tr><tr><td>Total deferred tax liabilities</td><td>(32,920)</td><td>(32,745)</td></tr><tr><td>Net deferred income taxes</td><td>$ 46,126</td><td>$ 52,190</td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>2021</td><td>2020</td></tr><tr><td>Long-term deferred tax assets</td><td>$ 70,462</td><td>$ 72,775</td></tr><tr><td>Long-term deferred tax liabilities</td><td>(24,336)</td><td>(20,585)</td></tr><tr><td>Total deferred tax assets</td><td>$ 46,126</td><td>$ 52,190</td></tr></table>

At December 31, 2021, we had tax net operating loss carry-forwards in various tax jurisdictions of $49.3 million. Although we cannot be certain that these operating loss carry-forwards will be utilized, we anticipate that we will have sufficient taxable income in future years to allow us to fully utilize the carry-forwards that are not subject to a valuation allowance. As of December 31, 2021, if unused, $0.5 million will expire between 2022 and 2023, $4.5 million will expire between 2024 and 2026, $6.7 million will expire between 2027 and 2030 and $6.5 million will expire beyond 2030. The remaining balance of $31.1 million is not subject to expiration. During 2021, no material net operating loss carry-forwards, which carried a full valuation allowance, expired unused.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various states and foreign jurisdictions. We are currently undergoing multiple examinations in various jurisdictions, and the years 2011 through 2020 remain open for examination in various tax jurisdictions in which we operate. The ultimate settlement and timing of these additional tax assessments is uncertain but the Company will continue to vigorously defend its return filing position and does not view the assessments as probable at this time.



During 2021, adjustments were made to estimates for uncertain tax positions in certain tax jurisdictions based upon changes in facts and circumstances, resulting in a reduction to the unrecognized tax benefits. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Unrecognized tax benefits at January 1,</td><td>$ 6,255</td><td>$ 7,301</td><td>$ 7,471</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tax positions, current period</td><td>204</td><td>1,650</td><td>495</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tax positions, prior period</td><td>(197)</td><td>(491)</td><td>(361)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Settlements with taxing authorities</td><td>(1,395)</td><td>(2,159)</td><td>(18)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Lapse of applicable statute of limitations</td><td>(540)</td><td>(46)</td><td>(286)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31,</td><td>$ 4,327</td><td>$ 6,255</td><td>$ 7,301</td><td></td></tr></table>

Our policy is to record accrued interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions, net of any tax effect, as part of total tax expense for the period. The corresponding liability is carried along with the tax exposure as a non-current payable in Other Long-term Liabilities. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, we recognized $0.3 million, $$0.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively, in interest and penalties. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, we had $4.5 million, $4.2 million and $5.1 million, respectively, accrued for the payment of interest and penalties. Changes in our estimate of unrecognized tax benefits would affect our effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 there are $0.6 million, $0.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits that could be resolved within the next twelve months which could have a positive effect on the annual effective tax rate.

## 11. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

## Defined Benefit Plan

Prior to January 2020, we provided a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all of our Dutch employees ("Dutch Plan") who were hired prior to 2000. This pension benefit was based on years of service and final pay depending on when the employee began participating. The benefits earned by the employees are immediately vested. We funded the future obligations of the Dutch Plan by purchasing an insurance contract from a large multi-national insurance company with a five-year maturity. Each year we made annual premium payments to the insurance company (1) to provide for the benefit obligation of the current year of service based on each employee's age, gender and current salary, and (2) for the changes in the benefit obligation for prior years of service due to changes in participants' salary. We determine the fair value of these plan assets with the assistance of an actuary using observable inputs (Level 2), which approximates the contract value of the investments. There was a curtailment of the Dutch Plan for our Dutch employees whose pension benefit was based on years of service and final pay or career average pay, depending on when the employee began participating. These employees have been moved into the Dutch defined contribution plan. This event resulted in a curtailment gain of $1.0 million and $2.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. However, the unconditional indexation for this group of participants continues for so long as they remain in active service with the Company. There is no further contribution required to fund the Dutch Plan after December 31, 2019.



The following table summarizes the change in the projected benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets for the Dutch Plan (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td></tr><tr><td>Projected Benefit Obligation:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year</td><td>$     74,683</td><td>$     65,246</td></tr><tr><td>Interest cost</td><td>323</td><td>679</td></tr><tr><td>Amendments/curtailments</td><td>—</td><td>(1,049)</td></tr><tr><td>Benefits paid and administrative expenses</td><td>(1,426)</td><td>(1,329)</td></tr><tr><td>Actuarial (gain) loss, net</td><td>(5,281)</td><td>5,056</td></tr><tr><td>Unrealized (gain) loss on foreign exchange</td><td>(5,170)</td><td>6,080</td></tr><tr><td>Projected benefit obligation at end of year</td><td>$     63,129</td><td>$     74,683</td></tr><tr><td>Fair Value of Plan Assets:</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year</td><td>$     70,319</td><td>$     59,318</td></tr><tr><td>Increase in plan asset value</td><td>(5,268)</td><td>6,041</td></tr><tr><td>Employer contributions</td><td>261</td><td>601</td></tr><tr><td>Benefits paid and administrative expenses</td><td>(1,426)</td><td>(1,329)</td></tr><tr><td>Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign exchange</td><td>(4,847)</td><td>5,688</td></tr><tr><td>Fair value of plan assets at end of year</td><td>$     59,039</td><td>$     70,319</td></tr><tr><td>Under-funded status of the plan at end of the year</td><td>$      (4,090)</td><td>$      (4,364)</td></tr><tr><td>Accumulated Benefit Obligation</td><td>$     63,129</td><td>$     74,683</td></tr></table>

The following actuarial assumptions were used to determine the actuarial present value of our projected benefit obligation and the net periodic pension costs for the Dutch Plan:

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td></tr><tr><td>Weighted average assumed discount rate</td><td>1.00%</td><td>0.45%</td></tr><tr><td>Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets</td><td>1.00%</td><td>0.45%</td></tr><tr><td>Weighted average rate of compensation increase</td><td>1.90%</td><td>1.50%</td></tr></table>

The discount rate used to determine our projected benefit obligation at December 31, 2021 was increased from 0.45% to 1.00%, consistent with a general increase in interest rates in Europe for AAA-rated long-term Euro government bonds.

Amounts recognized for the Dutch Plan in the Consolidated Balance Sheet consist of (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="2">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td></tr><tr><td>Deferred tax asset</td><td>$     1,023</td><td>$     1,192</td></tr><tr><td>Other long-term liabilities</td><td>4,090</td><td>4,364</td></tr><tr><td>Accumulated other comprehensive loss</td><td>(5,595)</td><td>(5,375)</td></tr></table>

The components of net periodic pension cost for the Dutch Plan include (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td></tr><tr><td>Service cost</td><td>$      —</td><td>$      —</td><td>$     755</td></tr><tr><td>Interest cost</td><td>323</td><td>679</td><td>1,027</td></tr><tr><td>Expected return on plan assets</td><td>(306)</td><td>(634)</td><td>(914)</td></tr><tr><td>Administrative charges</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>17</td></tr><tr><td>Curtailment</td><td>—</td><td>(1,049)</td><td>(2,621)</td></tr><tr><td>Prior service cost</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>(848)</td></tr><tr><td>Net actuarial loss</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>3,171</td></tr><tr><td>Net periodic pension cost</td><td>$     17</td><td>$      (1,004)</td><td>$     587</td></tr></table>

Plan assets at December 31, 2021 and 2020 consist of insurance contracts with returns equal to the contractual rate, which are comparable with governmental debt securities. Our expected long-term rate of return assumptions are based on the weighted-



average contractual rates for each contract. Dutch law dictates the minimum requirements for pension funding. Our goal is to meet these minimum funding requirements, while our insurance carrier invests to minimize risks associated with future benefit payments.

In 2022, our minimum funding requirements are expected to be $0.2 million. Our estimate of future annual contributions is based on current funding and the unconditional indexation requirements, and we believe these contributions will be sufficient to fund the plan.

Expected benefit payments to eligible participants under this plan for the next five years are as follows (in thousands):

<table><tr><td>2022</td><td>$ 1,432</td></tr><tr><td>2023</td><td>$ 1,557</td></tr><tr><td>2024</td><td>$ 1,696</td></tr><tr><td>2025</td><td>$ 1,767</td></tr><tr><td>2026</td><td>$ 1,897</td></tr><tr><td>Succeeding five years</td><td>$ 11,433</td></tr></table>

## Defined Contribution Plans

We maintain defined contribution plans for the benefit of eligible employees primarily in Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In accordance with the terms of each plan, we and our participating employees contribute up to specified limits and under certain plans, we may make discretionary contributions in accordance with the defined contribution plans. Our primary obligation under these defined contribution plans is limited to paying the annual contributions. For the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, we paid $2.3 million, $3.6 million and $5.3 million, respectively, for our contributions and our additional discretionary contributions to the defined contribution plans.

Vesting in all employer contributions is accelerated upon the death of the participant or a change in control. Employer contributions under the plans are forfeited upon a participant’s termination of employment to the extent they are not vested at that time.

## Deferred Compensation Arrangements

We have entered into deferred compensation contracts for certain key employees to provide additional retirement income to the participants. The benefit is determined by the contract for either a fixed amount or by a calculation using years of service or age at retirement along with the average of their base salary for the five years prior to retirement. We are not required to fund this arrangement; however, we have purchased life insurance policies with cash surrender values to assist us in providing the benefits pursuant to these deferred compensation contracts with the actual benefit payments made by Core Laboratories. The charge to expense for these deferred compensation contracts for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $1.7 million, $1.0 million and $2.0 million, respectively.

We provide severance compensation to certain key employees if employment is terminated under certain circumstances, such as following a change in control or for any reason other than upon their death or disability, for “cause” or upon a material breach of a material provision of their employment agreement, as defined in their employment agreements. In addition, there are certain countries where we are legally required to make severance payments to employees when they leave our service. We have accrued for all of these severance payments, but they are not funded.

We have also adopted a non-qualified deferred compensation plan (“Deferred Compensation Plan”) that allows certain highly compensated employees to defer a portion of their salary, commission and bonus, as well as the amount of any reductions in their deferrals under the Deferred Compensation Plan for employees in the United States, due to certain limitations imposed by the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Contributions to the plan are invested in equity and other investment fund assets, and carried on the balance sheet at fair value. The benefits under these contracts are fully vested. Our primary obligation for the Deferred Compensation Plan is limited to our annual contributions. Employer contributions to the Deferred Compensation Plan for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 were $0.0 million, $0.03 million, and $0.1 million, respectively. Vesting in all employer contributions is accelerated upon the death of the participant or a change in control. Employer contributions under the plans are forfeited upon a participant's termination of employment to the extent they are not vested at that time.

## 12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

We have been and may from time to time be named as a defendant in legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business. These include, but are not limited to, employment-related claims and contractual disputes or claims for personal



injury or property damage which occur in connection with the provision of our services and products. A liability is accrued when a loss is both probable and can be reasonably estimated.

In 1998, we entered into employment agreements with three senior executive officers that provided for certain deferred compensation benefits. All of these executive officers have retired from the Company and the payment of these deferred compensation benefits have been made as of December 31, 2020.

We do not maintain any off-balance sheet debt or other similar financing arrangements nor have we formed any special purpose entities for the purpose of maintaining off-balance sheet debt.

See Note 9 - Long-term Debt, net for amounts committed under letters of credits and performance guarantees and bonds.

## 13. EQUITY

## Common Shares

On December 17, 2020, we entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement with Wells Fargo Securities, LLC (the "Equity Distribution Agreement") for the issuance and sale of up to $60.0 million of our common shares. Under terms of the Equity Distribution Agreement, the sales of our common shares may be made by any method deemed to be an "at-the-market offering" as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933. The Company elects when to issue a placement notice which may, among other sales parameters, specify the number of shares to be sold, the minimum price per share to be accepted, the daily volume of shares that may be sold and the range of dates when shares may be sold. We completed the program and sold 1,658,012 common shares during the first quarter of 2021, which generated aggregate proceeds of $59.1 million, net of commissions and other associated costs. Proceeds were used to reduce debt on the Company's Credit Facility during the first quarter of 2021.

## Treasury Shares

In connection with our initial public offering in September 1995, our shareholders authorized our Management Board to repurchase up to 10% of our issued share capital, the maximum allowed under Dutch law at the time, for a period of 18 months. This authorization was renewed at subsequent annual or special shareholder meetings. At our annual shareholders' meeting on May 19, 2021, our shareholders authorized an extension to repurchase up to 10% of our issued share capital through November 19, 2022. The repurchase of shares in the open market is at the discretion of management pursuant to this shareholder authorization. Such common shares, unless canceled, may be reissued for a variety of purposes such as future acquisitions, non-employee director stock awards or employee stock awards. From the activation of the share repurchase program on October 29, 2002 through December 31, 2021, pursuant to shareholder approvals, we have repurchased 40,091,496 shares for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.7 billion, or an average price of $41.43 per share and have canceled 33,475,406 shares with an historical cost of $1.2 billion. At December 31, 2021, we held 104,867 shares in treasury with the authority to repurchase 4,540,559 additional shares under our stock repurchase program. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we repurchased 300,568 of our common shares for $8.3 million, including rights to 95,568 shares valued at $2.6 million surrendered to us pursuant to the terms of a stock-based compensation plan in consideration of the participants' tax burdens that may result from the issuance of common shares under that plan. Subsequent to year-end, we have repurchased 72,339 of our common shares for $1.8 million.

## Dividend Policy

In 2008, Core Laboratories announced the initiation of a cash dividend program. In 2020, cash dividends of $0.25 per share were paid in the first quarter and $0.01 per share were paid in each remaining quarter of 2020. In 2021, cash dividends of $0.01 per share were paid in each quarter. The declaration and payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of the Supervisory Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other things, future earnings, general financial condition, liquidity, capital requirements, and general business conditions. On February 2, 2022, the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.01 per share of common stock payable March 7, 2022 to shareholders of record on February 14, 2022.



## Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Amounts recognized, net of income tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of the following (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Pension and other postretirement benefit plans - unrecognized prior service costs and net actuarial loss</td><td>$ (5,595)</td><td>$ (5,375)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Interest rate swaps - net fair value loss</td><td>(4,538)</td><td>(1,825)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)</td><td>$ (10,133)</td><td>$ (7,200)</td><td></td></tr></table>

## 14. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

We have granted restricted stock awards under two stock incentive plans: the 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan and the 2014 Nonemployee Director Stock Incentive Plan. Awards under the following three compensation programs have been granted pursuant to both plans: (1) the Performance Share Award Program ("PSAP"); (2) the Restricted Share Award Program ("RSAP") and (3) the Restricted Share Award Program for Nonemployee Directors (the "Program").

We issue shares from either treasury stock or authorized shares upon the lapsing of vesting restrictions on restricted stock. In 2021, we issued 419,152 shares out of treasury stock relating to the vesting of restricted stock. We do not use cash to settle equity instruments issued under stock-based compensation awards.

## 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan

In 2020, the 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan was amended, restated and renamed as the 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). The primary changes effected by the 2020 amendment and restatement were to (a) extend the period during which awards may be granted under the Plan to May 20, 2025, and (b) increase the number of common shares subject to the Plan by 1,100,000 shares. The Plan, as amended, provides for a maximum of 13,000,000 common shares to be granted to eligible employees. At December 31, 2021, approximately 731,034 shares remained available for the grant of new awards under the Plan. Specifically, we encourage share ownership by awarding various long-term equity incentive awards under the Plan, consisting of the PSAP and RSAP. We believe that widespread common share ownership by key employees is an important means of encouraging superior performance and employee retention. Additionally, our equity-based compensation programs encourage performance and retention by providing additional incentives for executives to further our growth, development and financial success over a longer time horizon by personally benefiting through the ownership of our common shares and/or rights.

## Performance Share Award Program

The PSAP allows us to compensate our executive and senior management teams as we meet or exceed our business objectives. The PSAP shares are unvested and may not be sold, assigned, pledged, hedged, margined or otherwise transferred by an award recipient until such time as, and then only to the extent that, the restricted performance shares have vested. In the event of a change in control (as defined in the Plan) prior to the last day of the Performance Period, all of the award recipient's restricted performance shares will vest as of the effective date of such change in control. Subject to continued employment with us, or upon death or disability, PSAP shares vest if we meet or exceed our business objectives.

The Company recorded $7.3 million and $6.8 million of additional non-cash stock compensation expense in the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, associated with the 2021 and 2020 PSAP awards for certain members of our executive management team who became retirement eligible during those years. The additional stock compensation expense has been recorded in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, "Compensation - Stock Compensation", which states that the period over which stock compensation expense is recognized should not extend beyond the eligible retirement age as defined in each executive's PSAP award agreement. The PSAP awards continue to remain unvested until the end of the performance period, and it can be determined whether the performance criteria have been achieved. The executive will not forfeit the right to vest in the awarded shares if they voluntarily retire from the Company after attaining the retirement age as defined in each agreement.

On February 12, 2019, certain executives were awarded rights to receive an aggregate of up to 220,065 common shares (the "2019 PSAP awards") if our calculated ROIC, as defined in the PSAP, achieves certain performance criteria as compared to the Bloomberg Comp Group at the end of the performance period, which ends on the last trading day of 2021, December 31, 2021. This arrangement is recorded as an equity award that requires us to recognize compensation expense totaling $12.3 million over



the shorter of the 3-year performance period or requisite service period, as determined for each participant individually, of which $1.6 million, $1.9 and $8.8 million has been recognized in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. At December 31, 2021, the Company had the highest ROIC compared to the Bloomberg Comp Group. The Compensation Committee of our Board of Supervisory Directors verified that the performance target criteria had been met at the end of the performance period and 206,865 shares vested (13,200 shares were previously forfeited). We issued these common shares on December 31, 2021 and, simultaneously, the participants surrendered 37,059 common shares to settle any personal tax liabilities which may result from the award, as permitted by the agreement. We recorded these surrendered shares as treasury stock with an aggregate cost of $0.8 million at $22.31 per share.

On February 11, 2020, certain executives were awarded rights to receive an aggregate of up to 267,506 common shares of our calculated ROIC, as defined in the PSAP, on achievement of certain performance criteria as compared to the Bloomberg Comp Group at the end of the performance period, which ends on the last trading day of 2022. The Compensation Committee had added a modifier based upon absolute total shareholder return (“TSR”), measured over the same 3-year performance period. The TSR 3-year measurement period begins on January 1, 2020 and ends on December 31, 2022. This arrangement is recorded as an equity award that requires us to recognize compensation expense totaling $14.1 million over the shorter of the 3-year performance period or requisite service period, as determined for each participant individually, of which $3.7 million and $9.5 million has been recognized in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized over an estimated amortization period of 12 months.

On February 11, 2021, certain executives were awarded rights to receive an aggregate of up to 268,298 common shares of our calculated ROIC, as defined in the PSAP, on achievement of certain performance criteria as compared to the Bloomberg Comp Group at the end of the performance period, which ends on the last trading day of 2023. Similar to PSAP awards issued in 2020, a modifier was added based upon absolute TSR, measured over the same 3-year performance period. The TSR 3-year measurement period begins on January 1, 2021 and ends on December 31, 2023. This arrangement is recorded as an equity award that requires us to recognize compensation expense totaling $9.4 million over the shorter of the 3-year performance period or requisite service period, as determined for each participant individually, of which $6.6 million has been recognized in 2021. The unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized over an estimated amortization period of 24 months.

## Restricted Share Award Program

In 2004, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Supervisory Directors approved the RSAP to attract and retain the best employees, and to better align employee interests with those of our shareholders. Under this arrangement we awarded grants totaling 83,866 shares, 321,084 shares, and 182,533 shares in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Each of these grants has a vesting period of principally either five or six years, and vests ratably on an annual basis. There are no performance accelerators for early vesting for these awards. Awards under the RSAP are classified as equity awards and recorded at the grant-date fair value with the compensation expense recognized over the expected life of the award. As of December 31, 2021, there was $15.3 million of unrecognized total stock-based compensation expense relating to non-vested RSAP awards. The unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized over an estimated weighted-average amortization period of 40 months. The grant-date fair value of shares granted was $2.8 million, $4.8 million and $8.7 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We recognized compensation expense of $6.1 million, $6.4 million and $8.0 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The total grant-date fair value, which is the intrinsic value, of the shares vested was $6.5 million, $7.7 million and $8.7 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

## 2014 Nonemployee Director Stock Incentive Plan

In 2014, the 2006 Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan was amended, restated and renamed as the 2014 Nonemployee Director Stock Incentive Plan (the "Director Plan"). The primary change effected by the 2014 amendment was to extend the period during which awards may be granted under the Director Plan to May 12, 2024. The Director Plan provides common shares for grant to our eligible Supervisory Directors. The maximum number of shares available for award under this plan is 1,400,000 common shares. As of December 31, 2021, approximately 556,143 shares remained available for issuance under the Director Plan. Only non-employee Supervisory Directors are eligible for these equity-based awards under the Director Plan.

In 2011, the Compensation Committee of our Supervisory Board of Directors approved the restricted share award program (the "Program") to compensate our non-employee Supervisory Directors. Under this arrangement we awarded grants totaling 25,842 shares, 87,042 shares and 10,885 shares in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The shares awarded in 2021, 2020 and 2019 have a vesting period of one year for each grant. There are no performance accelerators for early vesting for these awards. Awards under the Program are classified as equity awards and recorded at the grant-date fair value with compensation expense recognized over the expected life of the award. As of December 31, 2021, there was $0.2 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation relating to non-vested Program awards. The unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized



over an estimated weighted-average amortization period of 3 months. The grant-date fair value of shares granted was $0.8 million, $1.1 million and $0.7 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and we have recognized compensation expense of $1.1 million, $0.8 million and $0.8 million in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

## Equity Compensation Plan Information

Information about our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2021 is as follows:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Number of Common Shares to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights</td><td>Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights</td><td>Number of Common Shares Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans</td></tr><tr><td>Equity compensation plans approved by our shareholders</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan</td><td>1,009,829</td><td>—</td><td>731,034</td></tr><tr><td>2014 Nonemployee Director Stock Incentive Plan</td><td>25,842</td><td>—</td><td>556,143</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>1,035,671</td><td></td><td>1,287,177</td></tr></table>

## Stock-based Compensation

Non-vested restricted share awards outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and changes during the year under both the Plan and the Director Plan are as follows:

<table><tr><td></td><td>Number of Shares</td><td>Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share</td></tr><tr><td>Non-vested at December 31, 2020</td><td>1,144,188</td><td>$ 38.19</td></tr><tr><td>Granted</td><td>307,040</td><td>$ 34.04</td></tr><tr><td>Vested</td><td>(359,367)</td><td>$ 45.70</td></tr><tr><td>Forfeited</td><td>(56,190)</td><td>$ 39.35</td></tr><tr><td>Non-vested at December 31, 2021</td><td>1,035,671</td><td>$ 34.30</td></tr></table>

Stock-based compensation expense under both the Plan and the Director Plan recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations is as follows (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cost of product sales and services</td><td>$ 5,704</td><td>$ 5,170</td><td>$ 7,288</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>General and administrative</td><td>13,389</td><td>2,224</td><td>13,591</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total stock-based compensation expense</td><td>$ 19,093</td><td>$ 7,394</td><td>$ 20,879</td><td></td></tr></table>

## 15. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

We are exposed to market risks related to fluctuations in interest rates. To mitigate these risks, we utilize derivative instruments in the form of interest rate swaps. We do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes.

## Interest Rate Risk

Interest rate swaps that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedging instruments are carried at fair value and recorded in our consolidated balance sheets as an asset or liability. The full fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability if the remaining maturity of the hedged item is more than 12 months, and as a current asset or liability if the remaining maturity of the hedged item is less than 12 months.

Unrealized gains (losses) are deferred in shareholders' equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Interest rate swaps that are highly effective are recognized in income as an increase or decrease to interest expense in the period in which the related cash flows being hedged are recognized in expense.



Our Credit Facility bears interest at variable rates from LIBOR plus 1.500% to a maximum of LIBOR plus 2.875% and includes a LIBOR floor of 0.500%.

In August 2014, we entered into a swap agreement with a notional amount of $25 million ("2014 Variable-to-Fixed Swap"), and the LIBOR portion of the interest rate was fixed at 2.5% through August 29, 2024. In February 2020, we entered into a second swap agreement with a notional amount of $25 million ("2020 Variable-to-Fixed Swap"), and the LIBOR portion of the interest rate was fixed at 1.3% through February 28, 2025. At March 31, 2021, the outstanding balance on our Credit Facility had been reduced to zero, as such these interest rate swap agreements discussed above were terminated, dedesignated and settled. Gains and losses on these swaps continued to be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), and approximately $0.2 million was reclassified to interest expense associated with the ineffective period of the hedging relationship, as it became probable that the drawdown of Credit Facility would not occur within the originally specified time period.

The outstanding balance on the Credit Facility was $55 million as of December 31, 2021. The hedging relationship is assessed to be highly effective during this period, therefore the amount remaining in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) will be reclassified into interest expense in accordance with the forecasted transactions or the scheduled interest payments on the Credit Facility. Approximately $1.0 million of net losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2021 is expected to be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months as interest payments are made on the Company’s Credit Facility.

In March 2020, we entered into two forward interest rate swap agreements for a total notional amount of $35 million to be effective beginning in September 2021. The purpose of these forward interest rate swap agreements was to fix the underlying risk-free rate that would be associated with the anticipated issuance of new long-term debt by the Company. These two forward interest rate swap agreements were terminated and settled in March 2021 and together with the settlement of the 2020 Variable-to-Fixed Swap resulted in a net gain of $1.4 million that was recognized directly in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

In March 2021, we entered into a new forward interest rate swap agreement for a notional amount of $60 million and carried the fair market value of the terminated 2014 and 2020 Variable-to-Fixed Swaps into the new agreement in a "blend and extend" structured transaction. The purpose of this forward interest rate swap agreement is to fix the underlying risk-free rate, that would be associated with the anticipated issuance of new long-term debt by the Company in future periods. The forward interest rate swap would hedge the risk-free rate on forecasted long-term debt for a maximum of 11 years. Risk associated with future changes in the 10-year LIBOR interest rates have been fixed up to a notional amount of $60 million with this instrument. The interest rate swap qualifies as a cash flow hedging instrument. Upon issuing new long-term debt in future periods, this forward interest rate swap agreement will be recognized as an increase or decrease to interest expense in the period in which the related cash flows being hedged are recognized in expense.

At December 31, 2021, we had fixed rate long-term debt aggregating $135 million and variable rate long-term debt aggregating $55 million, after taking into account the effect of the swaps.

The fair values of outstanding derivative instruments are as follows (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">Fair Value of Derivatives at December 31,</td><td rowspan="2">Balance Sheet Classification</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Derivatives designated as hedges:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>5 year interest rate swap</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ (368)</td><td>Other long-term (liabilities)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>10 year interest rate swap</td><td>—</td><td>$ (2,123)</td><td>Other long-term (liabilities)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>10 year forward interest rate swap</td><td>(5,446)</td><td>—</td><td>Other long-term (liabilities)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$ (5,446)</td><td>$ (2,491)</td><td></td><td></td></tr></table>

The fair value of all outstanding derivatives was determined using a model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived from or corroborated by observable data (Level 2).



The effect of the interest rate swaps on the consolidated statements of operations was as follows (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="3">For the years ended</td></tr><tr><td colspan="3">December 31,</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>Income Statement Classification</td></tr><tr><td>Derivatives designated as hedges:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>5 year interest rate swap</td><td>$ (740)</td><td>$ 191</td><td>Interest expense</td></tr><tr><td>10 year interest rate swap</td><td>658</td><td>478</td><td>Interest expense</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$ (82)</td><td>$ 669</td><td></td></tr></table>

## 16. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company's only financial assets and liabilities which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis relate to certain aspects of the Company's benefit plans and our derivative instruments. We use the market approach to determine the fair value of these assets and liabilities using significant other observable inputs (Level 2) with the assistance of a third party specialist. We do not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using quoted prices in an active market (Level 1) or significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Gains and losses related to the fair value changes in the deferred compensation assets and liabilities are recorded in General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Gains and losses related to the fair value of the interest rate swaps are recorded in Other comprehensive income (loss).

The following table summarizes the fair value balances (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2021</td></tr><tr><td>Total</td><td>Level 1</td><td>Level 2</td><td>Level 3</td></tr><tr><td>Assets:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Company owned life insurance policies (1)</td><td>$ 32,299</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ 32,299</td><td>$ —</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$ 32,299</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ 32,299</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Liabilities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Deferred compensation liabilities</td><td>$ 22,114</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ 22,114</td><td>$ —</td></tr><tr><td>10 year forward interest rate swap</td><td>5,446</td><td>—</td><td>5,446</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$ 27,560</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ 27,560</td><td>$ —</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td colspan="4">Fair Value Measurement at December 31, 2020</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Total</td><td>Level 1</td><td>Level 2</td><td>Level 3</td></tr><tr><td>Assets:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Company owned life insurance policies (1)</td><td>$ 30,985</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ 30,985</td><td>$ —</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$ 30,985</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ 30,985</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Liabilities:</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Deferred compensation liabilities</td><td>$ 22,559</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ 22,559</td><td>$ —</td></tr><tr><td>5 year interest rate swap</td><td>368</td><td>—</td><td>368</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>10 year interest rate swap</td><td>2,123</td><td>—</td><td>2,123</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>$ 25,050</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ 25,050</td><td>$ —</td></tr></table>

(1) Deferred compensation assets consist of the cash surrender value of life insurance policies and are intended to assist in the funding of the deferred compensation liabilities.

## 17. IMPAIRMENTS AND OTHER CHARGES

In 2020, COVID-19 global pandemic resulted in government mandated shut-downs, cross-border travel restrictions, home sheltering and social distancing efforts to contain the virus and mitigate the incidence of infection. The COVID-19 mitigation efforts globally resulted in a sharp decline in the consumption of crude-oil and refined petroleum products, which in turn led to a significant decrease in spot and forward commodity prices. These events have resulted in substantial declines in the valuation of companies operating in the oil and gas services industry, including Core Laboratories. As a result, we determined that it was more likely than not that the fair value of our reporting units was less than their carrying value, which triggered an updated impairment assessment by the Company as of March 31, 2020. We performed an impairment test in accordance with ASC Topic 360 Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets and ASC Topic 350 Intangibles-Goodwill and Other as updated by



ASU 2017-04 Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment on our indefinite-lived and long-lived assets related to asset groups, and our reporting units.

We have two reporting units that are the same as our two reportable segments, with goodwill balances aggregating $213.4 million as of March 31, 2020. We performed a detailed quantitative impairment assessment of our reporting units. We determined that the fair value of one of the reporting units, our Production Enhancement segment representing approximately $114.0 million of the goodwill, was less than the carrying value. As a result, we concluded that the goodwill associated with our Production Enhancement segment was fully impaired, resulting in a $114.0 million goodwill impairment charge in March 2020. We determined that the Reservoir Description reporting unit's fair value is above the carrying value, which represented the remaining balance of $99.4 million of goodwill.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, there were no triggering events during the year, and based on our annual assessment, we determined there was no further impairment for any of our reporting units or asset groups, and no impairment has been recorded in 2021.

In 2020, we identified a triggering event for one of the asset groups under the Production Enhancement reporting unit. The estimated fair value, based on applying the income approach model, of one of the asset groups was determined to be below its carrying value. As of March 31, 2020, we recorded a charge of $8.2 million to impair the intangible assets relating to the business acquisition of Guardian Technology in 2018.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, there were no triggering events during the year and, based on our annual assessment, we determined there was no further impairment for any of our reporting units or asset groups

## 18. INVENTORY WRITE-DOWN

During the year ended December 31, 2020 as a result of the continuing adverse impact of COVID-19 and significant reduction in rig count and completions that affected the consumption and anticipated demand for certain of our products, we recorded an additional inventory obsolescence and write-down of $10.4 million primarily in our Production Enhancement segment.

There is no inventory write-down for the year ended December 31, 2021.

## 19. OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET

The components of other (income) expense, net are as follows (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Gain on sale of assets</td><td>$ (427)</td><td>$ (1,254)</td><td>$ (583)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Results of non-consolidated subsidiaries</td><td>(62)</td><td>(125)</td><td>(208)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Foreign exchange (gain) loss, net</td><td>(228)</td><td>1,160</td><td>1,725</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Rents and royalties</td><td>(571)</td><td>(466)</td><td>(607)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Employment related charges</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>2,998</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Return on pension assets and other pension costs</td><td>(306)</td><td>(1,502)</td><td>(1,501)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Gain on sale of business</td><td>(1,012)</td><td>—</td><td>(1,154)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Insurance and other settlements</td><td>(2,236)</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Loss on lease abandonment</td><td>—</td><td>504</td><td>—</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cost reduction and other charges</td><td>—</td><td>3,943</td><td>5,555</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other, net</td><td>(753)</td><td>(434)</td><td>(906)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total Other (income) expense, net</td><td>$ (5,595)</td><td>$ 1,826</td><td>$ 5,319</td><td></td></tr></table>

We incurred property and other losses in a fire incident that occurred in 2020 that we received full and final insurance settlement of $0.6 million in 2021. The North America mid-continent winter storm in February 2021 caused business interruptions and property losses to certain facilities, and we received partial insurance settlement of $1.6 million in 2021.

## Foreign Currency Risk

We operate in a number of international areas which exposes us to foreign currency exchange rate risk. We do not currently hold or issue forward exchange contracts or other derivative instruments for hedging or speculative purposes. A forward exchange contract is an agreement to exchange different currencies at a given date and at a specified rate. Foreign exchange gains and losses result from fluctuations in the USD against foreign currencies and are included in other (income) expense, net



in the consolidated statements of operations. We recognize foreign exchange losses in countries where the USD weakened against the local currency and we had net monetary liabilities denominated in the local currency; as well as countries where the USD strengthened against the local currency and we had net monetary assets denominated in the local currency. We recognize foreign exchange gains in countries where the USD strengthened against the local currency and we had net monetary liabilities denominated in the local currency and in countries where the USD weakened against the local currency and we had net monetary assets denominated in the local currency.

Foreign exchange (gains) losses by currency are summarized in the following table (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Australian Dollar</td><td>$ 113</td><td>$ 174</td><td>$ 158</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>British Pound</td><td>86</td><td>653</td><td>599</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Canadian Dollar</td><td>77</td><td>590</td><td>489</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Euro</td><td>(450)</td><td>458</td><td>469</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other currencies, net</td><td>(54)</td><td>(715)</td><td>10</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Foreign exchange (gain) loss, net</td><td>$ (228)</td><td>$ 1,160</td><td>$ 1,725</td><td></td></tr></table>

## 20. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On June 7, 2019, we entered into a definitive purchase agreement for approximately $16.6 million in cash. A pre-tax gain of $8.3 million was recognized in connection with this transaction, subject to adjustments for working capital purposes and is classified as Income from discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations. In 2020, we concluded final adjustments to the purchase agreement, and we determined no additional proceeds based on the results of operations of the sold business in 2019. There are no other activities recorded in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, and no balances recorded in the consolidated balance sheet for the discontinued operations as of December 31, 2021 and 2020.

The associated results of operations are separately reported as Discontinued Operations for all periods presented on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As such, the results from continuing operations for the Company and segment highlights for Production Enhancement, exclude these discontinued operations.

Selected data for this discontinued business consist of the following (in thousands):

<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Services</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ 1,165</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Product sales</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>4,233</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total revenue</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>5,398</td><td></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cost of services</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>690</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Cost of product sales</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>3,196</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Depreciation and amortization</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Other expense (income)</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>91</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Operating income</td><td>—</td><td>—</td><td>1,421</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Gain (adjustment) on sale</td><td>—</td><td>(573)</td><td>8,319</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income tax</td><td>—</td><td>(573)</td><td>9,740</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Income tax expense (benefit)</td><td>—</td><td>(149)</td><td>1,907</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Income (loss) from discontinued operations</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ (424)</td><td>$ 7,833</td><td></td></tr></table>

Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $0.1 million. There was no net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $(0.2) million and $14.8 million, respectively. There was no net cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2021.

## 21. SEGMENT REPORTING AND OTHER DISAGGREGATED INFORMATION



## Segment Reporting

We operate our business in two reportable segments. These complementary segments provide different services and products and utilize different technologies for evaluating and improving reservoir performance and increasing oil and gas recovery from new and existing fields:

- Reservoir Description: Encompasses the characterization of petroleum reservoir rock and reservoir fluids samples to increase production and improve recovery of crude oil and natural gas from our clients' reservoirs. We provide laboratory-based analytical and field services to characterize properties of crude oil and crude oil-derived products to the oil and gas industry. We also provide proprietary and joint industry studies based on these types of analyses and manufacture associated laboratory equipment.

- Production Enhancement: Includes services and manufactured products relating to reservoir well completions, perforations, stimulations and production. We provide integrated diagnostic services to evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of well completions and to develop solutions aimed at increasing the effectiveness of enhanced oil recovery projects.

We use the same accounting policies to prepare our segment results as are used to prepare our consolidated financial statements. All interest and other non-operating income (expense) is attributable to Corporate & Other and is not allocated to specific segments. Summarized financial information concerning our segments is shown in the following table (in thousands):

<table><tr><td>As at and for the years ended:</td><td>Reservoir Description</td><td>Production Enhancement</td><td>Corporate &amp; Other \( ^{(1)} \)</td><td>Consolidated</td></tr><tr><td>December 31, 2021</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Revenue from unaffiliated clients</td><td>$ 313,609</td><td>$ 156,643</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ 470,252</td></tr><tr><td>Inter-segment revenue</td><td>346</td><td>299</td><td>(645)</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Segment operating income (loss)</td><td>28,958</td><td>15,163</td><td>1,141</td><td>45,262</td></tr><tr><td>Total assets (at end of period)</td><td>305,256</td><td>142,310</td><td>133,287</td><td>580,853</td></tr><tr><td>Capital expenditures</td><td>9,572</td><td>2,281</td><td>1,686</td><td>13,539</td></tr><tr><td>Depreciation and amortization</td><td>11,789</td><td>5,728</td><td>999</td><td>18,516</td></tr><tr><td>December 31, 2020</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Revenue from unaffiliated clients</td><td>$ 355,041</td><td>$ 132,226</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ 487,267</td></tr><tr><td>Inter-segment revenue</td><td>313</td><td>521</td><td>(834)</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Segment operating income (loss)</td><td>55,044</td><td>(133,449)</td><td>1,600</td><td>(76,805)</td></tr><tr><td>Total assets (at end of period)</td><td>327,386</td><td>129,568</td><td>111,625</td><td>568,579</td></tr><tr><td>Capital expenditures</td><td>6,135</td><td>5,460</td><td>285</td><td>11,880</td></tr><tr><td>Depreciation and amortization</td><td>13,612</td><td>6,203</td><td>1,052</td><td>20,867</td></tr><tr><td>December 31, 2019</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Revenue from unaffiliated clients</td><td>$ 420,897</td><td>$ 247,313</td><td>$ —</td><td>$ 668,210</td></tr><tr><td>Inter-segment revenue</td><td>436</td><td>500</td><td>(936)</td><td>—</td></tr><tr><td>Segment operating income (loss)</td><td>55,140</td><td>38,378</td><td>3,166</td><td>96,684</td></tr><tr><td>Total assets (at end of period)</td><td>343,405</td><td>279,769</td><td>151,499</td><td>774,673</td></tr><tr><td>Capital expenditures</td><td>10,439</td><td>11,253</td><td>577</td><td>22,269</td></tr><tr><td>Depreciation and amortization</td><td>15,109</td><td>5,645</td><td>1,851</td><td>22,605</td></tr></table>

(1) "Corporate and other" represents those items not directly related to a particular segment and eliminations.

## Disaggregated Revenue

We derive our revenue from services and product sales contracts with clients primarily in the oil and gas industry. We attribute service revenue to the country in which the service was performed rather than where the reservoir or project is located while we attribute product sales revenue to the country where the product was shipped as we feel this gives a clearer view of our operations. We do, however, have significant levels of service revenue performed and recorded in the U.S. that are sourced from projects on non-U.S. oilfields. No single client accounted for 10% or more of revenue in any of the periods presented.



<table><tr><td rowspan="2"></td><td colspan="4">For the Years Ended December 31,</td></tr><tr><td>2021</td><td>2020</td><td>2019</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Reservoir Description Services</td><td>$ 296,576</td><td>$ 332,085</td><td>$ 389,801</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Production Enhancement Services</td><td>47,766</td><td>44,336</td><td>84,392</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total Revenue - Services</td><td>$ 344,342</td><td>$ 376,421</td><td>$ 474,193</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Reservoir Description Product sales</td><td>$ 17,033</td><td>$ 22,956</td><td>$ 31,096</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Production Enhancement Product sales</td><td>108,877</td><td>87,890</td><td>162,921</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total Revenue - Product sales</td><td>$ 125,910</td><td>$ 110,846</td><td>$ 194,017</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Total Revenue</td><td>$ 470,252</td><td>$ 487,267</td><td>$ 668,210</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>As at and for the years ended:</td><td>United States</td><td>Other Countries \( ^{(1)(2)} \)</td><td>Consolidated</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>December 31, 2021</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Revenue</td><td>$ 148,183</td><td>$ 322,069</td><td>$ 470,252</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Property, plant and equipment, net</td><td>58,031</td><td>52,921</td><td>110,952</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>December 31, 2020</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Revenue</td><td>$ 158,937</td><td>$ 328,330</td><td>$ 487,267</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Property, plant and equipment, net</td><td>62,619</td><td>52,674</td><td>115,293</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>December 31, 2019</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Revenue</td><td>$ 289,173</td><td>$ 379,037</td><td>$ 668,210</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Property, plant and equipment, net</td><td>66,053</td><td>57,453</td><td>123,506</td><td></td></tr></table>

(1) Revenue earned in other countries, including the Netherlands, was not individually greater than 10% of our consolidated revenue in 2021, 2020 and 2019.

(2) Property, plant and equipment, net in other countries, including the Netherlands, were not individually greater than 10% of our consolidated property, plant and equipment in 2021, 2020 and 2019.



## CORE LABORATORIES N.V.

## Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Account (In thousands)

<table><tr><td></td><td>Balance at Beginning of Period</td><td>Additions Charged to/Recovered from Expense</td><td>Write-offs</td><td>Other (1)</td><td>Balance at End of Period</td></tr><tr><td>Year ended December 31, 2021</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Reserve for credit losses</td><td>$ 4,068</td><td>$ (256)</td><td>$ (588)</td><td>$ 1</td><td>$ 3,225</td></tr><tr><td>Year ended December 31, 2020</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Reserve for credit losses</td><td>$ 2,730</td><td>$ 1,618</td><td>$ (650)</td><td>$ 370</td><td>$ 4,068</td></tr><tr><td>Year ended December 31, 2019</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Reserve for credit losses</td><td>$ 2,650</td><td>$ 594</td><td>$ (454)</td><td>$ (60)</td><td>$ 2,730</td></tr></table>

(1) Comprised primarily of differences due to changes in exchange rate and adjustments associated with the discontinued operations.