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Noble Corp - Quarter Report: 2011 June (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended: June 30, 2011
OR
     
o   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: 000-53604
NOBLE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Switzerland   98-0619597
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. employer identification number)
Dorfstrasse 19A, Baar, Switzerland 6340
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: 41 (41) 761-65-55
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
     
Title of each class   Name of each exchange on which registered
     
Shares, Par Value 3.67 CHF per Share   New York Stock Exchange
Commission file number: 001-31306
NOBLE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Cayman Islands
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
  98-0366361
(I.R.S. employer identification number)
Suite 3D, Landmark Square, 64 Earth Close, P.O. Box 31327 George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, KY1-1206
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (345) 938-0293
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark whether each 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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether each registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files). Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether each registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
                 
Noble-Swiss:   Large accelerated filer þ   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
Noble-Cayman:   Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer þ   Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether each registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No þ
Number of shares outstanding and trading at July 29, 2011: Noble Corporation (Switzerland) — 252,390,953
Number of shares outstanding at July 29, 2011: Noble Corporation (Cayman Islands) — 261,245,693
Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation, meets the conditions set forth in General Instructions H(1) (a) and (b) to Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format contemplated by paragraphs (b) and (c) of General Instruction H(2) of Form 10-Q.
 
 

 

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
    Page  
       
 
       
       
 
       
Noble Corporation (Noble-Swiss) Financial Statements:
       
 
       
    3  
 
       
    4  
 
       
    5  
 
       
    6  
 
       
    7  
 
       
Noble Corporation (Noble-Cayman) Financial Statements:
       
 
       
    8  
 
       
    9  
 
       
    10  
 
       
    11  
 
       
    12  
 
       
    13  
 
       
    39  
 
       
    56  
 
       
    57  
 
       
       
 
       
    58  
 
       
    58  
 
       
    59  
 
       
    59  
 
       
    60  
 
       
Index to Exhibits
    61  
 
       
 Exhibit 3.1
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 31.3
 Exhibit 32.1
 Exhibit 32.2
 Exhibit 32.3
 EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
 EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
This combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is separately filed by Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation (“Noble-Swiss”), and Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (“Noble-Cayman”). Information in this filing relating to Noble-Cayman is filed by Noble-Swiss and separately by Noble-Cayman on its own behalf. Noble-Cayman makes no representation as to information relating to Noble-Swiss (except as it may relate to Noble-Cayman) or any other affiliate or subsidiary of Noble-Swiss. Since Noble-Cayman meets the conditions specified in General Instructions H(1)(a) and (b) to Form 10-Q, it is permitted to use the reduced disclosure format for wholly owned subsidiaries of reporting companies. Accordingly, Noble-Cayman has omitted from this report the information called for by Item 3 (Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk) of Part I of Form 10-Q and the following items of Part II of Form 10-Q: Item 2 (Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds) and Item 3 (Defaults upon Senior Securities).
This report should be read in its entirety as it pertains to each Registrant. Except where indicated, the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes are combined. References in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “Noble,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and words of similar meaning refer collectively to Noble-Swiss and its consolidated subsidiaries, including Noble-Cayman.

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. 
Financial Statements
NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2011     2010  
ASSETS
               
Current assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 230,877     $ 337,871  
Accounts receivable
    510,019       387,414  
Taxes receivable
    80,815       81,066  
Prepaid expenses
    67,311       35,502  
Other current assets
    88,474       69,941  
 
           
Total current assets
    977,496       911,794  
 
           
 
   
Property and equipment, at cost
    13,926,052       12,643,866  
Accumulated depreciation
    (2,863,482 )     (2,595,779 )
 
           
Property and equipment, net
    11,062,570       10,048,087  
 
           
 
               
Other assets
    398,172       342,506  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 12,438,238     $ 11,302,387  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
Current liabilities
               
Current maturities of long-term debt
  $     $ 80,213  
Accounts payable
    303,902       374,814  
Accrued payroll and related costs
    114,736       125,663  
Interest payable
    58,328       40,260  
Taxes payable
    69,764       96,448  
Other current liabilities
    79,826       84,049  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    626,556       801,447  
 
           
 
               
Long-term debt
    3,521,770       2,686,484  
Deferred income taxes
    257,069       258,822  
Other liabilities
    212,475       268,000  
 
           
Total liabilities
    4,617,870       4,014,753  
 
           
 
               
Commitments and contingencies
               
 
               
Shareholders’ equity
               
Shares; 262,668 and 262,415 shares outstanding
    857,795       917,684  
Treasury shares, at cost; 10,378 and 10,140 shares
    (383,344 )     (373,967 )
Additional paid-in capital
    50,499       39,006  
Retained earnings
    6,739,078       6,630,500  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (42,316 )     (50,220 )
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    7,221,712       7,163,003  
 
           
 
   
Noncontrolling interests
    598,656       124,631  
 
           
Total equity
    7,820,368       7,287,634  
 
           
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 12,438,238     $ 11,302,387  
 
           
See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
Operating revenues
                               
Contract drilling services
  $ 589,550     $ 687,510     $ 1,132,155     $ 1,496,156  
Reimbursables
    24,122       13,753       46,413       37,986  
Labor contract drilling services
    14,012       8,056       27,559       15,817  
Other
    313       603       758       814  
 
                       
 
    627,997       709,922       1,206,885       1,550,773  
 
                       
Operating costs and expenses
                               
Contract drilling services
    336,728       275,595       643,091       530,026  
Reimbursables
    18,723       10,365       35,826       30,108  
Labor contract drilling services
    8,750       5,380       17,273       11,268  
Depreciation and amortization
    163,119       126,227       321,241       242,084  
Selling, general and administrative
    21,632       23,808       45,347       45,779  
Gain on contract extinguishments, net
                (21,202 )      
 
                       
 
    548,952       441,375       1,041,576       859,265  
 
                       
 
                               
Operating income
    79,045       268,547       165,309       691,508  
 
                               
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized
    (14,829 )     (510 )     (33,870 )     (975 )
Interest income and other, net
    (534 )     1,006       2,058       4,632  
 
                       
Income before income taxes
    63,682       269,043       133,497       695,165  
Income tax provision
    (9,508 )     (51,118 )     (24,867 )     (106,514 )
 
                       
Net income
    54,174       217,925       108,630       588,651  
 
                               
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (91 )           (52 )      
 
                       
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation
  $ 54,083     $ 217,925     $ 108,578     $ 588,651  
 
                       
 
                               
Net income per share
                               
Basic
  $ 0.21     $ 0.85     $ 0.43     $ 2.29  
Diluted
  $ 0.21     $ 0.85     $ 0.43     $ 2.28  
See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
                 
    Six Months Ended  
    June 30,  
    2011     2010  
Cash flows from operating activities
               
Net income
  $ 108,630     $ 588,651  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    321,241       242,084  
Gain on contract extinguishments, net
    (21,202 )      
Deferred income taxes
    (1,753 )     (11,842 )
Share-based compensation expense
    16,388       16,285  
Net change in other assets and liabilities
    (177,968 )     179,246  
 
           
Net cash from operating activities
    245,336       1,014,424  
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Capital expenditures
    (1,428,783 )     (531,401 )
Change in accrued capital expenditures
    (51,500 )     (17,848 )
Refund from contract extinguishments
    18,642        
 
           
Net cash from investing activities
    (1,461,641 )     (549,249 )
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Borrowings on bank credit facilities
    625,000        
Payments of bank credit facilities
    (240,000 )      
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs
    1,087,833        
Contributions from joint venture partners
    436,000        
Payments of joint venture debt
    (693,494 )      
Settlement of interest rate swaps
    (29,032 )      
Par value reduction payments
    (72,141 )     (23,306 )
Financing costs on credit facilities
    (2,835 )      
Proceeds from employee stock transactions
    7,357       3,711  
Repurchases of employee shares surrendered for taxes
    (9,377 )     (9,309 )
Repurchases of shares
          (88,652 )
 
           
Net cash from financing activities
    1,109,311       (117,556 )
 
           
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (106,994 )     347,619  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    337,871       735,493  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 230,877     $ 1,083,112  
 
           
See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
                                                                 
                    Additional                     Other              
    Shares     Paid-in     Retained     Treasury     Comprehensive     Noncontrolling     Total  
    Balance     Par Value     Capital     Earnings     Shares     Loss     Interests     Equity  
 
                                                               
Balance at December 31, 2010
    262,415     $ 917,684     $ 39,006     $ 6,630,500     $ (373,967 )   $ (50,220 )   $ 124,631     $ 7,287,634  
 
                                                               
Employee related equity activity
                                                               
Share-based compensation expense
                16,388                               16,388  
Issuance of share-based compensation shares
    176       606       (599 )                             7  
Exercise of stock options
    389       1,294       5,782                               7,076  
Tax benefit of stock options exercised
                274                               274  
 
   
Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes
    (312 )     (1,084 )     1,084             (9,377 )                 (9,377 )
Net income
                      108,578                   52       108,630  
Equity contribution by joint venture partner
                                        473,973       473,973  
Par value reduction payments ($0.29 per Share)
          (60,705 )     (11,436 )                             (72,141 )
Other comprehensive income, net
                                  7,904             7,904  
 
                                               
Balance at June 30, 2011
    262,668     $ 857,795     $ 50,499     $ 6,739,078     $ (383,344 )   $ (42,316 )   $ 598,656     $ 7,820,368  
 
                                               
See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
 
   
Net income
  $ 54,174     $ 217,925     $ 108,630     $ 588,651  
 
                               
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    1,375       (1,980 )     4,382       (6,461 )
Gain (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts
    2,351       (1,009 )     2,513       (2,934 )
Loss on interest rate swaps
                (366 )      
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts
    689       634       1,375       1,273  
 
                       
Other comprehensive income (loss), net
    4,415       (2,355 )     7,904       (8,122 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (91 )           (52 )      
 
                       
 
                               
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation
  $ 58,498     $ 215,570     $ 116,482     $ 580,529  
 
                       
See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2011     2010  
ASSETS
               
Current assets
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 224,917     $ 333,399  
Accounts receivable
    509,986       387,414  
Taxes receivable
    80,815       81,066  
Prepaid expenses
    64,677       33,232  
Other current assets
    88,035       69,821  
 
           
Total current assets
    968,430       904,932  
 
           
 
   
Property and equipment, at cost
    13,892,227       12,614,974  
Accumulated depreciation
    (2,859,227 )     (2,594,954 )
 
           
Property and equipment, net
    11,033,000       10,020,020  
 
           
 
               
Other assets
    398,255       342,592  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 12,399,685     $ 11,267,544  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
               
Current liabilities
               
Current maturities of long-term debt
  $     $ 80,213  
Accounts payable
    303,617       374,559  
Accrued payroll and related costs
    105,386       120,634  
Interest payable
    58,328       40,260  
Taxes payable
    66,764       94,132  
Other current liabilities
    79,277       83,759  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    613,372       793,557  
 
           
 
   
Long-term debt
    3,521,770       2,686,484  
Deferred income taxes
    257,069       258,822  
Other liabilities
    212,475       268,026  
 
           
Total liabilities
    4,604,686       4,006,889  
 
           
 
               
Commitments and contingencies
               
 
               
Shareholder equity
               
Ordinary shares; 261,246 shares outstanding
    26,125       26,125  
Capital in excess of par value
    426,460       416,232  
Retained earnings
    6,786,074       6,743,887  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (42,316 )     (50,220 )
 
           
Total shareholder equity
    7,196,343       7,136,024  
 
           
 
               
Noncontrolling interests
    598,656       124,631  
 
           
Total equity
    7,794,999       7,260,655  
 
           
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 12,399,685     $ 11,267,544  
 
           
See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
Operating revenues
                               
Contract drilling services
  $ 589,550     $ 687,510     $ 1,132,155     $ 1,496,156  
Reimbursables
    24,122       13,753       46,413       37,986  
Labor contract drilling services
    14,012       8,056       27,559       15,817  
Other
    313       603       758       814  
 
                       
 
    627,997       709,922       1,206,885       1,550,773  
 
                       
Operating costs and expenses
                               
Contract drilling services
    330,204       271,084       631,036       523,865  
Reimbursables
    18,723       10,365       35,826       30,108  
Labor contract drilling services
    8,750       5,380       17,273       11,268  
Depreciation and amortization
    162,636       126,052       320,291       241,716  
Selling, general and administrative
    14,642       15,534       31,173       31,422  
Gain on contract extinguishments, net
                (21,202 )      
 
                       
 
    534,955       428,415       1,014,397       838,379  
 
                       
 
                               
Operating income
    93,042       281,507       192,488       712,394  
 
                               
Other income (expense)
                               
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized
    (14,829 )     (510 )     (33,870 )     (975 )
Interest income and other, net
    (147 )     1,503       2,094       5,110  
 
                       
Income before income taxes
    78,066       282,500       160,712       716,529  
Income tax provision
    (9,157 )     (49,543 )     (24,182 )     (104,939 )
 
                       
Net income
    68,909       232,957       136,530       611,590  
 
                               
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (91 )           (52 )      
 
                       
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation
  $ 68,818     $ 232,957     $ 136,478     $ 611,590  
 
                       
See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
                 
    Six Months Ended  
    June 30,  
    2011     2010  
Cash flows from operating activities
               
Net income
  $ 136,530     $ 611,590  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    320,291       241,716  
Gain on contract extinguishments, net
    (21,202 )      
Deferred income taxes
    (1,753 )     (11,843 )
Capital contribution by parent — share-based compensation
    10,228       10,301  
Net change in other assets and liabilities
    (185,049 )     174,670  
 
           
Net cash from operating activities
    259,045       1,026,434  
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Capital expenditures
    (1,423,850 )     (531,033 )
Change in accrued capital expenditures
    (51,500 )     (17,848 )
Refund from contract extinguishments
    18,642        
 
           
Net cash from investing activities
    (1,456,708 )     (548,881 )
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Borrowings on bank credit facilities
    625,000        
Payments of bank credit facilities
    (240,000 )      
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs
    1,087,833        
Contributions from joint venture partners
    436,000        
Payments of joint venture debt
    (693,494 )      
Settlement of interest rate swaps
    (29,032 )      
Financing costs on credit facilities
    (2,835 )      
Distributions to parent company, net
    (94,291 )     (128,315 )
 
           
Net cash from financing activities
    1,089,181       (128,315 )
 
           
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (108,482 )     349,238  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    333,399       726,225  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 224,917     $ 1,075,463  
 
           
See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
                                                         
                                    Accumulated              
                    Capital in             Other              
    Shares     Excess of     Retained     Comprehensive     Noncontrolling     Total  
    Balance     Par Value     Par Value     Earnings     Loss     Interests     Equity  
 
                                                       
Balance at December 31, 2010
    261,246     $ 26,125     $ 416,232     $ 6,743,887     $ (50,220 )   $ 124,631     $ 7,260,655  
Net income
                      136,478             52       136,530  
Capital contributions by parent — share-based compensation
                10,228                         10,228  
Distributions to parent
                      (94,291 )                 (94,291 )
Noncontrolling interest contributions
                                  473,973       473,973  
Other comprehensive income, net
                            7,904             7,904  
 
                                         
Balance at June 30, 2011
    261,246     $ 26,125     $ 426,460     $ 6,786,074     $ (42,316 )   $ 598,656     $ 7,794,999  
 
                                         
See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
 
   
Net income
  $ 68,909     $ 232,957     $ 136,530     $ 611,590  
 
                               
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    1,375       (1,980 )     4,382       (6,461 )
Gain (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts
    2,351       (1,009 )     2,513       (2,934 )
Loss on interest rate swaps
                (366 )      
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts
    689       634       1,375       1,273  
 
                       
Other comprehensive income (loss), net
    4,415       (2,355 )     7,904       (8,122 )
 
                       
 
   
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
    (91 )           (52 )      
 
                       
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation
  $ 73,233     $ 230,602     $ 144,382     $ 603,468  
 
                       
See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Note 1 — Organization and Basis of Presentation
Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation, is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. At June 30, 2011, our fleet consisted of 76 mobile offshore drilling units located worldwide as follows: 14 semisubmersibles, 13 drillships, 47 jackups and two submersibles. In addition, we have one floating production storage and offloading unit (“FPSO”). At June 30, 2011, we had 11 of our 76 units under construction as follows:
   
two dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environment Globetrotter-class drillships,
   
two dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environment Bully-class drillships,
   
three dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater harsh environment drillships, and
   
four high-specification heavy duty, harsh environment jackup rigs.
Subsequent to June 30, 2011, we exercised options for the construction of two additional high-specification heavy duty, harsh environment jackup rigs.
Our global fleet is currently located in the following areas: the Middle East, India, the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, the Mediterranean, the North Sea, Brazil, West Africa and the Asian Pacific. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921.
Noble-Cayman is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Swiss, our publicly-traded parent company. Noble-Swiss’ principal asset is all of the shares of Noble-Cayman. Noble-Cayman has no public equity outstanding. The consolidated financial statements of Noble-Swiss include the accounts of Noble-Cayman, and Noble-Swiss conducts substantially all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries.
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Noble-Swiss and Noble-Cayman have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as they pertain to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods, on a basis consistent with the annual audited consolidated financial statements. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The December 31, 2010 Consolidated Balance Sheets presented herein are derived from the December 31, 2010 audited consolidated financial statements. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed by both Noble-Swiss and Noble-Cayman. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
Certain amounts in prior periods have been revised to conform to the current year presentation. Taxes payable in the December 31, 2010 Consolidated Balance Sheets was reported net of approximately $81 million in taxes receivable. During the quarter ended June 30, 2011, we determined that a right of offset in certain taxable jurisdictions did not exist for these receivables, and they are now being disclosed separately as a current asset. For the December 31, 2010 Consolidated Balance Sheets presented herein, these amounts have been revised to conform to the current year presentation. We believe that this revision is immaterial, as it did not have a material impact on our financial position, working capital, results of operations or cash flows from operations.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Note 2 — Acquisition of FDR Holdings Limited
On July 28, 2010, Noble-Swiss and Noble AM Merger Co., a Cayman Islands company and indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Swiss (“Merger Sub”), completed the acquisition of FDR Holdings Limited, a Cayman Islands company (“Frontier”). Under the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger with Frontier and certain of Frontier’s shareholders, Merger Sub merged with and into Frontier, with Frontier surviving as an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Swiss and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Cayman. The Frontier acquisition was for a purchase price of approximately $1.7 billion in cash plus liabilities assumed and strategically expanded and enhanced our global fleet by adding three dynamically positioned drillships (including two Bully-class joint venture-owned drillships under construction), two conventionally moored drillships, including one that is Arctic-class, a conventionally moored deepwater semisubmersible and one dynamically positioned FPSO. Frontier’s results of operations were included in our results beginning July 28, 2010. We funded the cash consideration paid at closing of approximately $1.7 billion using proceeds from our July 2010 offering of senior notes and existing cash on hand.
The following unaudited pro forma financial information for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 gives effect to the Frontier acquisition as if it had occurred at January 1, 2009. The pro forma results are based on historical data and are not intended to be indicative of the results of future operations.
                 
    Three months     Six months  
    ended     ended  
    June 30, 2010     June 30, 2010  
Total operating revenues
  $ 784,424     $ 1,693,039  
Net income
    191,377       552,601  
Net income per share
  $ 0.74     $ 2.14  
Note 3 — Consolidated Joint Ventures
In connection with the Frontier acquisition, we acquired Frontier’s 50 percent interest in two joint ventures, each with a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, PLC (“Shell”), for the construction and operation of the two Bully-class drillships. Since these entities’ equity at risk is insufficient to permit them to carry on their activities without additional financial support, they each meet the criteria for a variable interest entity. We have determined that we are the primary beneficiary for accounting purposes. Accordingly, we consolidate the entities in our consolidated financial statements after eliminating intercompany transactions. Shell’s equity interest is presented as noncontrolling interests on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
In the first quarter of 2011, the joint venture credit facilities, which had a combined outstanding balance of $693 million, were repaid in full through contributions to the joint ventures from Noble and Shell. Shell contributed $361 million in equity to fund their portion of the repayment of joint venture credit facilities and related interest rate swaps, which were settled concurrent with the repayment and termination of the joint venture credit facilities.
In January 2011, the Bully joint ventures issued notes to the joint venture partners totaling $70 million. The interest rate on these notes was 10%, payable semi-annually in arrears and in kind on June 30 and December 31 commencing in June 2011. The purpose of these notes was to provide additional liquidity to the joint ventures in connection with the shipyard construction of the Bully vessels.
In April 2011, the Bully joint venture partners entered into a subscription agreement, pursuant to which each partner was issued equity in each of the Bully joint ventures in exchange for the cancellation of all outstanding joint venture partner notes. The subscription agreement converted all joint venture partner notes into equity of the respective joint venture. The total capital contributed as a result of these agreements was $146 million, which included $142 million in outstanding notes, plus accrued interest. Our portion of the capital contribution, totaling $73 million, was eliminated in consolidation.
At June 30, 2011, the combined carrying amount of the drillships was $1.1 billion, which was primarily funded through partner equity contributions. The joint venture partners entered into capital contribution agreements in April 2011 whereby capital calls can be made for funds needed to complete the projects. The total funding available to the Bully joint ventures under these agreements at June 30, 2011 was $280 million.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Note 4 — Share Data
Share capital
The following is a detail of Noble-Swiss’ share capital as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2011     2010  
 
   
Shares outstanding and trading
    252,290       252,275  
Treasury shares
    10,378       10,140  
 
           
Total shares outstanding
    262,668       262,415  
 
   
Treasury shares held for share-based compensation plans
    13,598       13,851  
 
           
Total shares authorized for issuance
    276,266       276,266  
 
           
 
               
Par value per share (in Swiss Francs)
    3.67       3.93  
Shares authorized for issuance by Noble-Swiss at June 30, 2011 totaled 276.3 million shares and include 10.4 million shares held in treasury and 13.6 million treasury shares held by a wholly-owned subsidiary. Repurchased treasury shares are recorded at cost, and include shares repurchased pursuant to our approved share repurchase program discussed below and shares surrendered by employees for taxes payable upon the vesting of restricted stock.
Our Board of Directors may further increase Noble-Swiss’ share capital through the issuance of up to 138.1 million conditionally authorized registered shares without obtaining shareholder approval. The issuance of these conditionally authorized registered shares is subject to certain conditions regarding their use.
Treasury shares/share repurchases
Share repurchases were made pursuant to the share repurchase program that our Board of Directors authorized and adopted. Subsequent to our 2009 Swiss migration, all shares repurchased under our share repurchase program are held in treasury. At June 30, 2011, 6.8 million shares remained available for repurchase under this authorization. Treasury shares held at June 30, 2011 include 9.9 million shares repurchased under our share repurchase program and 0.5 million shares surrendered by employees for taxes payable upon the vesting of restricted stock or exercise of stock options.
The number of shares that we may hold in treasury is limited under Swiss law. In April 2011, our shareholders approved the cancellation of 10.1 million shares held in treasury. During July 2011, after making the required filings with the Swiss Commercial Register, these 10.1 million treasury shares were cancelled and the total number of shares authorized for issuance was reduced to 266.2 million shares.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Earnings per share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for Noble-Swiss:
                                 
    Three months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
Allocation of net income
                               
Basic
                               
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation
  $ 54,083     $ 217,925     $ 108,578     $ 588,651  
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards
    (572 )     (2,143 )     (1,083 )     (5,652 )
 
                       
Net income to common shareholders — basic
  $ 53,511     $ 215,782     $ 107,495     $ 582,999  
 
                       
 
                               
Diluted
                               
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation
  $ 54,083     $ 217,925     $ 108,578     $ 588,651  
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards
    (572 )     (2,137 )     (1,082 )     (5,632 )
 
                       
Net income to common shareholders — diluted
  $ 53,511     $ 215,788     $ 107,496     $ 583,019  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic
    251,368       254,224       251,198       254,671  
Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options
    700       800       737       949  
 
                       
Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted
    252,068       255,024       251,935       255,620  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards
    2,688       2,480       2,554       2,431  
 
                       
 
                               
Earnings per share
                               
Basic
  $ 0.21     $ 0.85     $ 0.43     $ 2.29  
Diluted
  $ 0.21     $ 0.85     $ 0.43     $ 2.28  
Only those items having a dilutive impact on our basic earnings per share are included in diluted earnings per share. At June 30, 2011, stock options totaling approximately 0.7 million were excluded from the diluted earnings per share as they were not dilutive as compared to 0.8 million at June 30, 2010.
Note 5 — Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, at cost, as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 consisted of the following:
                 
    2011     2010  
Drilling equipment and facilities
  $ 9,824,335     $ 8,900,266  
Construction in progress
    3,918,618       3,571,017  
Other
    183,099       172,583  
 
           
 
  $ 13,926,052     $ 12,643,866  
 
           
Capital expenditures, including capitalized interest, totaled $1.4 billion and $531 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Capital expenditures for 2011 consisted of the following:
   
$972 million for newbuild construction;
   
$293 million for major projects, including $82 million to upgrade two drillships currently operating in Brazil;
   
$108 million for other capitalized expenditures including major maintenance and regulatory expenditures which generally have useful lives ranging from 3 to 5 years; and
   
$56 million in capitalized interest.
Interest is capitalized on construction-in-progress at the weighted average cost of debt outstanding during the period of construction. Capitalized interest was $29 million and $56 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, as compared to $13 million and $26 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Note 6 — Gain on contract extinguishments, net
In January 2011, we announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. (“Petrobras”) regarding operations in Brazil. Under the terms of the MOU, we agreed to substitute the Noble Phoenix, then under contract with Shell in Southeast Asia, for the Noble Muravlenko. In January 2011, Shell agreed to release the Noble Phoenix from its contract, which was effective in March 2011. The Noble Phoenix is undergoing limited contract preparations, after which the unit will mobilize to Brazil. During the second quarter of 2011, Petrobras formally approved the rig substitution. We expect that acceptance of the Noble Phoenix will take place in the fourth quarter of 2011. In connection with the cancelation of the contract with Shell on the Noble Phoenix, we recognized a non-cash gain of approximately $52.5 million during the first quarter of 2011, which represented the unamortized fair value of the in-place contract assumed in connection with the Frontier acquisition.
Also in January 2011, as a result of the substitution discussed above, we reached a decision not to proceed with the previously announced reliability upgrade to the Noble Muravlenko that was scheduled to take place in 2013. As a result, we incurred a non-cash charge of approximately $32.6 million related to the termination of outstanding shipyard contracts.
In February 2011, the outstanding balances of the Bully joint venture credit facilities, which totaled $693 million, were repaid in full and the credit facilities terminated using a portion of the proceeds from our February 2011 debt offering and equity contributions from our joint venture partner. In addition, the related interest rate swaps were settled and terminated concurrent with the repayment and termination of the credit facilities. As a result of these transactions, we recognized a gain of approximately $1.3 million during the first quarter of 2011.
Note 7 — Receivables from Customers
In June 2010, a subsidiary of Frontier entered into a charter contract with a subsidiary of BP PLC (“BP”) for the Seillean with a term of a minimum of 100 days. The unit went on hire on July 23, 2010. In October 2010, BP initiated an arbitration proceeding against us claiming the contract was void ab initio, or never existed, due to a fundamental breach and has made other claims and is demanding that we reimburse the amounts already paid to us under the charter. We believe BP owes us the amounts due under the charter. The charter has a “hell or high water” provision requiring payment, and we believe we have satisfied our obligations under the charter. Outstanding receivables related to this charter totaled $35 million as of June 30, 2011. We believe that if BP were to be successful in claiming the contract void ab initio we would have an indemnity claim against the former shareholders of Frontier, and we have put them on notice to that effect. We can make no assurances as to the outcome of this dispute.
At June 30, 2011, we had accounts receivable of approximately $14 million related to the Noble Max Smith which are being disputed by our customer, Pemex Exploracion y Produccion (“Pemex”). The disputed amount relates to lost revenues due from Pemex for downtime that occurred when our rig was damaged after one of Pemex’s supply boats collided with our rig. We believe that we are entitled to these revenues and continue to pursue resolution to this issue.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Note 8 — Debt
Total debt consisted of the following at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2011     2010  
Wholly-owned debt instruments:
               
5.875% Senior Notes due 2013
  $ 299,929     $ 299,911  
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014
    249,574       249,506  
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015
    350,000       350,000  
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016
    299,931        
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019
    201,695       201,695  
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020
    498,726       498,672  
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021
    399,458        
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040
    399,889       399,889  
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041
    397,568        
Credit facilities
    425,000       40,000  
 
               
Consolidated joint venture debt instruments:
               
Joint venture credit facilities
  $     $ 691,052  
Joint venture partner notes
          35,972  
 
           
Total Debt
    3,521,770       2,766,697  
 
               
Less: Current Maturities
          (80,213 )
 
           
Long-term Debt
  $ 3,521,770     $ 2,686,484  
 
           
We have two separate revolving credit facilities in place which provide us with a total borrowing capacity of $1.2 billion. One credit facility, which has a capacity of $600 million, matures in 2013, and during the first quarter of 2011, we entered into an additional $600 million revolving credit facility which matures in 2015 (together referred to as the “Credit Facilities”). The covenants and events of default under the Credit Facilities are substantially similar, and each facility contains a covenant that limits our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization, as defined in the Credit Facilities, to 0.60. We were in compliance with all covenants as of June 30, 2011.
The Credit Facilities provide us with the ability to issue up to $300 million in letters of credit in the aggregate. While the issuance of letters of credit does not increase our borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facilities, it does reduce the amount available. At June 30, 2011, we had borrowings of $425 million outstanding and no letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facilities.
In February 2011, we issued through our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Noble Holding International Limited (“NHIL”), $1.1 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes in three separate tranches, comprising $300 million of 3.05% Senior Notes due 2016, $400 million of 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021, and $400 million of 6.05% Senior Notes due 2041. A portion of the net proceeds of approximately $1.09 billion, after expenses, was used to repay the outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility and to repay our portion of outstanding debt under the joint venture credit facilities discussed below.
In the first quarter of 2011, the joint venture credit facilities, which had a combined outstanding balance of $693 million, were repaid in full through contributions to the joint ventures from Noble and Shell. Shell contributed $361 million in equity to fund their portion of the repayment of joint venture credit facilities and related interest rate swaps, which were settled concurrent with the repayment and termination of the joint venture credit facilities.
In January 2011, the Bully joint ventures issued notes to the joint venture partners totaling $70 million. The interest rate on these notes was 10%, payable semi-annually in arrears and in kind on June 30 and December 31 commencing in June 2011. The purpose of these notes was to provide additional liquidity to the joint ventures in connection with the shipyard construction of the Bully vessels.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
In April 2011, the Bully joint venture partners entered into a subscription agreement, pursuant to which each partner was issued equity in each of the Bully joint ventures in exchange for the cancellation of all outstanding joint venture partner notes. The subscription agreement has the effect of converting all joint venture partner notes into equity of the respective joint venture. The total capital contributed as a result of these agreements was $146 million, which included $142 million in outstanding notes, plus accrued interest. Our portion of the capital contribution, totaling $73 million, was eliminated in consolidation.
Fair Value of Debt
Fair value represents the amount at which an instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The estimated fair value of our senior notes was based on the quoted market prices for similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of similar remaining maturities. The following table presents the estimated fair value of our long-term debt as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
                                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Carrying     Estimated     Carrying     Estimated  
    Value     Fair Value     Value     Fair Value  
Wholly-owned debt instruments
                               
5.875% Senior Notes due 2013
  $ 299,929     $ 324,745     $ 299,911     $ 324,281  
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014
    249,574       285,298       249,506       282,078  
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015
    350,000       362,312       350,000       357,292  
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016
    299,931       302,553              
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019
    201,695       245,187       201,695       242,464  
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020
    498,726       517,933       498,672       516,192  
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021
    399,458       405,760              
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040
    399,889       421,767       399,889       423,345  
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041
    397,568       411,041              
Credit facilities
    425,000       425,000       40,000       40,000  
Consolidated joint venture debt instruments
                               
Joint venture credit facilities
                691,052       691,052  
Joint venture partner notes
                35,972       35,972  
Note 9 — Income Taxes
At December 31, 2010, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $145 million (net of related tax benefits of $8 million). At June 30, 2011, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $141 million (net of related tax benefits of $9 million). If the June 30, 2011 reserves are not realized, the provision for income taxes would be reduced by $124 million and equity would be directly increased by $17 million.
It is possible that our existing liabilities related to our reserve for uncertain tax position amounts may increase or decrease in the next twelve months primarily from the completion of open audits or the expiration of statutes of limitation. However, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of changes in our existing liabilities for various uncertainties, such as the unresolved nature of various audits.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Note 10 — Employee Benefit Plans
Pension costs include the following components:
                                 
    Three Months Ended June 30,  
    2011     2010  
    Non-U.S.     U.S.     Non-U.S.     U.S.  
 
                               
Service cost
  $ 1,153     $ 2,152     $ 1,050     $ 1,912  
Interest cost
    1,440       2,143       1,204       1,957  
Return on plan assets
    (1,454 )     (2,768 )     (1,302 )     (2,392 )
Amortization of prior service cost
          57             57  
Amortization of transition obligation
    19             18        
Recognized net actuarial loss
    123       843       175       705  
 
                       
Net pension expense
  $ 1,281     $ 2,427     $ 1,145     $ 2,239  
 
                       
                                 
    Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2011     2010  
    Non-U.S.     U.S.     Non-U.S.     U.S.  
 
                               
Service cost
  $ 2,246     $ 4,304     $ 2,166     $ 3,824  
Interest cost
    2,823       4,286       2,470       3,914  
Return on plan assets
    (2,857 )     (5,536 )     (2,668 )     (4,784 )
Amortization of prior service cost
          113             114  
Amortization of transition obligation
    37             36        
Recognized net actuarial loss
    243       1,687       356       1,410  
 
                       
Net pension expense
  $ 2,492     $ 4,854     $ 2,360     $ 4,478  
 
                       
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, we made contributions to our pension plans totaling $2 million and $3 million, respectively. We expect the funding to our non-U.S. and U.S. plans in 2011, subject to applicable law, to be approximately $10 million.
We sponsor the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings Restoration Plan (“Restoration Plan”). The Restoration Plan is a nonqualified, unfunded employee benefit plan under which certain highly compensated employees may elect to defer compensation in excess of amounts deferrable under our 401(k) savings plan. The Restoration Plan has no assets, and amounts withheld for the Restoration Plan are kept by us for general corporate purposes. The investments selected by employees and the associated returns are tracked on a phantom basis. Accordingly, we have a liability to employees for amounts originally withheld plus phantom investment income or less phantom investment losses. We are at risk for phantom investment income and, conversely, we benefit should phantom investment losses occur. At both June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, our liability under the Restoration Plan totaled $7 million. We have purchased investments that closely correlate to the investment elections made by participants in the Restoration Plan in order to mitigate the impact of the phantom investment income and losses on our financial statements. The value of these investments held for our benefit totaled $7 million at both June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
Note 11 — Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
We periodically enter into derivative instruments to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We have documented policies and procedures to monitor and control the use of derivative instruments. We do not engage in derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes, nor were we a party to leveraged derivatives. During the period, we maintained certain foreign exchange forward contracts that did not qualify under the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) standards for hedge accounting treatment and therefore, changes in fair values were recognized as either income or loss in our consolidated income statement.
For foreign currency forward contracts, hedge effectiveness is evaluated at inception based on the matching of critical terms between derivative contracts and the hedged item. For interest rate swaps, we evaluate all material terms between the swap and the underlying debt obligation, known in FASB standards as the “long-haul method.” Any change in fair value resulting from ineffectiveness is recognized immediately in earnings.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Cash Flow Hedges
Our North Sea and Brazil operations have a significant amount of their cash operating expenses payable in local currencies. To limit the potential risk of currency fluctuations, we typically maintain short-term forward contracts settling monthly in their respective local currencies. The forward contract settlements in the remainder of 2011 represent approximately 52 percent of these forecasted local currency requirements. The notional amount of the forward contracts outstanding, expressed in U.S. Dollars, was approximately $113 million at June 30, 2011. Total unrealized gains related to these forward contracts were $4 million as of June 30, 2011 and were recorded as part of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (“AOCL”).
Our two joint ventures had maintained interest rate swaps which were classified as cash flow hedges. The purpose of these hedges was to satisfy bank covenants of the then outstanding credit facilities and to limit exposure to changes in interest rates. In February 2011, the outstanding balances of the joint venture credit facilities and the related interest rate swaps were settled and terminated. As a result of these transactions we recognized a gain of $1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2011.
The balance of the net unrealized gain/(loss) related to our cash flow hedges included in AOCL and related activity is as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
 
   
Net unrealized gain at beginning of period
  $ 1,766     $ (1,508 )   $ 1,970     $ 417  
Activity during period:
                               
Settlement of foreign currency forward contracts during the period
    (801 )     617       (1,382 )     (356 )
Settlement of interest rate swaps during the period
                (366 )      
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on outstanding foreign currency forward contracts
    3,152       (1,626 )     3,895       (2,578 )
 
                       
Net unrealized gain/(loss) at end of period
  $ 4,117     $ (2,517 )   $ 4,117     $ (2,517 )
 
                       
Fair Value Hedges
We have entered into a firm commitment for the construction of the Noble Globetrotter I drillship. The drillship is being constructed in two phases, with the second phase being installation and commissioning of the topside equipment. The contract for this second phase of construction is denominated in Euros, and in order to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, we entered into forward contracts to purchase Euros. As of June 30, 2011, the aggregate notional amount of the remaining outstanding forward contract was 10 million Euros. This forward contract settles in connection with a required payment under the construction contract. We are accounting for this forward contract as a fair value hedge. The fair market value of this derivative instrument is included in “Other current assets/liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Gains and losses from this fair value hedge would be recognized in earnings currently, along with the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged, if any portion was found to be ineffective. The fair market value of this outstanding forward contract totaled approximately $51,000 at June 30, 2011 and $3 million at December 31, 2010. No gain or loss was recognized in the income statement for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 or 2010, respectively.
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts
One of our joint ventures maintained foreign exchange forward contracts to help mitigate the risk of currency fluctuation of the Singapore Dollar for the construction of the Noble Bully II drillship. These contracts were not designated for hedge accounting treatment under FASB standards, and therefore, changes in fair values were recognized as either income or loss in our Consolidated Income Statement. These contracts are referred to as non-designated derivatives in the tables to follow, and all were settled during the first quarter of 2011. For the six months ended June 30, 2011, we recognized a loss of $0.5 million related to these foreign exchange forward contracts.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Financial Statement Presentation
The following tables, together with Note 12, summarize the financial statement presentation and fair value of our derivative positions as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
                         
            Estimated fair value  
    Balance sheet     June 30,     December 31,  
    classification     2011     2010  
Asset derivatives
                       
Cash flow hedges
                       
Short-term foreign currency forward contracts
  Other current assets   $ 4,260     $ 2,015  
Fair value hedges
                       
Short-term foreign currency forward contracts
  Other current liabilities     51        
Non-designated derivatives
                       
Short-term foreign currency forward contracts
  Other current assets           2,603  
 
                       
Liability derivatives
                       
Cash flow hedges
                       
Short-term foreign currency forward contracts
  Other current liabilities   $ 143     $ 412  
Short-term interest rate swaps
  Other current liabilities           15,697  
Long-term interest rate swaps
  Other liabilities           10,893  
Fair value hedges
                       
Short-term foreign currency forward contracts
  Other current liabilities           3,306  
To supplement the fair value disclosures in Note 12, the following summarizes the recognized gains and losses of cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives through AOCL or through “other income” for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:
                                                 
          Gain/(loss) reclassified        
    Gain/(loss) recognized     from AOCL to “other     Gain/(loss) recognized  
    through AOCL     income”     through “other income”  
    2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010  
Cash flow hedges
                                               
Foreign currency forward contracts
  $ 3,152     $ (1,626 )   $ 801     $ (617 )   $     $  
During the six months ended June 30, 2011, in connection with the settlement of our interest rate swaps, $1 million was reclassified from AOCL to gain on contract extinguishments.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
The following summarizes the recognized gains and losses of cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives through AOCL or through “other income” for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:
                                                 
          Gain/(loss) reclassified        
    Gain/(loss) recognized     from AOCL to “other     Gain/(loss) recognized  
    through AOCL     income”     through “other income”  
    2011     2010     2011     2010     2011     2010  
 
   
Cash flow hedges
                                               
Foreign currency forward contracts
  $ 3,895     $ (2,578 )   $ 1,382     $ 356     $     $  
Non-designated derivatives
                                               
Foreign currency forward contracts
                            (546 )      
For cash flow presentation purposes, cash outflows of $29 million were recognized in the financing activities section related to the settlement of interest rate swaps. All other amounts were recognized as changes in operating activities.
Note 12 — Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following table presents the carrying amount and estimated fair value of our financial instruments recognized at fair value on a recurring basis:
                                                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
            Estimated Fair Value Measurements              
            Quoted     Significant                    
            Prices in     Other     Significant              
            Active     Observable     Unobservable              
    Carrying     Markets     Inputs     Inputs     Carrying     Estimated  
    Amount     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)     Amount     Fair Value  
Assets -
                                               
Marketable securities
  $ 7,178     $ 7,178     $     $     $ 6,854     $ 6,854  
Foreign currency forward contracts
    4,311             4,311             4,618       4,618  
Firm commitment
                            3,306       3,306  
 
                                               
Liabilities -
                                               
Interest rate swaps
  $     $     $     $     $ 26,590     $ 26,590  
Foreign currency forward contracts
    143             143             3,718       3,718  
Firm commitment
    51             51                    
The derivative instruments have been valued using actively quoted prices and quotes obtained from the counterparties to the derivative instruments. Our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are by their nature short-term. As a result, the carrying values included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets approximate fair value.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Note 13 — Commitments and Contingencies
In May 2010, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (“Anadarko”) sent a letter asserting that the initial attempted deepwater drilling moratorium in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, issued on May 28, 2010 by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, was an event of force majeure under the drilling contract for the Noble Amos Runner. In June 2010, Anadarko filed a declaratory judgment action in Federal District Court in Houston, Texas seeking to have the court declare that a force majeure condition had occurred and that the drilling contract was terminated by virtue of the initial proclaimed moratorium. We disagree that a force majeure event occurred and that Anadarko had the right to terminate the contract. In August 2010, we filed a counterclaim seeking damages from Anadarko for breach of contract. Anadarko has also attempted to offset approximately $13 million that we had billed for services performed prior to their termination of the contract. We do not believe Anadarko has a basis to offset these invoiced amounts. We do not believe the ultimate resolution of this matter will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. As a result of the uncertainties noted above, we have not recognized any revenue under the portion of this contract relating to the period after termination and the matter could have a material positive effect on our results of operations or cash flows for the period in which the matter is resolved.
The Noble Homer Ferrington is under contract with a subsidiary of ExxonMobil Corporation (“ExxonMobil”), who entered into an assignment agreement with BP for a two well farm-out of the rig in Libya after successfully drilling two wells with the rig for ExxonMobil. In August 2010, BP attempted to terminate the assignment agreement claiming that the rig was not in the required condition. ExxonMobil has informed us that we must look to BP for payment of the dayrate during the assignment period. In August 2010, we initiated arbitration proceedings under the drilling contract against both BP and ExxonMobil. We do not believe BP had the right to terminate the assignment agreement and believe the rig continued to be fully ready to operate under the drilling contract. The rig has been operating under farm-out arrangements since March 2011. We believe we are owed dayrate by either or both of these clients. The operating dayrate was approximately $538,000 per day for the work in Libya. We are proceeding with the arbitration process and intend to vigorously pursue these claims. As a result of the uncertainties noted above, we have not recognized any revenue during the assignment period and the matter could have a material positive effect on our results of operations or cash flows in the period the matter is resolved.
In August 2007, we entered into a drilling contract with Marathon Oil Company (“Marathon”) for the Noble Jim Day to operate in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. On January 1, 2011, Marathon provided notice that it was terminating the contract. Marathon’s stated reason for the termination was that the rig had not been accepted by Marathon by December 31, 2010, and Marathon also maintained that a force majeure condition existed under the contract. The contract contained a provision allowing Marathon to terminate if the rig had not commenced operations by December 31, 2010. We believe the rig was ready to commence operations and should have been accepted by Marathon. The contract term was for four years and represented approximately $752 million in contract backlog at the time of termination. No revenue has been recognized under this contract. In March 2011, we filed suit in Texas state district court against Marathon seeking damages for its actions, and the suit is proceeding. We cannot provide assurance as to the outcome of this lawsuit.
During the fourth quarter of 2007, our Nigerian subsidiary received letters from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (“NIMASA”) seeking to collect a two percent surcharge on contract amounts under contracts performed by “vessels,” within the meaning of Nigeria’s cabotage laws, engaged in the Nigerian coastal shipping trade. Although we do not believe that these laws apply to our ownership of drilling units, NIMASA is seeking to apply a provision of the Nigerian cabotage laws (which became effective on May 1, 2004) to our offshore drilling units by considering these units to be “vessels” within the meaning of those laws and therefore subject to the surcharge, which is imposed only upon “vessels.” Our offshore drilling units are not engaged in the Nigerian coastal shipping trade and are not in our view “vessels” within the meaning of Nigeria’s cabotage laws. In January 2008, we filed an originating summons against NIMASA and the Minister of Transportation in the Federal High Court of Lagos, Nigeria seeking, among other things, a declaration that our drilling operations do not constitute “coastal trade” or “cabotage” within the meaning of Nigeria’s cabotage laws and that our offshore drilling units are not “vessels” within the meaning of those laws. In February 2009, NIMASA filed suit against us in the Federal High Court of Nigeria seeking collection of the cabotage surcharge. In August 2009, the court issued a favorable ruling in response to our originating summons stating that drilling operations do not fall within the cabotage laws and that drilling rigs are not vessels for purposes of those laws. The court also issued an injunction against the defendants prohibiting their interference with our drilling rigs or drilling operations. NIMASA has appealed the court’s ruling, although the court dismissed NIMASA’s lawsuit filed against us in February 2009. We intend to take all further appropriate legal action to resist the application of Nigeria’s cabotage laws to our drilling units. The outcome of any such legal action and the extent to which we may ultimately be responsible for the surcharge is uncertain. If it is ultimately determined that offshore drilling units constitute vessels within the meaning of the Nigerian cabotage laws, we may be required to pay the surcharge and comply with other aspects of the Nigerian cabotage laws, which could adversely affect our operations in Nigerian waters and require us to incur additional costs of compliance.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
NIMASA had also informed the Nigerian Content Division of its position that we are not in compliance with the cabotage laws. The Nigerian Content Division makes determinations of companies’ compliance with applicable local content regulations for purposes of government contracting, including contracting for services in connection with oil and gas concessions where the Nigerian national oil company is a partner. The Nigerian Content Division had originally barred us from participating in new tenders as a result of NIMASA’s allegations, although the Division reversed its actions based on the favorable Federal High Court ruling. However, no assurance can be given with respect to our ability to bid for future work in Nigeria until our dispute with NIMASA is resolved. Further, we continue to evaluate the local content regulations in Nigeria, which could also affect our ability to operate there and our profitability earned from Nigeria.
In November 2010, we concluded our contract for the Noble Duchess in Nigeria. Following the contract, we commenced the exportation process for the rig. We continue to discuss certain spare items that the customs authorities claim are unaccounted for and for which duty would be due. We believe the value of such equipment is insignificant and that the authorities are acting improperly. We have not been able to obtain clearance for the rig although we believe we will ultimately be able to export the rig in a timely manner. However, if the Nigerian customs authorities persist in this manner, the timing of the departure of the unit could be affected and could impede our marketing efforts.
We are from time to time a party to various lawsuits that are incidental to our operations in which the claimants seek an unspecified amount of monetary damages for personal injury, including injuries purportedly resulting from exposure to asbestos on drilling rigs and associated facilities. At June 30, 2011, there were approximately 21 asbestos related lawsuits in which we are one of many defendants. These lawsuits have been filed in the United States in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We intend to vigorously defend against the litigation. We do not believe the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
We are a defendant in certain claims and litigation arising out of operations in the ordinary course of business, including certain disputes with customers over receivables discussed in Note 7, the resolution of which, in the opinion of management, will not be material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. There is inherent risk in any litigation or dispute and no assurance can be given as to the outcome of these claims.
We operate in a number of countries throughout the world and our income tax returns filed in those jurisdictions are subject to review and examination by tax authorities within those jurisdictions. Our 2008 tax return is currently under audit by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. In addition, a U.S. subsidiary of Frontier is also under audit for its 2007 and 2008 tax returns. Furthermore, we are currently contesting several non-U.S. tax assessments and may contest future assessments when we believe the assessments are in error. We cannot predict or provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of the existing or future assessments. We believe the ultimate resolution of the outstanding assessments, for which we have not made any accrual, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. We recognize uncertain tax positions that we believe have a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained.
Certain of our non-U.S. income tax returns have been examined for the 2002 through 2008 periods and audit claims have been assessed for approximately $328 million (including interest and penalties), primarily in Mexico. We do not believe we owe these amounts and are defending our position. However, we expect increased audit activity in Mexico and anticipate the tax authorities will issue additional assessments and continue to pursue legal actions for all audit claims. We believe additional audit claims in the range of $10 to $12 million attributable to other business tax returns may be assessed against us. We have contested, or intend to contest, the audit findings, including through litigation if necessary, and we do not believe that there is greater than 50 percent likelihood that additional taxes will be incurred. Accordingly, no accrual has been made for such amounts.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
We maintain certain insurance coverage against specified marine perils, including liability for physical damage to our drilling rigs, and loss of hire on certain of our rigs. The damage caused in 2005 and 2008 by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ike negatively impacted the energy insurance market, resulting in more restricted and more expensive coverage for U.S. named windstorm perils. Accordingly, effective March 2009, we elected to self-insure this exposure to our units in the U.S. portion of the Gulf of Mexico. Our rigs located in the Mexican portion of the Gulf of Mexico remain covered by commercial insurance for windstorm damage. In addition, we maintain physical damage deductibles of $25 million per occurrence for rigs located in the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, Southeast Asia, the North Sea and New Zealand and $15 million per occurrence for rigs operating in West Africa, the Middle East, India, and the Mediterranean Sea. The loss of hire coverage applies only to our rigs operating under contract with a dayrate equal to or greater than $200,000 a day and is subject to a 45-day waiting period for each unit and each occurrence.
Although we maintain insurance in the geographic areas in which we operate, pollution, reservoir damage and environmental risks generally are not fully insurable. Our insurance policies and contractual rights to indemnity may not adequately cover our losses or may have exclusions of coverage for some losses. We do not have insurance coverage or rights to indemnity for all risks, including loss of hire insurance on most of the rigs in our fleet. Uninsured exposures may include expatriate activities prohibited by U.S. laws and regulations, radiation hazards, certain loss or damage to property on board our rigs and losses relating to shore-based terrorist acts or strikes. If a significant accident or other event occurs and is not fully covered by insurance or contractual indemnity, it could materially adversely affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Additionally, there can be no assurance that those parties with contractual obligations to indemnify us will necessarily be financially able to indemnify us against all these risks.
We carry protection and indemnity insurance covering marine third party liability exposures, which also includes coverage for employer’s liability resulting from personal injury to our offshore drilling crews. Our protection and indemnity policy currently has a standard deductible of $10 million per occurrence, with maximum liability coverage of $750 million.
In connection with our capital expenditure program, we had outstanding commitments, including shipyard and purchase commitments of approximately $2.6 billion at June 30, 2011.
We have entered into agreements with certain of our executive officers, as well as certain other employees. These agreements become effective upon a change of control of Noble-Swiss (within the meaning set forth in the agreements) or a termination of employment in connection with or in anticipation of a change of control, and remain effective for three years thereafter. These agreements provide for compensation and certain other benefits under such circumstances.
Internal Investigation
In 2007, we began, and voluntarily contacted the SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) to advise them of, an internal investigation of the legality under the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and local laws of certain reimbursement payments made by our Nigerian affiliate to our customs agents in Nigeria. In 2010, we finalized settlements of this matter with each of the SEC and the DOJ. Pursuant to these settlements, we agreed to pay fines and penalties to the DOJ and the SEC and to certain undertakings, including refraining from violating the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws, self-reporting any violations of the FCPA or such laws to the DOJ and reporting to the DOJ on an annual basis our progress on anti-corruption compliance matters. Our ability to comply with the terms of the settlements is dependent on the success of our ongoing compliance program, including our ability to continue to manage our agents and supervise, train and retain competent employees, and the efforts of our employees to comply with applicable law and our code of business conduct and ethics.
In January 2011, the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigerian Attorney General Office initiated an investigation into these same activities. A subsidiary of Noble-Swiss resolved this matter through the execution of a non-prosecution agreement dated January 28, 2011. Pursuant to this agreement, the subsidiary paid $2.5 million to resolve all charges and claims of the Nigerian government.
Any similar investigations or charges and any additional sanctions we may incur as a result of any such investigation could damage our reputation and result in substantial fines, sanctions, civil and/or criminal penalties and curtailment of operations in certain jurisdictions and might adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. Further, resolving any such investigation could be expensive and consume significant time and attention of our senior management.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
As of June 30, 2011, all of our rigs operating in Nigeria were operating under temporary import permits. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain new permits or further extensions of permits necessary to continue the operation of our rigs in Nigeria. If we cannot obtain a new permit or an extension necessary to continue operations of any rig, we may need to cease operations under the drilling contract for such rig and relocate such rig from Nigerian waters. We cannot predict what impact these events may have on any such contract or our business in Nigeria, and we could face additional fines and sanctions in Nigeria. Furthermore, we cannot predict what changes, if any, relating to temporary import permit policies and procedures may be established or implemented in Nigeria in the future, or how any such changes may impact our business there.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Note 14 — Segment and Related Information
We report our contract drilling operations as a single reportable segment: Contract Drilling Services. The consolidation of our contract drilling operations into one reportable segment is attributable to how we manage our business, and the fact that all of our drilling fleet is dependent upon the worldwide oil and gas industry. The mobile offshore drilling units comprising our offshore rig fleet operate in a single, global market for contract drilling services and are often redeployed globally in response to changing demands of our customers, which consist largely of major non-U.S. and government owned/controlled oil and gas companies throughout the world. Our contract drilling services segment currently conducts contract drilling operations principally in the Middle East, India, the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, the Mediterranean, the North Sea, Brazil, West Africa and the Asian Pacific.
We evaluate the performance of our operating segment primarily based on operating revenues and net income. Summarized financial information of our reportable segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 is shown in the following table. The “Other” column includes results of labor contract drilling services and corporate related items.
                                                 
    Three Months Ended June 30,  
    2011     2010  
    Contract                     Contract              
    Drilling                     Drilling              
    Services     Other     Total     Services     Other     Total  
 
                                               
Revenues from external customers
  $ 612,845     $ 15,152     $ 627,997     $ 701,102     $ 8,820     $ 709,922  
Depreciation and amortization
    159,843       3,276       163,119       123,379       2,848       126,227  
Segment operating income/ (loss)
    77,309       1,736       79,045       268,941       (394 )     268,547  
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized
    (683 )     (14,146 )     (14,829 )     (235 )     (275 )     (510 )
Income tax (provision)/ benefit
    (11,418 )     1,910       (9,508 )     (51,544 )     426       (51,118 )
Segment profit/ (loss)
    64,939       (10,856 )     54,083       219,267       (1,342 )     217,925  
Total assets (at end of period)
    12,046,536       391,702       12,438,238       7,761,724       1,141,778       8,903,502  
Capital expenditures
    810,723       3,736       814,459       181,505       11,132       192,637  
                                                 
    Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2011     2010  
    Contract                     Contract              
    Drilling                     Drilling              
    Services     Other     Total     Services     Other     Total  
 
                                               
Revenues from external customers
  $ 1,177,499     $ 29,386     $ 1,206,885     $ 1,533,262     $ 17,511     $ 1,550,773  
Depreciation and amortization
    314,731       6,510       321,241       236,553       5,531       242,084  
Segment operating income/ (loss)
    162,025       3,284       165,309       692,885       (1,377 )     691,508  
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized
    (1,768 )     (32,102 )     (33,870 )     (293 )     (682 )     (975 )
Income tax (provision)/ benefit
    (30,281 )     5,414       (24,867 )     (107,136 )     622       (106,514 )
Segment profit/ (loss)
    131,819       (23,241 )     108,578       591,304       (2,653 )     588,651  
Total assets (at end of period)
    12,046,536       391,702       12,438,238       7,761,724       1,141,778       8,903,502  
Capital expenditures
    1,423,711       5,072       1,428,783       517,088       14,313       531,401  

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Note 15 — Accounting Pronouncements
In October 2009, the FASB issued guidance that impacts the recognition of revenue in multiple-deliverable arrangements. The guidance establishes a selling-price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable. The goal of this guidance is to clarify disclosures related to multiple-deliverable arrangements and to align the accounting with the underlying economics of the multiple-deliverable transaction. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
In January 2010, the FASB issued guidance relating to the disclosure of the fair value of assets. This guidance calls for additional information to be given regarding the transfer of items in and out of respective categories. In addition, it requires additional disclosures regarding the purchase, sales, issuances, and settlements of assets that are classified as level three within the FASB fair value hierarchy. This guidance is generally effective for annual and interim periods ending after December 15, 2009. However, the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll-forward activity in Level 3 fair value measurements were deferred until fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
In December 2010, the FASB issued guidance that requires a public entity to disclose pro forma information for business combinations that occurred in the current reporting period. The disclosures include pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity for the current reporting period as though the acquisition date for all business combinations that occurred during the year had been as of the beginning of the annual reporting period. If comparative financial statements are presented, the pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity for the comparable prior reporting period should be reported as though the acquisition date for all business combinations that occurred during the current year had been as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
In May 2011, the FASB issued guidance that modified the wording used to describe many of the requirements in accounting literature for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The goal of the amendment is to create consistency between the United States and international accounting standards. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. While we are still evaluating this guidance, the adoption of this guidance should not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance that allows an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendment no longer allows an entity to show changes to other comprehensive income solely through the statement of equity. For publicly traded entities, the guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. While we are still evaluating this guidance, the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Note 16 — Net Change in Other Assets and Liabilities
The net effect of changes in other assets and liabilities on cash flows from operating activities is as follows:
                                 
    Noble-Swiss     Noble-Cayman  
    Six months ended     Six months ended  
    June 30,     June 30,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
 
   
Accounts receivable
  $ (122,605 )   $ 176,106     $ (122,572 )   $ 176,106  
Other current assets
    (55,141 )     (43,555 )     (46,895 )     (43,136 )
Other assets
    (776 )     (15,751 )     (3,253 )     (15,865 )
Accounts payable
    (17,020 )     19,898       (17,050 )     15,470  
Other current liabilities
    1,544       10,340       (11,283 )     9,683  
Other liabilities
    16,030       32,208       16,004       32,412  
 
                       
 
  $ (177,968 )   $ 179,246     $ (185,049 )   $ 174,670  
 
                       
Note 17 — Guarantees of Registered Securities
Noble-Cayman and Noble Holding (U.S.) Corporation (“NHC”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Cayman, are full and unconditional guarantors of NDC’s 7.50% Senior Notes due 2019 which had an outstanding principal balance at June 30, 2011 of $202 million. NDC is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of NHC. Noble Drilling Holding LLC (“NDH”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Cayman, is also a co-obligor on (and effectively a guarantor of) the 7.50% Senior Notes. Noble Drilling Services 6 LLC (“NDS6”), also a wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Cayman, is a co-issuer of the 7.50% Senior Notes.
NDC and NHIL are full and unconditional guarantors of Noble-Cayman’s 5.875% Senior Notes due 2013, which had an outstanding principal balance of $300 million at June 30, 2011.
Noble-Cayman is a full and unconditional guarantor of NHIL’s 7.375% Senior Notes due 2014, which had an outstanding principal balance of $250 million at June 30, 2011.
Noble-Cayman is a full and unconditional guarantor of NHIL’s 3.45% Senior Notes due 2015, 4.90% Senior Notes due 2020 and 6.20% Senior Notes due 2040. The aggregate principal balance of these three tranches of senior notes at June 30, 2011 was $1.25 billion.
Noble-Cayman is a full and unconditional guarantor of NHIL’s 3.05% Senior Notes due 2016, 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 and 6.05% Senior Notes due 2041. The aggregate principal balance of these three tranches of senior notes at June 30, 2011 was $1.1 billion.

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
June 30, 2011

(in thousands)
The following consolidating financial statements of Noble-Cayman, NHC and NDH combined, NDC, NHIL, NDS6 and all other subsidiaries present investments in both consolidated and unconsolidated affiliates using the equity method of accounting.
                                                                 
                                            Other              
                                            Non-guarantor              
    Noble-     NHC and NDH                             Subsidiaries     Consolidating        
    Cayman     Combined     NDC     NHIL     NDS6     of Noble     Adjustments     Total  
ASSETS
                                                               
Current assets
                                                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 41     $ 291     $     $     $     $ 224,585     $     $ 224,917  
Accounts receivable
          12,143       3,115                   494,728             509,986  
Prepaid expenses
          357       11                   64,309             64,677  
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates
          119,476                         100,500       (219,976 )      
Accounts receivable from affiliates
    1,115,706             799,688       1,276,324             4,371,467       (7,563,185 )      
Other current assets
    10,396       99,322       240       18,849       13,459       308,015       (281,431 )     168,850  
 
                                               
Total current assets
    1,126,143       231,589       803,054       1,295,173       13,459       5,563,604       (8,064,592 )     968,430  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Property and equipment
                                                               
Drilling equipment, facilities and other
          2,144,664       71,297                   11,676,266             13,892,227  
Accumulated depreciation
          (195,924 )     (51,632 )                 (2,611,671 )           (2,859,227 )
 
                                               
Total property and equipment, net
          1,948,740       19,665                   9,064,595             11,033,000  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Notes receivable from affiliates
    3,487,062       675,000             1,239,600       572,107       2,781,400       (8,755,169 )      
Investments in affiliates
    7,011,232       8,853,976       3,510,031       6,215,619       1,993,985             (27,584,843 )      
Other assets
    4,090       10,302       2,081       19,691       941       361,150             398,255  
 
                                               
Total assets
  $ 11,628,527     $ 11,719,607     $ 4,334,831     $ 8,770,083     $ 2,580,492     $ 17,770,749     $ (44,404,604 )   $ 12,399,685  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
                                                               
Current liabilities
                                                               
Short-term notes payables from affiliates
  $ 50,500     $ 50,000     $     $     $     $ 119,476     $ (219,976 )   $  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    1,767       21,747       9,818       52,149       4,412       523,479             613,372  
Accounts payable to affiliates
    1,864,559       3,590,781       24,770       86,840       20,058       2,257,608       (7,844,616 )      
 
                                               
Total current liabilities
    1,916,826       3,662,528       34,588       138,989       24,470       2,900,563       (8,064,592 )     613,372  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Long-term debt
    724,929                   2,595,146       201,695                     3,521,770  
Notes payable to affiliates
    1,770,500       1,147,500       85,000       975,000       811,000       3,966,169       (8,755,169 )      
Other liabilities
    19,929       46,253       25,796                   377,566               469,544  
 
                                               
Total liabilities
    4,432,184       4,856,281       145,384       3,709,135       1,037,165       7,244,298       (16,819,761 )     4,604,686  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Commitments and contingencies
                                                               
 
                                                               
Equity
    7,196,343       6,863,326       4,189,447       5,060,948       1,543,327       10,526,451       (27,584,843 )     7,794,999  
 
                                               
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 11,628,527     $ 11,719,607     $ 4,334,831     $ 8,770,083     $ 2,580,492     $ 17,770,749     $ (44,404,604 )   $ 12,399,685  
 
                                               

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2010

(in thousands)
                                                                 
                                            Non-guarantor              
    Noble-     NHC and NDH                             Subsidiaries     Consolidating        
    Cayman     Combined     NDC     NHIL     NDS6     of Noble     Adjustments     Total  
ASSETS
                                                               
Current assets
                                                               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 42     $ 146     $     $     $     $ 333,211     $     $ 333,399  
Accounts receivable
          6,984       1,795                   378,635             387,414  
Prepaid expenses
          310                         32,922             33,232  
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates
          119,476                         75,000       (194,476 )      
Accounts receivable from affiliates
    607,207             751,623       199,235       1,958       3,659,570       (5,219,593 )      
Other current assets
    7,057       89,736       240       19,980       9,416       276,194       (251,736 )     150,887  
 
                                               
Total current assets
    614,306       216,652       753,658       219,215       11,374       4,755,532       (5,665,805 )     904,932  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Property and equipment
                                                               
Drilling equipment, facilities and other
          1,254,482       70,945                   11,289,547             12,614,974  
Accumulated depreciation
          (153,638 )     (50,250 )                 (2,391,066 )           (2,594,954 )
 
                                               
Total property and equipment, net
          1,100,844       20,695                   8,898,481             10,020,020  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Notes receivable from affiliates
    3,507,062       675,000             1,239,600       479,107       2,492,900       (8,393,669 )      
Investments in affiliates
    6,835,466       9,150,129       3,561,451       5,618,248       1,879,831             (27,045,125 )      
Other assets
    1,872       7,700       2,451       11,336       1,001       318,232             342,592  
 
                                               
Total assets
  $ 10,958,706     $ 11,150,325     $ 4,338,255     $ 7,088,399     $ 2,371,313     $ 16,465,145     $ (41,104,599 )   $ 11,267,544  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
                                                               
Current liabilities
                                                               
Short-term notes payables from affiliates
  $ 25,000     $ 50,000     $     $     $     $ 119,476     $ (194,476 )   $  
Current maturities of long-term debt
                                  80,213             80,213  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    1,473       19,218       8,779       31,973       4,413       647,488             713,344  
Accounts payable to affiliates
    1,601,869       2,708,598       30,095       64,192       7,134       1,059,441       (5,471,329 )      
 
                                               
Total current liabilities
    1,628,342       2,777,816       38,874       96,165       11,547       1,906,618       (5,665,805 )     793,557  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Long-term debt
    339,911                   1,498,066       201,695       646,812             2,686,484  
Notes payable to affiliates
    1,834,500       1,092,000       120,000       550,000       811,000       3,986,169       (8,393,669 )      
Other liabilities
    19,929       48,595       25,485                   432,839             526,848  
 
                                               
Total liabilities
    3,822,682       3,918,411       184,359       2,144,231       1,024,242       6,972,438       (14,059,474 )     4,006,889  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Commitments and contingencies
                                                               
 
                                                               
Total Equity
    7,136,024       7,231,914       4,153,896       4,944,168       1,347,071       9,492,707       (27,045,125 )     7,260,655  
 
                                               
Total liabilities and equity
  $ 10,958,706     $ 11,150,325     $ 4,338,255     $ 7,088,399     $ 2,371,313     $ 16,465,145     $ (41,104,599 )   $ 11,267,544  
 
                                               

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Three Months Ended June 30, 2011

(in thousands)
                                                                 
                                            Other              
                                            Non-guarantor              
    Noble-     NHC and NDH                             Subsidiaries     Consolidating        
    Cayman     Combined     NDC     NHIL     NDS6     of Noble     Adjustments     Total  
Operating revenues
                                                               
Contract drilling services
  $     $ 35,090     $ 4,705     $     $     $ 566,145     $ (16,390 )   $ 589,550  
Reimbursables
          1,778                         22,344             24,122  
Labor contract drilling services
                                  14,012             14,012  
Other
                                  313             313  
 
                                               
Total operating revenues
          36,868       4,705                   602,814       (16,390 )     627,997  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Operating costs and expenses
                                                               
Contract drilling services
    1,598       12,085       1,975       8,236             322,700       (16,390 )     330,204  
Reimbursables
          2,007                         16,716             18,723  
Labor contract drilling services
                                  8,750             8,750  
Depreciation and amortization
          13,068       935                   148,633             162,636  
Selling, general and administrative
    1,792       1,209             7,626       1       4,014             14,642  
Gain on contract extinguishments, net
                                               
 
                                               
Total operating costs and expenses
    3,390       28,369       2,910       15,862       1       500,813       (16,390 )     534,955  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Operating income (loss)
    (3,390 )     8,499       1,795       (15,862 )     (1 )     102,001             93,042  
 
                                                               
Other income (expense)
                                                               
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax
    88,486       64,434       19,176       122,310       71,736             (366,142 )      
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
    (17,903 )     (15,323 )     (1,719 )     (23,530 )     (7,271 )     (886 )     51,803       (14,829 )
Interest income and other, net
    1,625       6,932       37       11,435       2,252       29,375       (51,803 )     (147 )
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Income before income taxes
    68,818       64,542       19,289       94,353       66,716       130,490       (366,142 )     78,066  
Income tax provision
          6,658                               (15,815 )             (9,157 )
 
                                               
Net Income
    68,818       71,200       19,289       94,353       66,716       114,675       (366,142 )     68,909  
 
                                                               
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
                                  (91 )           (91 )
 
                                               
 
   
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation
  $ 68,818     $ 71,200     $ 19,289     $ 94,353     $ 66,716     $ 114,584     $ (366,142 )   $ 68,818  
 
                                               

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011

(in thousands)
                                                                 
                                            Other              
                                            Non-guarantor              
    Noble-     NHC and NDH                             Subsidiaries     Consolidating        
    Cayman     Combined     NDC     NHIL     NDS6     of Noble     Adjustments     Total  
Operating revenues
                                                               
Contract drilling services
  $     $ 61,054     $ 9,695     $     $     $ 1,089,739     $ (28,333 )   $ 1,132,155  
Reimbursables
          2,690       12                   43,711             46,413  
Labor contract drilling services
                                  27,559             27,559  
Other
                                  758             758  
 
                                               
Total operating revenues
          63,744       9,707                   1,161,767       (28,333 )     1,206,885  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Operating costs and expenses
                                                               
Contract drilling services
    3,059       21,069       3,798       16,806             614,637       (28,333 )     631,036  
Reimbursables
          2,911                         32,915             35,826  
Labor contract drilling services
                                  17,273             17,273  
Depreciation and amortization
          23,192       1,844                   295,255             320,291  
Selling, general and administrative
    3,303       2,718             15,503       1       9,648             31,173  
Gain on contract extinguishments, net
                                  (21,202 )           (21,202 )
 
                                               
Total operating costs and expenses
    6,362       49,890       5,642       32,309       1       948,526       (28,333 )     1,014,397  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Operating income (loss)
    (6,362 )     13,854       4,065       (32,309 )     (1 )     213,241             192,488  
 
                                                               
Other income (expense)
                                                               
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax
    175,766       102,373       34,977       172,371       107,556             (593,043 )      
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
    (36,264 )     (29,915 )     (3,539 )     (46,026 )     (14,942 )     (3,017 )     99,833       (33,870 )
Interest income and other, net
    3,338       12,470       48       22,744       4,044       59,283       (99,833 )     2,094  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Income before income taxes
    136,478       98,782       35,551       116,780       96,657       269,507       (593,043 )     160,712  
Income tax provision
          5,800                         (29,982 )           (24,182 )
 
                                               
Net Income
    136,478       104,582       35,551       116,780       96,657       239,525       (593,043 )     136,530  
 
                                                               
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
                                  (52 )           (52 )
 
                                               
 
   
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation
  $ 136,478     $ 104,582     $ 35,551     $ 116,780     $ 96,657     $ 239,473     $ (593,043 )   $ 136,478  
 
                                               

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Three Months Ended June 30, 2010

(in thousands)
                                                                 
                                            Other              
                                            Non-guarantor              
    Noble-     NHC and NDH                             Subsidiaries     Consolidating        
    Cayman     Combined     NDC     NHIL     NDS6     of Noble     Adjustments     Total  
Operating revenues
                                                               
Contract drilling services
  $     $ 20,280     $ 5,016     $     $     $ 670,214     $ (8,000 )   $ 687,510  
Reimbursables
          340       61                   13,352               13,753  
Labor contract drilling services
                                  8,056               8,056  
Other
          112                         491               603  
 
                                               
Total operating revenues
          20,732       5,077                   692,113       (8,000 )     709,922  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Operating costs and expenses
                                                               
Contract drilling services
    2       10,726       1,188                   267,168       (8,000 )     271,084  
Reimbursables
          988       61                   9,316               10,365  
Labor contract drilling services
                                  5,380               5,380  
Depreciation and amortization
          9,044       874                   116,134               126,052  
Selling, general and administrative
          49,773       88       76             (34,403 )             15,534  
 
                                               
Total operating costs and expenses
    2       70,531       2,211       76             363,595       (8,000 )     428,415  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Operating income (loss)
    (2 )     (49,799 )     2,866       (76 )           328,518             281,507  
 
                                                               
Other income (expense)
                                                               
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax
    231,400       166,662       9,556       242,210       123,117             (772,945 )      
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
    (174 )     (20,453 )     (1,839 )     (9,736 )           (2,739 )     34,431       (510 )
Interest income and other, net
    1,733       20,941                   4,214       9,046       (34,431 )     1,503  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Income before income taxes
    232,957       117,351       10,583       232,398       127,331       334,825       (772,945 )     282,500  
Income tax provision
          (10,351 )                       (39,192 )           (49,543 )
 
                                               
Net Income
  $ 232,957     $ 107,000     $ 10,583     $ 232,398     $ 127,331     $ 295,633     $ (772,945 )   $ 232,957  
 
                                               

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010

(in thousands)
                                                                 
                                            Other              
                                            Non-guarantor              
    Noble-     NHC and NDH                             Subsidiaries     Consolidating        
    Cayman     Combined     NDC     NHIL     NDS6     of Noble     Adjustments     Total  
Operating revenues
                                                               
Contract drilling services
  $     $ 48,589     $ 7,484     $     $     $ 1,461,383     $ (21,300 )   $ 1,496,156  
Reimbursables
          590       61                   37,335             37,986  
Labor contract drilling services
                                  15,817             15,817  
Other
          112                         702             814  
 
                                               
Total operating revenues
          49,291       7,545                   1,515,237       (21,300 )     1,550,773  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Operating costs and expenses
                                                               
Contract drilling services
    7       18,607       3,136                   523,415       (21,300 )     523,865  
Reimbursables
          1,099       61                   28,948             30,108  
Labor contract drilling services
                                  11,268             11,268  
Depreciation and amortization
          17,827       1,612                   222,277             241,716  
Selling, general and administrative
          50,636       221       119             (19,554 )           31,422  
 
                                               
Total operating costs and expenses
    7       88,169       5,030       119             766,354       (21,300 )     838,379  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Operating income (loss)
    (7 )     (38,878 )     2,515       (119 )           748,883             712,394  
 
                                                               
Other income (expense)
                                                               
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax
    608,738       341,687       9,118       632,091       300,508             (1,892,142 )      
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
    (587 )     (35,334 )     (3,657 )     (19,365 )           (6,184 )     64,152       (975 )
Interest income and other, net
    3,446       22,757                   6,152       36,907       (64,152 )     5,110  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Income before income taxes
    611,590       290,232       7,976       612,607       306,660       779,606       (1,892,142 )     716,529  
Income tax provision
          (9,092 )                       (95,847 )           (104,939 )
 
                                               
Net Income
  $ 611,590     $ 281,140     $ 7,976     $ 612,607     $ 306,660     $ 683,759     $ (1,892,142 )   $ 611,590  
 
                                               

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011

(in thousands)
                                                                 
                                            Other              
                                            Non-guarantor              
    Noble-     NHC and NDH                             Subsidiaries     Consolidating        
    Cayman     Combined     NDC     NHIL     NDS6     of Noble     Adjustments     Total  
Cash flows from operating activities
                                                               
Net cash from operating activities
  $ (30,984 )   $ 20,555     $ 2,807     $ (43,770 )   $ (10,840 )   $ 321,277     $     $ 259,045  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Cash flows from investing activities
                                                               
New construction and capital expenditures
          (842,012 )                       (633,338 )           (1,475,350 )
Notes receivable from affiliates
    20,000                               91,000       (111,000 )      
Refund from contract extinguishments
                                  18,642             18,642  
 
                                               
Net cash from investing activities
    20,000       (842,012 )                       (523,696 )     (111,000 )     (1,456,708 )
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Cash flows from financing activities
                                                               
Borrowings on bank credit facilities
    625,000                                           625,000  
Payments of bank credit facilities
    (240,000 )                                         (240,000 )
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net
                      1,087,833                         1,087,833  
Contributions from joint venture partners
                                  436,000             436,000  
Payments of joint venture debt
                                  (693,494 )           (693,494 )
Settlement of interest rate swaps
                                  (29,032 )           (29,032 )
Financing cost on credit facilities
    (2,835 )                                         (2,835 )
Distributions to parent
    (94,291 )                                         (94,291 )
Advances (to) from affiliates
    (238,391 )     839,102       32,193       (1,044,063 )     10,840       400,319              
Notes payable to affiliates
    (38,500 )     (17,500 )     (35,000 )                 (20,000 )     111,000        
 
                                               
Net cash from financing activities
    10,983       821,602       (2,807 )     43,770       10,840       93,793       111,000       1,089,181  
 
                                               
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (1 )     145                         (108,626 )           (108,482 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    42       146                         333,211               333,399  
 
                                               
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 41     $ 291     $     $     $     $ 224,585     $     $ 224,917  
 
                                               

 

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NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010

(in thousands)
                                                                 
                                            Other              
                                            Non-guarantor              
    Noble-     NHC and NDH                             Subsidiaries     Consolidating        
    Cayman     Combined     NDC     NHIL     NDS6     of Noble     Adjustments     Total  
Cash flows from operating activities
                                                               
Net cash from operating activities
  $ 10,138     $ (36,375 )   $ 3,592     $ (4,400 )   $ 60     $ 1,053,419     $     $ 1,026,434  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Cash flows from investing activities
                                                               
New construction and capital expenditures
          (184,963 )                       (363,918 )           (548,881 )
 
                                               
Net cash from investing activities
          (184,963 )                       (363,918 )           (548,881 )
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Cash flows from financing activities
                                                               
Distributions to parent
    (128,315 )                                         (128,315 )
Advances (to) from affiliates
    119,876       221,265       (3,592 )     4,400       (60 )     (341,889 )            
 
                                               
Net cash from financing activities
    (8,439 )     221,265       (3,592 )     4,400       (60 )     (341,889 )           (128,315 )
 
                                               
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    1,699       (73 )                       347,612             349,238  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    3       268                         725,954             726,225  
 
                                               
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 1,702     $ 195     $     $     $     $ 1,073,566     $     $ 1,075,463  
 
                                               

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion is intended to assist you in understanding our financial position at June 30, 2011, and our results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed by Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation (“Noble-Swiss”) and Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (“Noble-Cayman”).
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this report regarding the Frontier transaction and integration, contract backlog, fleet and benefits, our financial position, business strategy, backlog, completion and acceptance of our newbuild rigs, contract commitments, dayrates, contract commencements, extension or renewals, contract tenders, the outcome of any dispute, litigation or investigation, plans and objectives of management for future operations, foreign currency requirements, results of joint ventures, indemnity and other contract claims, construction of rigs, industry conditions including the effect of disruptions of drilling in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, access to financing, impact of competition, taxes and tax rates, advantages of our worldwide internal restructuring, indebtedness covenant compliance, and timing for compliance with any new regulations are forward-looking statements. When used in this report, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “should” and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that such expectations will prove to be correct. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report on Form 10-Q and we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement for any reason, except as required by law. We have identified factors including but not limited to operating hazards and delays, risks associated with operations outside the U.S., actions by regulatory authorities, customers, joint venture partners, contractors, lenders and other third parties, legislation and regulations affecting drilling operations, costs and difficulties relating to the integration of businesses, factors affecting the level of activity in the oil and gas industry, supply and demand of drilling rigs, factors affecting the duration of contracts, the actual amount of downtime, factors that reduce applicable dayrates, violations of anti-corruption laws, hurricanes and other weather conditions and the future price of oil and gas that could cause actual plans or results to differ materially from those included in any forward-looking statements. These factors include those referenced or described in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). We cannot control such risk factors and other uncertainties, and in many cases, we cannot predict the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. You should consider these risks and uncertainties when you are evaluating us.
Executive Overview
Noble is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. At June 30, 2011, our fleet consisted of 76 mobile offshore drilling units located worldwide as follows: 14 semisubmersibles, 13 drillships, 47 jackups and two submersibles. In addition, we have one floating production storage and offloading unit (“FPSO”). At June 30, 2011, we had 11 of our 76 units under construction. Subsequent to June 30, 2011, we exercised options for the construction of two additional high-specification heavy duty, harsh environment jackup rigs.
Our global fleet is currently located in the following areas: the Middle East, India, the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, the Mediterranean, the North Sea, Brazil, West Africa and the Asian Pacific. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921.
Outlook
The overall offshore drilling market has been volatile since the events occurring in connection with the Deepwater Horizon, and the U.S. governmental response to the incident. In the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, the lifting of the moratorium and publication of new safety rules has led to progress in returning activity to more normal levels as indicated by the recent issuance of new drilling permits. However, while the issuance of a limited number of permits is a positive development, there are a number of ongoing risks which make it difficult to predict whether or when industry activity in the U.S. Gulf will return to levels seen prior to the Deepwater Horizon incident. These risks include a current and ongoing risk of potential third party environmental lawsuits targeting the permitting process, possible new drilling regulations, a failure of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (“BOEMRE”) to issue permits in a timely manner and the adoption by individual operators of new drilling or equipment standards exceeding those required by regulatory bodies.

 

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Furthermore, there is continued uncertainty regarding the sustainability of the global economic recovery, which is proceeding unevenly in different geographic regions. In addition to the political instability in certain oil producing nations in the Middle East and North Africa, there is also uncertainty regarding the sustainability of the recovery in the credit markets, particularly in Europe. In the U.S., the ongoing debate regarding debt levels has resulted in concerns around U.S. sovereign debt ratings, as well as a weakening of the dollar. During the first half of 2011, oil and gas prices increased as a result of supply side concerns in response to political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa. Natural gas prices in the United States fluctuated during the first half of the year, but ended the period in-line with year-end 2010 pricing. We believe these competing factors noted above may lead to instability in the price of both commodities for the foreseeable future.
Despite the increase in commodity prices, we have only recently seen an increase in demand for offshore drilling services. Developments in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico will continue to have an impact on the deepwater market segment in the short-term; however, we believe that the long-term outlook is stronger. Market dayrates for new ultra-deepwater units remain generally above $450,000, which is significantly lower than the peak rates achieved in 2007-2008. However, short-term fixtures for very high specification units, like the Noble Jim Day, have exceeded $500,000. Although demand in the jackup segment decreased slightly during 2010, utilization for units operating outside the U.S. Gulf of Mexico still averaged approximately 80 percent during the first half of 2011. We continue to see differentiation in the jackup market segment with newer units having utilization rates exceeding 90 percent, while units that entered service before 2000 have utilization rates closer to 70 percent. Likewise, there has been a bifurcation of dayrates between older and newer units in the jackup market with newer units earning a premium as customers display a preference for technologically advanced and efficient drilling alternatives. Dayrates for both older and newer units were relatively stable throughout the second half of 2010 and while we have seen some indications that rates in certain regions started to increase during the first half of 2011, rates in general are significantly lower than the peak rates reached in 2007 and 2008.
Demand for our drilling services generally depends on a variety of economic and political factors, including worldwide demand for oil and gas, the ability of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) to set and maintain production levels and pricing, the level of production of non-OPEC countries and the policies of various governments addressing access to their oil and gas reserves. Our results of operations depend on offshore drilling activity worldwide. Historically, oil and gas prices and market expectations of potential changes in these prices have significantly affected that level of activity. Generally, higher oil and natural gas prices or our customers’ expectations of higher prices result in greater demand for our services. Demand for our services is also a function of the worldwide supply of mobile offshore drilling units. Industry analysts widely acknowledge that a significant expansion of industry supply of both jackups and ultra-deepwater units has commenced, the majority of which currently have no contract. The introduction of additional non-contracted rigs into the marketplace could have an adverse effect on demand for our services or the dayrates we are able to achieve.
In addition, as a result of exploration discoveries offshore Brazil, Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. (“Petrobras”), the Brazilian national oil company, announced a plan to construct up to 28 deepwater rigs in Brazil and accepted bids in 2010 to construct these units from a number of shipyards and drilling contractors. A deepwater drilling rig construction industry possessing the scope and experience to efficiently address this volume of work does not currently exist in Brazil and Noble did not participate in these bids primarily because we viewed the capital risk associated with constructing a unit in Brazil as inappropriate. Petrobras awarded the first tranche of seven drillships to a Brazilian shipyard for delivery beginning in 2015. In March 2011, Petrobras cancelled the bids for the remaining 21 newbuild units. In June 2011, Petrobras issued a new tender to build 21 ultra deepwater rigs in Brazil to operate with Petrobras under 10 to 15 year contracts with drilling operations commencing within 48 months after the contract is awarded. Nevertheless, the future of Petrobras’ building program remains uncertain and the ultimate number of deepwater rigs to be built in Brazil is still unknown. While Petrobras is currently in the market tendering for existing deepwater drilling units, the potential increase in supply from the Petrobras newbuilds could also adversely impact overall industry dayrates and economics.

 

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As of June 30, 2011, we had 11 jackup units contracted with Pemex Exploracion y Produccion (“Pemex”) in Mexico, eight of which have contracts scheduled to expire in 2011. Pemex currently has outstanding tenders for up to 20 jackup rigs. Some previous tenders published by Pemex contained a requirement that certain units must have entered service since the year 2000. While Pemex did not succeed in securing a significant number of newer rigs from those published tenders, we cannot predict whether this age requirement will be present in future Pemex tenders. If this requirement is present in future tenders, it could require us to seek work for our rigs in other locations, as the ages of our rigs currently operating in Mexico do not meet this requirement. If such work is not available, it could lead to additional idle time on some of our rigs. We cannot predict how many rigs might be affected or how long they could remain idle. We remain optimistic that many, if not all, of our rigs currently operating in Mexico will be able to continue to secure long-term work with Pemex.
In January 2011, we announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Petrobras regarding operations in Brazil. Under the terms of the MOU, we would substitute the drillship Noble Phoenix, then under contract with Shell in Southeast Asia, for the drillship Noble Muravlenko. In January 2011, Shell agreed to release the Noble Phoenix from its contract, which was effective in March 2011. The Noble Phoenix has undertaken limited contract preparations, after which the unit will mobilize to Brazil. During the second quarter of 2011, Petrobras formally approved the rig substitution. We expect that acceptance of the Noble Phoenix will take place in the fourth quarter of 2011. In connection with the cancelation of the contract on the Noble Phoenix, we recognized a non-cash gain of approximately $52.5 million during the first quarter of 2011 which represents the unamortized fair value of the in-place contract assumed in connection with the Frontier acquisition.
Also in January 2011, as a result of the substitution discussed above, we reached a decision not to proceed with the previously announced reliability upgrade to the Noble Muravlenko that was scheduled to take place in 2013. As a result, we incurred a non-cash charge of approximately $32.6 million related to the termination of outstanding shipyard contracts.
In connection with our existing drilling contracts with Petrobras for two of our drillships operating in Brazil, we approved certain shipyard reliability upgrade projects for these drillships, the Noble Leo Segerius and the Noble Roger Eason. These upgrade projects, planned through 2012, are designed to enhance the reliability and operational performance of these drillships. During the first quarter, the Noble Leo Segerius entered a shipyard in Brazil for its reliability upgrade. There are a number of risks associated with shipyard projects of this nature, particularly in Brazil, including potential project delays and cost overruns because of labor, customs, local shipyard, local content and other issues. In addition, the drilling contracts for these vessels provide Petrobras with certain rights of termination in the event of excessive downtime, and it is possible that Petrobras could exercise this right in the future with respect to one or both of these drillships. We intend to continue to closely monitor and discuss with Petrobras the status of these projects and plan to take appropriate steps to mitigate identified risks, which depending upon the circumstances, could involve a variety of options.
On April 25, 2011, the Noble Discoverer was operating off the coast of New Zealand when a severe weather event occurred. In anticipation of the severe weather, and in accordance with established procedures for severe weather events, the Noble Discoverer suspended drilling operations and secured and disconnected from the well. As a result of severe weather, the riser and the lower marine riser package were damaged and released from the vessel. While we are still evaluating the extent of the equipment damage, we currently believe the damage will not be material. We believe we are entitled to continue receiving dayrate from our customer until repairs are complete, and we are discussing the implications of this event with our customer. We can make no assurances as to the outcome of this event. The Noble Discoverer is currently anchored safely in a New Zealand harbor pending repairs.
While we cannot predict the future level of demand for our drilling services or future conditions in the offshore contract drilling industry, we continue to believe we are well positioned within the industry and believe our acquisition of Frontier and recent newbuild announcements further strengthen our position, especially in deepwater drilling.

 

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Results and Strategy
In the second quarter of 2011, we recognized net income attributable to Noble-Swiss of $54 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, on total revenues of $628 million. Sequential results of key metrics are as follows:
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    June 30,     March 31,  
    2011     2011  
Average dayrate
  $ 140,296     $ 150,294  
Average utilization
    70 %     61 %
Daily contract drilling services costs
  $ 80,985     $ 84,858  
Contract drilling services margin
    43 %     44 %
We have actively expanded our offshore drilling and deepwater capabilities in recent years through the construction of new rigs, and as part of this technical and operational expansion we plan to continue pursuing opportunities to high-grade our fleet. Our business strategy also focuses on the active expansion of our worldwide offshore drilling and deepwater capabilities through upgrades and modifications, acquisitions, divestitures of lower specification units and the deployment of our drilling assets in important oil and gas producing areas. At June 30, 2011, we continued our newbuild strategy with the following 11 projects:
   
two dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environment Globetrotter-class drillships, which are scheduled to be delivered and complete acceptance testing in the first quarter of 2012 and the fourth quarter of 2013, respectively;
 
   
two dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environment Bully-class drillships owned through a joint venture with Shell which are scheduled to be delivered and complete acceptance testing in the fourth quarter of 2011 and first quarter of 2012, respectively;
 
   
three dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environment drillships under construction at Hyundai Heavy Industry which are estimated to be delivered from the shipyard and begin acceptance testing as follows: the second quarter of 2013, the fourth quarter of 2013, and the second quarter of 2014, respectively; and
 
   
four high-specification heavy duty, harsh environment jackup rigs which are estimated to be delivered from the shipyard and begin acceptance testing as follows: first quarter of 2013, third quarter of 2013, fourth quarter of 2013 and first quarter of 2014, respectively.
Of our 11 rigs under construction as of June 30, 2011, five of the drillships are contracted for five years or more. The remaining six rigs are being constructed without contracts. Subsequent to June 30, 2011, we exercised options for the construction of two additional high-specification heavy duty, harsh environment jackup rigs which are expected to be delivered from the shipyard during the third and fourth quarters of 2014; both rigs are currently being constructed without contracts. We have a priced option for an additional ultra-deepwater drillship.
As part of our strategy, we continue to review our fleet and the strategic benefit of our lower specification units. We believe that we need to continue to upgrade our fleet to achieve greater technological capability which would lead to increased drilling efficiencies. As part of this process, we may decide to dispose of some of our lower specification units, and we are considering a number of potential options. We believe these units are maintained in a manner that would allow us to successfully continue to operate them should we decide this is the appropriate course of action based on available alternatives.
U.S. Gulf of Mexico Operations
Subsequent to the April 20, 2010 fire and explosion on the Deepwater Horizon, a competitor’s drilling rig in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, U.S. governmental authorities implemented a moratorium on and suspension of specified types of drilling activities in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
The U.S. government lifted the moratorium following adoption of new regulations including a drilling safety rule and a workplace safety rule, each of which imposed multiple obligations relating to offshore drilling operations. These obligations relate to, among other things, additional certifications and verifications relating to compliance with applicable regulations; compatibility of blowout preventers with drilling rigs and well design; third-party inspections and design review of blowout preventers; testing of casing installations; minimum requirements for personnel operating blowout preventers; and training in deepwater well control.

 

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In addition, the U.S. government has indicated that to receive a deepwater drilling permit, the operator must (i) demonstrate that containment resources are available promptly in the event of a deepwater blowout, (ii) have the chief executive officer of each operator certify that the operator has complied with all applicable regulations and (iii) allow the BOEMRE to conduct inspections of each deepwater drilling operation for compliance with the applicable regulations.
Our existing U.S. Gulf of Mexico operations have been, and will continue to be, negatively impacted by the events and governmental action described above. As of June 30, 2011, our U.S. Gulf of Mexico operations included seven deepwater drilling units. We have worked and continue to work closely with our customers for drilling services in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico to address the hardships imposed by the governmental actions described above. The discussion below briefly describes the current status of each of the seven drilling units.
   
Noble Danny Adkins. The unit spent part of the second quarter operating under a permit and receiving full dayrate. However, during the quarter the rig was forced to make repairs to certain sub-sea equipment, resulting in significant down-time during the quarter.
 
   
Noble Jim Day. In February 2011, this drilling unit went under contract for a subsidiary of Shell in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, and received a reduced stand-by rate for the entire second quarter. On July 11, 2011, Shell received the necessary permits and this rig began operating under full dayrate.
 
   
Noble Amos Runner. This unit recently completed its contract with LLOG Exploration, LLC and is currently seeking opportunities both inside and outside the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
 
   
Noble Jim Thompson. During April 2011, this unit began operating under its full operating dayrate with Shell following approval of the required drilling permits.
 
   
Noble Paul Romano. The unit recently received a contract and is expected to begin operating outside the U.S. Gulf of Mexico in the fourth quarter of 2011.
 
   
Noble Driller. This unit received its blow out preventer certification in July 2011 upon completion of a shipyard project. This unit is under contract with Shell and is receiving full dayrate as of August 1, 2011.
 
   
Noble Lorris Bouzigard. This drilling unit is currently cold stacked, but is being actively marketed to potential customers.
Acquisition of FDR Holdings Limited
On July 28, 2010, Noble-Swiss and Noble AM Merger Co., a Cayman Islands company and indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Swiss (“Merger Sub”), completed the acquisition of FDR Holdings Limited, a Cayman Islands company (“Frontier”). Under the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger with Frontier and certain of Frontier’s shareholders, Merger Sub merged with and into Frontier, with Frontier surviving as an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Swiss and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Cayman. The Frontier acquisition was for a purchase price of approximately $1.7 billion in cash plus liabilities assumed and strategically expanded and enhanced our global fleet by adding three dynamically positioned drillships (including two Bully-class joint venture-owned drillships under construction), two conventionally moored drillships, including one that is Arctic-class, a conventionally moored deepwater semisubmersible and one FPSO. Frontier’s results of operations were included in our results beginning July 28, 2010. We funded the cash consideration paid at closing of approximately $1.7 billion using proceeds from our July 2010 offering of senior notes and existing cash on hand.

 

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Contract Drilling Services Backlog
We maintain a backlog (as defined below) of commitments for contract drilling services. The following table sets forth as of June 30, 2011 the amount of our contract drilling services backlog and the percent of available operating days committed for the periods indicated:
                                                 
            Year Ending December 31,  
    Total     2011 (1)     2012     2013     2014     2015-2023  
    (In millions)  
Contract Drilling Services Backlog
                                               
Semisubmersibles/Drillships (2) (6) (7)
  $ 11,388     $ 886     $ 1,683     $ 1,667     $ 1,780     $ 5,372  
Jackups/Submersibles (3)
    1,559       556       579       287       134       3  
Other
                                   
 
                                   
Total (4)
  $ 12,947     $ 1,442     $ 2,262     $ 1,954     $ 1,914     $ 5,375  
 
                                   
Percent of Available Operating Days Committed (5)
            73 %     43 %     28 %     22 %     5 %
 
                                     
 
     
(1)  
Represents a six-month period beginning July 1, 2011.
 
(2)  
Our drilling contracts with Petrobras provide an opportunity for us to earn performance bonuses based on downtime experienced for our rigs operating offshore Brazil. With respect to our semisubmersibles operating offshore Brazil for Petrobras, we have included in our backlog an amount equal to 75 percent of potential performance bonuses for such semisubmersibles, which amount is based on and generally consistent with our historical earnings of performance bonuses for these rigs. With respect to our drillships presently operating for Petrobras offshore Brazil, we (a) have not included in our backlog any performance bonuses for periods prior to the commencement of certain upgrade projects planned for 2011 through 2012, which projects are designed to enhance the reliability and operational performance of our drillships, and (b) have included in our backlog an amount equal to 75 percent of potential performance bonuses for periods after the estimated completion of such upgrade projects. Our backlog for semisubmersibles/drillships includes approximately $278 million attributable to these performance bonuses.
 
   
The drilling contracts with Shell for the Noble Globetrotter I, Noble Globetrotter II, Noble Jim Thompson, Noble Jim Day and Noble Clyde Boudreaux as well as the letter of intent for the unnamed HHI Drillship I, provide opportunities for us to earn performance bonuses based on key performance indicators as defined by Shell. With respect to these contracts, we have included in our backlog an amount equal to 75 percent of the potential performance bonuses for these rigs. Our backlog for these rigs includes approximately $496 million attributable to these performance bonuses.
 
(3)  
Our drilling contracts with Pemex for certain jackups operating offshore in Mexico are subject to price review and adjustment of the rig dayrate. Presently, the contract for one jackup has a dayrate indexed to the world average of the highest dayrates published by ODS-Petrodata. After an initial firm dayrate period, the dayrate is generally adjusted quarterly based on formulas calculated from the index. Our contract drilling services backlog has been calculated using the May 31, 2011 index-based dayrate for periods subsequent to the firm dayrate period.
 
(4)  
Pemex has the ability to cancel its drilling contracts on 30 days or less notice without Pemex’s making an early termination payment. At June 30, 2011, we had twelve rigs contracted to Pemex in Mexico and our backlog includes approximately $251 million related to such contracts. Also, our drilling contracts generally provide the customer an early termination right in the event we fail to meet certain performance standards, including downtime thresholds. While we do not currently anticipate any cancellations as a result of events that have occurred to date, clients may from time to time have the contractual right to do so.
 
(5)  
Percentages take into account additional capacity from the estimated dates of deployment of our newbuild rigs that are scheduled to commence operations during 2011 through 2014.
 
(6)  
It is not possible to determine the impact to our revenues or backlog resulting from efforts by operators to cancel or modify drilling contracts because of the U.S. government imposed restrictions and the vigorous scrutiny for issuance of new drilling permits, and other consequences of the actions by the U.S. government. At June 30, 2011, backlog related to our U.S. Gulf of Mexico deepwater rigs totaled $5.5 billion, $334 million of which represents backlog for the six-month period ending December 31, 2011.
 
   
We entered into an agreement with Shell effective June 27, 2010 which provides that Shell may suspend the contracts on three of our units operating in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico during any period of regulatory restriction by paying reduced suspension dayrates in lieu of the normal operating dayrates. The term of the initial contract is also extended by the suspension period. The impact of this agreement is to shift backlog among periods with an immaterial increase to total backlog because of the reduced suspension rates.
 
(7)  
Noble and a subsidiary of Shell are involved in joint venture agreements to build, operate, and own both the Noble Bully I and the Noble Bully II. Pursuant to these agreements, each party has an equal 50 percent share in both vessels. As of June 30, 2011, the combined amount of backlog for these rigs totals $2.4 billion, all of which is included in our backlog. Noble’s net interest in the backlog for these rigs is $1.2 billion.

 

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Our contract drilling services backlog reported above reflects estimated future revenues attributable to both signed drilling contracts and letters of intent that we expect will become binding contracts. A letter of intent is generally subject to customary conditions, including the execution of a definitive drilling contract. For a number of reasons, it is possible that some customers that have entered into letters of intent will not enter into signed drilling contracts. We calculate backlog for any given unit and period by multiplying the full contractual operating dayrate for such unit by the number of days remaining in the period. The reported contract drilling services backlog does not include amounts representing revenues for mobilization, demobilization and contract preparation, which are not expected to be significant to our contract drilling services revenues, amounts constituting reimbursables from customers or amounts attributable to uncommitted option periods under drilling contracts or letters of intent.
The amount of actual revenues earned and the actual periods during which revenues are earned may be different than the backlog amounts and backlog periods set forth in the table above for various factors, including, but not limited to, shipyard and maintenance projects, operational downtime, weather conditions and other factors that result in applicable dayrates lower than the full contractual operating dayrate. In addition, amounts included in the backlog may change because drilling contracts may be varied or modified by mutual consent or customers may exercise early termination rights contained in some of our drilling contracts or decline to enter into a drilling contract after executing a letter of intent. As a result, our backlog as of any particular date may not be indicative of our actual operating results for the subsequent periods for which the backlog is calculated.
As of June 30, 2011, we estimate Shell and Petrobras represented approximately 64% and 23%, respectively, of our backlog.
Internal Investigation
In 2007, we began, and voluntarily contacted the SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) to advise them of, an internal investigation of the legality under the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and local laws of certain reimbursement payments made by our Nigerian affiliate to our customs agents in Nigeria. In 2010, we finalized settlements of this matter with each of the SEC and the DOJ. Pursuant to these settlements, we agreed to pay fines and penalties to the DOJ and the SEC and to certain undertakings, including refraining from violating the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws, self-reporting any violations of the FCPA or such laws to the DOJ and reporting to the DOJ on an annual basis our progress on anti-corruption compliance matters. Our ability to comply with the terms of the settlements is dependent on the success of our ongoing compliance program, including our ability to continue to manage our agents and supervise, train and retain competent employees, and the efforts of our employees to comply with applicable law and our code of business conduct and ethics.
In January 2011, the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigerian Attorney General Office initiated an investigation into these same activities. A subsidiary of Noble-Swiss resolved this matter through the execution of a non-prosecution agreement dated January 28, 2011. Pursuant to this agreement, the subsidiary paid $2.5 million to resolve all charges and claims of the Nigerian Government. Any similar investigations or charges and any additional sanctions we may incur could damage our reputation and result in substantial fines, sanctions, civil and/or criminal penalties and curtailment of operations in certain jurisdictions and might adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. Further, resolving any such investigation could be expensive and consume significant time and attention of our senior management.
As of June 30, 2011, all of our rigs operating in Nigeria were operating under temporary import permits. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain new permits or further extensions of permits necessary to continue the operation of our rigs in Nigeria. If we cannot obtain a new permit or an extension necessary to continue operations of any rig, we may need to cease operations under the drilling contract for such rig and relocate such rig from Nigerian waters. We cannot predict what impact these events may have on any such contract or our business in Nigeria, and we could face additional fines and sanctions in Nigeria. Furthermore, we cannot predict what changes, if any, relating to temporary import permit policies and procedures may be established or implemented in Nigeria in the future, or how any such changes may impact our business there.
In 2010, the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Bill was signed into law. The law is designed to create Nigerian content in operations and transactions within the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The law sets forth certain requirements for the utilization of Nigerian human resources and goods and services in oil and gas projects and creates a Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (“NCD Board”) to implement and monitor the law and develop regulations pursuant to the law. The law also establishes a Nigerian Content Development Fund to fund the implementation of the law. The implementation of the law is ongoing and both the manner and timing of final implementation is uncertain. We have participated in a number of meetings with the NCD Board and are analyzing how we might reorganize our operations in Nigeria to meet these requirements, including creating third party minority interests in our operating assets. We cannot predict the impact the new law may have on our existing or future operations in Nigeria, but our operations there could be significantly and adversely affected.

 

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Results of Operations
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
General
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation (Noble-Swiss) for the three months ended June 30, 2011 (the “Current Quarter”) was $54 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $628 million, compared to net income for the three months ended June 30, 2010 (the “Comparable Quarter”) of $218 million, or $0.85 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $710 million.
The consolidated financial statements of Noble-Swiss include the accounts of Noble-Cayman, and Noble-Swiss conducts substantially all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries. As a result, the financial position and results of operations for Noble-Cayman, and the reasons for material changes in the amount of revenue and expense items between 2011 and 2010, would be the same as the information presented below regarding Noble-Swiss in all material respects, except operating income for Noble-Cayman for the three months ended June 30, 2011 was $14 million higher than operating income for Noble-Swiss for the same period, primarily as a result of depreciation related to Swiss-owned assets and operating costs directly attributable to Noble-Swiss for stewardship related services.
Rig Utilization, Operating Days and Average Dayrates
Operating revenues and operating costs and expenses for our contract drilling services segment are dependent on three primary metrics — rig utilization, operating days and dayrates. The following table sets forth the average rig utilization, operating days and average dayrates for our rig fleet for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:
                                                                 
    Average Rig     Operating     Average  
    Utilization (1)     Days (2)     Dayrates  
    Three Months Ended     Three Months Ended             Three Months Ended        
    June 30,     June 30,             June 30,        
    2011     2010     2011     2010     % Change     2011     2010     % Change  
 
   
Jackups
    71 %     81 %     2,797       3,183       -12 %   $ 80,742     $ 96,677       -16 %
Semisubmersibles
    85 %     94 %     1,088       1,023       6 %     269,798       328,286       -18 %
Drillships
    58 %     67 %     317       182       74 %     220,953       242,045       -9 %
FPSO/Submersibles
    0 %     0 %                                    
 
                                                           
Total
    70 %     80 %     4,202       4,388       -4 %   $ 140,296     $ 156,683       -10 %
 
                                                           
     
(1)  
Information reflects our policy of reporting on the basis of the number of rigs in our fleet excluding newbuild rigs under construction.
 
(2)  
Information reflects the number of days that our rigs were operating under contract.

 

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Contract Drilling Services
The following table sets forth the operating revenues and the operating costs and expenses for our contract drilling services segment for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
                                 
    Three Months Ended        
    June 30,     Change  
    2011     2010     $     %  
Operating revenues:
                               
Contract drilling services
  $ 589,550     $ 687,510     $ (97,960 )     -14 %
Reimbursables (1)
    22,982       12,989       9,993       77 %
Other
    313       603       (290 )     -48 %
 
                       
 
  $ 612,845     $ 701,102     $ (88,257 )     -13 %
 
                       
Operating costs and expenses:
                               
Contract drilling services
  $ 336,728     $ 275,595     $ 61,133       22 %
Reimbursables (1)
    17,606       9,626       7,980       83 %
Depreciation and amortization
    159,843       123,379       36,464       30 %
Selling, general and administrative
    21,359       23,561       (2,202 )     -9 %
 
                       
 
    535,536       432,161       103,375       24 %
 
                       
Operating income
  $ 77,309     $ 268,941     $ (191,632 )     -71 %
 
                       
 
     
(1)  
We record reimbursements from customers for out-of-pocket expenses as operating revenues and the related direct costs as operating expenses. Changes in the amount of these reimbursables generally do not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Operating Revenues. Decreases in contract drilling services revenues for the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter were driven by reductions in both average dayrates and operating days. The 10 percent decline in dayrates reduced revenues by approximately $69 million, and the 4 percent decline in operating days decreased revenues by an additional $29 million.
The decrease in contract drilling services revenues primarily relates to our jackups and semisubmersibles, which generated approximately $82 million and $42 million less revenue, respectively, in the Current Quarter.
The decrease in jackup dayrates of 16 percent resulted in a $45 million decrease in revenues from the Comparable Quarter. The reduction in dayrates was primarily from the contractual re-pricing of rigs in the Middle East, the North Sea, and Mexico for changes in market conditions in the global shallow water market. The 12 percent decline in jackup operating days resulted in a $37 million decline in revenues. The decrease in utilization primarily related to rigs coming off of contract in Mexico and returning to work for only a portion of the Current Quarter.
The decrease in semisubmersible dayrates of 18 percent resulted in a $64 million decrease in revenues from the Comparable Quarter. This decline was partially offset by a 6 percent increase in operating days, which added $22 million in revenue. The decrease in semisubmersibles revenue is a result of drilling restrictions in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico where lower standby rates replaced the standard operating dayrates for a majority of our contracts. The increase in operating days is primarily from the Noble Jim Day and the Noble Driller which were added to the fleet subsequent to June 30, 2010.
The decreases in revenue for the above rig classes were partially offset by higher revenues from our drillships, which increased $26 million in the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter. The increase was primarily from the drillship Noble Discoverer, which was added to the fleet as part of the Frontier acquisition and an increase in operating days amongst our drillships operating in Brazil.
Operating Costs and Expenses. Contract drilling services operating costs and expenses increased $61 million for the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter. In addition to the acquisition of Frontier, our newbuild rig, the Noble Jim Day, was placed into service in January 2011. These additional units added approximately $45 million of operating costs in the Current Quarter. Excluding the additional expenses related to these rigs, our contract drilling costs increased $16 million in the Current Quarter from the Comparable Quarter. This change was primarily driven by an $8 million increase in fuel, transportation and start-up costs for rigs returning to work in the Current Quarter, a $3 million increase in rotation costs, a $3 million increase in labor costs from salary increases and a $2 million increase in safety and training costs.

 

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The increase in depreciation and amortization in the Current Quarter from the Comparable Quarter was primarily attributable to depreciation on the Noble Jim Day, the addition of the Frontier rigs and additional depreciation related to other capital expenditures on our fleet since the Comparable Quarter.
Other
The following table sets forth the operating revenues and the operating costs and expenses for our other services for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:
                                 
    Three Months Ended        
    June 30,     Change  
    2011     2010     $     %  
Operating revenues:
                               
Labor contract drilling services
  $ 14,012     $ 8,056     $ 5,956       74 %
Reimbursables (1)
    1,140       764       376       49 %
 
                       
 
  $ 15,152     $ 8,820     $ 6,332       72 %
 
                       
Operating costs and expenses:
                               
Labor contract drilling services
  $ 8,750     $ 5,380     $ 3,370       63 %
Reimbursables (1)
    1,117       739       378       51 %
Depreciation and amortization
    3,276       2,848       428       15 %
Selling, general and administrative
    273       247       26       11 %
 
                       
 
    13,416       9,214       4,202       46 %
 
                       
Operating (loss) income
  $ 1,736     $ (394 )   $ 2,130       **   
 
                       
 
     
(1)  
We record reimbursements from customers for out-of-pocket expenses as operating revenues and the related direct costs as operating expenses. Changes in the amount of these reimbursables generally do not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
**  
Not a meaningful percentage
Operating Revenues and Costs and Expenses. The increase in both revenue and expense primarily relates to the recent expansion of our labor contract services in Alaska, combined with operational increases and foreign exchange fluctuations in our Canadian operations. The increase in depreciation is for additional assets placed in service since the Comparable Quarter.
Other Income and Expenses
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $2 million in the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter. The decrease relates to expenses of $5 million related to our FCPA investigation in the Comparable Quarter, partially offset by a $3 million increase in legal, audit and other expenses in the Current Quarter.
Interest Expense, net of amount capitalized. Interest expense, net of amount capitalized, increased $14 million in the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter. The increase is a result of $1.25 billion of debt issued in July 2010, which was used to partially fund the Frontier acquisition, and $1.1 billion of debt issued in February 2011, which was primarily used to repay the outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility and to repay our portion of outstanding debt under the joint venture credit facilities.
Income Tax Provision. Our income tax provision decreased $42 million in the Current Quarter primarily from a decline in pre-tax earnings of approximately 76 percent, which reduced income tax expense by approximately $39 million in the Current Quarter. Contributing to the decrease was a lower effective tax rate of 15 percent in the Current Quarter as compared to 19 percent in the Comparable Quarter, which decreased income tax expense by approximately $3 million. The decrease in the effective tax rate was a result of the resolution of uncertain tax positions of $9 million partially offset by changes in our geographic revenue mix primarily resulting from drilling restrictions in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.

 

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For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010
General
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation (Noble-Swiss) for the six months ended June 30, 2011 (the “Current Period”) was $109 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $1.2 billion, compared to net income for the six months ended June 30, 2010 (the “Comparable Period”) of $589 million, or $2.28 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $1.6 billion.
The consolidated financial statements of Noble-Swiss include the accounts of Noble-Cayman, and Noble-Swiss conducts substantially all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries. As a result, the financial position and results of operations for Noble-Cayman, and the reasons for material changes in the amount of revenue and expense items between 2011 and 2010, would be the same as the information presented below regarding Noble-Swiss in all material respects, except operating income for Noble-Cayman for the six months ended June 30, 2011 was $27 million higher than operating income for Noble-Swiss for the same period, primarily as a result of depreciation related to Swiss owned assets and operating costs directly attributable to Noble-Swiss for stewardship related services.
Rig Utilization, Operating Days and Average Dayrates
Operating revenues and operating costs and expenses for our contract drilling services segment are dependent on three primary metrics — rig utilization, operating days and dayrates. The following table sets forth the average rig utilization, operating days and average dayrates for our rig fleet for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:
                                                                 
    Average Rig     Operating     Average  
    Utilization (1)     Days (2)     Dayrates  
    Six Months Ended     Six Months Ended             Six Months Ended        
    June 30,     June 30,             June 30,        
    2011     2010     2011     2010     % Change     2011     2010     % Change  
Jackups
    67 %     81 %     5,178       6,324       -18 %   $ 80,799     $ 106,522       -24 %
Semisubmersibles
    77 %     93 %     1,956       1,954       0 %     273,374       370,358       -26 %
Drillships
    62 %     79 %     678       429       58 %     263,905       230,679       14 %
FPSO/Submersibles
    0 %     0 %                                    
 
                                                           
Total
    65 %     81 %     7,812       8,707       -10 %   $ 144,916     $ 171,828       -16 %
 
                                                           
     
(1)  
Information reflects our policy of reporting on the basis of the number of rigs in our fleet excluding newbuild rigs under construction.
 
(2)  
Information reflects the number of days that our rigs were operating under contract.

 

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Contract Drilling Services
The following table sets forth the operating revenues and the operating costs and expenses for our contract drilling services segment for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
                                 
    Six Months Ended        
    June 30,     Change  
    2011     2010     $     %  
Operating revenues:
                               
Contract drilling services
  $ 1,132,155     $ 1,496,156     $ (364,001 )     -24 %
Reimbursables (1)
    44,586       36,292       8,294       23 %
Other
    758       814       (56 )     -7 %
 
                       
 
  $ 1,177,499     $ 1,533,262     $ (355,763 )     -23 %
 
                       
Operating costs and expenses:
                               
Contract drilling services
  $ 643,091     $ 530,026     $ 113,065       21 %
Reimbursables (1)
    34,046       28,495       5,551       19 %
Depreciation and amortization
    314,731       236,553       78,178       33 %
Selling, general and administrative
    44,808       45,303       (495 )     -1 %
(Gain)/Loss on contract extinguishment
    (21,202 )           (21,202 )     **  
 
                       
 
    1,015,474       840,377       175,097       21 %
 
                       
Operating income
  $ 162,025     $ 692,885     $ (530,860 )     -77 %
 
                       
     
(1)  
We record reimbursements from customers for out-of-pocket expenses as operating revenues and the related direct costs as operating expenses. Changes in the amount of these reimbursables generally do not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
**  
Not a meaningful percentage
Operating Revenues. Decreases in contract drilling services revenues for the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period were driven by reductions in both average dayrates and operating days. The 16 percent decrease in dayrates reduced revenues by approximately $210 million, and the 10 percent decrease in operating days decreased revenues by an additional $154 million.
The decrease in contract drilling services revenues primarily relates to our jackups and semisubmersibles, which generated approximately $255 million and $189 million less revenue, respectively, in the Current Period.
The decrease in jackup dayrates of 24 percent resulted in a $133 million decrease in revenues from the Comparable Period. The reduction in dayrates was primarily from the contractual re-pricing of rigs in the Middle East, the North Sea, and Mexico for changes in market conditions in the global shallow water market. The 18 percent decline in jackup operating days resulted in a $122 million decline in revenues. The decrease in utilization primarily related to rigs coming off of contract in Mexico during the first quarter of 2011, the majority of which did not return to work until late in the second quarter.
The decrease in semisubmersible dayrates of 26 percent resulted in the $189 million decrease in revenues from the Comparable Period. The decrease in semisubmersibles revenue is a result of drilling restrictions in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico where lower standby rates replaced the standard operating dayrates for a majority of our contracts.
The decreases in revenue for the above rig classes were partially offset by higher revenues from our drillships, which increased $80 million in the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period. The increase was primarily from the drillships Noble Discoverer and the Noble Phoenix, which were added to the fleet as part of the Frontier acquisition. These drillships contributed an additional $60 million in revenue, while the drillships operating in Brazil added an additional $20 million in revenue.
Operating Costs and Expenses. Contract drilling services operating costs and expenses increased $113 million for the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period. In addition to the acquisition of Frontier, the Noble Dave Beard and the Noble Jim Day were placed into service in March 2010 and January 2011, respectively. These additions added approximately $89 million of operating costs in the Current Period. Excluding the additional expenses related to these rigs, our contract drilling costs increased $24 million in the Current Period from the Comparable Period. This change was primarily driven by an $18 million increase in fuel, transportation and start-up costs related to our rigs returning to work in Brazil and Mexico coupled with an $11 million increase in maintenance expense, partially offset by a $5 million decrease in labor and other costs resulting from the decrease in overall rig utilization.

 

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The increase in depreciation and amortization in the Current Period from the Comparable Period was primarily attributable to depreciation on newbuilds added to the fleet, the addition of the Frontier rigs and additional depreciation related to other capital expenditures on our fleet since the Comparable Period.
Other
The following table sets forth the operating revenues and the operating costs and expenses for our other services for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:
                                 
    Six Months Ended        
    June 30,     Change  
    2011     2010     $     %  
Operating revenues:
                               
Labor contract drilling services
  $ 27,559     $ 15,817     $ 11,742       74 %
Reimbursables (1)
    1,827       1,694       133       8 %
 
                       
 
  $ 29,386     $ 17,511     $ 11,875       68 %
 
                       
Operating costs and expenses:
                               
Labor contract drilling services
  $ 17,273     $ 11,268     $ 6,005       53 %
Reimbursables (1)
    1,780       1,613       167       10 %
Depreciation and amortization
    6,510       5,531       979       18 %
Selling, general and administrative
    539       476       63       13 %
 
                       
 
    26,102       18,888       7,214       38 %
 
                       
Operating (loss) income
  $ 3,284     $ (1,377 )   $ 4,661       **  
 
                       
 
     
(1)  
We record reimbursements from customers for out-of-pocket expenses as operating revenues and the related direct costs as operating expenses. Changes in the amount of these reimbursables generally do not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
**  
Not a meaningful percentage
Operating Revenues and Costs and Expenses. The increase in both revenue and expense primarily relates to the recent expansion of our labor contract services in Alaska during the Current Period, combined with operational increases and foreign exchange fluctuations in our existing Canadian operations. The increase in depreciation is for additional assets placed in service since the Comparable Period.
Other Income and Expenses
Interest Expense, net of amount capitalized. Interest expense, net of amount capitalized, increased $33 million in the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period. The increase is a result of $1.25 billion of debt issued in July 2010, which was used to partially fund the Frontier acquisition, and $1.1 billion of debt issued in February 2011, which was primarily used to repay the outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility and to repay our portion of outstanding debt under the joint venture credit facilities.
Income Tax Provision. Our income tax provision decreased $82 million in the Current Period primarily from a decline in pre-tax earnings of approximately 81 percent, which reduced income tax expense by approximately $86 million in the Current Period. This decrease was partially offset by a higher effective tax rate of 19 percent in the Current Period as compared to 15 percent in the Comparable Period, which increased income tax expense by approximately $4 million. The increase in the effective tax rate was a result of a change in our geographic revenue mix primarily resulting from drilling restrictions in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, partially offset by the resolution of uncertain tax positions of $9 million.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Net cash from operating activities for the Current Period was $245 million, which compared to $1.0 billion in the Comparable Period. The decrease in net cash from operating activities in the Current Period was primarily attributable to a significant decline in net income coupled with an increase in accounts receivable. The increase in accounts receivable is primarily related to the increased fleet activity in 2011 and certain disputed amounts which we believe will ultimately be collected. During the Current Period, we entered into an additional $600 million revolving credit facility, and at June 30, 2011 we had $775 million available under our credit facilities. We had working capital of $351 million and $110 million at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. Primarily as a result of our $1.1 billion debt offering in February 2011 and an increase in net borrowings on our credit facilities during the Current Period of $385 million, total debt as a percentage of total debt plus equity increased to 31.1 percent at June 30, 2011 from 27.5 percent at December 31, 2010. Additionally, at June 30, 2011, we had a total contract drilling services backlog of approximately $13 billion. Our backlog as of June 30, 2011 reflects a commitment of 73 percent of operating days for the remainder of 2011 and 43 percent for 2012. See additional information regarding our backlog at “Contract Drilling Services Backlog.”
Our principal capital resource in the Current Period was net cash from operating activities of $245 million, cash generated from our $1.1 billion senior note offering and net borrowings under our bank credit facilities of $385 million. Net cash generated from operating activities in the Comparable Period totaled $1.0 billion.
As a result of the cash generated by our operations, our cash on hand and the availability under our bank credit facilities, we believe our liquidity and financial condition are sufficient to meet all of our reasonably anticipated cash flow needs including:
   
normal recurring operating expenses;
 
   
capital expenditures, including expenditures for newbuilds and other miscellaneous capital upgrades; and
 
   
payments of return of capital in the form of a reduction of par value of our shares (in lieu of dividends).
Capital Expenditures
Our primary liquidity requirement during 2011 is for capital expenditures. Capital expenditures, including capitalized interest, totaled $1.4 billion and $531 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
At June 30, 2011, we had 11 rigs under construction, and capital expenditures for new construction in 2011 totaled $972 million. Capital expenditures for newbuild rigs during the first six months of 2011 consisted of the following (in millions):
         
    Capital  
Project   Expenditures  
HHI Drillship III
  $ 161.0  
HHI Drillship II
    160.5  
HHI Drillship I
    160.3  
Noble Globetrotter I
    124.5  
Noble Bully I
    79.6  
Noble Bully II
    76.5  
Noble Globetrotter II
    76.5  
Noble Jackup III
    42.9  
Noble Jackup IV
    42.9  
Noble Jackup I
    41.5  
Noble Jackup II
    1.0  
Other
    4.3  
 
     
Total
  $ 971.5  
 
     

 

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In addition to the newbuild expenditures noted above, capital expenditures during 2011 consisted of the following:
   
$293 million for major projects, including $82 million to upgrade two drillships currently operating in Brazil;
 
   
$108 million for other capitalized expenditures including major maintenance and regulatory expenditures which generally have useful lives ranging from 3 to 5 years; and
 
   
$56 million in capitalized interest.
Our total capital expenditure estimate for 2011 is approximately $2.5 billion. In connection with our 2011 and future capital expenditure programs, as of June 30, 2011, we had outstanding commitments, including shipyard and purchase commitments, for approximately $2.6 billion, of which $900 million is anticipated to be spent within the next twelve months. Our remaining 2011 capital expenditure budget will generally be spent at our discretion. We may accelerate or delay capital projects as needed.
From time to time we consider possible projects that would require expenditures that are not included in our capital budget, and such unbudgeted expenditures could be significant. In addition, we will continue to evaluate acquisitions of drilling units from time to time. Other factors that could cause actual capital expenditures to materially exceed plan include delays and cost overruns in shipyards (including costs attributable to labor shortages), shortages of equipment, latent damage or deterioration to hull, equipment and machinery in excess of engineering estimates and assumptions, changes in governmental regulations and requirements and changes in design criteria or specifications during repair or construction.
Share Repurchases and Dividends
At June 30, 2011, 6.8 million registered shares remained available under the existing Board authorization for our share repurchase program. During the six months ended June 30, 2011, we acquired approximately 0.2 million shares surrendered by employees for taxes payable upon the vesting of restricted stock and exercises of options for $9 million. Future repurchases by Noble-Swiss will be subject to the requirements of Swiss law, including the requirement that Noble-Swiss and its subsidiaries may only repurchase shares if and to the extent that sufficient freely distributable reserves are available.
Our most recent quarterly payment to shareholders in the form of a capital reduction, which was paid on May 19, 2011 to holders of record on May 9, 2011, was 0.13 CHF per share, or an aggregate of approximately $37 million. The declaration and payment of dividends in the future by Noble-Swiss and the making of distributions of capital, including returns of capital in the form of par value reductions, require authorization of the shareholders of Noble-Swiss. The amount of such dividends, distributions and returns of capital will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, future business prospects, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors and shareholders.
In April 2011, our shareholders approved the payment of a return of capital through a reduction of the par value of our shares in a total amount equal to 0.52 CHF per share to be paid in four equal installments scheduled for August 2011, November 2011, February 2012 and May 2012. The payments will be made in U.S. Dollars based on the CHF/USD exchange rate available approximately two business days prior to the payment date. Although the amount of the return of capital, expressed in Swiss francs, is fixed, the amount of the payment in U.S. Dollars will fluctuate based on the exchange rate. The exchange rate as published by the Swiss National Bank on July 29, 2011 was 0.8017 CHF/1.0 USD. These returns of capital will require us to make total cash payments of approximately $82 million during the remainder of 2011 (based on the exchange rate on July 29, 2011).
Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt
We have two separate revolving credit facilities in place which provide us with a total borrowing capacity of $1.2 billion. One credit facility, which has a capacity of $600 million, matures in 2013, and during the first quarter of 2011, we entered into an additional $600 million revolving credit facility which matures in 2015 (together referred to as the “Credit Facilities”). The covenants and events of default under the Credit Facilities are substantially similar, and each facility contains a covenant that limits our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization, as defined in the Credit Facilities, to 0.60. We were in compliance with all covenants as of June 30, 2011.
The Credit Facilities provide us with the ability to issue up to $300 million in letters of credit in the aggregate. While the issuance of letters of credit does not increase our borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facilities, it does reduce the amount available. At June 30, 2011, we had borrowings of $425 million outstanding and no letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facilities. We believe that we maintain good relationships with our lenders under the Credit Facilities, and we believe that our lenders have the liquidity and capability to perform should the need arise for us to draw on the Credit Facilities.

 

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The indentures governing our outstanding senior unsecured notes contain covenants that place restrictions on certain merger and consolidation transactions, unless we are the surviving entity or the other party assumes the obligations under the indenture, and on the ability to sell or transfer all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, there are restrictions on incurring or assuming certain liens and sale and lease-back transactions. At June 30, 2011, we were in compliance with all our debt covenants. We continually monitor compliance with the covenants under our Credit Facilities and senior notes and, based on our expectations for 2011, expect to remain in compliance during the year.
At June 30, 2011, we had letters of credit of $84 million and performance and tax assessment bonds totaling $347 million supported by surety bonds outstanding. Additionally, certain of our subsidiaries issue, from time to time, guarantees of the temporary import status of rigs or equipment imported into certain countries in which we operate. These guarantees are issued in lieu of payment of custom, value added or similar taxes in those countries.
Our long-term debt, including current maturities, was $3.5 billion at June 30, 2011 as compared to $2.8 billion at December 31, 2010. The increase in debt is a result of the issuance of $1.1 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes and $385 million of additional net borrowings on our Credit Facilities, partially offset by the repayment of $693 million in joint venture credit facilities. For additional information on our long-term debt, see Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2011, we issued through our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Noble Holding International Limited (“NHIL”), $1.1 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes in three separate tranches, comprising $300 million of 3.05% Senior Notes due 2016, $400 million of 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021, and $400 million of 6.05% Senior Notes due 2041. A portion of the net proceeds of approximately $1.09 billion, after expenses, was used to repay the outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility and to repay our portion of outstanding debt under the joint venture credit facilities discussed below.
In the first quarter of 2011, the joint venture credit facilities, which had a combined outstanding balance of $693 million, were repaid in full through contributions to the joint ventures from Noble and Shell. Shell contributed $361 million in equity to fund their portion of the repayment of joint venture credit facilities and related interest rate swaps, which were settled concurrent with the repayment and termination of the joint venture credit facilities.
In January 2011, the Bully joint ventures issued notes to the joint venture partners totaling $70 million. The interest rate on these notes was 10%, payable semi-annually in arrears and in kind on June 30 and December 31 commencing in June 2011. The purpose of these notes was to provide additional liquidity to the joint ventures in connection with the shipyard construction of the Bully vessels.
In April 2011, the Bully joint venture partners entered into a subscription agreement, pursuant to which each partner was issued equity in each of the Bully joint ventures in exchange for the cancellation of all outstanding joint venture partner notes. The subscription agreement has the effect of converting all joint venture partner notes, including the contribution noted above, into equity of the respective joint venture. The total capital contributed as a result of these agreements was $146 million, which included $142 million in outstanding notes, plus accrued interest. Our portion of the capital contribution, totaling $73 million, was eliminated in consolidation.
New Accounting Pronouncements
In October 2009, the FASB issued guidance that impacts the recognition of revenue in multiple-deliverable arrangements. The guidance establishes a selling-price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable. The goal of this guidance is to clarify disclosures related to multiple-deliverable arrangements and to align the accounting with the underlying economics of the multiple-deliverable transaction. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
In January 2010, the FASB issued guidance relating to the disclosure of the fair value of assets. This guidance calls for additional information to be given regarding the transfer of items in and out of respective categories. In addition, it requires additional disclosures regarding the purchase, sales, issuances, and settlements of assets that are classified as level three within the FASB fair value hierarchy. This guidance is generally effective for annual and interim periods ending after December 15, 2009. However, the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll-forward activity in Level 3 fair value measurements were deferred until fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

 

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In December 2010, the FASB issued guidance that requires a public entity to disclose pro forma information for business combinations that occurred in the current reporting period. The disclosures include pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity for the current reporting period as though the acquisition date for all business combinations that occurred during the year had been as of the beginning of the annual reporting period. If comparative financial statements are presented, the pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity for the comparable prior reporting period should be reported as though the acquisition date for all business combinations that occurred during the current year had been as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
In May 2011, the FASB issued guidance that modified the wording used to describe many of the requirements in accounting literature for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The goal of the amendment is to create consistency between the United States and international accounting standards. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. While we are still evaluating this guidance, the adoption of this guidance should not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance that allows an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendment no longer allows an entity to show changes to other comprehensive income solely through the statement of equity. For publicly traded entities, the guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. While we are still evaluating this guidance, the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk is the potential for loss from a change in the value of a financial instrument as a result of fluctuations in interest rates, currency exchange rates or equity prices, as further described below.
Interest Rate Risk
We are subject to market risk exposure related to changes in interest rates on borrowings under the Credit Facilities. Interest on borrowings under the Credit Facilities is at an agreed upon percentage point spread over LIBOR, or a base rate stated in the agreements. At June 30, 2011, we had $425 million outstanding under the Credit Facilities. Assuming our current level of debt, a change in LIBOR rates of 100 basis points would increase our interest charges by approximately $4 million per year.
We maintain certain debt instruments at a fixed rate whose fair value will fluctuate based on changes in interest rates and market perceptions of our credit risk. The fair value of our total debt was $3.7 billion and $2.9 billion at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. The increase was primarily a result of our issuance of $1.1 billion in debt in February 2011 and $385 million of additional net borrowings on the Credit Facilities, partially offset by the repayment of $693 million in joint venture credit facilities coupled with changes in fair value related to changes in interest rates and market perceptions of our credit risk.
Foreign Currency Risk
As a multinational company, we conduct business worldwide. Our functional currency is primarily the U.S. dollar, which is consistent with the oil and gas industry. However, outside the United States, a portion of our expenses are incurred in local currencies. Therefore, when the U.S. dollar weakens (strengthens) in relation to the currencies of the countries in which we operate, our expenses reported in U.S. dollars will increase (decrease).
We are exposed to risks on future cash flows to the extent that local currency expenses exceed revenues denominated in local currency that are different than the functional currency. To help manage this potential risk, we periodically enter into derivative instruments to manage our exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, and we may conduct hedging activities in future periods to mitigate such exposure. These contracts are primarily accounted for as cash flow hedges, with the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the hedge recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (“AOCL”). Amounts recorded in AOCL are reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods that the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the hedged item is recorded directly to earnings. We have documented policies and procedures to monitor and control the use of derivative instruments. We do not engage in derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes, nor are we a party to leveraged derivatives.
Our North Sea and Brazil operations have a significant amount of their cash operating expenses payable in local currencies. To limit the potential risk of currency fluctuations, we typically maintain short-term forward contracts settling monthly in their respective local currencies. The forward contract settlements in the remainder of 2011 represent approximately 52 percent of these forecasted local currency requirements. The notional amount of the forward contracts outstanding, expressed in U.S. dollars, was approximately $113 million at June 30, 2011. Total unrealized gains related to these forward contracts were $4 million as of June 30, 2011 and were recorded as part of AOCL. A 10 percent change in the exchange rate for the local currencies would change the fair value of these forward contracts by approximately $12 million.
We have entered into a firm commitment for the construction of the Noble Globetrotter I drillship. The drillship is being constructed in two phases, with the second phase being installation and commissioning of the topside equipment. The contract for this second phase of construction is denominated in Euros, and in order to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, we entered into forward contracts to purchase Euros. As of June 30, 2011, the aggregate notional amount of the remaining outstanding forward contract was 10 million Euros. This forward contract settles in connection with a required payment under the construction contract. We are accounting for this forward contract as a fair value hedge. The fair market value of this derivative instrument is included in “Other current assets/liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Gains and losses from this fair value hedge would be recognized in earnings currently, along with the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged, if any portion was found to be ineffective. The fair market value of this outstanding forward contract totaled approximately $51,000 at June 30, 2011. No gain or loss was recognized in the income statement for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. A 10 percent change in the exchange rate for the Euro would change the fair value of this forward contract by approximately $1 million.

 

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Market Risk
We sponsor the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings Restoration Plan (“Restoration Plan”). The Restoration Plan is a nonqualified, unfunded employee benefit plan under which certain highly compensated employees may elect to defer compensation in excess of amounts deferrable under our 401(k) savings plan. The Restoration Plan has no assets, and amounts withheld for the Restoration Plan are kept by us for general corporate purposes. The investments selected by employees and the associated returns are tracked on a phantom basis. Accordingly, we have a liability to employees for amounts originally withheld plus phantom investment income or less phantom investment losses. We are at risk for phantom investment income and, conversely, benefit should phantom investment losses occur. At June 30, 2011, our liability under the Restoration Plan totaled $7 million. We previously purchased investments that closely correlate to the investment elections made by participants in the Restoration Plan in order to mitigate the impact of the phantom investment income and losses on our consolidated financial statements. The value of these investments held for our benefit totaled $7 million at June 30, 2011. A 10 percent change in the fair value of the phantom investments would change our liability by approximately $0.7 million. Any change in the fair value of the phantom investments would be mitigated by a change in the investments held for our benefit.
We also have a U.S. noncontributory defined benefit pension plan that covers certain salaried employees and a U.S. noncontributory defined benefit pension plan that covers certain hourly employees, whose initial date of employment is prior to August 1, 2004 (collectively referred to as our “qualified U.S. plans”). These plans are governed by the Noble Drilling Corporation Retirement Trust. The benefits from these plans are based primarily on years of service and, for the salaried plan, employees’ compensation near retirement. These plans are designed to qualify under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), and our funding policy is consistent with funding requirements of ERISA and other applicable laws and regulations. We make cash contributions, or utilize credits available to us, for the qualified U.S. plans when required. The benefit amount that can be covered by the qualified U.S. plans is limited under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) of 1986. Therefore, we maintain an unfunded, nonqualified excess benefit plan designed to maintain benefits for all employees at the formula level in the qualified U.S. plans.
In addition to the U.S. plans, each of Noble Drilling (Land Support) Limited, Noble Enterprises Limited and Noble Drilling (Nederland) B.V., all indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Noble-Swiss, maintains a pension plan that covers all of its salaried, non-union employees (collectively referred to as our “non-U.S. plans”). Benefits are based on credited service and employees’ compensation near retirement, as defined by the plans.
Changes in market asset values related to the pension plans noted above could have a material impact upon our “Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income” and could result in material cash expenditures in future periods.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
David W. Williams, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noble-Swiss, and Thomas L. Mitchell, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Controller of Noble-Swiss, have evaluated the disclosure controls and procedures of Noble-Swiss as of the end of the period covered by this report. On the basis of this evaluation, Mr. Williams and Mr. Mitchell have concluded that Noble-Swiss’ disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2011. Noble-Swiss’ disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Noble-Swiss in the reports that it files with or submits to the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
David W. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noble-Cayman, and Dennis J. Lubojacky, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Noble-Cayman, have evaluated the disclosure controls and procedures of Noble-Cayman as of the end of the period covered by this report. On the basis of this evaluation, Mr. Williams and Mr. Lubojacky have concluded that Noble-Cayman’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2011. Noble-Cayman’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Noble-Cayman in the reports that it files with or submits to the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

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There was no change in either Noble-Swiss’ or Noble-Cayman’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the internal control over financial reporting of each of Noble-Swiss or Noble-Cayman, respectively.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Information regarding legal proceedings is set forth in Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Risks Relating to Our Business
The risk factor below updates and supplements the risks described under “Risk Factors Relating to Our Business” in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, and should be considered together with the risk factors described in that report.
We may have difficulty obtaining or maintaining insurance in the future and our insurance coverage and contractual indemnity rights may not protect us against all of the risks and hazards we face.
We generally identify the operational hazards for which we will procure insurance coverage based on the likelihood of loss, the potential magnitude of loss, the cost of coverage, the requirement of our customer contracts and applicable legal requirements. We do not procure insurance coverage for all of the potential risks and hazards we may face. Furthermore, no assurance can be given that we will be able to obtain insurance against all of the risks and hazards we face or that we will be able to obtain or maintain adequate insurance at rates and with deductibles or retention amounts that we consider commercially reasonable.
Although we maintain what we believe to be an appropriate level of insurance covering hazards and risks we currently encounter during our operations, we do not insure against all possible hazards and risks. Furthermore, our insurance carriers may interpret our insurance policies such that they do not cover losses for which we make claims. Our insurance policies may also have exclusions of coverage for some losses. Uninsured exposures may include expatriate activities prohibited by U.S. laws, radiation hazards, certain loss or damage to property onboard our rigs and losses relating to shore-based terrorist acts or strikes.
In addition, the damage sustained to offshore oil and gas assets as a result of hurricanes in recent years caused the insurance market for U.S. named windstorm perils to deteriorate significantly. Consequently, we currently self insure U.S. named windstorm coverage for our units deployed in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. If one or more future significant weather-related events occur in the Gulf of Mexico, or in any other geographic area in which we operate, we may experience increases in insurance costs, additional coverage restrictions or unavailability of certain insurance products.
Under our drilling contracts, liability with respect to personnel and property is customarily assigned on a “knock-for-knock” basis, which means that we and our customers assume liability for our respective personnel and property, irrespective of the fault or negligence of the party indemnified. Although our drilling contracts generally provide for indemnification from our customers for certain liabilities, including liabilities resulting from pollution or contamination originating below the surface of the water, enforcement of these contractual rights to indemnity may be limited by public policy and other considerations and, in any event, may not adequately cover our losses from such incidents. There can also be no assurance that those parties with contractual obligations to indemnify us will necessarily be in a financial position to do so.
If a significant accident or other event occurs and is not fully covered by our insurance or a contractual indemnity, it could materially adversely affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated certain information with respect to purchases of shares by Noble-Swiss:
                                 
                    Total Number of     Maximum Number  
                    Shares Purchased     of Shares that May  
    Total Number     Average     as Part of Publicly     Yet Be Purchased  
    of Shares     Price Paid     Announced Plans     Under the Plans  
Period   Purchased     per Share     or Programs(1)     or Programs(1)  
April 2011
    705     $ 43.33 (2)           6,769,891  
May 2011
    60,000     $ 41.87 (2)           6,769,891  
June 2011
    29,330     $ 37.45 (2)           6,769,891  
     
(1)  
All share purchases made in the open market and were pursuant to the share repurchase program which our Board of Directors authorized and adopted. Our repurchase program has no date of expiration.
 
(2)  
Amounts represent shares surrendered by employees for withholding taxes payable upon the vesting of restricted stock or exercise of stock options.
Item 6. Exhibits
The information required by this Item 6 is set forth in the Index to Exhibits accompanying this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation
         
/s/ David W. Williams
 
David W. Williams
  August 8, 2011
 
Date
   
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
       
 
       
/s/ Thomas L. Mitchell
 
Thomas L. Mitchell
       
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Controller
       
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
       
 
       
Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company
       
 
       
/s/ David W. Williams
 
David W. Williams
  August 8, 2011
 
Date
   
President and Chief Executive Officer
       
(Principal Executive Officer)
       
 
       
/s/ Dennis J. Lubojacky
 
Dennis J. Lubojacky
       
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
       
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
       

 

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Index to Exhibits
         
Exhibit    
Number   Exhibit
       
 
  2.1    
Agreement and Plan of Merger, Reorganization and Consolidation, dated as of December 19, 2008, among Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation (“Noble-Swiss”), Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (“Noble-Cayman”), and Noble Cayman Acquisition Ltd. (filed as Exhibit 1.1 to Noble-Cayman’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 22, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).
       
 
  2.2    
Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, Reorganization and Consolidation, dated as of February 4, 2009, among Noble-Swiss, Noble-Cayman and Noble Cayman Acquisition Ltd. (filed as Exhibit 2.2 to Noble-Cayman’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 4, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
       
 
  3.1    
Articles of Association of Noble-Swiss.
       
 
  3.2    
By-laws of Noble-Swiss (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Noble-Swiss’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 27, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
       
 
  3.3    
Memorandum and Articles of Association of Noble-Cayman (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Noble-Cayman’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 30, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
       
 
  4.1    
Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of February 11, 2011 among Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company; the Lenders from time to time parties thereto; Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and an Issuing Bank; Barclays Capital, a division of Barclays Bank PLC, and HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., as Co-Syndication Agents; and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Barclays Capital, a division of Barclays Bank PLC, and HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Lead Bookrunners (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Noble-Cayman’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 17, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
       
 
  4.2    
First Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of March 11, 2011 among Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company; the Lenders from time to time parties thereto; Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and an Issuing Bank; Barclays Capital, a division of Barclays Bank PLC, and HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., as Co-Syndication Agents; and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Barclays Capital, a division of Barclays Bank PLC, and HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Lead Bookrunners (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Noble-Cayman’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).
       
 
  4.3    
Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2008, between Noble Holding International Limited, as Issuer, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Noble-Cayman’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 21, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).
       
 
  4.4    
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 3, 2011, among Noble Holding International Limited, as Issuer, Noble Corporation, as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to 3.05% Senior Notes due 2016 of Noble Holding International Limited, 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 of Noble Holding International Limited, and 6.05% Senior Notes due 2041 of Noble Holding International Limited (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Noble-Cayman’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 26, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
       
 
  31.1    
Certification of David W. Williams pursuant to the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), for Noble-Swiss and for Noble-Cayman.
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of Thomas L. Mitchell pursuant to the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), for Noble-Swiss.
       
 
  31.3    
Certification of Dennis J. Lubojacky pursuant to the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Rule 13a- 14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), for Noble-Cayman.
       
 
  32.1 +  
Certification of David W. Williams pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, for Noble-Swiss and for Noble-Cayman.
       
 
  32.2 +  
Certification of Thomas L. Mitchell pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, for Noble-Swiss.
       
 
  32.3 +  
Certification of Dennis J. Lubojacky pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, for Noble-Cayman.
       
 
  101 +  
Interactive Data File
 
     
+  
Furnished in accordance with Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

 

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