Noble Corp - Quarter Report: 2019 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

FORM 10-Q

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________



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

For the quarterly period ended: September 30, 2019



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

For the transition period from to

Commission file number: 001-36211

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Noble Corporation plc

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________



England and Wales	(Registered Number 08354954)	98-0619597
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. employer identification number)

10 Brook Street, London, England, W1S1BG

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: +44 20 3300 2300

Commission file number: 001-31306

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Noble Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________



Cayman Islands		98-0366361
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(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:



Name of Company	Title of each class	Trading symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Noble Corporation plc	Ordinary Shares	NE	New York Stock Exchange
Noble Corporation	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 ☑ No ☐

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

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



Noble Corporation plc:	Large accelerated filer	☑	Accelerated filer	☐	Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐	Emerging growth company	☐
Noble Corporation:	Large accelerated filer	☐	Accelerated filer	☐	Non-accelerated filer	☑	Smaller reporting company	☐	Emerging growth company	☐

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

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

Number of shares outstanding and trading at October 29, 2019: Noble Corporation plc - 249,200,129

Number of shares outstanding: Noble Corporation - 261,245,693

Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Noble Corporation plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, meets the conditions set forth in General Instructions H(1) (a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Quarterly Report on 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
PART I	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1	Financial Statements
	Noble Corporation plc (Noble-UK) Financial Statements:
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018	6
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018	7

	Noble Corporation (Noble-Cayman) Financial Statements:
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018	8
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018	9
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018	10
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018	11
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018	12

	Notes to Combined Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	13

Item 2	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	37
Item 3	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	50
Item 4	Controls and Procedures	51
PART II	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1	Legal Proceedings	52
Item 1A	Risk Factors	52
Item 2	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	52
Item 6	Exhibits	52
	Index to Exhibits	53
	SIGNATURES	54

This combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is separately filed by Noble Corporation plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“Noble-UK”), and Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (“Noble-Cayman”). Information in this filing relating to Noble-Cayman is filed by Noble-UK and separately by Noble-Cayman on its own behalf. Noble-Cayman makes no representation as to information relating to Noble-UK (except as it may relate to Noble-Cayman) or any other affiliate or subsidiary of Noble-UK. 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 as stated in General Instructions H(2). 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 Condensed 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-UK and its condensed consolidated subsidiaries, including Noble-Cayman.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)



	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	135,993		$	375,232
Accounts receivable, net	206,235			200,722
Taxes receivable	40,605			20,498
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	62,446			62,604
Total current assets	445,279			659,056
Property and equipment, at cost	10,346,771			10,956,412
Accumulated depreciation	(2,537,648		)	(2,475,694		)
Property and equipment, net	7,809,123			8,480,718
Other assets	141,113			125,149
Total assets	$	8,395,515		$	9,264,923
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	362,493		$	—
Accounts payable	108,789			125,557
Accrued payroll and related costs	50,298			50,284
Taxes payable	24,821			29,386
Interest payable	63,676			100,100
Other current liabilities	160,665			60,130
Total current liabilities	770,742			365,457
Long-term debt	3,577,863			3,877,402
Deferred income taxes	57,739			91,695
Other liabilities	273,957			275,795
Total liabilities	4,680,301			4,610,349
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Shareholders’ equity
Common stock, $0.01 par value, ordinary shares; 249,191 and 246,794 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively	2,492			2,468
Additional paid-in capital	707,004			699,409
Retained earnings	2,940,646			3,608,366
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(56,376		)	(57,072		)
Total shareholders’ equity	3,593,766			4,253,171
Noncontrolling interests	121,448			401,403
Total equity	3,715,214			4,654,574
Total liabilities and equity	$	8,395,515		$	9,264,923

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	259,428		$	267,238		$	804,746		$	744,033
Reimbursables and other	16,098			12,170			46,604			28,901
	275,526			279,408			851,350			772,934
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	175,929			162,985			516,522			451,271
Reimbursables	13,779			9,676			38,555			22,323
Depreciation and amortization	112,755			113,868			333,481			372,304
General and administrative	17,565			14,722			149,816			58,522
Loss on impairment	595,510			—			595,510			792,843
	915,538			301,251			1,633,884			1,697,263
Operating loss	(640,012		)	(21,843		)	(782,534		)	(924,329		)
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(68,991		)	(73,725		)	(208,211		)	(223,870		)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt, net	(650		)	109			30,616			(8,659		)
Interest income and other, net	(144		)	2,610			4,222			6,814
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(709,797		)	(92,849		)	(955,907		)	(1,150,044		)
Income tax benefit	2,845			14,491			37,162			50,334
Net loss from continuing operations	(706,952		)	(78,358		)	(918,745		)	(1,099,710		)
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			—			(3,821		)	—
Net loss	(706,952		)	(78,358		)	(922,566		)	(1,099,710		)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	262,081			(3,233		)	254,846			247,722
Net loss attributable to Noble Corporation plc	$	(444,871	)	$	(81,591	)	$	(667,720	)	$	(851,988	)
Net loss attributable to Noble Corporation plc
Net loss from continuing operations	$	(444,871	)	$	(81,591	)	$	(663,899	)	$	(851,988	)
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			—			(3,821		)	—
Net loss attributable to Noble Corporation plc	$	(444,871	)	$	(81,591	)	$	(667,720	)	$	(851,988	)
Per share data
Basic:
Loss from continuing operations	$	(1.79	)	$	(0.33	)	$	(2.66	)	$	(3.46	)
Loss from discontinued operations	—			—			(0.02		)	—
Net loss attributable to Noble Corporation plc	$	(1.79	)	$	(0.33	)	$	(2.68	)	$	(3.46	)

Diluted:
Loss from continuing operations	$	(1.79	)	$	(0.33	)	$	(2.66	)	$	(3.46	)
Loss from discontinued operations	—			—			(0.02		)	—
Net loss attributable to Noble Corporation plc	$	(1.79	)	$	(0.33	)	$	(2.68	)	$	(3.46	)

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
Net loss	$	(706,952	)	$	(78,358	)	$	(922,566	)	$	(1,099,710	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,054		)	(483		)	(952		)	(2,587		)
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $145 and $87 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $436 and $260 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively)	549			324			1,648			973
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(505		)	(159		)	696			(1,614		)
Net comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	262,081			(3,233		)	254,846			247,722
Comprehensive loss attributable to Noble Corporation plc	$	(445,376	)	$	(81,750	)	$	(667,024	)	$	(853,602	)

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss	$	(922,566	)	$	(1,099,710	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flow from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	333,481			372,304
Loss on impairment	595,510			792,843
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net	(30,616		)	8,659
Deferred income taxes	(13,688		)	(10,965		)
Amortization of share-based compensation	10,422			18,665
Other costs, net	66,276			3,482
Changes in components of working capital:
Change in taxes receivable	(12,379		)	40,859
Net changes in other operating assets and liabilities	(57,914		)	(82,821		)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(31,474		)	43,316
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	(222,587		)	(149,329		)
Proceeds from disposal of assets, net	9,430			4,135
Net cash used in investing activities	(213,157		)	(145,194		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of senior notes	—			750,000
Borrowings on credit facilities	455,000			—
Repayments of credit facilities	(20,000		)	—
Repayments of debt	(400,000		)	(952,477		)
Debt issuance costs	(1,092		)	(15,327		)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(25,109		)	(12,694		)
Taxes withheld on employee stock transactions	(2,779		)	(3,458		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	6,020			(233,956		)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(238,611		)	(335,834		)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	375,907			662,829
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$	137,296		$	326,995

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
Total equity, beginning balances	$	4,427,749		$	4,774,595		$	4,654,574		$	5,950,628

Common stock and additional paid-in capital:
Beginning balances	707,003			690,682			701,877			681,372
Amortization of share-based compensation	2,511			5,930			10,422			18,665
Issuance of share-based compensation shares	—			—			—			—
Shares withheld for taxes on equity transactions	(18		)	(51		)	(2,803		)	(3,476		)
Ending balances	709,496			696,561			709,496			696,561

Retained earnings:
Beginning balances	3,385,517			3,722,978			3,608,366			4,637,677
Net loss attributable to Noble Corporation plc	(444,871		)	(81,591		)	(667,720		)	(851,988		)
Dividend equivalents ⁽¹⁾	—			60			—			99
Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles	—			—			—			(144,341		)
Ending balances	2,940,646			3,641,447			2,940,646			3,641,447

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Beginning balances	(55,871		)	(49,883		)	(57,072		)	(42,888		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(505		)	(159		)	696			(1,614		)
Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles	—			—			—			(5,540		)
Ending balances	(56,376		)	(50,042		)	(56,376		)	(50,042		)

Total shareholders’ equity, ending balances	3,593,766			4,287,966			3,593,766			4,287,966

Noncontrolling interests:
Beginning balances	391,100			410,818			401,403			674,467
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(262,081		)	3,233			(254,846		)	(247,722		)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(7,571		)	—			(25,109		)	(12,694		)
Dividends declared to noncontrolling interests	—			(10,350		)	—			(10,350		)
Ending balances	121,448			403,701			121,448			403,701

Total equity	$	3,715,214		$	4,691,667		$	3,715,214		$	4,691,667


⁽¹⁾	Activity associated with dividend equivalents, which are related to performance awards granted in 2016, to be paid upon vesting.

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)



	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	135,942		$	374,375
Accounts receivable, net	206,235			200,722
Taxes receivable	40,605			20,498
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	62,446			61,917
Total current assets	445,228			657,512
Property and equipment, at cost	10,346,771			10,956,412
Accumulated depreciation	(2,537,648		)	(2,475,694		)
Property and equipment, net	7,809,123			8,480,718
Other assets	141,113			125,149
Total assets	$	8,395,464		$	9,263,379
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	362,493		$	—
Accounts payable	108,159			125,237
Accrued payroll and related costs	50,298			50,284
Taxes payable	24,821			29,386
Interest payable	63,676			100,100
Other current liabilities	60,665			60,012
Total current liabilities	670,112			365,019
Long-term debt	3,577,863			3,877,402
Deferred income taxes	57,739			91,695
Other liabilities	273,957			275,795
Total liabilities	4,579,671			4,609,911
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Shareholders’ equity
Common stock, $0.10 par value, ordinary shares; 261,246 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018	26,125			26,125
Capital in excess of par value	657,468			647,082
Retained earnings	3,067,128			3,635,930
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(56,376		)	(57,072		)
Total shareholders’ equity	3,694,345			4,252,065
Noncontrolling interests	121,448			401,403
Total equity	3,815,793			4,653,468
Total liabilities and equity	$	8,395,464		$	9,263,379

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	259,428		$	267,238		$	804,746		$	744,033
Reimbursables and other	16,098			12,170			46,604			28,901
	275,526			279,408			851,350			772,934
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	175,563			162,801			514,871			449,956
Reimbursables	13,779			9,676			38,555			22,323
Depreciation and amortization	112,175			113,127			331,485			368,939
General and administrative	8,832			8,672			25,099			30,250
Loss on impairment	595,510			—			595,510			792,843
	905,859			294,276			1,505,520			1,664,311
Operating loss	(630,333		)	(14,868		)	(654,170		)	(891,377		)
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(68,991		)	(73,725		)	(208,211		)	(223,870		)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt, net	(650		)	109			30,616			(8,659		)
Interest income and other, net	(149		)	2,610			4,217			6,807
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(700,123		)	(85,874		)	(827,548		)	(1,117,099		)
Income tax benefit	2,845			14,490			37,162			50,227
Net loss from continuing operations	(697,278		)	(71,384		)	(790,386		)	(1,066,872		)
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			—			(3,821		)	—
Net loss	(697,278		)	(71,384		)	(794,207		)	(1,066,872		)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	262,081			(3,233		)	254,846			247,722
Net loss attributable to Noble Corporation	$	(435,197	)	$	(74,617	)	$	(539,361	)	$	(819,150	)

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
Net loss	$	(697,278	)	$	(71,384	)	$	(794,207	)	$	(1,066,872	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,054		)	(483		)	(952		)	(2,587		)
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $145 and $87 for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $436 and $260 for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively)	549			324			1,648			973
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(505		)	(159		)	696			(1,614		)
Net comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	262,081			(3,233		)	254,846			247,722
Comprehensive loss attributable to Noble Corporation	$	(435,702	)	$	(74,776	)	$	(538,665	)	$	(820,764	)

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss	$	(794,207	)	$	(1,066,872	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flow from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	331,485			368,939
Loss on impairment	595,510			792,843
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net	(30,616		)	8,659
Deferred income taxes	(13,688		)	(10,965		)
Amortization of share-based compensation	10,386			18,628
Other costs, net	(33,724		)	3,482
Changes in components of working capital:
Change in taxes receivable	(12,379		)	40,859
Net changes in other operating assets and liabilities	(56,773		)	(78,461		)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(4,006		)	77,112
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	(222,587		)	(149,329		)
Proceeds from disposal of assets, net	9,430			4,135
Net cash used in investing activities	(213,157		)	(145,194		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of senior notes	—			750,000
Borrowings on credit facilities	455,000			—
Repayments of credit facilities	(20,000		)	—
Repayments of debt	(400,000		)	(952,477		)
Debt issuance costs	(1,092		)	(15,327		)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(25,109		)	(12,694		)
Distributions to parent company, net	(29,441		)	(37,241		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(20,642		)	(267,739		)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(237,805		)	(335,821		)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	375,050			662,011
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$	137,245		$	326,190

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
Total equity, beginning balances	$	4,527,805		$	4,774,138		$	4,653,468		$	5,950,014

Common stock and additional paid-in capital:
Beginning balances	681,094			661,973			673,207			649,262
Capital contribution by parent - share based compensation	2,499			5,917			10,386			18,628
Ending balances	683,593			667,890			683,593			667,890

Retained earnings:
Beginning balances	3,511,482			3,751,230			3,635,930			4,669,173
Net loss attributable to Noble Corporation	(435,197		)	(74,617		)	(539,361		)	(819,150		)
Distributions to parent company, net	(9,157		)	(8,172		)	(29,441		)	(37,241		)
Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles	—			—			—			(144,341		)
Ending balances	3,067,128			3,668,441			3,067,128			3,668,441

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Beginning balances	(55,871		)	(49,883		)	(57,072		)	(42,888		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(505		)	(159		)	696			(1,614		)
Cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles	—			—			—			(5,540		)
Ending balances	(56,376		)	(50,042		)	(56,376		)	(50,042		)

Total shareholders’ equity, ending balances	3,694,345			4,286,289			3,694,345			4,286,289

Noncontrolling Interests:
Beginning balances	391,100			410,818			401,403			674,467
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(262,081		)	3,233			(254,846		)	(247,722		)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(7,571		)	—			(25,109		)	(12,694		)
Dividends declared to noncontrolling interests	—			(10,350		)	—			(10,350		)
Ending balances	121,448			403,701			121,448			403,701

Total equity	$	3,815,793		$	4,689,990		$	3,815,793		$	4,689,990

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED 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 plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“Noble-UK”), is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. We provide contract drilling services with our global fleet of mobile offshore drilling units. As of September 30, 2019, our fleet consisted of 12 floaters (consisting of four semisubmersibles and eight drillships) and 13 jackups.

We report our contract drilling operations as a single reportable segment, Contract Drilling Services, which reflects how we manage our business. The mobile offshore drilling units comprising our offshore rig fleet operate in a global market for contract drilling services and are often redeployed to different regions due to changing demands of our customers, which consist primarily of large, integrated, independent and government-owned or controlled oil and gas companies throughout the world.

Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (“Noble-Cayman”), is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-UK, our publicly-traded parent company. Noble-UK’s principal asset is all of the shares of Noble-Cayman. Noble-Cayman has no public equity outstanding. The condensed consolidated financial statements of Noble-UK include the accounts of Noble-Cayman, and Noble-UK conducts substantially all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Noble-UK 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 Quarterly Reports on 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 recurring nature. The December 31, 2018 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets presented herein are derived from the December 31, 2018 audited consolidated financial statements. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, filed by both Noble-UK and Noble-Cayman. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Beginning in 2019, we combined the semisubmersibles and drillships in our contract drilling services fleet into a single category, “floaters” for reporting purposes. We have made certain reclassifications so as to conform to such current period presentation. The reclassification did not have a material effect on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations or related disclosures.

Note 2— Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Adopted

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02 (Topic 842, “Leases”), as amended, which generally requires lessees to recognize operating and financing lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets on the balance sheet and to provide enhanced disclosures surrounding the amount, time and uncertainty of cash flows arising from lease agreements. We adopted this standard, on a modified retrospective basis, effective January 1, 2019 and did not restate comparative periods. Our adoption did not have a material effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

With respect to leases in which we are the lessee, we recognized a lease liability and a corresponding right-of-use asset of approximately $28.0 million as of January 1, 2019. We have elected the package of practical expedients that permits us to not reassess (1) whether previously expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (2) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and (3) any initial direct costs for any existing leases as of the effective date. In addition, we have elected the hindsight practical expedient in connection with our adoption of the new lease standard. As lessee, we have made the accounting policy election to not recognize a right-of-use asset lease and lease liability for leases with a term of 12 months or less. We will recognize lease payments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We have also elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components.

Our drilling contracts contain a lease component related to the underlying drilling equipment, in addition to the service component provided by our crews and our expertise to operate such drilling equipment. We have concluded the non-lease service of operating our equipment and providing expertise in the drilling of the client’s well is predominant in our drilling contracts. We have applied the practical expedient to account for the lease and associated non-lease components as a single component. With the election of the practical expedient, we will continue to present a single performance obligation under the new revenue guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.”

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Issued Accounting Standards

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13 (Topic 326, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”), which requires changes to the recognition of credit losses on financial instruments not accounted for at fair value through net income, including loans, debt securities, trade receivables, net investments in leases and available-for-sale debt securities. This guidance will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Entities are required to apply the standard’s provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting this standard in the first quarter of 2020.

With the exception of the updated standards discussed above, there have been no new accounting pronouncements not yet effective that have significance, or potential significance, to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Note 3— Consolidated Joint Ventures

We maintain a 50 percent interest in two joint ventures, each with a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc (“Shell”), that own and operate the two Bully-class drillships. We have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of the joint ventures. Accordingly, we consolidate the entities in our condensed consolidated financial statements after eliminating intercompany transactions. Shell’s equity interests are presented as noncontrolling interests on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Bully joint ventures approved and paid dividends totaling $15.1 million and $50.2 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Bully joint ventures approved dividends totaling $20.7 million and $46.1 million, respectively, and paid dividends of zero and $25.4 million, respectively. Of these amounts, 50 percent was paid to our joint venture partner.

The combined carrying amount of the Bully-class drillships at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 totaled $104.0 million and $0.7 billion, respectively. These assets were primarily funded through partner equity contributions. We are in discussions with Shell with respect to an agreement pursuant to which Shell would buy out the remaining term of the Noble Bully II drilling contract with the Bully II joint venture and we would acquire Shell’s interest in the Bully II and Bully I joint ventures. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, we recognized a $595.5 million impairment charge on the Noble Bully II, of which $265.0 million is attributable to our joint venture partner. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we recognized a $550.3 million impairment charge on the Noble Bully I, of which $250.3 million is attributable to our joint venture partner. See “Note 10— Loss on Impairment” and “Note 17— Subsequent Events” for additional information. Cash held by the Bully joint ventures totaled approximately $35.7 million at September 30, 2019 as compared to approximately $45.2 million at December 31, 2018.

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Note 4— Loss Per Share

The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted loss per share for Noble-UK:



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
Numerator:
Basic
Net loss from continuing operations	$	(444,871	)	$	(81,591	)	$	(663,899	)	$	(851,988	)
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			—			(3,821		)	—
Net loss attributable to Noble Corporation plc	$	(444,871	)	$	(81,591	)	$	(667,720	)	$	(851,988	)
Diluted
Net loss from continuing operations	$	(444,871	)	$	(81,591	)	$	(663,899	)	$	(851,988	)
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			—			(3,821		)	—
Net loss attributable to Noble Corporation plc	$	(444,871	)	$	(81,591	)	$	(667,720	)	$	(851,988	)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	249,181			246,780			248,865			246,553
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	249,181			246,780			248,865			246,553
Loss per share
Basic:
Loss from continuing operations	$	(1.79	)	$	(0.33	)	$	(2.66	)	$	(3.46	)
Loss from discontinued operations	—			—			(0.02		)	—
Net loss attributable to Noble Corporation plc	$	(1.79	)	$	(0.33	)	$	(2.68	)	$	(3.46	)
Diluted:
Loss from continuing operations	$	(1.79	)	$	(0.33	)	$	(2.66	)	$	(3.46	)
Loss from discontinued operations	—			—			(0.02		)	—
Net loss attributable to Noble Corporation plc	$	(1.79	)	$	(0.33	)	$	(2.68	)	$	(3.46	)

Only those items having a dilutive impact on our basic loss per share are included in diluted loss per share. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, approximately 12.0 million and 13.2 million share-based awards, respectively, were excluded from diluted loss per share since the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Share capital

As of September 30, 2019, Noble-UK had approximately 249.2 million shares outstanding and trading as compared to approximately 246.8 million shares outstanding and trading at December 31, 2018. At our 2019 Annual General Meeting, shareholders approved a proposal to allow our Board of Directors to increase share capital through the issuance of up to approximately 83.1 million ordinary shares (at current nominal value of $0.01 per share). The right of our directors to allot shares will expire at the end of our 2020 Annual General Meeting unless we seek an extension from shareholders at that time. Other than shares issued to our directors under our Noble Corporation plc 2017 Director Omnibus Plan, no shares were allotted during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

The declaration and payment of dividends require the authorization of the Board of Directors of Noble-UK, provided that such dividends on issued share capital may be paid only out of Noble-UK’s “distributable reserves” on its statutory balance sheet in accordance with UK law. Therefore, Noble-UK is not permitted to pay dividends out of share capital, which includes share premium. Noble has not paid dividends since the third quarter of 2016. The payment of future dividends will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, future business prospects, contractual and indenture restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Share repurchases

Under UK law, the Company is only permitted to purchase its own shares by way of an “off-market purchase” in a plan approved by shareholders. We currently do not have shareholder authority to repurchase shares. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, we did not repurchase any of our shares.

Note 5— Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, at cost, for Noble-UK consisted of the following:



	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
Drilling equipment and facilities	$	9,932,298	$	10,546,376
Construction in progress	211,867		209,091
Other	202,606		200,945
Property and equipment, at cost	$	10,346,771	$	10,956,412

On February 28, 2019, we purchased another GustoMSC CJ46 rig, the Noble Joe Knight. We paid $83.8 million for the rig, with $30.2 million paid in cash and the remaining $53.6 million of the purchase price financed with a loan by the seller, PaxOcean Group (“PaxOcean”). See “Note 6— Debt” for additional information.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we recognized non-cash losses on impairment of $595.5 million and $792.8 million, respectively, related to our long-lived assets. See “Note 10— Loss on Impairment” for additional information.

Note 6— Debt

Credit Facilities

2015 Credit Facility

We have a $300.0 million senior unsecured credit facility (as amended, the “2015 Credit Facility”) that will mature in January 2020 and is guaranteed by our indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries, Noble Holding (U.S.) LLC (“NHUS”) and Noble Holding International Limited (“NHIL”).

In January 2018, in connection with entering into the 2017 Credit Facility (as defined herein), we amended the 2015 Credit Facility, which caused, among other things, a reduction in the aggregate principal amount of commitments thereunder. As a result of the 2015 Credit Facility’s reduction in the aggregate principal amount of commitments, we recognized a net loss of approximately $2.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Borrowings under the 2015 Credit Facility bear interest at the London inter-bank offered rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin, which is currently the maximum contractual rate of 1.65%. At September 30, 2019, we had $300.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the 2015 Credit Facility.

2017 Credit Facility

On December 21, 2017, Noble Cayman Limited, a Cayman Islands company and a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Noble-Cayman; Noble International Finance Company, a Cayman Islands company and a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Noble-Cayman; and Noble Holding UK Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales and a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of Noble-UK (“NHUK”), as parent guarantor, entered into a new senior unsecured credit agreement (as amended, the “2017 Credit Facility” and, together with the 2015 Credit Facility, the “Credit Facilities”). In July 2019, we executed an amendment to our 2017 Credit Facility (the “First Amendment to the 2017 Credit Facility”), which, among other things, reduced the maximum aggregate amount of commitments thereunder from $1.5 billion to $1.3 billion. As a result of such reduction in the maximum aggregate amount of commitments, we recognized a net loss of approximately $0.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Borrowings under the 2017 Credit Facility are subject to certain conditions precedent, including that there be no unused commitments under the 2015 Credit Facility to advance loans. The First Amendment to the 2017 Credit Facility added a requirement that any amounts drawn under the 2017 Credit Facility not exceed the amount of the Indenture Secured Debt Basket (as defined in the First Amendment to the 2017 Credit Facility). The maximum aggregate amount of commitments under the 2017 Credit Facility on September 30, 2019 was $1.3 billion. The First Amendment to the 2017 Credit Facility also replaced the debt to capitalization ratio financial covenant with a Senior Guaranteed Indebtedness to Adjusted EBITDA (each as defined in the First Amendment to the 2017 Credit Facility) ratio financial covenant, as described below.

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

The 2017 Credit Facility will mature in January 2023. Borrowings may be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes. The 2017 Credit Facility provides for a letter of credit sub-facility currently in the amount of $15.0 million, with the ability to increase such amount up to $500.0 million with the approval of the lenders. Borrowings under the 2017 Credit Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin, which is currently the maximum contractual rate of 4.25%. At September 30, 2019, we had $135.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the 2017 Credit Facility, plus $9.0 million of performance letters of credit.

Both of our Credit Facilities have provisions which vary the applicable interest rates for borrowings based upon our debt ratings. We also pay a facility fee under the 2015 Credit Facility on the full commitments thereunder (used or unused) and a commitment fee under the 2017 Credit Facility on the daily unused amount of the underlying commitments, in each case which varies depending on our credit ratings. At September 30, 2019, the interest rates and fees in effect under our Credit Facilities were the highest permitted interest rates under those agreements.

Debt Issuance

In January 2018, we issued $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of our Senior Notes due 2026 (the “2026 Notes”) through our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, NHIL. The net proceeds of the offering of approximately $737.4 million, after expenses, were used to retire a portion of our near-term senior notes in a related tender offer.

The indenture for the 2026 Notes contains certain covenants and restrictions, including, among others, restrictions on our subsidiaries’ ability to incur certain additional indebtedness. Additionally, the subsidiary guarantors must own, directly or indirectly, (i) assets comprising at least 85% of the revenue of Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis and (ii) jackups, semisubmersibles, drillships, submersibles or other mobile offshore drilling units of material importance, the combined book value of which comprises at least 85% of the combined book value of all such assets of Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, in each case, with respect to the most recently completed fiscal year.

Seller Loans

2019 Seller Loan

In February 2019, we purchased the Noble Joe Knight for $83.8 million with a $53.6 million seller-financed secured loan (the “2019 Seller Loan”). The 2019 Seller Loan has a term of four years and requires a 5% principal payment at the end of the third year with the remaining 95% of the principal due at the end of the term. The 2019 Seller Loan bears a cash interest rate of 4.25% and the equivalent of a 1.25% interest rate paid-in-kind over the four-year term of the 2019 Seller Loan. Based on the terms of the 2019 Seller Loan, the 1.25% paid-in-kind interest rate is accelerated into the first year, resulting in an overall first year interest rate of 8.91%, of which only 4.25% is payable in cash. Thereafter, the paid-in-kind interest ends and the cash interest rate of 4.25% is payable for the remainder of the term.

2018 Seller Loan

In September 2018, we purchased the Noble Johnny Whitstine for $93.8 million with a $60.0 million seller-financed secured loan (the “2018 Seller Loan” and, together with the 2019 Seller Loan, the “Seller Loans”). The 2018 Seller Loan has a term of four years and requires a 5% principal payment at the end of the third year with the remaining 95% of the principal due at the end of the term. The 2018 Seller Loan bears a cash interest rate of 4.25% and the equivalent of a 1.25% interest rate paid-in-kind over the four-year term of the 2018 Seller Loan. Based on the terms of the 2018 Seller Loan, the 1.25% paid-in-kind interest rate is accelerated into the first year, resulting in an overall first year interest rate of 8.91%, of which only 4.25% is payable in cash. Thereafter, the paid-in-kind interest ends and the cash interest rate of 4.25% is payable for the remainder of the term.

Both of the Seller Loans are guaranteed by Noble-Cayman and each is secured by a mortgage on the applicable rig and by the pledge of the shares of the applicable single-purpose entity that owns the relevant rig. Each Seller Loan contains a debt to total capitalization ratio requirement that such ratio not exceed 0.55 at the end of each fiscal quarter, a minimum liquidity financial covenant substantially similar to the 2017 Credit Facility and an asset and revenue covenant substantially similar to the 2026 Notes, as well as other covenants and provisions customarily found in secured transactions, including a cross default provision. Each Seller Loan requires immediate repayment on the occurrence of certain events, including the termination of the drilling contract associated with the relevant rig.

Senior Notes Interest Rate Adjustments

Our Senior Notes due 2025 and our Senior Notes due 2045 are subject to provisions that vary the applicable interest rates based on our debt rating. Effective April 2018, these senior notes have reached the contractually defined maximum interest rate set for each rating agency and no further interest rate increases are possible. The interest rates on these senior notes may be decreased if our debt ratings were to be raised by either rating agency above specified levels. Our other outstanding senior notes do not contain provisions varying applicable interest rates based upon our credit ratings.

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Debt Tender Offers, Repayments, and Open Market Repurchases

In March 2019, we completed cash tender offers for our Senior Notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes”), Senior Notes due 2021 (the “2021 Notes”), Senior Notes due 2022 (the “2022 Notes”) and Senior Notes due 2024 (the “2024 Notes”). Pursuant to such tender offers, we purchased $440.9 million aggregate principal amount of these senior notes for $400.0 million, plus accrued interest, using cash on hand and borrowings under the 2015 Credit Facility. As a result of this transaction, we recognized a net gain of approximately $31.3 million.

In October 2018, we purchased $27.4 million aggregate principal amount of various tranches of our senior notes for approximately $20.2 million, plus accrued interest, as open market repurchases and recognized a net gain of approximately $6.9 million.

In August 2018, we purchased $0.4 million aggregate principal amount of our Senior Notes due 2042 for approximately $0.3 million, plus accrued interest, as open market repurchases and recognized a net gain of approximately $0.1 million.

In March 2018, we repaid the remaining aggregate principal amount of $126.6 million of our Senior Notes due 2018 (the “2018 Notes”) at maturity using cash on hand.

In March 2018, we purchased $9.5 million aggregate principal amount of various tranches of our senior notes for approximately $8.7 million, plus accrued interest, as open market repurchases and recognized a net gain of approximately $0.5 million.

In February 2018, we redeemed the remaining principal amount of $61.9 million of our Senior Notes due 2019 (the “2019 Notes”) for approximately $65.3 million, plus accrued interest. As a result of this transaction, we recognized a net loss of approximately $3.5 million.

In February 2018, we completed cash tender offers for the 2018 Notes, the 2019 Notes, the 2020 Notes, the 2021 Notes, the 2022 Notes and the 2024 Notes. Pursuant to such tender offers, we purchased $754.2 million aggregate principal amount of these senior notes for $750.0 million, plus accrued interest, using the net proceeds of the 2026 Notes issuance and cash on hand. As a result of this transaction, we recognized a net loss of approximately $3.5 million.

Covenants

At September 30, 2019, the 2017 Credit Facility contained certain financial covenants applicable to NHUK and its subsidiaries, including (i) a covenant that limits our ratio of Senior Guaranteed Indebtedness to Adjusted EBITDA as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, with such ratio not being permitted to exceed 4.0 to 1.0 for the fiscal quarters ending September 30, 2019 through December 31, 2020, 3.5 to 1.0 for the fiscal quarters ending March 31, 2021 through December 31, 2021 and 3.0 to 1.0 for the fiscal quarters ending March 31, 2022 and thereafter, (ii) a minimum Liquidity requirement of $300.0 million, (iii) a covenant that the ratio of the Rig Value (as defined in the 2017 Credit Facility) of Marketed Rigs (as defined in the 2017 Credit Facility) to the sum of commitments under the 2017 Credit Facility plus indebtedness for borrowed money of the borrowers and guarantors, in each case, that directly own Marketed Rigs, is not less than 3:00 to 1:00 at the end of each fiscal quarter and (iv) a covenant that the ratio of (A) the Rig Value of the Closing Date Rigs (as defined in the 2017 Credit Facility) that are directly wholly owned by the borrowers and guarantors to (B) the Rig Value of the Closing Date Rigs owned by NHUK, subsidiaries of NHUK and certain local content affiliates, is not less than 80% at the end of each fiscal quarter (such covenants described in (iii) and (iv) of this paragraph, the “Guarantor Ratio Covenants”). The 2017 Credit Facility also includes restrictions on borrowings if, after giving effect to any such borrowings and the application of the proceeds thereof, the aggregate amount of Available Cash (as defined in the 2017 Credit Facility) would exceed $200.0 million and a requirement that any amounts drawn under the 2017 Credit Facility not exceed the amount of the Indenture Secured Debt Basket.

NHUK has guaranteed the obligations of the borrowers under the 2017 Credit Facility. In addition, certain indirect subsidiaries of Noble-UK that own rigs are guarantors under the 2017 Credit Facility. Certain other subsidiaries of Noble-UK may be required from time to time to guarantee the obligations of the borrowers under the 2017 Credit Facility in order maintain compliance with the Guarantor Ratio Covenants.

The 2017 Credit Facility contains additional restrictive covenants generally applicable to NHUK and its subsidiaries, including restrictions on the incurrence of liens and indebtedness, mergers and other fundamental changes, restricted payments, repurchases and redemptions of indebtedness with maturities outside of the maturity of the 2017 Credit Facility, sale and leaseback transactions and transactions with affiliates.

The 2015 Credit Facility is guaranteed by NHUS and NHIL. The 2015 Credit Facility contains a covenant that limits our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization, as defined in the 2015 Credit Facility, to 0.60 at the end of each fiscal quarter.

In addition to the covenants from the Credit Facilities noted above, the covenants from the 2026 Notes described under “—Debt Issuance” above, and the covenants from the Seller Loans described under “—Seller Loans” above, 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. There are also restrictions on incurring or assuming certain liens and on entering into sale and lease-back transactions.

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

At September 30, 2019, our debt to total tangible capitalization ratio under our 2015 Credit Facility was approximately 0.52 and we were in compliance with all applicable debt covenants. We continually monitor compliance with the covenants under our Credit Facilities, senior notes and Seller Loans and expect to remain in compliance throughout 2019.

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 debt instruments was based on the quoted market prices for similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of similar remaining maturities (Level 2 measurement). The carrying amount of the Credit Facilities approximates fair value as the interest rates are variable and reflective of market rates. All remaining fair value disclosures are presented in “Note 13— Fair Value of Financial Instruments.”

The following table presents the carrying value, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts, and the estimated fair value of our total debt, not including the effect of unamortized debt issuance costs, respectively:



	September 30, 2019						December 31, 2018
	Carrying Value			Estimated Fair Value			Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value
Senior unsecured notes:
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020	$	62,493		$	59,956		$	65,810	$	60,177
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021	79,837			71,287			92,967		84,931
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022	21,178			16,320			41,617		37,096
7.75% Senior Notes due January 2024	389,430			265,495			783,350		613,719
7.95% Senior Notes due April 2025	446,848			285,818			446,517		339,035
7.875% Senior Notes due February 2026	739,037			567,525			738,075		647,085
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040	390,506			175,281			390,454		245,242
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041	389,780			172,295			389,693		247,171
5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042	478,090			206,230			477,996		277,056
8.95% Senior Notes due April 2045	390,739			213,908			390,672		311,392
Seller loans:
Seller-financed secured loan due September 2022	62,418			51,095			60,251		57,902
Seller-financed secured loan due February 2023	55,000			42,222			—		—
Credit facilities:
2015 Credit Facility matures January 2020	300,000			300,000			—		—
2017 Credit Facility matures January 2023	135,000			135,000			—		—
Total debt	3,940,356			2,562,432			3,877,402		2,920,806
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt	(362,493		)	(359,956		)	—		—
Long-term debt	$	3,577,863		$	2,202,476		$	3,877,402	$	2,920,806

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Note 7— Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table presents the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” (“AOCI”) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018. All amounts within the table are shown net of tax.



	Defined Benefit Pension Items ⁽¹⁾			Foreign Currency Items			Total
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	(27,603	)	$	(15,285	)	$	(42,888	)
Activity during period:
Stranded tax effect resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act	(5,540		)	—			(5,540		)
Balance at January 1, 2018	(33,143		)	(15,285		)	(48,428		)
Activity during period:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—			667			667
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	324			—			324
Net other comprehensive income	324			667			991
Balance at March 31, 2018	(32,819		)	(14,618		)	(47,437		)
Activity during period:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—			(2,771		)	(2,771		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	325			—			325
Net other comprehensive income	325			(2,771		)	(2,446		)
Balance at June 30, 2018	$	(32,494	)	$	(17,389	)	$	(49,883	)
Activity during period:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—			(483		)	(483		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	324			—			324
Net other comprehensive income	324			(483		)	(159		)
Balance at September 30, 2018	$	(32,170	)	$	(17,872	)	$	(50,042	)

Balance at December 31, 2018	$	(39,058	)	$	(18,014	)	$	(57,072	)
Activity during period:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—			508			508
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	550			—			550
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	550			508			1,058
Balance at March 31, 2019	(38,508		)	(17,506		)	(56,014		)
Activity during period:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—			(406		)	(406		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	549			—			549
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	549			(406		)	143
Balance at June 30, 2019	$	(37,959	)	$	(17,912	)	$	(55,871	)
Activity during period:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	—			(1,054		)	(1,054		)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	549			$	—		549
Net other comprehensive income (loss)	549			(1,054		)	(505		)
Balance at September 30, 2019	$	(37,410	)	$	(18,966	)	$	(56,376	)


⁽¹⁾	Defined benefit pension items relate to actuarial changes. Reclassifications from AOCI are recognized as expense on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations through “Other income (expense).” See “Note 12— Employee Benefit Plans” for additional information.

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Note 8— Revenue and Customers

Contract Balances

Accounts receivable are recognized when the right to consideration becomes unconditional based upon contractual billing schedules. Payment terms on invoiced amounts are typically 30 days. Current contract asset and liability balances are included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and “Other current liabilities,” respectively, and noncurrent contract assets and liabilities are included in “Other assets” and “Other liabilities,” respectively, on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following table provides information about contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers:



	September 30, 2019			December 31, 2018
Current contract assets	$	25,525		$	25,298
Noncurrent contract assets	16,138			22,366
Total contract assets	41,663			47,664

Current contract liabilities (deferred revenue)	(30,051		)	(32,906		)
Noncurrent contract liabilities (deferred revenue)	(40,968		)	(47,847		)
Total contract liabilities	$	(71,019	)	$	(80,753	)

Significant changes in the remaining performance obligation contract assets and the contract liabilities balances for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 are as follows:



	Contract Assets			Contract Liabilities
Net balance at December 31, 2018	$	47,664		$	(80,753	)

Amortization of deferred costs	(22,985		)	—
Additions to deferred costs	16,984			—
Amortization of deferred revenue	—			38,255
Additions to deferred revenue	—			(28,521		)
Total	(6,001		)	9,734

Net balance at September 30, 2019	$	41,663		$	(71,019	)

Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations

The following table reflects revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to unsatisfied performance obligations, by rig type, at the end of the reporting period:



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
	2019		2020		2021		2022		2023 and beyond		Total
Floaters	$	5,128	$	16,812	$	15,870	$	9,311	$	3,557	$	50,678
Jackups	3,907		9,620		5,964		850		—		20,341
Total	$	9,035	$	26,432	$	21,834	$	10,161	$	3,557	$	71,019

The revenue included above consists of expected mobilization, demobilization, and upgrade revenue for unsatisfied performance obligations. The amounts are derived from the specific terms within drilling contracts that contain such provisions, and the expected timing for recognition of such revenue is based on the estimated start date and duration of each respective contract based on information known at September 30, 2019. The actual timing of recognition of such amounts may vary due to factors outside of our control. We have taken the optional exemption, permitted by accounting standards, to exclude disclosure of the estimated transaction price related to the variable portion of unsatisfied performance obligations

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

at the end of the reporting period, as our transaction price is based on a single performance obligation consisting of a series of distinct hourly, or more frequent, periods, the variability of which will be resolved at the time of the future services.

Disaggregation of Revenue

The following table provides information about contract drilling revenue by rig types:



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
Floaters	$	131,039	$	141,462	$	428,272	$	396,177
Jackups	128,389		125,776		376,474		347,856
Total	$	259,428	$	267,238	$	804,746	$	744,033

Note 9— Leases

Leases

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Our operating lease agreements are primarily for real estate, equipment, storage, dock space and automobiles and are included within “Other current liabilities,” “Other assets” and “Other liabilities,” respectively, on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Certain of our lease agreements include options to extend or terminate the lease, which we do not include in our minimum lease terms unless management is reasonably certain to exercise.

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:



	September 30, 2019
Operating Leases
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	35,027
Current operating lease liabilities	6,482
Long-term operating lease liabilities	28,101



Weighted average remaining lease term for operating leases (years)	7.7
Weighted average discounted rate for operating leases	9.6	%

The components of lease cost were as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2019		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Operating lease cost	$	2,766	$	6,339
Short-term lease cost	1,506		5,915
Variable lease cost	322		1,067
Total lease cost	$	4,594	$	13,321

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2019		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$	2,519	$	6,360

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Maturities of lease liabilities as of September 30, 2019 were as follows:



	Operating Leases
2019 (remainder)	$	2,290
2020	9,342
2021	7,721
2022	5,316
2023	3,478
Thereafter	23,728
Total lease payments	51,875
Less: Interest	(17,292		)
Present value of lease liability	$	34,583

Note 10— Loss on Impairment

Asset Impairments

We evaluate our property and equipment for impairment whenever there are changes in facts which suggest that the value of the asset is not recoverable. In connection with the preparation of our financial statements for the third quarter of 2019, in consideration of the on-going discussions with our joint venture partner regarding the drilling contract and the partner’s interest in the joint venture, we conducted a review of the assets owned by the Bully II joint venture. The review included an assessment of certain assumptions, including, but not limited to, the stage of such on-going discussions, timing of future contract awards and expected operating dayrates, operating costs, utilization percentages, discount rates, capital expenditures, reactivation costs and estimated economic useful lives.

Based upon our impairment analysis, we impaired the carrying value to estimated fair value for the Noble Bully II. For our impaired unit, we estimated the fair value of this unit by applying the income valuation approach utilizing significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, we recognized a $595.5 million impairment on the Noble Bully II, of which $265.0 million is attributable to our joint venture partner. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, impairment charges related to the Noble Bully I, Noble Paul Romano, Noble Dave Beard were approximately $763.7 million, and impairment charges related to certain capital spare equipment were approximately $29.1 million. Of the impairment charges related to the rigs, we recognized a $550.3 million impairment charge on the Noble Bully I, of which $250.3 million is attributable to our joint venture partner. See “Note 3— Consolidated Joint Ventures” and “Note 17— Subsequent Events” for additional information.

Note 11— Income Taxes

At September 30, 2019, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $163.2 million (net of related tax benefits of $1.0 million). At December 31, 2018, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $183.8 million (net of related tax benefits of $1.0 million).

It is reasonably possible that our existing liabilities related to our reserve for uncertain tax positions may fluctuate in the next 12 months primarily due to the completion of open audits, adjustments to reserves as a result of new facts including but not limited to information obtained as a result of previously closed audits, or the expiration of statutes of limitation. However, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of changes in our existing liabilities due to various uncertainties, such as the unresolved nature of various audits.

At September 30, 2019, our income tax provision included a net tax benefit of $33.7 million following the effective settlement of the examination of our U.S. tax returns for the taxable years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011.

At September 30, 2018, our income tax provision included a non-cash item of $35.6 million related to the impairment of three rigs and certain capital spares.

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Note 12— Employee Benefit Plans

Pension costs include the following components for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018:



	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2019						2018
	Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
Interest cost	$	418		$	2,178		$	429		$	2,045
Return on plan assets	(595		)	(2,578		)	(661		)	(2,979		)
Recognized net actuarial loss	2			693			—			411
Net pension benefit cost (gain)	$	(175	)	$	293		$	(232	)	$	(523	)



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019						2018
	Non-U.S.			U.S.			Non-U.S.			U.S.
Interest cost	$	1,294		$	6,534		$	1,248		$	6,134
Return on plan assets	(1,843		)	(7,735		)	(2,087		)	(8,936		)
Recognized net actuarial loss	7			2,078			—			1,233
Net pension benefit cost (gain)	$	(542	)	$	877		$	(839	)	$	(1,569	)

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, we made no contributions to our pension plans. Effective December 31, 2016, employees and alternate payees accrue no future benefits under the U.S. plans and, as such, Noble recognized no service costs with the plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018.

Note 13— Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following tables present the carrying amount and estimated fair value of our financial instruments recognized at fair value on a recurring basis:



	September 30, 2019
			Estimated Fair Value Measurements
	Carrying Amount		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets -
Marketable securities	$	7,690	$	7,690	$	—	$	—



	December 31, 2018
			Estimated Fair Value Measurements
	Carrying Amount		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets -
Marketable securities	$	8,659	$	8,659	$	—	$	—

Our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, accounts receivable, marketable securities and accounts payable are by their nature short-term. As a result, the carrying values included in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets approximate fair value.

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Note 14— Commitments and Contingencies

Transocean Ltd.

In January 2017, a subsidiary of Transocean Ltd. (“Transocean”) filed suit against us and certain of our subsidiaries seeking damages for patent infringement in a Texas federal court and Transocean later added another claim alleging that we breached a 2007 settlement agreement we entered into with Transocean relating to patent claims in respect of another Noble rig. The suit claims that five of our newbuild rigs that operated in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico violated Transocean patents relating to what is generally referred to as dual-activity drilling, and Transocean is seeking royalties of a $10.0 million fee and a five percent license fee for the pertinent period of operation for each vessel and damages for the breach of contract. The patents expired in the United States in May 2016 and are also expired in most other countries. We were aware of the patents when we constructed the rigs, and while there is inherent risk in litigation, we do not believe that our rigs infringe the Transocean patents or that there has been any breach of the 2007 agreement. The litigation continues, and the court will set a new trial date, and we believe the new trial setting will be in the first quarter 2020. We continue to defend ourselves vigorously against this claim.

Brazil commercial agent

We previously used a commercial agent in Brazil in connection with our Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (“Petrobras”) drilling contracts. This agent represented a number of different companies in Brazil over many years, including several offshore drilling contractors. In November 2015, this agent pled guilty in Brazil in connection with the award of a drilling contract to a competitor and implicated a Petrobras official as part of a wider investigation of Petrobras’ business practices. Following news reports relating to the agent’s involvement in the Brazil investigation in connection with his activities with other companies, we conducted a review, which was substantially completed in 2017, of our relationship with the agent and with Petrobras. We have been in contact and cooperated with the SEC, the Brazilian federal prosecutor’s office and the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) about this matter and in December 2018, the SEC and the DOJ each advised us that they had closed their file on this matter. We have remained in contact with the Brazilian federal prosecutor’s office, who is aware of our internal review, and we continue to cooperate with any questions or requests they may have. To our knowledge, neither the agent, nor the government authorities investigating the matter, has alleged that the agent or Noble acted improperly in connection with our contracts with Petrobras.

Paragon Offshore

On August 1, 2014, Noble-UK completed the separation and spin-off of a majority of its standard specification offshore drilling business (the “Spin-off”) through a pro rata distribution of all of the ordinary shares of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Paragon Offshore plc (“Paragon Offshore”), to the holders of Noble’s ordinary shares. In February 2016, Paragon Offshore sought approval of a pre-negotiated plan of reorganization (the “Prior Plan”) by filing for voluntary relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. As part of the Prior Plan, we entered into a settlement agreement with Paragon Offshore (the “Settlement Agreement”). The Prior Plan was rejected by the bankruptcy court in October 2016.

In April 2017, Paragon Offshore filed a revised plan of reorganization (the “New Plan”) in its bankruptcy proceeding. Under the New Plan, Paragon Offshore no longer needed the Mexican tax bonding that Noble-UK was to provide under the Settlement Agreement. Consequently, Paragon Offshore abandoned the Settlement Agreement as part of the New Plan, and the Settlement Agreement was terminated at the time of the filing of the New Plan. On May 2, 2017, Paragon Offshore announced that it had reached an agreement in principle with both its secured and unsecured creditors to revise the New Plan to create and fund a litigation trust to pursue litigation against us. On June 7, 2017, the revised New Plan was approved by the bankruptcy court, and Paragon Offshore emerged from bankruptcy on July 18, 2017.

On December 15, 2017, the litigation trust filed claims relating to the Spin-off against us and certain of our current and former officers and directors in the Delaware bankruptcy court that heard Paragon Offshore’s bankruptcy, and the trust filed an amended complaint in October 2019. The complaint as amended alleges claims of alleged actual and constructive fraudulent conveyance, unjust enrichment and recharacterization of intercompany notes as equity claims against Noble and claims of breach of fiduciary duty and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty against the officer and director defendants. The litigation trust is seeking damages of (i) approximately $1.7 billion from the Company, an amount equal to the amount borrowed by Paragon Offshore immediately prior to the Spin-off, (ii) approximately $935 million relating to the transfer prior to the Spin-off of intercompany receivables and notes from a paragon subsidiary to a Noble subsidiary, and (iii) unspecified amounts in respect of the claims against the officer and director defendants all of whom have indemnification arrangements with us. Fact discovery has largely been completed and the court has set a litigation schedule which would result in all pre-trial activity being completed by the end of May 2020. A trial date has not yet been set.

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

uncertainty and risk inherent in this type of litigation, the time commitment and distraction of our organization, the potential effect of the ongoing litigation and uncertainty on our business, and the substantial expense incurred in litigating the claims. As such, the Company’s current estimated loss related to the final disposition of this matter is $100.0 million, which the Company recorded as a general and administrative expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and is reflected as a current liability as of September 30, 2019. As pre-trial matters progress, the Company’s estimated loss could change from time to time, and any such change could individually or in the aggregate be material.

There is inherent risk and substantial expense in litigation, and the amount of damages that the plaintiff is seeking is substantial. If any of the litigation trust’s claims are successful, or if we elect to settle any claims (in part to reduce or eliminate the ongoing cost of defending the litigation and eliminate any risk of a larger judgment against us), any damages or other amounts we would be required to or agree to pay in excess of the amount we recognized at September 30, 2019, could be substantial and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Given the risks and considerations discussed above, we cannot predict with any degree of certainty what the outcome of the litigation may be. Furthermore, as discussed below, we cannot predict the amount of insurance coverage, if any, that we may have if we were to settle or be found liable in the litigation.

We have directors’ and officers’ indemnification coverage for the officers and directors who have been sued by the litigation trust. The insurers have accepted coverage for the director and officer claims and we are continuing to discuss with them the scope of their reimbursement of litigation expenses. In addition, at the time of the Spin-off, we had entity coverage, or “Side C” coverage, which was meant to cover certain litigation claims up to the coverage limit of $150.0 million, including litigation expenses. We have made a claim for coverage of the litigation trust’s claims against Noble under such entity insurance. The insurers have rejected coverage for these claims. However, we intend to pursue coverage should the litigation be concluded adversely to us or should we settle in litigation. We cannot predict the amount of claims and expenses we may incur, pay or settle in the Paragon Offshore litigation that such insurance will cover, if any.

Prior to the completion of the Spin-off, Noble-UK and Paragon Offshore entered into a series of agreements to effect the separation and Spin-off and govern the relationship between the parties after the Spin-off (the “Separation Agreements”), including a Master Separation Agreement (the “MSA”) and a Tax Sharing Agreement (the “TSA”).

As part of its final bankruptcy plan, Paragon Offshore rejected the Separation Agreements. Accordingly, the indemnity obligations that Paragon Offshore potentially would have owed us under the Separation Agreements have now terminated, including indemnities arising under the MSA and the TSA in respect of obligations related to Paragon Offshore’s business that were incurred through Noble-retained entities prior to the Spin-off. Likewise, any potential indemnity obligations that we would have owed Paragon Offshore under the Separation Agreements, including those under the MSA and the TSA in respect of Noble-UK’s business that was conducted prior to the Spin-off through Paragon Offshore-retained entities, are now also extinguished. In the absence of the Separation Agreements, liabilities relating to the respective parties will be borne by the owner of the legal entity or asset at issue and neither party will look to an allocation based on the historic relationship of an entity or asset to one of the party’s business, as had been the case under the Separation Agreements.

The rejection and ultimate termination of the indemnity and related obligations under the Separation Agreements resulted in a number of accounting charges and benefits during the year ended December 31, 2017, and such termination may continue to affect us in the future as liabilities arise for which we would have been indemnified by Paragon Offshore or would have had to indemnify Paragon Offshore. We do not expect that, overall, the rejection of the Separation Agreements by Paragon Offshore will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or liquidity. However, any loss we experience with respect to which we would have been able to secure indemnification from Paragon Offshore under one or more of the Separation Agreements could have an adverse impact on our results of operations in any period, which impact may be material depending on our results of operations during this down-cycle.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we recognized charges of $3.8 million recorded in “Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax” on our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations relating to settlement of Mexico customs audits from rigs included in the Spin-off.

Tax matters

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has completed its examination procedures including all appeals and administrative reviews for the taxable years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2011. In June 2019, the IRS examination team notified us that they were no longer proposing any adjustments with respect to our tax reporting for the taxable years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2011. During the third quarter of 2017, the IRS initiated its examination of our 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 tax returns. On October 21, 2019 we received a notice dated October 15, 2019 that the IRS intends to add our 2016 and 2017 tax returns to its examination. We believe that we have accurately reported all amounts in our 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 tax returns.

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Audit claims of approximately $51.4 million attributable to income and other business taxes have been assessed against Noble entities in Mexico related to tax years 2005 and 2007. We intend to vigorously defend our reported positions, and believe the ultimate resolution of the audit claims will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

We operate in a number of countries throughout the world and our tax returns filed in those jurisdictions are subject to review and examination by tax authorities within those jurisdictions. We recognize uncertain tax positions that we believe have a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained. We cannot predict or provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of any existing or future assessments.

Other contingencies

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-UK (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.

We are a defendant in certain claims and litigation arising out of operations in the ordinary course of business, including personal injury claims, 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.

Note 15— Supplemental Financial Information

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Information

Our restricted cash balance as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 consisted of $1.3 million and $0.7 million, respectively, and is included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets.”

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Information

Operating cash activities

The net effect of changes in other assets and liabilities on cash flows from operating activities is as follows:



	Noble-UK						Noble-Cayman
	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019			2018			2019			2018
Accounts receivable	$	(5,113	)	$	4,481		$	(5,113	)	$	4,481
Other current assets	365			(9,872		)	(322		)	(9,557		)
Other assets	9,037			(14,711		)	11,033			(11,262		)
Accounts payable	366			8,528			56			8,506
Other current liabilities	(47,919		)	(52,092		)	(47,777		)	(51,474		)
Other liabilities	(14,650		)	(19,155		)	(14,650		)	(19,155		)
Total net change in assets and liabilities	$	(57,914	)	$	(82,821	)	$	(56,773	)	$	(78,461	)

Non-cash investing and financing activities

Additions to property and equipment, at cost for which we had accrued a corresponding liability in accounts payable as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were $34.0 million and $52.1 million, respectively.

Additions to property and equipment, at cost for which we had accrued a corresponding liability in accounts payable as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were $36.2 million and $25.5 million, respectively.

In February 2019, we entered into the $53.6 million 2019 Seller Loan to finance a portion of the purchase price for the Noble Joe Knight. See “Note 6— Debt” for additional information.

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Note 16— Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

Guarantees of Registered Securities

Noble-Cayman, or one or more 100 percent owned subsidiaries of Noble-Cayman, is an issuer, or full and unconditional guarantor or otherwise obligated as of September 30, 2019 with respect to registered securities as follows (see “Note 6— Debt” for additional information):



Notes ⁽¹⁾	Issuer	Guarantor
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
3.95% Senior Notes due 2022	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
7.75% Senior Notes due 2024	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
7.95% Senior Notes due 2025	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
5.25% Senior Notes due 2042	NHIL	Noble-Cayman
8.95% Senior Notes due 2045	NHIL	Noble-Cayman

⁽¹⁾Our 2026 Notes are excluded from this list as they are unregistered securities issued in a non-public offering.

The following condensed consolidating financial statements of Noble-Cayman, NHIL and all other subsidiaries present investments in both consolidated and unconsolidated affiliates using the equity method of accounting.

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

September 30, 2019

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Noble - Cayman		NHIL		Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble			Consolidating Adjustments			Total
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	—	$	135,942		$	—		$	135,942
Accounts receivable	—		—		206,235			—			206,235
Taxes receivable	—		—		40,605			—			40,605
Accounts receivable from affiliates	704,714		61,075		5,404,814			(6,170,603		)	—
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	185		—		62,261			—			62,446
Total current assets	704,899		61,075		5,849,857			(6,170,603		)	445,228
Property and equipment, at cost	—		—		10,346,771			—			10,346,771
Accumulated depreciation	—		—		(2,537,648		)	—			(2,537,648		)
Property and equipment, net	—		—		7,809,123			—			7,809,123
Notes receivable from affiliates	—		—		26,522			(26,522		)	—
Investments in affiliates	7,366,428		8,424,082		—			(15,790,510		)	—
Other assets	—		—		141,113			—			141,113
Total assets	$	8,071,327	$	8,485,157	$	13,826,615		$	(21,987,635	)	$	8,395,464
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	300,000	$	62,493	$	—		$	—		$	362,493
Accounts payable	16		—		108,143			—			108,159
Accrued payroll and related costs	—		—		50,298			—			50,298
Accounts payable to affiliates	4,056,390		1,348,424		765,789			(6,170,603		)	—
Taxes payable	—		450		24,371			—			24,821
Interest payable	647		60,170		2,859			—			63,676
Other current liabilities	—		—		60,665			—			60,665
Total current liabilities	4,357,053		1,471,537		1,012,125			(6,170,603		)	670,112
Long-term debt	—		3,325,446		252,417			—			3,577,863
Notes payable to affiliates	—		26,522		—			(26,522		)	—
Deferred income taxes	—		—		57,739			—			57,739
Other liabilities	19,929		—		254,028			—			273,957
Total liabilities	4,376,982		4,823,505		1,576,309			(6,197,125		)	4,579,671
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity	3,694,345		3,661,652		12,128,858			(15,790,510		)	3,694,345
Noncontrolling interests	—		—		121,448			—			121,448
Total equity	3,694,345		3,661,652		12,250,306			(15,790,510		)	3,815,793
Total liabilities and equity	$	8,071,327	$	8,485,157	$	13,826,615		$	(21,987,635	)	$	8,395,464

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2018

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Noble- Cayman		NHIL		Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble			Consolidating Adjustments			Total
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	17,818	$	356,557		$	—		$	374,375
Accounts receivable	—		—		200,722			—			200,722
Taxes receivable	—		—		20,498			—			20,498
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates	—		—		3,175,662			(3,175,662		)	—
Accounts receivable from affiliates	275,726		61,046		4,823,902			(5,160,674		)	—
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—		—		61,917			—			61,917
Total current assets	275,726		78,864		8,639,258			(8,336,336		)	657,512
Property and equipment, at cost	—		—		10,956,412			—			10,956,412
Accumulated depreciation	—		—		(2,475,694		)	—			(2,475,694		)
Property and equipment, net	—		—		8,480,718			—			8,480,718
Notes receivable from affiliates	5,145		—		—			(5,145		)	—
Investments in affiliates	7,716,068		12,300,840		—			(20,016,908		)	—
Other assets	609		—		124,540			—			125,149
Total assets	$	7,997,548	$	12,379,704	$	17,244,516		$	(28,358,389	)	$	9,263,379
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short-term notes payables to affiliates	$	—	$	3,175,662	$	—		$	(3,175,662	)	$	—
Accounts payable	45		—		125,192			—			125,237
Accrued payroll and related costs	—		—		50,284			—			50,284
Accounts payable to affiliates	3,725,506		1,098,395		336,773			(5,160,674		)	—
Taxes payable	—		—		29,386			—			29,386
Interest payable	3		99,997		100			—			100,100
Other current liabilities	—		—		60,012			—			60,012
Total current liabilities	3,725,554		4,374,054		601,747			(8,336,336		)	365,019
Long-term debt	—		3,817,153		60,249			—			3,877,402
Notes payable to affiliates	—		—		5,145			(5,145		)	—
Deferred income taxes	—		—		91,695			—			91,695
Other liabilities	19,929		—		255,866			—			275,795
Total liabilities	3,745,483		8,191,207		1,014,702			(8,341,481		)	4,609,911
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity	4,252,065		4,188,497		15,828,411			(20,016,908		)	4,252,065
Noncontrolling interests	—		—		401,403			—			401,403
Total equity	4,252,065		4,188,497		16,229,814			(20,016,908		)	4,653,468
Total liabilities and equity	$	7,997,548	$	12,379,704	$	17,244,516		$	(28,358,389	)	$	9,263,379

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS and COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Noble- Cayman			NHIL			Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble			Consolidating Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	—		$	259,428		$	—		$	259,428
Reimbursables and other	—			—			16,098			—			16,098
Total operating revenues	—			—			275,526			—			275,526
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	27			—			175,536			—			175,563
Reimbursables	—			—			13,779			—			13,779
Depreciation and amortization	—			—			112,175			—			112,175
General and administrative	—			59			8,773			—			8,832
Loss on impairment	—			—			595,510			—			595,510
Total operating costs and expenses	27			59			905,773			—			905,859
Operating loss	(27		)	(59		)	(630,247		)	—			(630,333		)
Other income (expense)
Loss of unconsolidated affiliates	(431,975		)	(362,901		)	—			794,876			—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(3,249		)	(61,051		)	(5,204		)	513			(68,991		)
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net	—			—			(650		)	—			(650		)
Interest income and other, net	54			—			310			(513		)	(149		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(435,197		)	(424,011		)	(635,791		)	794,876			(700,123		)
Income tax benefit	—			—			2,845			—			2,845
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	(435,197		)	(424,011		)	(632,946		)	794,876			(697,278		)
Net income (loss)	(435,197		)	(424,011		)	(632,946		)	794,876			(697,278		)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			262,081			—			262,081
Net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation	(435,197		)	(424,011		)	(370,865		)	794,876			(435,197		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(505		)	—			(505		)	505			(505		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation	$	(435,702	)	$	(424,011	)	$	(371,370	)	$	795,381		$	(435,702	)

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS and COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Noble- Cayman			NHIL			Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble			Consolidating Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	—			—			804,746			—			804,746
Reimbursables and other	—			—			46,604			—			46,604
Total operating revenues	—			—			851,350			—			851,350
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	78			—			514,793			—			514,871
Reimbursables	—			—			38,555			—			38,555
Depreciation and amortization	—			—			331,485			—			331,485
General and administrative	—			232			24,867			—			25,099
Loss on impairment	—			—			595,510			—			595,510
Total operating costs and expenses	78			232			1,505,210			—			1,505,520
Operating loss	(78		)	(232		)	(653,860		)	—			(654,170		)
Other income (expense)
Loss of unconsolidated affiliates	(527,788		)	(360,926		)	—			888,714			—
Loss of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax	(3,821		)	(3,821		)	—			7,642			—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(7,868		)	(193,812		)	(12,548		)	6,017			(208,211		)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt, net	—			31,266			(650		)	—			30,616
Interest income and other, net	194			(10		)	10,050			(6,017		)	4,217
Income (loss) before income taxes	(539,361		)	(527,535		)	(657,008		)	896,356			(827,548		)
Income tax benefit	—			—			37,162			—			37,162
Net income (loss) from continuing operations	(539,361		)	(527,535		)	(619,846		)	896,356			(790,386		)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	—			—			(3,821		)	—			(3,821		)
Net income (loss)	(539,361		)	(527,535		)	(623,667		)	896,356			(794,207		)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			254,846			—			254,846
Net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation	(539,361		)	(527,535		)	(368,821		)	896,356			(539,361		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	696			—			696			(696		)	696
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation	$	(538,665	)	$	(527,535	)	$	(368,125	)	$	895,660		$	(538,665	)

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS and COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Noble- Cayman			NHIL			Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble			Consolidating Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	—		$	267,238		$	—		$	267,238
Reimbursables and other	—			—			12,170			—			12,170
Total operating revenues	—			—			279,408			—			279,408
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	(84		)	(1,419		)	164,304			—			162,801
Reimbursables	—			—			9,676			—			9,676
Depreciation and amortization	—			—			113,127			—			113,127
General and administrative	(69		)	(823		)	9,564			—			8,672
Total operating costs and expenses	(153		)	(2,242		)	296,671			—			294,276
Operating loss	153			2,242			(17,263		)	—			(14,868		)
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	(75,959		)	50,115			—			25,844			—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(413		)	(112,447		)	(4,887		)	44,022			(73,725		)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt, net	—			109			—			—			109
Interest income and other, net	1,602			—			45,030			(44,022		)	2,610
Income (loss) before income taxes	(74,617		)	(59,981		)	22,880			25,844			(85,874		)
Income tax benefit	—			—			14,490			—			14,490
Net income (loss)	(74,617		)	(59,981		)	37,370			25,844			(71,384		)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(3,233		)	—			(3,233		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation	(74,617		)	(59,981		)	34,137			25,844			(74,617		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(159		)	—			(159		)	159			(159		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation	$	(74,776	)	$	(59,981	)	$	33,978		$	26,003		$	(74,776	)

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS and COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Noble- Cayman			NHIL			Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble			Consolidating Adjustments			Total
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services	$	—		$	—		$	744,033		$	—		$	744,033
Reimbursables and other	—			—			28,901			—			28,901
Total operating revenues	—			—			772,934			—			772,934
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services	71			(22		)	449,907			—			449,956
Reimbursables	—			—			22,323			—			22,323
Depreciation and amortization	—			—			368,939			—			368,939
General and administrative	(4		)	360			29,894			—			30,250
Loss on impairment	—			—			792,843			—			792,843
Total operating costs and expenses	67			338			1,663,906			—			1,664,311
Operating loss	(67		)	(338		)	(890,972		)	—			(891,377		)
Other income (expense)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates	(820,630		)	(300,798		)	—			1,121,428			—
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	(873		)	(338,039		)	(16,776		)	131,818			(223,870		)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt, net	(2,336		)	5,528			(11,851		)	—			(8,659		)
Interest income and other, net	4,756			(131		)	134,000			(131,818		)	6,807
Income (loss) before income taxes	(819,150		)	(633,778		)	(785,599		)	1,121,428			(1,117,099		)
Income tax benefit	—			—			50,227			—			50,227
Net income (loss)	(819,150		)	(633,778		)	(735,372		)	1,121,428			(1,066,872		)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			247,722			—			247,722
Net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation	(819,150		)	(633,778		)	(487,650		)	1,121,428			(819,150		)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net	(1,614		)	—			(1,614		)	1,614			(1,614		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation	$	(820,764	)	$	(633,778	)	$	(489,264	)	$	1,123,042		$	(820,764	)

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Noble- Cayman			NHIL			Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble			Consolidating Adjustments			Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	3,673		$	(230,434	)	$	222,755		$	—		(4,006		)
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	—			—			(222,587		)	—			(222,587		)
Proceeds from disposal of assets	—			—			9,430			—			9,430
Notes receivable to (from) affiliates	5,145			—			(26,522		)	21,377			—
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	5,145			—			(239,679		)	21,377			(213,157		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Borrowings on credit facilities	300,000			—			155,000			—			455,000
Repayment of long-term debt	—			(400,000		)	—			—			(400,000		)
Repayments of credit facilities	—			—			(20,000		)	—			(20,000		)
Debt issuance costs	—			—			(1,092		)	—			(1,092		)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(25,109		)	—			(25,109		)
Distributions to parent company, net	(29,441		)	—			—			—			(29,441		)
Advances (to) from affiliates	(279,377		)	586,094			(306,717		)	—			—
Notes payable to affiliates	—			26,522			(5,145		)	(21,377		)	—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(8,818		)	212,616			(203,063		)	(21,377		)	(20,642		)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	—			(17,818		)	(219,987		)	—			(237,805		)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	—			17,818			357,232			—			375,050
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$	—		$	—		$	137,245		$	—		$	137,245

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)



	Noble- Cayman			NHIL			Other Non-guarantor Subsidiaries of Noble			Consolidating Adjustments		Total
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	22,771		$	(348,990	)	$	403,331		$	—	$	77,112
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	—			—			(149,329		)	—		(149,329		)
Proceeds from disposal of assets	—			—			4,135			—		4,135
Net cash used in investing activities	—			—			(145,194		)	—		(145,194		)
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of long-term debt	—			(738,823		)	(213,654		)	—		(952,477		)
Issuance of senior notes	—			750,000			—			—		750,000
Debt issuance costs	(822		)	(12,581		)	(1,924		)	—		(15,327		)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(12,694		)	—		(12,694		)
Distribution to parent company, net	(37,241		)	—			—			—		(37,241		)
Advances (to) from affiliates	15,281			321,070			(336,351		)	—		—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(22,782		)	319,666			(564,623		)	—		(267,739		)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(11		)	(29,324		)	(306,486		)	—		(335,821		)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	11			29,324			632,676			—		662,011
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	$	—		$	—		$	326,190		$	—	$	326,190

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)

Note 17— Subsequent Events

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 September 30, 2019, and our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed 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, 2018 filed by Noble Corporation plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“Noble-UK”), 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 or in the documents incorporated by reference, including those regarding rig demand, the offshore drilling market, oil prices, contract backlog, fleet status, our future financial position, business strategy, impairments, repayment of debt, credit ratings, borrowings under our Credit Facilities (as defined herein) or other instruments, sources of funds, future capital expenditures, contract commitments, dayrates, contract commencements, extension or renewals, contract tenders, the outcome of the Paragon Offshore litigation or any other dispute, litigation, audit or investigation, plans and objectives of management for future operations, foreign currency requirements, results of joint ventures, indemnity and other contract claims, reactivation, refurbishment, conversion and upgrade of rigs, industry conditions, access to financing, impact of competition, governmental regulations and permitting, availability of labor, worldwide economic conditions, taxes and tax rates, indebtedness covenant compliance, dividends and distributable reserves, timing or results of acquisitions or dispositions, and timing for compliance with any new regulations are forward-looking statements. When used in this report, or in the documents incorporated by reference, 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 market conditions, 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, operating hazards and delays, risks associated with operations outside the U.S., actions by regulatory authorities, credit rating agencies, customers, joint venture partners, contractors, lenders and other third parties, legislation and regulations affecting drilling operations, compliance with regulatory requirements, violations of anti-corruption laws, shipyard risk and timing, delays in mobilization of rigs, 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, 2018, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q 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

We provide contract drilling services to the international oil and gas industry with our global fleet of mobile offshore drilling units. As of the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our fleet of 25 drilling rigs consisted of 12 floaters (consisting of four semisubmersibles and eight drillships) and 13 jackups strategically deployed worldwide in both established and emerging ultra-deepwater and shallow water locations. We typically employ each drilling unit under an individual contract. Although the final terms of the contracts result from negotiations with our customers, many contracts are awarded based upon a competitive bidding process.

Outlook

We continue to see steady improvement in our business, as evidenced by increased contracting and bidding activity. Oil prices have improved from the drop experienced at the end of the fourth quarter of 2018 and into 2019. Brent crude oil averaged $62.83 per barrel during September 2019, which exceeded the average closing price for December 2018 by $5.46 per barrel. However, the challenging business environment for offshore drillers persists due to an industry-wide rig supply imbalance that resulted from a multi-year period of investment in new offshore drilling capacity and the slackened demand for offshore drilling. Following the period of industry expansion, a period of oil price volatility compelled exploration and production companies to reduce spending and de-emphasize offshore programs while focusing instead on land-based opportunities. A portion of the newbuild offshore rig capacity ordered prior to the decline in industry activity continues to exit shipyards, while the delivery of other newbuild rigs has been delayed into the future. In either case, these rigs have added to the prevailing supply imbalance. Since 2015, the industry has experienced a higher level of fleet attrition, as rigs are removed from the global supply due to a number of factors, including advanced service life, high maintenance and reactivation costs and limited customer appeal, but the pace of attrition is significantly less than what would be required to remedy the capacity imbalance in the near term. Additionally, our customers have adopted a more cautious approach to offshore spending due, in part, to volatility in crude oil prices over the past five years. During 2018 and the first nine months of 2019, the industry saw improvement in leading edge dayrates in the high specification jackup sector, especially in regions such as the North Sea and Middle East where approximately 80 percent of our fleet is located. We remain cautiously optimistic that this trend will continue through the remainder of 2019. The floating sector, while improving, has not enjoyed the same pricing improvement as the jackup sector. While market improvement during the first nine months of 2019 gives cause for some optimism, additional customer activity will be required before floating sector dayrates move higher.

In spite of the gradual improvement in offshore activities in 2018 and the first nine months of 2019, we expect the business environment for the remainder of 2019 and early 2020 to remain challenging. The uncertainty of the viability and length of reductions in production agreed to by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) plus other non-OPEC producers including Russia (“OPEC+”), the incremental production capacity in non-OPEC+ countries, including production from U.S. shale activity, the current U.S. political environment and fluid sentiment in oil markets are contributing to an uncertain oil price environment, leading to considerable uncertainty in our customers’ production spending plans. However, steady oil demand growth, the lack of production investments in various countries and the production limits agreed to by OPEC+ should support higher sustained crude prices and lead to improved offshore spending by our customers over time. In general, recent contract awards have been subject to an extremely competitive bidding process. As a result, the contracts have been for dayrates and contract terms that are substantially lower than rates and terms were for the same class of rigs before this period of imbalance.

We cannot give any assurances as to when conditions in the offshore drilling market will improve, or when the oversupply of available drilling rigs will come back into balance.

Due to numerous factors that influence our customers’ annual global offshore spending patterns, including geopolitical events, we cannot predict the future level of demand or dayrates for our services, or future conditions in the offshore contract drilling industry. However, we believe the existence of certain factors should over time contribute to an improvement in the market for our services, driven in part by an acceleration in customers’ offshore spending. These factors include:


•	sustained higher crude oil prices;


•	improved geologic success with regard to our customers’ exploration efforts;


•	greater customer access to areas with promising offshore resource potential;


•	advances in offshore technological applications which reduce offshore costs and improve project economics;


•	high rate of natural depletion relating to land-based sources of crude oil production;


•	deteriorating annual production and poor reserve replacement metrics caused, in part, by a period of sustained under-investment by our customers; and


•	declining supply of rigs due to continued attrition.

We believe that we are strategically well positioned during this period of fundamental weakness for several reasons, including our substantial backlog, modern fleet of high-specification rigs and strong operational capability. We also believe that these strengths will help us take advantage of any future market upcycle.

Results and Strategy

Our business strategy focuses on a balanced, high-specification fleet of both floating and jackup rigs and the offering of our drilling services in oil and gas basins around the world. We emphasize safe operations through the employment of quality, well-trained crews and strive to manage rig operating costs through the implementation and continuous improvement of innovative systems and processes, including the use of data analytics and predictive maintenance technology.

Our floating and jackup drilling fleet is among the youngest, most modern and versatile in the industry. Our fleet consists predominately of technologically advanced units, equipped with sophisticated systems and components capable of executing our customers’ increasingly complicated offshore drilling programs safely and with greater efficiency. A total of 16 of our drilling rigs have been delivered since 2011 following their construction in quality shipyards located primarily in Korea and Singapore. We have not engaged in newbuild rig construction since 2016. We have also retired or sold 11 drilling rigs since late 2014, due in part to advanced service lives, high cost of operation and limited customer appeal. Current market conditions could lead to us stacking or retiring additional rigs.

We have been in discussions with Shell with respect to the drilling contract that Shell has with the Bully II joint venture. The drilling contract runs through April 2022. The discussions contemplate that Shell would buy out the remaining term of the drilling contract with the joint venture and Noble would acquire Shell’s interests in the Bully II and Bully I joint ventures. The discussions are at an advanced stage, and we believe it is probable that we will conclude the agreement with Shell in the fourth quarter of 2019. In connection with the transaction, Noble would receive a lump sum amount for its 50 percent share of the buyout of the Noble Bully II contract and the lump sum payment would be net of an amount to be paid for the two joint venture interests, with working capital and other customary adjustments for transactions of this nature. While we believe we will complete the transaction, we have not finalized the definitive documents and can make no assurance that the transaction will be completed on the terms contemplated, or at all.

Although we plan to prioritize capital preservation and liquidity based on the challenging market conditions, from time to time we will also continue to evaluate opportunities to enhance our fleet of floating and jackup rigs, particularly focusing on higher specification rigs, to execute the increasingly complex drilling programs required by our customers.

On February 28, 2019, we purchased another GustoMSC CJ46 rig, the Noble Joe Knight. We paid $83.8 million for the rig, with $30.2 million paid in cash and the remaining $53.6 million of the purchase price financed with a loan by the seller, PaxOcean Group (“PaxOcean”), in which 95% of the principal is due at the end of the four-year term. See “Note 6— Debt” to our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Spin-off of Paragon Offshore plc

On December 15, 2017, the litigation trust filed claims relating to the Spin-off against us and certain of our current and former officers and directors in the Delaware bankruptcy court that heard Paragon Offshore’s bankruptcy, and the trust filed an amended complaint in October 2019. The complaint as amended alleges claims of alleged actual and constructive fraudulent conveyance, unjust enrichment and recharacterization of intercompany notes as equity claims against Noble and claims of breach of fiduciary duty and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty against the officer and director defendants. The litigation trust is seeking damages of (i) approximately $1.7 billion from the Company, an amount equal to the amount borrowed by Paragon Offshore immediately prior to the Spin-off, (ii) approximately $935 million relating to the transfer prior to the Spin-off of intercompany receivables and notes from a Paragon subsidiary to a Noble subsidiarity, and (iii) unspecified amounts in respect of the claims against the officer and director defendants, all of whom have indemnification arrangements with us. Fact discovery has largely been completed and the court has set a litigation schedule, which would result in all pre-trial activity being completed by the end of May 2020. A trial date has not yet been set.

We believe that Paragon Offshore, at the time of the Spin-off, was properly funded, solvent and had appropriate liquidity and that the claims brought by the litigation trust are without merit. However, the Company continually assesses potential outcomes, including the probability of the parties ultimately resolving the matter through settlement in light of various factors, including given the complex factual issues involved, the uncertainty risk inherent in this type of litigation, the time commitment and distraction of our organization, the potential effect of the ongoing litigation and uncertainty on our business, and the substantial expense incurred in litigation claims. As such, the Company’s current estimated loss related to final disposition of this matter is $100.0 million, which the Company recorded as a general and administrative expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and is reflected as a current liability as of September 30, 2019. As pretrial matters progress, the Company’s estimated loss could change from time to time, and any such change individually or in the aggregate could be material.

We have directors’ and officers’ indemnification coverage for the officers and directors who have been sued by the litigation trust. The insurers have accepted coverage for the director and officer claims and we are continuing to discuss with them the scope of their reimbursement of litigation expenses. In addition, at the time of the Spin-off, we had entity coverage, or “Side C” coverage, which was meant to cover certain litigation claims up to the coverage limit of $150.0 million, including litigation expenses. We have made a claim for coverage of the litigation trust’s claims against Noble under such entity insurance. The insurers have rejected coverage for these claims. However, we intend to pursue coverage should the litigation be concluded adversely to us or should we settle the litigation. We cannot predict the amount of claims and expenses we may incur, pay or settle in the Paragon Offshore litigation that such insurance will cover, if any.

Contract Drilling Services Backlog

We maintain a backlog of commitments for contract drilling services. Our contract drilling services backlog reflects estimated future revenues attributable to signed drilling contracts. While backlog did not include any letters of intent as of September 30, 2019, in the past we have included in backlog certain letters of intent that we expect to result in binding drilling contracts.

We calculate backlog for any given rig and period by multiplying the full contractual operating dayrate for such rig by the number of days remaining in the period, and for the three rigs contracted with Royal Dutch Shell plc (“Shell”) mentioned below, we utilize the idle period and

floor rates as described in footnote (2) to the backlog table below. 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 table below presents 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		2019 ⁽¹⁾			2020			2021			2022			2023
	(In thousands)
Contract Drilling Services Backlog
Floaters ⁽²⁾⁽³⁾	$	1,232,119	$	133,685		$	503,579		$	338,025		$	187,255		$	69,575
Jackups	734,259		131,290			366,079			166,805			70,085			—
Total⁽⁴⁾	$	1,966,378	$	264,975		$	869,658		$	504,830		$	257,340		$	69,575
Percent of Available Days Committed⁽⁵⁾
Floaters			64		%	51		%	27		%	15		%	6		%
Jackups			89		%	55		%	31		%	14		%	—		%
Total			77		%	53		%	29		%	14		%	3		%


⁽¹⁾	Represents a three-month period beginning October 1, 2019.

⁽²⁾

As previously reported, three of our long-term drilling contracts with Shell, the Noble Bully II, Noble Globetrotter I and Noble Globetrotter II, contain a dayrate adjustment mechanism that utilizes an average of market rates that match a set of distinct technical attributes and is subject to a modest discount, beginning on the fifth-year anniversary of the contract and continuing every six months thereafter. On December 12, 2016, we amended those drilling contracts with Shell. As a result of the amendments, each of the contracts now has a contractual dayrate floor. The contract amendments for the Noble Globetrotter I and Noble Globetrotter II provide a dayrate floor of $275,000 per day. The Noble Bully II contract contains a dayrate floor of $200,000 per day plus daily operating expenses. Once the dayrate adjustment mechanism becomes effective and following any idle periods, the dayrate for these rigs will not be lower than the higher of (i) the contractual dayrate floor or (ii) the market rate as calculated under the adjustment mechanism. The impact to contract backlog from these amendments has been reflected in the table above and the backlog calculation assumes that, after any idle period at the contractual stacking rate, each rig will work at its respective dayrate floor for the remaining contract term.

⁽³⁾

Noble and a subsidiary of Shell are involved in joint ventures that own and operate 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 September 30, 2019, the Noble Bully I had no backlog. As of the same date, the backlog for the Noble Bully II totaled $302.7 million, all of which is included in backlog. Noble’s proportional interest in the backlog for these rigs totaled $151.3 million. We have been in discussions with Shell with respect to the drilling contract that Shell has with the Bully II joint venture. The drilling contract runs through April 2022. For additional information, see “Note 17— Subsequent Events” to our condensed consolidated financial statements and “Results and Strategy.”


⁽⁴⁾	Some of our drilling contracts provide the customers with certain early termination rights and, in limited cases, those termination rights require minimal or no notice and minimal financial penalties.


⁽⁵⁾	Percent of available days committed is calculated by dividing the total number of days our rigs are operating under contract for such period by the product of the number of our rigs and the number of calendar days in such period.

The amount of actual revenues earned and the actual periods during which revenues are earned may be materially different than the backlog amounts and backlog periods presented in the table above due to various factors, including, but not limited to, shipyard and maintenance projects, unplanned downtime, the operation of market benchmarks for dayrate resets, achievement of bonuses, weather conditions, reduced standby or mobilization rates 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 periods for which the backlog is calculated. See Part I, Item

1A, “Risk Factors – Our current backlog of contract drilling revenue may not be ultimately realized” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

As of September 30, 2019, Shell, Saudi Arabian Oil Company and ExxonMobil represented approximately 49.8 percent, 22.9 percent and 12.4 percent of our backlog, respectively.

Results of Operations

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 and 2018

Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Noble-UK for the three months ended September 30, 2019 was $444.9 million, or $1.79 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $275.5 million, compared to net loss from continuing operations for the three months ended September 30, 2018 of $81.6 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $279.4 million.

As a result of Noble-UK conducting all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries, 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 September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, would be the same as the information presented below regarding Noble-UK in all material respects, with the exception of operating loss. During the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, Noble-Cayman’s operating losses were $9.7 million and $7.0 million lower, respectively, than that of Noble-UK. The operating loss difference is primarily a result of expenses related to ongoing litigation, administration and other costs directly attributable to Noble-UK for operations support and stewardship-related services.

Key Operating Metrics

Operating results for our contract drilling services segment are dependent on three primary metrics: operating days, dayrates and operating costs. We also track rig utilization, which is a function of operating days and the number of rigs in our fleet. For more information on operating costs, see “—Contract Drilling Services” below. The following table presents the average rig utilization, operating days and average dayrates for our rig fleet for the periods indicated:



	Average Rig Utilization ⁽¹⁾				Operating Days ⁽²⁾				Average Dayrates
	Three Months Ended September 30,				Three Months Ended September 30,				Three Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019	2018	% Change		2019		2018		% Change
Jackups	89	%	93	%	985	1,028	(4	)%	$	130,339	$	122,350	7	%
Floaters	63	%	45	%	691	502	38	%	189,773		281,796		(33	)%
Total	76	%	69	%	1,676	1,530	10	%	$	154,827	$	174,665	(11	)%


⁽¹⁾	We define utilization for a specific period as the total number of days our rigs are operating under contract, divided by the product of the total number of our rigs, including cold stacked rigs, and the number of calendar days in such period. Information reflects our policy of reporting on the basis of the number of available rigs in our fleet, excluding newbuild rigs under construction.


⁽²⁾	Information reflects the number of days that our rigs were operating under contract.

Contract Drilling Services

The following table presents the operating results for our contract drilling services segment for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Change
	2019			2018			$			%
Operating revenues:
Contract drilling services	$	259,428		$	267,238		$	(7,810	)	(3	)%
Reimbursables and other ⁽¹⁾	16,098			12,170			3,928			32	%
	275,526			279,408			(3,882		)	(1	)%
Operating costs and expenses:
Contract drilling services	175,929			162,985			12,944			8	%
Reimbursables ⁽¹⁾	13,779			9,676			4,103			42	%
Depreciation and amortization	109,616			109,492			124			**
General and administrative	17,565			14,722			2,843			19	%
Loss on impairments	595,510			—			595,510			**
	912,399			296,875			615,524			207	%
Operating income (loss)	$	(636,873	)	$	(17,467	)	$	(619,406	)	3,546	%


⁽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. The $7.8 million decrease in contract drilling services revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2019 as compared to the same period of 2018 was composed of an $11.7 million decrease from lower dayrates partially offset by a $3.9 million increase due to an increased number of operating days. The revenue decrease was due to a $10.4 million decrease in floater fleet revenues offset by a $2.6 million increase in jackup fleet revenues.

The $10.4 million revenue decrease in our floater fleet for the three months ended September 30, 2019 is attributable to a $27.6 million decline in dayrates as the legacy contract for the Noble Don Taylor and the legacy assignment for the Noble Globetrotter I were completed in early 2019. These revenue reductions were partially offset by a $10.1 million increase in revenues associated with an increase in dayrates on various other rigs. The decreased revenues were also offset by a $30.1 million increase due to an increased number in operating days as three rigs, the Noble Clyde Boudreaux, the Noble Sam Croft, and the Noble Tom Madden, returned to service. This increase in revenues associated with an increase in operating days was partially offset by a decline of $23.0 million due to the Noble Don Taylor shipyard downtime in preparation for its upcoming contract.

The $2.6 million revenue increase in our jackup fleet for the three months ended September 30, 2019 is attributable to a $5.8 million increase in revenues associated with higher dayrates on various rigs, including the Noble Hans Deul. This increase was partially offset by a $15.0 million decrease due to fewer operating days, mainly due to the Noble Gene House being retired in the first quarter of 2019, but having worked for all of the three months ended September 2018, as well as fewer operating days for the Noble Houston Colbert and the Noble Scott Marks due to shipyard downtime. The fewer operating days on these rigs were partially offset by an $11.8 million increase in revenues due to the Noble Sam Hartley returning to service and the Noble Johnny Whitstine being placed into service for the first time.

Operating Costs and Expenses. Contract drilling services costs increased $12.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 as compared to the same period of 2018. Rigs that returned to service after or were placed in service for the first time after September 30, 2018 accounted for $9.1 million of the increase. Rigs in shipyards preparing for contract commencement accounted for $4.5 million of the increase. Cost increases were seen across most rig related expense categories, including personnel-related expenses and expenses for repairs and maintenance as rigs returned to operations.

Depreciation and amortization increase $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 as compared to the same period of 2018.

Loss on Impairments. We recorded a loss on impairment of $595.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019. We evaluate our property and equipment for impairment whenever there are changes in facts which suggest the value of the asset is not recoverable. Based upon our impairment analysis, we impaired the carrying value to estimated fair value for the Noble Bully II. For additional information, see “Note 10— Loss on Impairment and Note 17— Subsequent Events” to our condensed consolidated financial statements. There were no impairments recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2018.

Other Income and Expenses

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased $2.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2019 as compared to the same period of 2018, primarily as a result of an increase in professional fees, partially offset by a decrease in employee-related costs.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $4.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2019 as compared to the same period of 2018. This decrease was primarily due to the retirement of a portion of various tranches of our senior notes as a result of tender offers and open market repurchases throughout 2018 and early 2019. This decrease was offset by the issuance of our two Seller Loans (as defined herein) in late 2018 and early 2019 as well as the borrowing on our Credit Facilities (as defined herein) throughout 2019. For additional information, see “Note 6— Debt” to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Income Tax Benefit. Our income tax benefit decreased by $11.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 as compared to the same period of 2018. Excluding the tax impact of 2017 U.S. return-to-provision adjustment of $24.9 million for the same period of 2018, our income tax benefit increased by $13.3 million. This increase is comprised of a $15.6 million increase in tax benefit due to higher worldwide effective tax rate and a $2.3 million decrease in the tax benefit due to a negative effective tax rate applied to a higher pre-tax loss. The increase in the worldwide effective tax rate is primarily a result of the geographic mix of income and sources of revenue during the current period.

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 and 2018

Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Noble-UK for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $663.9 million, or $2.66 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $851.4 million, compared to net loss from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 of $852.0 million, or $3.46 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $772.9 million.

As a result of Noble-UK conducting all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries, 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 September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018, would be the same as the information presented below regarding Noble-UK in all material respects, with the exception of operating loss. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, Noble-Cayman’s operating losses were $128.4 million and $33.0 million lower, respectively, than that of Noble-UK. The operating loss difference is primarily a result of administration and other costs directly attributable to Noble-UK for operations support and stewardship-related services. In the nine months ended September 30, 2019, Noble-UK recorded a $100.0 million expense related to ongoing litigation, which was not recognized by Noble-Cayman.

Key Operating Metrics



	Average Rig Utilization ⁽¹⁾				Operating Days ⁽²⁾				Average Dayrates
	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019	2018	% Change		2019		2018		% Change
Jackups	93	%	72	%	2,957	2,606	13	%	$	127,296	$	133,506	(5	)%
Floaters	63	%	40	%	2,066	1,466	41	%	207,345		270,177		(23	)%
Total	78	%	56	%	5,023	4,072	23	%	$	160,212	$	182,723	(12	)%


⁽¹⁾	We define utilization for a specific period as the total number of days our rigs are operating under contract, divided by the product of the total number of our rigs, including cold stacked rigs, and the number of calendar days in such period. Information reflects our policy of reporting on the basis of the number of available rigs in our fleet, excluding newbuild rigs under construction.


⁽²⁾	Information reflects the number of days that our rigs were operating under contract.

Contract Drilling Services

The following table presents the operating results for our contract drilling services segment for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):



	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Change
	2019			2018			$			%
Operating revenues:
Contract drilling services	$	804,746		$	744,033		$	60,713		8	%
Reimbursables and other ⁽¹⁾	46,604			28,901			17,703			61	%
	851,350			772,934			78,416			10	%
Operating costs and expenses:
Contract drilling services	516,522			451,271			65,251			14	%
Reimbursables ⁽¹⁾	38,555			22,323			16,232			73	%
Depreciation and amortization	323,504			356,930			(33,426		)	(9	)%
General and administrative	149,816			58,522			91,294			156	%
Loss on impairments	595,510			792,843			(197,333		)	(25	)%
	1,623,907			1,681,889			(57,982		)	(3	)%
Operating income (loss)	$	(772,557	)	$	(908,955	)	$	136,398		(15	)%


⁽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. The $60.7 million increase in contract drilling services revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 as compared to the same period of 2018 was composed of a $82.5 million increase due to an increased number of operating days, partially offset by a $21.8 million decline from lower dayrates. The revenue increase was due to increases in floater and jackup fleet revenues of $32.1 million and $28.6 million, respectively.

The $32.1 million revenue increase in our floater fleet for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 is attributable to a $94.2 million increase mainly due to an increased number in operating days on two rigs, the Noble Bob Douglas and the Noble Clyde Boudreaux, and two additional rigs, the Noble Sam Croft and the Noble Tom Madden, returning to service. This increase was partially offset by a decline of $36.7 million due to the Noble Paul Romano being warm-stacked in the middle of the second quarter of 2018, as well as the Noble Don Taylor having shipyard downtime in preparation for its upcoming contract. Floater fleet revenue was also impacted by a decline in dayrates of $63.3 million as the legacy contract for the Noble Don Taylor and the legacy assignment for the Noble Globetrotter I were completed in early 2019. These revenue reductions were partially offset by a $37.9 million increase in revenues associated with an increase in dayrates on various other rigs. This increase was mainly attributable to the Noble Globetrotter II, which experienced an uplift in revenue in part due to the Company owned managed pressure drilling system.

The $28.6 million revenue increase in our jackup fleet for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 is attributable to a $51.2 million increase due to more operating days, mainly due to the Noble Sam Hartley, the Noble Mick O’Brien, the Noble Tom Prosser, and the Noble Hans Deul, which returned to service, and the Noble Johnny Whitstine, which was placed in service for the first time. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in revenue of $26.2 million primarily due to the Noble Gene House being retired in the first quarter of 2019 but having worked for all of the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as well as fewer operating days for the Noble Houston Colbert and the Noble Scott Marks due to shipyard downtime. There was also an increase in revenue of $3.6 million associated with higher dayrates on various other rigs.

Operating Costs and Expenses. Contract drilling services costs increased $65.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 as compared to the same period of 2018. Rigs that returned to service, were placed in service for the first time in the current period or rigs in shipyards preparing for contract commencement accounted for $79.4 million of the increase. Cost increases were seen across all rig related expense categories, including personnel-related expenses and expenses for repairs and maintenance as rigs returned to operations. These increases were offset by a couple of rigs that had more operating days in the prior quarter as compared to the current quarter, resulting in a decrease in contract drilling services costs of $17.4 million.

Depreciation and amortization decreased $33.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 as compared to the same period of 2018. The decline was due to the effect of rig impairments during 2018.

Loss on Impairments. We recorded a loss on impairment of $595.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 as compared to a loss on impairment of $792.8 million for the same period of 2018. We evaluate our property and equipment for impairment whenever there are changes in facts which suggest the value of the asset is not recoverable. Based upon our impairment analysis, we impaired the carrying value to estimated fair value for the Noble Bully II. For additional information, see “Note 10— Loss on Impairment and Note 17— Subsequent Events” to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Other Income and Expenses

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased $91.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 as compared to the same period of 2018, primarily as a result of Noble-UK recognizing a $100.0 million expense in connection with ongoing litigation during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, offset by a decrease in employee-related costs and lower office rent.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $15.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 as compared to the same period of 2018. This decrease was primarily due to the retirement of a portion of various tranches of our senior notes as a result of tender offers and open market repurchases throughout 2018 and early 2019. This decrease was offset by the issuance of our Senior Notes due 2026 (the “2026 Notes”) in January 2018, the issuance of our two Seller Loans in late 2018 and early 2019 and the borrowing on our Credit Facilities throughout 2019. For additional information, see “Note 6— Debt” to our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Income Tax Benefit. Our income tax benefit decreased by $13.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 as compared to the same period of 2018. Excluding the tax impact of extraordinary items consisting of a gain on debt extinguishment of $6.6 million, the release of uncertain tax positions related to the settlement of our 2010-2011 U.S. tax audit of $33.7 million in the current period, and the loss on debt extinguishment of $1.8 million, asset impairments of $35.6 million and our 2017 U.S. return-to-provision adjustment of $24.9 million in the prior period, our tax benefit increased by $22.1 million. This increase is due to an increase in our worldwide tax rate applied to a lower pre-tax loss for the current period as compared to the prior period, which included a negative worldwide tax rate applied to a higher pre-tax loss. The increase in the worldwide effective tax rate is primarily a result of the geographic mix of income and sources of revenue during the current period.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Net cash used in operating activities was $31.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and net cash provided by operating activities was $43.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was primarily attributable to a one-time tax refund of $84.5 million received in the first quarter of 2018, a one-time VAT payment of $24.5 million on the temporary import of the Noble Houston Colbert into the UK (which we expect to receive a full refund on within the next 12 months), offset by a $24.9 million decline in other working capital accounts and by $8.8 million of tax refunds received throughout 2019. We had negative working capital of $325.5 million at September 30, 2019 and working capital of $293.6 million at December 31, 2018.

Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $213.2 million as compared to $145.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The variance primarily relates to the purchase and preparation of the Noble Joe Knight and the Noble Johnny Whitstine, which commenced operations in the fourth quarter and the second quarter of 2019, respectively.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $6.0 million and net cash used in financing activities was $234.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Our primary use of cash in both periods was the retirement of a portion of various tranches of our senior notes as a result of tender offers. This use of cash was offset in the current period by net borrowings on our Credit Facilities.

In March 2019, we completed cash tender offers for our Senior Notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes”), Senior Notes due 2021 (the “2021 Notes”), Senior Notes due 2022 (the “2022 Notes”) and Senior Notes due 2024 (the “2024 Notes”). Pursuant to such tender offers, we purchased $440.9 million aggregate principal amount of these senior notes for $400.0 million, plus accrued interest, using borrowings under the 2015 Credit Facility (as defined herein) and cash on hand.

Our primary source of capital in the current period was cash generated from operating activities. Cash on hand during the current period was primarily used for the following:


•	normal recurring operating expenses;


•	retirement of a portion of various tranches of our senior notes in tender offers; and


•	capital expenditures.

Our currently anticipated cash flow needs, both in the short-term and long-term, may include the following:


•	normal recurring operating expenses;


•	planned and discretionary capital expenditures; and


•	repayments of debt and interest.

We currently expect to fund these cash flow needs with cash generated by our operations, cash on hand, borrowings under our existing Credit Facilities and potential issuances of equity or long-term debt. However, to adequately cover our expected cash flow needs, we may require capital in excess of the amount available from these sources, and we may seek additional sources of liquidity and/or delay or cancel certain discretionary capital expenditures or other payments as necessary.

At September 30, 2019, we had a total contract drilling services backlog of approximately $2.0 billion, which includes a commitment of 77 percent of available days for the remainder of 2019 and 53 percent of available days for 2020. For additional information regarding our backlog, see “Contract Drilling Services Backlog.”

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures totaled $258.1 million and $220.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Capital expenditures during the first nine months of 2019 consisted of the following:


•	$56.4 million for sustaining capital;


•	$108.9 million in major projects, including reactivations and subsea and other related projects;


•	$83.8 million to purchase the Noble Joe Knight (inclusive of cash paid and seller financing); and


•	$9.0 million in capitalized interest.

Our total capital expenditure estimate for 2019 is approximately $303.9 million.


•	$82.0 million for sustaining capital;


•	$129.1 million in major projects, including reactivations and subsea and other related projects;


•	$83.5 million purchase of the Noble Joe Knight (inclusive of cash paid and seller financing); and


•	$9.3 million in capitalized interest.

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, possible refurbishment and reactivation of rigs and changes in design criteria or specifications during repair or construction.

Share Capital

At our 2019 Annual General Meeting, shareholders approved a proposal to allow our Board of Directors to increase share capital through the issuance of up to approximately 83.1 million ordinary shares (at current nominal value of $0.01 per share). The right of our directors to allot shares will expire at the end of our 2020 Annual General Meeting unless we seek an extension from shareholders at that time. No shares were allotted during the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Share Repurchases

Credit Facilities

2015 Credit Facility

2017 Credit Facility

On December 21, 2017, Noble Cayman Limited, a Cayman Islands company and a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Noble-Cayman; Noble International Finance Company, a Cayman Islands company and a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Noble-Cayman; and Noble Holding UK Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales and a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of Noble-UK (“NHUK”), as parent guarantor, entered into a new senior unsecured credit agreement (as amended, the “2017 Credit Facility” and, together with the 2015 Credit Facility, the “Credit Facilities”). In July 2019, we executed an amendment to our 2017 Credit Facility (the “First Amendment to the 2017 Credit Facility”), which, among other things, reduced the maximum aggregate amount of commitments thereunder from $1.5 billion to $1.3 billion. As a result of such reduction in the maximum aggregate amount of commitments, we recognized a net loss of approximately $0.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Borrowings under the 2017 Credit Facility are subject to certain conditions precedent, including that there be no unused commitments under the 2015 Credit Facility to advance loans. The First Amendment to the 2017 Credit Facility added a requirement that any amounts drawn under the 2017 Credit Facility not exceed the amount of the Indenture Secured Debt Basket (as defined in the First Amendment to the 2017 Credit Facility). The maximum aggregate amount of commitments under the 2017 Credit Facility on September 30, 2019 was approximately $1.3 billion. The First Amendment to the 2017 Credit Facility also replaced the debt to capitalization ratio financial covenant with a Senior Guaranteed Indebtedness to Adjusted EBITDA (each as defined in the First Amendment to the 2017 Credit Facility) ratio financial covenant, as described below.

In July 2017, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced that it intends to phase out LIBOR as a benchmark by the end of 2021. At the present time, the 2017 Credit Facility has a term that extends beyond 2021, and borrowings thereunder bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin. The 2017 Credit Facility provides for a mechanism to amend the facility to reflect the establishment of an alternate rate of interest upon the occurrence of certain events related to the phase-out of LIBOR. However, we have not yet pursued any technical amendment or other contractual alternative to address this matter. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the eventual replacement of the LIBOR interest rate.

Debt Issuance

In January 2018, we issued $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Notes through our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, NHIL. The net proceeds of the offering of approximately $737.4 million, after expenses, were used to retire a portion of our near-term senior notes in a related tender offer.

value of all such assets of Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, in each case, with respect to the most recently completed fiscal year.

Seller Loans

2019 Seller Loan

2018 Seller Loan

Senior Notes Interest Rate Adjustments

Our Senior Notes due 2025 (the “2025 Notes”) and our Senior Notes due 2045 (the “2045 Notes”) are subject to provisions that vary the applicable interest rates based on our debt rating. Effective April 2018, these senior notes have reached the contractually defined maximum interest rate set for each rating agency and no further interest rate increases are possible. The interest rates on these senior notes may be decreased if our debt ratings were to be raised by either rating agency above specified levels. Our other outstanding senior notes do not contain provisions varying applicable interest rates based upon our credit ratings.

Debt Tender Offers, Repayments and Open Market Repurchases

In March 2019, we completed cash tender offers for the 2020 Notes, the 2021 Notes, the 2022 Notes, and the 2024 Notes. Pursuant to such tender offers, we purchased $440.9 million aggregate principal amount of these senior notes for $400.0 million, plus accrued interest, using cash on hand and borrowings under the 2015 Credit Facility. As a result of this transaction, we recognized a net gain of approximately $31.3 million.

In March 2018, we repaid the remaining aggregate principal amount of $126.6 million of our Senior Notes due 2018 (the “2018 Notes”) at maturity using cash on hand.

Covenants

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements as that term is defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements, “Note 2— Accounting Pronouncements,” to the condensed consolidated financial statements for a description of the recent accounting pronouncements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Market risk is the potential for loss due to 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 our Credit Facilities. Interest on borrowings under our Credit Facilities is at an agreed upon percentage point spread over LIBOR, or a base rate stated in the agreements. Borrowings under the 2015 Credit Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin, which is currently the maximum contractual rate of 1.65%. At September 30, 2019, we had $300.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the 2015 Credit Facility. Borrowings under the 2017 Credit Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin, which is currently the maximum contractual rate of 4.25%. At September 30, 2019, we had $135.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the 2017 Credit Facility, plus $9.0 million of performance letters of credit.

Our 2025 Notes and our 2045 Notes are subject to provisions that vary the applicable interest rates based on our debt rating. Effective April 2018, these senior notes have reached the contractually defined maximum interest rate set for each rating agency and no further interest rate increases are possible. The interest rates on these senior notes may be decreased if our debt ratings were to be raised by either rating agency above specified levels. Our other outstanding senior notes do not contain provisions varying applicable interest rates based upon our credit ratings.

We maintain certain debt instruments at a fixed rate whose fair value will fluctuate based on changes in market expectations for interest rates and perceptions of our credit risk. The fair value of our total debt was $2.2 billion and $2.9 billion at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The decrease in the fair value of debt relates to a reduction in total principal amount outstanding due to our debt repayments during the period, partially offset by our debt issuance and changes in market expectations for interest rates and perceptions of our credit risk.

Foreign Currency Risk

Although we are a UK company, we define foreign currency as any non-U.S. denominated currency. Our functional currency is the U.S. Dollar. 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 other than the functional currency.

Several of our regional shorebases have a significant amount of their cash operating expenses payable in local currencies. To limit the potential risk of currency fluctuations, we periodically enter into forward contracts, which have historically settled monthly in the operations’ respective local currencies. All of these contracts had a maturity of less than 12 months. There were no foreign currency forward contracts outstanding or entered into during nine months ended September 30, 2019.

Market Risk

We 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 Employees’ 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 of 1986. Therefore, we maintain an unfunded, nonqualified excess benefit plan designed to maintain benefits for specified employees at the formula level in the qualified salary U.S. plan. We refer to the qualified U.S. plans and the excess benefit plan collectively as the “U.S. plans.”

In addition to the U.S. plans, Noble Drilling (Land Support) Limited, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-UK, maintains a pension plan that covers all of its salaried, non-union employees, whose most recent date of employment is prior to April 1, 2014 (referred to as our “non-U.S. plan”). Benefits are based on credited service and employees’ compensation, as defined by the non-U.S. plan.

Changes in market asset values related to the pension plans noted above could have a material impact upon our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and could result in material cash expenditures in future periods.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Julie J. Robertson, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer) of Noble-UK, has evaluated the disclosure controls and procedures of Noble-UK as of the end of the period covered by this report. On the basis of this evaluation, Ms. Robertson has concluded that Noble-UK’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2019. Noble-UK’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Noble-UK in the reports that it files

with or submits to the SEC are 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.

Julie J. Robertson, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer) of Noble-Cayman, has 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, Ms. Robertson has concluded that Noble-Cayman’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2019. 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 are 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.

There were no changes in either Noble-UK’s or Noble-Cayman’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the internal control over financial reporting of each of Noble-UK or Noble-Cayman, respectively.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Information regarding legal proceedings is presented in “Note 14— Commitments and Contingencies,” to our condensed 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

There are numerous factors that affect our business and results of operations, many of which are beyond our control. In addition to the other information presented in this quarterly report, you should carefully read and consider “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part I and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, which contains descriptions of significant risks that might cause our actual results of operations in future periods to differ materially from those currently anticipated or expected.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Under UK law, the Company is only permitted to purchase its own shares by way of an “off-market purchase” in a plan approved by shareholders. As of the date of this report, no such plan has been approved and during the three months ended September 30, 2019 there were no repurchases by Noble-UK of its shares.

Item 6. Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Index to Exhibits



Exhibit Number		Exhibit

2.1		Merger Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2013, between Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation (“Noble-Swiss”) and Noble Corporation Limited (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to Noble-Swiss’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).

2.2		Agreement and Plan of Merger, Reorganization and Consolidation, dated as of December 19, 2008, among Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation, 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).

2.3		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		Composite Copy of Articles of Association of Noble Corporation plc, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“Noble-UK”), as of June 10, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Noble-UK’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.2		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).

10.1*		Separation Agreement, dated as of September 13, 2019, by and among Noble Corporation plc, Noble Drilling Services Inc. and Adam C. Peakes (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Noble-UK's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 13, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference).

31.1		Certification of Julie J. Robertson pursuant to the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a).

32.1+		Certification of Julie J. Robertson pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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

101.SCH		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

101.CAL		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

101.DEF		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

101.LAB		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

101.PRE		Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

104		Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

______________________________________________________


*	Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.


+	Furnished in accordance with Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

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 plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales



/s/ Julie J. Robertson		October 31, 2019
Julie J. Robertson President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)		Date

/s/ Laura D. Campbell		October 31, 2019
Laura D. Campbell Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)		Date

Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company



/s/ Julie J. Robertson		October 31, 2019
Julie J. Robertson President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)		Date

/s/ Laura D. Campbell		October 31, 2019
Laura D. Campbell Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)		Date