UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended: June 30, 2011

2012

OR

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

For the transition period fromto

Commission file number: 000-53604

NOBLE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Switzerland 
Switzerland98-0619597

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)organization)

 

(I.R.S. employer

identification number)

Dorfstrasse 19A, Baar, Switzerland6340
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
Dorfstrasse 19A, Baar, Switzerland 6340
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code:41 (41) 761-65-55

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each className of each exchange on which registered
Shares, Par Value 3.67 CHF per ShareNew York Stock Exchange

Commission file number: 001-31306

NOBLE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Cayman Islands 98-0366361
Cayman Islands

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)organization)

 98-0366361

(I.R.S. employer

identification number)

Suite 3D, Landmark Square, 64 Earth Close, P.O. Box 31327 George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, KY1-1206

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code:(345) 938-0293

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

Indicate by check mark whether each registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yesþx    Noo¨

Indicate by check mark whether each registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yesþx    Noo¨

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

Noble-Swiss: Large accelerated filerþx  Accelerated filero¨ Non-accelerated filero¨ Smaller reporting companyo¨
Noble-Cayman: Large accelerated filero¨  Accelerated filero¨ Non-accelerated filerþx Smaller reporting companyo¨

Indicate by check mark whether each registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yeso¨    Noþx

Number of shares outstanding and trading at July 29, 2011:31, 2012: Noble Corporation (Switzerland) — 252,390,953

252,604,007

Number of shares outstanding at July 29, 2011:31, 2012: Noble Corporation (Cayman Islands) — 261,245,693

Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation, meets the conditions set forth in General Instructions H(1) (a) and (b) toForm 10-Q and is therefore filing thisForm 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format contemplated by paragraphs (b) and (c) of General Instruction H(2) ofForm 10-Q.

10-Q.

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

   Page 

  

  

Noble Corporation (Noble-Swiss) Financial Statements:

  

   3  

   4  
5
6

5

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

6

Consolidated Statement of Equity for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

   7  

Noble Corporation (Noble-Cayman) Financial Statements:

  

   8  

   9  
10
11

10

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

11

Consolidated Statement of Equity for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

   12  

   13  

   3936  

   5650  

   5751  

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 Legal Proceedings

   52  
58
58

   5952  

Item 6 Exhibits

   52  

   5953  

Index to Exhibits

   54  
60
Index to Exhibits
61
Exhibit 3.1
Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 31.3
Exhibit 32.1
Exhibit 32.2
Exhibit 32.3
EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

This combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is separately filed by Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation (“Noble-Swiss”), and Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (“Noble-Cayman”). Information in this filing relating to Noble-Cayman is filed by Noble-Swiss and separately by Noble-Cayman on its own behalf. Noble-Cayman makes no representation as to information relating to Noble-Swiss (except as it may relate to Noble-Cayman) or any other affiliate or subsidiary of Noble-Swiss. Since Noble-Cayman meets the conditions specified in General Instructions H(1)(a) and (b) to Form 10-Q, it is permitted to use the reduced disclosure format for wholly owned subsidiaries of reporting companies. Accordingly, Noble-Cayman has omitted from this report the information called for by Item 3 (Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk) of Part I of Form 10-Q and the following items of Part II of Form 10-Q: Item 2 (Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds) and Item 3 (Defaults upon Senior Securities).

This report should be read in its entirety as it pertains to each Registrant. Except where indicated, the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes are combined. References in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “Noble,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and words of similar meaning refer collectively to Noble-Swiss and its consolidated subsidiaries, including Noble-Cayman.

2


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.
Financial Statements

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

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

   June 30,  December 31, 
   2012  2011 

ASSETS

   

Current assets

   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $275,293   $239,196  

Accounts receivable

   693,533    587,163  

Taxes receivable

   97,900    75,284  

Prepaid expenses

   78,463    35,796  

Other current assets

   142,541    122,173  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

   1,287,730    1,059,612  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, at cost

   16,055,168    15,540,178  

Accumulated depreciation

   (3,632,532  (3,409,833
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

   12,422,636    12,130,345  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other assets

   325,650    305,202  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $14,036,016   $13,495,159  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   

Current liabilities

   

Accounts payable

  $277,647   $436,006  

Accrued payroll and related costs

   125,603    117,907  

Interest payable

   73,208    54,419  

Taxes payable

   89,262    94,920  

Dividends payable

   132,679    —    

Other current liabilities

   108,714    123,928  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   807,113    827,180  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Long-term debt

   4,444,294    4,071,964  

Deferred income taxes

   238,045    242,791  

Other liabilities

   306,397    255,372  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   5,795,849    5,397,307  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

   

Shareholders’ equity

   

Shares; 253,076 and 252,639 shares outstanding

   709,368    766,595  

Treasury shares, at cost; 569 and 287 shares

   (20,318  (10,553

Additional paid-in capital

   60,991    48,356  

Retained earnings

   6,823,758    6,676,444  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (75,461  (74,321
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

   7,498,338    7,406,521  

Noncontrolling interests

   741,829    691,331  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total equity

   8,240,167    8,097,852  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

  $14,036,016   $13,495,159  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

3


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

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

 

   Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
   June 30,  June 30, 
   2012  2011  2012  2011 

Operating revenues

     

Contract drilling services

  $848,237   $589,550   $1,594,547   $1,132,155  

Reimbursables

   30,812    24,122    65,953    46,413  

Labor contract drilling services

   19,863    14,012    35,871    27,559  

Other

   11    313    242    758  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   898,923    627,997    1,696,613    1,206,885  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses

     

Contract drilling services

   423,502    336,728    843,513    643,091  

Reimbursables

   24,970    18,723    55,571    35,826  

Labor contract drilling services

   11,847    8,750    21,079    17,273  

Depreciation and amortization

   183,615    163,119    354,692    321,241  

Selling, general and administrative

   25,404    21,632    48,530    45,347  

Loss on impairment

   18,345    —      18,345    —    

Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net

   (33,255  —      (33,255  (21,202
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   654,428    548,952    1,308,475    1,041,576  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income

   244,495    79,045    388,138    165,309  

Other income (expense)

     

Interest expense, net of amount capitalized

   (20,652  (14,829  (31,148  (33,870

Interest income and other, net

   1,188    (534  2,973    2,058  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   225,031    63,682    359,963    133,497  

Income tax provision

   (46,356  (9,508  (67,945  (24,867
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income

   178,675    54,174    292,018    108,630  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   (18,857  (91  (12,025  (52
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation

  $159,818   $54,083   $279,993   $108,578  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income per share

     

Basic

  $0.63   $0.21   $1.10   $0.43  

Diluted

  $0.63   $0.21   $1.10   $0.43  

4


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

5


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITYCOMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

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

   Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
   June 30,  June 30, 
   2012  2011  2012  2011 

Net income

  $178,675   $54,174   $292,018   $108,630  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

     

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   (6,949  1,375    (7,027  4,382  

Gain on foreign currency forward contracts

   644    2,351    3,061    2,513  

Loss on interest rate swaps

   —      —      —      (366

Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $647 and $353 for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $1,367 and $705 for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively)

   1,404    689    2,826    1,375  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income/(loss), net

   (4,901  4,415    (1,140  7,904  

Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   (18,857  (91  (12,025  (52
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation

  $154,917   $58,498   $278,853   $116,482  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

6


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOMECASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

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

 

   Six Months Ended 
   June 30, 
   2012  2011 

Cash flows from operating activities

   

Net income

  $292,018   $108,630  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:

   

Depreciation and amortization

   354,692    321,241  

Loss on impairment

   18,345    —    

Gain on contract extinguishments, net

   —      (21,202

Deferred income taxes

   (7,765  (1,753

Amortization of share-based compensation

   17,840    16,388  

Net change in other assets and liabilities

   (139,184  (190,536
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash from operating activities

   535,946    232,768  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

   

Capital expenditures

   (665,140  (1,416,215

Change in accrued capital expenditures

   (159,134  (51,500

Refund from contract extinguishments

   —      18,642  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash from investing activities

   (824,274  (1,449,073
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

   

Borrowings on bank credit facilities

   325,000    625,000  

Repayments on bank credit facilities

   (1,150,000  (240,000

Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs

   1,186,636    1,087,833  

Contributions from joint venture partners

   40,000    436,000  

Payments of joint venture debt

   —      (693,494

Settlement of interest rate swaps

   —      (29,032

Par value reduction payments

   (71,897  (72,141

Financing costs on credit facilities

   (5,014  (2,835

Proceeds from employee stock transactions

   9,465    7,357  

Repurchases of employee shares surrendered for taxes

   (9,765  (9,377
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash from financing activities

   324,425    1,109,311  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   36,097    (106,994

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   239,196    337,871  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $275,293   $230,877  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

7


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

8


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN)(NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOMEEQUITY

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

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

                 Accumulated       
        Additional        Other       
  Shares  Paid-in  Retained  Treasury  Comprehensive  Noncontrolling  Total 
  Balance  Par Value  Capital  Earnings  Shares  Loss  Interests  Equity 

Balance at December 31, 2010

  262,415   $ 917,684   $39,006   $ 6,630,500   $ (373,967 $ (50,220 $ 124,631   $ 7,287,634  

Employee related equity activity

        

Amortization of share-based compensation

  —      —      16,388    —      —      —      —      16,388  

Issuance of share-based compensation shares

  176    606    (599  —      —      —      —      7  

Exercise of stock options

  389    1,294    5,782    —      —      —      —      7,076  

Tax benefit of stock options exercised

  —      —      274    —      —      —      —      274  

Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes

  (312  (1,084  1,084    —      (9,377  —      —      (9,377

Net income

  —      —      —      108,578    —      —      52    108,630  

Par value reduction payments

  —      (60,705  (11,436  —      —      —      —      (72,141

Equity contribution by joint venture partner

  —      —      —      —      —      —      473,973    473,973  

Other comprehensive income, net

  —      —      —      —      —      7,904    —      7,904  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2011

  262,668   $857,795   $50,499   $6,739,078   $(383,344 $(42,316 $598,656   $7,820,368  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

  252,639   $766,595   $48,356   $6,676,444   $(10,553 $(74,321 $691,331   $8,097,852  

Employee related equity activity

        

Amortization of share-based compensation

  —      —      17,840    —      —      —      —      17,840  

Issuance of share-based compensation shares

  364    1,104    (1,099  —      —      —      —      5  

Exercise of stock options

  447    1,277    8,735    —      —      —      —      10,012  

Tax benefit of stock options exercised

  —      —      (552  —      —      —      —      (552

Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes

  (374  (1,138  1,138    —      (9,765  —      —      (9,765

Net income

  —      —      —      279,993    —      —      12,025    292,018  

Equity contribution by joint venture partner

  —      —      —      —      —      —      40,000    40,000  

Other

  —      —      —      —      —      —      (1,527  (1,527

Par value reduction payments

  —      (58,470  (13,427  —      —      —      —      (71,897

Dividends payable

  —      —      —      (132,679  —      —      —      (132,679

Other comprehensive loss, net

  —      —      —      —      —      (1,140  —      (1,140
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2012

  253,076   $709,368   $60,991   $6,823,758   $(20,318 $(75,461 $741,829   $8,240,167  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

9


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWSBALANCE SHEET

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

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

   June 30,  December 31, 
   2012  2011 

ASSETS

   

Current assets

   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $267,870   $235,056  

Accounts receivable

   693,533    587,163  

Taxes receivable

   97,745    75,284  

Prepaid expenses

   76,630    33,105  

Other current assets

   142,541    120,109  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

   1,278,319    1,050,717  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, at cost

   16,019,544    15,505,994  

Accumulated depreciation

   (3,626,272  (3,404,589
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

   12,393,272    12,101,405  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other assets

   325,733    305,283  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $13,997,324   $13,457,405  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   

Current liabilities

   

Accounts payable

  $276,398   $435,729  

Accrued payroll and related costs

   117,037    108,908  

Interest payable

   73,208    54,419  

Taxes payable

   84,893    91,190  

Other current liabilities

   108,676    123,399  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   660,212    813,645  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Long-term debt

   4,444,294    4,071,964  

Deferred income taxes

   238,045    242,791  

Other liabilities

   306,397    255,372  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   5,648,948    5,383,772  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

   

Shareholder equity

   

Ordinary shares; 261,246 shares outstanding

   26,125    26,125  

Capital in excess of par value

   461,054    450,616  

Retained earnings

   7,194,829    6,979,882  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (75,461  (74,321
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total shareholder equity

   7,606,547    7,382,302  

Noncontrolling interests

   741,829    691,331  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total equity

   8,348,376    8,073,633  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

  $13,997,324   $13,457,405  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

10


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITYINCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

                             
                  Accumulated       
          Capital in      Other       
  Shares  Excess of  Retained  Comprehensive  Noncontrolling  Total 
  Balance  Par Value  Par Value  Earnings  Loss  Interests  Equity 
                             
Balance at December 31, 2010
  261,246  $26,125  $416,232  $6,743,887  $(50,220) $124,631  $7,260,655 
Net income           136,478      52   136,530 
Capital contributions by parent — share-based compensation        10,228            10,228 
Distributions to parent           (94,291)        (94,291)
Noncontrolling interest contributions                 473,973   473,973 
Other comprehensive income, net              7,904      7,904 
                      
Balance at June 30, 2011
  261,246  $26,125  $426,460  $6,786,074  $(42,316) $598,656  $7,794,999 
                      

   Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
   June 30,  June 30, 
   2012  2011  2012  2011 

Operating revenues

     

Contract drilling services

  $848,237   $589,550   $1,594,547   $1,132,155  

Reimbursables

   30,812    24,122    65,953    46,413  

Labor contract drilling services

   19,863    14,012    35,871    27,559  

Other

   11    313    242    758  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   898,923    627,997    1,696,613    1,206,885  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses

     

Contract drilling services

   421,598    330,204    836,744    631,036  

Reimbursables

   24,970    18,723    55,571    35,826  

Labor contract drilling services

   11,847    8,750    21,079    17,273  

Depreciation and amortization

   183,103    162,636    353,676    320,291  

Selling, general and administrative

   15,467    14,642    29,477    31,173  

Loss on impairment

   18,345    —      18,345    —    

Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net

   (33,255  —      (33,255  (21,202
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   642,075    534,955    1,281,637    1,014,397  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income

   256,848    93,042    414,976    192,488  

Other income (expense)

     

Interest expense, net of amount capitalized

   (20,652  (14,829  (31,148  (33,870

Interest income and other, net

   1,608    (147  3,007    2,094  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   237,804    78,066    386,835    160,712  

Income tax provision

   (45,977  (9,157  (67,188  (24,182
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income

   191,827    68,909    319,647    136,530  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   (18,857  (91  (12,025  (52
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation

  $172,970   $68,818   $307,622   $136,478  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

statements.

11


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

                 
  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2011  2010  2011  2010 
   
Net income
 $68,909  $232,957  $136,530  $611,590 
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
                
Foreign currency translation adjustments  1,375   (1,980)  4,382   (6,461)
Gain (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts  2,351   (1,009)  2,513   (2,934)
Loss on interest rate swaps        (366)   
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts  689   634   1,375   1,273 
             
Other comprehensive income (loss), net  4,415   (2,355)  7,904   (8,122)
             
   
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests  (91)     (52)   
             
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation
 $73,233  $230,602  $144,382  $603,468 
             

   Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
   June 30,  June 30, 
   2012  2011  2012  2011 

Net income

  $191,827   $68,909   $319,647   $136,530  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

     

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   (6,949  1,375    (7,027  4,382  

Gain on foreign currency forward contracts

   644    2,351    3,061    2,513  

Loss on interest rate swaps

   —      —      —      (366

Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $647 and $353 for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $1,367 and $705 for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively)

   1,404    689    2,826    1,375  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income/(loss), net

   (4,901  4,415    (1,140  7,904  

Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   (18,857  (91  (12,025  (52
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation

  $168,069   $73,233   $306,482   $144,382  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

statements.

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

   Six Months Ended 
   June 30, 
   2012  2011 

Cash flows from operating activities

   

Net income

  $319,647   $136,530  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:

   

Depreciation and amortization

   353,676    320,291  

Loss on impairment

   18,345    —    

Gain on contract extinguishments, net

   —      (21,202

Deferred income taxes

   (7,765  (1,753

Capital contribution by parent — share-based compensation

   10,438    10,228  

Net change in other assets and liabilities

   (142,640  (197,617
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash from operating activities

   551,701    246,477  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

   

Capital expenditures

   (663,700  (1,411,282

Change in accrued capital expenditures

   (159,134  (51,500

Refund from contract extinguishments

   —      18,642  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash from investing activities

   (822,834  (1,444,140
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

   

Borrowings on bank credit facilities

   325,000    625,000  

Repayments on bank credit facilities

   (1,150,000  (240,000

Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs

   1,186,636    1,087,833  

Contributions from joint venture partners

   40,000    436,000  

Payments of joint venture debt

   —      (693,494

Settlement of interest rate swaps

   —      (29,032

Financing costs on credit facilities

   (5,014  (2,835

Distributions to parent company, net

   (92,675  (94,291
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash from financing activities

   303,947    1,089,181  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   32,814    (108,482

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   235,056    333,399  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $267,870   $224,917  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

12See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

                  Accumulated       
           Capital in      Other       
   Shares   Excess of   Retained  Comprehensive  Noncontrolling  Total 
   Balance   Par Value   Par Value   Earnings  Loss  Interests  Equity 

Balance at December 31, 2010

   261,246    $26,125    $416,232    $6,743,887   $(50,220 $124,631   $7,260,655  

Net income

   —       —       —       136,478    —      52    136,530  

Capital contributions by parent — share-based compensation

   —       —       10,228     —      —      —      10,228  

Distributions to parent

   —       —       —       (94,291  —      —      (94,291

Noncontrolling interest contributions

   —       —       —       —      —      473,973    473,973  

Other comprehensive income, net

   —       —       —       —      7,904    —      7,904  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2011

   261,246    $26,125    $426,460    $6,786,074   $(42,316 $598,656   $7,794,999  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

   261,246    $26,125    $450,616    $6,979,882   $(74,321 $691,331   $8,073,633  

Net income

   —       —       —       307,622    —      12,025    319,647  

Capital contributions by parent — share-based compensation

   —       —       10,438     —      —      —      10,438  

Distributions to parent

   —       —       —       (92,675  —      —      (92,675

Other

   —       —       —       —      —      (1,527  (1,527

Noncontrolling interest contributions

   —       —       —       —      —      40,000    40,000  

Other comprehensive loss, net

   —       —       —       —      (1,140  —      (1,140
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2012

   261,246    $26,125    $461,054    $7,194,829   $(75,461 $741,829   $8,348,376  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Note 1 — Organization and Basis of Presentation

Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation (“Noble-Swiss”), is a leading provider of offshore contract drilling contractorservices for the oil and gas industry. At June 30, 2011, ourOur fleet consisted of 7679 mobile offshore drilling units located worldwide as follows:consists of 14 semisubmersibles, 1314 drillships, 4749 jackups and two submersibles. In addition,Additionally, we have one floating production storage and offloading unit (“FPSO”). At June 30, 2011, we hadunit. Our fleet includes 11 of our 76 units under construction as follows:

two dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environmentGlobetrotter-class drillships,
two dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environmentBully-class drillships,
three

five dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environment drillships and

four

six high-specification heavy duty,heavy-duty, harsh environment jackup rigs.

Subsequent to June 30, 2011, we exercised options for the construction of two additional high-specification heavy duty, harsh environment jackup rigs.

Our global fleet is currently located in the following areas: the Middle East, India, the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, the Mediterranean,Brazil, the North Sea, Brazil,the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Middle East, India and the Asian Pacific. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921.

Noble-Cayman

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

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Noble-Swiss and Noble-Cayman have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as they pertain to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods, on a basis consistent with the annual audited consolidated financial statements. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The December 31, 20102011 Consolidated Balance Sheets presented herein are derived from the December 31, 20102011 audited consolidated financial statements. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010,2011, filed by both Noble-Swiss and Noble-Cayman. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Certain amounts in prior periods have been revisedreclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Taxes payableIn connection with a review of the “Other Assets” caption in the December 31, 2010 Consolidated Balance Sheets was reported net of approximately $81 million in taxes receivable. During the quarter ended June 30, 2011,our financial statements, we determined that drilling equipment replacements and upgrades should be included in “Property and equipment”. As a right of offsetresult, we reclassified these amounts in certain taxable jurisdictions did not existour consolidated balance sheet for these receivables, and they are now being disclosed separately as a current asset. For the year ended December 31, 2010 Consolidated Balance Sheets presented herein, these amounts have been revised to conform2011. This reclassification is immaterial to the current year presentation. We believe that this revision is immaterial, as it did not have a material impact on ourprior period financial position, working capital, results of operations or cash flows from operations.

statements.

13


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

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Note 2 — Acquisition of FDR Holdings Limited
On July 28, 2010, Noble-Swiss and Noble AM Merger Co., a Cayman Islands company and indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Swiss (“Merger Sub”), completed the acquisition of FDR Holdings Limited, a Cayman Islands company (“Frontier”). Under the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger with Frontier and certain of Frontier’s shareholders, Merger Sub merged with and into Frontier, with Frontier surviving as an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Swiss and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Cayman. The Frontier acquisition was for a purchase price of approximately $1.7 billion in cash plus liabilities assumed and strategically expanded and enhanced our global fleet by adding three dynamically positioned drillships (including twoBully-class joint venture-owned drillships under construction), two conventionally moored drillships, including one that is Arctic-class, a conventionally moored deepwater semisubmersible and one dynamically positioned FPSO. Frontier’s results of operations were included in our results beginning July 28, 2010. We funded the cash consideration paid at closing of approximately $1.7 billion using proceeds from our July 2010 offering of senior notes and existing cash on hand.
The following unaudited pro forma financial information for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 gives effect to the Frontier acquisition as if it had occurred at January 1, 2009. The pro forma results are based on historical data and are not intended to be indicative of the results of future operations.
         
  Three months  Six months 
  ended  ended 
  June 30, 2010  June 30, 2010 
Total operating revenues $784,424  $1,693,039 
Net income  191,377   552,601 
Net income per share $0.74  $2.14 
Note 3 — Consolidated Joint Ventures
In connection with the Frontier acquisition, we acquired Frontier’s

We own a 50 percent interest in two joint ventures, each with a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, PLC (“Shell”), for the construction and operation of theour twoBully-class Bully-class drillships. Since these entities’ equity at risk is insufficient to permit them to carry on their activities without additional financial support, they each meet the criteria for a variable interest entity. We have determined that we are the primary beneficiary for accounting purposes. Accordingly, we consolidate the entities in our consolidated financial statements after eliminating intercompany transactions. Shell’s equity interest isinterests are presented as noncontrolling interests on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In the first quarter of 2011, the joint venture credit facilities, which had a combined outstanding balance of $693 million, were repaid in full through contributions to the joint ventures from Noble and Shell. Shell contributed $361 million in equity to fund their portion of the repayment of joint venture credit facilities and related interest rate swaps, which were settled concurrent with the repayment and termination of the joint venture credit facilities.
In January 2011, the Bully joint ventures issued notes to the joint venture partners totaling $70 million. The interest rate on these notes was 10%, payable semi-annually in arrears and in kind on June 30 and December 31 commencing in June 2011. The purpose of these notes was to provide additional liquidity to the joint ventures in connection with the shipyard construction of the Bully vessels.

In April 2011, the Bully joint venture partners entered into a subscription agreement, pursuant to which each partner was issued equity in each of the Bully joint ventures in exchange for the cancellation of all outstanding joint venture partner notes. The subscription agreement converted all joint venture partner notes into equity of the respective joint venture. The total capital contributed as a result of these agreements was $146 million, which included $142 million in outstanding notes, plus accrued interest. Our portion of the capital contribution, totaling $73 million, was eliminated in consolidation.

At June 30, 2011, the combined carrying amount of the drillships was $1.1 billion, which was primarily funded through partner equity contributions. The joint venture partners entered into capital contribution agreements in April 2011 whereby capital calls up to a total of $360 million can be made for funds needed to complete the projects. The total funding available toconstruction of the Bully joint venturesdrillships. All contributions under these agreements atwere made during 2011 and the first quarter of 2012. No amounts remain available under these agreements.

At June 30, 20112012, the combined carrying amount of the drillships was $280 million.

$1.4 billion, which was primarily funded through partners’ equity contributions.

14


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Note 43 — Share Data

Share capital

The following is a detail of Noble-Swiss’ authorized share capital as of June 30, 20112012 and December 31, 2010:

         
  June 30,  December 31, 
  2011  2010 
   
Shares outstanding and trading
  252,290   252,275 
Treasury shares  10,378   10,140 
       
Total shares outstanding
  262,668   262,415 
   
Treasury shares held for share-based compensation plans  13,598   13,851 
       
Total shares authorized for issuance
  276,266   276,266 
       
         
Par value per share (in Swiss Francs)  3.67   3.93 
Shares authorized for issuance by Noble-Swiss at June 30, 2011 totaled 276.3 million shares and include 10.4 million shares held in treasury and 13.6 million treasury shares held by a wholly-owned subsidiary. 2011:

   June 30,   December 31, 
   2012   2011 

Shares outstanding and trading

   252,507     252,352  

Treasury shares

   569     287  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shares outstanding

   253,076     252,639  

Treasury shares held for share-based compensation plans

   13,074     13,511  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shares authorized for issuance

   266,150     266,150  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Par value per share (in Swiss Francs)

   3.15     3.41  

Repurchased treasury shares are recorded at cost, and include both shares repurchased pursuant to our Board of Directors approved share repurchase program discussed below and shares surrendered by employees for taxes payable upon the vesting of restricted stock.

The number of shares that we may hold in treasury is limited under Swiss law. At June 30, 2012, 6.8 million shares remained available for repurchase under the authorization by the Board of Directors noted above. No shares were repurchased under this authorization during the six months ended June 30, 2012.

Our Board of Directors may further increase Noble-Swiss’ share capital through the issuance of up to 138.1133.1 million conditionally authorized registered shares without obtaining shareholder approval. The issuance of these conditionally authorized registered shares is subject to certain conditions regarding their use.

Treasury shares/share repurchases
Share repurchases were made pursuant to the share repurchase program that our Board of Directors authorized and adopted. Subsequent to our 2009 Swiss migration, all shares repurchased under our share repurchase program are held in treasury. At June 30, 2011, 6.8 million shares remained available for repurchase under this authorization. Treasury shares held at June 30, 2011 include 9.9 million shares repurchased under our share repurchase program and 0.5 million shares surrendered by employees for taxes payable upon the vesting of restricted stock or exercise of stock options.
The number of shares that we may hold in treasury is limited under Swiss law.

In April 2011,2012, our shareholders approved the cancellationpayment of 10.1a dividend funded from our capital contribution reserve aggregating $0.52 per share to be paid in four equal installments scheduled for August 2012, November 2012, February 2013 and May 2013. These dividends will require us to make cash payments of approximately $66 million shares held in treasury. During July 2011, after making2012, based on the required filings with the Swiss Commercial Register, these 10.1 million treasury shares were cancelled and the total number of shares authorized for issuance was reducedcurrently outstanding. In connection with this approval and the resulting obligation to 266.2shareholders, we recorded dividends payable of approximately $133 million shares.

during the second quarter of 2012. Any additional issuances of shares would further increase our obligation.

15


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Earnings per share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for Noble-Swiss:

                 
  Three months ended  Six months ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2011  2010  2011  2010 
Allocation of net income
                
Basic
                
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation $54,083  $217,925  $108,578  $588,651 
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards  (572)  (2,143)  (1,083)  (5,652)
             
Net income to common shareholders — basic
 $53,511  $215,782  $107,495  $582,999 
             
                 
Diluted
                
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation $54,083  $217,925  $108,578  $588,651 
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards  (572)  (2,137)  (1,082)  (5,632)
             
Net income to common shareholders — diluted
 $53,511  $215,788  $107,496  $583,019 
             
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic
  251,368   254,224   251,198   254,671 
Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options  700   800   737   949 
             
Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted
  252,068   255,024   251,935   255,620 
             
                 
Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards
  2,688   2,480   2,554   2,431 
             
                 
Earnings per share
                
Basic $0.21  $0.85  $0.43  $2.29 
Diluted $0.21  $0.85  $0.43  $2.28 

   Three months ended  Six months ended 
   June 30,  June 30, 
   2012  2011  2012  2011 

Allocation of net income

     

Basic

     

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation

  $159,818   $54,083   $279,993   $108,578  

Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards

   (1,694  (572  (2,797  (1,083
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income to common shareholders — basic

  $158,124   $53,511   $277,196   $107,495  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Diluted

     

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation

  $159,818   $54,083   $279,993   $108,578  

Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards

   (1,692  (572  (2,793  (1,082
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income to common shareholders — diluted

  $158,126   $53,511   $277,200   $107,496  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding — basic

   252,387    251,368    252,179    251,198  

Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options

   358    700    425    737  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted

   252,745    252,068    252,604    251,935  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards

   2,704    2,688    2,555    2,554  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings per share

     

Basic

  $0.63   $0.21   $1.10   $0.43  

Diluted

  $0.63   $0.21   $1.10   $0.43  

Only those items having a dilutive impact on our basic earnings per share are included in diluted earnings per share. At June 30, 2011,2012, stock options totaling approximately 0.71.2 million were excluded from the diluted earnings per share as they were not dilutive as compared to 0.80.7 million at June 30, 2010.

2011.

Note 54 — Property and Equipment

Property and equipment, at cost, as of June 30, 20112012 and December 31, 20102011 consisted of the following:

         
  2011  2010 
Drilling equipment and facilities $9,824,335  $8,900,266 
Construction in progress  3,918,618   3,571,017 
Other  183,099   172,583 
       
  $13,926,052  $12,643,866 
       

   June 30,   December 31, 
   2012   2011 

Drilling equipment and facilities

  $12,572,630    $10,974,943  

Construction in progress

   3,289,005     4,367,750  

Other

   193,533     197,485  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $16,055,168    $15,540,178  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital expenditures, including capitalized interest, totaled $665 million and $1.4 billion and $531 million for the six months ended June 30, 20112012 and 2010,2011, respectively. Capital expenditures for 20112012 consisted of the following:

$972162 million for newbuild construction;

$293327 million for major projects, including $82$34 million in subsea related expenditures and $24 million to upgrade two drillships currently operating in Brazil;

$10899 million for other capitalized expenditures, including major maintenancedrilling equipment replacements and regulatory expendituresupgrades which generally have useful lives ranging from 3 to 5 years; and

$5677 million in capitalized interest.

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Interest is capitalized on construction-in-progress at the weighted average cost of debt outstanding during the period of construction. Capitalized interest was $36 million and $77 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, as compared to $29 million and $56 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, as compared2011.

Note 5 — Loss on Impairment

During the second quarter of 2012, we determined that our submersible rig fleet, consisting of two cold stacked rigs, was partially impaired due to $13 millionthe declining market outlook for drilling services for this rig type. We estimated the fair value of the rigs based on the salvage value of the rigs and $26a recent transaction involving a similar unit owned by a peer company (Level 2 fair value measurement). Based on these estimates, we recognized a charge of approximately $13 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively.

2012.

16

Also, during the second quarter of 2012, we determined that certain corporate assets were partially impaired due to a declining market for, and the potential disposal of, the assets. We estimated the fair value of the asset based on recent transactions involving similar units in the market (Level 2 fair value measurement). Based on these estimates, we recognized a charge of approximately $5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012.


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

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Note 6 — Gain on contract extinguishments,Contract Settlements/Extinguishments, net

During the second quarter of 2012, we received approximately $5 million from the settlement of a claim relating to theNoble David Tinsley, which had experienced a “punch-through” while being positioned on location in 2009. We had originally recorded a $17 million charge during 2009 related to this incident. Additionally, during the second quarter of 2012, we settled an action against certain vendors for damages sustained during Hurricane Ike. We recognized a net gain of approximately $28 million related to this settlement. We also resolved all outstanding matters with Anadarko Petroleum Company (“Anadarko”) related to the previously disclosed force majeure action, Hurricane Ike matters and receivables relating to theNoble Amos Runner during the quarter.

In January 2011, we announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. (“Petrobras”) regarding operations in Brazil. Under the terms of the MOU, we agreed to substitute theNoble Phoenix, then under contract with Shell in Southeast Asia, for theNoble Muravlenko. In January 2011, Shell agreed to release theNoble Phoenixfrom its contract, which was effective in March 2011. TheNoble Phoenixis undergoing limited contract preparations, after which the unit will mobilize to Brazil. During the second quarter of 2011, Petrobras formally approved the rig substitution. We expect that acceptance of theNoble Phoenixwill take place in the fourth quarter of 2011. In connection with the cancelationcancellation of the contract with Shell on theNoble Phoenix, we recognized a non-cash gain of approximately $52.5 million during the first quarter of 2011, which represented the unamortized fair value of the in-place contract assumed in connection with the Frontierat acquisition.

Also in January 2011, as As a result of the substitution, discussed above, we reached a decision not to proceed with the previously announced reliability upgrade to theNoble Muravlenkothat was scheduled to take place in 2013. As a result, we incurred a non-cash charge of approximately $32.6 million related to the termination of outstanding shipyard contracts.
We expect the actual substitution to take place in the third quarter of 2012 after theNoble Phoenix completes its shipyard work.

In February 2011, the outstanding balances of the Bully joint venture credit facilities, which totaled $693 million, were repaid in full and the credit facilities terminated using a portion of the proceeds from our February 2011 debt offering and equity contributions from our joint venture partner. In addition, the related interest rate swaps were settled and terminated concurrent with the repayment and termination of the credit facilities. As a result of these transactions, we recognized a gain of approximately $1.3 million during the first quarter of 2011.

Note 7 — Receivables from Customers

In June 2010, a subsidiary of Frontier, which we acquired in July 2010, entered into a charter contract with a subsidiary of BP PLC (“BP”) for theSeilleanwith a term of a minimum of 100 days. The unit went on hire on July 23, 2010. In October 2010, BP initiated an arbitration proceeding against us claiming the contract wasvoid ab initio,, or never existed, due to a fundamental breach and has made other claims and is demanding that we reimburse the amounts already paid to us under the charter. We believe BP owes us the amounts due under the charter. The charter hascontains a “hell or high water” provision requiring payment, and we believe we have satisfied our obligations under the charter. Outstanding receivables related to this charter totaled $35 million as of June 30, 2011.2012. While we recently received a favorable arbitration ruling, this matter has not been finally resolved and these receivables continue to be classified as long-term and are included in “Other assets” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at June 30, 2012. We believe that if BP were to be successful in claiming the contractvoid ab initio, we wouldmay have an indemnity claim against the former shareholders of Frontier, and weFrontier. We have put themthe former shareholders of Frontier on notice to that effect.of this potential claim. We can make no assurances as to the outcome of this dispute.

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

At June 30, 2011,2012, we had accounts receivablereceivables of approximately $14 million related to theNoble Max Smith, which are being disputed by our customer, Pemex Exploracion y Produccion (“Pemex”). These receivables have been classified as long-term and are included in “Other assets” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at June 30, 2012. The disputed amount relates to lost revenues due from Pemex for downtime that occurred whenafter our rig was damaged afterwhen one of Pemex’s supply boats collided with our rig. WeIn January 2012, we filed a lawsuit against Pemex in Mexican court seeking recovery of these amounts. While we can make no assurances as to the outcome of this dispute, we believe that we are entitled to these revenues and continue to pursue resolution to this issue.

the disputed amounts.

17


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

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Note 8 — Debt

Total debt consisted of the following at June 30, 20112012 and December 31, 2010:

         
  June 30,  December 31, 
  2011  2010 
Wholly-owned debt instruments:
        
5.875% Senior Notes due 2013 $299,929  $299,911 
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014  249,574   249,506 
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015  350,000   350,000 
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016  299,931    
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019  201,695   201,695 
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020  498,726   498,672 
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021  399,458    
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040  399,889   399,889 
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041  397,568    
Credit facilities  425,000   40,000 
         
Consolidated joint venture debt instruments:
        
Joint venture credit facilities $  $691,052 
Joint venture partner notes     35,972 
       
Total Debt  3,521,770   2,766,697 
         
Less: Current Maturities     (80,213)
       
Long-term Debt $3,521,770  $2,686,484 
       
We have two separate revolving credit facilities in place which provide us with a total borrowing capacity of $1.2 billion. One2011:

   June 30,   December 31, 
   2012   2011 

Wholly-owned debt instruments:

    

5.875% Senior Notes due 2013

  $299,966    $299,949  

7.375% Senior Notes due 2014

   249,722     249,647  

3.45% Senior Notes due 2015

   350,000     350,000  

3.05% Senior Notes due 2016

   299,945     299,938  

2.50% Senior Notes due 2017

   299,836     —    

7.50% Senior Notes due 2019

   201,695     201,695  

4.90% Senior Notes due 2020

   498,840     498,783  

4.625% Senior Notes due 2021

   399,503     399,480  

3.95% Senior Notes due 2022

   399,054     —    

6.20% Senior Notes due 2040

   399,891     399,890  

6.05% Senior Notes due 2041

   397,598     397,582  

5.25% Senior Notes due 2042

   498,244     —    

Credit facilities

   150,000     975,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

  $4,444,294    $4,071,964  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

During June 2012, we replaced our $575 million credit facility, which has a capacity of $600 million, matureswas scheduled to mature in 2013, and during the first quarter of 2011, we entered into an additional $600 million revolvingwith a new $1.2 billion credit facility which matures in 2017. We continue to maintain our $600 million credit facility, which matures in 2015, which combined with our new facility, gives us a total borrowing capacity under the two facilities (together referred to as the “Credit Facilities”). of $1.8 billion. The covenants and events of default under the Credit Facilities are substantially similar, and each facility contains a covenant that limits our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization, as defined in the Credit Facilities, to 0.60. At June 30, 2012, our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization was 0.35. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facilities as of June 30, 2011.

2012.

The Credit Facilities provide us with the ability to issue up to $300$375 million in letters of credit in the aggregate. While the issuance of letters of credit does not increase our borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facilities, it does reduce the amount available. At June 30, 2011,2012, we had borrowings of $425 million outstanding and no letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facilities.

In February 2011,2012, we issued, through our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Noble Holding International Limited (“NHIL”), $1.1$1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes in three separate tranches, comprisingwith $300 million of 3.05%2.50% Senior Notes due 2016,2017, $400 million of 4.625%3.95% Senior Notes due 2021,2022, and $400$500 million of 6.05%5.25% Senior Notes due 2041. A portion2042. The weighted average coupon of theall three tranches is 4.13%. The net proceeds of approximately $1.09$1.19 billion, after expenses, waswere primarily used to repay the then outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility and to repay our portion of outstanding debt under the joint venture credit facilities discussed below.

In the first quarter of 2011, the joint venture credit facilities, which had a combined outstanding balance of $693 million, were repaid in full through contributions to the joint ventures from Noble and Shell. Shell contributed $361 million in equity to fund their portion of the repayment of joint venture credit facilities and related interest rate swaps, which were settled concurrent with the repayment and termination of the joint venture credit facilities.
In January 2011, the Bully joint ventures issued notes to the joint venture partners totaling $70 million. The interest rate on these notes was 10%, payable semi-annually in arrears and in kind on June 30 and December 31 commencing in June 2011. The purpose of these notes was to provide additional liquidity to the joint ventures in connection with the shipyard construction of theBullyvessels.

Credit Facilities.

18


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Our 5.875% Senior Notes mature during the second quarter of 2013. We anticipate using availability under our Credit Facilities to repay the outstanding balance; therefore, we have continued to report the balance as long-term on our June 30, 2012 Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The indentures governing our outstanding senior unsecured notes contain covenants that place restrictions on certain merger and consolidation transactions, unless we are the surviving entity or the other party assumes the obligations under the indenture, and on the ability to sell or transfer all or substantially all of our assets. In April 2011,addition, there are restrictions on incurring or assuming certain liens and sale and lease-back transactions. At June 30, 2012, we were in compliance with all our debt covenants. We continually monitor compliance with the Bully joint venture partners entered into a subscription agreement, pursuantcovenants under our Credit Facilities and senior notes and, based on our expectations for 2012, expect to which each partner was issued equityremain in each ofcompliance during the Bully joint ventures in exchange for the cancellation of all outstanding joint venture partner notes. The subscription agreement has the effect of converting all joint venture partner notes into equity of the respective joint venture. The total capital contributed as a result of these agreements was $146 million, which included $142 million in outstanding notes, plus accrued interest. Our portion of the capital contribution, totaling $73 million, was eliminated in consolidation.

year.

Fair Value of Debt

Fair value represents the amount at which an instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The estimated fair value of our senior notes was based on the quoted market prices for similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of similar remaining maturities.maturities (Level 2 measurement). The following table presents the estimated fair value of our long-term debt as of June 30, 20112012 and December 31, 2010.

                 
  June 30, 2011  December 31, 2010 
  Carrying  Estimated  Carrying  Estimated 
  Value  Fair Value  Value  Fair Value 
Wholly-owned debt instruments
                
5.875% Senior Notes due 2013 $299,929  $324,745  $299,911  $324,281 
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014  249,574   285,298   249,506   282,078 
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015  350,000   362,312   350,000   357,292 
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016  299,931   302,553       
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019  201,695   245,187   201,695   242,464 
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020  498,726   517,933   498,672   516,192 
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021  399,458   405,760       
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040  399,889   421,767   399,889   423,345 
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041  397,568   411,041       
Credit facilities  425,000   425,000   40,000   40,000 
Consolidated joint venture debt instruments
                
Joint venture credit facilities        691,052   691,052 
Joint venture partner notes        35,972   35,972 
2011.

   June 30, 2012   December 31, 2011 
   Carrying   Estimated   Carrying   Estimated 
   Value   Fair Value   Value   Fair Value 

Wholly-owned debt instruments

        

5.875% Senior Notes due 2013

  $299,966    $312,362    $299,949    $317,586  

7.375% Senior Notes due 2014

   249,722     274,275     249,647     278,966  

3.45% Senior Notes due 2015

   350,000     367,465     350,000     363,571  

3.05% Senior Notes due 2016

   299,945     309,804     299,938     306,057  

2.50% Senior Notes due 2017

   299,836     303,649     —       —    

7.50% Senior Notes due 2019

   201,695     248,719     201,695     248,623  

4.90% Senior Notes due 2020

   498,840     538,532     498,783     531,437  

4.625% Senior Notes due 2021

   399,503     424,232     399,480     416,847  

3.95% Senior Notes due 2022

   399,054     404,017     —       —    

6.20% Senior Notes due 2040

   399,891     444,713     399,890     450,017  

6.05% Senior Notes due 2041

   397,598     436,205     397,582     443,308  

5.25% Senior Notes due 2042

   498,244     496,435     —       —    

Credit Facilities

   150,000     150,000     975,000     975,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

  $4,444,294    $4,710,408    $4,071,964    $4,331,412  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 9 — Income Taxes

At December 31, 2010,2011, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $145$118 million (net of related tax benefits of $8 million). At June 30, 2011,2012, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $141$115 million (net of related tax benefits of $9$8 million). If the June 30, 20112012 reserves are not realized, the provision for income taxes would be reduced by $124$115 million and equity would be directly increased by $17 million.

in future periods.

It is possible that our existing liabilities related to our reserve for uncertain tax position amountspositions may increase or decrease in the next twelve months primarily fromdue to the completion of open audits or the expiration of statutes of limitation. However, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of changes in our existing liabilities fordue to various uncertainties, such as the unresolved nature of various audits.

19


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Note 10 — Employee Benefit Plans

Pension costs include the following components:

                 
  Three Months Ended June 30, 
  2011  2010 
  Non-U.S.  U.S.  Non-U.S.  U.S. 
                 
Service cost $1,153  $2,152  $1,050  $1,912 
Interest cost  1,440   2,143   1,204   1,957 
Return on plan assets  (1,454)  (2,768)  (1,302)  (2,392)
Amortization of prior service cost     57      57 
Amortization of transition obligation  19      18    
Recognized net actuarial loss  123   843   175   705 
             
Net pension expense $1,281  $2,427  $1,145  $2,239 
             
                 
  Six Months Ended June 30, 
  2011  2010 
  Non-U.S.  U.S.  Non-U.S.  U.S. 
                 
Service cost $2,246  $4,304  $2,166  $3,824 
Interest cost  2,823   4,286   2,470   3,914 
Return on plan assets  (2,857)  (5,536)  (2,668)  (4,784)
Amortization of prior service cost     113      114 
Amortization of transition obligation  37      36    
Recognized net actuarial loss  243   1,687   356   1,410 
             
Net pension expense $2,492  $4,854  $2,360  $4,478 
             

   Three Months Ended June 30, 
   2012  2011 
   Non-U.S.  U.S.  Non-U.S.  U.S. 

Service cost

  $1,111   $2,375   $1,153   $2,152  

Interest cost

   1,350    2,164    1,440    2,143  

Return on plan assets

   (1,342  (2,793  (1,454  (2,768

Amortization of prior service cost

   —      57    —      57  

Amortization of transition obligation

   —      —      19    —    

Recognized net actuarial loss

   201    1,793    123    843  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net pension expense

  $1,320   $3,596   $1,281   $2,427  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2012  2011 
   Non-U.S.  U.S.  Non-U.S.  U.S. 

Service cost

  $2,234   $4,806   $2,246   $4,304  

Interest cost

   2,708    4,360    2,823    4,286  

Return on plan assets

   (2,688  (5,586  (2,857  (5,536

Amortization of prior service cost

   —      114    —      113  

Amortization of transition obligation

   —      —      37    —    

Recognized net actuarial loss

   401    3,678    243    1,687  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net pension expense

  $2,655   $7,372   $2,492   $4,854  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010,2012, we made contributions to our pension plans totaling $2$6 million and $3$10 million, respectively. We expect the funding to our non-U.S. and U.S. plans in 2011,2012, subject to applicable law, to be approximately $10$21 million.

We sponsor the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings Restoration Plan (“Restoration Plan”). The Restoration Plan is a nonqualified, unfunded employee benefit plan under which certain highly compensated employees may elect to defer compensation in excess of amounts deferrable under our 401(k) savings plan. The Restoration Plan has no assets, and amounts withheld for the Restoration Plan are kept by us for general corporate purposes. The investments selected by employees and the associated returns are tracked on a phantom basis. Accordingly, we have a liability to employees for amounts originally withheld plus phantom investment income or less phantom investment losses. We are at risk for phantom investment income and, conversely, we benefit should phantom investment losses occur. At both June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, our liability under the Restoration Plan totaled $7 million. We have purchased investments that closely correlate to the investment elections made by participants in the Restoration Plan in order to mitigate the impact of the phantom investment income and losses on our financial statements. The value of these investments held for our benefit totaled $7 million at both June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

Note 11 — Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We periodically enter into derivative instruments to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We have documented policies and procedures to monitor and control the use of derivative instruments. We do not engage in derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes, nor wereare we a party to leveraged derivatives. During the period,six months ended June 30, 2011, we maintained certain foreign exchangecurrency forward contracts that did not qualify under the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) standards for hedge accounting treatment and therefore, changes in fair values were recognized as either income or loss in our consolidated income statement.

For foreign currency forward contracts, hedge effectiveness is evaluated at inception based on the matching of critical terms between derivative contracts and the hedged item. For interest rate swaps, we evaluate all material terms between the swap and the underlying debt obligation, known in FASB standards as the “long-haul method.” Any change in fair value resulting from ineffectiveness is recognized immediately in earnings.

20


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

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

Our North Sea and Brazil operations have a significant amount of their cash operating expenses payable in local currencies. To limit the potential risk of currency fluctuations, we typically maintainhave historically maintained short-term forward contracts settling monthly in their respective local currencies. The forward contract settlements in the remainder of 2011 represent approximately 52 percent of these forecasted local currency requirements. The notional amount of the forward contracts outstanding, expressed in U.S. Dollars, was approximately $113 million atAt June 30, 2011. Total unrealized gains related to these forward contracts were $4 million as of June 30, 2011 and were recorded as part of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (“AOCL”).

Our two joint ventures2012, we had maintained interest rate swaps which were classified as cash flow hedges. The purpose of these hedges was to satisfy bank covenants of the thenno outstanding credit facilities and to limit exposure to changesderivative contracts.

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in interest rates. In February 2011, the outstanding balances of the joint venture credit facilities and the related interest rate swaps were settled and terminated. As a result of these transactions we recognized a gain of $1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2011.

tables are in thousands, except per share data)

The balance of the net unrealized gain/(loss) related to our cash flow hedges included in AOCL“Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (“AOCL”) and related activity is as follows:

                 
  Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2011  2010  2011  2010 
   
Net unrealized gain at beginning of period $1,766  $(1,508) $1,970  $417 
Activity during period:                
Settlement of foreign currency forward contracts during the period  (801)  617   (1,382)  (356)
Settlement of interest rate swaps during the period        (366)   
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on outstanding foreign currency forward contracts  3,152   (1,626)  3,895   (2,578)
             
Net unrealized gain/(loss) at end of period $4,117  $(2,517) $4,117  $(2,517)
             
Fair Value Hedges
We have entered into a firm commitment for the construction of theNoble Globetrotter I drillship. The drillship is being constructed in two phases, with the second phase being installation and commissioning of the topside equipment. The contract for this second phase of construction is denominated in Euros, and in order to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, we entered into forward contracts to purchase Euros. As of June 30, 2011, the aggregate notional amount of the remaining outstanding forward contract was 10 million Euros. This forward contract settles in connection with a required payment under the construction contract. We are accounting for this forward contract as a fair value hedge. The fair market value of this derivative instrument is included in “Other current assets/liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Gains and losses from this fair value hedge would be recognized in earnings currently, along with the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged, if any portion was found to be ineffective. The fair market value of this outstanding forward contract totaled approximately $51,000 at June 30, 2011 and $3 million at December 31, 2010. No gain or loss was recognized in the income statement for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 or 2010, respectively.
Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts
One of our joint ventures maintained foreign exchange forward contracts to help mitigate the risk of currency fluctuation of the Singapore Dollar for the construction of theNoble Bully II drillship.These contracts were not designated for hedge accounting treatment under FASB standards, and therefore, changes in fair values were recognized as either income or loss in our Consolidated Income Statement. These contracts are referred to as non-designated derivatives in the tables to follow, and all were settled during the first quarter of 2011. For the six months ended June 30, 2011, we recognized a loss of $0.5 million related to these foreign exchange forward contracts.

 

   Three Months Ended  Six Months Ended 
   June 30,  June 30, 
   2012  2011  2012  2011 

Net unrealized gain/(loss) at beginning of period

  $(644 $1,766   $(3,061 $1,970  

Activity during period:

     

Settlement of foreign currency forward contracts during the period

   644    (801  3,061    (1,382

Settlement of interest rate swaps during the period

   —      —      —      (366

Net unrealized gain on outstanding foreign currency forward contracts

   —      3,152    —      3,895  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net unrealized gain/(loss) at end of period

  $—     $4,117   $—     $4,117  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

21


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

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

The following tables, together with Note 12, summarize the financial statement presentation and fair value of our derivative positions as of June 30, 20112012 and December 31, 2010:

             
      Estimated fair value 
  Balance sheet  June 30,  December 31, 
  classification  2011  2010 
Asset derivatives
            
Cash flow hedges            
Short-term foreign currency forward contracts Other current assets $4,260  $2,015 
Fair value hedges            
Short-term foreign currency forward contracts Other current liabilities  51    
Non-designated derivatives            
Short-term foreign currency forward contracts Other current assets     2,603 
             
Liability derivatives
            
Cash flow hedges            
Short-term foreign currency forward contracts Other current liabilities $143  $412 
Short-term interest rate swaps Other current liabilities     15,697 
Long-term interest rate swaps Other liabilities     10,893 
Fair value hedges            
Short-term foreign currency forward contracts Other current liabilities     3,306 
2011:

       Estimated fair value 
   Balance  sheet
classification
   June 30, 2012   December 31,
2011
 

Liability derivatives

      

Cash flow hedges

      

Short-term foreign currency forward contracts

   Other current liabilities    $—      $3,061  

To supplement the fair value disclosures in Note 12, the following summarizes the recognized gains and losses of cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives through AOCL or through “other income” for the three months ended June 30, 20112012 and 2010:

                         
     Gain/(loss) reclassified    
  Gain/(loss) recognized  from AOCL to “other  Gain/(loss) recognized 
  through AOCL  income”  through “other income” 
  2011  2010  2011  2010  2011  2010 
Cash flow hedges
                        
Foreign currency forward contracts $3,152  $(1,626) $801  $(617) $  $ 
During the six months ended June 30, 2011, in connection with the settlement of our interest rate swaps, $1 million was reclassified from AOCL to gain on contract extinguishments.
2011:

 

   Gain/(loss) recognized
through AOCL
   Gain/(loss) reclassified
from AOCL to “other
income”
   Gain/(loss) recognized
through “other income”
 
   2012   2011   2012  2011   2012   2011 

Cash flow hedges

           

Foreign currency forward contracts

  $—      $3,152    $(644 $801    $—      $—    

22


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

The

To supplement the fair value disclosures in Note 12, the following summarizes the recognized gains and losses of cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives through AOCL or through “other income” for the six months ended June 30, 20112012 and 2010:

                         
     Gain/(loss) reclassified    
  Gain/(loss) recognized  from AOCL to “other  Gain/(loss) recognized 
  through AOCL  income”  through “other income” 
  2011  2010  2011  2010  2011  2010 
   
Cash flow hedges
                        
Foreign currency forward contracts $3,895  $(2,578) $1,382  $356  $  $ 
Non-designated derivatives
                        
Foreign currency forward contracts              (546)   
For cash flow presentation purposes, cash outflows of $29 million were recognized in the financing activities section related to the settlement of interest rate swaps. All other amounts were recognized as changes in operating activities.
2011:

   Gain/(loss)  recognized
through AOCL
   Gain/(loss) reclassified
from AOCL to “other
income”
   Gain/(loss) recognized
through “other income”
 
   2012   2011   2012  2011   2012   2011 

Cash flow hedges

           

Foreign currency forward contracts

  $—      $3,895    $(3,061 $1,382    $—      $—    

Non-designated derivatives

           

Foreign currency forward contracts

  $—      $—      $—     $—      $—      $(546

Note 12 — Fair Value of Financial Instruments

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

                         
  June 30, 2011  December 31, 2010 
      Estimated Fair Value Measurements       
      Quoted  Significant          
      Prices in  Other  Significant       
      Active  Observable  Unobservable       
  Carrying  Markets  Inputs  Inputs  Carrying  Estimated 
  Amount  (Level 1)  (Level 2)  (Level 3)  Amount  Fair Value 
Assets -
                        
Marketable securities $7,178  $7,178  $  $  $6,854  $6,854 
Foreign currency forward contracts  4,311      4,311      4,618   4,618 
Firm commitment              3,306   3,306 
                         
Liabilities -
                        
Interest rate swaps $  $  $  $  $26,590  $26,590 
Foreign currency forward contracts  143      143      3,718   3,718 
Firm commitment  51      51          
The

   June 30, 2012   December 31, 2011 
       Estimated Fair Value Measurements         
       Quoted   Significant             
       Prices in   Other   Significant         
       Active   Observable   Unobservable         
   Carrying   Markets   Inputs   Inputs   Carrying   Estimated 
   Amount   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3)   Amount   Fair Value 

Assets -

            

Marketable securities

  $5,247    $5,247    $—      $—      $4,701    $4,701  

Liabilities -

            

Foreign currency forward contracts

  $—      $—      $—      $—      $3,061    $3,061  

At the time of valuation, the derivative instruments have beenwere valued using actively quoted prices and quotes obtained from the counterparties to the derivative instruments. Our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are by their nature short-term. As a result, the carrying values included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets approximate fair value.

23


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

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Note 13 — Commitments and Contingencies
In May 2010, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (“Anadarko”) sent a letter asserting that the initial attempted deepwater drilling moratorium in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, issued on May 28, 2010 by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, was an event of force majeure under the drilling contract for theNoble Amos Runner. In June 2010, Anadarko filed a declaratory judgment action in Federal District Court in Houston, Texas seeking to have the court declare that a force majeure condition had occurred and that the drilling contract was terminated by virtue of the initial proclaimed moratorium. We disagree that a force majeure event occurred and that Anadarko had the right to terminate the contract. In August 2010, we filed a counterclaim seeking damages from Anadarko for breach of contract. Anadarko has also attempted to offset approximately $13 million that we had billed for services performed prior to their termination of the contract. We do not believe Anadarko has a basis to offset these invoiced amounts. We do not believe the ultimate resolution of this matter will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. As a result of the uncertainties noted above, we have not recognized any revenue under the portion of this contract relating to the period after termination and the matter could have a material positive effect on our results of operations or cash flows for the period in which the matter is resolved.

TheNoble Homer Ferringtonis was under contract with a subsidiary of ExxonMobil Corporation (“ExxonMobil”), whowhich entered into an assignment agreement with BP for a two well farm-outfarmout of the rig in Libya after successfully drilling two wells with the rig for ExxonMobil. In August 2010, BP attempted to terminate the assignment agreement claiming that the rig was not in the required condition. ExxonMobil has informed us that we must look to BP for payment of the dayrate during the assignment period. In August 2010, we initiated arbitration proceedings under the drilling contract against both BP and ExxonMobil. We do not believe BP had the right to terminate the assignment agreement and believe the rig continued to bewas fully ready to operate under the drilling contract. The rig has been operatingoperated under farm-outfarmout arrangements sincefrom March 2011.2011 to the conclusion of the contract in the second quarter of 2012. We believe we are owed dayrate by either or both of these clients. The operating dayrate was approximately $538,000 per day for the work in Libya. We are proceeding with theThe arbitration process is proceeding, and we intend to vigorously pursue these claims. As a result of the uncertainties noted above, we have not recognized any revenue during the assignment period and the matter could have a material positive effect on our results of operations or cash flows in the period the matter is resolved.

resolved should the arbitration panel ultimately rule in our favor.

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

In August 2007, we entered into a drilling contract with Marathon Oil Company (“Marathon”) for theNoble Jim Dayto operate in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. On January 1, 2011, Marathon provided notice that it was terminating the contract. Marathon’s stated reason for the termination was that the rig had not been accepted by Marathon by December 31, 2010, and Marathon also maintained that a force majeure condition existed under the contract. The contract contained a provision allowing Marathon to terminate if the rig had not commenced operations by December 31, 2010. We believe the rig was ready to commence operations and should have been accepted by Marathon. The contract term was for four years and represented approximately $752 million in contract backlog at the time of termination.years. No revenue has been recognized under this contract. We have contracted the rig for much of the original term with other customers. In March 2011, we filed suit in Texas state district courtState District Court against Marathon seeking damages for its actions, and the suit is proceeding. We cannot provide assurance as to the outcome of this lawsuit.

We are from time to time a party to various lawsuits that are incidental to our operations in which the claimants seek an unspecified amount of monetary damages for personal injury, including injuries purportedly resulting from exposure to asbestos on drilling rigs and associated facilities. At June 30, 2012, there were 26 asbestos related lawsuits in which we are one of many defendants. These lawsuits have been filed in the United States in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We intend to vigorously defend against the litigation. We do not believe the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

We are a defendant in certain claims and litigation arising out of operations in the ordinary course of business, including certain disputes with customers over receivables discussed in Note 7, the resolution of which, in the opinion of management, will not be material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. There is inherent risk in any litigation or dispute and no assurance can be given as to the outcome of these claims.

We operate in a number of countries throughout the world and our income tax returns filed in those jurisdictions are subject to review and examination by tax authorities within those jurisdictions. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has completed its audit examination of our 2008 U.S. tax return and proposed adjustments and deficiencies with respect to certain items that were reported by us for the 2008 tax year. We believe that we have accurately reported all amounts in our 2008 tax return, and have filed protests with the IRS Office of Appeals contesting the examination team’s proposed adjustments. We intend to vigorously defend our reported positions. Our 2009 tax return is under audit, and we expect to receive additional Information Document Requests in the coming months. In addition, a U.S. subsidiary of Frontier is also under audit by the IRS for its 2007 and 2008 tax returns. Furthermore, we are currently contesting several non-U.S. tax assessments and may contest future assessments when we disagree with those assessments based on the technical merits of the positions established at the time of the filing of the tax return. We believe the ultimate resolution of the outstanding assessments, for which we have not made any accrual, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. We recognize uncertain tax positions that we believe have a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained. We cannot predict or provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of the existing or future assessments.

Our Mexican income tax returns have been examined for the 2002 through 2007 periods and audit claims have been assessed for approximately $297 million (including interest and penalties). During 2011, we received from the Regional Chamber of the Federal Tax Court adverse decisions with respect to approximately $5 million in assessments related to depreciation deductions, which we are appealing. We are also contesting all other assessments in Mexico. Tax authorities in Mexico and other jurisdictions may issue additional assessments or pursue legal actions as a result of tax audits and we cannot predict or provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of such assessments and legal actions.

Additional audit claims of approximately $75 million attributable to customs and other business taxes have been assessed against us in other jurisdictions. We have contested, or intend to contest, these assessments, including through litigation if necessary, and we believe the ultimate resolution, for which we have not made any accrual, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

We maintain certain insurance coverage against specified marine perils which includes physical damage and loss of hire. Damage caused by hurricanes has negatively impacted the energy insurance market, resulting in more restrictive and expensive coverage for U.S. named windstorm perils. Accordingly, we have elected to significantly reduce the named windstorm insurance on our rigs operating in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Presently we insure theNoble Jim Thompson,Noble Amos Runner andNoble Driller for “total loss only” when caused by a named windstorm. Our customer assumes the risk of loss on theNoble Bully I due to a named windstorm event up to $450 million per occurrence pursuant to the terms of the drilling contract relating to such vessel, provided that we are responsible for the first $25 million per occurrence for such named windstorm events. The remaining rigs in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico are self-insured for named windstorm perils. Our rigs located in the Mexico portion of the Gulf of Mexico remain covered by commercial insurance for windstorm damage. In addition, we maintain physical damage deductibles on our rigs ranging from $15 million to $25 million per occurrence, depending on location. The loss of hire coverage applies only to our rigs operating under contract with a dayrate equal to or greater than $200,000 a day and is subject to a 45-day waiting period for each unit and each occurrence.

Although we maintain insurance in the geographic areas in which we operate, pollution, reservoir damage and environmental risks generally are not fully insurable. Our insurance policies and contractual rights to indemnity may not adequately cover our losses or may have exclusions of coverage for some losses. We do not have insurance coverage or rights to indemnity for all risks, including loss of hire insurance on most of the rigs in our fleet. Uninsured exposures may include expatriate activities prohibited by U.S. laws and regulations, radiation hazards, certain loss or damage to property on board our rigs and losses relating to shore-based terrorist acts or strikes. If a significant accident or other event occurs and is not fully covered by insurance or contractual indemnity, it could materially adversely affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Additionally, there can be no assurance that those parties with contractual obligations to indemnify us will necessarily be financially able to indemnify us against all these risks.

In January 2012, we were assessed a fine by the Brazilian government in the amount of R$1.8 million (approximately $900,000) in connection with the inadvertent discharge of drilling fluid from one of our rigs offshore Brazil in September 2011. We have accepted the assessment.

In October 2011, we were assessed a fine by the Brazilian government in the amount of R$238,000 (approximately $120,000) in connection with the inadvertent discharge of drilling fluid from one of our rigs offshore Brazil in November 2010. We have accepted the assessment.

We carry protection and indemnity insurance covering marine third party liability exposures, which also includes coverage for employer’s liability resulting from personal injury to our offshore drilling crews. Our protection and indemnity policy currently has a standard deductible of $10 million per occurrence, with maximum liability coverage of $750 million.

In connection with our capital expenditure program, we had outstanding commitments, including shipyard and purchase commitments of approximately $3.1 billion at June 30, 2012.

We have entered into agreements with certain of our executive officers, as well as certain other employees. These agreements become effective upon a change of control of Noble-Swiss (within the meaning set forth in the agreements) or a termination of employment in connection with or in anticipation of a change of control, and remain effective for three years thereafter. These agreements provide for compensation and certain other benefits under such circumstances.

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Nigerian Operations

During the fourth quarter of 2007, our Nigerian subsidiary received letters from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (“NIMASA”) seeking to collect a two percent surcharge on contract amounts under contracts performed by “vessels,” within the meaning of Nigeria’s cabotage laws, engaged in the Nigerian coastal shipping trade. Although we do not believe that these laws apply to our ownership of drilling units, NIMASA is seeking to apply a provision of the Nigerian cabotage laws (which became effective on May 1, 2004) to our offshore drilling units by considering these units to be “vessels” within the meaning of those laws and therefore subject to the surcharge, which is imposed only upon “vessels.” Our offshore drilling units are not engaged in the Nigerian coastal shipping trade and are not in our view “vessels” within the meaning of Nigeria’s cabotage laws. In January 2008, we filed an originating summons against NIMASA and the Minister of Transportation in the Federal High Court of Lagos, Nigeria seeking, among other things, a declaration that our drilling operations do not constitute “coastal trade” or “cabotage” within the meaning of Nigeria’s cabotage laws and that our offshore drilling units are not “vessels” within the meaning of those laws. In February 2009, NIMASA filed suit against us in the Federal High Court of Nigeria seeking collection of the cabotage surcharge. In August 2009, the court issued a favorable ruling in response to our originating summons stating that drilling operations do not fall within the cabotage laws and that drilling rigs are not vessels for purposes of those laws. The court also issued an injunction against the defendants prohibiting their interference with our drilling rigs or drilling operations. NIMASA has appealed the court’s ruling, although the court dismissed NIMASA’s lawsuit filed against us in February 2009. We intend to take all further appropriate legal action to resist the application of Nigeria’s cabotage laws to our drilling units. The outcome of any such legal action and the extent to which we may ultimately be responsible for the surcharge is uncertain. If it is ultimately determined that offshore drilling units constitute vessels within the meaning of the Nigerian cabotage laws, we may be required to pay the surcharge and comply with other aspects of the Nigerian cabotage laws, which could adversely affect our operations in Nigerian waters and require us to incur additional costs of compliance.

24


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

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
NIMASA had alsopreviously informed the Nigerian Content Division of its position that we arewere not in compliance with the cabotage laws. The Nigerian Content Division makes determinations of companies’ compliance with applicable local content regulations for purposes of government contracting, including contracting for services in connection with oil and gas concessions where the Nigerian national oil company is a partner. The Nigerian Content Division had originallypreviously barred us from participating in new tenders as a result of NIMASA’s allegations, although the Division reversed its actions based on the favorable Federal High Court ruling. However, no assurance can be given with respect to our ability to bid for future work in Nigeria until our dispute with NIMASA is resolved. Further, we continue to evaluate the local content regulations

As previously disclosed, in Nigeria, which could also affect our ability to operate there and our profitability earned from Nigeria.

In November 2010 we concluded our contract for theNoble Duchess in Nigeria. Following the contract, we commenced the exportation process for the rig. We continue to discuss certain spare items that the customs authorities claim are unaccounted for and for which duty would be due. We believe the value of such equipment is insignificant and that the authorities are acting improperly. We have not been able to obtain clearance for the rig although we believe we will ultimately be able to export the rig in a timely manner. However, if the Nigerian customs authorities persist in this manner, the timing of the departure of the unit could be affected and could impede our marketing efforts.
We are from time to time a party to various lawsuits that are incidental to our operations in which the claimants seek an unspecified amount of monetary damages for personal injury, including injuries purportedly resulting from exposure to asbestos on drilling rigs and associated facilities. At June 30, 2011, there were approximately 21 asbestos related lawsuits in which we are one of many defendants. These lawsuits have been filed in the United States in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We intend to vigorously defend against the litigation. We do not believe the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
We are a defendant in certain claims and litigation arising out of operations in the ordinary course of business, including certain disputesfinalized settlements with customers over receivables discussed in Note 7, the resolution of which, in the opinion of management, will not be material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. There is inherent risk in any litigation or dispute and no assurance can be given as to the outcome of these claims.
We operate in a number of countries throughout the world and our income tax returns filed in those jurisdictions are subject to review and examination by tax authorities within those jurisdictions. Our 2008 tax return is currently under audit by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. In addition, a U.S. subsidiary of Frontier is also under audit for its 2007 and 2008 tax returns. Furthermore, we are currently contesting several non-U.S. tax assessments and may contest future assessments when we believe the assessments are in error. We cannot predict or provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of the existing or future assessments. We believe the ultimate resolution of the outstanding assessments, for which we have not made any accrual, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. We recognize uncertain tax positions that we believe have a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained.
Certain of our non-U.S. income tax returns have been examined for the 2002 through 2008 periods and audit claims have been assessed for approximately $328 million (including interest and penalties), primarily in Mexico. We do not believe we owe these amounts and are defending our position. However, we expect increased audit activity in Mexico and anticipate the tax authorities will issue additional assessments and continue to pursue legal actions for all audit claims. We believe additional audit claims in the range of $10 to $12 million attributable to other business tax returns may be assessed against us. We have contested, or intend to contest, the audit findings, including through litigation if necessary, and we do not believe that there is greater than 50 percent likelihood that additional taxes will be incurred. Accordingly, no accrual has been made for such amounts.

25


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

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

26


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

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

27


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

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Note 14 — Segment and Related Information

We report our contract drilling operations as a single reportable segment: Contract Drilling Services. The consolidation of our contract drilling operations into one reportable segment is attributable to how we manage our business, and the fact that all of our drilling fleet is dependent upon the worldwide oil and gas industry. The mobile offshore drilling units comprising our offshore rig fleet operate in a single, global market for contract drilling services and are often redeployed globally in response to changing demands of our customers, which consist largely of major non-U.S. and government owned/controlled oil and gas companies throughout the world. Our contract drilling servicesContract Drilling Services segment currently conducts contract drilling operations principally in the Middle East, India, the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, the Mediterranean,Brazil, the North Sea, Brazil,the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Middle East, India and the Asian Pacific.

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

We evaluate the performance of our operating segment primarily based on operating revenues and net income. Summarized financial information of our reportable segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 for Noble-Swiss and 2010 isNoble-Cayman are shown in the following table. The “Other” column includes results of labor contract drilling services in Canada and Alaska, as well as corporate related items.

                         
  Three Months Ended June 30, 
  2011  2010 
  Contract          Contract       
  Drilling          Drilling       
  Services  Other  Total  Services  Other  Total 
                         
Revenues from external customers $612,845  $15,152  $627,997  $701,102  $8,820  $709,922 
Depreciation and amortization  159,843   3,276   163,119   123,379   2,848   126,227 
Segment operating income/ (loss)  77,309   1,736   79,045   268,941   (394)  268,547 
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized  (683)  (14,146)  (14,829)  (235)  (275)  (510)
Income tax (provision)/ benefit  (11,418)  1,910   (9,508)  (51,544)  426   (51,118)
Segment profit/ (loss)  64,939   (10,856)  54,083   219,267   (1,342)  217,925 
Total assets (at end of period)  12,046,536   391,702   12,438,238   7,761,724   1,141,778   8,903,502 
Capital expenditures  810,723   3,736   814,459   181,505   11,132   192,637 
                         
  Six Months Ended June 30, 
  2011  2010 
  Contract          Contract       
  Drilling          Drilling       
  Services  Other  Total  Services  Other  Total 
                         
Revenues from external customers $1,177,499  $29,386  $1,206,885  $1,533,262  $17,511  $1,550,773 
Depreciation and amortization  314,731   6,510   321,241   236,553   5,531   242,084 
Segment operating income/ (loss)  162,025   3,284   165,309   692,885   (1,377)  691,508 
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized  (1,768)  (32,102)  (33,870)  (293)  (682)  (975)
Income tax (provision)/ benefit  (30,281)  5,414   (24,867)  (107,136)  622   (106,514)
Segment profit/ (loss)  131,819   (23,241)  108,578   591,304   (2,653)  588,651 
Total assets (at end of period)  12,046,536   391,702   12,438,238   7,761,724   1,141,778   8,903,502 
Capital expenditures  1,423,711   5,072   1,428,783   517,088   14,313   531,401 

 

   Noble-Swiss 
   Three Months Ended June 30, 
   2012  2011 
   Contract        Contract       
   Drilling        Drilling       
   Services  Other  Total  Services  Other  Total 

Revenues from external customers

  $878,372   $20,551   $898,923   $612,845   $15,152   $627,997  

Depreciation and amortization

   180,112    3,503    183,615    159,843    3,276    163,119  

Segment operating income / (loss)

   246,161    (1,666  244,495    77,309    1,736    79,045  

Interest expense, net of amount capitalized

   (105  (20,547  (20,652  (683  (14,146  (14,829

Income tax (provision) / benefit

   (51,098  4,742    (46,356  (11,418  1,910    (9,508

Segment profit / (loss)

   178,094    (18,276  159,818    64,939    (10,856  54,083  

Total assets (at end of period)

   13,483,083    552,933    14,036,016    12,046,536    391,702    12,438,238  

28

   Noble-Cayman 
   Three Months Ended June 30, 
   2012  2011 
   Contract        Contract       
   Drilling        Drilling       
   Services  Other  Total  Services  Other  Total 

Revenues from external customers

  $878,372   $20,551   $898,923   $612,845   $15,152   $627,997  

Depreciation and amortization

   180,112    2,991    183,103    159,843    2,793    162,636  

Segment operating income

   248,065    8,783    256,848    83,833    9,209    93,042  

Interest expense, net of amount capitalized

   (105  (20,547  (20,652  (683  (14,146  (14,829

Income tax (provision) / benefit

   (51,098  5,121    (45,977  (11,418  2,261    (9,157

Segment profit / (loss)

   179,998    (7,028  172,970    71,463    (2,645  68,818  

Total assets (at end of period)

   13,483,083    514,241    13,997,324    12,046,536    353,149    12,399,685  


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

   Noble-Swiss 
   Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2012  2011 
   Contract        Contract       
   Drilling        Drilling       
   Services  Other  Total  Services  Other  Total 

Revenues from external customers

  $1,659,615   $36,998   $1,696,613   $1,177,499   $29,386   $1,206,885  

Depreciation and amortization

   348,060    6,632    354,692    314,731    6,510    321,241  

Segment operating income

   386,428    1,710    388,138    162,025    3,284    165,309  

Interest expense, net of amount capitalized

   (194  (30,954  (31,148  (1,768  (32,102  (33,870

Income tax (provision) / benefit

   (73,698  5,753    (67,945  (30,281  5,414    (24,867

Segment profit / (loss)

   303,578    (23,585  279,993    131,819    (23,241  108,578  

Total assets (at end of period)

   13,483,083    552,933    14,036,016    12,046,536    391,702    12,438,238  

   Noble-Cayman 
   Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2012  2011 
   Contract        Contract       
   Drilling        Drilling       
   Services  Other  Total  Services  Other  Total 

Revenues from external customers

  $1,659,615   $36,998   $1,696,613   $1,177,499   $29,386   $1,206,885  

Depreciation and amortization

   348,060    5,616    353,676    314,731    5,560    320,291  

Segment operating income

   393,197    21,779    414,976    174,080    18,408    192,488  

Interest expense, net of amount capitalized

   (194  (30,954  (31,148  (1,768  (32,102  (33,870

Income tax (provision) / benefit

   (73,698  6,510    (67,188  (30,281  6,099    (24,182

Segment profit / (loss)

   310,347    (2,725  307,622    143,874    (7,396  136,478  

Total assets (at end of period)

   13,483,083    514,241    13,997,324    12,046,536    353,149    12,399,685  

Note 15 — Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2009, the FASB issued guidance that impacts the recognition of revenue in multiple-deliverable arrangements. The guidance establishes a selling-price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable. The goal of this guidance is to clarify disclosures related to multiple-deliverable arrangements and to align the accounting with the underlying economics of the multiple-deliverable transaction. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
In January 2010, the FASB issued guidance relating to the disclosure of the fair value of assets. This guidance calls for additional information to be given regarding the transfer of items in and out of respective categories. In addition, it requires additional disclosures regarding the purchase, sales, issuances, and settlements of assets that are classified as level three within the FASB fair value hierarchy. This guidance is generally effective for annual and interim periods ending after December 15, 2009. However, the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll-forward activity in Level 3 fair value measurements were deferred until fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
In December 2010, the FASB issued guidance that requires a public entity to disclose pro forma information for business combinations that occurred in the current reporting period. The disclosures include pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity for the current reporting period as though the acquisition date for all business combinations that occurred during the year had been as of the beginning of the annual reporting period. If comparative financial statements are presented, the pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity for the comparable prior reporting period should be reported as though the acquisition date for all business combinations that occurred during the current year had been as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-04, which amends FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” This amended guidance that modifiedclarifies the wording used to describe many of the requirements in accounting literature for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The goal of the amendment is to create consistency between the United States and international accounting standards. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. While we are still evaluating this guidance, theOur adoption of this guidance shoulddid not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance thatASU No. 2011-05, which amends ASC Topic 220, “Comprehensive Income.” This ASU allows an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendment no longer allows an entity to show changes to other comprehensive income solely through the statement of equity. For publicly traded entities, the guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. While we are still evaluating this guidance, theOur adoption of this guidance willdid not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

29


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

Note 16 — Net Change in Other Assets and Liabilities

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

                 
  Noble-Swiss  Noble-Cayman 
  Six months ended  Six months ended 
  June 30,  June 30, 
  2011  2010  2011  2010 
   
Accounts receivable $(122,605) $176,106  $(122,572) $176,106 
Other current assets  (55,141)  (43,555)  (46,895)  (43,136)
Other assets  (776)  (15,751)  (3,253)  (15,865)
Accounts payable  (17,020)  19,898   (17,050)  15,470 
Other current liabilities  1,544   10,340   (11,283)  9,683 
Other liabilities  16,030   32,208   16,004   32,412 
             
  $(177,968) $179,246  $(185,049) $174,670 
             

   Noble-Swiss  Noble-Cayman 
   Six months ended  Six months ended 
   June 30,  June 30, 
   2012  2011  2012  2011 

Accounts receivable

  $(87,244 $(122,605 $(87,244 $(122,572

Other current assets

   (82,590  (55,141  (85,357  (46,895

Other assets

   (10,452  (13,344  (10,454  (15,821

Accounts payable

   9,776    (17,020  8,804    (17,050

Other current liabilities

   (2,282  1,544    (1,997  (11,283

Other liabilities

   33,608    16,030    33,608    16,004  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $(139,184 $(190,536 $(142,640 $(197,617
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Note 17 — Guarantees of Registered Securities

Noble-Cayman, and Noble Holding (U.S.) Corporation (“NHC”), a wholly-owned subsidiaryor one or more subsidiaries of Noble-Cayman, are full and unconditional guarantorsa co-issuer or guarantor or otherwise obligated as of NDC’s 7.50% Senior Notes due 2019 which had an outstanding principal balance at June 30, 2011 of $202 million. NDC is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of NHC. Noble Drilling Holding LLC (“NDH”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Cayman, is also a co-obligor on (and effectively a guarantor of) the 7.50% Senior Notes. Noble Drilling Services 6 LLC (“NDS6”), also a wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Cayman, is a co-issuer of the 7.50% Senior Notes.

NDC and NHIL are full and unconditional guarantors of Noble-Cayman’s 5.875% Senior Notes due 2013, which had an outstanding principal balance of $300 million at June 30, 2011.
Noble-Cayman is a full and unconditional guarantor of NHIL’s 7.375% Senior Notes due 2014, which had an outstanding principal balance of $250 million at June 30, 2011.
Noble-Cayman is a full and unconditional guarantor of NHIL’s 3.45% Senior Notes due 2015, 4.90% Senior Notes due 2020 and 6.20% Senior Notes due 2040. The aggregate principal balance of these three tranches of senior notes at June 30, 2011 was $1.25 billion.
Noble-Cayman is a full and unconditional guarantor of NHIL’s 3.05% Senior Notes due 2016, 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 and 6.05% Senior Notes due 2041. The aggregate principal balance of these three tranches of senior notes at June 30, 2011 was $1.1 billion.
2012 as follows:

 

Issuer

Notes

(Co-Issuer(s))

Guarantor(s)

$300 million 5.875% Senior Notes due 2013

Noble-CaymanNoble Drilling Corporation (“NDC”)
NHIL

$250 million 7.375% Senior Notes due 2014

NHILNoble-Cayman

$350 million 3.45% Senior Notes due 2015

NHILNoble-Cayman

$300 million 3.05% Senior Notes due 2016

NHILNoble-Cayman

$300 million 2.50% Senior Notes due 2017

NHILNoble-Cayman

$202 million 7.50% Senior Notes due 2019

NDCNoble-Cayman

Noble Drilling Services 6 LLC (“NDS6”)

Noble Holding (U.S.) Corporation (“NHC”)
Noble Drilling Holding LLC (“NDH”)

$500 million 4.90% Senior Notes due 2020

NHILNoble-Cayman

$400 million 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021

NHILNoble-Cayman

$400 million 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022

NHILNoble-Cayman

$400 million 6.20% Senior Notes due 2040

NHILNoble-Cayman

$400 million 6.05% Senior Notes due 2041

NHILNoble-Cayman

$500 million 5.25% Senior Notes due 2042

NHILNoble-Cayman

30


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

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

31


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2010

June 30, 2012

(in thousands)

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

 

32

                 Other       
                 Non-guarantor       
  Noble-  NHC and NDH           Subsidiaries  Consolidating    
  Cayman  Combined  NDC  NHIL  NDS6  of Noble  Adjustments  Total 

ASSETS

        

Current assets

        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $95   $331   $—     $4   $—     $267,440   $—     $267,870  

Accounts receivable

  —      15,595    3,325    —      —      674,613    —      693,533  

Taxes receivable

  —      4,566    —      —      —      93,179    —      97,745  

Prepaid expenses

  —      502    9    —      —      76,119    —      76,630  

Short-term notes receivable from affiliates

  —      119,476    —      —      —      234,992    (354,468  —    

Accounts receivable from affiliates

  761,630    130,097    973,381    563,640    39,829    5,340,324    (7,808,901  —    

Other current assets

  516    641    196    —      —      141,188    —      142,541  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

  762,241    271,208    976,911    563,644    39,829    6,827,855    (8,163,369  1,278,319  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, at cost

  —      2,326,256    74,856    —      —      13,618,432    —      16,019,544  

Accumulated depreciation

  —      (285,259  (56,410  —      —      (3,284,603  —      (3,626,272
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

  —      2,040,997    18,446    —      —      10,333,829    —      12,393,272  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes receivable from affiliates

  3,816,463    1,206,000    —      3,524,814    479,107    2,578,007    (11,604,391  —    

Investments in affiliates

  7,322,022    9,407,807    3,418,778    7,016,530    2,219,318    —      (29,384,455  —    

Other assets

  6,745    554    435    27,584    820    289,595    —      325,733  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

 $11,907,471   $12,926,566   $4,414,570   $11,132,572   $2,739,074   $20,029,286   $(49,152,215 $13,997,324  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

        

Current liabilities

        

Short-term notes payables from affiliates

 $73,168   $51,054   $110,770   $—     $—     $119,476   $(354,468 $—    

Accounts payable

  —      3,141    555    —      —      272,702    —      276,398  

Accrued payroll and related costs

  —      4,530    7,223    —      —      105,284    —      117,037  

Accounts payable to affiliates

  900,919    4,342,182    3,741    138,782    53,235    2,370,042    (7,808,901  —    

Interest payable

  1,548    —      —      67,248    4,412    —      —      73,208  

Taxes payable

  —      9,595    —      —      —      75,298    —      84,893  

Other current liabilities

  —      —      241    —      —      108,435    —      108,676  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

  975,635    4,410,502    122,530    206,030    57,647    3,051,237    (8,163,369  660,212  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Long-term debt

  449,966    —      —      3,792,633    201,695    —      —      4,444,294  

Notes payable to affiliates

  2,855,394    1,039,500    —      975,000    1,342,000    5,392,497    (11,604,391  —    

Deferred income taxes

  —      —      15,731    —      —      222,314    —      238,045  

Other liabilities

  19,929    17,361    —      —      —      269,107    —      306,397  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

  4,300,924    5,467,363    138,261    4,973,663    1,601,342    8,935,155    (19,767,760  5,648,948  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

        

Total shareholder equity

  7,606,547    7,459,203    4,276,309    6,158,909    1,137,732    10,352,302    (29,384,455  7,606,547  

Noncontrolling interest

  —      —      —      —      —      741,829    —      741,829  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total equity

  7,606,547    7,459,203    4,276,309    6,158,909    1,137,732    11,094,131    (29,384,455  8,348,376  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

 $11,907,471   $12,926,566   $4,414,570   $11,132,572   $2,739,074   $20,029,286   $(49,152,215 $13,997,324  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2011

(in thousands)

                 Other       
                 Non-guarantor       
  Noble-  NHC and NDH           Subsidiaries  Consolidating    
  Cayman  Combined  NDC  NHIL  NDS6  of Noble  Adjustments  Total 

ASSETS

        

Current assets

        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $146   $385   $—     $—     $—     $234,525   $—     $235,056  

Accounts receivable

  —      10,810    3,371    —      —      572,982    —      587,163  

Taxes receivable

  —      4,566    —      —      —      70,718    —      75,284  

Prepaid expenses

  —      453    19    —      —      32,633    —      33,105  

Short-term notes receivable from affiliates

  —      119,476    —      —      —      122,298    (241,774  —    

Accounts receivable from affiliates

  1,683,740    99,202    879,581    159,132    33,905    6,372,657    (9,228,217  —    

Other current assets

  —      643    196    93    —      119,177    —      120,109  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

  1,683,886    235,535    883,167    159,225    33,905    7,524,990    (9,469,991  1,050,717  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, at cost

  —      2,737,764    75,001    —      —      12,693,229    —      15,505,994  

Accumulated depreciation

  —      (232,621  (54,599  —      —      (3,117,369  —      (3,404,589
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

  —      2,505,143    20,402    —      —      9,575,860    —      12,101,405  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes receivable from affiliates

  3,842,062    675,000    —      2,336,527    572,107    2,678,192    (10,103,888  —    

Investments in affiliates

  6,969,201    9,101,938    3,450,212    6,605,771    2,141,450    —      (28,268,572  —    

Other assets

  3,230    473    483    18,548    880    281,669    —      305,283  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

 $12,498,379   $12,518,089   $4,354,264   $9,120,071   $2,748,342   $20,060,711   $(47,842,451 $13,457,405  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

        

Current liabilities

        

Short-term notes payables from affiliates

 $72,298   $50,000   $—     $—     $—     $119,476   $(241,774 $—    

Accounts payable

  —      5,577    985    —      —      429,167    —      435,729  

Accrued payroll and related costs

  —      2,897    6,518    —      —      99,493    —      108,908  

Accounts payable to affiliates

  2,079,719    4,166,021    27,341    112,953    34,107    2,808,076    (9,228,217  —    

Interest payable

  1,891    —      —      48,116    4,412    —      —      54,419  

Taxes payable

  —      10,032    —      —      —      81,158    —      91,190  

Other current liabilities

  —      —      240    —      —      123,159    —      123,399  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

  2,153,908    4,234,527    35,084    161,069    38,519    3,660,529    (9,469,991  813,645  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Long-term debt

  1,274,949    —      —      2,595,320    201,695    —      —      4,071,964  

Notes payable to affiliates

  1,667,291    1,147,500    85,000    975,000    811,000    5,418,097    (10,103,888  —    

Deferred income taxes

  —      —      15,731    —      —      227,060    —      242,791  

Other liabilities

  19,929    24,878    —      —      —      210,565    —      255,372  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

  5,116,077    5,406,905    135,815    3,731,389    1,051,214    9,516,251    (19,573,879  5,383,772  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

        

Total shareholder equity

  7,382,302    7,111,184    4,218,449    5,388,682    1,697,128    9,853,129    (28,268,572  7,382,302  

Noncontrolling interest

  —      —      —      —      —      691,331    —      691,331  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total equity

  7,382,302    7,111,184    4,218,449    5,388,682    1,697,128    10,544,460    (28,268,572  8,073,633  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

 $12,498,379   $12,518,089   $4,354,264   $9,120,071   $2,748,342   $20,060,711   $(47,842,451 $13,457,405  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

Three Months Ended June 30, 2012

(in thousands)

                  Other       
                  Non-guarantor       
   Noble-  NHC and NDH           Subsidiaries  Consolidating    
   Cayman  Combined  NDC  NHIL  NDS6  of Noble  Adjustments  Total 

Operating revenues

         

Contract drilling services

  $—     $38,348   $4,819   $—     $—     $824,684   $(19,614 $848,237  

Reimbursables

   —      502    —      —      —      30,310    —      30,812  

Labor contract drilling services

   —      —      —      —      —      19,863    —      19,863  

Other

   —      —      —      —      —      943    (932  11  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

   —      38,850    4,819    —      —      875,800    (20,546  898,923  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses

         

Contract drilling services

   1,256    14,375    1,839    18,779    —      405,895    (20,546  421,598  

Reimbursables

   —      338    —      —      —      24,632    —      24,970  

Labor contract drilling services

   —      —      —      —      —      11,847    —      11,847  

Depreciation and amortization

   —      15,238    1,061    —      —      166,804    —      183,103  

Selling, general and administrative

   454    1,465    —      9,618    —      3,930    —      15,467  

Loss on impairment

   —      —      —      —      —      18,345    —      18,345  

Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net

   —      (4,869  —      —      —      (28,386  —      (33,255
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

   1,710    26,547    2,900    28,397    —      603,067    (20,546  642,075  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   (1,710  12,303    1,919    (28,397  —      272,733    —      256,848  

Other income (expense)

         

Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax

   197,409    154,580    10,078    230,830    69,542    —      (662,439  —    

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

   (25,294  (14,003  (842  (29,494  (11,405  (20,076  80,462    (20,652

Interest income and other, net

   2,565    10,867    (21  32,925    2,815    32,919    (80,462  1,608  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   172,970    163,747    11,134    205,864    60,952    285,576    (662,439  237,804  

Income tax provision

   —      (13,487  —      —      —      (32,490  —      (45,977
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Income

   172,970    150,260    11,134    205,864    60,952    253,086    (662,439  191,827  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   —      —      —      —      —      (18,857  —      (18,857
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation

   172,970    150,260    11,134    205,864    60,952    234,229    (662,439  172,970  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss, net

   (4,901  —      —      —      —      (4,901  4,901    (4,901
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation

  $168,069   $150,260   $11,134   $205,864   $60,952   $229,328   $(657,538 $168,069  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

Six Months Ended June 30, 2012

(in thousands)

                  Other       
                  Non-guarantor       
   Noble-  NHC and NDH           Subsidiaries  Consolidating    
   Cayman  Combined  NDC  NHIL  NDS6  of Noble  Adjustments  Total 

Operating revenues

         

Contract drilling services

  $—     $81,339   $9,880   $—     $—     $1,542,760   $(39,432 $1,594,547  

Reimbursables

   —      5,810    —      —      —      60,143    —      65,953  

Labor contract drilling services

   —      —      —      —      —      35,871    —      35,871  

Other

   —      —      —      —      —      1,174    (932  242  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

   —      87,149    9,880    —      —      1,639,948    (40,364  1,696,613  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses

         

Contract drilling services

   2,439    28,694    3,610    36,412    —      805,953    (40,364  836,744  

Reimbursables

   —      5,425    —      —      —      50,146    —      55,571  

Labor contract drilling services

   —      —      —      —      —      21,079    —      21,079  

Depreciation and amortization

   —      30,077    2,097    —      —      321,502    —      353,676  

Selling, general and administrative

   811    2,811    —      18,437    —      7,418    —      29,477  

Loss on impairment

   —      —      —      —      —      18,345    —      18,345  

Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net

   —      (4,869  —      —      —      (28,386  —      (33,255
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

   3,250    62,138    5,707    54,849    —      1,196,057    (40,364  1,281,637  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   (3,250  25,011    4,173    (54,849  —      443,891    —      414,976  

Other income (expense)

         

Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax

   352,821    289,165    55,880    410,758    145,403    —      (1,254,027  —    

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

   (45,900  (28,917  (2,188  (50,466  (19,188  (39,972  155,483    (31,148

Interest income and other, net

   3,951    18,691    (5  62,179    5,925    67,749    (155,483  3,007  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   307,622    303,950    57,860    367,622    132,140    471,668    (1,254,027  386,835  

Income tax provision

   —      (22,263  —      —      —      (44,925  —      (67,188
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Income

   307,622    281,687    57,860    367,622    132,140    426,743    (1,254,027  319,647  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   —      —      —      —      —      (12,025  —      (12,025
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation

   307,622    281,687    57,860    367,622    132,140    414,718    (1,254,027  307,622  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss, net

   (1,140  —      —      —      —      (1,140  1,140    (1,140
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation

  $306,482   $281,687   $57,860   $367,622   $132,140   $413,578   $(1,252,887 $306,482  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

Three Months Ended June 30, 2011

(in thousands)

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

 

33

                  Other       
                  Non-guarantor       
   Noble-  NHC and NDH           Subsidiaries  Consolidating    
   Cayman  Combined  NDC  NHIL  NDS6  of Noble  Adjustments  Total 

Operating revenues

         

Contract drilling services

  $—     $35,090   $4,705   $—     $—     $566,145   $(16,390 $589,550  

Reimbursables

   —      1,778    —      —      —      22,344    —      24,122  

Labor contract drilling services

   —      —      —      —      —      14,012    —      14,012  

Other

   —      —      —      —      —      313    —      313  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

   —      36,868    4,705    —      —      602,814    (16,390  627,997  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses

         

Contract drilling services

   1,598    12,085    1,975    8,236    —      322,700    (16,390  330,204  

Reimbursables

   —      2,007    —      —      —      16,716    —      18,723  

Labor contract drilling services

   —      —      —      —      —      8,750    —      8,750  

Depreciation and amortization

   —      13,068    935    —      —      148,633    —      162,636  

Selling, general and administrative

   1,792    1,209    —      7,626    1    4,014    —      14,642  

Gain on contract extinguishments, net

   —      —      —      —      —      —      —      —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

   3,390    28,369    2,910    15,862    1    500,813    (16,390  534,955  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   (3,390  8,499    1,795    (15,862  (1  102,001    —      93,042  

Other income (expense)

         

Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax

   88,486    64,434    19,176    122,310    71,736    —      (366,142  —    

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

   (17,903  (15,323  (1,719  (23,530  (7,271  (886  51,803    (14,829

Interest income and other, net

   1,625    6,932    37    11,435    2,252    29,375    (51,803  (147
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   68,818    64,542    19,289    94,353    66,716    130,490    (366,142  78,066  

Income tax provision

   —      6,658    —      —      —      (15,815  —      (9,157
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Income

   68,818    71,200    19,289    94,353    66,716    114,675    (366,142  68,909  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   —      —      —      —      —      (91  —      (91
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation

   68,818    71,200    19,289    94,353    66,716    114,584    (366,142  68,818  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income, net

   4,415    —      —      —      —      4,415    (4,415  4,415  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation

  $73,233   $71,200   $19,289   $94,353   $66,716   $118,999   $(370,557 $73,233  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

Six Months Ended June 30, 2011

(in thousands)

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

 

34

                  Other       
                  Non-guarantor       
   Noble-  NHC and NDH           Subsidiaries  Consolidating    
   Cayman  Combined  NDC  NHIL  NDS6  of Noble  Adjustments  Total 

Operating revenues

         

Contract drilling services

  $—     $61,054   $9,695   $—     $—     $1,089,739   $(28,333 $1,132,155  

Reimbursables

   —      2,690    12    —      —      43,711    —      46,413  

Labor contract drilling services

   —      —      —      —      —      27,559    —      27,559  

Other

   —      —      —      —      —      758    —      758  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

   —      63,744    9,707    —      —      1,161,767    (28,333  1,206,885  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses

         

Contract drilling services

   3,059    21,069    3,798    16,806    —      614,637    (28,333  631,036  

Reimbursables

   —      2,911    —      —      —      32,915    —      35,826  

Labor contract drilling services

   —      —      —      —      —      17,273    —      17,273  

Depreciation and amortization

   —      23,192    1,844    —      —      295,255    —      320,291  

Selling, general and administrative

   3,303    2,718    —      15,503    1    9,648    —      31,173  

Gain on contract extinguishments, net

   —      —      —      —      —      (21,202  —      (21,202
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

   6,362    49,890    5,642    32,309    1    948,526    (28,333  1,014,397  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   (6,362  13,854    4,065    (32,309  (1  213,241    —      192,488  

Other income (expense)

         

Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax

   175,766    102,373    34,977    172,371    107,556    —      (593,043  —    

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

   (36,264  (29,915  (3,539  (46,026  (14,942  (3,017  99,833    (33,870

Interest income and other, net

   3,338    12,470    48    22,744    4,044    59,283    (99,833  2,094  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   136,478    98,782    35,551    116,780    96,657    269,507    (593,043  160,712  

Income tax provision

   —      5,800    —      —      —      (29,982  —      (24,182
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Income

   136,478    104,582    35,551    116,780    96,657    239,525    (593,043  136,530  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   —      —      —      —      —      (52  —      (52
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation

   136,478    104,582    35,551    116,780    96,657    239,473    (593,043  136,478  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income, net

   7,904    —      —      —      —      7,904    (7,904  7,904  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation

  $144,382   $104,582   $35,551   $116,780   $96,657   $247,377   $(600,947 $144,382  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 


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

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

35


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

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

36


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Six Months Ended June 30, 2012

(in thousands)

                 Other       
                 Non-guarantor       
  Noble-  NHC and NDH           Subsidiaries  Consolidating    
  Cayman  Combined  NDC  NHIL  NDS6  of Noble  Adjustments  Total 

Cash flows from operating activities

        

Net cash from operating activities

 $(39,135 $8,929   $4,457   $(32,947 $(13,203 $623,600   $—     $551,701  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

        

Capital expenditures

  —      (182,619  (306  —      —      (480,775  —      (663,700

Change in accrued capital expenditures

  —      —      —      —      —      (159,134  —      (159,134

Notes receivable from affiliates

  —      —      —      (1,188,287  —      —      1,188,287    —    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash from investing activities

  —      (182,619  (306  (1,188,287  —      (639,909  1,188,287    (822,834
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

        

Borrowings on bank credit facilities

  325,000    —      —      —      —      —      —      325,000  

Repayments on bank credit facilities

  (1,150,000  —      —      —      —      —      —      (1,150,000

Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net

  —      —      —      1,186,636    —      —      —      1,186,636  

Contributions from joint venture partners

  —      —      —      —      —      40,000    —      40,000  

Financing costs on credit facilities

  (5,014  —      —      —      —      —      —      (5,014

Distributions to parent

  (92,675  —      —      —      —      —      —      (92,675

Advances (to) from affiliates

  (226,514  173,636    (4,151  34,602    13,203    9,224    —      —    

Notes payable to affiliates

  1,188,287    —      —      —      —      —      (1,188,287  —    
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash from financing activities

  39,084    173,636    (4,151  1,221,238    13,203    49,224    (1,188,287  303,947  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

  (51  (54  —      4    —      32,915    —      32,814  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

  146    385    —      —      —      234,525    —      235,056  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 $95   $331   $—     $4   $—     $267,440   $—     $267,870  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Six Months Ended June 30, 2011

(in thousands)

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

 

37


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

(in thousands)
                                
 Other                Other     
 Non-guarantor                Non-guarantor     
 Noble- NHC and NDH Subsidiaries Consolidating    Noble- NHC and NDH       Subsidiaries Consolidating   
 Cayman Combined NDC NHIL NDS6 of Noble Adjustments Total  Cayman Combined NDC NHIL NDS6 of Noble Adjustments Total 
Cash flows from operating activities
         
Net cash from operating activities $10,138 $(36,375) $3,592 $(4,400) $60 $1,053,419 $ $1,026,434  $(30,984 $23,361   $2,591   $(43,770 $(10,840 $306,119   $—     $246,477  
                  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
 
Cash flows from investing activities
         
New construction and capital expenditures   (184,963)     (363,918)   (548,881)

Capital expenditures

  —      (846,292  (197  —      —      (564,793  —      (1,411,282

Change in accrued capital expenditures

  —      —      —      —      —      (51,500  —      (51,500

Notes receivable from affiliates

  20,000    —      —      —      —      91,000    (111,000  —    

Refund from contract extinguishments

  —      —      —      —      —      18,642    —      18,642  
                  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
Net cash from investing activities   (184,963)     (363,918)   (548,881)  20,000    (846,292  (197  —      —      (506,651  (111,000  (1,444,140
                  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
 
Cash flows from financing activities
         

Borrowings on bank credit facilities

  625,000    —      —      —      —      —      —      625,000  

Repayments on bank credit facilities

  (240,000  —      —      —      —      —      —      (240,000

Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net

  —      —      —      1,087,833    —      —      —      1,087,833  

Contributions from joint venture partners

  —      —      —      —      —      436,000    —      436,000  

Payments of joint venture debt

  —      —      —      —      —      (693,494  —      (693,494

Settlement of interest rate swaps

  —      —      —      —      —      (29,032  —      (29,032

Financing costs on credit facilities

  (2,835  —      —      —      —      —      —      (2,835
Distributions to parent  (128,315)        (128,315)  (94,291  —      —      —      —      —      —      (94,291
Advances (to) from affiliates 119,876 221,265  (3,592) 4,400  (60)  (341,889)     (238,391  840,576    32,606    (1,044,063  10,840    398,432    —      —    

Notes payable to affiliates

  (38,500  (17,500  (35,000  —      —      (20,000  111,000    —    
                  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
Net cash from financing activities  (8,439) 221,265  (3,592) 4,400  (60)  (341,889)   (128,315)  10,983    823,076    (2,394  43,770    10,840    91,906    111,000    1,089,181  
                  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 1,699  (73)    347,612  349,238   (1  145    —      —      —      (108,626  —      (108,482
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 3 268    725,954  726,225   42    146    —      —      —      333,211    —      333,399  
                  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $1,702 $195 $ $ $ $1,073,566 $ $1,075,463  $41   $291   $—     $—     $—     $224,585   $—     $224,917  
                  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

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Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion is intended to assist you in understanding our financial position at June 30, 2011,2012, and our results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 20112012 and 2010.2011. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20102011 filed by Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation (“Noble-Swiss”), and Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (“Noble-Cayman”).

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this report regarding the Frontier transaction and integration, contract backlog, fleet and benefits,status, our financial position, business strategy, backlog,timing or results of acquisitions or dispositions, repayment of debt, borrowings under our Credit Facilities (as defined below), completion and acceptance of our newbuild rigs, contract commitments, dayrates, contract commencements, extension or renewals, contract tenders, the outcome of any dispute, litigation or investigation, plans and objectives of management for future operations, foreign currency requirements, results of joint ventures, indemnity and other contract claims, construction and upgrade of rigs, industry conditions including the effect of disruptions of drilling in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, access to financing, impact of competition, governmental regulations and permitting, availability of labor, worldwide economic conditions, taxes and tax rates, advantages of our worldwide internal restructuring, indebtedness covenant compliance, and timing for compliance with any new regulations are forward-looking statements. When used in this report, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “should” and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that such expectations will prove to be correct. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report on Form 10-Q and we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement for any reason, except as required by law. We have identified factors including but not limited to operating hazards and delays, risks associated with operations outside the U.S., actions by regulatory authorities, customers, joint venture partners, contractors, lenders and other third parties, legislation and regulations affecting drilling operations, costs and difficulties relating to the integration of businesses, factors affecting the level of activity in the oil and gas industry, supply and demand of drilling rigs, factors affecting the duration of contracts, the actual amount of downtime, factors that reduce applicable dayrates, violations of anti-corruption laws, hurricanes and other weather conditions and the future price of oil and gas that could cause actual plans or results to differ materially from those included in any forward-looking statements. These factors include those referenced or described in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010,2011, 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

Noble

Noble-Swiss is a leading provider of offshore contract drilling contractorservices for the oil and gas industry. At June 30, 2011, ourOur fleet consisted of 7679 mobile offshore drilling units located worldwide as follows:consists of 14 semisubmersibles, 1314 drillships, 4749 jackups and two submersibles. In addition,Additionally, we have one floating production storage and offloading unit (“FPSO”). At June 30, 2011, we hadunit. Our fleet includes 11 of our 76 units under construction. Subsequent to June 30, 2011, we exercised options for the construction of two additionalas follows:

five dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environment drillships and

six high-specification heavy duty,heavy-duty, harsh environment jackup rigs.

Our global fleet is currently located in the following areas: the Middle East, India, the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, the Mediterranean,Brazil, the North Sea, Brazil,the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Middle East, India and the Asian Pacific. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921.

Outlook

The overall

During the first six months of 2012, we continued to see stability in the offshore drilling market has been volatile since the events occurring in connection with theDeepwater Horizon, and the U.S. governmental response to the incident.even as underlying commodity markets were volatile. In the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, the liftinggranting of the moratoriumpermits and publication of new safety rules has led to progressmore stable activity levels within the industry, especially as it relates to the deepwater markets. The continued stable activity has led to greater investment and has contributed to an improvement in returning activity to more normal levels as indicated by the recent issuance of new drilling permits. However, while the issuance of a limited number of permits is a positive development,dayrates for deepwater and ultra-deepwater rigs worldwide. While there are a number of ongoingstill risks, which make it difficult to predict whether or when industry activity in the U.S. Gulf will return to levels seen prior to theDeepwater Horizon incident. These risks include a current and ongoing risk ofincluding potential third party environmental lawsuits targeting the permitting process, possible new drilling regulations, a failure of the Bureaufederal agencies of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (“BOEMRE”)the U.S. government to issue permits in a timely manner and the adoption by individual operators of new drilling or equipment standards exceeding those required by regulatory bodies.

bodies, we believe the potential for these risks will be reduced as long as rigs continue to work without incident in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.

39


Furthermore, there is continuedThere continues to be uncertainty regarding the sustainability of the global economic recovery, which is proceeding unevenly in different geographic regions. In addition to the political instability in certain oil producing nations in the Middle East and North Africa, there is also uncertainty regarding the sustainability of the recovery in the credit markets, particularly in Europe. InEurope, which some analysts predict could be the U.S., the ongoing debate regarding debt levels has resulted in concerns around U.S. sovereign debt ratings, as well ascatalyst for a weakening of the dollar. During the first half of 2011, oil and gas prices increased asworldwide recession. As a result, of supplyoil prices during 2012 have been volatile. Supply side concerns in response to continued political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa.Africa are weighed against global recession fears. Natural gas prices in the United States fluctuated during the first half of the year, but ended the period in-line with year-end 2010 pricing.continue to be at low levels based on current oversupply. We believe these competing factors noted above may lead to instabilitywill impact the volatility in the priceoffshore drilling market and the prices of bothoil and gas commodities for the foreseeable future.

Despite the increaseinstability in the global economy and commodity prices we have only recently seen an increase in demandnoted above, the market for offshore drilling services. Developmentsservices has continued the upward trend that began in 2011. We believe both the U.S. Gulf of Mexico will continue to have an impact on the deepwater market segment in the short-term; however, we believe that theshort-term and long-term outlook is stronger.for the deep and ultra-deepwater markets continues to strengthen. Market dayrates for new ultra-deepwater units remain generally above $450,000,$500,000, which is significantly lowerhigher than the peak rates achievedseen in 2007-2008. However, short-termrecent years. A number of fixtures for very high specification units, like theNoble Jim Day, have exceeded $500,000. Although demand$550,000, and in thecertain cases even exceeded $600,000. Our market analysis indicates that there is little, if any, availability of ultra-deepwater units for 2012, and 2013 availability is rapidly decreasing. Utilization rates for jackup segment decreased slightly during 2010, utilization for units operating outside the U.S. Gulf of Mexico still averaged approximately 80 percentstabilized in 2011, and improved in most regions during the first half of 2011.2012. While we currently have certain jackup rigs idle, we have seen tangible market activity and anticipate a favorable environment for these rigs in the short-term. We continue to see differentiation in the jackup market segment with newer units having utilization rates and dayrates exceeding 90 percent, whilethose for units that entered service before 2000 have utilization rates closer2000. However, we continue to 70 percent. Likewise, there has been a bifurcation of dayrates between older and newer unitssee improvement in the jackupolder jack-up market with newerincreased utilization and competitive dayrates. While we have several of these units earning a premium as customers display a preference for technologically advanced and efficient drilling alternatives. Dayrates for both older and newer units were relatively stable throughout the second half of 2010 and whileidle, we have seen some indications that rates in certain regions started to increase during the first halftangible market activity and are actively pursuing a number of 2011, rates in general are significantly lower than the peak rates reached in 2007 and 2008.

opportunities for these rigs.

Demand for our drilling services generally depends on a variety of economic and political factors, including worldwide demand for oil and gas, the ability of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) to set and maintain production levels and pricing, the level of production of non-OPEC countries and the policies of various governments addressingregarding access to their oil and gas reserves. Our results of operations depend on offshore drilling activity worldwide. Historically, oil and gas prices and market expectations of potential changes in these prices have significantly affected that level of activity. Generally, higher oil and natural gas prices, or our customers’ expectations of higher prices, result in greater demand for our services and lower oil and gas prices result in reduced demand for our services. Demand for our services is also a function of the worldwide supply of mobile offshore drilling units. Industry analysts widely acknowledgereport that a significant expansion of industry supply of both jackups and ultra-deepwater units has commenced, the majority of which currently have no contract.is underway. The introduction of additional non-contracted rigs into the marketplace could have an adverse effect on demand for our services or the dayrates we are able to achieve.

In addition, as a result of exploration discoveries offshore Brazil, Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. (“Petrobras”), the Brazilian national oil company, announced a plan to construct up to 28 deepwater

We currently have twelve rigs contracted in Brazil and accepted bids in 2010 to construct these units from a number of shipyards and drilling contractors. A deepwater drilling rig construction industry possessing the scope and experience to efficiently address this volume of work does not currently exist in Brazil and Noble did not participate in these bids primarily because we viewed the capital risk associated with constructing a unit in Brazil as inappropriate. Petrobras awarded the first tranche of seven drillships to a Brazilian shipyard for delivery beginning in 2015. In March 2011, Petrobras cancelled the bids for the remaining 21 newbuild units. In June 2011, Petrobras issued a new tender to build 21 ultra deepwater rigs in Brazil to operate with Petrobras under 10 to 15 year contracts with drilling operations commencing within 48 months after the contract is awarded. Nevertheless, the future of Petrobras’ building program remains uncertain and the ultimate number of deepwater rigs to be built in Brazil is still unknown. While Petrobras is currently in the market tendering for existing deepwater drilling units, the potential increase in supply from the Petrobras newbuilds could also adversely impact overall industry dayrates and economics.

40


As of June 30, 2011, we had 11 jackup units contractedMexico with Pemex Exploracion y Produccion (“Pemex”) in Mexico, eight, and three of whichthese rigs have contracts scheduled to expire in 2011.the fourth quarter of 2012. Pemex currently has outstanding tenderscontinues to tender for upadditional jackup rigs as it attempts to 20 jackupincrease the number of working rigs. Some previous tenders published by Pemex contained a requirement that certain units must have entered service since the year 2000. While Pemex did not succeed in securing a significant number of newer rigs from those published tenders, we cannot predict whether this age requirement will be present in future Pemex tenders. If this requirement is present in future tenders, it could require us to seek work for our rigs in other locations, as the ages of our rigs currently operating in Mexico do not meet this requirement. If such work is not available, it could lead to additional idle time on some of our rigs. We cannot predict how many rigs might be affected or how long they could remain idle. We remain optimistic that many, if not all, of our rigs currently operating in Mexico will be able to continue to secure long-term work with Pemex.
In January 2011, we announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Petrobras regarding operations in Brazil. Under the terms of the MOU, we would substitute the drillshipNoble Phoenix, then under contract with Shell in Southeast Asia, for the drillshipNoble Muravlenko. In January 2011, Shell agreed to release theNoble Phoenixfrom its contract, which was effective in March 2011. TheNoble Phoenixhas undertaken limited contract preparations, after which the unit will mobilize to Brazil. During the second quarter of 2011, Petrobras formally approved the rig substitution. We expect that acceptance of theNoble Phoenixwill take place in the fourth quarter of 2011. In connection with the cancelation of the contract on theNoble Phoenix, we recognized a non-cash gain of approximately $52.5 million during the first quarter of 2011 which represents the unamortized fair value of the in-place contract assumed in connection with the Frontier acquisition.
Also in January 2011, as a result of the substitution discussed above, we reached a decision not to proceed with the previously announced reliability upgrade to theNoble Muravlenkothat was scheduled to take place in 2013. As a result, we incurred a non-cash charge of approximately $32.6 million related to the termination of outstanding shipyard contracts.

In connection with our existing drilling contracts with Petrobras for two of our drillships operating in Brazil, we approved certain shipyard reliability upgrade projects for these drillships, theNoble Leo Segeriusand theNoble Roger Eason. These upgrade projects planned through 2012, are designed to enhance the reliability and operational performance of these drillships. During the first quarter of 2012, theNoble Leo Segeriusentered a completed the shipyard portion of its reliability upgrade and departed the shipyard in Brazil for seatrials, final commissioning and customer acceptance activities. TheNoble Leo Segerius is currently scheduled to return to work in the third quarter of 2012. TheNoble Roger Eason entered the shipyard for its reliability upgrade.upgrade in the second quarter of 2012, which is expected to take approximately 300 days to complete. There are a number of risks associated with shipyard projects of this nature, particularly in Brazil, including potential project delays and cost overruns because of labor, customs, local shipyard, local content and other issues. In addition, the drilling contracts for these vessels provide Petrobras with certain rights of termination in the event of excessive downtime, and it is possible that Petrobras could exercise this right in the future with respect to one or both of these drillships. We intend to continue to closely monitor and discuss with Petrobras the status of these projects and plan to take appropriate steps to mitigate identified risks, which depending upon the circumstances, could involve a variety of options.

On April 25, 2011,

Results and Strategy

Our business strategy focuses on theNoble Discovererwas operating off active expansion of our fleet through construction, upgrades and modifications, and acquisitions of drilling units, as well as the coastdeployment of New Zealand when a severe weather event occurred. In anticipation of the severe weather, and in accordance with established procedures for severe weather events, theNoble Discoverersuspended drilling operations and secured and disconnected from the well. As a result of severe weather, the riser and the lower marine riser package were damaged and released from the vessel. While we are still evaluating the extent of the equipment damage, we currently believe the damage will not be material. We believe we are entitled to continue receiving dayrate from our customer until repairs are complete, and we are discussing the implications of this event with our customer. We can make no assurances as to the outcome of this event. TheNoble Discovereris currently anchored safely in a New Zealand harbor pending repairs.

While we cannot predict the future level of demand for our drilling services or future conditionsassets in the offshore contract drilling industry, we continue to believe we are well positioned within the industryimportant oil and believe our acquisition of Frontier and recent newbuild announcements further strengthen our position, especially in deepwater drilling.

41


Results and Strategy
In the second quarter of 2011, we recognized net income attributable to Noble-Swiss of $54 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, on total revenues of $628 million. Sequential results of key metrics are as follows:
         
  Three Months Ended 
  June 30,  March 31, 
  2011  2011 
Average dayrate $140,296  $150,294 
Average utilization  70%  61%
Daily contract drilling services costs $80,985  $84,858 
Contract drilling services margin  43%  44%
gas producing areas. We have actively expanded our offshore drilling and deepwater capabilities in recent years through the construction of new rigs, and as part of this technical and operational expansion, we plan to continue pursuing opportunities to high-gradeupgrade our fleet. Our business strategy also focuses on the active expansionfleet to achieve greater technological capability, which we believe will lead to increased drilling efficiencies.

We may dispose of some, or all, of our worldwide offshore drilling and deepwater capabilities through upgrades and modifications, acquisitions, divestitures of lower specification units and related assets and operations in one or more transactions. These dispositions may include sales of assets to third parties, a spin-off or other distribution or separation of assets. In analyzing any disposition, we will consider the deploymentstrategic benefit of the potential transaction while seeking to secure what we consider appropriate value to our shareholders. To date, no potential disposition has provided the results we seek. The drilling market for lower specification units has recently improved. While we expect the increased utilization and dayrates experienced in most regions for these assets in important oil and gas producing areas. to contribute positively to our overall results under current market conditions, we do continue to analyze strategic options for these lower specification units. We can provide no assurance as to whether, or when, any disposition transaction will occur or what form it may take.

At June 30, 2011,2012, we continued our newbuild strategy with the following 11 projects:

one dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environment Globetrotter-class drillship, which is scheduled to be delivered to our customer in the fourth quarter of 2013;

two dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environmentGlobetrotter-class drillships, which are scheduled to be delivered and complete acceptance testing in the first quarter of 2012 and the fourth quarter of 2013, respectively;
two dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environmentBully-class drillships owned through a joint venture with Shell which are scheduled to be delivered and complete acceptance testing in the fourth quarter of 2011 and first quarter of 2012, respectively;
three dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environment drillships under construction at Hyundai Heavy Industry which are estimated to be delivered from the shipyard and begin acceptance testing as follows: the second quarter of 2013, the fourth quarter of 2013, and the second quarter of 2014, respectively; and
four high-specification heavy duty, harsh environment jackup rigs which are estimated to be delivered from the shipyard and begin acceptance testing as follows: first quarter of 2013, third quarter of 2013, fourth quarter of 2013 and first quarter of 2014, respectively.

four dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environment drillships at Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (“HHI”), the first of which is estimated to be delivered from the shipyard to begin acceptance testing in the second quarter of 2013; and

six high-specification heavy duty, harsh environment jackup rigs, the first of which is estimated to be delivered from the shipyard to begin acceptance testing in the first quarter of 2013.

Of our 11 rigs under construction as of June 30, 2011, five2012, two of the drillships are contractedcommitted for five years or more. We also recently received an 18-month contract on one jackup, theNoble Regina Allen,and a three-year contract on one drillship, the Noble Bob Douglas. The remaining six rigs are being constructed without contracts. Subsequent to June 30, 2011, we exercised options for the construction of two additional high-specification heavy duty, harsh environment jackup rigs which are expected to be delivered from the shipyard during the third and fourth quarters of 2014; both rigs are currently being constructed without contracts. We have a priced option

While we cannot predict the future level of demand or dayrates for an additional ultra-deepwater drillship.

As part of our strategy,drilling services or future conditions in the offshore contract drilling industry, we continue to review our fleet and the strategic benefit of our lower specification units. We believe that we need to continue to upgrade our fleet to achieve greater technological capability which would lead to increased drilling efficiencies. As part of this process, we may decide to dispose of some of our lower specification units, and we are considering a number of potential options. We believe these units are maintained in a manner that would allow us to successfully continue to operate them should we decide this iswell positioned within the appropriate course of action based on available alternatives.
U.S. Gulf of Mexico Operations
Subsequent to the April 20, 2010 fireindustry and explosion on theDeepwater Horizon, a competitor’s drilling rigour newbuild program will further strengthen our position, especially in the U.S. Gulfultra-deepwater and high-specification jackup markets.

In the second quarter of Mexico, U.S. governmental authorities implemented a moratorium2012, we recognized net income attributable to Noble-Swiss of $160 million, or $0.63 per diluted share, on and suspensiontotal revenues of specified types of drilling activities in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.

The U.S. government lifted the moratorium following adoption of new regulations including a drilling safety rule and a workplace safety rule, each of which imposed multiple obligations relating to offshore drilling operations. These obligations relate to, among other things, additional certifications and verifications relating to compliance with applicable regulations; compatibility of blowout preventers with drilling rigs and well design; third-party inspections and design review of blowout preventers; testing of casing installations; minimum requirements for personnel operating blowout preventers; and training in deepwater well control.

42


In addition, the U.S. government has indicated that to receive a deepwater drilling permit, the operator must (i) demonstrate that containment resources are available promptly in the event of a deepwater blowout, (ii) have the chief executive officer of each operator certify that the operator has complied with all applicable regulations and (iii) allow the BOEMRE to conduct inspections of each deepwater drilling operation for compliance with the applicable regulations.
Our existing U.S. Gulf of Mexico operations have been, and will continue to be, negatively impacted by the events and governmental action described above. As of June 30, 2011, our U.S. Gulf of Mexico operations included seven deepwater drilling units. We have worked and continue to work closely with our customers for drilling services in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico to address the hardships imposed by the governmental actions described above. The discussion below briefly describes the current status of each of the seven drilling units.
Noble Danny Adkins.The unit spent part of the second quarter operating under a permit and receiving full dayrate. However, during the quarter the rig was forced to make repairs to certain sub-sea equipment, resulting in significant down-time during the quarter.
Noble Jim Day. In February 2011, this drilling unit went under contract for a subsidiary of Shell in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, and received a reduced stand-by rate for the entire second quarter. On July 11, 2011, Shell received the necessary permits and this rig began operating under full dayrate.
Noble Amos Runner.This unit recently completed its contract with LLOG Exploration, LLC and is currently seeking opportunities both inside and outside the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
Noble Jim Thompson.During April 2011, this unit began operating under its full operating dayrate with Shell following approval of the required drilling permits.
Noble Paul Romano.The unit recently received a contract and is expected to begin operating outside the U.S. Gulf of Mexico in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Noble Driller. This unit received its blow out preventer certification in July 2011 upon completion of a shipyard project. This unit is under contract with Shell and is receiving full dayrate as of August 1, 2011.
Noble Lorris Bouzigard. This drilling unit is currently cold stacked, but is being actively marketed to potential customers.
Acquisition of FDR Holdings Limited
On July 28, 2010, Noble-Swiss and Noble AM Merger Co., a Cayman Islands company and indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Swiss (“Merger Sub”), completed the acquisition of FDR Holdings Limited, a Cayman Islands company (“Frontier”). Under the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger with Frontier and certain of Frontier’s shareholders, Merger Sub merged with and into Frontier, with Frontier surviving as an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Swiss and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Cayman. The Frontier acquisition was for a purchase price of approximately $1.7 billion in cash plus liabilities assumed and strategically expanded and enhanced our global fleet by adding three dynamically positioned drillships (including twoBully-class joint venture-owned drillships under construction), two conventionally moored drillships, including one that is Arctic-class, a conventionally moored deepwater semisubmersible and one FPSO. Frontier’s$899 million. Sequential results of operations were included in our results beginning July 28, 2010. We funded the cash consideration paid at closing of approximately $1.7 billion using proceeds from our July 2010 offering of senior notes and existing cash on hand.
key metrics are as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended 
   June 30,  March 31, 
   2012  2012 

Average dayrate

  $181,663   $167,124  

Average utilization

   76  74

Daily contract drilling services costs

  $90,699   $94,055  

Contract drilling services margin

   50  44

43


Contract Drilling Services Backlog

We maintain a backlog (as defined below) of commitments for contract drilling services. The following table sets forth, as of June 30, 20112012, the amount of our contract drilling services backlog and the percent of available operating days committed for the periods indicated:

                         
      Year Ending December 31, 
  Total  2011 (1)  2012  2013  2014  2015-2023 
  (In millions) 
Contract Drilling Services Backlog
                        
Semisubmersibles/Drillships (2) (6) (7) $11,388  $886  $1,683  $1,667  $1,780  $5,372 
Jackups/Submersibles (3)  1,559   556   579   287   134   3 
Other                  
                   
Total (4) $12,947  $1,442  $2,262  $1,954  $1,914  $5,375 
                   
Percent of Available Operating Days Committed (5)      73%  43%  28%  22%  5%
                    

       Year Ending December 31, 
   Total   2012(1)  2013  2014  2015  2016-2023 
   (In millions) 

Contract Drilling Services Backlog

        

Semisubmersibles/Drillships(2) (4) (6)

  $12,255    $1,219   $2,591   $2,459   $1,613   $4,373  

Jackups/Submersibles(3)

   2,159     639    927    496    97    —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total(4)

  $14,414    $1,858   $3,518   $2,955   $1,710   $4,373  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Percent of Available Operating Days Committed(5)

     79  61  40  17  4
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)Represents a six-month period beginning July 1, 2011.2012.
(2)Our drilling contracts with Petrobras provide an opportunity for us to earn performance bonuses based on downtime experienced for our rigs operating offshore Brazil. With respect to our semisubmersibles operating offshore Brazil for Petrobras, we have included in our backlog an amount equal to 75 percent of potential performance bonuses for such semisubmersibles, which amount is based on and generally consistent with our historical earnings of performance bonuses for these rigs. With respect to our drillships presently operating offshore Brazil for Petrobras, offshore Brazil, we (a) have not included in our backlog any performance bonuses for periods prior to the commencement of certain upgrade projects planned for 2011 through 2012 and 2013, which projects are designed to enhance the reliability and operational performance of ourthese drillships, and (b) have included in our backlog an amount equal to 75 percent of potential performance bonuses for periods after the estimated completion of such upgrade projects. Our backlog for semisubmersibles/drillships includes approximately $278$220 million attributable to these performance bonuses.
The drilling contracts with Shell for theNoble Globetrotter I,Noble Globetrotter II,Noble Jim Thompson, Noble Jim DayandNoble Clyde Boudreauxas well as the letter of intent for the unnamedHHI Drillship I, provide opportunities for us to earn performance bonuses based on key performance indicators as defined by Shell. With respect to these contracts, we have included in our backlog an amount equal to 75 percent of the potential performance bonuses for these rigs. Our backlog for these rigs includes approximately $496 million attributable to these performance bonuses.

The drilling contracts with Shell for theNoble Globetrotter I,Noble Globetrotter II,Noble Jim Thompson,Noble Jim Day andNoble Clyde Boudreaux, as well as the letters of intent for theNoble Don Taylor andNoble Max Smith, provide opportunities for us to earn performance bonuses based on key performance indicators as defined by Shell. With respect to these contracts, we have included in our backlog an amount equal to 50 percent of the potential performance bonuses for these rigs, except for theNoble Clyde Boudreaux,while it is working in Brazil, where limited bonus is expected. Our backlog for these rigs includes approximately $418 million attributable to these performance bonuses.

(3)Our drilling contracts with Pemex for certain jackups operating offshore in Mexico are subject to price review and adjustment of the rig dayrate. Presently, the contract for one jackup has a dayrate indexed to the world average of the highest dayrates published by ODS-Petrodata. After an initial firm dayrate period, the dayrate is generally adjusted quarterly based on formulas calculated from the index. Our contract drilling services backlog has been calculated using the May 31, 2011 index-based dayrate for periods subsequent to the firm dayrate period.
(4)Pemex has the ability to cancel its drilling contracts on 30 days or less notice without Pemex’s makingrequiring an early termination payment. Atpayment by Pemex. As of June 30, 2011,2012, we had twelve12 rigs contracted to Pemex in Mexico, and our backlog includes approximately $251$790 million related to such contracts. Also, ourcontracts at June 30, 2012.

(4)Our drilling contracts generally provide the customer an early termination right in the event we fail to meet certain performance standards, including downtime thresholds. For example, Petrobras has the right to terminate its contracts in the event of excessive downtime. While we do not currently anticipate any cancellations as a result of events that have occurred to date, clients may from time to time have the contractual right to do so.
(5)Percentages take into account additional capacity from the estimated dates of deployment of our newbuild rigs that are scheduled to commence operations during 2011 through 2014.
(6)It is not possible to determine the impact to our revenues or backlog resulting from efforts by operators to cancel or modify drilling contracts because of the U.S. government imposed restrictions and the vigorous scrutiny for issuance of new drilling permits, and other consequences of the actions by the U.S. government. At June 30, 2011, backlog related to our U.S. Gulf of Mexico deepwater rigs totaled $5.5 billion, $334 million of which represents backlog for the six-month period ending December 31, 2011.
We entered into an agreement with Shell effective June 27, 2010 which provides that Shell may suspend the contracts on three of our units operating in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico during any period of regulatory restriction by paying reduced suspension dayrates in lieu of the normal operating dayrates. The term of the initial contract is also extended by the suspension period. The impact of this agreement is to shift backlog among periods with an immaterial increase to total backlog because of the reduced suspension rates.
(7)
Noble and a subsidiary of Shell are involved in joint venture agreements to build, operate, and own both theNoble Bully Iand theNoble Bully II. Pursuant to these agreements, each party has an equal 50 percent share in both vessels. As of June 30, 2011, the combined amount of backlog for these rigs totals $2.4 billion, all of which is included in our backlog. Noble’s net interest in the backlog for these rigs is $1.2 billion.

44


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

45


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

46


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

47


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

48


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

49


Contract Drilling Services
The following table sets forth the operating revenues and the operating costs and expenses for our contract drilling services segment for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):
                 
  Six Months Ended    
  June 30,  Change 
  2011  2010  $  % 
Operating revenues:
                
Contract drilling services $1,132,155  $1,496,156  $(364,001)  -24%
Reimbursables (1)  44,586   36,292   8,294   23%
Other  758   814   (56)  -7%
             
  $1,177,499  $1,533,262  $(355,763)  -23%
             
Operating costs and expenses:
                
Contract drilling services $643,091  $530,026  $113,065   21%
Reimbursables (1)  34,046   28,495   5,551   19%
Depreciation and amortization  314,731   236,553   78,178   33%
Selling, general and administrative  44,808   45,303   (495)  -1%
(Gain)/Loss on contract extinguishment  (21,202)     (21,202)  ** 
             
   1,015,474   840,377   175,097   21%
             
Operating income
 $162,025  $692,885  $(530,860)  -77%
             
(1)We record reimbursements from customers for out-of-pocket expenses as operating revenues and the related direct costs as operating expenses. Changes in the amount of these reimbursables generally do not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
**Not a meaningful percentage
Operating Revenues.Decreases in contract drilling services revenues for the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period were driven by reductions in both average dayrates and operating days. The 16 percent decrease in dayrates reduced revenues by approximately $210 million, and the 10 percent decrease in operating days decreased revenues by an additional $154 million.
The decrease in contract drilling services revenues primarily relates to our jackups and semisubmersibles, which generated approximately $255 million and $189 million less revenue, respectively, in the Current Period.
The decrease in jackup dayrates of 24 percent resulted in a $133 million decrease in revenues from the Comparable Period. The reduction in dayrates was primarily from the contractual re-pricing of rigs in the Middle East, the North Sea, and Mexico for changes in market conditions in the global shallow water market. The 18 percent decline in jackup operating days resulted in a $122 million decline in revenues. The decrease in utilization primarily related to rigs coming off of contract in Mexico during the first quarter of 2011, the majority of which did not return to work until late in the second quarter.
The decrease in semisubmersible dayrates of 26 percent resulted in the $189 million decrease in revenues from the Comparable Period. The decrease in semisubmersibles revenue is a result of drilling restrictions in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico where lower standby rates replaced the standard operating dayrates for a majority of our contracts.
The decreases in revenue for the above rig classes were partially offset by higher revenues from our drillships, which increased $80 million in the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period. The increase was primarily from the drillshipsNoble Discovererand theNoble Phoenix, which were added to the fleet as part of the Frontier acquisition. These drillships contributed an additional $60 million in revenue, while the drillships operating in Brazil added an additional $20 million in revenue.
Operating Costs and Expenses.Contract drilling services operating costs and expenses increased $113 million for the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period. In addition to the acquisition of Frontier, theNoble Dave Beardand theNoble Jim DayPaul Wolff,were placedwe have not received any notification concerning contract cancellations to date nor do we anticipate receiving any such notifications.
(5)Percentages take into serviceaccount additional capacity from the estimated dates of deployment of our newbuild rigs that are scheduled to commence operations during 2012 through 2015.
(6)Noble and a subsidiary of Shell are involved in March 2010joint venture agreements to own and January 2011, respectively. These additions added approximately $89 millionoperate both theNoble Bully I and the Noble Bully II. Pursuant to these agreements, each party has an equal 50 percent share in both vessels. As of operating costsJune 30, 2012, the combined amount of backlog for these rigs totaled $2.5 billion, all of which is included in our backlog. Noble’s proportionate interest in the Current Period. Excluding the additional expenses related tobacklog for these rigs was $1.2 billion.

Our contract drilling services backlog reported above reflects estimated future revenues attributable to both signed drilling contracts and letters of intent that we expect will become binding contracts. A letter of intent is generally subject to customary conditions, including the execution of a definitive drilling contract. For a number of reasons, it is possible that some customers that have entered into letters of intent will not enter into signed drilling contracts. We calculate backlog for any given unit and period by multiplying the full contractual operating dayrate for such unit by the number of days remaining in the period. The reported contract drilling services backlog does not include amounts representing revenues for mobilization, demobilization and contract preparation, which are not expected to be significant to our contract drilling services revenues, amounts constituting reimbursables from customers or amounts attributable to uncommitted option periods under drilling contracts or letters of intent.

The amount of actual revenues earned and the actual periods during which revenues are earned may be different than the backlog amounts and backlog periods set forth in the table above for various factors, including, but not limited to, shipyard and maintenance projects, operational downtime, weather conditions, bonuses and other factors that result in applicable dayrates lower than the full contractual operating dayrate. In addition, amounts included in the backlog may change as a result of government-imposed restrictions or delays in the issuance of drilling permits. Furthermore, drilling contracts may be varied or modified by mutual consent or customers may exercise early termination rights contained in some of our drilling contracts or decline to enter into a drilling contract after executing a letter of intent. As a result, our backlog as of any particular date may not be indicative of our actual operating results for the subsequent periods for which the backlog is calculated.

As of June 30, 2012, we estimate Shell and Petrobras represented approximately 64% and 16%, respectively, of our backlog.

Nigerian Operations

As previously disclosed, in November 2010 we finalized settlements with the SEC and the Department of Justice as the result of an internal investigation of the legality under the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) and local laws of certain reimbursement payments made by our Nigerian affiliate to our customs agents in Nigeria. In January 2011, a subsidiary of Noble-Swiss resolved an investigation by the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigerian Attorney General Office into these same activities. Any additional investigation by these or other agencies could damage our reputation and result in substantial fines, sanctions, civil and/or criminal penalties and curtailment of operations in certain jurisdictions and might adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. Further, resolving any additional investigations could be expensive and consume significant time and attention of our senior management.

As of June 30, 2012, our three rigs operating in Nigeria were operating under temporary import permits. To date, we have been successful in obtaining new, or extending existing, temporary import permits. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain new permits or further extensions of permits necessary to continue the operation of our rigs in Nigeria. If we cannot obtain a new permit or an extension necessary to continue operations of any rig, we may need to cease operations under the drilling contract for such rig and relocate such rig from Nigerian waters. We cannot predict what impact these events may have on any such contract or our business in Nigeria, and we could face additional fines and sanctions in Nigeria. Furthermore, we cannot predict what changes, if any, relating to temporary import permit policies and procedures may be established or implemented in Nigeria in the future, or how any such changes may impact our business there.

In April 2010, the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Bill was signed into law. The law is designed to create Nigerian content in operations and transactions within the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The law sets forth certain requirements for the utilization of Nigerian human resources and goods and services in oil and gas projects and creates a Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (“NCDMB”) to implement and monitor the law and develop regulations pursuant to the law. The NCDMB has indicated that it will require all non-Nigerian offshore drilling companies to reorganize their local operations to include Nigerian indigenous minority interests in the operating assets and to obtain the approval of the NCDMB for future work in Nigeria. The NCDMB actively monitors awards for future work and reviews plans for local content and development of Nigerian interests. The law also established a Nigerian Content Development Fund to fund the implementation of the law, and requires that one percent of the value of every contract awarded in the Nigerian oil and gas industry be paid into the fund. We cannot predict what impact the law may have on our existing or future operations in Nigeria, but the effect on our operations there could be significant.

Results of Operations

For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation (“Noble-Swiss”) for the three months ended June 30, 2012 (the “Current Quarter”) was $160 million, or $0.63 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $899 million, compared to net income for the three months ended June 30, 2011 (the “Comparable Quarter”) of $54 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $628 million.

The consolidated financial statements of Noble-Swiss include the accounts of Noble-Cayman; Noble-Swiss conducts substantially all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries. As a result, the financial position and results of operations for Noble-Cayman, and the reasons for material changes in the amount of revenue and expense items between 2012 and 2011, would be the same as the information presented below regarding Noble-Swiss in all material respects, except operating income for Noble-Cayman for the three months ended June 30, 2012 was $12 million higher than operating income for Noble-Swiss for the same period. The operating income difference is primarily a result of executive costs directly attributable to Noble-Swiss for operations support and stewardship related services.

Rig Utilization, Operating Days and Average Dayrates

Operating revenues and operating costs and expenses for our contract drilling services segment are dependent on three primary metrics — rig utilization, operating days and dayrates. The following table sets forth the average rig utilization, operating days and average dayrates for our rig fleet for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:

   Average Rig  Operating  Average 
   Utilization (1)  Days (2)  Dayrates 
   Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Three Months Ended
June 30,
      Three Months Ended
June 30,
     
   2012  2011  2012   2011   % Change  2012   2011   % Change 

Jackups

   79  71  3,073     2,797     10 $97,612    $80,742     21

Semisubmersibles

   88  85  1,127     1,088     4  349,163     269,798     29

Drillships

   65  58  469     317     48  329,761     220,953     49

Other

   0  0  —       —       —      —       —       —    
    

 

 

   

 

 

        

Total

   76  70  4,669     4,202     11 $181,663    $140,296     29
    

 

 

   

 

 

        

(1)Information reflects our contract drilling costs increased $24 millionpolicy of reporting on the basis of the number of rigs in our fleet, excluding newbuild rigs under construction.
(2)Information reflects the Current Period from the Comparable Period. This change was primarily driven by an $18 million increase in fuel, transportation and start-up costs related tonumber of days that our rigs returning to work in Brazil and Mexico coupled with an $11 million increase in maintenance expense, partially offset by a $5 million decrease in labor and other costs resulting from the decrease in overall rig utilization.were operating under contract.

Contract Drilling Services

The following table sets forth the operating revenues and the operating costs and expenses for our contract drilling services segment for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

   Three Months Ended        
   June 30,   Change 
   2012  2011   $  % 

Operating revenues:

      

Contract drilling services

  $848,237   $589,550    $258,687    44

Reimbursables (1)

   30,124    22,982     7,142    31

Other

   11    313     (302  -96
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $878,372   $612,845    $265,527    43
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses:

      

Contract drilling services

  $423,502   $336,728    $86,774    26

Reimbursables (1)

   24,307    17,606     6,701    38

Depreciation and amortization

   180,112    159,843     20,269    13

Selling, general and administrative

   24,835    21,359     3,476    16

Loss on impairment

   12,710    —       12,710    **  

Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net

   (33,255  —       (33,255  **  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
   632,211    535,536     96,675    18
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income

  $246,161   $77,309    $168,852    218
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

50


The increase in depreciation and amortization in the Current Period from the Comparable Period was primarily attributable to depreciation on newbuilds added to the fleet, the addition of the Frontier rigs and additional depreciation related to other capital expenditures on our fleet since the Comparable Period.
Other
The following table sets forth the operating revenues and the operating costs and expenses for our other services for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:
                 
  Six Months Ended    
  June 30,  Change 
  2011  2010  $  % 
Operating revenues:
                
Labor contract drilling services $27,559  $15,817  $11,742   74%
Reimbursables (1)  1,827   1,694   133   8%
             
  $29,386  $17,511  $11,875   68%
             
Operating costs and expenses:
                
Labor contract drilling services $17,273  $11,268  $6,005   53%
Reimbursables (1)  1,780   1,613   167   10%
Depreciation and amortization  6,510   5,531   979   18%
Selling, general and administrative  539   476   63   13%
             
   26,102   18,888   7,214   38%
             
Operating (loss) income
 $3,284  $(1,377) $4,661   ** 
             
(1)We record reimbursements from customers for out-of-pocket expenses as operating revenues and the related direct costs as operating expenses. Changes in the amount of these reimbursables generally do not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
**Not a meaningful percentage.
**Not a meaningful percentage

Operating Revenues Changes in contract drilling services revenues for the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter were driven by increases in both average dayrates and operating days. The 29 percent increase in average dayrates increased revenue by $193 million while the 11 percent increase in operating days increased revenues by approximately $66 million.

The change in contract drilling services revenues relates to our semisubmersibles, drillships and jackups, which generated approximately $100 million, $85 million and $74 million more revenue, respectively, in the Current Quarter.

The 29 percent increase in semisubmersible average dayrates resulted in an $89 million increase in revenues from the Comparable Quarter while the four percent increase in operating days resulted in an additional $11 million increase in revenues. The increase in semisubmersibles revenue is a result of our rigs returning to standard operating dayrates after experiencing lower standby rates due to drilling restrictions in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico in the Comparable Quarter, as well as theNoble Paul Romano returning to work after being stacked in the Comparable Quarter. The increase in operating days is primarily from theNoble Jim Day, theNoble Homer Ferrington,theNoble Paul Romanoand the Noble Clyde Boudreaux, which all operated at full capacity during the Current Quarter after being off contract for the majority of the Comparable Quarter.

The increase in drillship revenues was driven by a 49 percent increase in average dayrates and a 48 percent increase in operating days, resulting in a $51 million and a $34 million increase in revenues, respectively, from the Comparable Quarter. The increase in both average dayrates and operating days was the result of theNoble Bully I andNoble Bully II, which commenced their contracts with Shell in March 2012 and April 2012, respectively.

The 21 percent increase in jackup average dayrates resulted in a $52 million increase in revenues, which was coupled with a 10 percent increase in jackup operating days, resulting in a $22 million increase in revenues from the Comparable Quarter. The increase in average dayrates resulted from improved market conditions in the global shallow water market throughout the jackup fleet. The increase in utilization primarily related to rigs in Mexico and the Middle East, which experienced increased operating days during the Current Quarter.

Operating Costs and Expenses — Contract drilling services operating costs and expenses increased $87 million for the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter. A portion of the increase is due to the crew-up and operating expenses for the recently completed rigs, which added approximately $25 million in expense during the Current Quarter. Excluding the additional expenses related to these rigs, our contract drilling costs increased $62 million in the Current Quarter from the Comparable Quarter. This change was primarily driven by a $16 million increase in labor, a $14 million increase related to shorebase support, a $7 million increase in insurance costs related to increased premiums on our new policy renewed in March 2012, a $7 million increase in mobilization due to the commencement of amortization of certain rig moves and the demobilization of rigs in Mexico, a $5 million increase in repair and maintenance, a $5 million increase in rig communications, transportation and rotation costs, a $5 million increase in rig catering and other miscellaneous expenses and a $3 million increase in safety, training and regulatory inspections.

The increase in depreciation and amortization in the Current Quarter from the Comparable Quarter was primarily attributable to assets placed in service, including theNoble Bully I andNoble Bully II.

Loss on impairment during the Current Quarter related to an impairment charge on our submersible fleet, primarily as a result of the declining market outlook for drilling services for this rig type.

Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments during the Current Quarter related to a $28 million gain on the settlement of an action with certain vendors for damages sustained during Hurricane Ike. Additionally, we received $5 million from a claims settlement on theNoble David Tinsley, which had experienced a “punch-through” while being positioned on location in 2009.

Other

The following table sets forth the operating revenues and the operating costs and expenses for our other services for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:

   Three Months Ended        
   June 30,   Change 
   2012  2011   $  % 

Operating revenues:

      

Labor contract drilling services

  $19,863   $14,012    $5,851    42

Reimbursables (1)

   688    1,140     (452  -40
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $20,551   $15,152    $5,399    36
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses:

      

Labor contract drilling services

  $11,847   $8,750    $3,097    35

Reimbursables (1)

   663    1,117     (454  -41

Depreciation and amortization

   3,503    3,276     227    7

Selling, general and administrative

   569    273     296    108

Loss on impairment

   5,635    —       5,635    **  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
   22,217    13,416     8,801    66
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating (loss) income

  $(1,666 $1,736    $(3,402  **  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)We record reimbursements from customers for out-of-pocket expenses as operating revenues and Costs and Expenses.The increase in both revenue and expense primarily relates to the recent expansion of our labor contract services in Alaska during the Current Period, combined with operational increases and foreign exchange fluctuations in our existing Canadian operations. The increase in depreciation is for additional assets placed in service since the Comparable Period.
Other Income and Expenses
Interest Expense, net of amount capitalized.Interest expense, net of amount capitalized, increased $33 millionrelated direct costs as operating expenses. Changes in the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period. The increase isamount of these reimbursables generally do not have a result of $1.25 billion of debt issued in July 2010, which was used to partially fund the Frontier acquisition, and $1.1 billion of debt issued in February 2011, which was primarily used to repay the outstanding balancematerial effect on our revolving credit facility and to repay our portion of outstanding debt under the joint venture credit facilities.
Income Tax Provision.Our income tax provision decreased $82 million in the Current Period primarily from a decline in pre-tax earnings of approximately 81 percent, which reduced income tax expense by approximately $86 million in the Current Period. This decrease was partially offset by a higher effective tax rate of 19 percent in the Current Period as compared to 15 percent in the Comparable Period, which increased income tax expense by approximately $4 million. The increase in the effective tax rate was a result of a change in our geographic revenue mix primarily resulting from drilling restrictions in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, partially offset by the resolution of uncertain tax positions of $9 million.

51


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

52


In addition to the newbuild expenditures noted above, capital expenditures during 2011 consisted of the following:
$293 million for major projects, including $82 million to upgrade two drillships currently operating in Brazil;
$108 million for other capitalized expenditures including major maintenance and regulatory expenditures which generally have useful lives ranging from 3 to 5 years; and
$56 million in capitalized interest.
Our total capital expenditure estimate for 2011 is approximately $2.5 billion. In connection with our 2011 and future capital expenditure programs, as of June 30, 2011, we had outstanding commitments, including shipyard and purchase commitments, for approximately $2.6 billion, of which $900 million is anticipated to be spent within the next twelve months. Our remaining 2011 capital expenditure budget will generally be spent at our discretion. We may accelerate or delay capital projects as needed.
From time to time we consider possible projects that would require expenditures that are not included in our capital budget, and such unbudgeted expenditures could be significant. In addition, we will continue to evaluate acquisitions of drilling units from time to time. Other factors that could cause actual capital expenditures to materially exceed plan include delays and cost overruns in shipyards (including costs attributable to labor shortages), shortages of equipment, latent damage or deterioration to hull, equipment and machinery in excess of engineering estimates and assumptions, changes in governmental regulations and requirements and changes in design criteria or specifications during repair or construction.
Share Repurchases and Dividends
At June 30, 2011, 6.8 million registered shares remained available under the existing Board authorization for our share repurchase program. During the six months ended June 30, 2011, we acquired approximately 0.2 million shares surrendered by employees for taxes payable upon the vesting of restricted stock and exercises of options for $9 million. Future repurchases by Noble-Swiss will be subject to the requirements of Swiss law, including the requirement that Noble-Swiss and its subsidiaries may only repurchase shares if and to the extent that sufficient freely distributable reserves are available.
Our most recent quarterly payment to shareholders in the form of a capital reduction, which was paid on May 19, 2011 to holders of record on May 9, 2011, was 0.13 CHF per share, or an aggregate of approximately $37 million. The declaration and payment of dividends in the future by Noble-Swiss and the making of distributions of capital, including returns of capital in the form of par value reductions, require authorization of the shareholders of Noble-Swiss. The amount of such dividends, distributions and returns of capital will depend on ourposition, results of operations financial condition,or cash requirements, future business prospects, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevantflows.
**Not a meaningful percentage.

Operating Revenues and Costs and Expenses — The change in both revenue and expense primarily relate to the commencement of a refurbishment project with our customer, Shell, for one of its rigs to be operated under a labor contract in Alaska, combined with operational increases and foreign currency fluctuations in our Canadian operations.

Loss on impairment during the Current Quarter related to an impairment charge on certain corporate assets, as a result of a declining market for, and the potential disposal of, the assets.

Other Income and Expenses

Interest Expense, net of amount capitalized — Interest expense, net of amount capitalized, increased $6 million in the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter. The increase is a result of the $1.2 billion of senior notes issued in February 2012, partially offset by higher capitalized interest related to the continued construction under our newbuild program.

Income Tax Provision — Our income tax provision increased $37 million in the Current Quarter as a result of increased pre-tax income and a higher effective tax rate during the Current Quarter. The increase in pre-tax earnings generated a $24 million increase in tax expense while the increase in the income tax rate during the Current Quarter increased the income tax provision by $13 million. The increase in the income tax rate was primarily due to the net gain from the settlements and impairment charges, primarily subject to tax in the United States, coupled with other discrete tax items recognized during the Current Quarter.

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation (“Noble-Swiss”) for the six months ended June 30, 2012 (the “Current Period”) was $280 million, or $1.10 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $1.7 billion, compared to net income for the six months ended June 30, 2011 (the “Comparable Period”) of $109 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $1.2 billion.

The consolidated financial statements of Noble-Swiss include the accounts of Noble-Cayman; Noble-Swiss conducts substantially all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries. As a result, the financial position and results of operations for Noble-Cayman, and the reasons for material changes in the amount of revenue and expense items between 2012 and 2011, would be the same as the information presented below regarding Noble-Swiss in all material respects, except operating income for Noble-Cayman for the six months ended June 30, 2012 was $27 million higher than operating income for Noble-Swiss for the same period. The operating income difference is primarily a result of executive costs directly attributable to Noble-Swiss for operations support and stewardship related services.

Rig Utilization, Operating Days and Average Dayrates

Operating revenues and operating costs and expenses for our contract drilling services segment are dependent on three primary metrics — rig utilization, operating days and dayrates. The following table sets forth the average rig utilization, operating days and average dayrates for our rig fleet for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:

   Average Rig  Operating  Average 
   Utilization (1)  Days (2)  Dayrates 
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
      Six Months Ended
June 30,
     
   2012  2011  2012   2011   % Change  2012   2011   % Change 

Jackups

   79  67  6,162     5,178     19 $93,988    $80,799     16

Semisubmersibles

   87  77  2,219     1,956     13  352,084     273,374     29

Drillships

   59  62  754     678     11  310,463     263,905     18

Other

   0  0  —       —       —      —       —       —    
    

 

 

   

 

 

        

Total

   75  65  9,135     7,812     17 $174,555    $144,916     20
    

 

 

   

 

 

        

(1)Information reflects our Boardpolicy of Directors and shareholders.
In April 2011, our shareholders approvedreporting on the payment of a return of capital through a reductionbasis of the par valuenumber of rigs in our sharesfleet, 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 sets forth the operating revenues and the operating costs and expenses for our contract drilling services segment for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

   Six Months Ended       
   June 30,  Change 
   2012  2011  $  % 

Operating revenues:

     

Contract drilling services

  $1,594,547   $1,132,155   $462,392    41

Reimbursables (1)

   64,826    44,586    20,240    45

Other

   242    758    (516  -68
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $1,659,615   $1,177,499   $482,116    41
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses:

     

Contract drilling services

  $843,513   $643,091   $200,422    31

Reimbursables (1)

   54,480    34,046    20,434    60

Depreciation and amortization

   348,060    314,731    33,329    11

Selling, general and administrative

   47,679    44,808    2,871    6

Loss on impairment

   12,710    —      12,710    **  

Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net

   (33,255  (21,202  (12,053  57
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   1,273,187    1,015,474    257,713    25
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income

  $386,428   $162,025   $224,403    138
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)We record reimbursements from customers for out-of-pocket expenses as operating revenues and the related direct costs as operating expenses. Changes in a total amount equal to 0.52 CHF per share to be paid in four equal installments scheduled for August 2011, November 2011, February 2012 and May 2012. The payments will be made in U.S. Dollars based on the CHF/USD exchange rate available approximately two business days prior to the payment date. Although the amount of 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 Changes in contract drilling services revenues for the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period were driven by increases in both average dayrates and operating days. The 20 percent increase in average dayrates increased revenues by approximately $270 million while the 17 percent increase in operating days increased revenue by $192 million.

The change in contract drilling services revenues relates to our semisubmersibles, jackups and drillships, which generated approximately $247 million, $161 million and $55 million more revenue, respectively, in the Current Period.

The 29 percent increase in semisubmersible average dayrates resulted in a $175 million increase in revenues from the Comparable Period while the increase in operating days of 13 percent resulted in an additional $72 million increase in revenues. The increase in semisubmersibles revenue is a result of our rigs returning to standard operating dayrates after experiencing lower standby rates due to drilling restrictions in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico in the Comparable Period, as well as theNoble Paul Romano returning to work after being stacked in the Comparable Period. The increase in operating days is primarily from theNoble Jim Day, theNoble Homer Ferrington,theNoble Paul Romanoand the Noble Clyde Boudreaux, which all operated at full capacity during the Current Period after being off contract for the majority of the Comparable Period.

The 16 percent increase in jackup average dayrates resulted in an $81 million increase in revenues, which was coupled with a 19 percent increase in operating days, resulting in an $80 million increase in revenues from the Comparable Period. The increase in average dayrates resulted from improved market conditions in the global shallow water market throughout the jackup fleet. The increase in utilization primarily related to rigs in Mexico and the Middle East, which experienced increased operating days during the Current Period.

The increase in drillship revenues was driven by an 18 percent increase in average dayrates and an 11 percent increase in operating days, resulting in a $35 million and a $20 million increase in revenues, respectively, from the Comparable Period. The increase in both average dayrates and operating days was the result of theNoble Bully I andNoble Bully II, which commenced their contracts with Shell in March 2012 and April 2012, respectively, partially offset by theNoble Phoenix, which is completing its shipyard project in anticipation of substitution for theNoble Muravlenko in Brazil.

Operating Costs and Expenses — Contract drilling services operating costs and expenses increased $200 million for the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period. A portion of the increase is due to the crew-up and operating expenses for the recently completed rigs, which have added approximately $53 million in expense during the Current Period. Excluding the additional expenses related to these rigs, our contract drilling costs increased $147 million in the Current Period from the Comparable Period. This change was primarily driven by a $46 million increase in labor, the majority of which is due to salary increases effective in the second quarter of the prior year, a $29 million increase in mobilization due to the amortization of certain rig moves and the demobilization of rigs in Mexico, a $25 million increase related to shorebase support, an $11 million increase in repair and maintenance, a $9 million increase in rig catering and other miscellaneous expenses, a $9 million increase in insurance costs related to increased premiums on our new policy renewed in March 2012, an $8 million increase in safety, training and regulatory inspections, a $5 million increase in rotation costs and a $5 million increase for rig communications and rental equipment.

The increase in depreciation and amortization in the Current Period from the Comparable Period was primarily attributable to assets placed in service during the Current Period, including theNoble Bully I andNoble Bully II.

Loss on impairment during the Current Period related to an impairment charge on our submersible fleet, primarily as a result of the declining market outlook for drilling services for this rig type.

Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments during the Current Period related to a $28 million gain on the settlement of an action with certain vendors for damages sustained during Hurricane Ike. Additionally, we received $5 million from a claims settlement on theNoble David Tinsley, which had experienced a “punch-through” while being positioned on location in 2009.

Other

The following table sets forth the operating revenues and the operating costs and expenses for our other services for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:

   Six Months Ended        
   June 30,   Change 
   2012   2011   $  % 

Operating revenues:

       

Labor contract drilling services

  $35,871    $27,559    $8,312    30

Reimbursables (1)

   1,127     1,827     (700  -38
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $36,998    $29,386    $7,612    26
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses:

       

Labor contract drilling services

  $21,079    $17,273    $3,806    22

Reimbursables (1)

   1,091     1,780     (689  -39

Depreciation and amortization

   6,632     6,510     122    2

Selling, general and administrative

   851     539     312    58

Loss on impairment

   5,635     —       5,635    **  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
   35,288     26,102     9,186    35
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating (loss) income

  $1,710    $3,284    $(1,574  **  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)We record reimbursements from customers for out-of-pocket expenses as operating revenues and the return of capital, expressedrelated direct costs as operating expenses. Changes in Swiss francs, is fixed, the amount of the payment in U.S. Dollars will fluctuate basedthese reimbursables generally do not have a material effect on the exchange rate. The exchange rate as published by the Swiss National Bank on July 29, 2011 was 0.8017 CHF/1.0 USD. These returnsour financial position, results of capital will require us to make totaloperations or cash payments of approximately $82 million during the remainder of 2011 (based on the exchange rate on July 29, 2011).
flows.
**Not a meaningful percentage.

Operating Revenues and Costs and Expenses — The change in both revenue and expense primarily relate to the commencement of a refurbishment project with our customer, Shell, for one of its rigs to be operated under a labor contract in Alaska, combined with operational increases and foreign currency fluctuations in our Canadian operations.

Loss on impairment during the Current Period related to an impairment charge on certain corporate assets, as a result of a declining market for, and the potential disposal of, the assets.

Other Income and Expenses

Interest Expense, net of amount capitalized — Interest expense, net of amount capitalized, decreased $3 million in the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period. The decrease is a result of higher capitalized interest in the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period due primarily to the continued construction under our newbuild program, which was partially offset by the issuance of $1.2 billion in senior notes in February 2012. During the Current Period, we capitalized approximately 71 percent of total interest charges versus approximately 62 percent during the Comparable Period.

Income Tax Provision — Our income tax provision increased $43 million in the Current Period primarily as a result of a higher pre-tax income and effective tax rate during the Current Period. The increase in pre-tax earnings generated a $42 million increase in tax expense while the increase in the income tax rate during the Current Period increased the income tax provision by $1 million. The increase in the income tax rate was primarily due to the net gain from the settlements and impairment charges, primarily subject to tax in the United States, coupled with other discrete tax items recognized in the Current Period.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Net cash from operating activities for the Current Period increased to $536 million from $233 million in the Comparable Period. The increase in net cash from operating activities in the Current Period was primarily attributable to a significant increase in net income. We had working capital of $481 million and $232 million at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. As a result of our $1.2 billion debt offering in February 2012 and outstanding borrowings of $150 million on our Credit Facilities at June 30, 2012, total debt as a percentage of total debt plus equity increased to 35 percent at June 30, 2012 from 34 percent at December 31, 2011.

At June 30, 2012, we had a total contract drilling services backlog of approximately $14.4 billion. Our backlog as of June 30, 2012 reflects a commitment of 79 percent of available operating days for the remainder of 2012 and 61 percent for 2013. See additional information regarding our backlog at “Contract Drilling Services Backlog.”

Our principal capital resource in the Current Period was cash generated from our $1.2 billion senior notes offering and net cash from operating activities of $536 million. Cash generated during the Current Period was primarily used to repay borrowings outstanding under our Credit Facilities and to fund our capital expenditure program.

Our currently anticipated future cash flow needs include the following:

committed capital expenditures, including expenditures for newbuild projects currently underway;

normal recurring operating expenses;

discretionary capital expenditures, including various capital upgrades;

potential newbuild projects and acquisitions;

payments of dividends; and

repayment of maturing debt.

We currently expect to fund these cash flow needs with cash generated by our operations, cash on hand and borrowings under our existing Credit Facilities.

Capital Expenditures

Our primary use of available liquidity during 2012 is for capital expenditures. Capital expenditures, including capitalized interest, totaled $665 million and $1.4 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

At June 30, 2012, we had 11 rigs under construction, and capital expenditures, excluding capitalized interest, for new construction during the first six months of 2012 totaled $162 million, as follows (in millions):

Rig type/name

    

Currently under construction

  

Drillships

  

Noble Don Taylor (formerly HHI Drillship I)

  $56.2  

Noble Globetrotter II

   37.7  

Noble Bob Douglas (formerly HHI Drillship II)

   4.2  

Noble Sam Croft (formerly HHI Drillship III)

   1.8  

HHI Drillship IV

   1.2  

Jackups

  

Noble Regina Allen (formerly Noble Jackup I)

   3.4  

Noble Mick O’Brien (formerly Noble Jackup II)

   2.7  

Noble Houston Colbert (formerly Noble Jackup III)

   1.8  

Noble Sam Turner (formerly Noble Jackup IV)

   1.5  

Noble Tom Prosser (formerly Noble Jackup V)

   1.5  

Noble Jackup VI

   1.5  

Recently completed construction projects

  

Noble Bully II

   17.9  

Noble Globetrotter I

   25.4  

Noble Bully I

   4.7  
  

 

 

 

Total Newbuild Capital Expenditures

  $161.5  
  

 

 

 

In addition to the newbuild expenditures noted above, capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2012 consisted of the following:

$327 million for major projects, including $34 million in subsea related expenditures and $24 million to upgrade two drillships currently operating in Brazil;

$99 million for other capitalized expenditures, including drilling equipment upgrades which generally have useful lives ranging from 3 to 5 years; and

$77 million in capitalized interest.

Our total capital expenditure estimate for 2012 is approximately $1.9 billion, including capitalized interest, which may fluctuate as a result of the timing of completion of ongoing projects.

In connection with our capital expenditure program, as of June 30, 2012, we had outstanding commitments, including shipyard and purchase commitments, for approximately $3.1 billion, of which we expect to spend approximately $1.6 billion within the next twelve months.

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 expected amounts include delays and cost overruns in shipyards (including costs attributable to labor shortages), shortages of equipment, latent damage or deterioration to hull, equipment and machinery in excess of engineering estimates and assumptions, changes in governmental regulations and requirements and changes in design criteria or specifications during repair or construction.

Dividends

Our most recent quarterly payment to shareholders, totaling approximately $36 million (or 0.13 CHF per share), in the form of a par value reduction, was declared on April 27, 2012 and paid on May 16, 2012 to holders of record on May 7, 2012. This payment represented the final tranche of our previously approved payment to shareholders in the form of a par value reduction.

In April 2012, our shareholders approved the payment of a dividend funded from our capital contribution reserve aggregating $0.52 per share to be paid in four equal installments scheduled for August 2012, November 2012, February 2013 and May 2013. These dividends will require us to make cash payments of approximately $66 million in 2012, based on the number of shares currently outstanding. In connection with this approval and the resulting obligation to shareholders, we recorded dividends payable of approximately $133 million during the second quarter of 2012. Any additional issuances of shares would further increase our obligation.

The declaration and payment of dividends in the future by Noble-Swiss or the distributions of capital, including returns of capital in the form of par value reductions, require authorization of the shareholders of Noble-Swiss. The amount of such dividends, distributions and returns of capital will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, future business prospects, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors and shareholders.

Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt

We have two separate revolving credit facilities in place which provide us with a total borrowing capacity of $1.2 billion. One

During June 2012, we replaced our $575 million credit facility, which has a capacity of $600 million, matureswas scheduled to mature in 2013, and during the first quarter of 2011, we entered into an additional $600 million revolvingwith a new $1.2 billion credit facility which matures in 2017. We continue to maintain our $600 million credit facility, which matures in 2015, which combined with our new facility, gives us a total borrowing capacity under the two facilities (together referred to as the “Credit Facilities”). of $1.8 billion. The covenants and events of default under the Credit Facilities are substantially similar, and each facility contains a covenant that limits our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization, as defined in the Credit Facilities, to 0.60. At June 30, 2012, our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization was 0.35. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facilities as of June 30, 2011.

2012.

The Credit Facilities provide us with the ability to issue up to $300$375 million in letters of credit in the aggregate. While the issuance of letters of credit does not increase our borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facilities, it does reduce the amount available. At June 30, 2011,2012, we had borrowings of $425 million outstanding and no letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facilities. We believe that we maintain good relationships with our lenders under the Credit Facilities, and we believe that our lenders have the liquidity and capability to perform should the need arise for us to draw on the Credit Facilities.

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In February 2012, we issued, through our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Noble Holding International Limited (“NHIL”), $1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes in three separate tranches, with $300 million of 2.50% Senior Notes due 2017, $400 million of 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022, and $500 million of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2042. The weighted average coupon of all three tranches is 4.13%. The net proceeds of approximately $1.19 billion, after expenses, were primarily used to repay the then outstanding balance on our Credit Facilities.


Our 5.875% Senior Notes mature during the second quarter of 2013. We anticipate using availability under our Credit Facilities to repay the outstanding balance; therefore, we have continued to report the balance as long-term on our June 30, 2012 Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The indentures governing our outstanding senior unsecured notes contain covenants that place restrictions on certain merger and consolidation transactions, unless we are the surviving entity or the other party assumes the obligations under the indenture, and on the ability to sell or transfer all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, there are restrictions on incurring or assuming certain liens and sale and lease-back transactions. At June 30, 2011,2012, we were in compliance with all our debt covenants. We continually monitor compliance with the covenants under our Credit Facilities and senior notes and, based on our expectations for 2011,2012, expect to remain in compliance during the year.

At June 30, 2011,2012, we had letters of credit of $84$50 million and performance and tax assessment bonds totaling $347$306 million supported by surety bonds outstanding. Of the letters of credit outstanding, $19 million were issued to support bank bonds in connection with our drilling units in Nigeria. Additionally, certain of our subsidiaries issue, from time to time, guarantees of the temporary import status of rigs or equipment imported into certain countries in which we operate. These guarantees are issued in lieu of payment of custom, value added or similar taxes in those countries.

Our long-term debt including current maturities, was $3.5$4.4 billion at June 30, 20112012 as compared to $2.8$4.1 billion at December 31, 2010.2011. The increase in debt is a result of the issuance of $1.1$1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes, and $385 million of additional net borrowings on our Credit Facilities, partially offset by the net repayment of $693$825 million in joint venture credit facilities.on the Credit Facilities. For additional information on our long-term debt, see Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2011, we issued through our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Noble Holding International Limited (“NHIL”), $1.1 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes in three separate tranches, comprising $300 million of 3.05% Senior Notes due 2016, $400 million of 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021, and $400 million of 6.05% Senior Notes due 2041. A portion of the net proceeds of approximately $1.09 billion, after expenses, was used to repay the outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility and to repay our portion of outstanding debt under the joint venture credit facilities discussed below.
In the first quarter of 2011, the joint venture credit facilities, which had a combined outstanding balance of $693 million, were repaid in full through contributions to the joint ventures from Noble and Shell. Shell contributed $361 million in equity to fund their portion of the repayment of joint venture credit facilities and related interest rate swaps, which were settled concurrent with the repayment and termination of the joint venture credit facilities.
In January 2011, the Bully joint ventures issued notes to the joint venture partners totaling $70 million. The interest rate on these notes was 10%, payable semi-annually in arrears and in kind on June 30 and December 31 commencing in June 2011. The purpose of these notes was to provide additional liquidity to the joint ventures in connection with the shipyard construction of theBullyvessels.
In April 2011, the Bully joint venture partners entered into a subscription agreement, pursuant to which each partner was issued equity in each of the Bully joint ventures in exchange for the cancellation of all outstanding joint venture partner notes. The subscription agreement has the effect of converting all joint venture partner notes, including the contribution noted above, into equity of the respective joint venture. The total capital contributed as a result of these agreements was $146 million, which included $142 million in outstanding notes, plus accrued interest. Our portion of the capital contribution, totaling $73 million, was eliminated in consolidation.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2009, the FASB issued guidance that impacts the recognition of revenue in multiple-deliverable arrangements. The guidance establishes a selling-price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable. The goal of this guidance is to clarify disclosures related to multiple-deliverable arrangements and to align the accounting with the underlying economics of the multiple-deliverable transaction. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
In January 2010, the FASB issued guidance relating to the disclosure of the fair value of assets. This guidance calls for additional information to be given regarding the transfer of items in and out of respective categories. In addition, it requires additional disclosures regarding the purchase, sales, issuances, and settlements of assets that are classified as level three within the FASB fair value hierarchy. This guidance is generally effective for annual and interim periods ending after December 15, 2009. However, the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the roll-forward activity in Level 3 fair value measurements were deferred until fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

54


In December 2010, the FASB issued guidance that requires a public entity to disclose pro forma information for business combinations that occurred in the current reporting period. The disclosures include pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity for the current reporting period as though the acquisition date for all business combinations that occurred during the year had been as of the beginning of the annual reporting period. If comparative financial statements are presented, the pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity for the comparable prior reporting period should be reported as though the acquisition date for all business combinations that occurred during the current year had been as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-04, which amends FASB issuedAccounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” This amended guidance that modifiedclarifies the wording used to describe many of the requirements in accounting literature for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The goal of the amendment is to create consistency between the United States and international accounting standards. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. While we are still evaluating this guidance, theOur adoption of this guidance shoulddid not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

In June 2011, the FASB issued guidance thatASU No. 2011-05, which amends ASC Topic 220, “Comprehensive Income.” This ASU allows an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendment no longer allows an entity to show changes to other comprehensive income solely through the statement of equity. For publicly traded entities, the guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. While we are still evaluating this guidance, theOur adoption of this guidance willdid not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

 

Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

55


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk is the potential for loss from a change in the value of a financial instrument as a result of fluctuations in interest rates, currency exchange rates or equity prices, as further described below.

Interest Rate Risk

We are subject to market risk exposure related to changes in interest rates on borrowings under the Credit Facilities. Interest on borrowings under the Credit Facilities is at an agreed upon percentage point spread over LIBOR, or a base rate stated in the agreements. At June 30, 2011,2012, we had $425$150 million outstanding under the Credit Facilities. Assuming our current level of debt, a change in LIBOR rates of 100 basis pointsone percent would increase our interest charges by approximately $4$2 million per year.

We maintain certain debt instruments at a fixed rate whose fair value will fluctuate based on changes in interest rates and market perceptions of our credit risk. The fair value of our totallong-term debt was $3.7$4.7 billion and $2.9$4.3 billion at June 30, 20112012 and December 31, 2010,2011, respectively. The increase was primarily a result of our issuance of $1.1$1.2 billion in debt in February 2011 and $385 million of additional net borrowings on the Credit Facilities,2012, partially offset by the net repayment of $693$825 million in joint venture credit facilitieson our Credit Facilities, coupled with changes in fair value related to changes in interest rates and market perceptions of our credit risk.

Foreign Currency Risk

As a multinational company, we conduct business worldwide. Our functional currency is primarily the U.S. dollar, which is consistent with the oil and gas industry. However, outside the United States, a portion of our expenses are incurred in local currencies. Therefore, when the U.S. dollar weakens (strengthens) in relation to the currencies of the countries in which we operate, our expenses reported in U.S. dollars will increase (decrease).

We are exposed to risks on future cash flows to the extent that local currency expenses exceed revenues denominated in local currency that are different than the functional currency. To help manage this potential risk, we periodically enter into derivative instruments to manage our exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, and we may conduct hedging activities in future periods to mitigate such exposure. These contracts are primarily accounted for as cash flow hedges, with the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the hedge recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (“AOCL”). Amounts recorded in AOCL are reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods that the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the hedged item is recorded directly to earnings. We have documented policies and procedures to monitor and control the use of derivative instruments. We do not engage in derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes, nor are we a party to leveraged derivatives.

Our North Sea and Brazil operations have a significant amount of their cash operating expenses payable in local currencies. To limit the potential risk of currency fluctuations,

At June 30, 2012, we typically maintainhad no outstanding derivative contracts. Depending on market conditions, we may elect to utilize short-term forward currency contracts settling monthly in their respective local currencies. The forward contract settlements in the remainder of 2011 represent approximately 52 percent of these forecasted local currency requirements. The notional amount of the forward contracts outstanding, expressed in U.S. dollars, was approximately $113 million at June 30, 2011. Total unrealized gains related to these forward contracts were $4 million as of June 30, 2011 and were recorded as part of AOCL. A 10 percent change in the exchange rate for the local currencies would change the fair value of these forward contracts by approximately $12 million.

We have entered into a firm commitment for the construction of theNoble Globetrotter I drillship. The drillship is being constructed in two phases, with the second phase being installation and commissioning of the topside equipment. The contract for this second phase of construction is denominated in Euros, and in order to mitigate the risk of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, we entered into forward contracts to purchase Euros. As of June 30, 2011, the aggregate notional amount of the remaining outstanding forward contract was 10 million Euros. This forward contract settles in connection with a required payment under the construction contract. We are accounting for this forward contract as a fair value hedge. The fair market value of this derivative instrument is included in “Other current assets/liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Gains and losses from this fair value hedge would be recognized in earnings currently, along with the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged, if any portion was found to be ineffective. The fair market value of this outstanding forward contract totaled approximately $51,000 at June 30, 2011. No gain or loss was recognized in the income statement for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. A 10 percent change in the exchange rate for the Euro would change the fair value of this forward contract by approximately $1 million.

future.

56


Market Risk

We sponsor the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings Restoration Plan (“Restoration Plan”). The Restoration Plan is a nonqualified, unfunded employee benefit plan under which certain highly compensated employees may elect to defer compensation in excess of amounts deferrable under our 401(k) savings plan. The Restoration Plan has no assets, and amounts withheld for the Restoration Plan are kept by us for general corporate purposes. The investments selected by employees and the associated returns are tracked on a phantom basis. Accordingly, we have a liability to employees for amounts originally withheld plus phantom investment income or less phantom investment losses. We are at risk for phantom investment income and, conversely, benefit should phantom investment losses occur. At June 30, 2011, our liability under the Restoration Plan totaled $7 million. We previously purchased investments that closely correlate to the investment elections made by participants in the Restoration Plan in order to mitigate the impact of the phantom investment income and losses on our consolidated financial statements. The value of these investments held for our benefit totaled $7 million at June 30, 2011. A 10 percent change in the fair value of the phantom investments would change our liability by approximately $0.7 million. Any change in the fair value of the phantom investments would be mitigated by a change in the investments held for our benefit.

We also have a U.S. noncontributory defined benefit pension plan that covers certain salaried employees and a U.S. noncontributory defined benefit pension plan that covers certain hourly employees, whose initial date of employment is prior to August 1, 2004 (collectively referred to as our “qualified U.S. plans”). These plans are governed by the Noble Drilling Corporation Retirement Trust. The benefits from these plans are based primarily on years of service and, for the salaried plan, employees’ compensation near retirement. These plans are designed to qualify under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), and our funding policy is consistent with funding requirements of ERISA and other applicable laws and regulations. We make cash contributions, or utilize credits available to us, for the qualified U.S. plans when required. The benefit amount that can be covered by the qualified U.S. plans is limited under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) of 1986.1986, as amended. Therefore, we maintain an unfunded, nonqualified excess benefit plan designed to maintain benefits for all employees at the formula level in the qualified U.S. plans.

In addition to the U.S. plans, each of Noble Drilling (Land Support) Limited, Noble Enterprises Limited and Noble Drilling (Nederland) B.V., all indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Noble-Swiss, maintains a pension plan that covers all of its salaried non-union employees (collectively referred to as our “non-U.S. plans”).employees. Benefits are based on credited service and employees’ compensation near retirement, as defined by the plans.

Changes in market asset values related to the pension plans noted above could have a material impact upon our “Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income” and could result in material cash expenditures in future periods.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

David W. Williams, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noble-Swiss, and Thomas L. Mitchell,James A. MacLennan, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Treasurer and Controller of Noble-Swiss, have evaluated the disclosure controls and procedures of Noble-Swiss as of the end of the period covered by this report. On the basis of this evaluation, Mr. Williams and Mr. MitchellMacLennan have concluded that Noble-Swiss’ disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2011.2012. Noble-Swiss’ disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Noble-Swiss in the reports that it files with or submits to the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

David W. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noble-Cayman, and Dennis J. Lubojacky, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Noble-Cayman, have evaluated the disclosure controls and procedures of Noble-Cayman as of the end of the period covered by this report. On the basis of this evaluation, Mr. Williams and Mr. Lubojacky have concluded that Noble-Cayman’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2011.2012. Noble-Cayman’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Noble-Cayman in the reports that it files with or submits to the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

57


There was no change in either Noble-Swiss’Noble-Swiss��� or Noble-Cayman’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 20112012 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the internal control over financial reporting of each of Noble-Swiss or Noble-Cayman, respectively.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

Information regarding legal proceedings is set forth in NoteNotes 6, 7 and 13 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by reference.

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

 

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

58


Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated certain information with respect to purchases of shares by Noble-Swiss:
                 
          Total Number of  Maximum Number 
          Shares Purchased  of Shares that May 
  Total Number  Average  as Part of Publicly  Yet Be Purchased 
  of Shares  Price Paid  Announced Plans  Under the Plans 
Period Purchased  per Share  or Programs(1)  or Programs(1) 
April 2011  705  $43.33(2)     6,769,891 
May 2011  60,000  $41.87(2)     6,769,891 
June 2011  29,330  $37.45(2)     6,769,891 

          Total Number of   Maximum Number 
          Shares Purchased   of Shares that May 
   Total Number   Average  as Part of Publicly   Yet Be Purchased 
   of Shares   Price Paid  Announced Plans   Under the Plans 

Period

  Purchased   per Share  or Programs   or Programs 

April 2012

   1,532    $37.96 (1)   —       6,769,891  

May 2012

   156    $37.94 (1)   —       6,769,891  

June 2012

   103,693    $31.34 (1)   —       6,769,891  

(1)All share purchases made inAmounts represent shares surrendered by employees for withholding taxes payable upon the open marketvesting of restricted stock or exercise of stock options and were not made pursuant to the share repurchase program which our Board of Directors authorized and adopted. Our repurchase program has no date of expiration.

(2)Item 6.Amounts represent shares surrendered by employees for withholding taxes payable upon the vesting of restricted stock or exercise of stock options.Exhibits
Item 6. Exhibits

The information required by this Item 6 is set forth in the Index to Exhibits accompanying this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by reference.

59

SIGNATURES


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

Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation  
/s/ David W. Williams
August 6, 2012            
David W. Williams August 8, 2011
Date
 Date
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)  
/s/ James A. MacLennan  
/s/ Thomas L. Mitchell
Thomas L. Mitchell
James A. MacLennan
  
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Treasurer and Controller  
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)  
Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company
  
/s/ David W. Williams
August 6, 2012            
David W. Williams August 8, 2011
Date
 Date
President and Chief Executive Officer  
(Principal Executive Officer)  
/s/ Dennis J. Lubojacky
Dennis J. Lubojacky  
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)  

60


Index to Exhibits

Exhibit

Number

  

Exhibit

Exhibit
NumberExhibit
2.1  Agreement and Plan of Merger, Reorganization and Consolidation, dated as of December 19, 2008, among Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation (“Noble-Swiss”), Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (“Noble-Cayman”), and Noble Cayman Acquisition Ltd. (filed as Exhibit 1.1 to Noble-Cayman’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 22, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).
2.2  Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, Reorganization and Consolidation, dated as of February 4, 2009, among Noble-Swiss, Noble-Cayman and Noble Cayman Acquisition Ltd. (filed as Exhibit 2.2 to Noble-Cayman’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 4, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.1  Articles of Association of Noble-Swiss.
3.2  By-laws of Noble-Swiss (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Noble-Swiss’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 27, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.3  Memorandum and Articles of Association of Noble-Cayman (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Noble-Cayman’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 30, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.1  Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of February 11, 2011June 8, 2012 among Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company; the Lenders from time to time parties thereto; Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and an Issuing Bank; Barclays Capital, a division ofSunTrust Bank, as Syndication Agent; Barclays Bank PLC, and HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., as Co-SyndicationCo-Documentation Agents; and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Barclays Capital, a division ofSunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc., Barclays Bank PLC, and HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Lead Bookrunners (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Noble-Cayman’sNoble-Swiss’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 17, 2011June 11, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.2  First Amendment to Revolving CreditGuaranty Agreement dated as of March 11, 2011 amongJune 8, 2012 between Noble Drilling Corporation, a Cayman Islands company; the Lenders from time to time parties thereto;Delaware corporation, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and an Issuing Bank; Barclays Capital, a division of Barclays Bank PLC, and HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., as Co-Syndication Agents; and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Barclays Capital, a division of Barclays Bank PLC, and HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Lead Bookrunners (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Noble-Cayman’s QuarterlyNoble-Swiss’ Current Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 20118-K filed on June 11, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.3  Indenture,Guaranty Agreement dated as of November 21, 2008,June 8, 2012 between Noble Holding International Limited, as Issuer,a Cayman Islands company, and TheWells Fargo Bank, of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as TrusteeNational Association (filed as Exhibit 4.14.3 to Noble-Cayman’sNoble-Swiss’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 21, 2008June 11, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.1*  
4.4Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 3, 2011, among Noble Holding International Limited, as Issuer, Noble Corporation, as Guarantor,Amended and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to 3.05% Senior Notes due 2016 of Noble Holding International Limited, 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 of Noble Holding International Limited,Restated 1991 Stock Option and 6.05% Senior Notes due 2041 of Noble Holding International LimitedRestricted Stock Plan (filed as Exhibit 4.210.2 to Noble-Cayman’sNoble Cayman’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 26, 2010April 30, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).
31.1  Certification of David W. Williams pursuant to the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), for Noble-Swiss and for Noble-Cayman.
31.2  Certification of Thomas L. MitchellJames A. MacLennan pursuant to the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Rule 13a-14(a)13a- 14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), for Noble-Swiss.
31.3  Certification of Dennis J. Lubojacky pursuant to the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Rule 13a- 14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), for Noble-Cayman.
32.1+32.1+  Certification of David W. Williams pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, for Noble-Swiss and for Noble-Cayman.
32.2+32.2+  Certification of Thomas L. MitchellJames A. MacLennan pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, for Noble-Swiss.
32.3+32.3+  Certification of Dennis J. Lubojacky pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, for Noble-Cayman.
101+101+  Interactive Data File

*Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
+Furnished in accordance with Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

 

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