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: September 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, 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 3.54 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 October 28, 2011:31, 2012: Noble Corporation (Switzerland) — 252,437,480

252,720,353

Number of shares outstanding at October 28, 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) to Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format contemplated by paragraphs (b) and (c) of General Instruction H(2) of Form 10-Q.

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
     
Page 
PART I 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  

Item 1

Financial Statements

Noble Corporation (Noble-Swiss) Financial Statements:

  
 

   3  
 

   4  
 
5
6

5

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

6

Consolidated Statement of Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

   7  
 

Noble Corporation (Noble-Cayman) Financial Statements:

  
 

   8  
 

   9  
 
10
11

10

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

11

Consolidated Statement of Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011

   12  
 

   13  

Item 2

 

   3836  

Item 3

 

   5750  

Item 4

Controls and Procedures

   51  
PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4 Controls and Procedures1

Legal Proceedings

   5852  

Item 2

 
59
59

   6052  

Item 6

Exhibits

   52  

Item 6 ExhibitsSIGNATURES

   6053  

Index to Exhibits

   54  
61
62
Exhibit 3.1
Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 32.1
Exhibit 32.2
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
Item 1. Financial Statements

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

         
  September 30,  December 31, 
  2011  2010 
ASSETS
        
Current assets        
Cash and cash equivalents $197,015  $337,871 
Accounts receivable  601,161   387,414 
Taxes receivable  57,335   81,066 
Prepaid expenses  61,166   35,502 
Other current assets  84,767   69,941 
       
Total current assets  1,001,444   911,794 
       
Property and equipment, at cost  14,420,267   12,643,866 
Accumulated depreciation  (2,999,235)  (2,595,779)
       
Property and equipment, net  11,421,032   10,048,087 
       
Other assets  529,057   342,506 
       
Total assets
 $12,951,533  $11,302,387 
       
         
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
        
Current liabilities        
Current maturities of long-term debt $  $80,213 
Accounts payable  320,053   374,814 
Accrued payroll and related costs  124,317   125,663 
Interest payable  22,129   40,260 
Taxes payable  89,700   96,448 
Other current liabilities  93,651   84,049 
       
Total current liabilities  649,850   801,447 
       
Long-term debt  3,811,866   2,686,484 
Deferred income taxes  299,625   258,822 
Other liabilities  218,523   268,000 
       
Total liabilities
  4,979,864   4,014,753 
       
         
Commitments and contingencies        
         
Shareholders’ equity        
Shares; 252,718 and 262,415 shares outstanding  796,067   917,684 
Treasury shares, at cost; 285 and 10,140 shares  (10,531)  (373,967)
Additional paid-in capital  49,010   39,006 
Retained earnings  6,549,441   6,630,500 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (56,212)  (50,220)
       
Total shareholders’ equity
  7,327,775   7,163,003 
       
Noncontrolling interests  643,894   124,631 
       
Total equity
  7,971,669   7,287,634 
       
Total liabilities and equity
 $12,951,533  $11,302,387 
      ��

   September 30,
2012
  December 31,
2011
 

ASSETS

   

Current assets

   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $218,467   $239,196  

Accounts receivable

   791,408    587,163  

Taxes receivable

   118,540    75,284  

Prepaid expenses

   64,644    35,796  

Other current assets

   111,433    122,173  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

   1,304,492    1,059,612  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, at cost

   16,637,626    15,540,178  

Accumulated depreciation

   (3,825,482  (3,409,833
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

   12,812,144    12,130,345  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other assets

   343,770    305,202  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $14,460,406   $13,495,159  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   

Current liabilities

   

Accounts payable

  $298,363   $436,006  

Accrued payroll and related costs

   145,595    117,907  

Interest payable

   23,851    54,419  

Taxes payable

   130,551    94,920  

Dividends payable

   99,582    —    

Other current liabilities

   144,267    123,928  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   842,209    827,180  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Long-term debt

   4,639,429    4,071,964  

Deferred income taxes

   235,851    242,791  

Other liabilities

   353,595    255,372  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   6,071,084    5,397,307  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

   

Shareholders’ equity

   

Shares; 253,299 and 252,639 shares outstanding

   709,993    766,595  

Treasury shares, at cost; 586 and 287 shares

   (20,986  (10,553

Additional paid-in capital

   75,696    48,356  

Retained earnings

   6,938,434    6,676,444  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (72,077  (74,321
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

   7,631,060    7,406,521  

Noncontrolling interests

   758,262    691,331  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total equity

   8,389,322    8,097,852  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

  $14,460,406   $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  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
  2011  2010  2011  2010 
Operating revenues
                
Contract drilling services $704,892  $584,919  $1,837,047  $2,081,075 
Reimbursables  17,438   19,177   63,851   57,163 
Labor contract drilling services  15,564   7,887   43,123   23,704 
Other  8   635   766   1,449 
             
   737,902   612,618   1,944,787   2,163,391 
             
Operating costs and expenses
                
Contract drilling services  358,547   315,844   1,001,638   845,870 
Reimbursables  13,971   14,351   49,797   44,459 
Labor contract drilling services  8,053   5,302   25,326   16,570 
Depreciation and amortization  166,213   143,282   487,454   385,366 
Selling, general and administrative  27,536   25,482   72,883   71,261 
Gain on contract extinguishments, net        (21,202)   
             
   574,320   504,261   1,615,896   1,363,526 
             
                 
Operating income
  163,582   108,357   328,891   799,865 
                 
Other income (expense)
                
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized  (11,530)  (4,144)  (45,400)  (5,119)
Interest income and other, net  1,117   2,561   3,175   7,193 
             
Income before income taxes
  153,169   106,774   286,666   801,939 
Income tax provision  (17,614)  (20,287)  (42,481)  (126,801)
             
Net income
  135,555   86,487   244,185   675,138 
             
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests  (238)  (467)  (290)  (467)
             
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation
 $135,317  $86,020  $243,895  $674,671 
             
                 
Net income per share
                
Basic $0.53  $0.34  $0.96  $2.63 
Diluted $0.53  $0.34  $0.96  $2.62 

   Three Months  Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months  Ended
September 30,
 
   2012  2011  2012  2011 

Operating revenues

     

Contract drilling services

  $833,212   $704,892   $2,427,759   $1,837,047  

Reimbursables

   28,137    17,438    94,090    63,851  

Labor contract drilling services

   22,667    15,564    58,538    43,123  

Other

   16    8    258    766  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   884,032    737,902    2,580,645    1,944,787  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses

     

Contract drilling services

   449,125    358,547    1,292,638    1,001,638  

Reimbursables

   21,047    13,971    76,618    49,797  

Labor contract drilling services

   12,991    8,053    34,070    25,326  

Depreciation and amortization

   195,087    166,213    549,779    487,454  

Selling, general and administrative

   26,858    27,536    75,388    72,883  

Loss on impairment

   —      —      18,345    —    

Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net

   —      —      (33,255  (21,202
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   705,108    574,320    2,013,583    1,615,896  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income

   178,924    163,582    567,062    328,891  

Other income (expense)

     

Interest expense, net of amount capitalized

   (25,635  (11,530  (56,783  (45,400

Interest income and other, net

   1,553    1,117    4,526    3,175  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   154,842    153,169    514,805    286,666  

Income tax provision

   (25,162  (17,614  (93,107  (42,481
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income

   129,680    135,555    421,698    244,185  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   (14,906  (238  (26,931  (290
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation

  $114,774   $135,317   $394,767   $243,895  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income per share

     

Basic

  $0.45   $0.53   $1.55   $0.96  

Diluted

  $0.45   $0.53   $1.55   $0.96  

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

4


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWSCOMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

         
  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30, 
  2011  2010 
Cash flows from operating activities
        
Net income $244,185  $675,138 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization  487,454   385,366 
Gain on contract extinguishments, net  (21,202)   
Deferred income taxes  (34,549)  (29,586)
Share-based compensation expense  26,857   26,906 
Net change in other assets and liabilities  (228,299)  227,873 
       
Net cash from operating activities  474,446   1,285,697 
       
         
Cash flows from investing activities
        
Capital expenditures  (1,987,988)  (886,093)
Change in accrued capital expenditures  (48,782)  4,213 
Refund from contract extinguishments  18,642    
Acquisition of FDR Holdings, Ltd., net of cash acquired     (1,629,644)
       
Net cash from investing activities  (2,018,128)  (2,511,524)
       
         
Cash flows from financing activities
        
Increase in bank credit facilities, net  675,000    
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs  1,087,833   1,238,074 
Contributions from joint venture partners  481,000   35,000 
Payments of joint venture debt  (693,494)   
Settlement of interest rate swaps  (29,032)  (2,041)
Par value reduction payments  (114,453)  (193,869)
Financing costs on credit facilities  (2,835)   
Proceeds from employee stock transactions  9,018   9,703 
Repurchases of employee shares surrendered for taxes  (10,211)  (9,961)
Repurchases of shares     (219,330)
       
Net cash from financing activities  1,402,826   857,576 
       
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  (140,856)  (368,251)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
  337,871   735,493 
       
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 $197,015  $367,242 
       

   Three Months  Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months  Ended
September 30,
 
   2012  2011  2012  2011 

Net income

  $129,680   $135,555   $421,698   $244,185  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

     

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   2,033    (4,929  (4,994  (547

Gain (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts

   —      (9,654  3,061    (7,141

Loss on interest rate swaps

   —      —      —      (366

Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $790 and $356 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $2,157 and $1,061 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively)

   1,351    687    4,177    2,062  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income/(loss), net

   3,384    (13,896  2,244    (5,992

Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   (14,906  (238  (26,931  (290
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation

  $118,158   $121,421   $397,011   $237,903  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

5


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITYCASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

                                 
                      Accumulated       
          Additional          Other       
  Shares  Paid-in  Retained  Treasury  Comprehensive  Noncontrolling  Total 
  Balance  Par Value  Capital  Earnings  Shares  Loss  Interests  Equity 
                                 
Balance at December 31, 2009
  261,975  $1,130,607  $  $5,855,737  $(143,031) $(54,881) $  $6,788,432 
                                 
Employee related equity activity                                
Share-based compensation expense        26,906               26,906 
Issuance of share-based compensation shares  77   335   (335)               
Contribution to employee benefit plans  8   30   194               224 
Exercise of stock options  447   1,762   7,717               9,479 
Tax benefit of stock options exercised        5,556               5,556 
Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes  (183)  (804)  960   1,335   (11,452)        (9,961)
Repurchases of shares              (219,330)        (219,330)
Net income           674,671         467   675,138 
Par value reduction payments     (184,220)  (9,648)  (1)           (193,869)
Noncontrolling interests from FDR Holdings, Ltd. acquisition                    124,628   124,628 
Other comprehensive income, net                 (6,113)     (6,113)
                         
Balance at September 30, 2010
  262,324  $947,710  $31,350  $6,531,742  $(373,813) $(60,994) $125,095  $7,201,090 
                         
                                 
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        26,857               26,857 
Issuance of share-based compensation shares  248   844   (837)              7 
Exercise of stock options  490   1,629   7,104               8,733 
Tax benefit of stock options exercised        278               278 
Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes  (319)  (1,107)  1,107      (10,211)        (10,211)
Retirement of treasury shares  (10,116)  (33,035)     (340,612)  373,647          
Settlement of FIN 48 provision           15,658            15,658 
Net income           243,895         290   244,185 
Equity contribution by joint venture partner                    518,973   518,973 
Par value reduction payments     (89,948)  (24,505)              (114,453)
Other comprehensive income, net                 (5,992)     (5,992)
                         
Balance at September 30, 2011
  252,718  $796,067  $49,010  $6,549,441  $(10,531) $(56,212) $643,894  $7,971,669 
                         

   Nine Months  Ended
September 30,
 
   2012  2011 

Cash flows from operating activities

   

Net income

  $421,698   $244,185  

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

   

Depreciation and amortization

   549,779    487,454  

Loss on impairment

   18,345    —    

Gain on contract extinguishments, net

   —      (21,202

Deferred income taxes

   (16,090  (34,549

Amortization of share-based compensation

   28,782    26,857  

Net change in other assets and liabilities

   (71,010  (243,715
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash from operating activities

   931,504    459,030  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

   

Capital expenditures

   (1,247,139  (1,972,572

Change in accrued capital expenditures

   (195,044  (48,782

Refund from contract extinguishments

   —      18,642  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash from investing activities

   (1,442,183  (2,002,712
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

   

Change in bank credit facilities, net

   (630,000  675,000  

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

   1,186,636    1,087,833  

Contributions from joint venture partners

   40,000    481,000  

Payments of joint venture debt

   —      (693,494

Settlement of interest rate swaps

   —      (29,032

Par value reduction/dividend payments

   (105,092  (114,453

Financing costs on credit facilities

   (5,014  (2,835

Proceeds from employee stock transactions

   13,853    9,018  

Repurchases of employee shares surrendered for taxes

   (10,433  (10,211
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash from financing activities

   489,950    1,402,826  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   (20,729  (140,856

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   239,196    337,871  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $218,467   $197,015  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

6


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-SWISS) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOMEEQUITY

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

                 
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
  2011  2010  2011  2010 
                 
Net income
 $135,555  $86,487  $244,185  $675,138 
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
                
Foreign currency translation adjustments  (4,929)  4,198   (547)  (2,263)
Gain (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts  (9,654)  4,762   (7,141)  1,828 
Loss on interest rate swaps     (7,586)  (366)  (7,586)
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts  687   634   2,062   1,908 
             
Other comprehensive income (loss), net  (13,896)  2,008   (5,992)  (6,113)
             
                 
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests  (238)  (467)  (290)  (467)
             
                 
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation
 $121,421  $88,028  $237,903  $668,558 
             

   Shares  

Additional

Paid-in

  Retained  Treasury  

Accumulated

Other

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

   —      —      26,857    —      —      —      —       26,857  

Issuance of share-based compensation shares

   248    844    (837  —      —      —      —       7  

Exercise of stock options

   490    1,629    7,104    —      —      —      —       8,733  

Tax benefit of stock options exercised

   —      —      278    —      —      —      —       278  

Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes

   (319  (1,107  1,107    —      (10,211  —      —       (10,211

Retirement of treasury shares

   (10,116  (33,035   (340,612  373,647    —      —       —    

Settlement of FIN48 provision

   —      —       15,658    —      —      —       15,658  

Net income

   —      —      —      243,895    —      —      290     244,185  

Par value reduction payments

   —      (89,948  (24,505  —      —      —      —       (114,453

Equity contribution by joint venture partner

   —      —      —      —      —      —      518,973     518,973  

Other comprehensive loss, net

   —      —      —      —      —      (5,992  —       (5,992
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2011

   252,718   $796,067   $49,010   $6,549,441   $(10,531 $(56,212 $643,894    $7,971,669  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

   —      —      28,782    —      —      —      —       28,782  

Issuance of share-based compensation shares

   428    1,284    (1,276  —      —      —      —       8  

Exercise of stock options

   606    1,722    10,949    —      —      —      —       12,671  

Tax benefit of stock options exercised

   —      —      1,174    —      —      —      —       1,174  

Restricted shares forfeited or repurchased for taxes

   (374  (1,138  1,138    —      (10,433  —      —       (10,433

Net income

   —      —      —      394,767    —      —      26,931     421,698  

Equity contribution by joint venture partner

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

Par value reduction/dividend payments

   —      (58,470  (13,427  (33,195  —      —      —       (105,092

Dividends payable

   —      —      —      (99,582  —      —      —       (99,582

Other comprehensive income, net

   —      —      —      —      —      2,244    —       2,244  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2012

   253,299   $709,993   $75,696   $6,938,434   $(20,986 $(72,077 $758,262    $8,389,322  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

7


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

         
  September 30,  December 31, 
  2011  2010 
         
ASSETS
        
Current assets        
Cash and cash equivalents $192,005  $333,399 
Accounts receivable  601,161   387,414 
Taxes receivable  57,335   81,066 
Prepaid expenses  57,531   33,232 
Other current assets  82,690   69,821 
       
Total current assets  990,722   904,932 
       
Property and equipment, at cost  14,386,421   12,614,974 
Accumulated depreciation  (2,994,486)  (2,594,954)
       
Property and equipment, net  11,391,935   10,020,020 
       
Other assets  529,141   342,592 
       
Total assets
 $12,911,798  $11,267,544 
       
         
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
        
Current liabilities        
Current maturities of long-term debt $  $80,213 
Accounts payable  319,888   374,559 
Accrued payroll and related costs  112,902   120,634 
Interest payable  22,129   40,260 
Taxes payable  86,321   94,132 
Other current liabilities  93,184   83,759 
       
Total current liabilities  634,424   793,557 
       
Long-term debt  3,811,866   2,686,484 
Deferred income taxes  299,625   258,822 
Other liabilities  218,523   268,026 
       
Total liabilities
  4,964,438   4,006,889 
       
         
Commitments and contingencies        
         
Shareholders’ equity        
Ordinary shares; 261,246 shares outstanding  26,125   26,125 
Capital in excess of par value  447,040   416,232 
Retained earnings  6,886,513   6,743,887 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (56,212)  (50,220)
       
Total shareholders’ equity
  7,303,466   7,136,024 
       
Noncontrolling interests  643,894   124,631 
       
Total equity
  7,947,360   7,260,655 
       
Total liabilities and equity
 $12,911,798  $11,267,544 
       

   September 30,
2012
  December 31,
2011
 

ASSETS

   

Current assets

   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $213,681   $235,056  

Accounts receivable

   791,408    587,163  

Taxes receivable

   118,354    75,284  

Prepaid expenses

   61,536    33,105  

Other current assets

   111,433    120,109  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

   1,296,412    1,050,717  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, at cost

   16,601,975    15,505,994  

Accumulated depreciation

   (3,818,729  (3,404,589
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

   12,783,246    12,101,405  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other assets

   343,852    305,283  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $14,423,510   $13,457,405  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   

Current liabilities

   

Accounts payable

  $297,969   $435,729  

Accrued payroll and related costs

   134,010    108,908  

Interest payable

   23,851    54,419  

Taxes payable

   126,112    91,190  

Other current liabilities

   144,267    123,399  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   726,209    813,645  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Long-term debt

   4,639,429    4,071,964  

Deferred income taxes

   235,851    242,791  

Other liabilities

   353,595    255,372  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   5,955,084    5,383,772  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

   

Shareholder equity

   

Ordinary shares; 261,246 shares outstanding

   26,125    26,125  

Capital in excess of par value

   466,028    450,616  

Retained earnings

   7,290,088    6,979,882  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (72,077  (74,321
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total shareholder equity

   7,710,164    7,382,302  

Noncontrolling interests

   758,262    691,331  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total equity

   8,468,426    8,073,633  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

  $14,423,510   $13,457,405  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

8


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

                 
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
  2011  2010  2011  2010 
Operating revenues
                
Contract drilling services $704,892  $584,919  $1,837,047  $2,081,075 
Reimbursables  17,438   19,177   63,851   57,163 
Labor contract drilling services  15,564   7,887   43,123   23,704 
Other  8   635   766   1,449 
             
   737,902   612,618   1,944,787   2,163,391 
             
Operating costs and expenses
                
Contract drilling services  349,626   315,787   980,662   839,652 
Reimbursables  13,971   14,351   49,797   44,459 
Labor contract drilling services  8,053   5,302   25,326   16,570 
Depreciation and amortization  165,719   143,059   486,010   384,775 
Selling, general and administrative  17,637   16,715   48,810   48,137 
Gain on contract extinguishments, net        (21,202)   
             
   555,006   495,214   1,569,403   1,333,593 
             
Operating income
  182,896   117,404   375,384   829,798 
                 
Other income (expense)
                
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized  (11,530)  (4,147)  (45,400)  (5,122)
Interest income and other, net  1,884   1,210   3,978   6,320 
             
Income before income taxes
  173,250   114,467   333,962   830,996 
Income tax provision  (17,298)  (19,401)  (41,480)  (124,340)
             
Net income
  155,952   95,066   292,482   706,656 
             
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests  (238)  (467)  (290)  (467)
             
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation
 $155,714  $94,599  $292,192  $706,189 
             

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2012  2011  2012  2011 

Operating revenues

     

Contract drilling services

  $833,212   $704,892   $2,427,759   $1,837,047  

Reimbursables

   28,137    17,438    94,090    63,851  

Labor contract drilling services

   22,667    15,564    58,538    43,123  

Other

   16    8    258    766  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   884,032    737,902    2,580,645    1,944,787  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses

     

Contract drilling services

   444,225    349,626    1,280,969    980,662  

Reimbursables

   21,047    13,971    76,618    49,797  

Labor contract drilling services

   12,991    8,053    34,070    25,326  

Depreciation and amortization

   194,595    165,719    548,271    486,010  

Selling, general and administrative

   15,487    17,637    44,964    48,810  

Loss on impairment

   —      —      18,345    —    

Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net

   —      —      (33,255  (21,202
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   688,345    555,006    1,969,982    1,569,403  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income

   195,687    182,896    610,663    375,384  

Other income (expense)

     

Interest expense, net of amount capitalized

   (25,635  (11,530  (56,783  (45,400

Interest income and other, net

   1,361    1,884    4,368    3,978  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   171,413    173,250    558,248    333,962  

Income tax provision

   (24,784  (17,298  (91,972  (41,480
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income

   146,629    155,952    466,276    292,482  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   (14,906  (238  (26,931  (290
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation

  $131,723   $155,714   $439,345   $292,192  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

9


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWSCOMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

         
  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30, 
  2011  2010 
Cash flows from operating activities
        
Net income $292,482  $706,656 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization  486,010   384,775 
Gain on contract extinguishments, net  (21,202)   
Deferred income taxes  (34,549)  (29,586)
Capital contribution by parent — share-based compensation  15,150   15,519 
Net change in other assets and liabilities  (235,017)  203,384 
       
Net cash from operating activities  502,874   1,280,748 
       
         
Cash flows from investing activities
        
Capital expenditures  (1,983,034)  (885,623)
Change in accrued capital expenditures  (48,782)  4,213 
Refund from contract extinguishments  18,642    
Acquisition of FDR Holdings, Ltd., net of cash acquired     (1,629,644)
       
Net cash from investing activities  (2,013,174)  (2,511,054)
       
         
Cash flows from financing activities
        
Increase in bank credit facilities, net  675,000    
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net of debt issuance costs  1,087,833   1,238,074 
Contributions from joint venture partners  481,000   35,000 
Payments of joint venture debt  (693,494)   
Settlement of interest rate swaps  (29,032)  (2,041)
Financing costs on credit facilities  (2,835)   
Distributions to parent company, net  (149,566)  (422,537)
       
Net cash from financing activities  1,368,906   848,496 
       
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  (141,394)  (381,810)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
  333,399   726,225 
       
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 $192,005  $344,415 
       

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2012  2011  2012  2011 

Net income

  $146,629   $155,952   $466,276   $292,482  

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

     

Foreign currency translation adjustments

   2,033    (4,929  (4,994  (547

Gain (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts

   —      (9,654  3,061    (7,141

Loss on interest rate swaps

   —      —      —      (366

Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $790 and $356 for the three months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $2,157 and $1,061 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively)

   1,351    687    4,177    2,062  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income/(loss), net

   3,384    (13,896  2,244    (5,992

Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   (14,906  (238  (26,931  (290
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation

  $135,107   $141,818   $441,589   $286,200  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

10


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITYCASH FLOWS

(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, 2009
  261,246  $26,125  $368,374  $6,609,578  $(54,881) $  $6,949,196 
Net income           706,189      467   706,656 
Capital contributions by parent — share-based compensation        15,519            15,519 
Distributions to parent           (422,537)        (422,537)
Noncontrolling interests from FDR Holdings, Ltd. acquisition                 124,628   124,628 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net              (6,113)     (6,113)
                      
Balance at September 30, 2010
  261,246  $26,125  $383,893  $6,893,230  $(60,994) $125,095  $7,367,349 
                      
                             
Balance at December 31, 2010
  261,246  $26,125  $416,232  $6,743,887  $(50,220) $124,631  $7,260,655 
Net income           292,192      290   292,482 
Capital contributions by parent — share-based compensation        15,150            15,150 
Distributions to parent           (149,566)        (149,566)
Settlement of FIN 48 provision        15,658            15,658 
Noncontrolling interest contributions                 518,973   518,973 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net              (5,992)     (5,992)
                      
Balance at September 30, 2011
  261,246  $26,125  $447,040  $6,886,513  $(56,212) $643,894  $7,947,360 
                      

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2012  2011 

Cash flows from operating activities

   

Net income

  $466,276   $292,482  

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

   

Depreciation and amortization

   548,271    486,010  

Loss on impairment

   18,345    —    

Gain on contract extinguishments, net

   —      (21,202

Deferred income taxes

   (16,090  (34,549

Capital contribution by parent- shared-based compensation

   15,412    15,150  

Net change in other assets and liabilities

   (75,357  (250,433
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash from operating activities

   956,857    487,458  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

   

Capital expenditures

   (1,245,671  (1,967,618

Change in accrued capital expenditures

   (195,044  (48,782

Refund from contract extinguishments

   —      18,642  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash from investing activities

   (1,440,715  (1,997,758
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

   

Change in bank credit facilities, net

   (630,000  675,000  

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

   1,186,636    1,087,833  

Contributions from joint venture partners

   40,000    481,000  

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

   (129,139  (149,566
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash from financing activities

   462,483    1,368,906  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   (21,375  (141,394

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   235,056    333,399  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $213,681   $192,005  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

11


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOMEEQUITY

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

                 
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
  2011  2010  2011  2010 
                 
Net income
 $155,952  $95,066  $292,482  $706,656 
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
                
Foreign currency translation adjustments  (4,929)  4,198   (547)  (2,263)
Gain (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts  (9,654)  4,762   (7,141)  1,828 
Loss on interest rate swaps     (7,586)  (366)  (7,586)
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts  687   634   2,062   1,908 
             
Other comprehensive income (loss), net  (13,896)  2,008   (5,992)  (6,113)
             
                 
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests  (238)  (467)  (290)  (467)
             
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation
 $141,818  $96,607  $286,200  $700,076 
             

                  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

   —       —       —       292,192    —      290     292,482  

Capital contributions by parent— share-based compensation

   —       —       15,150     —      —      —       15,150  

Distributions to parent

   —       —       —       (149,566  —      —       (149,566

Settlement of FIN48 provision

   —       —       15,658     —      —      —       15,658  

Noncontrolling interest contributions

   —       —       —       —      —      518,973     518,973  

Other comprehensive income, net

   —       —       —       —      (5,992  —       (5,992
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2011

   261,246    $26,125    $447,040    $6,886,513   $(56,212 $643,894    $7,947,360  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

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

Net income

   —       —       —       439,345    —      26,931     466,276  

Capital contributions by parent— share-based compensation

   —       —       15,412     —      —      —       15,412  

Distributions to parent

   —       —       —       (129,139  —      —       (129,139

Noncontrolling interest contributions

   —       —       —       —      —      40,000     40,000  

Other comprehensive loss, net

   —       —       —       —      2,244    —       2,244  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2012

   261,246    $26,125    $466,028    $7,290,088   $(72,077 $758,262    $8,468,426  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

12


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 September 30, 2011, ourOur fleet consisted of 79 mobile offshore drilling units located worldwide as follows:consists of 14 semisubmersibles, 14 drillships, 49 jackups and two submersibles. Additionally, we have one floating production storage and offloading unit (“FPSO”). At September 30, 2011, we had 13unit. Our fleet includes 11 units under construction as follows:

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

seven dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environment drillships, including twoGlobetrotter-class drillships and oneBully-class drillship, 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 and Alaska, Mexico, the Mediterranean,Brazil, the North Sea, Brazil,the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Middle East, India, Australia 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 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 reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Taxes payable in the December 31, 2010 Consolidated Balance Sheets was reported net of approximately $81 million in taxes receivable. During the second quarter of 2011, we determined that a right of offset in certain taxable jurisdictions did not exist for these receivables, and they are now being disclosed separately as a current asset. For the December 31, 2010 Consolidated Balance Sheets presented herein, these amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. We believe that this reclassification is immaterial, as it did not have a material impact on our financial position, working capital, results of operations or cash flows from operations.

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. 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.

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)
The following unaudited pro forma financial information for the three and nine months ended September 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  Nine months 
  ended  ended 
  September 30, 2010  September 30, 2010 
Total operating revenues $647,700  $2,339,889 
Net income  85,282   616,358 
Net income per share $0.33  $2.40 
Note 3 — Consolidated Joint Ventures
In connection with the Frontier acquisition, we acquired Frontier’s

We own 50 percent interestinterests 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 interests 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 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 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.

In April 2011, the Bully joint venture partners also entered into capital contribution agreements whereby capital calls up to a total of $360 million can be made for funds needed to complete the projects. Asconstruction of September 30, 2011, the total capital contributeddrillships. All contributions under these agreements was $170 million. Subsequent towere made during 2011 and the thirdfirst quarter an additional $60 million of capital was contributed2012. No amounts remain available under these agreements.

At September 30, 2011,2012, the combined carrying amount of the drillships was $1.3$1.5 billion, which was primarily funded through partnerpartners’ 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 September 30, 20112012 and December 31, 2010:

         
  September 30,  December 31, 
  2011  2010 
         
Shares outstanding and trading
  252,433   252,275 
Treasury shares  285   10,140 
       
Total shares outstanding
  252,718   262,415 
Treasury shares held for share-based compensation plans  13,432   13,851 
       
Total shares authorized for issuance
  266,150   276,266 
       
Par value per share (in Swiss Francs)  3.54   3.93 
Shares authorized for issuance by Noble-Swiss at September 30, 2011 totaled 266.2 million shares and include 0.3 million shares held in treasury and 13.4 million treasury shares held by a wholly-owned subsidiary. 2011:

   September 30,
2012
   December 31,
2011
 

Shares outstanding and trading

   252,713     252,352  

Treasury shares

   586     287  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total shares outstanding

   253,299     252,639  

Treasury shares held for share-based compensation plans

   12,851     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.

Share repurchases are made pursuant to the share repurchase program that our Board of Directors authorized and adopted. All shares repurchased under our share repurchase program are held in treasury. The number of shares that we may hold in treasury is limited under Swiss law. At September 30, 2011,2012, 6.8 million shares remained available for repurchase under previousthe authorization by the Board of Directors.Directors noted above. No shares have beenwere repurchased under this authorization during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
During July 2011, after making the required filings with the Swiss Commercial Register, 10.1 million repurchased shares held in treasury were cancelled and the total number of shares authorized for issuance was reduced to 266.2 million shares.
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.

15

In April 2012, our shareholders approved the payment of a dividend aggregating $0.52 per share to be paid in four equal installments the first of which was paid in August 2012, with the remaining three installments to be paid in November 2012, February 2013 and May 2013, respectively. These dividends will require us to make cash payments of approximately $33 million during the fourth quarter of 2012, based on the number of shares currently outstanding. As of September 30, 2012, we had $100 million of dividends payable outstanding on this obligation. Any additional issuances of shares would further increase our obligation.


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  Nine months ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
  2011  2010  2011  2010 
Allocation of net income
                
Basic
                
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation $135,317  $86,020  $243,895  $674,671 
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards  (1,415)  (828)  (2,487)  (6,416)
             
Net income to common shareholders — basic
 $133,902  $85,192  $241,408  $668,255 
             
                 
Diluted
                
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation $135,317  $86,020  $243,895  $674,671 
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards  (1,412)  (825)  (2,481)  (6,394)
             
Net income to common shareholders — diluted
 $133,905  $85,195  $241,414  $668,277 
             
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic
  251,580   252,513   251,327   253,944 
Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options  449   671   640   855 
             
Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted
  252,029   253,184   251,967   254,799 
             
                 
Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards
  2,658   2,453   2,589   2,438 
             
                 
Earnings per share
                
Basic $0.53  $0.34  $0.96  $2.63 
Diluted $0.53  $0.34  $0.96  $2.62 

   Three months ended  Nine months ended 
   September 30,  September 30, 
   2012  2011  2012  2011 

Allocation of net income

     

Basic

     

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation

  $114,774   $135,317   $394,767   $243,895  

Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards

   (1,192  (1,415  (4,008  (2,487
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income to common shareholders—basic

  $113,582   $133,902   $390,759   $241,408  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Diluted

     

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation

  $114,774   $135,317   $394,767   $243,895  

Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards

   (1,190  (1,412  (4,002  (2,481
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income to common shareholders—diluted

  $113,584   $133,905   $390,765   $241,414  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding—basic

   252,657    251,580    252,339    251,327  

Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options

   317    449    385    640  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding—diluted

   252,974    252,029    252,724    251,967  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards

   2,651    2,658    2,588    2,589  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings per share

     

Basic

  $0.45   $0.53   $1.55   $0.96  

Diluted

  $0.45   $0.53   $1.55   $0.96  

Only those items having a dilutive impact on our basic earnings per share are included in diluted earnings per share. At both September 30, 2012 and 2011, stock options totaling approximately 1.1 million were excluded from the diluted earnings per share as they were not dilutive as compared to 0.8 million at September 30, 2010.

dilutive.

Note 54 — Property and Equipment

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

         
  2011  2010 
Drilling equipment and facilities $9,908,049  $8,900,266 
Construction in progress  4,318,705   3,571,017 
Other  193,513   172,583 
       
  $14,420,267  $12,643,866 
       

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2012   2011 

Drilling equipment and facilities

  $13,449,855    $10,974,943  

Construction in progress

   2,991,487     4,367,750  

Other

   196,284     197,485  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $16,637,626    $15,540,178  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital expenditures, including capitalized interest, totaled $2.0$1.2 billion and $886 million$2.0 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 20112012 and 2010,2011, respectively. Capital expenditures for 2010 do not include the fair valuefirst nine months of assets acquired as part of the Frontier acquisition. Capital expenditures for 20112012 consisted of the following:

$1.3 billion441 million for newbuild construction;

$463548 million for major projects, including $130$50 million in subsea related expenditures and $29 million to upgrade two drillships currently operating in Brazil;

 

16$150 million for other capitalized expenditures, including upgrades and replacements to drilling equipment, that generally have a useful life ranging from 3 to 5 years; and


$108 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)

$156 million for other capitalized expenditures, including major maintenance and regulatory expenditures which generally have useful lives ranging from 3 to 5 years; and
$88 million in capitalized interest.

Interest is capitalized on construction-in-progress at the weighted average cost of debt outstanding during the period of construction. Capitalized interest was $31 million and $108 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, as compared to $32 million and $88 million for the three and nine months ended September 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 $25 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 $51a 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 nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.

2012.

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 nine months ended September 30, 2012.

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.

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. During the second quarter of 2011, Petrobras formally approved the rig substitution. We expect that acceptance of theNoble Phoenixwill take place in the first quarter of 2012. 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, we2013, and therefore, incurred a non-cash charge of approximately $32.6 million related to the termination of outstanding shipyard contracts.
The substitution was completed during the fourth quarter of 2012.

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

As noted in Note 13, 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 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 revenue that we had billed for services performed prior to their termination of the contract. At September 30, 2011, we had accounts receivable of approximately $13 million related to this attempted offset. We do not believe Anadarko has a basis to offset these invoiced amounts. While we will continue to litigate the matter to full resolution, we can make no assurances as to the outcome of this dispute.

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 was voidvoid ab initio, or never existed, due to a fundamental breach and has made other claims and is demandingdemanded 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 containscontained 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 September 30, 2011.2012. We believe that ifrecently received a favorable summary judgment ruling upholding the charter agreement and requiring BP wereto pay us the outstanding amounts, however, this matter has not been finally resolved because the ruling allows BP the opportunity to make a damages claim under the charter agreement. These receivables continue to be successfulclassified as long-term and are included in claiming the contractvoid ab initio,we would have an indemnity claim against the former shareholders of Frontier. We have put the former owners of Frontier“Other assets” on notice of this potential claim.our Consolidated Balance Sheet. We can make no assurances as to the outcome of this dispute.

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)

At September 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. 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. WhileIn January 2012, we believe we are entitled to the disputed amounts,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.

dispute, we believe we are entitled to the disputed amounts.

Note 8 — Debt

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

         
  September 30,  December 31, 
  2011  2010 
Wholly-owned debt instruments:
        
5.875% Senior Notes due 2013 $299,939  $299,911 
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014  249,610   249,506 
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015  350,000   350,000 
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016  299,934    
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019  201,695   201,695 
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020  498,754   498,672 
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021  399,469    
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040  399,890   399,889 
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041  397,575    
Credit facilities  715,000   40,000 
Consolidated joint venture debt instruments:
        
Joint venture credit facilities $  $691,052 
Joint venture partner notes     35,972 
       
Total Debt  3,811,866   2,766,697 
Less: Current Maturities     (80,213)
       
Long-term Debt $3,811,866  $2,686,484 
       
We have two separate revolving2011:

   September 30,
2012
   December 31,
2011
 

Wholly-owned debt instruments:

    

5.875% Senior Notes due 2013

  $299,975    $299,949  

7.375% Senior Notes due 2014

   249,760     249,647  

3.45% Senior Notes due 2015

   350,000     350,000  

3.05% Senior Notes due 2016

   299,948     299,938  

2.50% Senior Notes due 2017

   299,844     —    

7.50% Senior Notes due 2019

   201,695     201,695  

4.90% Senior Notes due 2020

   498,870     498,783  

4.625% Senior Notes due 2021

   399,515     399,480  

3.95% Senior Notes due 2022

   399,075     —    

6.20% Senior Notes due 2040

   399,891     399,890  

6.05% Senior Notes due 2041

   397,605     397,582  

5.25% Senior Notes due 2042

   498,251     —    

Credit facilities

   345,000     975,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

  $4,639,429    $4,071,964  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

During June 2012, we replaced our $575 million credit facilitiesfacility scheduled to mature in place which provide us2013, with a total borrowing capacity ofnew $1.2 billion. One credit facility, which has a capacity of $600 million, matures in 2013, and during the first quarter of 2011, we entered into an additional $600 million revolvingbillion credit facility, which matures in 2017. The new facility, combined with our existing $600 million credit facility that matures in 2015, 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 September 30, 2012, our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization was less than 0.36. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facilities as of September 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 theThe issuance of letters of credit does not increase our borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facilities, but it does reduce the amount available. At September 30, 2011,2012, we had borrowings of $715 million outstanding and no letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facilities.

During September 2012, we established a commercial paper program, which will allow us to issue up to $1.8 billion in unsecured commercial paper notes. Amounts issued under the commercial paper program are supported by the unused committed capacity under our Credit Facilities and, as such, are classified as long-term on our balance sheet. Subsequent to September 30, 2012, we began issuing notes under the program and had outstanding notes totaling $328 million as of October 31, 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)

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 andCredit 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 continue to report the balance as long-term at September 30, 2012.

The indentures governing our portion of outstanding debtsenior 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 joint venture credit facilities discussed below.

18


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

(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amountsindenture, 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 September 30, 2012, we were in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
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 concurrentcompliance with all our debt covenants. We continually monitor compliance with the repaymentcovenants under our Credit Facilities and termination ofsenior notes and, based on our expectations for 2012, expect to remain in compliance during 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 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 September 30, 20112012 and December 31, 2010.

                 
  September 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 $299,939  $323,731  $299,911  $324,281 
7.375% Senior Notes due 2014  249,610   283,353   249,506   282,078 
3.45% Senior Notes due 2015  350,000   365,503   350,000   357,292 
3.05% Senior Notes due 2016  299,934   305,919       
7.50% Senior Notes due 2019  201,695   250,238   201,695   242,464 
4.90% Senior Notes due 2020  498,754   537,513   498,672   516,192 
4.625% Senior Notes due 2021  399,469   420,987       
6.20% Senior Notes due 2040  399,890   456,403   399,889   423,345 
6.05% Senior Notes due 2041  397,575   447,951       
Credit facilities  715,000   715,000   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.

   September 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

  $299,975    $308,949    $299,949    $317,586  

7.375% Senior Notes due 2014

   249,760     272,063     249,647     278,966  

3.45% Senior Notes due 2015

   350,000     369,921     350,000     363,571  

3.05% Senior Notes due 2016

   299,948     314,142     299,938     306,057  

2.50% Senior Notes due 2017

   299,844     309,118     —       —    

7.50% Senior Notes due 2019

   201,695     249,768     201,695     248,623  

4.90% Senior Notes due 2020

   498,870     559,783     498,783     531,437  

4.625% Senior Notes due 2021

   399,515     440,799     399,480     416,847  

3.95% Senior Notes due 2022

   399,075     420,137     —       —    

6.20% Senior Notes due 2040

   399,891     466,331     399,890     450,017  

6.05% Senior Notes due 2041

   397,605     461,733     397,582     443,308  

5.25% Senior Notes due 2042

   498,251     533,637     —       —    

Credit Facilities

   345,000     345,000     975,000     975,000  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

  $4,639,429    $5,051,381    $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 September 30, 2011,2012, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $122$124 million (net of related tax benefits of $8$10 million). If the September 30, 20112012 reserves are not realized, the provision for income taxes would be reduced by $122 million.

$124 million in future periods.

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)

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 September 30, 
  2011  2010 
  Non-U.S.  U.S.  Non-U.S.  U.S. 
Service cost $1,141  $2,152  $1,045  $1,912 
Interest cost  1,433   2,143   1,224   1,957 
Return on plan assets  (1,449)  (2,768)  (1,331)  (2,392)
Amortization of prior service cost     57      57 
Amortization of transition obligation  19      17    
Recognized net actuarial loss  123   844   181   705 
             
Net pension expense $1,267  $2,428  $1,136  $2,239 
             
                 
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  2011  2010 
  Non-U.S.  U.S.  Non-U.S.  U.S. 
Service cost $3,387  $6,456  $3,211  $5,736 
Interest cost  4,256   6,428   3,694   5,871 
Return on plan assets  (4,306)  (8,304)  (3,999)  (7,176)
Amortization of prior service cost     170      171 
Amortization of transition obligation  56      53    
Recognized net actuarial loss  366   2,531   537   2,115 
             
Net pension expense $3,759  $7,281  $3,496  $6,717 
             

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

Service cost

  $1,072   $2,431   $1,141   $2,152  

Interest cost

   1,317    2,196    1,433    2,143  

Return on plan assets

   (1,313  (2,793  (1,449  (2,768

Amortization of prior service cost

   —      57    —      57  

Amortization of transition obligation

   —      —      19    —    

Recognized net actuarial loss

   199    1,885    123    844  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net pension expense

  $1,275   $3,776   $1,267   $2,428  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   2012  2011 
   Non-U.S.  U.S.  Non-U.S.  U.S. 

Service cost

  $3,306   $7,237   $3,387   $6,456  

Interest cost

   4,025    6,556    4,256    6,428  

Return on plan assets

   (4,001  (8,379  (4,306  (8,304

Amortization of prior service cost

   —      171    —      170  

Amortization of transition obligation

   —      —      56    —    

Recognized net actuarial loss

   600    5,563    366    2,531  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net pension expense

  $3,930   $11,148   $3,759   $7,281  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010,2012, we made contributions to our pension plans totaling $7$3 million and $15$13 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 $11$17 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 September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, our liability under the Restoration Plan totaled $5 million and $7 million, respectively. 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 $4 million and $7 million at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

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 are we a party to leveraged derivatives. During the period,nine months ended September 30, 2011, we maintained certain foreign currency 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.

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)
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.

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 43 percent of these forecasted local currency requirements. The notional amount of the forward contracts outstanding, expressed in U.S. Dollars, was approximately $71 million atAt September 30, 2011. Total unrealized losses related to these forward contracts were $6 million as of September 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 changes in interest rates. In February 2011, the outstanding balances of the joint venture credit facilities and the related interest rate swaps were settled and terminated. As a result of these transactions we recognized a gain of $1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
derivative contracts.

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  Nine Months Ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
  2011  2010  2011  2010 
Net unrealized gain/(loss) at beginning of period $4,117  $(2,517) $1,970  $417 
Activity during period:                
Settlement of foreign currency forward contracts during the period  (2,054)  1,395   (1,604)  (417)
Settlement of interest rate swaps during the period        (366)   
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on outstanding foreign currency forward contracts  (7,600)  3,367   (5,537)  2,245 
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on outstanding interest rate swaps     (7,586)     (7,586)
             
Net unrealized gain/(loss) at end of period $(5,537) $(5,341) $(5,537) $(5,341)
             
Fair Value Hedges
We entered into a firm commitment for the construction of theNoble Globetrotter Idrillship. The drillship was constructed in two phases, with the second phase being installation and commissioning of the topside equipment. The contract for this second phase of construction was 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 September 30, 2011, all amounts related to the forward contracts have settled. We accounted for the forward contracts as fair value hedges, and their fair market value was included in “Other current assets/liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. No gain or loss was recognized in the income statement for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 or 2010.

 

   Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,  September 30, 
   2012   2011  2012  2011 

Net unrealized gain/(loss) at beginning of period

  $—      $4,117   $(3,061 $1,970  

Activity during period:

      

Settlement of foreign currency forward contracts during the period

   —       (2,054  3,061    (1,604

Settlement of interest rate swaps during the period

   —       —      —      (366

Net unrealized loss on outstanding foreign currency forward contracts

   —       (7,600  —      (5,537
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net unrealized gain/(loss) at end of period

  $—      $(5,537 $—     $(5,537
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

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)
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
One of our joint ventures maintained foreign currency 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 nine months ended September 30, 2011, we recognized a loss of $0.5 million related to these foreign currency forward contracts.
Financial Statement Presentation

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

             
      Estimated fair value 
  Balance sheet  September 30,  December 31, 
  classification  2011  2010 
Asset derivatives
            
Cash flow hedges            
Short-term foreign currency forward contracts Other current assets $  $2,015 
Fair value hedges            
Short-term foreign currency forward contracts Other current liabilities      
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 $(5,537) $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  September 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 September 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 $(7,600) $4,762  $2,054  $  $  $ 
Interest rate swaps     (7,586)           (261)
Non-designated derivatives
                        
Foreign currency forward contracts $  $  $  $  $  $1,234 
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

  $—      $(7,600 $—      $(2,054 $—      $—    

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 nine months ended September 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 $(5,537) $1,828  $1,604  $  $  $ 
Interest rate swaps     (7,586)  366         (261)
Non-designated derivatives
                        
Foreign currency forward contracts $  $  $  $  $(546) $1,234 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, in connection with the settlement of our interest rate swaps, $1 million was reclassified from AOCL to gain on contract extinguishments.
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

  $—      $(5,537 $3,061    $(1,604 $—      $—    

Interest rate swaps

   —       —      —       (366  —       —    

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:

                         
  September 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 $4,294  $4,294  $  $  $6,854  $6,854 
Foreign currency forward contracts              4,618   4,618 
Firm commitment              3,306   3,306 
                         
Liabilities —
                        
Interest rate swaps $  $  $  $  $26,590  $26,590 
Foreign currency forward contracts  (5,537)     (5,537)     3,718   3,718 
The

   September 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

  $5,745    $5,745    $—      $—      $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
As noted in Note 7, in May 2010 Anadarko sent a letter asserting that the initial attempted deepwater drilling moratorium in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico 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. 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 should the court ultimately rule in our favor.

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-outtwo-well farmout 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.condition, and ExxonMobil has informed us that we must look to BP for payment of the dayrate during the assignment period. In August 2010, we initiated arbitration proceedings under the drilling contract against both BP and ExxonMobil. We do not believe BP had the right to terminate the assignment agreement and believe the rig continued to be fullywas 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 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 Court against Marathon seeking damages for its actions, and theactions. The suit is proceeding.proceeding and is currently in the discovery phase. 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 September 30, 2012, there were 29 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. A conference has been scheduled in December 2012 to discuss these items. 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. During the third quarter, a U.S. subsidiary of Frontier concluded its audit with the IRS for its 2007 and 2008 tax returns, resulting in no change to income tax expense. 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 $326 million (including interest and penalties). During 2011, we received from the Regional Chamber of the Federal Tax Court adverse decisions with respect to approximately $6 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 $91 million attributable to income, 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 $887,000) 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 $117,000) 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 $3.0 billion at September 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 two2 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 the Noble Duchess in Nigeria. Following the contract, we commenced the exportation process for the rig. The Nigerian Customs Service delayed departure of the rig while we discussed certain spare items that they claimed were unaccounted for and for which duty would be due. We resolved this matter for an immaterial amount and exported the rig during the third quarter of 2011.
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 September 30, 2011, there were approximately 22 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 $286 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 $9 to $10 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 restrictive and 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, New Zealand and Australia 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.
In October 2011, we were assessed a fine by the Brazilian government in the amount of R$238,000 (approximately $135,000) in connection with the inadvertent discharge of approximately 200 barrels of drilling fluid from one of our vessels offshore Brazil in November 2010. We plan on appealing this judgment to the full extent permissible by law.
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 $3.4 billion at September 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.

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)
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.
As

Under the Nigerian Industrial Training Fund Act of September 30, 2011, all2004, as amended, (the “Act”), Nigerian companies with five or more employees must contribute annually one percent of their payroll to the Industrial Training Fund (“ITF”) established under the Act to be used for the training of Nigerian nationals with a view towards generating a pool of indigenously trained manpower. We have not paid this amount on our rigs operatingexpatriate workers employed by our non-Nigerian employment entity in Nigeria were operating under temporary import permits. To date,the past as we have been successfuldid not believe the contribution obligation was applicable to them. In October 2012, we received a demand from the ITF for payments going back to 2004 and associated penalties in obtaining new, or extending existing, temporary import permits. However, there can be no assurancerespect of these expatriate employees. We do not believe that we will be able to obtain new permits or further extensions of permits necessary to continueowe 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 rigamount claimed 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 Nigeriathat, in the future, or howevent we were to have any such changes may impact our business there.

liability, it would be for an immaterial amount. We continue to investigate the matter and are also engaged in discussions with the ITF to resolve the issue.

Note 14 — Segment and Related Information

We report our contract drilling operations as a single reportable segment:segment, Contract Drilling Services. The consolidation of our contract drilling operations into one reportable segment is attributable toServices, which reflects how we manage our business, and the fact that all of our drilling fleet is dependent upon the worldwide oil and gas industry. The mobile offshore drilling units comprising our offshore rig fleet operate in a single, global market for contract drilling services and are often redeployed globally in response to changing demands of our customers, which consist largely of major non-U.S. and government owned/controlled oil and gas companies throughout the world. Our Contract Drilling Services segment currently conducts contract drilling operations principally in the Middle East, India, the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, the Mediterranean,Brazil, the North Sea, Brazil,the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Middle East, India, Australia 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 nine months ended September 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 September 30, 
  2011  2010 
  Contract          Contract       
  Drilling          Drilling       
  Services  Other  Total  Services  Other  Total 
 
Revenues from external customers $719,546  $18,356  $737,902  $604,042  $8,576  $612,618 
Depreciation and amortization  162,837   3,376   166,213   140,199   3,083   143,282 
Segment operating income/ (loss)  159,588   3,994   163,582   109,083   (726)  108,357 
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized  (122)  (11,408)  (11,530)  (125)  (4,019)  (4,144)
Income tax (provision)/ benefit  (18,380)  766   (17,614)  (20,876)  589   (20,287)
Segment profit/ (loss)  141,199   (5,882)  135,317   89,001   (2,981)  86,020 
Total assets (at end of period)  12,472,018   479,515   12,951,533   9,625,999   1,380,425   11,006,424 
Capital expenditures  555,434   3,771   559,205   352,347   2,345   354,692 

 

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

Revenues from external customers

  $860,315   $23,717   $884,032   $719,546   $18,356   $737,902  

Depreciation and amortization

   191,638    3,449    195,087    162,837    3,376    166,213  

Segment operating income

   173,285    5,639    178,924    159,588    3,994    163,582  

Interest expense, net of amount capitalized

   (121  (25,514  (25,635  (122  (11,408  (11,530

Income tax (provision) / benefit

   (28,307  3,145    (25,162  (18,380  766    (17,614

Segment profit / (loss)

   130,983    (16,209  114,774    141,199    (5,882  135,317  

Total assets (at end of period)

   13,983,223    477,183    14,460,406    12,472,018    479,515    12,951,533  

27

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

Revenues from external customers

  $860,315   $23,717   $884,032   $719,546   $18,356   $737,902  

Depreciation and amortization

   191,638    2,957    194,595    162,837    2,882    165,719  

Segment operating income

   178,185    17,502    195,687    168,509    14,387    182,896  

Interest expense, net of amount capitalized

   (121  (25,514  (25,635  (122  (11,408  (11,530

Income tax (provision) / benefit

   (28,307  3,523    (24,784  (18,380  1,082    (17,298

Segment profit / (loss)

   135,883    (4,160  131,723    150,120    5,594    155,714  

Total assets (at end of period)

   13,983,223    440,287    14,423,510    12,472,018    439,780    12,911,798  


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)

                         
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  2011  2010 
  Contract          Contract       
  Drilling          Drilling       
  Services  Other  Total  Services  Other  Total 
 
Revenues from external customers $1,897,045  $47,742  $1,944,787  $2,137,304  $26,087  $2,163,391 
Depreciation and amortization  477,568   9,886   487,454   376,754   8,612   385,366 
Segment operating income/ (loss)  321,613   7,278   328,891   801,966   (2,101)  799,865 
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized  (1,890)  (43,510)  (45,400)  (418)  (4,701)  (5,119)
Income tax (provision)/ benefit  (48,661)  6,180   (42,481)  (128,012)  1,211   (126,801)
Segment profit/ (loss)  273,018   (29,123)  243,895   680,302   (5,631)  674,671 
Total assets (at end of period)  12,472,018   479,515   12,951,533   9,625,999   1,380,425   11,006,424 
Capital expenditures  1,979,145   8,843   1,987,988   869,435   16,658   886,093 

   Noble-Swiss 
   Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   2012  2011 
   Contract        Contract       
   Drilling        Drilling       
   Services  Other  Total  Services  Other  Total 

Revenues from external customers

  $2,519,930   $60,715   $2,580,645   $1,897,045   $47,742   $1,944,787  

Depreciation and amortization

   539,698    10,081    549,779    477,568    9,886    487,454  

Segment operating income

   559,713    7,349    567,062    321,613    7,278    328,891  

Interest expense, net of amount capitalized

   (315  (56,468  (56,783  (1,890  (43,510  (45,400

Income tax (provision) / benefit

   (102,005  8,898    (93,107  (48,661  6,180    (42,481

Segment profit / (loss)

   434,561    (39,794  394,767    272,488    (28,593  243,895  

Total assets (at end of period)

   13,983,223    477,183    14,460,406    12,472,018    479,515    12,951,533  

   Noble-Cayman 
   Nine Months Ended September 30, 
   2012  2011 
   Contract        Contract       
   Drilling        Drilling       
   Services  Other  Total  Services  Other  Total 

Revenues from external customers

  $2,519,930   $60,715   $2,580,645   $1,897,045   $47,742   $1,944,787  

Depreciation and amortization

   539,698    8,573    548,271    477,568    8,442    486,010  

Segment operating income

   571,382    39,281    610,663    342,589    32,795    375,384  

Interest expense, net of amount capitalized

   (315  (56,468  (56,783  (1,890  (43,510  (45,400

Income tax (provision) / benefit

   (102,005  10,033    (91,972  (48,661  7,181    (41,480

Segment profit / (loss)

   446,230    (6,885  439,345    293,464    (1,272  292,192  

Total assets (at end of period)

   13,983,223    440,287    14,423,510    12,472,018    439,780    12,911,798  

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.

28


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 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,In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, which defers only those changes in ASU 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments. Our adoption of this guidance willdid not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

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 
  Nine months ended  Nine months ended 
  September 30,  September 30, 
  2011  2010  2011  2010 
 
Accounts receivable $(213,747) $250,917  $(213,747) $250,924 
Other current assets  (23,900)  (22,962)  (20,578)  (21,001)
Other assets  (21,755)  (6,600)  (24,233)  (6,705)
Accounts payable  (23,744)  (12,635)  (23,654)  (20,773)
Other current liabilities  21,281   (9,105)  13,655   (27,543)
Other liabilities  33,566   28,258   33,540   28,482 
             
  $(228,299) $227,873  $(235,017) $203,384 
             

   Noble-Swiss  Noble-Cayman 
   Nine months ended  Nine months ended 
   September 30,  September 30, 
   2012  2011  2012  2011 

Accounts receivable

  $(163,051 $(213,747 $(163,051 $(213,747

Other current assets

   (58,303  (23,900  (59,764  (20,578

Other assets

   (25,543  (37,171  (25,546  (39,649

Accounts payable

   29,470    (23,744  29,353    (23,654

Other current liabilities

   76,035    21,281    79,436    13,655  

Other liabilities

   70,382    33,566    64,215    33,540  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $(71,010 $(243,715 $(75,357 $(250,433
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

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 September 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 September 30, 2011. The indenture governing the Senior Notes due 2013 provides that each guarantee may be released in connection with certain events, including upon a merger, consolidation or transfer of all of the assets of Noble Cayman or the guarantor with or to another person in compliance with the indenture (provided the acquiror assumes the guarantee), upon a liquidation of the guarantor in compliance with the indenture (provided any acquiror assumes the guarantee), or upon the guarantor’s ceasing to be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Cayman.
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 September 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 September 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 September 30, 2011 was $1.1 billion.
2012 as follows:

Issuer

Notes

(Co-Issuer(s))

Guarantor(s)

$300 million 5.875% Senior Notes due 2013Noble-CaymanNoble Drilling Corporation (“NDC”);
NHIL
$250 million 7.375% Senior Notes due 2014NHILNoble-Cayman
$350 million 3.45% Senior Notes due 2015NHILNoble-Cayman
$300 million 3.05% Senior Notes due 2016NHILNoble-Cayman
$300 million 2.50% Senior Notes due 2017NHILNoble-Cayman
$202 million 7.50% Senior Notes due 2019NDC;Noble-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 2020NHILNoble-Cayman
$400 million 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021NHILNoble-Cayman
$400 million 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022NHILNoble-Cayman
$400 million 6.20% Senior Notes due 2040NHILNoble-Cayman
$400 million 6.05% Senior Notes due 2041NHILNoble-Cayman
$500 million 5.25% Senior Notes due 2042NHILNoble-Cayman

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.

29


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

September 30, 2011
2012

(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 $  $292  $  $  $  $191,713  $  $192,005 
Accounts receivable     10,757   3,472         586,932      601,161 
Prepaid expenses     400   10         57,121      57,531 
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates     119,476            110,000   (229,476)  
Accounts receivable from affiliates  1,182,035   92,282   847,880   150,144   15,737   5,705,679   (7,993,757)   
Other current assets     6,247   240         133,538      140,025 
                         
Total current assets  1,182,035   229,454   851,602   150,144   15,737   6,784,983   (8,223,233)  990,722 
                         
                                 
Property and equipment                                
Drilling equipment, facilities and other     2,374,299   71,567         11,940,555      14,386,421 
Accumulated depreciation     (207,832)  (52,334)        (2,734,320)     (2,994,486)
                         
Total property and equipment, net     2,166,467   19,233         9,206,235      11,391,935 
                         
                                 
Notes receivable from affiliates  3,487,062   675,000      2,336,527   572,107   2,662,901   (9,733,597)   
Investments in affiliates  7,185,905   9,133,639   3,510,041   6,370,565   1,899,939      (28,100,089)   
Other assets  3,660   15,933   2,067   19,087   910   487,484      529,141 
                         
Total assets
 $11,858,662  $12,220,493  $4,382,943  $8,876,323  $2,488,693  $19,141,603  $(46,056,919) $12,911,798 
                         
                                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
                                
Current liabilities                                
Short-term notes payables from affiliates $60,000  $50,000  $  $  $  $119,476  $(229,476) $ 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities  6,298   24,036   8,116   15,201   630   580,143      634,424 
Accounts payable to affiliates  1,802,030   3,806,799   26,056   99,896   30,916   2,228,060   (7,993,757)   
                         
Total current liabilities  1,868,328   3,880,835   34,172   115,097   31,546   2,927,679   (8,223,233)  634,424 
                         
                                 
Long-term debt  1,014,939         2,595,232   201,695         3,811,866 
Notes payable to affiliates  1,652,000   1,147,500   85,000   975,000   811,000   5,063,097   (9,733,597)   
Other liabilities  19,929   24,291   30,177         443,751      518,148 
                         
Total liabilities
  4,555,196   5,052,626   149,349   3,685,329   1,044,241   8,434,527   (17,956,830)  4,964,438 
                         
                                 
Commitments and contingencies                                
                                 
Equity
  7,303,466   7,167,867   4,233,594   5,190,994   1,444,452   10,707,076   (28,100,089)  7,947,360 
                         
Total liabilities and equity
 $11,858,662  $12,220,493  $4,382,943  $8,876,323  $2,488,693  $19,141,603  $(46,056,919) $12,911,798 
                         

 

30

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

ASSETS

            

Current assets

            

Cash and cash equivalents

  $—      $435   $—     $19    $—      $213,227   $—     $213,681  

Accounts receivable

   —       10,560    1,584    —       —       779,264    —      791,408  

Taxes receivable

   —       25,502    —      —       —       92,852    —      118,354  

Prepaid expenses

   —       444    20    —       —       61,072    —      61,536  

Short-term notes receivable from affiliates

   —       119,476    —      —       —       252,138    (371,614  —    

Accounts receivable from affiliates

   852,466     153,146    970,918    502,287     42,675     5,570,469    (8,091,961  —    

Other current assets

   375     640    196    —       —       110,222    —      111,433  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current assets

   852,841     310,203    972,718    502,306     42,675     7,079,244    (8,463,575  1,296,412  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, at cost

   —       2,616,145    75,591    —       —       13,910,239    —      16,601,975  

Accumulated depreciation

   —       (300,637  (57,520  —       —       (3,460,572  —      (3,818,729
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

   —       2,315,508    18,071    —       —       10,449,667    —      12,783,246  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes receivable from affiliates

   3,816,463     1,206,000    —      3,524,814     479,107     2,171,875    (11,198,259  —    

Investments in affiliates

   7,484,253     9,078,691    3,412,070    7,188,893     2,348,479     —      (29,512,386  —    

Other assets

   6,296     535    654    26,740     790     308,837    —      343,852  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

  $12,159,853    $12,910,937   $4,403,513   $11,242,753    $2,871,051    $20,009,623   $(49,174,220 $14,423,510  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

            

Current liabilities

            

Short-term notes payables from affiliates

  $90,314    $51,054   $110,770   $—      $—      $119,476   $(371,614 $—    

Accounts payable

   —       2,720    644    —       —       294,605    —      297,969  

Accrued payroll and related costs

   —       5,478    7,857    —       —       120,675    —      134,010  

Accounts payable to affiliates

   848,091     4,628,552    4,593    152,009     68,819     2,389,897    (8,091,961  —    

Interest payable

   6,093     —      —      17,128     630     —      —      23,851  

Taxes payable

   —       9,007    —      —       —       117,105    —      126,112  

Other current liabilities

   —       —      240    —       —       144,027    —      144,267  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   944,498     4,696,811    124,104    169,137     69,449     3,185,785    (8,463,575  726,209  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Long-term debt

   644,975     —      —      3,792,759     201,695     —      —      4,639,429  

Notes payable to affiliates

   2,840,287     648,475    —      975,000     1,342,000     5,392,497    (11,198,259  —    

Deferred income taxes

   —       —      15,731    —       —       220,120    —      235,851  

Other liabilities

   19,929     17,475    —      —       —       316,191    —      353,595  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   4,449,689     5,362,761    139,835    4,936,896     1,613,144     9,114,593    (19,661,834  5,955,084  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

            

Total shareholder equity

   7,710,164     7,548,176    4,263,678    6,305,857     1,257,907     10,136,768    (29,512,386  7,710,164  

Noncontrolling interest

   —       —      —      —       —       758,262    —      758,262  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total equity

   7,710,164     7,548,176    4,263,678    6,305,857     1,257,907     10,895,030    (29,512,386  8,468,426  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

  $12,159,853    $12,910,937   $4,403,513   $11,242,753    $2,871,051    $20,009,623   $(49,174,220 $14,423,510  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

December 31, 2010
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 $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  614,264   73,001   751,623   219,215   11,374   3,801,852   (5,471,329)   
Other current assets     16,735   240         133,912      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                                
                                 
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 
                         

 

31

   Noble-
Cayman
  NHC and NDH
Combined
  NDC  NHIL  NDS6  Other
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries of
Noble
  Consolidating
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 September 30, 2012

(in thousands)

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

Operating revenues

         

Contract drilling services

  $—     $36,149   $5,061   $—     $—     $809,858   $(17,856 $833,212  

Reimbursables

   —      389    —      —      —      27,748    —      28,137  

Labor contract drilling services

   —      —      —      —      —      22,667    —      22,667  

Other

   —      —      —      —      —      16    —      16  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

   —      36,538    5,061    —      —      860,289    (17,856  884,032  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses

         

Contract drilling services

   1,355    13,948    1,919    19,636    —      425,223    (17,856  444,225  

Reimbursables

   —      216    —      —      —      20,831    —      21,047  

Labor contract drilling services

   —      —      —      —      —      12,991    —      12,991  

Depreciation and amortization

   —      15,500    1,181    —      —      177,914    —      194,595  

Selling, general and administrative

   426    1,447    —      9,700    1    3,913    —      15,487  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

   1,781    31,111    3,100    29,336    1    640,872    (17,856  688,345  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   (1,781  5,427    1,961    (29,336  (1  219,417    —      195,687  

Other income (expense)

         

Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax

   162,311    69,069    36,463    172,364    129,161    —      (569,368  —    

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

   (30,496  (8,964  (852  (33,509  (11,832  (20,221  80,239    (25,635

Interest income and other, net

   1,689    11,080    9    37,430    2,846    28,546    (80,239  1,361  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   131,723    76,612    37,581    146,949    120,174    227,742    (569,368  171,413  

Income tax provision

   —      (8,639  —      —      —      (16,145  —      (24,784
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Income

   131,723    67,973    37,581    146,949    120,174    211,597    (569,368  146,629  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   —      —      —      —      —      (14,906  —      (14,906
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation

   131,723    67,973    37,581    146,949    120,174    196,691    (569,368  131,723  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income, net

   3,384    —      —      —      —      3,384    (3,384  3,384  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation

  $135,107   $67,973   $37,581   $146,949   $120,174   $200,075   $(572,752 $135,107  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

(in thousands)

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

Operating revenues

         

Contract drilling services

  $—     $117,488   $14,941   $—     $—     $2,352,618   $(57,288 $2,427,759  

Reimbursables

   —      6,199    —      —      —      87,891    —      94,090  

Labor contract drilling services

   —      —      —      —      —      58,538    —      58,538  

Other

   —      —      —      —      —      1,190    (932  258  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

   —      123,687    14,941    —      —      2,500,237    (58,220  2,580,645  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses

         

Contract drilling services

   3,794    42,642    5,529    56,048    —      1,231,176    (58,220  1,280,969  

Reimbursables

   —      5,641    —      —      —      70,977    —      76,618  

Labor contract drilling services

   —      —      —      —      —      34,070    —      34,070  

Depreciation and amortization

   —      45,577    3,278    —      —      499,416    —      548,271  

Selling, general and administrative

   1,237    4,258    —      28,137    1    11,331    —      44,964  

Loss on impairment

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

Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net

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

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

   5,031    93,249    8,807    84,185    1    1,836,929    (58,220  1,969,982  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   (5,031  30,438    6,134    (84,185  (1  663,308    —      610,663  

Other income (expense)

         

Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax

   515,132    358,234    92,343    583,122    274,564    —      (1,823,395  —    

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

   (76,396  (37,881  (3,040  (83,975  (31,020  (60,193  235,722    (56,783

Interest income and other, net

   5,640    29,771    4    99,609    8,771    96,295    (235,722  4,368  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   439,345    380,562    95,441    514,571    252,314    699,410    (1,823,395  558,248  

Income tax provision

   —      (30,902  —      —      —      (61,070  —      (91,972
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Income

   439,345    349,660    95,441    514,571    252,314    638,340    (1,823,395  466,276  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   —      —      —      —      —      (26,931  —      (26,931
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation

   439,345    349,660    95,441    514,571    252,314    611,409    (1,823,395  439,345  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income, net

   2,244    —      —      —      —      2,244    (2,244  2,244  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation

  $441,589   $349,660   $95,441   $514,571   $252,314   $613,653   $(1,825,639 $441,589  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

Three Months Ended September 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 $  $38,955  $5,105  $  $  $680,617  $(19,785) $704,892 
Reimbursables     691            16,747      17,438 
Labor contract drilling services     4            15,560      15,564 
Other                 8      8 
                         
Total operating revenues     39,650   5,105         712,932   (19,785)  737,902 
                         
                                 
Operating costs and expenses
                                
Contract drilling services  1,759   10,485   1,883   9,819      345,465   (19,785)  349,626 
Reimbursables     420            13,551      13,971 
Labor contract drilling services                 8,053      8,053 
Depreciation and amortization     13,138   937         151,644      165,719 
Selling, general and administrative  2,094   1,488      9,253      4,802      17,637 
Gain on contract extinguishments, net                        
                         
Total operating costs and expenses  3,853   25,531   2,820   19,072      523,515   (19,785)  555,006 
                         
                                 
Operating income (loss)
  (3,853)  14,119   2,285   (19,072)     189,417      182,896 
                                 
Other income (expense)
                                
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax  174,673   226,079   45,818   172,153   (20,624)     (598,099)   
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized  (16,721)  (15,612)  (1,285)  (21,641)  (7,106)  (267)  51,102   (11,530)
Interest income and other, net  1,615   6,906   (40)  15,813   2,277   26,415   (51,102)  1,884 
                         
                                 
Income before income taxes
  155,714   231,492   46,778   147,253   (25,453)  215,565   (598,099)  173,250 
Income tax provision     487            (17,785)     (17,298)
                         
Net Income
  155,714   231,979   46,778   147,253   (25,453)  197,780   (598,099)  155,952 
                                 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests                 (238)     (238)
                         
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation
 $155,714  $231,979  $46,778  $147,253  $(25,453) $197,542  $(598,099) $155,714 
                         

 

32

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

Operating revenues

         

Contract drilling services

  $—     $38,955   $5,105   $—     $—     $680,617   $(19,785 $704,892  

Reimbursables

   —      691    —      —      —      16,747    —      17,438  

Labor contract drilling services

   —      4    —      —      —      15,560    —      15,564  

Other

   —      —      —      —      —      8    —      8  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

   —      39,650    5,105    —      —      712,932    (19,785  737,902  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses

         

Contract drilling services

   1,759    10,485    1,883    9,819    —      345,465    (19,785  349,626  

Reimbursables

   —      420    —      —      —      13,551    —      13,971  

Labor contract drilling services

   —      —      —      —      —      8,053    —      8,053  

Depreciation and amortization

   —      13,138    937    —      —      151,644    —      165,719  

Selling, general and administrative

   2,094    1,488    —      9,253    —      4,802    —      17,637  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

   3,853    25,531    2,820    19,072    —      523,515    (19,785  555,006  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   (3,853  14,119    2,285    (19,072  —      189,417    —      182,896  

Other income (expense)

         

Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax

   174,673    226,079    45,818    172,153    (20,624  —      (598,099  —    

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

   (16,721  (15,612  (1,285  (21,641  (7,106  (267  51,102    (11,530

Interest income and other, net

   1,615    6,906    (40  15,813    2,277    26,415    (51,102  1,884  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   155,714    231,492    46,778    147,253    (25,453  215,565    (598,099  173,250  

Income tax (provision) / benefit

   —      487    —      —      —      (17,785  —      (17,298
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Income

   155,714    231,979    46,778    147,253    (25,453  197,780    (598,099  155,952  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   —      —      —      —      —      (238  —      (238
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation

   155,714    231,979    46,778    147,253    (25,453  197,542    (598,099  155,714  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss, net

   (13,896  —      —      —      —      (13,896  13,896    (13,896
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation

  $141,818   $231,979   $46,778   $147,253   $(25,453 $183,646   $(584,203 $141,818  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME

Nine Months Ended September 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 $  $100,009  $14,800  $  $  $1,770,356  $(48,118) $1,837,047 
Reimbursables     3,381   12         60,458      63,851 
Labor contract drilling services     4            43,119      43,123 
Other                 766      766 
                         
Total operating revenues     103,394   14,812         1,874,699   (48,118)  1,944,787 
                         
                                 
Operating costs and expenses
                                
Contract drilling services  4,818   31,554   5,681   26,625      960,102   (48,118)  980,662 
Reimbursables     3,331            46,466      49,797 
Labor contract drilling services                 25,326      25,326 
Depreciation and amortization     36,330   2,781         446,899      486,010 
Selling, general and administrative  5,397   4,206      24,756   1   14,450      48,810 
Gain on contract extinguishments, net                  (21,202)     (21,202)
                         
Total operating costs and expenses  10,215   75,421   8,462   51,381   1   1,472,041   (48,118)  1,569,403 
                         
                                 
Operating income (loss)
  (10,215)  27,973   6,350   (51,381)  (1)  402,658      375,384 
                                 
Other income (expense)
                                
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax  350,439   328,452   80,795   344,524   86,932      (1,191,142)   
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized  (52,985)  (45,527)  (4,824)  (67,667)  (22,048)  (3,284)  150,935   (45,400)
Interest income and other, net  4,953   19,376   8   38,557   6,321   85,698   (150,935)  3,978 
                         
                                 
Income before income taxes
  292,192   330,274   82,329   264,033   71,204   485,072   (1,191,142)  333,962 
Income tax provision     6,287            (47,767)     (41,480)
                         
Net Income
  292,192   336,561   82,329   264,033   71,204   437,305   (1,191,142)  292,482 
                                 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests                 (290)     (290)
                                 
                         
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation
 $292,192  $336,561  $82,329  $264,033  $71,204  $437,015  $(1,191,142) $292,192 
                         

 

33

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

Operating revenues

         

Contract drilling services

  $—     $100,009   $14,800   $—     $—     $1,770,356   $(48,118 $1,837,047  

Reimbursables

   —      3,381    12    —      —      60,458    —      63,851  

Labor contract drilling services

   —      4    —      —      —      43,119    —      43,123  

Other

   —      —      —      —      —      766    —      766  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

   —      103,394    14,812    —      —      1,874,699    (48,118  1,944,787  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses

         

Contract drilling services

   4,818    31,554    5,681    26,625    —      960,102    (48,118  980,662  

Reimbursables

   —      3,331    —      —      —      46,466    —      49,797  

Labor contract drilling services

   —      —      —      —      —      25,326    —      25,326  

Depreciation and amortization

   —      36,330    2,781    —      —      446,899    —      486,010  

Selling, general and administrative

   5,397    4,206    —      24,756    1    14,450    —      48,810  

Gain on contract extinguishments, net

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

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

   10,215    75,421    8,462    51,381    1    1,472,041    (48,118  1,569,403  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

   (10,215  27,973    6,350    (51,381  (1  402,658    —      375,384  

Other income (expense)

         

Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax

   350,439    328,452    80,795    344,524    86,932    —      (1,191,142  —    

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

   (52,985  (45,527  (4,824  (67,667  (22,048  (3,284  150,935    (45,400

Interest income and other, net

   4,953    19,376    8    38,557    6,321    85,698    (150,935  3,978  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   292,192    330,274    82,329    264,033    71,204    485,072    (1,191,142  333,962  

Income tax (provision) / benefit

   —      6,287    —      —      —      (47,767  —      (41,480
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net Income

   292,192    336,561    82,329    264,033    71,204    437,305    (1,191,142  292,482  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

   —      —      —      —      —      (290  —      (290
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation

   292,192    336,561    82,329    264,033    71,204    437,015    (1,191,142  292,192  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss, net

   (5,992  —      —      —      —      (5,992  5,992    (5,992
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation

  $286,200   $336,561   $82,329   $264,033   $71,204   $431,023   $(1,185,150 $286,200  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Three Months Ended September 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 $  $23,724  $5,363  $  $  $565,132  $(9,300) $584,919 
Reimbursables     388            18,789      19,177 
Labor contract drilling services                 7,887      7,887 
Other     (107)           742      635 
                         
Total operating revenues     24,005   5,363         592,550   (9,300)  612,618 
                         
                                 
Operating costs and expenses
                                
Contract drilling services  18,924   8,475   1,657         296,031   (9,300)  315,787 
Reimbursables     127            14,224      14,351 
Labor contract drilling services                 5,302      5,302 
Depreciation and amortization     9,494   924         132,641      143,059 
Selling, general and administrative     605   94   (63)     16,079      16,715 
                         
Total operating costs and expenses  18,924   18,701   2,675   (63)     464,277   (9,300)  495,214 
                         
                                 
Operating income (loss)
  (18,924)  5,304   2,688   63      128,273      117,404 
                                 
Other income (expense)
                                
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax  124,218   155,504   38,484   136,039   35,842      (490,087)   
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized  (12,251)  (14,845)  (1,859)  (12,645)  (1,424)  (2,668)  41,545   (4,147)
Interest income and other, net  1,556   555      8,419   2,221   30,004   (41,545)  1,210 
                         
                                 
Income before income taxes
  94,599   146,518   39,313   131,876   36,639   155,609   (490,087)  114,467 
Income tax provision     (18,445)           (956)      (19,401)
                         
Net Income
  94,599   128,073   39,313   131,876   36,639   154,653   (490,087)  95,066 
                                 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests                 (467)     (467)
                                 
                         
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation
 $94,599  $128,073  $39,313  $131,876  $36,639  $154,186  $(490,087) $94,599 
                         

34


NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
Nine Months Ended September 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 $  $72,313  $12,847  $  $  $2,026,515  $(30,600) $2,081,075 
Reimbursables     978   61         56,124      57,163 
Labor contract drilling services                 23,704      23,704 
Other     5            1,444      1,449 
                         
Total operating revenues     73,296   12,908         2,107,787   (30,600)  2,163,391 
                         
                                 
Operating costs and expenses
                                
Contract drilling services  18,931   27,082   4,793         819,446   (30,600)  839,652 
Reimbursables     1,226   61         43,172      44,459 
Labor contract drilling services                 16,570      16,570 
Depreciation and amortization     27,321   2,536         354,918      384,775 
Selling, general and administrative     51,241   315   56      (3,475)     48,137 
                         
Total operating costs and expenses  18,931   106,870   7,705   56      1,230,631   (30,600)  1,333,593 
                         
                                 
Operating income (loss)
  (18,931)  (33,574)  5,203   (56)     877,156      829,798 
                                 
Other income (expense)
                                
Equity earnings in affiliates, net of tax  732,956   497,191   47,602   768,130   336,350      (2,382,229)   
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized  (12,838)  (50,179)  (5,516)  (32,010)  (1,424)  (8,852)  105,697   (5,122)
Interest income and other, net  5,002   23,312      8,419   8,373   66,911   (105,697)  6,320 
                         
                                 
Income before income taxes
  706,189   436,750   47,289   744,483   343,299   935,215   (2,382,229)  830,996 
Income tax provision     (27,537)           (96,803)     (124,340)
                         
Net Income
  706,189   409,213   47,289   744,483   343,299   838,412   (2,382,229)  706,656 
                                 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests                 (467)     (467)
                                 
                         
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation
 $706,189  $409,213  $47,289  $744,483  $343,299  $837,945  $(2,382,229) $706,189 
                         

35


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

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

(in thousands)

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

Cash flows from operating activities

         

Net cash from operating activities

  $(59,614 $7,563   $8,989   $(107,638 $(25,942 $1,133,499   $—     $956,857  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

         

New construction and capital expenditures

   —      (499,141  (1,040  —      —      (940,534  —      (1,440,715

Notes receivable from affiliates

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

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash from investing activities

   —      (499,141  (1,040  (1,188,287  —      (940,534  1,188,287    (1,440,715
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

         

Change in bank credit facilities, net

   (630,000  —      —      —      —      —      —      (630,000

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

   (129,139  —      —      —      —      —      —      (129,139

Advances (to) from affiliates

   (364,666  491,628    (7,949  109,308    25,942    (254,263  —      —    

Notes payable to affiliates

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

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash from financing activities

   59,468    491,628    (7,949  1,295,944    25,942    (214,263  (1,188,287  462,483  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   (146  50    —      19    —      (21,298  —      (21,375

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

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

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $—     $435   $—     $19   $—     $213,227   $—     $213,681  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

NOBLE CORPORATION (NOBLE-CAYMAN) AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Nine Months Ended September 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 $(40,060) $23,345  $7,041  $(105,014) $(19,420) $636,982  $  $502,874 
                         
                                 
Cash flows from investing activities
                                
New construction and capital expenditures     (1,124,826)           (906,990)     (2,031,816)
Notes receivable from affiliates  20,000         (1,096,927)     200,000   876,927    
Refund from contract extinguishments                 18,642      18,642 
                         
Net cash from investing activities  20,000   (1,124,826)     (1,096,927)     (688,348)  876,927   (2,013,174)
                         
                                 
Cash flows from financing activities
                                
Increase in bank credit facilities, net  675,000                     675,000 
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net           1,087,833            1,087,833 
Contributions from joint venture partners                 481,000      481,000 
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  (149,566)                    (149,566)
Advances (to) from affiliates  (355,081)  1,119,127   27,959   114,108   19,420   (925,533)      
Notes payable to affiliates  (147,500)  (17,500)  (35,000)        1,076,927   (876,927)   
                         
Net cash from financing activities  20,018   1,101,627   (7,041)  1,201,941   19,420   (90,132)  (876,927)  1,368,906 
               ��         
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  (42)  146            (141,498)     (141,394)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period  42   146            333,211      333,399 
                         
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $  $292  $  $  $  $191,713  $  $192,005 
                         

 

36

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

Cash flows from operating activities

         

Net cash from operating activities

  $(40,060 $30,944   $6,889   $(105,014 $(19,420 $614,119   $—     $487,458  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

         

New construction and capital expenditures

   —      (1,135,054  (475  —      —      (880,871  —      (2,016,400

Notes receivable from affiliates

   20,000    —      —      (1,096,927  —      200,000    876,927    —    

Refund from contract extinguishments

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

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash from investing activities

   20,000    (1,135,054  (475  (1,096,927  —      (662,229  876,927    (1,997,758
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

         

Change in bank credit facilities, net

   675,000    —      —      —      —      —      —      675,000  

Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net

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

Contributions from joint venture partners

   —      —      —      —      —      481,000    —      481,000  

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

   (149,566  —      —      —      —      —      —      (149,566

Advances (to) from affiliates

   (355,081  1,121,756    28,586    114,108    19,420    (928,789  —      —    

Notes payable to affiliates

   (147,500  (17,500  (35,000  —      —      1,076,927    (876,927  —    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash from financing activities

   20,018    1,104,256    (6,414  1,201,941    19,420    (93,388  (876,927  1,368,906  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

   (42  146    —      —      —      (141,498  —      (141,394

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

   42    146    —      —      —      333,211    —      333,399  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $—     $292   $—     $—     $—     $191,713   $—     $192,005  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 


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

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

(in thousands)
                                 
                      Other       
                      Non-guarantor       
  Noble-  NHC and NDH              Subsidiaries  Consolidating    
  Cayman  Combined  NDC  NHIL  NDS6  of Noble  Adjustments  Total 
Cash flows from operating activities
                                
Net cash from operating activities $(6,194) $(57,507) $(3,907) $(26,975) $3,258  $1,372,073  $  $1,280,748 
                         
                                 
Cash flows from investing activities
                                
New construction and capital expenditures     (381,928)           (499,482)     (881,410)
Notes receivable from affiliates           (1,239,600)     (490,000)  1,729,600    
Acquisition of FDR Holdings, Ltd., net of cash acquired  (1,629,644)                    (1,629,644)
                         
Net cash from investing activities  (1,629,644)  (381,928)     (1,239,600)     (989,482)  1,729,600   (2,511,054)
                         
                                 
Cash flows from financing activities
                                
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net           1,238,074            1,238,074 
Contributions from joint venture partners                 35,000      35,000 
Settlement of interest rate swaps                 (2,041)     (2,041)
Distributions to parent  (422,537)                          (422,537)
Advances (to) from affiliates  328,813   439,401   3,907   28,501   (3,258)  (797,364)      
Notes payable to affiliates  1,729,600                  (1,729,600)   
                         
Net cash from financing activities  1,635,876   439,401   3,907   1,266,575   (3,258)  (764,405)  (1,729,600)  848,496 
                         
Net change in cash and cash equivalents  38   (34)           (381,814)     (381,810)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period  3   268            725,954       726,225 
                         
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $41  $234  $  $  $  $344,140  $  $344,415 
                         

37


Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion is intended to assist you in understanding our financial position at September 30, 2011,2012, and our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 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), issuance of commercial paper notes, completion and acceptance of our newbuild rigs, future capital expenditures, 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 September 30, 2011, ourOur fleet consisted of 79 mobile offshore drilling units located worldwide as follows:consists of 14 semisubmersibles, 14 drillships, 49 jackups and two submersibles. Additionally, we have one floating production storage and offloading unit (“FPSO”). At September 30, 2011, we had 13unit. Our fleet includes 11 units under construction.construction as follows:

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

six 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 and Alaska, Mexico, the Mediterranean,Brazil, the North Sea, Brazil,the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Middle East, India, Australia and the Asian Pacific. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921.

38

Outlook


Outlook
During the third quarterfirst nine months of 2011,2012, we begancontinued to see some stability in the offshore drilling market after a period of volatility, which occurred followingeven as theDeepwater Horizonincident and the U.S. governmental response underlying commodity markets were subject to the incident.short-term volatility. In the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, the granting of permits and publication of new safety rules has led to more stable activity levels within the industry, itself, especially as it relates to the deepwater markets. This resumption of activityThe continued stability reflects the positive long-term outlook for commodity prices, which has led to greater investment within the Gulf of Mexico and is contributingcontributed to an improvement inimproved dayrates for deepwater and ultra-deepwater rigs worldwide. While there are still risks, including potential third partythird-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. Webodies, we believe thosethe potential for these risks maywill be reduced as long as rigs continue to work without incident in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
The offshore drilling market displayed notable indications of improvement in the third quarter even though there

There 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 recovery in the credit markets, particularly in Europe, and North America. Duringwhich some analysts predict could be the first nine months of 2011,catalyst for a worldwide recession. As a result, oil prices fluctuated as a result of supplyduring 2012 have been volatile for short-term pricing. 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 nine months of the year, but ended the period in-line with year-end 2010 pricing. We believe there continue to be at low levels based on current oversupply. We believe these competing factors which couldwill impact the volatility in the offshore drilling market and the prices of oil and gas commodities for the foreseeable future.

Even with

Despite the instability in the global economy and commodity prices noted above, we have seen an increase in demandthe market for offshore drilling services has continued the upward trend that began in the first nine months of 2011. While the risk of negative developments in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico could continue to have an impact on the deepwater market segment inWe believe both the short-term we believe thatand long-term outlook for the long-term outlookdeep and ultra-deepwater markets continues to strengthen. Market dayrates for new ultra-deepwater units remain generally above $450,000,$500,000, which is significantly lower than the peak rates achieved in 2007-2008, but higher than rates seen in 2010. Short-termrecent years. A number of fixtures for very high specification units have exceeded $500,000,$550,000, and we believe thisin certain cases even exceeded $600,000. Our market analysis indicates that there is an indicationlittle, if any, availability of where the market could be going should there continue to be a strong demandultra-deepwater units for ultra-deepwater drilling units. Although demand in the jackup segment decreased slightly during 2010, utilization2012, and 2013 availability is rapidly decreasing. Utilization rates for jackup units stabilized in 2011, and improved in most regions during the first nine months of 2011, especially2012. While we currently have three jackup rigs available, we have seen tangible market activity and anticipate a favorable environment for those units equipped with standard drilling features.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 those for units that entered service before 2000. Likewise, there has been a bifurcation of dayrates between older and newer unitsHowever, we continue to see improvement in the jackupolder jack-up market with newer units earning a premium as customers display a preference for technologically advancedincreased utilization and efficient drilling alternatives.

competitive dayrates.

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,is underway. This increased supply and the majority of which currently have no contract. The introduction of additional non-contracted rigs into the marketplace could have an adverse effect on demand for our services or the dayrates we are able to achieve.

In addition, as a result of exploration discoveries offshore Brazil, Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. (“Petrobras”), the Brazilian national oil company, announced a plan to construct up to 28 deepwater rigs in Brazil and accepted bids in 2010 to construct these units from a number of shipyards and drilling contractors. A deepwater drilling rig construction industry possessing the scope and experience to efficiently address this volume of work does not

We 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. Petrobras opened the tenders late October 2011, receiving offers for the 21 rigs from local Brazilian and Norwegian based drillers, which Petrobras is currently reviewing. Petrobras is also reviewing offers received for existing deepwater drilling units. The potential increase in supply from the Petrobras newbuilds could also adversely impact overall industry dayrates and economics.

39


As of September 30, 2011, we have 12 rigs including the deepwater semisubmersible rigNoble Max Smithunder contractcontracted in Mexico with Pemex Exploracion y Produccion (“Pemex”), and seventhree of these rigs have contracts scheduled to expire in 2011.the fourth quarter of 2012. Pemex continues to tender for additional jackup rigs as they attemptit attempts to increase 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,Given the current market conditions and availability of rigs, we believe our rigs currently operating in Mexico will be able to continue to secure long-termeither receive contract extensions with PEMEX or will find additional 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 Royal Dutch Shell (“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. During the second quarter of 2011, Petrobras formally approved the rig substitution. We expect that acceptance of theNoble Phoenix will take place in the first quarter of 2012. 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.
future.

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 returned to work in the fourth 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 270 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. For example, recently a number of labor issues within the operational and regulatory support infrastructure in Brazil caused two rigs to be delayed in returning to operations following the completion of shipyard projects. 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.

While we cannot predict

Results and Strategy

Our business strategy focuses on the future levelactive expansion of demand or dayrates forour fleet through construction and acquisitions of drilling units, coupled with upgrades and modifications of existing units. We seek to deploy 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.

40


Results and Strategy
In the third quarter of 2011, we recognized net income attributable to Noble-Swiss of $135 million, or $0.53 per diluted share, on total revenues of $738 million. Sequential results of key metrics are as follows:
         
  Three Months Ended 
  September 30,  June 30, 
  2011  2011 
Average dayrate $151,782  $140,296 
Average utilization  76%  70%
Daily contract drilling services costs $77,205  $80,985 
Contract drilling services margin  49%  43%
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 upgrade our fleet to achieve greater technological capability, which wouldwe believe will lead to increased drilling efficiencies. Our business strategy also focuses onefficiencies and the active expansionability to complete increasingly more complex well programs.

We believe modernizing our overall fleet is an important element of our worldwide offshore drilling and deepwater capabilities through upgrades and modifications, acquisitions, divestituresstrategy. We may dispose of some, or all, of our 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 to contribute positively to our overall results under current market conditions, we do continue to analyze strategic options for these lower specification units in important oil and gas producing areas. a manner that we believe will maximize shareholder value. We can provide no assurance as to whether, or when, any disposition transaction will occur or what form it may take.

At September 30, 2011,2012, we continued our newbuild strategy with the following 1311 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 in the fourth quarter of 2011 and the second quarter of 2013, respectively and complete acceptance testing in the first quarter of 2012 and the fourth quarter of 2013, respectively;
one dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environmentBully-class drillship owned through a joint venture with Shell which is scheduled to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2011 and complete acceptance testing in the first quarter of 2012;

four dynamically positioned, ultra-deepwater, harsh environment drillships under construction at Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (“HHI”), the first of which areis estimated to be delivered from the shipyard to begin acceptance testing as follows:in the second quarter of 2013, the fourth quarter of 2013, the second quarter of 2014,2013; and the second half of 2014, respectively; and

six high-specification heavy duty, harsh environment jackup rigs, the first of which areis estimated to be delivered from the shipyard to begin acceptance testing as follows:in the first quarter of 2013, third quarter of 2013, fourth quarter of 2013, first quarter of 2014, fourth quarter of 2014 and first quarter of 2015, respectively.2013.

Of our 1311 rigs under construction as of September 30, 2011, four drillships and all six jackups are being constructed at a shipyard with a strong history of successful execution. Also, four2012, two of the drillships are contractedcommitted for five years or more whileand one drillship is committed for three years. Additionally, two of the jackup rigs have received commitments for contracts. The remaining nine rigs are currently being constructed without contracts.

As part

While we cannot predict the future level of demand or dayrates for our business 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. As part of this process, we may dispose of some of our lower specification units, andbelieve we are considering potential options.

Acquisitionwell positioned within the industry and our newbuild program will further strengthen our position, especially in the ultra-deepwater and high-specification markets.

In the third quarter of FDR Holdings Limited

On July 28, 2010,2012, we recognized net income attributable to Noble-Swiss and Noble AM Merger Co., a Cayman Islands company and indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-Swiss (“Merger Sub”), completed the acquisition$115 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, on total revenues 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. Frontier’s$884 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 
   September 30,  June 30, 
   2012  2012 

Average dayrate

  $168,608   $181,663  

Average utilization

   78  76

Daily contract drilling services costs

  $90,885   $90,699  

Contract drilling services margin

   46  50

41


Contract Drilling Services Backlog

We maintain a backlog (as defined below) of commitments for contract drilling services. The following table sets forth, as of September 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) $11,219  $519  $1,865  $1,665  $1,780  $5,390 
Jackups/Submersibles (3)  1,619   296   750   386   184   3 
                   
Total (4) $12,838  $815  $2,615  $2,051  $1,964  $5,393 
                   
Percent of Available Operating Days                        
Committed (5)      81%  53%  33%  24%  5%
                    

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

Contract Drilling Services Backlog

        

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

  $12,495    $651   $2,607   $2,614   $1,878   $4,745  

Jackups/Submersibles(3)

   2,302     344    1,229    631    98    —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total(4)

  $14,797    $995   $3,836   $3,245   $1,976   $4,745  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Percent of Available Operating Days

        

Committed(5)

     83  69  45  19  5
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1)Represents a three-month period beginning October 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, 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 these 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 $266$219 million attributable to these performance bonuses.

    
The drilling contracts with Shell for theNoble Globetrotter I,Noble Globetrotter II,Noble Jim Thompson,Noble Jim Day and Noble Clyde Boudreaux, as 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, except for theNoble Clyde Boudreauxwhere limited bonus is expected.andNoble Max Smith, as well as the letters of intent for theNoble Jim Day andNoble Don Taylor, 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. Our backlog for these rigs includes approximately $480$414 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 September 30, 2011 index-based dayrate for periods subsequent to the firm dayrate period.

 

42


(3)
(4)a) Pemex has the ability to cancel its drilling contracts on 30 days or less notice without Pemex’s makingrequiring an early termination payment.payment by Pemex. As of September 30, 2011,2012, we had twelve12 rigs contracted to Pemex in Mexico, plus one additional rig scheduled to go to work for Pemex in late December 2011, and our backlog includes approximately $387$693 million related to such contracts at September 30, 2011.2012.
(4)
b)
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 haveexceeded downtime thresholds in the contractual right to do so, which is the casepast on certain rigs contracted with the drilling contracts for theNoble Dave Beardand theNoble Paul Wolff. However,Petrobras, we have not received any notification concerning contract cancellations to date.
date nor do we anticipate receiving any such notifications.

(5)Percentages take into account additional capacity from the estimated dates of deployment of our newbuild rigs that are scheduled to commence operations during 20112012 through 2015.
(6)It is not possible to accurately determine the impact to our revenues or backlog resulting from efforts by operators to cancel or modify drilling contracts due to U.S. government imposed restrictions and the rigorous scrutiny for issuance of new drilling permits, and other consequences of actions by the U.S. government. At September 30, 2011, backlog related to our U.S. Gulf of Mexico deepwater rigs totaled $5.5 billion, $206 million of which represents backlog for the three-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,own and 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 September 30, 2011,2012, the combined amount of backlog for these rigs totaled $2.4 billion, all of which is included in our backlog. Noble’s netproportionate interest in the backlog 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 becauseas 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 September 30, 2011,2012, we estimate Shell and Petrobras represented approximately 63%61% and 22%15%, respectively, of our backlog.

43

Nigerian Operations


Internal Investigation
In 2007,As previously disclosed, in November 2010 we began, and voluntarily contactedfinalized settlements with 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 incurother 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.
As of September 30, 2011, all of our 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 (“NCD 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 establishesestablished a Nigerian Content Development Fund to fund the implementation of the law. The implementationlaw, and requires that 1 percent of the law is ongoingvalue of every contract awarded in the Nigerian oil and bothgas industry be paid into 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 noncontrolling interests in our operating assets.fund. We cannot predict thewhat impact the new law may have on our existing or future operations in Nigeria, but the effect on our operations there could be significantly and adversely affected.

significant.

Results of Operations

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 20112012 and 2010

General
2011

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation (Noble-Swiss)(“Noble-Swiss”) for the three months ended September 30, 2012 (the “Current Quarter”) was $115 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $884 million, compared to net income for the three months ended September 30, 2011 (the “Current“Comparable Quarter”) wasof $135 million, or $0.53 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $738 million, compared to net income for the three months ended September 30, 2010 (the “Comparable Quarter”) of $86 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $613 million.

The consolidated financial statements of Noble-Swiss include the accounts of Noble-Cayman, andNoble-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 20112012 and 2010,2011, 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 September 30, 20112012 was $19$17 million higher than operating income for Noble-Swiss for the same period,period. The operating income difference is primarily as a result of depreciation related to Swiss-owned assets and operatingexecutive costs directly attributable to Noble-Swiss for operations support and stewardship related services.

44


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 September 30, 20112012 and 2010:

                                 
  Average Rig  Operating  Average 
  Utilization (1)  Days (2)  Dayrates 
  Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended      Three Months Ended    
  September 30,  September 30,      September 30,    
  2011  2010  2011  2010  %Change  2011  2010  %Change 
Jackups  82%  77%  3,229   3,032   6% $89,352  $90,791   -2%
Semisubmersibles  84%  90%  1,086   1,057   3%  315,034   172,727   82%
Drillships  60%  100%  329   468   -30%  225,669   229,963   -2%
FPSO/Submersibles  0%  26%     64         304,000    
                               
Total
  76%  79%  4,644   4,621   0% $151,782  $126,581   20%
                               
2011:

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

Jackups

   83  82  3,285     3,229     2 $97,857    $89,352     10

Semisubmersibles

   83  84  1,067     1,086     -2  331,900     315,034     5

Drillships

   73  60  590     329     79  267,166     225,669     18

Other

   0  0  —       —       —      —       —       —    
    

 

 

   

 

 

        

Total

   78  76  4,942     4,644     6 $168,608    $151,782     11
    

 

 

   

 

 

        

(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.

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 September 30, 20112012 and 20102011 (in thousands):

                 
  Three Months Ended    
  September 30,  Change 
  2011  2010  $  % 
Operating revenues:
                
Contract drilling services $704,892  $584,919  $119,973   21%
Reimbursables (1)  14,646   18,488   (3,842)  -21%
Other  8   635   (627)  -99%
             
  $719,546  $604,042  $115,504   19%
             
Operating costs and expenses:
                
Contract drilling services $358,547  $315,844  $42,703   14%
Reimbursables (1)  11,362   13,696   (2,334)  -17%
Depreciation and amortization  162,837   140,199   22,638   16%
Selling, general and administrative  27,212   25,220   1,992   8%
   559,958   494,959   64,999   13%
             
Operating income
 $159,588  $109,083  $50,505   46%
             

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Change 
   2012   2011   $  % 

Operating revenues:

       

Contract drilling services

  $833,212    $704,892    $128,320    18

Reimbursables (1)

   27,087     14,646     12,441    85

Other

   16     8     8    100
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $860,315    $719,546    $140,769    20
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses:

       

Contract drilling services

  $449,125    $358,547    $90,578    25

Reimbursables (1)

   20,039     11,362     8,677    76

Depreciation and amortization

   191,638     162,837     28,801    18

Selling, general and administrative

   26,228     27,212     (984  -4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
   687,030     559,958     127,072    23
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income

  $173,285    $159,588    $13,697    9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

(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.RevenuesIncreases—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 2011 percent increase in average dayrates increased revenuesrevenue by approximately $117$83 million andwhile the slight6 percent increase in operating days increased revenues by an additional $3approximately $45 million.

45


The increasechange in contract drilling services revenues primarily relates to our semisubmersiblesdrillships, jackups and jackups,semisubmersibles, which generated approximately $160$83 million, $33 million and $13$12 million more revenue, respectively, in the Current Quarter.

The increase in semisubmersibledrillship revenues was driven by a 79 percent increase in operating days and an 18 percent increase in average dayrates, resulting in a $59 million and a $24 million increase in revenues, respectively, from the Comparable Quarter. The increase in both operating days and average dayrates was the result of theNoble Bully I,Noble Bully IIandNoble Globetrotter I, which commenced their contracts with Shell in March 2012, April 2012, and July 2012, respectively.

The 10 percent increase in jackup average dayrates resulted in a $155$28 million increase in revenues, from the Comparable Quarter while the increase in operating days of three percent resulted in an additional $5 million increase in revenues. The increase in semisubmersibles revenue iswhich was coupled with a result of drilling restrictions in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico in the Comparable Quarter, 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 Homer Ferrington, which were added to the fleet subsequent to September 30, 2010.

The six2 percent increase in jackup operating days, resulted in an $18 million increase in revenues, which was partially offset by a decrease in jackup average dayrates of two percent which resultedresulting in a $5 million decreaseincrease 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 slight increase in utilization primarily related to rigs in Mexico, that commenced contracts in the second quarter of 2011 and operated for the entire Current Quarter. The reduction in average dayrates resulted primarily from the contractual re-pricing of rigs in the Middle East, the North Sea and Mexico for changesthe Middle East, which experienced increased operating days during the Current Quarter.

The 5 percent increase in market conditionssemisubmersible average dayrates resulted in an $18 million increase in revenues from the global shallow water market.

The increases in revenue for the above rig classes wereComparable Quarter, which was partially offset by lower revenuesthe 2 percent decrease in operating days, which resulted in a $6 million decrease in revenues. The increase in average dayrates is a result of theNoble Paul Romano returning to work at a higher than average dayrate after being stacked in the Comparable Quarter, as well as favorable dayrate changes on new contracts across the semisubmersible fleet. The slight decrease in operating days is primarily from our drillships theNoble Dave Beard, theNoble Max Smithand FPSO/submersibles. Revenue from our drillships decreased $33 million inthe Noble Clyde Boudreaux, which all experienced mobilization time and/or shipyard time to undergo contract preparations and/or repairs and regulatory inspections during the Current Quarter as compared toafter operating at full capacity during the Comparable Quarter. The decrease was primarily attributable to a number of rigs being in the shipyard or stacked during the Current Quarter. Revenue from our FPSO, theNoble Seillean, decreased $20 million as it did not operate in the Current Quarter.

Operating Costs and Expenses.ExpensesContract drilling services operating costs and expenses increased $43$91 million for the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter. In additionA portion of the increase is due to the crew-up and operating expenses for the recently completed rigs added to the fleet as part of the Frontier acquisition, theNoble Jim Daywas placed into service in January 2011. These additional unitsnoted above, which added approximately $15$40 million of operating costs in expense during the Current Quarter. Excluding the additional expenses related to these rigs, our contract drilling costs increased $28$51 million in the Current Quarter from the Comparable Quarter. This change was primarily driven by an $11a $20 million increase in repair and maintenance, a $12 million increase in labor, and a $10$9 million increase related to shorebase support, a $5 million increase in mobilization, transportation and fuelinsurance costs related to rigs returning, or preparing to return, to workincreased premiums on our new policy renewed in the Current Quarter, a $4 million increase in safety and training costs andMarch 2012, a $3 million increase in rotation costs.

safety, training and regulatory inspections and a $2 million increase in rig catering and other miscellaneous expenses.

The increase in depreciation and amortization in the Current Quarter from the Comparable Quarter was primarily attributable to depreciation onassets placed in service, including theNoble Jim Day,Bully Irigs added to the fleet as part of the Frontier acquisition ,Noble Bully IIand additional depreciation related to other capital expenditures on our fleet since the Comparable Quarter.

Noble Globetrotter I.

46


Other

The following table sets forth the operating revenues and the operating costs and expenses for our other services for the three months ended September 30, 20112012 and 2010:

                 
  Three Months Ended    
  September 30,  Change 
  2011  2010  $  % 
Operating revenues:
                
Labor contract drilling services $15,564  $7,887  $7,677   97%
Reimbursables (1)  2,792   689   2,103   305%
             
  $18,356  $8,576  $9,780   114%
             
Operating costs and expenses:
                
Labor contract drilling services $8,053  $5,302  $2,751   52%
Reimbursables (1)  2,609   655   1,954   298%
Depreciation and amortization  3,376   3,083   293   10%
Selling, general and administrative  324   262   62   24%
   14,362   9,302   5,060   54%
             
Operating (loss) income
 $3,994  $(726) $4,720   **
             
2011:

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
   Change 
   2012   2011   $  % 

Operating revenues:

       

Labor contract drilling services

  $22,667    $15,564    $7,103    46

Reimbursables (1)

   1,050     2,792     (1,742  -62
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $23,717    $18,356    $5,361    29
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses:

       

Labor contract drilling services

  $12,991    $8,053    $4,938    61

Reimbursables (1)

   1,008     2,609     (1,601  -61

Depreciation and amortization

   3,449     3,376     73    2

Selling, general and administrative

   630     324     306    94
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
   18,078     14,362     3,716    26
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income

  $5,639    $3,994    $1,645    41
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

(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.ExpensesThe increasechange in both revenue and expense primarily relatesrelate 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.

The increase in depreciation is for additional corporate-related assets placed in service since the Comparable Quarter.
Alaska.

Other Income and Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses increased $2 million in the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter. The increase relates to a $3 million increase in ongoing legal and tax expenses and a $2 million increase in employee-related and miscellaneous costs in the Current Quarter, partially offset by a $3 million decrease related to our FCPA investigation in the Comparable Quarter.

Interest Expense, net of amount capitalized.capitalizedInterest expense, net of amount capitalized, increased $7$14 million in the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter. The increase is a result of $1.25the $1.2 billion of debt issued in July 2010, which was used to partially fund the Frontier acquisition, $1.1 billion of debtsenior notes issued in February 2011, which was2012, coupled with lower capitalized interest due primarily used to repay the outstanding balancecompletion of construction on three of our revolving credit facility and to repay our portionnewbuild drillships. During the Current Quarter, we capitalized approximately 55 percent of outstanding debt undertotal interest charges versus approximately 74 percent during the joint venture credit facilities, and the $715 million currently drawn on our credit facilities.

Comparable Quarter.

Income Tax Provision.ProvisionOur income tax provision decreased $3increased $8 million in the Current Quarter primarily as a result of a lowerhigher effective tax rate of 12 percentduring the Current Quarter. The increase in the Current Quarter as compared to 19 percent in the Comparable Quarter, which decreased income tax expense by approximately $12 million. The decrease in the effective tax rate was a result of certainprimarily due to fewer discrete tax items totaling approximately $11 million. Partially offsetting the decrease is an increase in pre-tax earnings of approximately 43 percent, which increased income tax expense by approximately $9 million inbenefits recognized during the Current Quarter.

47


For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 20112012 and 2010
General
2011

Net income attributable to Noble Corporation (Noble-Swiss)(“Noble-Swiss”) for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 (the “Current Period”) was $395 million, or $1.55 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $2.6 billion, compared to net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 (the “Current“Comparable Period”) wasof $244 million, or $0.96 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $1.9 billion, compared to net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 (the “Comparable Period”) of $675 million, or $2.62 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $2.2 billion.

The consolidated financial statements of Noble-Swiss include the accounts of Noble-Cayman, andNoble-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 20112012 and 2010,2011, would be the same as the information presented below regarding Noble-Swiss in all material respects, except operating income for Noble-Cayman for the nine months ended September 30, 20112012 was $46$44 million higher than operating income for Noble-Swiss for the same period,period. The operating income difference is primarily as a result of depreciation related to Swiss owned assets and operatingexecutive 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 nine months ended September 30, 20112012 and 2010:

                                 
  Average Rig  Operating  Average 
  Utilization (1)  Days (2)  Dayrates 
  Nine Months Ended  Nine Months Ended      Nine Months Ended    
  September 30,  September 30,      September 30,    
  2011  2010  2011  2010  %Change  2011  2010  %Change 
Jackups  72%  80%  8,407   9,357   -10% $84,084  $101,424   -17%
Semisubmersibles  80%  92%  3,042   3,010   1%  288,246   300,971   -4%
Drillships  61%  89%  1,007   897   12%  251,421   230,306   9%
FPSO/Submersibles  0%  10%     64         303,056    
                               
Total
  69%  80%  12,456   13,328   -7% $147,476  $156,142   -6%
                               
2011:

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

Jackups

   80  72  9,447     8,407     12 $95,333    $84,084     13

Semisubmersibles

   86  80  3,286     3,042     8  345,530     288,246     20

Drillships

   64  61  1,344     1,007     33  291,448     251,421     16

Other

   0  0  —       —       —      —       —       —    
    

 

 

   

 

 

        

Total

   76  69  14,077     12,456     13 $172,466    $147,476     17
    

 

 

   

 

 

        

(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.

48


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 nine months ended September 30, 20112012 and 20102011 (in thousands):

                 
  Nine Months Ended    
  September 30,  Change 
  2011  2010  $  % 
Operating revenues:
                
Contract drilling services $1,837,047  $2,081,075  $(244,028)  -12%
Reimbursables (1)  59,232   54,780   4,452   8%
Other  766   1,449   (683)  -47%
             
  $1,897,045  $2,137,304  $(240,259)  -11%
             
Operating costs and expenses:
                
Contract drilling services $1,001,638  $845,870  $155,768   18%
Reimbursables (1)  45,408   42,191   3,217   8%
Depreciation and amortization  477,568   376,754   100,814   27%
Selling, general and administrative  72,020   70,523   1,497   2%
(Gain)/Loss on contract extinguishment  (21,202)     (21,202)  **
             
   1,575,432   1,335,338   240,094   18%
             
Operating income
 $321,613  $801,966  $(480,353)  -60%
             

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Change 
   2012  2011  $  % 

Operating revenues:

     

Contract drilling services

  $2,427,759   $1,837,047   $590,712    32

Reimbursables (1)

   91,913    59,232    32,681    55

Other

   258    766    (508  -66
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $2,519,930   $1,897,045   $622,885    33
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses:

     

Contract drilling services

  $1,292,638   $1,001,638   $291,000    29

Reimbursables (1)

   74,519    45,408    29,111    64

Depreciation and amortization

   539,698    477,568    62,130    13

Selling, general and administrative

   73,907    72,020    1,887    3

Loss on impairment

   12,710    —      12,710    ** 

Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments, net

   (33,255  (21,202  (12,053  57
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   1,960,217    1,575,432    384,785    24
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income

  $559,713   $321,613   $238,100    74
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(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 percentagepercentage.

Operating Revenues.RevenuesDecreases—Changes in contract drilling services revenues for the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period were driven by reductionsincreases in both average dayrates and operating days. The six17 percent decreaseincrease in average dayrates reducedincreased revenues by approximately $108$352 million andwhile the seven13 percent decreaseincrease in operating days decreased revenuesincreased revenue by an additional $136$239 million.

The decreasechange in contract drilling services revenues primarily relates to our semisubmersibles, jackups semisubmersibles and FPSO/submersibles,drillships, which generated approximately $242$259 million, $29$194 million and $19$138 million lessmore revenue, respectively, in the Current Period.

The decrease20 percent increase in jackupsemisubmersible average dayrates of 17 percent resulted in a $146$188 million decreaseincrease in revenues from the Comparable Period. The reductionPeriod while the increase in average 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 10 percent decline in jackup operating days of 8 percent resulted in a $96an additional $71 million declineincrease 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 the second quarter.

The decrease in semisubmersible dayrates of four percent resulted in the $38 million decrease in revenues from the Comparable Period. The decreaseincrease 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 where lower standby rates replacedin the standardComparable Period, as well as theNoble Paul Romano returning to work after being stacked for most of the Comparable Period. The increase in operating dayratesdays is primarily from theNoble Jim Day, theNoble Homer Ferrington,theNoble Paul Romanoand the Noble Amos Runner, which all operated at full capacity during the Current Period after being off contract for athe majority of our contracts during the first half of the year. These decreases were partially offset byComparable Period.

The 13 percent increase in jackup average dayrates resulted in a $9$106 million increase in revenues, which was coupled with a 12 percent increase in jackup operating days, resulting in an $88 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, West Africa and the Middle East, which experienced increased operating days during the Current PeriodPeriod.

The increase in drillship revenues was driven by 32 additional operating days.

Revenue from our FPSO, theNoble Seillean, decreased $19 million as it did not operate in the Current Period.

49


The decreases in revenue for the above rig classes were partially offset by ana 33 percent increase in revenue of $47 million from our drillships. The increase was primarily attributable tooperating days and a nine16 percent increase in average dayrates, resulting in an $84 million and 12 percenta $54 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,Noble Bully IIandNoble Globetrotter I, which contributed additional revenuecommenced their contracts with Shell in March 2012, April 2012 and July 2012, respectively. These increases were partially offset by theNoble Phoenix, which completed its shipyard project during the Current Period of $21 millionin preparation for its substitution for theNoble Muravlenko in Brazil and $25 million, respectively. The increase is primarily attributable to operations fromtheNoble Leo Segerius, which was undergoing its reliability upgrade project during the drillships added to the fleet as partCurrent Period but operated during a portion of the Frontier acquisition.
Comparable Period.

Operating Costs and Expenses.ExpensesContract drilling services operating costs and expenses increased $156$291 million for the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period. In additionA portion of the increase is due to the crew-up and operating expenses for the recently completed rigs added to the fleet as part of the Frontier acquisition, theNoble Dave Beardand theNoble Jim Daywere placed into service in March 2010 and January 2011, respectively. These additionsnoted above, which have added approximately $108$90 million of operating costs in expense during the Current Period. Excluding the additional expenses related to these rigs, our contract drilling costs increased $48$201 million in the Current Period from the Comparable Period. This change was primarily driven by a $13 million increase in maintenance and rig-related expense, $12 million increase in mobilization costs, $8 million increase in fuel and transportation costs and $3$59 million increase in labor costs relateddue to our rigs returning, or preparing to return, to work and salary increases effective in Brazilthe second and third quarters of the prior year, a $37 million increase in shorebase support, a $30 million increase in maintenance and rig-related expense, a $23 million increase in mobilization due to the amortization of certain rig moves and the demobilization of rigs primarily in Mexico, $6a $14 million increase in rig catering, communications and other miscellaneous expenses, a $14 million increase in insurance costs related to increased premiums on our policy renewed in March 2012, an $11 million increase in safety, training and regulatory inspections, a $5 million increase in rig communications and rental equipment, a $4 million increase in rotation costs and $6a $4 million increase in safetyfuel and trainingtransportation costs.

The increase in depreciation and amortization in the Current Period from the Comparable Period was primarily attributable to depreciationassets placed in service during the Current Period, including theNoble Bully I, Noble Bully IIand the Noble Globetrotter I.

Loss on newbuilds addedimpairment during the Current Period related to thean impairment charge on our submersible fleet, the additionprimarily as a result of the Frontier rigs and additional depreciationdeclining market outlook for drilling services for this rig type.

Gain on contract settlements/extinguishments during the Current Period related to other capital expendituresa $28 million gain on our fleet since the Comparable Period.

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 nine months ended September 30, 20112012 and 2010:

                 
  Nine Months Ended    
  September 30,  Change 
  2011  2010  $  % 
Operating revenues:
                
Labor contract drilling services $43,123  $23,704  $19,419   82%
Reimbursables (1)  4,619   2,383   2,236   94%
             
  $47,742  $26,087  $21,655   83%
             
Operating costs and expenses:
                
Labor contract drilling services $25,326  $16,570  $8,756   53%
Reimbursables (1)  4,389   2,268   2,121   94%
Depreciation and amortization  9,886   8,612   1,274   15%
Selling, general and administrative  863   738   125   17%
             
   40,464   28,188   12,276   44%
             
Operating (loss) income
 $7,278  $(2,101) $9,379   **
             
2011:

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   Change 
   2012   2011   $  % 

Operating revenues:

       

Labor contract drilling services

  $58,538    $43,123    $15,415    36

Reimbursables (1)

   2,177     4,619     (2,442  -53
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
  $60,715    $47,742    $12,973    27
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating costs and expenses:

       

Labor contract drilling services

  $34,070    $25,326    $8,744    35

Reimbursables (1)

   2,099     4,389     (2,290  -52

Depreciation and amortization

   10,081     9,886     195    2

Selling, general and administrative

   1,481     863     618    72

Loss on impairment

   5,635     —       5,635    **  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
   53,366     40,464     12,902    32
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating income

  $7,349    $7,278    $71    1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

(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 percentagepercentage.

Operating Revenues and Costs and Expenses.ExpensesThe increasechange in both revenue and expense primarily relatesrelate to the initial start-up costs and 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 increasesAlaska.

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 foreign currency fluctuations in our existing Canadian operations.

The increase in depreciation is for additional corporate-related assets placed in service since the Comparable Period.

potential disposal of, the assets.

50


Other Income and Expenses
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses increased $2 million in the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period. The increase relates to a $5 million increase in ongoing legal and tax expenses and a $3 million increase in employee-related and miscellaneous costs in the Current Period, partially offset by a $6 million decrease related to our FCPA investigation in the Comparable Period.

Interest Expense, net of amount capitalized.capitalizedInterest expense, net of amount capitalized, increased $40$11 million in the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period. The increase is aprimarily the result of $1.25the issuance of $1.2 billion of debt issued in July 2010, which was used to partially fund the Frontier acquisition, $1.1 billion of debt issuedsenior notes 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, and Current Period drawdowns on the credit facilities.

2012.

Income Tax Provision.ProvisionOur income tax provision decreased $84increased $51 million in the Current Period primarily fromas a decline inresult of a higher pre-tax earnings of approximately 64 percent, which reduced income and effective tax expense by approximately $81 million inrate during the Current Period. The remaining $3increase in pre-tax earnings generated a $34 million decrease is a result of a lower effectiveincrease in tax expense while the increase in the income tax rate of 15 percentduring the Current Period increased the income tax provision by $17 million. The increase in the income tax rate was primarily due to the net gain from U.S. settlement and impairment charges, coupled with various discrete tax items recognized in the Current Period as compared to 16 percent in the Comparable Period. The decrease in the effective tax rate was a result of certain discrete tax items totaling approximately $17 million, partially offset by a change in our geographic revenue mix primarily resulting from drilling restrictions in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.

other taxing jurisdictions.

51


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Net cash from operating activities for the Current Period was $474increased to $932 million which compared to $1.3 billionfrom $459 million in the Comparable Period. The decreaseincrease in net cash from operating activities in the Current Period was primarily attributable to a significant declineincrease 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 September 30, 2011 we had $485 million available under our credit facilities.income. We had working capital of $352$462 million and $110$232 million at September 30, 20112012 and December 31, 2010,2011, respectively. Primarily asAs a result of our $1.1$1.2 billion debt offering in February 2011 and an increase2012 partially offset by a reduction in net borrowings outstanding on our credit facilities during the Current Period of $675 million,Credit Facilities, total debt as a percentage of total debt plus equity increased to 3236 percent at September 30, 20112012 from 2834 percent at December 31, 2010. Additionally, at September 30, 2011, we had a total contract drilling services backlog of approximately $12.8 billion. Our backlog as of September 30, 2011 reflects a commitment of 81 percent of operating days for the remainder of 2011 and 53 percent for 2012. See additional information regarding our backlog at “Contract Drilling Services Backlog.”

2011.

Our principal source of capital resource in the Current Period was cash generated from our $1.1$1.2 billion senior notes offering net borrowings under our bank credit facilities of $675 million and net cash from operating activities of $474$932 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;
committed capital expenditures, including expenditures for newbuild projects currently underway;
discretionary capital expenditures, including various capital upgrades; and
payments of return of capital in the form of a reduction of par value of our shares (in lieu of dividends).

normal recurring operating expenses;

discretionary capital expenditures, including various capital upgrades;

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 bank credit facilities. However, givenCredit Facilities and commercial paper program.

At September 30, 2012, we had a total contract drilling services backlog of approximately $14.8 billion. Our backlog as of September 30, 2012 reflects a commitment of 83 percent of available operating days for the level of expenditures we expect to incur through the endremainder of 2012 a significant portion of which relates toand 69 percent for 2013. See additional information regarding our newbuild program, we may require capital in excess of the amount provided through these sources. Subject to market and other conditions, we may raise such additional capital in a number of ways, including accessing capital markets, obtaining additional lines of credit or disposing of assets. We also retain the flexibility to delay or cancel certain discretionary capital expenditures as necessary.

backlog at “Contract Drilling Services Backlog.”

Capital Expenditures

Our primary use of available liquidity requirement during 20112012 is for capital expenditures. Capital expenditures, including capitalized interest, totaled $2.0$1.2 billion and $886 million$2.0 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, and 2010, respectively. Capital expenditures for 2010 do not include the fair value of assets acquired as part of the Frontier acquisition.

52


At September 30, 2011,2012, we had 1311 rigs under construction, and capital expenditures, excluding capitalized interest, for new construction during the first nine months of 20112012 totaled $1.3 billion,$441 million, as follows (in millions):
     
Rig type/name    
Wholly-owned drillships
    
Globetrotter class    
Noble Globetrotter I
 $176.2 
Noble Globetrotter II
  78.3 
     
Gusto P10,000    
HHI Drillship I
  161.1 
HHI Drillship II
  161.5 
HHI Drillship III
  161.6 
HHI Drillship IV
  50.0 
     
Joint venture owned drillships
    
GustoMSC Bully PRD 12,000    
Noble Bully I
  149.4 
Noble Bully II
  114.1 
     
Wholly-owned jackups
    
F&G JU-3000N    
Noble Jackup I
  43.5 
Noble Jackup II
  2.4 
Noble Jackup III
  45.1 
Noble Jackup IV
  44.4 
Noble Jackup V
  44.4 
Noble Jackup VI
  44.4 
     
Other recently completed newbuilds  4.2 
    
Total Newbuild Capital Expenditures
 $1,280.6 
    

Rig type/name

    

Currently under construction

  

Drillships

  

Noble Globetrotter II

  $187.3  

Noble Don Taylor (formerly HHI Drillship I)

   63.0  

Noble Bob Douglas (formerly HHI Drillship II)

   57.0  

Noble Sam Croft (formerly HHI Drillship III)

   2.4  

HHI Drillship IV

   2.4  

Jackups

  

Noble Sam Turner (formerly Noble Jackup IV)

   47.2  

Noble Regina Allen (formerly Noble Jackup I)

   6.0  

Noble Mick O’Brien (formerly Noble Jackup II)

   4.0  

Noble Houston Colbert (formerly Noble Jackup III)

   3.0  

Noble Tom Prosser (formerly Noble Jackup V)

   1.7  

Noble Jackup VI

   1.6  

Recently completed construction projects

  

Noble Globetrotter I

   41.5  

Noble Bully II

   18.7  

Noble Bully I

   4.7  
  

 

 

 

Total Newbuild Capital Expenditures

  $440.5  
  

 

 

 

In addition to the newbuild expenditures noted above, capital expenditures during 2011for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 consisted of:

of the following:

$463548 million for major projects, including $130$50 million in subsea related expenditures and $29 million to upgrade two drillships currently operating in Brazil;

$156150 million for other capitalized expenditures, including major maintenanceupgrades and regulatory expenditures whichreplacements to drilling equipment that generally have a useful liveslife ranging from 3 to 5 years; and

$88108 million in capitalized interest.

Our total capital expenditure estimate for 20112012 is approximately $2.7 billion. $1.8 billion, including capitalized interest, which may fluctuate as a result of the timing of completion of ongoing projects.

In connection with our 2011 and future capital expenditure programs,program, as of September 30, 2011,2012, we had outstanding commitments, including shipyard and purchase commitments, for approximately $3.4$3.0 billion, of which $1.1we expect to spend approximately $1.8 billion is anticipated to be spent within the next twelve months. Our remaining 2011 capital expenditure budget and our 2012 capital expenditures 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 planexpected 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.

53


Share Repurchases and Dividends
At September 30, 2011, 6.8

Our most recent quarterly payment to shareholders, totaling approximately $33 million registered shares remained available under(or $0.13 per share) was declared on July 27, 2012 and paid on August 16, 2012 to holders of record on August 6, 2012. This payment represented the existing Board authorization forfirst tranche of our share repurchase program. No shares have been repurchased under this authorization during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, we acquired approximately 0.3 million shares surrendered by employees for taxes payable upon the vesting of restricted stock and exercises of options for $10 million. Future repurchases by Noble-Swiss will be subjectpreviously approved payment 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.

shareholders discussed below.

In April 2011,2012, our shareholders approved the payment of a return of capital through a reduction of the par value of our shares in a total amount equal to 0.52 CHFdividend aggregating $0.52 per share to be paid in four equal installments scheduled forthe first of which was paid in August 2011,2012, with the remaining three installments to be paid in November 2011,2012, February 20122013 and May 2012. The payments will be made in U.S. Dollars based on the CHF/USD exchange rate available approximately two business days prior to the payment date. Although the amount of the return of capital, expressed in Swiss francs, is fixed, the amount of the payment in U.S. Dollars will fluctuate based on the exchange rate. The exchange rate as published by the Swiss National Bank on October 28, 2011 was 0.8625 CHF/1.0 USD.2013, respectively. These returns of capitaldividends will require us to make total cash payments of approximately $38$33 million duringin the remainderfourth quarter of 2011 (based2012, based on the exchange ratenumber of shares currently outstanding. As of September 30, 2012, we had $100 million of dividends payable outstanding on October 28, 2011).

Our most recent quarterly payment to shareholders in the formthis obligation. Any additional issuances of a capital reduction, which was paid on August 18, 2011 to holders of record on August 8, 2011, was 0.13 CHF per share, or an aggregate of approximately $42 million. shares would further increase our obligation.

The declaration and payment of dividends in the future by Noble-Swiss andor the making of distributions of capital, including returns of capital in the form of par value or additional paid-in capital 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

During June 2012, we replaced our $575 million credit facilitiesfacility scheduled to mature in place which provide us2013, with a total borrowing capacity ofnew $1.2 billion. One credit facility, which has a capacity of $600 million, matures in 2013, and during the first quarter of 2011, we entered into an additional $600 million revolvingbillion credit facility, which matures in 2017. The new facility, combined with our existing $600 million credit facility that matures in 2015, 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 September 30, 2012, our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization was less than 0.36. We were in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Facilities as of September 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 theThe issuance of letters of credit does not increase our borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facilities, but it does reduce the amount available. At September 30, 2011,2012, we had borrowings of $715 million outstanding and no letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facilities. We believe that

During September 2012, we maintain good relationships with our lendersestablished a commercial paper program, which will allow us to issue up to $1.8 billion in unsecured commercial paper notes. Amounts issued under the commercial paper program are supported by the unused committed capacity under our Credit Facilities and, as such, are classified as long-term on our balance sheet. Subsequent to September 30, 2012, we believe thatbegan issuing notes under the program and had outstanding notes totaling $328 million as of October 31, 2012.

In February 2012, we issued, through our lenders haveindirect 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 liquidity and capability to perform should the need arise for us to drawthen outstanding balance on theour 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 continue to report the balance as long-term at September 30, 2012.

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 September 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 September 30, 2011,2012, we had letters of credit of $74$36 million and performance and tax assessment bonds totaling $295$318 million supported by surety bonds outstanding. Additionally, certain of our subsidiaries issue, from time to time, guarantees of the temporary import status of rigs or equipment imported into certain countries in which we operate. These guarantees are issued in lieu of payment of custom, value added or similar taxes in those countries.

54


Our long-term debt including current maturities, was $3.8$4.6 billion at September 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 $675 million of additional net borrowings on our Credit Facilities, partially offset by the net repayment of $693$630 million in joint venture credit facilities.on the Credit Facilities during the current year. 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.
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.

55


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 isdid not expected to 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,In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, which defers only those changes in ASU 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments. Our adoption of this guidance isdid not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

56

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk


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 September 30, 2011,2012, we had $715$345 million outstanding under the Credit Facilities. Assuming our current level of debt, a change in LIBOR rates of one1 percent would increase our interest charges by approximately $7$3 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 $3.4$5.1 billion and $2.9$4.3 billion at September 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 $675 million of additional net borrowings on the Credit Facilities,2012, partially offset by the net repayment of $693$630 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 September 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 43 percent of these forecasted local currency requirements. The notional amount of the forward contracts outstanding, expressed in U.S. dollars, was approximately $71 million at September 30, 2011. Total unrealized losses related to these forward contracts were $6 million as of September 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 $7 million.

We entered into a firm commitment for the construction of theNoble Globetrotter Idrillship. The drillship was constructed in two phases, with the second phase being installation and commissioning of the topside equipment. The contract for this second phase of construction was 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 September 30, 2011, all amounts related to the forward contracts have settled. We accounted for the forward contracts as fair value hedges, and their fair market value was included in “Other current assets/liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. No gain or loss was recognized in the income statement for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 or 2010.

future.

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Market Risk

We sponsor the Noble Drilling Corporation 401(k) Savings Restoration Plan (“Restoration Plan”). The Restoration Plan is a nonqualified, unfunded employee benefit plan under which certain highly compensated employees may elect to defer compensation in excess of amounts deferrable under our 401(k) savings plan. The Restoration Plan has no assets, and amounts withheld for the Restoration Plan are kept by us for general corporate purposes. The investments selected by employees and the associated returns are tracked on a phantom basis. Accordingly, we have a liability to employees for amounts originally withheld plus phantom investment income or less phantom investment losses. We are at risk for phantom investment income and, conversely, benefit should phantom investment losses occur. At September 30, 2011, our liability under the Restoration Plan totaled $5 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 $4 million at September 30, 2011. A 10 percent change in the fair value of the phantom investments would change our liability by approximately $0.4 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 salary U.S. plans.
plan.

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 Dennis J. Lubojacky, PrincipalJames A. MacLennan, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer 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. LubojackyMacLennan have concluded that Noble-Swiss’ disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 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 September 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.

58


There was no change in either Noble-Swiss’ or Noble-Cayman’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 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 updatesItem 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and supplements the risks described under “Risk Factors Relating to Our Business” in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,”Use 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.Proceeds
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 requirements 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.

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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.
As a result of our significant cash flow needs, we may be required to incur additional indebtedness, or delay or cancel discretionary capital expenditures.
Our currently anticipated cash flow needs include the following:
normal recurring operating expenses;
committed capital expenditures, including expenditures for newbuild projects currently underway;
discretionary capital expenditures, including various capital upgrades; and
payments of return of capital in the form of a reduction of par value of our shares (in lieu of dividends).
In order to fund our capital expenditures, we may need funding beyond the amount available to us from cash generated by our operations, cash on hand and borrowings under our existing bank credit facilities. We may raise such additional capital in a number of ways, including accessing capital markets, obtaining additional lines of credit or disposing of assets. However, we can provide no assurance that any of these options will be available to us on terms acceptable to us or at all.
Our ability to obtain financing or to access the capital markets may be limited by our financial condition at the time of any such financing and the covenants in our existing debt agreements, as well as by adverse market conditions resulting from, among other things, general economic conditions and uncertainties that are beyond our control. Even if we are successful in obtaining additional capital through debt financings, incurring additional indebtedness may significantly increase our interest expense and may reduce our flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions or to fund working capital needs, because we will require additional funds to service our outstanding indebtedness.
If we fail to obtain the capital necessary to fund our capital expenditures, we may delay or cancel discretionary capital expenditures, which could have certain adverse consequences including delaying upgrades or equipment purchases that could make the affected rigs less competitive and negatively affect our ability to contract such rigs.
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) 
July 2011  17,429  $36.89(2)     6,769,891 
August 2011  728  $31.23(2)     6,769,891 
September 2011    $0      6,769,891 

Period

  Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
   Average
Price Paid

per Share
  Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
   Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs
 

July 2012

   16,997    $37.46(1)   —       6,769,891  

August 2012

   835    $38.25(1)   —       6,769,891  

September 2012

   —       n/a    —       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)Amounts represent shares surrendered by employees for withholding taxes payable upon the vesting of restricted stock or exercise of stock options.

Item 6.
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.

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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

David W. Williams

November 2, 2011
Date

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

  

November 6, 2012

Date

/s/ James A. MacLennan

James A. MacLennan

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

  
/s/ Dennis. J. Lubojacky
Dennis J. Lubojacky
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company
  

/s/ David W. Williams

David W. Williams

November 2, 2011
Date

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

  

November 6, 2012

Date

/s/ Dennis J. Lubojacky

Dennis J. Lubojacky

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

  
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

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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.Noble-Swiss (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Noble-Swiss’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 6, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).
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).
10.1  
4.1Revolving CreditForm of Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement dated as of February 11, 2011 amongSeptember 19, 2012 between Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company; the Lenders from time to time parties thereto; Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lendercompany, Noble Holding International Limited, a Cayman Islands company, Noble Drilling Corporation, a Delaware corporation, 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 Bookrunnerscertain investment banks (filed as Exhibit 4.110.1 to Noble-Cayman’sNoble-Swiss’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 17, 2011September 19, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.2  
4.2First Amendment to Revolving CreditForm of Issuing and Paying Agent Agreement dated as of March 11, 2011 amongSeptember 19, 2012 between Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company;company and the Lenders from time to time parties thereto; Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as AdministrativeIssuing and Paying 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 4.210.2 to Noble-Cayman’s QuarterlyNoble-Swiss’ Current Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 20118-K filed on September 19, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.3Indenture, dated as of November 21, 2008, between Noble Holding International Limited, as Issuer, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Noble-Cayman’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 21, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.4Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 3, 2011, among Noble Holding International Limited, as Issuer, Noble Corporation, as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to 3.05% Senior Notes due 2016 of Noble Holding International Limited, 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 of Noble Holding International Limited, and 6.05% Senior Notes due 2041 of Noble Holding International Limited (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Noble-Cayman’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 26, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
31.1  Certification of David W. Williams pursuant to the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), for Noble-Swiss and for Noble-Cayman.
31.2  Certification of James A. MacLennan pursuant to the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Rule 13a- 14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a), for Noble-Swiss.
31.2
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-Swiss and 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+  Certification of James 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.
32.2
+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-Swiss and 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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