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

FORM 10-Q

xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended: March 31,June 30, 2017
OR
¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from            to
Commission file number: 001-36211

Noble Corporation plc
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

England and Wales (Registered Number 08354954) 98-0619597
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. employer
identification number)
Devonshire House, 1 Mayfair Place, London, England, W1J8AJ
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: +44 20 3300 2300
Commission file number: 001-31306

Noble Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Cayman Islands 98-0366361
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. employer
identification number)
Suite 3D Landmark Square, 64 Earth Close, P.O. Box 31327 George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, KY1-1206
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (345) 938-0293

Indicate by check mark whether each registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  þ    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether each registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  þ    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether each registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Noble Corporation plc:
Large accelerated filer þ
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨
Smaller reporting company ¨
Emerging growth company ¨
Noble Corporation:
Large accelerated filer ¨
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer þ
Smaller reporting company ¨
Emerging growth company ¨
Indicate by check mark whether each registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  þ
Number of shares outstanding and trading at AprilJuly 25, 2017: Noble Corporation plc —244,685,144— 244,903,025
Number of shares outstanding: Noble Corporation — 261,245,693
Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Noble Corporation plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, meets the conditions set forth in General Instructions H(1) (a) and (b) to Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format contemplated by paragraphs (b) and (c) of General Instruction H(2) of Form 10-Q.


TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
    Page
PART I   
Item 1   
  Noble Corporation plc (Noble-UK) Financial Statements:  
   
   
   
   
   
     
  Noble Corporation (Noble-Cayman) Financial Statements:  
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
     
Item 2  
Item 3  
Item 4  
PART II   
Item 1  
Item 1A  
Item 2  
Item 6  
   
   
This combined Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is separately filed by Noble Corporation plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“Noble-UK”), and Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (“Noble-Cayman”). Information in this filing relating to Noble-Cayman is filed by Noble-UK and separately by Noble-Cayman on its own behalf. Noble-Cayman makes no representation as to information relating to Noble-UK (except as it may relate to Noble-Cayman) or any other affiliate or subsidiary of Noble-UK. Since Noble-Cayman meets the conditions specified in General Instructions H(1)(a) and (b) to Form 10-Q, it is permitted to use the reduced disclosure format for wholly-owned subsidiaries of reporting companies as stated in General Instructions H(2). Accordingly, Noble-Cayman has omitted from this report the information called for by Item 3 (Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk) of Part I of Form 10-Q and the following items of Part II of Form 10-Q: Item 2 (Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds) and Item 3 (Defaults upon Senior Securities).
This report should be read in its entirety as it pertains to each Registrant. Except where indicated, the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes are combined. References in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “Noble,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and words of similar meaning refer collectively to Noble-UK and its condensed consolidated subsidiaries, including Noble-Cayman.



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 March 31,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 June 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
ASSETS    ASSETS
Current assets        
Cash and cash equivalents $519,771
 $725,722
 $602,977
 $725,722
Accounts receivable, net 285,522
 319,152
 242,657
 319,152
Taxes receivable 96,233
 55,480
 18,169
 55,480
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 62,958
 92,260
 74,290
 92,260
Total current assets 964,484
 1,192,614
 938,093
 1,192,614
Property and equipment, at cost 12,381,850
 12,364,888
 12,410,857
 12,364,888
Accumulated depreciation (2,437,452) (2,302,940) (2,572,562) (2,302,940)
Property and equipment, net 9,944,398
 10,061,948
 9,838,295
 10,061,948
Other assets 97,084
 185,555
 248,709
 185,555
Total assets $11,005,966
 $11,440,117
 $11,025,097
 $11,440,117
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities        
Current maturities of long-term debt $249,299
 $299,882
 $249,475
 $299,882
Accounts payable 83,782
 108,224
 86,643
 108,224
Accrued payroll and related costs 34,958
 48,383
 38,326
 48,383
Taxes payable 49,036
 46,561
 89,738
 46,561
Interest payable 63,252
 61,299
 99,662
 61,299
Other current liabilities 69,586
 68,944
 84,610
 68,944
Total current liabilities 549,913
 633,293
 648,454
 633,293
Long-term debt 3,792,520
 4,040,229
 3,793,894
 4,040,229
Deferred income taxes 179,742
 2,084
 212,526
 2,084
Other liabilities 301,966
 297,066
 297,806
 297,066
Total liabilities 4,824,141
 4,972,672
 4,952,680
 4,972,672
Commitments and contingencies 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 14) 

 

Shareholders' equity        
Shares; 244,685 and 243,239 shares outstanding 2,447
 2,432
Common stock, $0.01 par value, ordinary shares; 244,903 and 243,239 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively 2,449
 2,432
Additional paid-in capital 657,149
 654,168
 665,014
 654,168
Retained earnings 4,852,610
 5,154,221
 4,759,260
 5,154,221
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (51,672) (52,140) (50,354) (52,140)
Total shareholders' equity 5,460,534
 5,758,681
 5,376,369
 5,758,681
Noncontrolling interests 721,291
 708,764
 696,048
 708,764
Total equity 6,181,825
 6,467,445
 6,072,417
 6,467,445
Total liabilities and equity $11,005,966
 $11,440,117
 $11,025,097
 $11,440,117
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.



NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Operating revenues            
Contract drilling services $354,659
 $591,367
 $271,532
 $876,697
 $626,191
 $1,468,064
Reimbursables 8,304
 20,606
 6,599
 17,933
 14,903
 38,539
Other 13
 
 11
 153
 24
 153
 362,976
 611,973
 278,142
 894,783
 641,118
 1,506,756
Operating costs and expenses            
Contract drilling services 160,385
 251,248
 162,371
 244,176
 322,756
 495,424
Reimbursables 5,146
 16,006
 4,394
 14,298
 9,540
 30,304
Depreciation and amortization 135,718
 149,719
 136,594
 150,946
 272,312
 300,665
General and administrative 15,880
 19,540
 18,658
 19,033
 34,538
 38,573
Loss on impairment 
 16,616
 
 16,616
 317,129
 436,513
 322,017
 445,069
 639,146
 881,582
Operating income 45,847
 175,460
Operating income (loss) (43,875) 449,714
 1,972
 625,174
Other income (expense)            
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized (73,447) (57,100) (73,209) (57,306) (146,656) (114,406)
Interest income (expense) and other, net 1,233
 (730)
Income (loss) before income taxes (26,367) 117,630
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net 
 11,066
 
 11,066
Interest income and other, net 2,664
 (1,253) 3,897
 (1,983)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes (114,420) 402,221
 (140,787) 519,851
Income tax benefit (provision) (257,407) 6,503
 18,213
 (56,822) (239,194) (50,319)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations (96,207) 345,399
 (379,981) 469,532
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (1,486) 
 (1,486) 
Net income (loss) (283,774) 124,133
 (97,693) 345,399
 (381,467) 469,532
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (17,920) (18,648)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 4,343
 (22,533) (13,577) (41,181)
Net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc $(301,694) $105,485
 $(93,350) $322,866
 $(395,044) $428,351
Per share data:    
Net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc

        
Income (loss) from continuing operations $(91,864) $322,866
 $(393,558) $428,351
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (1,486) 
 (1,486) 
Net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc $(93,350) $322,866
 $(395,044) $428,351
Per share data        
Basic: $(1.24) $0.42
        
Income (loss) from continuing operations $(0.37) $1.28
 $(1.61) $1.70
Loss from discontinued operations (0.01) 
 (0.01) 
Net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc $(0.38) $1.28
 $(1.62) $1.70
Diluted: $(1.24) $0.42
        
Income (loss) from continuing operations $(0.37) $1.28
 $(1.61) $1.70
Loss from discontinued operations (0.01) 
 (0.01) 
Net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc $(0.38) $1.28
 $(1.62) $1.70
See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.



NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
  Three Months Ended March 31,
  2017 2016
Net income (loss) $(283,774) $124,133
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax    
Foreign currency translation adjustments 186
 768
Foreign currency forward contracts (110) 986
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $167 and $409 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively) 392
 783
Other comprehensive income, net 468
 2,537
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests (17,920) (18,648)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc $(301,226) $108,022
See accompanying notes to the unauditedcondensed consolidated financial statements.


NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
Net income (loss) $(97,693) $345,399
 $(381,467) $469,532
Other comprehensive income (loss)      
  
Foreign currency translation adjustments 94
 38
 280
 806
Foreign currency forward contracts 849
 (2,054) 739
 (1,068)
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $161 and $410 for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $328 and $819 for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively) 375
 784
 767
 1,567
Other comprehensive income (loss), net 1,318
 (1,232) 1,786
 1,305
Net comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 4,343
 (22,533) (13,577) (41,181)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation plc $(92,032) $321,634
 $(393,258) $429,656

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 Three Months Ended March 31, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities        
Net income (loss) $(283,774) $124,133
 $(381,467) $469,532
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow from operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization 135,718
 149,719
 272,312
 300,665
Loss on impairment 
 16,616
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net 
 (11,066)
Deferred income taxes 268,076
 (22,513) 303,084
 (100,408)
Amortization of share-based compensation 7,297
 10,958
 15,187
 19,565
Other long-term asset write-off 14,419
 
Net change in other assets and liabilities 14,556
 (89,859) 30,750
 164,319
Net cash provided by operating activities 141,873
 172,438
 254,285
 859,223
Cash flows from investing activities        
Capital expenditures (18,716) (51,357) (48,957) (120,531)
Change in accrued capital expenditures (19,666) (37,967) (18,651) (38,378)
Proceeds from disposal of assets 273
 3,031
 314
 21,190
Net cash used in investing activities (38,109) (86,293) (67,294) (137,719)
Cash flows from financing activities        
Repayments of debt (300,000) (322,207)
Debt issuance costs on senior notes and credit facility (42) 
 (42) 
Repayment of long-term debt (300,000) (300,000)
Premiums paid on early repayment of long-term debt 
 (1,781)
Dividend payments 
 (37,546) 
 (42,542)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests (5,393) (21,513) (5,393) (41,088)
Taxes withheld on employee stock transactions (4,280) (3,133)
Employee stock transactions (4,301) (3,153)
Net cash used in financing activities (309,715) (362,192) (309,736) (410,771)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (205,951) (276,047)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (122,745) 310,733
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 725,722
 512,245
 725,722
 512,245
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $519,771
 $236,198
 $602,977
 $822,978
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.



NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 Shares 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Total
Equity
 Shares Additional Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity
 Balance Par Value  Balance Par Value 
Balance at December 31, 2015 241,977
 $2,420
 $628,483
 $6,131,501
 $(63,175) $723,001
 $7,422,230
 241,977
 $2,420
 $628,483
 $6,131,501
 $(63,175) $723,001
 $7,422,230
Employee related equity activity                            
Amortization of share-based compensation 
 
 10,958
 
 
 
 10,958
 
 
 19,565
 
 
 
 19,565
Issuance of share-based compensation shares 1,235
 12
 (3,562) 
 
 
 (3,550) 1,241
 12
 (3,585) 
 
 
 (3,573)
Tax benefit of equity transactions 
 
 (5,508) 
 
 
 (5,508) 
 
 (5,499) 
 
 
 (5,499)
Net income 
 
 
 105,485
 
 18,648
 124,133
 
 
 
 428,351
 
 41,181
 469,532
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 (21,513) (21,513) 
 
 
 
 
 (41,088) (41,088)
Dividends 
 
 
 (37,874) 
 
 (37,874) 
 
 
 (42,691) 
 
 (42,691)
Other comprehensive income, net 
 
 
 
 2,537
 
 2,537
 
 
 
 
 1,305
 
 1,305
Balance at March 31, 2016 243,212
 $2,432
 $630,371
 $6,199,112
 $(60,638) $720,136
 $7,491,413
Balance at June 30, 2016 243,218
 $2,432
 $638,964
 $6,517,161
 $(61,870) $723,094
 $7,819,781
Balance at December 31, 2016 243,239
 $2,432
 $654,168
 $5,154,221
 $(52,140) $708,764
 $6,467,445
 243,239
 $2,432
 $654,168
 $5,154,221
 $(52,140) $708,764
 $6,467,445
Employee related equity activity                            
Amortization of share-based compensation 
 
 7,297
 
 
 
 7,297
 
 
 15,187
 
 
 
 15,187
Issuance of share-based compensation shares 1,446
 15
 (21) 
 
 
 (6) 1,664
 17
 (23) 
 
 
 (6)
Shares withheld for taxes on equity transactions 
 
 (4,295) 
 
 
 (4,295) 
 
 (4,318) 
 
 
 (4,318)
Net income (loss) 
 
 
 (301,694) 
 17,920
 (283,774) 
 
 
 (395,044) 
 13,577
 (381,467)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 (5,393) (5,393) 
 
 
 
 
 (26,293) (26,293)
Dividends 
 
 
 83
 
 
 83
 
 
 
 83
 
 
 83
Other comprehensive income, net 
 
 
 
 468
 
 468
 
 
 
 
 1,786
 
 1,786
Balance at March 31, 2017 244,685
 $2,447
 $657,149
 $4,852,610
 $(51,672) $721,291
 $6,181,825
Balance at June 30, 2017 244,903
 $2,449
 $665,014
 $4,759,260
 $(50,354) $696,048
 $6,072,417
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.



NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 March 31,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 June 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
ASSETS    ASSETS
Current assets        
Cash and cash equivalents $518,968
 $653,833
 $602,178
 $653,833
Accounts receivable, net 285,522
 319,152
 242,657
 319,152
Taxes receivable 96,233
 55,480
 18,169
 55,480
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 59,715
 88,749
 74,200
 88,749
Total current assets 960,438
 1,117,214
 937,204
 1,117,214
Property and equipment, at cost 12,381,850
 12,364,888
 12,410,857
 12,364,888
Accumulated depreciation (2,437,452) (2,302,940) (2,572,562) (2,302,940)
Property and equipment, net 9,944,398
 10,061,948
 9,838,295
 10,061,948
Other assets 90,117
 178,552
 248,794
 178,552
Total assets $10,994,953
 $11,357,714
 $11,024,293
 $11,357,714
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities        
Current maturities of long-term debt $249,299
 $299,882
 $249,475
 $299,882
Accounts payable 83,643
 107,868
 86,414
 107,868
Accrued payroll and related costs 34,935
 48,319
 38,340
 48,319
Taxes payable 48,629
 46,561
 89,312
 46,561
Interest payable 63,252
 61,299
 99,662
 61,299
Other current liabilities 68,038
 67,312
 84,478
 67,312
Total current liabilities 547,796
 631,241
 647,681
 631,241
Long-term debt 3,792,520
 4,040,229
 3,793,894
 4,040,229
Deferred income taxes 179,742
 2,084
 212,526
 2,084
Other liabilities 297,083
 292,183
 297,806
 292,183
Total liabilities 4,817,141
 4,965,737
 4,951,907
 4,965,737
Commitments and contingencies 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 14) 

 

Shareholder equity        
Ordinary shares; 261,246 shares outstanding 26,125
 26,125
Common stock, $0.01 par value, ordinary shares; 261,246 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 26,125
 26,125
Capital in excess of par value 601,356
 594,091
 609,245
 594,091
Retained earnings 4,880,712
 5,115,137
 4,791,322
 5,115,137
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (51,672) (52,140) (50,354) (52,140)
Total shareholder equity 5,456,521
 5,683,213
 5,376,338
 5,683,213
Noncontrolling interests 721,291
 708,764
 696,048
 708,764
Total equity 6,177,812
 6,391,977
 6,072,386
 6,391,977
Total liabilities and equity $10,994,953
 $11,357,714
 $11,024,293
 $11,357,714
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.



NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Operating revenues            
Contract drilling services $354,659
 $591,367
 $271,532
 $876,697
 $626,191
 $1,468,064
Reimbursables 8,304
 20,606
 6,599
 17,933
 14,903
 38,539
Other 13
 600
 11
 253
 24
 853
 362,976
 612,573
 278,142
 894,883
 641,118
 1,507,456
Operating costs and expenses            
Contract drilling services 160,016
 249,290
 161,857
 242,234
 321,873
 491,524
Reimbursables 5,146
 16,006
 4,394
 14,298
 9,540
 30,304
Depreciation and amortization 135,718
 149,673
 134,633
 150,938
 270,351
 300,611
General and administrative 9,064
 10,605
 13,231
 13,853
 22,295
 24,458
Loss on impairment 
 16,616
 
 16,616
 309,944
 425,574
 314,115
 437,939
 624,059
 863,513
Operating income 53,032
 186,999
Operating income (loss) (35,973) 456,944
 17,059
 643,943
Other income (expense)            
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized (73,447) (57,100) (73,209) (57,306) (146,656) (114,406)
Interest income (expense) and other, net 1,119
 (733)
Income (loss) before income taxes (19,296) 129,166
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net 
 11,066
 
 11,066
Interest income and other, net 2,728
 (1,203) 3,847
 (1,936)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes (106,454) 409,501
 (125,750) 538,667
Income tax benefit (provision) (257,373) 6,503
 18,213
 (56,120) (239,160) (49,617)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations (88,241) 353,381
 (364,910) 489,050
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax 2,967
 
 2,967
 
Net income (loss) (276,669) 135,669
 (85,274) 353,381
 (361,943) 489,050
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (17,920) (18,648)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 4,343
 (22,533) (13,577) (41,181)
Net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation $(294,589) $117,021
 $(80,931) $330,848
 $(375,520) $447,869
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.



NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Net income (loss) $(276,669) $135,669
 $(85,274) $353,381
 $(361,943) $489,050
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax    
Other comprehensive income (loss)      
  
Foreign currency translation adjustments 186
 768
 94
 38
 280
 806
Foreign currency forward contracts (110) 986
 849
 (2,054) 739
 (1,068)
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $167 and $409 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively) 392
 783
Other comprehensive income, net 468
 2,537
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests (17,920) (18,648)
Amortization of deferred pension plan amounts (net of tax provision of $161 and $410 for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $328 and $819 for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively) 375
 784
 767
 1,567
Other comprehensive income (loss), net 1,318
 (1,232) 1,786
 1,305
Net comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 4,343
 (22,533) (13,577) (41,181)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation $(294,121) $119,558
 $(79,613) $329,616
 $(373,734) $449,174
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.



NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 Three Months Ended March 31, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities        
Net income (loss) $(276,669) $135,669
 $(361,943) $489,050
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow from operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization 135,718
 149,673
 270,351
 300,611
Loss on impairment 
 16,616
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net 
 (11,066)
Deferred income taxes 268,076
 (22,513) 303,084
 (100,408)
Capital contribution by parent - share-based compensation 7,265
 9,119
 15,154
 17,653
Other long-term asset write-off 14,419
 
Net change in other assets and liabilities 14,125
 (84,198) 28,304
 166,837
Net cash provided by operating activities 148,515
 187,750
 269,369
 879,293
Cash flows from investing activities        
Capital expenditures (18,716) (51,357) (48,957) (120,531)
Change in accrued capital expenditures (19,666) (37,967) (18,651) (38,378)
Proceeds from disposal of assets 273
 3,031
 314
 21,190
Net cash used in investing activities (38,109) (86,293) (67,294) (137,719)
Cash flows from financing activities        
Repayments of debt (300,000) (322,207)
Debt issuance costs on senior notes and credit facility (42) 
 (42) 
Repayment of long-term debt (300,000) (300,000)
Premiums paid on early repayment of long-term debt 
 (1,781)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests (5,393) (21,513) (5,393) (41,088)
Contributions (distributions) from (to) parent company, net 60,164
 (56,316) 51,705
 (65,316)
Net cash used in financing activities (245,271) (377,829) (253,730) (430,392)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (134,865) (276,372)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (51,655) 311,182
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 653,833
 511,795
 653,833
 511,795
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $518,968
 $235,423
 $602,178
 $822,977
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 Shares 
Capital in
Excess of
Par Value
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Total
Equity
 Shares Capital in Excess of Par Value Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity
 Balance Par Value  Balance Par Value 
Balance at December 31, 2015 261,246
 $26,125
 $561,309
 $6,167,211
 $(63,175) $723,001
 $7,414,471
 261,246
 $26,125
 $561,309
 $6,167,211
 $(63,175) $723,001
 $7,414,471
Distributions to parent company, net 
 
 
 (56,316) 
 
 (56,316) 
 
 
 (65,316) 
 
 (65,316)
Capital contribution by parent - share-based compensation 
 
 9,119
 
 
 
 9,119
 
 
 17,653
 
 
 
 17,653
Net income 
 
 
 117,021
 
 18,648
 135,669
 
 
 
 447,869
 
 41,181
 489,050
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 (21,513) (21,513) 
 
 
 
 
 (41,088) (41,088)
Other comprehensive income, net 
 
 
 
 2,537
 
 2,537
 
 
 
 
 1,305
 
 1,305
Balance at March 31, 2016 261,246
 $26,125
 $570,428
 $6,227,916
 $(60,638) $720,136
 $7,483,967
Balance at June 30, 2016 261,246
 $26,125
 $578,962
 $6,549,764
 $(61,870) $723,094
 $7,816,075
Balance at December 31, 2016 261,246
 $26,125
 $594,091
 $5,115,137
 $(52,140) $708,764
 $6,391,977
 261,246
 $26,125
 $594,091
 $5,115,137
 $(52,140) $708,764
 $6,391,977
Contributions to parent company, net 
 
 
 60,164
 
 
 60,164
Contributions from parent company, net 
 
 
 51,705
 
 
 51,705
Capital contribution by parent - share-based compensation 
 
 7,265
 
 
 
 7,265
 
 
 15,154
 
 
 
 15,154
Net income (loss) 
 
 
 (294,589) 
 17,920
 (276,669) 
 
 
 (375,520) 
 13,577
 (361,943)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 (5,393) (5,393) 
 
 
 
 
 (26,293) (26,293)
Other comprehensive income, net 
 
 
 
 468
 
 468
 
 
 
 
 1,786
 
 1,786
Balance at March 31, 2017 261,246
 $26,125
 $601,356
 $4,880,712
 $(51,672) $721,291
 $6,177,812
Balance at June 30, 2017 261,246
 $26,125
 $609,245
 $4,791,322
 $(50,354) $696,048
 $6,072,386
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Note 1 —1— Organization and Basis of Presentation
Noble Corporation plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“Noble-UK”), is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. We perform contract drilling services with our global fleet of mobile offshore drilling units. As of May 5,June 30, 2017, our fleet consisted of 14 jackups, eight drillships and six semisubmersibles.
We report our contract drilling operations as a single reportable segment, Contract Drilling Services, 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 global market for contract drilling services and are often redeployed to different regions due to changing demands of our customers, which consist largely of major independent and government-owned or controlled oil and gas companies throughout the world. As of March 31,June 30, 2017, our contract drilling services segment conducted operations in the United States, the North Sea, South Africa, the Middle East Asia and South America.Asia. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921.
Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (“Noble-Cayman”), is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Noble-UK, our publicly-traded parent company. Noble-UK’s principal asset is all of the shares of Noble-Cayman. Noble-Cayman has no public equity outstanding. The condensed consolidated financial statements of Noble-UK include the accounts of Noble-Cayman, and Noble-UK conducts substantially all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Noble-UK and Noble-Cayman have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as they pertain to Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods, on a basis consistent with the annual audited condensed consolidated financial statements. All such adjustments are of a recurring nature. The December 31, 2016 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets presented herein are derived from the December 31, 2016 audited consolidated financial statements.statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. 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, 2016, filed by both Noble-UK and Noble-Cayman. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. In accordance with our adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-09,2016-9, prior period excess tax benefits of approximately $5.5 million, as of March 31, 2016, previously classified as a financing activity in “Employee stock transactions,”transactions” on the June 30, 2016 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, are now classified as an operating activity in “Other current“Net change in other assets and liabilities” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. SharesFlows for the comparative period. Prior period shares withheld for taxes on employee stock transactions of approximately $3$3.2 million, as of March 31, 2016, previously classified as an operating activity in “Other current liabilities,”“Net change in other assets and liabilities" on the June 30, 2016 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, are now classified as a financing activity in “Employee stock transactions” inon the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.Flows for the comparative period.
Note 2 —2— Spin-off of Paragon Offshore plc (“("Paragon Offshore”Offshore")
On August 1, 2014, Noble-UK completed the separation and spin-off of a majority of its standard specification offshore drilling business (the “Spin-off”) through a pro rata distribution of all of the ordinary shares of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Paragon Offshore, to the holders of Noble’s ordinary shares.
In February 2016, Paragon Offshore sought approval of a pre-negotiated plan of reorganization (the "Prior Plan") by filing for voluntary relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. As part of the Prior Plan, we entered into a settlement agreement with Paragon Offshore (the “Settlement Agreement”) under which, in exchange for a full and unconditional release of any claims by Paragon Offshore in connection with the Spin-off (including fraudulent conveyance claims that could be brought on behalf of Paragon Offshore’s creditors), we agreed to provide certain tax bonding in Mexico as well as assume certain tax liabilities and the administration of Mexican tax claims for a specified number of years. The bonding to be provided by Noble-UK was a key benefit to Paragon Offshore of the Settlement Agreement, which was subject to bankruptcy court confirmation as part of a bankruptcy plan. The Prior Plan was rejected by the bankruptcy court in October 2016.
In April 2017, Paragon Offshore filed an updated disclosure statement and a revised plan of reorganization (the “New Plan”) in its bankruptcy proceeding. Under the New Plan, including Paragon Offshore’s revised business plan, Paragon Offshore will no longer needneeded the Mexican tax bonding that Noble-UK was to provide under the Settlement Agreement. As a result, the Settlement Agreement iswas no longer applicable to the anticipated ongoing business of Paragon Offshore. Consequently, Paragon Offshore
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


abandoned the Settlement Agreement as part of the New Plan, and the Settlement Agreement was terminated at the time of the filing of the New Plan. On May 2, 2017, Paragon Offshore announced that it had reached an agreement in principle with both its secured and unsecured creditors to revise the New Plan to, among other things, create and fund a $10.0 million litigation
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


trust to pursue litigation against us. On June 7, 2017, the revised New Plan was approved by the bankruptcy court and Paragon Offshore emerged from bankruptcy on July 18, 2017.
We continue to discuss our continuing relationship with Paragon Offshore, including the possibility of entering into a new settlement agreement. There can be no assurance that the Company will reach any such settlement agreement with Paragon Offshore. If we do not enter into a settlement agreement with Paragon Offshore, we expect Paragon Offshore or its creditors wouldwill use the litigation trust to pursue claims against us relating to the Spin-off, including any alleged fraudulent conveyance claims. We continue to believe that Paragon Offshore, at the time of the Spin-off, was properly funded, solvent and had appropriate liquidity and that any fraudulent conveyance claim or other claim related to the Spin-off that may be brought by Paragon Offshore or its creditors, would be without merit and would be contested vigorously by us (see Note 14 for additional information).us.
Prior to the completion of the Spin-off, Noble-UK and Paragon Offshore entered into a series of agreements to effect the separation and Spin-off and govern the relationship between the parties after the Spin-off (the "Separation Agreements").
, including the Master Separation Agreement (“MSA”(the "MSA")
The general terms and conditions relating to the separation and Spin-off are set forth in the MSA. The MSA identifies the assets transferred, liabilities assumed and contracts assigned either to Paragon Offshore by us or by Paragon Offshore to us in the separation and describes when and how these transfers, assumptions and assignments would occur. The MSA provides for, among other things, Paragon Offshore’s responsibility for liabilities relating to its business and the responsibility of Noble-UK for liabilities related to our, and in certain limited cases, Paragon Offshore’s business, in each case irrespective of when the liability arose. The MSA also contains indemnification obligations and ongoing commitments by us and Paragon Offshore.
Employee Matters Agreement (“EMA”)
The EMA allocates liabilities and responsibilities between us and Paragon Offshore relating to employment, compensation and benefits and other employment related matters.
Tax Sharing Agreement (“TSA”(the "TSA").
The TSA provides for the allocationAs part of tax liabilities and benefits between us andits final bankruptcy plan, Paragon Offshore and governs the parties’ assistance with tax-related claims.
Transition Services Agreements
Under two transition services agreements, we agreed to continue, for a limited period of time, to provide various interim support services to Paragon Offshore, and Paragon Offshore agreed to provide various interim support services to us, including providing operational and administrative support for our remaining Brazilian operations.
In the course of its bankruptcy, Paragon Offshore may elect to rejectrejected the Separation Agreements. If Paragon Offshore rejects the Separation Agreements,Accordingly, the indemnity obligations that Paragon Offshore may owepotentially would have owed us under the Separation Agreements would terminate,have now terminated, including indemnities arising under the MSA and the TSA in respect of obligations related to Paragon Offshore’s business that were incurred through Noble-retained entities prior to the Spin-off. We could, however, pursue claims against Paragon Offshore for such indemnity amounts in the bankruptcy proceeding. Any such claims would be unsecured claims in the bankruptcy. Likewise, any potential indemnity obligations that we may owewould have owed Paragon Offshore under the Separation Agreements, including those under the MSA and the TSA in respect of Noble-UK’s business that was conducted prior to the Spin-off through Paragon Offshore-retained entities, are now also extinguished. In the absence of the Separation Agreements, liabilities relating to the respective parties will be borne by the owner of the legal entity or asset at issue and neither party will look to an allocation based on the historic relationship of an entity or asset to one of the party’s business, as had been the case under the Separation Agreements.
The rejection and ultimate termination of the indemnity and related obligations under the Separation Agreements has resulted in a number of accounting charges and benefits in this period and such termination may continue to affect us in the future as liabilities arise for which we would also be extinguished.have been indemnified by Paragon Offshore or would have had to indemnify Paragon Offshore. We do not expect that, aoverall, the rejection of the Separation Agreements by Paragon Offshore wouldwill have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or liquidity. However, any loss we experience with respect to which we are unablewould have been able to secure indemnification from Paragon Offshore under one or more of the Separation Agreements could have an adverse impact on our results of operations in any period, which impact may be material depending on our results of operations during this down-cycle.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, we recognized net charges of $15.9 million, with a non-cash loss of $1.5 million recorded in "Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax" on our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations relating to the emergence from bankruptcy of Paragon Offshore.
For more information on the Separation Agreements, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.
Note 3 —3— Consolidated Joint Ventures
We maintain a 50 percent interest in two joint ventures, each with a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc (“Shell”), that own and operate the two Bully-class drillships. We have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of the joint ventures. Accordingly, we consolidate the entities in our condensed consolidated financial statements after eliminating intercompany transactions. Shell’s equity interests are presented as noncontrolling interests on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
During the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2017, the Bully joint ventures approved dividends totaling $52.6 million and paid dividends totaling $10.8 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Bully joint ventures approved and paid dividends totaling $11 million and $43 million, respectively.$82.2 million. Of these amounts, 50 percent was paid to our joint venture partner.
The combined carrying amount of the Bully-class drillships at both June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 totaled $1.4 billion. These assets were primarily funded through partner equity contributions. Cash held by the Bully joint ventures totaled approximately $83.3 million at June 30, 2017 as compared to approximately $34.7 million at December 31, 2016.
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


The combined carrying amount of the Bully-class drillships at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 totaled $1.4 billion. These assets were primarily funded through partner equity contributions. Cash held by the Bully joint ventures totaled approximately $45 million at March 31, 2017 as compared to approximately $35 million at December 31, 2016.
Note 4 —4— Share Data
Earnings per share
The following table sets forthpresents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for Noble-UK:
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Numerator:      
  
  
  
Basic            
Net income (loss) attributable to Noble-UK $(301,694) $105,485
 $(93,350) $322,866
 $(395,044) $428,351
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax 1,486
 
 1,486
 
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards 
 (3,822) 
 (11,577) 
 (15,371)
Net income (loss) to common shareholders - basic
 $(301,694) $101,663
Net income (loss) from continuing operations to common shareholders - basic $(91,864) $311,289
 $(393,558) $412,980
Diluted  
  
  
  
  
  
Net income (loss) attributable to Noble-UK $(301,694) $105,485
 $(93,350) $322,866
 $(395,044) $428,351
Earnings allocated to unvested share-based payment awards 
 (3,822)
Net income (loss) to common shareholders - diluted $(301,694) $101,663
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax 1,486
 
 1,486
 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations to common shareholders - diluted $(91,864) $322,866
 $(393,558) $428,351
Denominator:  
  
  
  
  
  
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic 244,222
 242,826
 244,828
 243,217
 244,527
 243,021
Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options 
 
Incremental shares issuable from assumed exercise of stock options and outstanding unvested share-based payment awards 
 9,045
 
 9,045
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted 244,222
 242,826
 244,828
 252,262
 244,527
 252,066
Weighted average unvested share-based payment awards 
 9,129
Earnings (loss) per share    
Basic $(1.24) $0.42
Diluted $(1.24) $0.42
Earnings per share  
  
  
  
Basic:        
Income (loss) from continuing operations $(0.37) $1.28
 $(1.61) $1.70
Loss from discontinued operations (0.01) 
 (0.01) 
Net income (loss) attributable to Noble-UK $(0.38) $1.28
 $(1.62) $1.70
Diluted:     

  
Income (loss) from continuing operations $(0.37) $1.28
 $(1.61) $1.70
Loss from discontinued operations (0.01) 
 (0.01) 
Net income (loss) attributable to Noble-UK $(0.38) $1.28
 $(1.62) $1.70
Dividends per share $
 $0.150
 $
 $0.02
 $
 $0.17
Only those items having a dilutive impact on our basic earnings per share are included in diluted earnings per share. For the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2017 and 2016, approximately 1.3 million and 1.6 million shares underlying stock options, respectively, were excluded from the diluted earnings per share as such stock options were not dilutive.anti-dilutive. For both the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2017, we experienced a net losslosses from continuing operations and as a result approximately 911.3 million outstanding unvested share-based payment awards were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation, as such awards were not dilutive.anti-dilutive.
Share capital
As of March 31,June 30, 2017, Noble-UK had approximately 244.7244.9 million shares outstanding and trading as compared to approximately 243.2 million shares outstanding and trading at December 31, 2016. Our Board of Directors may increase our share capital through the issuance of up to 5353.0 million authorized shares (at current nominal value of $0.01 per share) without obtaining shareholder approval.
The declaration and payment of dividends require authorization of the Board of Directors of Noble-UK, provided that such dividends on issued share capital may be paid only out of Noble-UK’s “distributable reserves” on its statutory balance sheet. Noble-UK is not permitted to pay dividends out of share capital, which includes share premiums. The resumption of the payment of future dividends 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.
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


Share repurchases
Under UK law, the Company is only permitted to purchase its own shares by way of an “off-market purchase” in a plan approved by shareholders. Prior to April 22, 2016, we had shareholder approval to repurchase up to 37 million ordinary shares. That authority has now expired and weWe do not currently have shareholder authority to repurchase shares, as our approval to repurchase up to 37.0 million ordinary shares expired on April 22, 2016. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, we did not repurchase any of our shares.
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


Note 5 —5— Contract Settlement and Termination Agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Inc.
On May 10, 2016, Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (“Freeport”), Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC and one of our subsidiaries entered into an agreement terminating the contracts on the Noble Sam Croft and the Noble Tom Madden (“FCX Settlement”), which were scheduled to end in July 2017 and November 2017, respectively.
Pursuant to the FCX Settlement, Noble may receivecould have received contingent payments based upon the average price of oil over a 12 month12-month period from June 30, 2016 through June 30, 2017. These contingent payments were not designated for hedge accounting treatment under FASB standards, and therefore, changesthe change in fair value arewas recognized as either income ora loss in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2017, we recognized a losslosses of approximately $7.9$6.5 million and $14.4 million, respectively, in “Contract drilling services revenue,” related to the valuation of thisthese contingent payment.payments. As of March 31,June 30, 2017, the estimatedaverage price of oil did not meet the FCX Settlement's threshold during the 12-month period. Accordingly, as of June 30, 2017, the fair value of these contingent payments was $6.5 million which is included in “Prepaid expensesreduced to zero, as the period for earning the contingent payments had ended. (See Note 11— Derivative Instruments and other current assets” (seeHedging Activities and Note 1112— Fair Value of Financial Instruments for additional information).
Note 6 —6— Receivables from Customers
At March 31, 2017,In prior periods, we had receivables of approximately $14$14.4 million related to the Noble Max Smith, which are beinghad been disputed by our former customer, Petróleos Mexicanos (“Pemex”). These receivables have been and were classified as long-term and are included in “Other assets”"Other assets" on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The disputed amounts relatereceivables were related to lost revenues for downtime that occurred after our rig was damaged when one of Pemex’sPemex's supply boats collided with our rig in 2010. In January 2012,
Paragon Offshore has announced that, as part of its bankruptcy plan, it will liquidate the Mexican entity currently prosecuting the Noble Max Smith claim against Pemex. While Noble owns all rights to amounts from that claim and will take available actions to recover such amounts, we filed a lawsuit against Pemex in Mexican court seeking recovery of these amounts. While we can make no assurances asbelieve the announced actions by Paragon Offshore creates uncertainty relating to the outcomeprosecution of this dispute, we believe we are entitled tothe claim and associated recovery, and accordingly, the disputed amounts.amounts of approximately $14.4 million were written off through "Contract drilling services costs" on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as of June 30, 2017.
Note 7 —7— Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, at cost, as of March 31,June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 for Noble-UK consisted of the following:
 March 31,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Drilling equipment and facilities $12,100,890
 $12,048,571
 $12,128,734
 $12,048,571
Construction in progress 76,261
 112,103
 78,345
 112,103
Other 204,699
 204,214
 203,778
 204,214
Property and equipment, at cost $12,381,850
 $12,364,888
 $12,410,857
 $12,364,888
Capital expenditures, including capitalized interest, totaled $19$49.0 million and $51$120.5 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. There was no capitalized interest for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2017, due to the completion of our newbuild program. Capitalized interest was $3.6 million and $47.4 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2016.June 30, 2016, respectively.
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


Note 8 —8— Debt
Our total debt consisted of the following at March 31,June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 March 31,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Senior unsecured senior notes    
Senior unsecured notes    
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017 $
 $299,992
 $
 $299,992
5.75% Senior Notes due March 2018 249,817
 249,771
 249,864
 249,771
7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019 201,695
 201,695
 201,695
 201,695
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020 167,610
 167,576
 167,600
 167,576
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021 208,552
 208,538
 208,552
 208,538
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022 125,512
 125,488
 125,503
 125,488
7.75% Senior Notes due January 2024 980,647
 980,117
 981,187
 980,117
7.20% Senior Notes due April 2025 448,934
 448,909
7.70% Senior Notes due April 2025 448,958
 448,909
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040 399,899
 399,898
 399,899
 399,898
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041 397,768
 397,758
 397,779
 397,758
5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042 498,376
 498,369
 498,384
 498,369
8.20% Senior Notes due April 2045 394,625
 394,613
8.70% Senior Notes due April 2045 394,636
 394,613
Total debt 4,073,435
 4,372,724
 4,074,057
 4,372,724
Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs (31,616) (32,613) (30,688) (32,613)
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (1)
 (249,299) (299,882) (249,475) (299,882)
Long-term debt, net of debt issuance costs $3,792,520
 $4,040,229
 $3,793,894
 $4,040,229
(1)
Presented net of current portion of unamortized debt issuance costs of $0.5$0.4 million and $0.1 million at March 31,June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
Credit Facility and Commercial Paper Program
We currently have a five-year $2.4 billion senior unsecured credit facility that matures in January 2020 and is guaranteed by our indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries, Noble Holding (U.S.) LLC ("NHUS") and Noble Holding International Limited ("NHIL"). The credit facility provides us with the ability to issue up to $500$500.0 million in letters of credit. The issuance of letters of credit under the facility reduces the amount available for borrowing.
Throughout the term of the credit facility, we pay a facility fee on the daily unused amount of the underlying commitment which ranges from 0.1 percent to 0.35 percent depending on our debt ratings. At March 31,June 30, 2017, based on our debt ratings on that date, the facility fee was 0.35 percent. At March 31,June 30, 2017, we had no borrowings outstanding or letters of credit issued. In addition, our credit facility has provisions which vary the applicable interest rates based upon our debt ratings. At March 31,June 30, 2017, the interest rate in effect is the highest permitted interest rate under the credit facility.
During 2016, we terminated our commercial paper program which had allowed us to issue up to $2.4 billion in unsecured commercial paper notes. This termination does not reduce the capacity under our credit facility.
Debt Issuances
In December 2016, we issued $1$1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Notes, which we issued through our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, NHIL. The net proceeds of approximately $968$967.6 million, after estimated expenses, were primarily used to retire debt related to our tender offer and the remaining portion will be used for general corporate purposes.
Senior Notes Interest Rate Adjustments
During 2016 and to date in 2017, we experienced several debt rating downgrades by Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings, which reduced our debt ratings below investment grade. As a result of these downgrades, we experienced interest rate increases during 2016 and 2017 on our Senior Notes due 2018, 2025 and 2045, all of which are subject to provisions whichthat vary the applicable interest rates if our debt rating falls below investment grade, with continued adjustments up to a contractually-defined maximum interest rate increase set for each rating agency. Effective March 2017, the interest rates on our Senior Notes due 2018 increased to 5.75% and effective April 1, 2017, the interest rates on our Senior Notes due 2025 and 2045 increased to 7.70% and 8.70%, respectively, as a result of the most recent debt rating downgrade. On April 28, 2017, Moody’s Investors Service reduced our debt rating. However,
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


there was no further increase in the interest rates on these Senior Notes because we have reached the contractually-defined maximum interest rate increase in respect of Moody’s Investors Service downgrades. The interest rates on these Senior Notes may be further increased if our debt ratings were to be downgraded further by S&P Global Ratings (up to a maximum of an additional 25 basis points) or decreased if our debt ratings were to be raised by either rating agency above specified levels.
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


Our other outstanding senior notes, including the Senior Notes due 2024 issued in December 2016, do not contain provisions varying applicable interest rates based upon our credit rating.
Debt Tender Offers and Repayments
In December 2016, we commenced cash tender offers for our 4.90% Senior Notes due 2020, of which $468$467.8 million principal amount was outstanding, our 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021, of which $397$396.6 million principal amount was outstanding and our 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022, of which $400$400.0 million principal amount was outstanding. On December 28, 2016, we purchased $762$762.3 million of these Senior Notes for $750$750.0 million, plus accrued interest, using a portion of the net proceeds of the $1$1.0 billion Senior Notes due 2024 issuance in December 2016. AsIn December 2016, as a result of this transaction, we recognized a net gain of approximately $7$6.7 million.
In March 2016, we commenced cash tender offers for our 4.90% Senior Notes due 2020, of which $500$500.0 million principal amount was outstanding, and our 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021, of which $400$400.0 million principal amount was outstanding. On April 1, 2016, we purchased $36$36.0 million of these Senior Notes for $24$24.0 million, plus accrued interest, using cash on hand. AsIn April 2016, as a result of this transaction, we recognized a net gain of approximately $11$11.1 million.
In March 2017, we repaid our maturing $300$300.0 million 2.50% Senior Notes using cash on hand.
We currently anticipate using cash on hand to repay the outstanding principal balance of our $250$250.0 million 5.75% Senior Notes, maturing in March 2018.
Covenants
The credit facility is guaranteed by NHUS and NHIL. The credit facility contains a covenant that limits our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization, as defined in the credit facility, to 0.60. At March 31,June 30, 2017, our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization was approximately 0.40. We were in compliance with all covenants under the credit facility as of March 31,June 30, 2017.
In addition to the covenants from the credit facility noted above, the indentures governing our outstanding senior unsecured notes contain covenants that place restrictions on certain merger and consolidation transactions, unless we are the surviving entity or the other party assumes the obligations under the indenture, and on the ability to sell or transfer all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, there are restrictions on incurring or assuming certain liens and on entering into sale and lease-back transactions. At March 31,June 30, 2017, we were in compliance with all of our debt covenants. We continually monitor compliance with the covenants under our notes and expect to remain in compliance during the remainder of 2017.
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 (Level 2 measurement). All remaining fair value disclosures are presented in Note 12.12— Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


The following table presents the estimated fair value of our total debt, not including the effect of unamortized debt issuance costs, as of March 31,June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively:
 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
 
Carrying
Value
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value
Senior unsecured notes:                
2.50% Senior Notes due March 2017 $
 $
 $299,992
 $299,128
 $
 $
 $299,992
 $299,128
5.75% Senior Notes due March 2018 249,817
 253,179
 249,771
 249,808
 249,864
 250,682
 249,771
 249,808
7.50% Senior Notes due March 2019 201,695
 210,089
 201,695
 209,524
 201,695
 204,378
 201,695
 209,524
4.90% Senior Notes due August 2020 167,610
 165,168
 167,576
 167,329
 167,600
 153,912
 167,576
 167,329
4.625% Senior Notes due March 2021 208,552
 191,962
 208,538
 196,416
 208,552
 171,182
 208,538
 196,416
3.95% Senior Notes due March 2022 125,512
 107,685
 125,488
 112,791
 125,503
 99,223
 125,488
 112,791
7.75% Senior Notes due January 2024 980,647
 961,685
 980,117
 945,317
 981,187
 793,560
 980,117
 945,317
7.20% Senior Notes due April 2025 448,934
 425,021
 448,909
 423,267
7.70% Senior Notes due April 2025 448,958
 348,899
 448,909
 423,267
6.20% Senior Notes due August 2040 399,899
 293,082
 399,898
 280,221
 399,899
 244,636
 399,898
 280,221
6.05% Senior Notes due March 2041 397,768
 287,602
 397,758
 273,854
 397,779
 236,908
 397,758
 273,854
5.25% Senior Notes due March 2042 498,376
 332,440
 498,369
 325,814
 498,384
 281,715
 498,369
 325,814
8.20% Senior Notes due April 2045 394,625
 367,318
 394,613
 328,608
8.70% Senior Notes due April 2045 394,636
 292,756
 394,613
 328,608
Total debt $4,073,435
 $3,595,231
 $4,372,724
 $3,812,077
 $4,074,057
 $3,077,851
 $4,372,724
 $3,812,077
 
Note 9 —9— Income Taxes
At March 31,June 30, 2017, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $185$190.3 million (net of related tax benefits of $1$1.0 million). If the March 31,June 30, 2017 reserves are not realized, the provision for income taxes would be reduced by $185$184.1 million. At December 31, 2016, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $173$172.5 million (net of related tax benefits of $1$1.0 million).
It is reasonably possible that our existing liabilities related to our reserve for uncertain tax positions may fluctuate in the next 12 months primarily due to the completion of open audits or the expiration of statutes of limitation. However, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of changes in our existing liabilities due to various uncertainties, such as the unresolved nature of various audits.
At March 31,June 30, 2017, our income tax provision included a non-cash, discrete item of $260$260.7 million as the result of an internal tax restructuring, which was implemented to reduce costs associated with the ownership of multiple legal entities, simplify the overall legal entity structure, ease deployment of cash throughout the business and consolidate operations into one centralized group of entities. The effect of this tax restructuring will be to lower current tax expense.
As of June 30, 2017, we recorded deferred charges of $147.5 million related to the deferral of income tax expense on intercompany asset transfers as a result of our internal tax restructuring. The deferred charges are included in “Other assets” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and are amortized as a component of income tax expense over the remaining life of the underlying assets.
Note 10 —10— Employee Benefit Plans
Pension costs include the following components for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2017 and 2016:
  Three Months Ended March 31,
  2017 2016
  Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. U.S.
Service cost $
 $
 $775
 $1,662
Interest cost 478
 2,148
 634
 2,389
Return on plan assets (701) (2,941) (895) (3,097)
Amortization of prior service cost 
 
 26
 29
Recognized net actuarial loss 266
 366
 37
 1,100
Net pension benefit cost (gain) $43
 $(427) $577
 $2,083
During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we made no contributions to our pension plans. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we made contributions to our pension plans of approximately $0.1 million.
  Three Months Ended June 30,
  2017 2016
  Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. U.S.
Service cost $
 $
 $799
 $1,662
Interest cost 492
 2,149
 641
 2,389
Return on plan assets (721) (2,941) (904) (3,097)
Amortization of prior service cost 
 
 27
 29
Recognized net actuarial loss 245
 366
 38
 1,100
Net pension benefit cost (gain) $16
 $(426) $601
 $2,083
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


Pension costs include the following components for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2017 2016
  Non-U.S. U.S. Non-U.S. U.S.
Service cost $
 $
 $1,574
 $3,324
Interest cost 970
 4,297
 1,275
 4,778
Return on plan assets (1,422) (5,882) (1,799) (6,194)
Amortization of prior service cost 
 
 53
 58
Recognized net actuarial loss 511
 732
 75
 2,200
Net pension benefit cost (gain) $59
 $(853) $1,178
 $4,166
During the second quarter of 2017, we made contributions to our pension plans totaling approximately $0.2 million.
During the fourth quarter of 2016, we approved amendments, effective as of December 31, 2016, to our non-U.S. and U.S. defined benefit plans. With these amendments, employees and alternate payees will accrue no future benefits under the plans after December 31, 2016. However, these amendments will not affect any benefits earned through that date.
Note 11 —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.
The FCX Settlement includesincluded two contingent payments, which are further discussed below. We are accountingaccounted for these contingent payments as derivative instruments that dodid not qualify under the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) standards for hedge accounting treatment, and therefore, changes in fair values arewere recognized as either income ora loss in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
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. Any change in fair value resulting from ineffectiveness is recognized immediately in earnings.
Cash Flow Hedges
Several of our regional shorebases, including our North Sea operations, have a significant amount of their cash operating expenses payable in local currencies. To limit the potential risk of currency fluctuations, we periodically enter into forward contracts, which settle monthly in the operations’ respective local currencies. All of these contracts have a maturity of less than 12 months. The forward contract settlements in the remainder of 2017 represent approximately 70 percent of these forecasted local currency requirements. The notional amount of the forward contracts outstanding, expressed in U.S. Dollars, was approximately $25$20.6 million at March 31,June 30, 2017. Total unrealized lossesgains related to these forward contracts were approximately $0.1$0.7 million as of March 31,June 30, 2017 and were recorded as part of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss”income (loss)” (“AOCL”).
FCX Settlement
As discussed in Note 5,5— Contract Settlement and Termination Agreement with Freeport-McMoRan Inc., pursuant to the FCX Settlement, Noble may receivecould have received contingent payments from the FCX Settlement on September 30, 2017, depending on the average price of oil over a 1212- month period from June 30, 2016 through June 30, 2017. The average price of oil will bewas calculated using the daily closing price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil (“WTI”) (CL1) on the New York Mercantile Exchange for the period of June 30, 2016 through June 30, 2017. If the price of WTI averagesaveraged more than $50 per barrel during such period, Freeport will pay $25would have paid $25.0 million to Noble. In addition to the $25$25.0 million contingent payment, if the price of WTI averagesaveraged more than $65 per barrel during such period, Freeport will paywould have paid an additional $50$50.0 million to Noble. These contingent payments dodid not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under FASB standards, and therefore, changesthe change in fair values arevalue was recognized as either income ora loss in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. These contingent payments are referred to as non-designated derivatives in the following tables.
The price of WTI did not average more than $50 per barrel during the 12-month period. For the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2017, we recognized a losslosses of approximately $7.9$6.5 million and $14.4 million, respectively, in “Contract drilling services revenue,” related to the valuation of thisthese contingent payment.payments. As of March 31,June 30, 2017, the estimated fair value of these contingent payments was $6.5 million which is included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets.”
Financial Statement Presentation
The following table, together with Note 12, summarizesreduced to zero, as the financial statement presentation and fair value of our derivative positions as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
    Estimated fair value
  
Balance sheet
classification
 March 31,
2017
 December 31,
2016
Asset derivatives      
Non-designated derivatives      
FCX Settlement Prepaid expenses and other current assets $6,500
 $14,400
Liability derivatives      
Cash flow hedges      
Short-term foreign currency forward contracts Other current liabilities $110
 $
period for earning the contingent payments had ended.
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


Financial Statement Presentation
The following table, together with Note 12— Fair Value of Financial Instruments, summarizes the financial statement presentation and fair value of our derivative positions as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
    Estimated fair value
  
Balance sheet
classification
 June 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
Asset derivatives      
Cash flow hedges      
Foreign currency forward contracts Prepaid expenses and other current assets $739
 $
Non-designated derivatives      
FCX Settlement Prepaid expenses and other current assets $
 $14,400
To supplement the fair value disclosures in Note 12,12— Fair Value of Financial Instruments, the following table summarizes the recognized gains and losses of cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives through AOCL or as “contract drilling services” revenue or expense for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2017 and 2016:
 
Gain/(loss)
recognized through
AOCL
 
Gain/(loss)
reclassified from
AOCL to "contract
drilling services"
expense
 
Gain/(loss) recognized
through "contract
drilling services"
revenue
 Unrealized gain/(loss) recognized through AOCL Gain/(loss) reclassified from AOCL to "contract drilling services" expense Gain/(loss) recognized through "contract drilling services" revenue
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Cash flow hedges                        
Foreign currency forward contracts $(37) $894
 $(73) $92
 $
 $
 $849
 $(2,054) $210
 $290
 $
 $
Non-designated derivatives                        
FCX Settlement $
 $
 $
 $
 $(7,900) $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $(6,500) $17,600
To supplement the fair value disclosures in Note 12 —12— Fair Value of Financial Instruments, the following table summarizes the recognized gains and losses of cash flow hedges and non-designated derivatives through AOCL or as “contract drilling services” revenue or expense for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
  Unrealized gain/(loss) recognized through AOCL Gain/(loss) reclassified from AOCL to "contract drilling services" expense Gain/(loss) recognized through "contract drilling services" revenue
  2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Cash flow hedges            
Foreign currency forward contracts $739
 $(1,068) $
 $
 $137
 $382
Non-designated derivatives            
FCX Settlement $
 $
 $
 $
 $(14,400) $17,600
Note 12— Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The FASB guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data from independent sources (“observable inputs”) and a reporting entity’s internal assumptions based upon the best information available when external market data is limited or unavailable (“unobservable inputs”). The fair value hierarchy under FASB guidance prioritizes inputs within three levels:
Level 1: Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets;
Level 2: Valuations based on observable inputs that do not meet the criteria for Level 1, including quoted prices in inactive markets and quoted prices in active markets for similar but not identical instruments; and
Level 3: Valuations based on unobservable inputs.
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


The following tables present the carrying amount and estimated fair value of our financial instruments recognized at fair value on a recurring basis:
 March 31, 2017 June 30, 2017
   Estimated Fair Value Measurements Estimated Fair Value Measurements
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 Carrying Amount Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs(Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets -
                
Marketable securities $6,590
 $6,590
 $
 $
 $7,077
 $7,077
 $
 $
FCX Settlement 6,500
 
 
 6,500
Liabilities -
        
Foreign currency forward contracts $110
 $
 $110
 $
 $739
 $
 $739
 $
  December 31, 2016
    Estimated Fair Value Measurements
  
Carrying
Amount
 
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets -
        
Marketable securities $6,246
 $6,246
 $
 $
FCX Settlement $14,400
 $
 $
 $14,400
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


  December 31, 2016
  Estimated Fair Value Measurements
  Carrying Amount Quoted Prices in Active Markets(Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs(Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets -
        
Marketable securities $6,246
 $6,246
 $
 $
FCX Settlement $14,400
 $
 $
 $14,400
Our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, marketable securities and accounts payable are by their nature short-term. As a result, the carrying values included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets approximate fair value. The foreign currency forward contracts have been valued using actively quoted prices and quotes obtained from the counterparties to the contracts. The FCX Settlement has been valued using a Monte Carlo Simulation Model based on the following assumptions as of March 31, 2017:
Valuation assumptions:  
Expected volatility 45.25%
Mean-reversion rate 2.80
Discount rate (1)
 2.5%
Underlying spot price (2)
 $50.60
(1)Based on the cost of debt of Freeport.
(2)Based on the last trading price of the WTI spot contract from Bloomberg as of March 31, 2017.
The following table details the activity related to the FCX Settlement asset classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy for the periods indicated:
Balance as of December 31, 2016 $14,400
 $14,400
Change in fair value recognized in earnings (7,900)
Fair value recognized in earnings (7,900)
Balance as of March 31, 2017 $6,500
 $6,500
Fair value recognized in earnings (6,500)
Balance as of June 30, 2017 $
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


Note 13 —13— Accumulated Other Comprehensive LossIncome (Loss)
The following table presents the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of AOCL for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2017 and 2016. All amounts within the tables are shown net of tax.
 
Gains /
(Losses) on
Cash Flow
Hedges (1)
 
Defined
Benefit
Pension
Items (2)
 
Foreign
Currency
Items
 Total 
Unrealized Gains /(Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges (1)
 
Defined Benefit Pension Items (2)
 Foreign Currency Items Total
Balance at December 31, 2015 $
 $(46,919) $(16,256) $(63,175) $
 $(46,919) $(16,256) $(63,175)
Activity during period:                
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 894
 
 768
 1,662
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (1,068) 
 806
 (262)
Amounts reclassified from AOCL 92
 783
 
 875
 
 1,567
 
 1,567
Net other comprehensive income 986
 783
 768
 2,537
Balance at March 31, 2016 $986
 $(46,136) $(15,488) $(60,638)
Net other comprehensive income (loss) (1,068) 1,567
 806
 1,305
Balance at June 30, 2016 $(1,068) $(45,352) $(15,450) $(61,870)
Balance at December 31, 2016 $
 $(35,865) $(16,275) $(52,140) $
 $(35,865) $(16,275) $(52,140)
Activity during period:                
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (37) 
 186
 149
 739
 
 280
 1,019
Amounts reclassified from AOCL (73) 392
 
 319
 
 767
 
 767
Net other comprehensive income (loss) (110) 392
 186
 468
 739
 767
 280
 1,786
Balance at March 31, 2017 $(110) $(35,473) $(16,089) $(51,672)
Balance at June 30, 2017 $739
 $(35,098) $(15,995) $(50,354)
(1)
Gains / Gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges are related to foreign currency forward contracts. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized through “contract drilling services” expense on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 1111— Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities for additional information.
(2)
Defined benefit pension items relate to actuarial changes and the amortization of prior service costs. Reclassifications from AOCL are recognized as expense on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations through either “Contract drilling services” or “General and administrative.” See Note 1010— Employee Benefit Plans for additional information.
Note 14 —14— Commitments and Contingencies
In January 2017, a subsidiary of Transocean Ltd. ("Transocean") filed suit against us and certain of our subsidiaries for patent infringement in a Texas federal court. The suit claims that five of our newbuild rigs that operated in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico violated Transocean patents relating to what is generally referred to as dual-activity drilling. We were aware of the patents when we constructed the
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


rigs, and we do not believe that our rigs infringe the Transocean patents, which are now expired. We intend to defend ourselves vigorously against this claim.
In December 2014, one of our subsidiaries reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) regarding our former drillship, the Noble Discoverer, and the Kulluk, a rig we were providing contract labor services for, in respect of violations of applicable law discovered in connection with a 2012 Coast Guard inspection in Alaska and our own subsequent internal investigation. Under the terms of the agreement, the subsidiary pled guilty to oil record book, ballast record and required hazardous condition reporting violations with respect to the Noble Discoverer and an oil record book violation with respect to the Kulluk. The subsidiary paid $8.2 million in fines and $4$4.0 million in community service payments and was placed on probation for four years, provided that we may petition the court for early dismissal of probation after three years. If, during the term of probation, the subsidiary fails to adhere to the terms of the plea agreement, the DOJ may withdraw from the plea agreement and would be free to prosecute the subsidiary on all charges arising out of its investigation, including any charges dismissed pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement, as well as potentially other charges. We also implemented a comprehensive environmental compliance plan in connection with the settlement.
We have used a commercial agent in Brazil in connection with our Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (“Petrobras”) drilling contracts. We understand that this agent has represented a number of different companies in Brazil over many years, including several offshore drilling contractors. In November 2015, this agent pled guilty in Brazil in connection with the award of a drilling contract to a competitor and implicated a Petrobras official as part of a wider investigation of Petrobras’ business practices. Following news reports relating to the agent’s involvement in the Brazil investigation in connection with his activities with other companies, we conducted a review, which is now substantially complete, of our relationship with the agent and with Petrobras. We are in contact with the SEC, the Brazilian federal prosecutor’s office and the DOJ about this matter. We are cooperating with these agencies and they are aware of our internal review. To our knowledge, neither the agent, nor the government authorities investigating the matter, has alleged that the agent or Noble acted improperly in connection with our contracts with Petrobras.
We
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are from time to timein thousands, except per share data)


In previous periods, we reported the existence of a party to various lawsuits that are incidental to our operations in which the claimants seek an unspecified amountnumber of monetary damages for personal injury, including injuries purportedly resulting from exposure to asbestos on drilling rigs and associated facilities. At March 31, 2017, there were 43 asbestos related lawsuits in which we arewere one of many defendants. TheseAs a result of the termination of the Separation Agreements, we no longer have any indemnity obligations in respect of these lawsuits, have been filedand responsibility for the claims has reverted back to Paragon Offshore, the entity that was originally named as a party in the United States in the states of Louisiana and Mississippi. 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.lawsuits.
We are a defendant in certain claims and litigation arising out of operations in the ordinary course of business, including personal injury claims, the resolution of which, in the opinion of management, will not be material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. There is inherent risk in any litigation or dispute and no assurance can be given as to the outcome of these claims.
We operate in a number of countries throughout the world and our tax returns filed in those jurisdictions are subject to review and examination by tax authorities within those jurisdictions. We recognize uncertain tax positions that we believe have a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being sustained. We cannot predict or provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of any existing or future assessments.
During 2014, the IRS began its examination of our tax reporting in the U.S. for the taxable years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011. The IRS examination team has completed its examination of our 2010 and 2011 U.S. tax returns and proposed adjustments and deficiencies with respect to certain items that were reported by us for the 2010 and 2011 tax year. On December 19, 2016, we received the Revenue Agent Report ("RAR") from the IRS. We believe that we have accurately reported all amounts in our tax returns, and have submitted administrative protests with the IRS Office of Appeals contesting the examination team’s proposed adjustments. We intend to vigorously defend our reported positions, and believe the ultimate resolution of the adjustments proposed by the IRS examination team will not have a material adverse effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements. We have also been informed by the IRS that our 2012 and 2013 tax returns will be examined, and we anticipate that examination beginningwill begin during 2017. The IRS examination team also completed its examination of two U.S. subsidiaries of Frontier Drilling for 2011, and proposed no changes to those returns.
On August 1, 2014, Noble-UK completed the Spin-off through a pro rata distribution of all of the ordinary shares of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Paragon Offshore, to the holders of Noble’s ordinary shares. In February 2016, Paragon Offshore sought approval of the Prior Plan by filing for voluntary relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. As part of the Prior Plan, we entered into the Settlement Agreement with Paragon Offshore under which, in exchange for a full and unconditional release of any claims by Paragon Offshore in connection with the Spin-off (including fraudulent conveyance claims that could be brought on behalf of Paragon Offshore’s creditors), we agreed to provide certain tax bonding in Mexico as well as assume certain tax liabilities and the administration of Mexican tax claims for specified years. The bonding to be provided by Noble-UK was a
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


key benefit to Paragon Offshore of the Settlement Agreement, which was subject to bankruptcy court confirmation as part of a bankruptcy plan. The Prior Plan was rejected by the bankruptcy court in October 2016.
In April 2017, Paragon Offshore filed an updated disclosure statement and athe revised New Plan in its bankruptcy proceeding. Under the New Plan, including Paragon Offshore’s revised business plan, Paragon Offshore will no longer needneeded the Mexican tax bonding that NobleNoble-UK was to provide under the Settlement Agreement. As a result, the Settlement Agreement iswas no longer applicable to the anticipated ongoing business of Paragon Offshore. Consequently, Paragon Offshore abandoned the Settlement Agreement as part of the New Plan, and the Settlement Agreement was terminated at the time of the filing of the New Plan. On May 2, 2017, Paragon Offshore announced that it had reached an agreement in principle with both its secured and unsecured creditors to revise the New Plan to, among other things, create and fund a $10.0 million litigation trust to pursue litigation against us. On June 7, 2017, the revised New Plan was approved by the bankruptcy court and Paragon Offshore emerged from bankruptcy on July 18, 2017.
We continue to discuss our continuing relationship with Paragon Offshore, including the possibility of entering into a new settlement agreement. There can be no assurance that we will reach any settlement agreement with Paragon Offshore. If we do not enter into a settlement agreement with Paragon Offshore, we expect Paragon Offshore or its creditors wouldwill use the funds in the litigation trust to pursue claims against us relating to the Spin-off, including any alleged fraudulent conveyance claims. We continue to believe that Paragon Offshore, at the time of the Spin-off, was properly funded, solvent and had appropriate liquidity and that any fraudulent conveyance claim or other claim related to the Spin-off that may be brought by Paragon Offshore or its creditors, would be without merit and would be contested vigorously by us. If litigation is instituted against Noble and we are unsuccessful in defending such claims, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
InPrior to the coursecompletion of the Spin-off, Noble-UK and Paragon Offshore entered into the Separation Agreements to effect the separation and Spin-off and govern the relationship between the parties after the Spin-off, including the MSA and TSA.
As part of its final bankruptcy plan, Paragon Offshore may elect to rejectrejected the Separation Agreements. If Paragon Offshore rejects the Separation Agreements,Accordingly, the indemnity obligations that Paragon Offshore may owepotentially would have owed us under the Separation Agreements would terminate,have now terminated, including indemnities arising under the MSA and the TSA in respect of obligations related to Paragon Offshore’s business that were incurred through Noble-retained entities prior to the Spin-off. We could, however, pursue claims against Paragon Offshore for such indemnity amounts in the bankruptcy proceeding. Any such claims would be unsecured claims in the bankruptcy. Likewise, any potential indemnity obligations that we may owewould have owed Paragon Offshore under the Separation Agreements, including those under the MSA and the TSA in respect of Noble-UK’s business that was conducted prior to the Spin-off through Paragon Offshore-retained entities, are now also extinguished. In the absence of the Separation Agreements, liabilities relating to the respective parties will be borne by the owner of the legal entity or asset at issue and neither party will look to an allocation based on the historic relationship of an entity or asset to one of the party’s business, as had been the case under the Separation Agreements.
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


The rejection and ultimate termination of the indemnity and related obligations under the Separation Agreements has resulted in a number of accounting charges and benefits in this period and such termination may continue to affect us in the future as liabilities arise for which we would also be extinguished.have been indemnified by Paragon Offshore or would have had to indemnify Paragon Offshore. We do not expect that, aoverall, the rejection of the Separation Agreements by Paragon Offshore wouldwill have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or liquidity. However, any loss we experience with respect to which we are unablewould have been able to secure indemnification from Paragon Offshore under one or more of the Separation Agreements could have an adverse impact on our results of operations in any period, which impact may be material depending on our results of operations during this down-cycle.
Audit claimsFor the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, we recognized net charges of approximately $49$15.9 million, attributable to income and other business taxes have been assessed against Noble entitieswith a non-cash loss of $1.5 million recorded in Mexico. In addition, under the TSA, we must indemnify Paragon Offshore for final assessed amounts in respect"Net loss from discontinued operations, net of approximately $9 milliontax" on our Condensed Consolidated Statement of tax audit claims arising from Noble's Mexican business that was conducted through Paragon Offshore-retained entities priorOperations relating to the Spin-off. If the Separation Agreements, including the TSA, are terminated, we would no longer have an obligation to indemnifyemergence from bankruptcy of Paragon Offshore for such amounts.Offshore.
In January 2015, Noble received an official notification of a ruling from the Second Chamber of the Supreme Court in Mexico. The ruling settled an ongoing dispute in Mexico relating to the classification of a Noble subsidiary’s business activity and the applicable rate of depreciation under the Mexican law applicable to the activities of that subsidiary. The ruling did not result in any additional tax liability to Noble. Additionally, the ruling is only applicable to the Noble subsidiary named in the ruling and, therefore, does not establish the depreciation rate applicable to the assets of other Noble subsidiaries. We will continue to contest future assessments received, and can make no assurances regarding the ultimate outcome of these tax claims or our obligations to pay additional taxes in respect of these tax claims.
In previous periods, we reported that Mexican and Brazilian authorities had made significant tax assessments against Paragon Offshore has received certain tax assessments attributable to income, customsentities, of which approximately $45.5 million and other business taxes in Brazil, including $46$46.5 million, relatingrespectively, related to Noble’s business that operated through a Paragon Offshore-retained entityentities in Mexico and Brazil prior to the Spin-off. Underspin-off. As a result of the TSA, we must indemnify Paragon Offshore for all final assessed amounts that are related to Noble’s Brazil business if and when such payments become due. Iftermination of the Separation Agreements, including the TSA, are terminated, we would no longer have an obligation to indemnifyany indemnity obligations in respect of these tax claims made against Paragon Offshore entities, and responsibility for such amounts.
We have contested, or intendthese claims has reverted back to contest or cooperate withthe applicable Paragon Offshore in Brazil where it is contesting, the assessments described above, including through litigation if necessary,entity. Audit claims of approximately $51.3 million attributable to income 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. Tax authorities 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 or our ability to collect indemnities from Paragon Offshore under the TSA.
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


Weother business taxes have been assessed against Noble entities in Mexico.
In previous periods, we also reported that Petrobras had notified by Petrobrasus that it is currentlywas challenging assessments by Brazilian tax authorities of withholding taxes associated with the provision of drilling rigs for its operations in Brazil during 2008 and 2009. Petrobras hashad also notified us that if Petrobras mustwas ultimately forced to pay such withholding taxes, it willwould seek reimbursement from Paragon Offshore who would then seek reimbursement from us for the portion of the $23.9 million in withholding that was allocable to our drilling rigs. The amountAs a result of the termination of the Separation Agreements, we no longer have any indemnity obligation in respect of these withholding tax that Petrobras indicates may be allocable to Noble drilling rigs is approximately $25 million. We believe that our contract with Petrobras requires Petrobras to indemnify usclaims made against a Paragon Offshore entity, and responsibility for these withholding taxes. We will, if necessary, vigorously defend our rights.claims has reverted back to the applicable Paragon Offshore entity.
We maintain certain insurance coverage against specified marine perils, which includes physical damage and loss of hire to our drilling rigs along with other associated coverage common in our industry. We maintain a physical damage deductible on our rigs of $25$25.0 million per occurrence. With respect to the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, hurricane risk has generally resulted in more restrictive and expensive coverage for U.S. named windstorm perils, and we have opted in certain years to maintain limited or no windstorm coverage. Our current program provides for $500$500.0 million in named windstorm coverage in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. 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, strikes or cyber risks. If a significant accident or other event occurs and is not fully covered by insurance or contractual indemnity, it could materially adversely affect our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Additionally, there can be no assurance that those parties with contractual obligations to indemnify us will necessarily be financially able to indemnify us against all these risks.
We carry protection and indemnity insurance covering marine third party liability exposures, which also includes coverage for employer’s liability resulting from personal injury to our offshore drilling crews. Our protection and indemnity policy currently has a standard deductible of $10$10.0 million per occurrence, with maximum liability coverage of $750$750.0 million.
We have entered into agreements with certain of our executive officers, as well as certain other employees. These agreements become effective upon a change of control of Noble-UK (within the meaning set forth in the agreements) or a termination of employment in connection with or in anticipation of a change of control, and remain effective for three years thereafter. These agreements provide for compensation and certain other benefits under such circumstances.
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


Note 15 —15— Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09,2014-9, which creates Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” and supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition,” including most industry-specific revenue recognition guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. In addition, ASU No. 2014-092014-9 supersedes the cost guidance in Subtopic 605-35, “Revenue Recognition—Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts,” and creates new Subtopic 340-40, “Other Assets and Deferred Costs—Contracts with Customers.” In summary, the core principle of Topic 606 is to recognize revenue when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. The amendments in ASU No. 2014-092014-9 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period, and early application is permitted for periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We have formed an implementation work team, completed training on ASC Topic 606 and have begun a project to review relevant contracts. We plan on adopting the new standard effective January 1, 2018 concurrently with ASU No. 2016-02,2016-2, Leases (ASC Topic 842) as discussed below and applying it retrospectively to all comparative periods presented.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, which amends ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes.” This amendment aligns the presentation of deferred income tax assets and liabilities with International Financial Reporting Standards. International Accounting Standard 1, Presentation of Financial Statements, requires deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. The current requirement that deferred tax liabilities and assets be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected by the amendments in this update. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted for all entities as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The amendments in this update may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Upon adoption of this guidance did notthese two new standards, we expect to have an impact ona lease component and a service component of revenue related to our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures and we determined that there is no retrospective adjustment necessary, as such, the update will be implemented prospectively.drilling contracts.
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02,2016-2, which creates ASC Topic 842, “Leases.” This update increases transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Under the updated accounting standards, we have preliminarily determined that our drilling contracts contain a lease component, and our adoption, therefore, will require that we separately recognize revenues associated with the lease and services components. Our adoption, and the ultimate effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements, will be based on an evaluation of the contract-specific facts and circumstances, and such effect could result in differences in the timing of our revenue recognition relativecircumstances. Due to current accounting standards. Given the interaction with the issued accounting standard update related toon revenue from contracts with customers,recognition, we expect to adopt the updates concurrently,ASC 842 effective January 1, 2018.2018, concurrently with ASC 606. We expect to apply the modified retrospective approach to our adoption. Our adoption will have an impact on how our condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures will be presented. We are currently evaluating whatthe impact the adoption of this guidanceASC 842 will have on our condensed consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures. Westatements, and to complete that evaluation we have completed training on the ASU, formed an implementation work team completed training on ASC Topic 842 and have begun a project tostarted the review relevant leases.and documentation of contracts.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-05, which amends ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” This amendment clarifies that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as a hedging instrument under Topic 815 does not, in and of itself, require dedesignation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and may be applied on either a prospective basis or a modified retrospective basis. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures and we determined that there is no retrospective adjustment necessary, as such, the update will be implemented prospectively.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09,2016-9, which amends ASC Topic 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation.” This amendment simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Under the new provision, current period excess tax benefits related to stock compensation will beare now recognized in theour Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations in “Provision for income taxes” in the results of operations,taxes,” rather than in "Additional paid-in capital" in the consolidated balance sheetson our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and will beCondensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. This update has been applied on a prospective basis. Changes to the statementsour Condensed Consolidated Statement of cash flowsCash Flows related to the classificationreclassification of prior period excess tax benefits and employee taxes paid for share-based payment arrangements will behave been implemented on a retrospective basis. In accordance with our adoption of this update, in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows,prior period excess tax benefits of approximately $5.5 million, as of March 31, 2016, which were previously classified as a financing activity in “Employee stock transactions,”transactions” on the June 30, 2016 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, are now classified as an operating activity in “Other current liabilities.”“Net change in other assets and liabilities” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the comparative period. Additionally, prior period employee taxes paid for share-based payment arrangements of approximately $3$3.2 million, as of March 31, 2016, which were previously classified as an operating activity in “Other current liabilities,”“Net change in other assets and liabilities” on the June 30, 2016 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, are now classified as a financing activity in “Employee stock transactions”.
In August 2016, on the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15 which amends ASC Topic 230, “Classificationaccompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” The amendments in this update address eight specific cash flow issues withFlows for the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The update outlines the classification of specific transactions as either cash inflows or outflows from financing activities, operating activities, investing activities or non-cash activities. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We are evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.comparative period.
In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16 which amends ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes.” The amendments in this update improve the accounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We are evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
In NovemberWith the exception of the updated standards discussed above, there have been no new accounting pronouncements not yet effective that have significance, or potential significance, to our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Note 16— Supplemental Financial Information
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Information
Deferred revenues from drilling contracts totaled $122.8 million and $134.4 million at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18 which amends ASC Topic 230, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.” The amendmentsrespectively. Such amounts are included in this update require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the periodeither “Other current liabilities” or “Other liabilities” in the totalaccompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon our expected time of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally describedrecognition. Related expenses deferred under drilling contracts totaled $47.3 million at June 30, 2017 as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We are evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-06 which amends ASC Topic 960, “Defined Benefit Pension Plans," ASC Topic 962, "Defined Contribution Pension Plans" and ASC Topic 965, "Health and Welfare Benefit Plans." The amendments in this update clarify presentation requirements for a plan’s interest in a master trust and require more detailed disclosures of the plan’s interest in the master trust. The amendments also eliminate a redundancy relating to 401(h) account disclosures. This guidancecompared
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We are evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07 which amends ASC Topic 715, “Compensation—Retirement Benefits." The amendments in this update require that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. The amendments also provide explicit guidance on how to present the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement and allow only the service cost component of net benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We are evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this guidance will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.
Note 16 — Supplemental Financial Information
Consolidated Balance Sheets Information
Deferred revenues from drilling contracts totaled $125 million and $134 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Such amounts are included in either “Other current liabilities” or “Other liabilities” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon our expected time of recognition. Related expenses deferred under drilling contracts totaled $50 million at March 31, 2017 as compared to $54$53.8 million at December 31, 2016, and are included in either “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” or “Other assets” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon our expected time of recognition.
In April 2015, we agreed to contract dayrate reductions for five rigs working for Saudi Arabian Oil Company (“Saudi Aramco”), which were effective from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. During the first quarter of 2016, we agreed to further contract dayrate reductions for the remaining four contracted rigs through the end of 2016. Given current market conditions and based on discussions with the customer, we do not expect the rates to return to the original contract rates. In accordance with accounting guidance, we are recognizing the reductions on a straight-line basis over the remaining life of the existing Saudi Aramco contracts. At March 31,June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, revenues recorded in excess of billings as a result of this recognition totaled $13$15.1 million and $18$17.9 million, respectively, and are included in either “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” or “Other assets” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon our expected time of recognition.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Information
The net effect of changes in other assets and liabilities on cash flows from operating activities is as follows.follows:
 Noble-UK Noble-Cayman Noble-UK Noble-Cayman
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended March 31, Six Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Accounts receivable $33,630
 $(7,086) $33,630
 $(7,086) $76,495
 $147,454
 $76,495
 $147,454
Other current assets (11,451) 20,750
 (11,719) 18,739
 15,896
 75,949
 12,475
 73,543
Other assets 89,065
 23,845
 89,029
 23,845
 (40,078) 104,416
 (47,166) 102,335
Accounts payable (9,017) (48,925) (8,800) (48,619) (8,881) (50,663) (8,754) (48,719)
Other current liabilities (95,810) (53,252) (96,154) (45,885) (19,385) (74,247) (18,293) (67,843)
Other liabilities 8,139
 (25,191) 8,139
 (25,192) 6,703
 (38,590) 13,547
 (39,933)
 $14,556
 $(89,859) $14,125
 $(84,198) $30,750
 $164,319
 $28,304
 $166,837
In accordance with our adoption of ASU No. 2016-09,2016-9, prior period excess tax benefits, which were previously classified as a financing activity in the accompanying“Employee stock transactions,” are now classified as an operating activity in “Net change in other assets and liabilities” on our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and current period excess tax benefits are now recognized in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations through income taxes. Additionally, shares withheld for taxes on employee stock transactions, which were previously classified as an operating activity in “Other current“Net change in other assets and liabilities,” are now classified as a financing activity in “Employee stock transactions”. Prior period excess tax benefits, which were previously classified as a financing activity in “Employee stock transactions,” are classified as an operating activity in “Other current liabilities” in the accompanying on our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Current period excess tax benefits, which were previously classified as a financing activity on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, are recognized in the “Provision for income taxes” on the Consolidated Statement of Operations rather than in “Additional paid-in capital” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.


NOBLE CORPORATION PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)


Note 17 —17— Condensed Consolidating Financial Information about Noble-Cayman
Guarantees of Registered Securities
Noble-Cayman, or one or more wholly-owned100 percent owned subsidiaries of Noble-Cayman, areis a co-issuer or full and unconditional guarantor or otherwise obligated as of March 31,June 30, 2017 as follows:
  Issuer  
Notes (Co-Issuer(s)) Guarantor
$250 million 5.75% Senior Notes due 2018 NHIL Noble-Cayman
$202 million 7.50% Senior Notes due 2019 NHUS Noble-Cayman
  Noble Drilling Holding, LLC ("NDH") 
  Noble Drilling Services 6 LLC ("NDS6") 
$168 million 4.90% Senior Notes due 2020 NHIL Noble-Cayman
$209 million 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021 NHIL Noble-Cayman
$126 million 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022 NHIL Noble-Cayman
$1 billion 7.75% Senior Notes due 2024 NHIL Noble-Cayman
$450 million 7.20%7.70% Senior Notes due 2025 NHIL Noble-Cayman
$400 million 6.20% Senior Notes due 2040 NHIL Noble-Cayman
$400 million 6.05% Senior Notes due 2041 NHIL Noble-Cayman
$500 million 5.25% Senior Notes due 2042 NHIL Noble-Cayman
$400 million 8.20%8.70% Senior Notes due 2045 NHIL Noble-Cayman
The following condensed consolidating financial statements of Noble-Cayman, NHUS, NDH, NHIL, NDS6 and all other subsidiaries present investments in both consolidated and unconsolidated affiliates using the equity method of accounting.


NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
March 31,June 30, 2017
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 Noble -
Cayman
 NHUS NDH NHIL NDS6 Other
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
of Noble
 Consolidating
Adjustments
 Total Noble -
Cayman
 NHUS NDH NHIL NDS6 Other
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
of Noble
 Consolidating
Adjustments
 Total
ASSETS                                
Current assets                                
Cash and cash equivalents $1
 $
 $100
 $
 $
 $518,867
 $
 $518,968
 $14
 $
 $119
 $367
 $
 $601,678
 $
 $602,178
Accounts receivable 
 
 27,057
 
 
 258,465
 
 285,522
 
 
 31,008
 
 
 211,649
 
 242,657
Taxes receivable 
 57,040
 
 
 
 39,193
 
 96,233
 
 
 
 
 
 18,169
 
 18,169
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates 52,611
 
 124,601
 119,314
 
 
 (296,526) 
 
 
 119,476
 
 2,373,452
 
 (2,492,928) 
Accounts receivable from affiliates 2,825,054
 
 134,251
 65,415
 80,483
 5,946,376
 (9,051,579) 
 619,661
 92,349
 149,005
 60,944
 357,957
 5,824,879
 (7,104,795) 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 95
 
 2,181
 77
 
 57,362
 
 59,715
 96
 
 1,040
 49
 1
 73,014
 
 74,200
Total current assets 2,877,761
 57,040
 288,190
 184,806
 80,483
 6,820,263
 (9,348,105) 960,438
 619,771
 92,349
 300,648
 61,360
 2,731,410
 6,729,389
 (9,597,723) 937,204
Property and equipment, at cost 
 
 1,066,013
 
 
 11,315,837
 
 12,381,850
 
 
 1,070,746
 
 
 11,340,111
 
 12,410,857
Accumulated depreciation 
 
 (232,729) 
 
 (2,204,723) 
 (2,437,452) 
 
 (246,631) 
 
 (2,325,931) 
 (2,572,562)
Property and equipment, net 
 
 833,284
 
 
 9,111,114
 
 9,944,398
 
 
 824,115
 
 
 9,014,180
 
 9,838,295
Notes receivable from affiliates 3,605,249
 
 1,053,784
 318,999
 6,378,539
 1,167,802
 (12,524,373) 
 3,177,248
 
 1,053,783
 
 3,943,299
 1,171,304
 (9,345,634) 
Investments in affiliates 2,221,570
 3,314,708
 3,906,599
 12,145,901
 6,328,697
 
 (27,917,475) 
 5,029,983
 3,179,576
 4,698,262
 12,517,083
 7,275,866
 
 (32,700,770) 
Other assets 3,877
 
 6,818
 1
 
 79,421
 
 90,117
 3,462
 16,775
 6,419
 
 
 222,138
 
 248,794
Total assets $8,708,457
 $3,371,748
 $6,088,675
 $12,649,707
 $12,787,719
 $17,178,600
 $(49,789,953) $10,994,953
 $8,830,464
 $3,288,700
 $6,883,227
 $12,578,443
 $13,950,575
 $17,137,011
 $(51,644,127) $11,024,293
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY                                
Current liabilities                                
Short-term notes payables from affiliates $
 $171,925
 $
 $249,299
 $
 $124,601
 $(296,526) $249,299
Short-term notes payables to affiliates $
 $1,605,243
 $
 $
 $
 $887,685
 $(2,492,928) $
Current maturities of long-term debt 
 
 
 249,475
 
 
 
 249,475
Accounts payable 
 
 4,125
 
 
 79,518
 
 83,643
 
 
 2,856
 
 
 83,558
 
 86,414
Accrued payroll and related costs 
 
 4,468
 
 
 30,467
 
 34,935
 
 
 4,848
 
 
 33,492
 
 38,340
Accounts payable to affiliates 3,231,974
 422,363
 1,882,042
 467,987
 7,873
 3,039,340
 (9,051,579) 
 3,434,157
 456,573
 1,857,871
 404,332
 
 951,862
 (7,104,795) 
Taxes payable 
 
 
 
 
 48,629
 
 48,629
 
 41,361
 
 
 
 47,951
 
 89,312
Interest payable 24
 
 
 62,598
 630
 
 
 63,252
 24
 
 
 95,184
 4,454
 
 
 99,662
Other current liabilities 9
 
 25
 
 
 68,004
 
 68,038
 16
 
 945
 
 
 83,517
 
 84,478
Total current liabilities 3,232,007
 594,288
 1,890,660
 779,884
 8,503
 3,390,559
 (9,348,105) 547,796
 3,434,197
 2,103,177
 1,866,520
 748,991
 4,454
 2,088,065
 (9,597,723) 647,681
Long-term debt 
 
 
 3,591,068
 201,452
 
 
 3,792,520
 
 
 
 3,592,411
 201,483
 
 
 3,793,894
Notes payable to affiliates 
 2,305,243
 467,139
 3,175,661
 
 6,576,330
 (12,524,373) 
 
 700,000
 470,643
 3,175,662
 
 4,999,329
 (9,345,634) 
Deferred income taxes 
 
 6
 
 
 179,736
 
 179,742
 
 
 
 
 
 212,526
 
 212,526
Other liabilities 19,929
 
 6,129
 
 
 271,025
 
 297,083
 19,929
 
 11,010
 
 
 266,867
 
 297,806
Total liabilities 3,251,936
 2,899,531
 2,363,934
 7,546,613
 209,955
 10,417,650
 (21,872,478) 4,817,141
 3,454,126
 2,803,177
 2,348,173
 7,517,064
 205,937
 7,566,787
 (18,943,357) 4,951,907
Commitments and contingencies 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total shareholder equity 5,456,521
 472,217
 3,724,741
 5,103,094
 12,577,764
 5,636,150
 (27,513,966) 5,456,521
 5,376,338
 485,523
 4,535,054
 5,061,379
 13,744,638
 8,471,145
 (32,297,739) 5,376,338
Noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 1,124,800
 (403,509) 721,291
 
 
 
 
 
 1,099,079
 (403,031) 696,048
Total equity 5,456,521
 472,217
 3,724,741
 5,103,094
 12,577,764
 6,760,950
 (27,917,475) 6,177,812
 5,376,338
 485,523
 4,535,054
 5,061,379
 13,744,638
 9,570,224
 (32,700,770) 6,072,386
Total liabilities and equity $8,708,457
 $3,371,748
 $6,088,675
 $12,649,707
 $12,787,719
 $17,178,600
 $(49,789,953) $10,994,953
 $8,830,464
 $3,288,700
 $6,883,227
 $12,578,443
 $13,950,575
 $17,137,011
 $(51,644,127) $11,024,293

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2016
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 Noble-
Cayman

NHUS
NDH
NHIL
NDS6
Other
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
of Noble

Consolidating
Adjustments

Total Noble-
Cayman

NHUS
NDH
NHIL
NDS6
Other
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
of Noble

Consolidating
Adjustments

Total
ASSETS  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Current assets  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents $2,537
 $
 $10,855
 $
 $
 $640,441
 $
 $653,833
 $2,537
 $
 $10,855
 $
 $
 $640,441
 $
 $653,833
Accounts receivable 
 
 33,162
 
 
 285,990
 
 319,152
 
 
 33,162
 
 
 285,990
 
 319,152
Taxes receivable 
 21,428
 
 
 
 34,052
 
 55,480
 
 21,428
 
 
 
 34,052
 
 55,480
Short-term notes receivable from affiliates 
 
 243,915
 
 1,349,708
 52,611
 (1,646,234) 
 
 
 243,915
 
 1,349,708
 52,611
 (1,646,234) 
Accounts receivable from affiliates 361,313
 
 137,476
 67,560
 85,274
 3,038,658
 (3,690,281) 
 361,313
 
 137,476
 67,560
 85,274
 3,038,658
 (3,690,281) 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 270
 
 1,611
 
 
 86,868
 

 88,749
 270
 
 1,611
 
 
 86,868
 
 88,749
Total current assets 364,120
 21,428
 427,019
 67,560
 1,434,982
 4,138,620
 (5,336,515) 1,117,214
 364,120
 21,428
 427,019
 67,560
 1,434,982
 4,138,620
 (5,336,515) 1,117,214
Property and equipment, at cost 
 
 2,376,862
 
 
 9,988,026
 
 12,364,888
 
 
 2,376,862
 
 
 9,988,026
 
 12,364,888
Accumulated depreciation 
 
 (428,308) 
 
 (1,874,632) 
 (2,302,940) 
 
 (428,308) 
 
 (1,874,632) 
 (2,302,940)
Property and equipment, net 
 
 1,948,554
 
 
 8,113,394
 
 10,061,948
 
 
 1,948,554
 
 
 8,113,394
 
 10,061,948
Notes receivable from affiliates 3,304,672
 
 112,706
 69,564
 5,000
 1,798,614
 (5,290,556) 
 3,304,672
 
 112,706
 69,564
 5,000
 1,798,614
 (5,290,556) 
Investments in affiliates 2,848,855
 2,007,016
 1,411,874
 8,369,728
 6,129,082
 
 (20,766,555) 
 2,848,855
 2,007,016
 1,411,874
 8,369,728
 6,129,082
 
 (20,766,555) 
Other assets 4,292
 
 5,687
 
 
 168,573
 
 178,552
 4,292
 
 5,687
 
 
 168,573
 
 178,552
Total assets $6,521,939
 $2,028,444
 $3,905,840
 $8,506,852
 $7,569,064
 $14,219,201
 $(31,393,626) $11,357,714
 $6,521,939
 $2,028,444
 $3,905,840
 $8,506,852
 $7,569,064
 $14,219,201
 $(31,393,626) $11,357,714
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Current liabilities  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Short-term notes payables from affiliates $
 $171,925
 $
 $
 $
 $1,474,309
 $(1,646,234) $
Short-term notes payables to affiliates $
 $171,925
 $
 $
 $
 $1,474,309
 $(1,646,234) $
Current maturities of long-term debt 
 
 
 299,882
 
 
 
 299,882
 
 
 
 299,882
 
 
 
 299,882
Accounts payable 
 
 4,228
 
 
 103,640
 
 107,868
 
 
 4,228
 
 
 103,640
 
 107,868
Accrued payroll and related costs 
 
 4,882
 
 
 43,437
 
 48,319
 
 
 4,882
 
 
 43,437
 
 48,319
Accounts payable to affiliates 818,737
 111,801
 1,995,788
 123,642
 
 640,313
 (3,690,281) 
 818,737
 111,801
 1,995,788
 123,642
 
 640,313
 (3,690,281) 
Taxes payable 
 
 
 
 
 46,561
 
 46,561
 
 
 
 
 
 46,561
 
 46,561
Interest payable 48
 
 
 56,839
 4,412
 
 
 61,299
 48
 
 
 56,839
 4,412
 
 
 61,299
Other current liabilities 12
 
 4,296
 
 
 63,004
 
 67,312
 12
 
 4,296
 
 
 63,004
 
 67,312
Total current liabilities 818,797
 283,726
 2,009,194
 480,363
 4,412
 2,371,264
 (5,336,515) 631,241
 818,797
 283,726
 2,009,194
 480,363
 4,412
 2,371,264
 (5,336,515) 631,241
Long-term debt 
 
 
 3,838,807
 201,422
 
 
 4,040,229
 
 
 
 3,838,807
 201,422
 
 
 4,040,229
Notes payable to affiliates 
 700,000
 467,139
 744,181
 
 3,379,236
 (5,290,556) 
 
 700,000
 467,139
 744,181
 
 3,379,236
 (5,290,556) 
Deferred income taxes 
 
 534
 
 
 1,550
 
 2,084
 
 
 534
 
 
 1,550
 
 2,084
Other liabilities 19,929
 
 24,035
 
 
 248,219
 
 292,183
 19,929
 
 24,035
 
 
 248,219
 
 292,183
Total liabilities 838,726
 983,726
 2,500,902
 5,063,351
 205,834
 6,000,269
 (10,627,071) 4,965,737
 838,726
 983,726
 2,500,902
 5,063,351
 205,834
 6,000,269
 (10,627,071) 4,965,737
Commitments and contingencies 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total shareholder equity 5,683,213
 1,044,718
 1,404,938
 3,443,501
 7,363,230
 7,106,323
 (20,362,710) 5,683,213
 5,683,213
 1,044,718
 1,404,938
 3,443,501
 7,363,230
 7,106,323
 (20,362,710) 5,683,213
Noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 1,112,609
 (403,845) 708,764
 
 
 
 
 
 1,112,609
 (403,845) 708,764
Total equity 5,683,213
 1,044,718
 1,404,938
 3,443,501
 7,363,230
 8,218,932
 (20,766,555) 6,391,977
 5,683,213
 1,044,718
 1,404,938
 3,443,501
 7,363,230
 8,218,932
 (20,766,555) 6,391,977
Total liabilities and equity $6,521,939
 $2,028,444
 $3,905,840
 $8,506,852
 $7,569,064
 $14,219,201
 $(31,393,626) $11,357,714
 $6,521,939
 $2,028,444
 $3,905,840
 $8,506,852
 $7,569,064
 $14,219,201
 $(31,393,626) $11,357,714

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS and COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2017
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 Noble-
Cayman

NHUS
NDH
NHIL
NDS6
Other
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
of Noble

Consolidating
Adjustments

Total Noble-
Cayman

NHUS
NDH
NHIL
NDS6
Other
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
of Noble

Consolidating
Adjustments

Total
Operating revenues                                
Contract drilling services $
 $
 $47,104
 $
 $
 $324,724
 $(17,169) $354,659
 $
 $
 $39,988
 $
 $
 $241,488
 $(9,944) $271,532
Reimbursables 
 
 1,136
 
 
 7,168
 
 8,304
 
 
 892
 
 
 5,707
 
 6,599
Other 
 
 
 
 
 13
 
 13
 
 
 
 
 
 11
 
 11
Total operating revenues 
 
 48,240
 
 
 331,905
 (17,169) 362,976
 
 
 40,880
 
 
 247,206
 (9,944) 278,142
Operating costs and expenses                                
Contract drilling services 1,001
 2,571
 11,499
 12,487
 
 149,627
 (17,169) 160,016
 (866) 3,362
 12,687
 (10,834) 
 167,452
 (9,944) 161,857
Reimbursables 
 
 820
 
 
 4,326
 
 5,146
 
 
 472
 
 
 3,922
 
 4,394
Depreciation and amortization 
 
 16,515
 
 
 119,203
 
 135,718
 
 
 14,005
 
 
 120,628
 
 134,633
General and administrative 513
 1,307
 
 6,833
 4
 407
 
 9,064
 (442) 1,538
 
 (5,941) 5
 18,071
 
 13,231
Total operating costs and expenses 1,514
 3,878
 28,834
 19,320
 4
 273,563
 (17,169) 309,944
 (1,308) 4,900
 27,164
 (16,775) 5
 310,073
 (9,944) 314,115
Operating income (loss) (1,514) (3,878) 19,406
 (19,320) (4) 58,342
 
 53,032
 1,308
 (4,900) 13,716
 16,775
 (5) (62,867) 
 (35,973)
Other income (expense)                                
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates (295,102) (313,565) 2,369
 96,817
 50,619
 
 458,862
 
 (85,274) (99,354) 39,114
 48,476
 5,647
 
 91,391
 
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized (2,605) (17,511) (3,092) (106,002) (3,817) (57,313) 116,893
 (73,447)
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax 2,967
 4,566
 
 
 
 
 (7,533) 
Interest income (expense), net of amounts capitalized (2,578) (6,345) (3,291) (107,686) (3,854) (23,134) 73,679
 (73,209)
Interest income and other, net 4,632
 (65) 39,902
 4,203
 63,418
 5,922
 (116,893) 1,119
 2,646
 (26) 14,309
 720
 53,560
 5,198
 (73,679) 2,728
Income (loss) before income taxes (294,589) (335,019) 58,585
 (24,302) 110,216
 6,951
 458,862
 (19,296)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes (80,931) (106,059) 63,848
 (41,715) 55,348
 (80,803) 83,858
 (106,454)
Income tax benefit (provision) 
 50,459
 509
 
 
 (308,341) 
 (257,373) 
 66,127
 (835) 
 
 (47,079) 
 18,213
Net income (loss) (294,589) (284,560) 59,094
 (24,302) 110,216
 (301,390) 458,862
 (276,669)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 (17,582) (338) (17,920)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations (80,931) (39,932) 63,013
 (41,715) 55,348
 (127,882) 83,858
 (88,241)
Net income (loss) from discontinuing operations, net of tax 
 (1,598) 
 
 
 4,565
 
 2,967
Net Income (loss) (80,931) (41,530) 63,013
 (41,715) 55,348
 (123,317) 83,858
 (85,274)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 4,821
 (478) 4,343
Net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation (294,589) (284,560) 59,094
 (24,302) 110,216
 (318,972) 458,524
 (294,589) (80,931) (41,530) 63,013
 (41,715) 55,348
 (118,496) 83,380
 (80,931)
Other comprehensive income, net 468
 
 
 
 
 468
 (468) 468
Other comprehensive income (loss), net 1,318
 
 
 
 
 1,318
 (1,318) 1,318
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation $(294,121) $(284,560) $59,094
 $(24,302) $110,216
 $(318,504) $458,056
 $(294,121) $(79,613) $(41,530) $63,013
 $(41,715) $55,348
 $(117,178) $82,062
 $(79,613)


NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS and COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
  Noble-
Cayman
 NHUS NDH NHIL NDS6 Other
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
of Noble
 Consolidating
Adjustments
 Total
Operating revenues                
Contract drilling services $
 $
 $87,092
 $
 $
 $566,212
 $(27,113) $626,191
Reimbursables 
 
 2,028
 
 
 12,875
 
 14,903
Other 
 
 
 
 
 24
 
 24
Total operating revenues 
 
 89,120
 
 
 579,111
 (27,113) 641,118
Operating costs and expenses                
Contract drilling services 135
 5,933
 24,186
 1,653
 
 317,079
 (27,113) 321,873
Reimbursables 
 
 1,292
 
 
 8,248
 
 9,540
Depreciation and amortization 
 
 30,520
 
 
 239,831
 
 270,351
General and administrative 71
 2,845
 
 892
 9
 18,478
 
 22,295
Total operating costs and expenses 206
 8,778
 55,998
 2,545
 9
 583,636
 (27,113) 624,059
Operating income (loss) (206) (8,778) 33,122
 (2,545) (9) (4,525) 
 17,059
Other income (expense)                
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates (380,376) (412,919) 41,483
 145,293
 56,266
 
 550,253
 
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates - discontinued operations, net of tax 2,967
 4,566
 
 
 
 
 (7,533) 
Interest income (expense), net of amounts capitalized (5,183) (23,856) (6,383) (213,688) (7,671) (80,447) 190,572
 (146,656)
Interest income and other, net 7,278
 (91) 54,211
 4,923
 116,978
 11,120
 (190,572) 3,847
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes (375,520) (441,078) 122,433
 (66,017) 165,564
 (73,852) 542,720
 (125,750)
Income tax benefit (provision) 
 116,586
 (326) 
 
 (355,420) 
 (239,160)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations (375,520) (324,492) 122,107
 (66,017) 165,564
 (429,272) 542,720
 (364,910)
Net income (loss) from discontinuing operations, net of tax 
 (1,598) 
 
 
 4,565
 
 2,967
Net Income (loss) (375,520) (326,090) 122,107
 (66,017) 165,564
 (424,707) 542,720
 (361,943)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 (12,761) (816) (13,577)
Net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation (375,520) (326,090) 122,107
 (66,017) 165,564
 (437,468) 541,904
 (375,520)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net 1,786
 
 
 
 
 1,786
 (1,786) 1,786
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation $(373,734) $(326,090) $122,107
 $(66,017) $165,564
 $(435,682) $540,118
 $(373,734)

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME and COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2016
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 Noble-
Cayman

NHUS
NDH
NHIL
NDS6
Other
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
of Noble

Consolidating
Adjustments

Total Noble-
Cayman

NHUS
NDH
NHIL
NDS6
Other
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
of Noble

Consolidating
Adjustments

Total
Operating revenues  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Contract drilling services $
 $
 $52,207
 $
 $
 $557,474
 $(18,314) $591,367
 $
 $
 $64,839
 $
 $
 $838,984
 $(27,126) $876,697
Reimbursables 
 
 746
 
 
 19,860
 
 20,606
 
 
 2,622
 
 
 15,311
 
 17,933
Other 
 
 
 
 
 600
 
 600
 
 
 
 
 
 253
 
 253
Total operating revenues 
 
 52,953
 
 
 577,934
 (18,314) 612,573
 
 
 67,461
 
 
 854,548
 (27,126) 894,883
Operating costs and expenses  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Contract drilling services 1,745
 7,395
 14,558
 32,314
 
 211,592
 (18,314) 249,290
 972
 4,318
 11,960
 19,290
 
 232,820
 (27,126) 242,234
Reimbursables 
 
 542
 
 
 15,464
 
 16,006
 
 
 2,345
 
 
 11,953
 
 14,298
Depreciation and amortization 
 
 21,461
 
 
 128,212
 
 149,673
 
 
 22,309
 
 
 128,629
 
 150,938
General and administrative 419
 3,315
 
 14,545
 
 (7,674) 
 10,605
 306
 2,340
 
 10,920
 1
 286
 
 13,853
Loss on impairment 
 
 
 
 
 16,616
 
 16,616
Total operating costs and expenses 2,164
 10,710
 36,561
 46,859
 
 347,594
 (18,314) 425,574
 1,278
 6,658

36,614

30,210

1

390,304

(27,126) 437,939
Operating income (loss) (2,164) (10,710) 16,392
 (46,859) 
 230,340
 
 186,999
 (1,278) (6,658) 30,847
 (30,210) (1) 464,244
 
 456,944
Other income (expense)  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates 135,092
 53,855
 (13,583) 176,354
 137,371
 
 (489,089) 
 245,695
 (13,250) (44,699) 454,402
 461,434
 
 (1,103,582) 
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized (17,556) (1,327) (2,748) (61,409) (4,275) (4,399) 34,614
 (57,100) (5,228) (21,339) (2,816) (59,812) (4,189) (95,104) 131,182
 (57,306)
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net 
 
 
 11,066
 
 
 
 11,066
Interest income and other, net 1,649
 (4) 3,476
 15,321
 69
 13,370
 (34,614) (733) 91,659
 54
 3,427
 4,039
 693
 30,107
 (131,182) (1,203)
Income before income taxes 117,021
 41,814
 3,537
 83,407
 133,165
 239,311
 (489,089) 129,166
Income tax (provision) benefit 
 (10,082) (205) 
 
 16,790
 
 6,503
Net income 117,021
 31,732
 3,332
 83,407
 133,165
 256,101
 (489,089) 135,669
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 (22,816) 4,168
 (18,648)
Net income attributable to Noble Corporation 117,021
 31,732
 3,332
 83,407
 133,165
 233,285
 (484,921) 117,021
Other comprehensive loss, net 2,537
 
 
 
 
 2,537
 (2,537) 2,537
Comprehensive income attributable to Noble Corporation $119,558
 $31,732
 $3,332
 $83,407
 $133,165
 $235,822
 $(487,458) $119,558
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 330,848
 (41,193) (13,241) 379,485
 457,937
 399,247
 (1,103,582) 409,501
Income tax provision 
 (23,656) (173) 
 
 (32,291) 
 (56,120)
Net income (loss) 330,848
 (64,849) (13,414) 379,485
 457,937
 366,956
 (1,103,582) 353,381
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 (42,231) 19,698
 (22,533)
Net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation 330,848
 (64,849) (13,414) 379,485
 457,937
 324,725
 (1,083,884) 330,848
Other comprehensive income (loss), net (1,232) 
 
 
 
 (1,232) 1,232
 (1,232)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation $329,616
 $(64,849) $(13,414) $379,485
 $457,937
 $323,493
 $(1,082,652) $329,616

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME and COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
  Noble-
Cayman
 NHUS NDH NHIL NDS6 Other
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
of Noble
 Consolidating
Adjustments
 Total
Operating revenues  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Contract drilling services $
 $
 $117,046
 $
 $
 $1,396,458
 $(45,440) $1,468,064
Reimbursables 
 
 3,368
 
 
 35,171
 
 38,539
Other 
 
 
 
 
 853
 
 853
Total operating revenues 
 
 120,414
 
 
 1,432,482
 (45,440) 1,507,456
Operating costs and expenses  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Contract drilling services 2,717
 11,713
 26,518
 51,604
 
 444,412
 (45,440) 491,524
Reimbursables 
 
 2,887
 
 
 27,417
 
 30,304
Depreciation and amortization 
 
 43,770
 
 
 256,841
 
 300,611
General and administrative 725
 5,655
 
 25,465
 1
 (7,388) 
 24,458
Loss on impairment 
 
 
 
 
 16,616
 
 16,616
Total operating costs and expenses 3,442
 17,368

73,175

77,069

1

737,898

(45,440)
863,513
Operating income (loss) (3,442) (17,368) 47,239
 (77,069) (1) 694,584
 
 643,943
Other income (expense)  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates 380,787
 40,605
 (58,282) 630,756
 598,805
 
 (1,592,671) 
Interest income (expense), net of amounts capitalized (22,784) (22,666) (5,564) (121,221) (8,464) (99,503) 165,796
 (114,406)
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net 
 
 
 11,066
 
 
 
 11,066
Interest income and other, net 93,308
 50
 6,903
 19,360
 762
 43,477
 (165,796) (1,936)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 447,869
 621
 (9,704) 462,892
 591,102
 638,558
 (1,592,671) 538,667
Income tax (provision) benefit 
 (33,738) (378) 
 
 (15,501) 
 (49,617)
Net income (loss) 447,869
 (33,117) (10,082) 462,892
 591,102
 623,057
 (1,592,671) 489,050
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 (65,047) 23,866
 (41,181)
Net income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation 447,869
 (33,117) (10,082) 462,892
 591,102
 558,010
 (1,568,805) 447,869
Other comprehensive income (loss), net 1,305
 
 
 
 
 1,305
 (1,305) 1,305
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Noble Corporation $449,174
 $(33,117) $(10,082) $462,892
 $591,102
 $559,315
 $(1,570,110) $449,174

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
ThreeSix Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2017
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 Noble-
Cayman

NHUS
NDH
NHIL
NDS6
Other
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
of Noble

Consolidating
Adjustments

Total Noble-
Cayman

NHUS
NDH
NHIL
NDS6
Other
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
of Noble

Consolidating
Adjustments

Total
Cash flows from operating activities                                
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $8,341
 $(6,607) $54,422
 $(115,438) $55,815
 $151,982
 $
 $148,515
 $18,027
 $128,277
 $94,821
 $(173,014) $109,339
 $91,919
 $
 $269,369
Cash flows from investing activities  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Capital expenditures 
 
 (277) 
 
 (38,105) 
 (38,382) 
 
 (1,309) 
 
 (66,299) 
 (67,608)
Proceeds from disposal of assets 
 
 
 
 
 273
 
 273
 
 
 7
 
 
 307
 
 314
Net cash provide by (used in) investing activities 
 
 (277) 
 
 (37,832) 
 (38,109)
Net cash used in investing activities 
 
 (1,302) 
 
 (65,992) 
 (67,294)
Cash flows from financing activities  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Repayment of long-term debt 
 
 
 (300,000) 
 
 
 (300,000)
Debt issuance costs on senior notes and credit facility 
 
 
 (42) 
 
 
 (42) 
 
 
 (42) 
 
 
 (42)
Repayment of long-term debt 
 
 
 (300,000) 
 
 
 (300,000)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 (5,393) 
 (5,393) 
 
 
 
 
 (5,393) 
 (5,393)
Distributions to parent company, net 60,164
 
 
 
 
 
 
 60,164
 51,705
 
 
 
 
 
 
 51,705
Advances (to) from affiliates (71,041) 6,607
 (64,900) 415,480
 (55,815) (230,331) 
 
 (72,255) (128,277) (104,255) 473,423
 (109,339) (59,297) 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (10,877) 6,607
 (64,900) 115,438
 (55,815) (235,724) 
 (245,271) (20,550) (128,277) (104,255) 173,381
 (109,339) (64,690) 
 (253,730)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents (2,536) 
 (10,755) 
 
 (121,574) 
 (134,865) (2,523) 
 (10,736) 367
 
 (38,763) 
 (51,655)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 2,537
 
 10,855
 
 
 640,441
 
 653,833
 2,537
 
 10,855
 
 
 640,441
 
 653,833
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $1
 $
 $100
 $
 $
 $518,867
 $
 $518,968
 $14
 $
 $119
 $367
 $
 $601,678
 $
 $602,178

NOBLE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
ThreeSix Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2016
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 Noble-
Cayman

NHUS
NDH
NHIL
NDS6
Other
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
of Noble

Consolidating
Adjustments

Total Noble-
Cayman

NHUS
NDH
NHIL
NDS6
Other
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
of Noble

Consolidating
Adjustments

Total
Cash flows from operating activities                                
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $(8,420) $(12,190) $20,809
 $(120,093) $(7,988) $315,632
 $
 $187,750
 $87,431
 $(72,611) $66,135
 $(179,793) $(7,703) $985,834
 $
 $879,293
Cash flows from investing activities  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Capital expenditures 
 
 (14,575) 
 
 (74,749) 
 (89,324) 
 
 (44,139) 
 
 (114,770) 
 (158,909)
Proceeds from disposal of assets 
 
 
 
 
 3,031
 
 3,031
 
 
 
 
 
 21,190
 
 21,190
Net cash used in investing activities 
 
 (14,575) 
 
 (71,718) 
 (86,293) 
 
 (44,139) 
 
 (93,580) 
 (137,719)
Cash flows from financing activities  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Repayment of long-term debt 
 
 
 (300,000) 
 
 
 (300,000) 
 
 
 (322,207) 
 
 
 (322,207)
Premiums paid on early repayment of long-term debt 
 
 
 (1,781) 
 
 
 (1,781)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests 
 
 
 
 
 (21,513) 
 (21,513) 
 
 
 
 
 (41,088) 
 (41,088)
Distributions to parent company, net (56,316) 
 
 
 
 
 
 (56,316) (65,316) 
 
 
 
 
 
 (65,316)
Advances (to) from affiliates 63,117
 12,190
 (8,264) 420,093
 7,988
 (495,124) 
 
 (23,514) 72,611
 (23,921) 503,781
 7,703
 (536,660) 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 6,801
 12,190
 (8,264) 120,093
 7,988
 (516,637) 
 (377,829) (88,830) 72,611
 (23,921) 179,793
 7,703
 (577,748) 
 (430,392)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents (1,619) 
 (2,030) 
 
 (272,723) 
 (276,372) (1,399) 
 (1,925) 
 
 314,506
 
 311,182
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 1,627
 
 2,101
 
 
 508,067
 
 511,795
 1,627
 
 2,101
 
 
 508,067
 
 511,795
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $8
 $
 $71
 $
 $
 $235,344
 $
 $235,423
 $228
 $
 $176
 $
 $
 $822,573
 $
 $822,977


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 March 31,June 30, 2017, and our results of operations for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2017 and 2016. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 filed by Noble Corporation plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“Noble-UK”), and Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company (“Noble-Cayman”).
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this report regarding rig demand, the offshore drilling market, oil prices, contract backlog, fleet status, our financial position, business strategy, impairments, repayment of debt, credit ratings, borrowings under our credit facility or other instruments, sources of funds, future capital expenditures, contract commitments, dayrates, contract commencements, extension or renewals, contract tenders, the outcome of any dispute, litigation, audit or investigation, plans and objectives of management for future operations, foreign currency requirements, results of joint ventures, indemnity and other contract claims, industry conditions, access to financing, impact of competition, governmental regulations and permitting, availability of labor, worldwide economic conditions, taxes and tax rates, indebtedness covenant compliance, dividends and distributable reserves, timing or results of acquisitions or dispositions, and timing for compliance with any new regulations are forward-looking statements. When used in this report, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “should” and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that such expectations will prove to be correct. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report on Form 10-Q and we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement for any reason, except as required by law. We have identified factors including but not limited to market conditions, factors affecting the level of activity in the oil and gas industry, supply and demand of drilling rigs, factors affecting the duration of contracts, the actual amount of downtime, factors that reduce applicable dayrates, operating hazards and delays, risks associated with operations outside the U.S., actions by regulatory authorities, credit rating agencies, customers, joint venture partners, contractors, lenders and other third parties, legislation and regulations affecting drilling operations, 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, 2016, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). We cannot control such risk factors and other uncertainties, and in many cases, we cannot predict the risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. You should consider these risks and uncertainties when you are evaluating us.
Executive Overview
We are a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. We perform contract drilling services with our global fleet of mobile offshore drilling units. As of May 5,July 25, 2017, our fleet consisted of 14 jackups, eight drillships and six semisubmersibles.
We report our contract drilling operations as a single reportable segment, Contract Drilling Services, 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 global market for contract drilling services and are often redeployed to different regions due to changing demands of our customers, which consist largely of major independent and government-owned or controlled oil and gas companies throughout the world. As of March 31,July 25, 2017, our contract drilling services segment conducted operations in the United States, the North Sea, South Africa, the Middle East Asia and South America.Asia. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921.
Outlook
The business environment for offshore drillers during the first threesix months of 2017 remained challenging. A rig supply imbalance remained in place, as curtailed offshore spending by customers contributed to a growing number of rigs without follow-on drilling programs as current contracts expire. In addition, some newbuild rigs ordered prior to the decline in industry activity continue to exit shipyards, while the delivery of other newbuild orders have been delayed into the future and are adding to the supply imbalance. Our customers have adopted a cautious approach to offshore spending as crude oil prices declined from approximately $112above $100 per barrel on June 30, 2014in mid-2014 to as low as approximately $30 per barrel in Januaryearly 2016 before improving to $52approximately $50 per barrel on Aprilthrough July 25, 2017. Although crude oil prices have traded in a more sustainable range over the first threesix months of


2017, we expect that the offshore drilling programs of operators will remain curtailed, especially exploration activity, until higher sustainable crude oil prices are achieved.achieved and volatility is reduced. Until then, a further deteriorationdecline in rig utilization and dayrates is possible.
We expect the business environment for the remainder of 2017 and into 2018 to remain weak and it could potentially deteriorate further. The present subdued level of global economic activity, the uncertainty of the viability and length of reductions in production originally agreed to by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) in November 2016, and reaffirmed in May 2017, the incremental production


capacity in non-OPEC countries, including growing production from the U.S. shale activity, the current U.S. political environment and the Brexit votefluid sentiment in the UKoil markets are contributing to an uncertain oil price environment, leading to considerable uncertainty in our customers’ exploration and production spending plans. However, steady demand growth, the lack of investment in various countries around the world and the production limits recently agreed to by OPEC could help to establish market conditions supporting higher, sustained crude prices in 2017.2017 and/or 2018. In general, recent contract awards have been short-term in nature and subject to an extremely competitive bidding process. As a result, the contracts have been for dayrates that are substantially lower than rates were for the same class of rigs before this period of imbalance. We cannot give any assurances as to when conditions in the offshore drilling market will improve, or when the oversupply of available drilling rigs will end. While current market conditions persist, we will continue to focus on cost control initiatives and managingfinancial discipline, including the preservation of liquidity. The current business environment could lead to the Company stacking or retiring additional drilling rigs.
While we cannot predict the future level of demand or dayrates for our services, or future conditions in the offshore contract drilling industry, we believe we are strategically well positioned.
We believe in the long-term fundamentals for the industry, especially for those contractors with a modern fleet of high-specification rigs like ours. Also, withwe expect the ultimate market recovery benefittingto benefit from any sustained under-investment by customers during this current phase of the market cycle. The acceleration in customer’scustomers' offshore spending, in combination with further fleet attrition, should contribute to a balanced rig supply over time.
Results and Strategy
Our business strategy focuses on a balanced fleet of both deepwater and high-specification jackup assets and the deployment of our drilling rigs in important oil and gas basins around the world. 
Over the past five years, we have expanded our drilling fleet through our newbuild program. We took delivery of our last remaining newbuild, the heavy-duty, harsh environment jackup, Noble Lloyd Noble, in July 2016. The Noble Lloyd Noble commenced operations in November 2016 under a four-year contract in the North Sea. Although we plan to focus on capital preservation and liquidity based on current market conditions, we also continue to evaluate opportunities to enhance our fleet, particularly focusing on higher specification rigs, to execute the increasingly complex drilling programs required by our customers.
Spin-off of Paragon Offshore plc
On August 1, 2014, Noble-UK completed the separation and spin-off of a majority of its standard specification offshore drilling business (the “Spin-off”) through a pro rata distribution of all of the ordinary shares of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Paragon Offshore, to the holders of Noble’s ordinary shares.
In February 2016, Paragon Offshore sought approval of a pre-negotiated plan of reorganization (the "Prior Plan") by filing for voluntary relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. As part of the Prior Plan, we entered into a settlement agreement with Paragon Offshore (the "Settlement Agreement"“Settlement Agreement”) under which, in exchange for a full and unconditional release of any claims by Paragon Offshore in connection with the Spin-off (including fraudulent conveyance claims that could be brought on behalf of Paragon Offshore’s creditors), we agreed to provide certain tax bonding in Mexico as well as assume certain tax liabilities and the administration of Mexican tax claims for a specified number of years. The bonding to be provided by Noble-UK was a key benefit to Paragon Offshore of the Settlement Agreement, which was subject to bankruptcy court confirmation as part of a bankruptcy plan. The Prior Plan was rejected by the bankruptcy court in October 2016.
In April 2017, Paragon Offshore filed an updated disclosure statement and a revised plan of reorganization (the “New Plan”) in its bankruptcy proceeding. Under the New Plan, including Paragon Offshore’s revised business plan, Paragon Offshore will no longer needneeded the Mexican tax bonding that Noble-UK was to provide under the Settlement Agreement. As a result, the Settlement Agreement iswas no longer applicable to the anticipated ongoing business of Paragon Offshore. Consequently, Paragon Offshore abandoned the Settlement Agreement as part of the New Plan, and the Settlement Agreement was terminated at the time of the filing of the New Plan. On May 2, 2017, Paragon Offshore announced that it had reached an agreement in principle with both its secured and unsecured creditors to revise the New Plan to, among other things, create and fund a $10.0 million litigation trust to pursue litigation against us. On June 7, 2017, the revised New Plan was approved by the bankruptcy court and Paragon Offshore emerged from bankruptcy on July 18, 2017.
We continue to discuss our continuing relationship with Paragon Offshore, including the possibility of entering into a new settlement agreement. There can be no assurance that we will reach any settlement agreement with Paragon Offshore. If we do not enter into a settlement agreement with Paragon Offshore, we expect Paragon Offshore or its creditors wouldwill use the funds in the litigation trust to pursue claims against us relating to the Spin-off, including any alleged fraudulent conveyance claims. We co


ntinuecontinue to believe that Paragon Offshore, at the time of the Spin-off, was properly funded, solvent and had appropriate liquidity and that any fraudulent conveyance claim or other claim related to the Spin-off that may be brought by Paragon Offshore or its creditors, would be without merit and would be contested vigorously by us. If litigation is instituted against Noble and we are unsuccessful in defending such claims, it could have a material adverse effect on our our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
Prior to the completion of the Spin-off, Noble-UK and Paragon Offshore entered into a series of agreements to effect the separation and Spin-off and govern the relationship between the parties after the Spin-off (the "Separation Agreements"). In, including the courseMaster Separation Agreement (the "MSA") and the Tax Sharing Agreement (the "TSA").


As part of its final bankruptcy plan, Paragon Offshore may elect to rejectrejected the Separation Agreements. If Paragon Offshore rejects the Separation Agreements,Accordingly, the indemnity obligations that Paragon Offshore may owepotentially would have owed us under the Separation Agreements would terminate,have now terminated, including indemnities arising under the Master Separation AgreementMSA and the Tax Sharing AgreementTSA in respect of obligations related to Paragon Offshore’s business that were incurred through Noble-retained entities prior to the Spin-off. We could, however, pursue claims against Paragon Offshore for such indemnity amounts in the bankruptcy proceeding. Any such claims would be unsecured claims in the bankruptcy. Likewise, any potential indemnity obligations that we may owewould have owed Paragon Offshore under the Separation Agreements, including those under the Master Separation AgreementMSA and Tax Sharing Agreementthe TSA in respect of Noble-UK’s business that was conducted prior to the Spin-off through Paragon Offshore-retained entities, are now also extinguished. In the absence of the Separation Agreements, liabilities relating to the respective parties will be borne by the owner of the legal entity or asset at issue and neither party will look to an allocation based on the historic relationship of an entity or asset to one of the party’s business, as had been the case under the Separation Agreements.
The rejection and ultimate termination of the indemnity and related obligations under the Separation Agreements has resulted in a number of accounting charges and benefits in this period and such termination may continue to affect us in the future as liabilities arise for which we would also be extinguished.have been indemnified by Paragon Offshore or would have had to indemnify Paragon Offshore. We do not expect that, aoverall, the rejection of the Separation Agreements by Paragon Offshore wouldwill have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or liquidity. However, any loss we experience with respect to which we are unablewould have been able to secure indemnification from Paragon Offshore under one or more of the Separation Agreements could have an adverse impact on our results of operations in any period, which impact may be material depending on our results of operations during this down-cycle.
For additional information regarding the Spin-offthree and the Settlement Agreementsix months ended June 30, 2017, we recognized net charges of $15.9 million, with Paragon Offshore, see Note 2 and Note 14a non-cash loss of $1.5 million recorded in "Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax" on our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations relating to the consolidated financial statements included in this report.emergence from bankruptcy of Paragon Offshore.
For more information on the Separation Agreements, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.
Contract Drilling Services Backlog
We maintain a backlog (as defined below) of commitments for contract drilling services. The following table sets forth, as of March 31,June 30, 2017, the amount of our contract drilling services backlog and the percent of available operating days committed for the periods indicated:
   Year Ending December 31,   Year Ending December 31,
 Total 
2017 (1)
 2018 2019 2020 2021-2024 Total 
2017 (1)
 2018 2019 2020 2021-2023
 (In millions) (In millions)
Contract Drilling Services Backlog                        
Semisubmersibles/Drillships (4)(6)
 $2,056
 $349
 $451
 $348
 $326
 $582
 $1,928
 $222
 $452
 $348
 $325
 $581
Jackups (3)
 1,474
 396
 393
 303
 223
 159
 1,304
 246
 373
 303
 223
 159
Total (2)
 $3,530
 $745
 $844
 $651
 $549
 $741
 $3,232
 $468
 $825
 $651
 $548
 $740
Percent of Available Days Committed (5)
                        
Semisubmersibles/Drillships   32% 29% 22% 21% 13%   32% 29% 22% 21% 13%
Jackups   77% 50% 28% 19% 7%   69% 46% 28% 19% 7%
Total   54% 40% 25% 20% 10%   51% 37% 25% 20% 10%
(1)
Represents a nine-monthsix month period beginning AprilJuly 1, 2017.
(2)
Some of our drilling contracts provide the customercustomers with certain early termination rights and, in very limitedcertain cases, thesethose termination rights require minimal or no notice orand financial penalties. On June 12, 2017, we received notice that Shell was exercising its right to terminate the contract with the Noble HansDeul. Such termination becomes effective on September 19, 2017 and there will be no termination fee associated with the contract termination. As of AprilJuly 25, 2017, no notifications ofother contract terminations have been received.
(3)
Our Saudi Aramco contract rates for the Noble Joe Beall and Noble Gene House were adjusted downward in 2016. We expect the contract rates to be in the general range of the amended rates in 2016 through the end of each respective contract. Backlog for these contracts has been prepared assuming the reduced rates from 2016 apply for the remainder of the contract.
(4)
As previously reported, three of our long-term contracts with Shell, the Noble Bully II, Noble Globetrotter I and Noble Globetrotter II contain a dayrate adjustment mechanism that utilizes an average of market rates that match a set of distinct technical attributes and is subject to a modest discount, beginning on the fifth year anniversary of the contract and continuing every six months thereafter. On December 12, 2016, we amended those long-term contracts with Shell. As a result of the amendments, each of the contracts now has a contractual dayrate floor. The contract amendments for the Noble Globetrotter I and Noble Globetrotter II provide a dayrate floor of $275,000 per day. The Noble Bully II contract contains a dayrate floor of $200,000 per day plus daily operating expenses. The amendment also provided Shell the right to idle the Noble Bully II for up to one year and the Noble Globetrotter II for up to two years, each at a special stacking rate. Shell has exercised its right and beginning late December 2016 we idled the Noble Globetrotter II at a rate of $185,000 per day. The Noble Bully II was idled at a rate of $200,000 per day, effective April 3, 2017. Once the dayrate adjustment


also provided Shell the right to idle the Noble Bully II for up to one year and the Noble Globetrotter II for up to two years, each at a special stacking rate. Shell has exercised its right and beginning late December 2016 we idled the Noble Globetrotter II at a rate of $185,000 per day. The Noble Bully II was idled at a rate of $200,000 per day, effective April 3, 2017. Once the dayrate adjustment mechanism becomes effective and following any idle periods, the dayrate for these rigs will not be lower than the higher of (i) the contractual dayrate floor or (ii) the market rate as calculated under the adjustment mechanism. The impact to contract backlog from these amendments has been reflected in the table above and the backlog calculation assumes that, after any idle period at the contractual stacking rate, each rig will work at their respective dayrate floor for the remaining contract term.
(5)
Percent of available days committed is calculated by dividing the total number of days our rigs are operating under contract for such period by the product of the number of our rigs and the number of calendar days in such period.
(6)
Noble and a subsidiary of Shell are involved in joint ventures that own and operate both the Noble Bully I and the Noble Bully II. Pursuant to these agreements, each party has an equal 50 percent share in both vessels. As of March 31,June 30, 2017, the combined amount of backlog for these rigs totaled $573$553.0 million, all of which is included in backlog. Noble’s proportional interest in the backlog for these rigs totaled $286.5$276.5 million.
Our contract drilling services backlog reflects estimated future revenues attributable to both signed drilling contracts and letters of intent that we expect to result in binding drilling contracts. A letter of intent is generally subject to customary conditions, including the execution of a definitive drilling contract. It is possible that some customers that have entered into letters of intent will not enter into signed drilling contracts. As of March 31,June 30, 2017, our contract drilling services backlog did not include any letters of intent.
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 and, for the three rigs contracted with Shell mentioned in the above, utilize the idle period and floor rates as described in Footnote (4) to the Backlog table above. 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 materially different than the backlog amounts and backlog periods set forth in the table above due to various factors, including, but not limited to, shipyard and maintenance projects, unplanned downtime, the operation of market benchmarks for dayrate resets, achievement of bonuses, weather conditions, reduced standby or mobilization rates and other factors that result in applicable dayrates lower than the full contractual operating dayrate. In addition, amounts included in the backlog may change because drilling contracts may be varied or modified by mutual consent or customers may exercise early termination rights contained in some of our drilling contracts or decline to enter into a drilling contract after executing a letter of intent. As a result, our backlog as of any particular date may not be indicative of our actual operating results for the periods for which the backlog is calculated. See Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors – We can provide no assurance that our current backlog of contract drilling revenue will be ultimately realized” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.
As of March 31,June 30, 2017, Shell, Saudi Aramco and Statoil ASA represented approximately 5959.5 percent, 1919.6 percent and 1515.6 percent of our backlog, respectively.
Results of Operations
For the Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2017 and 2016
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Noble-UK for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2017 (the “Current Quarter”) was $302$91.9 million, or $1.24$0.37 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $363$278.1 million, compared to net income from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2016 (the “Comparable Quarter”) of $105$322.9 million, or $0.42$1.28 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $612$894.8 million.
As a result of Noble-UK conducting all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries, the financial position and results of operations for Noble-Cayman, and the reasons for material changes in the amount of revenue and expense items between the Current Quarter and the Comparable Quarter, would be the same as the information presented below regarding Noble-UK in all material respects, exceptwith the exception of operating income for Noble-Cayman forincome. During the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2017 and 2016, Noble-Cayman's operating loss was $7$7.9 million lower and $12operating income was $7.2 million higher, respectively, than operating income forthat of Noble-UK for the same periods. The operating income difference is primarily a result of executive costs directly attributable to Noble-UK for operations support and stewardship related services.


Rig Utilization, Operating Days and Average Dayrates
Operating results 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 March 31,June 30, 2017 and 2016:
 
Average Rig
Utilization (1)
 
Operating
Days (2)
 
Average
Dayrates
 
Average Rig Utilization (1)
 
Operating Days (2)
 
Average Dayrates (3)(4)
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
   Three Months Ended
March 31,
   Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Three Months Ended
June 30,
   Three Months Ended
June 30,
  
 2017 2016 2017 2016 % Change 2017 2016 % Change 2017 2016 2017 2016 % Change 2017 2016 % Change
Jackups 93% 84% 1,170
 981
 19 % $123,154
 $134,868
 (9)% 93% 83% 1,183
 981
 21 % $121,284
 $136,041
 (11)%
Semisubmersibles 17% 48% 90
 350
 (74)% 131,015
 258,786
 (49)% 17% 16% 91
 115
 (21)% 126,106
 290,106
 (57)%
Drillships 68% 100% 490
 728
 (33)% 405,719
 506,141
 (20)% 52% 86% 377
 626
 (40)% 309,313
(4) 
1,134,011
(3) 
(73)%
Total 69% 79% 1,750
 2,059
 (15)% $202,674
 $287,169
 (29)% 65% 65% 1,651
 1,722
 (4)% $164,475
(4) 
$509,145
(3) 
(68)%
(1)
We define utilization for a specific period as the total number of days our rigs are operating under contract, divided by the product of the total number of our rigs, including cold stacked rigs, and the number of calendar days in such period. Information reflects our policy of reporting on the basis of the number of available rigs in our fleet, excluding newbuild rigs under construction.
(2)
Information reflects the number of days that our rigs were operating under contract.
(3)
Average dayrates for the three months ended June 30, 2016, include amounts received relating to the contract cancellation, as well as the termination date valuation of certain contingent payments, for the Noble Sam Croft and Noble Tom Madden contract settlement and termination by and among Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (“FCX”), Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC and one of our subsidiaries (“FCX Settlement”). Exclusive of these items, the average dayrate for the three months ended June 30, 2016 would have been $506,146 and $280,884 for drillships and the total fleet, respectively.
(4)
Average dayrates for the three months ended June 30, 2017, include the impact of the valuation of certain contingent payments for the FCX Settlement. Exclusive of these items, the average dayrate for the three months ended June 30, 2017 would have been $326,559 and $168,413 for drillships and the total fleet, respectively.
Contract Drilling Services
The following table sets forthpresents the operating results for our contract drilling services segment for the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in thousands):
 Three Months Ended
March 31,
 Change Three Months Ended
June 30,
 Change
 2017 2016 $ % 2017 2016 $ %
Operating revenues:                
Contract drilling services $354,659
 $591,367
 $(236,708) (40)% $271,532
 $876,697
 $(605,165) (69)%
Reimbursables (1)
 8,304
 20,606
 (12,302) (60)% 6,599
 17,933
 (11,334) (63)%
Other 
 153
 (153) **
 $362,963
 $611,973
 $(249,010) (41)% $278,131
 $894,783
 $(616,652) (69)%
Operating costs and expenses:                
Contract drilling services $160,385
 $251,248
 $(90,863) (36)% $162,371
 $244,176
 $(81,805) (34)%
Reimbursables (1)
 5,146
 16,006
 (10,860) (68)% 4,394
 14,298
 (9,904) (69)%
Depreciation and amortization 129,778
 144,029
 (14,251) (10)% 130,763
 145,237
 (14,474) (10)%
General and administrative 15,880
 19,540
 (3,660) (19)% 18,658
 19,033
 (375) (2)%
Loss on impairment 
 16,616
 (16,616) **
 311,189
 430,823
 (119,634) (28)% 316,186
 439,360
 (123,174) (28)%
Operating income $51,774
 $181,150
 $(129,376) (71)%
Operating income (loss) $(38,055) $455,423
 $(493,478) (108)%
(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. Changes in contract drilling services revenues for the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter were driven by a 2968 percent decrease in average dayrates, which decreased revenues by $148$569.1 million, as well as a 154 percent decrease in operating days, which decreased revenues by $89$36.1 million. Contract drilling services revenues decreased in the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter by $170$593.3 million and $79$21.9 million on our drillships and semisubmersibles, respectively, and increased by $12$10.0 million on our jackups. As indicated above, excluding the impact of the FCX Settlement, our average dayrates would have decreased 40 percent from $280,884 in the Comparable Quarter to $168,413 in the Current Quarter and our operating days would have decreased by 4 percent, leading to a decrease in revenues of $185.7 million and $20.0 million, respectively.
During the Comparable Quarter, we recognized $393.0 million of dayrate revenues related to the FCX Settlement, of which $13.9 million related to the termination date valuation of certain contingent payments. During the Current Quarter, as a result of the valuation of certain contingent payments related to the FCX Settlement, we recognized a loss of $6.5 million of dayrate revenues. Excluding these items, drillship revenues decreased by $170$193.8 million, driven by a 3340 percent decrease in operating days and a 2035 percent decrease in average dayrates, resulting in decreases in revenues of $121$126.1 million and $49$67.7 million, respectively, from the Comparable Quarter. The decrease in both operating days and average dayrates was primarily the result of the contract cancellations of the Noble Sam CroftNoble Tom Madden and Noble Bob Douglas,Tom Madden, which operated induring the Comparable Quarter andbut were off contract during the Current Quarter, increased stacked daysdowntime on the Noble Bully I and Noble Bob Douglas and reduced dayrates on the Noble Bully II and Noble Globetrotter II in the Current Quarter. Additionally,Quarter as compared to the valuation of the contingent payments from the FCX Settlement declined $8 million in the CurrentComparable Quarter.


Semisubmersible revenues decreased by $79$21.9 million in the Current Quarter, driven by a 7457 percent decrease in average dayrates and a 21 percent decrease in operating days, and a 49 percent decrease in average dayrates, resulting in a $67$14.9 million and $12$7.0 million decrease in revenues, respectively, from the Comparable Quarter. The decrease in both operating days and average dayrates was attributable to the contract completions sincecompletion of the Comparable Quarter for the Noble Jim Day, Noble Clyde Boudreaux, Noble Amos Runner, Noble Dave Beard after the Comparable Quarter andNoble Danny Adkins, each of which has not returned to work since their respective completions. Additionally, decreases in the dayrate for the Noble Paul Romano contributed to the decrease in average dayrates during the Current Quarter.
Jackup revenues increased by $12$10.0 million, driven by a 1921 percent increase in operating days, resulting in a $26$27.5 million increase in revenues, which was partially offset by a ninean 11 percent decrease in average dayrates, resulting in a $14$17.5 million decrease in revenues in the Current Quarter from the Comparable Quarter. The increase in operating days was primarily driven by the commencement of the newbuildsnewbuild, the Noble Lloyd Noble and Noble Sam Hartley, which commenced their contractsits contract in November 2016, and January 2016, respectively, as well as the Noble Mick O'Brien and Noble Regina Allen, which operated during the Current Quarter but were off contract during the Comparable Quarter. This was partially offset by the Noble Tom Prosser, which was off contract during the Current Quarter but operated in the Comparable Quarter. The decrease in average dayrates was primarily driven by unfavorable dayrate changes on contracts across the jackup fleet.
Operating Costs and Expenses. Contract drilling services operating costs and expenses decreased $91$81.8 million for the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter. Costs decreased $66$69.6 million for rigs that operated during the Comparable Quarter but were idle or stacked during the Current Quarter. Additional cost control measures led to a cost reduction of $35$31.2 million across rigs with comparable operating days in both the Current Quarter and the Comparable Quarter. These cost decreases were recognized across all categories, but primarily recognized inattributable to labor and training related costs, operations supportmobilization costs and repair and maintenance costs of approximately $13$11.7 million, $8$7.1 million and $5$7.2 million, respectively, as well as other rig-related expenses. This wasrespectively. Costs also decreased $7.4 million on rigs that were idle or stacked during both the Current Quarter and the Comparable Quarter. These cost decreases were partially offset by the newly operating rig,write-off of a $14.4 million receivable, which was held by a Paragon Offshore entity in Mexico that is expected to be liquidated, as well as an $11.2 million increase related to the newbuild, the Noble Lloyd Noble, and the Noble Mick O'Brien and Noble Regina Allen, which added costs of approximately $10 million.operated during the Current Quarter but were off contract during the Comparable Quarter.
The $14$14.5 million decrease in depreciation and amortization in the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter was primarily attributable to the retirement and subsequent sale of the Noble Max Smith and the retirement of the Noble Homer Ferrington, as well as the impairment of the Noble Amos Runner, Noble Clyde Boudreaux and Noble Dave Beard in December 2016, partially offset by the newbuild rig, the Noble Lloyd Noble, placed in service November 2016.
Loss on impairment of $16.6 million in the Comparable Quarter was a result of our decision to dispose of certain capital spare equipment.
Other Income and Expenses
General and administrative expenses. Overall, general and administrative expenses decreased $4$0.4 million in the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter primarily as a result of decreased employee-related costs.other professional fees.
Interest Expense, net of amount capitalized. Interest expense increased $16$15.9 million in the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter primarily due to a full period of interest in respect of the senior notes issued in December 2016, no capitalized interest in the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter due to the completion of our newbuild program, as well as an increase in applicable interest rates on certain of our senior notes due to the downgrading of our credit rating below investment grade in the prior year. We capitalized approximately six percent duringyear and the Comparable Quarter.current year. These expense increases were partially offset by the retirement of a portion of our 2020, 2021 and 2022 Senior Notes as a result of two different tender offers in the prior year, as well as the repayment of our maturing $300$300.0 million 2.50% Senior Notes in March 2017.


Gain on extinguishment of debt, net. In March 2016, we commenced cash tender offers for our 4.90% Senior Notes due 2020, of which $500.0 million principal amount was outstanding, and our 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021, of which $400.0 million principal amount was outstanding. On April 1, 2016, we purchased $36.0 million of these Senior Notes for $24.0 million, plus accrued interest, using cash on hand. As a result of this transaction, we recognized a gain of approximately $11.1 million during the Comparable Quarter.
Income Tax Provision. Our income tax provision decreased $75.0 million in the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter, of which $54.5 million related to items from the Comparable Quarter, including the FCX Settlement, the impairment of certain capital spare equipment, the retirement of a portion of our 2020 and 2021 Senior Notes as a result of a tender offer and discrete tax items. Excluding the impact of these items, taxes decreased by $21.1 million as a result of a higher effective tax rate applied to a pre-tax book loss in the Current Quarter as compared to pre-tax book income in the Comparable Quarter. The increase in the worldwide effective tax rate is primarily a result of the geographic mix of income and sources of revenue during the Current Quarter.
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to Noble-UK for the six months ended June 30, 2017 (the “Current Period”) was $393.6 million, or $1.61 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $641.1 million, compared to net income from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2016 (the “Comparable Period”) of $428.4 million, or $1.70 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $1.5 billion.
As a result of Noble-UK conducting all of its business through Noble-Cayman and its subsidiaries, the financial position and results of operations for Noble-Cayman, and the reasons for material changes in the amount of revenue and expense items between the Current Period and the Comparable Period, would be the same as the information presented below regarding Noble-UK in all material respects, with the exception of operating income. During the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, Noble-Cayman's operating income was $15.1 million and $18.8 million higher, respectively, than that of Noble-UK for the same periods. The operating income difference is primarily a result of executive costs directly attributable to Noble-UK for operations support and stewardship related services.
Rig Utilization, Operating Days and Average Dayrates
Operating results for our contract drilling services segment are dependent on three primary metrics: rig utilization, operating days and dayrates. The following table sets forth the average rig utilization, operating days and average dayrates for our rig fleet for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016:
  
Average Rig Utilization (1)
 
Operating Days (2)
 
Average Dayrates (3)(4)
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 Six Months Ended
June 30,
   Six Months Ended
June 30,
  
  2017 2016 2017 2016 % Change 2017 2016 % Change
Jackups 93% 84% 2,353
 1,962
 20 % $122,214
 $135,455
 (10)%
Semisubmersibles 17% 32% 181
 465
 (61)% 128,547
 266,535
 (52)%
Drillships 60% 93% 867
 1,354
 (36)% 363,802
(4) 
796,427
(3) 
(54)%
Total 67% 72% 3,401
 3,781
 (10)% $184,130
(4) 
$388,253
(3) 
(53)%
(1)
We define utilization for a specific period as the total number of days our rigs are operating under contract, divided by the product of the total number of our rigs, including cold stacked rigs, and the number of calendar days in such period. Information reflects our policy of reporting on the basis of the number of available rigs in our fleet, excluding newbuild rigs under construction.
(2)
Information reflects the number of days that our rigs were operating under contract.
(3)
Average dayrates for the six months ended June 30, 2016, include the impact of the FCX Settlement. Exclusive of these items, the average dayrate for the six months ended June 30, 2016 would have been 506,143 and 284,307 for drillships and the total fleet, respectively.
(4)
Average dayrates for the six months ended June 30, 2017, include the impact of the valuation of certain contingent payments for the FCX Settlement. Exclusive of these items, the average dayrate for the six months ended June 30, 2017 would have been 380,414 and 188,363 for drillships and the total fleet, respectively.


Contract Drilling Services
The following table presents the operating results for our contract drilling services segment for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in thousands):
  
Six months ended,
June 30,
 Change
  2017 2016 $ %
Operating revenues:        
Contract drilling services $626,191
 $1,468,064
 $(841,873) (57)%
Reimbursables (1)
 14,903
 38,539
 (23,636) (61)%
Other 
 153
 (153) **
  $641,094
 $1,506,756
 $(865,662) (69)%
Operating costs and expenses:        
Contract drilling services $322,756
 $495,424
 $(172,668) (35)%
Reimbursables (1)
 9,540
 30,304
 (20,764) (69)%
Depreciation and amortization 260,541
 289,266
 (28,725) (10)%
General and administrative 34,538
 38,573
 (4,035) (10)%
Loss on impairment 
 16,616
 $(16,616) **
  627,375
 870,183
 (242,808) (28)%
Operating income $13,719
 $636,573
 $(622,854) (98)%
(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. Changes in contract drilling services revenues for the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period were driven by a 53 percent decrease in average dayrates, which decreased revenues by $694.3 million, as well as a 10 percent decrease in operating days, which decreased revenues by $147.6 million. Contract drilling services revenues decreased in the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period by $763.0 million and $100.7 million on our drillships and semisubmersibles, respectively, and increased by $21.8 million on our jackups. As indicated above, excluding the impact of the FCX Settlement, our average dayrates would have decreased 34 percent from 284,307 in the Comparable Period to 188,363 in the Current Period and our operating days would have decreased by 10 percent, leading to a decrease in revenues of $326.3 million and $108.2 million, respectively.
During the Comparable Period, we recognized $393.0 million of dayrate revenues related to the FCX Settlement, of which $13.9 million related to the termination date valuation of certain contingent payments. During the Current Period, as a result of the valuation of certain contingent payments related to the FCX Settlement, we recognized a loss of $14.4 million of dayrate revenues. Excluding these items, drillship revenues decreased by $355.6 million driven by a 36 percent decrease in operating days and a 25 percent decrease in average dayrates, resulting in decreases in revenues of $246.6 million and $109.0 million, respectively, from the Comparable Period. The decrease in both operating days and average dayrates was primarily the result of the Noble Sam Croft and Noble Tom Madden, which operated during the Comparable Period but were off contract during the Current Period. Further decreases in operating days and average dayrates, respectively, are attributable to increased downtime on the Noble Bully I and Noble Bob Douglas and reduced dayrates on the Noble Bully II and Noble Globetrotter II compared to the Comparable Period.
Semisubmersible revenues decreased by $100.7 million, driven by a 61 percent decrease in operating days and a 52 percent decrease in average dayrates, resulting in a $75.7 million and $25.0 million decrease in revenues, respectively, from the Comparable Period. The decrease in both operating days and average dayrates was attributable to the contract completions since the Comparable Period for the Noble Jim Day, Noble Clyde Boudreaux, Noble Amos Runner, Noble Dave Beard and Noble Danny Adkins, each of which has not returned to work since their respective completions. Additionally, decreases in the dayrate for the Noble Paul Romano contributed to the decrease in average dayrates during the Current Period.
Jackup revenues increased by $21.8 million, driven by a 20 percent increase in operating days, resulting in a $53.0 million increase in revenues, which was partially offset by a 10 percent decrease in average dayrates, resulting in a $31.2 million decrease in revenues in the Current Period from the Comparable Period. The increase in operating days was primarily driven by the commencement of the newbuild, the Noble Lloyd Noble, which commenced its contract in November 2016, and the Noble Mick O'Brien and Noble Regina Allen, which operated during the Current Period but were off contract during the Comparable Period. This was partially offset by the Noble Tom Prosser, which was off contract during the


Current Period but operated in the Comparable Period. The decrease in average dayrates was primarily driven by unfavorable dayrate changes on contracts across the jackup fleet.
Operating Costs and Expenses. Contract drilling services operating costs and expenses decreased $172.7 million for the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period. Costs decreased $134.9 million for rigs that operated during the Comparable Period but were idle or stacked during the Current Period. Additional cost control measures led to a cost reduction of $75.7 million across rigs with comparable operating days in both the Current Period and the Comparable Period. These cost decreases were recognized across all categories, but primarily attributable to labor and training related costs, repair and maintenance costs and operations support costs of approximately $37.6 million, $20.7 million and $8.3 million, respectively, as well as other rig-related expenses. This was partially offset by a $20.2 million increase related to rigs that had additional operating days during the Current Period, including the newbuild, the Noble Lloyd Noble, the write-off of a $14.4 million receivable, which was held by a Paragon Offshore entity in Mexico that is expected to be liquidated, as well as $1.3 million from rigs that were retired or sold during the Comparable Period.
The $28.7 million decrease in depreciation and amortization in the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period was primarily attributable to the retirement and subsequent sale of the Noble Max Smith and the retirement of the Noble Homer Ferrington, as well as the impairment of the Noble Amos Runner, Noble Clyde Boudreaux and Noble Dave Beard in December 2016, partially offset by the newbuild rig, the Noble Lloyd Noble, placed in service in November 2016.
Loss on impairment of $16.6 million in the Comparable Period was a result of our decision to dispose of certain capital spare equipment.
Other Income and Expenses
General and administrative expenses. Overall, general and administrative expenses decreased $4.0 million in the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period primarily as a result of decreased employee-related costs.
Interest Expense, net of amount capitalized. Interest expense increased $32.3 million in the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period primarily due to a full period of interest in respect of the senior notes issued in December 2016, no capitalized interest in the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period due to the completion of our newbuild program, as well as an increase in applicable interest rates on certain of our senior notes due to the downgrading of our credit rating below investment grade in the prior year. We capitalized approximately 6 percent during the Comparable Period. These expense increases were partially offset by the retirement of a portion of our 2020, 2021 and 2022 Senior Notes as a result of two different tender offers in the prior year, as well as the repayment of our maturing $300.0 million 3.05% Senior Notes and our $300$300.0 million 2.50% Senior Notes in March 2016 and March 2017, respectively.
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net. In March 2016, we commenced cash tender offers for our 4.90% Senior Notes due 2020, of which $500.0 million principal amount was outstanding, and our 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021, of which $400.0 million principal amount was outstanding. On April 1, 2016, we purchased $36.0 million of these Senior Notes for $24.0 million, plus accrued interest, using cash on hand. As a result of this transaction, we recognized a gain of approximately $11.1 million during the Comparable Period.
Income Tax Provision. Our income tax provision increased $264$188.9 million in the Current QuarterPeriod as compared to the Comparable QuarterPeriod primarily due to a $260$260.7 million non-cash discrete tax item as the result of an internal tax restructuring in the Current Period, which was implemented to reduce costs associated with the ownership of multiple legal entities, simplify the overall legal entity structure, ease deployment of cash throughout the business and consolidate operations into one centralized group of entities. The effect of this tax restructuring will be to lower current tax expense. ExcludingPartially offsetting the increase is $27.2 million from the Comparable Period related to the FCX Settlement, the impairment of certain capital spare equipment, the retirement of a portion of our 2020 and 2021 Senior Notes as a result of a tender offer and the discrete tax items in the Comparable Period. Excluding these items from both the Current QuarterPeriod and the Comparable Quarter, a $23Period, taxes decreased by $44.5 million decrease in our income tax provision wasas a result of a lower effective tax rate applied to a pre-tax book loss in the Current QuarterPeriod as compared to pre-tax book income in the Comparable Quarter.Period. The decrease in the worldwide effective tax rate excluding the discrete tax items is primarily a result of the geographic mix of income and sources of revenue during the Current Quarter.Period.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Net cash provided by operating activities was $142$254.3 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2017 (“Current Period”) and $172$859.2 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2016 (“Comparable Period”). The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities in the Current Period was primarily attributable to recognizing a net loss in the Current Period. We had working capital of $415$289.6 million and $559$559.3 million at March 31,June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.


Net cash used in investing activities in the Current Period was $38$67.3 million as compared to $86$137.7 million in the Comparable Period. The variance primarily relates to lower capital expenditures related to our major projects and newbuild expenditures in the Current Period.


Net cash used in financing activities in the Current Period was $310$309.7 million as compared to $362$410.8 million in the Comparable Period. During the Current Period, our primary uses of cash included the repayment of our maturing $300$300.0 million 2.50% Senior Notes and dividends paid to noncontrolling interests of approximately $5$5.4 million.
Our principal source of capital in the Current Period was cash generated from operating activities and cash on hand. Cash on hand during the Current Period was primarily used for the following:
normal recurring operating expenses;
repayment of our maturing $300$300.0 million 2.50% Senior Notes; and
capital expenditures.
Our currently anticipated cash flow needs, both in the short-term and long-term, may include the following:
normal recurring operating expenses;
planned and discretionary capital expenditures; and
repayment of debt and interest.
We currently expect to fund these cash flow needs with cash generated by our operations, cash on hand, borrowings under our existing credit facility and potential issuances of long-term debt or asset sales. However, to adequately cover our expected cash flow needs, we may require capital in excess of the amount available from these sources, and we may seek additional sources of liquidity and/or delay or cancel certain discretionary capital expenditures or other payments as necessary.
At March 31,June 30, 2017, we had a total contract drilling services backlog of approximately $3.5$3.2 billion. Our backlog as of March 31,June 30, 2017 includes a commitment of 5451 percent of available days for the remainder of 2017 and 4037 percent of available days for 2018. For additional information regarding our backlog, see “Contract Drilling Services Backlog.”
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures, including capitalized interest, totaled $19$49.0 million and $51$120.5 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Capital expenditures during the first threesix months of 2017 consisted of the following:
$925.1 million for sustaining capital and upgrades and replacements to drilling equipment;
$59.2 million in subsea related expenditures; and
$514.7 million in major projects.
Our total capital expenditure estimate for 2017 is approximately $115$105.0 million.
From time to time we consider possible projects that would require expenditures that are not included in our capital budget, and such unbudgeted expenditures could be significant. In addition, we will continue to evaluate acquisitions of drilling units from time to time. Other factors that could cause actual capital expenditures to materially exceed plan include delays and cost overruns in shipyards (including costs attributable to labor shortages), shortages of equipment, latent damage or deterioration to hull, equipment and machinery in excess of engineering estimates and assumptions, changes in governmental regulations and requirements and changes in design criteria or specifications during repair or construction.
Dividends
During the fourth quarter of 2016, our Board of Directors eliminated our quarterly cash dividend.
The declaration and payment of dividends require authorization of the Board of Directors of Noble-UK, provided that such dividends on issued share capital may be paid only out of Noble-UK’s “distributable reserves” on its statutory balance sheet. Noble-UK is not permitted to pay dividends out of share capital, which includes share premiums. During the fourth quarter of 2016, our Board of Directors eliminated our quarterly cash dividend. The resumption of the payment of future dividends 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.
Share Repurchases
Under UK law, the Company is only permitted to purchase its own shares by way of an “off-market purchase” in a plan approved by shareholders. Prior to April 22, 2016, we had shareholder approval to repurchase up to 37 million ordinary shares. That authority has now expired and weWe do not currently have shareholder authority to repurchase shares, as our approval to repurchase up to 37.0 million ordinary shares expired on April 22, 2016. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, we did not repurchase any of our shares.


Credit Facility and Senior Unsecured Notes
Credit Facility and Commercial Paper Program
We currently have a five-year $2.4 billion senior unsecured credit facility that matures in January 2020. The credit facility provides us with the ability to issue up to $500$500.0 million in letters of credit. The issuance of letters of credit under the facility reduces the amount available for borrowing. At March 31,June 30, 2017, we had no letters of credit issued under the facility.
Throughout the term of the credit facility, we pay a facility fee on the daily unused amount of the underlying commitment which ranges from 0.1 percent to 0.35 percent depending on our debt ratings. At March 31,June 30, 2017, based on our debt ratings on that date, the facility fee was 0.35 percent. At March 31,June 30, 2017, we had no borrowings outstanding or letters of credit issued. In addition, our credit facility has provisions which vary the applicable interest rates based upon our debt ratings. At March 31,June 30, 2017, the interest rate in effect is the highest permitted interest rate under the credit facility.
During 2016, we terminated our commercial paper program which had allowed us to issue up to $2.4 billion in unsecured commercial paper notes. This termination does not reduce the capacity under our credit facility.
Debt Issuances
In December 2016, we issued $1$1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Notes, which we issued through our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, NHIL. The net proceeds of approximately $968$967.6 million, after estimated expenses, were primarily used to retire debt related to our tender offer and the remaining portion will be used for general corporate purposes.
Senior Notes Interest Rate Adjustments
During 2016 and to date in 2017, we experienced several debt rating downgrades by Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings, which reduced our debt ratings below investment grade. As a result of these downgrades, we experienced interest rate increases during 2016 and 2017 on our Senior Notes due 2018, 2025 and 2045, all of which are subject to provisions whichthat vary the applicable interest rates if our debt rating falls below investment grade, with continued adjustments up to a contractually-definedcontractually defined maximum interest rate increase set for each rating agency. Effective March 2017, the interest rates on our Senior Notes due 2018 increased to 5.75% and effective April 1, 2017, the interest rates on our Senior Notes due 2025 and 2045 increased to 7.70% and 8.70%, respectively, as a result of the most recent debt rating downgrade. On April 28, 2017, Moody’s Investors Service reduced our debt rating. However, there was no further increase in the interest rates on these Senior Notes because we have reached the contractually-defined maximum interest rate increase in respect of Moody’s Investors Service downgrades. The interest rates on these Senior Notes may be further increased if our debt ratings were to be downgraded further by S&P Global Ratings (up to a maximum of an additional 25 basis points) or decreased if our debt ratings were to be raised by either rating agency above specified levels.
Our other outstanding senior notes, including the Senior Notes due 2024 issued in December 2016, do not contain provisions varying applicable interest rates based upon our credit rating.
Debt Tender Offers and Repayments
In December 2016, we commenced cash tender offers for our 4.90% Senior Notes due 2020, of which $468$467.8 million principal amount was outstanding, our 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021, of which $397$396.6 million principal amount was outstanding and our 3.95% Senior Notes due 2022, of which $400$400.0 million principal amount was outstanding. On December 28, 2016, we purchased $762$762.3 million of these Senior Notes for $750$750.0 million, plus accrued interest, using a portion of the net proceeds of the $1$1.0 billion Senior Notes due 2024 issuance in December 2016. AsIn December 2016, as a result of this transaction, we recognized a net gain of approximately $7$6.7 million.
In March 2016, we commenced cash tender offers for our 4.90% Senior Notes due 2020, of which $500$500.0 million principal amount was outstanding, and our 4.625% Senior Notes due 2021, of which $400$400.0 million principal amount was outstanding. On April 1, 2016, we purchased $36$36.0 million of these Senior Notes for $24$24.0 million, plus accrued interest, using cash on hand. AsIn April 2016, as a result of this transaction, we recognized a net gain of approximately $11$11.1 million.
In March 2017, we repaid our maturing $300$300.0 million 2.50% Senior Notes using cash on hand.
We anticipate using cash on hand to repay the outstanding principal balance of our $250$250.0 million 5.75% Senior Notes, maturing in March 2018.
Covenants
The credit facility is guaranteed by NHUS and NHIL. The credit facility contains a covenant that limits our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization, as defined in the credit facility, to 0.60. At March 31,June 30, 2017, our ratio of debt to total tangible capitalization was approximately 0.40. We were in compliance with all covenants under the credit facility as of March 31,June 30, 2017.


In addition to the covenants from the credit facility noted above, the indentures governing our outstanding senior unsecured notes contain covenants that place restrictions on certain merger and consolidation transactions, unless we are the surviving entity or the other party assumes the obligations under the indenture, and on the ability to sell or transfer all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, there are restrictions on incurring or assuming certain liens and on entering into sale and lease-back transactions. At March 31,June 30, 2017, we were in compliance with all of our


debt covenants. We continually monitor compliance with the covenants under our notes and expect to remain in compliance during the remainder of 2017.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See Part I, Item 1, "Financial Information, Note 15 -15— Accounting Pronouncements," to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the recent accounting pronouncements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk is the potential for loss due to a change in the value of a financial instrument as a result of fluctuations in interest rates, currency exchange rates or equity prices, as further described below.
Interest Rate Risk
We are subject to market risk exposure related to changes in interest rates on borrowings under the credit facility. Interest on borrowings under the credit facility is at an agreed upon percentage point spread over LIBOR, or a base rate stated in the agreement. At March 31,June 30, 2017, we had no borrowings outstanding under our credit facility.
During 2016 we terminated our commercial paper program which had allowed usand to issue up to $2.4 billiondate in unsecured commercial paper notes. This termination does not reduce the capacity under our credit facility.
During 2016,2017, we experienced several debt rating downgrades by Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings, which reduced our debt ratings below investment grade. As a result of these downgrades, we experienced interest rate increases during 2016 and 2017 on our Senior Notes due 2018, 2025 and 2045, all of which are subject to provisions whichthat vary the applicable interest rates if our debt rating falls below investment grade, with continued adjustments up to a contractually-defined maximum interest rate increase set for each rating agency. Effective March 2017, the interest rates on our Senior Notes due 2018 increased to 5.75% and effective April 1, 2017, the interest rates on our Senior Notes due 2025 and 2045 increased to 7.70% and 8.70%, respectively, as a result of the most recent debt rating downgrade. On April 28, 2017, Moody’s Investors Service reduced our debt rating. However, there was no further increase in the interest rates on these Senior Notes because we have reached the contractually-definedcontractually defined maximum interest rate increase in respect of Moody’s Investors Service downgrades. The interest rates on these Senior Notes may be further increased if our debt ratings were to be downgraded further by S&P Global Ratings (up to a maximum of an additional 25 basis points) or decreased if our debt ratings were to be raised by either rating agency above specified levels.
We maintain certain debt instruments at a fixed rate whose fair value will fluctuate based on changes in market expectations for interest rates and perceptions of our credit risk. The fair value of our total debt was $3.6$3.1 billion and $3.8 billion at March 31,June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The decrease in the fair value of debt primarily relates to the repayment of our maturing $300$300.0 million 2.50% Senior Notes, which matured in March 2017, partially offset withand changes in market expectations for interest rates and perceptions of our credit risk.
Foreign Currency Risk
Although we are a UK company, we define foreign currency as any non-U.S. denominated currency. Our functional currency is 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 other 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 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss”income (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.
Several of our regions, including our operations in the North Sea, have a significant amount of their cash operating expenses payable in local currencies. To limit the potential risk of currency fluctuations, we periodically enter into forward contracts, which settle monthly in the operations’ respective local currencies. All of these contracts have a maturity of less than 12 months. The


forward contract settlements in the remainder of 2017 represent approximately 70 percent of these forecasted local currency requirements. The notional amount of the forward contracts outstanding, expressed in U.S. dollars, was approximately $25$20.6 million at March 31,June 30, 2017. Total unrealized lossesgains related to these forward contracts were approximately $0.1$0.7 million as of March 31,June 30, 2017 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 $3$2.1 million.
Market Risk
We have a U.S. noncontributory defined benefit pension plan that covers certain salaried employees and a U.S. noncontributory defined benefit pension plan that covers certain hourly employees, whose initial date of employment is prior to August 1, 2004 (collectively referred to


as our “qualified U.S. plans”). These plans are governed by the Noble Drilling Employees’ Retirement Trust. The benefits from these plans are based primarily on years of service and, for the salaried plan, employees’ compensation near retirement. These plans are designed to qualify under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), and our funding policy is consistent with funding requirements of ERISA and other applicable laws and regulations. We make cash contributions, or utilize credits available to us, for the qualified U.S. plans when required. The benefit amount that can be covered by the qualified U.S. plans is limited under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) of 1986. Therefore, we maintain an unfunded, nonqualified excess benefit plan designed to maintain benefits for specified employees at the formula level in the qualified salary U.S. plan. We refer to the qualified U.S. plans and the excess benefit plan collectively as the “U.S. plans.”
In addition to the U.S. plans, each of Noble Drilling (Land Support) Limited and Noble Resources Limited, both indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Noble-UK, maintains a pension plan that covers all of its salaried, non-union employees, whose most recent date of employment is prior to April 1, 2014 (collectively referred to as our “non-U.S. plans”). Benefits are based on credited service and employees’ compensation, as defined by the plans.
Changes in market asset values related to the pension plans noted above could have a material impact upon our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and could result in material cash expenditures in future periods.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
David W. Williams, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noble-UK, and Adam C. Peakes, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Noble-UK, have evaluated the disclosure controls and procedures of Noble-UK as of the end of the period covered by this report. On the basis of this evaluation, Mr. Williams and Mr. Peakes have concluded that Noble-UK’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31,June 30, 2017. Noble-UK’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Noble-UK in the reports that it files with or submits to the SEC are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
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 March 31,June 30, 2017. Noble-Cayman’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Noble-Cayman in the reports that it files with or submits to the SEC are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There was no change in either Noble-UK’s or Noble-Cayman’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2017 that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the internal control over financial reporting of each of Noble-UK or Noble-Cayman, respectively.


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Information regarding legal proceedings is set forth in Notes 6Note 6— Receivables from Customers and 14Note 14— Commitments and Contingencies, to our condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There are numerous factors that affect our business and results of operations, many of which are beyond our control. In addition to the risk factors set forth below and the other information set forth in this quarterly report, you should carefully read and consider "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in Part I and "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, which contains descriptions of significant risks that might cause our actual results of operations in future periods to differ materially from those currently anticipated or expected.
Paragon Offshore plc has formed a litigation trust as part of its bankruptcy proceedings and itwe expect that Paragon Offshore or its creditors will likelyuse the trust to pursue fraudulent conveyance claims against us. In addition, Paragon Offshore may seek to rejecthas rejected in the bankruptcy proceedings certain separation agreements entered into with us, in which caseand as a result, we couldwill be responsible for those liabilities for which we would have otherwise sought indemnification under the separation agreements.
In August 2014, we completed the separation and spin-off of a majority of our standard specification offshore drilling business (the “Spin-off”) through a pro rata distribution of all of the ordinary shares of our wholly-owned subsidiary, Paragon Offshore plc (“Paragon Offshore”), to the holders of our ordinary shares. In April 2016, we entered into an agreement with Paragon Offshore (subject to approval of the bankruptcy court having jurisdiction over Paragon Offshore’s bankruptcy proceeding initiated in February 2016) for a settlement with Paragon Offshore under which we were to receive a full and unconditional release of any claims by Paragon Offshore in connection with the Spin-off (including fraudulent conveyance claims). In April 2017, Paragon Offshore filed a new bankruptcy plan (the “New Plan”). The New Plan, which was further modified in May 2017, and is subject to bankruptcy court approval, did not provide for the approval of the settlement agreement and as a result the settlement agreement was terminated. The New Plan providesalso provided for the creation and funding of a $10.0 million litigation trust to which Paragon Offshore would transfertransferred its claims against us, including claims of alleged fraudulent conveyance in connection with the Spin-off. The litigation trust would beis entitled to pursue those claims against us.
If In June 2017, the revised New Plan iswas approved by the bankruptcy court and Paragon Offshore emerged from bankruptcy on July 18, 2017.
We expect that Paragon Offshore or its creditors will use the litigation trust is established and funded, it is likely that the litigation trust would maketo pursue claims against us relating to the Spin-off, including claims of alleged fraudulent conveyance. If any such claim is successful, any damages we are required to pay could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We entered into certain separation agreements with Paragon Offshore at the time of the Spin-off (including the master separation agreement, tax sharing agreement, transition services agreement and transition services agreement relating to our operations offshore Brazil) under which we have agreed to indemnify Paragon Offshore for certain liabilities, and Paragon Offshore has agreed to indemnify us for certain liabilities. We believe thatAs part of its final bankruptcy plan, Paragon Offshore may seek to reject some orrejected all of these contracts in its bankruptcy proceeding. If one or more of the separation agreementscontracts. Accordingly, we are rejected, we would not beno longer entitled to seek indemnity from Paragon Offshore under such agreement, and we couldwould be responsible for those liabilities for which we would have otherwise sought indemnification. We could pursue claims against Paragon Offshore for such indemnity amount in the bankruptcy proceeding, but such claims would be unsecured claims and, consequently, it is uncertain whether we would be able to recover any amount of such claims. Furthermore, even if such agreements are not rejected, there can be no assurance that the indemnity from Paragon Offshore will be sufficient to protect us against the full amount of such liabilities, or that Paragon Offshore will be able or willing to fully satisfy its indemnification or performance obligations. Moreover, even if we ultimately succeed in recovering from Paragon Offshore any amounts for which we are held liable, we may be temporarily required to bear these losses. If the indemnity obligations of Paragon Offshore are extinguished as a result of the rejection of one or more of the separation agreements, or if such agreements are not rejected, but Paragon Offshore is unable or unwilling to satisfy its indemnification and other obligations, the underlyingSuch liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Under UK law, the Company is only permitted to purchase its own shares by way of an “off-market purchase” in a plan approved by shareholders. As of the date of this report, no such plan has been approved and during the three months ended March 31,June 30, 2017, there were no repurchases by Noble-UK of its shares.
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.


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Noble Corporation plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales
 
/s/ David W. Williams May 5,August 4, 2017
David W. Williams
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 Date
   
/s/ Adam C. Peakes May 5,August 4, 2017
Adam C. Peakes
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 Date
   
/s/ Dennis J. Lubojacky May 5,August 4, 2017
Dennis J. Lubojacky
Vice President and Controllerof Accounting
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 Date

Noble Corporation, a Cayman Islands company
/s/ David W. Williams May 5,August 4, 2017
David W. Williams
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 Date
   
/s/ Dennis J. Lubojacky May 5,August 4, 2017
Dennis J. Lubojacky
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 Date


Index to Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
 Exhibit
   
2.1 Merger Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2013, between Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation (“Noble-Swiss”) and Noble Corporation Limited (“Noble-UK”) (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to Noble-Swiss’ Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 1, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
2.2 Agreement and Plan of Merger, Reorganization and Consolidation, dated as of December 19, 2008, among Noble Corporation, a Swiss corporation (“Noble-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).
   
2.3 Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, Reorganization and Consolidation, dated as of February 4, 2009, among Noble-Swiss, Noble-Cayman and Noble Cayman Acquisition Ltd. (filed as Exhibit 2.2 to Noble-Cayman’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 4, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
2.4 Master Separation Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2014, between Noble-Cayman and Paragon Offshore plc. (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to Noble-UK’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
3.1 Composite Copy of Articles of Association of Noble-UK, as of June 10, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Noble-UK’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 30, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
3.2 Memorandum and Articles of Association of Noble-Cayman (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Noble-Cayman’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 30, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
4.1 Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of January 26, 2015, among Noble-Cayman and Noble International Finance Company, a Cayman Islands company, as borrowers; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and a swingline lender; Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as a swingline lender; the lenders party thereto; Barclays Bank PLC, Citibank, N.A., DNB Bank ASA New York Branch, HSBC Bank USA, N.A., SunTrust Bank and Wells Fargo, as co-syndication agents; BNP Paribas, Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch and Mizuho Bank, Ltd, as co-documentation agents; and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Barclays Bank PLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., DNB Markets, Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as joint lead arrangers and joint lead bookrunners (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Noble-UK’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 29, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
4.2 Indenture, dated as of March 16, 2015, among Noble Holding International Limited, as Issuer, and Wells Fargo N.A., as Trustee, relating to 4.000% senior notes due 2018, 5.950% senior notes due 2025 and 6.95% senior notes due 2045 of Noble Holding International Limited (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Noble-UK’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 16, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
4.3 First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 16, 2015, among Noble Holding International Limited, as Issuer, Noble Corporation, as Guarantor, and Wells Fargo N.A., as Trustee, relating to 4.000% senior notes due 2018, 5.950% senior notes due 2025 and 6.95% senior notes due 2045 of Noble Holding International Limited (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Noble-UK’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 16, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
10.1Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2014, between Noble-UK and Paragon Offshore plc. (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Noble-UK’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.2Employee Matters Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2014, between Noble-Cayman and Paragon Offshore plc. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Noble-UK’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.3Transition Services Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2014, between Noble-Cayman and Paragon Offshore plc. (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Noble-UK’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).


Exhibit
Number
Exhibit
10.4Transition Services Agreement (Brazil), dated as of July 31, 2014, among Paragon Offshore do Brasil Limitada, Paragon Offshore (Nederland) B.V., Paragon Offshore plc, Noble-Cayman, Noble Dave Beard Limited and Noble Drilling (Nederland) II B.V. (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Noble-UK’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.6Definitive Settlement Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2016, by and between Paragon Offshore plc and Noble-UK (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to Noble-UK’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.7Settlement and Termination Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2016, by and among Freeport-McMoRan Inc., Freeport-McMoRan Oil & Gas LLC and Noble Drilling (U.S.) LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Noble-UK’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.9*10.1* Noble Corporation plc 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan, restated as of May 1, 2017 (filed as an exhibit 10.1 to Noble-UK's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
10.10*10.2* Noble Corporation plc 2017 Director Omnibus Incentive Plan (filed as an exhibit 10.2 to Noble-UK's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 2, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
10.11*Noble Corporation plc Summary of Directors Compensation.
10.12*10.3 Termination Letter dated as of April 21, 2017, for Definitive Settlement Agreement, dated as of April 29, 2016, by and between Paragon Offshore plc and Noble-UK.Noble-UK (filed as an exhibit 10.12 to Noble-UK's Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2017 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).


Exhibit
Number
Exhibit
   
31.2 Certification of Adam C. Peakes pursuant to the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a).
   
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).
   
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.
   
32.2+ Certification of Adam C. Peakes pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
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.
   
101 Interactive Data File

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

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