Noble (NBLWF) 10-Q2024 Q2 Quarterly report

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

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FORM 10-Q

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Indicate by check mark whether the 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.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.   Yes ☑    No ☐

NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)

(Unaudited)

NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - CONTINUED

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

Noble Corporation plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“Noble”, the “Company”, or “we”), is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. We provide contract drilling services to the international oil and gas industry with our global fleet of mobile offshore drilling units. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921. As of the filing date of this report, our fleet of 31 drilling rigs consisted of 18 floaters and 13 jackups.

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

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Noble have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the US 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 have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The unaudited financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis and reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods, on a basis consistent with the annual audited consolidated financial statements. All such adjustments are of a recurring nature. The December 31, 2023, Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet presented herein is derived from the December 31, 2023, audited consolidated financial statements. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed by Noble. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Proposed Merger with Diamond Offshore Drilling

On June 9, 2024, Noble entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the “Diamond Merger Agreement”) with Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. (“Diamond”), Dolphin Merger Sub 1, Inc., and Dolphin Merger Sub 2, Inc., under which Noble will acquire Diamond in a stock plus cash transaction (the “Diamond Transaction”). Pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Diamond Merger Agreement, Diamond shareholders will receive 0.2316 shares of Noble, plus cash consideration of $5.65 per share for each share of Diamond stock, representing a premium of 11.4% to Diamond’s closing share price on June 7, 2024. Upon closing of the Diamond Transaction, Diamond shareholders are expected to own approximately 14.5% of Noble’s outstanding shares. Noble intends to fund the cash portion of the Diamond Transaction through new debt financing, which Noble has secured through a $600.0 million committed bridge financing facility.

The Diamond Transaction has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of each company. The Diamond Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights, including, but not limited to, each party’s right to terminate the Diamond Merger Agreement in the event that the Diamond Transaction has not been consummated on or before June 9, 2025 (the “End Date”); except that the End Date will automatically be successively extended to December 9, 2025, and June 9, 2026, if all required applicable regulatory approvals have not been obtained by what would otherwise be the End Date but all other conditions to closing have been satisfied. At 11:59 ET on July 24, 2024, the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 expired in connection with the pending merger. Completion of the Diamond Transaction is subject to the satisfaction of the remaining customary closing conditions, including approval by Diamond's stockholders and the receipt of informal clearance by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission. A special meeting of Diamond stockholders to vote on the transaction is currently scheduled for 8:30 a.m. CDT on August 27, 2024.

There have been no new accounting standards adopted during the current quarter.

The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share:

Only those items having a dilutive impact on our basic income (loss) per share are included in diluted income (loss) per share. The following table displays the share-based instruments that have been excluded from diluted income (loss) per share since the effect would have been anti-dilutive:

Share Capital

As of June 30, 2024, Noble had approximately 142.9 million A ordinary shares, par value $0.00001 per share (“Ordinary Shares”) outstanding as compared to approximately 140.8 million Ordinary Shares outstanding at December 31, 2023. In addition, as of June 30, 2024, 1.0 million Tranche 1 Warrants, 1.1 million Tranche 2 Warrants, and 2.8 million Tranche 3 Warrants (each as defined herein) were outstanding and exercisable. We also have 5.2 million Ordinary Shares authorized and reserved for issuance pursuant to equity awards under the Noble Corporation plc 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

Our most recent quarterly dividend payment to shareholders, totaling approximately $57.2 million (or $0.40 per share), was declared on May 6, 2024, and paid on June 27, 2024, to shareholders of record at close of business on June 6, 2024.

On June 10, 2024, Noble’s Board of Directors declared an interim quarterly cash dividend on our Ordinary Shares of $0.50 per share for the third quarter of 2024. This dividend is in addition to the $0.40 per share dividend previously announced which was paid on June 27, 2024, to shareholders of record at close of business on June 6, 2024. The $0.50 dividend is expected to be paid on September 26, 2024, to shareholders of record at close of business on September 12, 2024. As of June 30, 2024, we had dividends accrued of $71.5 million included in “Other current liabilities.”

The declaration and payment of dividends require authorization of the Board of Directors, provided that such dividends on issued share capital may be paid only out of the Company’s “distributable reserves” as determined by reference to relevant statutory accounts in accordance with English law. The Company is not permitted to pay dividends out of share capital, which includes share premiums. The payment of future dividends will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, future business prospects, the availability of sufficient distributable reserves, contractual and indenture restrictions, and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors.

Share Repurchases

Under law, the Company is only permitted to purchase its own Ordinary Shares by way of an “off-market purchase” pursuant to a contract approved by shareholders. Such purchases may be paid for only out of Noble’s “distributable reserves” as determined by reference to relevant statutory accounts in accordance with law. As of the date of this report, we have shareholder authority to repurchase up to 15% per annum of the issued share capital of the Company as of the beginning of each fiscal year for a five-year period (subject to an overall aggregate maximum of 20,601,161 Ordinary Shares). During the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, we did not repurchase any of our Ordinary Shares. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, we repurchased 1.6 million and 1.8 million of our Ordinary Shares, respectively, which were subsequently cancelled.

Warrants

The tranche 1 warrants (the “Tranche 1 Warrants”) are exercisable for one Ordinary Share per warrant at an exercise price of $19.27 per warrant, the tranche 2 warrants (the “Tranche 2 Warrants”) are exercisable for one Ordinary Share per warrant at an exercise price of $23.13 per warrant, and the tranche 3 warrants (the “Tranche 3 Warrants”) are exercisable for one Ordinary Share per warrant at an exercise price of $124.40 per warrant.

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

Capital additions, including capitalized interest, during the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, totaled $151.7 million and $115.9 million, respectively, and during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, totaled $266.6 million and $170.9 million, respectively.

Amended and Restated Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement

In April 2023, Noble entered into the Amended and Restated Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement, dated April 18, 2023, and as amended on June 24, 2024 (the “2023 Revolving Credit Agreement”), by and among Noble Finance II LLC (“Noble Finance II”), Noble International Finance Company, and Noble Drilling A/S, as borrowers, the lenders and issuing banks party thereto from time to time and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent, and security trustee (the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement and the facility thereunder, the “2023 Revolving Credit Facility”). The 2023 Revolving Credit Facility provides for commitments of $550.0 million with maturity in 2028. The guarantors (the “Guarantors”) under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility are the same subsidiaries of Noble Finance II that are or will be guarantors of the 2030 Notes (as defined below). As of June 30, 2024, we had $35.0 million borrowings outstanding and $23.2 million of letters of credit issued under the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement.

In April 2023, Noble Finance II, a wholly owned subsidiary of Noble, issued the $600.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 8.000% Senior Notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”). The 2030 Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated April 18, 2023, among Noble Finance II, the Guarantors, and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee.

The 2030 Notes are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Guarantors and will be unconditionally guaranteed on the same basis by certain of Noble Finance II’s future subsidiaries that guarantee certain indebtedness of Noble Finance II and the Guarantors, including the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility.

The 2030 Notes will mature on April 15, 2030, and interest on the 2030 Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on each April 15 and October 15, commencing October 15, 2023, to holders of record on the April 1 and October 1 immediately preceding the related interest payment date, at a rate of 8.000% per annum.

The indenture governing the 2030 Notes contains a covenant that requires Noble Finance II to furnish to holders of the 2030 Notes certain financial information relating to Noble Finance II and its restricted subsidiaries. The obligation to furnish such information may be satisfied by providing financial information of Noble along with a description of the differences between such information and the financial information of Noble Finance II and its restricted subsidiaries on a standalone basis. As a result of Noble conducting substantially all of its business through Noble Finance II, the financial position and results of operations for Noble Finance II are the same as the information presented for Noble in all material respects. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, Noble Finance II’s operating income (loss) was $22.8 million and $33.8 million higher, respectively, than that of Noble. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, Noble Finance II’s operating income (loss) was $16.3 million and $30.8 million higher, respectively, than that of Noble. The operating income (loss) difference is primarily a result of expenses related to corporate legal costs and administration charges attributable to Noble for operations support and stewardship-related services.

Second Lien Notes

On February 5, 2021, pursuant to the Backstop Commitment Agreement, dated October 12, 2020, among the Debtors and the backstop parties thereto, Noble Cayman and Noble Finance Company consummated the Rights Offering of the Second Lien Notes and associated Noble Cayman Shares at an aggregate subscription price of $200.0 million.

DNB Credit Facility and New DNB Credit Facility

Fair value represents the amount at which an instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The estimated fair value of our debt instruments was based on the quoted market prices for similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of similar remaining maturities (Level 2 measurement). The fair values of each of the Revolving Credit Facility, the New DNB Credit Facility and the DSF Credit Facility approximates its respective carrying amount as its interest rate is variable and reflective of market rates.

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

Disaggregation of Revenue

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

Accounts receivable are recognized when the right to the consideration becomes unconditional based upon contractual billing schedules. Payment terms on invoiced amounts are typically 30 to 60 days. Customer contract assets and liabilities generally consist of deferred revenue and contract costs resulting from past transactions related to the provision of services under contracts with customers. Current contract asset and liability balances are included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and “Other current liabilities,” respectively, and noncurrent contract assets and liabilities are included in “Other assets” and “Other liabilities,” respectively, on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Off-market customer contract assets and liabilities have been recognized in connection with our emergence from Chapter 11 and the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling and are included in “Intangible assets” and “Noncurrent contract liabilities,” respectively.

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

Significant changes in the remaining performance obligation contract assets and the contract liabilities balances for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, are as follows:

Contract Costs

Certain direct and incremental costs incurred for upfront preparation, initial rig mobilization and modifications are costs of fulfilling a contract and are recoverable. These recoverable costs are deferred and amortized ratably to contract drilling expense as services are rendered over the initial term of the related drilling contract. Certain of our contracts include capital rig enhancements used to satisfy our performance obligations.

Upon emergence from Chapter 11 the Company recognized fair value adjustments of $113.4 million related to intangible assets for certain favorable customer contracts, which were fully amortized as of August 2023. In addition, in connection with the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling, the Company recognized additional fair value adjustments of $23.0 million, These intangible assets will be amortized as a reduction of contract drilling services revenue from the Closing Date through the remainder of the contracts.

In connection with the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling, the Company recognized a fair value adjustment of $237.7 million related to certain unfavorable customer contracts acquired. These liabilities will be amortized as an increase to contract drilling services revenue from the Closing Date through the remainder of the contracts.

Estimated future amortization over the expected remaining contract periods:

At June 30, 2024, the Company had deferred tax assets of $248.8 million, net of valuation allowance. Additionally, the Company also had deferred tax liabilities of $7.8 million, inclusive of a valuation allowance of $18.5 million.

During the three months ended June 30, 2024, the Company recognized additional discrete deferred tax benefits of $63.1 million related to releases and adjustments of valuation allowance for deferred tax benefits in Guyana and Luxembourg.

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company recognized additional discrete deferred tax benefits of $81.6 million related to releases and adjustments of valuation allowance for deferred tax benefits in Guyana, Nigeria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.

During the three months ended June 30, 2023, the Company recognized additional discrete deferred tax benefits of $50.7 million related to releases and adjustments of valuation allowance for deferred tax benefits in Guyana, Norway, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.

During the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company recognized additional deferred tax benefits of $84.6 million, $3.9 million, and $7.2 million in Guyana, Norway, and Switzerland, respectively.

In deriving the above net deferred tax benefits, the Company relied on sources of income attributable to the projected taxable income for the period covered by the Company’s relevant existing drilling contracts based on the assumption that the relevant rigs will be owned by the relevant rig owners during the relevant existing drilling contract periods. Given the mobile nature of the Company’s assets, we are not able to reasonably forecast the jurisdictions in which taxable income from future drilling contracts may arise. We also have limited objective positive evidence in historical periods. Accordingly, in determining the amount of additional deferred tax assets to recognize, we did not consider projected book income beyond the conclusion of existing drilling contracts. As new drilling contracts are executed or as current contracts are extended, we will reassess the amount of deferred tax assets that are realizable. Finally, once we have established sufficient objective positive evidence for historical periods, we may consider reliance on forecasted taxable income from future drilling contracts.

At June 30, 2024, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $183.6 million (net of related tax benefits of $0.1 million). At December 31, 2023, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $202.3 million (net of related tax benefits of $0.1 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.

During the three months ended June 30, 2024, our tax provision included tax benefits of $63.1 million mainly related to releases of valuation allowance for deferred tax benefits in Luxembourg. Such tax benefits are offset by tax expenses related to recurring quarterly accruals of $57.8 million mostly in Guyana, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Nigeria.

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, our tax provision included tax benefits of $81.6 million related to releases and adjustments of valuation allowance for deferred tax benefits in Nigeria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg. Such tax benefits are offset by tax expenses related to a net increase in uncertain tax positions of $6.9 million and recurring quarterly accruals of $59.3 million mostly in Guyana, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Nigeria

The OECD, which represents a coalition of member countries, issued various white papers addressing Tax Base Erosion and Jurisdictional Profit Shifting. The recommendations in these white papers are generally aimed at combating what they believe is tax avoidance. Numerous jurisdictions in which we operate have been influenced by these white papers as well as other factors and are increasingly active in evaluating changes to their tax laws. In addition, the OECD has advanced reforms focused on global profit allocation and implementing a global minimum tax rate of at least 15% for large multinational corporations on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis, known as “Pillar Two.” On October 8, 2021, the OECD announced an accord endorsing and providing an implementation plan for Pillar Two agreed upon by 136 nations. On December 15, 2022, the European Council formally adopted a European Union directive on the implementation of the plan by January 1, 2024. Numerous countries, including the UK, have enacted legislation implementing Pillar Two effective January 1, 2024. While we continue to review additional guidance and regulations as they become available, we do not currently believe the impact of this legislation will result in a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Pension costs (gain) include the following components:

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, we made no contributions to our pension plans. Effective December 31, 2016, employees and alternate payees accrue no future benefits under the US plans and, as such, Noble recognized no service costs with the plans for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023.

Audit claims of approximately $84.3 million attributable to income and other business taxes remain outstanding and are under continued objection by Noble. Such audit claims are attributable to Mexico related to tax years 2007 and 2009, Guyana related to tax years 2018 to 2021, Saudi Arabia related to tax years 2015 to 2019, Nigeria related to tax years 2011 to 2019, Ghana related to tax years 2011 to 2017, and Egypt related to tax years 2012 to 2016. We intend to vigorously defend our reported positions and currently believe the ultimate resolution of the audit claims will not have a material adverse effect on our condensed consolidated financial statements. This remains under continued monitoring and evaluation on a quarterly basis as facts change and as audits and/or litigation continue to progress.

We operate in numerous 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% likelihood of being sustained upon challenge by a tax authority. We cannot predict or provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of any existing or future assessments.

Hurricane Ida Personal Injury Claims

Letters of Credit and Surety bonds

We have entered into agreements with certain of our executive officers, as well as certain other employees. These agreements generally provide for certain compensation and other benefits if the employee is terminated without cause or if the employee resigns for good reason (within the meaning set forth in the agreements). In addition, certain of these agreements contain provisions that are triggered upon a change of control of Noble (within the meaning set forth in the agreements) and a termination of employment without cause or if the employee resigns for good reason in connection with a change of control. The agreements initially have three-year terms and automatically extend, unless either party provides notice not to extend, and provide for certain compensation and other benefits depending on the circumstances.

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

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Information

Noble’s restricted cash balance as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, was $5.6 million and $7.0 million, respectively. All restricted cash is recorded in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets.”

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Information

Operating cash activities

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

Non-cash investing and financing activities excluded from unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows are as follows:

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this report or in the documents incorporated by reference, are forward looking statements, including those regarding expected financial performance, revenues, expected utilization, and fleet status, stacking of rigs, effects of new rigs on the market revenues, operating expenses, cash flows, contract status, tenders, terms and duration, dayrates, termination and extensions, contract backlog, the availability, delivery, mobilization, stacking or reactivation, contract commencement, relocation or other movement of rigs and the timing thereof, contract claims, capital expenditures, insurance maintenance and renewals, access to financing, rig demand, peak oil, the offshore drilling market, oil prices, production levels among members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) and other oil and gas producing nations (together with OPEC, “OPEC+”), and any expectations we may have with respect thereto, our future financial position, business strategy, impairments, repayment of debt, credit ratings, liquidity, borrowings under any credit facilities or other instruments, sources of funds, cost inflation, planned acquisitions or divestitures of assets, governmental regulations and permitting, taxes and tax rates, indebtedness covenant compliance, dividends and distributable reserves, share repurchases, progress, plans and goals related to environmental, social, and governance matters; the outcome of tax disputes; assessments and settlements; and expense management, the outcome of any dispute, litigation, audit or investigation, plans, foreign currency requirements, results of joint ventures, general economic, market, including inflation and recessions, trends and outlook; general political conditions, including political tensions, conflicts and war, timing for compliance with any new regulations the benefits or results of acquisitions or dispositions (including the Business Combination (as defined herein) and the Diamond Transaction (as defined herein), our plans, objectives, expectations, and intentions related to the Business Combination and Diamond Transaction). Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, and actual results may differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. When used in this report or in the documents incorporated by reference, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “on track,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would,” “shall,” “target,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to be among the terms 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 Quarterly 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. The expectations expressing in forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, which include, but are not limited to: a decline in the price of oil or gas, reduced demand for oil and gas products and increased regulation of drilling and production, price competition and cyclicality in the offshore drilling industry, offshore rig supply, dayrates and demand for rigs, contract duration, renewal, terminations and repricing, national oil companies and governmental clients, contract backlog, risks related to the recently announced Diamond Transaction, including the risk that the transaction will not be completed on the timeline or terms currently contemplated, risks related to the ability to obtain any necessary consents or approvals, the risk that the benefits of the transaction may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected, the risk that the costs of the acquisition will be significant and the risk that management attention will be diverted to transaction-related issues, customer and geographic concentration, operational hazards and risks, labor force unionization, labor interruptions and labor regulations, major natural disasters, catastrophic events, acts of war, terrorism or social unrest, pandemic, or other similar event, joint ventures as well as investments in associates, international operations and related mobilization and demobilization of rigs, operational interruptions, delays, upgrades, refurbishment and repair of rigs and any related delays and cost overruns or reduced payment of dayrates, impacts of inflation, renewal of insurance, protection of sensitive information, operational technology systems and critical data, the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel or the increased cost in doing so, supplier capacity constraints or shortages in parts or equipment, supplier production disruptions, supplier quality and sourcing issues or price increases, future mergers, acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or assets or other strategic transactions, hurricanes and windstorm damage, responding to energy rebalancing, non-performance of suppliers or third-party subcontractors, risks related to the Business Combination and the related integration and compliance with laws and regulations, increasing attention to environmental, social and governance matters, including climate change, compliance with anti-bribery or anti-corruption, international trade laws and regulations, litigation, our ability to maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, impairments on property and equipment, including rigs and related capital spares, operating and financial restrictions and maintenance of covenants in our debt financing, tax disputes or tax challenges, that could cause actual plans or results to differ materially from those included in any forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed as a result of various factors and could, among other impacts, impact our ability to repurchase shares and declare and pay dividends such that we suspend our share repurchase program and reduce, suspend, or totally eliminate dividend payments in the future. These factors include those “Risk Factors” referenced or described in Part II, Item 1A “Risk Factors” of this Form 10-Q, Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Form 10-K, and in our

other filings with the 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. Future quarterly dividends and other shareholder returns will be subject to, amongst other things, approval by the Board of Directors, and may be modified as market conditions dictate.

Our Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are available free of charge at our website. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.

Our website address is http://www.noblecorp.com. Investors should also note that we announce material financial information in SEC filings, press releases and public conference calls. Based on guidance from the SEC, we may use the investor relations section of our website to communicate with our investors. It is possible that the financial and other information (including fleet status reports) posted there could be deemed to be material information. Noble may also use social media channels including, but not limited to, Noble's accounts on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, to communicate with investors and the public about its business, services and other matters, and those communications could be deemed to be material information. Except to the extent explicitly stated herein, documents and information on our website or our social media channels are not incorporated by reference herein.

Noble is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. As of the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Noble performs, through its subsidiaries, contract drilling services with a fleet of 31 drilling rigs, consisting of 18 floaters and 13 jackups focused largely on ultra-deepwater and high-specification jackup drilling opportunities in both established and emerging regions worldwide. We typically employ each drilling unit under an individual contract, and many contracts are awarded based upon a competitive bidding process.

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

The Diamond Transaction has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of each company. The Diamond Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights, including, but not limited to, each party’s right to terminate the Diamond Merger Agreement in the event that the Diamond Transaction has not been consummated on or before June 9, 2025 (the “End Date”); except that the End Date will automatically be successively extended to December 9, 2025, and June 9, 2026, if all required applicable regulatory approvals have not been obtained by what would otherwise be the End Date but all other conditions to closing have been satisfied. At 11:59 ET on July 24, 2024, the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 expired in connection with the pending merger. Completion of the Diamond Transaction is subject to the satisfaction of the remaining customary closing conditions, including approval by Diamond's stockholders and the receipt of informal clearance by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission. A special meeting of Diamond stockholders to vote on the transaction is currently scheduled for 8:30 a.m. CDT on August 27, 2024.

Also, on June 10, 2024, Noble’s Board of Directors approved an interim quarterly cash dividend on our Ordinary Shares of $0.50 per share for the third quarter of 2024. This dividend is in addition to the $0.40 per share dividend previously announced which was paid on June 27, 2024, to shareholders of record at close of business on June 6, 2024. The $0.50 dividend is expected to be paid on September 26, 2024, to shareholders of record at close of business on September 12, 2024. The Company intends to continue to pay dividends on a quarterly basis, and the third quarter dividend represents $2.00 per share on an annualized basis.

In recent years, oil prices have generally remained at levels that are supportive of offshore exploration and development activity and global rig demand is increasing. This increasing demand has been caused by the combination of growing confidence in commodity prices, heightened focus on energy security, recent multi-year underinvestment in the development and exploration of hydrocarbons, and relative attractiveness of offshore plays with respect to both cost and carbon emissions. This increase had a positive impact on dayrates for certain of our rig classes.

The global rig supply has come down from historic highs as Noble and other offshore drilling contractors have retired less capable and idle assets. Concurrently, the incoming supply of newbuild offshore drilling rigs has diminished materially, with

several newbuild rigs stranded in shipyards. However, we expect many of these stranded newbuild rigs may continue to make their way into the global market over the next few years.

As of the date of this report, the majority of our jackup fleet is positioned in the North Sea. While we are starting to see some increased tender activity in the UK North Sea, overall activity levels in this region remain subdued compared to historical levels. The Norway ultra-harsh environment jackup market is similar, where current activity also remains below historical levels, despite the market being attractive to operators given it is characterized by low-cost and low-emission barrels.

The energy transition from hydrocarbons to renewables poses a challenge to the oil and gas sector and our market. Energy rebalancing trends have accelerated in recent years as evidenced by promulgated or proposed government policies and commitments by many of our customers to further invest in sustainable energy sources. Our industry could be further challenged as our customers rebalance their capital investments more towards alternative energy sources. However, at the same time, there continues to be a global dependence on the combustion of hydrocarbons to provide reliable and affordable energy. Low-cost and low-emission barrels are expected to be the most attractive conventional source to meet energy needs, both currently and in the future. Global energy demand is predicted to increase over the coming decades, and we expect that offshore oil and gas will continue to play an important and lasting role in meeting this demand.

We expect inflationary pressures to persist, which has led or may lead to increased costs of services. Additionally, we expect supply chain disruptions to continue, and potentially accelerate, as geopolitical crises, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Middle East conflicts, the Guyana-Venezuela dispute, and their respective regional and global ramifications, have the potential to negatively impact our ability to conduct our day-to-day operations.

We maintain a backlog of commitments for contract drilling services. Our contract drilling services backlog reflects estimated future revenues attributable to signed drilling contracts. While backlog did not include any letters of intent as of June 30, 2024, in the past we have included in backlog certain letters of intent that we expect to result in binding drilling contracts. As of June 30, 2024, contract drilling services backlog totaled approximately $4.2 billion, which includes a commitment of approximately 69% of available days for the remainder of 2024.

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 include certain assumptions based on the terms of certain contractual arrangements, discussed in the notes to the table below. The reported contract drilling services backlog does not include amounts representing revenues for mobilization, demobilization and contract preparation, which are not expected to be significant to our contract drilling services revenues, amounts constituting reimbursables from customers or amounts attributable to uncommitted option periods under drilling contracts or letters of intent.

The amount of actual revenues earned and the actual periods during which revenues are earned may be materially different than the backlog amounts and backlog periods presented in the table above due to various factors, including, but not limited to, shipyard and maintenance projects, unplanned downtime, the operation of market benchmarks for dayrate resets, achievement of bonuses, weather conditions, reduced standby or mobilization rates, and other factors that result in applicable dayrates lower than the full contractual operating dayrate. In addition, amounts included in the backlog may change because drilling contracts may be varied or modified according to their terms or 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 – Risks Related to Our Business and Operations – Our current backlog of contract drilling revenue may not be ultimately realized” in our Form 10-K.

Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2024 (the “current quarter”), was $195.0 million, or $1.34 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $692.8 million compared to net income for the three months ended June 30, 2023, of $65.8 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $638.5 million.

Key Operating Metrics

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

The following table presents the average rig utilization, operating days, and average dayrates for our rig fleet for the periods indicated:

Contract Drilling Services

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

The following table provides information about contract drilling revenue and costs by rig types (dollars in millions except average dayrates):

Additionally, jackup revenue from net non-cash amortization related to off-market customer contract assets and liabilities decreased $10.1 million in the current period.

Operating Costs and Expenses

Other Income and Expenses

During the second quarter of 2024, our tax provision included tax benefits of $63.1 million mainly related to releases of valuation allowance for deferred tax benefits in Luxembourg. Such tax benefits are offset by tax expenses related to recurring quarterly accruals of $57.8 million mostly in Guyana, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Nigeria.

During the second quarter of 2023, our tax provision included tax benefits of $50.7 million related to releases and adjustments of valuation allowance for deferred tax benefits in Guyana, Norway, Switzerland and Luxembourg and a tax benefit of $6.8 million related to a Ghana uncertain tax position release. Such tax benefits are offset by tax expenses related to a Mexico uncertain tax position of $9.8 million, contract fair value amortization of $4.7 million, and various recurring quarterly accruals of $42.2 million primarily in Guyana, Australia, and Luxembourg.

Results for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023

Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was $290.5 million, or $1.99 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $1.3 billion compared to compared to net income for the six months ended June 30, 2023, of $173.9 million, or $1.19 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $1.2 billion.

Key Operating Metrics

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

Contract Drilling Services

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