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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended: September 30, 2023
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: 001-41520
Noble Corporation plc
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
England and Wales 98-1644664
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. employer identification number)
13135 Dairy Ashford, Suite 800, Sugar Land, Texas, 77478
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (281) 276-6100
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
A Ordinary Shares, par value $0.00001 per shareNENew York Stock Exchange
Tranche 1 Warrants of Noble Corporation plcNE WSNew York Stock Exchange
Tranche 2 Warrants of Noble Corporation plcNE WSANew York Stock Exchange
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether 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.
Large accelerated filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No
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 ☐

Number of shares outstanding at October 27, 2023: Noble Corporation plc - 141,054,074



TABLE OF CONTENTS
   Page
PART I  
Item 1  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Item 2 
Item 3 
Item 4 
PART II  
Item 1 
Item 1A
Item 2 
Item 5
Item 6 
  

2


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)
September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents$244,792 $476,206 
Accounts receivable, net638,746 468,802 
Taxes receivable50,398 34,087 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 97,514 72,695 
Total current assets1,031,450 1,051,790 
Intangible assets11,341 34,372 
Property and equipment, at cost4,413,310 4,163,205 
Accumulated depreciation(399,005)(181,904)
Property and equipment, net4,014,305 3,981,301 
Goodwill 26,016 
Other assets211,820 141,385 
Total assets$5,268,916 $5,234,864 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt$ $159,715 
Accounts payable281,266 290,690 
Accrued payroll and related costs88,953 76,185 
Taxes payable66,149 56,986 
Interest payable22,399 9,509 
Other current liabilities57,062 74,013 
Total current liabilities515,829 667,098 
Long-term debt585,791 513,055 
Deferred income taxes9,174 9,335 
Noncurrent contract liabilities63,312 181,883 
Other liabilities261,810 256,408 
Total liabilities1,435,916 1,627,779 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Shareholders’ equity
Common stock, $0.00001 par value; 141,046,102 and 134,680,941 ordinary shares outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively
1 1 
Additional paid-in capital3,367,109 3,347,507 
Retained earnings464,453 255,930 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)1,437 3,647 
Total shareholdersequity
3,833,000 3,607,085 
Total liabilities and equity$5,268,916 $5,234,864 
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
3


NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023202220232022
Operating revenues
Contract drilling services$671,004 $289,494 $1,852,474 $746,992 
Reimbursables and other26,446 16,378 93,565 44,263 
697,450 305,872 1,946,039 791,255 
Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services354,199 186,482 1,078,521 530,710 
Reimbursables16,682 13,284 67,484 37,095 
Depreciation and amortization77,146 24,868 218,412 77,109 
General and administrative33,039 18,089 95,428 52,300 
Merger and integration costs12,966 9,338 47,049 27,916 
(Gain) loss on sale of operating assets, net
 354  (3,105)
Hurricane losses and (recoveries), net2,642 1,896 22,120 4,701 
496,674 254,311 1,529,014 726,726 
Operating income (loss)200,776 51,561 417,025 64,529 
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized(13,005)(7,943)(44,539)(23,338)
Gain on bargain purchase
5,005  5,005  
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt, net (196)(26,397)(196)
Interest income and other, net17,206 3,235 16,292 4,766 
Income (loss) before income taxes209,982 46,657 367,386 45,761 
Income tax benefit (provision)(51,659)(13,072)(35,184)(11,775)
Net income (loss)$158,323 $33,585 $332,202 $33,986 
Per share data
Basic:
Net income (loss)$1.14 $0.48 $2.42 $0.49 
Diluted:
Net income (loss)$1.09 $0.41 $2.29 $0.42 
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
4


NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023202220232022
Net income (loss)158,323 33,585 332,202 33,986 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Net changes in pension and other postretirement plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax provision (benefit) of zero and $3 for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $2,436 and $3 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively
(65)(1,230)(2,210)(2,817)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net(65)(1,230)(2,210)(2,817)
Comprehensive income (loss)$158,258 $32,355 $329,992 $31,169 
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
5


NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
20232022
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)$332,202 $33,986 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flow from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization218,412 77,109 
Amortization of intangible assets and contract liabilities, net(95,540)36,525 
Gain on bargain purchase
(5,005) 
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net26,397 196 
(Gain) loss on sale of operating assets, net (6,767)
Deferred income taxes(42,445)(22,081)
Amortization of share-based compensation28,058 20,907 
Other costs, net7,248 (4,334)
Changes in components of working capital and other operating activities
Change in taxes receivable(17,927)118 
Net changes in other operating assets and liabilities(164,552)(25,853)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities286,848 109,806 
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures(268,131)(109,235)
Proceeds from disposal of assets, net 15,756 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(268,131)(93,479)
Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of debt600,000  
Borrowings on credit facilities 220,000 
Repayments of debt(673,411)(1,828)
Debt extinguishment costs(25,697) 
Debt issuance costs(24,914) 
Warrants exercised 156 784 
Share repurchases(80,000) 
Dividend payments(42,369) 
Taxes withheld on employee stock transactions(8,612)(4,926)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(254,847)214,030 
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(236,130)230,357 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period485,707 196,722 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $249,577 $427,079 
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6


NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
SharesAdditional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained
Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Total
Equity
BalancePar Value
Balance at June 30, 2023137,084 $1 $3,358,108 $359,809 $1,502 $3,719,420 
Employee related equity activity
Amortization of share-based compensation— — 9,204 — — 9,204 
Issuance of share-based compensation shares15 — — — — — 
Shares withheld for taxes on equity transactions— — (257)— — (257)
Warrants exercised
4,144 — 54 — — 54 
Share repurchases
(197)— — (10,000)— (10,000)
Dividend payments
— — — (43,679)— (43,679)
Net income (loss)— — — 158,323 — 158,323 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net— — — — (65)(65)
Balance at September 30, 2023141,046 $1 $3,367,109 $464,453 $1,437 $3,833,000 
Balance at December 31, 2022134,681 $1 $3,347,507 $255,930 $3,647 $3,607,085 
Employee related equity activity
Amortization of share-based compensation— — 28,058 — — 28,058 
Issuance of share-based compensation shares462 — — — — — 
Shares withheld for taxes on equity transactions— — (8,612)— — (8,612)
Warrants exercised
7,920 — 156 — — 156 
Share repurchases
(2,017)— — (80,000)— (80,000)
Dividend payments
— — — (43,679)— (43,679)
Net income (loss)— — — 332,202 — 332,202 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net— — — — (2,210)(2,210)
Balance at September 30, 2023141,046 $1 $3,367,109 $464,453 $1,437 $3,833,000 
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.



7


NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - CONTINUED
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

SharesAdditional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained
Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Total
Equity
BalancePar Value
Balance at June 30, 202267,050 $1 $1,402,608 $102,383 $3,802 $1,508,794 
Employee related equity activity
Amortization of share-based compensation— — 7,068 — — 7,068 
Warrants exercised
3,304 — 344 — — 344 
Net income (loss)— — — 33,585 — 33,585 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net— — — — (1,230)(1,230)
Balance at September 30, 202270,354 $1 $1,410,020 $135,968 $2,572 $1,548,561 
Balance at December 31, 202160,172 $1 $1,393,255 $101,982 $5,389 $1,500,627 
Employee related equity activity
Amortization of share-based compensation— — 20,907 — — 20,907 
Issuance of share-based compensation shares365 — — — — — 
Shares withheld for taxes on equity transactions— — (4,926)— — (4,926)
Warrants exercised
9,817 — 784 — — 784 
Net income (loss)— — — 33,986 — 33,986 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net— — — — (2,817)(2,817)
Balance at September 30, 202270,354 $1 $1,410,020 $135,968 $2,572 $1,548,561 
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
8

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

Note 1— Organization and Basis of Presentation
Noble Corporation plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“Noble”), 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 September 30, 2023, our fleet of 32 drilling rigs consisted of 19 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.
In September 2022, as a result of the Merger (as defined herein), Noble became the successor issuer to Noble Corporation, an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability (“Noble Cayman”), for purposes of and pursuant to Rule 12g-3(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). 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 and its consolidated subsidiaries.
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, 2022 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet presented herein is derived from the December 31, 2022 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, 2022, filed by Noble. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
Note 2— Acquisitions
Business Combination with Maersk Drilling
On September 30, 2022 (the “Merger Effective Date”), pursuant to a Business Combination Agreement, dated November 10, 2021 (as amended, the “Business Combination Agreement”), by and among Noble, Noble Cayman, Noble Newco Sub Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Noble (“Merger Sub”), and The Drilling Company of 1972 A/S, a Danish public limited liability company (“Maersk Drilling”), Noble Cayman merged with and into Merger Sub (the “Merger”), with Merger Sub surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Noble. As a result of the Merger, Noble became the ultimate parent of Noble Cayman and its respective subsidiaries.
On October 3, 2022 (the “Closing Date”), pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, Noble completed a voluntary tender exchange offer to Maersk Drilling’s shareholders (the “Offer” and, together with the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, the “Business Combination”) and because Noble acquired more than 90% of the issued and outstanding shares of Maersk Drilling, nominal value Danish krone (“DKK”) 10 per share (“Maersk Drilling Shares”), Noble redeemed all remaining Maersk Drilling Shares not exchanged in the Offer for, at the election of the holder, either A ordinary shares, par value $0.00001 per share, of Noble (“Ordinary Shares”) or cash (or, for those holders that did not make an election, only cash), under Danish law by way of a compulsory purchase (the “Compulsory Purchase”), which was completed in early November 2022. Upon completion of the Compulsory Purchase, Maersk Drilling became a wholly owned subsidiary of Noble.
9

NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar and share amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Under the acquisition method of accounting, the assets and liabilities of Maersk Drilling and its subsidiaries were recorded at their respective fair values on the Closing Date. Total consideration for the acquisition was $2.0 billion, which included $5.6 million in net cash paid and $2.0 billion in non-cash consideration, primarily related to Ordinary Shares issued to legacy Maersk shareholders and the replacement of legacy Maersk Drilling restricted stock unit awards. The process for recording the purchase price allocation was completed as of September 30, 2023. The Business Combination resulted in a gain on bargain purchase due to the estimated fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired exceeding the purchase consideration transferred by $5.0 million and is shown as a gain on bargain purchase on Noble’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. Management reviewed the Maersk Drilling assets acquired and liabilities assumed as well as the assumptions utilized in estimating their fair values. Upon completion of our assessment, the Company concluded that recording a gain on bargain purchase was appropriate and required under US GAAP.
10

NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar and share amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Determining the fair value of the assets and liabilities of Maersk Drilling required judgment and certain assumptions to be made. The most significant fair value estimates related to the valuation of Maersk Drilling’s offshore drilling units and other related tangible assets, and the valuation of drilling contracts and other intangibles. The following table represents the allocation of the total purchase price of Maersk Drilling to the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on the fair values as of the Closing Date.
Purchase price consideration:
Fair value of Noble shares transferred to legacy Maersk Drilling shareholders$1,793,351 
Cash paid to legacy Maersk Drilling shareholders887 
Fair value of replacement Maersk Drilling RSU Awards attributable to the purchase price6,780 
Deal Completion Bonus6,177 
Fair Value of Compulsory Purchase193,678 
Total purchase price consideration$2,000,873 
Assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents$172,205 
Accounts receivable, net250,251 
Taxes receivable (1)
18,987 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (1)
43,168 
Total current assets484,611 
Intangible assets22,991 
Property, plant and equipment, net2,756,096 
Other assets (1)
94,882 
Total assets acquired3,358,580 
Liabilities assumed:
Current maturities of long-term debt129,130 
Accounts payable130,273 
Accrued payroll and related costs (1)
23,884 
Taxes payable (1)
29,219 
Interest payable800 
Other current liabilities (1)
44,253 
Total current liabilities357,559 
Long-term debt596,692 
Deferred income taxes4,071 
Noncurrent contract liabilities237,703 
Other liabilities (1)
156,677 
Total liabilities assumed1,352,702 
Net assets acquired2,005,878 
Gain on bargain purchase (1)
(5,005)
Purchase price consideration$2,000,873 
(1)During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recorded tax adjustments, which resulted in a net decrease to current taxes receivable and current taxes payable of $1.6 million and $9.0 million, respectively, a net increase to deferred tax assets of $25.2 million, a net increase to other current liabilities of $3.0 million, a net increase to reserves for uncertain tax positions of $13.1 million, and a net decrease to other tax liabilities of 14.6 million. Other adjustments were made to remeasure certain payroll tax related balances. As a result of the
11

NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar and share amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
aforementioned adjustments, initial goodwill recognized on the purchase was revised to a gain on bargain purchase.

See “Note 4— Acquisitions and Divestitures” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, for additional information on the Business Combination.
Note 3— Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Adopted
We do not believe that any recently issued accounting standards would have a material effect on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
There have been no new accounting pronouncements not yet effective that have significance, or potential significance, to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Note 4— Income (Loss) Per Share
The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share:
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023202220232022
Numerator:
Net income (loss)$158,323 $33,585 $332,202 $33,986 
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic139,400 70,318 137,478 69,260 
Dilutive effect of share-based awards3,204 3,388 3,204 3,388 
Dilutive effect of warrants3,117 8,220 4,339 8,718 
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted145,721 81,926 145,021 81,366 
Per share data
Basic
Net income (loss)$1.14 $0.48 $2.42 $0.49 
Diluted
Net income (loss)$1.09 $0.41 $2.29 $0.42 
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:
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023202220232022
Share-based awards    
Warrants (1)
2,774 2,774 2,774 2,774 
(1)Represents the total number of warrants outstanding which did not have a dilutive effect. In periods where the warrants are determined to be dilutive, the number of shares which will be included in the computation of diluted shares is determined using the treasury stock method, adjusted for mandatory exercise provisions under the warrant agreements if applicable.
Share Capital
As of September 30, 2023, Noble had approximately 141.0 million Ordinary Shares outstanding as compared to approximately 134.7 million Ordinary Shares outstanding at December 31, 2022. In addition, as of September 30, 2023,
12

NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar and share amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
1.1 million Tranche 1 Warrants, 1.2 million Tranche 2 Warrants, and 2.8 million Tranche 3 Warrants (each as defined herein) were outstanding and exercisable. We also have 1.3 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 $42.4 million (or $0.30 per share), was declared on July 11, 2023, and paid on September 14, 2023, to shareholders of record at close of business on August 17, 2023.
The declaration and payment of dividends require the authorization of the Board of Directors of Noble. Such may be paid only out of Noble’s “distributable reserves” on its statutory balance sheet in accordance with law. Therefore, Noble is not permitted to pay dividends out of share capital, which includes share premium. The payment of future dividends will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, future business prospects, contractual and indenture restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.
Share Repurchases
Under applicable law, the Company is only permitted to purchase its own Ordinary Shares by way of an “off-market purchase” in a plan approved by shareholders. Such may be made only out of Noble’s “distributable reserves” on its statutory balance sheet in accordance with applicable 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 20.6 million Ordinary Shares). During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, we repurchased 0.2 million and 2.0 million of our Ordinary Shares, which were subsequently cancelled. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 imposes a 1% excise tax on stock repurchases by publicly traded U.S. corporations that occur after December 31, 2022. Such tax may also apply if a domestic affiliate of a publicly traded foreign corporation purchases, or is deemed to fund the purchase of, the shares of the publicly traded foreign corporation. None of these conditions were met for share repurchases to date, and are not expected to be met for future repurchases; as such, the excise tax should not be applicable to Noble.
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.
Note 5— Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, at cost, for Noble consisted of the following:
September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Drilling equipment and facilities$4,231,251 $3,997,498 
Construction in progress142,265 123,911 
Other39,794 41,796 
Property and equipment, at cost$4,413,310 $4,163,205 
Capital expenditures, including capitalized interest, during the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, totaled $88.6 million and $40.8 million, respectively, and totaled $259.4 million and $116.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
As of September 30, 2023, the rig Noble Explorer and a warehouse in Brazil qualified as held for sale and were included in “Other assets” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at their carrying values of $3.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
During the first quarter of 2022, we sold the Noble Clyde Boudreaux for total net proceeds of $14.2 million, resulting in a gain of $6.8 million, which was offset by additional costs related to the sale of rigs in Saudi Arabia in 2021.
13

NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar and share amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Note 6— Debt
Amended and Restated Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement
On April 18, 2023, certain subsidiaries of Noble amended and restated the senior secured credit facility, dated February 5, 2021, by entering into an Amended and Restated Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement, dated April 18, 2023 (the “2023 Revolving Credit Agreement” and the facility thereunder, the "2023 Revolving Credit Facility"), by and among Noble Finance II, LLC (“Noble Finance II”), Noble International Finance Company (“NIFCO”) 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 Facility provides for commitments of $550 million with maturity in 2028. 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 September 30, 2023, we had no loans outstanding and $5.4 million of letters of credit issued under the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement.
All obligations of the Borrowers under the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement, certain cash management obligations, certain letter of credit obligations and certain swap obligations are unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by the Noble Finance II and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries (the Guarantors, and together with the Borrowers, the “Credit Parties”), including a guarantee by each Borrower of the obligations of each other Borrower under the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement. All such obligations, including the guarantees of the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility, are secured by senior priority liens on substantially all assets of, and the equity interests in, each Credit Party, including substantially all rigs owned by subsidiaries of Noble as of the date of the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Effective Date”), along with certain other rigs in the future such that collateral rigs shall generate at least 80% of the revenue of all rigs owned by Noble Finance II and its restricted subsidiaries and the ratio of the aggregate rig value of the collateral rigs to the commitments under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility is at least 5.00 to 1.00, in each case, subject to certain exceptions and limitations described in the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement.
The loans outstanding under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the applicable margin plus, at Noble Finance II’s option, either: (i) the Term SOFR Rate (as defined in the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement) plus 0.10%; or (ii) a base rate, determined as the greatest of (x) the prime loan rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, (y) the NYFRB Rate (as defined in the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement) plus 1/2 of 1%, and (z) the one-month Term SOFR Rate plus 0.10% plus 1%. The applicable margin is initially 2.75% per annum for Term SOFR Rate loans and 1.75% per annum for base rate loans and will range based on the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement, which allows for certain cash netting depending on the amount of loans and letters of credit outstanding under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility at the time of calculation), from 2.75% per annum to 3.75% per annum for Term SOFR Rate loans and 1.75% per annum to 2.75% per annum for base rate loans. The Borrowers are required to pay interest on (i) overdue principal at the rate equal to 2.00% per annum in excess of the applicable interest rate under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility, to the extent lawful, and (ii) overdue installments of interest, if any, without regard to any applicable grace period, at 2% in excess of the interest rate applicable to base rate loans, to the extent lawful.
The Borrowers are required to pay a quarterly commitment fee to each lender under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility, which accrues at a rate per annum equal to (i) 0.50% on the average daily unused portion of such lender’s commitments under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility during the period from and including the Effective Date to and including the third anniversary of the Effective Date, (ii) during the period from the third anniversary of the Effective Date to and including the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date, a rate per annum equal to 0.75% and (iii) thereafter, a rate per annum equal to 1.00%. The Borrowers are also required to pay customary letter of credit and fronting fees.
Borrowings under the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement may be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes. Availability of borrowings under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including that, after giving effect to any such borrowings and the application of the proceeds thereof, the aggregate amount of Available Cash (as defined in the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement) would not exceed $250 million.
Mandatory prepayments and, under certain circumstances, commitment reductions are required under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility in connection with (i) certain asset sales, asset swaps and events of loss (subject to reinvestment rights if no event of default exists) and (ii) certain debt issuances. Available Cash in excess of $250 million at the end of any month is also required to be applied to prepay loans (without a commitment reduction). The loans under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility may be voluntarily prepaid, and the commitments thereunder voluntarily terminated or reduced, by the Borrowers at any time without premium or penalty, other than customary breakage costs.
14

NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar and share amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
The 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement obligates Noble Finance II and its restricted subsidiaries to comply with the following financial covenants:
as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, the Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined in the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement) is not permitted to be less than 2.50 to 1.00; and
as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio is not permitted to be greater than 3.00 to 1.00.
The 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement contains other affirmative and negative covenants, representations and warranties and events of default that Noble views as customary for a financing of this type. The occurrence of any event of default under the 2023 Credit Agreement would permit all obligations under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility to be declared due and payable immediately and all commitments thereunder to be terminated.
8.000% Senior Notes due 2030
On April 18, 2023, Noble Finance II, a wholly owned subsidiary of Noble, issued $600 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 subsidiaries of Noble Finance II party thereto (the “Guarantors”), as 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.
At any time prior to April 15, 2026, Noble Finance II may, from time to time, redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of 2030 Notes at a redemption price of 108% of the principal amount of the 2030 Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the redemption date), in an amount not greater than the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings by Noble Finance II, subject to certain requirements. In addition, prior to April 15, 2026, Noble Finance II may redeem the 2030 Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2030 Notes redeemed, plus an applicable make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. At any time on or after April 15, 2026, Noble Finance II may redeem all or part of the 2030 Notes at fixed redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) beginning at 104.00% and decreasing thereafter, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.
If a Change of Control Triggering Event (as defined in the indenture governing the 2030 Notes) occurs, each holder of 2030 Notes may require Noble Finance II to repurchase all or any part of that holder’s 2030 Notes for cash at a price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2030 Notes repurchased, plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the date on which the notes are repurchased (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).
The indenture governing the 2030 Notes contain customary covenants and events of default.
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, with the exception of operating income (loss) and gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, Noble Finance II’s operating income (loss) was $14.2 million and $43.2 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.
15

NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar and share amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Second Lien Notes
On February 5, 2021, pursuant to the Backstop Commitment Agreement, dated October 12, 2020, Noble Cayman and Noble Finance Company (“Finco”) consummated a rights offering of senior secured second lien notes (the “Second Lien Notes”) and associated Noble Cayman Shares at an aggregate subscription price of $200.0 million.
On April 18, 2023, we redeemed the remaining balance of approximately $173.7 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding Second Lien Notes using a portion of the proceeds from the offering of the 2030 Notes, and recognized a loss of approximately $25.7 million.
DNB Credit Facility and New DNB Credit Facility
Upon closing the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling, Noble guaranteed the Term and Revolving Facilities Agreement dated December 6, 2018, by and among Maersk Drilling, the rig owners and material intragroup charterers party thereto and DNB Bank ASA as agent (as amended from time to time, the “DNB Credit Facility”).
On April 18, 2023, we repaid the $347.5 million of outstanding borrowings under the New DNB Credit Facility using a portion of the proceeds from the offering of the 2030 Notes, and recognized a loss of approximately $0.7 million.
DSF Credit Facility
The Company guaranteed the Term Loan Facility Agreement dated December 10, 2018 by and between Maersk Drilling and Danmarks Skibskredit A/S as lender, agent, and security agent (as amended from time to time, the “DSF Credit Facility”) in connection with the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling that closed on October 3, 2022. The DSF Credit Facility was repaid in full on February 23, 2023 using cash on hand.
Fair Value of Debt
Fair value represents the amount at which an instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The estimated fair value of our debt instruments was based on the quoted market prices for similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of similar remaining maturities (Level 2 measurement). The fair value 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. All remaining fair value disclosures are presented in “Note 10— Fair Value of Financial Instruments.”
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:
September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Carrying ValueEstimated Fair ValueCarrying ValueEstimated Fair Value
Senior secured notes
8.000% Senior Notes due April 2030
$585,791 $609,006 $ $ 
11.000% Senior Notes due February 2028
  173,695 192,353 
Credit facility
Amended and Restated Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility matures April 2028    
Term Loans
New DNB Credit Facility matures December 2025  349,360 350,000 
DSF Credit Facility matures December 2023  149,715 149,715 
Total debt585,791 609,006 672,770 692,068 
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt  159,715  
Long-term debt$585,791 $609,006 $513,055 $692,068 
16

NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar and share amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Note 7— Revenue and Customers
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table provides information about contract drilling revenue by rig types:
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023202220232022
Floaters$549,130 $217,923 $1,519,346 561,826 
Jackups121,874 71,571 333,128 185,166 
Total$671,004 $289,494 $1,852,474 $746,992 
Contract Balances
Accounts receivable are recognized when the right to consideration becomes unconditional based upon contractual billing schedules. Payment terms on invoiced amounts are typically 30 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:
September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Current customer contract assets$2,824 $11,169 
Noncurrent customer contract assets347 368 
Total customer contract assets3,171 11,537 
Current deferred revenue(19,160)(40,214)
Noncurrent deferred revenue(14,403)(19,583)
Total deferred revenue$(33,563)$(59,797)
17

NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar and share amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Significant changes in the remaining performance obligation contract assets and the contract liabilities balances for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, are as follows:
Contract AssetsContract Liabilities
Net balance at December 31, 2022$11,537 $(59,797)
Amortization of deferred costs(21,722)— 
Additions to deferred costs13,356 — 
Amortization of deferred revenue— 62,125 
Additions to deferred revenue— (35,891)
Total(8,366)26,234 
Net balance at September 30, 2023$3,171 $(33,563)
Net balance at December 31, 2021$5,744 $(27,755)
Amortization of deferred costs(17,793)— 
Additions to deferred costs28,561 — 
Amortization of deferred revenue— 37,942 
Additions to deferred revenue— (71,489)
Reclassification to held for sale(8,584)20,002 
Total2,184 (13,545)
Net balance at September 30, 2022$7,928 $(41,300)
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.
Off-market Customer Contract Assets and Liabilities
Upon emergence from the Chapter 11 Cases and in connection with the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling, the Company recognized fair value adjustments of $113.4 million and $23.0 million, respectively, related to intangible assets for certain favorable customer contracts. These intangible assets will be amortized as a reduction of contract drilling services revenue from February 5, 2021 and the Closing Date, respectively, 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.
18

NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar and share amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Unfavorable contractsFavorable
contracts
Balance at December 31, 2022$(181,883)$34,372 
Additions  
Amortization118,571 (23,031)
Balance at September 30, 2023$(63,312)$11,341 
Balance at December 31, 2021$ $61,849 
Additions  
Amortization (36,526)
Balance at September 30, 2022$ $25,323 
Estimated future amortization over the expected remaining contract periods:
For the Years Ended December 31,
202320242025Total
Unfavorable contracts$14,665 $40,439 $8,208 $63,312 
Favorable contracts (8,891)(2,450)(11,341)
Total$14,665 $31,548 $5,758 $51,971 
Note 8— Income Taxes
At September 30, 2023, the Company had deferred tax assets of $166.2 million, net of valuation allowance. Additionally, the Company also had deferred tax liabilities of $9.2 million, inclusive of a valuation allowance of $19.2 million.
During the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recognized additional discrete deferred tax benefits of $17.2 million related to releases and adjustments of valuation allowance for deferred tax benefits in Guyana, Norway, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recognized additional discrete deferred tax benefits of $80.8 million, $18.1 million, $10.5 million, and $4.1 million in Guyana, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Norway, 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 September 30, 2023, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $192.2 million (net of related tax benefits of $0.1 million). At December 31, 2022, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $175.9 million (net of related tax benefits of $0.3 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 September 30, 2023, our tax provision included tax benefits of $17.2 million related to releases and adjustments of valuation allowance for deferred tax benefits in Guyana, Norway, Switzerland, and Luxembourg and a tax benefit of $2.0 million related to a foreign tax credit refund. Such tax benefits are offset by tax
19

NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar and share amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
expenses related to contract fair value amortization of $7.4 million and various recurring quarterly accruals of $63.5 million primarily in Guyana, Australia, Denmark, and Luxembourg.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, our tax provision included tax benefits of $113.5 million related to releases of valuation allowance for deferred tax benefits in Guyana, Luxembourg, Norway, and Switzerland, a tax benefit of $6.8 million related to a Ghana uncertain tax position release, and a tax benefit of $2.0 million related to a foreign tax credit refund. Such tax benefits are offset by tax expenses related to a Mexico uncertain tax position of $9.8 million, contract fair value amortization of $16.3 million, and various recurring quarterly accruals of $131.3 million primarily in Guyana, Australia, Denmark, and Luxembourg.
In Denmark, prior to the Merger, Maersk Drilling was subject to a mandatory joint taxation scheme with all other Danish entities under the common control of A.P. Møller Holding A/S. To the extent Maersk Drilling incurred tax losses in Denmark until the Merger, such losses may be utilized by other jointly taxed entities. Noble may be compensated through a joint taxation contribution when such losses are utilized. In the event that A.P. Møller Holding A/S or any jointly taxed entity is subject to audits for years and periods prior to and until the Merger and such audits result in adjustments to relevant tax returns, adjustments to the prior year joint tax contributions may be required. This could result in additional compensation to Noble or refunds payable by Noble to A.P. Møller Holding A/S or to any previous joint taxation group administration company of previously received joint taxation contributions. Since the Merger and through September 30, 2023, Noble has recognized tax contribution payments of approximately $20.0 million under this arrangement related to the period beginning with the Merger. Approximately $18.0 million of such payments is included in “Interest income and other, net” and approximately $2.0 million is recorded as a tax benefit on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Finance (No 2) Act 2023, which includes the UK’s introduction of Pillar 2, received Royal Assent on July 11, 2023. We are continuing to evaluate the impact of this legislation, but we do not currently believe the implications should have a material adverse effect on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Note 9— Employee Benefit Plans
Pension costs (gain) include the following components for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
Three Months Ended September 30,
20232022
Non-USUSNon-USUS
Interest cost$508 $2,248 $272 $1,688 
Return on plan assets(433)(2,394)(316)(3,145)
Recognized net actuarial (gain) loss54 (58) (5)
Net pension benefit cost (gain)$129 $(204)$(44)$(1,462)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
20232022
Non-USUSNon-USUS
Interest cost$1,632 $6,744 893 5,064 
Return on plan assets(1,392)(7,184)(1,039)(9,435)
Recognized net actuarial (gain) loss176 (173) (15)
Net pension benefit cost (gain)$416 $(613)$(146)$(4,386)
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
20

NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar and share amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Note 10— Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following tables present the carrying amount and estimated fair value of our financial instruments recognized at fair value on a recurring basis:
September 30, 2023
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
Carrying AmountQuoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets
Foreign currency forward contracts$117 $ $117 $ 
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts$708 $ $708 $ 
December 31, 2022
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
Carrying AmountQuoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets
Foreign currency forward contracts$2,422 $ $2,422 $ 
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts$1,124 $ $1,124 $ 
Our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable are short-term by nature. As a result, the carrying values included in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets approximate fair value.
Note 11— Derivative Instruments
Although we are a UK company, we define foreign currency as any non-US dollar denominated currency. Our functional currency is the US Dollar. We are exposed to risks on future cash flows to the extent that expenses denominated in a foreign currency are not equal to revenues denominated in the same foreign currency. The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts to manage our net exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Currencies of the Company’s derivative instruments include DKK, the Australian dollar (“AUD”) and the British pound sterling (“GBP”). Currency derivatives are mainly realized within one year. We did not enter into any derivative contracts during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022.
We have exposure related to changes in interest rates on borrowings under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility and may be subject to similar exposure on future borrowing arrangements. The Company may use interest rate swap contracts to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. The Company did not enter into any interest rate swap contracts during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 or 2022.
Derivative financial instruments are recognized on the trading date and measured at fair value using generally accepted valuation techniques based on relevant observable inputs. The Company does not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes and for accounting purposes we have not elected to apply hedge accounting for these transactions. Realized gains and losses as well as changes in the fair values of derivative financial instruments are recognized in the income statement in “Interest income and other, net” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
21

NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar and share amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
The following tables summarize notional value of currency derivative contracts as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Foreign CurrencyUSD EquivalentForeign CurrencyUSD Equivalent
DKK to USD88,57112,843484,59368,840
AUD to USD10,3737,15651,13935,257
GBP to USD1,9572,4019,08310,922
The following gains (losses) from derivative instruments were recognized on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:
Derivative Instrument
DescriptionThree Months Ended
September 30, 2023
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2023
Foreign currency forward contractsRealized gain (loss)363 826 
Foreign currency forward contractsUnrealized gain (loss)(984)(1,889)
22

NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar and share amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Note 12— Commitments and Contingencies
Tax Matters
Audit claims of approximately $327.8 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, Australia related to tax years 2013 to 2016, Guyana related to tax years 2018 to 2021, Saudi Arabia related to tax years 2015 to 2019, Nigeria related to tax years 2010 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 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% 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
In preparation for Hurricane Ida in the US Gulf of Mexico in August 2021, the Noble Globetrotter II successfully secured the well it was drilling and detached from the blowout preventer without incident. Due to the environmental conditions, a number of crew members were treated for injuries and released from medical care. We have had multiple parties, some of which are subject to a third-party contractual indemnity to our benefit, who have filed answers to the Limitation of Liability Action in the United States District Court Western District of Louisiana, seeking damages related to physical and emotional harm allegedly suffered as a result of the Hurricane Ida incident. We are in the discovery phase and we intend to defend ourselves vigorously against these claims, although there is inherent risk in litigation, and we cannot predict or provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of this lawsuit. As claims progress, the Company’s estimated loss could change from time to time, and any such change individually or in the aggregate could be material. We have insurance for such claims with a deductible of $5.0 million, in addition to contractual indemnity owed to us for a portion of the third-party claims. Timing differences are likely to exist between any losses incurred and the recognition and receipt of insurance proceeds reflected in the Company’s financial statements. Costs, as well as insurance recoveries, are presented in “Hurricane losses and (recoveries), net” on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Letters of Credit and Surety bonds
As of September 30, 2023, we had $5.4 million of letters of credit issued under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility and an additional $72.9 million in letters of credit and surety bonds issued under bilateral arrangements which guarantee our performance as it relates to our drilling contracts, contract bidding, tax appeals, customs duties, and other obligations in various jurisdictions. We expect to comply with the underlying performance requirements and we expect obligations under these letters of credit and surety bonds will not be called.
Other Contingencies
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.
23

NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unless otherwise indicated, dollar and share amounts in tables are in thousands, except per share data)
Note 13— Supplemental Financial Information
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Information
Noble’s restricted cash balance as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, was $4.8 million and $9.5 million, respectively. All restricted cash is recorded in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets.”
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Information
Operating cash activities
The net effect of changes in other assets and liabilities on cash flows from operating activities is as follows:
Nine Months Ended September 30,
20232022
Accounts receivable$(169,944)$(73,756)
Other current assets(30,250)5,763 
Other assets7,356 (3,585)
Accounts payable(721)16,484 
Other current liabilities22,815 (4,999)
Other liabilities6,192 34,240 
Total net change in assets and liabilities$(164,552)$(25,853)
Non-cash investing and financing activities
Additions to property and equipment, at cost for which we had accrued a corresponding liability in accounts payable as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were $61.3 million and $70.0 million, respectively.
Note 14— Subsequent Events
On October 31, 2023, Noble announced that its Board of Directors approved a declaration of a quarterly cash interim dividend on its Ordinary Shares of $0.40 per share. This dividend is to be payable on December 14, 2023, to shareholders of record at close of business on November 15, 2023.
On October 20, 2023, a floating production vessel experienced what we believe was a mooring failure and allided with the Noble Resilient which was jacked up and stationary approximately 70 meters off the quayside at the Port of Frederikshavn in Denmark causing significant damage. There are no injuries reported at this time and all personnel on board were promptly accounted for and successfully disembarked. An investigation and damage assessment is underway and we expect damages to be covered by the liable party or our own insurance, subject to terms and limits of the applicable insurance policies. The Noble Resilient has been awarded a 120-day contract with Petrogas at $133,000 per day scheduled to commence between August 1, 2024, and September 30, 2024, and while the required repairs could impact availability for additional work ahead of the Petrogas contract, at this time we do not expect the timing of the Petrogas contract to be impacted.
24


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion is intended to assist you in understanding our financial position at September 30, 2023, and our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed by Noble Corporation plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“Noble”) and our other filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
On September 30, 2022, pursuant to a Business Combination Agreement, dated November 10, 2021 (as amended, the “Business Combination Agreement”), by and among Noble, Noble Corporation, an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability (“Noble Cayman”), Noble Newco Sub Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Noble (“Merger Sub”), and The Drilling Company of 1972 A/S, a Danish public limited liability company (“Maersk Drilling”), Noble Cayman merged with and into Merger Sub (the “Merger”), with Merger Sub surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Noble. As a result of the Merger, Noble became the ultimate parent of Noble Cayman and its respective subsidiaries.
On October 3, 2022, pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, Noble completed a voluntary tender exchange offer to Maersk Drilling’s shareholders (the “Offer” and, together with the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, the “Business Combination”) and because Noble acquired more than 90% of the issued and outstanding shares of Maersk Drilling, nominal value Danish krone 10 per share (“Maersk Drilling Shares”), Noble redeemed all remaining Maersk Drilling Shares not exchanged in the Offer for, at the election of the holder, either A ordinary shares, par value $0.00001 per share, of Noble (“Ordinary Shares”) or cash (or, for those holders that did not make an election, only cash), under Danish law by way of a compulsory purchase (the “Compulsory Purchase”), which was completed in early November 2022. Upon completion of the Compulsory Purchase, Maersk Drilling became a wholly owned subsidiary of Noble.
The Merger was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805, Business Combinations, where Noble is the accounting acquirer. See “Note 4— Acquisitions and Divestitures” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 for additional information on the Business Combination.
As a result of the Merger, Noble became the successor issuer to Noble Cayman for purposes of and pursuant to Rule 12g-3(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). 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 and its consolidated subsidiaries.
25


Forward-Looking Statements
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, benefits or results of acquisitions or dispositions (including the Business Combination (as defined herein) and our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions related to the Business Combination), and timing for compliance with any new regulations. 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 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 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. Risks and uncertainties 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, customer concentration, operational hazards and risks, labor force unionization, labor interruptions and labor regulations, public health issues, including epidemics or pandemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic, joint ventures as well as investments in associates, international operations and related mobilization and demobilization of rigs, operational interruptions, delays, maintenance and resulting reduced payment of dayrates, maintenance and renewal of insurance, protection of sensitive information, operational technology systems and critical data, upgrades, refurbishment and repair of rigs and any related delays and cost overruns, 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, acts of terrorism, piracy and political and social unrest, hurricanes and related windstorm damage, responding to energy rebalancing, non-performance of suppliers or third-party subcontractors, the Business Combination and related integration, the maintenance of effective internal controls, impairments on property and equipment, including rigs and related capital spares, operating, financial restrictions and maintenance of covenants in our debt financing, tax disputes or tax challenges, compliance with Governmental laws and regulations including those related to anti-bribery or anti-corruption, environmental protection and health and safety and disputes and litigation 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 I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, 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 Annual Report on 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.
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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.
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Executive Overview
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 32 drilling rigs, consisting of 19 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.
Market Outlook
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, several of these stranded newbuild rigs are making their way into the global market and we expect this trend to continue over the next few years for the most capable units.
Although the market outlook in our business varies by geographical region and water depth, we remain encouraged by the recovery in the ultra-deepwater floater market, with overall demand having increased from 2020 lows. Our customers continue to focus on the highest specification floaters, which represents the majority of our floater fleet. We have also observed an overall demand increase in the global jack-up market, with the Middle East being the largest component of this increase.
However, as of the date of this report, the majority of our jack-up 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 and supply chain disruptions to persist which has led or may lead to increased costs of services.


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Contract Drilling Services Backlog
We maintain a backlog of commitments for contract drilling services. Our contract drilling services backlog reflects estimated future revenues attributable to signed drilling contracts. While backlog did not include any letters of intent as of September 30, 2023, in the past we have included in backlog certain letters of intent that we expect to result in binding drilling contracts. As of September 30, 2023, contract drilling services backlog totaled approximately $4.7 billion, which includes a commitment of approximately 59% of available days for the remainder of 2023.
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 table below presents the amount of our contract drilling services backlog as of September 30, 2023, and the percent of available operating days committed for the periods indicated:
Year Ending December 31,
Total
2023 (1)
2024202520262027
(In thousands)
Contract Drilling Services Backlog
Floaters (2)(3)
$3,607,623$418,148$1,305,562$922,291$708,933$252,689
Jackups1,094,48987,176376,783249,972205,598174,960
Total$4,702,112$505,324$1,682,345$1,172,263$914,531$427,649
Percent of Available Days Committed (4)
Floaters (3)
60 %47 %32 %24 %%
Jackups56 %52 %27 %18 %14 %
Total59 %49 %30 %22 %11 %
(1)Represents a three month period beginning October 1, 2023.
(2)One of our long-term drilling contracts with Shell, the Noble Globetrotter II, contains 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. The contract now has a contractual dayrate floor of $275,000 per day. The dayrate for this rig will not be lower than the higher of (i) the contractual dayrate floor or (ii) the market rate as calculated under the adjustment mechanism.
(3)Noble entered into a multi-year Commercial Enabling Agreement (the “CEA”) with ExxonMobil in February 2020. Under the CEA, dayrates earned by each rig will be updated twice per year to the projected market rate at the time the new rate goes into effect, subject to a scale-based discount and a performance bonus that appropriately aligns the interests of Noble and ExxonMobil. Under the CEA, the table above includes awarded and remaining term of two years and one month related to each of the four following rigs: the Noble Tom Madden, Noble Bob Douglas, Noble Don Taylor and Noble Sam Croft. Under the CEA, ExxonMobil may reassign terms among rigs.
(4)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, including cold-stacked rigs, and the number of calendar days in such period.
The amount of actual revenues earned and the actual periods during which revenues are earned may be materially different than the backlog amounts and backlog periods presented in the table above due to various factors, including, but not limited to, shipyard and maintenance projects, unplanned downtime, the operation of market benchmarks for dayrate resets, achievement of bonuses, weather conditions, reduced standby or mobilization rates and other factors that result in applicable dayrates lower than the full contractual operating dayrate. In addition, amounts included in the backlog may
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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 – Risks Related to Our Business and Operations – Our current backlog of contract drilling revenue may not be ultimately realized” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
As of September 30, 2023, ExxonMobil and Aker BP represented approximately 46.3% and 16.3% of our backlog, respectively.
Strategy
Our business strategy is centered around efficient, reliable and safe offshore drilling to provide the best services for our customers. The Business Combination with Maersk Drilling created one of the youngest and highest specification fleets of global scale in the industry, with diversification across asset classes, geographic regions and customers. The combined company has a track record of high utilization; coupled with an unwavering commitment to safety and customer satisfaction. We strive to be a leader in industry innovation and sustainability.
See Item 1 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, for additional information on our business and strategy.
Results of Operations
Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2023 (the “current quarter”), was $158.3 million, or $1.09 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $697.5 million compared to net income for the three months ended September 30, 2022, of $33.6 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $305.9 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:
Average Rig Utilization (1)
Operating Days (2)
Average Dayrates (2)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Three Months Ended
September 30,
202320222023202220232022
Floaters77 %78 %1,348 792 403,813 285,362 
Jackups64 %82 %824 606 140,775 118,209 
Total72 %80 %2,172 1,398 $304,040 $212,958 
(1)We define utilization for a specific period as the total number of days our rigs are operating under contract divided by the product of the total number of our rigs, including cold stacked rigs, and the number of calendar days in such period. Information reflects our policy of reporting on the basis of the number of available rigs in our fleet.
(2)An operating day is defined as a calendar day during which a rig operated under a drilling contract. We define average dayrates as revenue from contract drilling services earned per operating day. Average dayrates exclude the effect of non-cash amortization related to favorable and unfavorable off-market customer contract assets and liabilities.
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Contract Drilling Services
The following table presents the operating results for our contract drilling services segment for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30,Change
Operating revenues:20232022$%
Contract drilling services$671,004 $289,494 $381,510 132 %
Reimbursables and other (1)
26,446 16,378 10,068 61 %
697,450 305,872 391,578 128 %
Operating costs and expenses:
Contract drilling services$354,199 $186,482 $167,717 90 %
Reimbursables (1)
16,682 13,284 3,398 26 %
Depreciation and amortization77,146 24,868 52,278 210 %
General and administrative33,039 18,089 14,950 83 %
Merger and integration costs12,966 9,338 3,628 39 %
(Gain) loss on sale of operating assets, net
— 354 (354)(100)%
Hurricane losses and (recoveries), net2,642 1,896 746 39 %
496,674 254,311 242,363 95 %
Operating income (loss)$200,776 $51,561 $149,215 289 %
(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.
The following table provides information about contract drilling revenue and costs by rig types (dollars in millions except average dayrates):
Three Months Ended September 30,
20232022
FloatersJackupsFloatersJackups
Contract drilling services revenues$549.1$121.9$217.9$71.6
Contract drilling services costs$266.9$87.3$123.6$62.9
Average rig utilization
77 %64 %78 %82 %
Operating days
1,348 824 792 606 
Average dayrates
$403,813 $140,775 $285,362 $118,209 
Total rigs— Beginning and ending19 13 11 
Contract Drilling Services Revenues
Floaters. During the third quarter of 2023, floaters generated revenue of $549.1 million, as compared to $217.9 million in the third quarter of 2022. The increase in revenue was mainly attributable to $215.6 million provided by the eight additional floaters acquired in the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling in October 2022 as well as $95.2 million due to an increase in average dayrates in the current period and $7.4 million from rigs with more operating days in the current period. Additionally, floater revenue from net non-cash amortization related to off-market customer contract assets and liabilities increased $13.0 million in the current quarter.
Jackups. During the third quarter of 2023, jackups generated revenue of $121.9 million, as compared to $71.6 million in the third quarter of 2022. The increase in revenue was primarily attributable to $84.7 million provided by the 10 additional jackups acquired in the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling in October 2022. This increase was partly offset by $26.7 million pertaining to the divestiture of jackup rigs (the “Remedy Rigs”) in October 2022 in connection with the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling and $14.4 million from rigs with fewer operating days in the current period. Additionally,
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jackups revenue from net non-cash amortization related to off-market customer contract assets and liabilities increased $5.9 million in the current quarter.
Operating Costs and Expenses
Floaters. During the third quarter of 2023, total contract drilling services costs related to floaters was $266.9 million, as compared to $123.6 million in the third quarter 2022. The primary drivers of the increase were $67.9 million related to the eight additional floaters acquired in the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling in October 2022 and $75.4 million in increased crew, repairs and maintenance, and material costs across the remainder of the fleet, some of which was driven by inflation.
Jackups. During the third quarter of 2023, total contract drilling services cost related to jackups was $87.3 million, as compared to $62.9 million in the third quarter 2022. During the current quarter, cost increases were driven by $43.9 million related to the 10 additional jackups acquired in the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling in October 2022 and $7.3 million in increased crew, repairs and maintenance, and material costs across the remainder of the fleet, some of which was driven by inflation. These increases were partially offset by the reduction of $26.8 million in expenses after the sale of the Remedy Rigs in October 2022.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization totaled $77.1 million and $24.9 million during the third quarter of 2023 and 2022, respectively. Depreciation and amortization increased by $52.3 million in the current quarter primarily due to $34.3 million related to 18 rigs and related equipment acquired in the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling in October 2022. This increase was partially offset by the sale of the five Remedy Rigs in October 2022.
General and administrative. General and administrative expenses totaled $33.0 million and $18.1 million during the third quarter of 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase was primarily related to the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling in October 2022 with increases across several categories including employee related costs.
Merger and integration costs. Noble incurred $13.0 million and $9.3 million of merger and integration costs during the third quarter of 2023 and 2022, respectively, primarily as a result of the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling in October 2022. Costs primarily related to severance plans and share-based compensation charges, transaction-related acquisition costs, professional fees, and certain integration-related activities that were directly attributable to the Business Combination. In the third quarter of 2023, we incurred incremental severance costs when compared to the third quarter of 2022. For additional information, see “Note 2— Acquisitions” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Hurricane losses and (recoveries). Noble incurred $2.6 million of costs, net of recoveries, during the third quarter of 2023 in connection with the Hurricane Ida incident. For additional information about the Hurricane Ida incident, see “Note 12— Commitments and Contingencies” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Other Income and Expenses
Interest expense. Interest expense totaled $13.0 million and $7.9 million during the third quarter of 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase was due to the additional debt assumed in the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling in October 2022 partially offset by debt refinancing, which included the issuance of 8.000% Senior Notes in April 2023. For additional information, see “Note 6— Debt” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Gain on bargain purchase. Noble recognized a $5.0 million gain on the bargain purchase of Maersk Drilling during the third quarter of 2023. For additional information, see “Note 2— Acquisitions” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Interest income and other. Noble recognized other income of $17.2 million and $3.2 million during the third quarter of 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase was mainly due to the recognition of approximately $18.0 million of compensation related to a joint taxation scheme with A.P. Møller Holding A/S. For additional information, see “Note 8— Income Taxes” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Income tax benefit (provision). Noble recorded an income tax provision of $51.7 million and $13.1 million during the third quarter of 2023 and 2022, respectively.
During the third quarter of 2023, our tax provision included tax benefits of $17.2 million related to releases and adjustments of valuation allowance for deferred tax benefits in Guyana, Norway, Switzerland, and Luxembourg and a tax benefit of $2.0 million related to a foreign tax credit refund. Such tax benefits are offset by tax expenses related to contract
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fair value amortization of $7.4 million and various recurring quarterly accruals of $63.5 million primarily in Guyana, Australia, Denmark, and Luxembourg.
During the third quarter of 2022, our tax provision included net tax benefits of $5.4 million related to a release of valuation allowance for Guyana deferred tax benefits and a tax benefit of $4.5 million related to a release of valuation allowance for Luxembourg deferred tax benefits. Such tax benefits were offset by tax expenses related to various recurring items comprised of Guyana excess withholding tax on gross revenue of $13.5 million and quarterly tax expense accrual of $9.5 million mostly in Luxembourg and Switzerland.
Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, was $332.2 million, or $2.29 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $1.9 billion compared to compared to net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, of $34.0 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, on operating revenues of $791.3 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:
Average Rig Utilization (1)
Operating Days (2)
Average Dayrates (2)
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
202320222023202220232022
Floaters77 %77 %3,966 2,334 366,560 256,398 
Jackups65 %71 %2,487 1,550 121,913 119,449 
Total72 %74 %6,453 3,884 $272,279 $201,737 
(1)We define utilization for a specific period as the total number of days our rigs are operating under contract divided by the product of the total number of our rigs, including cold stacked rigs, and the number of calendar days in such period. Information reflects our policy of reporting on the basis of the number of available rigs in our fleet.
(2)An operating day is defined as a calendar day during which a rig operated under a drilling contract. We define average dayrates as revenue from contract drilling services earned per operating day. Average dayrates exclude the effect of non-cash amortization related to favorable and unfavorable off-market customer contract assets and liabilities.
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Contract Drilling Services
The following table presents the operating results for our contract drilling services segment for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
Nine Months Ended September 30,Change
Operating revenues:20232022$%
Contract drilling services$1,852,474 $746,992 $1,105,482 148 %
Reimbursables and other (1)
$93,565 $44,263 49,302 111 %
$1,946,039 $791,255 $1,154,784 146 %
Operating costs and expenses:
Contract drilling services$1,078,521 $530,710 $547,811 103 %
Reimbursables (1)
67,484 37,095 30,389 82 %
Depreciation and amortization218,412 77,109 141,303 183 %
General and administrative95,428 52,300 43,128 82 %
Merger and integration costs47,049 27,916 19,133 69 %
(Gain) loss on sale of operating assets, net
— (3,105)3,105 (100)%
Hurricane losses and (recoveries), net22,120 4,701 17,419 371 %
1,529,014 726,726 802,288 110 %
Operating income (loss)$417,025 $64,529 $352,496 546 %
(1)We record reimbursements from customers for out-of-pocket expenses as operating revenues and the related direct costs as operating expenses. Changes in the amount of these reimbursables generally do not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
The following table provides information about contract drilling revenue and costs by rig types (dollars in millions except average dayrates):
Nine Months Ended September 30,
20232022
FloatersJackupsFloatersJackups
Contract drilling services revenues$1,519.3$333.1$561.8$185.2
Contract drilling services costs$816.3$262.2$345.1$185.6
Average rig utilization
77 %65 %77 %71 %
Operating days
3,966 2,487 2,334 1,550 
Average dayrates
$366,560 $121,913 $256,398 $119,449 
Total rigs— Beginning19 13 12 
— Acquired— — — — 
— Disposed
— — — 
— Ending
19 13 13 
Contract Drilling Services Revenues
Floaters. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, floaters generated revenue of $1.5 billion, as compared to $561.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The increase in revenue was mainly attributable to $573.6 million provided by the eight additional floaters acquired in the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling in October 2022 as well as $293.6 million due to an increase in average dayrates in the current period. These increases were partly offset by $11.8 million from rigs with fewer operating days in the current period. Additionally, floater revenue from net non-cash amortization related to off-market customer contract assets and liabilities increased $102.1 million in the current period.
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Jackups. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, jackups generated revenue of $333.1 million, as compared to $185.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The increase in revenue was mainly attributable to $224.4 million provided by the 10 additional jackups acquired in the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling in October 2022 as well as $3.3 million due to an increase in average dayrates in the current period. These increases were partly offset by $70.6 million pertaining to the divestiture of the Remedy Rigs in October 2022 in connection with the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling and $39.2 million from rigs with fewer operating days in the current period. Additionally, jackups revenue from net non-cash amortization related to off-market customer contract assets and liabilities increased $30.0 million in the current period.
Operating Costs and Expenses
Floaters. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, total contract drilling services costs related to floaters was $816.3 million, as compared to $345.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The primary drivers of the increase were $306.0 million related to the eight additional floaters acquired in the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling in October 2022 and $169.0 million in increased crew, repairs and maintenance, and material costs across the remainder of the fleet, some of which was driven by inflation. These increases were offset by $3.8 million due to the divestiture of a semi-submersible unit late in the first quarter of 2022.
Jackups. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, total contract drilling services cost related to jackups was $262.2 million, as compared to $185.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2022. During the current quarter, cost increases were primarily driven by $158.4 million related to the 10 additional jackups acquired in the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling in October 2022. These increases were partially offset by the reduction of $81.6 million in expenses after the sale of the Remedy Rigs in October 2022.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization totaled $218.4 million and $77.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Depreciation and amortization increased by $141.3 million in the current year primarily due to $129.5 million related to 18 rigs and related equipment acquired in the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling in October 2022. This increase was partially offset by the sale of the five Remedy Rigs in October 2022 and the divestiture of a semi-submersible unit in the first quarter of 2022.
General and administrative. General and administrative expenses totaled $95.4 million and $52.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase was primarily related to the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling in October 2022 with increases across several categories including employee related costs.
Merger and Integration Costs. Noble incurred $47.0 million and $27.9 million of merger and integration costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, primarily as a result of the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling in October 2022. Costs primarily related to severance plans and share-based compensation charges, transaction-related acquisition costs, professional fees, and certain integration-related activities that were directly attributable to the Business Combination. In the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we incurred incremental severance costs and costs related to integration-related activities as compared to the same period in the prior year. For additional information, see “Note 2— Acquisitions” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
(Gain) loss on sale of operating assets. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, Noble recognized a gain of $6.8 million in connection with the sale of the Noble Clyde Boudreaux, offset by costs incurred of $1.5 million related to professional fees in connection with the anticipated sale of the Remedy Rigs in October 2022 and additional costs recognized of $2.2 million related to the sale of rigs in Saudi Arabia in 2021.
Hurricane losses and (recoveries). Noble incurred $22.1 million of costs, net of recoveries, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, in connection with the Hurricane Ida incident. For additional information about the Hurricane Ida incident, see “Note 12— Commitments and Contingencies” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Other Income and Expenses
Interest expense. Interest expense totaled $44.5 million and $23.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase was due to the additional debt assumed in the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling in October 2022 partially offset by debt refinancing, which included the issuance of 8.000% Senior Notes in April 2023. For additional information, see “Note 6— Debt” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
35


Gain on bargain purchase. Noble recognized a $5.0 million gain on the bargain purchase of Maersk Drilling during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. For additional information, see “Note 2— Acquisitions” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Interest income and other. Noble recognized other income of $16.3 million and $4.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase was mainly due to the recognition of approximately $18.0 million of compensation related to a joint taxation scheme with A.P. Møller Holding A/S. For additional information, see “Note 8— Income Taxes” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Income tax benefit (provision). Noble recorded an income tax provision of $35.2 million and $11.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, our tax provision included tax benefits of $113.5 million related to releases of valuation allowance for deferred tax benefits in Guyana, Luxembourg, Norway and, Switzerland, a tax benefit of $6.8 million related to a Ghana uncertain tax position release, and a tax benefit of $2.0 million related to a foreign tax credit refund. Such tax benefits are offset by tax expenses related to a Mexico uncertain tax position of $9.8 million, contract fair value amortization of $16.3 million, and various recurring quarterly accruals of $131.3 million primarily in Guyana, Australia, Denmark, and Luxembourg.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, our tax provision included net tax benefits of $13.6 million related to a release of valuation allowance for Guyana deferred tax benefits, a tax benefit of $11.0 million related to a release of valuation allowance for Luxembourg deferred tax benefits, $1.1 million related to an adjustment to Swiss deferred tax benefits, and $1.3 million primarily related to deferred tax adjustments. Such tax benefits were offset by tax expenses related to various recurring items comprised of Guyana excess withholding tax on gross revenue of $24.0 million and quarterly tax expense accruals of $14.8 million mostly in Luxembourg and Switzerland.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Debt Refinancing
On April 18, 2023, Noble Finance II, LLC (“Noble Finance II”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Noble, issued $600 million in aggregate principal amount of its 8.000% Senior Notes due 2030 (“2030 Notes”). The 2030 Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated April 18, 2023, among Noble Finance II, the subsidiaries of Noble Finance II party thereto, as guarantors, and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee. The net proceeds from the offering of 2030 Notes were primarily used to (i) repay the approximately $347.5 million of outstanding borrowings under the New DNB Credit Facility, (ii) redeem (the “Redemption”) the approximately $173.7 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding Second Lien Notes, and (iii) pay any premiums, fees, and expenses related to the Redemption and the issuance of the 2030 Notes. As of September 30, 2023, we had outstanding $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 2030 Notes.
Amended and Restated Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement
On April 18, 2023, certain subsidiaries of Noble amended and restated the senior secured credit facility, dated February 5, 2021, by entering into an Amended and Restated Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement, dated April 18, 2023 (the “2023 Revolving Credit Agreement”), by and among Noble Finance II, NIFCO 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 revolving credit facility under the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement (the “2023 Revolving Credit Facility”) provides for commitments of $550 million with maturity in 2028. 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 of September 30, 2023, we had no loans outstanding and $5.4 million of letters of credit issued under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility. For additional information about our 2023 Revolving Credit Facility as of September 30, 2023, see “Note 6— Debt” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Letters of Credit and Surety Bonds
As of September 30, 2023, we had $5.4 million of letters of credit issued under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility and an additional $72.9 million in letters of credit and surety bonds issued under bilateral arrangements which guarantee our performance as it relates to our drilling contracts, contract bidding, tax appeals, customs duties, and other obligations in various jurisdictions. We expect to comply with the underlying performance requirements and we expect obligations under these letters of credit and surety bonds will not be called.
36


Sources and Uses of Cash
Our principal sources of capital in the current period were cash generated from operating activities as well as net proceeds from the issuance of the 2030 Notes. Cash on hand during the current period was primarily used for the following:
normal recurring operating expenses;
repurchase, redemptions, or repayments of debt and interest;
fees and expenses related to merger and integration costs;
share repurchases and dividend payments; and
capital expenditures.
Currently, our 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;
repurchase, redemptions, or repayments of debt and interest, including related fees;
fees and expenses related to merger and integration costs;
share repurchases and dividend payments; and
certain contractual cash obligations and commitments.
We currently expect to fund our cash flow needs with cash generated by our operations, cash on hand, proceeds from sales of assets, or borrowings under our 2023 Revolving Credit Facility and we believe this will provide us with sufficient liquidity to fund our cash flow needs over the next 12 months. Subject to market conditions and other factors, we may also issue equity or long-term debt securities to fund our cash flow needs and for other purposes. In 2022 and 2023, we incurred and anticipate additional expenses and capital costs related to the damage and repair of a jackup rig for which we anticipate full recovery from insurance, subject to a deductible of $5 million which was met in 2022. We have begun to receive insurance recoveries and expect future recoveries as additional expenditures are incurred related to this rig.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $286.8 million and $109.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net cash provided by operating activities increased mainly due to the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling. The nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, had cash outflows from operating assets and liabilities. We had working capital of $515.6 million at September 30, 2023, and $384.7 million at December 31, 2022.
Net cash used in investing activities was $268.1 million and $93.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, our capital expenditures primarily consisted of routine projects associated with overhauls and upgrades on various rigs in the newly combined fleet. Cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, included proceeds from the sale of a rig.
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities was ($254.8 million) and $214.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The nine months ended September 30, 2023, included the repayment of the DSF Credit Facility in full, using cash on hand, redemption of the remaining balance of the Second Lien Notes, repayment of the DNB Credit Facility, and issuance of 2030 Notes. We also repurchased 2.0 million of our Ordinary Shares for total of $80.0 million and made dividend payments to our shareholders of $42.4 million. The nine months ended September 30, 2022, had no share repurchases, dividend payments, or costs related to debt extinguishments and issuances.
At September 30, 2023, we had a total contract drilling services backlog of approximately $4.7 billion, which includes a commitment of approximately 59% of available days for our Noble rigs for the remainder of 2023. For additional information regarding our backlog, see “Contract Drilling Services Backlog.”
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures totaled $259.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and consisted of the following:
$155.4 million for sustaining capital;
$84.5 million in major projects, including subsea and other related projects; and
$19.5 million for rebillable capital and contract modifications.
37


Our total capital expenditure estimate for the year ending December 31, 2023, net of client reimbursables, is expected to range between $325 million and $365 million, of which approximately $210 to $230 million is currently anticipated to be spent for sustaining capital.
From time to time we consider possible projects and may have certain events, such as insured losses, that would require expenditures that are not included in our capital budget, and such unbudgeted expenditures could be significant. In addition, while liquidity and preservation of capital remains our top priority, we will continue to evaluate acquisitions of drilling units from time to time.
Dividends
Our most recent quarterly dividend payment to shareholders, totaling approximately $42.4 million (or $0.30 per share), was declared on July 11, 2023, and paid on September 14, 2023, to shareholders of record at close of business on August 17, 2023.
On October 31, 2023, our Board of Directors approved a declaration of a quarterly cash interim dividend on our Ordinary Shares of $0.40 per share. This dividend is to be payable on December 14, 2023, to shareholders of record at close of business on November 15, 2023.
The declaration and payment of dividends requires the authorization of the Board of Directors of Noble. Such may be paid only out of Noble’s “distributable reserves” on its statutory balance sheet in accordance with law. Therefore, Noble is not permitted to pay dividends out of share capital, which includes share premium. The payment of future dividends will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, future business prospects, contractual and indenture restrictions, and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.
Critical Accounting Estimates
We prepare our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require us to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We disclose our significant accounting policies in “Note 1— Organization and Significant Accounting Policies” to our audited consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
For information about our critical accounting policies and estimates, see Part II, Item 7, “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Estimates” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. As of September 30, 2023, there have been no material changes to the judgments, assumptions, and estimates upon which our critical accounting policies and estimates are based.
See Part I, Item 1, Financial Statements, “Note 3— Accounting Pronouncements,” to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for a description of the recent accounting pronouncements.
38


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
There has been no significant change in our exposure to market risk when compared to those disclosed in Part II, Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Robert W. Eifler, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) of Noble, and Richard B. Barker, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) of Noble, have evaluated the disclosure controls and procedures of Noble as of the end of the period covered by this report. On the basis of this evaluation, Mr. Eifler and Mr. Barker have concluded that Noble’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2023. Noble’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Noble 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.
In accordance with interpretive guidance issued by SEC staff, companies are allowed to exclude an acquired business from the assessment of internal control over financial reporting during the first year following the date on which the acquisition is completed and from the assessment of disclosure controls and procedures to the extent subsumed in such internal control over financial reporting. In accordance with this guidance, as the Company acquired Maersk Drilling on October 3, 2022, management’s evaluation and conclusion as to the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2022 excluded the portion of disclosure controls and procedures that are subsumed by internal control over financial reporting of Maersk Drilling as of September 30, 2023. As part of our ongoing integration of the acquired Maersk Drilling business, during the quarter ended September 30, 2023, we designed and implemented control activities related to the business processes and information technology general controls of Maersk Drilling. There were no other material changes to our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
39


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Information regarding legal proceedings is presented in “Note 12— Commitments and Contingencies,” to our unaudited 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. 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, 2022, 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. There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Exercises of Warrants
During the three months ended September 30, 2023:
2,115,198 Ordinary Shares were issued to holders of our Tranche 1 Warrants pursuant to exercises of 2,442,468 Tranche 1 Warrants; and
2,028,980 Ordinary Shares were issued to holders of our Tranche 2 Warrants pursuant to exercises of 2,487,128 Tranche 2 Warrants.
Such Ordinary Shares were issued pursuant to the exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act under Section 4(a)(2) under the Securities Act or Section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code. For more information on the terms of exercise and other features of the warrants, see our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Share Repurchases
The following table presents information about our purchases of equity securities for the three months ended September 30, 2023:
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1)
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that may yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
July 1 - 31, 2023— — — $315,000,160 
August 1 - 31, 2023197,477 $50.62 197,477 $305,000,187 
September 1- 30, 2023— — — $305,000,187 
Total197,477 197,477 $305,000,187 
(1)Subject to restrictions under applicable law discussed in “Note 4— Income (Loss) Per Share” to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, we announced a share repurchase plan on November 2, 2022 to purchase up to $400 million of outstanding Ordinary Shares or Warrants. The $400 million authorization does not have a fixed expiration, and may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time. The program does not obligate us to acquire any particular amount of shares. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, we repurchased 197,477 of our Ordinary Shares, which were subsequently cancelled.
40


Item 5. Other Information
Our directors and executive officers may from time to time enter into plans or other arrangements for the purchase or sale of our shares that are intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or may represent a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement under the Exchange Act. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, no such plans or other arrangements were adopted, terminated or modified.
Item 6. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
41


Index to Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit
2.1†
2.2
3.1
10.1*
10.2*
31.1
31.2
32.1+
32.2+
101.INSInline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PREInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
*    Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
†    Certain portions of the exhibit have been omitted. The Company agrees to furnish a supplemental copy with any omitted information to the SEC upon request.
+    Furnished in accordance with Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K.
42


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 formed under the laws of England and Wales

/s/ Richard B. BarkerNovember 1, 2023
Richard B. Barker
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date
/s/ Laura D. CampbellNovember 1, 2023
Laura D. Campbell
Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Date

43
EXHIBIT 10.1
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC
2022 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL AMENDMENT TO RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARDS

    This Global Amendment (this “Amendment”) to the Outstanding Awards (as defined below) is hereby adopted by Noble Corporation plc, a company organized under the laws of England and Wales (the “Company”), as of August ____, 2023 (the “Effective Date”). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Noble Corporation plc 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).

RECITALS

1.The Company previously granted the Participant named below one or more awards of Restricted Stock Units pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Plan and those certain Director Restricted Stock Unit Awards, which Restricted Stock Units remain outstanding as of the Effective Date (collectively the “Outstanding Awards”).
2.In accordance with its authority under the Section 12 of the Plan, the Committee has approved the amendment of the Outstanding Awards as set forth below to provide for the payment of Dividend Equivalents on such Outstanding Awards in the form of cash or Shares, as determined in the Board’s discretion, and has determined that such amendment does not materially adversely affect the rights of the Participant under the Outstanding Awards.

AGREEMENT

    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, effective as of the Effective Date, the Outstanding Awards are hereby amended as follows:

1.The section of each of the Outstanding Awards entitled “Dividend Equivalents” is amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

Dividend Equivalents. In connection with the Awarded Restricted Stock Units the Company hereby awards to Director Dividend Equivalents with respect to any cash dividends payable with respect to the Shares. Such cash Dividend Equivalents shall be payable at the same time, and shall be subject to the same conditions, that are applicable to the Awarded Restricted Stock Units, and shall be payable in the form of a number of Shares (rounded down to nearest whole Share) equal to the amount of such cash Dividend Equivalents divided by the Fair Market Value of a Share at vesting, or shall be payable in cash in the sole discretion of the Board. Accordingly, the right to receive such cash Dividend Equivalent payments shall be forfeited to the extent that the Awarded Restricted Stock Units do not vest, are forfeited or are otherwise cancelled pursuant to this Instrument.
2.Except as expressly amended hereby, the Outstanding Awards shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with their terms.

3.This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof, except to the extent Texas law is preempted by federal law of the United States or by the laws of England and Wales.

1




IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has signed and delivered this Amendment as of the Effective Date.

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC


By:                         
Jennie Howard
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
2

EXHIBIT 10.2
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC
2022 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
GLOBAL AMENDMENT TO RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARDS

    This Global Amendment (this “Amendment”) to the Outstanding Awards (as defined below) is hereby adopted by Noble Corporation plc, a company organized under the laws of England and Wales (the “Company”), as of August ____, 2023 (the “Effective Date”). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Noble Corporation plc 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).

RECITALS

A.The Company previously granted the Participant named below one or more awards of Restricted Stock Units pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Plan and those certain Time-Vested Restricted Stock Unit Awards and/or Performance-Vested Restricted Stock Unit Awards, which Restricted Stock Units remain outstanding as of the Effective Date (collectively the “Outstanding Awards”).
B.In accordance with its authority under the Section 12 of the Plan, the Committee has approved the amendment of the Outstanding Awards as set forth below to provide for the payment of Dividend Equivalents on such Outstanding Awards in the form of cash or Shares, as determined in the Committee’s discretion, and has determined that such amendment does not materially adversely affect the rights of the Participant under the Outstanding Awards.

AGREEMENT

    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, effective as of the Effective Date, the Outstanding Awards are hereby amended as follows:

1.The section of each of the Outstanding Awards entitled “Dividend Equivalents” is amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

Dividend Equivalents. In connection with the Awarded Restricted Stock Units the Company hereby awards to Employee Dividend Equivalents with respect to any cash dividends payable with respect to the Shares. Such cash Dividend Equivalents shall be payable at the same time, and shall be subject to the same conditions, that are applicable to the Awarded Restricted Stock Units, and shall be payable in the form of a number of Shares (rounded down to nearest whole Share) equal to the amount of such cash Dividend Equivalents divided by the Fair Market Value of a Share at vesting, or shall be payable in cash in the sole discretion of the Committee. Accordingly, the right to receive such cash Dividend Equivalent payments shall be forfeited to the extent that the Awarded Restricted Stock Units do not vest, are forfeited or are otherwise cancelled pursuant to this Instrument.
2.Except as expressly amended hereby, the Outstanding Awards shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with their terms.

3.This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof, except to the extent Texas law is preempted by federal law of the United States or by the laws of England and Wales.


1




IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has signed and delivered this Amendment as of the Effective Date.

NOBLE CORPORATION PLC


By:                         
Jennie Howard
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
2


EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
EXCHANGE ACT RULE 13a-14(a) OR RULE 15d-14(a)

I, Robert W. Eifler, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Noble Corporation plc;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ Robert W. EiflerNovember 1, 2023
Robert W. EiflerDate
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) of Noble Corporation plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales


EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
EXCHANGE ACT RULE 13a-14(a) OR RULE 15d-14(a)

I, Richard B. Barker, certify that:
1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Noble Corporation plc;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
/s/ Richard B. BarkerNovember 1, 2023
Richard B. BarkerDate
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) of Noble Corporation plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales



EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Noble Corporation plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2023, as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Robert W. Eifler, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:
(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

November 1, 2023/s/ Robert W. Eifler
Robert W. Eifler
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) of Noble Corporation plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales



EXHIBIT 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the Quarterly Report of Noble Corporation plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2023, as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Richard B. Barker, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:
(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
November 1, 2023/s/ Richard B. Barker
Richard B. Barker
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) of Noble Corporation plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales


v3.23.3
Cover - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Oct. 27, 2023
Document Information [Line Items]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2023  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 001-41520  
Entity Registrant Name Noble Corporation plc  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code X0  
Entity Tax Identification Number 98-1644664  
Entity Address, Address Line One 13135 Dairy Ashford, Suite 800  
Entity Address, City or Town Sugar Land  
Entity Address, State or Province TX  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 77478  
City Area Code (281)  
Local Phone Number 276-6100  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Bankruptcy Proceedings, Reporting Current true  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   141,054,074
Entity Central Index Key 0001895262  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2023  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Amendment Flag false  
Common Stock    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Title of 12(b) Security A Ordinary Shares, par value $0.00001 per share  
Trading Symbol NE  
Security Exchange Name NYSE  
Tranche 1 Warrants    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Title of 12(b) Security Tranche 1 Warrants of Noble Corporation plc  
Trading Symbol NE WS  
Security Exchange Name NYSE  
Tranche 2 Warrants    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Title of 12(b) Security Tranche 2 Warrants of Noble Corporation plc  
Trading Symbol NE WSA  
Security Exchange Name NYSE  
v3.23.3
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Sep. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Current assets    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 244,792 $ 476,206
Accounts receivable, net 638,746 468,802
Taxes receivable 50,398 34,087
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 97,514 72,695
Total current assets 1,031,450 1,051,790
Intangible assets 11,341 34,372
Property and equipment, at cost 4,413,310 4,163,205
Accumulated depreciation (399,005) (181,904)
Property and equipment, net 4,014,305 3,981,301
Goodwill 0 26,016
Other assets 211,820 141,385
Total assets 5,268,916 5,234,864
Current liabilities    
Current maturities of long-term debt 0 159,715
Accounts payable 281,266 290,690
Accrued payroll and related costs 88,953 76,185
Taxes payable 66,149 56,986
Interest payable 22,399 9,509
Other current liabilities 57,062 74,013
Total current liabilities 515,829 667,098
Long-term debt 585,791 513,055
Deferred income taxes 9,174 9,335
Noncurrent contract liabilities 63,312 181,883
Other liabilities 261,810 256,408
Total liabilities 1,435,916 1,627,779
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Shareholders’ equity    
Common stock, $0.00001 par value; 141,046,102 and 134,680,941 ordinary shares outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively 1 1
Additional paid-in capital 3,367,109 3,347,507
Retained earnings 464,453 255,930
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 1,437 3,647
Total shareholders’ equity 3,833,000 3,607,085
Total liabilities and equity $ 5,268,916 $ 5,234,864
v3.23.3
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
Sep. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Oct. 03, 2022
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]      
Common stock, par value (in usd per share) $ 0.00001 $ 0.00001 $ 0.00001
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding (in shares) 141,046,102 134,680,941  
v3.23.3
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Operating revenues        
Operating revenues $ 697,450 $ 305,872 $ 1,946,039 $ 791,255
Operating costs and expenses        
Depreciation and amortization 77,146 24,868 218,412 77,109
General and administrative 33,039 18,089 95,428 52,300
Merger and integration costs 12,966 9,338 47,049 27,916
(Gain) loss on sale of operating assets, net 0 354 0 (3,105)
Hurricane losses and (recoveries), net 2,642 1,896 22,120 4,701
Total operating costs and expenses 496,674 254,311 1,529,014 726,726
Operating income (loss) 200,776 51,561 417,025 64,529
Other income (expense)        
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized (13,005) (7,943) (44,539) (23,338)
Gain on bargain purchase 5,005 0 5,005 0
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt, net 0 (196) (26,397) (196)
Interest income and other, net 17,206 3,235 16,292 4,766
Income (loss) before income taxes 209,982 46,657 367,386 45,761
Income tax benefit (provision) (51,659) (13,072) (35,184) (11,775)
Net income (loss) $ 158,323 $ 33,585 $ 332,202 $ 33,986
Basic:        
Net income (loss) (in usd per share) $ 1.14 $ 0.48 $ 2.42 $ 0.49
Diluted:        
Net income (loss) (in usd per share) $ 1.09 $ 0.41 $ 2.29 $ 0.42
Contract drilling services        
Operating revenues        
Operating revenues $ 671,004 $ 289,494 $ 1,852,474 $ 746,992
Operating costs and expenses        
Cost of services 354,199 186,482 1,078,521 530,710
Reimbursables and other        
Operating revenues        
Operating revenues 26,446 16,378 93,565 44,263
Operating costs and expenses        
Cost of services $ 16,682 $ 13,284 $ 67,484 $ 37,095
v3.23.3
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]        
Net income (loss) $ 158,323 $ 33,585 $ 332,202 $ 33,986
Other comprehensive income (loss)        
Net changes in pension and other postretirement plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax provision (benefit) of zero and $3 for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $2,436 and $3 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively (65) (1,230) (2,210) (2,817)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net (65) (1,230) (2,210) (2,817)
Comprehensive income (loss) $ 158,258 $ 32,355 $ 329,992 $ 31,169
v3.23.3
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]        
Net changes in pension and other postretirement plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), tax provision (benefit) $ 0 $ 3 $ 2,436 $ 3
v3.23.3
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Cash flows from operating activities    
Net income (loss) $ 332,202 $ 33,986
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flow from operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization 218,412 77,109
Amortization of intangible assets and contract liabilities, net (95,540) 36,525
Gain on bargain purchase (5,005) 0
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net 26,397 196
(Gain) loss on sale of operating assets, net 0 (6,767)
Deferred income taxes (42,445) (22,081)
Amortization of share-based compensation 28,058 20,907
Other costs, net 7,248 (4,334)
Changes in components of working capital and other operating activities    
Change in taxes receivable (17,927) 118
Net changes in other operating assets and liabilities (164,552) (25,853)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 286,848 109,806
Cash flows from investing activities    
Capital expenditures (268,131) (109,235)
Proceeds from disposal of assets, net 0 15,756
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (268,131) (93,479)
Cash flows from financing activities    
Issuance of debt 600,000 0
Borrowings on credit facilities 0 220,000
Repayments of debt (673,411) (1,828)
Debt extinguishment costs (25,697) 0
Debt issuance costs (24,914) 0
Warrants exercised 156 784
Share repurchases (80,000) 0
Dividend payments (42,369) 0
Taxes withheld on employee stock transactions (8,612) (4,926)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (254,847) 214,030
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (236,130) 230,357
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period 485,707 196,722
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 249,577 $ 427,079
v3.23.3
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Total
Common Stock
Additional Paid-in Capital
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2021   60,172,000      
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2021 $ 1,500,627 $ 1 $ 1,393,255 $ 101,982 $ 5,389
Employee related equity activity          
Amortization of share-based compensation 20,907   20,907    
Issuance of share-based compensation shares (in shares)   365,000      
Shares withheld for taxes on equity transactions (4,926)   (4,926)    
Warrants exercised (in shares)   9,817,000      
Warrants exercised 784   784    
Net income (loss) 33,986        
Other comprehensive income (loss), net (2,817)        
Ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2022   70,354,000      
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2022 1,548,561 $ 1 1,410,020 135,968 2,572
Beginning balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2022   67,050,000      
Beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2022 1,508,794 $ 1 1,402,608 102,383 3,802
Employee related equity activity          
Amortization of share-based compensation 7,068   7,068    
Warrants exercised (in shares)   3,304,000      
Warrants exercised 344   344    
Net income (loss) 33,585        
Other comprehensive income (loss), net (1,230)       (1,230)
Ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2022   70,354,000      
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2022 $ 1,548,561 $ 1 1,410,020 135,968 2,572
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2022 134,680,941 134,681,000      
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2022 $ 3,607,085 $ 1 3,347,507 255,930 3,647
Employee related equity activity          
Amortization of share-based compensation 28,058   28,058    
Issuance of share-based compensation shares (in shares)   462,000      
Shares withheld for taxes on equity transactions (8,612)   (8,612)    
Warrants exercised (in shares)   7,920,000      
Warrants exercised 156   156    
Share repurchases (in shares)   (2,017,000)      
Share repurchases (80,000)     (80,000)  
Dividend payments (43,679)     (43,679)  
Net income (loss) 332,202        
Other comprehensive income (loss), net $ (2,210)       (2,210)
Ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2023 141,046,102 141,046,000      
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2023 $ 3,833,000 $ 1 3,367,109 464,453 1,437
Beginning balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2023   137,084,000      
Beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2023 3,719,420 $ 1 3,358,108 359,809 1,502
Employee related equity activity          
Amortization of share-based compensation 9,204   9,204    
Issuance of share-based compensation shares (in shares)   15,000      
Shares withheld for taxes on equity transactions (257)   (257)    
Warrants exercised (in shares)   4,144,000      
Warrants exercised 54   54    
Share repurchases (in shares)   (197,000)      
Share repurchases (10,000)     (10,000)  
Dividend payments (43,679)     (43,679)  
Net income (loss) 158,323        
Other comprehensive income (loss), net $ (65)       (65)
Ending balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2023 141,046,102 141,046,000      
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2023 $ 3,833,000 $ 1 $ 3,367,109 $ 464,453 $ 1,437
v3.23.3
Organization and Basis of Presentation
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Organization and Basis of Presentation
Note 1— Organization and Basis of Presentation
Noble Corporation plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“Noble”), 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 September 30, 2023, our fleet of 32 drilling rigs consisted of 19 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.
In September 2022, as a result of the Merger (as defined herein), Noble became the successor issuer to Noble Corporation, an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability (“Noble Cayman”), for purposes of and pursuant to Rule 12g-3(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). 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 and its consolidated subsidiaries.
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, 2022 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet presented herein is derived from the December 31, 2022 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, 2022, filed by Noble. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
v3.23.3
Acquisitions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]  
Acquisitions
Note 2— Acquisitions
Business Combination with Maersk Drilling
On September 30, 2022 (the “Merger Effective Date”), pursuant to a Business Combination Agreement, dated November 10, 2021 (as amended, the “Business Combination Agreement”), by and among Noble, Noble Cayman, Noble Newco Sub Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Noble (“Merger Sub”), and The Drilling Company of 1972 A/S, a Danish public limited liability company (“Maersk Drilling”), Noble Cayman merged with and into Merger Sub (the “Merger”), with Merger Sub surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Noble. As a result of the Merger, Noble became the ultimate parent of Noble Cayman and its respective subsidiaries.
On October 3, 2022 (the “Closing Date”), pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, Noble completed a voluntary tender exchange offer to Maersk Drilling’s shareholders (the “Offer” and, together with the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, the “Business Combination”) and because Noble acquired more than 90% of the issued and outstanding shares of Maersk Drilling, nominal value Danish krone (“DKK”) 10 per share (“Maersk Drilling Shares”), Noble redeemed all remaining Maersk Drilling Shares not exchanged in the Offer for, at the election of the holder, either A ordinary shares, par value $0.00001 per share, of Noble (“Ordinary Shares”) or cash (or, for those holders that did not make an election, only cash), under Danish law by way of a compulsory purchase (the “Compulsory Purchase”), which was completed in early November 2022. Upon completion of the Compulsory Purchase, Maersk Drilling became a wholly owned subsidiary of Noble.
Under the acquisition method of accounting, the assets and liabilities of Maersk Drilling and its subsidiaries were recorded at their respective fair values on the Closing Date. Total consideration for the acquisition was $2.0 billion, which included $5.6 million in net cash paid and $2.0 billion in non-cash consideration, primarily related to Ordinary Shares issued to legacy Maersk shareholders and the replacement of legacy Maersk Drilling restricted stock unit awards. The process for recording the purchase price allocation was completed as of September 30, 2023. The Business Combination resulted in a gain on bargain purchase due to the estimated fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired exceeding the purchase consideration transferred by $5.0 million and is shown as a gain on bargain purchase on Noble’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. Management reviewed the Maersk Drilling assets acquired and liabilities assumed as well as the assumptions utilized in estimating their fair values. Upon completion of our assessment, the Company concluded that recording a gain on bargain purchase was appropriate and required under US GAAP.
Determining the fair value of the assets and liabilities of Maersk Drilling required judgment and certain assumptions to be made. The most significant fair value estimates related to the valuation of Maersk Drilling’s offshore drilling units and other related tangible assets, and the valuation of drilling contracts and other intangibles. The following table represents the allocation of the total purchase price of Maersk Drilling to the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on the fair values as of the Closing Date.
Purchase price consideration:
Fair value of Noble shares transferred to legacy Maersk Drilling shareholders$1,793,351 
Cash paid to legacy Maersk Drilling shareholders887 
Fair value of replacement Maersk Drilling RSU Awards attributable to the purchase price6,780 
Deal Completion Bonus6,177 
Fair Value of Compulsory Purchase193,678 
Total purchase price consideration$2,000,873 
Assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents$172,205 
Accounts receivable, net250,251 
Taxes receivable (1)
18,987 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (1)
43,168 
Total current assets484,611 
Intangible assets22,991 
Property, plant and equipment, net2,756,096 
Other assets (1)
94,882 
Total assets acquired3,358,580 
Liabilities assumed:
Current maturities of long-term debt129,130 
Accounts payable130,273 
Accrued payroll and related costs (1)
23,884 
Taxes payable (1)
29,219 
Interest payable800 
Other current liabilities (1)
44,253 
Total current liabilities357,559 
Long-term debt596,692 
Deferred income taxes4,071 
Noncurrent contract liabilities237,703 
Other liabilities (1)
156,677 
Total liabilities assumed1,352,702 
Net assets acquired2,005,878 
Gain on bargain purchase (1)
(5,005)
Purchase price consideration$2,000,873 
(1)During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recorded tax adjustments, which resulted in a net decrease to current taxes receivable and current taxes payable of $1.6 million and $9.0 million, respectively, a net increase to deferred tax assets of $25.2 million, a net increase to other current liabilities of $3.0 million, a net increase to reserves for uncertain tax positions of $13.1 million, and a net decrease to other tax liabilities of 14.6 million. Other adjustments were made to remeasure certain payroll tax related balances. As a result of the
aforementioned adjustments, initial goodwill recognized on the purchase was revised to a gain on bargain purchase.

See “Note 4— Acquisitions and Divestitures” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, for additional information on the Business Combination.
v3.23.3
Accounting Pronouncements
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Abstract]  
Accounting Pronouncements
Note 3— Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Adopted
We do not believe that any recently issued accounting standards would have a material effect on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
There have been no new accounting pronouncements not yet effective that have significance, or potential significance, to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
v3.23.3
Income (Loss) Per Share
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Income (Loss) Per Share
Note 4— Income (Loss) Per Share
The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share:
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023202220232022
Numerator:
Net income (loss)$158,323 $33,585 $332,202 $33,986 
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic139,400 70,318 137,478 69,260 
Dilutive effect of share-based awards3,204 3,388 3,204 3,388 
Dilutive effect of warrants3,117 8,220 4,339 8,718 
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted145,721 81,926 145,021 81,366 
Per share data
Basic
Net income (loss)$1.14 $0.48 $2.42 $0.49 
Diluted
Net income (loss)$1.09 $0.41 $2.29 $0.42 
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:
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023202220232022
Share-based awards— — — — 
Warrants (1)
2,774 2,774 2,774 2,774 
(1)Represents the total number of warrants outstanding which did not have a dilutive effect. In periods where the warrants are determined to be dilutive, the number of shares which will be included in the computation of diluted shares is determined using the treasury stock method, adjusted for mandatory exercise provisions under the warrant agreements if applicable.
Share Capital
As of September 30, 2023, Noble had approximately 141.0 million Ordinary Shares outstanding as compared to approximately 134.7 million Ordinary Shares outstanding at December 31, 2022. In addition, as of September 30, 2023,
1.1 million Tranche 1 Warrants, 1.2 million Tranche 2 Warrants, and 2.8 million Tranche 3 Warrants (each as defined herein) were outstanding and exercisable. We also have 1.3 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 $42.4 million (or $0.30 per share), was declared on July 11, 2023, and paid on September 14, 2023, to shareholders of record at close of business on August 17, 2023.
The declaration and payment of dividends require the authorization of the Board of Directors of Noble. Such may be paid only out of Noble’s “distributable reserves” on its statutory balance sheet in accordance with law. Therefore, Noble is not permitted to pay dividends out of share capital, which includes share premium. The payment of future dividends will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, future business prospects, contractual and indenture restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.
Share Repurchases
Under applicable law, the Company is only permitted to purchase its own Ordinary Shares by way of an “off-market purchase” in a plan approved by shareholders. Such may be made only out of Noble’s “distributable reserves” on its statutory balance sheet in accordance with applicable 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 20.6 million Ordinary Shares). During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, we repurchased 0.2 million and 2.0 million of our Ordinary Shares, which were subsequently cancelled. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 imposes a 1% excise tax on stock repurchases by publicly traded U.S. corporations that occur after December 31, 2022. Such tax may also apply if a domestic affiliate of a publicly traded foreign corporation purchases, or is deemed to fund the purchase of, the shares of the publicly traded foreign corporation. None of these conditions were met for share repurchases to date, and are not expected to be met for future repurchases; as such, the excise tax should not be applicable to Noble.
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.
v3.23.3
Property and Equipment
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Property and Equipment
Note 5— Property and Equipment
Property and equipment, at cost, for Noble consisted of the following:
September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Drilling equipment and facilities$4,231,251 $3,997,498 
Construction in progress142,265 123,911 
Other39,794 41,796 
Property and equipment, at cost$4,413,310 $4,163,205 
Capital expenditures, including capitalized interest, during the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, totaled $88.6 million and $40.8 million, respectively, and totaled $259.4 million and $116.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
As of September 30, 2023, the rig Noble Explorer and a warehouse in Brazil qualified as held for sale and were included in “Other assets” on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at their carrying values of $3.4 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
During the first quarter of 2022, we sold the Noble Clyde Boudreaux for total net proceeds of $14.2 million, resulting in a gain of $6.8 million, which was offset by additional costs related to the sale of rigs in Saudi Arabia in 2021.
v3.23.3
Debt
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Debt
Note 6— Debt
Amended and Restated Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement
On April 18, 2023, certain subsidiaries of Noble amended and restated the senior secured credit facility, dated February 5, 2021, by entering into an Amended and Restated Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement, dated April 18, 2023 (the “2023 Revolving Credit Agreement” and the facility thereunder, the "2023 Revolving Credit Facility"), by and among Noble Finance II, LLC (“Noble Finance II”), Noble International Finance Company (“NIFCO”) 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 Facility provides for commitments of $550 million with maturity in 2028. 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 September 30, 2023, we had no loans outstanding and $5.4 million of letters of credit issued under the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement.
All obligations of the Borrowers under the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement, certain cash management obligations, certain letter of credit obligations and certain swap obligations are unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by the Noble Finance II and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries (the Guarantors, and together with the Borrowers, the “Credit Parties”), including a guarantee by each Borrower of the obligations of each other Borrower under the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement. All such obligations, including the guarantees of the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility, are secured by senior priority liens on substantially all assets of, and the equity interests in, each Credit Party, including substantially all rigs owned by subsidiaries of Noble as of the date of the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Effective Date”), along with certain other rigs in the future such that collateral rigs shall generate at least 80% of the revenue of all rigs owned by Noble Finance II and its restricted subsidiaries and the ratio of the aggregate rig value of the collateral rigs to the commitments under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility is at least 5.00 to 1.00, in each case, subject to certain exceptions and limitations described in the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement.
The loans outstanding under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the applicable margin plus, at Noble Finance II’s option, either: (i) the Term SOFR Rate (as defined in the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement) plus 0.10%; or (ii) a base rate, determined as the greatest of (x) the prime loan rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, (y) the NYFRB Rate (as defined in the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement) plus 1/2 of 1%, and (z) the one-month Term SOFR Rate plus 0.10% plus 1%. The applicable margin is initially 2.75% per annum for Term SOFR Rate loans and 1.75% per annum for base rate loans and will range based on the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement, which allows for certain cash netting depending on the amount of loans and letters of credit outstanding under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility at the time of calculation), from 2.75% per annum to 3.75% per annum for Term SOFR Rate loans and 1.75% per annum to 2.75% per annum for base rate loans. The Borrowers are required to pay interest on (i) overdue principal at the rate equal to 2.00% per annum in excess of the applicable interest rate under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility, to the extent lawful, and (ii) overdue installments of interest, if any, without regard to any applicable grace period, at 2% in excess of the interest rate applicable to base rate loans, to the extent lawful.
The Borrowers are required to pay a quarterly commitment fee to each lender under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility, which accrues at a rate per annum equal to (i) 0.50% on the average daily unused portion of such lender’s commitments under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility during the period from and including the Effective Date to and including the third anniversary of the Effective Date, (ii) during the period from the third anniversary of the Effective Date to and including the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date, a rate per annum equal to 0.75% and (iii) thereafter, a rate per annum equal to 1.00%. The Borrowers are also required to pay customary letter of credit and fronting fees.
Borrowings under the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement may be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes. Availability of borrowings under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including that, after giving effect to any such borrowings and the application of the proceeds thereof, the aggregate amount of Available Cash (as defined in the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement) would not exceed $250 million.
Mandatory prepayments and, under certain circumstances, commitment reductions are required under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility in connection with (i) certain asset sales, asset swaps and events of loss (subject to reinvestment rights if no event of default exists) and (ii) certain debt issuances. Available Cash in excess of $250 million at the end of any month is also required to be applied to prepay loans (without a commitment reduction). The loans under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility may be voluntarily prepaid, and the commitments thereunder voluntarily terminated or reduced, by the Borrowers at any time without premium or penalty, other than customary breakage costs.
The 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement obligates Noble Finance II and its restricted subsidiaries to comply with the following financial covenants:
as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, the Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined in the 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement) is not permitted to be less than 2.50 to 1.00; and
as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio is not permitted to be greater than 3.00 to 1.00.
The 2023 Revolving Credit Agreement contains other affirmative and negative covenants, representations and warranties and events of default that Noble views as customary for a financing of this type. The occurrence of any event of default under the 2023 Credit Agreement would permit all obligations under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility to be declared due and payable immediately and all commitments thereunder to be terminated.
8.000% Senior Notes due 2030
On April 18, 2023, Noble Finance II, a wholly owned subsidiary of Noble, issued $600 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 subsidiaries of Noble Finance II party thereto (the “Guarantors”), as 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.
At any time prior to April 15, 2026, Noble Finance II may, from time to time, redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of 2030 Notes at a redemption price of 108% of the principal amount of the 2030 Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an interest payment date that is on or prior to the redemption date), in an amount not greater than the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings by Noble Finance II, subject to certain requirements. In addition, prior to April 15, 2026, Noble Finance II may redeem the 2030 Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2030 Notes redeemed, plus an applicable make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. At any time on or after April 15, 2026, Noble Finance II may redeem all or part of the 2030 Notes at fixed redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) beginning at 104.00% and decreasing thereafter, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date.
If a Change of Control Triggering Event (as defined in the indenture governing the 2030 Notes) occurs, each holder of 2030 Notes may require Noble Finance II to repurchase all or any part of that holder’s 2030 Notes for cash at a price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2030 Notes repurchased, plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the date on which the notes are repurchased (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).
The indenture governing the 2030 Notes contain customary covenants and events of default.
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, with the exception of operating income (loss) and gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, Noble Finance II’s operating income (loss) was $14.2 million and $43.2 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, Noble Cayman and Noble Finance Company (“Finco”) consummated a rights offering of senior secured second lien notes (the “Second Lien Notes”) and associated Noble Cayman Shares at an aggregate subscription price of $200.0 million.
On April 18, 2023, we redeemed the remaining balance of approximately $173.7 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding Second Lien Notes using a portion of the proceeds from the offering of the 2030 Notes, and recognized a loss of approximately $25.7 million.
DNB Credit Facility and New DNB Credit Facility
Upon closing the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling, Noble guaranteed the Term and Revolving Facilities Agreement dated December 6, 2018, by and among Maersk Drilling, the rig owners and material intragroup charterers party thereto and DNB Bank ASA as agent (as amended from time to time, the “DNB Credit Facility”).
On April 18, 2023, we repaid the $347.5 million of outstanding borrowings under the New DNB Credit Facility using a portion of the proceeds from the offering of the 2030 Notes, and recognized a loss of approximately $0.7 million.
DSF Credit Facility
The Company guaranteed the Term Loan Facility Agreement dated December 10, 2018 by and between Maersk Drilling and Danmarks Skibskredit A/S as lender, agent, and security agent (as amended from time to time, the “DSF Credit Facility”) in connection with the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling that closed on October 3, 2022. The DSF Credit Facility was repaid in full on February 23, 2023 using cash on hand.
Fair Value of Debt
Fair value represents the amount at which an instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The estimated fair value of our debt instruments was based on the quoted market prices for similar issues or on the current rates offered to us for debt of similar remaining maturities (Level 2 measurement). The fair value 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. All remaining fair value disclosures are presented in “Note 10— Fair Value of Financial Instruments.”
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:
September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Carrying ValueEstimated Fair ValueCarrying ValueEstimated Fair Value
Senior secured notes
8.000% Senior Notes due April 2030
$585,791 $609,006 $— $— 
11.000% Senior Notes due February 2028
— — 173,695 192,353 
Credit facility
Amended and Restated Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility matures April 2028— — — — 
Term Loans
New DNB Credit Facility matures December 2025— — 349,360 350,000 
DSF Credit Facility matures December 2023— — 149,715 149,715 
Total debt585,791 609,006 672,770 692,068 
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt— — 159,715 — 
Long-term debt$585,791 $609,006 $513,055 $692,068 
v3.23.3
Revenue and Customers
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue and Customers
Note 7— Revenue and Customers
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table provides information about contract drilling revenue by rig types:
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023202220232022
Floaters$549,130 $217,923 $1,519,346 561,826 
Jackups121,874 71,571 333,128 185,166 
Total$671,004 $289,494 $1,852,474 $746,992 
Contract Balances
Accounts receivable are recognized when the right to consideration becomes unconditional based upon contractual billing schedules. Payment terms on invoiced amounts are typically 30 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:
September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Current customer contract assets$2,824 $11,169 
Noncurrent customer contract assets347 368 
Total customer contract assets3,171 11,537 
Current deferred revenue(19,160)(40,214)
Noncurrent deferred revenue(14,403)(19,583)
Total deferred revenue$(33,563)$(59,797)
Significant changes in the remaining performance obligation contract assets and the contract liabilities balances for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, are as follows:
Contract AssetsContract Liabilities
Net balance at December 31, 2022$11,537 $(59,797)
Amortization of deferred costs(21,722)— 
Additions to deferred costs13,356 — 
Amortization of deferred revenue— 62,125 
Additions to deferred revenue— (35,891)
Total(8,366)26,234 
Net balance at September 30, 2023$3,171 $(33,563)
Net balance at December 31, 2021$5,744 $(27,755)
Amortization of deferred costs(17,793)— 
Additions to deferred costs28,561 — 
Amortization of deferred revenue— 37,942 
Additions to deferred revenue— (71,489)
Reclassification to held for sale(8,584)20,002 
Total2,184 (13,545)
Net balance at September 30, 2022$7,928 $(41,300)
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.
Off-market Customer Contract Assets and Liabilities
Upon emergence from the Chapter 11 Cases and in connection with the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling, the Company recognized fair value adjustments of $113.4 million and $23.0 million, respectively, related to intangible assets for certain favorable customer contracts. These intangible assets will be amortized as a reduction of contract drilling services revenue from February 5, 2021 and the Closing Date, respectively, through the remainder of the contracts.
In connection with the Business Combination with Maersk Drilling, the Company recognized a fair value adjustment of $237.7 million related to certain unfavorable customer contracts acquired. These liabilities will be amortized as an increase to contract drilling services revenue from the Closing Date through the remainder of the contracts.
Unfavorable contractsFavorable
contracts
Balance at December 31, 2022$(181,883)$34,372 
Additions— — 
Amortization118,571 (23,031)
Balance at September 30, 2023$(63,312)$11,341 
Balance at December 31, 2021$— $61,849 
Additions— — 
Amortization— (36,526)
Balance at September 30, 2022$— $25,323 
Estimated future amortization over the expected remaining contract periods:
For the Years Ended December 31,
202320242025Total
Unfavorable contracts$14,665 $40,439 $8,208 $63,312 
Favorable contracts— (8,891)(2,450)(11,341)
Total$14,665 $31,548 $5,758 $51,971 
v3.23.3
Income Taxes
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Income Taxes
Note 8— Income Taxes
At September 30, 2023, the Company had deferred tax assets of $166.2 million, net of valuation allowance. Additionally, the Company also had deferred tax liabilities of $9.2 million, inclusive of a valuation allowance of $19.2 million.
During the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recognized additional discrete deferred tax benefits of $17.2 million related to releases and adjustments of valuation allowance for deferred tax benefits in Guyana, Norway, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recognized additional discrete deferred tax benefits of $80.8 million, $18.1 million, $10.5 million, and $4.1 million in Guyana, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Norway, 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 September 30, 2023, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $192.2 million (net of related tax benefits of $0.1 million). At December 31, 2022, the reserves for uncertain tax positions totaled $175.9 million (net of related tax benefits of $0.3 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 September 30, 2023, our tax provision included tax benefits of $17.2 million related to releases and adjustments of valuation allowance for deferred tax benefits in Guyana, Norway, Switzerland, and Luxembourg and a tax benefit of $2.0 million related to a foreign tax credit refund. Such tax benefits are offset by tax
expenses related to contract fair value amortization of $7.4 million and various recurring quarterly accruals of $63.5 million primarily in Guyana, Australia, Denmark, and Luxembourg.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, our tax provision included tax benefits of $113.5 million related to releases of valuation allowance for deferred tax benefits in Guyana, Luxembourg, Norway, and Switzerland, a tax benefit of $6.8 million related to a Ghana uncertain tax position release, and a tax benefit of $2.0 million related to a foreign tax credit refund. Such tax benefits are offset by tax expenses related to a Mexico uncertain tax position of $9.8 million, contract fair value amortization of $16.3 million, and various recurring quarterly accruals of $131.3 million primarily in Guyana, Australia, Denmark, and Luxembourg.
In Denmark, prior to the Merger, Maersk Drilling was subject to a mandatory joint taxation scheme with all other Danish entities under the common control of A.P. Møller Holding A/S. To the extent Maersk Drilling incurred tax losses in Denmark until the Merger, such losses may be utilized by other jointly taxed entities. Noble may be compensated through a joint taxation contribution when such losses are utilized. In the event that A.P. Møller Holding A/S or any jointly taxed entity is subject to audits for years and periods prior to and until the Merger and such audits result in adjustments to relevant tax returns, adjustments to the prior year joint tax contributions may be required. This could result in additional compensation to Noble or refunds payable by Noble to A.P. Møller Holding A/S or to any previous joint taxation group administration company of previously received joint taxation contributions. Since the Merger and through September 30, 2023, Noble has recognized tax contribution payments of approximately $20.0 million under this arrangement related to the period beginning with the Merger. Approximately $18.0 million of such payments is included in “Interest income and other, net” and approximately $2.0 million is recorded as a tax benefit on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Finance (No 2) Act 2023, which includes the UK’s introduction of Pillar 2, received Royal Assent on July 11, 2023. We are continuing to evaluate the impact of this legislation, but we do not currently believe the implications should have a material adverse effect on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
v3.23.3
Employee Benefit Plans
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Employee Benefit Plans
Note 9— Employee Benefit Plans
Pension costs (gain) include the following components for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
Three Months Ended September 30,
20232022
Non-USUSNon-USUS
Interest cost$508 $2,248 $272 $1,688 
Return on plan assets(433)(2,394)(316)(3,145)
Recognized net actuarial (gain) loss54 (58)— (5)
Net pension benefit cost (gain)$129 $(204)$(44)$(1,462)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
20232022
Non-USUSNon-USUS
Interest cost$1,632 $6,744 893 5,064 
Return on plan assets(1,392)(7,184)(1,039)(9,435)
Recognized net actuarial (gain) loss176 (173)— (15)
Net pension benefit cost (gain)$416 $(613)$(146)$(4,386)
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
v3.23.3
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Note 10— Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following tables present the carrying amount and estimated fair value of our financial instruments recognized at fair value on a recurring basis:
September 30, 2023
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
Carrying AmountQuoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets
Foreign currency forward contracts$117 $— $117 $— 
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts$708 $— $708 $— 
December 31, 2022
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
Carrying AmountQuoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets
Foreign currency forward contracts$2,422 $— $2,422 $— 
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts$1,124 $— $1,124 $— 
Our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable are short-term by nature. As a result, the carrying values included in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets approximate fair value.
v3.23.3
Derivative Instruments
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Derivative Instruments
Note 11— Derivative Instruments
Although we are a UK company, we define foreign currency as any non-US dollar denominated currency. Our functional currency is the US Dollar. We are exposed to risks on future cash flows to the extent that expenses denominated in a foreign currency are not equal to revenues denominated in the same foreign currency. The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts to manage our net exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Currencies of the Company’s derivative instruments include DKK, the Australian dollar (“AUD”) and the British pound sterling (“GBP”). Currency derivatives are mainly realized within one year. We did not enter into any derivative contracts during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022.
We have exposure related to changes in interest rates on borrowings under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility and may be subject to similar exposure on future borrowing arrangements. The Company may use interest rate swap contracts to manage our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. The Company did not enter into any interest rate swap contracts during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 or 2022.
Derivative financial instruments are recognized on the trading date and measured at fair value using generally accepted valuation techniques based on relevant observable inputs. The Company does not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes and for accounting purposes we have not elected to apply hedge accounting for these transactions. Realized gains and losses as well as changes in the fair values of derivative financial instruments are recognized in the income statement in “Interest income and other, net” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following tables summarize notional value of currency derivative contracts as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Foreign CurrencyUSD EquivalentForeign CurrencyUSD Equivalent
DKK to USD88,57112,843484,59368,840
AUD to USD10,3737,15651,13935,257
GBP to USD1,9572,4019,08310,922
The following gains (losses) from derivative instruments were recognized on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:
Derivative Instrument
DescriptionThree Months Ended
September 30, 2023
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2023
Foreign currency forward contractsRealized gain (loss)363 826 
Foreign currency forward contractsUnrealized gain (loss)(984)(1,889)
v3.23.3
Commitments and Contingencies
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies
Note 12— Commitments and Contingencies
Tax Matters
Audit claims of approximately $327.8 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, Australia related to tax years 2013 to 2016, Guyana related to tax years 2018 to 2021, Saudi Arabia related to tax years 2015 to 2019, Nigeria related to tax years 2010 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 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% 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
In preparation for Hurricane Ida in the US Gulf of Mexico in August 2021, the Noble Globetrotter II successfully secured the well it was drilling and detached from the blowout preventer without incident. Due to the environmental conditions, a number of crew members were treated for injuries and released from medical care. We have had multiple parties, some of which are subject to a third-party contractual indemnity to our benefit, who have filed answers to the Limitation of Liability Action in the United States District Court Western District of Louisiana, seeking damages related to physical and emotional harm allegedly suffered as a result of the Hurricane Ida incident. We are in the discovery phase and we intend to defend ourselves vigorously against these claims, although there is inherent risk in litigation, and we cannot predict or provide assurance as to the ultimate outcome of this lawsuit. As claims progress, the Company’s estimated loss could change from time to time, and any such change individually or in the aggregate could be material. We have insurance for such claims with a deductible of $5.0 million, in addition to contractual indemnity owed to us for a portion of the third-party claims. Timing differences are likely to exist between any losses incurred and the recognition and receipt of insurance proceeds reflected in the Company’s financial statements. Costs, as well as insurance recoveries, are presented in “Hurricane losses and (recoveries), net” on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Letters of Credit and Surety bonds
As of September 30, 2023, we had $5.4 million of letters of credit issued under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility and an additional $72.9 million in letters of credit and surety bonds issued under bilateral arrangements which guarantee our performance as it relates to our drilling contracts, contract bidding, tax appeals, customs duties, and other obligations in various jurisdictions. We expect to comply with the underlying performance requirements and we expect obligations under these letters of credit and surety bonds will not be called.
Other Contingencies
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.
v3.23.3
Supplemental Financial Information
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Supplemental Financial Information [Abstract]  
Supplemental Financial Information Note 13— Supplemental Financial Information
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Information
Noble’s restricted cash balance as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, was $4.8 million and $9.5 million, respectively. All restricted cash is recorded in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets.”
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Information
Operating cash activities
The net effect of changes in other assets and liabilities on cash flows from operating activities is as follows:
Nine Months Ended September 30,
20232022
Accounts receivable$(169,944)$(73,756)
Other current assets(30,250)5,763 
Other assets7,356 (3,585)
Accounts payable(721)16,484 
Other current liabilities22,815 (4,999)
Other liabilities6,192 34,240 
Total net change in assets and liabilities$(164,552)$(25,853)
Non-cash investing and financing activities
Additions to property and equipment, at cost for which we had accrued a corresponding liability in accounts payable as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were $61.3 million and $70.0 million, respectively.
v3.23.3
Subsequent Events
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Subsequent Events [Abstract]  
Subsequent Events
Note 14— Subsequent Events
On October 31, 2023, Noble announced that its Board of Directors approved a declaration of a quarterly cash interim dividend on its Ordinary Shares of $0.40 per share. This dividend is to be payable on December 14, 2023, to shareholders of record at close of business on November 15, 2023.
On October 20, 2023, a floating production vessel experienced what we believe was a mooring failure and allided with the Noble Resilient which was jacked up and stationary approximately 70 meters off the quayside at the Port of Frederikshavn in Denmark causing significant damage. There are no injuries reported at this time and all personnel on board were promptly accounted for and successfully disembarked. An investigation and damage assessment is underway and we expect damages to be covered by the liable party or our own insurance, subject to terms and limits of the applicable insurance policies. The Noble Resilient has been awarded a 120-day contract with Petrogas at $133,000 per day scheduled to commence between August 1, 2024, and September 30, 2024, and while the required repairs could impact availability for additional work ahead of the Petrogas contract, at this time we do not expect the timing of the Petrogas contract to be impacted.
v3.23.3
Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Pay vs Performance Disclosure        
Net income (loss) $ 158,323 $ 33,585 $ 332,202 $ 33,986
v3.23.3
Insider Trading Arrangements
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
v3.23.3
Organization and Basis of Presentation (Policies)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation 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, 2022 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet presented herein is derived from the December 31, 2022 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, 2022, filed by Noble. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
Accounting Standards Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Accounting Standards Adopted
We do not believe that any recently issued accounting standards would have a material effect on the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
There have been no new accounting pronouncements not yet effective that have significance, or potential significance, to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
v3.23.3
Acquisitions (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract]  
Schedule of Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Based on the Fair Values The following table represents the allocation of the total purchase price of Maersk Drilling to the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on the fair values as of the Closing Date.
Purchase price consideration:
Fair value of Noble shares transferred to legacy Maersk Drilling shareholders$1,793,351 
Cash paid to legacy Maersk Drilling shareholders887 
Fair value of replacement Maersk Drilling RSU Awards attributable to the purchase price6,780 
Deal Completion Bonus6,177 
Fair Value of Compulsory Purchase193,678 
Total purchase price consideration$2,000,873 
Assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents$172,205 
Accounts receivable, net250,251 
Taxes receivable (1)
18,987 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (1)
43,168 
Total current assets484,611 
Intangible assets22,991 
Property, plant and equipment, net2,756,096 
Other assets (1)
94,882 
Total assets acquired3,358,580 
Liabilities assumed:
Current maturities of long-term debt129,130 
Accounts payable130,273 
Accrued payroll and related costs (1)
23,884 
Taxes payable (1)
29,219 
Interest payable800 
Other current liabilities (1)
44,253 
Total current liabilities357,559 
Long-term debt596,692 
Deferred income taxes4,071 
Noncurrent contract liabilities237,703 
Other liabilities (1)
156,677 
Total liabilities assumed1,352,702 
Net assets acquired2,005,878 
Gain on bargain purchase (1)
(5,005)
Purchase price consideration$2,000,873 
(1)During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recorded tax adjustments, which resulted in a net decrease to current taxes receivable and current taxes payable of $1.6 million and $9.0 million, respectively, a net increase to deferred tax assets of $25.2 million, a net increase to other current liabilities of $3.0 million, a net increase to reserves for uncertain tax positions of $13.1 million, and a net decrease to other tax liabilities of 14.6 million. Other adjustments were made to remeasure certain payroll tax related balances. As a result of the
aforementioned adjustments, initial goodwill recognized on the purchase was revised to a gain on bargain purchase.
v3.23.3
Income (Loss) Per Share (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share
The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per share:
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023202220232022
Numerator:
Net income (loss)$158,323 $33,585 $332,202 $33,986 
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic139,400 70,318 137,478 69,260 
Dilutive effect of share-based awards3,204 3,388 3,204 3,388 
Dilutive effect of warrants3,117 8,220 4,339 8,718 
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted145,721 81,926 145,021 81,366 
Per share data
Basic
Net income (loss)$1.14 $0.48 $2.42 $0.49 
Diluted
Net income (loss)$1.09 $0.41 $2.29 $0.42 
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of 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:
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023202220232022
Share-based awards— — — — 
Warrants (1)
2,774 2,774 2,774 2,774 
(1)Represents the total number of warrants outstanding which did not have a dilutive effect. In periods where the warrants are determined to be dilutive, the number of shares which will be included in the computation of diluted shares is determined using the treasury stock method, adjusted for mandatory exercise provisions under the warrant agreements if applicable.
v3.23.3
Property and Equipment (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Schedule of Property and Equipment, at Cost
Property and equipment, at cost, for Noble consisted of the following:
September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Drilling equipment and facilities$4,231,251 $3,997,498 
Construction in progress142,265 123,911 
Other39,794 41,796 
Property and equipment, at cost$4,413,310 $4,163,205 
v3.23.3
Debt (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Debt
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:
September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Carrying ValueEstimated Fair ValueCarrying ValueEstimated Fair Value
Senior secured notes
8.000% Senior Notes due April 2030
$585,791 $609,006 $— $— 
11.000% Senior Notes due February 2028
— — 173,695 192,353 
Credit facility
Amended and Restated Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility matures April 2028— — — — 
Term Loans
New DNB Credit Facility matures December 2025— — 349,360 350,000 
DSF Credit Facility matures December 2023— — 149,715 149,715 
Total debt585,791 609,006 672,770 692,068 
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt— — 159,715 — 
Long-term debt$585,791 $609,006 $513,055 $692,068 
v3.23.3
Revenue and Customers (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue by Rig Types
The following table provides information about contract drilling revenue by rig types:
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2023202220232022
Floaters$549,130 $217,923 $1,519,346 561,826 
Jackups121,874 71,571 333,128 185,166 
Total$671,004 $289,494 $1,852,474 $746,992 
Schedule of Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities
The following table provides information about contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers:
September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Current customer contract assets$2,824 $11,169 
Noncurrent customer contract assets347 368 
Total customer contract assets3,171 11,537 
Current deferred revenue(19,160)(40,214)
Noncurrent deferred revenue(14,403)(19,583)
Total deferred revenue$(33,563)$(59,797)
Significant changes in the remaining performance obligation contract assets and the contract liabilities balances for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, are as follows:
Contract AssetsContract Liabilities
Net balance at December 31, 2022$11,537 $(59,797)
Amortization of deferred costs(21,722)— 
Additions to deferred costs13,356 — 
Amortization of deferred revenue— 62,125 
Additions to deferred revenue— (35,891)
Total(8,366)26,234 
Net balance at September 30, 2023$3,171 $(33,563)
Net balance at December 31, 2021$5,744 $(27,755)
Amortization of deferred costs(17,793)— 
Additions to deferred costs28,561 — 
Amortization of deferred revenue— 37,942 
Additions to deferred revenue— (71,489)
Reclassification to held for sale(8,584)20,002 
Total2,184 (13,545)
Net balance at September 30, 2022$7,928 $(41,300)
Unfavorable contractsFavorable
contracts
Balance at December 31, 2022$(181,883)$34,372 
Additions— — 
Amortization118,571 (23,031)
Balance at September 30, 2023$(63,312)$11,341 
Balance at December 31, 2021$— $61,849 
Additions— — 
Amortization— (36,526)
Balance at September 30, 2022$— $25,323 
Estimated future amortization over the expected remaining contract periods:
For the Years Ended December 31,
202320242025Total
Unfavorable contracts$14,665 $40,439 $8,208 $63,312 
Favorable contracts— (8,891)(2,450)(11,341)
Total$14,665 $31,548 $5,758 $51,971 
v3.23.3
Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Schedule of Pension Costs (Gains)
Pension costs (gain) include the following components for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
Three Months Ended September 30,
20232022
Non-USUSNon-USUS
Interest cost$508 $2,248 $272 $1,688 
Return on plan assets(433)(2,394)(316)(3,145)
Recognized net actuarial (gain) loss54 (58)— (5)
Net pension benefit cost (gain)$129 $(204)$(44)$(1,462)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
20232022
Non-USUSNon-USUS
Interest cost$1,632 $6,744 893 5,064 
Return on plan assets(1,392)(7,184)(1,039)(9,435)
Recognized net actuarial (gain) loss176 (173)— (15)
Net pension benefit cost (gain)$416 $(613)$(146)$(4,386)
v3.23.3
Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Carrying Amount and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following tables present the carrying amount and estimated fair value of our financial instruments recognized at fair value on a recurring basis:
September 30, 2023
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
Carrying AmountQuoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets
Foreign currency forward contracts$117 $— $117 $— 
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts$708 $— $708 $— 
December 31, 2022
Estimated Fair Value Measurements
Carrying AmountQuoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets
Foreign currency forward contracts$2,422 $— $2,422 $— 
Liabilities
Foreign currency forward contracts$1,124 $— $1,124 $— 
v3.23.3
Derivative Instruments (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Notional Value of Currency Derivative Contracts
The following tables summarize notional value of currency derivative contracts as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
September 30, 2023December 31, 2022
Foreign CurrencyUSD EquivalentForeign CurrencyUSD Equivalent
DKK to USD88,57112,843484,59368,840
AUD to USD10,3737,15651,13935,257
GBP to USD1,9572,4019,08310,922
Schedule of Gains (Losses) from Derivative Instruments
The following gains (losses) from derivative instruments were recognized on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:
Derivative Instrument
DescriptionThree Months Ended
September 30, 2023
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2023
Foreign currency forward contractsRealized gain (loss)363 826 
Foreign currency forward contractsUnrealized gain (loss)(984)(1,889)
v3.23.3
Supplemental Financial Information (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Supplemental Financial Information [Abstract]  
Schedule of Effect of Changes in Other Assets and Liabilities on Cash Flows from Operating Activities
The net effect of changes in other assets and liabilities on cash flows from operating activities is as follows:
Nine Months Ended September 30,
20232022
Accounts receivable$(169,944)$(73,756)
Other current assets(30,250)5,763 
Other assets7,356 (3,585)
Accounts payable(721)16,484 
Other current liabilities22,815 (4,999)
Other liabilities6,192 34,240 
Total net change in assets and liabilities$(164,552)$(25,853)
v3.23.3
Organization and Basis of Presentation (Details)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
floater
rig
segment
jackup
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Number of drilling rigs (vessel) | rig 32
Number of floaters (vessel) | floater 19
Number of jackups (vessel) | jackup 13
Number of reportable segments | segment 1
v3.23.3
Acquisitions - Additional Information (Details)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
Oct. 03, 2022
USD ($)
$ / shares
Sep. 30, 2023
$ / shares
Dec. 31, 2022
$ / shares
Oct. 03, 2022
kr / shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Common stock, par value (in DKK per share) | $ / shares $ 0.00001 $ 0.00001 $ 0.00001  
Maersk Drilling        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Common stock, par value (in DKK per share) | kr / shares       kr 10
Maersk Drilling Merger        
Business Acquisition [Line Items]        
Business combination, percentage of issued and outstanding shares acquired (more than) 90.00%     90.00%
Total purchase price consideration $ 2,000,873      
Cash paid to acquire business 5,600      
Non-cash consideration to acquire business $ 2,000,000      
v3.23.3
Acquisitions - Allocation of Purchase Price: Maersk Drilling (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Oct. 03, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Liabilities assumed:          
Gain on bargain purchase   $ 5,005 $ 0 $ 5,005 $ 0
Maersk Drilling Merger          
Business Acquisition [Line Items]          
Fair value of Noble shares transferred to legacy Maersk Drilling shareholders $ 1,793,351        
Cash paid to legacy Maersk Drilling shareholders 887        
Fair value of replacement Maersk Drilling RSU Awards attributable to the purchase price 6,780        
Deal Completion Bonus 6,177        
Fair Value of Compulsory Purchase 193,678        
Total purchase price consideration 2,000,873        
Assets acquired:          
Cash and cash equivalents 172,205        
Accounts receivable, net 250,251        
Taxes receivable 18,987        
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 43,168        
Total current assets 484,611        
Intangible assets 22,991        
Property, plant and equipment, net 2,756,096        
Other assets 94,882        
Total assets acquired 3,358,580        
Liabilities assumed:          
Current maturities of long-term debt 129,130        
Accounts payable 130,273        
Accrued payroll and related costs 23,884        
Taxes payable 29,219        
Interest payable 800        
Other current liabilities 44,253        
Total current liabilities 357,559        
Long-term debt 596,692        
Deferred income taxes 4,071        
Noncurrent contract liabilities 237,703        
Other liabilities 156,677        
Total liabilities assumed 1,352,702        
Net assets acquired 2,005,878        
Gain on bargain purchase 5,005        
Purchase price consideration $ 2,000,873        
Net decrease in current taxes receivable       1,600  
Net decrease in current taxes payable       9,000  
Net increase to deferred tax assets       25,200  
Net increase in other current liabilities       3,000  
Net increase to reserves for uncertain tax positions       13,100  
Net decrease to other tax liabilities       $ 14,600  
v3.23.3
Income (Loss) Per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Share for Noble-UK (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Numerator:        
Net income (loss) $ 158,323 $ 33,585 $ 332,202 $ 33,986
Denominator:        
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares) 139,400 70,318 137,478 69,260
Dilutive effect of share-based awards (in shares) 3,204 3,388 3,204 3,388
Dilutive effect of warrants (in shares) 3,117 8,220 4,339 8,718
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares) 145,721 81,926 145,021 81,366
Basic        
Net income (loss) (in usd per share) $ 1.14 $ 0.48 $ 2.42 $ 0.49
Diluted        
Net income (loss) (in usd per share) $ 1.09 $ 0.41 $ 2.29 $ 0.42
v3.23.3
Income (Loss) Per Share - Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares
shares in Thousands
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Share-based awards        
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]        
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount (in shares) 0 0 0 0
Warrants        
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]        
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount (in shares) 2,774 2,774 2,774 2,774
v3.23.3
Income (Loss) Per Share - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 14, 2023
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Dec. 31, 2022
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]          
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding (in shares)   141,046,102 141,046,102   134,680,941
Payments of dividends $ 42,400   $ 42,369 $ 0  
Common stock dividends paid (in usd per share) $ 0.30        
Shareholder authority to repurchase, percentage of issued share capital   15.00% 15.00%    
Shareholder authority to repurchase, period     5 years    
Share repurchase authorized (in shares)   20,600,000 20,600,000    
Stock repurchased and cancelled during period (in shares)   200,000 2,000,000    
2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan          
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]          
Total number of shares issuable under incentive plan (in shares)   1,300,000 1,300,000    
Tranche 1 Warrants          
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]          
Warrant outstanding (in shares)   1,100,000 1,100,000    
Warrants converted into rights (in shares)   1 1    
Exercise price of warrants (in usd per share)   $ 19.27 $ 19.27    
Tranche 2 Warrants          
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]          
Warrant outstanding (in shares)   1,200,000 1,200,000    
Warrants converted into rights (in shares)   1 1    
Exercise price of warrants (in usd per share)   $ 23.13 $ 23.13    
Tranche 3 Warrants          
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]          
Warrant outstanding (in shares)   2,800,000 2,800,000    
Warrants converted into rights (in shares)   1 1    
Exercise price of warrants (in usd per share)   $ 124.40 $ 124.40    
v3.23.3
Property and Equipment - Schedule of Property and Equipment, at Cost (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Sep. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, at cost $ 4,413,310 $ 4,163,205
Drilling equipment and facilities    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, at cost 4,231,251 3,997,498
Construction in progress    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, at cost 142,265 123,911
Other    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and equipment, at cost $ 39,794 $ 41,796
v3.23.3
Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Mar. 31, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Capital expenditures, including capitalized interest $ 88.6 $ 40.8   $ 259.4 $ 116.9
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment     $ 14.2    
Gain on disposition of property plant equipment     $ 6.8    
BRAZIL | Rig          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant, and equipment, carrying value 3.4     3.4  
BRAZIL | Warehouse          
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]          
Property, plant, and equipment, carrying value $ 1.7     $ 1.7  
v3.23.3
Debt - Amended and Restated Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement (Details) - 2013 Revolving Credit Agreement - Credit facility - Credit facility - USD ($)
Apr. 18, 2023
Sep. 30, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Credit facility of maximum borrowing capacity $ 550,000,000  
Long-term debt   $ 0
Letters of credit outstanding amount   $ 5,400,000
Debt covenant, revenue from collateral rigs to revenue of all rigs, threshold percentage 80.00%  
Debt covenant, ratio of aggregated value from collateral rigs to the commitment (at least) 500.00%  
Debt, interest rate on overdue principal 2.00%  
Debt, excess interest rate 2.00%  
Debt mandatory prepayments term, available cash benchmark $ 250,000,000  
Debt covenant, interest coverage ratio 250.00%  
Debt covenant leverage ratio (no greater than) 3.00  
Period from and including the Effective Date to and including the third anniversary of the Effective Date    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt commitment fee percentage 0.50%  
Period from the third anniversary of the Effective Date to and including the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt commitment fee percentage 1.00%  
Thereafter    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt commitment fee percentage 0.75%  
Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR)    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Basis spread on variable rate 2.75%  
Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) | Maximum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Basis spread on variable rate 3.75%  
Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) | Variable Rate Component One    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Basis spread on variable rate 0.10%  
Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) | Variable Rate Component Two    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Basis spread on variable rate 0.10%  
Additional basis spread on variable rate 1.00%  
NYFRB Rate | Variable Rate Component Two    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Basis spread on variable rate 0.50%  
Base Rate    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Basis spread on variable rate 1.75%  
Base Rate | Maximum    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Basis spread on variable rate 2.75%  
v3.23.3
Debt - 8.000% Senior Notes due 2030 (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Apr. 18, 2023
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Operating income (loss) from subsidiary to parent, difference, amount   $ 14,200,000 $ 43,200,000
8.000% Senior Notes due 2030 | Senior Unsecured Notes      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Stated interest rate 8.00%    
Aggregate principal amount $ 600,000,000    
8.000% Senior Notes due 2030 | Senior Unsecured Notes | Any time prior to April 15, 2026      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Debt, maximum percentage of principal amount can be redeemed 40.00%    
Percentage of principal amount redeemed 108.00%    
8.000% Senior Notes due 2030 | Senior Unsecured Notes | Addition prior to April 15, 2026      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Percentage of principal amount redeemed 100.00%    
8.000% Senior Notes due 2030 | Senior Unsecured Notes | After April 15, 2026      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Percentage of principal amount redeemed 104.00%    
8.000% Senior Notes due 2030 | Senior Unsecured Notes | Change of Control Triggering Event      
Debt Instrument [Line Items]      
Percentage of principal amount redeemed 101.00%    
v3.23.3
Debt - Second Lien Notes (Details) - Second Lien Notes - Senior secured notes - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Apr. 18, 2023
Feb. 05, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt, aggregate subscription price   $ 200.0
Repurchase amount $ 173.7  
Loss on repurchase of debt $ 25.7  
v3.23.3
Debt - DNB Credit Facility and New DNB Credit Facility (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Apr. 18, 2023
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Loss on extinguishment of debt   $ 0 $ 196 $ 26,397 $ 196
New DNB Credit Facility matures December 2025 | Credit facility          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Repayments of credit facilities $ 347,500        
Loss on extinguishment of debt $ 700        
v3.23.3
Debt - Schedule of Long-Term Debt, Net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Sep. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 0 $ 159,715
Long-term debt 585,791 513,055
Carrying Value    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total debt 585,791 672,770
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt 0 159,715
Long-term debt 585,791 513,055
Estimated Fair Value    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total debt 609,006 692,068
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt 0 0
Long-term debt 609,006 692,068
Credit facility | Credit facility | Carrying Value    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total debt 0 0
Credit facility | Credit facility | Estimated Fair Value    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total debt $ 0 0
8.000% Senior Notes due April 2030 | Senior secured notes    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 8.00%  
8.000% Senior Notes due April 2030 | Senior secured notes | Carrying Value    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total debt $ 585,791 0
8.000% Senior Notes due April 2030 | Senior secured notes | Estimated Fair Value    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total debt $ 609,006 0
11.000% Senior Notes due February 2028 | Senior secured notes    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Stated interest rate 11.00%  
11.000% Senior Notes due February 2028 | Senior secured notes | Carrying Value    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total debt $ 0 173,695
11.000% Senior Notes due February 2028 | Senior secured notes | Estimated Fair Value    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total debt 0 192,353
New DNB Credit Facility matures December 2025 | Term Loans | Carrying Value    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total debt 0 349,360
New DNB Credit Facility matures December 2025 | Term Loans | Estimated Fair Value    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total debt 0 350,000
DSF Credit Facility matures December 2023 | Term Loans | Carrying Value    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total debt 0 149,715
DSF Credit Facility matures December 2023 | Term Loans | Estimated Fair Value    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Total debt $ 0 $ 149,715
v3.23.3
Revenue and Customers - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Operating revenues $ 697,450 $ 305,872 $ 1,946,039 $ 791,255
Contract drilling services        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Operating revenues 671,004 289,494 1,852,474 746,992
Floaters        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Operating revenues 549,130 217,923 1,519,346 561,826
Jackups        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Operating revenues $ 121,874 $ 71,571 $ 333,128 $ 185,166
v3.23.3
Revenue and Customers - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Oct. 03, 2022
Feb. 05, 2021
Sep. 30, 2023
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Favorable customer contracts, fair value adjustments $ 23.0 $ 113.4  
Unfavorable customer contracts, fair value adjustment $ 237.7    
Minimum      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Payment term     30 days
Maximum      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]      
Payment term     60 days
v3.23.3
Revenue and Customers - Contract Assets, and Contract Liabilities with Customers (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Sep. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Sep. 30, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]        
Current customer contract assets $ 2,824 $ 11,169    
Noncurrent customer contract assets 347 368    
Total customer contract assets 3,171 11,537 $ 7,928 $ 5,744
Current deferred revenue (19,160) (40,214)    
Noncurrent deferred revenue (14,403) (19,583)    
Total deferred revenue $ (33,563) $ (59,797) $ (41,300) $ (27,755)
v3.23.3
Revenue and Customers - Significant Changes in Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Contract Assets    
Contract assets, beginning balance $ 11,537 $ 5,744
Amortization of deferred costs (21,722) (17,793)
Additions to deferred costs 13,356 28,561
Reclassification to held for sale   (8,584)
Total (8,366) 2,184
Contract assets, ending balance 3,171 7,928
Contract Liabilities    
Contract liabilities, beginning balance (59,797) (27,755)
Amortization of deferred revenue 62,125 37,942
Additions to deferred revenue (35,891) (71,489)
Reclassification to held for sale   20,002
Total 26,234 (13,545)
Contract liabilities, ending balance $ (33,563) $ (41,300)
v3.23.3
Revenue and Customers - Favorable and Unfavorable contracts (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Unfavorable contracts    
Beginning balance $ (181,883)  
Ending balance (63,312)  
Maersk Drilling    
Unfavorable contracts    
Beginning balance (181,883) $ 0
Additions 0 0
Amortization 118,571 0
Ending balance (63,312) 0
Maersk Drilling | Favorable contracts    
Favorable contracts    
Beginning balance 34,372 61,849
Additions 0 0
Amortization (23,031) (36,526)
Ending balance $ 11,341 $ 25,323
v3.23.3
Revenue and Customers - Estimated Future Amortization (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Sep. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Sep. 30, 2022
Dec. 31, 2021
Unfavorable contracts        
Noncurrent contract liabilities $ 63,312 $ 181,883    
Maersk Drilling        
Unfavorable contracts        
2023 14,665      
2024 40,439      
2025 8,208      
Noncurrent contract liabilities 63,312 181,883 $ 0 $ 0
Total        
2023 14,665      
2024 31,548      
2025 5,758      
Total 51,971      
Maersk Drilling | Favorable contracts        
Favorable contracts        
2023 0      
2024 (8,891)      
2025 (2,450)      
Favorable contracts $ (11,341) $ (34,372) $ (25,323) $ (61,849)
v3.23.3
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities. [Line Items]        
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance $ 166.2 $ 166.2 $ 166.2  
Deferred tax liabilities 9.2 9.2 9.2  
Valuation allowance 19.2 19.2 19.2  
Reserves for uncertain tax positions 192.2 192.2 192.2 $ 175.9
Unrecognized tax benefits 0.1 0.1 0.1 $ 0.3
Deferred tax expenses related to contract fair value amortization 7.4 16.3    
Additional compensation from tax adjustments     $ 20.0  
Interest Income And Other, Net        
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities. [Line Items]        
Additional compensation from tax adjustments   18.0    
Income Tax Benefit (Provision)        
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities. [Line Items]        
Additional compensation from tax adjustments   2.0    
Foreign Tax Authority        
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities. [Line Items]        
Tax benefit related to tax credit refund 2.0 2.0    
Foreign Tax Authority | Guyana, Norway, Switzerland And Luxembourg        
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities. [Line Items]        
Deferred foreign tax benefits 17.2      
Deferred tax benefits related to release of valuation allowance   113.5    
Foreign Tax Authority | GUYANA        
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities. [Line Items]        
Deferred foreign tax benefits   80.8    
Foreign Tax Authority | LUXEMBOURG        
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities. [Line Items]        
Deferred foreign tax benefits   18.1    
Foreign Tax Authority | SWITZERLAND        
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities. [Line Items]        
Deferred foreign tax benefits   10.5    
Foreign Tax Authority | NORWAY        
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities. [Line Items]        
Deferred foreign tax benefits   4.1    
Foreign Tax Authority | Guyana, Australia, Denmark And Luxembourg        
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities. [Line Items]        
Tax expenses (benefits) related to various recurring items $ 63.5      
Foreign Tax Authority | GHANA        
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities. [Line Items]        
Tax expense (benefit) related to uncertain tax position   (6.8)    
Foreign Tax Authority | Mexico        
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities. [Line Items]        
Tax expense (benefit) related to uncertain tax position   9.8    
Foreign Tax Authority | Guyana, Australia And Luxembourg        
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities. [Line Items]        
Tax expenses (benefits) related to various recurring items   $ 131.3    
v3.23.3
Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Defined benefit plan, contributions by employer $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Defined benefit plans, service costs 0 0 0 0
Non-US        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Interest cost 508,000 272,000 1,632,000 893,000
Return on plan assets (433,000) (316,000) (1,392,000) (1,039,000)
Recognized net actuarial (gain) loss 54,000 0 176,000 0
Net pension benefit cost (gain) 129,000 (44,000) 416,000 (146,000)
US        
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]        
Interest cost 2,248,000 1,688,000 6,744,000 5,064,000
Return on plan assets (2,394,000) (3,145,000) (7,184,000) (9,435,000)
Recognized net actuarial (gain) loss (58,000) (5,000) (173,000) (15,000)
Net pension benefit cost (gain) $ (204,000) $ (1,462,000) $ (613,000) $ (4,386,000)
v3.23.3
Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Recurring - Foreign currency forward contracts - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Sep. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)    
Assets    
Foreign currency forward contracts $ 0 $ 0
Liabilities    
Foreign currency forward contracts 0 0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)    
Assets    
Foreign currency forward contracts 117 2,422
Liabilities    
Foreign currency forward contracts 708 1,124
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)    
Assets    
Foreign currency forward contracts 0 0
Liabilities    
Foreign currency forward contracts 0 0
Carrying Value    
Assets    
Foreign currency forward contracts 117 2,422
Liabilities    
Foreign currency forward contracts $ 708 $ 1,124
v3.23.3
Derivative Instruments - Additional Information (Details)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Foreign currency forward contracts  
Derivative [Line Items]  
Derivative, term 1 year
v3.23.3
Derivative Instruments - Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative (Details) - Foreign currency forward contracts
£ in Thousands, kr in Thousands, $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands
Sep. 30, 2023
DKK (kr)
Sep. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2023
AUD ($)
Sep. 30, 2023
GBP (£)
Dec. 31, 2022
DKK (kr)
Dec. 31, 2022
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2022
AUD ($)
Dec. 31, 2022
GBP (£)
DKK to USD                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Notional amount kr 88,571 $ 12,843     kr 484,593 $ 68,840    
AUD to USD                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Notional amount   7,156 $ 10,373     35,257 $ 51,139  
GBP to USD                
Derivative [Line Items]                
Notional amount   $ 2,401   £ 1,957   $ 10,922   £ 9,083
v3.23.3
Derivative Instruments - Gains (Losses) from Derivative Instrument (Details) - Foreign currency forward contracts - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2023
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]    
Realized gain (loss) $ 363 $ 826
Unrealized gain (loss) $ (984) $ (1,889)
v3.23.3
Commitments and Contingencies (Details)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
USD ($)
Other Commitments [Line Items]  
Other contingencies, agreements with executive officers and employees, term 3 years
Credit facility | Credit facility | 2013 Revolving Credit Agreement  
Other Commitments [Line Items]  
Letters of credit outstanding amount $ 5.4
Credit facility | Letters of Credit and Surety Bonds  
Other Commitments [Line Items]  
Letters of credit outstanding amount 72.9
Hurricane Ida Personal Injury Claims  
Other Commitments [Line Items]  
Claim insurance deductible amount $ 5.0
Minimum  
Other Commitments [Line Items]  
Percentage of uncertain tax positions likelihood of being sustained 50.00%
Mexico | Customs and Other Business Taxes | Foreign Tax Authority  
Other Commitments [Line Items]  
Approximate audit claims assessed $ 327.8
v3.23.3
Supplemental Financial Information - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Supplemental Financial Information [Abstract]    
Restricted cash $ 4.8 $ 9.5
Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid $ 61.3 $ 70.0
v3.23.3
Supplemental Financial Information - Effect of Changes in Other Assets and Liabilities on Cash Flows from Operating Activities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2023
Sep. 30, 2022
Supplemental Financial Information [Abstract]    
Accounts receivable $ (169,944) $ (73,756)
Other current assets (30,250) 5,763
Other assets 7,356 (3,585)
Accounts payable (721) 16,484
Other current liabilities 22,815 (4,999)
Other liabilities 6,192 34,240
Total net change in assets and liabilities $ (164,552) $ (25,853)
v3.23.3
Subsequent Events (Details) - Subsequent Event
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
Oct. 31, 2023
$ / shares
Oct. 20, 2023
USD ($)
meter
Subsequent Event [Line Items]    
Common stock dividends declared (in usd per share) | $ / shares $ 0.40  
Unusual or infrequent item, collision accident, distance off quayside (in meter) | meter   70
Unusual or infrequent item, contract with liable party, term   120 days
Unusual or infrequent item, contract with liable party, amount awarded per day scheduled | $   $ 133

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