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Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Noble Corporation plc, (formerly known as Noble Finco Limited), a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“Noble” or “Successor”), 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 December 31, 2022, 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.
On July 31, 2020 (the “Petition Date”), our former parent company, Noble Holding Corporation plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“Legacy Noble” or the “Predecessor”), and certain of its subsidiaries, including Noble Finance Company, an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability (“Finco”), filed voluntary petitions in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas (the “Bankruptcy Court”) seeking relief under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”). On September 4, 2020, the Debtors (as defined herein) filed with the Bankruptcy Court the Joint Plan of Reorganization of Noble Corporation plc and its Debtor Affiliates, which was subsequently amended on October 8, 2020 and October 13, 2020 and modified on November 18, 2020 (as amended, modified or supplemented, the “Plan”), and the related disclosure statement. On September 24, 2020, six additional subsidiaries of Legacy Noble (together with Legacy Noble and its subsidiaries that filed on the Petition Date, as the context requires, the “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions in the Bankruptcy Court. The chapter 11 proceedings were jointly administered under the caption Noble Corporation plc, et al. (Case No. 20-33826) (the “Chapter 11 Cases”). On November 20, 2020, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming the Plan. In connection with the Chapter 11 Cases and the Plan, on and prior to the Emergence Effective Date (as defined herein), Legacy Noble and certain of its subsidiaries effectuated certain restructuring transactions pursuant to which Legacy Noble formed Noble Corporation, an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability (“Noble Cayman”), as an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Legacy Noble and transferred to Noble Cayman substantially all of the subsidiaries and other assets of Legacy Noble. On February 5, 2021 (the “Emergence Effective Date”), the Plan became effective in accordance with its terms, the Debtors emerged from the Chapter 11 Cases and Noble Cayman became the new parent company. In accordance with the Plan, Legacy Noble and its remaining subsidiary will in due course be wound down and dissolved in accordance with applicable law. The Bankruptcy Court closed the Chapter 11 Cases with respect to all Debtors other than Legacy Noble, pending its wind down.
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. The Merger is accounted for as a business combination in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”), where Noble is the accounting acquirer.
See “Note 4— Acquisitions and Divestitures” for additional information on the Business Combination.
As a result of the emergence from the Chapter 11 Cases, Noble Cayman became the successor issuer to Legacy Noble for purposes of and pursuant to Rule 15d-5 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). 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 Exchange Act. References in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “Noble,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer collectively to (i) Legacy Noble and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the Emergence Effective Date, (ii) Noble Cayman and its consolidated subsidiaries on and after the Emergence Effective Date and prior to the Merger Effective Date, and (iii) Noble and its consolidated subsidiaries (including Noble Cayman) on and after the Merger Effective Date, as applicable.
Upon emergence, the Company applied fresh start accounting in accordance with ASC Topic 852 – Reorganizations (“ASC 852”). The application of fresh start accounting resulted in a new basis of accounting and the Company becoming a new entity for financial reporting purposes. Accordingly, our financial statements and notes after the Emergence Effective Date are not comparable to our financial statements and notes on and prior to that date. See “Note 3— Fresh Start Accounting” for additional information.
Finco was an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Legacy Noble prior to the Emergence Effective Date and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Noble Cayman on and after the Emergence Effective Date and prior to the Merger Effective Date, and has been an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Noble on and after the Merger Effective Date. As of December 31, 2022, Noble’s principal asset is all of the shares of Finco. Finco has no public equity outstanding. The consolidated financial statements of Noble include the accounts of Finco, and Noble conducts substantially all of its business through Finco and its subsidiaries. As such, the terms “Predecessor” and “Successor” also refer to Finco and, as the context requires.
Principles of Consolidation Principles of ConsolidationThe consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and entities in which we hold a controlling financial interest.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Certain accounting policies involve judgments and uncertainties to such an extent that there is reasonable likelihood that materially different amounts could have been reported under different conditions, or if different assumptions had been used. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on a regular basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits with banks and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments are subject to potential credit risk, and certain of our cash accounts carry balances greater than the federally insured limits. Cash and cash equivalents are primarily held by major banks or investment firms. Our cash management and investment policies restrict investments to lower risk, highly liquid securities and we perform periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of the financial institutions with which we conduct business.
Restricted Cash Restricted CashWe classify restricted cash balances in current assets if the restriction is expected to expire or otherwise be resolved within one year and in other assets if the restriction is expected to expire or otherwise be resolved in more than one year.
Accounts Receivable Accounts ReceivableWe record accounts receivable at the amount we invoice our clients, net of allowance for credit losses. We provide an allowance for uncollectible accounts, as necessary.
Property and Equipment
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost, reduced by provisions to recognize economic impairment. Major replacements and improvements are capitalized. When assets are sold, retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and the gain or loss is recognized. Drilling equipment and facilities are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as of the date placed in service or date of major refurbishment. Estimated useful lives of our drilling equipment range from three to 30 years. Other property and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over useful lives ranging from two to 40 years. Included in accounts payable were $19.6 million and $36.5 million of capital accruals as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Interest is capitalized on long-term construction project using the weighted average cost of debt outstanding during the period of construction.
Scheduled maintenance of equipment is performed based on the number of hours operated in accordance with our preventative maintenance program. Routine repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred; however, the costs of the overhauls and asset replacement projects that benefit future periods and which typically occur every three to five years are capitalized when incurred and depreciated over an equivalent period. These overhauls and asset replacement projects are included in “Drilling equipment and facilities” in “Note 7— Property and Equipment.”
We evaluate our property and equipment for impairment whenever there are changes in facts that suggest that the value of the asset is not recoverable. As part of this analysis, we make assumptions and estimates regarding future market conditions. When circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable, management compares the carrying value to the expected undiscounted pre-tax future cash flows for the associated rig for which identifiable cash flows are independent of cash flows of other assets. If the expected undiscounted pre-tax future cash flows are lower than the carrying value, the net capitalized costs are reduced to fair value. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that an asset's carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair value is generally estimated using a discounted cash flow model. The expected future cash flows used for impairment assessment and related fair value measurements are typically based on judgmental assessments of, but were not limited to, timing of future contract awards and expected operating dayrates, operating costs, utilization rates, discount rates, capital expenditures, reactivation costs, estimated economic useful lives and, in certain cases, our belief that a drilling unit is no longer marketable and is unlikely to return to service in the near to medium term, and considering all available information at the date of assessment.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements
We measure certain of our assets and liabilities based on a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The three-level hierarchy, from highest to lowest level of observable inputs, are as follows:
Level 1 - Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets;
Level 2 - Valuations based on observable inputs that do not meet the criteria for Level 1, including quoted prices in inactive markets and quoted prices in active markets for similar but not identical instruments; and
Level 3 - Valuations based on unobservable inputs.
Goodwill
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired and is assessed for impairment at least annually at October 1, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of such assets may be below their carrying amount. Goodwill and all other assets and liabilities are allocated to reporting units, which for us, is our single reportable segment, Contract Drilling Services. To assess impairment, the carrying amount is determined and compared to the estimated fair value. Any excess of the carrying value, including goodwill, over its fair value is recognized as an impairment and charged to net earnings. The impairment charge measured is limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to our reporting unit.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
The activities that primarily drive the revenue earned in our drilling contracts include (i) providing a drilling rig and the crew and supplies necessary to operate the rig, (ii) mobilizing and demobilizing the rig to and from the drill site, and (iii) performing rig preparation activities and/or modifications required for the contract. Consideration received for performing these activities may consist of dayrate drilling revenue, mobilization and demobilization revenue, contract preparation
revenue and reimbursement revenue. We account for these integrated services provided within our drilling contracts as a single performance obligation satisfied over time and comprised of a series of distinct time increments in which we provide drilling services.
Our standard drilling contracts require that we operate the rig at the direction of the customer throughout the contract term (which is the period we estimate to benefit from the corresponding activities and generally ranges from two to 60 months). The activities performed and the level of service provided can vary hour to hour. Our obligation under a standard contract is to provide whatever level of service is required by the operator, or customer, over the term of the contract. We are, therefore, under a stand-ready obligation throughout the entire contract duration. Consideration for our stand-ready obligation corresponds to distinct time increments, though the rate may be variable depending on various factors, and is recognized in the period in which the services are performed. The total transaction price is determined for each individual contract by estimating both fixed and variable consideration expected to be earned over the term of the contract. We have elected to exclude from the transaction price measurement all taxes assessed by a governmental authority. See further discussion regarding the allocation of the transaction price to the remaining performance obligations below.
The amount estimated for variable consideration may be subject to interrupted or restricted rates and is only included in the transaction price to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of previously recognized revenue will not occur throughout the term of the contract (“constrained revenue”). When determining if variable consideration should be constrained, management considers whether there are factors outside the Company’s control that could result in a significant reversal of revenue as well as the likelihood and magnitude of a potential reversal of revenue. These estimates are re-assessed each reporting period as required.
Dayrate Drilling Revenue. Our drilling contracts generally provide for payment on a dayrate basis, with higher rates for periods when the drilling unit is operating and lower rates or zero rates for periods when drilling operations are interrupted or restricted. The dayrate invoices billed to the customer are typically determined based on the varying rates applicable to the specific activities performed on an hourly basis. Such dayrate consideration is allocated to the distinct hourly increment it relates to within the contract term, and therefore, recognized in line with the contractual rate billed for the services provided for any given hour.
Mobilization/Demobilization Revenue. We may receive fees (on either a fixed lump-sum or variable dayrate basis) for the mobilization and demobilization of our rigs. These activities are not considered to be distinct within the context of the contract and, therefore, the associated revenue is allocated to the overall performance obligation and the associated pre-operating costs are deferred. We record a contract liability for mobilization fees received and a deferred asset for costs. Both revenue and pre-operating costs are recognized ratably over the initial term of the related drilling contract.
In most contracts, there is uncertainty as to the amount of expected demobilization revenue due to contractual provisions that stipulate that certain conditions must be present at contract completion for such revenue to be received and as to the amount thereof, if any. For example, contractual provisions may require that a rig demobilize a certain distance before the demobilization revenue is payable or the amount may vary dependent upon whether or not the rig has additional contracted work within a certain distance from the wellsite. Therefore, the estimate for such revenue may be constrained, as described earlier, depending on the facts and circumstances pertaining to the specific contract. We assess the likelihood of receiving such revenue based on past experience and knowledge of the market conditions. In cases where demobilization revenue is expected to be received upon contract completion, it is estimated as part of the overall transaction price at contract inception and recognized in earnings ratably over the initial term of the contract with an offset to an accretive contract asset.
Contract Preparation Revenue. Some of our drilling contracts require downtime before the start of the contract to prepare the rig to meet customer requirements. At times, we may be compensated by the customer for such work (on either a fixed lump-sum or variable dayrate basis). These activities are not considered to be distinct within the context of the contract and, therefore, the related revenue is allocated to the overall performance obligation and recognized ratably over the initial term of the related drilling contract. We record a contract liability for contract preparation fees received, which is amortized ratably to contract drilling revenue over the initial term of the related drilling contract.
Bonuses, Penalties and Other Variable Consideration. We may receive bonus increases to revenue or penalty decreases to revenue. Based on historical data and ongoing communication with the operator/customer, we are able to reasonably estimate this variable consideration. We will record such estimated variable consideration and re-measure our estimates at
each reporting date. For revenue estimated, but not received, we will record to “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Capital Modification Revenue. From time to time, we may receive fees from our customers for capital improvements to our rigs to meet contractual requirements (on either a fixed lump-sum or variable dayrate basis). Such revenue is allocated to the overall performance obligation and recognized ratably over the initial term of the related drilling contract as these activities are integral to our drilling activities and are not considered to be a stand-alone service provided to the customer within the context of our contracts. We record a contract liability for such fees and recognize them ratably as contract drilling revenue over the initial term of the related drilling contract commencing when the asset is ready for its intended use.
Revenues Related to Reimbursable Expenses. We generally receive reimbursements from our customers for the purchase of supplies, equipment, personnel services and other services provided at their request in accordance with a drilling contract or other agreement. Such reimbursable revenue is variable and subject to uncertainty, as the amounts received and timing thereof is highly dependent on factors outside of our influence. Accordingly, reimbursable revenue is constrained revenue and not included in the total transaction price until the uncertainty is resolved, which typically occurs when the related costs are incurred on behalf of a customer. We are generally considered a principal in such transactions and record the associated revenue at the gross amount billed to the customer as “Reimbursables and other” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Such amounts are recognized ratably over the period within the contract term during which the corresponding goods and services are to be consumed.
Deferred revenues from drilling contracts totaled $59.8 million and $27.8 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Such amounts are included in either “Other current liabilities” or “Other liabilities” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon our expected time of recognition. Related expenses deferred under drilling contracts totaled $11.5 million at December 31, 2022 as compared to $5.7 million at December 31, 2021 and are included in either “Prepaid expenses and other current assets,” “Other assets” or “Property and equipment, net” in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, based upon our expected time of recognition.
We record reimbursements from customers for “out-of-pocket” expenses as revenues and the related direct cost as operating expenses.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
Income taxes are based on the laws and rates in effect in the countries in which operations are conducted or in which we or our subsidiaries are considered resident for income tax purposes. In certain circumstances, we expect that, due to changing demands of the offshore drilling markets and the ability to redeploy our offshore drilling units, certain of such units will not reside in a location long enough to give rise to future tax consequences. As a result, no deferred tax asset or liability has been recognized in these circumstances. Should our expectations change regarding the length of time an offshore drilling unit will be used in a given location, we will adjust deferred taxes accordingly.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the anticipated future tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities using the applicable jurisdictional tax rates at year-end. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized in a future period.
We operate through various subsidiaries in numerous countries throughout the world, including the United States. Consequently, we are subject to changes in tax laws, treaties or regulations or the interpretation or enforcement thereof in the United States, UK and any other jurisdictions in which we or any of our subsidiaries operate or are resident. Our income tax expense is based upon our interpretation of the tax laws in effect in various countries at the time that the expense was incurred. If the IRS or other taxing authorities do not agree with our assessment of the effects of such laws, treaties and regulations, this could have a material adverse effect on us including the imposition of a higher effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings or a reclassification of the tax impact of our significant corporate restructuring transactions. The Company has adopted an accounting policy to look through the outside basis of partnerships and all other flow-through entities and exclude these from the computation of deferred taxes.
Claims Reserves
Claims Reserves
We maintain various levels of self-insured retention for certain losses including property damage, loss of hire, employment practices liability, employers’ liability and general liability, among others. We accrue for property damage and loss of hire charges on a per event basis.
Employment practices liability claims are accrued based on actual claims during the year. Maritime employer’s liability claims are generally estimated using actuarial determinations. General liability claims are estimated by our internal claims department by evaluating the facts and circumstances of each claim (including incurred but not reported claims) and making estimates based upon historical experience with similar claims.
Earnings per Share Earnings per ShareOur unvested share-based payment awards, which contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends, are participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method allocates undistributed earnings between common shares and participating securities. The diluted earnings per share calculation under the two-class method also includes the dilutive effect of potential shares issued in connection with stock warrants and options. The dilutive effect of stock warrants and options is determined using the treasury stock method. The diluted earnings per share calculation is adjusted for mandatory exercise, under the treasury stock method, if the condition is met at the balance sheet date. At December 31, 2022, the Mandatory Exercise Condition (as defined in the applicable warrant agreement) set forth in the warrant agreements for the Tranche 1 Warrants and the Tranche 2 Warrants was satisfied.
Share-Based Compensation Plans Share-Based Compensation PlansWe record the grant date fair value of share-based compensation arrangements as compensation cost using a straight-line method over the service period. Share-based compensation is expensed or capitalized based on the nature of the employee’s activities. The Company classified certain awards that will be settled in cash as liability awards. The fair value of a liability-classified award is determined on a quarterly basis beginning at the grant date until final vesting. Changes in the fair value of liability-classified awards are expensed or capitalized based on the nature of the employee’s activities over the vesting period of the award.
Litigation Contingencies
Litigation Contingencies
We are involved in legal proceedings, claims, and regulatory, tax or government inquiries and investigations that arise in the ordinary course of business. Certain of these matters include speculative claims for substantial or indeterminate amounts of damages. We record a liability when we believe that it is both probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If we determine that a loss is reasonably possible and the loss or range of loss can be estimated, we disclose the possible loss in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
We review the developments in our contingencies that could affect the amount of the provisions that has been previously recorded, and the matters and related possible losses disclosed. We make adjustments to our provisions and changes to our disclosures accordingly to reflect the impact of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel, and updated information. Significant judgement is required to determine both the probability and the estimated amount.
Foreign Currency Translation
Foreign Currency Translation
Although we are a UK company, our functional currency is the US dollar, and we define any non-US dollar denominated currency as “foreign currencies.” In non-US locations where the US Dollar has been designated as the functional currency (based on an evaluation of factors including the markets in which the subsidiary operates, inflation, generation of cash flow, financing activities and intercompany arrangements), local currency transaction gains and losses are included in net income or loss. In non-US locations where the local currency is the functional currency, assets and liabilities are translated at the rates of exchange on the balance sheet date, while statement of operations items are translated at average rates of exchange during the year. The resulting gains or losses arising from the translation of accounts from the functional currency to the US Dollar are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We did not recognize any material gains or losses on foreign currency transactions or translations during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative Financial Instruments
We use foreign currency forward contracts and interest rate swaps in order to manage our exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange and interest rates, respectively. The contracts are not entered into for trading purposes. The Company has not designated these derivative instruments as hedges. We recognize the derivatives at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and where applicable, such contracts covered by master netting agreements are reported net. Gross positive fair values are netted with gross negative fair values by counterparty. 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.
Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards Adopted. In October 2021, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2021-08, Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, in order to provide clarity on how to account for acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination. This guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments should be applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after the effective date. Early adoption is permitted. The Company early adopted this standard on January 1, 2022 and it did not have a material impact on our financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards. There have been no new accounting pronouncements not yet effective that have significance, or potential significance, to our consolidated financial statements.