Valaris Ltd
For the period ended Sep 30, 2024. Filed Oct 31, 2024.
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A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Sep 30, 2024 · Filed Oct 31, 2024
Contents
Note
Note 3 -Equity Method Investment in ARO
Background
ARO is a 50/50 unconsolidated joint venture between the Company and Saudi Aramco that owns and operates jackup drilling rigs in Saudi Arabia. As of September 30, 2024, ARO owns nine jackup rigs and leases nine rigs from us through bareboat charter arrangements (the "Lease Agreements") whereby substantially all operating costs are incurred by ARO.
The shareholder agreement governing the joint venture (the "Shareholder Agreement") specifies that ARO shall purchase 20 newbuild jackup rigs over an approximate 10-year period. In January 2020, ARO ordered the firsttwo newbuild jackups, the first of which, Kingdom 1, was delivered and commenced operations in the fourth quarter of 2023, and the second, Kingdom 2, was delivered in the second quarter of 2024 and commenced operations in the third quarter of 2024. In October 2024, ARO ordered the third newbuild jackup, Kingdom 3. ARO is expected to commit to orderone additional newbuild jackup in the near term. In connection with these plans, we have a potential obligation to fund ARO for newbuild jackup rigs. See "Note 11 - Contingencies" for additional information.
Summarized Financial Information
The operating revenues of ARO presented below reflect revenues earned under drilling contracts with Saudi Aramco for the ARO-owned jackup rigs as well as the rigs leased from us. Contract drilling expense is inclusive of the bareboat charter fees for the rigs leased from us. See additional discussion below regarding these related-party transactions.
Summarized financial information for ARO is as follows (in millions):
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Revenues | $113.7 | $121.5 | $376.2 | $362.9 |
| Operating expenses | ||||
| Contract drilling (exclusive of depreciation) | 93.8 | 92.0 | 286.2 | 277.9 |
| Loss on impairment (1) | 28.4 | — | 28.4 | — |
| Depreciation | 21.1 | 15.8 | 59.8 | 46.4 |
| General and administrative | 4.9 | 5.6 | 16.2 | 15.9 |
| Operating income (loss) | (34.5) | 8.1 | (14.4) | 22.7 |
| Other expense, net | 15.3 | 9.0 | 41.8 | 28.2 |
| Provision for income taxes | 4.2 | 0.4 | 6.1 | 2.3 |
| Net loss | $(54.0) | $(1.3) | $(62.3) | $(7.8) |
(1)In connection with Saudi Arabia’s announcement to limit oil production capacity and Saudi Aramco's suspension of certain drilling contracts, the VALARIS 143, VALARIS 147 and VALARIS 148 contracts were suspended during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Pursuant to the requirements of the contracts, ARO had capitalized certain costs to maintain and upgrade these rigs, which were determined to be impaired due to the contract suspensions and subsequent terminations. As a result, ARO recorded a pre-tax, non-cash loss on impairment of $28.4 million in the third quarter of 2024. See "Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for more information about the contract suspensions.
| September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cash and cash equivalents | $129.3 | $92.9 |
| Other current assets | 129.4 | 184.0 |
| Non-current assets | 1,223.3 | 1,081.0 |
| Total assets | $1,482.0 | $1,357.9 |
| Current liabilities | $200.7 | $136.0 |
| Non-current liabilities | 1,176.9 | 1,056.8 |
| Total liabilities | $1,377.6 | $1,192.8 |
Equity in Earnings (Losses) of ARO
We account for our interest in ARO using the equity method of accounting and only recognize our portion of ARO's net income (loss), adjusted for basis differences as discussed below, in Equity in earnings (losses) of ARO in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Our equity method investment in ARO was recorded at its estimated fair value in fresh start accounting upon emergence from bankruptcy in 2021. We computed the difference between the fair value of ARO's net assets and the carrying value of those net assets in ARO's U.S. GAAP financial statements ("basis differences") at that date. These basis differences primarily related to ARO's long-lived assets and the recognition of intangible assets associated with certain of ARO's drilling contracts that were determined to have favorable terms relative to market terms as of the measurement date.
Basis differences are amortized over the remaining life of the assets or liabilities to which they relate and are recognized as an adjustment to the Equity in earnings (losses) of ARO in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. The amortization of those basis differences is combined with our 50% interest in ARO's net income (loss). A reconciliation of those components is presented below (in millions):
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| 50% interest in ARO net loss | $(27.0) | $(0.6) | $(31.2) | $(3.9) |
| Amortization of basis differences | 3.2 | 3.0 | 9.5 | 8.9 |
| Equity in earnings (losses) of ARO | $(23.8) | $2.4 | $(21.7) | $5.0 |
Related-Party Transactions
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, revenues recognized by us related to the Lease Agreements were $11.3 million and $42.9 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, revenues recognized by us related to the Lease Agreements were $19.1 million and $54.7 million, respectively.
Our balances related to the ARO lease agreements were as follows (in millions):
| September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Amounts receivable (1) | $25.3 | $10.2 |
| Contract liabilities (2) | $28.0 | $15.9 |
| Accounts payable (2) | $14.7 | $57.7 |
(1)Amounts receivable from ARO is included in Accounts receivable, net in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2)The per day bareboat charter amount in the Lease Agreements is subject to adjustment based on actual performance of the respective rig and therefore, the corresponding contract liabilities are subject to adjustment during the lease term. Upon completion of the lease term, such amount becomes a payable to or a receivable from ARO. As a result of the Net Settlement Agreement, as defined below, a portion of our accounts payable to ARO was reduced by $50.7 million in June of 2024.
During 2017 and 2018, the Company contributed assets to ARO in exchange for a 10-year shareholder notes receivable due from ARO (the "Notes Receivable from ARO"). The Notes Receivable from ARO, as amended in December 2023, bear interest based on a one-year term SOFR, set as of the end of the year prior to the applicable year, plus 2.10%. The Notes Receivable from ARO were adjusted to their estimated fair value in fresh start accounting upon emergence from bankruptcy in 2021 and the resulting discount to the principal amount is being amortized using the effective interest method to interest income over the remaining terms of the notes.
Under the Shareholder Agreement, a contract liability is created when amounts which the Company bills in accordance with its Lease Agreements are in excess of lease revenues earned. These contract liabilities are required to be settled in cash. In June 2024, the Company and ARO executed a net settlement agreement (the “Net Settlement Agreement”) whereby $50.7 million of accounts payable due to ARO, which related to lease revenue adjustments resulting from the actual performance of rigs leased to ARO between 2018 and early 2023, was net settled against a portion of the Notes Receivable from ARO retroactive to January 1, 2024. As a result of the Net Settlement Agreement, the aggregate principal balance of the Notes Receivable from ARO was reduced to $352.0 million and we recognized non-cash interest income of $13.9 million related to the discount attributable to the partial settlement in the second quarter of 2024.
The principal amount and discount of the Notes Receivable from ARO were as follows (in millions):
| September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Principal amount | $352.0 | $402.7 |
| Discount | (86.6) | (120.4) |
| Carrying value | $265.4 | $282.3 |
| Interest receivable (1)(2) | $18.4 | $— |
(1)Our interest receivable from ARO is included in Accounts receivable, net in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2)We collected our 2023 interest on the Notes Receivable from ARO in cash prior to December 31, 2023, and as such, there was no interest receivable from ARO as of December 31, 2023.
Interest income earned on the Notes Receivable from ARO was as follows (in millions):
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Interest income | $6.2 | $7.7 | $18.4 | $22.8 |
| Non-cash amortization (1)(2) | 6.2 | 7.2 | 33.8 | 21.2 |
| Total interest income on the Notes Receivable from ARO | $12.4 | $14.9 | $52.2 | $44.0 |
(1)Represents the amortization of the discount on the Notes Receivable from ARO using the effective interest method to interest income over the term of the notes.
(2)The nine months ended September 30, 2024, includes non-cash interest income of $13.9 million related to the discount attributable to the Net Settlement Agreement.
Note 4 -Fair Value Measurements
The carrying values and estimated fair values of certain of our financial instruments were as follows (in millions):
| September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrying Value | Estimated Fair Value | Carrying Value | Estimated Fair Value | |
| Second Lien Notes (1) | $1,081.8 | $1,135.5 | $1,079.3 | $1,126.1 |
| Notes Receivable from ARO (2)(3) | $265.4 | $358.5 | $282.3 | $423.5 |
(1)The estimated fair value of the 8.375% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2030 (the "Second Lien Notes") was determined using quoted market prices, which are level 1 inputs.
(2)The estimated fair value of the Notes Receivable from ARO was estimated using an income approach to value the forecasted cash flows attributed to the Notes Receivable from ARO using a discount rate based on a comparable yield with a country-specific risk premium, which are considered to be level 2 inputs.
(3)As a result of the Net Settlement Agreement with ARO executed in June 2024, the aggregate principal balance of the Notes Receivable from ARO was reduced to $352.0 million. See "Note 3 - Equity Method Investment in ARO" for additional information.
The estimated fair values of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and trade payables approximated their carrying values as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Note 5 -Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following (in millions):
| September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling rigs and equipment | $1,548.3 | $1,312.5 |
| Work-in-progress | 596.3 | 537.0 |
| Other | 40.8 | 39.5 |
| $2,185.4 | $1,889.0 |
Assets sold
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized a pre-tax gain of $27.3 million for the sale of VALARIS 54.
Note 6 -Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefits
We have defined-benefit pension plans and retiree medical plans that provide post-retirement health and life insurance benefits.
The components of net periodic pension and retiree medical income were as follows (in millions):
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Interest cost | $7.4 | $7.9 | $22.2 | $23.4 |
| Expected return on plan assets | (7.9) | (7.9) | (23.7) | (23.4) |
| Amortization of net gain | (0.1) | (0.1) | (0.5) | (0.3) |
| Net periodic pension and retiree medical income (1) | $(0.6) | $(0.1) | $(2.0) | $(0.3) |
(1)Included in Other, net, in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Note 7 -Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Weighted-average shares outstanding used in our computation of diluted EPS is calculated using the treasury stock method and includes the effect of all potentially dilutive stock equivalents, including warrants, restricted stock unit awards and performance stock unit awards.
The following table is a reconciliation of the weighted-average shares used in our basic and diluted EPS computations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 (in millions):
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Income attributable to our shares | $64.6 | $12.9 | $239.7 | $30.2 |
| Weighted average shares outstanding: | ||||
| Basic | 72.4 | 73.7 | 72.4 | 74.6 |
| Effect of stock equivalents | 0.8 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1.1 |
| Diluted | 73.2 | 74.8 | 73.5 | 75.7 |
Anti-dilutive share awards totaling 150,000 and 126,000 were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively.
Anti-dilutive share awards totaling 35,000 and 104,000 were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively.
We had 5,470,950 warrants outstanding (the "Warrants") as of September 30, 2024 to purchase common shares of Valaris Limited (the "Common Shares"), which are exercisable for one Common Share per Warrant at an initial exercise price of $131.88 per Warrant and expire on April 29, 2028. The exercise of these Warrants into Common Shares would have a dilutive effect to the holdings of Valaris Limited's existing shareholders. These warrants are anti-dilutive for all periods presented.
Note 8 -Debt
First Lien Notes
On April 3, 2023, the Company issued a notice of conditional redemption to the holders of our Senior Secured First Lien Notes due 2028 (the "First Lien Notes") at a redemption price equal to 104.0% of the aggregate $550.0 million principal amount of the First Lien Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the redemption date (the “Redemption Price”). On April 19, 2023, in connection with the issuance of our Second Lien Notes discussed below, the Company discharged its obligations under the indenture governing the First Lien Notes and deposited the Redemption Price with Wilmington Savings Fund Society, as trustee under such indenture. The First Lien Notes were redeemed on May 3, 2023 for an aggregate redemption price of $571.8 million (excluding accrued and unpaid interest). We accounted for the redemption as an extinguishment of debt and reported a corresponding loss of $29.2 million in the second quarter of 2023, which is included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Second Lien Notes
On April 19, 2023, the Company and Valaris Finance Company LLC (“Valaris Finance”), a wholly-owned subsidiary, issued and sold, at par, $700.0 million aggregate principal amount of Second Lien Notes (the "Initial Second Lien Notes") in a private placement conducted pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). On August 21, 2023, the Company and Valaris Finance issued, at 100.75% of par, an additional $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of Second Lien Notes (the "Additional Notes") in a private placement conducted pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Initial Second Lien Notes and the Additional Notes form a single series and are collectively referred to as the "Second Lien Notes."
The Second Lien Notes were issued under the Indenture, dated as of April 19, 2023 (the "Indenture"), and will mature on April 30, 2030. The Second Lien Notes bear an interest rate of 8.375% per annum and interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 30 and October 30 of each year.
As of September 30, 2024, we were in compliance in all material respects with our covenants under the Indenture.
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility
On April 3, 2023, the Company entered into a senior secured revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement, which is scheduled to mature on April 3, 2028, provides for commitments permitting borrowings of up to $375.0 million (which may be increased, subject to the agreement of lenders to provide such additional commitments and the satisfaction of certain conditions, by an additional $200.0 million pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement) and includes a $150.0 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit. Valaris Finance and certain other subsidiaries of the Company guarantee the Company's obligations under the Credit Agreement, and the lenders have a first priority lien on the assets securing the Credit Agreement.
Amounts borrowed under the Credit Agreement are subject to an interest rate per annum equal to, at our option, either (a) a base rate determined as the greatest of (i) a prime rate, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5% and (iii) Term SOFR (as defined in the Credit Agreement) for a one month interest period plus 1.1% (such base rate to be subject to a 1% floor) or (b) Term SOFR plus 0.10% (subject to a 0% floor), plus, in each case of clauses (a) and (b) above, an applicable margin ranging from 1.50% to 3.00% and 2.50% to 4.00%, respectively, based on the credit ratings that are one notch higher than the corporate family ratings provided by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”) and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) with respect to Valaris Limited.
Additionally, we are required to pay a quarterly commitment fee to the lenders under the Credit Agreement with respect to the average daily unutilized commitments thereunder at a rate ranging from 0.375% to 0.75% depending on the credit ratings that are one notch higher than the corporate family ratings provided by S&P and Moody’s with respect to Valaris Limited. With respect to each letter of credit issued pursuant to the Credit Agreement, we are required to pay a letter of credit fee equal to the applicable margin in effect for Term SOFR loans and a fronting fee in an amount to be mutually agreed between us and the issuer of such letter of credit.
As of September 30, 2024, we were in compliance in all material respects with our covenants under the Credit Agreement. We hadno amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2024.
Note 9 -Shareholders' Equity
Activity in our various shareholders' equity accounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were as follows (in millions):
| Shares Issued | Par Value | AdditionalPaid-inCapital | Warrants | Retained Earnings | AOCI | TreasuryShares | Non-controllingInterest | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BALANCE, December 31, 2023 | 75.4 | $0.8 | $1,119.8 | $16.4 | $1,025.5 | $25.2 | $(200.1) | $9.4 |
| Net income | — | — | — | — | 25.5 | — | — | — |
| Share-based compensation cost | — | — | 8.0 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Net changes in pension and other postretirement benefits | — | — | — | — | — | (0.2) | — | — |
| Shares withheld for taxes on vesting of share-based awards | — | — | (0.1) | — | — | — | — | — |
| Net other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | — | 0.1 | — | — |
| BALANCE, March 31, 2024 | 75.4 | $0.8 | $1,127.7 | $16.4 | $1,051.0 | $25.1 | $(200.1) | $9.4 |
| Net income | — | — | — | — | 149.6 | — | — | 1.2 |
| Share-based compensation cost | — | — | 7.4 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Net changes in pension and other postretirement benefits | — | — | — | — | — | (0.2) | — | — |
| Shares withheld for taxes on vesting of share-based awards | — | — | (0.3) | — | — | — | — | — |
| Net other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | — | (0.6) | — | — |
| BALANCE, June 30, 2024 | 75.4 | $0.8 | $1,134.8 | $16.4 | $1,200.6 | $24.3 | $(200.1) | $10.6 |
| Net income (loss) | — | — | — | — | 64.6 | — | — | (1.7) |
| Share-based compensation cost | — | — | 7.0 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Net changes in pension and other postretirement benefits | — | — | — | — | — | (0.1) | — | — |
| Shares issued under share-based compensation plans, net | 0.8 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Repurchase of Common Shares | — | — | — | — | — | — | (100.0) | — |
| Shares withheld for taxes on vesting of share-based awards | — | — | (29.3) | — | — | — | — | — |
| Purchase of noncontrolling ownership interest in a non-U.S. subsidiary (1) | — | — | 4.1 | — | — | — | — | (8.4) |
| Sale of noncontrolling ownership interest in a non-U.S. subsidiary (1) | — | — | (8.4) | — | — | — | — | 8.4 |
| Net other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | — | 0.2 | — | — |
| BALANCE, September 30, 2024 | 76.2 | $0.8 | $1,108.2 | $16.4 | $1,265.2 | $24.4 | $(300.1) | $8.9 |
(1)During the third quarter of 2024, the Company purchased the 51% noncontrolling interest related to a certain non-U.S. subsidiary and concurrently transferred the 51% noncontrolling interest to new partners. The net transactions did not result in a change to our ownership or controlling interest in the non-U.S. subsidiary.
| Shares Issued | Par Value | AdditionalPaid-inCapital | Warrants | Retained Earnings | AOCI | TreasuryShares | Non-controllingInterest | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BALANCE, December 31, 2022 | 75.2 | $0.8 | $1,097.9 | $16.4 | $160.1 | $14.7 | $— | $8.0 |
| Net income | — | — | — | — | 46.7 | — | — | 1.9 |
| Share-based compensation cost | — | — | 5.7 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Net changes in pension and other postretirement benefits | — | — | — | — | — | (0.1) | — | — |
| Net other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | — | (0.1) | — | — |
| BALANCE, March 31, 2023 | 75.2 | $0.8 | $1,103.6 | $16.4 | $206.8 | $14.5 | $— | $9.9 |
| Net income (loss) | — | — | — | — | (29.4) | — | — | 2.1 |
| Share-based compensation cost | — | — | 7.0 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Repurchase of Common Shares | — | — | — | — | — | — | (65.0) | — |
| Net changes in pension and other postretirement benefits | — | — | — | — | — | (0.1) | — | — |
| Shares withheld for taxes on vesting of share-based awards | — | — | (0.3) | — | — | — | — | — |
| Net other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | — | (0.2) | — | — |
| BALANCE, June 30, 2023 | 75.2 | $0.8 | $1,110.3 | $16.4 | $177.4 | $14.2 | $(65.0) | $12.0 |
| Net income | — | — | — | — | 12.9 | — | — | 4.1 |
| Share-based compensation cost | — | — | 6.8 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Shares issued under share-based compensation plans, net | 0.2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Repurchase of Common Shares | — | — | — | — | — | — | (85.0) | — |
| Net changes in pension and other postretirement benefits | — | — | — | — | — | (0.1) | — | — |
| Shares withheld for taxes on vesting of share-based awards | — | — | (4.9) | — | — | — | — | — |
| Net other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | — | 0.1 | — | — |
| BALANCE, September 30, 2023 | 75.4 | $0.8 | $1,112.2 | $16.4 | $190.3 | $14.2 | $(150.0) | $16.1 |
Share Repurchase Program
Our board of directors has authorized a share repurchase program (the "Share Repurchase Program") under which we may purchase up to $600.0 million of our outstanding Common Shares. The Share Repurchase Program does not have a fixed expiration, may be modified, suspended or discontinued at any time and any repurchases made pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program are subject to compliance with applicable covenants and restrictions under our financing agreements.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, we repurchased 1.8 million shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $100.0 million for an average price of $57.02 per share. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, we repurchased 1.2 million shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $85.0 million for an average price of $73.30 per share. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we repurchased 2.3 million shares at an aggregate cost of approximately $150.0 million for an average price of $66.24 per share. As of September 30, 2024, we had approximately $300.0 million available for share repurchases pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program.
Note 10 -Income Taxes
Historically, we calculated our provision for income taxes during interim reporting periods by applying the estimated annual effective tax rate for the full fiscal year to pre-tax income or loss, excluding discrete items, for the reporting period. We determined that since small changes in estimated pre-tax income or loss would result in significant changes in the estimated annual effective tax rate, the historical method would not provide a reliable estimate of income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, and therefore, we used a discrete effective tax rate method to calculate income taxes for each of these periods. We will continue to evaluate income tax estimates under the historical method in subsequent quarters and employ a discrete effective tax rate method if warranted.
Discrete income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $0.5 million and was primarily attributable to changes in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits associated with tax positions taken in prior years, partially offset by the resolution of prior period tax matters. Discrete income tax benefit of $70.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was primarily attributable to changes in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits associated with tax positions taken in prior years, including the reversal of a liability associated with tax assessments received from the Luxembourg tax authorities in the second quarter of 2024, and the resolution of other prior period tax matters. Excluding the aforementioned discrete tax items, income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $23.8 million and $77.2 million, respectively.
Discrete income tax benefit of $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was primarily attributable to the resolution of prior period tax matters, partially offset by changes in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits associated with tax positions taken in prior years. Discrete income tax benefit of $39.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was primarily attributable to changes in liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits associated with tax positions taken in prior years and the resolution of other prior period tax matters. Excluding the aforementioned discrete tax items, income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $12.7 million and $47.1 million, respectively.
Luxembourg Tax Assessments
In December 2023, one of the Company’s Luxembourg subsidiaries received tax assessments for fiscal years 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023. In February 2024, the Luxembourg tax authorities rescinded the portion of the assessment relating to 2023, resulting in a revised aggregate tax assessment of approximately €60.0 million (approximately $65.0 million converted at then-current exchange rates). We recorded a liability for uncertain tax positions for this amount during the fourth quarter of 2023 and contested the validity and amount of the assessments. In April 2024, we received a favorable decision from the Luxembourg tax authorities stating that the assessments for the 2019-2021 tax years are not enforceable. As a result, we reversed this liability for the previously issued assessments and recognized a tax benefit of approximately $65.0 million during the second quarter of 2024.
Tax Legislation
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development issued Pillar Two rules introducing a new global minimum tax of 15% applied on a country-by-country basis effective on January 1, 2024. Certain jurisdictions have enacted new tax laws to align with the recommendations under Pillar Two while other jurisdictions have proposed or are actively considering changes to existing tax laws based on the new rules. The impact of the Pillar Two model rules which have been enacted to date was not significant to our condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. There remains uncertainty as to how global legislation relating to Pillar Two will evolve and we will continue to monitor developments related to this initiative and the potential impact on future periods.
Note 11 -Contingencies
ARO Newbuild Funding Obligations
In connection with our 50/50 unconsolidated joint venture, we have a potential obligation to fund ARO for newbuild jackup rigs. The Shareholder Agreement specifies that ARO shall purchase 20 newbuild jackup rigs over an approximate 10-year period. The joint venture partners intend for the newbuild jackup rigs to be financed out of available cash on hand and from ARO's operations and/or funds available from third-party financing. The first newbuild jackup, Kingdom 1, was delivered and commenced operations in the fourth quarter of 2023, and the second, Kingdom 2, was delivered in the second quarter of 2024 and commenced operations in the third quarter of 2024. In January 2020, ARO paid 25% of the purchase price from cash on hand for each of thetwo newbuilds, and in October 2023, entered into a $359.0 million term loan to finance the remaining payments due upon delivery and for general corporate purposes. The term loan matures ineight years following the related drawdown under the term loan and requires equal quarterly amortization payments during the term, with a 50% balloon payment due at maturity. The term loan bears interest based on the three-month SOFR plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 1.4%. Our Notes Receivable from ARO are subordinated and junior in right of payment to ARO’s term loan. Additionally, in the second quarter of 2024, ARO entered into a revolving credit facility which provides for borrowings of up to $100.0 million. There wereno amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2024. In the event ARO has insufficient cash or is unable to obtain third-party financing, each partner may periodically be required to make additional capital contributions to ARO, up to a maximum aggregate contribution of $1.25 billion from each partner to fund the newbuild program. Beginning with the delivery of the second newbuild, each partner's commitment is reduced by the lesser of the actual cost of each newbuild rig or $250.0 million, on a proportionate basis. Following the delivery of Kingdom 2, our commitment to fund the newbuild program has been reduced to $1.1 billion. In October 2024, ARO ordered the third newbuild jackup, Kingdom 3, for a purchase price of approximately $300.0 million, and paid the 25% down payment from cash on hand. The final payment will be due upon delivery of the rig.
Letters of Credit
In the ordinary course of business with customers and others, we have entered into letters of credit to guarantee our performance as it relates to our drilling contracts, contract bidding, customs duties, tax appeals and other obligations in various jurisdictions. Letters of credit outstanding as of September 30, 2024 totaled $29.8 million and are issued under facilities provided by various banks and other financial institutions, but none were issued under the Credit Agreement. Obligations under these letters of credit are not normally called, as we typically comply with the underlying performance requirements. As of September 30, 2024, we had collateral deposits in the amount of $11.2 million with respect to these agreements.
Patent Litigation
In December 2022, a subsidiary of Transocean Ltd. commenced an arbitration proceeding against us alleging breach of a license agreement related to certain dual-activity drilling patents. We are unable to estimate our ultimate liability, if any, resulting from this proceeding at this time, but do not believe it will have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. We do not believe that we have breached the license agreement and intend to defend ourselves vigorously against this claim.
Brazil Administrative Proceeding
In July 2023, we received notice of an administrative proceeding initiated against us in Brazil. Specifically, the Federal Court of Accounts ("TCU") is seeking from us, Samsung Heavy Industries (“SHI”) and others, on a joint and several basis, a total of approximately BRL 601.0 million (approximately $110.0 million at the current quarter-end exchange rates) in damages that TCU asserts arose from the overbilling to Petrobras in 2015 in relation to the drilling services agreement with Petrobras for VALARIS DS-5 (the “DSA”). As fully disclosed in our prior periodic reports, the DSA was previously the subject of (1) investigations by the SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice, each of which closed their investigation of us in 2018 without any enforcement action, (2) an arbitration proceeding against SHI in which we prevailed resulting in SHI making a $200.0 million cash payment to us in December 2019, and (3) a settlement with Petrobras normalizing our business relations in August 2018. We plan to vigorously defend ourselves against the allegations made by the TCU. We are unable to estimate our potential exposure, if any, at this time. In May 2024, the Brazilian prosecutor issued an opinion recommending that the TCU close this matter against us. While this matter is still pending, we believe the likelihood of loss is remote.
Other Matters
In addition to the foregoing, we are named defendants or parties in certain other lawsuits, claims or proceedings incidental to our business and are involved from time to time as parties to governmental investigations or proceedings, including matters related to taxation, arising in the ordinary course of business. Although the outcome of such lawsuits or other proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty and the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to such lawsuits or other proceedings cannot be predicted accurately, we do not expect these matters to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, operating results and cash flows.
Note 12 -Segment Information
Our business consists offour operating segments: (1) Floaters, which includes our drillships and semisubmersible rigs, (2) Jackups, (3) ARO and (4) Other, which consists of management services on rigs owned by third parties and the activities associated with our arrangements with ARO under the Lease Agreements. Floaters, Jackups and ARO are also reportable segments.
Our onshore support costs included within Contract drilling expenses are not allocated to our operating segments for purposes of measuring segment operating income (loss) and as such, those costs are included in “Reconciling Items.” Further, General and administrative expense and Depreciation expense incurred by our corporate office are not allocated to our operating segments for purposes of measuring segment operating income (loss) and are included in "Reconciling Items." We measure segment assets as Property and equipment, net.
The full operating results included below for ARO are not included within our consolidated results and thus are deducted under "Reconciling Items" and replaced with our equity in earnings of ARO. See "Note 3 - Equity Method Investment in ARO" for additional information on ARO and related arrangements. Similarly, the Property and equipment, net balances presented below for ARO are not included within our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and thus are also deducted under "Reconciling Items."
Segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, are presented below (in millions):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
| Floaters | Jackups | ARO | Other | Reconciling Items | Consolidated Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | $389.0 | $213.7 | $113.7 | $40.4 | $(113.7) | $643.1 |
| Operating expenses | ||||||
| Contract drilling (exclusive of depreciation) | 247.7 | 156.7 | 93.8 | 22.1 | (58.2) | 462.1 |
| Loss on impairment | — | — | 28.4 | — | (28.4) | — |
| Depreciation | 14.8 | 11.4 | 21.1 | 2.9 | (18.5) | 31.7 |
| General and administrative | — | — | 4.9 | — | 25.7 | 30.6 |
| Equity in losses of ARO | — | — | — | — | (23.8) | (23.8) |
| Operating income (loss) | $126.5 | $45.6 | $(34.5) | $15.4 | $(58.1) | $94.9 |
| Property and equipment, net | $1,131.5 | $500.6 | $1,186.0 | $135.2 | $(1,110.6) | $1,842.7 |
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
| Floaters | Jackups | ARO | Other | Reconciling Items | Consolidated Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | $243.3 | $165.9 | $121.5 | $45.9 | $(121.5) | $455.1 |
| Operating expenses | ||||||
| Contract drilling (exclusive of depreciation) | 215.2 | 121.7 | 92.0 | 18.8 | (56.8) | 390.9 |
| Depreciation | 14.2 | 10.2 | 15.8 | 1.3 | (15.7) | 25.8 |
| General and administrative | — | — | 5.6 | — | 18.6 | 24.2 |
| Equity in earnings of ARO | — | — | — | — | 2.4 | 2.4 |
| Operating income | $13.9 | $34.0 | $8.1 | $25.8 | $(65.2) | $16.6 |
| Property and equipment, net | $609.1 | $443.0 | $873.4 | $53.3 | $(818.9) | $1,159.9 |
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
| Floaters | Jackups | ARO | Other | Reconciling Items | Consolidated Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | $1,097.3 | $551.8 | $376.2 | $129.1 | $(376.2) | $1,778.2 |
| Operating expenses | ||||||
| Contract drilling (exclusive of depreciation) | 758.5 | 413.8 | 286.2 | 63.9 | (176.8) | 1,345.6 |
| Loss on impairment | — | — | 28.4 | — | (28.4) | — |
| Depreciation | 42.1 | 32.7 | 59.8 | 6.7 | (53.1) | 88.2 |
| General and administrative | — | — | 16.2 | — | 73.4 | 89.6 |
| Equity in losses of ARO | — | — | — | — | (21.7) | (21.7) |
| Operating income (loss) | $296.7 | $105.3 | $(14.4) | $58.5 | $(213.0) | $233.1 |
| Property and equipment, net | $1,131.5 | $500.6 | $1,186.0 | $135.2 | $(1,110.6) | $1,842.7 |
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
| Floaters | Jackups | ARO | Other | Reconciling Items | Consolidated Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | $685.5 | $480.3 | $362.9 | $134.6 | $(362.9) | $1,300.4 |
| Operating expenses | ||||||
| Contract drilling (exclusive of depreciation) | 586.0 | 394.1 | 277.9 | 57.2 | (173.6) | 1,141.6 |
| Depreciation | 40.8 | 28.8 | 46.4 | 3.8 | (46.2) | 73.6 |
| General and administrative | — | — | 15.9 | — | 59.1 | 75.0 |
| Equity in earnings of ARO | — | — | — | — | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Operating income | $58.7 | $57.4 | $22.7 | $73.6 | $(197.2) | $15.2 |
| Property and equipment, net | $609.1 | $443.0 | $873.4 | $53.3 | $(818.9) | $1,159.9 |
Information about Geographic Areas
As of September 30, 2024, the geographic distribution of our and ARO's drilling rigs was as follows:
| Floaters | Jackups | Other | Total Valaris | ARO | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middle East & Africa | 3 | 4 | 9 | 16 | 9 |
| North & South America | 9 | 7 | — | 16 | — |
| Europe | 4 | 11 | — | 15 | — |
| Asia & Pacific Rim | 2 | 4 | — | 6 | — |
| Total | 18 | 26 | 9 | 53 | 9 |
We provide management services in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico ontwo rigs owned by a third party not included in the table above.
Note 13 -Supplemental Financial Information
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Information
Accounts receivable, net, consisted of the following (in millions):
| September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Trade | $511.9 | $375.2 |
| Income tax receivables | 49.6 | 83.2 |
| Other | 10.7 | 16.2 |
| 572.2 | 474.6 | |
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | (16.4) | (15.3) |
| $555.8 | $459.3 |
Other current assets consisted of the following (in millions):
| September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Prepaid taxes | $60.3 | $49.1 |
| Deferred costs | 45.0 | 75.3 |
| Prepaid expenses | 22.0 | 23.6 |
| Other | 36.2 | 29.2 |
| $163.5 | $177.2 |
Accrued liabilities and other consisted of the following (in millions):
| September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Current contract liabilities (deferred revenues) | $107.6 | $116.2 |
| Personnel costs | 92.7 | 76.6 |
| Income and other taxes payable | 66.2 | 52.9 |
| Accrued interest | 38.4 | 15.4 |
| Lease liabilities | 28.0 | 27.2 |
| Accrued claims | 14.8 | 20.4 |
| Other | 40.9 | 35.5 |
| $388.6 | $344.2 |
Other liabilities consisted of the following (in millions):
| September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Unrecognized tax benefits (inclusive of interest and penalties) | $149.9 | $224.0 |
| Pension and other post-retirement benefits | 121.3 | 141.6 |
| Lease liabilities | 62.0 | 48.9 |
| Noncurrent contract liabilities (deferred revenues) | 49.0 | 37.6 |
| Other | 22.2 | 19.6 |
| $404.4 | $471.7 |
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Information
Other, net consisted of the following (in millions):
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
| Net foreign currency exchange gains (losses) | $(3.5) | $3.6 | $4.4 | $3.4 |
| Net periodic pension and retiree medical income | 0.6 | 0.1 | 2.0 | 0.3 |
| Net gain (loss) on sale of property | (0.2) | — | (0.3) | 27.9 |
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | — | — | — | (29.2) |
| Other income | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 1.3 |
| $(2.8) | $3.9 | $6.5 | $3.7 | |
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Information
Our restricted cash consists primarily of $11.2 million and $12.6 million of collateral on letters of credit at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. See "Note 11 - Contingencies" for more information regarding our letters of credit.
We received U.S. income tax refunds totaling $35.9 million during the third quarter of 2024 primarily related to an Internal Revenue Service examination of one of our subsidiaries' 2009-2012 tax returns.
Concentration of Risk
Credit Risk - We are exposed to credit risk relating to our cash and cash equivalents and receivables from customers. Our cash and cash equivalents are primarily held by various well-capitalized and credit-worthy financial institutions. We monitor the credit ratings of these institutions and limit the amount of exposure to any one institution and therefore, do not believe a significant credit risk exists for these balances. We mitigate our credit risk relating to receivables from customers, which consist primarily of major international, government-owned and independent oil and gas companies, by performing ongoing credit evaluations. We also maintain reserves for potential credit losses, which generally have been within our expectations.
Customer Concentration -Consolidated revenues with customers that individually contributed 10% or more of revenue in either of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 | Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floaters | Jackups | Other | Total | Floaters | Jackups | Other | Total | |
| BP plc ("BP") | 12% | 2% | 5% | 19% | —% | 5% | 6% | 11% |
| Equinor ASA ("Equinor") | 9% | —% | —% | 9% | 3% | —% | —% | 3% |
| Eni S.p.A ("Eni") | 1% | 6% | —% | 7% | 1% | 4% | —% | 5% |
| Other customers (1) | 38% | 25% | 2% | 65% | 49% | 28% | 4% | 81% |
| 60% | 33% | 7% | 100% | 53% | 37% | 10% | 100% | |
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floaters | Jackups | Other | Total | Floaters | Jackups | Other | Total | |
| BP | 9% | 4% | 5% | 18% | 1% | 5% | 6% | 12% |
| Equinor | 10% | —% | —% | 10% | 1% | —% | —% | 1% |
| Eni | 1% | 5% | —% | 6% | 5% | 6% | —% | 11% |
| Other customers (1) | 42% | 22% | 2% | 66% | 46% | 26% | 4% | 76% |
| 62% | 31% | 7% | 100% | 53% | 37% | 10% | 100% | |
(1)Other customers includes customers that individually contributed to less than 10% of our total revenues.
Geographic Concentration - For purposes of our geographic disclosure, we attribute revenues to the geographic location where such revenues are earned. Consolidated revenues for locations that individually had 10% or more of revenue were as follows (in millions):
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 | Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floaters | Jackups | Other | Total | Floaters | Jackups | Other | Total | |
| Brazil | $151.4 | $— | $— | $151.4 | $46.4 | $— | $— | $46.4 |
| United Kingdom | — | 105.3 | — | 105.3 | — | 71.0 | — | 71.0 |
| U.S. Gulf of Mexico | 66.0 | 0.2 | 29.8 | 96.0 | 65.3 | 8.5 | 26.2 | 100.0 |
| Australia | 42.4 | 46.5 | — | 88.9 | 40.2 | 6.8 | — | 47.0 |
| Angola | 68.7 | — | — | 68.7 | 62.8 | — | — | 62.8 |
| Other countries (1) | 60.5 | 61.7 | 10.6 | 132.8 | 28.6 | 79.6 | 19.7 | 127.9 |
| $389.0 | $213.7 | $40.4 | $643.1 | $243.3 | $165.9 | $45.9 | $455.1 | |
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floaters | Jackups | Other | Total | Floaters | Jackups | Other | Total | |
| Brazil | $380.5 | $— | $— | $380.5 | $117.4 | $— | $— | $117.4 |
| U.S. Gulf of Mexico | 178.9 | 10.3 | 84.5 | 273.7 | 152.3 | 22.5 | 78.5 | 253.3 |
| United Kingdom | — | 273.1 | — | 273.1 | — | 192.6 | — | 192.6 |
| Australia | 128.4 | 67.4 | — | 195.8 | 118.0 | 30.3 | — | 148.3 |
| Angola | 141.3 | — | — | 141.3 | 160.1 | — | — | 160.1 |
| Other countries (1) | 268.2 | 201.0 | 44.6 | 513.8 | 137.7 | 234.9 | 56.1 | 428.7 |
| $1,097.3 | $551.8 | $129.1 | $1,778.2 | $685.5 | $480.3 | $134.6 | $1,300.4 | |
(1)Other countries includes locations that individually contributed to less than 10% of our total revenues.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.