US Market News
1月前
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC ANNOUNCES FIRST QUARTER 2026 RESULTSApril 26, 2026 4:35 PM
PR Newswire (US)
Approximately $565 million in new contract value since the January fleet status report, including 3-year extension for the Noble Courage and 5-well contract for the Noble Deliverer; backlog stands at $7.5 billion.$0.50 per share cash dividend declared for Q2, maintaining consistent return of capital program.Q1 Net Income of $121 million, Diluted Earnings per Share of $0.75, Adjusted Diluted Earnings per Share of $0.26, Adjusted EBITDA of $277 million, net cash provided by operating activities of $273 million, and Free Cash Flow of $169 million.Full Year 2026 Guidance for Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA maintained, 2026 capital expenditures guidance increased by $25 million due to the reactivation of the Noble Deliverer.HOUSTON, April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Noble Corporation plc (NYSE: NE, "Noble" or the "Company") today reported first quarter 2026 results.
Three Months Ended (in millions, except per share amounts)
March 31, 2026
March 31, 2025
December 31, 2025Total Revenue
$ 786
$ 874
$ 764Contract Drilling Services Revenue
743
832
705Net Income (Loss)
121
108
87Adjusted EBITDA*
277
338
232Adjusted Net Income (Loss)*
41
42
14Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share
0.76
0.68
0.55Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share
0.75
0.67
0.54Adjusted Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share*
0.26
0.26
0.09
* A Non-GAAP supporting schedule is included with the statements and schedules in this press release.Robert W. Eifler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noble, stated, "We commenced 2026 with solid operational and financial results. Commercial momentum remains brisk, highlighted by the Noble Courage's three year extension with Petrobras and the Noble Deliverer's five-well program with Woodside. We remain intensely focused on project execution, with several important contract commencements scheduled over the course of this year, each of which is progressing well."First Quarter Results
Contract drilling services revenue for the first quarter of 2026 totaled $743 million compared to $705 million in the prior quarter, with the sequential increase driven primarily by improved fleet utilization. Utilization of the 29 marketed rigs was 68% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to 64% for the same rigs in the prior quarter. Contract drilling services costs for the first quarter were $450 million, down from $471 million in the prior quarter. Net income (loss) increased to $121 million in the first quarter of 2026, up from $87 million in the prior quarter, and Adjusted EBITDA increased to $277 million in the first quarter of 2026, up from $232 million in the prior quarter. Net cash provided by operating activities in the first quarter of 2026 was $273 million, capital expenditures were $104 million, and free cash flow (non-GAAP) was $169 million. Additionally, net disposal proceeds during the quarter totaled $206 million, representing the cash consideration received from the previously announced sale of five jackups to Borr Drilling.Balance Sheet & Capital Allocation
The Company's balance sheet as of March 31, 2026, reflected total debt principal value of $1.9 billion and cash (and cash equivalents) of $663 million. The Company redeemed $55 million principal amount of the 8.5% senior secured notes due 2030 during the first quarter. Additionally, the Company completed the lease buy-out on the first two (of four total) Blackships BOP systems for $36.5 million during the first quarter. The buy-out of the remaining two BOP systems is expected to occur later in 2026 for $36.5 million. In total, the lease buy-out for all four systems is expected to cost $73 million.On April 26, 2026, Noble's Board of Directors approved an interim quarterly cash dividend on our ordinary shares of $0.50 per share for the second quarter of 2026. The $0.50 per share dividend is expected to be paid on June 25, 2026, to shareholders of record at close of business on June 4, 2026. Future quarterly dividends and other shareholder returns will be subject to, amongst other things, approval by the Board of Directors.Operating Highlights and Backlog
Noble's fleet of 24 marketed floaters was 68% contracted during the first quarter compared with 62% in the prior quarter. Recent contract awards since last quarter have added approximately 5 rig years of new floater backlog. Recent dayrate fixtures for Tier-1 drillships have increased moderately to the low-to-mid $400,000s. Utilization of Noble's five ultra harsh jackups was 66% in the first quarter versus 72% during the prior quarter.Subsequent to last quarter's earnings press release, new contracts with a total contract value of approximately $565 million include the following:Noble Courage was extended by Petrobras for an additional 1,115 days, extending through December 2030, for a net incremental backlog addition of $339 million. The dayrate from April 2026 through December 2027 has been reduced from $290,100 to $280,000, followed by the 1,115 days extension at $309,500 per day.Noble Deliverer was awarded a 5-well contract with Woodside in Australia. The contract, valued at $121 million excluding additional services and potential upgrades, is anticipated to commence in Q2 or Q3 2027 and includes options for up to two additional wells.Noble Developer received a one-well contract from ExxonMobil in Guyana at a dayrate of $375,000. This contract is scheduled to commence in early 2027 in direct continuation of the rig's current program.Noble BlackRhino had an option well exercised by Beacon in the U.S. Gulf which commenced recently in April.Noble Venturer received a one-well contract with Planet One in Ghana, at a dayrate of $430,000, expected to commence in late 2026; plus two unpriced option wells.Noble Viking has secured a one-well contract in Malaysia in direct continuation of existing backlog.Backlog as of April 27, 2026, stands at $7.5 billion. Backlog excludes mobilization and demobilization revenue.Outlook
For the full year 2026, previous guidance is maintained for Revenue ($2,800-$3,000 million) and Adjusted EBITDA ($940-$1,020 million), while guidance for capital expenditures is increased to $615-$665 million (previously $590-$640 million) due to the Noble Deliverer's reactivation.Commenting on Noble's outlook, Mr. Eifler stated, "With tightening floater fundamentals, the trajectory for dayrates, contract duration and earnings visibility is improving. We continue to anticipate a meaningful financial inflection next year supported by existing backlog and a robust bidding pipeline. Against this backdrop, Noble will continue to prioritize our leading shareholder return program."Due to the forward-looking nature of Adjusted EBITDA and Capital Expenditures (net of reimbursements), management cannot reliably predict certain of the necessary components of the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measure, net income, and capital expenditures, respectively. Accordingly, the Company is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of such forward-looking non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measure without unreasonable effort. The unavailable information could have a significant effect on Noble's full year 2026 GAAP financial results.Conference Call
Noble will host a conference call related to its first quarter 2026 results on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Central Time. Interested parties may dial +1 800-715-9871 and refer to conference ID 31391 approximately 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Additionally, a live webcast link will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website. A webcast replay will be accessible for a limited time following the call.About Noble Corporation plc
Noble is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. The Company owns and operates one of the most modern, versatile, and technically advanced fleets in the offshore drilling industry. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921. Noble performs, through its subsidiaries, contract drilling services with a fleet of offshore drilling units focused largely on ultra-deepwater and high specification jackup drilling opportunities in both established and emerging regions worldwide. Additional information on Noble is available at www.noblecorp.com. Forward-looking Statements
This communication includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this communication are forward looking statements, including, but not limited to, those regarding future guidance, including revenue, earnings and earnings per share, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, margins, leverage, operating results, project status, expenses, tax rates and deferred taxes, the offshore drilling market and demand fundamentals, costs, amount, effect or timing of cost savings, debt, the benefits or results of asset dispositions, cash flows and free cash flow expectations, capital expenditures and capital allocations expectations, including planned dividends and share repurchases, contract backlog, including projections for the achievement of revenue associated with performance, rig demand, contract awards and expected future contracts, options or extensions on existing contracts, anticipated contract start dates, major project schedules, dayrates and duration, customer actions, needs and the general customer landscape, projections, strategies and objectives of management for current or future operations and business, any asset sales or the retirement of rigs, access to capital, fleet condition, utilization and strategy, timing and amount of insurance recoveries, current or future market outlook and current or future economic trends or events and their impact on the Company, 2026 financial guidance and any statements or descriptions of assumptions underlying any of the above. 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 communication, or in the documents incorporated by reference, the words "guidance," "anticipate," "aim," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "future," "goal," "intend," "likely," "likelihood," "may," "might," "on track," "outlook," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "would," "achieve," "shall," "seek," "strategy," "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 communication and we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement for any reason, except as required by law. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could affect our business, operating results, and financial condition include, but are not limited to, market conditions and changes in customer demand, the level of activity in the oil and gas industry and the offshore contract drilling industry, current and future prices of oil and gas, customer actions and new or substitute customer contracts, realization of our current backlog of contract drilling revenue, operating hazards, natural disasters, seasonal weather events and related damages or liabilities, acts of war or geopolitical conflict (including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East), risks relating to operations in international locations, upgrades, refurbishment, operation, and maintenance of our rigs and related operational interruptions and delays, sales of drilling units, supplier capacity constraints or shortages, nonperformance by third-parties, suppliers and subcontractors, regulatory changes, the impact of governmental laws and regulations on our costs and the offshore drilling industry, potential impacts, liabilities and costs from pending or potential investigations, claims and tax or other disputes, and other factors, including those detailed in Noble's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports Form 10-Q and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 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. With respect to our capital allocation policy, distributions to shareholders in the form of either dividends or share buybacks are subject to the Board of Directors' assessment of factors such as business development, growth strategy, current leverage and financing needs. There can be no assurance that a dividend or buyback program will be declared or continued.Contract Backlog
The duration and timing (including both starting and ending dates) of the customer contracts are estimates only, and customer contracts are subject to cancellation, suspension, delays for a variety of reasons, and for certain customers, reallocation of term among contracted rigs, including some beyond Noble's control. The contract backlog represents the maximum contract drilling revenues that can be earned when only considering the contractual operating dayrate in effect during the firm contract period. The actual average dayrate will depend upon a number of factors (e.g., rig downtime, suspension of operations, etc.) including some beyond Noble's control. The dayrates do not include revenue for mobilizations, demobilizations, upgrades, contract preparation, shipyards, or recharges, unless specifically otherwise stated. Dayrates may include revenue associated with performance including, for example, approximately 40% assumed performance revenue realized on a combined basis under certain long-term contracts with Shell (US) and TotalEnergies (Suriname).NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIESCONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2026
2025Operating revenues
Contract drilling services
$ 742,553
$ 832,428Reimbursables and other
43,137
42,059
785,690
874,487Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services
450,125
462,099Reimbursables
30,112
31,784Depreciation and amortization
137,340
143,137General and administrative
30,048
35,208Merger and integration costs
2,615
14,920(Gain) loss on sale of operating assets, net
(89,858)
—
560,382
687,148Operating income (loss)
225,308
187,339Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
(40,559)
(40,467)Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt, net
726
—Interest income and other, net
8,197
1,837Income (loss) before income taxes
193,672
148,709Income tax benefit (provision)
(72,947)
(40,406)Net income (loss)
$ 120,725
$ 108,303Basic earnings (loss) per share
$ 0.76
$ 0.68Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$ 0.75
$ 0.67 NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIESCONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(In thousands)(Unaudited)
March 31, 2026
December 31, 2025ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 662,650
$ 471,399Accounts receivable, net
595,878
589,597Prepaid expenses and other current assets
176,234
211,286Total current assets
1,434,762
1,272,282Property and equipment, at cost
6,778,292
6,639,045Accumulated depreciation
(1,372,621)
(1,236,222)Property and equipment, net
5,405,671
5,402,823Other assets
637,284
854,662Total assets
$ 7,477,717
$ 7,529,767LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable
$ 307,596
$ 298,751Accrued payroll and related costs
51,800
81,754Other current liabilities
360,011
379,224Total current liabilities
719,407
759,729Long-term debt
1,917,272
1,975,791Other liabilities
253,379
245,397Total liabilities
2,890,058
2,980,917Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholders' equity
4,587,659
4,548,850Total liabilities and equity
$ 7,477,717
$ 7,529,767 NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIESCONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS(In thousands)(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31,
2026
2025Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)
$ 120,725
$ 108,303Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flow from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
137,340
143,137Amortization of intangible assets and contract liabilities, net
—
(7,450)(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net
(726)
—(Gain) loss on sale of operating assets, net
(89,858)
—Other operating activitiesOther operating activities
105,809
27,070Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
273,290
271,060Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures
(103,853)
(113,536)Proceeds from insurance claims
—
15,391Proceeds from disposal of assets, net
206,400
—Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
102,547
(98,145)Cash flows from financing activities
Repayments of debt
(56,650)
—Warrants exercised
2,569
38Share repurchases
—
(20,000)Dividend payments
(83,691)
(81,406)Withholding tax related to employee stock transactions
(9,670)
(9,073)Finance lease payments
(41,756)
(6,019)Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(189,198)
(116,460)Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
186,639
56,455Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period
479,960
252,279Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period
$ 666,599
$ 308,734 NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIESOPERATIONAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
Average Rig Utilization (1)
Three Months Ended
Three Months Ended
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2026
December 31, 2025
March 31, 2025Floaters
65 %
59 %
74 %Jackups
78 %
68 %
74 %Total
69 %
62 %
74 %
Operating Days
Three Months Ended
Three Months Ended
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2026
December 31, 2025
March 31, 2025Floaters
1,470
1,363
1,800Jackups
660
689
871Total
2,130
2,052
2,671
Average Dayrates
Three Months Ended
Three Months Ended
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2026
December 31, 2025
March 31, 2025Floaters
$ 422,076
$ 410,840
$ 381,161Jackups
184,807
211,179
159,527Total
$ 348,554
$ 343,777
$ 308,898(1)Average Rig Utilization statistics include all marketed and cold stacked rigs. NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIESCALCULATION OF BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS/(LOSS) PER SHARE(In thousands, except per share amounts)(Unaudited)
The following tables presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Three Months EndedMarch 31,
2026
2025Numerator:
Net income (loss)
$ 120,725
$ 108,303Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic
159,219
159,006Dilutive effect of share-based awards
1,119
2,134Dilutive effect of warrants
1,241
797Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted
161,579
161,937Earnings (loss) per share data:
Basic
$ 0.76
$ 0.68Diluted
$ 0.75
$ 0.67NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NON-GAAP MEASURES AND RECONCILIATIONCertain non-GAAP measures and corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures for the Company have been provided for meaningful comparisons between current results and prior operating periods. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's performance, financial position, or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts that are not normally included or excluded in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.The Company defines "Adjusted EBITDA" as net income (loss) adjusted for interest expense, net of amounts capitalized; interest income and other, net; income tax benefit (provision); and depreciation and amortization expense, as well as, if applicable, gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt, net; losses on economic impairments; amortization of intangible assets and contract liabilities, net; restructuring and similar charges; costs related to mergers and integrations; and certain other infrequent operational events. We believe that the Adjusted EBITDA measure provides greater transparency of our core operating performance. We prepare Adjusted Net Income (Loss) by eliminating from Net Income (Loss) the impact of a number of non-recurring items we do not consider indicative of our on-going performance. We prepare Adjusted Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share by eliminating from Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share the impact of a number of non-recurring items we do not consider indicative of our on-going performance. Similar to Adjusted EBITDA, we believe these measures help identify underlying trends that could otherwise be masked by the effect of the non-recurring items we exclude in the measure.The Company also discloses free cash flow as a non-GAAP liquidity measure. Free cash flow is calculated as Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less cash paid for capital expenditures. We believe Free Cash Flow is useful to investors because it measures our ability to generate or use cash. Once business needs and obligations are met, this cash can be used to reinvest in the company for future growth or to return to shareholders through dividend payments or share repurchases. We may have certain obligations such as non-discretionary debt service that are not deducted from the measure. Such business needs, obligations, and other non-discretionary expenditures that are not deducted from Free Cash Flow would reduce cash available for other uses including return of capital.We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information about our financial performance, enhance the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects, and allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by our management team for financial and operational decision-making. We are presenting these non-GAAP financial measures to assist investors in seeing our financial performance through the eyes of management, and because we believe that these measures provide an additional tool for investors to use in comparing our core financial performance over multiple periods with other companies in our industry.These non-GAAP adjusted measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, contract drilling revenue, contract drilling costs, contract drilling margin, average daily revenue, operating income, cash flows from operations, or other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Please see the following non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliations for a complete description of the adjustments.NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIESNON-GAAP MEASURES AND RECONCILIATION(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA
Three Months Ended March 31,
Three Months Ended
2026
2025
December 31, 2025Net income (loss)
$ 120,725
$ 108,303
$ 86,637Income tax (benefit) provision
72,947
40,406
(72,848)Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
40,559
40,467
41,449Interest income and other, net
(8,197)
(1,837)
(12,678)Depreciation and amortization
137,340
143,137
147,987Amortization of intangible assets and contract liabilities, net
—
(7,450)
—Costs incurred in connection with contract termination
2,000
—
14,500(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net
(726)
—
—Merger and integration costs
2,615
14,920
4,015(Gain) loss on sale of operating assets, net
(89,858)
—
1,397Loss on impairment
—
—
21,962Adjusted EBITDA
$ 277,405
$ 337,946
$ 232,421Reconciliation of Adjusted Income Tax Benefit (Provision)
Three Months Ended March 31,
Three Months Ended
2026
2025
December 31, 2025Income tax benefit (provision)
$ (72,947)
$ (40,406)
$ 72,848Adjustments
Costs incurred in connection with contract termination
(420)
—
(2,231)Gain (loss) on sale of operating assets, net
23,504
—
—Discrete tax items
(16,621)
(73,295)
(111,897)Total adjustments
6,463
(73,295)
(114,128)Adjusted income tax benefit (provision)
$ (66,484)
$ (113,701)
$ (41,280) NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIESNON-GAAP MEASURES AND RECONCILIATION(In thousands, except per share amounts)(Unaudited)
Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income (Loss)
Three Months Ended March 31,
Three Months Ended
2026
2025
December 31, 2025Net income (loss)
$ 120,725
$ 108,303
$ 86,637Adjustments
Amortization of intangible assets and contract liabilities, net
—
(7,450)
—Merger and integration costs
2,615
14,920
4,015(Gain) loss on sale of operating assets, net
(66,354)
—
1,397Loss on impairment
—
—
21,962Costs incurred in connection with contract termination, net
1,580
—
12,269(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, net
(726)
—
—Discrete tax items
(16,621)
(73,295)
(111,897)Total adjustments
(79,506)
(65,825)
(72,254)Adjusted net income (loss)
$ 41,219
$ 42,478
$ 14,383
Reconciliation of Adjusted Diluted EPS
Three Months Ended March 31,
Three Months Ended
2026
2025
December 31, 2025Unadjusted diluted EPS
$ 0.75
$ 0.67
$ 0.54Adjustments
Amortization of intangible assets and contract liabilities, net
—
(0.05)
—Merger and integration costs
0.02
0.09
0.02(Gain) loss on sale of operating assets, net
(0.42)
—
0.01Loss on impairment
—
—
0.14Costs incurred in connection with contract termination, net
0.01
—
0.08Discrete tax items
(0.10)
(0.45)
(0.70)Total adjustments
(0.49)
(0.41)
(0.45)Adjusted diluted EPS
$ 0.26
$ 0.26
$ 0.09
Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow and Capital Expenditures, net of Proceeds from Insurance Claims
Three Months Ended March 31,
Three Months Ended
2026
2025
December 31, 2025Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$ 273,290
$ 271,060
$ 187,125Capital expenditures
(103,853)
(113,536)
(151,747)Proceeds from insurance claims
—
15,391
53Free cash flow
$ 169,437
$ 172,915
$ 35,431
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/noble-corporation-plc-announces-first-quarter-2026-results-302753766.htmlSOURCE Noble Corporation plc
Original: NOBLE CORPORATION PLC ANNOUNCES FIRST QUARTER 2026 RESULTS
US Market News
4月前
NOBLE CORPORATION PLC ANNOUNCES FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2025 RESULTSFebruary 11, 2026 4:30 PM
PR Newswire (US)
Approximately $1.3 billion in new contract awards since October fleet status report, increasing backlog to $7.5 billion.Completed divestiture of five jackups for $360 million; additional jackup (Noble Resolve) divestiture estimated to close in Q3 2026.$0.50 per share dividend declared for Q1 2026, bringing cumulative total capital returned since Q4 2022 to approximately $1.3 billion.Full Year 2026 guidance provided as follows: Total Revenue $2,800 to $3,000 million, Adjusted EBITDA $940 to $1,020 million, and Capital Expenditures $590 to $640 million.HOUSTON, Feb. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Noble Corporation plc (NYSE: NE, "Noble", or the "Company") today reported fourth quarter and full year 2025 results.
Three Months Ended (in millions, except per share amounts)
December 31, 2025
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2024Total Revenue
$ 764
$ 798
$ 927Contract Drilling Services Revenue
705
757
882Net Income (Loss)
87
(21)
97Adjusted EBITDA*
232
254
319Adjusted Net Income (Loss)*
14
30
91Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share
0.55
(0.13)
0.60Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share
0.54
(0.13)
0.59Adjusted Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share*
0.09
0.19
0.56
* A Non-GAAP supporting schedule is included with the statements and schedules attached to this press release.Robert W. Eifler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noble, stated, "Solid fourth quarter performance brought our full year 2025 Adjusted EBITDA to the upper half of the original guidance range and contributed to another year of strong free cash flow. Noble's commercial success continues to build with the recent award of nearly 10 rig years of new bookings comprising $1.3 billion of high quality backlog. Meanwhile, we have continued to sharpen and high-grade our fleet posture and balance sheet with the announced divestitures of six jackups – collectively creating a platform of optimal focus, scale, and financial strength."Fourth Quarter Results
Contract drilling services revenue for the fourth quarter of 2025 totaled $705 million compared to $757 million in the prior quarter, with the sequential decrease driven by lower average utilization and dayrates. Marketed fleet utilization was 64% in the three months ended December 31, 2025, compared to 65% in the prior quarter. Contract drilling services costs for the fourth quarter were $471 million, down from $480 million in the prior quarter. Net income (loss) increased to $87 million in the fourth quarter, up from $(21) million in the prior quarter, and Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $232 million in the fourth quarter, down from $254 million in the prior quarter. Net cash provided by operating activities in the fourth quarter was $187 million, Capital Expenditures were $152 million (including $18 million associated with the termination of the BOPs service agreement), and free cash flow (non-GAAP) was $35 million.Balance Sheet and Capital Allocation
The Company's balance sheet as of December 31, 2025, reflected total debt principal value of $2 billion and cash (and cash equivalents) of $471 million. Share repurchases for 2025 totaled $20 million, and $318 million in dividends were paid during the year.Today, Noble's Board of Directors approved a quarterly interim dividend of $0.50 per share for the first quarter of 2026. This dividend is expected to be paid on March 19, 2026 to shareholders of record at close of business on March 4, 2026. 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.Operating Highlights and Backlog
Noble's marketed fleet of 24 floaters was 62% contracted through the fourth quarter, compared with 67% in the prior quarter, primarily due to contract rollovers on the Noble BlackRhino and Ocean Apex. Recent backlog additions since last quarter have added 9.3 rig years of total floater backlog and support renewed utilization for four currently idle rigs. Recent dayrate fixtures for Tier-1 drillships have been in the +/- $400,000 range, with 6th generation floater fixtures between the low $300,000s to low $400,000s per day.Utilization of Noble's 11 marketed jackups was 68% in the fourth quarter versus 60% utilization during the prior quarter. Excluding the six jackups whose divestiture is completed or pending, contracted utilization of Noble's five ultra-harsh jackups is anticipated to improve from 60% in the first quarter to 100% by early in the third quarter this year.Subsequent to last quarter's earnings press release, new contracts with total contract value of over $1.3 billion (including additional services and mobilization payments, but excluding extension options) include the following:ExxonMobil has awarded two additional rig years of backlog under the Commercial Enabling Agreement ("CEA") in Guyana, which has been assigned evenly across the four drillships, extending each rig to February of 2029.Noble GreatWhite was awarded a three-year contract with Aker BP in Norway valued at $473 million, including mobilization but excluding additional fees for integrated services and bonus potential.Noble Gerry de Souza was awarded a two-year contract with ExxonMobil in Nigeria, valued at $292 million and estimated to commence in mid-2026. Plus three years of optional extensions.Noble BlackRhino was awarded a contract for one well with Beacon Offshore Energy in the US Gulf scheduled to commence in March 2026 with an estimated duration of 50 days. The contract includes an option for an additional well with an estimated duration of 100 days.Noble Developer was awarded a three-well contract with estimated duration of 240 days with bp in Trinidad scheduled to commence in Q1 2027 at a dayrate of $375,000. Plus options for up to three additional wells with an estimated combined duration of 240 days.Noble Endeavor was awarded an 11-well contract with an undisclosed operator in South America, estimated to commence in late 2026 at a dayrate of $300,000 per day plus mobilization and demobilization fees with the potential for additional revenue from a performance incentive provision.Noble's backlog as of February 11, 2026, stands at $7.5 billion.Outlook
For the full year 2026, Noble announces a guidance range for Total Revenue of $2,800 to $3,000 million, Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $940 to $1,020 million, and Capital Expenditures between $590 to $640 million. This range of Capital Expenditures includes 50% of the estimated $160 million project capital for the Noble GreatWhite, as well as approximately $25 million of reimbursable capital.Commenting on Noble's outlook, Mr. Eifler stated, "Recent improvement in our contract coverage, coupled with ongoing customer dialogue, indicate a likelihood of a tightening market as we progress through this year. While 2026 is anticipated to be a transitional year from an earnings perspective, the foundation for a meaningful inflection is becoming increasingly tangible, supported by the unique circumstance of our 2027 backlog now already eclipsing current year backlog. In the meantime, we remain highly focused on safe and efficient service delivery for our customers, and a compelling return of capital proposition for shareholders."Due to the forward-looking nature of Adjusted EBITDA, management cannot reliably predict certain of the necessary components of the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measure, net income. Accordingly, the Company is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of such forward-looking non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP financial measure without unreasonable effort. The unavailable information could have a significant effect on Noble's full year 2026 GAAP financial results.Conference Call
Noble will host a conference call related to its fourth quarter 2025 results on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Central Time. Interested parties may dial +1 888-500-3691 and refer to conference ID 31391 approximately 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Additionally, a live webcast link will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website. A webcast replay will be accessible for a limited time following the scheduled call.For additional information, visit www.noblecorp.com or e-mail investors@noblecorp.com. About Noble Corporation plc
Noble is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. The Company owns and operates one of the most modern, versatile, and technically advanced fleets in the offshore drilling industry. Noble and its predecessors have been engaged in the contract drilling of oil and gas wells since 1921. Noble performs, through its subsidiaries, contract drilling services with a fleet of offshore drilling units focused largely on ultra-deepwater and high specification jackup drilling opportunities in both established and emerging regions worldwide. Additional information on Noble is available at www.noblecorp.com. Forward-looking Statements
This communication includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this communication are forward looking statements, including, but not limited to, those regarding future guidance, including revenue, earnings and earnings per share, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, margins, leverage, operating results, expenses, tax rates and deferred taxes, the offshore drilling market and demand fundamentals, costs, amount, effect or timing of cost savings, debt, the benefits or results of asset dispositions, cash flows and free cash flow expectations, capital expenditures and capital allocations expectations, including planned dividends and share repurchases, contract backlog, including projections for the achievement of performance incentives, rig demand, contract awards and expected future contracts, options or extensions on existing contracts, anticipated contract start dates, major project schedules, dayrates and duration, customer actions, needs and the general customer landscape, projections, strategies and objectives of management for current or future operations and business, any asset sales or the retirement of rigs, access to capital, fleet condition, utilization and strategy, timing and amount of insurance recoveries, current or future market outlook and current or future economic trends or events and their impact on the Company, 2026 financial guidance and any statements or descriptions of assumptions underlying any of the above. 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 communication, or in the documents incorporated by reference, the words "guidance," "anticipate," "aim," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "future," "goal," "intend," "likely," "likelihood," "may," "might," "on track," "outlook," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "would," "achieve," "shall," "seek," "strategy," "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 communication and we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement for any reason, except as required by law. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could affect our business, operating results, and financial condition include, but are not limited to, market conditions and changes in customer demand, the level of activity in the oil and gas industry and the offshore contract drilling industry, current and future prices of oil and gas, customer actions and new or substitute customer contracts, realization of our current backlog of contract drilling revenue, operating hazards, natural disasters, seasonal weather events and related damages or liabilities, risks relating to operations in international locations, upgrades, refurbishment, operation, and maintenance of our rigs and related operational interruptions and delays, sales of drilling units, supplier capacity constraints or shortages, nonperformance by third-parties, suppliers and subcontractors, regulatory changes, the impact of governmental laws and regulations on our costs and the offshore drilling industry, potential impacts, liabilities and costs from pending or potential investigations, claims and tax or other disputes, and other factors, including those detailed in Noble's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports Form 10-Q and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 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. With respect to our capital allocation policy, distributions to shareholders in the form of either dividends or share buybacks are subject to the Board of Directors' assessment of factors such as business development, growth strategy, current leverage and financing needs. There can be no assurance that a dividend or buyback program will be declared or continued.The duration and timing (including both starting and ending dates) of the customer contracts are estimates only, and customer contracts are subject to cancellation, suspension, delays for a variety of reasons, and for certain customers, reallocation of term among contracted rigs, including some beyond Noble's control. The contract backlog represents the maximum contract drilling revenues that can be earned when only considering the contractual operating dayrate in effect during the firm contract period. The actual average dayrate will depend upon a number of factors (e.g., rig downtime, suspension of operations, etc.) including some beyond Noble's control. The dayrates do not include revenue for mobilizations, demobilizations, upgrades, contract preparation, shipyards, or recharges, unless specifically otherwise stated. Dayrates do not generally include revenue for performance incentives, with the exception of approximately 40% assumed performance revenue realized on a combined basis under certain long-term contracts with Shell (US) and TotalEnergies (Suriname).NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIESCONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS(In thousands, except per share amounts)(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended December 31,
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
2025
2024
2025
2024Operating revenues
Contract drilling services
$ 705,297
$ 882,089
$ 3,107,207
$ 2,918,767Reimbursables and other
59,115
45,252
178,361
139,051
764,412
927,341
3,285,568
3,057,818Operating costs and expenses
Contract drilling services
471,131
527,251
1,915,551
1,687,164Reimbursables
45,698
36,283
136,389
105,479Depreciation and amortization
147,987
141,279
585,469
428,626General and administrative
29,662
31,273
133,147
140,499Merger and integration costs
4,015
20,261
26,382
109,424(Gain) loss on sale of operating assets, net
1,397
—
(9,586)
(17,357)Loss on impairment
21,962
—
82,664
—
721,852
756,347
2,870,016
2,453,835Operating income (loss)
42,560
170,994
415,552
603,983Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net of amount capitalized
(41,449)
(39,720)
(162,403)
(94,211)Interest income and other, net
12,678
(6,812)
19,953
(17,438)Income (loss) before income taxes
13,789
124,462
273,102
492,334Income tax benefit (provision)
72,848
(27,814)
(56,385)
(43,981)Net income (loss)
$ 86,637
$ 96,648
$ 216,717
$ 448,353Basic earnings (loss) per share
$ 0.55
$ 0.60
$ 1.36
$ 3.01Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$ 0.54
$ 0.59
$ 1.35
$ 2.96 NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIESCONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(In thousands)(Unaudited)
December 31, 2025
December 31, 2024ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 471,399
$ 247,303Accounts receivable, net
589,597
796,961Prepaid expenses and other current assets
211,286
344,600Total current assets
1,272,282
1,388,864Property and equipment, at cost
6,639,045
6,904,731Accumulated depreciation
(1,236,222)
(868,914)Property and equipment, net
5,402,823
6,035,817Other assets
854,662
540,087Total assets
$ 7,529,767
$ 7,964,768LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable
$ 298,751
$ 397,622Accrued payroll and related costs
81,754
116,877Other current liabilities
379,224
425,863Total current liabilities
759,729
940,362Long-term debt
1,975,791
1,980,186Other liabilities
245,397
384,254Noncurrent contract liabilities
—
8,580Total liabilities
2,980,917
3,313,382Commitments and contingencies
Total shareholders' equity
4,548,850
4,651,386Total liabilities and equity
$ 7,529,767
$ 7,964,768 NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIESCONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS(In thousands)(Unaudited)
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
2025
2024Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)$ 216,717
$ 448,353Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flow from
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization585,469
428,626Amortization of intangible assets and contract liabilities, net(8,365)
(60,032)(Gain) loss on sale of operating assets, net(9,586)
(17,357)Loss on impairment82,664
—Other operating activities84,779
(144,115)Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities951,678
655,475Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures(519,523)
(575,315)Proceeds from insurance claims22,254
23,297Cash acquired (used in) business combinations, net—
(417,041)Proceeds from disposal of assets, net147,201
10,040Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities(350,068)
(959,019)Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of debt—
824,000Borrowing on credit facilities—
35,000Repayments of credit facilities—
(35,000)Debt issuance costs—
(10,002)Warrants exercised 44
1,443Share repurchases(20,000)
(299,989)Dividend payments(320,368)
(277,831)Withholding tax related to employee stock transactions(9,669)
(66,057)Finance lease payments(23,936)
(6,064)Other—
22,578Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(373,929)
188,078Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash227,681
(115,466)Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period252,279
367,745Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period$ 479,960
$ 252,279 NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIESOPERATIONAL INFORMATION(Unaudited)
Average Rig Utilization
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2025
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2024Floaters59 %
65 %
68 %Jackups68 %
54 %
82 %Total62 %
61 %
73 %
Operating Days
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2025
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2024Floaters1,363
1,488
1,713Jackups689
627
978Total2,052
2,115
2,691
Average Dayrates
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2025
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2024Floaters$ 410,840
$ 423,489
$ 419,909Jackups211,179
202,982
152,419Total$ 343,777
$ 358,126
$ 322,746 NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIESCALCULATION OF BASIC AND DILUTED NET INCOME/(LOSS) PER SHARE(In thousands, except per share amounts)(Unaudited)
The following tables presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Three Months EndedDecember 31,
Twelve Months EndedDecember 31,
2025
2024
2025
2024Numerator:
Net income (loss)
$ 86,637
$ 96,648
$ 216,717
$ 448,353Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic
158,851
160,257
158,872
148,733Dilutive effect of share-based awards
535
1,512
535
1,512Dilutive effect of warrants
886
1,048
795
1,394Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted
160,272
162,817
160,202
151,639Earnings (loss) per share data:
Basic
$ 0.55
$ 0.60
$ 1.36
$ 3.01Diluted
$ 0.54
$ 0.59
$ 1.35
$ 2.96NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIES
NON-GAAP MEASURES AND RECONCILIATIONCertain non-GAAP measures and corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures for the Company have been provided for meaningful comparisons between current results and prior operating periods. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's performance, financial position, or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts that are not normally included or excluded in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.The Company defines "Adjusted EBITDA" as net income (loss) adjusted for interest expense, net of amounts capitalized; interest income and other, net; income tax benefit (provision); and depreciation and amortization expense, as well as, if applicable, gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt, net; losses on economic impairments; amortization of intangible assets and contract liabilities, net; restructuring and similar charges; costs related to mergers and integrations; and certain other infrequent operational events. We believe that the Adjusted EBITDA measure provides greater transparency of our core operating performance. We prepare Adjusted Net Income (Loss) by eliminating from Net Income (Loss) the impact of a number of non-recurring items we do not consider indicative of our on-going performance. We prepare Adjusted Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share by eliminating from Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share the impact of a number of non-recurring items we do not consider indicative of our on-going performance. Similar to Adjusted EBITDA, we believe these measures help identify underlying trends that could otherwise be masked by the effect of the non-recurring items we exclude in the measure.The Company also discloses free cash flow as a non-GAAP liquidity measure. Free cash flow is calculated as Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities less cash paid for capital expenditures. We believe Free Cash Flow is useful to investors because it measures our ability to generate or use cash. Once business needs and obligations are met, this cash can be used to reinvest in the company for future growth or to return to shareholders through dividend payments or share repurchases. We may have certain obligations such as non-discretionary debt service that are not deducted from the measure. Such business needs, obligations, and other non-discretionary expenditures that are not deducted from Free Cash Flow would reduce cash available for other uses including return of capital.We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information about our financial performance, enhance the overall understanding of our past performance and future prospects, and allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by our management team for financial and operational decision-making. We are presenting these non-GAAP financial measures to assist investors in seeing our financial performance through the eyes of management, and because we believe that these measures provide an additional tool for investors to use in comparing our core financial performance over multiple periods with other companies in our industry.These non-GAAP adjusted measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, contract drilling revenue, contract drilling costs, contract drilling margin, average daily revenue, operating income, cash flows from operations, or other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. Please see the following non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliations for a complete description of the adjustments.NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIESNON-GAAP MEASURES AND RECONCILIATION(In thousands, except per share amounts)(Unaudited)
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA
Three Months Ended
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2025
September 30,
2025
December 31,
2024
December 31,
2025
December 31,
2024Net income (loss)
$ 86,637
$ (21,095)
$ 96,648
$ 216,717
$ 448,353Income tax (benefit) provision
(72,848)
31,731
27,814
56,385
43,981Interest expense, net of amounts
capitalized
41,449
40,490
39,720
162,403
94,211Interest income and other, net
(12,678)
(726)
6,812
(19,953)
17,438Depreciation and amortization
147,987
147,260
141,279
585,469
428,626Amortization of intangible assets and
contract liabilities, net
—
—
(13,452)
(8,365)
(60,032)Costs incurred in connection with
contract termination
14,500
—
—
14,500
—Merger and integration costs
4,015
2,145
20,261
26,382
109,424(Gain) loss on sale of operating assets,
net
1,397
(6,232)
—
(9,586)
(17,357)Loss on impairment
21,962
60,702
—
82,664
—Adjusted EBITDA
$ 232,421
$ 254,275
$ 319,082
$ 1,106,616
$ 1,064,644
Reconciliation of Adjusted Income Tax Benefit (Provision)
Three Months Ended
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2025
September 30,
2025
December 31,
2024
December 31,
2025
December 31,
2024Income tax benefit (provision)
$ 72,848
$ (31,731)
$ (27,814)
$ (56,385)
$ (43,981)Adjustments
Amortization of intangible assets and
contract liabilities, net
—
—
859
—
1,108Costs incurred in connection with
contract termination
(2,231)
—
—
(2,231)
—Discrete tax items
(111,897)
(5,280)
(17,415)
(212,601)
(136,698)Total adjustments
(114,128)
(5,280)
(16,556)
(214,832)
(135,590)Adjusted income tax benefit
(provision)
$ (41,280)
$ (37,011)
$ (44,370)
$ (271,217)
$ (179,571) NOBLE CORPORATION plc AND SUBSIDIARIESNON-GAAP MEASURES AND RECONCILIATION(In thousands, except per share amounts)(Unaudited)
Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income (Loss)
Three Months Ended
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2025
September 30,
2025
December 31,
2024
December 31,
2025
December 31,
2024Net income (loss)
$ 86,637
$ (21,095)
$ 96,648
$ 216,717
$ 448,353Adjustments
Amortization of intangible assets and
contract liabilities, net
—
—
(12,593)
(8,365)
(58,924)Joint taxation scheme compensation
—
—
4,018
—
4,018Merger and integration costs
4,015
2,145
20,261
26,382
109,424(Gain) loss on sale of operating assets,
net
1,397
(6,232)
—
(9,586)
(17,357)Loss on impairment
21,962
60,702
—
82,664
—Costs incurred in connection with
contract termination
12,269
—
—
12,269
—Discrete tax items
(111,897)
(5,280)
(17,415)
(212,601)
(136,698)Total adjustments
(72,254)
51,335
(5,729)
(109,237)
(99,537)Adjusted net income (loss)
$ 14,383
$ 30,240
$ 90,919
$ 107,480
$ 348,816
Reconciliation of Adjusted Diluted EPS
Three Months Ended
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2025
September 30,
2025
December 31,
2024
December 31,
2025
December 31,
2024Unadjusted diluted EPS
$ 0.54
$ (0.13)
$ 0.59
$ 1.35
$ 2.96Adjustments
Amortization of intangible assets and
contract liabilities, net
—
—
(0.08)
(0.05)
(0.39)Joint taxation scheme compensation
—
—
0.02
—
0.03Merger and integration costs
0.02
0.01
0.12
0.16
0.72(Gain) loss on sale of operating assets,
net
0.01
(0.04)
—
(0.06)
(0.11)Loss on impairment
0.14
0.38
—
0.52
—Costs incurred in connection with
contract termination
0.08
—
—
0.08
—Discrete tax items
(0.70)
(0.03)
(0.09)
(1.33)
(0.91)Total adjustments
(0.45)
0.32
(0.03)
(0.68)
(0.66)Adjusted diluted EPS
$ 0.09
$ 0.19
$ 0.56
$ 0.67
$ 2.30
Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow
Three Months Ended
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
2025
September 30,
2025
December 31,
2024
December 31,
2025
December 31,
2024Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities
$ 187,125
$ 277,136
$ 136,214
$ 951,678
$ 655,475Capital expenditures
(151,747)
(137,659)
(140,662)
(519,523)
(575,315)Proceeds from insurance claims
53
—
6,871
22,254
23,297Free cash flow
$ 35,431
$ 139,477
$ 2,423
$ 454,409
$ 103,457
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/noble-corporation-plc-announces-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2025-results-302685686.htmlSOURCE Noble Corporation plc
Original: NOBLE CORPORATION PLC ANNOUNCES FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2025 RESULTS