UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
______________________________
FORM 10-K/A
(Amendment No. 1)
(Mark one)
þ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014
OR
¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____ to _____.
______________________________
Commission file number 000-53533
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Zug, Switzerland | 98-0599916 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
10 Chemin de Blandonnet Vernier, Switzerland | 1214 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: +41 (22) 930-9000 | |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: | |
Title of class | Exchange on which registered |
Shares, par value CHF 15.00 per share | New York Stock Exchange SIX Swiss Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None |
______________________________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ¨ No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer þ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer (do not check if a smaller reporting company) ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No þ
As of June 30, 2014, 361,967,344 shares were outstanding and the aggregate market value of shares held by non-affiliates was approximately $16.3 billion (based on the reported closing market price of the shares of Transocean Ltd. on June 30, 2014 of $45.03 and assuming that all directors and executive officers of the Company are “affiliates,” although the Company does not acknowledge that any such person is actually an “affiliate” within the meaning of the federal securities laws). As of February 17, 2015, 362,297,133 shares were outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2014, for its 2015 annual general meeting of shareholders, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K/A.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Transocean Ltd. is filing this Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A (“Form 10-K/A”) to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2015 (the “Original Filing”) to provide new Section 906 Certifications for the period ended December 31, 2014. The Company inadvertently referred to the period ended December 31, 2013 in its Certifications provided pursuant to Section 906 in the Original Filing. In addition, as required by Rule 12b-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, new Section 302 Certifications by our principal executive officer and principal financial officer are filed as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2, respectively, to this Form 10-K/A.
This Form 10-K/A speaks as of the filing date of the Original Filing, except for the Section 302 and Section 906 Certifications (Exhibits 31.1, 31.2, 32.1 and 32.2), which speak as of the filing date of this Form 10-K/A. Except as described above, no other changes have been made to the Original Filing, and this Form 10-K/A does not otherwise amend, update or change the financial statements or disclosures in the Original Filing. This Form 10-K/A should be read in conjunction with the Original Filing and our other filings with the SEC.
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
Item | Page | |
PART I | ||
2 | ||
11 | ||
27 | ||
27 | ||
27 | ||
27 | ||
PART II | ||
30 | ||
33 | ||
34 | ||
61 | ||
63 | ||
125 | ||
125 | ||
125 | ||
PART III | ||
126 | ||
126 | ||
126 | ||
126 | ||
126 | ||
PART IV | ||
127 | ||
Forward-Looking Information
The statements included in this annual report regarding future financial performance and results of operations and other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the United States (“U.S.”) Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements in this annual report include, but are not limited to, statements about the following subjects:
§ | our results of operations and cash flow from operations, including revenues, revenue efficiency, costs and expenses, |
§ | the offshore drilling market, including the impact of enhanced regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate, supply and demand, utilization rates, dayrates, customer drilling programs, commodity prices, stacking of rigs, reactivation of rigs, effects of new rigs on the market and effects of declines in commodity prices and a downturn in the global economy or market outlook for our various geographical operating sectors and classes of rigs, |
§ | customer drilling contracts, including contract backlog, force majeure provisions, contract commencements, contract extensions, contract terminations, contract option exercises, contract revenues, indemnity provisions, contract awards and rig mobilizations, |
§ | liquidity and adequacy of cash flows for our obligations, |
§ | debt levels, including impacts of a financial and economic downturn, |
§ | uses of excess cash, including the payment of dividends and other distributions, share repurchases and debt retirement, including the amounts, timing and, as applicable shareholder proposals or approvals associated with uses of excess cash, |
§ | newbuild, upgrade, shipyard and other capital projects, including completion, delivery and commencement of operation dates, expected downtime and lost revenue, the level of expected capital expenditures and the timing and cost of completion of capital projects, |
§ | the cost and timing of acquisitions and the proceeds and timing of dispositions, |
§ | the optimization of rig-based spending, |
§ | the impact of the Macondo well incident, claims, settlement and related matters, |
§ | tax matters, including our effective tax rate, changes in tax laws, treaties and regulations, tax assessments and liabilities for tax issues, including those associated with our activities in Brazil, Norway, the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) and the U.S., |
§ | legal and regulatory matters, including results and effects of legal proceedings and governmental audits and assessments, outcomes and effects of internal and governmental investigations, customs and environmental matters, |
§ | insurance matters, including adequacy of insurance, renewal of insurance, insurance proceeds and cash investments of our wholly owned captive insurance company, |
§ | effects of accounting changes and adoption of accounting policies, and |
§ | investments in recruitment, retention and personnel development initiatives, pension plan and other postretirement benefit plan contributions, the timing of severance payments and benefit payments. |
Forward-looking statements in this annual report are identifiable by use of the following words and other similar expressions:
§ “anticipates” | § “could” | § “forecasts” | § “might” | § “projects” |
§ “believes” | § “estimates” | § “intends” | § “plans” | § “scheduled” |
§ “budgets” | § “expects” | § “may” | § “predicts” | § “should” |
Such statements are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to:
§ | those described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this annual report on Form 10-K, |
§ | the adequacy of and access to sources of liquidity, |
§ | our inability to obtain drilling contracts for our rigs that do not have contracts, |
§ | our inability to renew drilling contracts at comparable dayrates, |
§ | operational performance, |
§ | the impact of regulatory changes, |
§ | the cancellation of drilling contracts currently included in our reported contract backlog, |
§ | shipyard, construction and other delays, |
§ | the results of meetings of our shareholders, |
§ | changes in political, social and economic conditions, |
§ | the effect and results of litigation, regulatory matters, settlements, audits, assessments and contingencies, and |
§ | other factors discussed in this annual report and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are available free of charge on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. |
The foregoing risks and uncertainties are beyond our ability to control, 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. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. We expressly disclaim any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations or beliefs with regard to the statement or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based.
PART I
Item 1. |
Overview
Transocean Ltd. (together with its subsidiaries and predecessors, unless the context requires otherwise, “Transocean,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. As of February 17, 2015, we owned or had partial ownership interests in and operated 71 mobile offshore drilling units. As of February 17, 2015, our fleet consisted of 44 High-Specification Floaters (Ultra-Deepwater, Deepwater and Harsh Environment semisubmersibles and drillships), 17 Midwater Floaters and 10 High-Specification Jackups. At February 17, 2015, we also had seven Ultra-Deepwater drillships and five High-Specification Jackups under construction or under contract to be constructed.
Our primary business is to contract our drilling rigs, related equipment and work crews predominantly on a dayrate basis to drill oil and gas wells. We specialize in technically demanding regions of the global offshore drilling business with a particular focus on deepwater and harsh environment drilling services. We believe our mobile offshore drilling fleet is one of the most versatile fleets in the world, consisting of floaters and high-specification jackups used in support of offshore drilling activities and offshore support services on a worldwide basis.
Transocean Ltd. is a Swiss corporation with its registered office in Steinhausen, Canton of Zug and with principal executive offices located at Chemin de Blandonnet 10, 1214 Vernier, Switzerland. Our telephone number at that address is +41 22 930-9000. Our shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “RIG” and on the SIX Swiss Exchange (“SIX”) under the symbol “RIGN.” For information about the revenues, operating income, assets and other information related to our business, our segments and the geographic areas in which we operate, see “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 23—Operating Segments, Geographical Analysis and Major Customers.”
Recent Developments
On August 5, 2014, we completed an initial public offering to sell a noncontrolling interest in Transocean Partners LLC (“Transocean Partners”), a consolidated Marshall Islands limited liability company, which was formed on February 6, 2014, by Transocean Partners Holdings Limited, a Cayman Islands company and our wholly owned subsidiary, to own, operate and acquire modern, technologically advanced offshore drilling rigs. See “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 15—Noncontrolling Interest.”
In February 2014, in connection with our efforts to discontinue non-strategic operations, we completed the sale of Applied Drilling Technology International Limited, a U.K. company that performs drilling management services in the North Sea. Following the completion of the sale transaction, we agreed to provide a $15 million working capital line of credit to the buyer for up to two years. The disposal of this component of our business results in the discontinuation of our drilling management services operating segment in the year ending December 31, 2014. See “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 7—Discontinued Operations.”
Drilling Fleet
Fleet overview—Most of our drilling equipment is suitable for both exploration and development drilling, and we normally engage in both types of drilling activity. Likewise, all of our drilling rigs are mobile and can be moved to new locations in response to customer demand. All of our mobile offshore drilling units are designed to operate in locations away from port for extended periods of time and have living quarters for the crews, a helicopter landing deck and storage space for pipe and drilling supplies. Our drilling fleet can be generally characterized as follows: (1) floaters, including drillships and semisubmersibles, and (2) jackups.
Drillships are generally self-propelled vessels, shaped like conventional ships, and are the most mobile of the major rig types. All of our high-specification drillships are equipped with a computer-controlled dynamic positioning thruster system, which allows them to maintain position without anchors through the use of their onboard propulsion and station-keeping systems. Drillships typically have greater load capacity than early generation semisubmersible rigs. This enables them to carry more supplies on board, which often makes them better suited for drilling in remote locations where resupply is more difficult. However, drillships are generally limited to operations in calmer water conditions than those in which semisubmersibles can operate. We have 12 Ultra-Deepwater drillships in operation that are, and seven Ultra-Deepwater drillships under construction that will be, equipped with our patented dual-activity technology. Dual-activity technology employs structures, equipment and techniques using two drilling stations within a single derrick to allow these drillships to perform simultaneous drilling tasks in a parallel rather than sequential manner, reducing critical path activity, to improve efficiency in both exploration and development drilling. In addition to dynamic positioning thruster systems, dual-activity technology, industry-leading hoisting capacity and a second blowout preventer system, five of our seven newbuild drillships under construction will be outfitted to accommodate a future upgrade to a 20,000 pounds per square inch (“psi”) blowout preventer.
Semisubmersibles are floating vessels that can be submerged by means of a water ballast system such that the lower hulls are below the water surface during drilling operations. These rigs are capable of maintaining their position over a well through the use of an anchoring system or a computer-controlled dynamic positioning thruster system. Although most semisubmersible rigs are relocated with the assistance of tugs, some units are self-propelled and move between locations under their own power when afloat on pontoons. Typically, semisubmersibles are better suited than drillships for operations in rougher water conditions. We have two custom-designed, high-capacity, dual-activity semisubmersible drilling rigs, equipped for year-round operations in harsh environments, including those of the Norwegian continental shelf and sub-Arctic waters. We have three semisubmersibles, which are designed for mild environments and are equipped with the unique tri-act derrick. The tri-act derrick was designed to reduce overall well construction costs, as it allows offline tubular and riser handling operations to occur at two sides of the derrick while the center portion of the derrick is being used for normal drilling operations through the rotary table. Additionally, five of our 38 semisubmersibles are equipped with our patented dual-activity technology.
Jackup rigs are mobile self-elevating drilling platforms equipped with legs that can be lowered to the ocean floor until a foundation is established to support the drilling platform. Once a foundation is established, the drilling platform is then jacked further up the legs so that the platform is above the highest expected waves. These rigs are generally suited for water depths of 400 feet or less. We have five newbuild High-Specification Jackups under construction that are expected to be capable of constructing wells up to 35,000 feet deep and feature advanced offshore drilling technology, including offline tubular handling features and simultaneous operations support.
Fleet categories—We further categorize the drilling units of our fleet as follows: (1) “High-Specification Floaters,” consisting of our “Ultra-Deepwater Floaters,” “Deepwater Floaters” and “Harsh Environment Floaters,” (2) “Midwater Floaters” and (3) “High-Specification Jackups”.
High-Specification Floaters are specialized offshore drilling units that we categorize into three sub-classifications based on their capabilities. Ultra-Deepwater Floaters are equipped with high-pressure mud pumps and are capable of drilling in water depths of 7,500 feet or greater. Deepwater Floaters are generally those other semisubmersible rigs and drillships capable of drilling in water depths between 4,500 and 7,500 feet. Harsh Environment Floaters are capable of drilling in harsh environments in water depths between 1,500 and 10,000 feet and have greater displacement, which offers larger variable load capacity, more useable deck space and better motion characteristics. Midwater Floaters are generally comprised of those non-high-specification semisubmersibles that have a water depth capacity of less than 4,500 feet. High-Specification Jackups have high capacity derricks, drawworks, mud systems and storage and generally have a water depth capacity of between 350 and 400 feet.
As of February 17, 2015, we owned and operated a fleet of 71 rigs, excluding rigs under construction, as follows:
§ | 44 High-Specification Floaters, which are comprised of: |
§ | 29 Ultra-Deepwater Floaters; |
§ | Eight Deepwater Floaters; and |
§ | Seven Harsh Environment Floaters; |
§ | 17 Midwater Floaters; and |
§ | 10 High-Specification Jackups. |
Fleet status—Depending on market conditions, we may idle or stack non-contracted rigs. An idle rig is between drilling contracts, readily available for operations, and operating costs are typically at or near normal levels. A stacked rig typically has reduced operating costs, is staffed by a reduced crew or has no crew and is (a) preparing for an extended period of inactivity, (b) expected to continue to be inactive for an extended period, or (c) completing a period of extended inactivity. Stacked rigs will continue to incur operating costs at or above normal operating levels for 30 to 60 days following initiation of stacking. Some idle rigs and all stacked rigs require additional costs to return to service. The actual cost to return to service, which in many instances could be significant and could fluctuate over time, depends upon various factors, including the availability and cost of shipyard facilities, cost of equipment and materials and the extent of repairs and maintenance that may ultimately be required. We consider these factors, together with market conditions, length of contract, dayrate and other contract terms, when deciding whether to return a stacked rig to service. We may, from time to time, consider marketing stacked rigs as accommodation units or for other alternative uses until drilling activity increases and we obtain drilling contracts for these units. We may not return some stacked rigs to work for drilling services or for these alternative uses at all.
Drilling units—The following tables, presented as of February 17, 2015, provide certain specifications for our rigs. Unless otherwise noted, the stated location of each rig indicates either the current drilling location, if the rig is operating, or the next operating location, if the rig is in shipyard with a follow-on contract. As of February 17, 2015, we owned all of the drilling rigs in our fleet noted in the tables below, except for the following: (1) those specifically described as being owned through our interests in consolidated entities that were less than wholly owned and (2) Petrobras 10000, which is subject to a capital lease through August 2029.
Rigs Under Construction (12)
Water | Drilling | ||||
depth | depth | ||||
Expected | capacity | capacity | Contracted | ||
Name | Type | completion | (in feet) | (in feet) | location |
Ultra-Deepwater Floaters | |||||
Deepwater Thalassa | HSD | 1Q 2016 | 12,000 | 40,000 | To be determined |
Deepwater Proteus | HSD | 3Q 2016 | 12,000 | 40,000 | To be determined |
Deepwater Pontus | HSD | 1Q 2017 | 12,000 | 40,000 | To be determined |
Deepwater Poseidon | HSD | 2Q 2017 | 12,000 | 40,000 | To be determined |
Deepwater Conqueror | HSD | 4Q 2016 | 12,000 | 40,000 | U.S. Gulf |
Ultra-Deepwater drillship TBN1 | HSD | 2Q 2017 | 12,000 | 40,000 | To be determined |
Ultra-Deepwater drillship TBN2 | HSD | 1Q 2018 | 12,000 | 40,000 | To be determined |
High-Specification Jackups | |||||
Transocean Cassiopeia | Jackup | 3Q 2016 | 400 | 35,000 | To be determined |
Transocean Centaurus | Jackup | 1Q 2017 | 400 | 35,000 | To be determined |
Transocean Cepheus | Jackup | 3Q 2017 | 400 | 35,000 | To be determined |
Transocean Cetus | Jackup | 1Q 2018 | 400 | 35,000 | To be determined |
Transocean Circinus | Jackup | 3Q 2018 | 400 | 35,000 | To be determined |
______________________________
“HSD” means high-specification drillship. |
Year | Water | Drilling | |||
entered | depth | depth | |||
service/ | capacity | capacity | |||
Name | Type | upgraded (a) | (in feet) | (in feet) | Location |
Ultra-Deepwater Floaters (29) | |||||
Discoverer Clear Leader (b) (c) (d) (e) | HSD | 2009 | 12,000 | 40,000 | U.S. Gulf |
Discoverer Americas (b) (c) (d) | HSD | 2009 | 12,000 | 40,000 | Tanzania |
Discoverer Inspiration (b) (c) (d) (e) | HSD | 2010 | 12,000 | 40,000 | U.S. Gulf |
Deepwater Champion (b) (c) | HSD | 2011 | 12,000 | 40,000 | U.S. Gulf |
Deepwater Asgard (b) (c) (d) | HSD | 2014 | 12,000 | 40,000 | Indonesia |
Deepwater Invictus (b) (c) (d) | HSD | 2014 | 12,000 | 40,000 | U.S. Gulf |
Petrobras 10000 (b) (c) | HSD | 2009 | 12,000 | 37,500 | Brazil |
Dhirubhai Deepwater KG1 (b) | HSD | 2009 | 12,000 | 35,000 | Brazil |
Dhirubhai Deepwater KG2 (b) | HSD | 2010 | 12,000 | 35,000 | India |
Discoverer India (b) (c) (d) | HSD | 2010 | 12,000 | 40,000 | U.S. Gulf |
Discoverer Deep Seas (b) (c) (d) | HSD | 2001 | 10,000 | 35,000 | U.S. Gulf |
Discoverer Enterprise (b) (c) (d) | HSD | 1999 | 10,000 | 35,000 | U.S. Gulf |
Discoverer Spirit (b) (c) (d) | HSD | 2000 | 10,000 | 35,000 | Idle |
GSF C.R. Luigs (b) | HSD | 2000 | 10,000 | 35,000 | Idle |
GSF Jack Ryan (b) | HSD | 2000 | 10,000 | 35,000 | Idle |
Deepwater Discovery (b) | HSD | 2000 | 10,000 | 30,000 | Idle |
Deepwater Frontier (b) | HSD | 1999 | 10,000 | 30,000 | Idle |
Deepwater Millennium (b) | HSD | 1999 | 10,000 | 30,000 | Australia |
Deepwater Pathfinder (b) | HSD | 1998 | 10,000 | 30,000 | Idle |
Deepwater Expedition (b) | HSD | 1999 | 8,500 | 30,000 | Idle |
Cajun Express (b) (f) | HSS | 2001 | 8,500 | 35,000 | Ivory Coast |
Deepwater Nautilus (g) | HSS | 2000 | 8,000 | 30,000 | U.S. Gulf |
GSF Explorer (b) | HSD | 1972/1998 | 7,800 | 30,000 | Idle |
Discoverer Luanda (b) (c) (d) (h) | HSD | 2010 | 7,500 | 40,000 | Angola |
GSF Development Driller I (b) (c) | HSS | 2005 | 7,500 | 37,500 | Angola |
GSF Development Driller II (b) (c) | HSS | 2005 | 7,500 | 37,500 | Romania |
Development Driller III (b) (c) (e) | HSS | 2009 | 7,500 | 37,500 | U.S. Gulf |
Sedco Energy (b) (f) | HSS | 2001 | 7,500 | 35,000 | Congo |
Sedco Express (b) (f) | HSS | 2001 | 7,500 | 35,000 | Nigeria |
Deepwater Floaters (8) | |||||
Deepwater Navigator (b) | HSD | 1971/2000 | 7,200 | 25,000 | Brazil |
Transocean Marianas (g) | HSS | 1979/1998 | 7,000 | 30,000 | South Africa |
Sedco 702 (b) | HSS | 1973/2007 | 6,500 | 25,000 | Nigeria |
Sedco 706 (b) | HSS | 1976/2008 | 6,500 | 25,000 | Brazil |
Sedco 707 (b) | HSS | 1976/1997 | 6,500 | 25,000 | Idle |
GSF Celtic Sea (g) | HSS | 1982/1998 | 5,750 | 25,000 | Angola |
Jack Bates (g) | HSS | 1986/1997 | 5,400 | 30,000 | Australia |
M.G. Hulme, Jr. (g) | HSS | 1983/1996 | 5,000 | 25,000 | Malaysia |
Harsh Environment Floaters (7) | |||||
Transocean Spitsbergen (b) (c) | HSS | 2010 | 10,000 | 30,000 | Norwegian N. Sea |
Transocean Barents (b) (c) | HSS | 2009 | 10,000 | 30,000 | Norwegian N. Sea |
Henry Goodrich (g) | HSS | 1985/2007 | 5,000 | 30,000 | Canada |
Transocean Leader (g) | HSS | 1987/1997 | 4,500 | 25,000 | Norwegian N. Sea |
Paul B, Loyd, Jr.(g) | HSS | 1990 | 2,000 | 25,000 | U.K. N. Sea |
Transocean Arctic (g) | HSS | 1986 | 1,650 | 25,000 | Norwegian N. Sea |
Polar Pioneer (g) | HSS | 1985 | 1,500 | 25,000 | Singapore |
______________________________
“HSD” means high-specification drillship. |
“HSS” means high-specification semisubmersible. |
(a) | Dates shown are the original service date and the date of the most recent upgrade, if any. |
(b) | Dynamically positioned. |
(c) | Dual-activity. |
(d) | Enterprise-class or Enhanced Enterprise-class rig. |
(e) | Owned through our 70 percent interest in Transocean Partners. |
(f) | Express-class rig. |
(g) | Moored floaters. |
(h) | Owned through our 65 percent interest in Angola Deepwater Drilling Company Limited (“ADDCL”). |
Midwater Floaters (17)
Year | Water | Drilling | |||
entered | depth | depth | |||
service/ | capacity | capacity | |||
Name | Type | upgraded (a) | (in feet) | (in feet) | Location |
Transocean Amirante | OS | 1978/1997 | 3,500 | 25,000 | Libya |
Transocean Legend | OS | 1983 | 3,500 | 25,000 | Idle |
Transocean Driller | OS | 1991 | 3,000 | 25,000 | Brazil |
GSF Rig 135 | OS | 1983 | 2,800 | 25,000 | Nigeria |
GSF Rig 140 | OS | 1983 | 2,800 | 25,000 | India |
GSF Aleutian Key | OS | 1976/2001 | 2,300 | 25,000 | Stacked |
GSF Arctic III | OS | 1984 | 1,800 | 25,000 | Idle |
Sedco 711 | OS | 1982 | 1,800 | 25,000 | U.K. N. Sea |
Transocean John Shaw | OS | 1982 | 1,800 | 25,000 | U.K. N. Sea |
Sedco 712 | OS | 1983 | 1,600 | 25,000 | U.K. N. Sea |
Sedco 714 | OS | 1983/1997 | 1,600 | 25,000 | U.K. N. Sea |
Actinia | OS | 1982 | 1,500 | 25,000 | India |
GSF Grand Banks | OS | 1984 | 1,500 | 25,000 | Canada |
Transocean Prospect | OS | 1983/1992 | 1,500 | 25,000 | U.K. N. Sea |
Transocean Searcher | OS | 1983/1988 | 1,500 | 25,000 | Norwegian N. Sea |
Transocean Winner | OS | 1983 | 1,500 | 25,000 | Norwegian N. Sea |
Sedco 704 | OS | 1974/1993 | 1,000 | 25,000 | U.K. N. Sea |
______________________________
“OS” means other semisubmersible. |
(a) | Dates shown are the original service date and the date of the most recent upgrade, if any. |
High-Specification Jackups (10)
Year | Water | Drilling | |||
entered | depth | depth | |||
service/ | capacity | capacity | |||
Name | upgraded (a) | (in feet) | (in feet) | Location | |
Transocean Ao Thai | 2013 | 350 | 35,000 | Thailand | |
Transocean Andaman | 2013 | 350 | 35,000 | Thailand | |
Transocean Siam Driller | 2013 | 350 | 35,000 | Thailand | |
Transocean Honor (b) | 2012 | 400 | 30,000 | Angola | |
GSF Constellation I | 2003 | 400 | 30,000 | Indonesia | |
GSF Constellation II | 2004 | 400 | 30,000 | Gabon | |
GSF Galaxy I | 1991/2001 | 400 | 30,000 | U.K. N. Sea | |
GSF Galaxy II | 1998 | 400 | 30,000 | U.K. N. Sea | |
GSF Galaxy III | 1999 | 400 | 30,000 | Denmark | |
GSF Monarch | 1986 | 350 | 30,000 | U.K. N. Sea |
______________________________
(a) | Dates shown are the original service date and the date of the most recent upgrades, if any. |
(b) | Owned through our 70 percent interest in Transocean Drilling Services Offshore Inc. (“TDSOI”). |
Markets
Our operations are geographically dispersed in oil and gas exploration and development areas throughout the world. We operate in a single, global offshore drilling market because our drilling rigs are mobile assets and are able to be moved according to prevailing market conditions, as we have the ability to mobilize our drilling rigs between regions based on customer contracting requirements or reposition the drilling rigs to capture demand. Consequently, we cannot predict the percentage of our revenues that will be derived from particular geographic or political areas in future periods.
As of February 17, 2015, our drilling fleet was located in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico (12 units), the U.K. North Sea (11 units), Far East (nine units), Norway (six units), African countries other than Nigeria and Angola (six units), Brazil (five units), Angola (four units), India (four units), Australia (four units), Nigeria (three units), Mediterranean (three units), Canada (two units), Denmark (one unit) and Europe (one unit).
The market for offshore drilling rigs and associated services reflects oil companies’ demand for equipment for drilling exploration, appraisal and development wells and for performing maintenance on existing production wells. Activity levels of exploration and production companies and their associated capital expenditures are to a large extent driven by the worldwide demand for energy, including crude oil and natural gas. Demand and supply for hydrocarbons drives commodity prices which in turn impact exploration and production companies’ ability to fund investments in exploration, development and production activities.
In addition to absolute levels of demand from oil companies, the offshore drilling industry has experienced significant improvements in the technical specifications for rigs required for many regions. Factors such as water depth, more advanced well designs, deeper drilling depth, high pressure and temperature, sub-salt, and harsh environments, as well as heightened regulatory standards, are driving the need for more sophisticated drilling units. We expect the production of hydrocarbons from these more challenging environments to support the demand for modern, technologically advanced mobile offshore drilling units.
The global offshore drilling market is becoming more specialized as new technology enables drilling activities in deeper waters and harsher environments, facilitating exploration and development drilling in new geographical areas. As a result, drilling contractors have been turning their focus to water depth, technical capacities and rig types required to meet changes in rig requirements from oil companies.
Notwithstanding the recent cyclical downturn, deepwater oil and gas production has increased in importance. Evolving drilling technology combined with a period of continued growth in energy demand has led to the discovery of several new deepwater basins and plays in the past several years. These discoveries marked the beginning of our customers’ increasing strategic focus on deepwater and represent a backlog of deepwater development opportunities, with Brazil, the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and West Africa being the key ultra-deepwater provinces. Outside of these core regions, activity has also increased in the Mediterranean, East Africa, Mexico and Asia, among other areas. Because offshore discoveries have been concentrated in deepwater, the majority of the global ultra-deepwater fleet operates in this space; however, the design of ultra-deepwater drilling rigs enables them to operate in ultra-deepwater areas, which have experienced growing interest in exploration and development activity. Ultra-deepwater rigs represent the newest and most modern class of the offshore fleet and have capabilities that are attractive to exploration and production companies operating in many water depths.
Additionally, licensing activity during the past several years demonstrates the increased interest in deepwater as exploration and production companies look to explore new frontiers. This significant reloading of exploration portfolios, particularly by the major oil companies, reflects the strategic importance of deepwater as companies look to areas they can access and that are prospective for material discoveries. Deepwater is, therefore, an increasingly important part of the major oil companies’ long-term strategies.
Although our long-term view of the offshore drilling market remains favorable, particularly for high-specification assets, we expect the near to medium term to be challenging, given customers’ decisions to focus on capital allocation, reduce costs and delay various exploration and development programs. The significant rapid decline in oil and natural gas prices has accelerated the rapid decrease in demand in all markets. We currently expect the pace of contracting for the global floater fleet to remain slow in the near to medium term, resulting in excess capacity, lower dayrates and idle time for some rigs. Any overcapacity of higher specification rigs capable of operating in shallower water depths cause a shift in customer preference to higher specification units during such periods of overcapacity. Additionally, this excess capacity may result in some lower capability assets in the industry being permanently retired ultimately reducing the available supply of drilling rigs, all else being equal.
We categorize the market sectors in which we operate as follows: (1) ultra-deepwater, (2) deepwater, (3) midwater and (4) jackup. The ultra-deepwater, deepwater and midwater market sectors, collectively known as the floater market, are serviced by our drillships and semisubmersibles. We generally view the ultra-deepwater market sector as water depths beginning at 7,500 feet and extending to the maximum water depths in which rigs are capable of drilling, which is currently up to 12,000 feet. The deepwater market sector services water depths beginning at approximately 4,500 feet to approximately 7,500 feet, and the midwater market sector services water depths from approximately 300 feet to approximately 4,500 feet.
The jackup market sector begins at the outer limit of the transition zone, which is characterized by coastal and state water areas, extending to water depths of approximately 400 feet. This sector has developed to levels of consistent demand for approximately 450 rigs globally.
Financial Information about Geographic Areas
The following table presents the geographic areas in which our operating revenues were earned (in millions):
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Operating revenues | ||||||||||||
U.S. | $ | 2,289 | $ | 2,382 | $ | 2,472 | ||||||
U.K. | 1,194 | 1,181 | 1,028 | |||||||||
Norway | 1,036 | 1,208 | 1,174 | |||||||||
Brazil | 651 | 855 | 1,114 | |||||||||
Other countries (a) | 4,004 | 3,623 | 3,157 | |||||||||
Total operating revenues | $ | 9,174 | $ | 9,249 | $ | 8,945 |
______________________________
(a) | Other countries represents countries in which we operate that individually had operating revenues representing less than 10 percent of total operating revenues earned for any of the periods presented. |
The following table presents the geographic areas in which our long-lived assets were located (in millions):
December 31, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Long-lived assets | ||||||||
U.S. | $ | 7,080 | $ | 6,996 | ||||
Norway | 1,952 | 2,091 | ||||||
Other countries (a) | 12,506 | 12,620 | ||||||
Total long-lived assets | $ | 21,538 | $ | 21,707 |
______________________________
(a) | Other countries represents countries in which we operate that individually had long-lived assets representing less than 10 percent of total long-lived assets for any of the periods presented. |
Contract Drilling Services
Our contracts to provide offshore drilling services are individually negotiated and vary in their terms and provisions. We obtain most of our drilling contracts through competitive bidding against other contractors and direct negotiations with operators. Drilling contracts generally provide for payment on a dayrate basis, with higher rates for periods while the drilling unit is operating and lower rates or zero rates for periods of mobilization or when drilling operations are interrupted or restricted by equipment breakdowns, adverse environmental conditions or other conditions beyond our control.
A dayrate drilling contract generally extends over a period of time covering either the drilling of a single well or group of wells or covering a stated term. At December 31, 2014, the contract backlog was approximately $22.5 billion, representing a decrease of 20 percent and 23 percent compared to the contract backlog at December 31, 2013 and 2012, which was $28.2 billion and $29.4 billion, respectively. See “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Outlook—Drilling market” and “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Performance and Other Key Indicators.”
Certain of our drilling contracts with customers may be cancelable at the option of the customer upon payment of an early termination payment. Such payments, however, may not fully compensate us for the loss of the contract. Contracts also customarily provide for either automatic termination or termination at the option of the customer typically without the payment of any termination fee, under various circumstances such as non-performance, in the event of extended downtime or impaired performance caused by equipment or operational issues, or periods of extended downtime due to force majeure events. Many of these events are beyond our control. The contract term in some instances may be extended by the customer exercising options for the drilling of additional wells or for an additional term. Our contracts also typically include a provision that allows the customer to extend the contract to finish drilling a well-in-progress. During periods of depressed market conditions, our customers may seek to renegotiate firm drilling contracts to reduce their obligations or may seek to repudiate their contracts. Suspension of drilling contracts will result in the reduction in or loss of dayrate for the period of the suspension. If our customers cancel some of our contracts and we are unable to secure new contracts on a timely basis and on substantially similar terms, or if contracts are suspended for an extended period of time or if a number of our contracts are renegotiated, it could adversely affect our consolidated results of operations or cash flows. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks related to our business—Our drilling contracts may be terminated due to a number of events.”
Consistent with standard industry practice, our customers generally assume, and indemnify us against, well control and subsurface risks under dayrate drilling contracts. Under all of our current drilling contracts, the operator indemnifies us for pollution damages in connection with reservoir fluids stemming from operations under the contract and we indemnify the operator for pollution from substances in our control that originate from the rig, such as diesel used onboard the rig or other fluids stored onboard the rig and above the water surface. Also, under all of our current drilling contracts, the operator indemnifies us against damage to the well or reservoir and loss of subsurface oil and gas and the cost of bringing the well under control. However, our drilling contracts are individually negotiated, and the degree of indemnification we receive from the operator against the liabilities discussed above can vary from contract to contract, based on market conditions and customer requirements existing when the contract was negotiated. In some instances, we have contractually agreed upon certain limits to our indemnification rights and can be responsible for damages up to a specified maximum dollar amount, which is, in any case, immaterial to us. The nature of our liability and the prevailing market conditions, among other factors, can influence such contractual terms. In most instances in which we are indemnified for damages to the well, we have the responsibility to redrill the well at a reduced dayrate. Notwithstanding a contractual indemnity from a customer, there can be no assurance that our customers will be financially able to indemnify us or will otherwise honor their contractual indemnity obligations. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks related to our business—Our business involves numerous operating hazards, and our insurance and indemnities from our customers may not be adequate to cover potential losses from our operations.”
The interpretation and enforceability of a contractual indemnity depends upon the specific facts and circumstances involved, as governed by applicable laws, and may ultimately need to be decided by a court or other proceeding which will need to consider the specific contract language, the facts and applicable laws. In connection with the Macondo well incident, although certain aspects of our contractual indemnity was enforced, a court refused to enforce an indemnity in respect of certain penalties and punitive damages under the Clean Water Act (“CWA”). The law generally considers contractual indemnity for criminal fines and penalties to be against public policy. The inability or other failure of our customers to fulfill their indemnification obligations to us could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Courts also restrict indemnification for criminal fines and penalties. See “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 15—Commitments and Contingencies—Macondo well incident contingencies—Contractual indemnity.”
Significant Customers
We engage in offshore drilling services for most of the leading international oil companies or their affiliates, as well as for many government-controlled oil companies and independent oil companies. For the year ended December 31, 2014, our most significant customers were Chevron Corporation (together with its affiliates, “Chevron”) and BP plc. (together with its affiliates, “BP”), representing approximately 11 percent and nine percent, respectively, of our consolidated operating revenues. No other customers accounted for 10 percent or more of our consolidated operating revenues in the year ended December 31, 2014. Additionally, as of February 17, 2015, the customers with the most significant aggregate amount of contract backlog associated with our drilling contracts were Royal Dutch Shell plc and Chevron, representing approximately 41 percent and 20 percent, respectively, of our total contract backlog. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks related to our business—We rely heavily on a relatively small number of customers and the loss of a significant customer or a dispute that leads to the loss of a customer could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.”
Employees
We require highly skilled personnel to operate our drilling units. Consequently, we conduct extensive personnel recruiting, training and safety programs. At December 31, 2014, we had approximately 13,100 employees associated with our continuing operations, including approximately 1,000 persons engaged through contract labor providers. Approximately 30 percent of our total workforce, working primarily in Angola, the U.K., Nigeria, Norway, Australia and Brazil are represented by, and some of our contracted labor work under, collective bargaining agreements, substantially all of which are subject to annual salary negotiation. These negotiations could result in higher personnel expenses, other increased costs or increased operational restrictions, as the outcome of such negotiations apply to all offshore employees not just the union members. Additionally, failure to reach agreement on certain key issues may result in strikes, lockouts or other work stoppages that may materially impact our operations.
Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Congress that could encourage additional unionization efforts in the U.S., as well as increase the chances that such efforts succeed. Additional unionization efforts, if successful, new collective bargaining agreements or work stoppages could materially increase our labor costs and operating restrictions.
Joint Venture, Agency and Sponsorship Relationships and Other Investments
On July 31, 2014, we announced the pricing of an initial public offering of common units representing limited liability company interests in Transocean Partners, which began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “RIGP,” for $22.00 per unit. On August 5, 2014, we completed the initial public offering of 20.1 million common units. We hold 21.3 million common units and 27.6 million subordinated units of Transocean Partners, representing a 70.8 percent limited liability company interest, and all of its incentive distribution rights. The remaining 20.1 million common units, representing a 29.2 percent limited liability interest, trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “RIGP”.
Additionally, in some areas of the world, local customs and practice or governmental requirements necessitate the formation of joint ventures with local participation. We may or may not control these joint ventures. We are an active participant in several joint venture drilling companies, principally in Angola, Indonesia, Malaysia and Nigeria. Local laws or customs in some areas of the world also effectively mandate establishment of a relationship with a local agent or sponsor. When appropriate in these areas, we enter into agency or sponsorship agreements. Some of the joint ventures in which we participate are as follows:
We hold a 65 percent interest in ADDCL, a consolidated Cayman Islands joint venture company formed to own Discoverer Luanda, which operates in Angola. Our local partner, Angco Cayman Limited, a Cayman Islands company, holds the remaining 35 percent interest in ADDCL. Beginning January 31, 2016, Angco Cayman Limited will have the right to exchange its interest in the joint venture for cash at an amount based on an appraisal of the fair value of the drillship, subject to certain adjustments.
We hold a 70 percent interest in TDSOI, a consolidated British Virgin Islands joint venture company formed to own Transocean Honor, which operates in Angola. Our local partner, Angco II, a Cayman Islands company, holds the remaining 30 percent interest in TDSOI. Under certain circumstances, Angco II will have the right to exchange its interest in the joint venture for cash at an amount based on an appraisal of the fair value of the jackup, subject to certain adjustments.
We hold a 24 percent direct interest and a 36 percent indirect interest in Indigo Drilling Limited (“Indigo”), a consolidated Nigerian joint venture company formed to engage in drilling operations offshore Nigeria. Our local partners, Mr. Fidelis Oditah and Mr. Chima Ibeneche, each holds a 12.5 percent direct interest and Mr. Joseph Obi and Mr. Ben Osuno, together own a 15 percent indirect interest, in Indigo.
Additionally, we hold interests in certain joint venture companies in Angola, Indonesia, Malaysia and Nigeria that have been formed to perform certain management services and other onshore support services for our operations.
Technological Innovation
We are a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. We specialize in technically demanding sectors of the global offshore drilling business. Our fleet is considered one of the most versatile in the world with a particular focus on deepwater and harsh environment drilling capabilities. Since launching the offshore industry’s first jackup drilling rig in 1954, we have achieved a long history of technological innovations, including the first dynamically positioned drillship, the first rig to drill year-round in the North Sea and the first semisubmersible rig for year-round sub-Arctic operations. In recent years, we have repeatedly achieved the world water depth record, holding the current world record at 10,411 feet. Seventeen rigs in our existing fleet are, and seven of our rigs that are currently under construction will be, equipped with our patented dual-activity technology, which allows our rigs to perform simultaneous drilling tasks in a parallel rather than sequential manner and reduces critical path activity while improving efficiency in both exploration and development drilling. Additionally, three rigs in our existing fleet are equipped with the unique tri-act derrick, which allows offline tubular and riser activities during normal drilling operations and is patented in certain market sectors in which we operate.
We continue to develop and deploy industry-leading technology. In addition to our patented dual-activity drilling technology, some of our most recent newbuild drillships will include industry-leading hookload capability, compensated cranes for performing subsea installations, hybrid power systems and reduced emissions and advanced generator protection. The newbuild drillships will also be outfitted with two blowout preventers and triple liquid mud systems and are designed to accept 20,000 psi blowout preventers in the future. The effective use of and continued improvements in technology to address our customers’ requirements are critical to maintaining our competitive position within the contract drilling services industry. We expect to continue to develop technology internally, through partnerships, such as our collaboration with a customer to develop a fault-resistant and fault-tolerant blowout preventer control system, or to acquire technology through strategic acquisitions.
Environmental Compliance
Our operations are subject to a variety of global environmental regulations. We monitor our compliance with environmental regulation in each country of operation and, while we see an increase in general environmental regulation, we have made and will continue to make the required expenditures to comply with current and future environmental requirements. We make expenditures to further our commitment to environmental improvement and the setting of a global environmental standard as part of our wider corporate responsibility effort. We assess the environmental impacts of our business, focusing on the areas of greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, discharges and waste management. Our actions are designed to reduce risk in our current and future operations, to promote sound environmental management and to create a proactive environmental program. To date, we have not incurred material costs in order to comply with recent environmental legislation, and we do not believe that our compliance with such requirements will have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, consolidated results of operations or cash flows.
For a discussion of the effects of environmental regulation, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks related to our business—Compliance with or breach of environmental laws can be costly, expose us to liability and could limit our operations.”
Available Information
Our website address is www.deepwater.com. Information contained on or accessible from our website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report on Form 10-K and should not be considered a part of this report or any other filing that we make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). We make available on this website free of charge, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file those materials with, or furnish those materials to, the SEC. You may also find on our website information related to our corporate governance, board committees and company code of business conduct and ethics. The SEC also maintains a website, www.sec.gov, which contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding SEC registrants, including us.
We intend to satisfy the requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K to disclose any amendments to our Code of Integrity and any waiver from any provision of our Code of Integrity by posting such information in the Governance section of our website at www.deepwater.com.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Risks related to our business
Our business depends on the level of activity in the offshore oil and gas industry, which is significantly affected by volatile oil and gas prices and other factors.
Our business depends on the level of activity in oil and gas exploration, development and production in offshore areas worldwide. Demand for our services depends on oil and natural gas industry activity and expenditure levels that are directly affected by trends in oil and, to a lesser extent, natural gas prices.
Oil and gas prices are extremely volatile and are affected by numerous factors, including the following:
§ | worldwide demand for oil and gas, including economic activity in the U.S. and other large energy-consuming markets; |
§ | the ability of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) to set and maintain production levels, productive spare capacity and pricing; |
§ | the level of production in non-OPEC countries; |
§ | the policies of various governments regarding exploration and development of their oil and gas reserves; |
§ | advances in exploration, development and production technology; |
§ | the discovery rate of new oil and gas reserves; |
§ | the rate of decline of existing oil and gas reserves; |
§ | laws and regulations related to environmental matters, including those addressing alternative energy sources and the risks of global climate change; |
§ | the development and exploitation of alternative fuels; |
§ | the development of new technology to exploit oil and gas reserves, such as shale oil; |
§ | accidents, adverse weather conditions; natural disasters and other similar incidents relating to the oil and gas industry; and |
§ | the worldwide military and political environment, including uncertainty or instability resulting from an escalation or outbreak of armed hostilities, civil unrest or other crises in the Middle East or other geographic areas or acts of terrorism. |
Demand for our services is particularly sensitive to the level of exploration, development and production activity of, and the corresponding capital spending by, oil and natural gas companies, including national oil companies. Any prolonged reduction in oil and natural gas prices could depress the immediate levels of exploration, development and production activity. Perceptions of longer-term lower oil and natural gas prices by oil and gas companies could similarly reduce or defer major expenditures given the long-term nature of many large-scale development projects. Lower levels of activity result in a corresponding decline in the demand for our services, which could have a material adverse effect on our revenue and profitability. Oil and gas prices and market expectations of potential changes in these prices significantly affect this level of activity. However, higher near-term commodity prices do not necessarily translate into increased drilling activity since customers’ expectations of longer-term future commodity prices typically drive demand for our rigs. Also, increased competition for customers’ drilling budgets could come from, among other areas, land-based energy markets in Africa, Russia, China, Western Asian countries, the Middle East, the U.S. and elsewhere. The availability of quality drilling prospects, exploration success, relative production costs, the stage of reservoir development and political and regulatory environments also affect customers’ drilling campaigns. Worldwide military, political and economic events have contributed to oil and gas price volatility and are likely to do so in the future.
The offshore drilling industry is highly competitive and cyclical, with intense price competition.
The offshore contract drilling industry is highly competitive with numerous industry participants, none of which has a dominant market share. Drilling contracts are traditionally awarded on a competitive bid basis. Intense price competition is often the primary factor in determining which qualified contractor is awarded a job, although rig availability and the quality and technical capability of services and equipment are also considered.
The offshore drilling industry has historically been cyclical and is impacted by oil and gas price levels and volatility. There have been periods of high demand, short rig supply and high dayrates, followed by periods of low demand, excess rig supply and low dayrates. Changes in commodity prices can have a dramatic effect on rig demand, and periods of excess rig supply may intensify competition in the industry and result in the idling of older and less technologically advanced equipment. We have idled and stacked rigs, and may in the future idle or stack additional rigs or enter into lower dayrate drilling contracts in response to market conditions. We cannot predict when or if any idled or stacked rigs will return to service.
During prior periods of high dayrates and rig utilization rates, we and other industry participants have increased the supply of rigs by ordering the construction of new units. This has historically resulted in an oversupply of rigs and has caused a subsequent decline in dayrates and rig utilization rates, sometimes for extended periods of time. Presently, there are numerous recently constructed high-specification floaters and other drilling units that are capable of competing with our rigs that have entered the global market, and there are more that are under contract for construction. The entry into service of these new units has increased and will continue to increase supply and could curtail a strengthening, or trigger a reduction, in dayrates as rigs are absorbed into the active fleet or lead to accelerated stacking of the existing fleet.
A significant number of the newbuild units, including our two Ultra-Deepwater drillships and our five High-Specification Jackups currently under construction, have not been contracted for work, which may intensify price competition. Any further increase in construction of new units would likely exacerbate the negative impact on dayrates and utilization rates. Additionally, intense price competition may drive customers to demand renegotiation of existing contracts to lower dayrates in exchange for longer contract terms. In an over-supplied market, we may have limited bargaining power to renegotiate on more favorable terms. Lower dayrates and rig utilization rates could adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
Credit rating agencies may lower our corporate credit ratings below investment grade.
Credit rating agencies may downgrade our credit ratings to non-investment grade levels. Such ratings levels could have material adverse consequences on our business and future prospects, including the following:
§ | limit our ability to access debt markets, including for the purpose of refinancing our existing debt; |
§ | cause us to refinance or issue debt with less favorable terms and conditions, which debt may require collateral and restrict, among other things, our ability to pay distributions or repurchase shares; |
§ | increase certain fees under our credit facilities and interest rates under agreements governing certain of our senior notes; |
§ | negatively impact current and prospective customers’ willingness to transact business with us; |
§ | impose additional insurance, guarantee and collateral requirements; |
§ | limit our access to bank and third-party guarantees, surety bonds and letters of credit; and |
§ | suppliers and financial institutions may lower or eliminate the level of credit provided through payment terms or intraday funding when dealing with us thereby increasing the need for higher levels of cash on hand, which would decrease our ability to repay debt balances. |
Since the Macondo well incident, Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch have each downgraded their ratings of our senior unsecured debt on more than one occasion. Any further downgrade by any of the rating agencies could have the effects described above. We cannot provide assurance that our credit ratings will not be downgraded to a non-investment grade rating in the near future. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks related to our business—The Macondo well incident could result in increased expenses and decreased revenues, which could ultimately have a material adverse effect on us.”
We may not be able to renew or obtain new and favorable drilling contracts for rigs whose contracts are expiring or are terminated or obtain drilling contracts for our uncontracted newbuilds, which could adversely affect our consolidated statements of operations.
Our ability to renew expiring drilling contracts or obtain new drilling contracts will depend on the prevailing market conditions at the time. If we are unable to obtain new drilling contracts in direct continuation with existing contracts or for our uncontracted newbuild units, or if new drilling contracts are entered into at dayrates substantially below the existing dayrates or on terms otherwise less favorable compared to existing contract terms, our revenues and profitability could be adversely affected.
The offshore drilling markets in which we compete experience fluctuations in the demand for drilling services. A number of existing drilling contracts for our drilling rigs that are currently operating are scheduled to expire in 2015 and 2016. Also, of the units we currently have under construction as part of our newbuild program, two Ultra-Deepwater drillships and our five High-Specification Jackups are being constructed without customer drilling contracts. We will attempt to secure drilling contracts for these units prior to their completion. We may be unable to obtain drilling contracts for our rigs that are currently operating upon the expiration or termination of such contracts or obtain drilling contracts for our newbuilds, and there may be a gap in the operation of the rigs between current contracts and subsequent contracts. In particular, if oil and natural gas prices are low, or it is expected that such prices will decrease in the future, at a time when we are seeking drilling contracts for our rigs, we may be unable to obtain drilling contracts at attractive dayrates or at all.
We must make substantial capital and operating expenditures to maintain our fleet, and we may be required to make significant capital expenditures to maintain our competitiveness and to comply with laws and the applicable regulations and standards of governmental authorities and organizations, or to execute our growth plan, each of which could negatively affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We must make substantial capital and operating expenditures to maintain our fleet. These expenditures could increase as a result of changes in the following:
§ | the cost of labor and materials; |
§ | customer requirements; |
§ | fleet size; |
§ | the cost of replacement parts for existing drilling rigs; |
§ | the geographic location of the drilling rigs; |
§ | length of drilling contracts; |
§ | governmental regulations and maritime self-regulatory organization and technical standards relating to safety, security or the environment; and |
§ | industry standards. |
Changes in offshore drilling technology, customer requirements for new or upgraded equipment and competition within our industry may require us to make significant capital expenditures in order to maintain our competitiveness. In addition, changes in governmental regulations, safety or other equipment standards, as well as compliance with standards imposed by maritime self-regulatory organizations, may require us to make additional unforeseen capital expenditures. As a result, we may be required to take our rigs out of service for extended periods of time, with corresponding losses of revenues, in order to make such alterations or to add such equipment. In the future, market conditions may not justify these expenditures or enable us to operate our older rigs profitably during the remainder of their economic lives.
In addition, in order to execute our growth plan, we may require additional capital in the future. If we are unable to fund capital expenditures with our cash flow from operations or sales of non-strategic assets, we may be required to either incur additional borrowings or raise capital through the sale of debt or equity securities. Our ability to access the capital markets may be limited by our financial condition at the time, by changes in laws and regulations or interpretation thereof and by adverse market conditions resulting from, among other things, general economic conditions and contingencies and uncertainties that are beyond our control. If we raise funds by issuing equity securities, existing shareholders may experience dilution. Our failure to obtain the funds for necessary future capital expenditures could have a material adverse effect on our business and on our statements of financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We have a substantial amount of debt, and we may lose the ability to obtain future financing and suffer competitive disadvantages.
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, our overall debt level was approximately $10.1 billion and $10.7 billion, respectively. This substantial level of debt and other obligations could have significant adverse consequences on our business and future prospects, including the following:
§ | we may not be able to obtain financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, distributions, share repurchases, or other purposes; |
§ | we may not be able to use operating cash flow in other areas of our business because we must dedicate a substantial portion of these funds to service the debt; |
§ | we could become more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions, including increases in interest rates, particularly given our substantial indebtedness, some of which bears interest at variable rates; |
§ | we may not be able to meet financial ratios or satisfy certain other conditions included in our bank credit agreements, which could result in our inability to meet requirements for borrowings under our bank credit agreements or a default under these agreements and trigger cross default provisions in our other debt instruments; and |
§ | we may be less able to take advantage of significant business opportunities and to react to changes in market or industry conditions than our less levered competitors. |
We rely heavily on a relatively small number of customers and the loss of a significant customer or a dispute that leads to the loss of a customer could have a material adverse impact on our financial results.
We engage in offshore drilling services for most of the leading international oil companies or their affiliates, as well as for many government-controlled oil companies and independent oil companies. For the year ended December 31, 2014, our most significant customers were Chevron and BP, accounting for approximately 11 percent and nine percent, respectively, of our consolidated operating revenues from continuing operations. As of February 17, 2015, the customers with the most significant aggregate amount of contract backlog associated with our drilling contracts were Royal Dutch Shell plc and Chevron, representing approximately 41 percent and 20 percent, respectively, of our total contract backlog.
Our relationship with BP, whose affiliate was the operator of the Macondo well, has been and could continue to be negatively impacted by the Macondo well incident. In addition, subject to certain exceptions, the EPA Agreement prohibits us from entering into, extending or engaging in certain business relationships with individuals or entities that are debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment or similarly restricted in the U.S., including affiliates of BP. The loss of any of these customers or another significant customer, or a decline in payments under any of our drilling contracts, could, at least in the short term, have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows.
In addition, our drilling contracts subject us to counterparty risks. The ability of each of our counterparties to perform its obligations under a contract with us will depend on a number of factors that are beyond our control and may include, among other things, general economic conditions, the condition of the offshore drilling industry, prevailing prices for oil and natural gas, the overall financial condition of the counterparty, the dayrates received and the level of expenses necessary to maintain drilling activities. In addition, in depressed market conditions, our customers may no longer need a drilling rig that is currently under contract or may be able to obtain a comparable drilling rig at a lower dayrate. Should a counterparty fail to honor its obligations under an agreement with us, we could sustain losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our drilling contracts may be terminated due to a number of events.
Certain of our drilling contracts with customers may be cancelable at the option of the customer upon payment of an early termination payment. Such payments may not, however, fully compensate us for the loss of the contract. Drilling contracts also customarily provide for either automatic termination or termination at the option of the customer typically without the payment of any termination fee, under various circumstances such as non-performance, as a result of significant downtime or impaired performance caused by equipment or operational issues, or sustained periods of downtime due to force majeure events. Many of these events are beyond our control. During periods of depressed market conditions, we are subject to an increased risk of our customers seeking to repudiate their contracts, including through claims of non-performance. Our customers’ ability to perform their obligations under their drilling contracts, including their ability to fulfill their indemnity obligations to us, may also be negatively impacted by an economic downturn. Our customers, which include national oil companies, often have significant bargaining leverage over us. If our customers cancel some of our contracts, and we are unable to secure new contracts on a timely basis and on substantially similar terms, or if contracts are suspended for an extended period of time or if a number of our contracts are renegotiated, it could adversely affect our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Our current backlog of contract drilling revenue may not be fully realized, which may have a material adverse impact on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
At February 17, 2015, the contract backlog associated with our continuing operations was approximately $21.2 billion. This amount represents the firm term of the drilling contract multiplied by the contractual operating rate, which may be higher than the actual dayrate we receive or we may receive other dayrates included in the contract such as waiting on weather rate, repair rate, standby rate or force majeure rate. The contractual operating dayrate may also be higher than the actual dayrate we receive because of a number of factors, including rig downtime or suspension of operations.
Several factors could cause rig downtime or a suspension of operations, including:
§ | breakdowns of equipment and other unforeseen engineering problems; |
§ | work stoppages, including labor strikes; |
§ | shortages of material and skilled labor; |
§ | surveys by government and maritime authorities; |
§ | periodic classification surveys; |
§ | severe weather, strong ocean currents or harsh operating conditions; and |
§ | force majeure events. |
In certain drilling contracts, the dayrate may be reduced to zero or result in customer credit against future dayrate if, for example, repairs extend beyond a stated period of time. Our contract backlog includes signed drilling contracts and, in some cases, other definitive agreements awaiting contract execution. We may not be able to realize the full amount of our contract backlog due to events beyond our control. In addition, some of our customers have experienced liquidity issues in the past and these liquidity issues could be experienced again if commodity prices decline to lower levels for an extended period of time. Liquidity issues and other market pressures could lead our customers to go into bankruptcy or could encourage our customers to seek to repudiate, cancel or renegotiate these agreements for various reasons (see “—Our drilling contracts may be terminated due to a number of events”). Our inability to realize the full amount of our contract backlog may have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Significant part or equipment shortages, supplier capacity constraints, supplier production disruptions, supplier quality and sourcing issues or price increases could increase our operating costs, decrease our revenues and adversely impact our operations.
Our reliance on third-party suppliers, manufacturers and service providers to secure equipment, parts, components and sub-systems used in our operations exposes us to volatility in the quality, prices and availability of such items. Certain parts and equipment that we use in our operations may be available only from a small number of suppliers, manufacturers or service providers, or in some cases must be sourced through a single supplier, manufacturer or service provider. Recent industry developments have reduced the number of available suppliers. A disruption in the deliveries from such third-party suppliers, manufacturers or service providers, capacity constraints, production disruptions, price increases, quality control issues, recalls or other decreased availability of parts and equipment could adversely affect our ability to meet our commitments to customers, adversely impact our operations and revenues or increase our operating costs.
Our operating and maintenance costs will not necessarily fluctuate in proportion to changes in our operating revenues.
Our operating and maintenance costs will not necessarily fluctuate in proportion to changes in our operating revenues. Costs for operating a rig are generally fixed or only semi-variable regardless of the dayrate being earned. In addition, should our rigs incur unplanned downtime while on contract or idle time between drilling contracts, we typically will not reduce the staff on those rigs because we will use the crew to prepare the rig for its next contract. During times of reduced activity, reductions in costs may not be immediate as portions of the crew may be required to prepare rigs for stacking, after which time the crew members are assigned to active rigs or dismissed. As our rigs are mobilized from one geographic location to another, the labor and other operating and maintenance costs can vary significantly. In general, labor costs increase primarily due to higher salary levels and inflation. Equipment maintenance expenses fluctuate depending upon the type of activity the unit is performing and the age and condition of the equipment, and these expenses could increase for short or extended periods as a result of regulatory or customer requirements that raise maintenance standards above historical levels. Contract preparation expenses vary based on the scope and length of contract preparation required and the duration of the firm contractual period over which such expenditures are amortized.
Our shipyard projects and operations are subject to delays and cost overruns.
As of February 17, 2015, we had seven Ultra-Deepwater Floater and five High-Specification Jackup newbuild rig projects. We also have a variety of other more limited shipyard projects at any given time. These shipyard projects are subject to the risks of delay or cost overruns inherent in any such construction project resulting from numerous factors, including the following:
§ | shipyard availability, failures and difficulties; |
§ | shortages of equipment, materials or skilled labor; |
§ | unscheduled delays in the delivery of ordered materials and equipment; |
§ | design and engineering problems, including those relating to the commissioning of newly designed equipment; |
§ | latent damages or deterioration to hull, equipment and machinery in excess of engineering estimates and assumptions; |
§ | unanticipated actual or purported change orders; |
§ | disputes with shipyards and suppliers; |
§ | failure or delay of third-party vendors or service providers; |
§ | availability of suppliers to recertify equipment for enhanced regulations; |
§ | strikes, labor disputes and work stoppages; |
§ | customer acceptance delays; |
§ | adverse weather conditions, including damage caused by such conditions; |
§ | terrorist acts, war, piracy and civil unrest; |
§ | unanticipated cost increases; and |
§ | difficulty in obtaining necessary permits or approvals. |
These factors may contribute to cost variations and delays in the delivery of our newbuild units and other rigs undergoing shipyard projects. Delays in the delivery of these units would result in delay in contract commencement, resulting in a loss of revenue to us, and may also cause customers to terminate or shorten the term of the drilling contract for the rig pursuant to applicable late delivery clauses. In the event of termination of any of these drilling contracts, we may not be able to secure a replacement contract on as favorable terms, if at all.
Our operations also rely on a significant supply of capital and consumable spare parts and equipment to maintain and repair our fleet. We also rely on the supply of ancillary services, including supply boats and helicopters. Shortages in materials, manufacturing defects, delays in the delivery of necessary spare parts, equipment or other materials, or the unavailability of ancillary services could negatively impact our future operations and result in increases in rig downtime and delays in the repair and maintenance of our fleet.
The Macondo well incident could result in increased expenses and decreased revenues, which could ultimately have a material adverse effect on us.
Numerous lawsuits have been filed against us and unaffiliated defendants related to the Macondo well incident. We are subject to claims alleging that we are jointly and severally liable, along with BP and others, for damages arising from the Macondo well incident. We have incurred and expect to continue to incur significant legal fees and costs in responding to these matters. In January 2013, we agreed with the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) to pay $1.4 billion in fines, recoveries and penalties, excluding interest, over a five-year period through 2017, and we may be subject to additional governmental fines or penalties. These payments are not deductible for tax purposes. Although we have excess liability insurance coverage relating to certain other liabilities associated with the Macondo well incident, our personal injury and other third-party liability insurance coverage is subject to deductibles and overall aggregate policy limits and does not cover criminal fines and penalties. There can be no assurance that our insurance will ultimately be adequate to cover all of our remaining potential liabilities in connection with these matters. For a discussion of the potential impact of the failure of the Macondo well operator to honor its indemnification obligations to us, see “—We could experience a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows to the extent any of the Macondo well operator’s indemnification obligations to us are not enforceable or the operator does not indemnify us” below. If we ultimately incur substantial additional liabilities in connection with these matters with respect to which we are neither insured nor indemnified, those liabilities could have a material adverse effect on us.
We are currently unable to estimate the full impact the Macondo well incident will have on us. We have recognized a liability for estimated loss contingencies that we believe are probable and for which a reasonable estimate can be made. At December 31, 2014, our liability for such loss contingencies was $426 million. This liability takes into account certain events related to the litigation and investigations arising out of the incident. There are loss contingencies related to the Macondo well incident that we believe are reasonably possible and for which we do not believe a reasonable estimate can be made. These loss contingencies could increase the liabilities we ultimately recognize. Our estimates involve a significant amount of judgment. As a result of new information or future developments, we may adjust our estimated loss contingencies arising out of the Macondo well incident, and the resulting liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Our business may also be adversely impacted by any negative publicity relating to the incident and us, any negative perceptions about us by customers, the skilled personnel whom we require to support our operations or others, any further increases in premiums for insurance or difficulty in obtaining coverage and the diversion of management’s attention from our operations to focus on matters relating to the incident. In addition, the Macondo well incident could negatively impact our ongoing business relationship with BP, which accounted for approximately nine percent of our consolidated operating revenues from continuing operations in the year ended December 31, 2014. Ultimately, these factors could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
We could experience a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows to the extent any of the Macondo well operator’s indemnification obligations to us are not enforceable or the operator does not indemnify us.
The combined response team to the Macondo well incident was unable to stem the flow of hydrocarbons from the well prior to the sinking of Deepwater Horizon. The resulting spill of hydrocarbons was the most extensive in U.S. history. The operator has stated in its public filings that it has recognized cumulative pre-tax losses of $43.5 billion in relation to the spill as of February 3, 2015. As described under “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 15—Commitments and Contingencies—Macondo well incident contingencies—Contractual indemnity,” under the Deepwater Horizon drilling contract, BP agreed to indemnify us with respect to certain matters, and we agreed to indemnify BP with respect to certain matters. We could experience a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows to the extent that BP does not honor its indemnification obligations, including by reason of financial or legal restrictions, or our insurance policies do not fully cover these amounts. In April 2011, BP filed a claim seeking a declaration that it is not liable to us in contribution, indemnification, or otherwise, and further, BP has brought claims against us seeking indemnification and contribution. On November 1, 2011, we filed a motion for partial summary judgment regarding the scope and enforceability of the indemnity obligations in the drilling contract. On January 26, 2012, the court ruled that the drilling contract requires BP to indemnify us for compensatory damages asserted by third parties against us related to pollution that did not originate on or above the surface of the water, even if the claim is the result of our strict liability, negligence or gross negligence. The court also held that BP does not owe us indemnity to the extent that we are held liable for punitive damages or civil penalties under the CWA. The court deferred ruling on BP’s argument that we committed a core breach of the drilling contract or otherwise materially increased BP’s risk or prejudiced its rights so as to impair BP’s indemnity obligations. The law generally considers contractual indemnity for criminal fines and penalties to be against public policy. In May 2013, we filed a motion for partial summary judgment seeking to enforce BP’s agreement to release claims made by BP itself. On September 4, 2014, the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana (the “MDL Court”) entered Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law for phase one of the multidistrict litigation trial (the “Phase One Trial”). The MDL Court concluded that BP was grossly negligent and reckless and 67 percent at fault for the blowout, explosion, and spill; that Transocean was negligent and 30 percent at fault; and that Halliburton Company (“Halliburton”) was negligent and three percent at fault. Because the MDL Court found that Transocean was not grossly negligent, it concluded that BP’s contractual agreement to indemnify us for compensatory damages is valid and enforceable and that we no longer have exposure for punitive damages. The MDL Court also ruled that BP’s contractual agreement to release its own claims against us is valid and enforceable. This release bars the Plaintiff’s Steering Committee (the “PSC”) from pursuing claims that have been assigned to it by BP in the BP/PSC settlement. These findings are appealable and we are unable to predict how an appellate court may ultimately rule on the MDL conclusions in the Phase One Trial.
In addition, in connection with our settlement with the DOJ, we agreed that we will not use payments pursuant to a civil consent decree by and among the DOJ and certain of our affiliates (the “Consent Decree”) as a basis for indemnity or reimbursement from non-insurer defendants named in the complaint by the U.S. or their affiliates.
Despite our settlement with the DOJ, we could have additional liabilities to the U.S. government and others. The ultimate outcome of investigations of the Macondo well incident, DOJ lawsuits and our settlement with the DOJ is uncertain.
On December 15, 2010, the DOJ filed a civil lawsuit against us and other unaffiliated defendants. The complaint alleged claims under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (the “OPA”) and the CWA, including claims for per barrel civil penalties. The complaint asserted that all defendants are jointly and severally liable for all removal costs and damages resulting from the Macondo well incident. On December 6, 2011, the DOJ filed a motion for partial summary judgment seeking a ruling that we were jointly and severally liable under OPA, and liable for civil penalties under the CWA, for all discharges from the Macondo well on the theory that the discharges not only came from the well, but also came from the blowout preventer and riser, appurtenances of Deepwater Horizon. On February 22, 2012, the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, ruled that we are not liable as a responsible party for damages under OPA with respect to the below surface discharges from the Macondo well. The court also ruled that the below surface discharge was discharged from the well facility, and not from the Deepwater Horizon vessel, within the meaning of the CWA, and that we therefore are not liable for such discharges as an owner of the vessel under the CWA. This ruling is currently being appealed to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. In addition, the court ruled that the issue of whether we could be held liable for such discharge under the CWA as an “operator” of the well facility could not be resolved on summary judgment. The court did not determine whether we could be liable for removal costs under OPA, or the extent of such removal costs.
The DOJ also conducted a criminal investigation into the Macondo well incident. On March 7, 2011, the DOJ announced the formation of a task force to investigate possible violations by us and certain unaffiliated parties of the CWA, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Refuse Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Seaman’s Manslaughter Act, among other federal statutes, and possible criminal liabilities, including fines under those statutes and under the Alternative Fines Act. On January 3, 2013, we reached an agreement with the DOJ to resolve certain outstanding civil and potential criminal charges against us arising from the Macondo well incident through a cooperation guilty plea agreement by and among the DOJ and certain of our affiliates (the “Plea Agreement”) and the Consent Decree. Our settlement with the DOJ did not release us from liabilities to the U.S. government as to all Macondo-related matters nor did it release all Transocean-related persons and entities. In particular, this agreement was without prejudice to the rights of the U.S. with respect to all other matters, including certain liabilities under the OPA for removal costs or for damages for injury to, loss of or loss of use of natural resources, including the reasonable cost of assessing the damage, certain claims for a declaratory judgment of liability under OPA already claimed by the U.S., and certain liabilities for response costs and damages including injury to park system resources, damages for injury to or loss of natural resources and for the cost of any natural resource damage assessments. We have incurred and will continue to incur costs and have been and will continue to be required to devote management and other corporate resources to comply with our agreements with the U.S. Under these agreements, we are subject to restrictions and obligations not imposed on other drilling contractors, which may adversely impact us. Our failure to comply with the terms of these agreements could also result in additional sanctions and penalties that could adversely affect us.
See “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 15—Commitments and Contingencies��Macondo well incident contingencies—Multidistrict litigation proceeding.”
Pursuant to our Plea Agreement, we are subject to probation, through February 2018. Pursuant to the terms of our Consent Decree, we are subject to the restrictions of that decree for an extended period of time that will be at least through 2017. Any failure to comply with the Consent Decree or probation could result in additional penalties, sanctions and costs and could adversely affect us. See “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 15—Commitments and Contingencies—Macondo well incident contingencies—Multidistrict litigation proceeding.”
In addition, a number of other governmental and regulatory bodies as well as we and other companies have conducted investigations into the Macondo well incident. Many of these investigations have resulted in reports that are critical of us and our actions leading up to and in connection with the incident.
See “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 15—Commitments and Contingencies—Macondo well incident contingencies—Multidistrict litigation proceeding.”
We cannot predict the ultimate outcome of the remaining DOJ or other governmental claims or any of the investigations, including any impact on the litigation related to the Macondo well incident, outcome of appeals to the Phase One Ruling by the MDL Court, the extent to which we could be subject to fines, sanctions or other penalties or the potential impact of measures implemented as a result of the settlement with the DOJ, our guilty plea or arising from the investigations or the costs to be incurred in completing the investigations.
Our agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may prohibit us from entering into, extending or engaging in certain business relationships. In addition, if we do not comply with the terms of our agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, we may be subject to suspension, debarment or statutory disqualification.
On February 25, 2013, we and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) entered into an administrative agreement (the “EPA Agreement”) related to the Macondo well incident, which has a five-year term. In the EPA Agreement, we agreed to, among other things, continue the implementation of certain programs and systems; comply with certain employment and contracting procedures; engage independent compliance auditors and a process safety consultant; and give reports and notices with respect to various matters. Subject to certain exceptions, the EPA Agreement prohibits us from entering into, extending or engaging in certain business relationships with individuals or entities that are debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment or similarly restricted. In addition, if we fail to comply with the terms of the EPA Agreement, we may be subject to suspension, debarment or statutory disqualification.
See “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 15—Commitments and Contingencies—Macondo well incident settlement obligations—EPA Agreement.”
The continuing effects of the enhanced regulations enacted following the Macondo well incident could materially and adversely affect our worldwide operations.
New governmental safety and environmental requirements applicable to both deepwater and shallow water operations have been adopted for drilling in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico following the Macondo well incident. In order to obtain drilling permits, operators must submit applications that demonstrate compliance with the enhanced regulations, which require independent third-party inspections, certification of well design and well control equipment and emergency response plans in the event of a blowout, among other requirements. Operators have previously had, and may in the future have, difficulties obtaining drilling permits in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. In addition, the oil and gas industry has adopted new equipment and operating standards, such as the American Petroleum Institute Standard 53 relating to the installation and testing of well control equipment. These new safety and environmental guidelines and standards and any further new guidelines or standards the U.S. government or industry may issue or any other steps the U.S. government or industry may take, could disrupt or delay operations, increase the cost of operations, increase out-of-service time or reduce the area of operations for drilling rigs in U.S. and non-U.S. offshore areas.
Other governments could take similar actions relating to implementing new safety and environmental regulations in the future. Additionally, some of our customers have elected to voluntarily comply with some or all of the new inspections, certification requirements and safety and environmental guidelines on rigs operating outside of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Additional governmental regulations and requirements concerning licensing, taxation, equipment specifications and training requirements or the voluntary adoption of such requirements or guidelines by our customers could increase the costs of our operations, increase certification and permitting requirements, increase review periods and impose increased liability on offshore operations. The requirements applicable to us under the Consent Decree and the EPA Agreement cover safety, environmental, reporting, operational and other matters and are in addition to the regulations applicable to all industry participants and may add additional costs and liabilities.
The continuing effects of the enhanced regulations may also decrease the demand for drilling services, negatively affect dayrates and increase out-of-service time, which could ultimately have a material adverse effect on our revenue and profitability. We are unable to predict the full impact that the continuing effects of the enhanced regulations will have on our operations.
Compliance with or breach of environmental laws can be costly, expose us to liability and could limit our operations.
Our business in the offshore drilling industry is affected by laws and regulations relating to the energy industry and the environment, including international conventions and treaties, and regional, national, state, and local laws and regulations. The offshore drilling industry depends on demand for services from the oil and gas exploration and production industry, and, accordingly, we are directly affected by the adoption of laws and regulations that, for economic, environmental or other policy reasons, curtail exploration and development drilling for oil and gas. Compliance with such laws, regulations and standards, where applicable, may require us to make significant capital expenditures, such as the installation of costly equipment or operational changes, and may affect the resale values or useful lives of our rigs. We may also incur additional costs in order to comply with other existing and future regulatory obligations, including, but not limited to, costs relating to air emissions, including greenhouse gases (“GHGs”), the management of ballast waters, maintenance and inspection, development and implementation of emergency procedures and insurance coverage or other financial assurance of our ability to address pollution incidents. Offshore drilling in certain areas has been curtailed and, in certain cases, prohibited because of concerns over protection of the environment. These costs could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows. A failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in administrative and civil penalties, criminal sanctions or the suspension or termination of our operations.
To the extent new laws are enacted or other governmental actions are taken that prohibit or restrict offshore drilling or impose additional environmental protection requirements that result in increased costs to the oil and gas industry, in general, or the offshore drilling industry, in particular, our business or prospects could be materially adversely affected. The operation of our drilling rigs will require certain governmental approvals. These governmental approvals may involve public hearings and costly undertakings on our part. We may not obtain such approvals or such approvals may not be obtained in a timely manner. If we fail to timely secure the necessary approvals or permits, our customers may have the right to terminate or seek to renegotiate their drilling contracts to our detriment. The amendment or modification of existing laws and regulations or the adoption of new laws and regulations curtailing or further regulating exploratory or development drilling and production of oil and gas could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition. Compliance with any such new legislation or regulations could have an adverse effect on our statements of operations and cash flows.
As an operator of mobile offshore drilling units in some offshore areas, we may be liable for damages and costs incurred in connection with oil spills or waste disposals related to those operations, and we may also be subject to significant fines in connection with spills. For example, an oil spill could result in significant liability, including fines, penalties and criminal liability and remediation costs for natural resource damages, as well as third-party damages, to the extent that the contractual indemnification provisions in our drilling contracts are not enforceable or otherwise sufficient, or if our customers are unwilling or unable to contractually indemnify us from these risks. Additionally, we may not be able to obtain such indemnities in our future drilling contracts, and our customers may not have the financial capability to fulfill their contractual obligations to us. Also, these indemnities may be held to be unenforceable in certain jurisdictions, as a result of public policy or for other reasons. For example, one of the courts in the litigation related to the Macondo well incident has refused to enforce aspects of our indemnity with respect to certain environmental-related liabilities. Laws and regulations protecting the environment have become more stringent in recent years, and may in some cases impose strict liability, rendering a person liable for environmental damage without regard to negligence. These laws and regulations may expose us to liability for the conduct of or conditions caused by others or for acts that were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time they were performed. The application of these requirements or the adoption of new requirements or measures could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, our Consent Decree, the EPA Agreement and probation arising out of our Plea Agreement add to these regulations, requirements and liabilities. Our guilty plea to negligently discharging oil into the U.S. Gulf of Mexico in connection with the Macondo well incident caused us to incur liabilities under the environmental laws relating to the Macondo well incident. We may be subject to additional liabilities and penalties. See “—The Macondo well incident could result in increased expenses and decreased revenues, which could ultimately have a material adverse effect on us.”
The global nature of our operations involves additional risks.
We operate in various regions throughout the world, which may expose us to political and other uncertainties, including risks of:
§ | terrorist acts, war, piracy and civil unrest; |
§ | seizure, expropriation or nationalization of our equipment; |
§ | expropriation or nationalization of our customers’ property; |
§ | repudiation or nationalization of contracts; |
§ | imposition of trade or immigration barriers; |
§ | import-export quotas; |
§ | wage and price controls; |
§ | changes in law and regulatory requirements, including changes in interpretation and enforcement; |
§ | involvement in judicial proceedings in unfavorable jurisdictions; |
§ | damage to our equipment or violence directed at our employees, including kidnappings; |
§ | complications associated with supplying, repairing and replacing equipment in remote locations; |
§ | the inability to move income or capital; and |
§ | currency exchange fluctuations. |
Our non-U.S. contract drilling operations are subject to various laws and regulations in certain countries in which we operate, including laws and regulations relating to the import and export, equipment and operation of drilling units, currency conversions and repatriation, oil and gas exploration and development, taxation and social contributions of offshore earnings and earnings of expatriate personnel. We are also subject to the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) and other U.S. laws and regulations governing our international operations. In addition, various state and municipal governments, universities and other investors have proposed or adopted divestment and other initiatives regarding investments including, with respect to state governments, by state retirement systems in companies that do business with countries that have been designated as state sponsors of terrorism by the U.S. State Department. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including those relating to sanctions and export restrictions, may subject us to criminal sanctions or civil remedies, including fines, denial of export privileges, injunctions or seizures of assets. Investors could view any potential violations of OFAC regulations negatively, which could adversely affect our reputation and the market for our shares.
Governments in some foreign countries have become increasingly active in regulating and controlling the ownership of concessions and companies holding concessions, the exploration for oil and gas and other aspects of the oil and gas industries in their countries, including local content requirements for participating in tenders for certain drilling contracts. Many governments favor or effectively require the awarding of drilling contracts to local contractors or require foreign contractors to employ citizens of, or purchase supplies from, a particular jurisdiction or require use of a local agent. In addition, government action, including initiatives by OPEC, may continue to cause oil or gas price volatility. In some areas of the world, this governmental activity has adversely affected the amount of exploration and development work by major oil companies and may continue to do so.
A substantial portion of our drilling contracts are partially payable in local currency. Those amounts may exceed our local currency needs, leading to the accumulation of excess local currency, which, in certain instances, may be subject to either temporary blocking or other difficulties converting to U.S. dollars, our functional currency, or to other currencies in which we operate. Excess amounts of local currency may be exposed to the risk of currency exchange losses.
The shipment of goods, services and technology across international borders subjects us to extensive trade laws and regulations. Our import and export activities are governed by unique customs laws and regulations in each of the countries where we operate. Moreover, many countries, including the U.S., control the import and export of certain goods, services and technology and impose related import and export recordkeeping and reporting obligations. Governments also may impose economic sanctions against certain countries, persons and other entities that may restrict or prohibit transactions involving such countries, persons and entities, and we are also subject to the U.S. anti-boycott law.
The laws and regulations concerning import and export activity, recordkeeping and reporting, import and export control and economic sanctions are complex and constantly changing. These laws and regulations may be enacted, amended, enforced or interpreted in a manner materially impacting our operations. Ongoing economic challenges may increase some foreign governments’ efforts to enact, enforce, amend or interpret laws and regulations as a method to increase revenue. Shipments can be delayed and denied import or export for a variety of reasons, some of which are outside our control and some of which may result from failure to comply with existing legal and regulatory regimes. Shipping delays or denials could cause unscheduled operational downtime.
An inability to obtain visas and work permits for our employees on a timely basis could hurt our operations and have an adverse effect on our business. Our ability to operate worldwide depends on our ability to obtain the necessary visas and work permits for our personnel to travel in and out of, and to work in, the jurisdictions in which we operate. Governmental actions in some of the jurisdictions in which we operate may make it difficult for us to move our personnel in and out of these jurisdictions by delaying or withholding the approval of these permits. If we are not able to obtain visas and work permits for the employees we need to operate our rigs on a timely basis, we might not be able to perform our obligations under our drilling contracts, which could allow our customers to cancel the contracts. If our customers cancel some of our drilling contracts, and we are unable to secure new drilling contracts on a timely basis and on substantially similar terms, it could adversely affect our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Our business involves numerous operating hazards, and our insurance and indemnities from our customers may not be adequate to cover potential losses from our operations.
Our operations are subject to the usual hazards inherent in the drilling of oil and gas wells, such as, blowouts, reservoir damage, loss of production, loss of well control, lost or stuck drill strings, equipment defects, craterings, fires, explosions and pollution. Contract drilling requires the use of heavy equipment and exposure to hazardous conditions, which may subject us to liability claims by employees, customers and other parties. These hazards can cause personal injury or loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of property and equipment, pollution or environmental damage, claims by third parties or customers and suspension of operations. Our offshore fleet is also subject to hazards inherent in marine operations, either while on site or during mobilization, such as capsizing, sinking, grounding, collision, piracy, damage from severe weather and marine life infestations.
The South China Sea, the Northwest Coast of Australia and the U.S. Gulf of Mexico area are subject to typhoons, hurricanes or other extreme weather conditions on a relatively frequent basis, and our drilling rigs in these regions may be exposed to damage or total loss by these storms, some of which may not be covered by insurance. The occurrence of these events could result in the suspension of drilling operations, damage to or destruction of the equipment involved and injury to or death of rig personnel. Some experts believe global climate change could increase the frequency and severity of these extreme weather conditions. Operations may also be suspended because of machinery breakdowns, abnormal drilling conditions, failure of subcontractors to perform or supply goods or services, or personnel shortages. We customarily provide contract indemnity to our customers for certain claims that could be asserted by us relating to damage to or loss of our equipment, including rigs, and claims that could be asserted by us or our employees relating to personal injury or loss of life.
Damage to the environment could also result from our operations, particularly through spillage of hydrocarbons, fuel, lubricants or other chemicals and substances used in drilling operations, or extensive uncontrolled fires. We may also be subject to property damage, environmental indemnity and other claims by oil and natural gas companies. Drilling involves certain risks, including risks associated with the loss of control of a well, such as blowout, cratering, the cost to regain control of or re-drill the well and remediation of associated pollution. Our customers may be unable or unwilling to indemnify us against such risks. In addition, a court may decide that certain indemnities in our current or future drilling contracts are not enforceable. The law generally considers contractual indemnity for criminal fines and penalties to be against public policy, and the enforceability of an indemnity as to other matters may be limited.
Our insurance policies and drilling contracts contain rights to indemnity that may not adequately cover our losses, and we do not have insurance coverage or rights to indemnity for all risks. We have two main types of insurance coverage: (1) hull and machinery coverage for physical damage to our property and equipment and (2) excess liability coverage, which generally covers offshore risks, such as personal injury, third-party property claims, and third-party non-crew claims, including wreck removal and pollution. We generally have no hull and machinery insurance coverage for damages caused by named storms in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. We maintain per occurrence deductibles that generally range up to $10 million for various third-party liabilities and an additional aggregate annual deductible of $50 million, which is self-insured through our wholly-owned captive insurance company. We also retain the risk for any liability in excess of our $750 million excess liability coverage. However, pollution and environmental risks generally are not completely insurable.
If a significant accident or other event occurs that is not fully covered by our insurance or by an enforceable or recoverable indemnity from a customer or from Shelf Drilling with respect to the three standard jackups that Shelf Drilling operates, for which we have agreed to provide a limited guarantee in favor of Shelf Drilling’s customer from the time the drilling contracts are novated through expiration of such drilling contracts, such occurrence could adversely affect our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The amount of our insurance may also be less than the related impact on enterprise value after a loss. Our insurance coverage will not in all situations provide sufficient funds to protect us from all liabilities that could result from our drilling operations. Our coverage includes annual aggregate policy limits. As a result, we generally retain the risk for any losses in excess of these limits. We generally do not carry insurance for loss of revenue unless contractually required, and certain other claims may also not be reimbursed by insurance carriers. Any such lack of reimbursement may cause us to incur substantial costs. In addition, we could decide to retain more risk in the future, resulting in higher risk of losses, which could be material. Moreover, we may not be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates that we consider reasonable or be able to obtain insurance against certain risks.
Recent developments in Swiss corporate governance may affect our ability to attract and retain top executives.
On January 1, 2014, subject to certain transitional provisions, the Swiss Federal Council Ordinance Against Excessive Compensation at Public Companies (the “Ordinance”) became effective. The Ordinance, among other things, (a) requires a binding shareholder “say on pay” vote with respect to the compensation of members of our executive management and board of directors (b) generally prohibits the making of severance, advance, transaction premiums and similar payments to members of our executive management and board of directors, and (c) requires the declassification of our board of directors and the amendment of our articles of association to specify various compensation-related matters. At the 2014 annual general meeting, our shareholders approved amendments to our articles of association that implement the requirements of the Ordinance. At the 2015 annual general meeting, our shareholders will, for the first time, be required to approve the maximum aggregate compensation of (1) our board of directors for the period between the 2015 annual general meeting and the 2016 annual general meeting and (2) our executive management team for the year ending December 31, 2016. The Ordinance further provides for criminal penalties against directors and members of executive management in case of noncompliance with certain of its requirements. The Ordinance may negatively affect our ability to attract and retain executive management and members of our board of directors.
Corporate restructuring activity, divestitures, acquisitions and other business combinations and reorganizations could adversely affect our ability to achieve our strategic goals.
We have undertaken and continue to seek appropriate opportunities for restructuring our organization, engaging in strategic acquisitions, divestitures and other business combinations, such as our initial public offering of and investment in Transocean Partners LLC, in order to optimize our fleet and strengthen our competitiveness. We face risks arising from these activities, which could adversely affect our ability to achieve our strategic goals. For example:
§ | We may be unable to realize the growth or investment opportunities, improvement of our financial position and other expected benefits by these activities in the expected time period or at all; |
§ | Transactions may not be completed as scheduled or at all due to legal or regulatory requirements, market conditions or contractual and other conditions to which such transactions are subject; |
§ | Unanticipated problems could also arise in the integration or separation processes, including unanticipated restructuring or separation expenses and liabilities, as well as delays or other difficulties in transitioning, coordinating, consolidating, relacing and integrating personnel, information and management systems, and customer products and services; and |
§ | The diversion of management and key employees' attention may detract from the our ability to increase revenues and minimize costs; |
§ | Certain transactions may result in other unanticipated adverse consequences. |
§ | We may be required to guarantee certain obligations or provide funding to Transocean Partners through a $300 million revolving credit facility between us and Transocean Partners which may impact our liquidity of ability to borrow the full amount of capacity under our existing credit facilities. |
Failure to recruit and retain key personnel could hurt our operations.
We depend on the continuing efforts of key members of our management, as well as other highly skilled personnel, to operate and provide technical services and support for our business worldwide. Historically, competition for the personnel required for drilling operations has intensified as the number of rigs activated, added to worldwide fleets or under construction increased, leading to shortages of qualified personnel in the industry and creating upward pressure on wages and higher turnover. We may experience a reduction in the experience level of our personnel as a result of any increased turnover, which could lead to higher downtime and more operating incidents, which in turn could decrease revenues and increase costs. If increased competition for qualified personnel were to intensify in the future we may experience increases in costs or limits on operations.
Our labor costs and the operating restrictions under which we operate could increase as a result of collective bargaining negotiations and changes in labor laws and regulations.
Approximately 30 percent of our total workforce, working primarily in Angola, the U.K., Nigeria, Norway, Australia and Brazil are represented by, and some of our contracted labor work under, collective bargaining agreements, substantially all of which are subject to annual salary negotiation. These negotiations could result in higher personnel expenses, other increased costs or increased operational restrictions as the outcome of such negotiations apply to all offshore employees not just the union members. Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Congress that could encourage additional unionization efforts in the U.S., as well as increase the chances that such efforts succeed. Additional unionization efforts, if successful, new collective bargaining agreements or work stoppages could materially increase our labor costs and operating restrictions.
Worldwide financial, economic and political conditions could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Worldwide financial and economic conditions could cause our ability to access the capital markets to be severely restricted at a time when we would like, or need, to access such markets, which could have an impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions. Worldwide economic conditions have in the past impacted, and could in the future impact, the lenders participating in our credit facilities and our customers, causing them to fail to meet their obligations to us. In addition, a portion of the credit under our credit facilities is provided by European banking institutions. If economic conditions in Europe preclude or limit financing from these banking institutions, we may not be able to obtain financing from other institutions on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all, even if conditions outside Europe remain favorable for lending. A slowdown in economic activity could reduce worldwide demand for energy and result in an extended period of lower oil and natural gas prices. A decline in oil and natural gas prices could reduce demand for our drilling services and have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
The world economy and, in particular, the European economy are currently facing a number of challenges. As а result of the credit crisis in Europe, concerns persist regarding the debt burden of certain Eurozone countries and their ability to meet future financial obligations and the overall stability of the euro. An extended period of adverse development in the outlook for European countries could reduce the overall demand for oil and natural gas and for our services. These potential developments, or market perceptions concerning these and related issues, could affect our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, turmoil and hostilities in the Middle East, North Africa and other geographic areas and countries are adding to overall risk. An extended period of adverse development in the outlook for the world economy could reduce the overall demand for oil and natural gas and for our services. Such changes could adversely affect our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Failure to comply with anti-bribery statutes, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, could result in fines, criminal penalties, drilling contract terminations and an adverse effect on our business.
The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), the U.K. Bribery Act 2010 (“Bribery Act”) and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions, generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We operate in many parts of the world that have experienced corruption to some degree and, in certain circumstances, strict compliance with anti-bribery laws may conflict with local customs and practices. If we are found to be liable for violations under the FCPA or the Bribery Act, either due to our acts or omissions or due to the acts or omissions of others, including our partners in our various joint ventures, we could suffer from civil and criminal penalties or other sanctions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, investors could view any potential violations under the FCPA or the Bribery Act negatively, which could adversely affect our reputation and the market for our shares.
We could also face fines, sanctions and other penalties from authorities in the relevant foreign jurisdictions, including prohibition of our participating in or curtailment of business operations in those jurisdictions and the seizure of rigs or other assets. Our customers in those jurisdictions could seek to impose penalties or take other actions adverse to our interests. We could also face other third-party claims by agents, shareholders, debt holders, or other interest holders or constituents of our company. In addition, disclosure of the subject matter of the investigation could adversely affect our reputation and our ability to obtain new business or retain existing business from our current customers and potential customers, to attract and retain employees and to access the capital markets.
Regulation of greenhouse gases and climate change could have a negative impact on our business.
Some scientific studies have suggested that emissions of certain gases, commonly referred to as greenhouse gases (“GHGs”) and including carbon dioxide and methane, may be contributing to warming of the Earth’s atmosphere and other climatic changes. In response to such studies, the issue of climate change and the effect of GHG emissions, in particular emissions from fossil fuels, is attracting increasing attention worldwide.
Legislation to regulate emissions of GHGs has been introduced in the U.S. Congress. Some of the proposals would require industries to meet stringent new standards that may require substantial reductions in carbon emissions. Such reductions could be costly and difficult to implement. In addition, efforts have been made and continue to be made in the international community toward the adoption of international treaties or protocols that would address global climate change issues.
In the U.S., the EPA has undertaken efforts to regulate GHG emissions and has finalized motor vehicle GHG emissions standards, the effect of which could reduce demand for motor fuels refined from crude oil, and has also issued a final rule to address permitting of GHG emissions from stationary sources under the Clean Air Act’s Prevention of Significant Deterioration and Title V programs commencing when the motor vehicle standards took effect on January 2, 2011. To the extent that our operations are subject to the EPA’s GHG regulations, we may face increased capital and operating costs.
Because our business depends on the level of activity in the offshore oil and gas industry, existing or future laws, regulations, treaties or international agreements related to GHGs and climate change, including incentives to conserve energy or use alternative energy sources, could have a negative impact on our business if such laws, regulations, treaties or international agreements reduce the worldwide demand for oil and gas or limit drilling opportunities. In addition, such laws, regulations, treaties or international agreements could result in increased compliance costs or additional operating restrictions, which may have a negative impact on our business.
We are subject to litigation that, if not resolved in our favor and not sufficiently insured against, could have a material adverse effect on us.
In addition to the litigation surrounding the Macondo well incident, we are subject to a variety of other litigation. Certain of our subsidiaries are named as defendants in numerous lawsuits alleging personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos or toxic fumes or resulting from other occupational diseases, such as silicosis, and various other medical issues that can remain undiscovered for a considerable amount of time. Some of these subsidiaries that have been put on notice of potential liabilities have no assets. Further, our patent for dual-activity technology has been successfully challenged in certain jurisdictions, and we have been accused of infringing other patents. Other subsidiaries are subject to litigation relating to environmental damage. We cannot predict the outcome of the cases involving those subsidiaries or the potential costs to resolve them. Insurance may not be applicable or sufficient in all cases, insurers may not remain solvent, and policies may not be located, and liabilities associated with the Macondo well incident may exhaust some or all of the insurance available to cover certain claims. Suits against non-asset-owning subsidiaries have and may in the future give rise to alter ego or successor-in-interest claims against us and our asset-owning subsidiaries to the extent a subsidiary is unable to pay a claim or insurance is not available or sufficient to cover the claims. We are also subject to a number of significant tax disputes, including trials on criminal and civil charges that commenced in Norway in late 2012. To the extent that one or more pending or future litigation matters is not resolved in our favor and is not covered by insurance, a material adverse effect on our financial results and condition could result.
Public health threats could have a material adverse effect on our operations and our financial results.
Public health threats, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, severe influenza and other highly communicable viruses or diseases, outbreaks of which have already occurred in various parts of the world in which we operate, could adversely impact our operations, the operations of our customers and the global economy, including the worldwide demand for oil and natural gas and the level of demand for our services. Any quarantine of personnel or inability to access our offices or rigs could adversely affect our operations. Travel restrictions or operational problems in any part of the world in which we operate, or any reduction in the demand for drilling services caused by public health threats in the future, may materially impact operations and adversely affect our financial results.
Our information technology systems are subject to cybersecurity risks and threats.
We depend on digital technologies to conduct our offshore and onshore operations, to collect payments from customers and to pay vendors and employees. Threats to our information technology systems associated with cybersecurity risks and cyber incidents or attacks continue to grow. In addition, breaches to our systems could go unnoticed for some period of time. Risks associated with these threats include disruptions of certain systems on our rigs; other impairments of our ability to conduct our operations; loss of intellectual property, proprietary information or customer data; disruption of our customers’ operations; loss or damage to our customer data delivery systems; and increased costs to prevent, respond to or mitigate cybersecurity events. If such a cyber-incident were to occur, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Acts of terrorism, piracy and social unrest could affect the markets for drilling services, which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Acts of terrorism and social unrest, brought about by world political events or otherwise, have caused instability in the world’s financial and insurance markets in the past and may occur in the future. Such acts could be directed against companies such as ours. In addition, acts of terrorism, piracy and social unrest could lead to increased volatility in prices for crude oil and natural gas and could affect the markets for drilling services. Insurance premiums could increase and coverage may be unavailable in the future.
Our drilling contracts do not generally provide indemnification against loss of capital assets or loss of revenues resulting from acts of terrorism, piracy or social unrest. We have limited insurance for our assets providing coverage for physical damage losses resulting from risks, such as terrorist acts, piracy, vandalism, sabotage, civil unrest, expropriation and acts of war, and we do not carry insurance for loss of revenues resulting from such risks. Government regulations may effectively preclude us from actively engaging in business activities in certain countries. These regulations could be amended to cover countries where we currently operate or where we may wish to operate in the future.
Other risks
A change in tax laws, treaties or regulations, or their interpretation, of any country in which we have operations, are incorporated or are resident could result in a higher tax rate on our worldwide earnings, which could result in a significant negative impact on our earnings and cash flows from operations.
We operate worldwide through our various subsidiaries. Consequently, we are subject to changes in applicable tax laws, treaties or regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate, which could include laws or policies directed toward companies organized in jurisdictions with low tax rates. A material change in the tax laws or policies, or their interpretation, of any country in which we have significant operations, or in which we are incorporated or resident, could result in a higher effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings and such change could be significant to our financial results.
In the U.S., tax legislative proposals intending to eliminate some perceived tax advantages of companies that have legal domiciles outside the U.S., but have certain U.S. connections, have repeatedly been introduced in the U.S. Congress. Recent examples include, but are not limited to, legislative proposals that would broaden the circumstances in which a non-U.S. company would be considered a U.S. resident, including the use of “management and control” provisions to determine corporate residency, and proposals that could override certain tax treaties and limit treaty benefits on certain payments by U.S. subsidiaries to non-U.S. affiliates. Additionally, members of the U.S. Congress have repeatedly introduced proposals which would disallow any deduction for otherwise tax deductible payments relating to any incident resulting in the discharge of oil into navigable waters, such as the Macondo well incident. Any material change in tax laws or policies, or their interpretation, resulting from such legislative proposals or inquiries could result in a higher effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings and such change could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In Switzerland, draft tax legislative proposals intending to abolish certain cantonal tax privileges to the extent such provisions treat Swiss and non-Swiss income differently as well as implement other significant changes to existing tax laws and practices have been released. These draft proposals are in response to certain guidance and demands from both the European Union and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The Swiss government is expected to release its definitive draft proposal within the next 12 months. Switzerland’s implementation of any material change in tax laws or policies or its adoption of new interpretations of existing tax laws and rulings could result in a higher effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings and such change could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In December 2013, the U.K. Treasury released draft proposals that would cap the amount a U.K.-based contractor would be able to claim as a deductible expense for charter payments made to related companies. A ring fence was also proposed to ensure that the profits from activities in relation to the chartering of rigs from affiliates are not reduced by tax relief from any unconnected activities. On July 17, 2014, the U.K. legislation received Royal Assent with retroactive application effective as of April 2014. In December 2014, the U.K. Treasury released additional draft proposals that would impose tax on aggressive tax planning techniques used by multinational entities to divert profits from the U.K. The draft legislation would tax companies that had structured its operations to avoid a permanent establishment in the U.K. and as a result of the structure the U.K. tax liability was reduced by 20 percent. The draft legislation would also apply to transactions lacking economic substance that occur between common controlled entities and the resulting transaction reduces the U.K. tax liability by 20 percent. The draft legislation would apply a 25 percent tax on companies that utilized these aggressive techniques. Any material change in tax laws or policies, or their interpretation, resulting from such legislative proposals or inquiries could result in a higher effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings and such change could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In December 2014, a special commission issued recommendations for significant tax reform in Norway. These recommendations included consideration of a decrease in the corporate income tax rate, as well as a cap on the tax deduction for charter payments made to related companies and a withholding tax on certain charter payments to related companies. Any material change in tax laws or policies, or their interpretation, resulting from such legislative proposals or inquiries could result in a higher effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings and such change could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Similarly, the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (the “OECD”) issued an action plan in July 2013 that called for member states to take action to prevent “base erosion and profit shifting” in situations where payments are made between affiliates from a jurisdiction with high tax rates to a jurisdiction with lower tax rates. A number of specific tax reform changes have been recently proposed and are currently being publicly debated. Some of these proposals would impact transfer pricing, requirements to qualify for tax treaty benefits, and the definition of permanent establishments. Any material change in tax laws or policies, or their interpretation, resulting from such legislative proposals or inquiries could result in a higher effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings and such change could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Other tax jurisdictions in which we operate may consider implementing similar legislation, the implementation of such legislation, any other material changes in tax laws or policies or its adoption of new interpretations of existing tax laws and rulings could result in a higher effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings and such change could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
A loss of a major tax dispute or a successful tax challenge to our operating structure, intercompany pricing policies or the taxable presence of our key subsidiaries in certain countries could result in a higher tax rate on our worldwide earnings, which could result in a significant negative impact on our earnings and cash flows from operations.
We are a Swiss corporation that operates through our various subsidiaries in a number of countries throughout the world. Consequently, we are subject to tax laws, treaties and regulations in and between the countries in which we operate. Our income taxes are based upon the applicable tax laws and tax rates in effect in the countries in which we operate and earn income as well as upon our operating structures in these countries.
Our income tax returns are subject to review and examination. We do not recognize the benefit of income tax positions we believe are more likely than not to be disallowed upon challenge by a tax authority. If any tax authority successfully challenges our operational structure, intercompany pricing policies or the taxable presence of our key subsidiaries in certain countries; or if the terms of certain income tax treaties are interpreted in a manner that is adverse to our structure; or if we lose a material tax dispute in any country, particularly in the U.S., Norway or Brazil, our effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings could increase substantially and our earnings and cash flows from operations could be materially adversely affected. For example, we cannot be certain that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) will not successfully contend that we or any of our key subsidiaries were or are engaged in a trade or business in the U.S. or, when applicable, that we or any of our key subsidiaries maintained or maintain a permanent establishment in the U.S., since, among other things, such determination involves considerable uncertainty. If we or any of our key subsidiaries were considered to have been engaged in a trade or business in the U.S., when applicable, through a permanent establishment, we could be subject to U.S. corporate income and additional branch profits taxes on the portion of our earnings effectively connected to such U.S. business during the period in which this was considered to have occurred, in which case our effective tax rate on worldwide earnings for that period could increase substantially, and our earnings and cash flows from operations for that period could be adversely affected.
U.S. tax authorities could treat us as a passive foreign investment company, which could have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders.
A foreign corporation will be treated as a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes if either (1) at least 75 percent of its gross income for any taxable year consists of certain types of passive income or (2) at least 50 percent of the average value of the corporation's assets produce or are held for the production of those types of passive income. For purposes of these tests, passive income includes dividends, interest and gains from the sale or exchange of investment property and certain rents and royalties, but does not include income derived from the performance of services.
We believe that we have not been and will not be a PFIC with respect to any taxable year. Our income from offshore contract drilling services should be treated as services income for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC. Accordingly, we believe that our income from our offshore contract drilling services should not constitute "passive income," and the assets that we own and operate in connection with the production of that income should not constitute passive assets.
There is significant legal authority supporting this position, including statutory provisions, legislative history, case law and IRS pronouncements concerning the characterization, for other tax purposes, of income derived from services where a substantial component of such income is attributable to the value of the property or equipment used in connection with providing such services. It should be noted, however, that a recent case and an IRS pronouncement which relies on the recent case characterize income from time chartering of vessels as rental income rather than services income for other tax purposes. However, the IRS subsequently has formally announced that it does not agree with the decision in that case. Moreover, we believe that the terms of the time charters in the recent case differ in material respects from the terms of our drilling contracts with customers. No assurance can be given that the IRS or a court will accept our position, and there is a risk that the IRS or a court could determine that we are a PFIC.
If we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, our U.S. shareholders would face adverse U.S. tax consequences. Under the PFIC rules, unless a shareholder makes certain elections available under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and such elections could themselves have adverse consequences for such shareholder, such shareholder would be liable to pay U.S. federal income tax at the highest applicable income tax rates on ordinary income upon the receipt of excess distributions, as defined for U.S. tax purposes, and upon any gain from the disposition of our shares, plus interest on such amounts, as if such excess distribution or gain had been recognized ratably over the shareholder’s holding period of our shares. In addition, under applicable statutory provisions, the preferential 15 percent tax rate on “qualified dividend income,” which applies to dividends paid to non-corporate shareholders prior to 2011, does not apply to dividends paid by a foreign corporation if the foreign corporation is a PFIC for the taxable year in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year.
We have significant carrying amounts of long-lived assets that are subject to impairment testing.
At December 31, 2014, the carrying amount of our property and equipment was $21.5 billion, representing 76 percent of our total assets. In accordance with our critical accounting policies, we review our property and equipment for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that carrying amounts of our assets held and used may not be recoverable.
In the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized a loss of $788 million associated with the impairment of our Deepwater Floater asset group. In the year ended December 31, 2012, in connection with the sale of 38 drilling units to Shelf Drilling, we recognized a loss of $744 million associated with the impairment of the long-lived assets attributable to the transactions. Future expectations of lower dayrates or rig utilization rates or a significant change to the composition of one or more of our asset groups or to our contract drilling services reporting unit could result in the recognition of additional losses on impairment of our long-lived asset groups, particularly with respect to our Deepwater Floaters and Midwater Floaters if future cash flow expectations, based upon information available to management at the time of measurement, indicate that the carrying amount of our asset groups may be impaired.
We have significant exposure to losses resulting from our contractual relationships with Shelf Drilling and its affiliates.
In connection with our sale transactions with Shelf Drilling in the year ended December 31, 2012, we agreed to indemnify Shelf Drilling from certain liabilities, and Shelf Drilling agreed to indemnify us from certain liabilities and make certain payments to us. However, the indemnity from Shelf Drilling may not be sufficient to protect us against the full amount of liabilities to third parties, and Shelf Drilling may not be willing or able to satisfy its indemnification or payment obligations in the future.
Pursuant to the agreements we entered into with Shelf Drilling, including purchase agreements, operating agreements with respect to rigs that we operated on behalf of Shelf Drilling and a transition services agreement, we agreed to indemnify Shelf Drilling from certain liabilities, and Shelf Drilling agreed to indemnify us from certain liabilities, including, without limitation, liabilities related to operational risks with respect to Shelf Drilling's rigs, liabilities related to credit support we are providing to Shelf Drilling and certain liabilities related to employees, and to make certain payments to us. However, third parties could seek to hold us responsible for the liabilities with respect to which Shelf Drilling has agreed to indemnify us. In addition, the indemnity may not be sufficient to protect us against the full amount of such liabilities, and Shelf Drilling may not be willing or able to satisfy its indemnification or payment obligations to us. Moreover, even if we ultimately succeed in recovering from Shelf Drilling any amounts for which we are held liable, we may be temporarily required to bear these losses ourselves. Each of these risks could adversely affect our business or our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
We may be limited in our use of net operating losses.
Our ability to benefit from our deferred tax assets depends on us having sufficient future earnings to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards before they expire. We have established a valuation allowance against the future tax benefit for a number of our non-U.S. net operating loss carryforwards, and we could be required to record an additional valuation allowance against our non-U.S. or U.S. deferred tax assets if market conditions change materially and, as a result, our future earnings are, or are projected to be, significantly less than we currently estimate. Our net operating loss carryforwards are subject to review and potential disallowance upon audit by the tax authorities of the jurisdictions where the net operating losses are incurred.
Our status as a Swiss corporation may limit our flexibility with respect to certain aspects of capital management and may cause us to be unable to make distributions or repurchase shares without subjecting our shareholders to Swiss withholding tax.
Under Swiss law, our shareholders may approve an authorized share capital that allows the board of directors to issue new shares without additional shareholder approval. As a matter of Swiss law, authorized share capital is limited to a maximum of 50 percent of a company’s registered share capital and is subject to re-approval by shareholders every two years. At our 2014 annual general meeting, our shareholders approved an authorized share capital, which will expire on May 16, 2016. Our current authorized share capital is limited to approximately six percent of our registered share capital. Unless our shareholders approve a new authorized share capital at our 2016 annual general meeting, we will generally need to obtain shareholder approval in the event we need to raise common equity capital. Additionally, subject to specified exceptions, Swiss law grants preemptive rights to existing shareholders to subscribe for new issuances of shares. Further, Swiss law does not provide as much flexibility in the various terms that can attach to different classes of shares as the laws of some other jurisdictions. Swiss law also reserves for shareholder approval certain corporate actions over which a board of directors would have authority in some other jurisdictions. For example, dividends must be approved by shareholders. These Swiss law requirements relating to our capital management may limit our flexibility, and situations may arise where greater flexibility would have provided substantial benefits to our shareholders.
Distributions to shareholders in the form of a par value reduction and dividend distributions out of qualifying additional paid-in capital are not currently subject to the 35 percent Swiss federal withholding tax. However, the Swiss withholding tax rules could also be changed in the future, and any such change may adversely affect us or our shareholders. In addition, over the long term, the amount of par value available for us to use for par value reductions or the amount of qualifying additional paid-in capital available for us to pay out as distributions is limited. If we are unable to make a distribution through a reduction in par value, or out of qualifying additional paid-in capital as shown on Transocean Ltd.’s standalone Swiss statutory financial statements, we may not be able to make distributions without subjecting our shareholders to Swiss withholding taxes.
Under present Swiss tax law, repurchases of shares for the purposes of capital reduction are treated as a partial liquidation subject to a 35 percent Swiss withholding tax on the repurchase price less the par value, and since January 1, 2011, to the extent attributable to qualifying additional paid-in capital, if any. At our 2009 annual general meeting, our shareholders approved the repurchase of up to CHF 3.5 billion of our shares for cancellation under the share repurchase program. On February 12, 2010, our board of directors authorized our management to implement the share repurchase program. On May 24, 2013, we received approval from the Swiss authorities for the continuation of the share repurchase program for an additional three-year repurchase period through May 23, 2016. We may repurchase shares under the share repurchase program via a second trading line on the SIX from institutional investors who are generally able to receive a full refund of the Swiss withholding tax. Alternatively, in relation to the U.S. market, we may repurchase shares under the share repurchase program using an alternative procedure pursuant to which we can repurchase shares under the share repurchase program via a “virtual second trading line” from market players (in particular, banks and institutional investors) who are generally entitled to receive a full refund of the Swiss withholding tax. There may not be sufficient liquidity in our shares on the SIX to repurchase the amount of shares that we would like to repurchase using the second trading line on the SIX. In addition, our ability to use the “virtual second trading line” is limited to the share repurchase program currently approved by our shareholders, and any use of the “virtual second trading line” with respect to future share repurchase programs will require the approval of the competent Swiss tax and other authorities. We may not be able to repurchase as many shares as we would like to repurchase for purposes of capital reduction on either the “virtual second trading line” or, in the future, a SIX second trading line without subjecting the selling shareholders to Swiss withholding taxes.
We are subject to anti-takeover provisions.
Our articles of association and Swiss law contain provisions that could prevent or delay an acquisition of the company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise. These provisions may also adversely affect prevailing market prices for our shares. These provisions, among other things:
§ | provide that the board of directors is authorized, subject to obtaining shareholder approval every two years, at any time during a maximum two-year period, which under the current authorized share capital of the Company will expire on May 16, 2016, to issue a specified number of shares, which under the current authorized share capital of the Company is approximately six percent of the share capital registered in the commercial register, and to limit or withdraw the preemptive rights of existing shareholders in various circumstances; |
§ | provide for a conditional share capital that authorizes the issuance of additional shares up to a maximum amount of 50 percent of the share capital registered in the commercial register without obtaining additional shareholder approval through: (1) the exercise of conversion, exchange, option, warrant or similar rights for the subscription of shares granted in connection with bonds, options, warrants or other securities newly or already issued in national or international capital markets or new or already existing contractual obligations by or of any of our subsidiaries; or (2) in connection with the issuance of shares, options or other share-based awards; |
§ | provide that any shareholder who wishes to propose any business or to nominate a person or persons for election as director at any annual meeting may only do so if advance notice is given to the company; |
§ | provide that directors can be removed from office only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3 percent of the shares entitled to vote; |
§ | provide that a merger or demerger transaction requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3 percent of the shares represented at the meeting and provide for the possibility of a so-called “cashout” or “squeezeout” merger if the acquirer controls 90 percent of the outstanding shares entitled to vote at the meeting; |
§ | provide that any action required or permitted to be taken by the holders of shares must be taken at a duly called annual or extraordinary general meeting of shareholders; |
§ | limit the ability of our shareholders to amend or repeal some provisions of our articles of association; and |
§ | limit transactions between us and an “interested shareholder,” which is generally defined as a shareholder that, together with its affiliates and associates, beneficially, directly or indirectly, owns 15 percent or more of our shares entitled to vote at a general meeting. |
Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments |
None.
Item 2. |
The description of our property included under “Item 1. Business” is incorporated by reference herein.
We maintain offices, land bases and other facilities worldwide, including the following:
§ | principal executive offices in Vernier, Switzerland; and |
§ | corporate offices in Zug, Switzerland; Houston, Texas; Cayman Islands and Luxembourg. |
Our remaining offices and bases are located in various countries in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India, the Far East and Australia. We lease most of these facilities.
Item 3. | Legal Proceedings |
We have certain actions, claims and other matters pending as discussed and reported in “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 15—Commitments and Contingencies” and “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Contingencies—Macondo well incident” in this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. We are also involved in various tax matters as described in “Part II. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 6—Income Taxes” and in “Part II. Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Contingencies—Tax matters” in this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. All such actions, claims, tax and other matters are incorporated herein by reference.
As of December 31, 2014, we were also involved in a number of other lawsuits and other matters which have arisen in the ordinary course of our business and for which we do not expect the liability, if any, resulting from these lawsuits to have a material adverse effect on our current consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We cannot predict with certainty the outcome or effect of any of the matters referred to above or of any such other pending or threatened litigation or legal proceedings. There can be no assurance that our beliefs or expectations as to the outcome or effect of any lawsuit or other matters will prove correct and the eventual outcome of these matters could materially differ from management’s current estimates.
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures |
Not applicable.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
We have included the following information, presented as of February 17, 2015, on our executive officers for purposes of U.S. securities laws in Part I of this report in reliance on General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K. The board of directors elects the officers of the Company, generally on an annual basis. There is no family relationship between any of our executive officers.
Age as of | ||||
Officer | Office | February 17, 2015 | ||
Ian C. Strachan (a) | Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer | 71 | ||
Steven L. Newman (a) | President and Chief Executive Officer | 50 | ||
Esa Ikäheimonen (a) | Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer | 51 | ||
Lars Sjöbring | Senior Vice President and General Counsel | 47 | ||
John B. Stobart (a) | Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer | 60 | ||
David Tonnel | Senior Vice President, Finance and Controller | 45 |
______________________________
(a) | Member of our executive management team for purposes of Swiss law. |
Effective February 16, 2015, Ian C. Strachan assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Strachan has served as a member of the board of directors of the Company since December 1999 and as Chairman of the Board since May 2013. Mr. Strachan served as a member of the board of directors of Caithness Petroleum Ltd. from April 2008 to December 2013, Rolls Royce Group plc from September 2003 to May 2013, Johnson Matthey plc from January 2002 to March 2009 and as Chairman of the Board of Instinet Group Incorporated from 2003 to 2005. He also served as Chief Executive Officer of BTR plc from 1996 to 1999. At Rio Tinto plc, Mr. Strachan served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer from 1991 to 1995 and as Chief Financial Officer from 1987 to 1991. He began his career with Exxon Corporation, where he served in various positions from 1970 to 1986. Additionally, he served as a teaching fellow at Harvard University from 1969 to 1970. Mr. Strachan received his Master of Arts degree from Christ’s College, Cambridge University in 1965, and his Master of Public Affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton University, in 1967.
Until February 15, 2015, Steven L. Newman was President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors of the Company. Before being named as Chief Executive Officer in March 2010, Mr. Newman served as President and Chief Operating Officer from May 2008 to November 2009 and subsequently as President. Mr. Newman’s prior senior management roles included Executive Vice President, Performance from November 2007 to May 2008, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from October 2006 to November 2007, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Information Process Solutions from May 2006 to October 2006, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Information Process Solutions and Treasury from March 2005 to May 2006, and Vice President of Performance and Technology from August 2003 to March 2005. He also has served as Regional Manager for the Asia and Australia Region and in international field and operations management positions, including Project Engineer, Rig Manager, Division Manager, Region Marketing Manager and Region Operations Manager. Mr. Newman joined the Company in 1994 in the Corporate Planning Department. Mr. Newman received his Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines in 1989 and received his Master of Business Administration from the Harvard University Graduate School of Business in 1992. Mr. Newman is also a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the National Association of Corporate Directors.
Esa Ikäheimonen is Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Before being named Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer in November 2012, Mr. Ikäheimonen served as a consultant to the Company from September 2012 to November 2012. Mr. Ikäheimonen was appointed Chairman of the Board of Transocean Partners LLC in August 2014, and continues to serve in that role. He has served as a non-executive director and the chairman of the audit committee of Ahlstrom Corporation since April 2011. Mr. Ikäheimonen served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Seadrill Ltd. from August 2010 to September 2012, and he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Poyry plc from March 2009 to July 2010. At Royal Dutch Shell, Mr. Ikäheimonen served as Vice President Finance, Shell Africa E&P from June 2007 to March 2009, as Vice President Finance, Shell Upstream Middle East from January 2007 to June 2007, and as Finance and Commercial Director, Shell Qatar from May 2004 to January 2007. Prior to May 2004, Mr. Ikäheimonen served in various financial roles for Royal Dutch Shell, including Strategy and Portfolio Manager, Shell Europe Oil Products, Finance Director, Shell Scandinavia, and Finance Director, Shell Finland. Mr. Ikäheimonen received his Master of Laws degree from the University of Turku in Finland in 1989.
Lars Sjöbring is Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the Company. Before being named to this position in March 2014, Mr. Sjöbring served as the Vice President Legal Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary of Autoliv, Inc. from September 2007 to February 2014. Mr. Sjöbring served as Senior Legal Counsel and, subsequently, as Director, Legal, Mergers and Acquisitions for Nokia Corporation from September 2003 to September 2007. He also served as Foreign Legal Counsel for Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP from September 2000 to June 2003. Mr. Sjöbring received his Master of Laws degrees from Lund University in Sweden in 1994 and from University of Amsterdam in Netherlands in 1995, and he received a Master of Corporate Law degree from Fordham University School of Law in New York in 2003.
John B. Stobart is Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Before joining the Company in October 2012, Mr. Stobart served as Vice President, Global Drilling for BHP Billiton Petroleum from July 2011 to October 2012. At BHP Billiton, he also served as Worldwide Drilling Manager for BHP Billiton in Australia, the U.K. and the U.S. from January 1995 to June 2011 and as Senior Drilling Engineer, Senior Drilling Supervisor, Drilling Superintendent and Drilling Manager in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, India, Burma, Malaysia, Vietnam and Australia from June 1988 to December 1994. Mr. Stobart served as Engineering Manager at Husky/Bow Valley from November 1984 to May 1988, and he worked in engineering roles at Dome Petroleum/Canadian Marine Drilling from May 1980 to October 1984. He began his career working on land rigs in Canada and the High Arctic in June 1971. Mr. Stobart received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Calgary in 1980 and completed the London Business School Accelerated Development Program in 2000.
David Tonnel is Senior Vice President, Finance and Controller of the Company. Before being named to his current position in March 2012, Mr. Tonnel served as Senior Vice President of the Europe and Africa Unit from June 2009 to March 2012. Mr. Tonnel served as Vice President of Global Supply Chain from November 2008 to June 2009, as Vice President of Integration and Process Improvement from November 2007 to November 2008, and as Vice President and Controller from February 2005 to November 2007. Prior to February 2005, he served in various financial roles, including Assistant Controller; Finance Manager, Asia Australia Region; and Controller, Nigeria. Mr. Tonnel joined the Company in 1996 after working for Ernst & Young in France as Senior Auditor. Mr. Tonnel received his Master of Science in Management from Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales in Paris, France in 1991.
PART II
Item 5. | Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities |
Markets for Shares of Our Common Equity
Our shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the ticker symbol “RIG” and on the SIX Swiss Exchange (“SIX”) under the symbol “RIGN.” The following table presents the intraday high and low per share sales prices as reported on the NYSE and the SIX for the periods indicated.
NYSE Stock Price | SIX Stock Price | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2014 | 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | High | Low | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
First quarter | $ | 49.58 | $ | 38.47 | $ | 59.50 | $ | 45.23 | CHF | 44.72 | CHF | 33.30 | CHF | 54.70 | CHF | 42.12 | ||||||||||||||||
Second quarter | 46.12 | 39.41 | 55.79 | 46.02 | 41.31 | 34.62 | 54.25 | 43.09 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Third quarter | 45.21 | 31.76 | 50.45 | 44.32 | 40.18 | 30.47 | 48.00 | 40.09 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fourth quarter | 32.41 | 15.97 | 55.74 | 44.19 | 31.04 | 15.32 | 51.25 | 40.12 |
On February 17, 2015, the last reported sales price of our shares on the NYSE and the SIX was $19.05 per share and CHF 17.60 per share, respectively. On such date, there were 6,777 holders of record of our shares and 362,297,133 shares outstanding.
Shareholder Matters
Shareholder distributions
On February 15, 2015, our board of directors announced its recommendation that our shareholders at the 2015 annual general meeting approve a distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital in the form of a U.S. dollar denominated dividend of $0.60 per outstanding share, payable in four quarterly installments of $0.15 per outstanding share, subject to certain limitations. If approved, we expect that the dividend installments will be paid in June 2015, September 2015, December 2015 and March 2016.
In May 2014, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved the distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital in the form of a U.S. dollar denominated dividend of $3.00 per outstanding share, payable in four quarterly installments of $0.75 per outstanding share, subject to certain limitations. On June 18, September 17 and December 17, 2014, we paid the first three installments in the aggregate amount of $816 million to shareholders of record as of May 30, August 22 and November 14, 2014, respectively. On March 18, 2015, we expect to pay the final installment in the aggregate amount of $272 million to shareholders of record as of February 20, 2015.
In May 2013, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved the distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital in the form of a U.S. dollar denominated dividend of $2.24 per outstanding share, payable in four installments of $0.56 per outstanding share, subject to certain limitations. On June 19, September 18 and December 18, 2013, we paid the first three installments, in the aggregate amount of $606 million, to shareholders of record as of May 31, August 23 and November 15, 2013, respectively. On March 19, 2014, we paid the final installment in the aggregate amount of $202 million to shareholders of record as of February 21, 2014.
We do not pay the distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital with respect to our shares held in treasury or held by our subsidiary. Any future declaration and payment of any cash distributions will (1) depend on our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements and other relevant factors, (2) be subject to shareholder approval, (3) be subject to restrictions contained in our credit facilities and other debt covenants, (4) be affected by our plans regarding share repurchases or noncash shareholder distributions and (5) be subject to restrictions imposed by Swiss law, including the requirement that sufficient distributable profits from the previous year or freely distributable reserves must exist.
Swiss tax consequences to our shareholders
Overview—The tax consequences discussed below are not a complete analysis or listing of all the possible tax consequences that may be relevant to our shareholders. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors in respect of the tax consequences related to receipt, ownership, purchase or sale or other disposition of our shares and the procedures for claiming a refund of withholding tax.
Swiss income tax on dividends and similar distributions—A non-Swiss holder will not be subject to Swiss income taxes on dividend income and similar distributions in respect of our shares, unless the shares are attributable to a permanent establishment or a fixed place of business maintained in Switzerland by such non-Swiss holder. However, dividends and similar distributions are subject to Swiss withholding tax, subject to certain exceptions. See “—Swiss withholding tax on dividends and similar distributions to shareholders.”
Swiss wealth tax—A non-Swiss holder will not be subject to Swiss wealth taxes unless the holder’s shares are attributable to a permanent establishment or a fixed place of business maintained in Switzerland by such non-Swiss holder.
Swiss capital gains tax upon disposal of shares—A non-Swiss holder will not be subject to Swiss income taxes for capital gains unless the holder’s shares are attributable to a permanent establishment or a fixed place of business maintained in Switzerland by such non-Swiss holder. In such case, the non-Swiss holder is required to recognize capital gains or losses on the sale of such shares, which will be subject to cantonal, communal and federal income tax.
Swiss withholding tax on dividends and similar distributions to shareholders—A Swiss withholding tax of 35 percent is due on dividends and similar distributions to our shareholders from us, regardless of the place of residency of the shareholder, subject to the exceptions discussed under “—Exemption” below. We will be required to withhold at such rate and remit on a net basis any payments made to a holder of our shares and pay such withheld amounts to the Swiss federal tax authorities.
Exemption—Distributions to shareholders in relation to a reduction of par value are exempt from Swiss withholding tax. Since January 1, 2011, distributions to shareholders out of qualifying additional paid-in capital for Swiss statutory purposes are also exempt from the Swiss withholding tax. On December 31, 2014, the aggregate amount of par value of our outstanding shares was CHF 5.6 billion, equivalent to $5.7 billion, and the aggregate amount of qualifying additional paid-in capital of our outstanding shares was CHF 8.4 billion, equivalent to $8.5 billion, at an exchange rate of $1.00 to CHF 0.99 on December 31, 2014. Consequently, we expect that a substantial amount of any potential future distributions may be exempt from Swiss withholding tax.
Refund available to Swiss holders—A Swiss tax resident, corporate or individual, can recover the withholding tax in full if such resident is the beneficial owner of our shares at the time the dividend or other distribution becomes due and provided that such resident reports the gross distribution received on such resident’s income tax return, or in the case of an entity, includes the taxable income in such resident’s income statement.
Refund available to non-Swiss holders—If the shareholder that receives a distribution from us is not a Swiss tax resident, does not hold our shares in connection with a permanent establishment or a fixed place of business maintained in Switzerland, and resides in a country that has concluded a treaty for the avoidance of double taxation with Switzerland for which the conditions for the application and protection of and by the treaty are met, then the shareholder may be entitled to a full or partial refund of the withholding tax described above. The procedures for claiming treaty refunds, and the time frame required for obtaining a refund, may differ from country to country.
Switzerland has entered into bilateral treaties for the avoidance of double taxation with respect to income taxes with numerous countries, including the U.S., whereby under certain circumstances all or part of the withholding tax may be refunded.
Refund available to U.S. residents—The Swiss-U.S. tax treaty provides that U.S. residents eligible for benefits under the treaty can seek a refund of the Swiss withholding tax on dividends for the portion exceeding 15 percent, leading to a refund of 20 percent, or a 100 percent refund in the case of qualified pension funds.
As a general rule, the refund will be granted under the treaty if the U.S. resident can show evidence of:
§ | beneficial ownership, |
§ | U.S. residency, and |
§ | meeting the U.S.-Swiss tax treaty’s limitation on benefits requirements. |
The claim for refund must be filed with the Swiss federal tax authorities (Eigerstrasse 65, 3003 Bern, Switzerland), not later than December 31 of the third year following the year in which the dividend payments became due. The relevant Swiss tax form is Form 82C for companies, 82E for other entities and 82I for individuals. These forms can be obtained from any Swiss Consulate General in the U.S. or from the Swiss federal tax authorities at the above address or can be downloaded from the webpage of the Swiss federal tax administration. Each form needs to be filled out in triplicate, with each copy duly completed and signed before a notary public in the U.S. Evidence that the withholding tax was withheld at the source must also be included.
Stamp duties in relation to the transfer of shares—The purchase or sale of our shares may be subject to Swiss federal stamp taxes on the transfer of securities irrespective of the place of residency of the purchaser or seller if the transaction takes place through or with a Swiss bank or other Swiss securities dealer, as those terms are defined in the Swiss Federal Stamp Tax Act and no exemption applies in the specific case. If a purchase or sale is not entered into through or with a Swiss bank or other Swiss securities dealer, then no stamp tax will be due. The applicable stamp tax rate is 0.075 percent for each of the two parties to a transaction and is calculated based on the purchase price or sale proceeds. If the transaction does not involve cash consideration, the transfer stamp duty is computed on the basis of the market value of the consideration.
Repurchases of shares
Repurchases of shares for the purposes of capital reduction are treated as a partial liquidation subject to the 35 percent Swiss withholding tax. However, for shares repurchased for capital reduction, the portion of the repurchase price attributable to the par value of the shares repurchased will not be subject to the Swiss withholding tax. Since January 1, 2011, the portion of the repurchase price that is according to Swiss tax law and practice attributable to the qualifying additional paid-in capital for Swiss statutory reporting purposes of the shares repurchased will also not be subject to the Swiss withholding tax. We would be required to withhold at such rate the tax from the difference between the repurchase price and the related amount of par value and, since January 2011, the related amount of qualifying additional paid-in capital, if any. We would be required to remit on a net basis the purchase price with the Swiss withholding tax deducted to a holder of our shares and pay the withholding tax to the Swiss federal tax authorities.
In most instances, Swiss companies listed on the SIX carry out share repurchase programs through a second trading line on the SIX. Swiss institutional investors typically purchase shares from shareholders on the open market and then sell the shares on the second trading line back to the company. The Swiss institutional investors are generally able to receive a full refund of the withholding tax. Due to, among other things, the time delay between the sale to the company and the institutional investors’ receipt of the refund, the price companies pay to repurchase their shares has historically been slightly higher, but less than one percent, than the price of such companies’ shares in ordinary trading on the SIX first trading line. Because our shares are listed on the SIX, we may repurchase our shares from institutional investors who are generally able to receive a full refund of the Swiss withholding tax via a second trading line on the SIX. There may not be sufficient liquidity in our shares on the SIX to repurchase the amount of shares that we would like to repurchase using the second trading line on the SIX. In relation to the U.S. market, we may therefore repurchase such shares using an alternative procedure pursuant to which we repurchase our shares via a "virtual second trading line" from market players, such as banks and institutional investors, who are generally entitled to receive a full refund of the Swiss withholding tax. Currently, our ability to use the “virtual second trading line” will be limited to the share repurchase program currently approved by our shareholders, and any use of the “virtual second trading line” with respect to future share repurchase programs will require approval of the competent Swiss tax and other authorities. We may not be able to repurchase as many shares as we would like to repurchase for purposes of capital reduction on either the “virtual second trading line” or a SIX second trading line without subjecting the selling shareholders to Swiss withholding taxes. The repurchase of shares for purposes other than for cancellation, such as to retain as treasury shares for use in connection with stock incentive plans, convertible debt or other instruments within certain periods, will generally not be subject to Swiss withholding tax.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) | Average Price Paid Per Share | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2) | Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (2) (in millions) | ||||||||||
October 2014 | 3,045 | $ | 30.85 | — | $ | 3,295 | ||||||||
November 2014 | 2,125 | 26.05 | — | 3,295 | ||||||||||
December 2014 | — | — | — | 3,295 | ||||||||||
Total | 5,170 | $ | 28.87 | — | $ | 3,295 |
______________________________
(1) | Total number of shares purchased in the fourth quarter of 2014 consists of 5,170 shares withheld by us through a broker arrangement and limited to statutory tax in satisfaction of withholding taxes due upon the vesting of restricted shares granted to our employees under our Long-Term Incentive Plan. |
(2) | In May 2009, at the annual general meeting of Transocean Ltd., our shareholders approved and authorized our board of directors, at its discretion, to repurchase an amount of our shares for cancellation with an aggregate purchase price of up to CHF 3.5 billion, which is equivalent to approximately $3.5 billion at an exchange rate as of December 31, 2014 of USD 1.00 to CHF 0.99. On February 12, 2010, our board of directors authorized our management to implement the share repurchase program. On May 24, 2013, we received approval from the Swiss authorities for the continuation of the share repurchase program for an additional three-year repurchase period through May 23, 2016. We may decide, based upon our ongoing capital requirements, our program of distributions to our shareholders, the price of our shares, matters relating to the Macondo well incident, regulatory and tax considerations, cash flow generation, the amount and duration of our contract backlog, general market conditions, debt rating considerations and other factors, that we should retain cash, reduce debt, make capital investments or acquisitions or otherwise use cash for general corporate purposes, and consequently, repurchase fewer or no additional shares under this program. Decisions regarding the amount, if any, and timing of any share repurchases would be made from time to time based upon these factors. Through December 31, 2014, we have repurchased a total of 2,863,267 of our shares under this share repurchase program at a total cost of $240 million, equivalent to an average cost of $83.74 per share. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and Uses of Liquidity—Overview.” |
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The selected financial data as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014 have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” The selected financial data as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2011 have been derived from our accounting records. The following data should be read in conjunction with “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2014 (a) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 (b) | 2010 | ||||||||||||
(In millions, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||
Statement of operations data | ||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 9,174 | $ | 9,249 | $ | 8,945 | $ | 7,598 | $ | 7,821 | ||||||
Operating income (loss) | (1,378 | ) | 2,217 | 1,600 | (4,802 | ) | 2,731 | |||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations | (1,946 | ) | 1,398 | 832 | (5,801 | ) | 1,863 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) | (1,966 | ) | 1,407 | (211 | ) | (5,677 | ) | 969 | ||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest | (1,913 | ) | 1,407 | (219 | ) | (5,754 | ) | 926 | ||||||||
Per share earnings (loss) from continuing operations | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | (5.23 | ) | $ | 3.85 | $ | 2.32 | $ | (18.27 | ) | $ | 5.66 | ||||
Diluted | $ | (5.23 | ) | $ | 3.85 | $ | 2.32 | $ | (18.27 | ) | $ | 5.66 | ||||
Balance sheet data (at end of period) | ||||||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 28,413 | $ | 32,546 | $ | 34,255 | $ | 35,032 | $ | 36,814 | ||||||
Debt due within one year | 1,033 | 323 | 1,367 | 2,187 | 2,160 | |||||||||||
Long-term debt | 9,059 | 10,379 | 11,092 | 11,349 | 9,061 | |||||||||||
Total equity | 13,982 | 16,685 | 15,730 | 15,627 | 21,340 | |||||||||||
Other financial data | ||||||||||||||||
Cash provided by operating activities | $ | 2,220 | $ | 1,918 | $ | 2,708 | $ | 1,825 | $ | 3,906 | ||||||
Cash used in investing activities | (1,828 | ) | (1,658 | ) | (389 | ) | (1,896 | ) | (721 | ) | ||||||
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (1,000 | ) | (2,151 | ) | (1,202 | ) | 734 | (961 | ) | |||||||
Capital expenditures | 2,165 | 2,238 | 1,303 | 974 | 1,349 | |||||||||||
Distributions of qualifying additional paid-in capital | 1,018 | 606 | 276 | 759 | — | |||||||||||
Per share distributions of qualifying additional paid-in capital | $ | 2.81 | $ | 1.68 | $ | 0.79 | $ | 2.37 | $ | — |
______________________________
(a) | In August 2014, we completed an initial public offering to sell a noncontrolling interest in Transocean Partners, which was formed on February 6, 2014, by Transocean Partners Holdings Limited, a Cayman Islands company and our wholly owned subsidiary, to own, operate and acquire modern, technologically advanced offshore drilling rigs. |
(b) | In October 2011, we completed our acquisition of Aker Drilling ASA (“Aker Drilling”) and applied the acquisition method of accounting for the business combination. The balance sheet data as of December 31, 2011 represents the consolidated statement of financial position of the combined company. The statement of operations and other financial data for the year ended December 31, 2011 include approximately three months of operating results and cash flows for the combined company. |
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following information should be read in conjunction with the information contained in “Part I. Item 1. Business,” “Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors” and the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” elsewhere in this annual report.
Business
Transocean Ltd. (together with its subsidiaries and predecessors, unless the context requires otherwise, “Transocean,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. As of February 17, 2015, we owned or had partial ownership interests in and operated 71 mobile offshore drilling units associated with our continuing operations. As of February 17, 2015, our fleet consisted of 44 High-Specification Floaters (Ultra-Deepwater, Deepwater and Harsh Environment semisubmersibles and drillships), 17 Midwater Floaters, and 10 High-Specification Jackups. At February 17, 2015, we also had seven Ultra-Deepwater drillships and five High-Specification Jackups under construction or under contract to be constructed.
We provide contract drilling services in a single, global operating segment, which involves contracting our mobile offshore drilling fleet, related equipment and work crews primarily on a dayrate basis to drill oil and gas wells. We specialize in technically demanding regions of the offshore drilling business with a particular focus on deepwater and harsh environment drilling services. We believe our drilling fleet is one of the most versatile fleets in the world, consisting of floaters and high-specification jackups used in support of offshore drilling activities and offshore support services on a worldwide basis.
Our contract drilling services operations are geographically dispersed in oil and gas exploration and development areas throughout the world. Although rigs can be moved from one region to another, the cost of moving rigs and the availability of rig-moving vessels may cause the supply and demand balance to fluctuate somewhat between regions. Still, significant variations between regions do not tend to persist long term because of rig mobility. Our fleet operates in a single, global market for the provision of contract drilling services. The location of our rigs and the allocation of resources to operate, build or upgrade our rigs are determined by the activities and needs of our customers.
On August 5, 2014, we completed an initial public offering to sell a noncontrolling interest in Transocean Partners LLC (“Transocean Partners”), a Marshall Islands limited liability company, which was formed on February 6, 2014, by Transocean Partners Holdings Limited, a Cayman Islands company and our wholly owned subsidiary, to own, operate and acquire modern, technologically advanced offshore drilling rigs. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 16—Noncontrolling Interest.
In February 2014, in connection with our efforts to discontinue non-strategic operations, we completed the sale of Applied Drilling Technology International Limited (“ADTI”), a U.K. company, which performs drilling management services in the North Sea. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 7—Discontinued Operations.
In September 2012, in connection with our efforts to dispose of non-strategic assets and to reduce our exposure to low-specification drilling units, we committed to a plan to discontinue operations associated with the standard jackup and swamp barge asset groups, components of our contract drilling services operating segments. In November 2012, in connection with our plan to discontinue operations associated with the standard jackup and swamp barge asset groups, we completed the sale of 37 standard jackups and one swamp barge to Shelf Drilling Holdings, Ltd. (“Shelf Drilling”). See Note 7—Discontinued Operations.
Significant Events
Impairment of goodwill—During the three months ended September 30 and December 31, 2014, we identified indicators, such as the rapid and significant decline in the market value of our stock and the actual and projected declines in dayrates and utilization, that the fair value of our goodwill could have fallen below its carrying amount. As a result, we performed a goodwill impairment test and determined that the goodwill associated with our contract drilling services reporting unit was impaired. During the three months ended September 30 and December 31, 2014, we recognized a loss of $2.0 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively, which had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of the remaining balance of our goodwill. See “—Operating Results.”
Impairment of long-lived assets—During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we determined that the Deepwater Floater asset group was impaired due to projected declines in dayrates and utilization. In the three months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized a loss of $788 million, or $693 million, net of tax, associated with the impairment of our Deepwater Floater asset group. See “—Operating Results.”
Dispositions—During the year ended December 31, 2014, in connection with our efforts to dispose of non-strategic assets, we completed the sale of the High-Specification Jackups GSF Magellan and GSF Monitor along with related equipment. In connection with the sale of these assets, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $182 million, and recognized an aggregate net loss of $1 million.
Also during the year ended December 31, 2014, we committed to plans to sell for scrap value certain lower-specification floaters and recognized a loss of $227 million, or $179 million, net of tax, associated with the impairment of such floaters, including the Deepwater Floaters Discoverer Seven Seas, Sedco 710 and Sovereign Explorer and the Midwater Floaters Sedneth 701, Falcon 100, GSF Arctic I, J.W. McLean, Sedco 601 and Sedco 700, along with related equipment, all of which were classified as assets held for sale at the time of impairment. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we completed the sale of the Deepwater Floater Sedco 709 and the Midwater Floater Sedco 703 along with related equipment, and received aggregate net cash proceeds of $3 million, representing scrap value for such assets. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Drilling fleet.”
Norwegian tax investigations and trial—On July 2, 2014, the Norwegian authorities acquitted three of our subsidiaries of criminal charges relating to Norwegian tax returns filed for the years 1999 through 2002, as well as inaccuracies in Norwegian statutory financial statements for the years ended December 31, 1996 through 2001. On July 16, 2014, the Norwegian authorities filed an appeal with respect to certain of the charges. See “—Contingencies—Tax matters.”
Sale of a noncontrolling interest in Transocean Partners—On August 5, 2014, we completed an initial public offering to sell a noncontrolling interest in Transocean Partners, a consolidated limited liability company. As a result of the offering, we received net cash proceeds of approximately $417 million, after deducting approximately $26 million for underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”
Distributions of qualifying additional paid-in capital—In May 2014, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved the distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital in the form of a U.S. dollar denominated dividend of $3.00 per outstanding share, payable in four quarterly installments of $0.75 per outstanding share, subject to certain limitations. In May 2014, we recognized a liability of $1.1 billion for the distribution payable, recorded in other current liabilities, with a corresponding entry to additional paid-in capital. On June 18, September 17 and December 17, 2014, we paid the first three installments in the aggregate amount of $816 million to shareholders of record as of May 30, August 22 and November 14, 2014, respectively.
In May 2013, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved the distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital in the form of a U.S. dollar denominated dividend of $2.24 per outstanding share, payable in four installments, subject to certain limitations. In May 2013, we recognized a liability of $808 million for the distribution payable, recorded in other current liabilities, with a corresponding entry to additional paid-in capital. In June, September and December 2013, we paid the first three installments in the aggregate amount of $606 million to shareholders as of the respective record dates. In March 2014, we paid the final installment in the aggregate amount of $202 million to shareholders as of the record date. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”
Macondo well incident—On September 4, 2014, the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana (the “MDL Court”) entered Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law for the Phase One trial. The MDL Court concluded that BP was grossly negligent and reckless and 67 percent at fault for the blowout, explosion, and spill; that Transocean was negligent and 30 percent at fault; and that Halliburton Company (“Halliburton”) was negligent and three percent at fault. Because the MDL Court found that Transocean was not grossly negligent, it concluded that BP’s contractual agreement to indemnify us for compensatory damages is valid and enforceable and that we no longer have exposure for punitive damages. The MDL Court also ruled that BP’s contractual agreement to release its own claims against us is valid and enforceable. Subject to appeal, this release bars the Plaintiff’s Steering Committee (the “PSC”) from pursuing claims that have been assigned to it by BP in the BP/PSC settlement. See “—Contingencies—Macondo well incident.”
Fleet expansion—During the year ended December 31, 2014, we completed construction of the Ultra-Deepwater drillships Deepwater Invictus and Deepwater Asgard, which have commenced operations under their contracts. On February 26, 2014, we entered into agreements for the construction of two newbuild dynamically positioned Ultra-Deepwater drillships. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Drilling fleet.”
Debt repayment—Angola Deepwater Drilling Company Limited (“ADDCL”), a consolidated joint venture company, had two credit facilities, established under a bank credit agreement (the “ADDCL Credit Facilities”). On February 12, 2014, we repaid borrowings of $163 million outstanding under the ADDCL Credit Facilities and terminated the bank credit agreement under which the credit facilities were established. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”
Debt redemption—On November 17, 2014, we redeemed $207 million aggregate principal amount of the 4.95% Senior Notes due November 2015. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Sources and uses of liquidity.”
Discontinued operations—In February 2014, in connection with our efforts to discontinue non-strategic operations, we completed the sale of ADTI, which was the final remaining component of our drilling management services operating segment. In the year ended December 31, 2014, we received net cash proceeds of $10 million and recognized a net loss of $12 million in connection with the sale. See “—Operating Results—Discontinued operations.”
Outlook
Drilling market—Although our long-term view of the offshore drilling market remains favorable, particularly for high-specification assets, we expect the near to medium term to be challenging given our customers’ decisions to focus on capital allocation, cost reductions and to delay various exploration and development programs. The significant and rapid decline in oil and natural gas prices has accelerated the rapid decline in demand for drilling rigs across all asset classes and regions. We currently expect the pace of executing drilling contracts for the global floater fleet to remain stagnant in the near to medium term, resulting in excess capacity, lower dayrates and idle time for some rigs. Additionally, this excess capacity may result in some lower capability assets in the industry being permanently retired, ultimately reducing the available supply of drilling rigs, all else being equal. As of February 17, 2015, the contract backlog for our continuing operations was $21.2 billion compared to $23.6 billion as of October 15, 2014.
Following the Macondo well incident, the U.S. government implemented enhanced regulations related to offshore drilling in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, which require operators to submit applications for new drilling permits that demonstrate compliance with such enhanced regulations. The enhanced regulations require independent third-party inspection, certification of well design and well control equipment and emergency response plans in the event of a blowout, among other requirements. The voluntary application by some of our customers of such third-party inspections and certifications of well control equipment operating outside the U.S. Gulf of Mexico has caused and may continue to cause us to experience additional out of service time and incur additional maintenance costs. We have entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) that also requires us to undertake certain inspections and certifications beyond current legal standards. Although the enhanced regulations and additional maintenance requirements have affected our revenues, costs and out of service time, we are unable to predict, with certainty, the magnitude with which these matters will continue to impact our operations.
Fleet status—As of February 17, 2015, uncommitted fleet rates for the years ending December 31, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 were as follows:
2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||||||||
Uncommitted fleet rate (a) | |||||||||||||||
High-Specification Floaters | 36 | % | 59 | % | 71 | % | 80 | % | 84 | % | |||||
Midwater Floaters | 36 | % | 85 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | |||||
High-Specification Jackups | 26 | % | 59 | % | 80 | % | 93 | % | 100 | % |
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(a) | The uncommitted fleet rate is defined as the number of uncommitted days divided by the total number of rig calendar days in the measurement period, expressed as a percentage. An uncommitted day is defined as a calendar day during which a rig is idle or stacked, is not contracted to a customer and is not committed to a shipyard. |
As of February 17, 2015, we had nine existing contracts associated with our continuing operations that had fixed-price or capped options to extend the contract terms that are exercisable, at the customer’s discretion, any time through their expiration dates. Customers are more likely to exercise fixed-price options when dayrates are higher on new contracts relative to existing contracts, and customers are less likely to exercise fixed-price options when dayrates are lower on new contracts relative to existing contracts. Given current market conditions, we are uncertain whether these options will be exercised by our customers, and, therefore, we have excluded the effect of priced options in the presentation of our uncommitted fleet rates above. Additionally, well-in-progress or similar provisions of our existing contracts may delay the start of higher or lower dayrates in subsequent contracts, and some of the delays could be significant.
High-Specification Floaters—During the fourth quarter of 2014, 16 contracts for Ultra-Deepwater Floaters were entered into worldwide. We recently entered into a two-year drilling contract for GSF Development Driller I and a five-month extension for Dhirubhai Deepwater KG2, and we have secured three one-well contracts for this fleet. However, availability continues to exceed demand as customers increasingly focus on capital discipline, resulting in further delays to drilling programs and pressure on dayrates and rig utilization through 2015. Our Ultra-Deepwater Floater fleet has fifteen units with availability in 2015.
The Deepwater Floater fleet rig utilization rate for the industry decreased during the fourth quarter of 2014 with seven contracts entered into worldwide, including one new contract and two exercised options for our fleet. Our Deepwater Floater fleet has four active units with availability in 2015. The pace of tendering and length of contract terms have decreased, and we are experiencing increased competition for each tendering opportunity. As of February 17, 2015, we had 22 of our 44 High-Specification Floaters contracted through the end of 2015.
Although we believe continued exploration successes in the major deepwater offshore provinces and the emerging markets will eventually generate additional demand and support our long-term positive outlook for our High-Specification Floater fleet, we expect reduced dayrates, increased idling of rigs and more intense competition for our floaters in the short term. We also expect some older high-specification drilling rigs, and particularly certain Deepwater Floaters in the industry, to be permanently retired, ultimately reducing the available supply of drilling rigs, all else being equal.
Midwater Floaters—Customer demand for our Midwater Floater fleet, which includes 17 semisubmersible rigs, continues to show signs of weakness in the U.K. and Norway. During the fourth quarter, two of our units were awarded contracts. We have nine units available in our active fleet in 2015. Demand for rigs in this class has declined, pressuring global rig utilization rates and dayrates for this asset class. We have observed higher capability assets competing with these assets more frequently, increasing the likelihood that some of the industry’s rigs in this asset class may be permanently retired.
High-Specification Jackups—We believe that market conditions for High-Specification Jackups will begin to show signs of weakness in 2015 as many newbuilds are delivered and programs are delayed. The newbuilds are expected to displace older assets with lower capabilities. During the fourth quarter, one of our High-Specification Jackups was awarded a six-month contract for accommodation work. As of February 17, 2015, three of our existing 10 High-Specification Jackups have availability in 2015.
Operating results—We expect our total revenues for the year ending December 31, 2015 to be less than our total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to increased idle time for our floater fleet, lower dayrates on new contracts and asset disposals, partially offset by full years of operations for our two newbuild Ultra-Deepwater Floaters placed into service in the third quarter of 2014 and fewer anticipated out of service days for maintenance and contract preparations. We are unable to predict, with certainty, the impact on our business from any changes to offshore activity levels, the results of our efforts to improve our revenue efficiency rates or the full impact that the enhanced regulations and other matters, described under “—Drilling market”, will have on our operations for the year ending December 31, 2015 and beyond.
We expect our total operating and maintenance expenses for the year ending December 31, 2015 to be less than our total operating and maintenance expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily due to lower costs resulting from increased idle time and stacked rigs, improvements to our cost structure, and asset divestitures, partially offset by full years of operations for our newbuild Ultra-Deepwater Floaters placed into service in the third quarter of 2014. Our projected operating and maintenance expenses for the year ending December 31, 2015 are subject to change and could be affected by actual activity levels, changes in shipyard timing, the effective execution of our cost-saving initiatives, the enhanced regulations and other matters described under “—Drilling market”, the Macondo well incident and related contingencies, exchange rates and cost inflation above expectations, as well as other factors. It is difficult to project operating and maintenance expenses given the nature and variety of these factors that impact these expenses. See “—Forward-Looking Information.”
Although we are unable to estimate the full direct and indirect effect that the Macondo well incident will have on our business, the incident has had and could continue to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See “—Contingencies—Macondo well incident.”
In accordance with our critical accounting policies, we review our property and equipment for impairment when events occur or circumstances change that may indicate that the carrying amounts of our assets held and used may not be recoverable. In the three months ended September 30, 2014, in connection with the interim testing and impairment of our goodwill, we also reviewed our assets held and used and determined that the Deepwater Floater asset group in our contract drilling services reporting unit was impaired due to projected declines in dayrates and utilization for this asset group, and we recognized a loss on impairment of $788 million (see “—Operating Results”). If we experience increasingly unfavorable changes to actual or anticipated dayrates or other impairment indicators, or if we are unable to secure new or extended contracts for our active units or the reactivation of any of our stacked units, we may be required to recognize additional losses in future periods as a result of impairments of the carrying amount of one or more of our asset groups. At December 31, 2014, the carrying amount of our property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, was $21.5 billion, representing 76 percent of our total assets, taking into consideration the impairment we recognized in the year ended December 31, 2014.
Performance and Other Key Indicators
Contract backlog—Contract backlog is defined as the maximum contractual operating dayrate multiplied by the number of days remaining in the firm contract period, excluding revenues for mobilization, demobilization and contract preparation or other incentive provisions, which are not expected to be significant to our contract drilling revenues. Average contractual dayrate relative to our contract backlog is defined as the maximum contractual operating dayrate to be earned per operating day in the measurement period. An operating day is defined as a day for which a rig is contracted to earn a dayrate during the firm contract period after commencement of operations.
The contract backlog represents the maximum contract drilling revenues that can be earned considering the contractual operating dayrate in effect during the firm contract period and represents the basis for the maximum revenues in our revenue efficiency measurement. To determine maximum revenues for purposes of calculating revenue efficiency, however, we include the revenues earned for mobilization, demobilization and contract preparation, which are excluded from the amounts presented for contract backlog.
The contract backlog for our contract drilling services was as follows:
February 17, 2015 | October 15, 2014 | February 18, 2014 | ||||||||||
Contract backlog | (In millions) | |||||||||||
High-Specification Floaters | ||||||||||||
Ultra-Deepwater Floaters | $ | 16,529 | $ | 17,540 | $ | 19,690 | ||||||
Deepwater Floaters | 673 | 833 | 1,209 | |||||||||
Harsh Environment Floaters | 1,591 | 2,017 | 1,887 | |||||||||
Total High-Specification Floaters | 18,793 | 20,390 | 22,786 | |||||||||
Midwater Floaters | 1,613 | 2,165 | 3,224 | |||||||||
High-Specification Jackups | 834 | 1,018 | 1,234 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 21,240 | $ | 23,573 | $ | 27,244 |
Our contract backlog includes only firm commitments, which are represented by signed drilling contracts or, in some cases, by other definitive agreements awaiting contract execution. Our contract backlog includes amounts associated with our newbuild units that are currently under construction. The contractual operating dayrate may be higher than the actual dayrate we ultimately receive or an alternative contractual dayrate, such as a waiting-on-weather rate, repair rate, standby rate or force majeure rate, may apply under certain circumstances. The contractual operating dayrate may also be higher than the actual dayrate we ultimately receive because of a number of factors, including rig downtime or suspension of operations. In certain contracts, the dayrate may be reduced to zero if, for example, repairs extend beyond a stated period of time.
At February 17, 2015, the contract backlog and average contractual dayrates for our contract drilling services were as follows:
For the years ending December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | Thereafter | |||||||||||||||||||
Contract backlog | (In millions, except average dayrates) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
High-Specification Floaters | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ultra-Deepwater Floaters | $ | 16,529 | $ | 2,674 | $ | 2,639 | $ | 2,318 | $ | 1,712 | $ | 7,186 | ||||||||||||
Deepwater Floaters | 673 | 515 | 158 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Harsh Environment Floaters | 1,591 | 616 | 515 | 303 | 115 | 42 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total High-Specification Floaters | 18,793 | 3,805 | 3,312 | 2,621 | 1,827 | 7,228 | ||||||||||||||||||
Midwater Floaters | 1,613 | 1,254 | 359 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
High-Specification Jackups | 834 | 388 | 262 | 133 | 51 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Total contract backlog | $ | 21,240 | $ | 5,447 | $ | 3,933 | $ | 2,754 | $ | 1,878 | $ | 7,228 | ||||||||||||
Average-contractual dayrates | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
High-Specification Floaters | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ultra-Deepwater Floaters | $ | 523,000 | $ | 515,000 | $ | 522,000 | $ | 521,000 | $ | 532,000 | $ | 526,000 | ||||||||||||
Deepwater Floaters | $ | 354,000 | $ | 362,000 | $ | 332,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||
Harsh Environment Floaters | $ | 427,000 | $ | 454,000 | $ | 443,000 | $ | 428,000 | $ | 316,000 | $ | 305,000 | ||||||||||||
Total High-Specification Floaters | $ | 505,000 | $ | 477,000 | $ | 495,000 | $ | 508,000 | $ | 510,000 | $ | 524,000 | ||||||||||||
Midwater Floaters | $ | 368,000 | $ | 361,000 | $ | 397,000 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||
High-Specification Jackups | $ | 162,000 | $ | 165,000 | $ | 167,000 | $ | 153,000 | $ | 140,000 | $ | — | ||||||||||||
Total fleet average | $ | 454,000 | $ | 395,000 | $ | 429,000 | $ | 457,000 | $ | 476,000 | $ | 524,000 |
The actual amounts of revenues earned and the actual periods during which revenues are earned will differ from the amounts and periods shown in the tables above due to various factors, including shipyard and maintenance projects, unplanned downtime and other factors that result in lower applicable dayrates than the full contractual operating dayrate. Additional factors that could affect the amount and timing of actual revenue to be recognized include customer liquidity issues and contract terminations, which are available to our customers under certain circumstances.
Average daily revenue—Average daily revenue is defined as contract drilling revenues earned per operating day. An operating day is defined as a calendar day during which a rig is contracted to earn a dayrate during the firm contract period after commencement of operations.
The average daily revenue for our contract drilling services was as follows:
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Average daily revenue | ||||||||||||
High-Specification Floaters | ||||||||||||
Ultra-Deepwater Floaters | $ | 539,300 | $ | 500,200 | $ | 500,300 | ||||||
Deepwater Floaters | $ | 378,300 | $ | 353,300 | $ | 338,200 | ||||||
Harsh Environment Floaters | $ | 507,400 | $ | 451,700 | $ | 444,500 | ||||||
Total High-Specification Floaters | $ | 501,100 | $ | 459,800 | $ | 455,000 | ||||||
Midwater Floaters | $ | 347,200 | $ | 311,100 | $ | 262,200 | ||||||
High-Specification Jackups | $ | 168,500 | $ | 164,400 | $ | 141,300 | ||||||
Total fleet average daily revenue | $ | 411,600 | $ | 382,300 | $ | 370,300 |
Our average daily revenue fluctuates relative to market conditions and our revenue efficiency. Our total fleet average daily revenue is also affected by the mix of rig classes being operated, as Midwater Floaters and High-Specification Jackups are typically contracted at lower dayrates compared to High-Specification Floaters. We include newbuilds in the calculation when the rigs commence operations upon acceptance by the customer. We remove rigs from the calculation upon disposal, classification as held for sale or classification as discontinued operations.
Revenue efficiency—Revenue efficiency is defined as actual contract drilling revenues for the measurement period divided by the maximum revenue calculated for the measurement period, expressed as a percentage. Maximum revenue is defined as the greatest amount of contract drilling revenues the drilling unit could earn for the measurement period, excluding amounts related to incentive provisions.
The revenue efficiency rates for our contract drilling services were as follows:
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Revenue efficiency | ||||||||||||
High-Specification Floaters | ||||||||||||
Ultra-Deepwater Floaters | 94 | % | 89 | % | 93 | % | ||||||
Deepwater Floaters | 96 | % | 91 | % | 91 | % | ||||||
Harsh Environment Floaters | 96 | % | 97 | % | 97 | % | ||||||
Total High-Specification Floaters | 95 | % | 91 | % | 93 | % | ||||||
Midwater Floaters | 93 | % | 94 | % | 91 | % | ||||||
High-Specification Jackups | 97 | % | 98 | % | 95 | % | ||||||
Total fleet average revenue efficiency | 95 | % | 92 | % | 93 | % |
Our revenue efficiency rate varies due to revenues earned under alternative contractual dayrates, such as a waiting-on-weather rate, repair rate, standby rate, force majeure rate or zero rate, that may apply under certain circumstances. We include newbuilds in the calculation when the rigs commence operations upon acceptance by the customer. We exclude rigs that are not operating under contract, such as those that are stacked.
Rig utilization—Rig utilization is defined as the total number of operating days divided by the total number of rig calendar days in the measurement period, expressed as a percentage.
The rig utilization rates for our contract drilling services were as follows:
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Rig utilization | ||||||||||||
High-Specification Floaters | ||||||||||||
Ultra-Deepwater Floaters | 82 | % | 92 | % | 94 | % | ||||||
Deepwater Floaters | 62 | % | 68 | % | 61 | % | ||||||
Harsh Environment Floaters | 85 | % | 100 | % | 87 | % | ||||||
Total High-Specification Floaters | 77 | % | 86 | % | 83 | % | ||||||
Midwater Floaters | 64 | % | 61 | % | 66 | % | ||||||
High-Specification Jackups | 93 | % | 91 | % | 84 | % | ||||||
Total fleet average utilization | 76 | % | 79 | % | 78 | % |
Our rig utilization rate declines as a result of idle and stacked rigs and during shipyard and mobilization periods to the extent these rigs are not earning revenues. We include newbuilds in the calculation when the rigs commence operations upon acceptance by the customer. We remove rigs from the calculation upon disposal, classification as held for sale or classification as discontinued operations.
Operating Results
Year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013
The following is an analysis of our operating results from continuing operations. See “—Performance and Other Key Indicators” for definitions of operating days, average daily revenue, revenue efficiency and rig utilization.
Years ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | Change | % Change | ||||||||||||
(In millions, except day amounts and percentages) | |||||||||||||||
Operating days | 21,710 | 23,687 | (1,977 | ) | (8) | % | |||||||||
Average daily revenue | $ | 411,600 | $ | 382,300 | $ | 29,300 | 8 | % | |||||||
Revenue efficiency | 95 | % | 92 | % | |||||||||||
Rig utilization | 76 | % | 79 | % | |||||||||||
Contract drilling revenues | $ | 8,952 | $ | 9,070 | $ | (118 | ) | (1) | % | ||||||
Other revenues | 222 | 179 | 43 | 24 | % | ||||||||||
9,174 | 9,249 | (75 | ) | (1) | % | ||||||||||
Operating and maintenance expense | (5,110 | ) | (5,563 | ) | 453 | 8 | % | ||||||||
Depreciation expense | (1,139 | ) | (1,109 | ) | (30 | ) | (3) | % | |||||||
General and administrative expense | (234 | ) | (286 | ) | 52 | 18 | % | ||||||||
Loss on impairment | (4,043 | ) | (81 | ) | (3,962 | ) | n/m | ||||||||
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets, net | (26 | ) | 7 | (33 | ) | n/m | |||||||||
Operating income (loss) | (1,378 | ) | 2,217 | (3,595 | ) | n/m | |||||||||
Other income (expense), net | |||||||||||||||
Interest income | 39 | 52 | (13 | ) | (25) | % | |||||||||
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized | (483 | ) | (584 | ) | 101 | 17 | % | ||||||||
Other, net | 22 | (29 | ) | 51 | n/m | ||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense | (1,800 | ) | 1,656 | (3,456 | ) | n/m | |||||||||
Income tax expense | (146 | ) | (258 | ) | 112 | 43 | % | ||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations | $ | (1,946 | ) | $ | 1,398 | $ | (3,344 | ) | n/m |
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“n/m” means not meaningful. |
Operating revenues—Contract drilling revenues decreased for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013 primarily due to the following: (a) approximately $500 million of decreased revenues due to a greater number of idle rigs in the year ended December 31, 2014, (b) approximately $245 million of decreased revenues due to rigs that were sold or classified as held for sale during the year ended December 31, 2014 and (c) approximately $210 million of decreased revenues due to increased time dedicated to mobilization between contracts, shipyard projects and rig certifications. These decreases were partially offset by the following: (a) approximately $290 million of increased revenues due to improved dayrates, (b) approximately $285 million of increased revenues due to improved revenue efficiency and (c) approximately $265 million of increased revenues associated with our newbuild High-Specification Jackups that commenced operations during the year ended December 31, 2013 and our newbuild Ultra-Deepwater drillships that commenced operations in the year ended December 31, 2014.
Other revenues increased for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to increased revenues associated with reimbursable items.
Costs and expenses—Operating and maintenance expense decreased for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013 primarily due to the following: (a) approximately $195 million of decreased costs and expenses due to rigs that were sold or classified as held for sale in the year ended December 31, 2014, (b) approximately $190 million of decreased costs and expenses, net of insurance recoveries, associated with the Macondo well incident and (c) approximately $130 million of decreased costs and expenses associated with stacked and idle rigs. These decreases were partially offset by approximately $70 million of increased costs and expenses due to our newbuild rigs placed in service.
General and administrative expense decreased for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013 primarily due to due to the following: (a) $24 million of decreased personnel costs primarily associated with reduced wages and salaries, and (b) $21 million of decreased legal and professional fees, primarily related to litigation and the 2013 proxy campaign.
In the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized losses related to the following: (a) a loss of $3.0 billion associated with the impairment of the remaining balance of our goodwill, (b) a loss of $788 million associated with the impairment of the Deepwater Floater asset group in our contract drilling services reporting unit and (c) a loss of $268 million primarily associated with the impairment of the Deepwater Floater Discoverer Seven Seas, the Midwater Floaters GSF Arctic I, Falcon 100, Sedneth 701 and J.W. McLean and the High-Specification Jackup GSF Magellan, along with related equipment, all of which were classified as assets held for sale at the time of impairment. In the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized an aggregate loss of $81 million associated with the impairment of assets, including $64 million associated with the impairment of the Deepwater Floater Sedco 709, the Midwater Floaters C. Kirk Rhein, Jr. and Sedco 703 and the High-Specification Jackup GSF Monitor, along with related equipment, all of which were classified as assets held for sale at the time of impairment, and a loss of $17 million associated with the impairment of certain corporate assets.
In the year ended December 31, 2014, we completed the sale of the Deepwater Floater Sedco 709, the Midwater Floater Sedco 703 and the High-Specification Jackups GSF Monitor and GSF Magallen, along with related equipment, and recognized an aggregate net loss of $1 million. Additionally, in the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized an aggregate net loss of $25 million primarily associated with the disposal of assets unrelated to rig sales. In the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized a net gain of $33 million associated with the sale of the Deepwater Floater Transocean Richardson, along with related equipment, partially offset by an aggregate net loss of $26 million associated with the disposal of assets unrelated to dispositions of rigs.
Other income and expense—Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, decreased in the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily due to approximately $55 million of increased interest capitalization associated with our newbuild construction program and $34 million of decreased interest expense associated with debt repaid in the year ended December 31, 2014.
In the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized other income, net, primarily related to the following: (a) a gain of $18 million associated with currency exchange, (b) a gain of $7 million associated with the prepayment of Awilco notes receivable and (c) a gain of $7 million associated with settlement of litigation related to our dual-activity patent, partially offset by (d) a loss of $13 million primarily associated with the partial redemption of our 4.95% Senior Notes and the early termination of our $900 million three-year secured revolving credit facility. In the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized other expense, net, primarily related to the following: (a) a loss of $11 million associated with currency exchange, (b) a loss of $10 million associated with the sale of the Shelf Drilling preference shares and (c) a loss of $9 million associated with the early termination of the interest rate swaps related to the TPDI Credit Facilities.
Income tax expense—We operate internationally and provide for income taxes based on the tax laws and rates in the countries in which we operate and earn income. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, our annual effective tax rates were 18.7 percent and 20.1 percent, respectively, based on income from continuing operations before income taxes, after excluding certain items, such as expenses for litigation matters, losses on impairment, and gains and losses on certain asset disposals. The tax effect, if any, of the excluded items as well as settlements of prior year tax liabilities and changes in prior year tax estimates are all treated as discrete period tax expenses or benefits. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the effect of the various discrete period tax items was a net tax benefit of $138 million and $82 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, these discrete tax items, together with the excluded income and expense items noted above, resulted in effective tax rates of (8.1) percent and 15.6 percent, respectively, based on income from continuing operations before income tax expense, including these discrete tax items, together with the excluded income and expense items noted above.
The relationship between our provision for or benefit from income taxes and our income before income taxes can vary significantly from period to period considering, among other factors, (a) the overall level of income before income taxes, (b) changes in the blend of income that is taxed based on gross revenues versus income before taxes, (c) rig movements between taxing jurisdictions and (d) our rig operating structures. Generally, our annual marginal tax rate is lower than our annual effective tax rate. Consequently, our income tax expense does not change proportionally with our income before income taxes. Significant decreases in our income before income taxes typically lead to higher effective tax rates, while significant increases in income before income taxes can lead to lower effective tax rates, subject to the other factors impacting income tax expense noted above. In the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013, the annual effective tax rate decreased to 18.7 percent from 20.1 percent primarily due to changes in the blend of income that is taxed based on gross revenues versus income before taxes, the effect of higher income before income taxes offset by the impact of new UK legislation and the currency exchange effect of the weakened Norwegian krone relative to the U.S. dollar. With respect to the annual effective tax rate calculation for the year ended December 31, 2014, a significant portion of our income tax expense was generated in countries in which income taxes are imposed on gross revenues, with the most significant of these countries being Angola, India, Nigeria, Indonesia and the Republic of Congo. Conversely, the countries in which we incurred the most significant income taxes during this period that were based on income before income tax include Norway, the U.K., Switzerland, Australia and the U.S.
Our rig operating structures further complicate our tax calculations, especially in instances where we have more than one operating structure for the particular taxing jurisdiction and, thus, more than one method of calculating taxes depending on the operating structure utilized by the rig under the contract. For example, two rigs operating in the same country could generate significantly different provisions for income taxes if they are owned by two different subsidiaries that are subject to differing tax laws and regulations in the respective country of incorporation.
Year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012
The following is an analysis of our operating results from continuing operations. See “—Performance and Other Key Indicators” for definitions of operating days, average daily revenue, revenue efficiency and rig utilization.
Years ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | Change | % Change | ||||||||||||
(In millions, except day amounts and percentages) | |||||||||||||||
Operating days | 23,687 | 23,577 | 110 | — | % | ||||||||||
Average daily revenue | $ | 382,300 | $ | 370,300 | $ | 12,000 | 3 | % | |||||||
Revenue efficiency | 92 | % | 93 | % | |||||||||||
Rig utilization | 79 | % | 78 | % | |||||||||||
Contract drilling revenues | $ | 9,070 | $ | 8,773 | $ | 297 | 3 | % | |||||||
Other revenues | 179 | 172 | 7 | 4 | % | ||||||||||
9,249 | 8,945 | 304 | 3 | % | |||||||||||
Operating and maintenance expense | (5,563 | ) | (5,859 | ) | 296 | 5 | % | ||||||||
Depreciation expense | (1,109 | ) | (1,122 | ) | 13 | 1 | % | ||||||||
General and administrative expense | (286 | ) | (282 | ) | (4 | ) | (1) | % | |||||||
Loss on impairment | (81 | ) | (118 | ) | 37 | 31 | % | ||||||||
Gain on disposal of assets, net | 7 | 36 | (29 | ) | (81) | % | |||||||||
Operating income | 2,217 | 1,600 | 617 | 39 | % | ||||||||||
Other income (expense), net | |||||||||||||||
Interest income | 52 | 56 | (4 | ) | (7) | % | |||||||||
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized | (584 | ) | (723 | ) | 139 | 19 | % | ||||||||
Other, net | (29 | ) | (49 | ) | 20 | 41 | % | ||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense | 1,656 | 884 | 772 | 87 | % | ||||||||||
Income tax expense | (258 | ) | (52 | ) | (206 | ) | n/m | ||||||||
Income from continuing operations | $ | 1,398 | $ | 832 | $ | 566 | 68 | % |
______________________________
“n/a” means not applicable. |
“n/m” means not meaningful. |
Operating revenues—Contract drilling revenues increased for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012 primarily due to the following: (a) approximately $375 million of increased contract drilling revenues due to improved dayrates, (b) approximately $90 million of increased contract drilling revenues associated with our newbuild High-Specification Jackups that commenced operations during the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, and (c) approximately $80 million of increased contract drilling revenues due to greater rig utilization caused by less time dedicated to mobilization between contracts, shipyard projects and rig certifications. This increase was partially offset by (a) approximately $120 million of decreased contract drilling revenues caused by lower revenue efficiency and (b) approximately $105 million of decreased contract drilling revenues due to an increased number of rigs idle in the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012.
Other revenues increased for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to increased revenues associated with reimbursable items.
Costs and expenses—Excluding the losses of $120 million and $756 million, recognized in the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, associated with contingencies related to the Macondo well incident, operating and maintenance costs and expenses increased for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012 primarily due to the following: (a) approximately $335 million of increased costs and expenses due to greater rig utilization and higher shipyard costs, including $50 million related to the reactivation of the Midwater Floater Sedco 712, and (b) approximately $40 million of increased costs and expenses associated with our newbuild High-Specification Jackups that commenced operations during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. These increases were partially offset by approximately $50 million of decreased costs and expenses due to an increased number of rigs idle in 2013.
In the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized an aggregate loss of $81 million associated with the impairment of assets, including $64 million associated with the impairment of the Deepwater Floater Sedco 709, the Midwater Floaters C. Kirk Rhein, Jr. and Sedco 703 and the High-Specification Jackup GSF Monitor, which were classified as assets held for sale at the time of impairment, and $17 million associated with the impairment of certain corporate assets. In the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized a loss of $118 million associated with completing our measurement of the impairment of goodwill associated with our contract drilling services reporting unit and a loss of $22 million associated with the impairment of the customer relationship intangible assets attributed to our drilling management services reporting unit.
In the year ended December 31, 2013, we completed the sale of the Deepwater Floater Transocean Richardson along with related equipment and recognized a net gain of $33 million associated with the sale, partially offset by an aggregate net loss of $26 million associated with the disposal of assets unrelated to dispositions of rigs. In the year ended December 31, 2012, we completed the sale of the Deepwater Floaters Discoverer 534 and Jim Cunningham along with related equipment and recognized an aggregate net gain of $36 million associated with the sale.
Other income and expense—Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized, decreased in the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, primarily due to approximately $150 million of decreased interest expense associated with debt repaid or redeemed in the year ended December 31, 2013, and $24 million of increased interest capitalization associated with our newbuild construction program, partially offset by $40 million of increased interest expense associated with debt issued or bank credit agreements entered into in the year ended December 31, 2012.
In the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized $29 million in other expense, net, primarily related to the following: (a) a loss of $11 million associated with currency exchange, (b) a loss of $10 million associated with the sale of the Shelf Drilling preference shares and (c) a loss of $9 million associated with the termination of the interest rate swaps related to the TPDI Credit Facilities. In the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized $49 million in other expense, net, primarily related to the following: (a) a loss of $27 million associated with currency exchange and (b) a loss of $24 million associated with the redeemed noncontrolling interest in TPDI.
Income tax expense—We operate internationally and provide for income taxes based on the tax laws and rates in the countries in which we operate and earn income. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, our annual effective tax rates were 20.1 percent and 17.7 percent, respectively, based on income from continuing operations before income taxes, after excluding certain items, such as expenses for litigation matters, losses on impairment, gains on certain asset disposals and acquisition, costs for one-time termination benefits, and gains and losses on debt retirements. The tax effect, if any, of the excluded items as well as settlements of prior year tax liabilities and changes in prior year tax estimates are all treated as discrete period tax expenses or benefits. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the effect of the various discrete period tax items was a net tax benefit of $82 million and $256 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, these discrete tax items, together with the excluded income and expense items noted above, resulted in effective tax rates of 15.6 percent and 5.9 percent, respectively, on income from continuing operations before income tax expense.
The relationship between our provision for or benefit from income taxes and our income before income taxes can vary significantly from period to period considering, among other factors, (a) the overall level of income before income taxes, (b) changes in the blend of income that is taxed based on gross revenues versus income before taxes, (c) rig movements between taxing jurisdictions and (d) our rig operating structures. Generally, our annual marginal tax rate is lower than our annual effective tax rate. Consequently, our income tax expense does not change proportionally with our income before income taxes. Significant decreases in our income before income taxes typically lead to higher effective tax rates, while significant increases in income before income taxes can lead to lower effective tax rates, subject to the other factors impacting income tax expense noted above. In the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the year ended December 31, 2012, the annual effective tax rate increased to 20.1 percent from 17.7 percent primarily due to changes in the blend of income that is taxed based on gross revenues versus income before taxes, the currency exchange effect of the weakened Norwegian krone relative to the U.S. dollar off-set by the effect of higher income before income taxes. With respect to the annual effective tax rate calculation for the year ended December 31, 2013, a significant portion of our income tax expense was generated in countries in which income taxes are imposed on gross revenues, with the most significant of these countries being Angola, India, Nigeria, Gabon and Mozambique. Conversely, the most significant countries in which we incurred income taxes during this period that were based on income before income tax include Norway, the U.K., Switzerland, Australia and the U.S.
Our rig operating structures further complicate our tax calculations, especially in instances where we have more than one operating structure for the particular taxing jurisdiction and, thus, more than one method of calculating taxes depending on the operating structure utilized by the rig under the contract. For example, two rigs operating in the same country could generate significantly different provisions for income taxes if they are owned by two different subsidiaries that are subject to differing tax laws and regulations in the respective country of incorporation.
Discontinued operations
Overview—During the three years ended December 31, 2014, we discontinued the operations of (a) the standard jackup and swamp barge asset groups of our contract drilling services operating segment, (b) the drilling management services operating segment and (c) the oil and gas properties operating segment.
A summary of the results of our discontinued operations, before income taxes, was as follows:
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
(In millions) | ||||||||||||
Loss on impairment of assets in discontinued operations | $ | — | $ | (14 | ) | $ | (1,008 | ) | ||||
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets in discontinued operations, net | (10 | ) | 54 | 82 | ||||||||
Other income (loss) from operations of discontinued operations | 4 | 9 | (114 | ) |
In the year ended December 31, 2014, other income from operations of discontinued operations was negligible, primarily as the result of the operations of standard jackups under operating agreements with Shelf Drilling. In the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, other loss from operations of discontinued operations was primarily attributable to the operations of the standard jackup and swamp barge contract drilling services. Losses on impairment and net gains on disposal of assets in discontinued operations are discussed below.
Standard jackup and swamp barge contract drilling services—In September 2012, in connection with our efforts to dispose of non-strategic assets and to reduce our exposure to low-specification drilling units, we committed to a plan to sell the 46 standard jackups and one swamp barge in our fleet, reflecting our decision to discontinue operations associated with the standard jackup and swamp barge asset groups, components of our contract drilling services operating segment. On November 30, 2012, we completed the sale of 38 drilling units in these asset groups, along with related equipment, to Shelf Drilling.
For a transition period following the completion of the sale transactions, we agreed to continue to operate a substantial portion of the standard jackups under operating agreements with Shelf Drilling and to provide certain other transition services to Shelf Drilling. Under the operating agreements, we agreed to remit the collections from our customers under the associated drilling contracts to Shelf Drilling, and Shelf Drilling agreed to reimburse us for our direct costs and expenses incurred while operating the standard jackups on behalf of Shelf Drilling with certain exceptions. The costs to us for providing such operating and transition services, including allocated indirect costs, have exceeded the amounts we have received from Shelf Drilling for providing such services. We have also agreed to provide a limited guarantee with respect to three standard jackups and in favor of Shelf Drilling’s customer from the time the drilling contracts are novated through expiration of such drilling contracts, and we may be required to perform if Shelf Drilling becomes unable to do so. As of February 17, 2015, we no longer operate drilling units for Shelf Drilling.
In the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized an aggregate loss of $14 million associated with the impairment of the standard jackups GSF Rig 127 and GSF Rig 134, which were classified as assets held for sale at the time of impairment.
In the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized losses of $744 million and $112 million associated with the impairment of the long-lived assets and the goodwill, respectively, related to the standard jackup and swamp barge disposal group, which was classified as held for sale at the time of the impairments. In the year ended December 31, 2012, we also recognized a loss of $20 million, included in loss on impairment of assets in discontinued operations, associated with postemployment benefits for employees and contract labor directly related to this disposal group. Additionally, in the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized an aggregate loss of $29 million associated with the impairment of the standard jackups GSF Adriatic II and GSF Rig 136, which were classified as assets held for sale at the time of impairment.
In the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, we recognized an aggregate net gain of $2 million, an aggregate net loss of $1 million and an aggregate net loss of $9 million, respectively, associated with the disposal of assets unrelated to dispositions of rigs. In the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we recognized aggregate gains of $11 million and $8 million, respectively, associated with the sale of equipment and materials and supplies related to the sale transactions with Shelf Drilling. In the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we recognized aggregate net gains of $44 million and $74 million, respectively, associated with the sale of drilling units not related to the sale transactions with Shelf Drilling.
Drilling management services—In February 2014, in connection with our efforts to discontinue non-strategic operations, we completed the sale of ADTI, which performs drilling management services in the North Sea. Following the completion of the sale transaction, we agreed to provide a $15 million working capital line of credit to the buyer through March 2016. We also provided a limited guarantee in favor of one customer through completion of its drilling project, which concluded in the third quarter of 2014. In the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized a net loss of $12 million associated with the sale of the drilling management services business. In the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized an aggregate loss of $22 million associated with the impairment of the customer relationships intangible asset attributed to our drilling management services reporting unit.
In March 2012, we announced our intent to discontinue drilling management operations in the shallow waters of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, a component of our drilling management services operating segment, upon completion of our then existing contracts. In December 2012, we completed the final drilling management project and discontinued offering our drilling management services in this region. In the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized an aggregate loss of $70 million associated with the impairment of the customer relationships intangible asset and the trade name intangible asset attributed to our drilling management services reporting unit.
Oil and gas properties—During the year ended December 31, 2011, in connection with our efforts to dispose of non-strategic assets, we committed to a plan to sell the assets, reflecting our decision to discontinue the operations of our oil and gas properties reporting unit, a component of our former other operations segment, which included the exploration, development and production activities performed by Challenger Minerals Inc., Challenger Minerals (North Sea) Limited and Challenger Minerals (Ghana) Limited. In the year ended December 31, 2011, we completed the sale of Challenger Minerals (North Sea) Limited. In the year ended December 31, 2012, we completed the sales of the assets of Challenger Minerals Inc. and Challenger Minerals (Ghana) Limited.
In the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized losses of $11 million, associated with the impairment of our oil and gas properties, which were classified as assets held for sale at the time of impairment. In the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized net gains of $9 million associated with the disposal of these assets.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 7—Discontinued Operations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources and uses of cash
At December 31, 2014, we had $2.6 billion in cash and cash equivalents. At any given time, we may require a significant portion of our cash and cash equivalents for working capital and other needs related to the operation of our business. At December 31, 2014, we estimate the amount of cash required for these purposes, which is not generally available to us for other uses, was approximately $1.3 billion.
In the year ended December 31, 2014, our primary sources of cash were our cash flows from operating activities, proceeds from sale of noncontrolling interest, proceeds from asset disposals, and net proceeds from restricted cash investments. Our primary uses of cash were capital expenditures, primarily associated with our newbuild projects, repayments of debt, payments to our shareholders installments of distributions of qualifying paid-in capital and payment of our Macondo well incident settlement obligations.
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | Change | ||||||||||
(In millions) | ||||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (1,966 | ) | $ | 1,407 | $ | (3,373 | ) | ||||
Amortization of drilling contract intangibles | (15 | ) | (15 | ) | — | |||||||
Depreciation | 1,139 | 1,109 | 30 | |||||||||
Loss on impairment | 4,043 | 95 | 3,948 | |||||||||
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net | 36 | (61 | ) | 97 | ||||||||
Other non-cash items, net | 66 | 199 | (133 | ) | ||||||||
Changes in Macondo well incident assets and liabilities, net | (498 | ) | (455 | ) | (43 | ) | ||||||
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net | (585 | ) | (361 | ) | (224 | ) | ||||||
$ | 2,220 | $ | 1,918 | $ | 302 |
Net cash provided by operating activities increased primarily due to an increase in net income, after adjusting for non-cash items, including losses of $3.0 billion and $788 million associated with the impairment of the remaining balance of our goodwill and Deepwater Floater asset group, respectively, and changes in working capital.
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | Change | ||||||||||
(In millions) | ||||||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities | ||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | $ | (2,165 | ) | $ | (2,238 | ) | $ | 73 | ||||
Proceeds from disposal of assets, net | 250 | 378 | (128 | ) | ||||||||
Proceeds from sale of preference shares | — | 185 | (185 | ) | ||||||||
Proceeds from repayment of notes receivable | 101 | 17 | 84 | |||||||||
Other, net | (14 | ) | — | (14 | ) | |||||||
$ | (1,828 | ) | $ | (1,658 | ) | $ | (170 | ) |
Net cash used in investing activities increased primarily due to a reduction of proceeds from disposal of assets, and the sale or repayment of investments in debt and equity instruments, as cash proceeds from prepayments of the Awilco notes during the year ended December 31, 2014 were less than cash proceeds from the sale of Shelf Drilling preference shares in the year ended December 31, 2013.
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | Change | ||||||||||
(In millions) | ||||||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||||||||
Repayments of debt | $ | (539 | ) | $ | (1,692 | ) | $ | 1,153 | ||||
Proceeds from restricted cash investments, net | 156 | 179 | (23 | ) | ||||||||
Distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital | (1,018 | ) | (606 | ) | (412 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from sale of noncontrolling interest | 443 | — | 443 | |||||||||
Other, net | (42 | ) | (32 | ) | (10 | ) | ||||||
$ | (1,000 | ) | $ | (2,151 | ) | $ | 1,151 |
Net cash used in financing activities decreased primarily due to a reduction in cash used to repay debt and proceeds from our sale of a noncontrolling interest in Transocean Partners during the year ended December 31, 2014. Partially offsetting this net decrease was an increase in cash used to pay to our shareholders installments of distributions of qualifying paid-in capital.
Drilling fleet
Expansion—From time to time, we review possible acquisitions of businesses and drilling rigs and may make significant future capital commitments for such purposes. We may also consider investments related to major rig upgrades or new rig construction, including new rigs the construction of which we may begin without first obtaining customer contracts. Any such acquisition, upgrade or new rig construction could involve the payment by us of a substantial amount of cash or the issuance of a substantial number of additional shares or other securities. Our failure to secure drilling contracts for rigs under construction could have an adverse effect on our results of operations or cash flows.
Our historical and projected capital expenditures and other capital additions, including capitalized interest, for our recently completed and ongoing major construction projects were as follows:
Total costs through December 31, 2014 | Expected costs for the year ending December 31, 2015 | Estimated costs thereafter | Total estimated costs at completion | |||||||||||||
(In millions) | ||||||||||||||||
Deepwater Invictus (a) (b) | $ | 736 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 736 | ||||||||
Deepwater Asgard (a) (b) | 786 | — | — | 786 | ||||||||||||
Deepwater Thalassa (c) | 375 | 504 | 41 | 920 | ||||||||||||
Deepwater Proteus (c) | 338 | 443 | 74 | 855 | ||||||||||||
Deepwater Conqueror (d) | 226 | 99 | 490 | 815 | ||||||||||||
Deepwater Pontus (c) | 310 | 63 | 432 | 805 | ||||||||||||
Deepwater Poseidon (c) | 282 | 61 | 467 | 810 | ||||||||||||
Transocean Cassiopeia (e) | 49 | 9 | 197 | 255 | ||||||||||||
Transocean Centaurus (e) | 48 | 7 | 205 | 260 | ||||||||||||
Transocean Cepheus (e) | 48 | 7 | 205 | 260 | ||||||||||||
Transocean Cetus (e) | 48 | 7 | 210 | 265 | ||||||||||||
Ultra-Deepwater drillship TBN1 (f) | 32 | 14 | 644 | 690 | ||||||||||||
Transocean Circinus (e) | 48 | 5 | 217 | 270 | ||||||||||||
Ultra-Deepwater drillship TBN2 (f) | 27 | 72 | 596 | 695 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 3,353 | $ | 1,291 | $ | 3,778 | $ | 8,422 |
______________________________
(a) | The accumulated construction costs of these rigs are no longer included in construction work in progress, as the construction projects had been completed as of December 31, 2014. |
(b) | The Ultra-Deepwater drillships Deepwater Invictus and Deepwater Asgard commenced operations in July 2014 and August 2014, respectively. Total costs through December 31, 2014 include construction work in progress acquired in connection with our acquisition of Aker Drilling with an aggregate estimated fair value of $272 million. |
(c) | Deepwater Thalassa, Deepwater Proteus, Deepwater Pontus and Deepwater Poseidon, four newbuild Ultra-Deepwater drillships under construction at the Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. shipyard in Korea, are expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2016, the third quarter of 2016, the first quarter of 2017 and the second quarter of 2017, respectively. |
(d) | Deepwater Conqueror, a newbuild Ultra-Deepwater drillship under construction at the Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. shipyard in Korea, is expected to commence operations in the fourth quarter of 2016. |
(e) | Transocean Cassiopeia, Transocean Centaurus, Transocean Cepheus, Transocean Cetus and Transocean Circinus, five Keppel FELS Super B 400 Bigfoot class design newbuild High-Specification Jackups under construction at Keppel FELS’ shipyard in Singapore do not yet have drilling contracts and are expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2016, the first quarter of 2017, the third quarter of 2017, the first quarter of 2018 and the third quarter of 2018, respectively. These delivery expectations reflect our decision to delay delivery in consideration of existing market conditions. |
(f) | Our two unnamed dynamically positioned Ultra-Deepwater drillships under construction at the Jurong Shipyard PTE Ltd. in Singapore do not yet have drilling contracts and are expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2017 and the first quarter of 2018, respectively. |
For the year ending December 31, 2015, we expect total capital expenditures to be approximately $1.8 billion, approximately $1.3 billion of which is associated with our major construction projects. The ultimate amount of our capital expenditures is partly dependent upon financial market conditions, the actual level of operational and contracting activity, the costs associated with the new regulatory environment and customer requested capital improvements and equipment for which the customer agrees to reimburse us.
At December 31, 2014, we held options to order up to four Keppel FELS Super B 400 Bigfoot class design High-Specification Jackups. The first of these four jackup options must be exercised within consecutive four-month intervals starting in March 2015. At December 31, 2014, we also held options with Jurong Shipyard PTE Ltd. in Singapore to order up to three newbuild Ultra-Deepwater drillships, which must be exercised by February 2015, August 2015 and February 2016. We allowed the first of these three drillship options, and we expect to allow the first of the four jackup options, to expire unexercised.
As with any major shipyard project that takes place over an extended period of time, the actual costs, the timing of expenditures and the project completion date may vary from estimates based on numerous factors, including actual contract terms, weather, exchange rates, shipyard labor conditions, availability of suppliers to recertify equipment and the market demand for components and resources required for drilling unit construction.
We intend to fund the cash requirements relating to our capital expenditures through available cash balances, cash generated from operations and asset sales. We also have available credit under the New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility, as described below, and may utilize other commercial bank or capital market financings. Economic conditions could impact the availability of these sources of funding.
Dispositions—From time to time, we may also review the possible disposition of non-strategic drilling units. Considering recent market conditions, we have committed to plans to sell certain lower-specification drilling units for scrap, the demolition for which will be conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we identified 12 such drilling units that we have sold or we will sell for scrap, including the Deepwater Floaters Discoverer Seven Seas, Sedco 709, Sedco 710, and Sovereign Explorer, the Midwater Floaters C. Kirk Rhein, Jr., Falcon 100, GSF Arctic I, J.W. McLean, Sedco 601, Sedco 700, Sedneth 701 and Sedco 703. In February 2015, we committed to a plan to sell for scrap the Deepwater Floater Transocean Rather. We continue to evaluate the drilling units in our fleet and may identify additional lower-specification drilling units to be sold for scrap.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, we completed the sale of the Deepwater Floater Sedco 709, the Midwater Floater Sedco 703 and the High-Specification Jackups GSF Magellan and GSF Monitor, along with related equipment. In the year ended December 31, 2014, in connection with the disposal of these assets, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $185 million, and recognized an aggregate net loss of $1 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, we completed the sale of the Deepwater Floater Transocean Richardson along with related equipment. In the year ended December 31, 2013, in connection with the disposal of these assets, we received net cash proceeds of $142 million and recognized a gain of $33 million, or $22 million, net of tax.
During the year ended December 31, 2012, we completed the sales of the Deepwater Floaters Discoverer 534 and Jim Cunningham along with related equipment. In connection with these sales, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $178 million and recognized an aggregate net gain of $51 million.
In the three years ended December 31, 2014, we also completed the sales of 59 drilling units and other assets associated with our discontinued operations. See “—Results of Operations—Discontinued operations.”
Sources and uses of liquidity
Overview—We expect to use existing cash balances, internally generated cash flows, borrowings under our bank credit agreement and proceeds from the disposal of assets or proceeds from the sale of additional noncontrolling interests in or debt securities of Transocean Partners or other subsidiaries to fulfill anticipated obligations, such as scheduled debt maturities or other payments, repayment of debt due within one year, capital expenditures, shareholder-approved distributions, payments of our Macondo well incident settlement obligations, working capital and other needs in our operations. Subject in each case to then existing market conditions and to our then expected liquidity needs, among other factors, we may continue to use a portion of our internally generated cash flows and proceeds from asset sales or proceeds from the sale of additional noncontrolling interests in or debt securities of Transocean Partners to reduce debt prior to scheduled maturities through debt repurchases, either in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, through debt redemptions or tender offers, or through repayments of bank borrowings.
At any given time, we may require a significant portion of our cash on hand for working capital and other needs related to the operation of our business. We currently estimate this amount to be approximately $1.3 billion. As a result, this portion of cash is not generally available to us for other uses. From time to time, we may also use borrowings under our bank credit agreement to maintain liquidity for short-term cash needs.
On January 3, 2013, we reached an agreement with the DOJ to resolve certain outstanding civil and potential criminal charges against us arising from the Macondo well incident (see “—Plea Agreement obligations” and “—Consent Decree obligations”). However, we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of the investigations of the Macondo well incident and the DOJ lawsuits and other litigation related to other claims that were not addressed in our resolution with the DOJ. We can give no assurance that the matters arising out of the Macondo well incident will not adversely affect our liquidity in the future.
Our access to debt and equity markets may be limited due to a variety of events, including, among others, credit rating agency downgrades of our debt ratings, potential liability related to the Macondo well incident, industry conditions, general economic conditions, market conditions and market perceptions of us and our industry. Uncertainty related to our potential liabilities from the Macondo well incident has had, and could continue to have, an adverse effect on our business and our financial condition. Our ability to access such markets may be severely restricted at a time when we would like, or need, to access such markets, which could have an impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions. An economic downturn could have an impact on the lenders participating in our credit facilities or on our customers, causing them to fail to meet their obligations to us. Uncertainty related to our potential liabilities from the Macondo well incident has had an adverse effect on our share price, could impact our ability to access capital markets in the future and has had, and could continue to have, an adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Our internally generated cash flow is directly related to our business and the market sectors in which we operate. Should the drilling market deteriorate, or should we experience poor results in our operations, cash flow from operations may be reduced. We have, however, continued to generate positive cash flow from operating activities over recent years and expect that such cash flow will continue to be positive over the next year.
Distributions of qualifying additional paid-in capital—On February 15, 2015, our board of directors announced its recommendation that our shareholders at the 2015 annual general meeting approve a distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital in the form of a U.S. dollar denominated dividend of $0.60 per outstanding share, payable in four quarterly installments of $0.15 per outstanding share, subject to certain limitations. If approved, we expect that the dividend installments will be paid in June 2015, September 2015, December 2015 and March 2016.
In May 2014, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved the distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital in the form of a U.S. dollar denominated dividend of $3.00 per outstanding share, payable in four quarterly installments, subject to certain limitations. We do not pay the distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital with respect to our shares held in treasury or held by our subsidiary. In May 2014, we recognized a liability of $1.1 billion for the distribution payable, recorded in other current liabilities, with a corresponding entry to additional paid-in capital. On June 18, September 17 and December 17, 2014, we paid the first three installments in the aggregate amount of $816 million to shareholders of record as of May 30, August 22 and November 14, 2014, respectively. At February 17, 2015, the aggregate carrying amount of the distribution payable was $272 million, which we expect to pay in March 2015.
In May 2013, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved the distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital in the form of a U.S. dollar denominated dividend of $2.24 per outstanding share, payable in four quarterly installments, subject to certain limitations. We did not pay the distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital with respect to our shares held in treasury or held by our subsidiary. In May 2013, we recognized a liability of $808 million for the distribution payable, recorded in other current liabilities, with a corresponding entry to additional paid-in capital. On June 19, September 18 and December 18, 2013, we paid the first three installments in the aggregate amount of $606 million to shareholders of record as of May 31, August 23 and November 15, 2013, respectively. On March 19, 2014, we paid the final installment in the aggregate amount of $202 million to shareholders of record as of February 21, 2014.
Noncontrolling interest in Transocean Partners—On July 31, 2014, we announced the pricing of an initial public offering of common units representing limited liability company interests in Transocean Partners, which began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “RIGP,” for $22.00 per unit. On August 5, 2014, we completed the initial public offering of 20.1 million common units, including 2.6 million common units sold pursuant to the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional common units, which represented a 29.2 percent limited liability company interest in Transocean Partners. Through Transocean Partners Holdings Limited, a Cayman Islands company and our wholly owned subsidiary, we hold the remaining 21.3 million common units and 27.6 million subordinated units, which collectively represented a 70.8 percent limited liability company interest. As a result of the offering, we received net cash proceeds of approximately $417 million, after deducting approximately $26 million for underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses. We may consider selling additional noncontrolling interests in or debt securities of Transocean Partners to provide additional sources of liquidity.
On November 4, 2014, Transocean Partners declared a distribution of $0.2246 per outstanding unit. On November 24, 2014, Transocean Partners paid to its unitholders of record as of November 17, 2014, an aggregate distribution of $15 million, of which $11 million was paid to us and eliminated in consolidation. On February 9, 2015, Transocean Partners declared a dividend of $0.3625 per outstanding unit, an aggregate dividend of of $25 million, of which $18 million is payable to us and will be eliminated in consolidation. On February 26, 2015, Transocean Partners expects to pay to its unitholders of record as of February 20, 2015 the aggregate distribution of $25 million, of which $18 million is payable to us and will be eliminated in consolidation.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 15—Noncontrolling interest.
Primary Revolving Credit Facilities—In June 2014, we entered into an amended and restated bank credit agreement, which established a $3.0 billion unsecured five-year revolving credit facility, that is scheduled to expire on June 28, 2019 (the “New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility”). Among other things, the New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility includes limitations on creating liens, incurring subsidiary debt, transactions with affiliates, sale/leaseback transactions, mergers and the sale of substantially all assets. The New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility also includes a covenant imposing a maximum debt to tangible capitalization ratio of 0.6 to 1.0. As of December 31, 2014, our debt to tangible capitalization ratio, as defined, was 0.4 to 1.0. In order to borrow or have letters of credit issued under the New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility, we must, at the time of the borrowing request, not be in default under the bank credit agreements and make certain representations and warranties, including with respect to compliance with laws and solvency, to the lenders, but we are not required to make any representation to the lenders as to the absence of a material adverse effect. Repayment of borrowings under the New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility is subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of an event of default. We are also subject to various covenants under the indentures pursuant to which our public debt was issued, including restrictions on creating liens, engaging in sale/leaseback transactions and engaging in certain merger, consolidation or reorganization transactions. A default under our public debt indentures, our capital lease contract or any other debt owed to unaffiliated entities that exceeds $125 million could trigger a default under the New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility and, if not waived by the lenders, could cause us to lose access to the New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility.
We may borrow under the New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility at either (1) the adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin (the “New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility Margin”), which ranges from 1.125 percent to 2.0 percent based on the credit rating of our non-credit enhanced senior unsecured long-term debt (“Debt Rating”), or (2) the base rate specified in the credit agreement plus the Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility Margin, less one percent per annum. Throughout the term of the New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility, we pay a facility fee on the daily unused amount of the underlying commitment which ranges from 0.15 percent to 0.35 percent depending on our Debt Rating. At December 31, 2014, based on our Debt Rating on that date, the New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility Margin was 1.5 percent and the facility fee was 0.225 percent. At February 17, 2015, we had no borrowings outstanding, no letters of credit issued, and $3.0 billion of available borrowing capacity under the New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility.
We had a $2.0 billion five-year revolving credit facility, established under a bank credit agreement dated November 1, 2011, as amended, that was scheduled to expire on November 1, 2016 (the “Former Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility”). We also had a $900 million three-year secured revolving credit facility, established under a bank credit agreement dated October 25, 2012, that was scheduled to expire on October 25, 2015 (the “Former Three-Year Secured Revolving Credit Facility” and, together with the Former Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility, the “Former Revolving Credit Facilities”). Borrowings under the Former Three-Year Secured Revolving Credit Facility were secured by the Ultra-Deepwater Floaters Deepwater Champion, Discoverer Americas and Discoverer Inspiration and were guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and Transocean Inc. In June 2014, we terminated the Former Three-Year Revolving Credit Facility and the related security agreements, and the New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility replaced the Former Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility. At the time of their termination or replacement, no borrowings were outstanding under the Former Revolving Credit Facilities.
Debt issuance—In September 2012, we issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 2.5% Senior Notes due October 2017 (the “2.5% Senior Notes”) and $750 million aggregate principal amount of 3.8% Senior Notes due October 2022 (the “3.8% Senior Notes,” and together with the 2.5% Senior Notes, the “2012 Senior Notes”). The interest rates for the notes are subject to adjustment from time to time upon a change to our Debt Rating. We are required to pay interest on the 2012 Senior Notes on April 15 and October 15 of each year. We may redeem some or all of the 2012 Senior Notes at any time prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, together with a make-whole premium unless, in the case of the 3.8% Senior Notes, such redemption occurs on or after July 15, 2022, in which case no such make-whole premium will apply. The indenture pursuant to which the 2012 Senior Notes were issued contains restrictions on creating liens, engaging in sale/leaseback transactions and engaging in merger, consolidation or reorganization transactions. At February 17, 2015, $750 million aggregate principal amount of the 2.5% Senior Notes due 2017 and $750 million aggregate principal amount of the 3.8% Senior Notes due 2022 were outstanding.
Debt repayments—ADDCL had a senior secured credit facility, comprised of Tranche A for $215 million and Tranche C for $399 million, established under a bank credit agreement that was scheduled to expire in December 2017 (the “ADDCL Primary Loan Facility”). Unaffiliated financial institutions provided the commitment for and borrowings under Tranche A, and one of our subsidiaries provided the commitment for Tranche C. ADDCL also had a $90 million secondary credit facility, established under a bank credit agreement that was scheduled to expire in December 2015 (the “ADDCL Secondary Loan Facility” and together with the ADDCL Primary Loan Facility, the “ADDCL Credit Facilities”). One of our subsidiaries provided 65 percent of the total commitment under the ADDCL Secondary Loan Facility. ADDCL was required to maintain certain cash balances in restricted accounts for the payment of the scheduled installments on the ADDCL Credit Facilities. On February 12, 2014, we repaid the remaining borrowings of $163 million outstanding under the ADDCL Credit Facilities and terminated the bank credit agreement under which the credit facilities were established. In connection with the repayment of borrowings under the ADDCL Credit Facilities, the restricted cash investments were released.
We had a $1.265 billion secured credit facility, comprised of a $1.0 billion senior term loan, a $190 million junior term loan and a $75 million revolving credit facility, established under a bank credit agreement that was scheduled to expire in March 2015 (the “TPDI Credit Facilities”). One of our subsidiaries participated in the term loan with an aggregate commitment of $595 million. In June 2013, we repaid the $735 million of borrowings outstanding under the TPDI Credit Facilities, of which $367 million was paid to one of our subsidiaries and eliminated in consolidation. Upon repayment of all borrowings, we terminated the bank credit agreement under which the credit facilities were established.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, we also repaid the outstanding $250 million and $500 million aggregate principal amount of the 5% Notes due February 2013 and the 5.25% Senior Notes due March 2013, respectively, as of the stated maturity dates.
Debt redemptions—On October 6, 2014, in connection with our efforts to reduce debt, we issued notice of partial redemption to holders of our 4.95% Senior Notes due November 2015. On November 17, 2014, we made an aggregate cash payment of $216 million to redeem an aggregate principal amount of $207 million of the outstanding senior notes. At February 17, 2015, the aggregate principal amount of the 4.95% Senior Notes due November 2015 was $894 million.
Holders of the Series C Convertible Senior Notes had the right to require us to repurchase all or any portion of such holders’ notes on December 14, 2012. As a result, in December 2012, we were required to repurchase an aggregate principal amount of $1.7 billion of our Series C Convertible Senior Notes for an aggregate cash payment of $1.7 billion. On February 7, 2013, we redeemed the remaining aggregate principal amount of $62 million of our Series C Convertible Senior Notes for an aggregate cash payment of $62 million.
We were obligors of the Callable Bonds, issued on February 21, 2011, which were publicly traded on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The FRN Callable Bonds and the 11% Callable Bonds were denominated in Norwegian kroner in the aggregate principal amounts of NOK 940 million and NOK 560 million, respectively. On March 6, 2013, we redeemed the FRN Callable Bonds and the 11% Callable Bonds with aggregate outstanding principal amounts of NOK 940 million and NOK 560 million, equivalent to $164 million and $98 million, respectively, using an exchange rate of NOK 5.73 to $1.00. In connection with the redemption, we made an aggregate cash payment of NOK 1,567 million, equivalent to $273 million.
Eksportfinans Loans—We have outstanding borrowings under the Loan Agreement dated September 12, 2008 (“Eksportfinans Loan A”) and outstanding borrowings under the Loan Agreement dated November 18, 2008 (“Eksportfinans Loan B,” and together with Eksportfinans Loan A, the “Eksportfinans Loans”), between one of our subsidiaries and Eksportfinans ASA, which were established to finance the construction and delivery of the Harsh Environment Ultra-Deepwater semisubmersibles Transocean Spitsbergen and Transocean Barents. Eksportfinans Loan A and Eksportfinans Loan B bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.15 percent and require semi-annual installments of principal and interest through September 2017 and January 2018, respectively. At February 17, 2015, borrowings of $165 million and $165 million were outstanding under Eksportfinans Loan A and Eksportfinans Loan B, respectively.
The Eksportfinans Loans require restricted cash investments to be held at a certain financial institution through expiration (the “Eksportfinans Restricted Cash Investments”). The Eksportfinans Restricted Cash Investments bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.15 percent with semi-annual installments that correspond with those of the Eksportfinans Loans. At February 17, 2015, the aggregate principal amount of the Eksportfinans Restricted Cash Investments was $330 million.
Capital lease contract—Petrobras 10000 is held by one of our subsidiaries under a capital lease contract that requires scheduled monthly payments of $6 million through its stated maturity on August 4, 2029, at which time our subsidiary will have the right and obligation to acquire Petrobras 10000 from the lessor for one dollar. Upon the occurrence of certain termination events, our subsidiary is also required to purchase Petrobras 10000 and pay a termination amount determined by a formula based upon the total cost of the drillship. The capital lease contract includes limitations on creating liens on Petrobras 10000 and requires our subsidiary to make certain representations in connection with each monthly payment, including with respect to the absence of pending or threatened litigation or other proceedings against our subsidiary or any of its affiliates, which, if determined adversely, could have a material adverse effect on our subsidiary’s ability to perform its obligations under the capital lease contract. Additionally, Transocean Inc. has guaranteed the obligations under the capital lease contract, and Transocean Inc. is required to maintain an adjusted net worth, as defined, of at least $5.0 billion as of the end of each fiscal quarter. In the event Transocean Inc. does not satisfy this covenant at the end of any fiscal quarter, it is required to deposit the deficit amount, determined as the difference between $5.0 billion and the adjusted net worth for such fiscal quarter, into an escrow account for the benefit of the lessor. At February 17, 2015, $612 million was outstanding under the capital lease contract.
Plea Agreement obligations—Pursuant to a cooperation guilty plea agreement by and among the DOJ and certain of our affiliates (the “Plea Agreement”), which was accepted by the court on February 14, 2013, we agreed to pay a criminal fine of $100 million and to consent to the entry of an order requiring us to pay a total of $150 million to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and $150 million to the National Academy of Sciences. In the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we made an aggregate cash payment of $60 million and $160 million, respectively, in satisfaction of amounts due under the Plea Agreement. On February 13, 2015, we made an aggregate cash payment of $60 million in satisfaction of amounts due under the Plea Agreement. At February 17, 2015, the remaining balance of our Plea Agreement obligations was $120 million, including two payments of $60 million payable to the National Academy of Sciences on or before February 12, 2016 and February 14, 2017.
Consent Decree obligations—Pursuant to a civil consent decree by and among the DOJ and certain of our affiliates (the “Consent Decree”), which was approved by the court on February 19, 2013, we agreed to pay a civil penalty totaling $1.0 billion, plus interest at a rate of 2.15 percent. On March 15, 2013, February 19, 2014 and January 8, 2015, we paid $404 million, $412 million and $204 million, respectively, including interest. At February 17, 2015, we had fully paid amounts due under the Consent Decree.
Notes receivable—We held two notes receivable from Awilco, a U.K. company listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The notes receivable were originally accepted in exchange for, and were secured by, two drilling units. In April 2014, Awilco repaid the notes, and we received cash proceeds of $98 million as prepayment of the aggregate principal outstanding.
Share repurchase program—In May 2009, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved and authorized our board of directors, at its discretion, to repurchase an amount of our shares for cancellation with an aggregate purchase price of up to CHF 3.5 billion, which is equivalent to approximately $3.7 billion at an exchange rate as of the close of trading on February 17, 2015 of $1.00 to CHF 0.94. On February 12, 2010, our board of directors authorized our management to implement the share repurchase program. We intend to fund any repurchases using available cash balances and cash from operating activities. On May 24, 2013, we received approval from the Swiss authorities for the continuation of the share repurchase program for an additional three-year repurchase period through May 23, 2016. In the year ended December 31, 2014, we did not purchase shares under our share repurchase program.
We may decide, based upon our ongoing capital requirements, our program of distributions to our shareholders, the price of our shares, matters relating to the Macondo well incident, regulatory and tax considerations, cash flow generation, the amount and duration of our contract backlog, general market conditions, debt ratings considerations and other factors, that we should retain cash, reduce debt, make capital investments or acquisitions or otherwise use cash for general corporate purposes, and consequently, repurchase fewer or no additional shares under this program. Decisions regarding the amount, if any, and timing of any share repurchases will be made from time to time based upon these factors.
Any shares repurchased under this program are expected to be purchased from time to time either, with respect to the U.S. market, from market participants that have acquired those shares on the open market and that can fully recover Swiss withholding tax resulting from the share repurchase or, with respect to the Swiss market, on the second trading line for our shares on the SIX. Repurchases could also be made by tender offer, in privately negotiated transactions or by any other share repurchase method. Any repurchased shares would be held by us for cancellation by the shareholders at a future annual general meeting. The share repurchase program could be suspended or discontinued by our board of directors or company management, as applicable, at any time.
Under Swiss corporate law, the right of a company and its subsidiaries to repurchase and hold its own shares is limited. A company may repurchase its shares to the extent it has freely distributable reserves as shown on its Swiss statutory balance sheet in the amount of the purchase price and the aggregate par value of all shares held by the company as treasury shares does not exceed 10 percent of the company’s share capital recorded in the Swiss Commercial Register, whereby for purposes of determining whether the 10 percent threshold has been reached, shares repurchased under a share repurchase program for cancellation purposes authorized by the company’s shareholders are disregarded. As of February 17, 2015, Transocean Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary, held as treasury shares approximately three percent of our issued shares. At the annual general meeting in May 2009, the shareholders approved the release of CHF 3.5 billion of additional paid-in capital to other reserves, or freely available reserves as presented on our Swiss statutory balance sheet, to create the freely available reserve necessary for the CHF 3.5 billion share repurchase program for the purpose of the cancellation of shares (the “Currently Approved Program”). At the May 2011 annual general meeting, our shareholders approved the reallocation of CHF 3.2 billion, which is the remaining amount authorized under the share repurchase program, from free reserve to legal reserve, reserve from capital contributions. This amount will continue to be available for Swiss federal withholding tax-free share repurchases. We may only repurchase shares to the extent freely distributable reserves are available. Our board of directors could, to the extent freely distributable reserves are available, authorize the repurchase of additional shares for purposes other than cancellation, such as to retain treasury shares for use in satisfying our obligations in connection with incentive plans or other rights to acquire our shares. Based on the current amount of shares held as treasury shares, approximately seven percent of our issued shares could be repurchased for purposes of retention as additional treasury shares. Although our board of directors has not approved such a share repurchase program for the purpose of retaining repurchased shares as treasury shares, if it did so, any such shares repurchased would be in addition to any shares repurchased under the Currently Approved Program.
Contractual obligations—At December 31, 2014, our contractual obligations stated at face value, were as follows:
For the years ending December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 2015 | 2016 - 2017 | 2018 - 2019 | Thereafter | ||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Contractual obligations | ||||||||||||||||||||
Debt | $ | 9,467 | $ | 1,007 | $ | 1,978 | $ | 1,275 | $ | 5,207 | ||||||||||
Interest on debt | 4,927 | 539 | 931 | 681 | 2,776 | |||||||||||||||
Capital lease obligation (a) | 1,046 | 65 | 143 | 144 | 694 | |||||||||||||||
Plea Agreement obligations | 180 | 60 | 120 | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Consent Decree obligations (b) | 204 | 204 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital | 272 | 272 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Operating lease obligations | 130 | 23 | 30 | 15 | 62 | |||||||||||||||
Purchase obligations | 4,573 | 1,439 | 2,283 | 851 | — | |||||||||||||||
Total (c) | $ | 20,799 | $ | 3,609 | $ | 5,485 | $ | 2,966 | $ | 8,739 |
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(a) | Includes scheduled installments of principal and imputed interest on our capital lease obligation. |
(b) | Includes interest on our Consent Decree obligations. |
(c) | As of December 31, 2014, our defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans represented an aggregate liability of $521 million, representing the aggregate projected benefit obligation, net of the aggregate fair value of plan assets. The carrying amount of this liability is affected by net periodic benefit costs, funding contributions, participant demographics, plan amendments, significant current and future assumptions, and returns on plan assets. Due to the uncertainties resulting from these factors and since the carrying amount is not representative of future liquidity requirements, we have excluded this amount from the contractual obligations presented in the table above. See “—Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans” and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 14—Postemployment Benefit Plans. |
As of December 31, 2014, our unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions, net of prepayments, represented a liability of $383 million. Due to the high degree of uncertainty regarding the timing of future cash outflows associated with the liabilities recognized in this balance, we are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities, and we have excluded this amount from the contractual obligations presented in the table above. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 6—Income Taxes. |
Other commercial commitments—We have other commercial commitments that we are contractually obligated to fulfill with cash under certain circumstances. These commercial commitments include standby letters of credit and surety bonds that guarantee our performance as it relates to our drilling contracts, insurance, customs, tax and other obligations in various jurisdictions. Standby letters of credit are issued under a number of committed and uncommitted bank credit facilities. The obligations that are the subject of these standby letters of credit and surety bonds are primarily geographically concentrated in Nigeria, India and Indonesia. Obligations under these standby letters of credit and surety bonds are not normally called, as we typically comply with the underlying performance requirement.
At December 31, 2014, these obligations stated in U.S. dollar equivalents and their time to expiration were as follows:
For the years ending December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 2015 | 2016 - 2017 | 2018 - 2019 | Thereafter | ||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other commercial commitments | ||||||||||||||||||||
Standby letters of credit (a) | $ | 338 | $ | 294 | $ | 39 | $ | 5 | $ | — | ||||||||||
Surety bonds | 6 | 6 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 344 | $ | 300 | $ | 39 | $ | 5 | $ | — |
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(a) | Included in the $338 million outstanding standby letters of credit at December 31, 2014 were $91 million of standby letters of credit that we have agreed to maintain in support of the operations for Shelf Drilling for up to three years following the closing of the sale transactions (See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 7—Discontinued Operations). Shelf Drilling is required to reimburse us in the event that standby letters of credit relating to this performance are called. |
We have established a wholly owned captive insurance company to insure various risks of our operating subsidiaries. Access to the cash investments of the captive insurance company may be limited due to local regulatory restrictions. At December 31, 2014, the cash investments held by the captive insurance company totaled $158 million, and the amount of such cash investments is expected to range from $110 million to $210 million by December 31, 2015. The amount of actual cash investments held by the captive insurance company varies, depending on the amount of premiums paid to the captive insurance company, the timing and amount of claims paid by the captive insurance company, and the amount of dividends paid by the captive insurance company.
Derivative instruments
Our board of directors has approved policies and procedures for derivative instruments that require the approval of our Chief Financial Officer prior to entering into any derivative instruments. From time to time, we may enter into a variety of derivative instruments in connection with the management of our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates or currency exchange rates. We do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes; however, we may enter into certain transactions that do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 13—Derivatives and Hedging.
Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
Overview—We maintain a qualified defined benefit pension plan in the U.S. (the “U.S. Plan”) covering substantially all U.S. employees. We also maintain a funded supplemental benefit plan (the “Supplemental Plan”) that offers benefits to certain employees that are ineligible for benefits under the U.S. Plan and two unfunded supplemental benefit plans (the “Other Supplemental Plans”) that provide certain eligible employees with benefits in excess of those allowed under the U.S. Plan. Additionally, we maintain two funded and two unfunded defined benefit plans (collectively, the “Frozen Plans”) that we assumed in connection with our mergers with GlobalSantaFe and R&B Falcon Corporation, all of which were frozen prior to the respective mergers and for which benefits no longer accrue but the pension obligations have not been fully distributed. We refer to the U.S. Plan, the Supplemental Plan, the Other Supplemental Plans and the Frozen Plans, collectively, as the “U.S. Plans.”
We maintain a defined benefit plan in the U.K. (the “U.K. Plan”) covering certain current and former employees in the U.K. We also provide several funded defined benefit plans, three of which we assumed in connection with our acquisition of Aker Drilling, which are primarily group pension schemes with life insurance companies, and two unfunded plans, covering our eligible Norway employees and former employees (the “Norway Plans”). We also maintain unfunded defined benefit plans (the “Other Plans”) that provide retirement and severance benefits for certain of our Indonesian, Nigerian and Egyptian employees. We refer to the U.K. Plan, the Norway Plans and the Other Plans, collectively, as the “Non-U.S. Plans.”
We refer to the U.S. Plans and the Non-U.S. Plans, collectively, as the “Transocean Plans”. Additionally, we have several unfunded contributory and noncontributory other postretirement employee benefit plans (the “OPEB Plans”) covering substantially all of our U.S. employees.
In June 2014, we committed to freeze benefits of our qualified defined benefit pension plan in the U.S., which covers substantially all U.S. employees, and one of our unfunded supplemental benefit plans, in each case, with an effective date of January 1, 2015. In the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized settlement and curtailment charges of $3 million for two of our unfunded defined benefit plans in Nigeria and Egypt associated with certain employee terminations. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 12—Postemployment Benefit Plans.
In October 2014, the Society of Actuaries released new actuarial tables for applying mortality rate assumptions to measure the obligations for qualified defined benefit pension plans. We have applied the new actuarial tables in connection with measuring the funded status of our pension plans as of December 31, 2014, and such application resulted in an increase of $121 million to our measured liability.
The following table presents the amounts and weighted-average assumptions associated with the U.S. Plans, the Non-U.S. Plans and the OPEB Plans.
Year ended December 31, 2014 | Year ended December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | OPEB Plans | Total | U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | OPEB Plans | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net periodic benefit costs (a) | $ | 37 | $ | 36 | $ | 2 | $ | 75 | $ | 95 | $ | 34 | $ | 3 | $ | 132 | ||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (261 | ) | (199 | ) | (4 | ) | (464 | ) | (198 | ) | (114 | ) | 1 | (311 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Employer contributions | 43 | 56 | 2 | 101 | 64 | 50 | 1 | 115 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
At end of period: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated benefit obligation | $ | 1,588 | $ | 553 | $ | 59 | $ | 2,200 | $ | 1,210 | $ | 490 | $ | 53 | $ | 1,753 | ||||||||||||||||
Projected benefit obligation | 1,592 | 629 | 59 | 2,280 | 1,380 | 573 | 53 | 2,006 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 1,271 | 488 | — | 1,759 | 1,116 | 481 | — | 1,597 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Funded status | (321 | ) | (141 | ) | (59 | ) | (521 | ) | (264 | ) | (92 | ) | (53 | ) | (409 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Weighted-Average Assumptions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
-Net periodic benefit costs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Discount rate (b) | 5.04 | % | 4.41 | % | 4.54 | % | 4.85 | % | 4.19 | % | 5.13 | % | 3.39 | % | 4.43 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Long-term rate of return (c) | 7.18 | % | 6.07 | % | n/a | 6.88 | % | 7.48 | % | 5.79 | % | n/a | 6.97 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Compensation trend rate (b) | 4.13 | % | 4.25 | % | n/a | 4.16 | % | 4.22 | % | 4.21 | % | n/a | 4.22 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Health care cost trend rate-initial | n/a | n/a | 7.81 | % | 7.81 | % | n/a | n/a | 8.07 | % | 8.07 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Health care cost trend rate-ultimate (d) | n/a | n/a | 5.00 | % | 5.00 | % | n/a | n/a | 5.00 | % | 5.00 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
-Benefit obligations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Discount rate (b) | 4.15 | % | 3.13 | % | 3.86 | % | 3.86 | % | 5.01 | % | 4.92 | % | 4.54 | % | 4.97 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Compensation trend rate (b) | 3.82 | % | 3.72 | % | n/a | 3.74 | % | 4.24 | % | 4.57 | % | n/a | 4.35 | % |
______________________________
“n/a” means not applicable. |
(a) | Net periodic benefit costs were reduced by expected returns on plan assets of $103 million and $95 million in the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. |
(b) | Weighted-average based on relative average projected benefit obligation for the year. |
(c) | Weighted-average based on relative average fair value of plan assets for the year. |
(d) | Ultimate health care trend rate is expected to be reached in 2020. |
Net periodic benefit cost—In the year ended December 31, 2014, net periodic benefit costs decreased $57 million and, in the year ending December 31, 2015, we expect net periodic benefit costs to decrease by an additional $33 million, primarily as a result of our decision to freeze the qualified defined benefit pension plan in the U.S.
Plan assets—We review our investment policies at least annually and our plan assets and asset allocations at least quarterly to evaluate performance relative to specified objectives. In determining our asset allocation strategies for the U.S. Plans, we review results of regression models to assess the most appropriate target allocation for each plan, given the plan’s status, demographics, and duration. For the U.K. Plan, the plan trustees establish the asset allocation strategies consistent with the regulations of the U.K. pension regulators and in consultation with financial advisors and company representatives. Investment managers for the U.S. Plans and the U.K. Plan are given established ranges within which the investments may deviate from the target allocations. For the Norway Plans, we establish minimum returns under the terms of investment contracts with insurance companies.
In the year ended December 31, 2014, plan assets of the funded Transocean Plans were favorably impacted by improvements in world equity markets, given the allocation of approximately 49 percent of plan assets to equity securities. To a lesser extent, plan assets allocated to debt securities and other investments also experienced better than expected gains. In the year ended December 31, 2014, the fair value of the investments in the funded Transocean Plans increased by $162 million, or 10 percent, due to investment returns of $197 million, funding contributions of $4 million, net of benefits paid, and currency revaluations of $39 million in connection with the funded Non-U.S. Plans.
Funding contributions—We review the funded status of our plans at least annually and contribute an amount at least equal to the minimum amount required. For the funded U.S. Plans, we contribute an amount at least equal to that required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (“PPA”). We use actuarial computations to establish the minimum contribution required under ERISA and PPA and the maximum deductible contribution allowed for income tax purposes. For the funded U.K. Plan, we contribute an amount, as mutually agreed with the plan trustees, based on actuarial recommendations. For the funded Norway Plans, we contribute an amount determined by the plan trustee based on Norwegian pension laws. For the unfunded Transocean Plans and OPEB Plans, we generally fund benefit payments for plan participants as incurred. We fund our contributions to the Transocean Plans and the OPEB Plans using cash flows from operations.
In the year ended December 31, 2014, we contributed $101 million and participants contributed $3 million to the Transocean Plans and the OPEB Plans. In the year ended December 31, 2013, we contributed $115 million and participants contributed $4 million to the Transocean Plans and the OPEB Plans.
For the year ending December 31, 2015, we expect to contribute $29 million to the Transocean Plans and $4 million to the OPEB Plans. These estimated contributions for the Transocean Plans are comprised of $25 million to meet the funding requirements for the funded Non-U.S. Plans, and approximately $4 million to fund expected benefit payments for the unfunded U.S. Plans and unfunded Non-U.S. Plans.
Benefit payments—Our projected benefit payments for the Transocean Plans and the OPEB Plans are as follows (in millions):
U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | OPEB Plans | Total | |||||||||||||
Years ending December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
2015 | $ | 53 | $ | 7 | $ | 4 | $ | 64 | ||||||||
2016 | 57 | 9 | 4 | 70 | ||||||||||||
2017 | 61 | 11 | 4 | 76 | ||||||||||||
2018 | 65 | 11 | 4 | 80 | ||||||||||||
2019 | 69 | 12 | 4 | 85 | ||||||||||||
2020-2024 | 395 | 96 | 20 | 511 |
Contingencies
Macondo well incident
Overview—On April 22, 2010, the Ultra-Deepwater Floater Deepwater Horizon sank after a blowout of the Macondo well caused a fire and explosion on the rig. Eleven persons were declared dead and others were injured as a result of the incident. At the time of the explosion, Deepwater Horizon was located approximately 41 miles off the coast of Louisiana in Mississippi Canyon Block 252 and was contracted to an affiliate of BP plc. (together with its affiliates, “BP”). The rig was declared a total loss. Although we are unable to estimate the full direct and indirect effect that the Macondo well incident will have on our business, the incident has had and could continue to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
We have recognized a liability for estimated loss contingencies associated with litigation and investigations resulting from the incident that we believe are probable and for which a reasonable estimate can be made. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the liability for estimated loss contingencies that we believe are probable and for which a reasonable estimate can be made was $426 million and $464 million, respectively, recorded in other current liabilities. The litigation and investigations also give rise to certain loss contingencies that we believe are either reasonably possible or probable but for which we do not believe a reasonable estimate can be made. Although we have not recognized a liability for such loss contingencies, these contingencies could result in liabilities that we ultimately recognize.
We have also recognized an asset associated with the portion of our estimated losses, primarily related to the personal injury and fatality claims of our crew and vendors, that we believe is probable of recovery from insurance. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the insurance recoverable asset was $10 million, recorded in other assets. Although we have available policy limits that could result in additional amounts recoverable from insurance, recovery of such additional amounts is not probable and we are not currently able to estimate such amounts. Our estimates involve a significant amount of judgment. As a result of new information or future developments, we may increase our estimated loss contingencies arising out of the Macondo well incident or reduce our estimated recoveries from insurance, and the resulting losses could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
We can provide no assurance as to the outcome of the trial, the timing of any upcoming phase of trial or ruling, that we will not enter into additional settlements as to some or all of the matters related to the Macondo well incident, including those to be determined at a trial, or the timing or terms of any such settlement. We can provide no assurance as to the estimated costs, insurance recoveries, or other actions that will result from the Macondo well incident.
Multidistrict litigation proceeding—Many of the Macondo well related claims are pending in the MDL Court. In March 2012, BP and the Plaintiff’s Steering Committee (the “PSC”) announced that they had agreed to a partial settlement related primarily to private party environmental and economic loss claims as well as response effort related claims (the “BP/PSC Settlement”). On December 21, 2012, the MDL Court granted final approval of the economic and property damage class settlement between BP and the PSC. Various parties who objected to the BP/PSC Settlement filed appeals in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals (the “Fifth Circuit”) challenging the MDL Court’s final approval of the BP/PSC Settlement. BP filed appeals in the Fifth Circuit challenging the manner in which the BP/PSC Settlement has been interpreted by the MDL Court with respect to business economic loss claims (“BEL Claims”). In these appeals, BP argues that, if the MDL Court’s interpretation of the settlement with respect to BEL Claims is not overturned, the entire BP/PSC Settlement is invalid and should not have been approved. On October 2, 2013, a panel of the Fifth Circuit issued an opinion questioning the manner in which the settlement has been interpreted with respect to BEL Claims. On December 24, 2013, the MDL Court issued an order (the “BEL Order”) regarding the BEL Claims. BP appealed the BEL Order, but on March 3, 2014, the same panel of the Fifth Circuit affirmed the MDL Court’s ruling that claimants were not required to submit evidence of causation.
On January 10, 2014, another panel of the Fifth Circuit affirmed the MDL Court’s final approval of the BP/PSC Settlement. Thereafter, BP and certain plaintiffs who objected to the settlement filed petitions seeking rehearing in the Fifth Circuit of both decisions. On May 20, 2014, the Fifth Circuit denied those petitions. On August 1, 2014, BP filed a petition for writ of certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court seeking review of the Fifth Circuit’s decisions. On December 8, 2014, the Supreme Court denied BP’s petition for certiorari.
In December 2012, in response to the BP/PSC Settlement, we filed three motions seeking partial summary judgment on various claims, including punitive damages claims. If successful, these motions would eliminate or reduce our exposure to punitive damages. The MDL Court has not yet ruled on these motions.
The first phase of the trial began on February 25, 2013 and testimony concluded on April 17, 2013. This phase addressed fault issues, including negligence, gross negligence, or other bases of liability of the various defendants with respect to the cause of the blowout and the initiation of the oil spill, as well as limitation of liability issues. On September 4, 2014, the MDL Court entered Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law for the Phase One trial. The MDL Court concluded that BP was grossly negligent and reckless and 67 percent at fault for the blowout, explosion, and spill; that Transocean was negligent and 30 percent at fault; and that Halliburton was negligent and three percent at fault. Because the MDL Court found that Transocean was not grossly negligent, it concluded that BP’s contractual agreement to indemnify us for compensatory damages is valid and enforceable and that we no longer have exposure for punitive damages. The MDL Court also ruled that BP’s contractual agreement to release its own claims against us is valid and enforceable. This release bars the PSC from pursuing claims that have been assigned to it by BP in the BP/PSC Settlement.
On October 2, 2014, BP filed a motion to amend the Phase One Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, alter or amend the judgment, or for a new trial. That motion asserts that the MDL Court made errors in its conclusions about the causes of the failure of the cement in the well. On November 13, 2014, the MDL Court denied this motion.
The second phase of the trial occurred between September 30, 2013 and October 17, 2013, and the MDL Court issued its Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (the “Phase Two Ruling”) on January 15, 2015. The first segment of the trial addressed BP’s conduct related to stopping the release of hydrocarbons. The MDL Court ruled that BP was not grossly negligent, reckless, willful or wanton in its source control planning before the spill. The MDL Court declined to decide whether BP was negligent in its planning because it ruled that any negligence finding would not change its fault determinations from the first phase of the trial. The MDL Court also found that it had not been shown that BP’s misrepresentations about the flow rate from the well delayed the capping of the well or adversely affected source control, or that post-blowout source control decisions were unreasonable.
The second segment of the trial addressed quantification of the amount of oil discharged and the MDL Court found that four million barrels of oil discharged during the spill. After deducting the barrels that were collected, the MDL Court found that, for purposes of calculating the maximum CWA civil penalty that may be imposed on BP and Anadarko, 3.19 million barrels of oil discharged. We participated in the first segment of trial, but were not a party to the second segment because the ruling as to the quantification of oil primarily relates to setting maximum CWA civil penalty and we have settled the DOJ’s CWA penalty claim against us.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 13—Commitments and Contingencies and —Note 27—Subsequent Events.
Insurance matters
Our hull and machinery and excess liability insurance program is comprised of commercial market and captive insurance policies that we renew annually on May 1. We periodically evaluate our insurance limits and self-insured retentions. As of February 17, 2015, the insured value of our drilling rig fleet was approximately $27.8 billion, excluding our rigs under construction. We generally do not carry commercial market insurance coverage for loss of revenues, unless it is contractually required, or for losses resulting from physical damage to our fleet caused by named windstorms in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, including liability for wreck removal costs. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 13—Commitments and Contingencies.
Tax matters
We are a Swiss corporation, and we operate through our various subsidiaries in a number of countries throughout the world. Our provision for income taxes is based on the tax laws and rates applicable in the jurisdictions in which we operate and earn income. The relationship between our provision for or benefit from income taxes and our income or loss before income taxes can vary significantly from period to period considering, among other factors, (a) the overall level of income before income taxes, (b) changes in the blend of income that is taxed based on gross revenues rather than income before taxes, (c) rig movements between taxing jurisdictions and (d) our rig operating structures. Generally, our annual marginal tax rate is lower than our annual effective tax rate.
We conduct operations through our various subsidiaries in a number of countries throughout the world. Each country has its own tax regimes with varying nominal rates, deductions and tax attributes. From time to time, we may identify changes to previously evaluated tax positions that could result in adjustments to our recorded assets and liabilities. Although we are unable to predict the outcome of these changes, we do not expect the effect, if any, resulting from these adjustments to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
We file federal and local tax returns in several jurisdictions throughout the world. Tax authorities in certain jurisdictions are examining our tax returns and in some cases have issued assessments. We are defending our tax positions in those jurisdictions. We are also defending against tax-related claims in courts, including our ongoing criminal trial in Norway.
While we cannot predict or provide assurance as to the final outcome of these proceedings, we do not expect the ultimate liability to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position or results of operations, although it may have a material adverse effect on our consolidated cash flows.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 6—Income Taxes.
Regulatory matters
For a description of regulatory and environmental matters relating to the Macondo well incident, please see “—Macondo well incident.”
Other matters
In addition, from time to time, we receive inquiries from governmental regulatory agencies regarding our operations around the world, including inquiries with respect to various tax, environmental, regulatory and compliance matters. To the extent appropriate under the circumstances, we investigate such matters, respond to such inquiries and cooperate with the regulatory agencies.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We had no off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2014.
Related Party Transactions
Quantum Pacific Management Limited—On October 18, 2007, one of our subsidiaries acquired a 50 percent interest in TPDI, an entity formed to operate two Ultra-Deepwater Floaters, Dhirubhai Deepwater KG1 and Dhirubhai Deepwater KG2. Until May 31, 2012, Quantum held the remaining 50 percent interest in TPDI. Quantum had the unilateral right to exchange its interest in TPDI for our shares or cash, at its election, measured at an amount based on an appraisal of the fair value of the drillships that are owned by TPDI, subject to certain adjustments. During the year ended December 31, 2012, Quantum exercised its rights under the put option agreement electing to exchange its interest in TPDI for our shares. We issued 8.7 million shares to Quantum, and as a result, TPDI became our wholly owned subsidiary. In the year ended December 31, 2012, under the terms of the put option agreement, we made a cash payment of $72 million to Quantum to settle TPDI’s working capital.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Overview—We prepared our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., which require us to make estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to our allowance for doubtful accounts, materials and supplies obsolescence, investments, property and equipment, goodwill, income taxes, defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement employee benefits, contingent liabilities and share-based compensation. These estimates require significant judgments and assumptions. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
We consider the following to be our critical accounting policies and estimates, and we have discussed the development, selection and disclosure of such policies and estimates with the audit committee of our board of directors. For a discussion of our significant accounting policies, refer to our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies.
Income taxes—We are a Swiss corporation, operating through our various subsidiaries in a number of countries throughout the world. We have provided for income taxes based upon the tax laws and rates in the countries in which we operate and earn income. The relationship between the provision for or benefit from income taxes and our income or loss before income taxes can vary significantly from period to period because the countries in which we operate have taxation regimes that vary with respect to the nominal tax rate and the availability of deductions, credits and other benefits. Generally, our annual marginal tax rate is lower than our annual effective tax rate. Consequently, our income tax expense does not change proportionally with our income before income taxes. Variations also arise when income earned and taxed in a particular country or countries fluctuates from year to year.
Our annual tax provision is based on expected taxable income, statutory rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. The determination of our annual tax provision and evaluation of our tax positions involves interpretation of tax laws in the various jurisdictions and requires significant judgment and the use of estimates and assumptions regarding significant future events, such as the amount, timing and character of income, deductions and tax credits. Our tax liability in any given year could be affected by changes in tax laws, regulations, agreements, and treaties, currency exchange restrictions or our level of operations or profitability in each jurisdiction. Additionally, we operate in many jurisdictions where the tax laws relating to the offshore drilling industry are not well developed. Although our annual tax provision is based on the best information available at the time, a number of years may elapse before the ultimate tax liabilities in the various jurisdictions are determined.
We maintain liabilities for estimated tax exposures in our jurisdictions of operation, and the provisions and benefits resulting from changes to those liabilities are included in our annual tax provision along with related interest. Tax exposure items include potential challenges to permanent establishment positions, intercompany pricing, disposition transactions, and withholding tax rates and their applicability. These exposures are resolved primarily through the settlement of audits within these tax jurisdictions or by judicial means, but can also be affected by changes in applicable tax law or other factors, which could cause us to revise past estimates. At December 31, 2014, the liability for estimated tax exposures in our jurisdictions of operation was approximately $385 million.
We are currently undergoing examinations in a number of taxing jurisdictions for various fiscal years. We review our liabilities on an ongoing basis and, to the extent audits or other events cause us to adjust the liabilities accrued in prior periods, we recognize those adjustments in the period of the event. We do not believe it is possible to reasonably estimate the future impact of changes to the assumptions and estimates related to our annual tax provision because changes to our tax liabilities are dependent on numerous factors that cannot be reasonably projected. These factors include, among others, the amount and nature of additional taxes potentially asserted by local tax authorities; the willingness of local tax authorities to negotiate a fair settlement through an administrative process; the impartiality of the local courts; and the potential for changes in the taxes paid to one country that either produce, or fail to produce, offsetting tax changes in other countries.
We consider the earnings of certain of our subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested. As such, we have not provided for taxes on these unremitted earnings. At December 31, 2014, the amount of indefinitely reinvested earnings was approximately $2.4 billion. Should we make a distribution from the unremitted earnings of these subsidiaries, we would be subject to taxes payable to various jurisdictions. We estimate taxes in the range of $200 million to $250 million would be payable upon distribution of all previously unremitted earnings at December 31, 2014.
We have recognized deferred taxes related to the earnings of certain subsidiaries that are not permanently reinvested or that will not be permanently reinvested in the future. If facts and circumstances cause us to change our expectations regarding future tax consequences, the resulting adjustments to our deferred tax balances could have a material effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Estimates, judgments and assumptions are required in determining whether deferred tax assets will be fully or partially realized. When it is estimated to be more likely than not that all or some portion of certain deferred tax assets, such as foreign tax credit carryovers or net operating loss carryforwards, will not be realized, we establish a valuation allowance for the amount of the deferred tax assets that is considered to be unrealizable. We continually evaluate strategies that could allow for the future utilization of our deferred tax assets. We did not make any significant changes to our valuation allowance against deferred tax assets during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 6—Income Taxes.
Contingencies—We perform assessments of our contingencies on an ongoing basis to evaluate the appropriateness of our liabilities and disclosures for such contingencies. We establish liabilities for estimated loss contingencies when we believe a loss is probable and the amount of the probable loss can be reasonably estimated. We recognize corresponding assets for loss contingencies that we believe are probable of being recovered through insurance. Once established, we adjust the carrying amount of a contingent liability upon the occurrence of a recognizable event when facts and circumstances change, altering our previous assumptions with respect to the likelihood or amount of loss. We recognize liabilities for legal costs as they are incurred, and we recognize a corresponding asset for those legal costs only if we expect such legal costs to be recovered through insurance.
We have recognized a liability for estimated loss contingencies associated with litigation and investigations resulting from the Macondo well incident that we believe are probable and for which a reasonable estimate can be made. The litigation and investigations also give rise to certain loss contingencies that we believe are either reasonably possible or probable but for which we do not believe a reasonable estimate can be made. Although we have not recognized a liability for such loss contingencies, these contingencies could increase the liabilities we ultimately recognize. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the liability for estimated loss contingencies that we believe are probable and for which a reasonable estimate can be made was $426 million and $464 billion, respectively, recorded in other current liabilities.
We have also recognized an asset associated with the portion of our estimated losses that we believe is probable of recovery from insurance. Although we have available policy limits that could result in additional amounts, such as legal costs, being recoverable from insurance, recovery of such additional amounts is not probable and we are not currently able to estimate such amounts. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the insurance recoverable asset was $10 million, recorded in other assets.
Our estimates involve a significant amount of judgment. Actual results may differ from our estimates. As a result of new information or developments, we may adjust our estimated loss contingencies arising from the Macondo well incident, and the resulting liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 15—Commitments and Contingencies.
Goodwill impairment—We conduct impairment testing for our goodwill annually as of October 1 and more frequently, on an interim basis, when an event occurs or circumstances change that may indicate a reduction in the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. We test goodwill at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or a component of an operating segment that constitutes a business for which financial information is available and is regularly reviewed by management. We have determined that contract drilling services is our single reporting unit for this purpose.
Before testing goodwill, we consider whether or not to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances lead to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount and whether the two-step impairment test is required. If, as the result of our qualitative assessment, we determine that the two-step impairment test is required, or, alternatively, if we elect to forgo the qualitative assessment, we test goodwill for impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit.
To estimate the fair value of each reporting unit, we apply a variety of valuation methods, incorporating the income, market and cost approaches. For our contract drilling services reporting unit, we estimate fair value using discounted cash flows, publicly traded company multiples and acquisition multiples. To develop the projected cash flows associated with our contract drilling services reporting unit, which are based on estimated future dayrates and rig utilization, we consider key factors that include assumptions regarding future commodity prices, credit market conditions and the effect these factors may have on our contract drilling operations and the capital expenditure budgets of our customers. We discount projected cash flows using a long-term weighted-average cost of capital, which is based on our estimate of the investment returns that market participants would require for each of our reporting units. To develop the publicly traded company multiples, we gather available market data for companies with operations similar to our reporting unit and publicly available information for recent acquisitions in the marketplace. We may weight the approaches, under certain circumstances, when a single approach produces inconclusive results or when results from multiple approaches deviate significantly.
Our estimates of fair value require us to use significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including assumptions related to the future performance of our contract drilling services reporting unit, such as future commodity prices, projected demand for our services, rig utilization and dayrates. Because our business is cyclical in nature, the results of our impairment testing are expected to vary significantly depending on the timing of the assessment relative to the business cycle. Altering either the timing of or the assumptions used in a reporting unit’s fair value calculations could result in an estimate that is significantly below its carrying amount, which may indicate its goodwill is impaired.
As a result of interim impairment tests as of September 30 and December 31, 2014, we determined that the goodwill associated with our contract drilling services reporting unit was impaired due to rapid and significant declines in the market value of our stock, oil and natural gas prices and the actual and projected declines in dayrates and utilization. In the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized a loss of $3.0 billion, which had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of the remaining balance of our goodwill.
In the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, as a result of our annual impairment testing, we concluded that the goodwill associated with our contract drilling services reporting unit was not impaired. In the three months ended March 31, 2012, we completed the analysis for our annual impairment test, performed as of October 1, 2011, and recognized an incremental loss of $118 million, as an adjustment to our original estimate of the impairment of goodwill. In September 2012, we committed to a plan to discontinue operations associated with the standard jackup and swamp barge asset groups, components of our contract drilling services operating segment. As a result of our decision to discontinue operations associated with these components of our contract drilling services operating segment, we allocated $112 million of goodwill to the disposal group based on the fair value of the disposal group relative to the fair value of the contract drilling services operating segment. We then determined that the disposal group was impaired since its aggregate carrying amount exceeded its aggregate fair value, and, as a result, we recognized a loss of $112 million on the impairment of the allocated goodwill.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 5—Impairments, Note 7—Discontinued Operations and Note 11—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
Property and equipment— The carrying amount of property and equipment is subject to various estimates, assumptions, and judgments related to capitalized costs, useful lives and salvage values and impairments. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying amount of our property and equipment was $21.5 billion and $21.7 billion, representing 76 percent and 67 percent of our total assets, respectively.
Capitalized costs—We capitalize costs incurred to enhance, improve and extend the useful lives of our property and equipment and expense costs incurred to repair and maintain the existing condition of our rigs. For newbuild construction projects, we also capitalize the initial preparation, mobilization and commissioning costs incurred until the drilling unit is placed into service. Capitalized costs increase the carrying amounts and depreciation expense of the related assets, which also impact our results of operations.
Useful lives and salvage values—We depreciate our assets using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives after allowing for salvage values. We estimate useful lives and salvage values by applying judgments and assumptions that reflect both historical experience and expectations regarding future operations, rig utilization and asset performance. Useful lives and salvage values of rigs are difficult to estimate due to a variety of factors, including (a) technological advances that impact the methods or cost of oil and gas exploration and development, (b) changes in market or economic conditions, and (c) changes in laws or regulations affecting the drilling industry. Applying different judgments and assumptions in establishing the useful lives and salvage values would likely result in materially different net carrying amounts and depreciation expense for our assets. We reevaluate the remaining useful lives and salvage values of our rigs when certain events occur that directly impact the useful lives and salvage values of the rigs, including changes in operating condition, functional capability and market and economic factors. When evaluating the remaining useful lives of rigs, we also consider major capital upgrades required to perform certain contracts and the long-term impact of those upgrades on future marketability. At December 31, 2014, a hypothetical one-year increase in the useful lives of all of our rigs would cause a decrease in our annual depreciation expense of approximately $94 million and a hypothetical one-year decrease would cause an increase in our annual depreciation expense of approximately $90 million. On December 31, 2014, we adjusted the salvage values of certain drilling units due to existing market conditions. As a result of the adjustments, we expect depreciation expense to increase by approximately $120 million in the year ending December 31, 2015.
Long-lived asset impairment—We review our property and equipment for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of our assets held and used may not be recoverable or when carrying amounts of assets held for sale exceed fair value less cost to sell. Potential impairment indicators include rapid declines in commodity prices and related market conditions, declines in dayrates or utilization, cancellations of contracts or credit concerns of multiple customers. During periods of oversupply, we may idle or stack rigs for extended periods of time or we may elect to sell certain rigs for scrap, which could be an indication that an asset group may be impaired since supply and demand are the key drivers of rig utilization and our ability to contract our rigs at economical rates. Our rigs are mobile units, equipped to operate in geographic regions throughout the world and, consequently, we may move rigs from an oversupplied market sector to a more lucrative and undersupplied market sector when it is economical to do so. Many of our contracts generally allow our customers to relocate our rigs from one geographic region to another, subject to certain conditions, and our customers utilize this capability to meet their worldwide drilling requirements. Accordingly, our rigs are considered to be interchangeable within classes or asset groups, and we evaluate impairment by asset group. We consider our asset groups to be Ultra-Deepwater Floaters, Transocean Partners Ultra-Deepwater Floaters, Deepwater Floaters, Harsh Environment Floaters, Midwater Floaters, and High-Specification Jackups.
We assess recoverability of assets held and used by projecting undiscounted cash flows for the asset group being evaluated. When the carrying amount of the asset group is determined to be unrecoverable, we recognize an impairment loss, measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its estimated fair value. To estimate the fair value of each each asset group, we apply a variety of valuation methods, incorporating income, market and cost approaches. We may weight the approaches, under certain circumstances, when relevant data is limited, when results are inconclusive or when results deviate significantly. Our estimate of fair value generally requires us to use significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including assumptions related to the long-term future performance of our asset groups, such as projected revenues and costs, dayrates, rig utilization and revenue efficiency. These projections involve uncertainties that rely on assumptions about demand for our services, future market conditions and technological developments. Significant and unanticipated changes to these assumptions could materially alter an outcome that could otherwise result in an impairment loss. Given the nature of these evaluations and their application to specific asset groups and specific time periods, it is not possible to reasonably quantify the impact of changes in these assumptions.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, we identified indicators that our asset groups in our contract drilling services reporting unit may be impaired as a result of recent market developments, including recent low dayrate fixtures, partly caused by more technologically advanced drilling units competing with less capable drilling units, and projected declines in dayrates and utilization, particularly for the Deepwater Floater asset group. We conducted testing for impairment, and as a result, we determined that the carrying amount of the Deepwater Floater asset group exceeded its fair value. In the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized a loss of $788 million associated with the impairment of these long-lived assets. If we experience increasingly unfavorable changes to actual or anticipated dayrates or other impairment indicators, or if we are unable to secure new or extended contracts for our active units or the reactivation of any of our stacked untis, we may be required to recognize additional losses in future periods as a result of impairments of the carrying amount of one or more of our asset groups.
Pension and other postretirement benefits—We use a January 1 measurement date for net periodic benefit costs and a December 31 measurement date for projected benefit obligations and plan assets. We measure our pension liabilities and related net periodic benefit costs using actuarial assumptions based on a market-related value of assets that reduces year-to-year volatility. In applying this approach, we recognize investment gains or losses subject to amortization over a five-year period beginning with the year in which they occur. Investment gains or losses for this purpose are measured as the difference between the expected and actual returns calculated using the market-related value of assets. If gains or losses exceed 10 percent of the greater of plan assets or plan liabilities, we amortize such gains or losses over the average expected future service period of the employee participants. Actual results may differ from these measurements under different conditions or assumptions. Future changes in plan asset returns, assumed discount rates and various other factors related to the pension plans will impact our future pension obligations and net periodic benefit costs.
Additionally, the pension obligations and related net periodic benefit costs for our defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, including retiree life insurance and medical benefits, are actuarially determined and are affected by assumptions, including long-term rate of return, discount rates, mortality rates, compensation increases, employee turnover rates and health care cost trend rates. The two most critical assumptions are the long-term rate of return and the discount rate. We periodically evaluate our assumptions and, when appropriate, adjust the recorded liabilities and expense. Changes in these and other assumptions used in the actuarial computations could impact our projected benefit obligations, pension liabilities, net periodic benefit costs and other comprehensive income. See “—Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans.”
Long-term rate of return—We develop our assumptions regarding the estimated rate of return on plan assets based on historical experience and projected long-term investment returns, considering each plan’s target asset allocation and long-term asset class expected returns. We regularly review our actual asset allocation and periodically rebalance plan assets as appropriate. At December 31, 2014, a hypothetical percentage point decrease of the expected long-term rate of return assumption would result in an increase to net periodic benefit costs and approximately $16 million.
Discount rate—As a basis for determining the discount rate, we utilize a yield curve approach based on Aa-rated corporate bonds and the expected timing of future benefit payments. At December 31, 2014, a hypothetical one-half percentage point decrease of the discount rate would result in an increase to net periodic benefit costs of approximately $19 million.
New Accounting Pronouncements
For a discussion of the new accounting pronouncements that have had or are expected to have an effect on our consolidated financial statements, see Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 3—New Accounting Pronouncements.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Overview—We are exposed to interest rate risk and currency exchange rate risk, primarily associated with our restricted cash investments, our long-term and short-term debt and our derivative instruments. For our restricted cash investments and debt instruments, the following table presents the principal cash flows and related weighted-average interest rates by contractual maturity date. For our derivative instruments, the following table presents the notional amounts and weighted-average interest rates by contractual maturity dates. The information is stated in U.S. dollar equivalents. The instruments are denominated in either U.S. dollars or Norwegian kroner, as indicated. The following table presents information for the years ending December 31 (in millions, except interest rate percentages):
Scheduled Maturity Date (a) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | Thereafter | Total | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted cash investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed rate (NOK) | $ | 114 | $ | 114 | $ | 114 | $ | 28 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 370 | $ | 385 | ||||||||||||||||
Average interest rate | 4.15 | % | 4.15 | % | 4.15 | % | 4.15 | % | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Debt | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed rate (USD) | $ | 914 | $ | 1,025 | $ | 778 | $ | 1,277 | $ | 32 | $ | 5,686 | $ | 9,712 | $ | 9,393 | ||||||||||||||||
Average interest rate | 5.02 | % | 5.12 | % | 2.69 | % | 6.31 | % | 7.76 | % | 6.49 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed rate (NOK) | $ | 114 | $ | 114 | $ | 114 | $ | 28 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 370 | $ | 385 | ||||||||||||||||
Average interest rate | 4.15 | % | 4.15 | % | 4.15 | % | 4.15 | % | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed to variable (USD) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 750 | $ | — | $ | 750 | $ | 1,500 | $ | 11 | ||||||||||||||||
Average receive rate | — | % | — | % | — | % | 6.00 | % | — | % | 6.50 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Average pay rate | — | % | — | % | — | % | 4.82 | % | — | % | 4.50 | % |
______________________________
(a) | Expected maturity amounts are based on the face value of debt. |
We have engaged in certain hedging activities designed to reduce our exposure to interest rate risk and currency exchange rate risk. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 13—Derivatives and Hedging. |
Interest rate risk—At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the face value of our variable-rate debt was approximately $1.5 billion and $163 million, which represented 15 percent and two percent of the aggregate principal amount of our total debt, respectively, after the effect of our hedging activities. At December 31, 2014, we were exposed to the variable interest rates associated with our interest rate swaps. At December 31, 2013, we were exposed to the variable interest rates associated with borrowings under the ADDCL Credit Facilities. Based upon variable-rate debt amounts outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, a hypothetical one percentage point change in annual interest rates would result in a corresponding change in annual interest expense of approximately $15 million and $2 million, respectively.
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair value of our debt was $9.8 billion and $11.8 billion, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the fair value of our debt decreased by $2.0 billion due to the repayment or redemption of $207 million aggregate principal amount of debt and a decrease of approximately $1.8 billion in the market valuation of our outstanding debt.
A large portion of our cash investments is subject to variable interest rates and would earn commensurately higher rates of return if interest rates increase. Based upon the amounts of our cash investments as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, a hypothetical one percentage point change in interest rates would result in a corresponding change in annual interest income of approximately $26 million and $32 million, respectively.
Currency exchange rate risk—We are exposed to currency exchange rate risk associated with our international operations and with some of our long-term and short-term debt. We may engage in hedging activities to mitigate our exposure to currency exchange risk in certain instances through the use of currency exchange derivative instruments, including forward exchange contracts, or spot purchases. A forward exchange contract obligates us to exchange predetermined amounts of specified currencies at a stated exchange rate on a stated date or to make a U.S. dollar payment equal to the value of such exchange.
For our international operations, our primary currency exchange rate risk management strategy involves structuring customer contracts to provide for payment in both U.S. dollars, which is our functional currency, and local currency. The payment portion denominated in local currency is based on our anticipated local currency needs over the contract term. Due to various factors, including customer acceptance, local banking laws, other statutory requirements, local currency convertibility and the impact of inflation on local costs, actual local currency needs may vary from those anticipated in the customer contracts, resulting in partial exposure to currency exchange rate risk. The effect of fluctuations in currency exchange rates caused by our international operations generally has not had a material impact on our overall operating results. In situations where local currency receipts do not equal local currency requirements, we may use currency exchange derivative instruments, including forward exchange contracts, or spot purchases, to mitigate our currency exchange risk.
At December 31, 2014, we had NOK 2.8 billion aggregate principal amount of debt obligations, all of which were secured by a corresponding amount of restricted cash investments that were also denominated in Norwegian kroner. These corresponding restricted cash investments form an economic hedge of our exposure to currency exchange rate risk associated with these debt obligations.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management of Transocean Ltd. (the “Company” or “our”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and Board of Directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles.
Internal control over financial reporting includes the controls themselves, monitoring (including internal auditing practices), and actions taken to correct deficiencies as identified.
There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, however well designed, including the possibility of human error and the possible circumvention or overriding of controls. The design of an internal control system is also based in part upon assumptions and judgments made by management about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that an internal control will be effective under all potential future conditions. As a result, even an effective system of internal controls can provide no more than reasonable assurance with respect to the fair presentation of financial statements and the processes under which they were prepared.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. In making this assessment, management used the criteria for internal control over financial reporting described in Internal Control-Integrated Framework, as published in 2013 by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Management’s assessment included an evaluation of the design of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operating effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting.
Management reviewed the results of its assessment with the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. Based on this assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2014, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective.
The Company’s independent auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, a registered public accounting firm, are appointed by the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, subject to ratification by our shareholders. Ernst & Young LLP has audited and reported on the consolidated financial statements of Transocean Ltd. and Subsidiaries, and the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The reports of the independent auditors are contained in this annual report.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Transocean Ltd.
We have audited Transocean Ltd. and Subsidiaries internal control over financial reporting (the Company) as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). Transocean Ltd. and Subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Transocean Ltd. and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Transocean Ltd. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, and our report dated February 25, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Houston, Texas
February 25, 2015
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Transocean Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Transocean Ltd. and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's Board of Directors and management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Transocean Ltd. and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Transocean Ltd. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 25, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Houston, Texas
February 25, 2015
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions, except per share data)
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Operating revenues | ||||||||||||
Contract drilling revenues | $ | 8,952 | $ | 9,070 | $ | 8,773 | ||||||
Other revenues | 222 | 179 | 172 | |||||||||
9,174 | 9,249 | 8,945 | ||||||||||
Costs and expenses | ||||||||||||
Operating and maintenance | 5,110 | 5,563 | 5,859 | |||||||||
Depreciation | 1,139 | 1,109 | 1,122 | |||||||||
General and administrative | 234 | 286 | 282 | |||||||||
6,483 | 6,958 | 7,263 | ||||||||||
Loss on impairment | (4,043 | ) | (81 | ) | (118 | ) | ||||||
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets, net | (26 | ) | 7 | 36 | ||||||||
Operating income (loss) | (1,378 | ) | 2,217 | 1,600 | ||||||||
Other income (expense), net | ||||||||||||
Interest income | 39 | 52 | 56 | |||||||||
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized | (483 | ) | (584 | ) | (723 | ) | ||||||
Other, net | 22 | (29 | ) | (49 | ) | |||||||
(422 | ) | (561 | ) | (716 | ) | |||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense | (1,800 | ) | 1,656 | 884 | ||||||||
Income tax expense | 146 | 258 | 52 | |||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations | (1,946 | ) | 1,398 | 832 | ||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | (20 | ) | 9 | (1,043 | ) | |||||||
Net income (loss) | (1,966 | ) | 1,407 | (211 | ) | |||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest | (53 | ) | — | 8 | ||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest | $ | (1,913 | ) | $ | 1,407 | $ | (219 | ) | ||||
Earnings (loss) per share-basic | ||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations | $ | (5.23 | ) | $ | 3.85 | $ | 2.32 | |||||
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations | (0.06 | ) | 0.02 | (2.94 | ) | |||||||
Earnings (loss) per share | $ | (5.29 | ) | $ | 3.87 | $ | (0.62 | ) | ||||
Earnings (loss) per share-diluted | ||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations | $ | (5.23 | ) | $ | 3.85 | $ | 2.32 | |||||
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations | (0.06 | ) | 0.02 | (2.94 | ) | |||||||
Earnings (loss) per share | $ | (5.29 | ) | $ | 3.87 | $ | (0.62 | ) | ||||
Weighted-average shares outstanding | ||||||||||||
Basic | 362 | 360 | 356 | |||||||||
Diluted | 362 | 360 | 356 | |||||||||
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In millions)
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (1,966 | ) | $ | 1,407 | $ | (211 | ) | ||||
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest | (53 | ) | — | 8 | ||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest | (1,913 | ) | 1,407 | (219 | ) | |||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | ||||||||||||
Components of net periodic benefit costs | (170 | ) | 198 | (52 | ) | |||||||
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments | — | (5 | ) | 3 | ||||||||
Reclassifications to net income | ||||||||||||
Components of net periodic benefit costs | 17 | 49 | 47 | |||||||||
(Gain) loss on derivative instruments | (2 | ) | 18 | (1 | ) | |||||||
Loss on marketable securities | — | — | 2 | |||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes | (155 | ) | 260 | (1 | ) | |||||||
Income taxes related to other comprehensive income (loss) | 13 | 2 | (7 | ) | ||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | (142 | ) | 262 | (8 | ) | |||||||
Other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest | — | 3 | — | |||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest | (142 | ) | 259 | (8 | ) | |||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | (2,108 | ) | 1,669 | (219 | ) | |||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest | (53 | ) | 3 | 8 | ||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest | $ | (2,055 | ) | $ | 1,666 | $ | (227 | ) |
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except share data)
December 31, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 2,635 | $ | 3,243 | ||||
Accounts receivable, net | ||||||||
Trade | 2,084 | 2,112 | ||||||
Other | 36 | 50 | ||||||
Materials and supplies, net | 818 | 737 | ||||||
Assets held for sale | 25 | 148 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes, net | 161 | 151 | ||||||
Other current assets | 242 | 331 | ||||||
Total current assets | 6,001 | 6,772 | ||||||
Property and equipment | 28,516 | 29,518 | ||||||
Less accumulated depreciation | (6,978 | ) | (7,811 | ) | ||||
Property and equipment, net | 21,538 | 21,707 | ||||||
Goodwill | — | 2,987 | ||||||
Other assets | 874 | 1,080 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 28,413 | $ | 32,546 | ||||
Liabilities and equity | ||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 784 | $ | 1,106 | ||||
Accrued income taxes | 131 | 53 | ||||||
Debt due within one year | 1,033 | 323 | ||||||
Other current liabilities | 1,822 | 2,072 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 3,770 | 3,554 | ||||||
Long-term debt | 9,059 | 10,379 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes, net | 237 | 374 | ||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 1,354 | 1,554 | ||||||
Total long-term liabilities | 10,650 | 12,307 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies | ||||||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interest | 11 | — | ||||||
Shares, CHF 15.00 par value, 396,260,487 authorized, 167,617,649 conditionally authorized, 373,830,649 issued and 362,279,530 outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 373,830,649 authorized, 167,617,649 conditionally authorized, 373,830,649 issued and 360,764,100 outstanding at December 31, 2013 | 5,169 | 5,147 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 5,797 | 6,784 | ||||||
Treasury shares, at cost, 2,863,267 held at December 31, 2014 and 2013 | (240 | ) | (240 | ) | ||||
Retained earnings | 3,349 | 5,262 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (404 | ) | (262 | ) | ||||
Total controlling interest shareholders’ equity | 13,671 | 16,691 | ||||||
Noncontrolling interest | 311 | (6 | ) | |||||
Total equity | 13,982 | 16,685 | ||||||
Total liabilities and equity | $ | 28,413 | $ | 32,546 |
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(In millions)
Years ended December 31, | Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||
Shares | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | 361 | 360 | 350 | $ | 5,147 | $ | 5,130 | $ | 4,982 | ||||||||||||
Issuance of shares under share-based compensation plans | 1 | 1 | 1 | 22 | 17 | 14 | |||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares in exchange for noncontrolling interest | — | — | 9 | — | — | 134 | |||||||||||||||
Balance, end of period | 362 | 361 | 360 | $ | 5,169 | $ | 5,147 | $ | 5,130 | ||||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 6,784 | $ | 7,521 | $ | 7,211 | |||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | 98 | 113 | 97 | ||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares under share-based compensation plans | (21 | ) | (34 | ) | (17 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares in exchange for noncontrolling interest | — | — | 233 | ||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification of obligation for distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital | (1,088 | ) | (808 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
Allocated capital for sale of noncontrolling interest | 33 | (6 | ) | — | |||||||||||||||||
Other, net | (9 | ) | (2 | ) | (3 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 5,797 | $ | 6,784 | $ | 7,521 | |||||||||||||||
Treasury shares, at cost | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | (240 | ) | $ | (240 | ) | $ | (240 | ) | ||||||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | (240 | ) | $ | (240 | ) | $ | (240 | ) | ||||||||||||
Retained earnings | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 5,262 | $ | 3,855 | $ | 4,180 | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest | (1,913 | ) | 1,407 | (219 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Fair value adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest | — | — | (106 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 3,349 | $ | 5,262 | $ | 3,855 | |||||||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | (262 | ) | $ | (521 | ) | $ | (496 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest | (142 | ) | 259 | (8 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Reclassification from redeemable noncontrolling interest | — | — | (17 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | (404 | ) | $ | (262 | ) | $ | (521 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total controlling interest shareholders’ equity | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 16,691 | $ | 15,745 | $ | 15,637 | |||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest | (2,055 | ) | 1,666 | (227 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | 98 | 113 | 97 | ||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares under share-based compensation plans | 1 | (17 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares in exchange for noncontrolling interest | — | — | 367 | ||||||||||||||||||
Fair value adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest | — | — | (106 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Reclassification from redeemable noncontrolling interest | — | — | (17 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Reclassification of obligation for distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital | (1,088 | ) | (808 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
Allocated capital for sale of noncontrolling interest | 33 | (6 | ) | — | |||||||||||||||||
Other, net | (9 | ) | (2 | ) | (3 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 13,671 | $ | 16,691 | $ | 15,745 | |||||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interest | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | (6 | ) | $ | (15 | ) | $ | (10 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest | (62 | ) | 3 | (5 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Sale of noncontrolling interest, net of issue costs | 417 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Allocated capital for sale of noncontrolling interest | (33 | ) | 6 | — | |||||||||||||||||
Distributions to holders of noncontrolling interest | (5 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 311 | $ | (6 | ) | $ | (15 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total equity | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 16,685 | $ | 15,730 | $ | 15,627 | |||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | (2,117 | ) | 1,669 | (232 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation | 98 | 113 | 97 | ||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares under share-based compensation plans | 1 | (17 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares in exchange for noncontrolling interest | — | — | 367 | ||||||||||||||||||
Fair value adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interest | — | — | (106 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Reclassification from redeemable noncontrolling interest | — | — | (17 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Reclassification of obligation for distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital | (1,088 | ) | (808 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||||
Sale of noncontrolling interest, net of issue costs | 417 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Distributions to holders of noncontrolling interest | (5 | ) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Other, net | (9 | ) | (2 | ) | (3 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 13,982 | $ | 16,685 | $ | 15,730 |
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities | ||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (1,966 | ) | $ | 1,407 | $ | (211 | ) | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||
Amortization of drilling contract intangibles | (15 | ) | (15 | ) | (42 | ) | ||||||
Depreciation | 1,139 | 1,109 | 1,122 | |||||||||
Depreciation of assets in discontinued operations | — | — | 184 | |||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | 98 | 113 | 97 | |||||||||
Loss on impairment | 4,043 | 81 | 118 | |||||||||
Loss on impairment of assets in discontinued operations | — | 14 | 1,008 | |||||||||
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net | 26 | (7 | ) | (36 | ) | |||||||
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets in discontinued operations, net | 10 | (54 | ) | (82 | ) | |||||||
Amortization of debt issue costs, discounts and premiums, net | 6 | 6 | 68 | |||||||||
Deferred income tax benefit | (142 | ) | (9 | ) | (133 | ) | ||||||
Other, net | 46 | 93 | 72 | |||||||||
Changes in deferred revenue, net | 106 | (78 | ) | (54 | ) | |||||||
Changes in deferred expenses, net | (48 | ) | 74 | 85 | ||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities | (1,083 | ) | (816 | ) | 512 | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 2,220 | 1,918 | 2,708 | |||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities | ||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | (2,165 | ) | (2,238 | ) | (1,303 | ) | ||||||
Capital expenditures for discontinued operations | — | — | (106 | ) | ||||||||
Proceeds from disposal of assets, net | 215 | 174 | 191 | |||||||||
Proceeds from disposal of assets in discontinued operations, net | 35 | 204 | 789 | |||||||||
Proceeds from sale of preference shares | — | 185 | — | |||||||||
Proceeds from repayment of notes receivable | 101 | 17 | 40 | |||||||||
Other, net | (14 | ) | — | — | ||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (1,828 | ) | (1,658 | ) | (389 | ) | ||||||
Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||||||||
Changes in short-term borrowings, net | — | — | (260 | ) | ||||||||
Proceeds from debt | — | — | 1,493 | |||||||||
Repayments of debt | (539 | ) | (1,692 | ) | (2,282 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from restricted cash investments | 176 | 298 | 311 | |||||||||
Deposits to restricted cash investments | (20 | ) | (119 | ) | (167 | ) | ||||||
Distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital | (1,018 | ) | (606 | ) | (276 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from sale of noncontrolling interest | 443 | — | — | |||||||||
Other, net | (42 | ) | (32 | ) | (21 | ) | ||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (1,000 | ) | (2,151 | ) | (1,202 | ) | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (608 | ) | (1,891 | ) | 1,117 | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 3,243 | 5,134 | 4,017 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 2,635 | $ | 3,243 | $ | 5,134 |
See accompanying notes.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1—Business
Transocean Ltd. (together with its subsidiaries and predecessors, unless the context requires otherwise, “Transocean,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. We specialize in technically demanding sectors of the offshore drilling business with a particular focus on deepwater and harsh environment drilling services. Our mobile offshore drilling fleet is considered one of the most versatile fleets in the world. We contract our drilling rigs, related equipment and work crews predominantly on a dayrate basis to drill oil and gas wells. At December 31, 2014, we owned or had partial ownership interests in and operated 72 mobile offshore drilling units associated with our continuing operations. At December 31, 2014, our fleet consisted of 45 High-Specification Floaters (Ultra-Deepwater, Deepwater and Harsh Environment semisubmersibles and drillships), 17 Midwater Floaters, and 10 High-Specification Jackups. At December 31, 2014, we also had seven Ultra-Deepwater drillships and five High-Specification Jackups under construction or under contract to be constructed. See Note 10—Drilling Fleet.
On August 5, 2014, we completed an initial public offering to sell a noncontrolling interest in Transocean Partners LLC (“Transocean Partners”), a Marshall Islands limited liability company, which was formed on February 6, 2014, by Transocean Partners Holdings Limited, a Cayman Islands company and our wholly owned subsidiary, to own, operate and acquire modern, technologically advanced offshore drilling rigs. See Note 16—Noncontrolling Interest.
In February 2014, in connection with our efforts to discontinue non-strategic operations, we completed the sale of Applied Drilling Technology International Limited (“ADTI”), a United Kingdom (“U.K.”) company, which performs drilling management services in the North Sea. In March 2012, we announced our intent to discontinue drilling management operations in the shallow waters of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, upon completion of our then existing contracts. In December 2012, we completed the final project of our drilling management services operations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and discontinued offering our drilling management services in this region. See Note 7—Discontinued Operations.
In September 2012, in connection with our efforts to dispose of non-strategic assets and to reduce our exposure to low-specification drilling units, we committed to a plan to discontinue operations associated with the standard jackup and swamp barge asset groups, components of our contract drilling services operating segments In November 2012, in connection with our plan to discontinue operations associated with the standard jackup and swamp barge asset groups, we completed the sale of 37 standard jackups and one swamp barge to Shelf Drilling Holdings, Ltd. (“Shelf Drilling”). See Note 7—Discontinued Operations.
In March 2011, we committed to a plan to sell the assets and discontinue the operations of our oil and gas properties operating segment, which comprised the exploration, development and production activities performed by Challenger Minerals Inc., Challenger Minerals (North Sea) Limited and Challenger Minerals (Ghana) Limited (collectively, “CMI”). In October 2011, we completed the sale of Challenger Minerals (North Sea) Limited, in April 2012, we completed the sale of the assets of Challenger Minerals Inc. and, in December 2012, we completed the sale of the assets of Challenger Minerals (Ghana) Limited. See Note 7—Discontinued Operations.
Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies
Accounting estimates—To prepare financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those related to our discontinued operations, allowance for doubtful accounts, materials and supplies obsolescence, property and equipment, investments, goodwill, income taxes, contingencies, share-based compensation, defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefits. We base our estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from such estimates.
Fair value measurements—We estimate fair value at a price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market for the asset or liability. Our valuation techniques require inputs that we categorize using a three-level hierarchy, from highest to lowest level of observable inputs, as follows: (1) significant observable inputs, including unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets (“Level 1”), (2) significant other observable inputs, including direct or indirect market data for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or identical assets or liabilities in less active markets (“Level 2”) and (3) significant unobservable inputs, including those that require considerable judgment for which there is little or no market data (“Level 3”). When multiple input levels are required for a valuation, we categorize the entire fair value measurement according to the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement even though we may have also utilized significant inputs that are more readily observable.
Consolidation—We consolidate entities in which we have a majority voting interest and entities that meet the criteria for variable interest entities for which we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary for accounting purposes. We eliminate intercompany transactions and accounts in consolidation. We apply the equity method of accounting for an investment in an entity if we have the ability to exercise significant influence over the entity that (a) does not meet the variable interest entity criteria or (b) meets the variable interest entity criteria, but for which we are not deemed to be the primary beneficiary. We apply the cost method of accounting for an investment in an entity if we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the unconsolidated entity. We separately present within equity on our consolidated balance sheets the ownership interests attributable to parties with noncontrolling interests in our consolidated subsidiaries, and we separately present net income attributable to such parties on our consolidated statements of operations. See Note 4—Variable Interest Entities and Note 16—Noncontrolling interest.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Discontinued operations—We present as discontinued operations the operating results of a component of our business that either has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale when both of the following conditions are met: (a) the operations and cash flows of the component have been or will be eliminated from our ongoing operations as a result of the disposal transaction and (b) we will not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the disposed component. For discontinued operations that are disposed of other than by sale, we present the operating results as discontinued in the period in which the disposal group is either abandoned, distributed or exchanged, depending on the manner of disposal. We consider a component of our business to be one that comprises operations and cash flows that can be clearly distinguished, operationally and for financial reporting purposes, from the rest of our business. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we reclassified to discontinued operations the operating results, assets and liabilities associated with the operations of ADTI, which performed drilling management services in the North Sea. The disposal of this component of our business results in the discontinuation of our drilling management services operating segment in the year ending December 31, 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we reclassified to discontinued operations the operating results, assets and liabilities associated with the operations of the standard jackup and swamp barge asset groups, components of our contract drilling services operating segment, and the operations of our U.S. Gulf of Mexico drilling management services, a component of our drilling management services operating segment. See Note 7—Discontinued Operations.
Operating revenues and expenses—We recognize operating revenues as they are realized and earned and can be reasonably measured, based on contractual dayrates, and when collectability is reasonably assured. In connection with drilling contracts, we may receive revenues for preparation and mobilization of equipment and personnel or for capital improvements to rigs. We defer the revenues earned and incremental costs incurred that are directly related to contract preparation and mobilization and recognize such revenues and costs over the primary contract term of the drilling project using the straight-line method. We amortize, in operating and maintenance costs and expenses, the fees related to contract preparation and mobilization on a straight-line basis over the estimated firm period of drilling, which is consistent with the general pace of activity, level of services being provided and dayrates being earned over the life of the contract. For contractual daily rate contracts, we recognize the losses for loss contracts as such losses are incurred. We recognize the costs of relocating drilling units without contracts to more promising market sectors as such costs are incurred. Upon completion of drilling contracts, we recognize in earnings any demobilization fees received and expenses incurred. We defer capital upgrade revenues received and recognize such revenues over the primary contract term of the drilling project. We depreciate the actual costs incurred for the capital upgrade on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset. We defer the periodic survey and drydock costs incurred in connection with obtaining regulatory certification to operate our rigs and well control systems on an ongoing basis, and we recognize such costs over the period until the next survey using the straight-line method.
Included in our contract drilling revenues, we recognize amortization associated with our drilling contract intangible assets and liabilities. In connection with our business combination with GlobalSantaFe Corporation in November 2007, we recognized drilling contract intangible assets and liabilities for acquired drilling contracts for future contract drilling services. The terms of the acquired contracts include fixed dayrates that were above or below the market dayrates that were available for similar contracts as of the date of the business combination. We recognized the fair value adjustments as contract intangible assets and liabilities, recorded in other assets and other long-term liabilities, respectively. We amortize the resulting contract drilling intangible revenues based on the cash flows projected over the respective contract period and include such revenues in contract drilling revenues on our consolidated statements of operations. See Note 11—Goodwill and Other Intangibles.
Our other revenues represent those derived from customer reimbursable revenues. We recognize customer reimbursable revenues as we bill our customers for reimbursement of costs associated with certain equipment, materials and supplies, subcontracted services, employee bonuses and other expenditures, resulting in little or no net effect on operating income since such recognition is concurrent with the recognition of the respective reimbursable costs in operating and maintenance expense.
Share-based compensation—For time-based awards, we recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis through the date the employee is no longer required to provide service to earn the award (the “service period”). For market-based awards that vest at the end of the service period, we recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis through the end of the service period. For performance-based awards with graded vesting conditions, we recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards. We recognize share-based compensation expense net of a forfeiture rate that we estimate at the time of grant based on historical experience and future expectations, and we adjust the estimated forfeiture rate, if necessary, in subsequent periods based on actual forfeitures or changed expectations.
To measure the fair values of granted or modified time-based restricted shares and deferred units, we use the market price of our shares on the grant date or modification date. To measure the fair values of stock options and stock appreciation rights granted or modified, we use the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model and apply assumptions for the expected life, risk-free interest rate, dividend yield and expected volatility. The expected life is based on historical information of past employee behavior regarding exercises and forfeitures of options. The risk-free interest rate is based upon the published U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant or modification for instruments with a similar life. The dividend yield is based on our history and expectation of dividend payouts. The expected volatility is based on a blended rate with an equal weighting of the (a) historical volatility based on historical data for an amount of time approximately equal to the expected life and (b) implied volatility derived from our at-the-money, long-dated call options. To measure the fair values of granted or modified market-based deferred units, we use a Monte Carlo simulation model and, in addition to the assumptions applied for the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model, we apply assumptions using a risk neutral approach and an average price at the performance start date. The risk neutral approach assumes that all peer group stocks grow at the risk-free rate. The average price at the performance start date is based on the average stock price for the preceding 30 trading days.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
We recognize share-based compensation expense in the same financial statement line item as cash compensation paid to the respective employees. We recognize cash flows resulting from the tax deduction benefits for awards in excess of recognized compensation costs as financing cash flows. In the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, share-based compensation expense was $98 million, $113 million and $97 million, respectively. In the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, income tax benefit on share-based compensation expense was $15 million, $17 million and $12 million, respectively. See Note 18—Share-Based Compensation Plans.
Capitalized interest—We capitalize interest costs for qualifying construction and upgrade projects. In the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we capitalized interest costs of $133 million, $78 million and $54 million, respectively, for our construction work in progress.
Foreign currency—We consider the U.S. dollar to be the functional currency for all of our operations since the majority of our revenues and expenditures are denominated in U.S. dollars, which limits our exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations. We recognize foreign currency exchange gains and losses in other, net. In the years ended December��31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recognized net foreign currency exchange gains (losses) of $18 million, $(11) million and $(27) million, respectively. See Note 13—Derivatives and Hedging.
Income taxes—We provide for income taxes based upon the tax laws and rates in effect in the countries in which operations are conducted and income is earned. There is little or no expected relationship between the provision for or benefit from income taxes and income or loss before income taxes because the countries in which we operate have taxation regimes that vary not only with respect to nominal rate, but also in terms of the availability of deductions, credits and other benefits. Variations also arise because income earned and taxed in any particular country or countries may fluctuate from year to year.
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the anticipated future tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of our assets and liabilities using the applicable jurisdictional tax rates in effect at year end. We record a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some or all of the benefit from the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We also record a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets resulting from net operating losses incurred during the year in certain jurisdictions and for other deferred tax assets where, in our opinion, it is more likely than not that the financial statement benefit of these losses will not be realized. Additionally, we record a valuation allowance for foreign tax credit carryforwards to reflect the possible expiration of these benefits prior to their utilization.
We maintain liabilities for estimated tax exposures in our jurisdictions of operation, and we recognize the provisions and benefits resulting from changes to those liabilities in our income tax expense or benefit along with related interest and penalties. Tax exposure items include potential challenges to permanent establishment positions, intercompany pricing, disposition transactions, and withholding tax rates and their applicability. These tax exposures are resolved primarily through the settlement of audits within these tax jurisdictions or by judicial means, but can also be affected by changes in applicable tax law or other factors, which could cause us to revise past estimates. See Note 6—Income Taxes.
Cash and cash equivalents—Cash equivalents are highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less that may include time deposits with commercial banks that have high credit ratings, U.S. Treasury and government securities, Eurodollar time deposits, certificates of deposit and commercial paper. We may also invest excess funds in no-load, open-end, management investment trusts (“management trusts”). The management trusts invest exclusively in high-quality money market instruments.
We maintain restricted cash investments that are pledged for debt service, as required under certain bank credit agreements. We classify such restricted cash investment balances in other current assets if the restriction is expected to expire within one year and in other assets if the restriction is expected to expire in greater than one year. At December 31, 2014, the aggregate carrying amount of our restricted cash investments was $378 million, of which $114 million and $264 million was classified in other current assets and other assets, respectively. At December 31, 2013, the aggregate carrying amount of our restricted cash investments was $624 million, of which $159 million and $465 million was classified in other current assets and other assets, respectively. See Note 12—Debt.
Accounts receivable—We derive a majority of our revenues from services to international oil companies and government-owned or government-controlled oil companies. We evaluate the credit quality of our customers on an ongoing basis, and we do not generally require collateral or other security to support customer receivables. We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts on a case-by-case basis, considering changes in the financial position of a customer, when we believe the required payment of specific amounts owed to us is unlikely to occur. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the allowance for doubtful accounts was $14 million.
Materials and supplies—We record materials and supplies at their average cost less an allowance for obsolescence. We estimate the allowance for obsolescence based on historical experience and expectations for future use of the materials and supplies. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the allowance for obsolescence was $109 million and $80 million, respectively.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Assets held for sale—We classify an asset as held for sale when the facts and circumstances meet the criteria for such classification, including the following: (a) we have committed to a plan to sell the asset, (b) the asset is available for immediate sale, (c) we have initiated actions to complete the sale, including locating a buyer, (d) the sale is expected to be completed within one year, (e) the asset is being actively marketed at a price that is reasonable relative to its fair value, and (f) the plan to sell is unlikely to be subject to significant changes or termination. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate carrying amount of our assets held for sale was $25 million and $148 million, respectively. See Note 7—Discontinued Operations and Note 10—Drilling Fleet.
Property and equipment—The carrying amounts of our property and equipment, consisting primarily of offshore drilling rigs and related equipment, are based on our estimates, assumptions and judgments relative to capitalized costs, useful lives and salvage values of our rigs. These estimates, assumptions and judgments reflect both historical experience and expectations regarding future industry conditions and operations. At December 31, 2014, the aggregate carrying amount of our property and equipment represented approximately 76 percent of our total assets.
We compute depreciation using the straight-line method after allowing for salvage values. We capitalize expenditures for newbuilds, renewals, replacements and improvements, including capitalized interest, if applicable, and we recognize the expense for maintenance and repair costs as incurred. For newbuild construction projects, we also capitalize the initial preparation, mobilization and commissioning costs incurred until the drilling unit is placed into service. Upon sale or other disposition of an asset, we recognize a net gain or loss on disposal of the asset, which is measured as the difference between the net carrying amount of the asset and the net proceeds received.
The estimated original useful lives of our drilling units range from 18 to 35 years, our buildings and improvements range from 10 to 30 years and our machinery and equipment range from four to 20 years. We reevaluate the remaining useful lives and salvage values of our rigs when certain events occur that directly impact the useful lives and salvage values of the rigs, including changes in operating condition, functional capability and market and economic factors. When evaluating the remaining useful lives of rigs, we also consider major capital upgrades required to perform certain contracts and the long-term impact of those upgrades on future marketability.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, we adjusted the useful lives for five rigs, extending the estimated useful lives from between 29 and 40 years to between 35 and 44 years. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we adjusted the useful lives for three rigs, extending the estimated useful lives from between 29 and 30 years to between 35 and 38 years. We deemed the life extensions appropriate for each of these rigs based on the respective contracts under which the rigs were operating and the additional life-extending work, upgrades and inspections we performed on the rigs. In each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the changes in estimated useful lives of these rigs resulted in a reduction in annual depreciation expense of $3 million ($0.01 per diluted share) and $27 million ($0.08 per diluted share), respectively, which had no tax effect for any period.
In December 31, 2014, we adjusted the salvage values of certain drilling units due to existing market conditions. As a result of the adjustments, we expect depreciation expense to increase by approximately $120 million in the year ending December 31, 2015.
Long-lived asset impairment—We review the carrying amounts of long-lived assets, principally property and equipment, for potential impairment when events occur or circumstances change that indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.
For assets classified as held and used, we determine recoverability by evaluating the estimated undiscounted future net cash flows based on projected dayrates and utilization of the asset group under review. We consider our asset groups to be Ultra-Deepwater Floaters, Transocean Partners Ultra-Deepwater Floaters, Deepwater Floaters, Harsh Environment Floaters, Midwater Floaters and High-Specification Jackups. When an impairment of one or more of our asset groups is indicated, we measure the impairment as the amount by which the asset group’s carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value. We measure the fair values of our contract drilling asset groups by applying a variety of valuation methods, incorporating a combination of cost, income and market approaches, using projected discounted cash flows and estimates of the exchange price that would be received for the assets in the principal or most advantageous market for the assets in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. For an asset classified as held for sale, we consider the asset to be impaired to the extent its carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value less cost to sell.
In the three months ended September 30, 2014, we determined that the carrying amount of the Deepwater Floater asset group exceeded its fair value, and we recognized a loss of $788 million ($693 million, or $1.91 per diluted share, net of tax) associated with the impairment of these long-lived assets. If we experience increasingly unfavorable changes to actual or anticipated dayrates or other impairment indicators, or if we are unable to secure new or extended contracts for our active units or the reactivation of any of our stacked units, we may be required to recognize additional losses in future periods as a result of impairments of the carrying amount of one or more of our asset groups.
Goodwill impairment—We conduct impairment testing for our goodwill annually as of October 1 and more frequently, on an interim basis, when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit may have declined below its carrying value.
We test goodwill at the reporting unit level, which is defined as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment that constitutes a business for which financial information is available and is regularly reviewed by management. We determined that we have a single reporting unit for this purpose. Before testing goodwill, we consider whether or not to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances lead to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount and whether the two-step impairment test is required. If, as the result of our qualitative assessment, we determine that the two-step impairment test is required, or, alternatively, if we elect to forgo the qualitative assessment, we test goodwill for impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
We estimate the fair value of our reporting unit using projected discounted cash flows, publicly traded company multiples and acquisition multiples. To develop the projected cash flows associated with our reporting unit, which are based on estimated future dayrates and rig utilization, we consider key factors that include assumptions regarding future commodity prices, credit market conditions and the effect these factors may have on our contract drilling operations and the capital expenditure budgets of our customers. We discount the projected cash flows using a long-term, risk-adjusted weighted-average cost of capital, which is based on our estimate of the investment returns that market participants would require for each of our reporting units. We derive publicly traded company multiples for companies with operations similar to our reporting units using observable information related to shares traded on stock exchanges and, when available, observable information related to recent acquisitions. If the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, we consider goodwill impaired and perform a second step to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any.
In the year ended December 31, 2014, as a result of interim goodwill tests, we recognized an aggregate loss of $3.0 billion, which had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of the remaining balance of our goodwill, of which $2.9 billion was attributable to controlling interest ($8.01 per diluted share) and $74 million was attributable to noncontrolling interest.
As a result of our annual goodwill impairment test in the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we concluded that goodwill was not impaired. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we conducted an interim test on the goodwill attributed to the standard jackup and swamp barge disposal group. We determined that such goodwill was impaired and recognized a loss of $112 million ($0.31 per diluted share), which had no tax effect (see Note 7—Discontinued Operations). As a result of our annual impairment test, performed as of October 1, 2011, we determined that the goodwill associated with our contract drilling services reporting unit was impaired due to a decline in projected cash flows and market valuations for this reporting unit. In the three months ended March 31, 2012, we completed our analysis and recognized a loss of $118 million ($0.33 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, representing an incremental adjustment to our original estimate. See Note 5—Impairments and Note 11—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
Derivatives and hedging—From time to time, we may enter into a variety of derivative financial instruments in connection with the management of our exposure to variability in interest rates and currency exchange rates. We record derivatives on our consolidated balance sheet, measured at fair value. For derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting, we recognize the gains and losses associated with changes in the fair value in current period earnings.
We may enter into cash flow hedges to manage our exposure to variability of the expected future cash flows of recognized assets or liabilities or of unrecognized forecasted transactions. For a derivative that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge, we initially recognize the effective portion of the gains or losses in other comprehensive income and subsequently recognize the gains and losses in earnings in the period in which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. We recognize the gains and losses associated with the ineffective portion of the hedges in interest expense in the period in which they are realized.
We may enter into fair value hedges to manage our exposure to changes in fair value of recognized assets or liabilities, such as fixed-rate debt, or of unrecognized firm commitments. For a derivative that is designated and qualifies as a fair value hedge, we simultaneously recognize in current period earnings the gains or losses on the derivative along with the offsetting losses or gains on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. The resulting ineffective portion, which is measured as the difference between the change in fair value of the derivative and the hedged item, is recognized in current period earnings. See Note 13—Derivatives and Hedging, Note 21—Financial Instruments and Note 22—Risk Concentration.
Pension and other postretirement benefits—We use a measurement date of January 1 for determining net periodic benefit costs and December 31 for determining plan benefit obligations and the fair values of plan assets. We determine our net periodic benefit costs based on a market-related value of assets that reduces year-to-year volatility by including investment gains or losses subject to amortization over a five-year period from the year in which they occur. Investment gains or losses for this purpose are measured as the difference between the expected return calculated using the market-related value of assets and the actual return based on the market-related value of assets. If gains or losses exceed 10 percent of the greater of plan assets or plan liabilities, we amortize such gains or losses over the average expected future service period of the employee participants.
We measure our actuarially determined obligations and related costs for our defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans, retiree life insurance and medical benefits, by applying assumptions, including long-term rate of return on plan assets, discount rates, mortality rates, compensation increases, employee turnover rates and health care cost trend rates. The two most critical assumptions are the long-term rate of return on plan assets and the discount rate.
For the long-term rate of return, we develop our assumptions regarding the expected rate of return on plan assets based on historical experience and projected long-term investment returns, and we weight the assumptions based on each plan’s asset allocation. For the discount rate, we base our assumptions on a yield curve approach using Aa-rated corporate bonds and the expected timing of future benefit payments. For the projected compensation trend rate, we consider short-term and long-term compensation expectations for participants, including salary increases and performance bonus payments. For the health care cost trend rate for other postretirement benefits, we establish our assumptions for health care cost trends, applying an initial trend rate that reflects both our recent historical experience and broader national statistics with an ultimate trend rate that assumes that the portion of gross domestic product devoted to health care eventually becomes constant.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, our pension and other postretirement benefit plan obligations represented an aggregate liability of $521 million and $409 million, respectively, representing the amount of their net underfunded status. In the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, net periodic benefit costs were $75 million, $132 million and $149 million, respectively. See Note 14—Postemployment Benefit Plans.
Contingencies—We perform assessments of our contingencies on an ongoing basis to evaluate the appropriateness of our liabilities and disclosures for such contingencies. We establish liabilities for estimated loss contingencies when we believe a loss is probable and the amount of the probable loss can be reasonably estimated. We recognize corresponding assets for those loss contingencies that we believe are probable of being recovered through insurance. Once established, we adjust the carrying amount of a contingent liability upon the occurrence of a recognizable event when facts and circumstances change, altering our previous assumptions with respect to the likelihood or amount of loss. We recognize expense for legal costs as they are incurred, and we recognize a corresponding asset for those legal costs only if we expect such legal costs to be recovered through insurance.
Reclassifications—We have made certain reclassifications, which did not have an effect on net income, to prior period amounts to conform with the current year’s presentation. These reclassifications did not have a material effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Subsequent events—We evaluate subsequent events through the time of our filing on the date we issue our financial statements. See Note 27—Subsequent Events.
Note 3—New Accounting Pronouncements
Recently adopted accounting standards
Income taxes—Effective January 1, 2014, we adopted the accounting standards update that requires an unrecognized tax benefit to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward if net settlement is required or expected. The update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013. Our adoption did not have a material effect on our consolidated balance sheets or the disclosures contained in our notes to consolidated financial statements.
Recently issued accounting standards
Presentation of financial statements—Effective January 1, 2015, we will adopt the accounting standards update that changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. The update expands the disclosures for discontinued operations and requires new disclosures related to the disposal of individually significant components of an entity that do not qualify for discontinued operations. The update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and does not apply to components that have been evaluated and reported as discontinued operations under previous guidance. We do not expect that our adoption will have a material effect on our consolidated balance sheets or the disclosures contained in our notes to consolidated financial statements.
Effective with our annual report for the period ending December 31, 2016, we will adopt the accounting standards update that requires us to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. The update is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016 and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. We do not expect that our adoption will have a material effect on the disclosures contained in our notes to consolidated financial statements.
Revenue from contracts with customers—Effective January 1, 2017, we will adopt the accounting standards update that requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016. We are evaluating the requirements to determine the effect such requirements may have on our revenue recognition policies.
Note 4—Variable Interest Entities
Consolidated variable interest entities—The carrying amounts associated with our consolidated variable interest entities, after eliminating the effect of intercompany transactions, were as follows (in millions):
Years ended December 31, | |||||||
2014 | 2013 | ||||||
Assets | $ | 1,257 | $ | 1,280 | |||
Liabilities | 74 | 261 | |||||
Net carrying amount | $ | 1,183 | $ | 1,019 |
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Angola Deepwater Drilling Company Limited (“ADDCL”), a consolidated Cayman Islands company, and Transocean Drilling Services Offshore Inc. (“TDSOI”), a consolidated British Virgin Islands Company, were joint venture companies formed to own and operate certain drilling units. We determined that each of these joint venture companies met the criteria of a variable interest entity for accounting purposes because its equity at risk was insufficient to permit it to carry on its activities without additional subordinated financial support from us. We also determined, in each case, that we were the primary beneficiary for accounting purposes since (a) we had the power to direct the construction, marketing and operating activities, which are the activities that most significantly impact each entity’s economic performance, and (b) we had the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive a majority of the benefits that could be potentially significant to the variable interest entity. As a result, we consolidated ADDCL and TDSOI in our consolidated financial statements, we eliminated intercompany transactions, and we presented the interests that were not owned by us as noncontrolling interest on our consolidated balance sheets.
In October 2012, Angco II, a Cayman Islands company, acquired a 30 percent interest in TDSOI, a British Virgin Islands joint venture company formed to own and operate Transocean Honor. We hold the remaining 70 percent interest in TDSOI. Under certain circumstances, Angco II will have the right to exchange its interest in the joint venture for cash at an amount based on an appraisal of the fair value of the jackup, subject to certain adjustments.
At December 31, 2013, the aggregate carrying amount of assets of our consolidated variable interest entities that were pledged as security for the outstanding debt of our consolidated variable interest entities was $768 million. See Note 12—Debt.
Unconsolidated variable interest entities—We previously held two notes receivable, which represented a variable interest in Awilco Drilling plc (“Awilco”), a U.K. company listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The notes receivable were originally accepted in exchange for, and were secured by, two drilling units. The notes receivable had stated interest rates of nine percent and were payable in scheduled quarterly installments of principal and interest through maturity in January 2015. At December 31, 2013, the aggregate carrying amount of the notes receivable was $93 million. In April 2014, Awilco prepaid the notes, and we received aggregate cash proceeds of $98 million and recognized a gain of $7 million associated with the prepayment.
Note 5—Impairments
Goodwill—During the year ended December 31, 2014, we noted rapid and significant declines in the market value of our stock, oil and natural gas prices and the actual and projected declines in dayrates and utilization. We identified these as indicators that the fair value of our goodwill could have fallen below its carrying amount. As a result, we performed a goodwill impairment test as of September 30, 2014 and determined that the goodwill associated with our contract drilling services reporting unit was impaired. In the three months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized a loss of $2.0 billion associated with the impairment of our goodwill, which had no tax effect, representing our best estimate. We determined that, of the $2.0 billion estimated loss, $1.9 billion was attributable to controlling interest ($5.29 per diluted share) and $52 million was attributable to noncontrolling interest. We estimated the implied fair value of the goodwill using a variety of valuation methods, including the income and market approaches. Our estimate of fair value required us to use significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including assumptions related to the future performance of our contract drilling services reporting unit, such as future oil and natural gas prices, projected demand for our services, rig availability and dayrates.
In the three months ended December 31, 2014, we completed the measurement of our goodwill impairment resulting from our interim test performed in the three months ended September 30, 2014, and we identified additional indicators that the remaining goodwill associated with our contract drilling services reporting unit may have again fallen below its carrying amount. As a result of our valuations, we determined that the remaining balance of our goodwill was impaired. In the three months ended December 31, 2014, we recognized a loss of $1.0 billion, which had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of our goodwill. We determined that, of the $1.0 billion loss, $992 million was attributable to controlling interest ($2.75 per diluted share) and $22 million was attributable to noncontrolling interest. We estimated the implied fair value of the goodwill using a variety of valuation methods, including the income and market approaches. Our estimate of fair value required us to use significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including assumptions related to the future performance of our contract drilling services reporting unit, such as future oil and natural gas prices, projected demand for our services, rig availability and dayrates.
As a result of our annual impairment test, performed as of October 1, 2013, we determined that our goodwill was not impaired. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we completed the measurement of the impairment that resulted from our annual goodwill impairment test for our contract drilling services reporting unit, performed as of October 1, 2011. In the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized an incremental loss of $118 million ($0.33 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, as an adjustment to our original estimate. We estimated the implied fair value of the goodwill by applying a variety of valuation methods, incorporating the cost, income and market approaches. Our estimate of fair value required us to use significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including assumptions related to the future performance of our contract drilling services reporting unit, such as future commodity prices, projected demand for our services, rig utilization and dayrates.
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Assets held and used—During the year ended December 31, 2014, we identified indicators that our asset groups in our contract drilling services reporting unit may be impaired as a result of recent market developments, including recent low dayrate fixtures, partly caused by more technologically advanced drilling units competing with less capable drilling units, and projected declines in dayrates and utilization, particularly for the Deepwater Floater asset group. We conducted testing for impairment, and as a result, we determined that the carrying amount of the Deepwater Floater asset group exceeded its fair value. In the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized a loss of $788 million ($693 million, or $1.91 per diluted share from continuing operations, net of tax) associated with the impairment of these long-lived assets. We measured the fair value of the asset group by applying a combination of income, market and cost approaches, using projected discounted cash flows and estimates of the exchange price that would be received for the assets in the principal or most advantageous market for the assets in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. Our estimate of fair value required us to use significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including assumptions related to the future performance of our contract drilling services reporting unit, such as future commodity prices, projected demand for our services, rigs availability and dayrates.
In the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized a loss of $17 million associated with the impairment of certain corporate assets. We estimated the fair value of the assets using significant other observable inputs, representative of a Level 2 fair value measurement, including comparable market data for the corporate assets.
Assets held for sale—In the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized an aggregate loss of $268 million ($221 million, or $0.60 per diluted share from continuing operations, net of tax), associated with the impairment of the Deepwater Floaters Discoverer Seven Seas, Sedco 709, Sedco 710 and Sovereign Explorer, the Midwater Floaters C. Kirk Rhein, Jr., Falcon 100, GSF Arctic I, J.W. McLean, Sedco 601, Sedco 700, Sedco 703 and Sedneth 701 and the High-Specification Jackups GSF Magellan and GSF Monitor, along with related equipment, which were classified as assets held for sale at the time of impairment. We measured the impairments of the drilling units and related equipment as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeded the estimated fair value less costs to sell. We estimated the fair value of the assets using significant other observable inputs, representative of Level 2 fair value measurements, including, in the case of the High-Specification Jackups GSF Magellan and GSF Monitor, binding sale and purchase agreements for the drilling units and related equipment or, in the case of the Deepwater Floaters Sedco 710 and Sovereign Explorer and the Midwater Floaters GSF Arctic I, J.W. McLean, Sedco 601 and Sedco 700, indicative market values for the drilling units and related equipment to be sold for scrap value.
In the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized an aggregate loss of $64 million ($0.17 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of the Deepwater Floater Sedco 709, the Midwater Floaters C. Kirk Rhein, Jr. and Sedco 703 and the High-Specification Jackup GSF Monitor, all of which were classified as assets held for sale at the time of impairment. We measured the impairments of the drilling units and related equipment as the amount by which the carrying amounts exceeded the estimated fair values less costs to sell. We estimated the fair values of the assets using significant other observable inputs, representative of Level 2 fair value measurements, including, in the case of GSF Monitor, a binding sale and purchase agreement, or, in the case of Sedco 709, C. Kirk Rhein, Jr. and Sedco 703, nonbinding sale and purchase agreements for the drilling units and related equipment.
Note 6—Income Taxes
Tax rate—Transocean Ltd., a holding company and Swiss resident, is exempt from cantonal and communal income tax in Switzerland, but is subject to Swiss federal income tax. At the federal level, qualifying net dividend income and net capital gains on the sale of qualifying investments in subsidiaries are exempt from Swiss federal income tax. Consequently, Transocean Ltd. expects dividends from its subsidiaries and capital gains from sales of investments in its subsidiaries to be exempt from Swiss federal income tax.
Our provision for income taxes is based on the tax laws and rates applicable in the jurisdictions in which we operate and earn income. The relationship between our provision for or benefit from income taxes and our income or loss before income taxes can vary significantly from period to period considering, among other factors, (a) the overall level of income before income taxes, (b) changes in the blend of income that is taxed based on gross revenues rather than income before taxes, (c) rig movements between taxing jurisdictions and (d) our rig operating structures. Generally, our annual marginal tax rate is lower than our annual effective tax rate.
In December 2013, the U.K. Treasury released draft proposals that would cap the amount a U.K.-based contractor would be able to claim as a deductible expense for charter payments made to related companies. A ring fence was also proposed to ensure that the profits from activities in relation to the chartering of rigs from affiliates are not reduced by tax relief from any unconnected activities. On July 17, 2014, the U.K. legislation received Royal Assent with retroactive application effective as of April 2014.
The change in the law did not affect existing deferred balances. In the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, our annual effective tax rates were 18.7 percent and 20.1 percent, respectively.
The components of our provision (benefit) for income taxes were as follows (in millions):
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Current tax expense | $ | 288 | $ | 267 | $ | 185 | ||||||
Deferred tax benefit | (142 | ) | (9 | ) | (133 | ) | ||||||
Income tax expense | $ | 146 | $ | 258 | $ | 52 |
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The following is a reconciliation of the differences between the income tax expense for our continuing operations computed at the Swiss holding company federal statutory rate of 7.83 percent and our reported provision for income taxes (in millions):
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Income tax expense at the Swiss federal statutory rate | $ | (141 | ) | $ | 130 | $ | 68 | |||||
Taxes on earnings subject to rates different than the Swiss federal statutory rate | 88 | 185 | 141 | |||||||||
Taxes on impairment loss subject to rates different than the Swiss federal statutory rate | 174 | 5 | 5 | |||||||||
Taxes on revaluation of Norwegian assets | 69 | — | — | |||||||||
Taxes on asset sales subject to rates different than the Swiss federal statutory rate | 2 | 9 | (1 | ) | ||||||||
Taxes on litigation matters subject to rates different than the Swiss federal statutory rate | 5 | (33 | ) | 59 | ||||||||
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits, net | (119 | ) | (62 | ) | (179 | ) | ||||||
Change in valuation allowance | 93 | 37 | 1 | |||||||||
Benefit from foreign tax credits | (23 | ) | (18 | ) | (38 | ) | ||||||
Taxes on asset acquisition costs at rates lower than the Swiss federal statutory rate | — | — | — | |||||||||
Other, net | (2 | ) | 5 | (4 | ) | |||||||
Income tax expense | $ | 146 | $ | 258 | $ | 52 |
Deferred taxes—The significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in millions):
December 31, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Deferred tax assets | ||||||||
Net operating loss carryforwards | $ | 315 | $ | 369 | ||||
Tax credit carryforwards | 14 | 21 | ||||||
Accrued payroll expenses not currently deductible | 113 | 98 | ||||||
Deferred income | 125 | 62 | ||||||
Loss contingencies | 66 | 36 | ||||||
Professional fees | 94 | 89 | ||||||
U.K. charter limitation | 28 | — | ||||||
Other | 28 | 28 | ||||||
Valuation allowance | (340 | ) | (247 | ) | ||||
Total deferred tax assets | 443 | 456 | ||||||
Deferred tax liabilities | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | (483 | ) | (650 | ) | ||||
Other | (37 | ) | (29 | ) | ||||
Total deferred tax liabilities | (520 | ) | (679 | ) | ||||
Net deferred tax liabilities | $ | (77 | ) | $ | (223 | ) |
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, our deferred tax assets include U.S. foreign tax credit carryforwards of $14 million and $21 million, respectively, which will expire between 2017 and 2024. The deferred tax assets related to our net operating losses were generated in various worldwide tax jurisdictions. At December 31, 2014, the tax effect of our Norwegian and Brazilian net operating losses, which do not expire, was $108 million and $40 million, respectively. At December 31, 2013, the tax effect of our Norwegian and Brazilian net operating losses, which do not expire, was $161 million and $49 million, respectively.
The valuation allowance for our non-current deferred tax assets was as follows (in millions):
December 31, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Valuation allowance for non-current deferred tax assets | $ | 340 | $ | 247 |
Our deferred tax liabilities include taxes related to the earnings of certain subsidiaries that are not permanently reinvested or that will not be permanently reinvested in the future. Should our expectations change regarding future tax consequences, we may be required to record additional deferred taxes that could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
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We consider the earnings of certain of our subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested. As such, we have not provided for taxes on these unremitted earnings. Should we make a distribution from the unremitted earnings of these subsidiaries, we would be subject to taxes payable to various jurisdictions. At December 31, 2014, the amount of indefinitely reinvested earnings was approximately $2.4 billion. If all of these indefinitely reinvested earnings were distributed, we would be subject to estimated taxes of $200 million to $250 million.
Unrecognized tax benefits—The changes to our liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties that we recognize as a component of income tax expense, were as follows (in millions):
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 326 | $ | 382 | $ | 515 | ||||||
Additions for current year tax positions | 25 | 24 | 58 | |||||||||
Additions for prior year tax positions | 3 | 10 | 25 | |||||||||
Reductions for prior year tax positions | (19 | ) | (72 | ) | (24 | ) | ||||||
Settlements | (47 | ) | (6 | ) | (120 | ) | ||||||
Reductions related to statute of limitation expirations | (23 | ) | (12 | ) | (72 | ) | ||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 265 | $ | 326 | $ | 382 |
The liabilities related to our unrecognized tax benefits, including related interest and penalties that we recognize as a component of income tax expense, were as follows (in millions):
December 31, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties | $ | 265 | $ | 326 | ||||
Interest and penalties | 120 | 176 | ||||||
Unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties | $ | 385 | $ | 502 |
In the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recognized interest and penalties of $57 million, $23 million and $56 million, respectively, associated with our unrecognized tax benefits and recorded as a component of income tax expense. As of December 31, 2014, if recognized, $385 million of our unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, would favorably impact our effective tax rate.
It is reasonably possible that our existing liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits may increase or decrease in the year ending December 31, 2014, primarily due to the progression of open audits and the expiration of statutes of limitation. However, we cannot reasonably estimate a range of potential changes in our existing liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits due to various uncertainties, such as the unresolved nature of various audits.
Tax returns—We file federal and local tax returns in several jurisdictions throughout the world. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to examinations of our U.S. and non-U.S. tax matters for years prior to 2010.
Our tax returns in the major jurisdictions in which we operate, other than the U.S., Norway and Brazil, which are mentioned below, are generally subject to examination for periods ranging from three to six years. We have agreed to extensions beyond the statute of limitations in two major jurisdictions for up to 20 years. Tax authorities in certain jurisdictions are examining our tax returns and in some cases have issued assessments. We are defending our tax positions in those jurisdictions. While we cannot predict or provide assurance as to the timing or the outcome of these proceedings, we do not expect the ultimate liability to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position or results of operations, although it may have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of cash flows.
U.S. tax investigations—In the year ended December 31, 2014, we received an assessment from the U.S. tax authorities related to our 2010 and 2011 U.S. federal income tax returns. The significant issue raised in the assessment relates to transfer pricing for certain charters of drilling rigs between our subsidiaries. This issue, if successfully challenged, would result in net adjustments of approximately $290 million of additional taxes, excluding interest and penalties. An unfavorable outcome on these adjustments could result in a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Furthermore, if the authorities were to continue to pursue these positions with respect to subsequent years and were successful in such assertions, our effective tax rate on worldwide earnings with respect to years following 2011 could increase substantially, and could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or cash flows. We believe our U.S. federal income tax returns are materially correct as filed, and we intend to continue to vigorously defend against all such claims to the contrary.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Norway tax investigations and trial—Norwegian civil tax and criminal authorities are investigating various transactions undertaken by our subsidiaries in 1999, 2001 and 2002 as well as the actions of certain employees of our former external tax advisors on these transactions. The authorities issued tax assessments as follows: (a) NOK 684 million, equivalent to approximately $92 million, plus interest, related to the migration of our subsidiary that was previously subject to tax in Norway, (b) NOK 412 million, equivalent to approximately $55 million, plus interest, related to a 2001 dividend payment and (c) NOK 43 million, equivalent to approximately $6 million, plus interest, related to certain foreign exchange deductions and dividend withholding tax. In November 2012, the Norwegian district court in Oslo heard the civil tax case regarding the disputed tax assessment of NOK 684 million related to the migration of our subsidiary. On March 1, 2013, the Norwegian district court in Oslo overturned the initial civil tax assessment and ruled in our favor, and the tax authorities filed an appeal. On June 26, 2014, the Norwegian district court in Oslo ruled that our subsidiary was liable for the civil tax assessment of NOK 412 million, equivalent to approximately $55 million, but waived all penalties and interest. On September 12, 2014, we filed an appeal. We intend to take all other appropriate action to continue to support our position that our Norwegian tax returns are materially correct as filed.
In October 2011, we provided a parent company guarantee in the amount of NOK 699 million, equivalent to approximately $94 million, with respect to one of the tax disputes. In September 2014, the Norwegian tax authorities formally abandoned part of the claim by issuing a revised writ, and we reduced our parent guarantee to NOK 35 million, equivalent to approximately $5 million. In October 2014, the Norwegian tax authorities formally dismissed all remaining claims related to the migration of our subsidiary that was previously subject to tax in Norway. As a result, we terminated the parent company guarantee of NOK 35 million, equivalent to approximately $5 million
In June 2011, the Norwegian authorities issued criminal indictments against two of our subsidiaries alleging misleading or incomplete disclosures in Norwegian tax returns for the years 1999 through 2002, as well as inaccuracies in Norwegian statutory financial statements for the years ended December 31, 1996 through 2001. Two employees of our former external tax advisors were also issued criminal indictments with respect to the disclosures in our tax returns, and our former external Norwegian tax attorney was issued criminal indictments related to certain of our restructuring transactions and the 2001 dividend payment. In January 2012, the Norwegian authorities supplemented the previously issued criminal indictments by issuing a financial claim of NOK 1.8 billion, equivalent to approximately $242 million, jointly and severally, against our two subsidiaries, the two external tax advisors and the external tax attorney. In February 2012, the authorities dropped the previously existing civil tax claim related to a certain restructuring transaction. In April 2012, the Norwegian tax authorities supplemented the previously issued criminal indictments against our two subsidiaries by extending a criminal indictment against a third subsidiary, alleging misleading or incomplete disclosures in Norwegian tax returns for the years 2001 and 2002. The criminal trial commenced in December 2012. In May 2013, the Norwegian authorities dropped the financial claim of NOK 1.8 billion against one of our subsidiaries and the criminal case related to the migration case of another subsidiary. The criminal trial proceedings ended in September 2013. The Norwegian authorities subsequently suggested, if we were found guilty, that the court assess criminal penalties of NOK 230 million, equivalent to approximately $31 million, against three of our subsidiaries in addition to any civil tax penalties and the financial claim.
On July 2, 2014, the Norwegian district court in Oslo acquitted our three subsidiaries, two external tax attorneys and an external tax advisor of all criminal charges related to the disclosures in our Norwegian tax returns for the years 1999 through 2002 and statutory financial statements for the years ended December 31, 1996 through 2001. On July 16, 2014, the Norwegian authorities dropped the financial claim of NOK 1.8 billion, equivalent to approximately $242 million, against two of our subsidiaries, fully closing this matter, and on the same date, filed an appeal with respect to the following charges: (a) disclosures in our Norwegian tax returns related to a dividend payment in 2001, (b) disclosures in our Norwegian tax returns related to an intercompany rig sale in 1999 and (c) certain inaccuracies in Norwegian statutory financial statements for the years ended December 31, 1996 through 2001. We believe our Norwegian tax returns are materially correct as filed, and we intend to continue to vigorously contest any assertions to the contrary by the Norwegian civil and criminal authorities in connection with the various transactions being investigated. An unfavorable outcome on the Norwegian civil or criminal tax matters could result in a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Brazil tax investigations—Certain of our Brazilian income tax returns for the years 2000 through 2004 are currently under examination. In December 2005, the Brazilian tax authorities issued an aggregate tax assessment of BRL 713 million, equivalent to approximately $269 million, including a 75 percent penalty and interest. On January 25, 2008, we filed a protest letter with the Brazilian tax authorities, and we are currently engaged in the appeals process. On May 19, 2014, with respect to our Brazilian income tax returns for the years 2009 and 2010, the Brazilian tax authorities issued an aggregate tax assessment of BRL 124 million, equivalent to approximately $47 million, including a 75 percent penalty and interest. On June 18, 2014, we filed a protest letter with the Brazilian tax authorities. We believe our returns are materially correct as filed, and we are vigorously contesting these assessments. An unfavorable outcome on these proposed assessments could result in a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Other tax matters—We conduct operations through our various subsidiaries in a number of countries throughout the world. Each country has its own tax regimes with varying nominal rates, deductions, employee contribution requirements and tax attributes. From time to time, we may identify changes to previously evaluated tax positions that could result in adjustments to our recorded assets and liabilities. Although we are unable to predict the outcome of these changes, we do not expect the effect, if any, resulting from these adjustments to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Note 7—Discontinued Operations
Summarized results of discontinued operations
The summarized results of operations included in income from discontinued operations were as follows (in millions):
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 166 | $ | 1,031 | $ | 1,306 | ||||||
Operating and maintenance expense | (162 | ) | (1,022 | ) | (1,236 | ) | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense | — | — | (184 | ) | ||||||||
Loss on impairment of assets in discontinued operations | — | (14 | ) | (1,008 | ) | |||||||
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets in discontinued operations, net | (10 | ) | 54 | 82 | ||||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income tax expense | (6 | ) | 49 | (1,040 | ) | |||||||
Income tax expense | (14 | ) | (40 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||||
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | $ | (20 | ) | $ | 9 | $ | (1,043 | ) |
Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations
The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities associated with our discontinued operations were classified as follows (in millions):
December 31, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Materials and supplies, net | $ | 2 | $ | 18 | ||||
Other related assets | — | 1 | ||||||
Assets held for sale | 2 | 19 | ||||||
Other current assets | — | 6 | ||||||
Total current assets | $ | 2 | $ | 25 | ||||
Liabilities | ||||||||
Deferred revenues | $ | — | $ | 8 | ||||
Other current liabilities | $ | — | $ | 8 |
Standard jackup and swamp barge contract drilling services
Overview—In September 2012, in connection with our efforts to dispose of non-strategic assets and to reduce our exposure to low-specification drilling units, we committed to a plan to discontinue operations associated with the standard jackup and swamp barge asset groups, components of our contract drilling services operating segment. As a result, we allocated $112 million of goodwill to this disposal group based on the fair value of the disposal group relative to the fair value of the contract drilling services operating segment. We estimated the fair values of the disposal group and the contract drilling services operating segment by applying a variety of valuation methods, incorporating the income and market approaches, and using significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including assumptions related to the future performance of the disposal group and of our contract drilling services reporting unit, such as future commodity prices, projected demand for our services, rig utilization and dayrates.
At December 31, 2012, we had seven standard jackups, including D.R. Stewart, GSF Adriatic VIII, GSF Rig 127, GSF Rig 134, Interocean III, Trident IV-A and Trident VI, along with related equipment, which we reclassified to assets held for sale with an aggregate carrying amount of $112 million, including $8 million in materials and supplies. In the year ended December 31, 2013, we completed the sales of these standard jackups and related equipment.
Impairments—In the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized an aggregate loss of $14 million ($0.04 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of standard jackups GSF Rig 127 and GSF Rig 134. In the year ended December 31, 2012, we also recognized an aggregate loss of $29 million ($0.08 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of the standard jackups GSF Adriatic II and GSF Rig 136. We measured the impairment of the drilling units and related equipment as the amount by which the carrying amounts exceeded the estimated fair values less costs to sell. We estimated the fair value of the assets using significant other observable inputs, representative of Level 2 fair value measurements, including a binding sale and purchase agreement for the drilling units and related equipment.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
In September 2012, in connection with our reclassification of the standard jackup and swamp barge disposal group to assets held for sale, we determined that the disposal group was impaired since its aggregate carrying amount exceeded its aggregate fair value. We estimated the fair value of this disposal group by applying a variety of valuation methods, incorporating cost, income and market approaches, to estimate the exit price that would be received for the assets in the principal or most advantageous market for the assets in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. Although we based certain components of our valuation on significant other observable inputs, including binding sale and purchase agreements, a significant portion of our valuation required us to project the future performance of the disposal group based on significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including assumptions regarding long-term projections for future revenues and costs, dayrates, rig utilization rates and revenue efficiency rates. We measured the impairments of the disposal group as the amount by which its carrying amount exceeded its estimated fair value less costs to sell. We included in our estimated loss on impairment as a reduction to the expected proceeds approximately $60 million of costs for certain shipyard projects and other obligations required pursuant to the sale agreement and approximately $17 million of costs to sell the disposal group, including legal and financial advisory costs and expenses. In the year ended December 31, 2012, as a result of our valuation, we recognized losses of $744 million ($2.09 per diluted share) and $112 million ($0.31 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the impairment of long-lived assets and the goodwill, respectively.
In connection with our sale transactions with Shelf Drilling, we were, and continue to be, required to pay postemployment benefits to certain employees and contract labor for which employment was or will be terminated as a direct result of the sale transactions upon expiration of the operating agreements and transition services agreement. In the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized a loss of $20 million, included in loss on impairment of assets in discontinued operations, associated with such postemployment benefits.
Sale transactions with Shelf Drilling—On November 30, 2012, we completed the sale of 38 drilling units, along with related equipment, to Shelf Drilling. In connection with the sale, we received cash proceeds of $568 million, net of certain working capital and other adjustments, and non-cash proceeds in the form of perpetual preference shares that had a stated value of $195 million and an estimated fair value of $194 million, including the fair value associated with embedded derivatives, estimated at the time of the closing of the sale transactions. In June 2013, we sold the preference shares to an unaffiliated party for cash proceeds of $185 million and, in the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized a loss of $10 million ($0.03 per diluted share), recorded in other expense, net, which had no tax effect, associated with the sale of the preference shares.
For a transition period following the completion of the sale transactions with Shelf Drilling, we agreed to continue to operate a substantial portion of the standard jackups under operating agreements with Shelf Drilling and to provide certain other transition services to Shelf Drilling. Under the operating agreements, we have agreed to remit the collections from our customers under the associated drilling contracts to Shelf Drilling, and Shelf Drilling has agreed to reimburse us for our direct costs and expenses incurred while operating the standard jackups on behalf of Shelf Drilling with certain exceptions. Amounts due to Shelf Drilling under the operating agreements and transition services agreement may be contractually offset against amounts due from Shelf Drilling. The costs to us for providing such operating and transition services, including allocated indirect costs, have exceeded the amounts we receive from Shelf Drilling for providing such services.
Under the operating agreements, we agreed to continue to operate these standard jackups on behalf of Shelf Drilling for periods ranging from nine months to 27 months, until expiration or novation of the underlying drilling contracts by Shelf Drilling, and under a transition services agreement, we agreed to provide certain transition services for a period of up to 18 months following the completion of the sale transactions. As of December 31, 2014, we operated one standard jackup under an operating agreement with Shelf Drilling. Until the expiration or novation of such drilling contracts, we retain possession of the materials and supplies associated with the standard jackups that we operate under the operating agreements. In the year ended December 31, 2014, we received cash proceeds of $25 million associated with the sale of equipment and materials and supplies to Shelf Drilling upon expiration of novation of the drilling contracts. In the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we received cash proceeds of $64 million and $30 million and recognized aggregate gains of $11 million ($0.03 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, and $8 million (net loss of $5 million or $0.01 per diluted share, net of tax), respectively, associated with the sale of equipment and materials and supplies to Shelf Drilling upon expiration of novation of the drilling contracts. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the materials and supplies associated with the drilling units that we operated under operating agreements with Shelf Drilling had an aggregate carrying amount of $2 million and $18 million, respectively.
For a period of up to three years following the closing of the sale transactions, we have agreed to provide to Shelf Drilling up to $125 million of financial support by maintaining letters of credit, surety bonds and guarantees for various contract bidding and performance activities associated with the drilling units sold to Shelf Drilling and in effect at the closing of the sale transactions. At the time of the sale transactions, we had $113 million of outstanding letters of credit, issued under our committed and uncommitted credit lines, in support of rigs sold to Shelf Drilling. Included within the $125 million maximum amount, we agreed to provide up to $65 million of additional financial support in connection with any new drilling contracts related to such drilling units. Shelf Drilling is required to reimburse us in the event that any of these instruments are called. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had $91 million and $104 million, respectively, of outstanding letters of credit, issued under our committed and uncommitted credit lines, in support of drilling units sold to Shelf Drilling. See Note 15—Commitments and Contingencies.
Other dispositions—During the year ended December 31, 2013, we completed the sale of the standard jackups D.R. Stewart, GSF Adriatic VIII, GSF Rig 127, GSF Rig 134, Interocean III, Trident IV-A and Trident VI, along with related equipment. In the year ended December 31, 2013, in connection with the disposal of these assets, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $140 million and recognized an aggregate net gain of $44 million ($0.12 per diluted share), which had no tax effect.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
During the year ended December 31, 2012, we also completed the sales of the standard jackups GSF Adriatic II, GSF Rig 103, GSF Rig 136, Roger W. Mowell, Transocean Nordic, Transocean Shelf Explorer and Trident 17, along with related equipment. In the year ended December 31, 2012, in connection with the disposal of these assets, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $198 million and recognized an aggregate net gain of $74 million ($0.20 per diluted share), which had no tax effect.
In the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, we recognized an aggregate net gain of $2 million, an aggregate net loss of $1 million and an aggregate net loss of $9 million, respectively, associated with the disposal of assets unrelated to dispositions of rigs.
Drilling management services
Overview—In February 2014, in connection with our efforts to discontinue non-strategic operations, we completed the sale of ADTI, which performs drilling management services in the North Sea. As a result of the sale, we reclassified the results of operations of our drilling management services operating segment to discontinued operations for all periods presented. At December 31, 2013, the aggregate carrying amount of assets of the drilling management services operating segment was $6 million.
In March 2012, we announced our intent to discontinue drilling management operations in the shallow waters of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, a component of our drilling management services operating segment, upon completion of our then existing contracts. We based our decision to abandon this market on the declining market outlook for these services in the shallow waters of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico as well as the more difficult regulatory environment for obtaining drilling permits. In December 2012, we completed the final drilling management project and discontinued offering our drilling management services in this region.
Impairments—During the year ended December 31, 2012, we determined that the customer relationships intangible asset associated with the U.K. operations of our drilling management services reporting unit was impaired due to the diminishing demand for our drilling management services. We estimated the fair value of the customer relationships intangible asset using the multiperiod excess earnings method, a valuation method that applies the income approach. We estimated fair value using significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including assumptions related to the future performance of the drilling management services reporting unit, such as future commodity prices, projected demand for our services, rig utilization and dayrates. In the year ended December 31, 2012, as a result of our valuation, we determined that the carrying amount of the customer relationships intangible asset exceeded its fair value, and we recognized a loss of $22 million ($17 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, net of tax) associated with the impairment of the intangible asset.
During the year ended December 31, 2012, we determined that the customer relationships intangible asset and the trade name intangible asset associated with the U.S. operations of our drilling management services reporting unit was impaired due to the declining market outlook for these services in the shallow waters of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico as well as the increasingly difficult regulatory environment for obtaining drilling permits and the diminishing demand for our drilling management services. We estimated the fair value of the customer relationships intangible asset using the multiperiod excess earnings method, a valuation methodology that applies the income approach. We estimated fair value using significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including assumptions related to the future performance of the drilling management services reporting unit, such as future commodity prices, projected demand for our services, rig utilization and dayrates. We estimated the fair value of the trade name intangible asset using the relief from royalty method, a valuation methodology that applies the income approach. We estimated fair value using significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including assumptions related to the future performance of the drilling management services reporting unit, such as future commodity prices, projected demand for drilling management services, rig utilization and dayrates. In the year ended December 31, 2012, as a result of our valuations, we determined that the carrying amounts of these intangible assets exceeded their respective fair values, and we recognized losses of $31 million ($20 million or $0.06 per diluted share, net of tax) and $39 million ($25 million or $0.07 per diluted share, net of tax) associated with the impairment of the customer relationships intangible asset and the trade name intangible asset, respectively.
Disposition—In the year ended December 31, 2014, we received net cash proceeds of $10 million and recognized a net loss of $12 million ($0.03 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the sale of the drilling management services business. We provided a limited guarantee in favor of one customer through completion of its drilling project, which was completed during the three months ended September 30, 2014. We also agreed to provide a $15 million working capital line of credit to the buyer through March 2016. We earn interest on the outstanding borrowings at a fixed rate of 8.3 percent per annum, payable quarterly. At December 31, 2014, ADTI had borrowings of $15 million outstanding under the working capital line of credit, recorded in other assets.
Oil and gas properties
Overview—In March 2011, in connection with our efforts to dispose of non-strategic assets, we engaged an unaffiliated advisor to coordinate the sale of the assets of our oil and gas properties reporting unit, formerly a component of our other operations segment, which comprised the exploration, development and production activities performed by CMI. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we completed the sale of these assets.
Impairments—In the years ended December 31, 2012, we recognized losses of $11 million ($10 million or $0.02 per diluted share, net of tax), associated with the impairment of our oil and gas properties, which were classified as assets held for sale at the time of impairment, since the carrying amount of the properties exceeded the estimated fair value less costs to sell the properties.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Dispositions—During the year ended December 31, 2012, we completed the sales of the assets of Challenger Minerals Inc. and Challenger Minerals (Ghana) Limited for aggregate net cash proceeds of $13 million, which had no tax effect. During the year ended December 31, 2011, we completed the sale of Challenger Minerals (North Sea) Limited for aggregate net cash proceeds of $24 million, and in May 2012, we received additional cash proceeds of $10 million. In the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized an aggregate net gain of $9 million ($0.02 per diluted share), which had no tax effect, associated with the completion of these sales.
Note 8—Earnings (Loss) Per Share
The numerator and denominator used for the computation of basic and diluted per share earnings from continuing operations were as follows (in millions, except per share data):
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | Diluted | Basic | Diluted | Basic | Diluted | |||||||||||||||||||
Numerator for earnings (loss) per share | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to controlling interest | $ | (1,893 | ) | $ | (1,893 | ) | $ | 1,398 | $ | 1,398 | $ | 824 | $ | 824 | ||||||||||
Undistributed earnings allocable to participating securities | — | — | (12 | ) | (12 | ) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations available to shareholders | $ | (1,893 | ) | $ | (1,893 | ) | $ | 1,386 | $ | 1,386 | $ | 824 | $ | 824 | ||||||||||
Denominator for earnings (loss) per share | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted-average shares outstanding | 362 | 362 | 360 | 360 | 356 | 356 | ||||||||||||||||||
Effect of stock options and other share-based awards | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Weighted-average shares for per share calculation | 362 | 362 | 360 | 360 | 356 | 356 | ||||||||||||||||||
Per share earnings (loss) from continuing operations | $ | (5.23 | ) | $ | (5.23 | ) | $ | 3.85 | $ | 3.85 | $ | 2.32 | $ | 2.32 |
For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we excluded 2.5 million, 1.4 million and 2.4 million share-based awards, respectively, from the calculation since the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
Note 9—Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The allocation of other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest and to noncontrolling interest, including our redeemable noncontrolling interest, was as follows (in millions):
Years ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Controlling interest | Non-controlling interest (a) | Total | Controlling interest | Non-controlling interest (a) | Total | Controlling interest | Non-controlling interest (a) | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Components of net periodic benefit costs | $ | (170 | ) | $ | — | $ | (170 | ) | $ | 198 | $ | — | $ | 198 | $ | (52 | ) | $ | — | $ | (52 | ) | |||||||||||||
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments | — | — | — | (5 | ) | — | (5 | ) | 6 | (3 | ) | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassifications to net income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Components of net periodic benefit costs | 17 | — | 17 | 49 | — | 49 | 47 | — | 47 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Gain) loss on derivative instruments | (2 | ) | — | (2 | ) | 15 | 3 | 18 | (4 | ) | 3 | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss on marketable securities | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | — | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes | (155 | ) | — | (155 | ) | 257 | 3 | 260 | (1 | ) | — | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes related to other comprehensive income (loss) | 13 | — | 13 | 2 | — | 2 | (7 | ) | — | (7 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax | $ | (142 | ) | $ | — | $ | (142 | ) | $ | 259 | $ | 3 | $ | 262 | $ | (8 | ) | $ | — | $ | (8 | ) |
______________________________
(a) | Includes amounts attributable to noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest. |
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Note 10—Drilling Fleet
Construction work in progress—For each of the three years ended December 31, 2014, the changes in our construction work in progress, including capital expenditures and other capital additions, such as capitalized interest, were as follows (in millions):
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Construction work in progress, at beginning of period | $ | 2,710 | $ | 2,010 | $ | 1,391 | ||||||
Newbuild construction program | ||||||||||||
Transocean Honor (a) (b) | — | — | 35 | |||||||||
Transocean Siam Driller (a) (c) | — | 74 | 39 | |||||||||
Transocean Andaman (a) (c) | — | 82 | 38 | |||||||||
Transocean Ao Thai (a) (c) | — | 90 | 72 | |||||||||
Deepwater Invictus (a) (d) | 492 | 65 | 40 | |||||||||
Deepwater Asgard (a) (d) | 291 | 309 | 46 | |||||||||
Deepwater Thalassa (e) | 82 | 154 | 139 | |||||||||
Deepwater Proteus (e) | 64 | 146 | 128 | |||||||||
Deepwater Conqueror (f) | 118 | 108 | — | |||||||||
Deepwater Pontus (e) | 169 | 65 | 76 | |||||||||
Deepwater Poseidon (e) | 140 | 66 | 76 | |||||||||
Transocean Cassiopeia (g) | 5 | 44 | — | |||||||||
Transocean Centaurus (g) | 4 | 44 | — | |||||||||
Transocean Cepheus (g) | 4 | 44 | — | |||||||||
Transocean Cetus (g) | 4 | 44 | — | |||||||||
Ultra-Deepwater drillship TBN1 (h) | 32 | — | — | |||||||||
Transocean Circinus (g) | 4 | 44 | — | |||||||||
Ultra-Deepwater drillship TBN2 (h) | 27 | — | — | |||||||||
Other construction projects and capital additions | 729 | 859 | 614 | |||||||||
Total capital expenditures | 2,165 | 2,238 | 1,303 | |||||||||
Changes in accrued capital expenditures | (43 | ) | 44 | 61 | ||||||||
Impairment of certain corporate assets under construction | — | (17 | ) | — | ||||||||
Property and equipment placed into service | ||||||||||||
Transocean Honor (a) (b) | — | — | (262 | ) | ||||||||
Transocean Siam Driller (a) (c) | — | (236 | ) | — | ||||||||
Transocean Andaman (a) (c) | — | (242 | ) | — | ||||||||
Transocean Ao Thai (a) (c) | — | (242 | ) | — | ||||||||
Deepwater Invictus (a) (d) | (736 | ) | — | — | ||||||||
Deepwater Asgard (a) (d) | (786 | ) | — | — | ||||||||
Other property and equipment | (859 | ) | (845 | ) | (483 | ) | ||||||
Construction work in progress, at end of period | $ | 2,451 | $ | 2,710 | $ | 2,010 |
______________________________
(a) | The accumulated construction costs of this rig are no longer included in construction work in progress, as the construction project had been completed as of December 31, 2014. |
(b) | The High-Specification Jackup Transocean Honor, owned through our 70 percent interest in TDSOI, commenced operations in May 2012. The costs presented above represent 100 percent of TDSOI’s expenditures in the construction of Transocean Honor. |
(c) | The High-Specification Jackups Transocean Siam Driller, Transocean Andaman and Transocean Ao Thai commenced operations in March 2013, May 2013 and October 2013, respectively. |
(d) | The Ultra-Deepwater drillships Deepwater Invictus and Deepwater Asgard, commenced operations in July 2014 and August 2014, respectively. The total carrying amount included capitalized costs of $272 million, representing the estimated fair value of construction in progress acquired in connection with our acquisition of Aker Drilling ASA in October 2011. |
(e) | Deepwater Thalassa, Deepwater Proteus, Deepwater Pontus and Deepwater Poseidon, four newbuild Ultra-Deepwater drillships under construction at the Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. shipyard in Korea, are expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2016, the third quarter of 2016, the first quarter of 2017 and the second quarter of 2017, respectively. |
(f) | Deepwater Conqueror, a newbuild Ultra-Deepwater drillship under construction at the Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. shipyard in Korea, is expected to commence operations in the fourth quarter of 2016. |
(g) | Transocean Cassiopeia, Transocean Centaurus, Transocean Cepheus, Transocean Cetus and Transocean Circinus, five Keppel FELS Super B 400 Bigfoot class design newbuild High-Specification Jackups under construction at Keppel FELS’ shipyard in Singapore do not yet have drilling contracts and are expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2016, the first quarter of 2017, the third quarter of 2017, the first quarter of 2018 and the third quarter of 2018, respectively. These delivery expectations reflect our decision to delay delivery in consideration of existing market conditions. |
(h) | Our two unnamed dynamically positioned Ultra-Deepwater drillships under construction at the Jurong Shipyard PTE Ltd. in Singapore do not yet have drilling contracts and are expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2017 and the first quarter of 2018, respectively. |
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Dispositions—During the year ended December 31, 2014, we completed the sale of the Deepwater Floater Sedco 709, the Midwater Floater Sedco 703 and the High-Specification Jackups GSF Magellan and GSF Monitor, along with related equipment. In the year ended December 31, 2014, in connection with the disposal of these assets, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $185 million, and recognized an aggregate net loss of $1 million. In the year ended December 31, 2014, we received cash proceeds of $37 million, and recognized an aggregate net loss of $25 million, associated with the disposal of assets unrelated to rig sales.
During the year ended December 31, 2013, we completed the sale of Transocean Richardson along with related equipment, and as a result of the sale, we received net cash proceeds of $142 million and recognized a net gain of $33 million ($22 million or $0.06 per diluted share, net of tax). In the year ended December 31, 2013, we received cash proceeds of $32 million and recognized an aggregate net loss of $26 million associated with the disposal of assets unrelated to dispositions of rigs.
During the year ended December 31, 2012, in connection with our efforts to dispose of non-strategic assets, we completed the sales of the Deepwater Floaters Discoverer 534 and Jim Cunningham. In connection with these sales, we received aggregate net cash proceeds of $178 million and recognized an aggregate net gain of $51 million ($48 million or $0.13 per diluted share, net of tax). In the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized an aggregate net loss of $15 million associated with the disposal of assets unrelated to dispositions of rigs.
At December 31, 2014, in addition to the remaining assets of our discontinued operations, our assets held for sale included the Deepwater Floaters Discoverer Seven Seas, Sedco 710 and Sovereign Explorer and the Midwater Floaters Sedneth 701, C. Kirk Rhein, Jr., Falcon 100, GSF Arctic I, J.W. McLean, Sedco 601 and Sedco 700, along with related equipment, with an aggregate carrying amount of $23 million. At December 31, 2013, in addition to the remaining assets of our discontinued operations, our assets held for sale included Sedco 709, C. Kirk Rhein, Jr., Falcon 100, Sedco 703 and GSF Monitor, along with related equipment, with an aggregate carrying amount of $129 million.
See Note 5—Impairments.
Note 11—Goodwill and Other Intangibles
Goodwill—The gross carrying amounts of goodwill and accumulated impairment associated with our contract drilling services reporting unit were as follows (in millions):
Year ended December 31, 2014 | Year ended December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross carrying amount | Accumulated impairment | Net carrying amount | Gross carrying amount | Accumulated impairment | Net carrying amount | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 10,799 | $ | (7,812 | ) | $ | 2,987 | $ | 10,799 | $ | (7,812 | ) | $ | 2,987 | ||||||||||
Impairment associated with continuing operations | — | (2,987 | ) | (2,987 | ) | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 10,799 | $ | (10,799 | ) | $ | — | $ | 10,799 | $ | (7,812 | ) | $ | 2,987 |
Definite-lived intangible liabilities—The gross carrying amounts of our drilling contract intangibles which we consider to be definite-lived intangible liabilities, and accumulated amortization were as follows (in millions):
Year ended December 31, 2014 | Year ended December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross carrying amount | Accumulated amortization | Net carrying amount | Gross carrying amount | Accumulated amortization | Net carrying amount | |||||||||||||||||||
Drilling contract intangible liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 1,410 | $ | (1,366 | ) | $ | 44 | $ | 1,410 | $ | (1,351 | ) | $ | 59 | ||||||||||
Amortization | — | (15 | ) | (15 | ) | — | (15 | ) | (15 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 1,410 | $ | (1,381 | ) | $ | 29 | $ | 1,410 | $ | (1,366 | ) | $ | 44 |
At December 31, 2014, the estimated future amortization of our drilling contract intangible liabilities was as follows (in millions):
Drilling contract intangible liabilities | |||||||
Years ending December 31, | |||||||
2015 | $ | 15 | |||||
2016 | 14 | ||||||
Total intangible liabilities | $ | 29 |
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Note 12—Debt
Debt, net of unamortized discounts, premiums and fair value adjustments, was comprised of the following (in millions):
December 31, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||||
4.95% Senior Notes due November 2015 (a) | $ | 898 | $ | 1,113 | ||||
5.05% Senior Notes due December 2016 (a) | 999 | 999 | ||||||
2.5% Senior Notes due October 2017 (a) | 748 | 748 | ||||||
ADDCL Credit Facilities due December 2017 | — | 163 | ||||||
Eksportfinans Loans due January 2018 | 369 | 591 | ||||||
6.00% Senior Notes due March 2018 (a) | 1,001 | 998 | ||||||
7.375% Senior Notes due April 2018 (a) | 247 | 247 | ||||||
6.50% Senior Notes due November 2020 (a) | 911 | 900 | ||||||
6.375% Senior Notes due December 2021 (a) | 1,199 | 1,199 | ||||||
3.8% Senior Notes due October 2022 (a) | 745 | 745 | ||||||
7.45% Notes due April 2027 (a) | 97 | 97 | ||||||
8% Debentures due April 2027 (a) | 57 | 57 | ||||||
7% Notes due June 2028 | 309 | 311 | ||||||
Capital lease contract due August 2029 | 615 | 637 | ||||||
7.5% Notes due April 2031 (a) | 598 | 598 | ||||||
6.80% Senior Notes due March 2038 (a) | 999 | 999 | ||||||
7.35% Senior Notes due December 2041 (a) | 300 | 300 | ||||||
Total debt | 10,092 | 10,702 | ||||||
Less debt due within one year | ||||||||
4.95% Senior Notes due November 2015 (a) | 898 | — | ||||||
ADDCL Credit Facilities due December 2017 | — | 163 | ||||||
Eksportfinans Loans due January 2018 | 114 | 140 | ||||||
Capital lease contract due August 2029 | 21 | 20 | ||||||
Total debt due within one year | 1,033 | 323 | ||||||
Total long-term debt | $ | 9,059 | $ | 10,379 |
______________________________
(a) | Transocean Inc., a 100 percent owned subsidiary of Transocean Ltd., is the issuer of the notes and debentures, which have been guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. Transocean Ltd. has also guaranteed borrowings under the Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility. Transocean Ltd. and Transocean Inc. are not subject to any significant restrictions on their ability to obtain funds from their consolidated subsidiaries by dividends, loans or return of capital distributions. See Note 24—Condensed Consolidating Financial Information. |
Scheduled maturities—At December 31, 2014, the scheduled maturities of our debt were as follows (in millions):
Consolidated total | |||||
Years ending December 31, | |||||
2015 | $ | 1,028 | |||
2016 | 1,139 | ||||
2017 | 892 | ||||
2018 | 1,305 | ||||
2019 | 32 | ||||
Thereafter | 5,686 | ||||
Total debt, excluding unamortized discounts, premiums and fair value adjustments | 10,082 | ||||
Total unamortized discounts, premiums and fair value adjustments, net | 10 | ||||
Total debt | $ | 10,092 |
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility—In June 2014, we entered into an amended and restated bank credit agreement, which established a $3.0 billion unsecured five-year revolving credit facility, that is scheduled to expire on June 28, 2019 (the “New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility”). Among other things, the New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility includes limitations on creating liens, incurring subsidiary debt, transactions with affiliates, sale/leaseback transactions, mergers and the sale of substantially all assets. The New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility also includes a covenant imposing a maximum debt to tangible capitalization ratio of 0.6 to 1.0. Borrowings under the Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility are subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of an event of default, borrowings are guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. and may be prepaid in whole or in part without premium or penalty.
We may borrow under the New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility at either (1) the adjusted London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus a margin (the “New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility Margin”), which ranges from 1.125 percent to 2.0 percent based on the credit rating of our non-credit enhanced senior unsecured long-term debt (“Debt Rating”), or (2) the base rate specified in the credit agreement plus the Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility Margin, less one percent per annum. Throughout the term of the New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility, we pay a facility fee on the daily unused amount of the underlying commitment which ranges from 0.15 percent to 0.35 percent depending on our Debt Rating. At December 31, 2014, based on our Debt Rating on that date, the New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility Margin was 1.5 percent and the facility fee was 0.225 percent. At December 31, 2014, we had no borrowings outstanding or letters of credit issued, and we had $3.0 billion of available borrowing capacity under the New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility.
Former Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility—We had a $2.0 billion five-year revolving credit facility, established under a bank credit agreement dated November 1, 2011, as amended, that was scheduled to expire on November 1, 2016 (the “Former Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility”). In June 2014, we replaced the Former Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility with the New Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility.
Former Three-Year Secured Revolving Credit Facility—We had a $900 million three-year secured revolving credit facility, established under a bank credit agreement dated October 25, 2012, that was scheduled to expire on October 25, 2015 (the “Former Three-Year Secured Revolving Credit Facility”). Borrowings under the Former Three-Year Secured Revolving Credit Facility were secured by the Ultra-Deepwater Floaters Deepwater Champion, Discoverer Americas and Discoverer Inspiration. At December 31, 2013, the aggregate carrying amount of Deepwater Champion, Discoverer Americas and Discoverer Inspiration was $2.2 billion. In June 2014, we terminated the Former Three-Year Secured Revolving Credit Facility and the related security agreements. No borrowings were outstanding under the Former Three-Year Secured Revolving Credit Facility at the time of its termination. In the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized a loss of $4 million associated with the early termination of the Former Three-Year Secured Revolving Credit Facility.
5% Notes and 7% Notes—Two of our wholly-owned subsidiaries are the obligors on the 5% Notes due 2013 (the “5% Notes”) and the 7% Notes due 2028 (the “7% Notes”), and we have not guaranteed either obligation. The indentures related to the 5% Notes and the 7% Notes contain limitations on creating liens and sale/leaseback transactions. The respective obligor may redeem the 5% Notes and the 7% Notes in whole or in part at a price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and a make-whole premium.
On February 15, 2013, we repaid the outstanding $250 million aggregate principal amount of the 5% Notes as of the stated maturity date. At December 31, 2014, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the 7% Notes was $300 million.
5.25% Senior Notes, 6.00% Senior Notes and 6.80% Senior Notes—In December 2007, we issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.25% Senior Notes due March 2013 (the “5.25% Senior Notes”), $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 6.00% Senior Notes due March 2018 (the “6.00% Senior Notes”) and $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 6.80% Senior Notes due March 2038 (the “6.80% Senior Notes”). The indenture pursuant to which the notes were issued contains restrictions on creating liens, engaging in sale/leaseback transactions and engaging in merger, consolidation or reorganization transactions. We may redeem some or all of the notes at any time, at a redemption price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and a make-whole premium.
On March 15, 2013, we repaid the outstanding $500 million aggregate principal amount of the 5.25% Senior Notes as of the stated maturity date. At December 31, 2014, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the 6.00% Senior Notes and the 6.80% Senior Notes was $1.0 billion each.
TPDI Credit Facilities—Through Transocean Pacific Drilling Inc. (“TPDI”), our wholly owned subsidiary, we had a $1.265 billion secured credit facility, comprised of a $1.0 billion senior term loan, a $190 million junior term loan and a $75 million revolving credit facility, established under a bank credit agreement dated October 28, 2008, that was scheduled to expire in March 2015 (the “TPDI Credit Facilities”). One of our subsidiaries participated in the senior and junior term loans with an aggregate commitment of $595 million.
Under the TPDI Credit Facilities, we were required to satisfy certain liquidity requirements, including a requirement to maintain certain cash balances in restricted accounts for the payment of scheduled installments. At December 31, 2012, we had restricted cash investments of $23 million. At December 31, 2012, we had an outstanding letter of credit in the amount of $60 million to satisfy additional liquidity requirements under the TPDI Credit Facilities.
In June 2013, we repaid the $735 million of borrowings outstanding under the TPDI Credit Facilities, of which $367 million was paid to one of our subsidiaries and eliminated in consolidation. Upon repayment of all borrowings, we terminated the bank credit agreement under which the credit facilities were established and the related security agreement with respect to the Ultra-Deepwater Floaters Dhirubhai Deepwater KG1 and Dhirubhai Deepwater KG2. In the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized a loss of $1 million associated with the retirement of debt.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
4.95% Senior Notes and 6.50% Senior Notes— In September 2010, we issued $1.1 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.95% Senior Notes due November 2015 (the “4.95% Senior Notes”) and $900 million aggregate principal amount of 6.50% Senior Notes due November 2020 (the “6.50% Senior Notes,” and together with the 4.95% Senior Notes, the “2010 Senior Notes”). We are required to pay interest on the 2010 Senior Notes on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning November 15, 2010. We may redeem some or all of the 2010 Senior Notes at any time at a redemption price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and a make-whole premium. The indenture pursuant to which the 2010 Senior Notes were issued contains restrictions on creating liens, engaging in sale/leaseback transactions and engaging in merger, consolidation or reorganization transactions.
On November 17, 2014, we redeemed an aggregate principal amount of $207 million of the outstanding 4.95% Senior Notes with an aggregate payment of $216 million and we recognized a loss of $9 million associated with the partial redemption. At December 31, 2014, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the 4.95% Senior Notes and the 6.50% Senior Notes was $893 million and $900 million, respectively.
5.05% Senior Notes, 6.375% Senior Notes and 7.35% Senior Notes—In December 2011, we issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.05% Senior Notes due December 2016 (the “5.05% Senior Notes”), $1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of 6.375% Senior Notes due December 2021 (the “6.375% Senior Notes”) and $300 million aggregate principal amount of 7.35% Senior Notes due December 2041 (the “7.35% Senior Notes,” and collectively with the 5.05% Senior Notes and the 6.375% Senior Notes, the “2011 Senior Notes”). The interest rates for the notes are subject to adjustment from time to time upon a change to our Debt Rating. The indenture pursuant to which the 2011 Senior Notes were issued contains restrictions on creating liens, engaging in sale/leaseback transactions and engaging in merger, consolidation or reorganization transactions. We may redeem some or all of the 2011 Senior Notes at any time at a redemption price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and a make-whole premium. At December 31, 2014, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the 5.05% Senior Notes, the 6.375% Senior Notes and the 7.35% Senior Notes was $1.0 billion, $1.2 billion and $300 million, respectively.
Aker Revolving Credit and Term Loan Facility—We had a credit facility, comprised of a $500 million revolving credit facility and a $400 million term loan, established under the Revolving Credit and Term Loan Facility Agreement dated February 21, 2011 (the “Aker Revolving Credit and Term Loan Facility”). In the year ended December 31, 2012, we prepaid $333 million of borrowings outstanding under the Aker Term Loan, and we recognized a gain of $2 million associated with the retirement of debt. In September 2012, we cancelled the Aker Revolving Credit and Term Loan Facility.
Callable Bonds—We were the obligor for the FRN Aker Drilling ASA Senior Unsecured Callable Bond Issue 2011/2016 (the “FRN Callable Bonds”) and the 11% Aker Drilling ASA Senior Unsecured Callable Bond Issue 2011/2016 (the “11% Callable Bonds,” and together with the FRN Callable Bonds, the “Callable Bonds”), which were publicly traded on the Oslo Stock Exchange. On March 6, 2013, we redeemed the FRN Callable Bonds and the 11% Callable Bonds with aggregate outstanding principal amounts of NOK 940 million and NOK 560 million, equivalent to $164 million and $98 million, respectively, using an exchange rate of NOK 5.73 to $1.00. In connection with the redemption, we made an aggregate cash payment of NOK 1,567 million, equivalent to $273 million. In the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized a loss of $1 million associated with the retirement of debt.
2.5% Senior Notes and 3.8% Senior Notes—In September 2012, we issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of 2.5% Senior Notes due October 2017 (the “2.5% Senior Notes”) and $750 million aggregate principal amount of 3.8% Senior Notes due October 2022 (the “3.8% Senior Notes,” and together with the 2.5% Senior Notes, the “2012 Senior Notes”). The interest rates for the notes are subject to adjustment from time to time upon a change to our Debt Rating. The indenture pursuant to which the 2012 Senior Notes were issued contains restrictions on creating liens, engaging in sale/leaseback transactions and engaging in merger, consolidation or reorganization transactions. We may redeem some or all of the 2012 Senior Notes at any time prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, together with a make-whole premium unless, in the case of the 3.8% Senior Notes, such redemption occurs on or after July 15, 2022, in which case no such make-whole premium will apply. At December 31, 2014, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the 2.5% Senior Notes and the 3.8% Senior Notes was $750 million each.
ADDCL Credit Facilities—ADDCL had a senior secured credit facility, comprised of Tranche A for $215 million and Tranche C for $399 million, established under a bank credit agreement dated June 2, 2008 that was scheduled to expire in December 2017 (the “ADDCL Primary Loan Facility”). Unaffiliated financial institutions provided the commitment for and borrowings under Tranche A, and one of our subsidiaries provided the commitment for Tranche C. ADDCL also had a $90 million secondary credit facility, established under a bank credit agreement dated June 2, 2008 that was scheduled to expire in December 2015 (the “ADDCL Secondary Loan Facility” and together with the ADDCL Primary Loan Facility, the “ADDCL Credit Facilities”). One of our subsidiaries provided 65 percent of the total commitment under the ADDCL Secondary Loan Facility. At December 31, 2013, borrowings of $534 million and $80 million were outstanding under the ADDCL Primary Loan Facility and the ADDCL Secondary Loan Facility, respectively, of which $399 million and $52 million, respectively, were provided by one of our subsidiaries and were eliminated in consolidation. In February 2014, we repaid the outstanding borrowings under the ADDCL Credit Facilities and terminated the bank credit agreements under which the credit facilities were established.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
ADDCL was required to maintain certain cash balances in restricted accounts for the payment of the scheduled installments on the ADDCL Credit Facilities. At December 31, 2013, ADDCL had restricted cash investments of $20 million. The restricted cash investments were released as a result of our repayment of borrowings under the ADDCL Credit Facilities.
Eksportfinans Loans—We have borrowings under the Loan Agreement dated September 12, 2008 (“Eksportfinans Loan A”) and under the Loan Agreement dated November 18, 2008 (“Eksportfinans Loan B,” and together with Eksportfinans Loan A, the “Eksportfinans Loans”). The Eksportfinans Loans bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.15 percent and require semi-annual installments of principal and interest through September 2017 and January 2018 for Eksportfinans Loan A and Eksportfinans Loan B, respectively. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate principal amount outstanding under the Eksportfinans Loans was NOK 2.8 billion and NOK 3.6 billion, equivalent to approximately $370 million and $594 million, respectively.
The Eksportfinans Loans require collateral to be held by a financial institution through expiration (the “Eksportfinans Restricted Cash Investments”). The Eksportfinans Restricted Cash Investments bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.15 percent with semi-annual installments that correspond with those of the Eksportfinans Loans. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate principal amount of the Eksportfinans Restricted Cash Investments was NOK 2.8 billion and NOK 3.6 billion, equivalent to approximately $370 million and $594 million, respectively.
7.375% Senior Notes—In March 2002, we issued $247 million principal amount of our 7.375% Senior Notes due April 2018 (the “7.375% Senior Notes”). The indenture pursuant to which the 7.375% Senior Notes were issued contains restrictions on creating liens, engaging in sale/leaseback transactions and engaging in merger, consolidation or reorganization transactions. At December 31, 2014, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the 7.375% Senior Notes was $246 million.
TPDI Notes—We previously issued promissory notes (the “TPDI Notes”), which were payable to our former partner and TPDI’s former other shareholder with maturities through October 2019. On May 31, 2012, we extinguished the aggregate principal amount of $148 million and accrued and unpaid interest of $16 million associated with the TPDI Notes with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid-in capital. See Note 16—Noncontrolling Interest.
7.45% Notes and 8% Debentures—In April 1997, a predecessor of Transocean Inc. issued $100 million aggregate principal amount of 7.45% Notes due April 2027 (the “7.45% Notes”) and $200 million aggregate principal amount of 8% Debentures due April 2027 (the “8% Debentures”). The indenture pursuant to which the 7.45% Notes and the 8% Debentures were issued contains restrictions on creating liens, engaging in sale/leaseback transactions and engaging in merger, consolidation or reorganization transactions. The 7.45% Notes and the 8% Debentures are redeemable at any time at our option subject to a make-whole premium. At December 31, 2014, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the 7.45% Notes and the 8% Debentures was $100 million and $57 million, respectively.
Capital lease contract—In August 2009, we accepted delivery of Petrobras 10000, an asset held under capital lease, and we recorded $716 million to property and equipment, net and a corresponding increase to long-term debt. The capital lease contract has an implicit interest rate of 7.8 percent and requires scheduled monthly payments of $6 million through August 2029, after which we will have the right and obligation to acquire the drillship from the lessor for one dollar. See Note 15—Commitments and Contingencies.
7.5% Notes—In April 2001, we issued $600 million aggregate principal amount of 7.5% Notes due April 2031 (the “7.5% Notes”). The indenture pursuant to which the notes were issued contains restrictions on creating liens, engaging in sale/leaseback transactions and engaging in merger, consolidation or reorganization transactions. At December 31, 2014, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the 7.5% Notes was $600 million.
1.50% Series C Convertible Senior Notes—In December 2007, we issued $2.2 billion aggregate principal amount of the 1.50% Series C Convertible Senior Notes due December 2037 (the “Convertible Senior Notes”). On December 14, 2012, holders of the Series C Convertible Senior Notes had the option to require us to repurchase all or any part of such holders’ notes. As a result of certain holders exercising the options, we were required to repurchase an aggregate principal amount of $1.7 billion of the Series C Convertible Senior Notes for an aggregate cash payment of $1.7 billion. In February 2013, we redeemed the remaining $62 million aggregate principal amount of the Series C Convertible Senior Notes for an aggregate cash payment of $62 million.
In the year ended December 31, 2013, interest expense for our Convertible Senior Notes, excluding amortization of debt issue costs, was less than $1 million. In the year ended December 31, 2012, interest expense for our Convertible Senior Notes, excluding amortization of debt issue costs, was $84 million.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Note 13—Derivatives and Hedging
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments—During the year ended December 31, 2014, we entered into interest rate swaps, which are designated and qualify as a fair value hedge, to reduce our exposure to changes in the fair value of the 6.0% Senior Notes due March 2018 and the 6.5% Senior Notes due November 2020. The interest rate swaps have aggregate notional amounts equal to the corresponding face values of the hedged instruments and have stated maturities that coincide with those of the hedged instruments. We have determined that the hedging relationships qualify for, and we have applied, the shortcut method of accounting under which the interest rate swaps are considered to have no ineffectiveness and no ongoing assessment of effectiveness is required. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps recognized in interest expense offset the changes in the fair value of the hedged fixed-rate notes.
We had interest rate swaps, which were designated and qualified as fair value hedges, to reduce our exposure to changes in the fair values of the 5% Notes due February 2013, the 5.25% Senior Notes due March 2013 and the 4.95% Senior Notes due November 2015. In February and March 2013, the interest rate swaps designated as hedges of the 5% Notes and the 5.25% Senior Notes, respectively, expired. In June 2012, we terminated the interest rate swaps designated as hedges of the 4.95% Senior Notes due November 2015 and, in the year ended December 31, 2012, we received an aggregate net cash payment of $23 million.
We also had interest rate swaps, which were designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge, to reduce the variability of cash interest payments associated with the variable-rate borrowings under the TPDI Credit Facilities. In June 2013, we repaid the borrowings under the TPDI Credit Facilities, and we terminated these interest rate swaps. In connection with the termination, we made a net cash payment of $22 million, and we reclassified $9 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss to other expense, net.
Additionally, we had cross-currency interest rate swaps, which were designated and qualified as a cash flow hedge, to reduce the variability of cash interest payments and the final cash principal payment associated with the 11% Callable Bonds resulting from the changes in the U.S. dollar to Norwegian krone exchange rate. In March 2013, in connection with our redemption of the 11% Callable Bonds, we terminated these cross-currency interest rate swaps and the related security agreement with respect to the Harsh Environment Ultra-Deepwater Floaters Transocean Spitsbergen and Transocean Barents. As a result of the termination, we made a cash payment of $128 million and received a cash payment of NOK 705 million, which we applied to the redemption of the 11% Callable Bonds, and we reclassified $5 million from accumulated other comprehensive loss to other expense, net.
At December 31, 2014, the aggregate notional amounts and the weighted average interest rates associated with our derivatives designated as hedging instruments were as follows (in millions, except weighted average rates):
Pay | Receive | ||||||||||||||||||||
Aggregate notional amount | Fixed or variable rate | Weighted average rate | Aggregate notional amount | Fixed or variable rate | Weighted average rate | ||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps, fair value hedge | $ | 1,500 | Variable | 4.66 | % | $ | 1,500 | Fixed | 6.25 | % |
The effect on our consolidated statements of operations resulting from changes in the fair values of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges was as follows (in millions):
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
Statement of operations classification | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||
Loss associated with effective portion | Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized | $ | — | $ | (4 | ) | $ | (5 | ) | |||||
Gain associated with effective portion | Other, net | — | — | 6 | ||||||||||
Loss associated with terminations | Other, net | — | (14 | ) | — |
The balance sheet classification and aggregate carrying amount of our derivatives designated as hedging instruments, measured at fair value, were as follows (in millions):
December 31, | ||||||||||
Balance sheet classification | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||||
Interest rate swaps, fair value hedges | Other current assets | $ | 4 | $ | — | |||||
Interest rate swaps, fair value hedges | Other assets | 11 | — |
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Note 14—Postemployment Benefit Plans
Defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement employee benefit plans
Overview—We maintain a single qualified defined benefit pension plan in the U.S. (the “U.S. Plan”) covering substantially all U.S. employees. We also maintain a funded supplemental benefit plan (the “Supplemental Plan”) that offers benefits to certain employees that are ineligible for benefits under the U.S. Plan and two unfunded supplemental benefit plans (the “Other Supplemental Plans”) that provide certain eligible employees with benefits in excess of those allowed under the U.S. Plan. Additionally, we maintain two funded and two unfunded defined benefit plans (collectively, the “Frozen Plans”) that we assumed in connection with our mergers with GlobalSantaFe and R&B Falcon Corporation, all of which were frozen prior to the respective mergers and for which benefits no longer accrue but the pension obligations have not been fully distributed. We refer to the U.S. Plan, the Supplemental Plan, the Other Supplemental Plans and the Frozen Plans, collectively, as the “U.S. Plans.”
We maintain a defined benefit plan in the U.K. (the “U.K. Plan”) covering certain current and former employees in the U.K. We also provide seven funded defined benefit plans, primarily group pension schemes with life insurance companies, three of which we assumed in connection with our acquisition of Aker Drilling, and two unfunded plans covering our eligible Norway employees and former employees (the “Norway Plans”). We also maintain unfunded defined benefit plans (the “Other Plans”) that provide retirement and severance benefits for certain of our Indonesian, Nigerian and Egyptian employees. We refer to the U.K. Plan, the Norway Plans and the Other Plans, collectively, as the “Non-U.S. Plans.”
We refer to the U.S. Plans and the Non-U.S. Plans, collectively, as the “Transocean Plans”. Additionally, we have several unfunded contributory and noncontributory other postretirement employee benefit plans (the “OPEB Plans”) covering substantially all of our U.S. employees.
In June 2014, we committed to freeze benefits of our qualified defined benefit pension plan in the U.S., which covers substantially all U.S. employees, and one of our unfunded supplemental benefit plans. In September and December 2014, we recognized settlement and curtailment charges for two of our unfunded defined benefit plans in Nigeria and Egypt associated with certain employee terminations.
In October 2014, the Society of Actuaries released new actuarial tables for applying mortality rate assumptions to measure the obligations for qualified defined benefit pension plans. We have applied the new actuarial tables in connection with measuring the funded status of our pension plans as of December 31, 2014, and such application resulted in an increase of $121 million to our measured liability.
Assumptions—We estimated our benefit obligations using the following weighted-average assumptions:
December 31, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | OPEB Plans | U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | OPEB Plans | |||||||||||||||||||
Discount rate | 4.15 | % | 3.13 | % | 3.86 | % | 5.01 | % | 4.92 | % | 4.54 | % | ||||||||||||
Compensation trend rate | 3.82 | % | 3.72 | % | n/a | 4.24 | % | 4.57 | % | n/a |
We estimated our net periodic benefit costs using the following weighted-average assumptions:
Year ended December 31, 2014 | Year ended December 31, 2013 | Year ended December 31, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | OPEB Plans | U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | OPEB Plans | U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | OPEB Plans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Discount rate | 5.04 | % | 4.41 | % | 4.54 | % | 4.19 | % | 5.13 | % | 3.39 | % | 4.67 | % | 5.43 | % | 4.27 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Expected rate of return | 7.18 | % | 6.07 | % | n/a | 7.48 | % | 5.79 | % | n/a | 7.47 | % | 6.07 | % | n/a | |||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation trend rate | 4.13 | % | 4.25 | % | n/a | 4.22 | % | 4.21 | % | n/a | 4.22 | % | 4.61 | % | n/a | |||||||||||||||||||||
Health care cost trend rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
-initial | n/a | n/a | 7.81 | % | n/a | n/a | 8.07 | % | n/a | n/a | 8.08 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
-ultimate | n/a | n/a | 5.00 | % | n/a | n/a | 5.00 | % | n/a | n/a | 5.00 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
-ultimate year | n/a | n/a | 2020 | n/a | n/a | 2020 | n/a | n/a | 2019 |
______________________________
“n/a” means not applicable. |
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Funded status—The changes in projected benefit obligation, plan assets and funded status and the amounts recognized on our consolidated balance sheets were as follows (in millions):
Year ended December 31, 2014 | Year ended December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | OPEB Plans | Total | U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | OPEB Plans | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in projected benefit obligation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period | $ | 1,380 | $ | 573 | $ | 53 | $ | 2,006 | $ | 1,452 | $ | 499 | $ | 58 | $ | 2,009 | ||||||||||||||||
Actuarial (gains) losses, net | 343 | 103 | 5 | 451 | (147 | ) | 55 | (7 | ) | (99 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost | 39 | 29 | 1 | 69 | 55 | 27 | 1 | 83 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest cost | 64 | 27 | 2 | 93 | 63 | 25 | 2 | 90 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Currency exchange rate changes | — | (57 | ) | — | (57 | ) | — | (11 | ) | — | (11 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Benefits paid | (48 | ) | (48 | ) | (4 | ) | (100 | ) | (45 | ) | (28 | ) | (3 | ) | (76 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Participant contributions | — | 1 | 2 | 3 | — | 2 | 2 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special termination benefits | 1 | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Settlements and curtailments | (187 | ) | 1 | — | (186 | ) | 1 | 4 | — | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Projected benefit obligation, end of period | 1,592 | 629 | 59 | 2,280 | 1,380 | 573 | 53 | 2,006 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in plan assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period | 1,116 | 481 | — | 1,597 | 948 | 422 | — | 1,370 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Actual return on plan assets | 160 | 37 | — | 197 | 149 | 45 | — | 194 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Currency exchange rate changes | — | (39 | ) | — | (39 | ) | — | (10 | ) | — | (10 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Employer contributions | 43 | 56 | 2 | 101 | 64 | 50 | 1 | 115 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Participant contributions | — | 1 | 2 | 3 | — | 2 | 2 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Benefits paid | (48 | ) | (48 | ) | (4 | ) | (100 | ) | (45 | ) | (28 | ) | (3 | ) | (76 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Fair value of plan assets, end of period | 1,271 | 488 | — | 1,759 | 1,116 | 481 | — | 1,597 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Funded status, end of period | $ | (321 | ) | $ | (141 | ) | $ | (59 | ) | $ | (521 | ) | $ | (264 | ) | $ | (92 | ) | $ | (53 | ) | $ | (409 | ) | ||||||||
Balance sheet classification, end of period: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pension asset, non-current | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 8 | $ | — | $ | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
Accrued pension liability, current | (3 | ) | — | (4 | ) | (7 | ) | (2 | ) | (23 | ) | (4 | ) | (29 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Accrued pension liability, non-current | (318 | ) | (141 | ) | (55 | ) | (514 | ) | (262 | ) | (77 | ) | (49 | ) | (388 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (a) | (261 | ) | (199 | ) | (4 | ) | (464 | ) | (198 | ) | (114 | ) | 1 | (311 | ) |
______________________________
(a) | Amounts are before income tax effect. |
The aggregate projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets were as follows (in millions):
December 31, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | OPEB Plans | Total | U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | OPEB Plans | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Projected benefit obligation | $ | 1,592 | $ | 629 | $ | 59 | $ | 2,280 | $ | 1,380 | $ | 573 | $ | 53 | $ | 2,006 | ||||||||||||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 1,271 | 488 | — | 1,759 | 1,116 | 481 | — | 1,597 |
The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $2.1 billion and $1.7 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The aggregate accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets were as follows (in millions):
December 31, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | OPEB Plans | Total | U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | OPEB Plans | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated benefit obligation | $ | 1,588 | $ | 553 | $ | 59 | $ | 2,200 | $ | 1,210 | $ | 374 | $ | 53 | $ | 1,637 | ||||||||||||||||
Fair value of plan assets | 1,271 | 488 | — | 1,759 | 1,116 | 351 | — | 1,467 |
Plan assets—We periodically review our investment policies, plan assets and asset allocation strategies to evaluate performance relative to specified objectives. In determining our asset allocation strategies for the U.S. Plans, we review the results of regression models to assess the most appropriate target allocation for each plan, given the plan’s status, demographics and duration. For the U.K. Plans, the plan trustees establish the asset allocation strategies consistent with the regulations of the U.K. pension regulators and in consultation with financial advisors and company representatives. Investment managers for the U.S. Plans and the U.K. Plan are given established ranges within which the investments may deviate from the target allocations. For the Norway Plans, we establish minimum rates of return under the terms of investment contracts with insurance companies.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the weighted-average target and actual allocations of the investments for our funded Transocean Plans were as follows:
December 31, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Target allocation | Actual allocation | Target allocation | Actual allocation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity securities | 50 | % | 53 | % | 49 | % | 52 | % | 63 | % | 51 | % | 68 | % | 53 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Fixed income securities | 50 | % | 15 | % | 51 | % | 19 | % | 37 | % | 15 | % | 32 | % | 17 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Other investments | — | 32 | % | — | 29 | % | — | 34 | % | — | 30 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % | 100 | % |
As of December 31, 2014, the investments for our funded Transocean Plans were categorized as follows (in millions):
December 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Significant observable inputs | Significant other observable inputs | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | Transocean Plans | U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | Transocean Plans | U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | Transocean Plans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mutual funds | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. equity funds | $ | 500 | $ | — | $ | 500 | $ | — | $ | 43 | $ | 43 | $ | 500 | $ | 43 | $ | 543 | ||||||||||||||||||
Non-U.S. equity funds | 113 | — | 113 | 3 | 211 | 214 | 116 | 211 | 327 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bond funds | 651 | — | 651 | — | 94 | 94 | 651 | 94 | 745 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total mutual funds | 1,264 | — | 1,264 | 3 | 348 | 351 | 1,267 | 348 | 1,615 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and money market funds | 4 | 3 | 7 | — | — | — | 4 | 3 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Property collective trusts | — | — | — | — | 19 | 19 | — | 19 | 19 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment contracts | — | — | — | — | 118 | 118 | — | 118 | 118 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total other investments | 4 | 3 | 7 | — | 137 | 137 | 4 | 140 | 144 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total investments | $ | 1,268 | $ | 3 | $ | 1,271 | $ | 3 | $ | 485 | $ | 488 | $ | 1,271 | $ | 488 | $ | 1,759 |
As of December 31, 2013, the investments for our funded Transocean Plans were categorized as follows (in millions):
December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Significant observable inputs | Significant other observable inputs | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | Transocean Plans | U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | Transocean Plans | U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | Transocean Plans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mutual funds | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. equity funds | $ | 610 | $ | — | $ | 610 | $ | — | $ | 43 | $ | 43 | $ | 610 | $ | 43 | $ | 653 | ||||||||||||||||||
Non-U.S. equity funds | 141 | — | 141 | 3 | 209 | 212 | 144 | 209 | 353 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bond funds | 357 | — | 357 | — | 83 | 83 | 357 | 83 | 440 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total mutual funds | 1,108 | — | 1,108 | 3 | 335 | 338 | 1,111 | 335 | 1,446 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other investments | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and money market funds | 5 | 1 | 6 | — | — | — | 5 | 1 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Property collective trusts | — | — | — | — | 15 | 15 | — | 15 | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment contracts | — | — | — | — | 130 | 130 | — | 130 | 130 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total other investments | 5 | 1 | 6 | — | 145 | 145 | 5 | 146 | 151 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total investments | $ | 1,113 | $ | 1 | $ | 1,114 | $ | 3 | $ | 480 | $ | 483 | $ | 1,116 | $ | 481 | $ | 1,597 |
The U.S. Plans and the U.K. Plan invest primarily in passively managed funds that reference market indices. The funded Norway Plans are subject to contractual terms under selected insurance programs. Each plan’s investment managers have discretion to select the securities held within each asset category. Given this discretion, the managers may occasionally invest in our debt or equity securities, and may hold either long or short positions in such securities. As the plan investment managers are required to maintain well diversified portfolios, the actual investment in our securities would be immaterial relative to asset categories and the overall plan assets.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Net periodic benefit costs—Net periodic benefit costs, before tax, included the following components (in millions):
Year ended December 31, 2014 | Year ended December 31, 2013 | Year ended December 31, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | Transocean Plans | U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | Transocean Plans | U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | Transocean Plans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 39 | $ | 29 | $ | 68 | $ | 55 | $ | 27 | $ | 82 | $ | 49 | $ | 31 | $ | 80 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest cost | 64 | 27 | 91 | 63 | 25 | 88 | 59 | 24 | 83 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | (75 | ) | (28 | ) | (103 | ) | (70 | ) | (25 | ) | (95 | ) | (62 | ) | (22 | ) | (84 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Settlements and curtailments | (7 | ) | 3 | (4 | ) | 2 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 19 | 22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special termination benefits | — | — | — | 1 | — | 1 | 1 | — | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Actuarial losses, net | 17 | 5 | 22 | 45 | 3 | 48 | 41 | 4 | 45 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prior service cost, net | (1 | ) | — | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | 1 | — | (2 | ) | 1 | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net periodic benefit costs | $ | 37 | $ | 36 | $ | 73 | $ | 95 | $ | 34 | $ | 129 | $ | 89 | $ | 57 | $ | 146 |
For the OPEB Plans, the combined components of net periodic benefit costs, including service cost, interest cost, recognized net actuarial losses, prior service cost amortization and special termination benefits were $2 million, $3 million and $3 million in the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The following table presents the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income, before tax, that have not been recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs (in millions):
December 31, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | OPEB Plans | Total | U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | OPEB Plans | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Actuarial loss, net | $ | 261 | $ | 199 | $ | 5 | $ | 465 | $ | 205 | $ | 116 | $ | 1 | $ | 322 | ||||||||||||||||
Prior service cost, net | — | — | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | (7 | ) | — | (2 | ) | (9 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Transition obligation, net | — | — | — | — | — | (2 | ) | — | (2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 261 | $ | 199 | $ | 4 | $ | 464 | $ | 198 | $ | 114 | $ | (1 | ) | $ | 311 |
The following table presents the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs during the year ending December 31, 2015 (in millions):
Year ending December 31, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||
U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | OPEB Plans | Total | |||||||||||||
Actuarial loss, net | $ | 28 | $ | 10 | $ | — | $ | 38 | ||||||||
Prior service cost, net | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Transition obligation, net | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Total amount expected to be recognized | $ | 28 | $ | 10 | $ | — | $ | 38 |
Funding contributions—In the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we contributed $101 million, $115 million and $159 million, respectively, to the Transocean Plans and the OPEB Plans using our cash flows from operations. For the year ending December 31, 2015, we expect to contribute $29 million to the Transocean Plans, and we expect to fund benefit payments of approximately $4 million for the OPEB Plans as costs are incurred.
Benefit payments—The following were the projected benefits payments (in millions):
U.S. Plans | Non-U.S. Plans | OPEB Plans | Total | ||||||||||||
Years ending December 31, | |||||||||||||||
2015 | $ | 53 | $ | 7 | $ | 4 | $ | 64 | |||||||
2016 | 57 | 9 | 4 | 70 | |||||||||||
2017 | 61 | 11 | 4 | 76 | |||||||||||
2018 | 65 | 11 | 4 | 80 | |||||||||||
2019 | 69 | 12 | 4 | 85 | |||||||||||
2020-2024 | 395 | 96 | 20 | 511 |
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Defined contribution plans
At December 31, 2014, we sponsored two defined contribution plans, including (1) one qualified defined contribution savings plan covering certain employees working in the U.S. (the “U.S. Savings Plan”) and (2) one defined contribution savings plan covering certain employees working outside the U.S. (the “Non-U.S. Savings Plan”). In the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recognized expense of $84 million, $88 million and $85 million, respectively, related to our defined contribution plans.
For the U.S. Savings Plan, we make a matching contribution of up to 6.0 percent of each participant’s base salary based on the participant’s contribution to the plan. Effective January 1, 2015, we will make a matching contribution of up to 10.0 percent of each participant’s base salary based on the participant’s contribution to the plan. Also, effective January 1, 2015, we have established a supplemental defined contribution plan that provides certain eligible employees with benefits in excess of those allowed under the U.S. Savings Plan.
For the Non-U.S. Savings Plan, in addition to a matching contribution of up to 6.0 percent of each participant’s base salary based on the participant’s contribution to the plans, we contribute between 4.5 percent and 6.5 percent of each participant’s base salary, based on the participant’s years of eligible service.
Note 15—Commitments and Contingencies
Lease obligations
We have operating lease obligations expiring at various dates, principally for real estate, office space and office equipment. In the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, our rental expense for all operating leases, including operating leases with terms of less than one year, was approximately $95 million, $128 million and $97 million, respectively.
We also have a capital lease obligation, which is due to expire in August 2029. In each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, depreciation expense associated with Petrobras 10000, the asset held under capital lease, was $21 million, $20 million and $20 million, respectively. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate carrying amount of this asset held under capital lease was as follows (in millions):
December 31, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Property and equipment, cost | $ | 780 | $ | 752 | ||||
Accumulated depreciation | (105 | ) | (84 | ) | ||||
Property and equipment, net | $ | 675 | $ | 668 |
As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate future minimum rental payments related to our non-cancellable operating leases and the capital lease were as follows (in millions):
Capital lease | Operating leases | |||||||
Years ending December 31, | ||||||||
2015 | $ | 65 | $ | 23 | ||||
2016 | 71 | 20 | ||||||
2017 | 72 | 10 | ||||||
2018 | 72 | 8 | ||||||
2019 | 72 | 7 | ||||||
Thereafter | 694 | 62 | ||||||
Total future minimum rental payment | 1,046 | $ | 130 | |||||
Less amount representing imputed interest | (431 | ) | ||||||
Present value of future minimum rental payments under capital leases | 615 | |||||||
Less current portion included in debt due within one year | (21 | ) | ||||||
Long-term capital lease obligation | $ | 594 |
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Purchase obligations
At December 31, 2014, the aggregate future payments required under our purchase obligations, primarily related to our newbuild construction programs, were as follows (in millions):
Purchase obligations | ||||
Years ending December 31, | ||||
2015 | $ | 1,439 | ||
2016 | 1,355 | |||
2017 | 928 | |||
2018 | 851 | |||
Total | $ | 4,573 |
Macondo well incident settlement obligations
Overview—On April 22, 2010, the Ultra-Deepwater Floater Deepwater Horizon sank after a blowout of the Macondo well caused a fire and explosion on the rig. Eleven persons were declared dead and others were injured as a result of the incident. At the time of the explosion, Deepwater Horizon was located approximately 41 miles off the coast of Louisiana in Mississippi Canyon Block 252 and was contracted to an affiliate of BP plc. (together with its affiliates, “BP”).
On January 3, 2013, we reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) to resolve certain outstanding civil and potential criminal charges against us arising from the Macondo well incident. As part of this resolution, we agreed to a guilty plea (“Plea Agreement”) and a civil consent decree (“Consent Decree”) by which, among other things, we agreed to pay $1.4 billion in fines, recoveries and civil penalties, excluding interest, in scheduled payments through February 2017. On February 25, 2013, we and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) entered into an administrative agreement (the “EPA Agreement”), which resolved all matters relating to suspension, debarment and statutory disqualification arising from the Plea Agreement. We agreed that payments made pursuant to the Plea Agreement or the Consent Decree are not deductible for tax purposes and that payments made pursuant to the Consent Decree are not to be used as a basis for indemnity or reimbursement from BP or other non-insurer defendants named in the complaint by the U.S.
Plea Agreement—Pursuant to the Plea Agreement, which was accepted by the court on February 14, 2013, one of our subsidiaries pled guilty to one misdemeanor count of negligently discharging oil into the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, in violation of the Clean Water Act (“CWA”) and agreed to be subject to probation through February 2018.
We also agreed to pay a criminal fine of $100 million and to consent to the entry of an order requiring us to pay a total of $150 million to the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation and $150 million to the National Academy of Sciences. In the year ended December 31, 2014, we made an aggregate cash payment of $60 million in satisfaction of amounts due under the Plea Agreement, including $53 million to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and $7 million to the National Academy of Sciences. In the year ended December 31, 2013, we made an aggregate cash payment of $160 million in satisfaction of amounts due under the Plea Agreement, including $100 million for the payment of the criminal fine, $58 million for the initial payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and $2 million for the initial payment to the National Academy of Sciences.
The DOJ agreed, subject to the provisions of the Plea Agreement, not to further prosecute us for certain conduct generally regarding matters under investigation by the DOJ’s Deepwater Horizon Task Force. In addition, we agreed to continue to cooperate with the Deepwater Horizon Task Force in any ongoing investigation related to or arising from the accident.
Consent Decree—Pursuant to the Consent Decree, which was approved by the court on February 19, 2013, we agreed to pay $1.0 billion in civil penalties, excluding interest. In the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we paid $412 million and $404 million, respectively, including interest at a rate of 2.15 percent, in satisfaction of amounts due under the Consent Decree. See Note 27—Subsequent Events.
We also agreed to take specified actions relating to operations in U.S. waters. Such actions include, among other things, the design and implementation of, and compliance with, additional systems and procedures; blowout preventer certification and reports; measures to strengthen well control competencies, drilling monitoring, recordkeeping, incident reporting, risk management and oil spill training, exercises and response planning; communication with operators; alarm systems; transparency and responsibility for matters relating to the Consent Decree; and technology innovation, with a primary emphasis on blowout preventers. The Consent Decree requires the submission of certain plans, reports and submissions acceptable to the U.S. and also requires certain publicly available filings. One of the required plans is a performance plan (the “Performance Plan”) that contains, among other things, interim milestones for actions in specified areas and schedules for reports required under the Consent Decree. On January 2, 2014, the DOJ approved our proposed Performance Plan.
The Consent Decree also provides for the appointment of (i) an independent auditor to review, audit and report on our compliance with the injunctive provisions of the Consent Decree and (ii) an independent process safety consultant to review, report on and assist with the process safety aspects of the Consent Decree, including operational risk identification and risk management. On March 31, 2014, the DOJ approved the appointment of Labyrinth Group to act as the independent auditor. On May 12, 2014, the DOJ approved the appointment of Mr. Malcolm Sharples as the independent process safety consultant.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Under the terms of the Consent Decree, the U.S. agreed not to sue Transocean Ltd., certain of our subsidiaries and certain related individuals for civil or administrative penalties for the Macondo well incident under specified provisions of the CWA, the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (“OCSLA”), the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (“EPCRA”) and the Clean Air Act. In addition, the Consent Decree resolved our appeal of the incidents of noncompliance under the OCSLA issued by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement on October 12, 2011 without any admission of liability by us, and we subsequently dismissed our appeal.
We may request termination of the Consent Decree after we have: (i) completed timely the civil penalty payment requirements of the Consent Decree; (ii) operated under the approved Performance Plan through the five-year performance period ending January 2, 2019; (iii) complied with the terms of the Performance Plan and certain provisions of the Consent Decree, generally relating to a framework and outline of measures to improve performance, for at least 12 consecutive months prior to seeking termination; and (iv) complied with the other requirements of the Consent Decree, including payment of any stipulated penalties and compliance reporting.
EPA Agreement—On February 25, 2013, we and the EPA entered into the EPA Agreement which has a five-year term. Subject to our compliance with the terms of the EPA Agreement, the EPA agreed that it will not suspend, debar or statutorily disqualify us and will lift any existing suspension, debarment or statutory disqualification. In the EPA Agreement, we agreed to, among other things, (i) comply with our obligations under the Plea Agreement and the Consent Decree; (ii) continue the implementation of certain programs and systems, including the scheduled revision of our environmental management system and maintenance of certain compliance and ethics programs; (iii) comply with certain employment and contracting procedures; (iv) engage an independent compliance auditor to, among other things, assess and report to the EPA on our compliance with the terms of the Plea Agreement, the Consent Decree and the EPA Agreement; and (v) give reports and notices with respect to various matters, including those relating to compliance, misconduct, legal proceedings, audit reports, the EPA Agreement, the Consent Decree and the Plea Agreement. Subject to certain exceptions, the EPA Agreement prohibits us from entering into, extending or engaging in certain business relationships with individuals or entities that are debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment or similarly restricted.
Future settlement obligation payments—At December 31, 2014, the aggregate future payments required under our outstanding settlement obligations under the Plea Agreement and the Consent Decree, excluding interest, were as follows (in millions):
Plea Agreement | Consent Decree | Settlement obligations | ||||||||||
Years ending December 31, | ||||||||||||
2015 | 60 | 200 | 260 | |||||||||
2016 | 60 | — | 60 | |||||||||
2017 | 60 | — | 60 | |||||||||
Total settlement obligations | $ | 180 | $ | 200 | $ | 380 |
Macondo well incident contingencies
Overview—We have recognized a liability for estimated loss contingencies associated with litigation and investigations resulting from the incident that we believe are probable and for which a reasonable estimate can be made. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the liability for estimated loss contingencies that we believe are probable and for which a reasonable estimate can be made was $426 million and $464 million, respectively, recorded in other current liabilities. The litigation and investigations also give rise to certain loss contingencies that we believe are either reasonably possible or probable but for which we do not believe a reasonable estimate can be made. Although we have not recognized a liability for such loss contingencies, these contingencies could result in liabilities that we ultimately recognize.
We have also recognized an asset associated with the portion of our estimated losses, primarily related to the personal injury and fatality claims of our crew and vendors, that we believe is probable of recovery from insurance. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the insurance recoverable asset was $10 million, recorded in other assets. Although we have available policy limits that could result in additional amounts recoverable from insurance, recovery of such additional amounts is not probable and we are not currently able to estimate such amounts (see “—Insurance coverage”). Our estimates involve a significant amount of judgment. As a result of new information or future developments, we may increase our estimated loss contingencies arising out of the Macondo well incident or reduce our estimated recoveries from insurance, and the resulting losses could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Multidistrict litigation proceeding—Most of the Macondo well related claims have been consolidated by the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation and transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana (the “MDL Court”) for pretrial purposes if they were not filed originally in that court. These claims include, inter alia, claims by private parties represented by the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (the “PSC”), claims by state and local governments, and the claims of the U.S. As of December 31, 2014, the MDL Court has completed two phases of a trial, and additional litigation is ongoing.
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Phase One trial—The MDL Court held the Phase One trial between February and April 2013, and entered its Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (the “Phase One Ruling”) on September 4, 2014. The trial addressed the claims, cross claims, and counter-claims asserted in our petition to limit liability under the Limitation of Liability Act and the claims asserted by the DOJ in its civil complaint against various defendants. The trial focused on fault issues, including negligence and gross negligence; other bases of liability of the various defendants with respect to the cause of the blowout and the initiation of the oil spill; and fault allocation among the defendants. The Phase One Ruling concluded that BP was grossly negligent and reckless and 67 percent at fault for the blowout, explosion, and spill; that Transocean was negligent and 30 percent at fault; and that Halliburton Company (“Halliburton”) was negligent and three percent at fault.
The finding that Transocean was negligent, but not grossly negligent, means that we are not liable for punitive damages. Because the MDL Court found we were not grossly negligent, it concluded that BP’s contractual agreement to indemnify us for compensatory damages caused by pollution that did not originate on or above the surface of the water is valid and enforceable. The MDL Court also ruled that BP’s contractual agreement to release its own claims against us is valid and enforceable. This release bars the PSC from pursuing claims that have purportedly been assigned to it by BP in a settlement reached between BP and the PSC prior to the Phase One trial (see “—Impact of the BP/PSC settlement on pending claims.").
The MDL Court’s rulings include a number of Transocean-specific findings and conclusions. The MDL Court found that the Deepwater Horizon’s crew was negligent in its conduct of a negative pressure test, which was intended, among other things, to test the integrity of the cement in the well, and in certain well control decisions in the hour before the blowout. The MDL Court found three other bases for imposing negligence liability on Transocean as follows: (1) the crew’s improper diversion of fluids that had entered the riser to the rig’s mud-gas separator instead of overboard; (2) the crew’s failure to properly maintain the blowout preventer; and (3) the master’s failure to timely activate the Emergency Disconnect System as a consequence of an ambiguous command structure. The MDL Court held that these three failures were “within Transocean’s privity and knowledge.” As a result, the MDL Court held that Transocean Holdings LLC, Transocean Deepwater Inc., and Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc., three of our wholly owned subsidiaries, could not limit their liability under the Limitation of Liability Act. Under the MDL Court’s ruling, however, we are entitled to indemnity from BP for any compensatory damages caused by pollution that did not originate on or above the surface of the water.
The MDL Court also concluded that we were an “operator” of the Macondo well for purposes of 33 U.S.C. § 2704(c)(3), a provision of the Oil Pollution Act (“OPA”) that permits government entities to recover removal costs by owners and operators of a facility or vessel that caused a discharge. The MDL Court, however, reiterated that “Transocean’s liability to government entities for removal costs is ultimately shifted to BP by virtue of contractual indemnity.”
The MDL Court released two Transocean entities from liability under general maritime law. First, the MDL Court held that Transocean Ltd. was not liable under general maritime law. The MDL Court also granted a motion for judgment on partial findings by Triton Asset Leasing GmbH, the entity that owned Deepwater Horizon and our wholly owned subsidiary, on the grounds that any negligence or unseaworthiness that caused the blowout arose after the bareboat charter commenced.
Following the Phase One Ruling, BP filed a motion to amend the Phase One Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, alter or amend the judgment, or for a new trial, alleging the MDL Court made errors in its conclusions about the causes of the failure of the cement in the well. The MDL Court denied the motion.
The Phase One Ruling did not quantify damages or result in a final monetary judgment. However, because it is a determination of liability under maritime law, the Phase One Ruling is appealable, and BP, the PSC, Transocean, Halliburton and the State of Alabama have all appealed or cross-appealed aspects of the ruling. We can provide no assurances as to the outcome of these appeals, as to the timing of any further rulings, or that we will not enter into additional settlements as to some or all of the matters related to the Macondo well incident, including those to be determined at a trial, or the timing or terms of any such settlements.
Phase Two trial—The Phase Two of the trial occurred between September 30, 2013 and October 17, 2013. The first segment of the trial addressed BP’s conduct related to stopping the release of hydrocarbons after April 22, 2010, and the second segment addressed quantification of the amount of oil discharged. We participated in the first segment of trial, but were not a party to the second segment because the ruling as to the quantification of oil primarily relates to setting the statutory maximum civil penalty under the CWA, and we have settled the DOJ’s CWA penalty claim against us.
Pending claims—As of December 31, 2014, approximately 1,400 actions or claims were pending against us, along with other unaffiliated defendants. These claims were originally filed in various state and federal courts, and most have been consolidated in the MDL Court. Additionally, government agencies have initiated investigations into the Macondo well incident. We have categorized below the nature of these claims. We are vigorously defending all claims and pursuing any and all defenses available.
Wrongful death and personal injury claims—As of December 31, 2014, we and certain of our subsidiaries have been named, along with unaffiliated defendants, in nine complaints that were pending in state and federal courts in Louisiana and Texas involving multiple plaintiffs that allege wrongful death and other personal injuries arising out of the Macondo well incident. Nine complaints involve fatalities and 63 complaints seek recovery for bodily injuries. Per the order of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, all claims but one have been centralized for discovery purposes in the MDL Court. The complaints by our employees or representatives of our employees generally allege negligence, unseaworthiness and gross negligence and seek maintenance and cure under the Jones Act and general maritime law and are seeking awards of unspecified economic damages and punitive damages. BP, MI-SWACO, Weatherford International Ltd. and Cameron International Corporation (“Cameron”) and certain of their affiliates, have, based on contractual arrangements, also made indemnity demands upon us with respect to personal injury and wrongful death claims asserted by our employees or representatives of our employees against these entities. See “—Contractual indemnity.”
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Economic loss and punitive damages claims—As of December 31, 2014, we and certain of our subsidiaries were named, along with other unaffiliated defendants, in 986 pending individual complaints as well as 190 putative class-action complaints that were filed in the federal and state courts in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida and possibly other courts. Most of these complaints have been consolidated in the MDL Court. The complaints generally allege, among other things, economic losses as a result of environmental pollution arising out of the Macondo well incident and are based primarily on OPA, state OPA analogues, and/or general maritime law. The plaintiffs are generally seeking awards of unspecified economic, compensatory and punitive damages, as well as injunctive relief. No classes have been certified at this time. Those plaintiffs who have settled their claims against BP as part of BP’s settlement with the PSC have given up their claims for compensatory damages against us, but purport to retain their claims for punitive damages (see “-Impact of BP/PSC settlement on pending claims”).
Cross-claims, counter-claims, and third party claims—Several defendants in the MDL litigation have filed cross-claims or third-party claims against us and certain of our subsidiaries. BP filed a claim seeking contribution under OPA and maritime law and seeking subrogation, and also alleging breach of contract, unseaworthiness, negligence and gross negligence. Through these claims, BP sought to recover from us damages it has paid or may pay arising from the Macondo well incident. BP also sought a declaration that it is not liable in contribution, indemnification, or otherwise to us. BP has assigned some of its claims as part of its settlement with the PSC (see “-Impact of BP/PSC settlement on pending claims”).
Certain other parties, including (a) Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (“Anadarko”), which owned a 25 percent non-operating interest in the Macondo well, (b) MOEX Offshore 2007 LLC (“MOEX”), which owned a 10 percent non-operating interest in the Macondo well, (c) Cameron, the manufacturer and designer of the blowout preventer, and (d) Halliburton, which provided cementing and mud-logging services to the operator have asserted claims seeking indemnity and contribution under various theories. BP has reached settlements with certain parties, including Anadarko, MOEX and Cameron, in which BP has agreed to indemnify those parties for certain liabilities, including compensatory damages.
We have filed cross-claims and counter-claims against BP, Halliburton, Anadarko, MOEX, certain of these parties’ affiliates, the U.S. and certain other third parties. We seek indemnity, contribution, including contribution under OPA, and subrogation under OPA, and have asserted claims for breach of warranty of workmanlike performance, strict liability for manufacturing and design defect, breach of express contract, and damages for the difference between the fair market value of Deepwater Horizon and the amount received from insurance proceeds. The Consent Decree limits our ability to seek indemnification or reimbursement with respect to payments made under the Consent Decree and dismissed our claims against the U.S. We are not pursuing arbitration on the key contractual issues with BP; instead, we are relying on the court to resolve the disputes.
Impact of BP/PSC settlement on pending claims—Before the Phase One trial, in March 2012, BP and the PSC agreed to a partial settlement related primarily to private party environmental and economic loss claims as well as response effort-related claims (the “BP/PSC Settlement”). The BP/PSC Settlement agreement provides that (i) to the extent permitted by law, BP will assign to the settlement class certain of BP’s claims against us for damages, but the settlement class cannot recover from us on those claims unless it is finally determined that we cannot recover such amounts from BP by way of indemnity or any other theory, and (ii) the settlement class releases all claims for compensatory damages against us but purports to retain claims for punitive damages against us. This provision of the settlement became effective on December 8, 2014, when the Supreme Court denied BP’s petition for certiorari seeking review of the trial court’s approval of the settlement. The Phase One Ruling, however, precludes the PSC from recovering on the claims assigned by BP to the settlement class and on the purportedly reserved punitive damages claims (see “-Phase One Trial”).
On December 21, 2012, the MDL Court granted final approval of the economic and property damage class settlement between BP and the PSC. Various parties who objected to the BP/PSC Settlement appealed the MDL Court’s final approval of the BP/PSC Settlement to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (the “Fifth Circuit”), and BP later appealed rulings challenging the manner in which the settlement has been interpreted by the MDL Court. In the appeals by BP, the Fifth Circuit ordered the MDL Court to reconsider certain rulings governing the method by which lost profits are calculated for businesses claiming economic loss, but the Fifth Circuit otherwise affirmed the district court’s interpretation of the settlement agreement. In the appeal by objectors to the settlement, the Fifth Circuit affirmed the MDL Court’s approval of the settlement. The Fifth Circuit subsequently denied BP’s petitions for rehearing in both appeals. On December 8, 2014, the Supreme Court denied BP’s petition for certiorari.
Impact of Halliburton/PSC settlement on pending claims—On September 2, 2014, Halliburton and the PSC filed a proposed settlement of the PSC’s punitive damages and assigned claims against Halliburton. The proposed agreement purports to reserve the PSC’s rights to continue pursuing assigned or punitive damages claims against us, but the MDL Court’s Phase One Ruling prevents the PSC from pursuing those claims. The propsed agreement also prohibits the PSC from settling any assigned claims against us unless we agree to release Halliburton from any claims for contribution or indemnity for amounts paid under the settlement. The proposed agreement does not impact Halliburton’s cross-claims and counter claims against us. The MDL Court has not yet approved the settlement.
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U.S. Department of Justice claims—On December 15, 2010, the DOJ filed a civil lawsuit against us and certain of our subsidiaries and other unaffiliated defendants. The complaint alleged violations under OPA and the CWA. The CWA claims for both monetary and injunctive relief have been resolved through our Consent Decree with the DOJ. See “—Macondo well incident settlement obligations.”
The Consent Decree did not resolve the rights of the U.S. with respect to other matters, including certain liabilities under OPA for Natural Resource Damages (NRD) or for removal costs. The MDL Court has held that we are not a responsible party under OPA for NRD resulting from discharge of oil from the Macondo well below the surface of the water. If this ruling is upheld on appeal, our NRD liability as a responsible party would be limited to damages arising from any discharge on or above the surface of the water. In its Phase One Ruling, the MDL Court also found that Transocean was the “operator” of the Macondo well and was therefore liable for removal costs under 33 U.S.C. § 2704(c)(3), a separate provision of OPA that permits government entities to recover removal costs from owners and operators of a facility or vessel from which oil discharges. However, the MDL Court found that “Transocean’s liability to government entities for removal costs is ultimately shifted to BP by virtue of the contractual indemnity.”
In addition to the civil complaint, the DOJ served us with civil investigative demands on December 8, 2010. These demands were part of an investigation by the DOJ to determine if we made false claims, or false statements in support of claims, in violation of the False Claims Act, in connection with the operator’s acquisition of the leasehold interest in the Mississippi Canyon Block 252, Gulf of Mexico and drilling operations on Deepwater Horizon. The resolution with the DOJ of civil and potential criminal claims did not include potential claims arising from this False Claims Act investigation. As part of the settlement discussions, however, we inquired whether the U.S. intends to pursue any actions under the False Claims Act as discussed below. In response, the DOJ sent us a letter stating that the Civil Division of the DOJ, based on facts then known, was no longer pursuing, and did not have any present intention to pursue any investigation or claims, under the False Claims Act against the various Transocean entities for their involvement in the Macondo well incident.
State and other government claims—Claims have been filed against us by over 200 state, local and foreign governments, including the States of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas; the Mexican States of Veracruz, Quintana Roo, Tamaulipas and Yucatan; the federal government of Mexico and other local governments by and on behalf of multiple towns and parishes. These governments generally assert claims under OPA, other statutory environmental state claims, general maritime law and various other common law claims. A local government master complaint also was filed in the MDL Court in which cities, municipalities, and other local government entities have joined.
The MDL Court dismissed damages claims brought under state common and statutory law and subsequently dismissed civil penalty claims brought under state statutory law. Certain Louisiana parishes appealed the dismissal of their civil penalty claims brought under Louisiana law. The Fifth Circuit affirmed the MDL Court’s dismissal of these claims, and the Supreme Court denied certiorari.
The state, local and foreign government claims include claims under OPA for economic damages, natural resource damages and removal costs. As noted above, the MDL Court concluded that we were an “operator” of the Macondo well for purposes of OPA. The MDL Court, however, reiterated that “Transocean’s liability to government entities for removal costs is ultimately shifted to BP by virtue of contractual indemnity.”
The OPA claims of the Mexican States of Veracruz, Quintana Roo, Tamaulipas and Yucatan were dismissed for failure to demonstrate that recovery under OPA was authorized by treaty or executive agreement. The MDL Court subsequently granted summary judgment on the Mexican States’ general maritime law claims on the ground that the federal government of Mexico, rather than the Mexican States, had the proprietary interest in the property and natural resources allegedly injured by the spill. The Mexican States have appealed the grant of summary judgment on their general maritime law claims to the Fifth Circuit, and the Fifth Circuit heard arguments on October 27, 2014. The claims of the federal government of Mexico remain pending, but under the Phase One Ruling, we are entitled to indemnity from BP for any compensatory damages caused by pollution that did not originate on or above the surface of the water.
In addition, by letter dated June 21, 2010, the Attorneys General of the 11 Atlantic Coast states of Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island and South Carolina informed us that their states have not sustained any damage from the Macondo well incident but they would like assurances that we will be responsible financially if damages are sustained. We responded to the letter from the Attorneys General and indicated that we intend to fulfill our obligations as a responsible party for any discharge of oil from Deepwater Horizon on or above the surface of the water, and we assume that the operator and other leaseholders will similarly fulfill their obligations under OPA for discharges from the undersea well.
The MDL Court has begun proceeding with respect to Alabama’s compensatory damages claims under OPA and general maritime law. BP has moved to strike Alabama’s demand for a jury trial, and we have joined that motion along with Halliburton. The MDL Court has not yet ruled on the motion. On November 14, 2014, the MDL Court approved a stipulation between us, Alabama, and BP in which the parties agreed that we would be excused from participating in the Alabama compensatory damages trial and in further pretrial proceedings related to that trial. Pursuant to the stipulation, we agreed not to challenge in any future proceeding the amount of compensatory damages, excluding NRD, that may be determined at the trial. The parties further agreed that the amount of damages determined at trial would fully satisfy Alabama’s compensatory damages claims under OPA and general maritime law, excluding NRD, and that certain issues, including what damages, if any, resulted from above-surface discharge, will not be determined in the Alabama compensatory damages trial.
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Natural Resources Damages Assessment—Under OPA, designated state and federal trustees are authorized to undertake a natural resources damages assessment (“NRDA”) to assess potential natural resource injuries resulting from a discharge of oil or the substantial threat of a discharge and response activities and develop and implement a plan for restoration of injured resources, if any. The trustees invite responsible parties to participate in and fund such efforts. As of December 31, 2014, we have received at least 11 such requests from government agencies. We responded to these requests and declined to participate in the funding on the grounds that we are not a responsible party for discharges from the wellhead. The NRDA trustees are proceeding with the NRDA with funding provided by BP.
Citizen suits under environmental statutes—The Center for Biological Diversity (the “Center”), a private environmental group, sued BP, us and certain of our affiliates under multiple federal environmental statutes seeking monetary penalties and injunctive relief. The MDL Court dismissed all of the claims, and in January 2013, the Fifth Circuit affirmed the dismissal with one exception: the Fifth Circuit remanded to the MDL Court the Center’s claim for injunctive relief, but not for penalties, based on BP and Transocean’s alleged failure to make certain reports about the constituents of oil spilled into the U.S. Gulf of Mexico as required by EPCRA.
In April 2014, BP and we moved for summary judgment and the Center moved for partial summary judgment against BP. It did not move for partial summary judgment against us, though it purported to reserve its right to do so in the future. The MDL Court has not indicated when it will rule on the motions.
Shareholder derivative claims—In June 2010, two shareholder derivative suits were filed in the state district court in Texas by our shareholders naming us as a nominal defendant and certain of our current and former officers and directors as defendants. These cases alleged breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, abuse of control, gross mismanagement and waste of corporate assets in connection with the Macondo well incident. One of these cases was voluntarily dismissed in December 2012 by the plaintiff, and the other was fully and finally dismissed by the state district court in August 2013 on the ground that the action must be maintained in the courts of Switzerland. The First Court of Appeals in Texas affirmed the dismissal in July 2014. No further review was sought, and the case is now closed.
Federal securities claims—On September 30, 2010, a proposed federal securities class action was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, naming us, former chief executive officers of Transocean Ltd. and one of our acquired companies as defendants. In the action, a former shareholder of the acquired company alleged that the joint proxy statement relating to our shareholder meeting in connection with the merger with the acquired company violated Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. The plaintiff claimed that the acquired company’s shareholders received inadequate consideration for their shares as a result of the alleged violations and sought compensatory and rescissory damages and attorneys’ fees on behalf of the plaintiff and the proposed class members. In connection with this action, we are obligated to pay the defense fees and costs for the individual defendants, which may be covered by our directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, subject to a deductible. On March 11, 2014, the District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed the claims as time-barred. Plaintiffs appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (“Second Circuit”) and filed an opening brief on December 19, 2014.
Wreck removal—By letter dated December 6, 2010, the U.S. Coast Guard requested that we formulate and submit a comprehensive oil removal plan to remove any diesel fuel that can be recovered from Deepwater Horizon. We have conducted a survey of the rig wreckage and have confirmed that no diesel fuel remains on the rig. The U.S. Coast Guard has not requested that we remove the rig wreckage from the sea floor. In February 2013, the U.S. Coast Guard submitted a request seeking analysis and recommendations as to the potential life of the rig’s riser and cofferdam, which are resting on the seafloor and potential remediation or removal options. We have insurance coverage for wreck removal for up to 25 percent of Deepwater Horizon’s insured value, or $140 million, with any excess wreck removal liability generally covered to the extent of our remaining excess liability limits.
Insurance coverage—At the time of the Macondo well incident, our excess liability insurance program offered aggregate insurance coverage of $950 million, excluding a $15 million deductible and a $50 million self-insured layer through our wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary. This excess liability insurance coverage consisted of a first and a second layer of $150 million each, a third and fourth layer of $200 million each and a fifth layer of $250 million. The first four excess layers have similar coverage and contractual terms, while the $250 million fifth layer is on a different policy form, which varies to some extent from the underlying coverage and contractual terms. Generally, we believe that the policy forms for all layers include coverage for personal injury and fatality claims, subject to reasonableness determinations, of our crew and vendors, for which indemnity agreements are in place as to the latter, actual and compensatory damages, punitive damages and related legal defense costs. The policy forms for the first four excess layers provide coverage for fines; however, we do not expect payments deemed to be criminal in nature to be covered by any of the layers.
In May 2010, we received notice from BP claiming an entitlement to unlimited additional insured status under our excess liability insurance program. Our insurers have also received notices from Anadarko and MOEX advising of their intent to preserve any rights they may have to our insurance policies as an additional insured under the drilling contract. In response, our wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary and our first four excess layer insurers filed declaratory judgment actions in the Houston Division of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas in May 2010 seeking a declaration that they have limited additional insured obligations to BP. We are parties to the declaratory judgment actions, which were transferred to the MDL Court for discovery and other purposes. On November 15, 2011, the MDL Court ruled that BP’s coverage rights are limited to the scope of our indemnification of BP in the drilling contract. A final judgment was entered against BP, Anadarko and MOEX, and BP appealed. On March 1, 2013, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an opinion reversing the decision of the MDL Court, and holding that BP is an unrestricted additional insured under the policies issued by our wholly owned captive insurance company and the first four excess layer insurers. We and the insurers filed petitions for rehearing with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. On August 29, 2013, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals withdrew the March 1, 2013 opinion and certified certain insurance law questions to the Texas Supreme Court. The Texas Supreme Court accepted certification of these questions, and the oral argument was held on September 16, 2014. See Note 27—Subsequent Events.
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We believe that additional insured coverage for BP, Anadarko or MOEX under the $250 million fifth layer of our insurance program is limited to the scope of our indemnification of BP under the drilling contract. While we cannot predict the outcome of any subsequent proceedings in the Fifth Circuit, we do not expect them to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
On June 17, 2011 and July 31, 2012, our first layer and second layer of excess insurers, respectively, each representing $150 million of insurance coverage, filed interpleader actions. On February 14, 2013, the third and fourth layers, each representing $200 million of insurance coverage, filed interpleader actions substantially similar to those of the first and second layers. The insurers contend that they face multiple, and potentially competing, claims to the relevant insurance proceeds. In these actions, the insurers effectively ask the court to manage disbursement of the funds to the alleged claimants, as appropriate, and discharge the insurers of any additional liability. The parties to the first and second excess insurer interpleader actions have executed protocol agreements to facilitate the reimbursement and funding of settlements of personal injury and fatality claims of our crew and vendors (collectively, “crew claims”) using insurance funds and claims were submitted to the court for review. Following the court’s determination and approval of the amounts to be paid by the insurers with respect to the crew claims submitted by the parties, the first layer of excess insurers made reimbursement payments to the parties for crew claims during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014. We expect additional claims to be submitted to the court for a determination and approval of the amounts insurers owe. Parties to the third and fourth excess insurer interpleader actions have agreed to adjourn the deadline for responses to the pleadings to an unspecified date that will follow a decision in another action that pertains to our insurance.
Contractual indemnity—Under our drilling contract for Deepwater Horizon, BP has agreed, among other things, to assume responsibility for and defend, release and indemnify us from any loss, expense, claim, fine, penalty or liability for pollution or contamination, including control and removal thereof, arising out of or connected with operations under the contract other than those for pollution or contamination originating on or above the surface of the water from hydrocarbons or other specified substances within our control and possession, as to which we agreed to assume responsibility and protect, release and indemnify BP. Although we do not believe it is applicable to the Macondo well incident, we also agreed to indemnify and defend BP up to a limit of $15 million for claims for loss or damage to third parties arising from pollution caused by the rig while it is off the drilling location, while the rig is underway or during drive off or drift off of the rig from the drilling location. BP has also agreed, among other things, (i) to defend, release and indemnify us against loss or damage to the reservoir, and loss of property rights to oil, gas and minerals below the surface of the earth and (ii) to defend, release and indemnify us and bear the cost of bringing the well under control in the event of a blowout or other loss of control. We agreed to defend, release and indemnify BP for personal injury and death of our employees and the employees of our contractors while BP agreed to defend, release and indemnify us for personal injury and death of its employees and the employees of its contractors, other than us. We also agreed to defend, release and indemnify BP for damages to the rig and equipment, including salvage or removal costs.
BP has sought to avoid its indemnification obligations. On January 26, 2012, the MDL Court ruled that the drilling contract requires BP to indemnify us for compensatory damages sought by third parties related to pollution that did not originate from the rig on or above the surface of the water, regardless whether the claim is the result of our strict liability, negligence, or gross negligence. The MDL Court ruled that BP had a contractual duty to defend us, but that the duty to defend only required BP to reimburse our defense costs after there is a judicial determination on the merits. The MDL Court did not rule on the scope of BP’s duty to defend, although it did rule that BP is not obligated to pay the attorneys’ fees incurred by us in proving our right to indemnity. The MDL Court also held that BP does not owe us indemnity for civil penalties under the CWA or punitive damages. We subsequently agreed, as part of our Consent Decree not to seek indemnity or reimbursement of our CWA civil penalty payments from BP or the other non-insurer defendants named in the complaint by the U.S.
The MDL Court’s 2012 order deferred ruling on BP’s argument that we committed a core breach of the drilling contract or otherwise materially increased BP’s risk or prejudiced its rights so as to vitiate BP’s indemnity obligations. In the Phase One Ruling, however, the MDL Court found we were not grossly negligent and otherwise upheld the indemnities, implicitly finding no core breach of contract occurred. The impact of this ruling is that BP is obligated to indemnify us as provided for in the contract and that we are entitled to recover certain of our attorneys’ fees from BP as a result of its contractual duty to defend us.
The MDL Court has not ruled on the issue of whether contractual indemnity for criminal fines and penalties is enforceable, but the law generally considers contractual indemnity for criminal fines and penalties to be against public policy..
In its Phase One Ruling, the MDL Court noted that a finding of gross negligence against us would have invalidated BP’s release, in the drilling contract of its direct claims against us. As a result of the MDL Court’s finding of simple negligence as to us, however, the MDL Court ruled that BP’s release of its claims against us is valid and enforceable. Accordingly, the PSC is precluded from pursuing BP’s direct claims against us that were assigned to the PSC as part of the BP/PSC Settlement. This ruling, and the MDL Court’s other rulings regarding indemnity may be challenged in the pending appeals from the Phase One Ruling.
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Other legal proceedings
Asbestos litigation—In 2004, several of our subsidiaries were named, along with numerous other unaffiliated defendants, in 21 complaints filed on behalf of 769 plaintiffs in the Circuit Courts of the State of Mississippi and which claimed injuries arising out of exposure to asbestos allegedly contained in drilling mud during these plaintiffs’ employment in drilling activities between 1965 and 1986. The complaints generally allege that the defendants used or manufactured asbestos containing drilling mud additives for use in connection with drilling operations and have included allegations of negligence, products liability, strict liability and claims allowed under the Jones Act and general maritime law. In each of these cases, the complaints have named other unaffiliated defendant companies, including companies that allegedly manufactured the drilling-related products that contained asbestos. The plaintiffs generally seek awards of unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, but the court-appointed special master has ruled that a Jones Act employer defendant, such as us, cannot be sued for punitive damages. After ten years of litigation, this group of cases has been winnowed to the point where now only 15 plaintiffs’ individual claims remaining pending in Mississippi in which we have or may have an interest.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, a group of lawsuits premised on the same allegations as those in Mississippi were filed in Louisiana. As of December 31, 2014, 20 plaintiffs have claims pending against one or more of our subsidiaries in four different lawsuits in Louisiana.
We intend to defend these lawsuits vigorously, although we can provide no assurance as to the outcome. We historically have maintained broad liability insurance, although we are not certain whether insurance will cover the liabilities, if any, arising out of these claims. Based on our evaluation of the exposure to date, we do not expect the liability, if any, resulting from these claims to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
One of our subsidiaries was involved in lawsuits arising out of the subsidiary’s involvement in the design, construction and refurbishment of major industrial complexes. The operating assets of the subsidiary were sold and its operations discontinued in 1989, and the subsidiary has no remaining assets other than the insurance policies involved in its litigation, with its insurers and, either directly or indirectly through a qualified settlement fund. The subsidiary has been named as a defendant, along with numerous other companies, in lawsuits alleging bodily injury or personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos. As of December 31, 2014, the subsidiary was a defendant in approximately 902 lawsuits, some of which include multiple plaintiffs, and we estimate that there are approximately 1,702 plaintiffs in these lawsuits. For many of these lawsuits, we have not been provided with sufficient information from the plaintiffs to determine whether all or some of the plaintiffs have claims against the subsidiary, the basis of any such claims, or the nature of their alleged injuries. The first of the asbestos-related lawsuits was filed against the subsidiary in 1990. Through December 31, 2014, the costs incurred to resolve claims, including both defense fees and expenses and settlement costs, have not been material, all known deductibles have been satisfied or are inapplicable, and the subsidiary’s defense fees and expenses and settlement costs have been met by insurance made available to the subsidiary. The subsidiary continues to be named as a defendant in additional lawsuits, and we cannot predict the number of additional cases in which it may be named a defendant nor can we predict the potential costs to resolve such additional cases or to resolve the pending cases. However, the subsidiary has in excess of $1.0 billion in insurance limits potentially available to the subsidiary. Although not all of the policies may be fully available due to the insolvency of certain insurers, we believe that the subsidiary will have sufficient funding directly or indirectly from settlements and claims payments from insurers, assigned rights from insurers and coverage-in-place settlement agreements with insurers to respond to these claims. While we cannot predict or provide assurance as to the outcome of these matters, we do not believe that the ultimate liability, if any, arising from these claims will have a material impact on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Rio de Janeiro tax assessment—In the third quarter of 2006, we received tax assessments of BRL 422 million, equivalent to approximately $159 million, including interest and penalties, from the state tax authorities of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil against one of our Brazilian subsidiaries for taxes on equipment imported into the state in connection with our operations. The assessments resulted from a preliminary finding by these authorities that our record keeping practices were deficient. We currently believe that the substantial majority of these assessments are without merit. We filed an initial response with the Rio de Janeiro tax authorities on September 9, 2006 refuting these additional tax assessments. In September 2007, we received confirmation from the state tax authorities that they believe the additional tax assessments are valid, and as a result, we filed an appeal on September 27, 2007 to the state Taxpayer’s Council contesting these assessments. While we cannot predict or provide assurance as to the final outcome of these proceedings, we do not expect it to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Brazilian import license assessment—In the fourth quarter of 2010, we received an assessment from the Brazilian federal tax authorities in Rio de Janeiro of BRL 528 million, equivalent to approximately $199 million, including interest and penalties, based upon the alleged failure to timely apply for import licenses for certain equipment and for allegedly providing improper information on import license applications. We believe that a substantial majority of the assessment is without merit and are vigorously pursuing legal remedies. The case was decided partially in favor of our Brazilian subsidiary in the lower administrative court level. The decision cancelled the majority of the assessment, reducing the total assessment to BRL 35 million, equivalent to approximately $13 million. On July 14, 2011, we filed an appeal to eliminate the assessment. On May 23, 2013, a ruling was issued that eliminated all assessment amounts. A further appeal by the taxing authorities was filed in November 2014. While we cannot predict or provide assurance as to the outcome of these proceedings, we do not expect it to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
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Petrobras withholding taxes—In July 2014, we received letters from Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (“Petrobras”) informing us that the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service (the “RFB”) is assessing Petrobras for withholding taxes presumably due and unpaid on payments made in 2008 and 2009 to beneficiaries domiciled outside of Brazil in connection with the charter agreements related to work performed by its contractors, including us. Petrobras is challenging such tax assessment and has indicated that, if it loses the tax dispute, it will seek to recover from its contractors, including us, any taxes, penalties, interest and fees that Petrobras is being requested to pay. Petrobras has informed us that it has received from the RFB notices of deficiencies for BRL 283 million, equivalent to approximately $107 million, excluding penalties, interest and fees, related to work performed by us. We have informed Petrobras that we believe it has no basis for seeking reimbursement from us, and we intend to vigorously challenge any assertions to the contrary. An unfavorable outcome on these matters could result in a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Nigerian Cabotage Act litigation—In October 2007, three of our subsidiaries were each served a Notice and Demand from the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, imposing a two percent surcharge on the value of all contracts performed by us in Nigeria pursuant to the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act 2003 (the “Cabotage Act”). Our subsidiaries each filed an originating summons in the Federal High Court in Lagos challenging the imposition of this surcharge on the basis that the Cabotage Act and associated levy is not applicable to drilling rigs. The respondents challenged the competence of the suits on several procedural grounds. The court upheld the objections and dismissed the suits. In December 2010, our subsidiaries filed a new joint Cabotage Act suit. While we cannot predict or provide assurance as to the outcome of these proceedings, we do not expect it to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Other matters—We are involved in various tax matters, various regulatory matters, and a number of claims and lawsuits, asserted and unasserted, all of which have arisen in the ordinary course of our business. We do not expect the liability, if any, resulting from these other matters to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated statement of financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We cannot predict with certainty the outcome or effect of any of the litigation matters specifically described above or of any such other pending, threatened, or possible litigation or liability. We can provide no assurance that our beliefs or expectations as to the outcome or effect of any tax, regulatory, lawsuit or other litigation matter will prove correct and the eventual outcome of these matters could materially differ from management’s current estimates.
Other environmental matters
Hazardous waste disposal sites—We have certain potential liabilities under CERCLA and similar state acts regulating cleanup of various hazardous waste disposal sites, including those described below. CERCLA is intended to expedite the remediation of hazardous substances without regard to fault. Potentially responsible parties (“PRPs”) for each site include present and former owners and operators of, transporters to and generators of the substances at the site. Liability is strict and can be joint and several.
We have been named as a PRP in connection with a site located in Santa Fe Springs, California, known as the Waste Disposal, Inc. site. We and other PRPs have agreed with the EPA and the DOJ to settle our potential liabilities for this site by agreeing to perform the remaining remediation required by the EPA. The form of the agreement is a consent decree, which has been entered by the court. The parties to the settlement have entered into a participation agreement, which makes us liable for approximately eight percent of the remediation and related costs. The remediation is complete, and we believe our share of the future operation and maintenance costs of the site is not material. There are additional potential liabilities related to the site, but these cannot be quantified, and we have no reason at this time to believe that they will be material.
One of our subsidiaries has been ordered by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (“CRWQCB”) to develop a testing plan for a site known as Campus 1000 Fremont in Alhambra, California. This site was formerly owned and operated by certain of our subsidiaries. It is presently owned by an unrelated party, which has received an order to test the property. We have also been advised that one or more of our subsidiaries is likely to be named by the EPA as a PRP for the San Gabriel Valley, Area 3, Superfund site, which includes this property. Testing has been completed at the property, but no contaminants of concern were detected. In discussions with CRWQCB staff, we were advised of their intent to issue us a “no further action” letter, but it has not yet been received. Based on the test results, we would contest any potential liability. We have no knowledge at this time of the potential cost of any remediation, who else will be named as PRPs, and whether in fact any of our subsidiaries is a responsible party. The subsidiaries in question do not own any operating assets and have limited ability to respond to any liabilities.
Resolutions of other claims by the EPA, the involved state agency or PRPs are at various stages of investigation. These investigations involve determinations of:
§ | the actual responsibility attributed to us and the other PRPs at the site; |
§ | appropriate investigatory or remedial actions; and |
§ | allocation of the costs of such activities among the PRPs and other site users. |
Our ultimate financial responsibility in connection with those sites may depend on many factors, including:
§ | the volume and nature of material, if any, contributed to the site for which we are responsible; |
§ | the number of other PRPs and their financial viability; and |
§ | the remediation methods and technology to be used. |
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It is difficult to quantify with certainty the potential cost of these environmental matters, particularly in respect of remediation obligations. Nevertheless, based upon the information currently available, we believe that our ultimate liability arising from all environmental matters, including the liability for all other related pending legal proceedings, asserted legal claims and known potential legal claims which are likely to be asserted, is adequately accrued and should not have a material effect on our consolidated statement of financial position or results of operations.
Retained risk
Overview—Our hull and machinery and excess liability insurance program is comprised of commercial market and captive insurance policies that we renew annually on May 1. We periodically evaluate our insurance limits and self-insured retentions. At December 31, 2014, the insured value of our drilling rig fleet was approximately $27.8 billion, excluding our rigs under construction. We generally do not carry commercial market insurance coverage for loss of revenues, unless it is contractually required, or for losses resulting from physical damage to our fleet caused by named windstorms in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, including liability for wreck removal costs.
Hull and machinery coverage—At December 31, 2014, under the hull and machinery program, we generally maintained a $125 million per occurrence deductible, limited to a maximum of $200 million per policy period. Subject to the same shared deductible, we also had coverage for an amount equal to 50 percent of a rig’s insured value for combined costs incurred to mitigate rig damage, wreck or debris removal and collision liability. Any excess wreck or debris removal costs and excess collision liability costs are generally covered to the extent of our remaining excess liability coverage.
Excess liability coverage—At December 31, 2014, we carried excess liability coverage of $700 million in the commercial market excluding the deductibles and self-insured retention noted below, which generally covers offshore risks such as personal injury, third-party property claims, and third-party non-crew claims, including wreck removal and pollution. Our excess liability coverage had separate $10 million per occurrence deductibles on collision liability claims and $5 million per occurrence deductibles on crew personal injury claims and on other third-party non-crew claims. Through our wholly owned captive insurance company, we retained the risk of the primary $50 million excess liability coverage. In addition, we generally retained the risk for any liability losses in excess of $750 million.
Other insurance coverage—At December 31, 2014, we also carried $100 million of additional insurance that generally covers expenses that would otherwise be assumed by the well owner, such as costs to control the well, redrill expenses and pollution from the well. This additional insurance provides coverage for such expenses in circumstances in which we have legal or contractual liability arising from our gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Letters of credit and surety bonds
At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $338 million and $575 million, respectively, issued under various committed and uncommitted credit lines provided by several banks to guarantee various contract bidding, performance activities and customs obligations, including letters of credit totaling $91 million and $104 million, respectively, that we agreed to maintain in support of the operations for Shelf Drilling (see Note 7—Discontinued Operations).
As is customary in the contract drilling business, we also have various surety bonds in place that secure customs obligations relating to the importation of our rigs and certain performance and other obligations. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had outstanding surety bonds totaling $6 million.
Note 16—Noncontrolling Interest
Redeemable noncontrolling interest—Changes in redeemable noncontrolling interest were as follows (in millions):
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interest | ||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 116 | ||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | 9 | — | 13 | |||||||||
Reclassification from noncontrolling interest | 2 | — | — | |||||||||
Fair value adjustment to redeemable noncontrolling interest | — | — | 106 | |||||||||
Reclassification to accumulated other comprehensive loss | — | — | 17 | |||||||||
Reclassification to other current liabilities | — | — | (252 | ) | ||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | 11 | $ | — | $ | — |
Angola Deepwater Drilling Company Limited—We own a 65 percent interest and Angco Cayman Limited (“Angco Cayman”) owns a 35 percent interest, in ADDCL, a variable interest entity (see Note 4—Variable Interest Entities). Angco Cayman has the right to require us to purchase its shares for cash. Accordingly, we present the carrying amount of Angco Cayman’s ownership interest as redeemable noncontrolling interest on our consolidated balance sheets.
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Transocean Pacific Drilling Inc.—On October 18, 2007, one of our subsidiaries acquired a 50 percent interest in TPDI, a consolidated British Virgin Islands company formed to operate two Ultra-Deepwater Floaters, Dhirubhai Deepwater KG1 and Dhirubhai Deepwater KG2. Quantum Pacific Management Limited (“Quantum”) held the remaining 50 percent interest in TPDI. Through February 29, 2012, Quantum had the unilateral right, pursuant to a put option agreement, to exchange its 50 percent interest in TPDI for our shares or cash, at its election, at an amount based on an appraisal of the fair value of the drillships that are owned by TPDI, subject to certain adjustments. Accordingly, we presented Quantum’s interest as redeemable noncontrolling interest on our consolidated balance sheets until Quantum exercised its rights under the put option agreement.
On February 29, 2012, Quantum exercised its rights under the put option agreement to exchange its interest in TPDI for our shares or cash, at its election. Based on the redemption value of Quantum’s interest as of that date, we adjusted the carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest and reclassified Quantum’s interest to other current liabilities with a corresponding adjustment of $106 million to retained earnings within shareholders’ equity. We estimated the fair value of Quantum’s interest using significant other observable inputs, representative of a Level 2 fair value measurement, including indications of market values of the drilling units owned by TPDI.
On March 29, 2012, Quantum elected to exchange its interest in TPDI for our shares, net of Quantum’s share of TPDI’s indebtedness, as defined in the put option agreement. Quantum had the right, prior to closing of this exchange, to change its election to cash, net of Quantum’s share of TPDI’s indebtedness.
Through settlement of the exchange transactions on May 31, 2012, we measured the carrying amount of Quantum’s interest at its estimated fair value resulting in a cumulative adjustment of $25 million to increase the liability with corresponding adjustments to other expense on our consolidated statement of operations. On May 31, 2012, we issued 8.7 million shares to Quantum in a non-cash exchange for its interest in TPDI to satisfy our obligation, resulting in an adjustment of $134 million and $233 million to shares and additional paid-in capital, respectively. The adjustment included the extinguishment of the outstanding principal amount and unpaid interest associated with the TPDI Notes payable to Quantum (see Note 12—Debt). As a result of the transaction, TPDI became our wholly owned subsidiary.
Noncontrolling interest—On February 6, 2014, we formed Transocean Partners to own, operate and acquire modern, technologically advanced offshore drilling rigs. The drilling units included in the initial fleet include 51 percent ownership interest in the entities that own and operate the Ultra-Deepwater drillships Discoverer Inspiration and Discoverer Clear Leader and the Ultra-Deepwater semisubmersible Development Driller III, all of which are currently located in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico.
On July 31, 2014, we announced the pricing of an initial public offering of common units representing limited liability company interests in Transocean Partners, which began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “RIGP,” for $22.00 per unit. On August 5, 2014, we completed the initial public offering of 20.1 million common units, including the 2.6 million common units sold pursuant to the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional common units, which represented a 29.2 percent limited liability company interest in Transocean Partners. We hold the remaining 21.3 million common units and 27.6 million subordinated units, which collectively represented a 70.8 percent limited liability company interest. As a result of the offering, we received cash proceeds of $417 million, net of $26 million for underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering costs. In the year ended December 31, 2014, as a result of the transaction, we recognized a decrease of $44 million to noncontrolling interest and a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital.
On November 24, 2014, Transocean Partners declared and paid an aggregate distribution of $15 million to its unitholders of record as of November 17, 2014, of which $11 million was paid to us and was eliminated in consolidation.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, we completed transactions with holders of noncontrolling interest in other subsidiaries, and as a result, we recognized an increase of $11 million to noncontrolling interest and a corresponding decrease to additional paid-in capital.
See Note 5—Impairments.
Note 17—Shareholders’ Equity
Distributions of qualifying additional paid-in capital—In May 2014, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved the distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital in the form of a U.S. dollar denominated dividend of $3.00 per outstanding share, payable in four quarterly installments of $0.75 per outstanding share, subject to certain limitations. We do not pay the distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital with respect to our shares held in treasury or held by our subsidiary. In May 2014, we recognized a liability of $1.1 billion for the distribution payable, recorded in other current liabilities, with a corresponding entry to additional paid-in capital. On June 18, September 17 and December 17, 2014, we paid the first three installments in the aggregate amount of $816 million to shareholders of record as of May 30, August 22 and November 14, 2014, respectively. At December 31, 2014, the aggregate carrying amount of the distribution payable was $272 million.
In May 2013, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved the distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital in the form of a U.S. dollar denominated dividend of $2.24 per outstanding share, payable in four quarterly installments of $0.56 per outstanding share, subject to certain limitations. We do not pay the distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital with respect to our shares held in treasury or held by our subsidiary. In May 2013, we recognized a liability of $808 million for the distribution payable, recorded in other current liabilities, with a corresponding entry to additional paid-in capital. On June 19, September 18 and December 18, 2013, we paid the first three installments in the aggregate amount of $606 million to shareholders of record as of May 31, August 23 and November 15, 2013, respectively. At December 31, 2013, the carrying amount of the unpaid distribution payable was $202 million. On March 19, 2014, we paid the final installment in the aggregate amount of $202 million to shareholders of record as of February 21, 2014.
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In May 2011, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved the distribution of additional paid-in capital in the form of a U.S. dollar denominated dividend of $3.16 per outstanding share, payable in four installments of $0.79 per outstanding share, subject to certain limitations. On March 21, 2012, we paid the final installment in the aggregate amount of $276 million to shareholders of record as of February 24, 2012.
Share issuances—On May 31, 2012, we issued 8.7 million shares to Quantum in a non-cash exchange for its interest in TPDI. See Note 16—Noncontrolling Interest.
Shares held in treasury—In May 2009, at our annual general meeting, our shareholders approved and authorized our board of directors, at its discretion, to repurchase an amount of our shares for cancellation with an aggregate purchase price of up to CHF 3.5 billion, which is equivalent to approximately $3.5 billion, using an exchange rate of USD 1.00 to CHF 0.99 as of the close of trading on December 31, 2014. On February 12, 2010, our board of directors authorized our management to implement the share repurchase program.
During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we did not purchase any of our shares under our share repurchase program. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, we held 2.9 million shares in treasury, recorded at cost.
Shares held by subsidiary—One of our subsidiaries holds our shares for future use to satisfy our obligations to deliver shares in connection with awards granted under our incentive plans or other rights to acquire our shares. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, our subsidiary held 8.7 million shares and 10.2 million shares, respectively.
Accumulated other comprehensive loss—The changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, presented net of tax, were as follows (in millions):
Year ended December 31, 2014 | Year ended December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Defined benefit pension plans | Derivative instruments | Total | Defined benefit pension plans | Derivative instruments | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | (264 | ) | $ | 2 | $ | (262 | ) | $ | (511 | ) | $ | (10 | ) | $ | (521 | ) | |||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | (155 | ) | — | (155 | ) | 202 | (6 | ) | 196 | |||||||||||||||
Reclassifications to net income | 15 | (2 | ) | 13 | 45 | 18 | 63 | |||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net | (140 | ) | (2 | ) | (142 | ) | 247 | 12 | 259 | |||||||||||||||
Balance, end of period | $ | (404 | ) | $ | — | $ | (404 | ) | $ | (264 | ) | $ | 2 | $ | (262 | ) |
Significant reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income included the following (in millions):
Years ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
Statement of operations classification | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||
Defined benefit pension plans | |||||||||||||||
Actuarial losses | $ | 22 | $ | 48 | $ | 45 | |||||||||
Prior service costs | (1 | ) | — | (1 | ) | ||||||||||
Settlements and curtailments | (4 | ) | 1 | 3 | |||||||||||
Total amortization, before income taxes | Net periodic benefit costs (a) | 17 | 49 | 47 | |||||||||||
Income tax (benefit) expense | Income tax expense | (2 | ) | (4 | ) | (5 | ) | ||||||||
Total amortization, net of income taxes | $ | 15 | $ | 45 | $ | 42 |
_________________________ ____
(a) | We recognize the amortization of accumulated other comprehensive income components related to defined benefit pension plans in net periodic benefit costs. In the year ended December 31, 2014, the amortization components of our net periodic benefit costs were $12 million, recorded in operating and maintenance costs, and $5 million, recorded in general and administrative costs. In the year ended December 31, 2013, the amortization components of our net periodic benefit costs were $37 million, recorded in operating and maintenance costs, and $12 million, recorded in general and administrative costs. In the year ended December 31, 2012, the amortization components of our net periodic benefit costs were $31 million, recorded in operating and maintenance costs, and $16 million, recorded in general and administrative costs. See Note 14—Postemployment Benefit Plans. |
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Note 18—Share-Based Compensation Plans
Overview—We have (i) a long-term incentive plan (the “Long-Term Incentive Plan”) for executives, key employees and non-employee directors under which awards can be granted in the form of deferred units, restricted shares, stock options, stock appreciation rights and cash performance awards and (ii) other incentive plans under which awards are currently outstanding. Awards that may be granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan include time-vesting awards (“time-based awards”) and awards that are earned based on the achievement of certain performance criteria (“performance-based awards”) or market factors (“market-based awards”). Our executive compensation committee of our board of directors determines the terms and conditions of the awards granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan. As of December 31, 2014, we had 36.0 million shares authorized and 6.1 million shares available to be granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan.
Time-based awards typically vest either in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary date of the grant or in an aggregate installment at the end of the stated vesting period. Performance-based and market-based awards are typically awarded subject to either a two-year or a three-year measurement period during which the number of options, shares or deferred units remains uncertain. At the end of the measurement period, the awarded number of options, shares or deferred units is determined (the “determination date”) subject to the stated vesting period. The performance-based and market-based awards generally vest in one aggregate installment following the determination date. Once vested, stock options and stock appreciation rights generally have a 10-year term during which they are exercisable.
As of December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation costs related to all unvested share-based awards were $90 million, which are expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years. In the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we recognized additional share-based compensation expense of $9 million, $22 million and $4 million, respectively, in connection with modifications of share-based awards.
Option valuation assumptions—We estimated the fair value of each option award under the Long-Term Incentive Plan on the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | |||||||||
Dividend yield | 2% | — | ||||||||
Expected price volatility | 39% | 43% | ||||||||
Risk-free interest rate | 0.94% | 0.87% | ||||||||
Expected life of options | 5.3 years | 5.0 years | ||||||||
Weighted-average fair value of options granted | $ | 17.37 | $ | 18.87 |
We did not grant stock options during the year ended December 31, 2014.
Time-based awards
Deferred units—A deferred unit is a unit that is equal to one share but has no voting rights until the underlying shares are issued. Our time-based deferred units are participating securities since they have the right to receive dividends and other cash distributions to shareholders. The following table summarizes unvested activity for time-based vesting deferred units (“time-based units”) granted under our incentive plans during the year ended December 31, 2014:
Number of units | Weighted-average grant-date fair value per share | ||||||
Unvested at January 1, 2014 | 2,732,328 | $ | 56.84 | ||||
Granted | 1,208,790 | 42.80 | |||||
Vested | (1,520,023 | ) | 57.41 | ||||
Forfeited | (150,242 | ) | 51.10 | ||||
Unvested at December 31, 2014 | 2,270,853 | $ | 49.37 |
The total grant-date fair value of the time-based units that vested during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $87 million.
There were 1,691,029 and 2,183,853 time-based units granted during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of time-based units granted was $58.91 and $50.07 per share for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. There were 1,556,840 and 1,064,359 time-based units that vested during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The total grant-date fair value of the time-based units that vested was $95 million and $74 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
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Stock options—The following table summarizes activity for vested and unvested time-based vesting stock options (“time-based options”) outstanding under our incentive plans during the year ended December 31, 2014:
Number of shares under option | Weighted-average exercise price per share | Weighted-average remaining contractual term (years) | Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions) | |||||||||||
Outstanding at January 1, 2014 | 1,854,164 | $ | 71.49 | 6.55 | $ | — | ||||||||
Granted | — | — | ||||||||||||
Exercised | (31,785 | ) | 38.64 | |||||||||||
Forfeited | (56,344 | ) | 64.77 | |||||||||||
Expired | (19,792 | ) | 42.66 | |||||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 | 1,746,243 | $ | 72.64 | 5.77 | $ | — | ||||||||
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014 | 1,362,395 | $ | 77.06 | 5.19 | $ | — |
The total grant-date fair value of time-based options that vested during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $9 million. The total pre-tax intrinsic value of time-based options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $2 million. At January 1 and December 31, 2014, we have presented the aggregate intrinsic value as zero since the weighted-average exercise price per share exceeded the market price of our shares on these dates. There were unvested time-based options to purchase 383,848 shares as of December 31, 2014.
There were time-based options to purchase 455,915 and 395,673 shares granted during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of time-based options granted was $17.37 and $18.87 per time-based option for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The total grant-date fair value of time-based options that vested was $7 million and $5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. There were time-based options to purchase 102,254 and 264,707 shares exercised during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The total pretax intrinsic value of time-based options exercised was $5 million and $3 million during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Stock appreciation rights—The following table summarizes activity for stock appreciation rights outstanding under our incentive plans during the year ended December 31, 2014:
Number of awards | Weighted-average exercise price per share | Weighted-average remaining contractual term (years) | Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions) | |||||||||||
Outstanding at January 1, 2014 | 187,739 | $ | 93.39 | 2.76 | $ | — | ||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 | 187,739 | $ | 93.39 | 1.76 | $ | — | ||||||||
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014 | 187,739 | $ | 93.39 | 1.76 | $ | — |
We did not grant stock appreciation rights during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012. At January 1 and December 31, 2014, we have presented the aggregate intrinsic value as zero since the weighted-average exercise price per share exceeded the market price of our shares on those dates. There were no stock appreciation rights exercised for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. There were no unvested stock appreciation rights outstanding as of December 31, 2014.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Market-based awards
Deferred units—We grant market-based deferred units (“market-based units”) that can be earned depending on the achievement of certain market conditions. Our market-based deferred units are participating securities since they have the right to receive dividends and other cash distributions to shareholders. The number of units earned is quantified upon completion of the specified period at the determination date. The following table summarizes unvested activity for market-based units granted under our incentive plans during the year ended December 31, 2014:
Number of units | Weighted-average grant-date fair value per share | ||||||
Unvested at January 1, 2014 | 306,163 | $ | 66.65 | ||||
Granted | 302,630 | 31.73 | |||||
Vested | (2,457 | ) | 58.52 | ||||
Vested and cancelled | (128,865 | ) | 58.52 | ||||
Forfeited | (14,518 | ) | 58.52 | ||||
Unvested at December 31, 2014 | 462,953 | $ | 46.39 |
Total grant date fair value of the market-based units that vested during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $8 million. The cancelled market-based units presented above represent units that had not satisfied the market condition.
There were 171,001 and 163,319 market-based units granted during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 with a weighted-average grant-date fair value of $74.05 and $58.52 per share, respectively. The total grant-date fair value of the market-based units that vested was $6 million and $24 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Performance-based awards
Stock options—We have previously granted performance-based stock options (“performance-based options”) that could be earned depending on the achievement of certain performance targets. The number of options earned is quantified upon completion of the performance period at the determination date. The following table summarizes activity for vested and unvested performance-based options outstanding under our incentive plans during the year ended December 31, 2014:
Number of shares under option | Weighted-average exercise price per share | Weighted-average remaining contractual term (years) | Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions) | |||||||||||
Outstanding at January 1, 2014 | 171,877 | $ | 77.55 | 2.28 | $ | — | ||||||||
Exercised | (12,073 | ) | 14.65 | |||||||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2014 | 159,804 | $ | 81.17 | 1.41 | $ | — | ||||||||
Vested and exercisable at December 31, 2014 | 159,804 | $ | 81.17 | 1.41 | $ | — |
We did not grant performance-based options during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. At January 1 and December 31, 2014, we have presented the aggregate intrinsic value as zero since the weighted-average exercise price per share exceeded the market price of our shares on that date. There were 7,385 performance-based stock options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2013. There were no performance-based options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2012. There were no unvested performance-based stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2014.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Note 19—Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
Other current liabilities were comprised of the following (in millions):
December 31, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Other current liabilities | ||||||||
Accrued payroll and employee benefits | $ | 387 | $ | 431 | ||||
Distribution payable | 272 | 202 | ||||||
Deferred revenue | 219 | 195 | ||||||
Deferred revenue of consolidated variable interest entities | 18 | 21 | ||||||
Accrued taxes, other than income | 78 | 145 | ||||||
Accrued interest | 95 | 108 | ||||||
Contingent liabilities | 460 | 490 | ||||||
Macondo well incident settlement obligations | 260 | 460 | ||||||
Other | 33 | 20 | ||||||
Total other current liabilities | $ | 1,822 | $ | 2,072 |
Other long-term liabilities were comprised of the following (in millions):
December 31, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Other long-term liabilities | ||||||||
Long-term income taxes payable | $ | 383 | $ | 502 | ||||
Accrued pension liabilities | 459 | 339 | ||||||
Deferred revenue | 201 | 108 | ||||||
Deferred revenue of consolidated variable interest entities | 32 | 51 | ||||||
Drilling contract intangibles | 29 | 44 | ||||||
Accrued retiree life insurance and medical benefits | 56 | 49 | ||||||
Macondo well incident settlement obligations | 120 | 380 | ||||||
Other | 74 | 81 | ||||||
Total other long-term liabilities | $ | 1,354 | $ | 1,554 |
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Note 20—Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Net cash provided by operating activities attributable to the net change in operating assets and liabilities were composed of the following (in millions):
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities | ||||||||||||
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable | $ | 63 | $ | 58 | $ | (139 | ) | |||||
Increase in other current assets | (164 | ) | (152 | ) | (73 | ) | ||||||
Decrease (increase) in other assets | (7 | ) | 87 | 12 | ||||||||
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other current liabilities | (874 | ) | (625 | ) | 931 | |||||||
Decrease in other long-term liabilities | (72 | ) | (33 | ) | (63 | ) | ||||||
Change in income taxes receivable / payable, net | (29 | ) | (151 | ) | (156 | ) | ||||||
$ | (1,083 | ) | $ | (816 | ) | $ | 512 |
Additional cash flow information was as follows (in millions):
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Certain cash operating activities | ||||||||||||
Cash payments for interest | $ | 490 | $ | 669 | $ | 719 | ||||||
Cash payments for income taxes | 329 | 457 | 347 | |||||||||
Non-cash investing and financing activities | ||||||||||||
Capital expenditures, accrued at end of period (a) | $ | 124 | $ | 167 | $ | 123 | ||||||
Issuance of shares in exchange for noncontrolling interest (b) | — | — | 367 | |||||||||
Non-cash proceeds received for the sale of assets (c) | — | — | 194 |
______________________________
(a) | These amounts represent additions to property and equipment for which we had accrued a corresponding liability in accounts payable. |
(b) | On May 31, 2012, we issued 8.7 million shares to Quantum in a non-cash exchange for its interest in TPDI. See Note 16—Noncontrolling Interest. |
(c) | During the year ended December 31, 2012, we completed the sale of 38 drilling units to Shelf Drilling. In connection with the sale transactions, we received net cash proceeds of $568 million and non-cash proceeds in the form of preference shares with an aggregate stated value of $195 million. We recognized the preference shares at their estimated fair value measured at the time of the sale, in the aggregate amount of $194 million, including the fair value associated with embedded derivatives. See Note 7—Discontinued Operations. |
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Note 21—Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts and fair values of our financial instruments were as follows:
December 31, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||
Carrying amount | Fair value | Carrying amount | Fair value | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 2,636 | $ | 2,636 | $ | 3,243 | $ | 3,243 | |||||||
Notes and other loans receivable | 15 | 15 | 101 | 101 | |||||||||||
Restricted cash investments | 377 | 394 | 621 | 649 | |||||||||||
Long-term debt, including current maturities | 10,092 | 9,778 | 10,702 | 11,784 | |||||||||||
Derivative instruments, assets | 15 | 15 | — | — |
We estimated the fair value of each class of financial instruments, for which estimating fair value is practicable, by applying the following methods and assumptions:
Cash and cash equivalents—The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents represents the historical cost, plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value because of the short maturities of those instruments. We measured the estimated fair value of our cash equivalents using significant other observable inputs, representative of a Level 2 fair value measurement, including the net asset values of the investments. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate carrying amount of our cash equivalents was $1.7 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively.
Notes and other loans receivable—We hold certain notes and other loans receivable, which originated in connection with certain asset dispositions and supplier advances. The carrying amount represents the amortized cost of our investments. We measured the estimated fair value using significant unobservable inputs, representative of a Level 3 fair value measurement, including the credit ratings of the borrowers. At December 31, 2014, the aggregate carrying amount of our notes receivable and other loans receivable was $15 million, recorded in other assets. At December 31, 2013, the aggregate carrying amount of our notes receivable and other loans receivable was $101 million, including $6 million and $95 million recorded in other current assets and other assets, respectively.
Restricted cash investments—The carrying amount of the Eksportfinans Restricted Cash Investments represents the amortized cost of our investment. We measured the estimated fair value of the Eksportfinans Restricted Cash Investments using significant other observable inputs, representative of a Level 2 fair value measurement, including the terms and credit spreads of the instruments. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate carrying amount of the Eksportfinans Restricted Cash Investments was $369 million and $591 million, respectively. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the estimated fair value of the Eksportfinans Restricted Cash Investments was $386 million and $619 million, respectively.
The carrying amount of the restricted cash investments for certain contingent obligations approximates fair value due to the short term nature of the instruments in which the restricted cash investments are held. At December 31, 2014, the aggregate carrying amount of the restricted cash investments for certain contingent obligations was $8 million. At December 31, 2013, the aggregate carrying amount of the restricted cash investments for the ADDCL Credit Facilities and certain contingent obligations was $30 million.
Debt—We measured the estimated fair value of our fixed-rate debt using significant other observable inputs, representative of a Level 2 fair value measurement, including the terms and credit spreads for the instruments. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate carrying amount of our fixed-rate debt was $10.1 billion and $10.5 billion, respectively. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate estimated fair value of our fixed-rate debt was $9.8 billion and $11.6 billion, respectively.
Debt of consolidated variable interest entities—The carrying amount of the variable-rate debt of our consolidated variable interest entities approximates fair value because the terms of those debt instruments include short-term interest rates and exclude penalties for prepayments. We measured the estimated fair value of the debt of our consolidated variable interest entities using significant other observable inputs, representative of a Level 2 fair value measurement, including the terms and credit spreads of the instruments. At December 31, 2013, the aggregate carrying amount of the variable-rate debt of our consolidated variable interest entities was $163 million. In February 2014, we repaid the variable-rate debt of our consolidated variable interest entities.
Derivative instruments—The carrying amount of our derivative instruments represents the estimated fair value. We measured the estimated fair value using significant other observable inputs, representative of a Level 2 fair value measurement, including the interest rates and terms of the instruments.
Note 22—Risk Concentration
Interest rate risk—Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of interest rate risk include our cash equivalents, short-term investments, restricted cash investments, debt and capital lease obligations. We are exposed to interest rate risk related to our cash equivalents and short-term investments, as the interest income earned on these investments changes with market interest rates. Floating rate debt, where the interest rate may be adjusted annually or more frequently over the life of the instrument, exposes us to short-term changes in market interest rates. Fixed rate debt, where the interest rate is fixed over the life of the instrument and the instrument’s maturity is greater than one year, exposes us to changes in market interest rates when we refinance maturing debt with new debt. Our fixed-rate restricted cash investments associated with the Eksportfinans Loans and the respective debt instruments for which they are restricted, are subject to corresponding and opposing changes in the fair value relative to changes in market interest rates.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
From time to time, we may use interest rate swap agreements to manage the effect of interest rate changes on future income. We do not generally enter into interest rate derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes. Interest rate swaps are generally designated as hedges of underlying future interest payments. These agreements involve the exchange of amounts based on variable interest rates and amounts based on a fixed interest rate over the life of the agreement without an exchange of the notional amount upon which the payments are based. The interest rate differential to be received or paid on the swaps is recognized over the lives of the swaps as an adjustment to interest expense. Gains and losses on terminations of interest rate swap agreements are deferred and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense over the remaining life of the underlying debt. In the event of the early retirement of a designated debt obligation, any realized or unrealized gain or loss from the swap would be recognized in income.
Currency exchange rate risk—Our international operations expose us to currency exchange rate risk. This risk is primarily associated with compensation costs of our employees and purchasing costs from non-U.S. suppliers, which are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. We use a variety of techniques to minimize the exposure to currency exchange rate risk, including the structuring of customer contract payment terms and, from time to time, the use of currency exchange derivative instruments.
Our primary currency exchange rate risk management strategy involves structuring customer contracts to provide for payment in both U.S. dollars and local currency. The payment portion denominated in local currency is based on anticipated local currency requirements over the contract term. Due to various factors, including customer acceptance, local banking laws, other statutory requirements, local currency convertibility and the impact of inflation on local costs, actual local currency needs may vary from those anticipated in the customer contracts, resulting in partial exposure to currency exchange rate risk. The currency exchange effect resulting from our international operations generally has not had a material impact on our operating results. In situations where payments of local currency do not equal local currency requirements, we may use currency exchange derivative instruments, specifically forward exchange contracts, or spot purchases, to mitigate currency exchange rate risk. A forward exchange contract obligates us to exchange predetermined amounts of specified foreign currencies at specified currency exchange rates on specified dates or to make an equivalent U.S. dollar payment equal to the value of such exchange.
We do not enter into currency exchange derivative transactions for speculative purposes. We record designated currency exchange derivative instruments at fair value and defer gains and losses in other comprehensive income, recognizing the gains and losses when the underlying currency exchange exposure is realized. We record undesignated currency exchange derivative instruments at fair value and record changes to the fair value in current period earnings as an adjustment to currency exchange gains or losses. At December 31, 2012, we had cross-currency swaps that were designated as cash flow hedges of certain debt instruments denominated in Norwegian kroner. In March 2013, we terminated these cross-currency interest rate swaps and the underlying debt instruments. See Note 13—Derivatives and Hedging.
Credit risk—Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk are primarily cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, trade receivables, notes and loans receivable and equity investment.
We generally maintain our cash and cash equivalents in time deposits at commercial banks with high credit ratings or mutual funds, which invest exclusively in high-quality money market instruments. We limit the amount of exposure to any one institution and do not believe we are exposed to any significant credit risk.
We derive the majority of our revenue from services to international oil companies, government-owned oil companies and government-controlled oil companies. Receivables are dispersed in various countries (see Note 23—Operating Segments, Geographic Analysis and Major Customers). We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts on a case-by-case basis, considering changes in the financial position of a customer, when we believe the required payment of specific amounts owed to us is unlikely to occur. Although we have encountered isolated credit concerns related to independent oil companies, we are not aware of any significant credit risks related to our customer base and do not generally require collateral or other security to support customer receivables.
We hold investments in debt and equity instruments of certain privately held companies as a result of certain dispositions of assets and equity interests or as a result of arrangements with certain suppliers. We monitor the financial condition of the investees on an ongoing basis to determine whether a valuation allowance is required.
Labor agreements—We require highly skilled personnel to operate our drilling units. We conduct extensive personnel recruiting, training and safety programs. At December 31, 2014, we had approximately 13,100 employees, including approximately 1,000 persons engaged through contract labor providers. Approximately 30 percent of our total workforce, working primarily in Angola, the U.K., Nigeria, Norway, Australia and Brazil are represented by, and some of our contracted labor work under, collective bargaining agreements, substantially all of which are subject to annual salary negotiation. These negotiations could result in higher personnel expenses, other increased costs or increased operational restrictions as the outcome of such negotiations apply to all offshore employees not just the union members.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Note 23—Operating Segments, Geographic Analysis and Major Customers
Operating segments—We operate in a single, global market for the provision of contract drilling services to our customers. The location of our rigs and the allocation of our resources to build or upgrade rigs are determined by the activities and needs of our customers.
Geographic analysis—Operating revenues for our continuing operations by country were as follows (in millions):
Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Operating revenues | ||||||||||||
U.S. | $ | 2,289 | $ | 2,382 | $ | 2,472 | ||||||
U.K. | 1,194 | 1,181 | 1,028 | |||||||||
Norway | 1,036 | 1,208 | 1,174 | |||||||||
Brazil | 651 | 855 | 1,114 | |||||||||
Other countries (a) | 4,004 | 3,623 | 3,157 | |||||||||
Total operating revenues | $ | 9,174 | $ | 9,249 | $ | 8,945 |
______________________________
(a) | Other countries represents countries in which we operate that individually had operating revenues representing less than 10 percent of total operating revenues earned. |
Long-lived assets of our continuing operations by country were as follows (in millions):
December 31, | ||||||||
2014 | 2013 | |||||||
Long-lived assets | ||||||||
U.S. | $ | 7,080 | $ | 6,996 | ||||
Norway | 1,952 | 2,091 | ||||||
Other countries (a) | 12,506 | 12,620 | ||||||
Total long-lived assets | $ | 21,538 | $ | 21,707 |
______________________________
(a) | Other countries represents countries in which we operate that individually had long-lived assets representing less than 10 percent of total long-lived assets. |
A substantial portion of our assets are mobile. Asset locations at the end of the period are not necessarily indicative of the geographic distribution of the revenues generated by such assets during the periods. Although we are organized under the laws of Switzerland, we do not conduct any operations and do not have operating revenues in Switzerland. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate carrying amount of our long-lived assets located in Switzerland was $3 million and $6 million, respectively.
Our international operations are subject to certain political and other uncertainties, including risks of war and civil disturbances or other market disrupting events, expropriation of equipment, repatriation of income or capital, taxation policies, and the general hazards associated with certain areas in which we operate.
Major customers—For the year ended December 31, 2014, Chevron Corporation and BP accounted for approximately 11 percent and nine percent, respectively, of our consolidated operating revenues from continuing operations. For the year ended December 31, 2013, Chevron Corporation and BP accounted for approximately 12 percent and 10 percent, respectively, of our consolidated operating revenues from continuing operations. For the year ended December 31, 2012, Chevron Corporation, BP and Petrobras accounted for approximately 11 percent, 11 percent and 10 percent, respectively, of our consolidated operating revenues from continuing operations.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Note 24—Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
Transocean Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Transocean Ltd., is the issuer of certain notes and debentures, which have been guaranteed by Transocean Ltd. Transocean Ltd.’s guarantee of debt securities of Transocean Inc. is full and unconditional. Transocean Ltd. is not subject to any significant restrictions on its ability to obtain funds by dividends, loans or return of capital distributions from its consolidated subsidiaries.
The following tables present condensed consolidating financial information for (a) Transocean Ltd. (the “Parent Guarantor”), (b) Transocean Inc. (the “Subsidiary Issuer”), and (c) the other direct and indirect wholly owned and partially owned subsidiaries of the Parent Guarantor, none of which guarantee any indebtedness of the Subsidiary Issuer (the “Other Subsidiaries”). The condensed consolidating financial information may not necessarily be indicative of the results of operations, financial position or cash flows had the subsidiaries operated as independent entities.
The following tables include the consolidating adjustments necessary to present the condensed financial statements on a consolidated basis (in millions):
Year ended December 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Parent Guarantor | Subsidiary Issuer | Other Subsidiaries | Consolidating adjustments | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 9,181 | $ | (7 | ) | $ | 9,174 | |||||||||
Cost and expenses | 25 | 17 | 6,448 | (7 | ) | 6,483 | ||||||||||||||
Loss on impairment | — | — | (4,043 | ) | — | (4,043 | ) | |||||||||||||
Loss on disposal of assets, net | — | — | (26 | ) | — | (26 | ) | |||||||||||||
Operating loss | (25 | ) | (17 | ) | (1,336 | ) | — | (1,378 | ) | |||||||||||
Other income (expense), net | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest income (expense), net | (10 | ) | (575 | ) | 141 | — | (444 | ) | ||||||||||||
Equity in earnings | (1,878 | ) | (1,246 | ) | — | 3,124 | — | |||||||||||||
Other, net | — | 38 | (16 | ) | — | 22 | ||||||||||||||
(1,888 | ) | (1,783 | ) | 125 | 3,124 | (422 | ) | |||||||||||||
Loss from continuing operations before income tax expense | (1,913 | ) | (1,800 | ) | (1,211 | ) | 3,124 | (1,800 | ) | |||||||||||
Income tax expense | — | — | 146 | — | 146 | |||||||||||||||
Loss from continuing operations | (1,913 | ) | (1,800 | ) | (1,357 | ) | 3,124 | (1,946 | ) | |||||||||||
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax | — | (13 | ) | (7 | ) | — | (20 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net loss | (1,913 | ) | (1,813 | ) | (1,364 | ) | 3,124 | (1,966 | ) | |||||||||||
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | — | — | (53 | ) | — | (53 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net loss attributable to controlling interest | (1,913 | ) | (1,813 | ) | (1,311 | ) | 3,124 | (1,913 | ) | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes | 9 | (76 | ) | (88 | ) | — | (155 | ) | ||||||||||||
Income taxes related to other comprehensive loss | — | — | 13 | — | 13 | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes | 9 | (76 | ) | (75 | ) | — | (142 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss | (1,904 | ) | (1,889 | ) | (1,439 | ) | 3,124 | (2,108 | ) | |||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest | — | — | (53 | ) | — | (53 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss attributable to controlling interest | $ | (1,904 | ) | $ | (1,889 | ) | $ | (1,386 | ) | $ | 3,124 | $ | (2,055 | ) |
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Year ended December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Parent Guarantor | Subsidiary Issuer | Other Subsidiaries | Consolidating adjustments | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 9,233 | $ | 16 | $ | 9,249 | ||||||||||
Cost and expenses | 29 | 9 | 6,904 | 16 | 6,958 | |||||||||||||||
Loss on impairment | — | — | (81 | ) | — | (81 | ) | |||||||||||||
Gain on disposal of assets, net | — | — | 7 | — | 7 | |||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | (29 | ) | (9 | ) | 2,255 | — | 2,217 | |||||||||||||
Other income (expense), net | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest income (expense), net | (15 | ) | (538 | ) | 21 | — | (532 | ) | ||||||||||||
Equity in earnings | 1,450 | 2,112 | — | (3,562 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Other, net | 1 | (15 | ) | (15 | ) | — | (29 | ) | ||||||||||||
1,436 | 1,559 | 6 | (3,562 | ) | (561 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income tax expense | 1,407 | 1,550 | 2,261 | (3,562 | ) | 1,656 | ||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | — | — | 258 | — | 258 | |||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations | 1,407 | 1,550 | 2,003 | (3,562 | ) | 1,398 | ||||||||||||||
Gain (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | — | (97 | ) | 106 | — | 9 | ||||||||||||||
Net Income | 1,407 | 1,453 | 2,109 | (3,562 | ) | 1,407 | ||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to controlling interest | 1,407 | 1,453 | 2,109 | (3,562 | ) | 1,407 | ||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income before income taxes | 3 | 238 | 19 | — | 260 | |||||||||||||||
Income taxes related to other comprehensive loss | — | — | 2 | — | 2 | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes | 3 | 238 | 21 | — | 262 | |||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income | 1,410 | 1,691 | 2,130 | (3,562 | ) | 1,669 | ||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest | — | — | 3 | — | 3 | |||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income attributable to controlling interest | $ | 1,410 | $ | 1,691 | $ | 2,127 | $ | (3,562 | ) | $ | 1,666 |
Year ended December 31, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Parent Guarantor | Subsidiary Issuer | Other Subsidiaries | Consolidating adjustments | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | — | $ | 5 | $ | 8,962 | $ | (22 | ) | $ | 8,945 | |||||||||
Cost and expenses | 54 | 16 | 7,215 | (22 | ) | 7,263 | ||||||||||||||
Loss on impairment | — | — | (118 | ) | — | (118 | ) | |||||||||||||
Gain on disposal of assets, net | — | — | 36 | — | 36 | |||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | (54 | ) | (11 | ) | 1,665 | — | 1,600 | |||||||||||||
Other income (expense), net | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (12 | ) | (576 | ) | (79 | ) | — | (667 | ) | |||||||||||
Equity in earnings | (153 | ) | 402 | — | (249 | ) | — | |||||||||||||
Other, net | — | (4 | ) | (45 | ) | — | (49 | ) | ||||||||||||
(165 | ) | (178 | ) | (124 | ) | (249 | ) | (716 | ) | |||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense | (219 | ) | (189 | ) | 1,541 | (249 | ) | 884 | ||||||||||||
Income tax expense | — | — | 52 | — | 52 | |||||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations | (219 | ) | (189 | ) | 1,489 | (249 | ) | 832 | ||||||||||||
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax | — | — | (1,043 | ) | — | (1,043 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | (219 | ) | (189 | ) | 446 | (249 | ) | (211 | ) | |||||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | — | — | 8 | — | 8 | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest | (219 | ) | (189 | ) | 438 | (249 | ) | (219 | ) | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes | (5 | ) | (31 | ) | 35 | — | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||
Income taxes related to other comprehensive loss | — | — | (7 | ) | — | (7 | ) | |||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes | (5 | ) | (31 | ) | 28 | — | (8 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | (224 | ) | (220 | ) | 474 | (249 | ) | (219 | ) | |||||||||||
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest | — | — | 8 | — | 8 | |||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to controlling interest | $ | (224 | ) | $ | (220 | ) | $ | 466 | $ | (249 | ) | $ | (227 | ) |
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
December 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Parent Guarantor | Subsidiary Issuer | Other Subsidiaries | Consolidating adjustments | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 16 | $ | 842 | $ | 1,777 | $ | — | $ | 2,635 | ||||||||||
Other current assets | 12 | 757 | 5,228 | (2,631 | ) | 3,366 | ||||||||||||||
Total current assets | 28 | 1,599 | 7,005 | (2,631 | ) | 6,001 | ||||||||||||||
Property and equipment, net | — | — | 21,538 | — | 21,538 | |||||||||||||||
Goodwill | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
Investment in affiliates | 13,952 | 30,639 | — | (44,591 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Other assets | — | 3,899 | 25,883 | (28,908 | ) | 874 | ||||||||||||||
Total assets | 13,980 | 36,137 | 54,426 | (76,130 | ) | 28,413 | ||||||||||||||
Liabilities and equity | ||||||||||||||||||||
Debt due within one year | — | 898 | 135 | — | 1,033 | |||||||||||||||
Other current liabilities | 287 | 473 | 4,608 | (2,631 | ) | 2,737 | ||||||||||||||
Total current liabilities | 287 | 1,371 | 4,743 | (2,631 | ) | 3,770 | ||||||||||||||
Long-term debt | — | 21,486 | 16,481 | (28,908 | ) | 9,059 | ||||||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 22 | 280 | 1,289 | — | 1,591 | |||||||||||||||
Total long-term liabilities | 22 | 21,766 | 17,770 | (28,908 | ) | 10,650 | ||||||||||||||
Commitments and contingencies | ||||||||||||||||||||
Redeemable noncontrolling interest | — | — | 11 | — | 11 | |||||||||||||||
Total equity | 13,671 | 13,000 | 31,902 | (44,591 | ) | 13,982 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities and equity | $ | 13,980 | $ | 36,137 | $ | 54,426 | $ | (76,130 | ) | $ | 28,413 |
December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Parent Guarantor | Subsidiary Issuer | Other Subsidiaries | Consolidating adjustments | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 4 | $ | 1,617 | $ | 1,622 | $ | — | $ | 3,243 | ||||||||||
Other current assets | 22 | 1,302 | 4,607 | (2,402 | ) | 3,529 | ||||||||||||||
Total current assets | 26 | 2,919 | 6,229 | (2,402 | ) | 6,772 | ||||||||||||||
Property and equipment, net | — | — | 21,707 | — | 21,707 | |||||||||||||||
Goodwill | — | — | 2,987 | — | 2,987 | |||||||||||||||
Investment in affiliates | 16,914 | 31,308 | — | (48,222 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Other assets | — | 1,190 | 19,954 | (20,064 | ) | 1,080 | ||||||||||||||
Total assets | 16,940 | 35,417 | 50,877 | (70,688 | ) | 32,546 | ||||||||||||||
Liabilities and equity | ||||||||||||||||||||
Debt due within one year | — | — | 323 | — | 323 | |||||||||||||||
Other current liabilities | 214 | 526 | 4,893 | (2,402 | ) | 3,231 | ||||||||||||||
Total current liabilities | 214 | 526 | 5,216 | (2,402 | ) | 3,554 | ||||||||||||||
Long-term debt | — | 18,759 | 11,684 | (20,064 | ) | 10,379 | ||||||||||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 35 | 232 | 1,661 | — | 1,928 | |||||||||||||||
Total long-term liabilities | 35 | 18,991 | 13,345 | (20,064 | ) | 12,307 | ||||||||||||||
Commitments and contingencies | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total equity | 16,691 | 15,900 | 32,316 | (48,222 | ) | 16,685 | ||||||||||||||
Total liabilities and equity | $ | 16,940 | $ | 35,417 | $ | 50,877 | $ | (70,688 | ) | $ | 32,546 |
- 120 -.
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Year ended December 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Parent Guarantor | Subsidiary Issuer | Other Subsidiaries | Consolidating adjustments | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities | $ | 801 | $ | 1,362 | $ | 57 | $ | — | $ | 2,220 | ||||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | — | — | (2,165 | ) | — | (2,165 | ) | |||||||||||||
Proceeds from disposal of assets, net | — | — | 215 | — | 215 | |||||||||||||||
Proceeds from disposal of discontinued operations, net | — | — | 35 | — | 35 | |||||||||||||||
Proceeds from repayment of notes receivable | — | — | 101 | — | 101 | |||||||||||||||
Investing activities with affiliates, net | — | (2,520 | ) | (379 | ) | 2,899 | — | |||||||||||||
Other, net | — | — | (14 | ) | — | (14 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | — | (2,520 | ) | (2,207 | ) | 2,899 | (1,828 | ) | ||||||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Repayments of debt | — | — | (539 | ) | — | (539 | ) | |||||||||||||
Proceeds from restricted cash investments | — | — | 176 | — | 176 | |||||||||||||||
Deposits to restricted cash investments | — | — | (20 | ) | — | (20 | ) | |||||||||||||
Distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital | (1,018 | ) | — | — | — | (1,018 | ) | |||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of noncontrolling interest | — | — | 443 | — | 443 | |||||||||||||||
Financing activities with affiliates, net | 236 | 389 | 2,274 | (2,899 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Other, net | (7 | ) | (6 | ) | (29 | ) | — | (42 | ) | |||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (789 | ) | 383 | 2,305 | (2,899 | ) | (1,000 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 12 | (775 | ) | 155 | — | (608 | ) | |||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 4 | 1,617 | 1,622 | — | 3,243 | |||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 16 | $ | 842 | $ | 1,777 | $ | — | $ | 2,635 |
Year ended December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Parent Guarantor | Subsidiary Issuer | Other Subsidiaries | Consolidating adjustments | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities | $ | (51 | ) | $ | (661 | ) | $ | 2,630 | $ | — | $ | 1,918 | ||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | — | — | (2,238 | ) | — | (2,238 | ) | |||||||||||||
Proceeds from disposal of assets, net | — | — | 174 | — | 174 | |||||||||||||||
Proceeds from disposal of discontinued operations, net | — | — | 204 | — | 204 | |||||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of preference shares | — | 185 | — | — | 185 | |||||||||||||||
Investing activities with affiliates, net | — | (1,461 | ) | (1,100 | ) | 2,561 | — | |||||||||||||
Other, net | — | — | 17 | — | 17 | |||||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | — | (1,276 | ) | (2,943 | ) | 2,561 | (1,658 | ) | ||||||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Repayments of debt | — | (562 | ) | (1,130 | ) | — | (1,692 | ) | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from restricted cash investments | — | — | 298 | — | 298 | |||||||||||||||
Deposits to restricted cash investments | — | — | (119 | ) | — | (119 | ) | |||||||||||||
Distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital | (606 | ) | — | — | — | (606 | ) | |||||||||||||
Financing activities with affiliates, net | 643 | 978 | 940 | (2,561 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Other, net | (6 | ) | (17 | ) | (9 | ) | — | (32 | ) | |||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 31 | 399 | (20 | ) | (2,561 | ) | (2,151 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (20 | ) | (1,538 | ) | (333 | ) | — | (1,891 | ) | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 24 | 3,155 | 1,955 | — | 5,134 | |||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 4 | $ | 1,617 | $ | 1,622 | $ | — | $ | 3,243 |
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Year ended December 31, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Parent Guarantor | Subsidiary Issuer | Other Subsidiaries | Consolidating adjustments | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities | $ | (86 | ) | $ | (953 | ) | $ | 3,747 | $ | — | $ | 2,708 | ||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | — | — | (1,303 | ) | — | (1,303 | ) | |||||||||||||
Capital expenditures for discontinued operations | — | — | (106 | ) | — | (106 | ) | |||||||||||||
Proceeds from disposal of assets, net | — | — | 191 | — | 191 | |||||||||||||||
Proceeds from disposal of discontinued operations, net | — | 568 | 221 | — | 789 | |||||||||||||||
Investing activities with affiliates, net | (165 | ) | (2,344 | ) | (3,726 | ) | 6,235 | — | ||||||||||||
Other, net | — | 29 | 11 | — | 40 | |||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (165 | ) | (1,747 | ) | (4,712 | ) | 6,235 | (389 | ) | |||||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Changes in short-term borrowings, net | — | — | (260 | ) | — | (260 | ) | |||||||||||||
Proceeds from debt | — | 1,493 | — | — | 1,493 | |||||||||||||||
Repayments of debt | — | (1,689 | ) | (593 | ) | — | (2,282 | ) | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from restricted cash investments | — | — | 311 | — | 311 | |||||||||||||||
Deposits to restricted cash investments | — | — | (167 | ) | — | (167 | ) | |||||||||||||
Distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital | (276 | ) | — | — | — | (276 | ) | |||||||||||||
Financing activities with affiliates, net | 549 | 3,276 | 2,410 | (6,235 | ) | — | ||||||||||||||
Other, net | (1 | ) | (18 | ) | (2 | ) | — | (21 | ) | |||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 272 | 3,062 | 1,699 | (6,235 | ) | (1,202 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 21 | 362 | 734 | — | 1,117 | |||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 3 | 2,793 | 1,221 | — | 4,017 | |||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 24 | $ | 3,155 | $ | 1,955 | $ | — | $ | 5,134 |
Note 25—Related Party Transactions
Quantum Pacific Management Limited—On October 18, 2007, one of our subsidiaries acquired a 50 percent interest in TPDI, an entity formed to operate two Ultra-Deepwater Floaters, Dhirubhai Deepwater KG1 and Dhirubhai Deepwater KG2. Until May 31, 2012, Quantum held the remaining 50 percent interest in TPDI. Quantum had the unilateral right to exchange its interest in TPDI for our shares or cash, at its election, measured at an amount based on an appraisal of the fair value of the drillships that are owned by TPDI, subject to certain adjustments. During the year ended December 31, 2012, Quantum exercised its rights under the put option agreement electing to exchange its interest in TPDI for our shares. We issued 8.7 million shares to Quantum, and as a result, TPDI became our wholly-owned subsidiary. In the year ended December 31, 2012, under the terms of the put option agreement, we made a cash payment of $72 million to Quantum to settle TPDI’s working capital. See Note 16—Noncontrolling Interest.
- 122 -.
TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Note 26—Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
Three months ended | ||||||||||||||||
March 31, | June 30, | September 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||||
(In millions, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||
2014 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 2,339 | $ | 2,328 | $ | 2,270 | $ | 2,237 | ||||||||
Operating income (loss) (a) | 672 | 765 | (2,168 | ) | (647 | ) | ||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations (a) | 474 | 604 | (2,262 | ) | (762 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) (a) (b) | 466 | 597 | (2,263 | ) | (766 | ) | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to controlling interest (a) (b) | 456 | 587 | (2,217 | ) | (739 | ) | ||||||||||
Per share earnings (loss) from continuing operations | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 1.27 | $ | 1.63 | $ | (6.12 | ) | $ | (2.03 | ) | ||||||
Diluted | $ | 1.27 | $ | 1.63 | $ | (6.12 | ) | $ | (2.03 | ) | ||||||
Weighted-average shares outstanding | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | 361 | 362 | 362 | 362 | ||||||||||||
Diluted | 361 | 362 | 362 | 362 | ||||||||||||
2013 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues | $ | 2,184 | $ | 2,364 | $ | 2,449 | $ | 2,252 | ||||||||
Operating income (c) | 479 | 605 | 738 | 398 | ||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations (c) | 318 | 322 | 540 | 220 | ||||||||||||
Net income (c) (d) | 313 | 311 | 548 | 235 | ||||||||||||
Net income attributable to controlling interest (c) (d) | 321 | 307 | 546 | 233 | ||||||||||||
Per share earnings from continuing operations | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.89 | $ | 0.87 | $ | 1.48 | $ | 0.60 | ||||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.89 | $ | 0.87 | $ | 1.48 | $ | 0.60 | ||||||||
Weighted-average shares outstanding | ||||||||||||||||
Basic | 360 | 360 | 360 | 361 | ||||||||||||
Diluted | 360 | 360 | 361 | 361 |
______________________________
(a) | First quarter and third quarter included a loss of $3 million associated with loss contingencies and a gain of $22 million associated with insurance recoveries, net, respectively, related to Macondo well incident. First, third and fourth quarters included an aggregate loss of $268 million associated with the impairment of certain drilling units classified as assets held for sale. Third quarter included a loss of $788 million associated with the impairment of the Deepwater Floater asset group. Third quarter and fourth quarter included an aggregate loss of $3.0 billion associated with the impairment of the remaining balance of our goodwill. See Note 5—Impairments, Note 10—Drilling Fleet and Note 15-Commitments and Contingencies. |
(b) | First quarter included a loss of $10 million associated with the disposal of assets of our discontinued operations. See Note 7—Discontinued Operations. |
(c) | First quarter and third quarter included losses of $74 million and $29 million, respectively, associated with loss contingencies related to Macondo well incident. Second quarter included an aggregate loss of $37 million associated with the impairment of certain drilling units classified as assets held for sale. Third quarter included a gain of $33 million associated with the sale of Transocean Richardson. See Note 5—Impairments, Note 10—Drilling Fleet and Note 15-Commitments and Contingencies. |
(d) | First, second, third and fourth quarters included aggregate gains of $15 million, $3 million, $31 million and $5 million, respectively, associated with the disposal of assets of our discontinued operations. See Note 7—Discontinued Operations. |
Note 27—Subsequent Events
Distributions of qualifying additional paid-in capital—On February 15, 2015, our board of directors announced its recommendation that our shareholders at the 2015 annual general meeting approve a distribution of qualifying additional paid-in capital in the form of a U.S. dollar denominated dividend of $0.60 per outstanding share, payable in four quarterly installments of $0.15 per outstanding share, subject to certain limitations. If approved, we expect that the dividend installments will be paid in June 2015, September 2015, December 2015 and March 2016.
Macondo well incident insurance coverage—On February 13, 2015, the Texas Supreme Court issued its answer to one of the Fifth Circuit’s questions by determining that BP is not entitled to coverage under certain of our insurance policies for damages arising from subsurface pollution because BP assumed, and we did not assume, liability for such claims.
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TRANSOCEAN LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – continued
Note 28—Supplemental Disclosures Required by Swiss Law
Security ownership of board members and executive officers—In the Transocean Ltd. statutory financial statements, we have presented the security ownership of members of our board of directors and members of our executive management team. See Transocean Ltd. Statutory Financial Statements—Notes to Statutory Financial Statements—Note 6—Share Ownership.
Risk assessment—In the Transocean Ltd. statutory financial statements, we have presented our risk assessment. See Transocean Ltd. Statutory Financial Statements—Notes to Statutory Financial Statements—Note 10—Risk Assessment.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
We have not had a change in or disagreement with our accountants within 24 months prior to the date of our most recent financial statements or in any period subsequent to such date.
Item 9A. | Controls and Procedures |
Disclosure controls and procedures—We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in the Exchange Act, Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15, were effective as of December 31, 2014 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is (1) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and (2) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
Internal controls over financial reporting—There were no changes to our internal controls during the quarter ended December 31, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
See “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” and “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” included in Item 8 of this Annual Report.
Item 9B. | Other Information |
None.
PART III
Item 10. | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance |
Item 11. | Executive Compensation |
Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters |
Item 13. | Certain Relationships, Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
Item 14. | Principal Accounting Fees and Services |
The information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our 2014 annual general meeting of shareholders, which will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 within 120 days of December 31, 2014. Certain information with respect to our executive officers is set forth in Item 4 of this annual report under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”
PART IV
Item 15. | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules |
(a) Index to Financial Statements, Financial Statement Schedules and Exhibits
(1) Index to Financial Statements
Included in Part II of this report: | Page | ||
63 | |||
65 | |||
66 | |||
67 | |||
68 | |||
69 | |||
70 | |||
71 |
Financial statements of unconsolidated subsidiaries are not presented herein because such subsidiaries do not meet the significance test.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
Transocean Ltd. and Subsidiaries
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(In millions)
Additions | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at beginning of period | Charge to cost and expenses | Charge to other accounts -describe | Deductions -describe | Balance at end of period | ||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2012 | ||||||||||||||||||
Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts: | ||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable | $ | 28 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 8 | (a) | $ | 20 | |||||||
Allowance for obsolete materials and supplies | 73 | 8 | — | 15 | (b) | 66 | ||||||||||||
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets | 183 | 28 | — | 1 | (c) | 210 | ||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||
Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts: | ||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable | $ | 20 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 6 | (a) | $ | 14 | |||||||
Allowance for obsolete materials and supplies | 66 | 17 | — | 3 | (b) | 80 | ||||||||||||
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets | 210 | 37 | — | — | 247 | |||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||
Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts: | ||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable | $ | 14 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 14 | ||||||||
Allowance for obsolete materials and supplies | 80 | 29 | — | — | 109 | |||||||||||||
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets | 247 | 93 | — | — | 340 | |||||||||||||
______________________________
(a) | Uncollectible accounts receivable written off, net of recoveries. |
(b) | Amount related to sale of rigs and related equipment. |
(c) | Primarily due to reassessments of valuation allowances against future operations. |
Other schedules are omitted either because they are not required or are not applicable or because the required information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.
(3) Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed in connection with this Report:
Number | Description |
3.1 | Articles of Association of Transocean Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the quarter ended September 30, 2014) |
3.2 | Organizational Regulations of Transocean Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the quarter ended September 30, 2014) |
4.1 | Indenture dated as of April 15, 1997 between Transocean Offshore Inc. and Texas Commerce Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Offshore Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-07746) filed on April 30, 1997) |
4.2 | First Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 15, 1997 between Transocean Offshore Inc. and Texas Commerce Bank National Association, as trustee, supplementing the Indenture dated as of April 15, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Transocean Offshore Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-07746) filed on April 30, 1997) |
4.3 | Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 14, 1999 between Transocean Offshore (Texas) Inc., Transocean Offshore Inc. and Chase Bank of Texas, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Transocean Offshore Inc.’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-59001-99)) |
4.4 | Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 24, 2000 between Transocean Sedco Forex Inc. and Chase Bank of Texas, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Sedco Forex Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on May 24, 2000) |
4.5 | Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 11, 2001 between Transocean Sedco Forex Inc. and The Chase Manhattan Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Sedco Forex Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 333-75899) for the quarter ended March 31, 2001) |
4.6 | Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 18, 2008, among Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2008) |
4.7 | Form of 7.45% Notes due April 15, 2027 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Offshore Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-07746) filed on April 30, 1997) |
4.8 | Form of 8.00% Debentures due April 15, 2027 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Transocean Offshore Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-07746) filed on April 30, 1997) |
4.9 | Officers’ Certificate establishing the terms of the 7.50% Note due April 15, 2031 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Sedco Forex Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on April 9, 2001) |
4.11 | Officers’ Certificate establishing the terms of the 7.375% Notes due 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to Transocean Sedco Forex Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001) |
4.12 | Indenture dated as of September 1, 1997, between Global Marine Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee, relating to Debt Securities of Global Marine Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Global Marine Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-39033) filed on October 30, 1997); First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 23, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Global Marine Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 1-5471) for the quarter ended June 30, 2000); Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 20, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 001-14634) for the year ended December 31, 2004) |
4.13 | Form of 7% Note Due 2028 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Global Marine Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 1-5471) filed on May 22, 1998) |
4.14 | Terms of 7% Note Due 2028 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Global Marine Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 1-5471) filed on May 22, 1998) |
4.15 | Senior Indenture, dated as of December 11, 2007, between Transocean Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.36 to Transocean Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) for the year ended December 31, 2007) |
4.16 | First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 11, 2007, between Transocean Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.37 to Transocean Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) for the year ended December 31, 2007) |
4.17 | Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 18, 2008, among Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on December 19, 2008) |
4.18 | Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 21, 2010, among Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the quarter ended September 30, 2010) |
4.19 | Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 5, 2011, among Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on December 5, 2011) |
4.20 | Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 13, 2012, among Transocean Inc., Transocean Ltd. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on September 13, 2012) |
4.21 | Credit Agreement dated November 1, 2011 among Transocean Inc., the lenders parties thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and Citibank, N.A., as co-syndication agents, and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as co-documentation agents, and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., and Wells Fargo Securities LLC, as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the quarter ended September 30, 2011) |
4.22 | Guarantee Agreement dated November 1, 2011 among Transocean Ltd. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent under the Credit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the quarter ended September 30, 2011) |
4.23 | First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated effective as of March 23, 2012 among Transocean Inc., the lenders parties thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and Citibank, N.A., as co-syndication agents, and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as co-documentation agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on March 30, 2012) |
4.24 | Credit Agreement, dated October 25, 2012, among Triton Nautilus Asset Leasing GmbH, the lender parties thereto and DNB Bank, ASA, as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on October 31, 2012) |
4.25 | First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated December 16, 2013, among Trident Nautilus Asset Leasing GmbH, the lender parties thereto and DNB Bank, ASA, as administrative agent |
4.26 | Credit Agreement dated June 30, 2014 among Transocean Inc., the lenders parties thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, Citibank, N.A. and DNB Bank, ASA, New York Branch, as co-syndication agents, and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as co-documentation agents (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on July 2, 2014) |
4.27 | Guarantee Agreement dated June 30, 2014 among Transocean Ltd. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent under the Credit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8‑K (Commission File No. 000‑53533) filed on July 2, 2014) |
10.1 | Tax Sharing Agreement between Sonat Inc. and Sonat Offshore Drilling Inc. dated June 3, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10-(3) to Sonat Offshore Drilling Inc.’s Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-07746) for the quarter ended June 30, 1993) |
10.2 | Nomination and Standstill Agreement dated as of November 10, 2013 by and between Transocean Ltd., High River Limited Partnership, Hopper Investments LLC, Barberry Corp., Icahn Partners LP, Icahn Partners Master Fund LP, Icahn Partners Master Fund II LP, Icahn Partners Master Fund III LP, Icahn Enterprises G.P. Inc., Icahn Enterprises Holdings L.P., IPH GP LLC, Icahn Capital LP, Icahn Onshore LP, Icahn Offshore LP, Beckton Corp., Samuel Merksamer and Vincent Intrieri (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on November 12, 2013) |
* | 10.3 | Long-Term Incentive Plan of Transocean Ltd. (as amended and restated as of February 12, 2009) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2008) |
* | 10.4 | First Amendment to Long-Term Incentive Plan of Transocean Ltd. (as amended and restated as of February 12, 2009) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on May 22, 2013) |
* | 10.5 | Deferred Compensation Plan of Transocean Offshore Inc., as amended and restated effective January 1, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Transocean Sedco Forex Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) for the year ended December 31, 1999) |
* | 10.6 | GlobalSantaFe Corporation Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan effective January 1, 2001 and Amendment to GlobalSantaFe Corporation Key Employee Deferred Compensation Plan effective November 20, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the GlobalSantaFe Corporation Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2004) |
* | 10.7 | Amendment to Transocean Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporate by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on December 29, 2005) |
* | 10.8 | Sedco Forex Employees Option Plan of Transocean Sedco Forex Inc. effective December 31, 1999 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Transocean Sedco Forex Inc.’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-94569) filed on January 13, 2000) |
* | 10.9 | 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan of Reading & Bates Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.A to Reading & Bates’ Proxy Statement (Commission File No. 001-05587) dated March 28, 1997) |
* | 10.10 | 1998 Employee Long-Term Incentive Plan of R&B Falcon Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.A to R&B Falcon Corporation’s Proxy Statement (Commission File No. 001-13729) dated April 23, 1998) |
* | 10.11 | 1998 Director Long-Term Incentive Plan of R&B Falcon Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.B to R&B Falcon Corporation’s Proxy Statement (Commission File No. 001-13729) dated April 23, 1998) |
* | 10.12 | 1999 Employee Long-Term Incentive Plan of R&B Falcon Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.A to R&B Falcon Corporation’s Proxy Statement (Commission File No. 001-13729) dated April 13, 1999) |
* | 10.13 | 1999 Director Long-Term Incentive Plan of R&B Falcon Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.B to R&B Falcon Corporation’s Proxy Statement (Commission File No. 001-13729) dated April 13, 1999) |
10.14 | Master Separation Agreement dated February 4, 2004 by and among Transocean Inc., Transocean Holdings Inc. and TODCO (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on March 3, 2004) |
10.15 | Tax Sharing Agreement dated February 4, 2004 between Transocean Holdings Inc. and TODCO (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on March 3, 2004) |
10.16 | Amended and Restated Tax Sharing Agreement effective as of February 4, 2004 between Transocean Holdings Inc. and TODCO (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on November 30, 2006) |
* | 10.17 | Form of 2004 Performance-Based Nonqualified Share Option Award Letter (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on February 15, 2005) |
* | 10.18 | Form of 2004 Director Deferred Unit Award (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on February 15, 2005) |
* | 10.19 | Form of 2008 Director Deferred Unit Award (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2008) |
* | 10.20 | Form of 2009 Director Deferred Unit Award (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2009) |
* | 10.21 | Performance Award and Cash Bonus Plan of Transocean Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2008) |
* | 10.22 | Amendment to Performance Award and Cash Bonus Plan of Transocean Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2012) |
* | 10.23 | Executive Change of Control Severance Benefit (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on July 19, 2005) |
* | 10.24 | Terms of July 2007 Employee Restricted Stock Awards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Transocean Inc.’s Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 333-75899) for the quarter ended June 30, 2007) |
* | 10.25 | Terms of July 2007 Employee Deferred Unit Awards (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Transocean Inc.’s Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 333-75899) for the quarter ended June 30, 2007) |
* | 10.26 | Terms and Conditions of the July 2008 Employee Contingent Deferred Unit Award (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Inc.’s Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 333-75899) for the quarter ended June 30, 2008) |
* | 10.27 | Terms and Conditions of the July 2008 Nonqualified Share Option Award (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Transocean Inc.’s Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 333-75899) for the quarter ended June 30, 2008) |
* | 10.28 | Terms and Conditions of the February 2009 Employee Deferred Unit Award (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2008) |
* | 10.29 | Terms and Conditions of the February 2009 Employee Contingent Deferred Unit Award (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2008) |
* | 10.30 | Terms and Conditions of the February 2009 Nonqualified Share Option Award (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2008) |
* | 10.31 | Terms and Conditions of the February 2012 Long Term Incentive Plan Award (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2011) |
* | 10.32 | Transocean Ltd. Incentive Recoupment Policy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2012) |
10.33 | Form of Novation Agreement dated as of November 27, 2007 by and among GlobalSantaFe Corporation, Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc. and certain executives (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on December 3, 2007) |
* | 10.34 | Form of Severance Agreement with GlobalSantaFe Corporation Executive Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A (Commission File No. 001-14634) filed on July 26, 2005) |
* | 10.35 | Global Marine Inc. 1990 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of Global Marine Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 1-5471) for the year ended December 31, 1991); First Amendment (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Global Marine Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 1-5471) for the quarter ended June 30, 1995); Second Amendment (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 of Global Marine Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 1-5471) for the year ended December 31, 1996) |
* | 10.36 | 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-7070) filed June 13, 1997); Amendment to 1997 Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (Commission File No. 001-14634) for the calendar year ended December 31, 1998); Amendment to 1997 Long Term Incentive Plan dated December 1, 1999 (incorporated by reference to GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (Commission File No. 001-14634) for the calendar year ended December 31, 1999) |
* | 10.37 | GlobalSantaFe Corporation 1998 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Global Marine Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 1-5471) for the quarter ended March 31, 1998); First Amendment (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Global Marine Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 1-5471) for the quarter ended June 30, 2000) |
* | 10.38 | GlobalSantaFe Corporation 2001 Non-Employee Director Stock Option and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 of GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-73878) filed November 21, 2001) |
* | 10.39 | GlobalSantaFe Corporation 2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-14634) for the quarter ended June 30, 2001) |
* | 10.40 | GlobalSantaFe 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan (as Amended and Restated Effective June 7, 2005) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to GlobalSantaFe Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 001-14634) for the quarter ended June 30, 2005) |
* | 10.41 | Transocean Ltd. Pension Equalization Plan, as amended and restated, effective January 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2008) |
* | 10.42 | Transocean U.S. Supplemental Retirement Benefit Plan, as amended and restated, effective as of November 27, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on December 3, 2007) |
* | 10.43 | GlobalSantaFe Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the GlobalSantaFe Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002) |
* | 10.44 | Transocean U.S. Supplemental Savings Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.44 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2008) |
10.45 | Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between Transocean Ltd. and each of its Directors and Executive Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 333-75899) filed on October 10, 2008) |
* | 10.46 | Form of Assignment Memorandum for Executive Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2008) |
10.47 | Drilling Contract between Vastar Resources, Inc. and R&B Falcon Drilling Co. dated December 9, 1998 with respect to Deepwater Horizon, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010) |
* | 10.48 | Executive Severance Benefit Policy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on February 23, 2012) |
* | 10.49 | Agreement with Gregory L. Cauthen (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on January 10, 2012) |
* | 10.50 | First Amendment to Agreement with Gregory L. Cauthen (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on July 2, 2012) |
* | 10.51 | Agreement with Gregory L. Cauthen effective as of April 25, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on April 26, 2013) |
* | 10.52 | Agreement with Allen M. Katz (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.55 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2012) |
* | 10.53 | First Amendment to Employment Agreement with Allen M. Katz effective as of July 1, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013) |
* | 10.54 | Second Amendment to Employment Agreement with Allen M. Katz effective as of January 1, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference |
* | 10.55 | Agreement with Steven L. Newman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on December 23, 2013) |
* | 10.56 | Agreement with John Stobart (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on December 23, 2013) |
* | 10.57 | Agreement with Esa Ikäheimonen (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on December 23, 2013) |
* | 10.58 | Agreement with Ihab M. Toma (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on December 26, 2013) |
10.59 | Omnibus Agreement dated August 5, 2014 among Transocean Ltd., Transocean Inc., Transocean Partners Holdings Limited, Transocean Partners LLC, Triton RIGP DCL Holding Limited, Triton RIGP DIN Holding Limited, Triton RIGP DD3 Holding Limited, Triton RIGP DCL Holdco Limited, Triton RIGP DIN Holdco Limited, Triton RIGP DD3 Holdco Limited, Transocean RIGP DCL Opco Limited, Transocean RIGP DIN Opco Limited, Transocean RIGP DD3 Opco Limited, Transocean RIGP DCL LLC, Transocean RIGP DIN LLC and Transocean RIGP DD3 LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Transocean Partners LLC's Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 001-36584) filed on August 5, 2014) |
21 | Subsidiaries of Transocean Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2014) |
23.1 | Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 23.1 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2014) |
24 | Powers of Attorney (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 24 to Transocean Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) for the year ended December 31, 2014) |
† | 31.1 | CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
† | 31.2 | CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
† | 32.1 | CEO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
† | 32.2 | CFO Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
99.2 | Cooperation Guilty Plea Agreement by and among Transocean Deepwater Inc., Transocean Ltd. and the United States (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000-53533) filed on January 3, 2013) |
99.3 | Consent Decree by and among Triton Asset Leasing GmbH, Transocean Holdings LLC, Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc., Transocean Deepwater Inc. and the United States (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Transocean Ltd.’s Current Report on Form 8-K (Commission File No. 000‑53533) filed on January 3, 2013) |
99.4 | Administrative Agreement by and among Transocean Deepwater Inc., Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc., Triton Asset Leasing GmbH, Transocean Holdings, LLC and the United States Environmental Protection Agency dated effective as of February 25, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference |
† Filed herewith.
* Compensatory plan or arrangement.
Exhibits listed above as previously having been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) are incorporated herein by reference pursuant to Rule 12b-32 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and made a part hereof with the same effect as if filed herewith.
Certain instruments relating to our long-term debt and our subsidiaries have not been filed as exhibits since the total amount of securities authorized under any such instrument does not exceed 10 percent of our total assets and our subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. We agree to furnish a copy of each such instrument to the SEC upon request.
Certain agreements filed as exhibits to this Report may contain representations and warranties by the parties to such agreements. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreements and (1) may be intended not as statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate, (2) may have been qualified by certain disclosures that were made to other parties in connection with the negotiation of such agreements, which disclosures are not reflected in such agreements, and (3) may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be viewed as material to investors.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on March 12, 2015.
TRANSOCEAN LTD.
By: /s/ David Tonnel
David Tonnel
Senior Vice President, Finance and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
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