North and South America Jackup Rigs
North and South America jackup rig revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 increased by $31.4 million, or 29%, as compared to the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues was primarily due to an increase in utilization to 98% from 77% in the comparable prior year quarter and, to a lesser extent, a 2% increase in average day rates. The increase in utilization was attributable to decreased rig supply, as drilling contractors mobilized rigs to international locations, and an increase in customer demand. Contract drilling expense increased by $3.6 million, or 9%, as compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to increased personnel costs and the impact of increased utilization, partially offset by decreased mobilization expense and repair and maintenance expense. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008, North and South America jackup rig revenues increased by $9.2 million, or 3%, as compared to the prior year period. The increase in revenues was primarily due to an increase in utilization to 96% from 81% in the comparable prior year period, partially offset by a 12% decrease in average day rates. The increase in utilization was primarily attributable to the improvement in market conditions during 2008, as discussed in the previous paragraph. Although we realized day rate increases during the second and third quarter of 2008, day rates earned during the current year were generally lower than day rates earned during the early portions of 2007. The increase in revenues was also partially offset by ENSCO 105, which generated $7.1 million of revenues and $2.0 million of contract drilling expense during the first quarter of 2007 prior to relocation from the region. Contract drilling expense increased by $12.2 million, or 10%, as compared to the prior year period. The increase was primarily due to increased personnel costs and the impact of increased utilization, partially offset by decreased mobilization expense and the relocation of ENSCO 105 during the comparable prior year period. Semisubmersible Rigs Revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 for ENSCO 7500 increased by $8.4 million, or 45%, as compared to the prior year quarter. The increase in revenues was primarily due to an 80% increase in the average day rate as compared to the prior year quarter, as ENSCO 7500 began earning a significantly higher day rate during February 2008. Contract drilling expense totaled $8.3 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, as increased personnel costs were offset by decreased repair and maintenance expense. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008, revenues for ENSCO 7500 increased by $29.9 million, or 55%, and contract drilling expense increased by $5.5 million, or 26%, as compared to the prior year period. The increase in revenues was primarily due to a 68% increase in the average day rate as compared to the prior year period. The increase in contract drilling expense was primarily due to increased personnel costs and repair and maintenance expense. Beginning in the second quarter of 2007, ENSCO 7500 staffing levels were increased to facilitate training in preparation for delivery of our ENSCO 8500 Series® rigs. Depreciation Depreciation expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 increased by $1.5 million, or 3%, as compared to the prior year quarter. The increase was primarily attributable to depreciation associated with the ENSCO 93 capital enhancement and upgrade project completed during the first quarter of 2008 and depreciation on other minor upgrades and improvements completed subsequent to the third quarter of 2007. Depreciation expense for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008 increased by $5.6 million, or 4%, as compared to the prior year period. The increase was primarily attributable to depreciation associated with the ENSCO 83 and ENSCO 93 capital enhancement projects completed during the second quarter of 2007 and first quarter of 2008, respectively, depreciation on ENSCO 108, which was placed into service in April 2007, and depreciation on other minor upgrades and improvements completed subsequent to the third quarter of 2007. |