To the extent available, we expect to utilize the operating cash flows generated by and cash reserves of DFAC and the operating cash flows available to and cash reserves of Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. to meet each entity’s respective working capital requirements and capital commitments. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had cash available for current operations of $201.9 million and $376.0 million, respectively. We also had investments in U.S. Treasury bills of $274.7 million at September 30, 2018, which mature at various times through November 2018.
We have historically invested a significant portion of our cash flows in the enhancement of our drilling fleet. The amount of cash required to meet our capital commitments is determined by evaluating the need to upgrade our rigs to meet specific customer requirements and our ongoing rig equipment enhancement/replacement programs. We make periodic assessments of our capital spending programs based on current and expected industry conditions and make adjustments thereto if required.
Based on our cash available for current operations and contractual backlog, we believe future capital spending and debt service requirements will be funded from our cash and cash equivalents, future operating cash flows and borrowings under our credit agreements, as needed. See “– Sources and Uses of Cash –Capital Expenditures.”
We pay dividends at the discretion of our Board of Directors, or Board, and any determination to declare a dividend, as well as the amount of any dividend that may be declared, will be based on the Board’s consideration of our financial position, earnings, earnings outlook, capital spending plans, outlook on current and future market conditions and business needs, contractual obligations and other factors that our Board considers relevant at that time. We did not pay any dividends in 2017 or during the first nine months of 2018.
Depending on market conditions, we may, from time to time, purchase shares of our common stock in the open market or otherwise. We did not purchase any shares of our outstanding common stock during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.
We may, from time to time, issue debt or equity securities, or a combination thereof, to finance capital expenditures, the acquisition of assets and businesses or for general corporate purposes. Our ability to access the capital markets by issuing debt or equity securities will be dependent on our results of operations, our current financial condition, current credit ratings, current market conditions and other factors beyond our control.
Sources and Uses of Cash
During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018, our primary sources of cash were an aggregate $188.8 million generated by operating activities and proceeds of $69.5 million, primarily from the sale of theOceanScepter in July 2018 and theOcean Victory in January 2018. Cash usage during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 was primarily $272.5 million for purchases of marketable securities, net of maturities, and for capital expenditures aggregating $159.8 million.
Cash Flowfrom Operations.Cash flow from operations for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 decreased $177.9 million compared to the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to lower cash receipts for contract drilling services ($219.9 million), partially offset by a net decrease in cash expenditures for contract drilling services and other working capital requirements ($2.6 million) and lower income tax payments, net of refunds ($39.4 million).
Capital Expenditures.As of the date of this report, we expect total capital expenditures for 2018 to aggregate approximately $220 million for our capital maintenance and replacement programs.
At September 30, 2018, we had no significant purchase obligations, except for those related to our direct rig operations, which arise during the normal course of business.
Other Obligations. As of September 30, 2018, the total net unrecognized tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions was $63.9 million. Due to the high degree of uncertainty regarding the timing of future cash outflows associated with the liabilities recognized in these balances, we are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities.
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