HOUSTON, Aug. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- For the three months ended June 30, 2013, Rowan Companies plc ("Rowan" or the "Company") (NYSE: RDC) generated net income from continuing operations of $82.8 million, or $0.67 per share, compared to $50.8 million, or $0.41 per share in the second quarter of 2012. The second quarter of 2013 includes a $12.5 million after-tax gain, or $0.10 per share on the sale of a 116-C class jack-up rig (Rowan-Paris). Excluding the sale of the Rowan-Paris, net income from continuing operations was $70.3 million, or $0.57 per share.

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Rowan's revenues were $408.9 million in the second quarter of 2013, up 16% over the prior-year quarter due primarily to higher average day rates and higher utilization between periods.

Matt Ralls, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "In addition to our strong second quarter operating results, we are very pleased to have recently received contracts for our second and third ultra-deepwater newbuild drillships at attractive rates. Our backlog is at an all-time high and we are optimistic that we will have our fourth newbuild drillship contracted in the coming months. Our high-spec jack-ups continue to roll over to new contracts at higher rates, which along with earnings from our newbuild drillships should provide strong earnings growth in 2014 and 2015."

Rowan will conduct its earnings conference call on Tuesday, August 6, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. Central Time. Interested parties are invited to listen to the call by telephone or over the Internet. Individuals who wish to participate on the conference call by telephone can dial (877) 869-3847, or internationally (201) 689-8261. You should dial-in approximately five to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Alternatively, to access the online simulcast and rebroadcast of the conference call, please visit Rowan's website at www.rowancompanies.com. You should connect to our website at least 15 minutes prior to the conference call to register, download and install any necessary software.

Rowan Companies plc is a major provider of international and domestic contract drilling services with a leading position in high-specification jack-up rigs. The Company's fleet of 30 jack-up rigs is located worldwide, including the Middle East, the North Sea, Trinidad, Southeast Asia and the Gulf of Mexico. Rowan will enter the ultra-deepwater market with four high-specification drillships expected to be delivered starting in late 2013. The Company's Class A Ordinary Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "RDC". For more information on the Company, please visit www.rowancompanies.com.

Statements herein that are not historical facts are forward looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements as to the expectations, beliefs and future expected business, financial performance and prospects of the Company. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to certain risks, assumptions, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include oil and natural gas prices, the level of offshore expenditures by energy companies, variations in energy demand, changes in day rates, cancellation by our customers of drilling contracts or letter agreements or letters of intent for drilling contracts or the exercise of early termination provisions, risks associated with fixed cost drilling operations, cost overruns or delays on shipyard repair, construction or transportation of drilling units, maintenance and repair costs, costs or delays for conversion or upgrade projects, operating hazards and equipment failure, risks of collision and damage, casualty losses and limitations on insurance coverage, customer credit and risk of customer bankruptcy, conditions in the general economy and energy industry, weather conditions and severe weather in the Company's operating areas, increasing complexity and costs of compliance with environmental and other laws and regulations, changes in tax laws and interpretations by taxing authorities, civil unrest and instability, terrorism and hostilities in our areas of operations that may result in loss or seizure of assets, the outcome of disputes and legal proceedings, effects of the change in our corporate structure, and other risks disclosed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date hereof, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.\

CONTACT: Suzanne M. Spera, Director, Investor Relations, (713) 960-7517, sspera@rowancompanies.com