UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020

OR

For the transition period from              to             

Commission File Number: 333-212081

 

VANTAGE DRILLING INTERNATIONAL

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

c/o Vantage Energy Services, Inc.

777 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 800

Houston, TX 77056

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (281) 404-4700

 

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  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.     ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ☐    No   ☒

The number of Vantage Drilling International Ordinary Shares outstanding as of November 2, 2020 is 13,115,026 shares.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

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SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Quarterly Report”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements are included throughout this Quarterly Report, including under “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” When used, statements which are not historical in nature, including those containing words such as “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “budget,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would,” “will,” “future” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report.

These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are the risks and uncertainties described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, which was filed with the SEC on March 10, 2020, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020, which were filed with the SEC on May 12, 2020 and August 8, 2020, respectively, and “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Quarterly Report, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this Quarterly Report, and the following:

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Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. Any, or a combination of these factors, could materially affect our future financial condition or results of operations and the ultimate accuracy of the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of our future performance, and our actual results and future developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Management cautions against putting undue reliance on forward-looking statements or projecting any future results based on such statements or present or prior earnings levels.

In addition, each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. We may not update these forward-looking statements, even if our situation changes in the future. All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is contained from time to time in filings we may make with the SEC, which may be obtained by contacting us or the SEC. These filings are also available through our website at www.vantagedrilling.com or through the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering and Analysis Retrieval system (EDGAR) at www.sec.gov. The contents of our website are not part of this Quarterly Report.

Unless the context indicates otherwise, all references to the “Company,” “Vantage Drilling International,” “we,” “our” or “us” refer to Vantage Drilling International and its consolidated subsidiaries.  References to “VDI” refer to Vantage Drilling International, a Cayman Islands exempted company and the group parent company.

 

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GLOSSARY OF TERMS

 

The following terms used in this Quarterly Report have the following meanings, unless specified elsewhere in this Quarterly Report:

 

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PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

Vantage Drilling International

Consolidated Balance Sheet

(In thousands, except share and par value information)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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Vantage Drilling International

Consolidated Statement of Operations

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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Vantage Drilling International

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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Vantage Drilling International

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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VANTAGE DRILLING INTERNATIONAL

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. Organization and Recent Events

Vantage Drilling International, a Cayman Islands exempted company, together with its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”), is an international offshore drilling company focused on operating a fleet of modern, high specification drilling units. Our principal business is to contract drilling units, related equipment and work crews, primarily on a dayrate basis to drill oil and gas wells for our customers. Through our fleet of drilling units, we are a provider of offshore contract drilling services to major, national and independent oil and gas companies, focused on international markets. Additionally, for drilling units owned by others, we provide construction supervision services for rigs that are under construction, preservation management services for rigs that are stacked and operations and marketing services for operating rigs.

The Continued Global Spread of COVID-19

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) announced a global health emergency as COVID-19 continued to spread globally beyond its point of origin. In March 2020, WHO classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic based on the rapid increase in exposure globally and the risks posed to the international community. The continued global spread of COVID-19 has caused widespread illness and significant loss of life, leading governments across the world to impose severely stringent limitations on movement and human interaction. Such governmental responses to the pandemic have depressed economic activity worldwide, impacting all industries, but with a significant adverse effect on the oil and gas industry.  The response of governments throughout the world to address the spread of COVID-19, including, among other actions, the imposition of travel bans, quarantines and entry restrictions, has notably impacted our operations, particularly challenging the ability to transport personnel and equipment to and from our rigs, and for our customers and their suppliers to be able to seamlessly manage and conduct their respective operations. As a result of these challenges: (a) one of our customers invoked the “force majeure” clause under its drilling contract with us and subsequently terminated the drilling contract in accordance with its terms, and there is the potential for others to similarly exercise “force majeure” clauses under their respective drilling contracts; (b) two other customers terminated their drilling contracts prior to the end of their respective terms (both contracts were to expire in the normal course in the Previous Quarter); (c) we reached an agreement in April 2020 to place one rig on a stand-by rate for the majority of the Previous Quarter (such “force majeure” or stand-by rates received by the Company are generally less than the original day rates otherwise payable to the Company); however, this rig returned to operations in July 2020; (d) we reached agreements with three other customers to delay the start dates of their new drilling programs and we remain in ongoing discussions with another customer regarding our operations and their existing drilling contract and program; (e) we have experienced, and could experience further, delays in the collection of certain accounts receivables due to logistical obstacles, such as office closures resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as other impacts to our long-term liquidity; and (f) we have incurred additional labor costs and could continue to incur additional labor costs in the future as a result of our efforts to keep our personnel safe, quarantine requirements, closures and movement restrictions in certain jurisdictions in which we operate, as well as the home countries in which certain of our offshore personnel are located, which in many cases have impeded, and could continue to impede for the foreseeable future, the regular transportation of crews to their home countries and result in the payment of compensation to stranded crews working longer than their routine rotation schedule (in addition to the use of charter flights in the absence of commercial flights).

The short-term impact of these challenges has resulted in (i) lower revenue due to terminations of (or amendments to) our existing drilling contracts and (ii) increased expenses due to higher labor and related costs.  We cannot at this time determine with certainty how long these challenges will persist as well as the long-term impact that such challenges may have on our operations and growth on a go-forward basis; however, the Company is actively managing the business in an attempt to mitigate the impact of the foregoing matters.  In order to decrease the Company’s overall operating expenses, the Company has undertaken significant headcount and salary reductions, both onshore and offshore, as well as other cost reduction measures to reflect the lower operating activity.  

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread worldwide.  We can neither predict the duration nor estimate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at this time. Therefore, the Company can give no assurances that the spread of COVID-19 will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations in 2020 and beyond.

Declines in the Demand for Oil and Gas, and the Resulting Oil Price and Market Share Volatility

The recent collapse in global economic activity resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak has caused demand for global oil and gas to significantly decline.  Moreover, members of OPEC and Russia failed to reach an agreement in March 2020 to extend previously agreed upon oil production cuts and make much needed additional oil production cuts. Thereafter, Saudi Arabia announced an immediate significant reduction in its oil export prices and Russia announced that all agreed oil production cuts between Russia and OPEC members would expire on April 1, 2020. The termination of the previous cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Russia had an immediate impact given that it had supported global oil prices in the past.  Saudi Arabia’s subsequent decision to dramatically increase its oil production and engage in a price war with Russia led to a massive oversupply of oil, which resulted in the overwhelming of global oil storage capacities.  

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This price and market share war was later reversed with OPEC, Russia and many of the world’s major oil producers reaching a record production cut agreement on April 12, 2020 and extending such agreement on June 6, 2020. However, the confluence of the spread of COVID-19 and the resulting global oil surplus has significantly and adversely impacted the oil and gas industry, causing (i) an unprecedented drop in oil prices, with Brent crude reaching $19.33 per barrel, its lowest price since 1999, and (ii) ensuing reductions of exploration and production company capital and operating budgets. Though OPEC, Russia and other major oil and gas producing nations agreed to continue making drastic cuts to oil production, the efforts to contain COVID-19 will continue to depress global economic activity in the near-term, and the supply and demand imbalance of oil and gas will likely continue for the foreseeable future, leading to sustained lower prices for the remainder of 2020 and possibly beyond.  Moreover, it is unclear if, or how long, any agreement among OPEC, Russia and the other major oil producing countries will remain in effect.

The volatility in global oil and gas prices is also causing oil and gas producers to cancel or delay drilling tenders, which could potentially impact our future backlog.  Material payment delays, modifications or cancellations on the underlying contracts (including, but not limited to, any delays, modifications or cancellations attributable directly and indirectly to the COVID-19 outbreak) have reduced the amount of backlog previously reported (and could further reduce the amount of backlog currently reported) and consequently, could inhibit the conversion of that backlog into revenues.

The full impact of the decrease in global oil and gas prices continues to evolve as of the date of this Quarterly Report. Oil and gas prices are expected to continue to be volatile as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and resulting changes in oil and gas inventories and industry demand, and therefore, the Company cannot predict with certainty if and when oil and gas prices will begin to improve and stabilize. While our management is actively monitoring the foregoing events and its associated financial impact, it is uncertain at this time as to the full magnitude that depressed oil and gas prices will have on our financial condition and future results of operations.  

Impairment of the Titanium Explorer’s Carrying Value

During the three months ended September 30, 2020, we evaluated our deepwater drilling rigs that had indicators of impairment and determined that the carrying value of our longer-term warm stacked drillship, the Titanium Explorer, was impaired. As a result, we recognized a non-cash loss on impairment of $128.9 million during the period covered by this Quarterly Report. See “Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies” of these “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information regarding the impairment of the Titanium Explorer.   

Restructuring Agreement and the Associated Settlement Agreement

The Company entered into a settlement agreement with VDC on March 4, 2020 to release each other from claims pertaining to certain intercompany receivables and payables as between the Company and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and VDC and its subsidiaries, on the other.  See “Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies” of these “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional details on the Restructuring Agreement and the associated settlement agreement.   

 

2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation: The accompanying interim consolidated financial information as of September 30, 2020 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 has been prepared without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, and includes our accounts and those of our majority owned subsidiaries and VIEs (as discussed below). All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. They reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods, on a basis consistent with the annual audited financial statements. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, although we believe that the disclosures made are adequate to provide for fair presentation. The balance sheet at December 31, 2019 is derived from our December 31, 2019 audited financial statements. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, which was filed with the SEC on March 10, 2020. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or any future periods.

In addition to the consolidation of our majority owned subsidiaries, we also consolidate VIEs when we are determined to be the primary beneficiary of a VIE. Determination of the primary beneficiary of a VIE is based on whether an entity has (1) the power to direct activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Our determination of the primary beneficiary of a VIE considers all relationships between us and the VIE.

ADVantage is a joint venture company formed to operate deepwater drilling rigs in Egypt. We determined that ADVantage met the criteria of a VIE 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 that we are the primary beneficiary for accounting purposes since we are entitled to use ADVantage for deepwater drilling contract opportunities rejected by ADES International Holding Ltd., a

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London-listed offshore and onshore provider of oil and gas drilling and production services in the Middle East and Africa (“ADES”), and have the (a) power to direct the operating activities associated with the deepwater drilling rigs, which are the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, and (b) obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive a majority of the benefits that could be potentially significant to the VIE. As a result, we consolidate ADVantage in our consolidated financial statements, we eliminate intercompany transactions and we present the interests that are not owned by us as “Noncontrolling interests” in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The carrying amount associated with ADVantage was as follows:

As ADVantage is a majority owned subsidiary of the Company, it serves as a guarantor under the First Lien Indenture.  The 9.25% First Lien Notes are secured by a first priority lien on all of the assets of ADVantage, subject to certain exceptions. Creditors’ recourse against ADVantage for liabilities of ADVantage is limited to the assets of ADVantage.

See “Note 9. Supplemental Financial Information” of these “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional details regarding related party transactions associated with this joint venture.

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to property and equipment, income taxes, insurance, employee benefits and contingent liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: Includes deposits with financial institutions as well as short-term money market instruments with maturities of three months or less when purchased.

Inventory: Consists of materials, spare parts, consumables and related supplies for our drilling rigs.

Property and Equipment: Consists of our drilling rigs, furniture and fixtures, computer equipment and capitalized costs for computer software. Drilling rigs are depreciated on a component basis over estimated useful lives ranging from five to 35 years on a straight-line basis as of the date placed in service. Other assets are depreciated upon placement in service over estimated useful lives ranging from three to seven years on a straight-line basis. When assets are sold, retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the balance sheet and the resulting gain or loss is included in “Operating costs” or “General and administrative” expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Operations, depending on the nature of the asset.  In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, we recognized a net loss of approximately $0.1 million related to the sale or retirement of assets. In the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we recognized a net loss of approximately $0.1 million related to the sale or retirement of assets.  No gain or loss was recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2019 related to the sale or retirement of assets.

We evaluate the realization of property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss on our property and equipment exists when estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount. Any impairment loss recognized would be computed as the excess of the asset’s carrying value over the estimated fair value. Estimates of future cash flows require us to make long-term forecasts of our future revenues and operating costs with regard to the assets subject to review. Our business, including the utilization rates and dayrates we receive for our drilling rigs, depends on the level of our customers’ expenditures for oil and gas exploration, development and production expenditures. Oil and gas prices and customers’ expectations of potential changes in these prices, the general outlook for worldwide economic growth, political and social stability in the major oil and gas producing basins of the world, availability of credit and changes in governmental laws and regulations, among many other factors, significantly affect our customers’ levels of expenditures. Sustained declines in or persistent depressed levels of oil and gas prices, worldwide rig counts and utilization, reduced access to credit markets, reduced or depressed sale prices of comparably equipped jackups and drillships and any other significant adverse economic news could require us to evaluate the realization of our drilling rigs. In connection with our adoption of fresh-start accounting upon our emergence from bankruptcy on the Effective Date, an adjustment of $2.0 billion was recorded to decrease the net book value of our drilling rigs to the then estimated fair value.

As a result of the spread of COVID-19 and the oil price and market share volatility, we tested for impairment based on impairment indicators identified in the first quarter of 2020. The recoverability test performed resulted in no impairment loss being recorded as the estimated undiscounted cash flows generated from our drilling rigs exceeded their carrying values as of March 31, 2020.  The projections and assumptions used in that analysis did not change significantly during the three months ended June 30,

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2020; accordingly, no triggering event had occurred to indicate that the carrying value of our drilling rigs would not be recoverable at that time.   

During the three months ended September 30, 2020, we identified indicators that the carrying amounts of our deepwater asset groups may not be recoverable. Such indicators included the continued impact of COVID-19 to global economic activity and the resulting reductions and delays in deepwater oil and gas exploration and development plans on the part of operators leading to increased barriers for the reactivation of stacked rigs. As a result of our impairment testing, we determined that the carrying amount of our longer-term warm stacked drillship, the Titanium Explorer, was impaired and we recognized a non-cash loss on impairment of $128.9 million during the period covered by this Quarterly Report. We measured the fair value of the Titanium Explorer by applying the market approach, using estimates of the exchange price that would be received for the assets in the principal or most advantageous market as of the measurement date. Our estimate of fair value required us to use other significant observable inputs, representative of Level 3 fair value measurements, including the marketability of the rig and prices of comparable rigs that may be sold for scrap value. The recoverability test performed on our other two deepwater rigs resulted in no impairment loss being recorded as the estimated undiscounted cash flows generated by those rigs exceeded their carrying values as of September 30, 2020. The Platinum Explorer is currently operating and the Tungsten Explorer is scheduled to recommence operations in 2021.

Interest costs and the amortization of debt financing costs related to the financings of our drilling rigs are capitalized as part of the cost while they are under construction and prior to the commencement of each vessel’s first contract. We did not capitalize any interest for the reported periods.

Intangible Assets: In April 2017, pursuant to a purchase and sale agreement with a third party, we completed the purchase of the Vantage 260, a class 154-44C jackup rig, and a related multi-year drilling contract for $13.0 million. In connection with our acquisition, the Company recorded an identifiable intangible asset of $12.6 million for the fair value of the acquired favorable drilling contract. The resulting intangible asset was amortized on a straight-line basis over the two-year term of the drilling contract, which ended in April 2019. We recognized approximately $1.6 million of amortization expense for intangible assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.  

Debt Financing Costs: Costs incurred with financing debt are deferred and amortized over the term of the related financing facility on a straight-line basis, which approximates the interest method. Debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability are presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability.  

 Rig and Equipment Certifications: We are required to obtain regulatory certifications to operate our drilling rigs and certain specified equipment, and must maintain such certifications through periodic inspections and surveys. The costs associated with these certifications, including drydock costs, are deferred and amortized over the corresponding certification periods.

Revenue Recognition: See “Note 3. Revenue from Contracts with Customers” of these “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.

Income Taxes: Income taxes are provided for based upon the tax laws and rates in effect in the countries in which our operations are conducted and income is earned. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the financial statement basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities that will result in future taxable or tax deductible amounts and are based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. We do not establish deferred tax liabilities for certain of our foreign earnings that we intend to indefinitely reinvest to finance foreign activities.  Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. We recognize interest and penalties related to income taxes as a component of income tax expense.

Concentrations of Credit Risk: Financial instruments that potentially subject us to a significant concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and accounts receivable. We maintain deposits in federally insured financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits. We monitor the credit ratings and our concentration of risk with these financial institutions on a continuing basis to safeguard our cash deposits. We have a limited number of key customers, who are primarily large international oil and gas operators, national oil companies and other international oil and gas companies. Our contracts provide for monthly billings as services are performed and we monitor compliance with contract payment terms on an ongoing basis. Payment terms on customer invoices typically range from 30 to 45 days. Outstanding receivables beyond payment terms are promptly investigated and discussed with the specific customer.  

Credit Losses – Accounts Receivable: The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the Company’s assessment of the collectability of customer accounts. Current estimates of expected credit losses consider factors such as the historical experience and credit quality of our customers. The Company considers historical loss information as the most reasonable basis on which to determine expected credit losses because the customer base and composition of our trade receivables is consistent with customers analyzed in evaluation of historical credit losses. The Company has not historically incurred any material credit losses, the risk characteristics of our customers remain similar and our operational practices have not changed over time. Due to the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 and the oil price and market share volatility (see “The Continued Global Spread of COVID-19” and “Declines in the Demand for Oil and Gas, and the Resulting Oil Price and Market Share Volatility” each of which are set forth above in “Note 1. Organization and

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Recent Events” of these “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements”), we are unable to determine at this time reasonable and supportable credit loss forecasts and therefore, have reverted to historical loss information to estimate the allowance for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the allowance for doubtful accounts on our trade receivables was immaterial for both periods.   

Earnings (loss) per Share: We compute basic and diluted EPS in accordance with the two-class method. We include restricted stock units granted to employees that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends as such grants are considered participating securities. Basic earnings (loss) per share are based on the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares outstanding during the applicable period. Diluted EPS are computed based on the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares and ordinary share equivalents outstanding in the applicable period, as if all potentially dilutive securities were converted into Ordinary Shares (using the treasury stock method).

The following is a reconciliation of the number of shares used for the basic and diluted EPS computations:

The following sets forth the number of shares excluded from diluted EPS computations:

 

Functional Currency: We consider USD to be the functional currency for all of our operations since the majority of our revenues and expenditures are denominated in USD, which limits our exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations. We recognize currency exchange rate gains and losses in “Other, net” in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. The foreign exchange gain/loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, which related to currency exchange rates, was immaterial.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, we recognized a net gain of approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, related to currency exchange rates.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The fair value of our short-term financial assets and liabilities approximates the carrying amounts represented in the balance sheet principally due to the short-term nature or floating rate nature of these instruments. At September 30, 2020, the fair value of the 9.25% First Lien Notes was approximately $199.50 million based on quoted market prices in a less active market, a Level 2 measurement.

Share-based Compensation: TBGs granted under the 2016 Amended MIP vest annually, ratably over four years; however, accelerated vesting is provided for in the event of a QLE.  Otherwise, the settlement of any vested TBGs occurs upon the seventh anniversary of the Effective Date.  PBGs granted under the 2016 Amended MIP contain vesting eligibility provisions tied to the earlier of a QLE or seven years from the Effective Date.  Upon the occurrence of a vesting eligibility event, the number of PBGs that actually vest will be dependent on the achievement of pre-determined TEV targets specified in the grants.

Both the TBGs and PBGs were classified as liabilities consistent with the classification of the underlying securities prior to the Conversion.  Following the Conversion, outstanding TBGs and PBGs were subject to modification accounting and were re-classified as equity awards.  Under the provisions of ASC 718 Compensation – Stock Compensation share-based compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period from the grant date to the fourth year vest date for TBGs. For PBGs, expense will be recognized when it is probable that the TEV targets will be met.  Once it is probable the performance condition will be met, compensation expense based on the fair value of the PBGs at the conversion date of the Convertible Notes will be recognized for the service period completed to the seventh anniversary of the Effective Date for PBGs.

Noncontrolling Interest: Noncontrolling interests represent the equity investments of the minority owner in ADVantage, a joint venture with ADES that we consolidate in our financial statements.

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Recently Adopted Accounting Standards:

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses.” This ASU, and the related ASUs issued subsequently by the FASB, introduce a new model for recognizing credit losses on financial assets not accounted for at fair value through net income, including loans, debt securities, trade receivables, net investments in leases and available-for-sale debt securities.  The new ASU broadens the information that an entity must consider in developing estimates of expected credit losses and requires an entity to estimate credit losses over the life of an exposure based on historical information, current information and reasonable, supportable forecasts.  We adopted the standard on January 1, 2020, using the modified retrospective approach.  The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements as our customers are primarily international oil companies, national oil companies and large independent oil companies that have historically had a very low incidence of bad debt expense.  The Company will continue to actively monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on expected credit losses.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software." This ASU requires capitalization of certain implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. We adopted the standard on January 1, 2020 with no impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards:

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-06, “Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts with Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity.”  This ASU simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity, including convertible instruments and contracts on an entity’s own equity.  The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021 and for interim periods therein with early adoption permitted.  We are currently evaluating the provisions of ASU 2020-06 and assessing the impact it may have on our financial position and results of operations, if any.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.”  This ASU simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also simplifies and improves consistent application of GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance.  The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and for interim periods therein with early adoption permitted.  At this time we do not expect that the adoption of this ASU will materially affect our consolidated financial statements.

3. Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The activities that primarily drive the revenue earned in our drilling contracts with customers include (i) providing our drilling rig, work crews, related equipment and services necessary to operate the rig, (ii) delivering the drilling rig by mobilizing to and demobilizing from the drill site, and (iii) performing pre-operating activities, including rig preparation activities and/or equipment modifications required for the contract.

The integrated drilling services that we perform under each drilling contract represent a single performance obligation satisfied over time and comprised of a series of distinct time increments, or service periods.

Dayrate Drilling Revenue. Our drilling contracts generally provide for payment on a dayrate basis, with higher rates for periods when the drilling unit is operating and lower rates or zero rates for periods when drilling operations are interrupted or restricted. The dayrate billed to the customer is determined based on varying rates applicable to the specific activities performed on an hourly basis. Such dayrate consideration is allocated to the distinct hourly increment it relates to within the contract term and therefore, recognized as we perform the daily drilling services.

Mobilization/Demobilization Revenue. In connection with certain contracts, we receive lump-sum fees or similar compensation for the mobilization of equipment and personnel prior to the commencement of drilling services or the demobilization of equipment and personnel upon contract completion. These activities are not considered to be distinct within the context of the contract and therefore, the associated revenue is allocated to the overall single performance obligation.

Mobilization fees received prior to commencement of drilling operations are recorded as a contract liability and amortized on a straight‑line basis over the initial contract period. Demobilization fees expected to be received upon contract completion are estimated at contract inception and recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial contract term with an offset to an accretive contract asset. In many contracts, demobilization fees are contingent upon the occurrence or non-occurrence of a future event and the estimate for such revenue may therefore be constrained. Fees received for the mobilization or demobilization of equipment and personnel are included in “Contract drilling services” in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.

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Capital Upgrade/Contract Preparation Revenue. In connection with certain contracts, we receive lump-sum fees or similar compensation for requested capital upgrades to our drilling rigs or for other contract preparation work. These activities are not considered to be distinct within the context of the contract and therefore, fees received are recorded as a contract liability and amortized to contract drilling revenues on a straight-line basis over the initial contract term.

Contract Termination Revenue. On June 20, 2019, VDEEP and VDDI entered into the Petrobras Agreement with the Petrobras Parties relating to the Petrobras Award.  See “Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies” of these “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information regarding the Petrobras Agreement and the Petrobras Award. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, we recognized approximately $594.0 million in “Contract termination revenue” and $106.9 million in “Interest income” associated with the Petrobras Payments (as defined in “Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies” of these “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements”).

Revenues Related to Reimbursable Expenses. We generally receive reimbursements from our customers for the purchase of supplies, equipment, personnel services and other services provided at their request in accordance with a drilling contract or other agreement. We are generally considered a principal in such transactions and therefore, recognize reimbursable revenues and the corresponding costs as we provide the customer‑requested goods and services.

We have elected to exclude from the transaction price measurement all taxes assessed by a governmental authority.

Disaggregation of Revenue

The following tables present our revenue disaggregated by revenue source for the periods indicated:

Dayrate revenue and amortized revenue for Jackups and Deepwater are included within “Contract drilling services” in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. All other revenue, excluding “Contract termination revenue”, are included within “Reimbursables and other” in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Accounts Receivable, Contract Liabilities and Contract Costs

Accounts receivable are recognized when the right to consideration becomes unconditional based upon contractual billing schedules. Payment terms on customer invoices typically range from 30 to 45 days.

We recognize contract liabilities, recorded in other “Other current liabilities” and “Other long-term liabilities”, for prepayments received from customers and for deferred revenue received for mobilization, contract preparation and capital upgrades.  

Certain direct and incremental costs incurred for contract preparation, initial mobilization and modifications of contracted rigs represent contract fulfillment costs as they relate directly to a contract, enhance resources that will be used to satisfy our performance obligations in the future and are expected to be recovered. These costs are deferred as a current or noncurrent asset depending on the length of the initial contract term and are amortized on a straight-line basis to operating costs as services are rendered over the initial term of the related drilling contract. Costs incurred for capital upgrades are capitalized and depreciated over the useful life of the asset.

Costs incurred for the demobilization of rigs at contract completion are recognized as incurred during the demobilization process. Costs incurred to mobilize a rig without a contract are expensed as incurred.

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The following table provides information about contract cost assets and contract revenue liabilities from contracts with customers:

Significant changes in contract cost assets and contract revenue liabilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 are as follows:

We have elected to utilize an optional exemption that permits us to exclude disclosure of the estimated transaction price related to the variable portion of unsatisfied performance obligations at the end of the reporting period, as our transaction price is based on a single performance obligation consisting of a series of distinct hourly increments, the variability of which will be resolved at the time of the future services.

4. Leases

We have operating leases expiring at various dates, principally for office space, onshore storage yards and certain operating equipment. Additionally, we sublease certain office space to third parties. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases with an initial term greater than 12 months are included in “Operating lease ROU assets”, “Other current liabilities”, and “Other long-term liabilities” on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made prior to or at the commencement date and is reduced by lease incentives received and initial direct costs incurred. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally not accounted for separately. Certain of our leases include provisions for variable payments. These variable payments are not included in the calculation of lease liability and ROU assets.

The components of lease expense were as follows:

 

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As of September 30, 2020, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:

 

As of September 30, 2020, the weighted average discount rate and the weighted average remaining lease term for operating leases was 9.25% and 2.52 years, respectively.  ROU assets and lease liabilities recorded for leases commencing during the three months ended September 30, 2020 was $0.5 million.

The bareboat charter contract on the Soehanah jackup rig was accounted for as an operating lease with charter revenue included in “Reimbursables and other” in the Consolidated Statement of Operation for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.  In May 2019, the parties to the bareboat charter terminated the charterer’s right to acquire the rig at the end of the term of the bareboat charter, which was originally intended to end on December 31, 2019.  However, under the terms of the bareboat charter, the lease term continued until the rig was redelivered to the Company, which occurred on February 3, 2020.

5. Debt

Our debt was composed of the following as of the dates indicated:

 

9.25% First Lien Notes. On November 30, 2018, the Company issued $350.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 9.25% First Lien Notes in a private placement. The 9.25% First Lien Notes were issued at par and are fully guaranteed on a senior secured basis by the Company’s direct and indirect subsidiaries and are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, in each case subject to certain exceptions. The 9.25% First Lien Notes are subject to first payment priority in favor of holders of up to $50.0 million of future super-priority debt and are subject to both mandatory and optional redemption provisions.

The 9.25% First Lien Notes mature on November 15, 2023 and bear interest from the date of their issuance at the rate of 9.25% per year. Interest is computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months and is payable semi-annually in arrears, commencing on May 15, 2019.

The First Lien Indenture includes customary covenants and events of default, including covenants that, among other things, restrict the granting of liens, restrict the making of investments, restrict the incurrence of indebtedness and the conveyance of vessels, limit transactions with affiliates, and require that the Company provide periodic financial reports.

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The net proceeds from the issuance were used (i) to repay all obligations under the 2016 Term Loan Facility and to terminate the credit agreement governing such facility, (ii) to redeem all outstanding 10% Second Lien Notes, (iii) to fund the remaining amounts to be paid in connection with the purchase of the Soehanah jackup rig, (iv) to pay fees and expenses related to the foregoing and to the offering of the 9.25% First Lien Notes and (v) for general corporate purposes.

Concurrently with the issuance of the 9.25% First Lien Notes, we entered into a new letter of credit facility to replace the letter of credit facility existing under the 2016 Term Loan Facility. The new facility has a capacity of $50.0 million, with all outstanding letters of credit being cash collateralized. We have issued $10.1 million in letters of credit under this facility as of September 30, 2020.

On July 8, 2019, we commenced the Offer to repurchase up to $75.0 million of the 9.25% First Lien Notes at a purchase price equal to 100.0% of the principal of the 9.25% First Lien Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional amounts, if any, but not including, the date fixed for the purchase of the 9.25% First Lien Notes tendered pursuant to the Offer.  The Offer to purchase for cash was made pursuant to the terms of the First Lien Indenture in connection with the receipt by our subsidiaries, VDEEP and VDDI, of approximately $690.8 million and $10.1 million, respectively, on June 21, 2019 on account of the Petrobras Award. In accordance with the First Lien Indenture, we were required to offer to purchase at least $75.0 million of the 9.25% First Lien Notes in accordance with the terms thereof.  No 9.25% First Lien Notes were tendered for purchase as of the Offer Expiration Date. Accordingly, the Company concluded its obligation under the First Lien Indenture to conduct such offer, and, in accordance with the terms of the First Lien Indenture, the proceeds from the Petrobras Agreement (net of direct costs relating to the recovery thereof) are available for use by the Company without any restrictions under the First Lien Indenture.

 Convertible Notes. As part of the Reorganization Plan, the Company issued 4,344,959 New Shares and $750.0 million of the Convertible Notes to certain creditors holding approximately $2.5 billion of pre-petition secured debt claims. The New Shares issued to the creditors and the Convertible Notes could only be traded together and not separately. The Convertible Notes were to mature on December 31, 2030 and were convertible into New Shares, in certain circumstances, at a conversion price (subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Indenture for the Convertible Notes), which was $95.60 as of the issue date. The Indenture for the Convertible Notes included customary covenants that restricted, among other things, the granting of liens and customary events of default, including among other things, failure to issue securities upon conversion of the Convertible Notes.

On June 7, 2019, the Company announced that the Board of Directors had approved the conversion of all of the Convertible Notes into Ordinary Shares of the Company to take effect on or as promptly as practicable after July 1, 2019, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions required by the indenture governing the Convertible Notes.  The Company then announced on July 18, 2019 that, in light of the Petrobras Agreement between the Petrobras Parties and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, the Board of Directors had decided to reevaluate whether it was in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to proceed with the Conversion at that point in time. No action was undertaken by the Company at that time to proceed with the Conversion.

On November 18, 2019, the Company announced that the Board of Directors had authorized the Conversion.  On December 4, 2019, the outstanding principal amount of approximately $775.8 million was converted to outstanding Ordinary Shares at a rate of approximately 0.01046, which equates to one ordinary share per $95.60 principal amount of the Convertible Notes.

 

 

6. Shareholders’ Equity

Stock Issuance

VDI has 50,000,000 authorized Ordinary Shares. Upon emergence from bankruptcy on the Effective Date, VDI issued 5,000,053 Ordinary Shares in connection with the settlement of Liabilities Subject to Compromise in accordance with the Reorganization Plan and the VDC Note. On December 4, 2019, VDI issued an additional 8,114,977 Ordinary Shares to convert all of the outstanding Convertible Notes.  See “Note 5. Debt” of these “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information regarding the Conversion.  As of September 30, 2020, 13,115,026 Ordinary Shares were issued and outstanding.

Share-based Compensation  

 On August 9, 2016, the Company adopted the 2016 Amended MIP to align the interests of participants with those of the shareholders by providing incentive compensation opportunities tied to the performance of the Company’s equity securities. Pursuant to the 2016 Amended MIP, the Compensation Committee may grant to employees, directors and consultants stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units or other awards.

No awards were granted to employees or directors during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, 55,074 of previously granted TBGs vested.      

Both the TBGs and PBGs are classified as equity awards.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we recognized share-based compensation expense related to the TBGs of approximately $1.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively.  As of September 30, 2020, we concluded that it was not probable that the TEV performance condition would be met and therefore, no share based compensation expense was recognized for PBGs.

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Pursuant to the 2016 Amended MIP and the terms of the applicable unit awards, participants holding restricted stock units are contractually entitled to receive all dividends or other distributions that are paid to VDI’s stockholders, provided that any such dividends will be subject to the same vesting requirements of the underlying units. Dividend payments accrue to outstanding awards (both vested and unvested) in the form of “Dividend Equivalents” equal to the dividend per share underlying the applicable award under the 2016 Amended MIP.  As a result of a special cash distribution paid to shareholders of record on December 17, 2019, $8.0 million has been recorded in “Other long-term liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2020 to be paid upon settlement of the TBGs.

 

7. Income Taxes

VDI is a Cayman Islands company operating in multiple countries through its subsidiaries. The Cayman Islands do not impose corporate income taxes. Consequently, we have calculated income taxes based on the laws and tax rates in effect in the countries in which operations are conducted, or in which we and our subsidiaries are considered resident for income tax purposes. Our income taxes are generally dependent upon the results of our operations and when we generate significant revenues in jurisdictions where the income tax liability is based on gross revenues or asset values, there is no correlation to the net operating results and the income tax expense. Furthermore, in some jurisdictions we do not pay taxes, pay taxes at lower rates or receive benefits for certain income and expense items, including interest expense, loss on extinguishment of debt, gains or losses on disposal or transfer of assets, reorganization expenses and write-off of development costs.  

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was enacted, a sweeping stimulus bill intended to bolster the U.S. economy and provide emergency financial assistance to qualifying businesses and individuals. The CARES Act, among other things, modified the net operating losses carryovers and carrybacks rules, and included modifications to Section 163(j) of the Code to increase the allowable business interest deduction.   As of September 30, 2020, our analysis of the provisions of the CARES Act revealed no material implications on the income tax provision.

On January 22, 2020, VDI filed the Tax Election with the IRS to be treated as a partnership, rather than a corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, with an effective date retroactive to December 9, 2019.  As a result, U.S. Holders are required to take into account their allocable share of items of income, gain, loss deduction and credit of VDI for each taxable year of VDI ending with or within the U.S. Holder’s taxable year, regardless of whether any distribution has been or will be received from VDI.  Each item generally will have the same character and source (either U.S. or foreign) as though the U.S. Holder had realized the item directly.  VDI’s change in tax status has not had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns. We provide for deferred taxes on temporary differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates which are expected to apply to taxable income when the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are also provided for certain tax losses and tax credit carryforwards. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. We do not establish deferred tax liabilities for certain of our foreign earnings that we intend to indefinitely reinvest to finance foreign activities.

In certain jurisdictions we are taxed under preferential tax regimes, which may require our compliance with specified requirements to sustain the tax benefits. We believe we are in compliance with the specified requirements and will continue to make all reasonable efforts to comply; however, our ability to meet the requirements of the preferential tax regimes may be affected by changes in laws or administrative practices, our business operations and other factors affecting the Company and industry, many of which are beyond our control.

Our periodic tax returns are subject to examination by taxing authorities in the jurisdictions in which we operate in accordance with the normal statute of limitations in the applicable jurisdiction. These examinations may result in assessments of additional taxes that are resolved with the authorities or through the courts. Resolution of these matters involves uncertainties and there are no assurances as to the outcome. Our tax years from 2010 onward remain open to examination in many of our jurisdictions and we are currently involved in several tax examinations in jurisdictions where we are operating or have previously operated. As information becomes available during the course of these examinations, we may increase or decrease our estimates of tax assessments and accruals.

 

8. Commitments and Contingencies

We are subject to litigation, claims and disputes in the ordinary course of business, some of which may not be covered by insurance. There is an inherent risk in any litigation or dispute and no assurance can be given as to the outcome of any claims.

Drilling Contract Arbitration

On August 31, 2015, PAI and PVIS, both subsidiaries of Petrobras, notified the Company of the termination of the Drilling Contract between PVIS and VDEEP, which had been novated to PAI and VDDI, claiming the Company had breached its obligations

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under the Drilling Contract. VDEEP and VDDI are both wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company. We immediately filed an international arbitration claim against the Petrobras Parties, claiming wrongful termination of the Drilling Contract.

On July 2, 2018, an international arbitration tribunal issued the Petrobras Award in favor of VDEEP and VDDI. The tribunal found that the Petrobras Parties breached the Drilling Contract, and awarded VDEEP and VDDI damages in the aggregate amount of $622.0 million against the Petrobras Parties, and dismissed the Petrobras Parties’ counterclaims against the Company with prejudice. The tribunal also awarded the Company interest on the foregoing award amount at an annual rate of 15.2%, compounded monthly, to accrue from (i) April 1, 2018, with respect to $615.6 million thereof, (ii) October 20, 2015, with respect to $5.2 million thereof, and (iii) November 19, 2015, with respect to $1.2 million thereof, in each case, until final payment of the Petrobras Award. In accordance with the terms of the Petrobras Award, each of the Company and Petrobras bore its own legal fees, and the fees and expenses of the tribunal, including the compensation of the arbitrators, aggregating approximately $1.5 million, were borne equally by both sides.

On July 2, 2018, VDEEP and VDDI filed a petition (the “Petition”) in the U.S. District Court – Texas to confirm the Petrobras Award against the Petrobras Parties. On August 31, 2018, the Petrobras Parties filed with the U.S. District Court – Texas, among other things, a response to the Petition and a motion to vacate the Petrobras Award (the “Response and Motion to Vacate”). On March 8, 2019, the U.S. District Court – Texas heard both the Petition and the Response and Motion to Vacate.

On May 20, 2019, the U.S. District Court – Texas granted the Petition to confirm the Petrobras Award against the Petrobras Parties and denied the Petrobras Parties’ motion to vacate the Petrobras Award.  On May 22, 2019, the U.S. District Court – Texas rendered its final judgment in favor of VDEEP and VDDI in the amount of approximately $734.0 million.

Separately, in connection with enforcing the Petrobras Award against the Petrobras Parties, VDEEP and VDDI secured an order from the Amsterdam District Court in the Netherlands on August 22, 2018, which froze certain assets of Petrobras and PVIS in the Netherlands that we believe are valued in excess of our claim at this time. On November 15, 2018, VDEEP and VDDI filed a petition in the Court of Appeals in The Hague, the Netherlands, to recognize and enforce the Petrobras Award against the Petrobras Parties in the Netherlands (the “Dutch Enforcement Action”).  On March 1, 2019, the Petrobras Parties filed their statement of defense with the Court of Appeals.  The Court of Appeals heard the petition of VDEEP and VDDI and the Petrobras Parties’ statement of defense on May 14, 2019.

On June 20, 2019, VDEEP and VDDI entered into the Petrobras Agreement with the Petrobras Parties relating to the Petrobras Award. The Petrobras Agreement considered the Petrobras Award amount together with interest calculated through May 22, 2019 and reduced that amount by 4.5%. Pursuant to the Petrobras Agreement, PVIS agreed to pay VDEEP $690,810,875 and PAI agreed to pay VDDI $10,128,565 (collectively, the “Petrobras Payments”), in full satisfaction and payment of the Petrobras Award and the related judgment entered by the U.S. District Court – Texas confirming the Petrobras Award (the “Judgment”). Neither party released any of its claims, except for certain claims in respect of certain pre-judgment attachments made by VDEEP and VDDI on certain assets of PVIS and Petrobras in the Netherlands. VDEEP and VDDI received the Petrobras Payments in full on June 21, 2019.  Under the Petrobras Agreement, VDEEP and VDDI were required to take actions in order to release liens on certain Petrobras assets in the United States and the Netherlands. In addition, the parties agreed under the Petrobras Agreement to a stay of the Dutch Enforcement Action until such time as there is a final, non-appealable judgment in the U.S. proceedings or until such time as the Petrobras Parties assert a claim for reimbursement of all or any part of the Petrobras Payments, whichever is earlier.

The Petrobras Parties filed a notice of appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (the “Fifth Circuit”) seeking a reversal of the Judgment, which confirmed the Petrobras Award and denied their motion for vacatur. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit held oral arguments among the parties on June 10, 2020 and on July 16, 2020, the court affirmed the Judgment and the Petrobras Award in our favor and denied the Petrobras Parties’ motion for vacatur.  Subsequently, the Petrobras Parties filed a petition with the Fifth Circuit for a rehearing by the panel that heard the appeal and, separately, for a rehearing by the entire Fifth Circuit. On August 28, 2020, the three-judge panel and the entire Fifth Circuit denied the Petrobras Parties’ respective petitions for rehearing. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court is still available to the Petrobras Parties on this matter.  

In light of the retention by the Petrobras Parties of their rights, including the right to appeal the Judgment, the Petrobras Parties may assert a claim for the return of all or a portion of the Petrobras Payments made to satisfy the Petrobras Award in the event the U.S. judgment is overturned on appeal. The Company can provide no assurances as to the ultimate outcome of any such appeals. Furthermore, while the Company has obtained judgment preservation insurance to insure against the contingency of being required to return the Petrobras Payment, to the extent the Petrobras Parties were to ultimately succeed in their appeal of the Petrobras Award, the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.  In addition, the Petrobras Payments received by VDEEP and VDDI are subject to reductions due to currently owed and future legal fees (including, among others, a contingency fee equal to 10% of the Petrobras Payments) and any applicable taxes. Accordingly, no assurances can be given as to the amount of the Petrobras Payments to be ultimately realized by the Company. At this time, we believe the likelihood that we would incur a loss related to this matter as remote.  As of September 30, 2020, no amounts have been accrued.

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Brazil Improbity Action

On April 27, 2018, the Company was added as an additional defendant in a legal proceeding initiated by the Brazilian Federal Prosecutor against certain individuals, including an executive of Petrobras and two political lobbyists, in connection with the contracting of the Titanium Explorer drillship to Petrobras under the Drilling Contract, with the Brazilian Government and Petrobras as plaintiffs. Vantage is alleged to have been involved in and benefitted from the purported bribery scheme at Petrobras through Hamylton Padilha, the Brazilian agent our former parent company, VDC, used in the contracting of the Titanium Explorer drillship to Petrobras, and Mr. Hsin-Chi Su, a former member of VDC’s board of directors and a significant shareholder of VDC. We first became aware of the legal proceeding on July 19, 2018 as it was previously under seal. On March 22, 2019, we were formally served in the United States and on April 12, 2019, we filed our preliminary statement of defense with the 11^th Federal court of the Judicial Branch of Curitiba, State of Parana, Brazil (the “Brazilian Federal Court”). On August 20, 2020, the Brazilian Federal Court dismissed our preliminary statement of defense.  On October 5, 2020, we filed a motion to clarify with the Brazilian Federal Court requesting the reconsideration of certain aspects of the decision dismissing our preliminary statement of defense.  We will be obligated to file a statement of defense in the matter once all of the defendants are served again in this legal proceeding. We understand that the legal proceeding, which is called an improbity action, is a civil action and is part of the Brazilian Federal Prosecutor’s larger “Car Wash” investigation into money laundering and corruption allegations in Brazil.            

The damages claimed in the proceeding are in the amount of BRL 102.8 million (approximately $31.0 million), together with a civil fine equal to three times that amount. We understand that the Brazilian Federal Court issued an order authorizing the seizure and freezing of the assets of the Company and the other three defendants in the legal proceeding, as a precautionary measure, in the amount of approximately $124.0 million. We and the other three defendants are jointly and severally liable for this amount. The seizure order has not had an effect on our assets or operations, as we do not own any assets in Brazil, and do not currently intend to relocate any assets to Brazil.  On February 13, 2019, we learned that the Brazilian Federal Prosecutor had previously requested mutual legal assistance from the U.S. DOJ pursuant to the United Nations Convention against Corruption of 2003 to obtain a freezing order against our U.S. assets in the amount of $124.0 million. We believe this request is not supported by applicable law and intend to vigorously oppose and defend against any attempts to seize our assets.    

On April 12, 2019, we filed an interlocutory appeal with the 4^th Circuit of the Federal Court of Appeals in Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (the “Brazilian Appellate Court”), the appellate court hearing appeals in the “Car Wash” cases, to stay the seizure and freezing order of the Brazilian Federal Court.

On May 20, 2019, the Company announced that the Brazilian Appellate Court ruled in favor of the Company’s appeal to stay the seizure and freezing order of the Brazilian Federal Court. The foregoing ruling is still subject to confirmation by a three-judge panel, and is subject to appeal, and the Company can offer no assurances that the stay will be confirmed or as to the outcome of any appeal thereof. The Company has communicated the Brazilian Appellate Court’s ruling to the DOJ, and has asked the Brazilian Federal Court to do the same. On July 18, 2019, the Company announced that the Brazilian Government made a filing with the Brazilian Federal Court reporting that the DOJ has advised the Brazilian Ministry of Justice that it would not be possible for the DOJ to comply with the mutual assistance request in respect of the asset freeze order.  The Company also announced that it learned from the Brazilian Ministry of Justice that the DOJ’s response to the request for mutual assistance stated that no legal grounds existed for implementing the requested asset freeze, and that the DOJ was returning the request without taking action and considers the matter concluded.  

The Company intends to vigorously defend against the allegations made in the underlying improbity action.  However, we can neither predict the ultimate outcome of this matter nor that there will not be further developments in the “Car Wash” investigation or in any other ongoing investigation or related proceeding that could adversely affect us.  At this time, we are not yet able to determine the likelihood of loss, if any, arising from this matter.

Restructuring Agreement and the Associated Settlement Agreement

Pursuant to the terms of the Restructuring Agreement among VDC and a majority of our secured creditors, the Company agreed to the Reorganization Plan and VDC agreed to commence official liquidation proceedings under the laws of the Cayman Islands. On December 2, 2015, pursuant to the Restructuring Agreement, the Company acquired two subsidiaries responsible for the management of the Company from VDC in exchange for the VDC Note. In connection with our separation from VDC, we and the Joint Official Liquidators, appointed to oversee the liquidation of VDC, entered into discussions regarding the settlement of certain intercompany receivables and payables as between the Company and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and VDC and its subsidiaries, on the other.  On March 4, 2020, we, and our subsidiaries on the one hand, and VDC and their subsidiaries, on the other, entered into a settlement agreement pursuant to which the parties to the settlement agreement agreed to release each other from certain claims in exchange for Vantage paying VDC $15.0 million, subject to the approval of the Court of Grand Cayman.  On March 16, 2020, the Court of Grand Cayman approved the settlement agreement.  On March 25, 2020, the Company paid $15.0 million in accordance with the settlement agreement, fully resolving the matter. We recorded a gain of $2.3 million related to the settlement agreement included in “Other Income” in the Consolidated Statement of Operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

 

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9. Supplemental Financial Information

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following as of the dates indicated:  

 Property and Equipment, net

Property and equipment, net, consisted of the following as of the dates indicated:  

 Other Assets

Other assets consisted of the following as of the dates indicated:  

 Other Current Liabilities

Other current liabilities consisted of the following as of the dates indicated:  

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  Other Long-term Liabilities

Other Long-term liabilities consisted of the following as of the dates indicated:

(1)Dividend Equivalents on vested TBGs are payable on settlement of the applicable award.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheet that sum to the total of the same amounts shown in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as of the dates indicated:

Restricted cash as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 represents cash held by banks as certificates of deposit collateralizing letters of credit.

Transactions with Former Parent Company

The following table summarizes the balances payable to VDC included in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of the dates indicated: 

 

See “Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies” of these “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional information regarding the balances payable to VDC. 

Related Party Transactions

In association with the establishment of ADVantage, the Company and ADES contributed cash to ADVantage in excess of the issued capital of the joint venture, with the understanding that such amounts are to be considered shareholder loans. As of September 30, 2020, the total outstanding amount due to ADES for such excess cash contributions was approximately $704,000, which is included in “Other current liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

In conjunction with the establishment of ADVantage, the Company entered into a series of agreements with ADES, including: (i) a Secondment Agreement; (ii) a Manpower Agreement; and (iii) a Supply Services Agreement. Pursuant to these agreements, the Company, largely through its seconded employees, will provide various services to ADES and ADES will in turn provide various services to ADVantage. As of September 30, 2020, accounts receivable from ADES totaled approximately $7.3 million and accounts payable to ADES totaled approximately $9.8 million, included in “Trade receivables” and “Accounts payable,” respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  

Mr. Thomas R. Bates, Jr, the Company’s current chairman and a member of the Board of Directors, served as chairman of Weatherford International (“Weatherford”), a provider of equipment and services to the Company, from December 2019 until June 30, 2020.  The Company engaged in various transactions in the ordinary course of business with Weatherford for the purchase of certain equipment and services during Mr. Bates’ tenure as chairman of Weatherford, which totaled $0.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020.

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Except for the foregoing, we did not have any related party transactions that were not conducted in the ordinary course of business as of September 30, 2020.

 

 

10. Business Segment and Significant Customer Information

We aggregate our contract drilling operations into one reportable segment even though we provide contract drilling services with different types of rigs, including jackup rigs and drillships, and in different geographic regions. Our operations are dependent on the global oil and gas industry and our rigs are relocated based on demand for our services and customer requirements. Our customers consist primarily of large international oil and gas companies, national or government-controlled oil and gas companies, and other international exploration and production companies. The Soehanah jackup rig operated under a bareboat charter contract in place as of acquisition.  

Additionally, for drilling units owned by others, we provide construction supervision services while under construction, preservation management services when stacked and operations and marketing services for operating rigs. Our management business (excluding reimbursable revenue) represented less than 1% of our total revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, a substantial amount of our revenue was derived from countries outside of the United States. Consequently, we are exposed to the risk of changes in economic, political and social conditions inherent in foreign operations. Three customers accounted for approximately 34%, 31% and 29% of consolidated revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2020.  Five customers accounted for approximately 24%, 16%, 14%, 12% and 12% of consolidated revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.  Four customers accounted for approximately 34%, 23%, 14%, and 11% of consolidated revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2019, Contract termination revenue from the Petrobras Parties accounted for approximately 83% of consolidated revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.  Excluding the contract termination revenue received from the Petrobras Parties, four customers accounted for approximately 26%, 24%, 14% and 12% of consolidated revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.   

Our revenue by country was as follows for the periods indicated (periods representing revenues of less than 10% are included in “Other countries”):  

Our property and equipment, net by country, was as follows as of the dates indicated (as of dates representing property and equipment of less than 10% are included in “Other countries”): 

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A substantial portion of our assets are mobile drilling units. 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.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion is intended to assist you in understanding our financial position at September 30, 2020 and our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, which was filed with the SEC on March 10, 2020. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or any future periods.

Overview

We are an international offshore drilling company focused on operating a fleet of modern, high specification drilling units. Our principal business is to contract drilling units, related equipment and work crews, primarily on a dayrate basis to drill oil and gas wells for our customers. Through our fleet of drilling units, we provide offshore contract drilling services to major, national and independent oil and gas companies, focused on international markets. Additionally, for drilling units owned by others, we provide construction supervision services for rigs that are under construction, preservation management services for rigs that are stacked and operations and marketing services for operating rigs.

The following table sets forth certain current information concerning our offshore drilling fleet as of November 2, 2020.

Recent Developments

The Continued Global Spread of COVID-19

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) announced a global health emergency as COVID-19 continued to spread globally beyond its point of origin. In March 2020, WHO classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic based on the rapid increase in exposure globally and the risks posed to the international community. The continued global spread of COVID-19 has caused widespread illness and significant loss of life, leading governments across the world to impose severely stringent limitations on movement and human interaction. Such governmental responses to the pandemic have depressed economic activity worldwide, impacting all industries, but with a significant adverse effect on the oil and gas industry.  The response of governments throughout the world to address the spread of COVID-19, including, among other actions, the imposition of travel bans, quarantines and entry restrictions, has notably impacted our operations, particularly challenging the ability to transport personnel and equipment to and from our rigs, and for our customers and their suppliers to be able to seamlessly manage and conduct their respective operations. As a result of these challenges: (a) one of our customers invoked the “force majeure” clause under its drilling contract with us and subsequently terminated the drilling contract in accordance with its terms, and there is the potential for others to similarly exercise “force majeure” clauses under their respective drilling contracts; (b) two other customers terminated their drilling contracts prior to the end of their respective terms (both contracts were to expire in the normal course in the Previous Quarter); (c) we reached an agreement in April 2020 to place one rig on a stand-by rate for the majority of the Previous Quarter (such “force majeure” rates or stand-by rates received by the Company are generally less than the original day rates otherwise payable to the Company); however, this rig returned to operations in July 2020; (d) we reached agreements with three other customers to delay the start dates of their new drilling programs and we remain in ongoing discussions with another customer regarding our operations and their existing drilling contract and program; (e) we have experienced, and could experience further, delays in the collection of certain accounts receivables due to logistical obstacles, such as office closures resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as other impacts to our long-term liquidity; and (f) we have incurred additional labor costs and could continue to incur additional labor costs in the future as a result of our efforts to keep our personnel safe, quarantine requirements, closures and movement restrictions in certain jurisdictions in which we operate, as well as the home countries in which certain of our offshore personnel are located, which in many cases have impeded, and could continue to impede for the foreseeable future, the regular transportation of crews to their home countries and result in the payment of

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compensation to stranded crews working longer than their routine rotation schedule (in addition to the use of charter flights in the absence of commercial flights).

The short-term impact of these challenges has resulted in (i) lower revenue due to terminations of (or amendments to) our existing drilling contracts and (ii) increased expenses due to higher labor and related costs.  We cannot at this time determine with certainty how long these challenges will persist as well as the long-term impact that such challenges may have on our operations and growth on a go-forward basis; however, the Company is actively managing the business in an attempt to mitigate the impact of these matters on the Company’s operations.  In order to decrease the Company’s overall operating expenses, the Company has undertaken significant headcount and salary reductions, both onshore and offshore, as well as other cost reduction measures to reflect the lower operating activity.  For more information regarding the impact of the current economic environment on the status of certain of our existing contracts, please refer to our Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the SEC on April 6, 2020, as further supplemented by our Current Reports on Form 8-K, which were filed with the SEC on May 12, 2020, June 2, 2020 and July 1, 2020, respectively.  

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread worldwide.  We can neither predict the duration nor estimate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at this time. Therefore, we can give no assurances that the spread of COVID-19 will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations in 2020 and beyond.

Declines in the Demand for Oil and Gas, and the Resulting Oil Price and Market Share Volatility

The recent collapse in global economic activity resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak has caused demand for global oil and gas to significantly decline.  Moreover, members of OPEC and Russia failed to reach an agreement in March 2020 to extend previously agreed upon oil production cuts and make much needed additional oil production cuts. Thereafter, Saudi Arabia announced an immediate significant reduction in its oil export prices and Russia announced that all agreed oil production cuts between Russia and OPEC members would expire on April 1, 2020. The termination of the previous cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Russia had an immediate impact given that it had supported global oil prices in the past.  Saudi Arabia’s subsequent decision to dramatically increase its oil production and engage in a price war with Russia led to a massive oversupply of oil, which resulted in the overwhelming of global oil storage capacities.  

This price and market share volatility was later reversed with OPEC, Russia and many of the world’s major oil producers reaching a record production cut agreement on April 12, 2020 and extending such agreement on June 6, 2020. However, the confluence of the spread of COVID-19 and the resulting global oil surplus has significantly impacted the oil and gas industry, causing (i) an unprecedented drop in oil prices, with Brent crude reaching $19.33 per barrel, its lowest price since 1999, and (ii) ensuing reductions of exploration and production company capital and operating budgets. Though OPEC, Russia and other major oil and gas producing nations agreed to continue making drastic cuts to oil production, the efforts to contain COVID-19 will continue to depress global economic activity in the near-term, and the supply and demand imbalance of oil and gas will likely continue for the foreseeable future, leading to sustained lower prices for the remainder of 2020 and possibly beyond.  Moreover, it is unclear if, or how long, any agreement among OPEC, Russia and the other major oil producing countries will remain in effect.

The volatility in global oil and gas prices is also causing oil and gas producers to cancel or delay drilling tenders, which could potentially and negatively impact our future backlog.  Material payment delays, modifications or cancellations on our underlying contracts (including, but not limited to, delays, modifications or cancellations directly or indirectly attributable to COVID-19) have reduced the amount of backlog previously reported (and could further reduce the amount of backlog currently reported) and consequently, could inhibit the conversion of that backlog into revenues.

The full impact of the decrease in global oil and gas prices continues to evolve as of the date of this Quarterly Report. Oil and gas prices are expected to continue to be volatile as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks, changes in oil and gas inventories and industry demand, and therefore, the Company cannot predict if and when oil and gas prices will improve and stabilize. While our management is actively monitoring the foregoing events and its associated financial impact on us, it is uncertain at this time as to the full magnitude that depressed oil and gas prices will have on our financial condition and future results of operations.  See “Risk Factors—The continued global spread of COVID-19, fears relating to the spread of COVID-19, and associated oil market developments could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations” in Part II, Item 1A. of this Quarterly Report.  While there is continued uncertainty surrounding the extensiveness and duration of this industry downturn, we do believe that the confluence of these significant, unforeseen events are not necessarily indicative of future events and as such, our historical statements may not be indicative of future performance.

The Company is focused on mitigating the impact of the foregoing events on its business.  In the Previous Quarter, we commenced a plan to reduce our costs and preserve our cash.  For example, we (i) reduced the annual compensation payable to our independent members of the Board of Directors by 20% as well as the salaries of our workforce by approximately 15 to 20% depending on the position, and subsequently replaced it with a longer-term 10% reduction to annual compensation payable to our independent members of the Board of Directors as well as the salary of our workforce across the Company beginning on July 1, 2020, (ii) secured material price reductions from certain of our vendors and (iii) initiated significant reductions in both our onshore and offshore personnel in June 2020 to reflect the lower levels of operating activity.  We continue to actively seek measures to reduce our

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operating costs and preserve our cash during these unprecedented times.  See our Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the SEC on July 1, 2020, for further information regarding reductions in the salaries of our executive officers in an attempt to reduce the Company’s operating and corporate costs in light of the global economic decline and the public health crisis resulting from the spread of COVID-19.

Impairment of the Titanium Explorer’s Carrying Value

During the three months ended September 30, 2020, we evaluated our deepwater drilling rigs that had indicators of impairment and determined that the carrying value of our longer-term warm stacked drillship, the Titanium Explorer, was impaired. As a result, we recognized a non-cash loss on impairment of $128.9 million during the period covered by this Quarterly Report. See “Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies” of the “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report for additional information regarding the impairment of the Titanium Explorer.

Restructuring Agreement and the Associated Settlement Agreement

We entered into a settlement agreement with VDC on March 4, 2020 to release each other from claims pertaining to certain intercompany receivables and payables as between the Company and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and VDC and its subsidiaries, on the other.  See “Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies” of the “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly report for additional details on the Restructuring Agreement and the associated settlement agreement.  The information discussed therein is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Part I, Item 2.

Business Outlook

Expectations about future oil and gas prices have historically been a key driver of demand for our services.  In its September 2020 Oil Market Report, the International Energy Agency stated that it expects (i) demand to fall by 8.4 million barrels per day in 2020 and (ii) demand to grow by 5.5 million barrels per day in 2021 (in each case as compared to the preceding year). The continued global spread of COVID-19 and the resulting collapse in global economic activity, coupled with the short-lived price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia, have led to significant reductions and delays in oil and gas exploration and development plans on the part of operators.  Though OPEC, Russia and other major oil and gas producing nations reached an agreement to drastically cut oil production, the efforts to contain COVID-19 will continue to depress global economic activity and the supply and demand imbalance of oil will likely continue, leading to a volatile oil market for the remainder of 2020 and likely beyond. As a result of this decline in demand for the foreseeable future, operators have drastically cut their capital spending in the offshore space.

In addition to the macroeconomic challenges which have led to reduced demand for drilling rigs, the additional supply of new-build rigs is further depressing the market. According to Bassoe, there are currently 44 jackups and 26 deepwater/harsh environment floaters on order at shipyards. It is unclear when these drilling rigs will actually be delivered, if at all, as many rig deliveries have (i) already been deferred to later dates, (ii) been canceled entirely or (iii) been built on speculation that rigs are unlikely to secure funding to enable delivery under existing market conditions.

In response to both market conditions and excessive levels of idle capacity in recent years, there has been intense downward pressure on operating dayrates as most drilling contractors preferred to maintain rigs in an active state and customers have generally favored operating rigs over reactivated cold-stacked rigs. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, this downward pressure on pricing was starting to reverse itself as evidenced by opportunities for our services increasing over the past year and dayrates were showing signs of general improvement. However, with the continued spread, and resulting impact, of COVID-19, dayrates, rig activity and contract opportunities each continued to decline.

In response to an oversupply of drilling rigs, a number of our competitors began removing older, less competitive, rigs from their fleets by either cold stacking the drilling rigs or taking them permanently out of service.  This trend has accelerated in recent months.  According to Bassoe, 265 rigs have been removed from the drilling fleet since the oil price decline in 2014. Of these 265 rigs, 142 are floaters (i.e., semisubmersibles and drillships) and 123 are jackups. We expect further rig recycling to occur with warm stacked rigs (and potentially recently operated rigs) joining cold-stacked rigs as candidates for recycling. This emphasis on recycling of rigs is expected to narrow the gap somewhat between rig supply and demand. However, we do not anticipate that the reduction in the supply of offshore drilling rigs will be sufficient to materially improve, and ultimately offset the impact of the current market conditions in 2020, especially with regard to the deepwater segment where significant fleet reduction is needed before any material improvements can be seen.

In addition to the expected increase in recycling, many offshore drillers with significant levels of debt on their balance sheets are currently pursuing, or may elect to pursue in the near-term, debt restructurings.  These debt restructurings may result in lower cost structures, and additional pressure and incentive to recycle rigs.  As drillers emerge from these debt restructurings, it is likely that consolidation will occur, reducing the number of industry participants.  The combination of recycling, restructuring and consolidation will be necessary for the industry to regain firmer footing.  Any industry recovery will also depend significantly on improvements to global macroeconomic conditions.  

 

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The oil and gas industry generally, as well as the global economy at large, has been significantly impacted by the spread of COVID-19, and we are unable to predict at this time when market conditions may improve or estimate the ultimate impact that current market conditions may have on our financial condition and results of operations (see “Risk Factors—The continued global spread of COVID-19, fears relating to the spread of COVID-19, and associated oil market developments could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations” and “—The ultimate impact and effects of the spread of COVID-19 and the resulting pandemic are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time” in Part II, Item 1A. of this Quarterly Report).

The following table reflects a summary of our contract drilling backlog coverage of days contracted and related revenue as of September 30, 2020 and thereafter (based on information available at that time). For more information regarding the impact of the current economic environment on the status of certain of our existing contracts, please refer to “Recent Developments” in this Part I, Item 2 as well as our Current Report on Form 8-K, which was filed with the SEC on April 6, 2020, and further supplemented by our Current Reports on Form 8-K, which were filed with the SEC on May 12, 2020, June 2, 2020 and July 1, 2020, respectively.

Results of Operations

Operating results for our contract drilling services are dependent on three primary metrics: available days, rig utilization and dayrates. The following table sets forth this selected operational information for the periods indicated:  

 

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

Net loss attributable to shareholders for the Current Quarter was $169.3 million, or $12.91 per basic share, on operating revenues of $20.2 million, compared to net loss attributable to shareholders for the Comparable Quarter of $25.7 million, or $5.14 per basic share, on operating revenues of $40.6 million.

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The following table is an analysis of our operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

Revenue: Total revenue decreased $20.4 million due primarily to the decrease in operating activities in the Current Quarter.

Contract drilling revenue decreased 50% for the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter. During the Current Quarter, only three of our rigs were operational due to the fact that: (i) three of our drilling contracts were terminated in the Previous Quarter as a result of the volatility in oil prices and the challenges presented by the spread of COVID-19; (ii) another drilling contract expired in the Previous Quarter in accordance with its terms; and (iii) another drilling contract was amended to reduce the applicable dayrate.  The decrease in our contract drilling revenue for the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter was primarily a result of these contract changes.

Reimbursables and other revenue for the Current Quarter decreased $2.7 million as compared to the Comparable Quarter as a result of the changes in drilling contracts discussed immediately above as well as the termination of the bareboat charter lease on the Soehanah jackup rig, which was redelivered to the Company in February 2020.

Operating costs: Operating costs for the Current Quarter decreased $10.7 million as compared to the Comparable Quarter.  The decrease in operating costs was primarily the result of changes to our drilling contracts which resulted in only three of our rigs operating in the Current Quarter.  

Loss on impairment: During the Current Quarter, we evaluated our deepwater drilling rigs that had indicators of impairment and determined that the carrying value of our longer-term warm stacked drillship, the Titanium Explorer, was impaired. As a result, we recognized a non-cash loss on impairment of $128.9 million during the Current Quarter. See “Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies” of the “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report for additional information regarding the impairment of the Titanium Explorer’s carrying value.

General and administrative expenses: Decreases in general and administrative expenses for the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter were primarily due to cost cutting initiatives to reflect the lower levels of operating activity in the Current Quarter. General and administrative expenses for the Current Quarter and for the Comparable Quarter included an expense of approximately $0.2 million and a credit of approximately $0.7 million, respectively, for non-cash share-based compensation expense.

Depreciation expense: Depreciation expense for the Current Quarter decreased 1% as compared to the Comparable Quarter, due primarily to certain assets becoming fully depreciated.

Interest income: Interest income for the Current Quarter decreased $4.2 million as compared to the Comparable Quarter, due primarily to lower interest rates earned on lower cash investments during the Current Quarter.

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Interest expense and financing charges: Interest expense for the Current Quarter decreased 19% as compared to the Comparable Quarter due to lower outstanding debt after the Conversion of the Convertible Notes in December 2019. Interest expense includes non-cash discount accretion, PIK interest and deferred financing costs totaling approximately $0.4 million and $2.3 million for the Current Quarter and for the Comparable Quarter, respectively.

Other, net: Our functional currency is USD; however, a portion of the revenues earned and expenses incurred by certain of our subsidiaries are denominated in currencies other than USD. These transactions are re-measured in USD based on a combination of both current and historical exchange rates. Net foreign currency exchange for the Current Quarter was immaterial.  Net foreign currency exchange gain of $0.1 million was included in “other, net,” for the Comparable Quarter.

Income tax provision: Income tax expense increased in the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter, due to the impact of the annualized effective tax rate and the impact of the contract termination revenue received from the Petrobras Parties in the three months ended June 30, 2019. Our annualized effective tax rate for the Current Quarter is negative 2.46% based on estimated annualized loss before income taxes excluding income tax discrete items. Our estimated annualized effective tax rate for the Comparable Quarter was 3.43% based on estimated annualized profit before income taxes, excluding income tax discrete items.

Our income taxes are generally dependent upon the results of our operations and the local income taxes in the jurisdictions in which we operate. In some jurisdictions, we do not pay taxes or receive benefits for certain income and expense items, including interest expense and disposal gains or losses.  In other jurisdictions, we recognize income taxes on a net income basis or a deemed profit basis.  

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019

Net loss attributable to shareholders for the Current Period was $231.8 million, or $17.68 per basic share, on operating revenues of $108.4 million, compared to net income attributable to shareholders for the Comparable Period of $517.1 million, or $102.47 per basic share, on operating revenues of $711.6 million.

The following table is an analysis of our operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019:

Revenue: Total revenue decreased $603.1 million due primarily to the impact of the Titanium Explorer contract termination revenue received from the Petrobras Parties during the Comparable Period.  See “Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies” of the “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report for additional details on payments received from the Petrobras Parties.  The information discussed therein is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Part I, Item 2.

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Contract drilling revenue decreased 6% for the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period. The decrease was primarily due to lower utilization on three jackup rigs due to the drilling contracts being terminated as a result of the volatility in oil prices and the challenges presented by the spread of COVID which resulted in a decrease of $25.3 million in contract drilling revenue. These decreases were offset by higher utilization of the Tungsten Explorer during the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period, which resulted in an increase of $11.5 million in contract drilling revenue and the commencement of operations of the Soehanah jackup rig, which contributed an additional $12.4 million in contract drilling revenue during the Current Period.  

Operating costs: Operating costs for the Current Period decreased 1% as compared to the Comparable Period primarily as a result of lower operations support costs in the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period as a result of reductions in personnel headcount and salaries paid to personnel.   

Loss on impairment: During the Current Quarter, we evaluated our deepwater drilling rigs that had indicators of impairment and determined that the carrying value of our longer-term warm stacked drillship, the Titanium Explorer, was impaired. As a result, we recognized a non-cash loss on impairment of $128.9 million during the Current Quarter. See “Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies” of the “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report for additional information.

General and administrative expenses: Decreases in general and administrative expenses for the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period were primarily due to a $69.3 million decrease in legal expenses associated with non-routine matters, including among others, a $62.6 million contingency fee related to the collection of the Petrobras Award.   General and administrative expenses for the Current Period and for the Comparable Period include approximately $0.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively, for non-cash share-based compensation expense.

Depreciation expense: Depreciation expense for the Current Period decreased 2% as compared to the Comparable Period, due primarily to certain assets becoming fully depreciated.

Interest income: Interest income for the Current Period decreased $112.8 million as compared to the Comparable Period, due primarily to interest related to the Petrobras Payments received during the Comparable Period.  See “Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies” of the “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report for additional details on the Petrobras Payments.  The information discussed therein is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Part I, Item 2.

Interest expense and financing charges: Interest expense for the Current Period decreased 30% as compared to the Comparable Period due to lower outstanding debt after the Conversion of the Convertible Notes in December 2019. Interest expense includes non-cash discount accretion, PIK interest and deferred financing costs totaling approximately $1.2 million and $12.3 million for the Current Period and the Comparable Period, respectively.

Other, net: We recorded a gain of $2.3 million during the Current Period related to the settlement agreement between the Company and its subsidiaries, on the one hand, and VDC and its subsidiaries, on the other.  See “Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies” of the “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report for additional detail on the settlement agreement.

Our functional currency is USD; however, a portion of the revenues earned and expenses incurred by certain of our subsidiaries are denominated in currencies other than USD. These transactions are re-measured in USD based on a combination of both current and historical exchange rates. Net foreign currency exchange for the Current Period was immaterial.  Net foreign currency exchange gain of $0.2 million was included in “other, net,” for the Comparable Period.

Income tax provision: Income tax expense decreased in the Current Period as compared to the Comparable Period, due primarily to the Titanium Explorer contract termination revenue received from the Petrobras Parties during the Comparable Period and a decline in revenue due to termination of certain drilling contracts in the Current Period.  See “Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies” of the “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report for additional details on the payments received from the Petrobras Parties.  The information discussed therein is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Part I, Item 2. Our annualized effective tax rate for the Current Period is negative 2.46% based on estimated annualized loss before income taxes excluding income tax discrete items. Our estimated annualized effective tax rate for the Comparable Period was 3.43% based on estimated annualized profit before income taxes excluding income tax discrete items.

Our income taxes are generally dependent upon the results of our operations and the local income taxes in the jurisdictions in which we operate. In some jurisdictions, we do not pay taxes or receive benefits for certain income and expense items, including interest expense and disposal gains or losses.  In other jurisdictions, we recognize income taxes on a net income basis or a deemed profit basis.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

The prolonged low price environment caused by the spread of COVID-19, the resulting decline in global economic activity and the oil price and market share volatility has begun to reduce our liquidity and capital resources in the Current Quarter, a trend which could extend into subsequent quarters and beyond, depending on how long global economic activity remains depressed.  Such events have had significant adverse consequences for general financial, business and economic conditions, as well as for the financial, business and economic position of our business and the business of our customers and suppliers, and may adversely impact our ability to derive cash flows from our operations and access capital funding from third parties in the future.

We have experienced, and could experience further, delays in the collection of certain accounts receivables due to logistical obstacles, such as office closures resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as other impacts to our long-term liquidity. We are actively seeking measures to reduce our operating costs and preserve cash during these challenging times.  For example, we (i) reduced the annual compensation payable to our independent members of the Board of Directors by 20% as well as the salaries of our workforce by approximately 15 to 20% depending on the position and subsequently replaced it with a longer-term 10% reduction to annual compensation payable to our independent members of the Board of Directors as well as the salary of our workforce across the Company beginning on July 1, 2020, (ii) secured material price reductions from certain of our vendors and (iii) initiated significant reductions in both our onshore and offshore personnel in June 2020 to reflect the lower levels of operating activity.  We remain committed to actively seeking measures to reduce our operating costs and preserve our cash during these unprecedented times. The effects of the decline in global economic activity and other oil price and market share volatility may cause us to implement additional cost reduction measures and alter our general financial strategy.

As of September 30, 2020, we have adequate cash reserves and are continuously managing our actual cash flow and cash forecasts. As a result of these factors, management believes that we have adequate liquidity to fund our operations for the twelve months following the date our consolidated financial statements are issued and therefore, have been prepared under the going concern assumption.  

As of September 30, 2020, we had working capital of approximately $225.7 million, including approximately $165.7 million of cash available for general corporate purposes. Scheduled debt service consists of interest payments through September 30, 2021 of approximately $32.4 million. We anticipate capital expenditures through September 30, 2021 to be between approximately $4.5 million and $5.5 million, for sustaining capital and capital spares. As our rigs obtain new contracts, we could incur reactivation and mobilization costs for these rigs, as well as customer requested equipment upgrades.  These costs could be significant and may not be fully recoverable from the customer. Based on our expected levels of activity, incremental expenditures through September 30, 2021 for special periodic surveys, major repair and maintenance expenditures and equipment recertifications to be between approximately $22.2 million and $27.1 million. As of September 30, 2020, we had $39.9 million available for the issuance of letters of credit under our cash collateralized letter of credit facility.

The following table includes a summary of our cash flow information for the periods indicated:

Changes in cash flows from operating activities are driven by changes in net income during the periods (see the discussion of changes in net income above in “Results of Operations” of this Part I, Item 2) and include $15.0 million paid in accordance with a settlement reached with Vantage Drilling Company, the Company's former parent company.

Cash flows from investing activities in the Comparable Quarter are primarily for capital expenditures on a managed pressure drilling system.

The significant elements of the 9.25% First Lien Notes are described in “Note 5. Debt” of the “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report.  The information discussed therein is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Part I, Item 2.

We enter into operating leases in the normal course of business for office space, housing, vehicles and specified operating equipment. Some of these leases contain options that would cause our future cash payments to change if we exercised those options.

Commitments and Contingencies

We are subject to litigation, claims and disputes in the ordinary course of business, some of which may not be covered by insurance. Information regarding our legal proceedings is set forth in “Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies” of the “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report.  The information discussed therein is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Part I, Item 2.

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There is an inherent risk in any litigation or dispute and no assurance can be given as to the outcome of any claims. We do not believe the ultimate resolution of any existing litigation, claims or disputes will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Critical Accounting Policies and Accounting Estimates

The preparation of unaudited financial statements and related disclosures in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Our significant accounting policies are included in “Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies” of the “Notes to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report. These policies, along with our underlying judgments and assumptions made in their application, have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. While management believes current estimates are appropriate and reasonable, actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

Our critical accounting policies are those related to property and equipment, impairment of long-lived assets and income taxes. For a discussion of the critical accounting policies and estimates that we use in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, see “Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Estimates” in Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, which was filed with the SEC on March 10, 2020.  During the Current Quarter, there were no material changes to the judgments, assumptions or policies upon which our critical accounting estimates are based.  See “Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies” of the “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report for a discussion of our impairment analysis of our drilling rigs performed in the first and third quarters of 2020.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements: See “Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies” of the “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report for further information.  The information discussed therein is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Part I, Item 2.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our rigs operate in various international locations and thus are sometimes subject to foreign exchange risk. We may from time to time also be exposed to certain commodity price risk, equity price risk and risks related to other market driven rates or prices. We do not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The significant decline in worldwide exploration and production spending as a result of reduced oil prices since 2014, the continual spread of COVID-19 and its designation as a pandemic, and the ongoing oil price and market share volatility have each negatively impacted the offshore contract drilling business at large, as discussed in “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Quarterly Report.

Interest Rate Risk: As of September 30, 2020, we had no variable rate debt outstanding.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk: Our functional currency is the USD, which is consistent with the oil and gas industry. However, outside the U.S., a portion of our expenses are incurred in local currencies. Therefore, when the USD weakens (strengthens) in relation to the currencies of the countries in which we operate, our expenses reported in USD will increase (decrease). A substantial majority of our revenues are received in USD, our functional currency; however, in certain countries in which we operate, local laws or contracts may require us to receive some payment in the local currency. We are exposed to foreign currency exchange risk to the extent the amount of our monetary assets denominated in the foreign currency differs from our obligations in that foreign currency. In order to mitigate the effect of exchange rate risk, we attempt to limit foreign currency holdings to the extent they are needed to pay liabilities in the local currency. To further manage our exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, foreign exchange derivative instruments, specifically foreign exchange forward contracts, or spot purchases, may be used. A foreign exchange forward contract obligates us to exchange predetermined amounts of specified foreign currencies at specified exchange rates on specified dates or to make an equivalent USD payment equal to the value of such exchange. We do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes. As of September 30, 2020, we did not have any open foreign exchange derivative contracts or material foreign currency exposure risk.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we voluntarily file or submit to the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods required by our debt agreements.

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report. Based on that evaluation, such officers have concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2020 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed on our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act was (1) accumulated and communicated to our management,

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including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and (2) recorded, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the most recent fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

While the majority of our office and management personnel are working remotely due to the spread of COVID-19 and the resulting pandemic, we have not as of the date of this Quarterly Report experienced any material impact on our internal controls over financial reporting. Our management continues to monitor and assess the current situation as it relates to our internal controls over financial reporting in order to minimize the impact, if any, to their design and operating effectiveness.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Information regarding the Company’s legal proceedings is set forth in “Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies” of the “Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report.  The information discussed therein is incorporated by reference into this Part II, Item 1.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The following risk factors are in addition to the risks and uncertainties described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, which was filed with the SEC on March 10, 2020. The effects of the events and circumstances described in the following risk factors may, directly or indirectly, heighten, exacerbate or otherwise bring to fruition many of the risks and uncertainties contained in our annual, quarterly and periodic reports filed with the SEC.

 

The continued global spread of COVID-19, fears relating to the spread of COVID-19, and associated oil market developments could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

On January 30, 2020, WHO announced a global health emergency as COVID-19, continued to spread globally beyond its point of origin. In March 2020, WHO classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic based on the rapid increase in exposure globally and the risks posed to the international community. During this time, the market experienced a rapid decline in oil prices in response to oil demand concerns due to the economic impacts of COVID-19 and anticipated increases in supply from Russia and OPEC, particularly Saudi Arabia. These actions have led to (i) significant weaknesses in oil prices and (ii) ensuing reductions of oil and gas company capital and operating budgets. It is not possible at this time to predict the effect of the continued spread, or fear of continued spread, of COVID-19 globally. Should COVID-19 continue to spread throughout the world or if the response to contain the COVID-19 pandemic is unsuccessful, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely impacted.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has generally affected our customers, suppliers, vendors, and other business partners, but we are not able to assess the full extent of the current impact nor predict the ultimate consequences that will result therefrom. If our customers or suppliers experience material and adverse business consequences due to the spread of COVID-19, demand for our services could also be adversely affected, and existing counterparties could seek to invoke “force majeure” clauses under their contracts with us and/or terminate such contracts. For example, as of the date of this Quarterly Report, and as a result of these challenges: (a) one of our customers invoked the “force majeure” clause under its drilling contract with us and subsequently terminated the drilling contract in accordance with its terms, and there is the potential for others to similarly exercise “force majeure” clauses under their respective drilling contracts; (b) two other customers terminated their drilling contracts prior to the end of their respective terms (both contracts were to expire in the normal course in the Previous Quarter); (c) we reached an agreement in April 2020 to place one rig on a stand-by rate for the majority of the Previous Quarter (such “force majeure” rates or stand-by rates received by the Company are generally less than the original day rates otherwise payable to the Company); however, this rig returned to operations in July 2020; (d) we reached agreements with three other clients to delay the start dates of their new drilling programs and we continue to be in discussions with another customer regarding our operations and their existing drilling contract and program; (e) we have experienced, and could experience further, delays in the collection of certain accounts receivables due to logistical obstacles, such as office closures resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as other impacts to our long-term liquidity; and (f) we have incurred additional labor costs and could continue to incur additional labor costs in the future as a result of our efforts to keep our personnel safe, quarantine requirements, closures and movement restrictions in certain jurisdictions in which we operate, as well as the home countries in which certain of our offshore crews are located, which in many cases have impeded, and could continue to impede the foreseeable future, the regular transportation of crews to their home countries and result in the payment of compensation to stranded crews working longer than their routine rotation schedule (in addition to the use of charter flights in the absence of commercial flights).

The short-term impact of these challenges has resulted in (i) lower revenue due to terminations of (or amendments to) our existing drilling contracts and (ii) increased expenses due to higher labor and related costs.  We cannot at this time determine with certainty how long these challenges will persist as well as the long-term impact that such challenges may have on our operations and

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growth on a go-forward basis; however, the Company is actively managing the business in an attempt to mitigate the impact of the foregoing events.  In the case of additional expenses incurred as a result of the foregoing matters, the Company has undertaken significant cost-saving measures, including reductions in salaries and workforce, both onshore and offshore, to reflect the lower operating activity.  The extent to which COVID-19 may impact the counterparties in which we engage in business will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time.

 

The ultimate impact and effects of the spread of COVID-19 and the resulting pandemic are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time.

There remains continued and significant uncertainty relating to the impact of COVID-19 which is predicated on future developments that cannot be determined or predicted with certainty at this time, including, but not limited to, the occurrence of a ‘second wave’ in the markets in which we, our customers and suppliers operate. Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on global economic activity and the resulting reductions and delays in deepwater oil and gas exploration and development plans on the part of operators, we recognized a non-cash loss on impairment with respect to the Titanium Explorer in the Current Quarter. We are continuously monitoring our own operations and have taken, and intend to continue to take, appropriate actions to mitigate the risks arising from the COVID-19 pandemic to the best of our abilities. Nevertheless, there can be no assurances that we will be successful in doing so. The ultimate magnitude and effect of the continued spread of COVID-19 globally, and the resulting social, economic and labor instability attributable to COVID-19, cannot be predicted or estimated at this time.

 

The ability of our offshore and onshore employees to work and conduct our business has been, and may continue to be, significantly impacted by COVID-19.

Like the global economy at large, both our offshore and onshore employees are being significantly impacted by the spread of COVID-19. Our operations in all of the jurisdictions in which we operate have been impacted by varying levels of government responses to the spread of COVID-19, including government-enforced quarantines, “stay-at-home” orders and restrictions on travel. The impact of such governmental actions have been particularly felt by our personnel working offshore on our rigs. In some cases, our offshore personnel have had to remain onboard the rig on which they serve beyond the usual length of time due to general restrictions on transporting persons onto (and off of) the rig and other offshore personnel have not been able to travel to the applicable offshore locations at all.  Even if our offshore personnel are able to successfully travel to the countries where we operate, they may nevertheless be required to self-quarantine for a minimum number of days before continuing on toward the rig. Furthermore, other of our offshore personnel may be able to depart the rig, but are then required to remain in the same country for an extended period of time until (i) the government-imposed quarantine expires, (ii) the country from which they are traveling permits departure and/or (iii) the country to which they intend to travel permits entry. In addition, our office and management personnel are working remotely and are subject to varying governmental restrictions depending on the level of actions taken by governments of countries in which such onshore personnel are located.  As the health of our workforce is paramount, we have implemented, and will continue to implement for the foreseeable future, precautionary measures to help minimize the risk of our employees being potentially exposed to, or contracting, COVID-19. Our management team remains focused on mitigating the adverse effects of the spread of COVID-19, which has required, and will continue to require, a large investment of time and resources across the entire Company, thereby diverting time, energy and resources from other priorities that existed prior to the spread of COVID-19. If these conditions exacerbate, or last for an extended period of time, our ability to manage our business may be negatively impacted, and preexisting operational and other business risks that we (and our industry) face may be heightened, including, but not limited to, cybersecurity risks.  If either our systems or the systems of our service or equipment providers used for protecting against cyber incidents or attacks prove to be insufficient and incidents were to occur as a result of working remotely, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 6. Exhibits

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

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