UK: Ensco plc Reports Third Quarter 2010 Results

Ensco plc reported diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.92 for third quarter 2010, compared to $1.01 per share in third quarter 2009. As previously reported, the Company has recovered possession of the ENSCO 69 drilling rig, which now has been reclassified as continuing operations for current and prior periods. ENSCO 69 results equaled $0.04 per share in the third quarter, compared to zero cents per share a year ago.

The loss from discontinued operations was $0.01 per share in the third quarter, compared to earnings of $0.04 per share a year ago. Discontinued operations reflect results for jackup rigs that are no longer in the fleet, as well as ENSCO 60 that is now held for sale and was reclassified as discontinued operations during third quarter 2010. Diluted earnings per share were $0.91 in third quarter 2010, compared to $1.05 per share in third quarter 2009.

Nine months 2010 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $2.89, compared to $3.88 per share in 2009. These results include earnings of $0.09 per share and a loss of $0.20 per share, respectively, for ENSCO 69 that has been reclassified as continuing operations as noted above. Nine months earnings from discontinued operations were $0.24 per share in 2010, compared to $0.13 per share a year ago. Diluted earnings per share were $3.13 for nine months 2010, compared to $4.01 per share in 2009.

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Rabun stated, “We have maintained an excellent safety record throughout the year due to our dedicated employees around the world, including new crew members who recently joined Ensco. In our deepwater business, ENSCO 8503 was delivered on schedule during the third quarter and we now have five ultra-deepwater semisubmersibles in our fleet. In addition, we acquired ENSCO 109, an ultra-high specification jackup rig ideally suited for deep-gas drilling. These new rigs are part of our fleet high-grading strategy that we believe benefits both customers and shareholders.”

Mr. Rabun added, “We are gratified that the drilling moratorium in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico has been lifted and we will continue to work closely with our customers to meet the regulatory requirements. Our employees are doing an excellent job and the majority of our rigs in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico are operating at approved sites. Third quarter results, however, were negatively influenced due to a dispute with our customer for ENSCO 8502 regarding term commencement and related issues that we are working to resolve.”

Revenues in third quarter 2010 increased to $428 million from $409 million a year ago. Revenues increased $48 million in the deepwater segment, partially offset by a $29 million decrease in the jackup segments.

Total operating expenses in third quarter 2010 increased to $270 million from $238 million last year. Contract drilling and depreciation expense rose by 11% and 14%, respectively, mostly driven by growth in the newbuild ultra-deepwater fleet and the acquisition of ENSCO 109 in July 2010.

General and administrative expenses increased to $21 million, from $14 million in third quarter 2009, primarily as a result of increased share-based compensation expense and costs related to the Company’s new London headquarters.

The Company’s effective tax rate was 17% in third quarter 2010, equal to a year ago.

Segment Highlights

Deepwater

Deepwater segment revenues grew 77% to $111 million in third quarter 2010. The increase is primarily attributable to ENSCO 8501 commencing operations in October 2009. As previously reported, the Company has asserted that the initial two-year contract term for ENSCO 8502 commenced on 13 August 2010, however, given the current contract dispute with the customer, Ensco did not recognize revenue related to this rig in third quarter 2010. The Company continues to pursue a mutually agreeable solution with the customer. Other remedies to resolve the dispute also are being reviewed.

In third quarter 2010, the average day rate was $388,000 and utilization was 75%. Utilization for ENSCO 8500 and ENSCO 8501 were 96% and 100%, respectively. ENSCO 7500 also had exceptional uptime performance while operating for a customer in Australia through the end of the contract period, however, utilization was reduced due to a planned mobilization to a shipyard toward the end of the third quarter. While ENSCO 8502 completed sea trials during the third quarter and is fully prepared to begin operations for the customer, zero utilization was reflected for the rig due to the pending contract dispute. The third quarter 2009 average day rate was $387,000 and utilization was 64%.

Contract drilling expense was $48 million in third quarter 2010, up from $35 million in third quarter 2009. The increase was primarily due to the commencement of ENSCO 8501 in October 2009 and ENSCO 8502 in August 2010.

Total Jackup Segments

Revenues from the jackup fleet totaled $318 million in third quarter 2010, down from $346 million a year ago. The decline primarily was due to a $42,000 decrease in average day rate to $105,000, partially offset by a fifteen percentage point increase in utilization to 79%, the acquisition of ENSCO 109 in early-July 2010 and higher revenues for ENSCO 69. Contract drilling expense increased to $146 million from $141 million, mostly due to higher utilization and the acquisition of ENSCO 109 during third quarter 2010.

Chief Operating Officer Bill Chadwick stated, “During the third quarter, ENSCO 69 rejoined our fleet after we recovered possession of the rig and we are evaluating the condition of the equipment in connection with our pending insurance claim. The vast majority of monies due in respect of ENSCO 69 under the terminated drilling contracts with Petrosucre have been received.”

Mr. Chadwick added, “As part of our fleet high-grading strategy, we plan to sell ENSCO 60, which has been cold stacked in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The rig was built nearly 30 years ago and is the only rig with its particular design in the fleet. The buyer intends to convert the rig to a mobile production unit.”

The sale of ENSCO 60 is scheduled for fourth quarter 2010 for an estimated $26 million. The approximate book value for ENSCO 60 is $20 million.

Strong Financial Position – 30 September 2010

Ensco continues to maintain a strong financial position:

* $905 million of cash and cash equivalents

* $700 million fully available revolving credit facility

* Long-term debt of only $249 million

* Long-term debt-to-capital ratio of 4%

* Contract backlog totaling $2.3 billion

Chief Financial Officer Jay Swent commented, “We continue to maintain a strong financial position even after significant investments in our fleet through acquisition and our ultra-deepwater newbuild program.”

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Source:Ensco Plc, October  21, 2010;